Community News
Gillespie Council discusses fate of former Dollar General building
The Gillespie City Council appears likely to approve an ordinance establishing a vacancy tax to leverage occupancy for vacant downtown commercial properties. City Attorney Rick Verticchio agreed to write a draft ordinance for council action following a lengthy discussion during Monday night’s regular monthly council meeting regarding the status of the building that formerly housed the Dollar General Store at 109 N. Macoupin St.
The building has been vacant since Dollar General moved to a new building about five years ago. The building, which features early 20th century architectural details on the second-story facade, is listed for sale online for an asking price of $600,000.
Local business owner Ruth Loveless, who owns a business across the street, told the council she inadvertently became involved with the building’s current owners and their attempts to dispose of the property. Loveless said the building actually is owned by a 101-year-old man in New York who is the beneficiary of a trust. Getting the trustees to commit to anything in writing has been challenging, according to Loveless.
Originally, the trustees agreed to deed the building to the city with the provision the city would provide the estate with an appraisal placing the worth of the building at a minimum of $250,000. Based on local property values, the city apparently responded that no appraiser would place the value that high. After withdrawing the original offer, Loveless said the trust offered to pay for replacing the roof if the city could find a tenant willing to make repairs to the interior. In exchange, the trust reportedly agreed to allow the tenant to use the space rent-free for an unspecified period of time. Loveless said that offer fell apart when she pressed the trust to commit to the amount of time the tenant could use the building rent-free in writing.
More recently, she said the trust took all previous deals off the table and said they would attempt to sell the building outright in an “as-is” condition. The trust reportedly told Loveless they would not accept less than $250,000.
Loveless said her recommendation to the city would be to condemn the building and take possession via court order.
Verticchio said that option is not available to the city at this time. “I can’t tell you that building is in nuisance condition,” Verticchio said. The city attempted to declare the building a public nuisance last year, which prompted a building inspection by an engineer who confirmed the building is structurally sound. Even though the interior may not be fit for commercial use, Verticchio said there is no danger of bricks falling, etc., that would qualify the structure as a nuisance.
Ald. Dave Link, who sold the building to the trust, said he offered to buy it back for what he paid for it originally—$37,500—but was told the owners “would rather let it fall in than sell it for that price.”
“If they did that, we could take action,” Verticchio said, “when things start falling off and threatening public safety.”
Treasurer Dan Fisher offered a “vacancy tax” as a possible incentive for property owners to find tenants for their spaces. He said he learned of the strategy from attending municipal conferences where other communities reported having success with the tactic.
“This is not an uncommon problem,” he said. “You have to have a Downtown Business Association, which we have.” The tax can be stringent and can be collected after an extended period of time during which a building has been vacant. He said the period of time before the tax is imposed should be fairly liberal to give owners time to locate a tenant when their property becomes vacant.
Verticchio agreed to research the issue and draft an ordinance for the council to review.
NEW BOAT DOCK
After several minutes of discussion, the council voted to accept a $253,757 bid from Blue Ridge Boat Docks, Lake of Egypt, to build a new multi-slip boat dock at the New Gillespie Lake. The company expects to start construction the first or second week of May and have the facility available for use by the Memorial Day weekend.
Two other bids, ranging from $378,900 to $475,280, were received for the project.
The city received a $200,000 grant to subsidize the project and discussion Monday night focused on where the remaining $53,000 would come from and whether or not the city should authorize the additional expense. Fisher said he expected the city’s share of the project would come from the Lake Fund and the Bond & Interest Fund, but several aldermen expressed concerns about spending the money at all.
The measure passed unanimously, however, after Ald. Landon Pettit pointed out that failing to use the grant money would not only cost the city $200.000 but also jeopardize future grant applications.
CEJA GRANT APPLICATION
On Fisher’s recommendation, the council unanimously authorized the Mayor to sign a grant application for grant funds under the federal Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) program. The grants are aimed at helping to replace lost revenue resulting from the idling of the Shay Coal Mine, formerly Monterey Coal, in Brushy Mound Township. Taxing bodies within 20 miles of the mine.
To reduce costs associated with the application process, Fisher said Gillespie will act as the sponsoring agency for 17 other taxing entities. In addition to the City of Gillespie, the associated applicants include Community Unit School District 7, the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service, Gillespie, Cahokia and Brushy Mound Townships, the Benld and Gillespie public libraries, and the communities of Benld, Staunton, Bunker Hill and Royal Lakes.
If the application is successful, Fisher said the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will award a lump sum which will be distributed among the other applicants. Individual awards will amount to a minimum of $50,000, Fisher said.
DUMPSTER ORDINANCE
Verticchio agreed to draft an ordinance for action next month regarding oversized trash dumpsters in residential areas after a brief discussion about the issue.
“I don’t think dumpsters belong in residential areas on a permanent basis,” Mayor Hicks told the council. There were several minutes of debate, however, before the council agreed to ban dumpsters in excess of three yards in size in residential areas. The new ordinance will carve out exemptions for temporary dumpsters placed for construction, remodeling and similar projects. In those instances, the dumpsters can remain no longer than 30 days without council approval.
