Community News
Gillespie Council attempts to mediate between feuding lake residents
Gillespie City Council’s Lake Committee will conduct a hearing in an attempt to mediate between two feuding families who hold lot leases at Gillespie Lake after both couples appeared during the council’s regular monthly meeting Monday night.
Before either party addressed the council, Lake Committee Chair Ald. Frank Barrett told the council, “This is about two families who don’t get along at the lake.” Over the past two years, Barrett said, he, other Lake Committee members and Lake Manager Gary Thornhill have attempted unsuccessfully to resolve the dispute. “Neither one of them has really done anything wrong,” Ald. Landon Pettit, a former Lake Committee member, said. “They just don’t get along. They really don’t need to be next to each other.” Neither party, both of whom lease double lots, has any interest in moving to another location.
Julie Gerecke, who holds a lake lot lease with her husband, Tony, said her family and the neighboring family, William and Jolene Mermis, have an agreement to not talk to one another and leave each other alone. Despite that agreement, however, Gerecke alleged the Mermises have called the city to complain about the Gereckes on 60 different occasions. Gerecke claimed the complaints ranged from the Gerecke’s mowing their grass to their children saying “hello” to the neighbors. The complaints, she said, were all unfounded except one when she forgot a bag of trash. Before she could retrieve the bag, however, the neighbors photographed it and reported it to the city.
Gerecke further complained that Jolene Mermis sometimes drives past their cabin and “growls” at her children.
“We don’t go back and forth and we don’t converse,” Gerecke said. “We had an agreement not to talk and for us to be left alone. We’re tired of it and finally brought it to you. We’re trying to enjoy our time with our kids.”
Bill Mermis told the council that none of Gerecke’s allegations were true.
“The stories being told here are wildly inaccurate,” Jolene Mermis concurred. She claimed a friend of Julie Greece verbally belittled her younger son while she and her son were floating on the lake in front of their cabin.
Both couples alluded to an incident last weekend when the Mermises hosted an ice hockey event on the lake at their cabin. Their adult sons are professional hockey players and reportedly participated in the event. “We thought it would be fun to host an event for the community,” Jolene Mermis said.
Neither couple was able to describe what actually happened as the council turned the discussion to resolving issues between the two families.
“This is a court matter,” City Attorney Rick Verticchio advised. “There’s nothing this body can do other than possibly take a vote to not renew either of your leases. Short of that, there’s nothing we can do here. The court will issue a no-contact injunction, and if either of you violates the injunction, you will go to jail. That generally is enough to stop the problem.”
Mayor John Hicks suggested a hearing before the Lake Committee.
“I think the Lake Committee should have a hearing,” Verticchio agreed. “But they may decide these people can’t get along and we don’t want that at the lake, and revoke both of your leases.”
Ald. Barrett told the couples who would notify them when a hearing is scheduled. The committee includes Barrett, Ald. Bill Hayes and Ald. Dave Link. Verticchio said he also will attend the hearing.
The council also referred to the Lake Committee to rule on whether or not to rescind a ban issued two decades ago. Former resident Casey Smith, who now lives in Tennessee near Gatlinburg, said he recently inherited his grandmother’s mobile home at the lake and needs to have access to the property to remove her personal property and either sell or renovate the mobile home.
Smith said his grandmother, Rita Smith, took him in soon after his father drowned at the lake in 1993 while the father and son were fishing together. When he was 17, he said, the city banned him from the lake due to repeated behavior issues.
“I put her through hell and I regret that, but she never gave up on me,” Smith said. Now 37, he pledged to the council that he is “not the 17-year-old” he was 20 years ago. He said he is married and raising children of his own.
Rita Smith died Oct. 29 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash. She left her mobile home to her grandson.
“I want to pay the lease for at least one year, and by next year, I’ll decide whether to sell it or keep it for a vacation spot,” Smith said, noting that he lives eight hours away.
In a related matter, the council voted unanimously to give the Lake Committee authority to decide whether to seek a “soft” background check or a more detailed state police background check for applicants seeking to lease lake lots. Ald. Barrett said the more extensive state police check can take weeks to complete, while the “soft” checks can be done in-house.
