Community News
Gillespie council provisionally approves $4 million streetscape contract, greenlights solar project at CCSC
With federal agencies facing budget and personnel cuts, and a spending bill to fund government operations in flux, Gillespie City Council members voted 5-2 to tentatively approve a $4 million contract to complete the long-awaited downtown streetscape project. The contract with Stutz Excavating, Inc., Alton, is conditioned upon the city receiving $4 million in grant funds previously awarded by Rural Development, a program administered by the federal Department of Agriculture and potentially at risk of Department of Government Efficiency cuts and/or Congressional failure to approve a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through Sept. 30.
With a bid of $4,032,048.79, Stutz was the lower of two bidders for the project. The second bidder, Kinney Contractors, offered a $4.9 million contract. In addition to the base contract, Stutz offered two alternate bids—$203,000 for additional electrical receptacles on newly installed street light poles, and $210,000 for brick pavers in lieu of stamped concrete for downtown sidewalks. In addition to being less expensive, stamped concrete is recommended for durability and easier maintenance, according to Mike Brandt, and engineer with Curry and Associates Engineering, who presented the bids to the council.
City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the grant requires the project to be completed by the end of 2025. With the grant funds vulnerable, the window for completing the project could narrow.
“The problem right now is we have DOGE making program cuts and the recurring issue of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government,” Fisher said. The House is likely to pass the CR, according to Fisher, but the bill could easily stall in the Senate. As part of the CR proposal, all earmarks from this year will be frozen, but Fisher said Gillespie’s grant money was earmarked in the prior year.
“I think we will know one way or another in the next 30 to 60 days,” he said. “The bid is good for 90 days so, in theory, we have three months.”
Ald. Landon Pettit questioned the lack of contingency funds in Stutz’s bid, pointing out unexpected expenses could push the project cost beyond the city’s budget. Fisher said Rural Development recommends contingency funds equal to five to seven percent of the project.
“Ten percent is ideal,” he said. “On a $4 million project, that’s $400,000.”
Additionally, Fisher said, the city is entitled to negotiate with the contractor once the contract is awarded to reduce the scope of the project to rein in costs.
“How can you do that after you sign a contract for $4 million and whatever?” Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller asked.
“We have exactly $4 million in grant money,” Fisher said. “The contract is a unit-based contract. We have the ability to reduce the contract by reducing the contract.” As an example, he said the contract may specify a monetary amount for each linear foot for sewer line installation; the city can reduce the contract by reducing the length of sewer line it decides to install. Ultimately, Fisher estimated the city will have to come up with about $250,000 out-of-pocket to complete the project.
Several aldermen expressed discomfort over entering the into the contract when the grant funds are in doubt.
“We have no guarantee this money is coming,” Ald. Pettit said.
“If we sign the contract and the money doesn’t come,” Ald. Wendy Rolando noted, “we don’t have $4 million dollars to spend.”
Fisher said the grant has been awarded, but the city cannot access the money until after the contract is awarded. If the grant money is stalled, the contract will be void and the project will be terminated.
Ald. Bob Fritz complained that improvements to side streets are no longer included in the scope of work.
“I was under the impression that we would do the streets for one block off of Macoupin Street,” Fritz said Walnut Street is deteriorated along with sidewalks on Chestnut Street. He said he would like to see Walnut repaved to the curbs to provide additional parking just a block away from the business district. Moreover, he said the sidewalk in front of the former Area News building on Chestnut is deteriorated to the point of being impassable.
“It doesn’t make sense to replace that sidewalk before the building is torn downs, because they will mess it up tearing it down,” he said. He proposed delaying parts of the project until the building is razed.
“We have to have the project completed in 2025,” Fisher replied. “We can’t put $4 million of grant money at risk for a $5,000 sidewalk.”
After several minutes of discussion, a motion by Rolando, seconded by Ald. Bill Hayes, to accept the Stutz contract, conditioned upon the city receiving $4 million in grant funds, was approved with Rolando, Hayes, Dona Rauzi, Dave Link and Frank Barrett voting “yes.” Ald. Fritz and Ald. Odell-Mueller voted “no,” with Ald. Pettit abstaining.
