Community News
Gillespie Council approves Black Diamond Days Labor Day Lake Bash
Gillespie Lake (Archived photo)
A somewhat reluctant Gillespie City Council on Monday night voted to permit the Black Diamond Days Committee to host a two-day Labor Day Bash over the Labor Day weekend at Gillespie Lake. Council members also approved the purchase of property from Community Unit School District 7 for construction of a solar panel field to power the city’s water treatment plant and voted unanimously to enter into a contract to provide police protection for the Village of Eagarville.
Landon Pettit, representing the Black Diamond Days Committee, told the council that even though this summer’s annual street festival was smaller and had less attendance than previous years, the Committee did well enough financially to underwrite a small Labor Day festival at Gillespie Lake.
“We haven’t been able to give back to the community as much as we would like,” Pettit said. “The lake looks better than it ever has. We’d like to have an event out there and maybe give back more to the community.”
The Black Diamond Days Labor Day Bash is planned from noon to midnight on Saturday, Aug. 31, and Sunday, Sept. 1. The event will feature food and beer, a band, a washers tournament and a corn hole tournament. Pettit said the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Gillespie Bass Club will sponsor a fishing clinic for kids. Bounce houses and other activities for youngsters also will be available.
“We’re going to try to keep kids around the Old Lake away from boat traffic,” Pettit said.
He emphasized that the event will not be as “big” as Black Diamond Days and is not expected to draw crowds comparable to those that attend the summer event.
The council unanimously granted the committee’s request to use the lake for the festival, with Ald. Jerry Dolliger, a member of the Black Diamond Days committee, abstaining. The vote came, however, with some trepidation on the part of Mayor John Hicks and some of the council members.
Ald. Dona Rauzi questioned Pettit about plans for parking, insurance and whether or not the event will require city police officers. Pettit said the committee has enlisted volunteers to serve as parking attendants. He said the committee will request one or two police officers to be on duty, but the committee will handle clean-up after the event. Regarding Dram Shop insurance, Pettit said, “we will have all the proper permits and insurance.”
Mayor Hicks and City Treasurer Dan Fisher questioned whether or not there is ample space at the lake to accommodate parking.
“If there’s a big crowd, I don’t think the parking plans are adequate out there,” Fisher said. “I’m in favor of something happening out there and I’m in favor of these guys doing it, but I think we need to be cognizant of the fact we’d be turning our lake over on one of our busiest weekends of the year.”
Grow Gillespie, a civic improvement group Fisher heads, had considered sponsoring an event at the lake but decided there was not enough time to fully plan a festival before Labor Day. Fisher said the Black Diamond Days Committee discussed its plans for the Labor Day Bash during a recent meeting of the Grow Gillespie Group. Apart from parking issues, Fisher questioned how fully developed plans for the event actually are.
Fisher said “It cannot be stressed enough” that Black Diamond Days is able to easily access city infrastructure and resources because of its location in downtown Gillespie. The Police Department, he noted, is only a few blocks from the festival site, as are other city resources. “Anything you do out there is going to be a little more difficult than in town.”
Pettit and Lake Manager Gary Thornhill said they believed there is room for 200 to 300 cars “if they are parked right,” but Fisher characterized that assessment as overly optimistic. Pettit said he expects most of those attending the event will be residents and campers who are at the lake for the Labor weekend.
“You’re going to have people out there for Labor Day weekend anyway, and then you’re going to put this on top of it?” Mayor John Hicks said. “You’re not going to be able to do it.”
Pettit said he expects people to come and go during the day and, if necessary, the committee may have to turn people away if available parking is full.
PROPERTY PURCHASE APPROVED
City aldermen unanimously approved the purchase of six city lots from Community Unit School District 7 at a cost of $24,000 to be used as the site for a proposed solar panel field to supply power to the water treatment plant. The lots lie to the south of the plant.
The action followed a 45-minute executive session during which council members reportedly discussed collective bargaining and the acquisition of real estate.
Monday night’s action was contingent upon the Board of Education approving the sale. Meeting in special session on Wednesday night, approved the sale by a vote of 6-1.
In May, the council unanimously accepted the low bid of $387,000 from Illinois Solar, Inc., to install the solar panel field.
Also following the executive session, the council voted to send a letter to the Fraternal Order of Police to advise the union that the city and local police had reached an agreement regarding compensation for a Police Department Detective recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant. According to the agreement Sgt. Detective Laurie Gerdes’ hourly compensation will be increased by $1.50 (75 cents each for the positions of Sergeant and Detective).