“We’re the only lake around that does a background check,” Ald. Pettit noted. He recommended adding a clause to the lease agreement to inform renters they may be subject to a background check, and that their lease will be revoked if it is discovered they misrepresented their background.
In other action, the council approved an ordinance to eliminate limits on the number of liquor licenses the city can issue, approved an ordinance establishing the fee for lake residents to tap onto a new water line at the lake, and authorized the Chief of Police to send two candidates to the police academy for full-time officers, with an eye toward filling two existing vacancies on the police force.
LIQUOR LICENSES
After brief discussion, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s ordinance regarding liquor licenses to eliminate limitations on the number of licenses issued. The amendment enables the city to issue as many licenses as it deems appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
Earlier in the meeting, the council approved issuing the city’s last liquor license to Gotcha Latte. Ald. Dona Rauzi said the owner doesn’t plan to add a bar to his business but wanted the ability to offer his customers Irish coffees. Without amending the existing ordinance later in the meeting, the city would have no more liquor licenses available for issuance.
Ald. Link, who holds a liquor license for his downtown business, voted “present” on the issue.
WATER TAP FEES
On a motion by Ald. Pettit, seconded by Ald. Barrett, the council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance to establish tap-on fees for a new water line under construction at Gillespie Lake. Under terms of the ordinance lake residents can pay a tap-on fee of $600 prior to May 31, 2025. After May 31, 2025, the fee will increase to $2,000—the same as the tap-on fee for residents within the city limits.
The provisions are designed to encourage lake residents to commit to tapping onto the line while it is under construction to eliminate unnecessary excavation.
The council also voted unanimously to approve an ordinance formalizing an action it took last month to increase water rates. The ordinance calls for the addition of a $1 surcharge, increasing by $1 for the next six months and culminating in a total $12 surcharge on the base, minimum water bill. The ordinance also contains provisions to increase the bulk rate charge to satellite communities, which satellites presumably will pass on to their customers.
WATER BILL ISSUES
Ald. Dona Rauzi reported the city has experienced problems with the timely delivery of water bills in the mail. The problem appears to be with the St. Louis Post Office through which mail from Gillespie is routed before coming back for delivery.
“If you don’t receive a water bill by the first of the month, please contact the city,” she advised water customers.
POLICE HIRES
Following a 20-minute executive session to discuss personnel issues, council members unanimously approved Police Chief Jared DePoppe’s request to send two candidates to the police academy for full-time officers, with an eye toward filling existing vacancies on the police force. The identities of the candidates were not disclosed. Typically, full-time officers are recruited from the pool of part-time officers.
The council also informally authorized DePoppe to solicit bids for equipping all local officers with body cameras. DePoppe said state law requires all municipal police officers to have body cameras as of Jan. 1, 2025. He said there are at least two grant programs available to subsidize the cost of the new cameras, but both programs are “reimbursement” grants that will require the city to purchase the cameras upfront with local funds.
According to DePoppe, tentative cost estimates range from $10,000 to $15,000 for the cameras. His plan is to apply for grant funding early this year to avoid a possible glut of applications in October, November and December as other municipalities race to comply with the law by Jan. 1.
AIRBNBs & NUISANCE PROPERTY ISSUES
On the recommendation of the City Attorney and Ald. Rauzi, the council adopted an ordinance identical to one approved by the Benld City Council to govern operation of short-term residential rentals, commonly known as Airbnbs.
Rauzi said her goal was to ensure such units are inspected by the housing inspector at least once a year. “The Airbnbs need to be inspected at least once a year, just like regular rental properties,” she said.
“What works for Benld should work for us, plus it will make it easier for our police officers to enforce,” Ald. Pettit commented. Verticchio also serves as Benld City Attorney and drafted the ordinance adopted in Benld. Gillespie Police patrol the City of Benld under a contractual agreement between the cities.
Provisions of the new ordinance include:
- A mandatory $100 annual license for each person operating one or more Air B&Bs.