With a goal of improving the business climate in the downtown area, the Streetscape project has been under discussion for more than two years. Jointly initiated by Grow Gillespie, a civic improvement group, and the City of Gillespie, the project includes lighting, landscaping and parking improvements in the downtown commercial area with an eye toward stimulating economic growth.
SOLAR FIELD ZONING VARIANCE
With one dissenting vote, the council accepted the Zoning Board’s recommendation to approve a 35-year temporary use permit allowing SunCode Energy to install a power generating solar field on the north end of property owned by the Coal Country Sports Complex. Kent Tarro, representing the Coal Country Sports Association, told the council the solar field will not interfere with existing soccer fields or use of the property by cross-country runners while generating revenue to maintain and operate the recreational facility.
“This is a way to keep us sustainable while using reclaimed coal mine property,” he said.
Brett Jacoby, SunCode attorney, said the 18-acre solar field will generate about five megawatts of energy—enough to power five average sized homes. Located on the north side of the reclaimed “gob pile” left behind from the Little Dog Coal Mine, the solar field will be “virtually invisible” to persons using the sports complex for recreation, according to Jacoby.
Currently tax-exempt, the property is expected to generate $27,000 in property tax revenue in the first year and $654,000 over the life of the permit. The project is expected to produce 25 local prevailing wage construction jobs during the estimated 12-month construction period.
Once the temporary permit expires, SunCode will dismantle and remove all equipment and return the land to the Sports Association, according to Jacoby.
Jacoby told the council that power generated from the the field will be uploaded to the Ameren power grid. Local energy customers can participate by subscribing to the project to realize a slight discount on their power bills.
“There’s no cost to subscribe and subscribers can end the contract at any time,” Jacoby said. “It will take 10 to 15 percent off their monthly electrical bill, so it’s not life changing.”
City Attorney Rick Verticchio reported that during a Zoning Board hearing last week, SunCode officials pledged to offer training sessions for local firefighters and make arrangements for emergency services to have access to the fenced site.
A motion by Ald. Pettit to approve the temporary use permit was approved 7-1 with Ald. Rolando casting a dissenting vote.
SIREN PURCHASE APPROVED
Council members approved spending up to $90,000 to purchase and install four new emergency sirens. Initially, City Treasurer Fisher sidetracked Ald. Fritz’s proposal to purchase the equipment, saying there were no grant programs available and not enough money in the Emergency Services and Disaster Administration fund to cover the cost of new sirens.
“The only grant program available is through Rural Development and they have no funds to distribute until the budget is approved,” Fisher said, again invoking legislative chaos in Washington. He said the city’s ESDA fund had only $62,000.
The council then went on to other matters, only to have Ald. Pettit circle back to the siren issue after a few minutes.
“If we took some money out of the Revolving Loan Fund, some out of ESDA and some out of TIF II—and I know there’s not a lot in that fund—we could cobble together $80,000 and not hurt the General Fund too bad,” Pettit speculated. Pettit said money transferred from the Revolving Loan Fund and TIF II could be repaid over time. After further discussion, his motion to authorize the purchase was unanimously approved.
The equipment, provided by Sentry Sirens, Inc., will be installed at four locations, including the water treatment plant, city cemetery, Community Unit School District 7 campus, and a mobile home court on the city’s southwest side. Fritz said the sirens will blast different signals to indicate severe weather versus other emergencies.
LAKE LOT ISSUE
Following the city attorney’s recommendation, the council voted to secure a property tax “assignment” on a lake lot located at 10227 Fries Lane on which property taxes are delinquent. Council members, however, referred to committee a recommendation to amend lake lot leases to mandate forfeiture if a lease-holder fails to pay property taxes due.
“We don’t want a taxing body to acquire that property,” City Attorney Verticchio said. Monday night’s action secures the property and enables the city to transfer the lease to another lease-holder.