“If you’re going to do this, they need to be off the sidewalk and off the city right-of-way,” Ald. Link noted.
PORTABLE BUILDING SETBACKS
In response to questions from Ald. Link, Verticchio agreed to write a draft ordinance for council action next month regarding setback rules for portable storage buildings and unattached carports. Link initially wanted to know if such structures were subject to building permit requirements.
Ald. Pettit said such structures currently are not subject to the property tax code and are exempted from needing a building permit unless they are not erected on a permanent foundation. “As of right now, there’s nothing on our books,” he said, regarding building permits or setbacks for portable structures.
Link suggested portable buildings should be subject to setbacks outlined in the zoning code in consideration of fire hazards to neighboring properties, and Verticchio agreed to write a proposed ordinance.
Also in response to Link, Verticchio advised he would write a draft ordinance to require housing inspections on an annual basis for rental properties. Link said he was approached by a landlord who said he would welcome annual inspections to protect his properties. Currently, housing inspections are required only before a new tenant moves in after a former tenant moves out. Annual inspections, the landlord told Link, would have prevented his property from being damaged by a tenant who allowed a water leak go unaddressed for several years, causing structural damage to his property.
Earlier in the meeting, Gillespie landlord Tim Loveless addressed the council over his concerns regarding a recently approved ordinance governing the operation of Airbnbs. Loveless, who operates one Airbnb in the city, said the ordinance is “an affront” to the “freedom to start and run any business without governmental interference.” Loveless said the ordinance unfairly targets Airbnbs by imposing a tax on the proceeds.
Loveless asserted he would close his operation rather than comply with the new ordinance, adding that having places to stay for short-term visitors is a benefit to the city.
Loveless also briefly addressed concerns about a dumpster at his newly relocated business office.on Spruce Street. He said he uses a backhoe to press down trash in the dumpster and any trash that escapes is picked up immediately.
In a related matter, Ald. Rauzi encouraged aldermen to report substandard housing units in their wards so the properties can be added to a growing list of potential nuisance properties. Rauzi said there are at least 24 houses on the list now, with three or four burned out houses yet to be added.
Additionally, Ald. Rolando said she would write an ordinance citation against the owner of a property on Oak Street who allegedly piled debris from a downed tree on the sidewalk, and allowed junk to accumulate on the property. She said she would ask the Police Department to serve the ticket on the defendant.
REMOTE VOTING AND PARTICIPATION
On the recommendation of Ald. Rauzi, the council authorized Verticchio to draft an ordinance permitting council members to participate and vote during council meetings via telephone or Zoom. Rauzi said municipalities routinely held remote meetings during the COVID crisis but at least one municipality encountered legal issues after allowing a member to vote remotely after the pandemic ended.
Rauzi said several council members travel extensively in connection with their jobs and remote voting will better ensure full participation.
“This will put it on our books so there is no question about whether it’s allowed,” Ald. Pettit commented.
ORDINANCE OFFICER
A proposal to hire a special officer to enforce ordinance violations was put on hold after Ald. Rauzi said the concept will need extensive thought and work. She said she contacted the City of Benld, which has a police protection contract with Gillespie, and was told the neighboring community is interested but wants more details before signing on.
“How are we going to pay for it?” Rauzi asked. “How many hours are they going to work? I think it is going to require quite a bit of work.”
THUMBS DOWN ON UTV PURCHASE
Council members narrowly defeated a measure to purchase a new Utility Vehicle (UTV). Ald. Bob Fritz said the new equipment is needed and presented eight bids ranging from $10,562 to $20,662. Mayor Hicks, however, said the city could buy a used UTV for $5,500 and that there currently is no place to store the vehicle when not in use. Moreover, he suggested the expenditure would be unwise when the city is facing costs of up to a half-million dollars to build a new city garage and renovate the former Fire Department space for use by the Police Department.
The UTV currently used by the Street Department is under a lease that will end at the end of this month.
When brought to a vote, the council tied with Ald. Frank Barrett, Bill Hayes, Pettit and Fritz voting “yes,” and Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller, Dona Rauzi, Wendy Rolando and Link voting “no.”
Forced to break the tie, Mayor Hicks voted “no,” but urged Fritz to bring the issue back next month when the city might have a better idea about financial resources available for the purchase.
NEIGHBOR COMPLAINT
Verticchio told Shelly Montgomery there was nothing the council could do to help her after the Park Avenue resident complained about numerous bogus police calls to her house, allegedly instigated by her neighbor. Montgomery said she moved into her home last October. Since that time, her neighbor has called police to her home no fewer than eight times. Further, she alleged the neighbor has set up surveillance cameras aimed onto her property and into her home in violation of her property rights.
“Nobody in my block is a criminal,” Montgomery said. “It has to stop. We have to be able to live in our own homes without being harassed.”
Verticchio said the city council has no power to address Montgomery’s complaint, but suggested she could retain a private attorney to pursue a civil lawsuit. In the alternative, he recommended she contact the Police Department to see if the neighbor has criminal liability, in which case her complaint might be referred to the States Attorney for prosecution.
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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.