- An initial housing inspection at a cost of $75, plus an annual $50 inspection thereafter for each property offered for short-term rental.
- Units must be rented a minimum of two nights with a maximum of 14 nights to be considered short-term rentals.
- A hospitality tax of four percent or $25 per night, whichever is less.
- A minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance with the city named as secondary insured.
Council members voted unanimously to execute a special municipal deed conveying a city-owned residential property at 608 Adams Street to Nick Harrison for $3,750. The residence was acquired by the city via court order after the council declared it a public nuisance. Verticchio said the city agreed to sell it to Harrison on the condition that he renovate the derelict house to abate the nuisance. The $3,750 represents what the city had spent on the property for legal expenses.
The council also voted unanimously to accept a bid of $2,000 from Felix and Cynthia Bertolino to purchase city-owned property at 503 West Chestnut Street.
A burned-out house at 806 Rotary Street was declared a public nuisance by a unanimous vote. The owner reportedly is currently incarcerated in Macoupin County Jail. Verticchio said he plans to talk to the owner about the possibility of him simply donating the property to the city to avoid the legal costs associated with condemnation proceedings.
REVISED MFT RESOLUTION
On a motion by Ald. Bob Fritz, the council unanimously an approved a revised Motor Fuel Tax resolution presented by City Treasurer Dan Fisher. Fisher initially presented a resolution last month but the council declined to approve it after Fritz and other aldermen pointed out what appeared to be errors in calculating the minimum amount of money needed for the city’s annual street maintenance program. Among other issues, Fritz alleged the engineering firm who prepared the resolution underestimated the cost of petroleum-based materials.
The revised resolution increases the appropriation request from $525,000 to $600,000. The resolution now goes to the Illinois Department of Transportation for final approval.
SEWER REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT
The council voted to reimburse Brad and Jamie Bunn $400 they spent to resolve a sewer issue that ultimately turned out to have been caused by a blockage in the main sewer line. The issue was referred to the committee last month after Brad Bunn appeared before the council. At that time Bunn reported he hired Ranger Excavating to dig up his sewer line after the sewer backed up into his basement. It was later determined the main line was clogged, requiring city workers to jet the line three times to dislodge the blockage.
City Treasurer Fisher said last month that the city’s policy in the past has been not to reimburse homeowners in such situations.
“This wasn’t our fault,” Bunn told the council Monday night. “As soon as the main line was unclogged, our line cleared out.”
Fisher told the Bunns that the sewer line serving their home is likely to be replaced sometime in the future. He said the city is planning to apply for grant money to undertake a major project to replace sewer lines throughout the city, but he admitted that project is probably four to six years in the future. Fisher again noted city policy prohibits paying for back-ups.
“We probably need to review that policy so we can deal with situations like this on a case-by-case basis,” Fisher said. “I think we ought to reimburse them, but we need to dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s. We need to have documentation so we can be consistent in the future.”
Ald. Pettit moved to reimburse the Bunns and refer the existing policy to committee for review. That motion passed with Ald. Wendy Ottersburg voting “present.”
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved an intergovernmental agreement between the city and Community Unit School District 7 allowing the school district to capture a percentage of the proceeds from a newly established Tax Increment Financing district. Under the agreement, the school district will get one percent of the first $25,000, plus 20 percent of proceeds in excess of that amount.
- Voted to approve an amendment to an agreement with Macoupin County, the cities of Bunker Hill, Staunton, Carlinville and Gillespie, and the Village of Royal Lakes, which facilitates an expansion of an existing Enterprise Zone in the City of Staunton.
- Discussed proposed construction of a new 7,200-square-foot city garage. Mayor Hicks said he is awaiting plans to establish bidding specifications for the project. The new building will have six overhead garage doors facing the street, along with a truck-washing bay. Fisher said the city may be able to use surplus COVID relief funds to pay for the building.
- Set the date and time for the city’s annual Easter Egg Hunt for 10 a.m., Saturday, March 23, at Big Brick Park.
- Agreed to purchase an ad in the Gillespie High School yearbook.
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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.