Verticchio said he would like to add a provision to future leases requiring the lease-holder to pay property taxes or surrender the lot. Ald Pettit said he and Ald. Barrett had other recommendations for amending future leases. He proposed tabling Verticchio’s request until after the Lake Committee can meet to make other changes to the lease.
In a related matter, Pettit asked to have the City Clerk’s office compile a list of all surplus real estate the city owns with an eye toward selling the lots. Verticchio said properties that have previously been advertised for sale but did not attract bidders can legally be sold for a price negotiated between the city and the buyer.
“Right now no one is paying taxes on those properties,” Pettit said “We can sell them essentially to recover attorney fees, and start getting tax revenue from them.”
EAST GILLESPIE/EAGARVILLE SEWER CONTRACT
As the City of Gillespie eyes a project to replace deteriorating sewer lines in the city, Verticcho recommended renegotiating satellite contracts with Eagarville and East Gillespie to continue treating waste from both communities. Council members voted unanimously to authorize Mayor John Hicks to enter into negotiations to draft new agreements.
The city apparently plans to seek financial assistance from Rural Development to undertake the project, similar to how it financed a project to replace water distribution lines. Verticchio indicated the new contracts should include new rates to comply with mandates Rural Development will require to underwrite the sewer improvement project.
LAKE POSITION
Following a 30-minute executive session, the council voted unanimously to hire Austin Loftis to step into duties vacated by former Lake Supervisor Gary Thornhill, though the motion to hire did not identify Loftis’ title or address wages. Loftis reportedly had been fulfilling Thornhill’s duties after Thornhill resigned to accept another job. The motion to hire Loftis included a provision for a six-month probationary period.
PROTECTIVE VEST SALE
Acting on a recommendation by Police Chief Jared DePoppe, the council voted to offer a protective vest used by an officer who recently resigned to take another job for sale to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department for $750. DePoppe told the council the vests are fitted specifically to the individual, so it would be essentially useless to the city. He said he based the asking price on the original cost and the amount time it had been used in Gillespie.
HOLLIS RESOLUTION
Council members unanimously approved a formal resolution recognizing Thomas William Hollis, a Gillespie resident who achieved the rank of Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps before he was killed in action at the age of 19 in Vietnam. Born May 24, 1948, Hollis attended Gillespie High School where he was a star athlete. After graduation, he volunteered for the Marine Corps and was killed on Jan. 28, 1968, in Quang Tri Province as a result of artillery rocket mortar fire. He was one of about 55,000 American soldiers killed in action during the Vietnam War.
Passage of the resolution paves the way for the Illinois Department of Transportation to erect signs honoring Hollis on Illinois Route 16 at the east and north entrances to the city.
CONXXUS SOLICITATION
The council heard briefly from Wendy Nobel, representing Conxxus fiber optic internet, before granting a solicitation permit for Conxxus employees to make door-to-door solicitations of Gillespie residents. Nobel said solicitors will explain various plans available to customers and potential benefits of the newly installed $1.6 million system. Nobel said most residents have received solicitation materials in the mail but “we’ve found people don’t always understand the materials and they’re more comfortable dealing with someone face-to-face.”
Solicitors will check in with city hall on the days they plan to work in the city, and voluntarily provide photos of the solicitors to be posted on the city’s social media page. Nobel there usually will be no more than one person working in the city at a time.
POLICE STATION PAYMENT
Council members approved payment of $1,500 to John Watson Contracting for work associated with reconnecting bathroom facilities in the basement of the newly renovated Police Station building on Macoupin Street. The work was not included in the original bid for the work.
In a related matter, the council approved payment of the second installment of $59,199 to Watson Contracting from the city’s Tax Increment Financing Funds for work completed on remodeling the new Police Station.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved advertising for applications for two seasonal worker positions at Gillespie Lake.
- Agreed to spend up to $500 to investigate electrical fixtures at Pomatto Park to determine what is needed for repairs.
- Accepted two bids totaling $950 from Feeley Tree Service to remove two trees located on city boulevards on Cedar Street and on Illinois Route 4 south.
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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.