EAGARVILLE POLICE PROTECTION CONTRACT
On a motion by Ald. Frank Barrett, the council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance authorizing the city to contract with the Village of Eagarville for the Gillespie Police Department to provide police services to the village at a cost of $400 per month for a period of one year.
“I cannot express my gratitude and the gratitude of the village enough for the willingness of Gillespie to work with us on this,” Eagarville Village President Dan McAllister told the council earlier in the meeting. “It means a lot to us. It’s going to make a big difference in our village.”
FIREWORKS ISSUE
While no action was taken, Ald. Rick Fulton reported city-wide issues with residents using fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday. Fulton said he heard numerous “legitimate” complaints about fireworks during the holiday and said he hoped to address the problem before next year. Some residents apparently complained that police did little to control the situation when residents called them.
“I’m hoping the next year, we don’t see that,” Fulton said of the excessive fireworks. “They were shooting stuff that shouldn’t ever have been shot off in the city. If I’m still here next year, I’m going to make every effort to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
A resident attending Monday night’s meeting said fireworks were fired for several hours during a pig roast in her neighborhood. The display included large aerial shells that rained debris on her property and neighboring properties, she said. The revelers started lighting fireworks in the street. When police told them they couldn’t do that, they moved to a vacant lot. In addition to monitoring her property for potential fires, she said she spent several hours picking up debris in her yard the next day.
Mayor Hicks recommended meeting with the Police Chief prior to next Fourth of July to provide him with some guidelines on what city officials are willing to tolerate when it comes to using fireworks within the city limits.
NUISANCE PROPERTY
The council took under advisement a complaint from a city resident regarding an alleged nuisance property in the 500 block of Wilson Street. The derelict property allegedly is the frequent scene of drug activity.
“It’s been sold,” the resident said, “but it’s still in terrible, terrible condition. It’s close to the highway. People coming into town can see it.”
He said the property is in close proximity to Reid’s Heating and Cooling. “I’m sure it affects his business,” he said. “It affects the whole neighborhood.”
The resident said the buyer paid cash for the property and appears to be financially capable of cleaning up the property.
Mayor Hicks said city officials would make contact with the new owner and advise him to abate the nuisance.
ORDINANCE CHANGES
On the recommendation of the Police Chief, the council voted to rescind ordinances banning the sale of so-called bath salts and setting the minimum age for tobacco purchases at 18. As a result of the action, local law enforcement will defer to newly signed state laws raising the age for tobacco purchases to 21 and banning the sale of bath salts statewide.
The council tabled action on eliminating the local ordinance on cannabis possession, noting that some municipalities are opting to retain recreational cannabis ordinances that are more stringent than the new state law set to take effect Jan. 1.
“Some municipalities are saying ‘no cannabis’,” Mayor Hicks said. “The Chief wants to investigate that a little further before we do anything.”
LAKE RULES
Council members quickly shot down a proposal by Ald. Barrett to build a new 60-by-100-foot pavilion at Gillespie Lake at a cost of $47,000.
“If we were going to spend $47,000, I’d rather have it spent on this building,” said Ald. Rauzi, noting that the Civic Center is in desperate need of a new roof. When no interest in the project was shown, Barrett withdrew the proposal.
Barrett also reported a need to revise some lake rules for lease holders. Lake rules currently mandate “quiet time” starting at 10 p.m. in the campground, but residents who lease cabin lots or camping lots sometimes continue to play music past 10 p.m. Mayor Hicks recommended making the quiet time rule effective “lake-wide.” Barrett also recommended liberalizing a rule limiting the size of storage sheds to 10-by-10-feet. A number of residents are using golf carts and have asked for exemptions, which the committee generally grants, to erect 12-by-12-foot sheds to store their carts.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved the Mayor’s reappointment of Linda Vidmar, Mary Hicks and Lydia Reid to the Gillespie Public Library Board.
- Approved the transfer of a lake lot lease for 13 Circle Drive at the Old Lake to John Huber, and the transfer of a lake lot lease for 15 Circle Drive to Alphonse and Barbara Hepperman.
- Agreed to bill the Village of East Gillespie for $115,000 representing the village’s share of work completed on water infrastructure replacement in the village.
- Agreed to allow Grow Gillespie to use surplus fencing from Gillespie Lake to enclose a community garden.
- Approved payment of pay requests totaling $843,935 for construction work, materials and engineering costs associated with work completed on the water infrastructure replacement project.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
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The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
