Community News
Gillespie Council seats new member, pledges action on cockroach issue
With Mayor John Hicks looking on, former Ald. Jim Alderson embraces Dona Rauzi shortly after she was sworn in to be seated as his replacement as the council representative from Ward 1. Alderson resigned his seat last month.
Members of the Gillespie City Council voted unanimously Monday night to seat Dona Rauzi as Ward 1 alderwoman, replacing former Ald. Jim Alderson who resigned from the council last month. The council also took action to resolve the long-standing controversy over the sale of a city-owned lot in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street, and heard complaints from neighbors in the 300 block of Oak Street who said their homes are being invaded by cockroaches because of a heavily infested house in their neighborhood.
Katina Weller, who read from a prepared statement to the council, said she and her husband have lived at 307 East Oak for 15 years. “We never had any problems with cockroaches until four years ago,” she said. That’s when new tenants moved into a rental property owned by Tim Loveless at 309 East Oak. Three years ago, Weller said, the house was treated by a professional exterminator and the contractor told her husband “the infestation was so bad that the cockroaches were eating the drywall.”
Weller presented the council with photos of the residence, including some showing cockroaches clinging to the windows, along with a petition signed by other residents living in the neighborhood. Several other neighbors attended Monday night’s meeting but did not speak. She said neighbors want the city to hold Loveless responsible for eradicating the roaches. “I don’t know how much he’s getting for rent but maybe he should take some of that money and help” neighbors pay for extermination services.
Some neighbors have taken to boring holes in their walls and pouring in boric acid in an effort to keep the roaches at bay, she said. She recounted a recent incident when she and her husband were entertaining guests “only to open the grill and have a cockroach run out of it. We were mortified and had to explain that they were not our roaches.” She said she has to limit where her grandchildren play when they are outdoors and insist that toys taken outside stay outside. “I’ve been in tears over this. We are not comfortable in our own homes, and we have done all we can do,” she said. “It’s time to hold Mr. Loveless responsible.”
[pullquote]“I’ve been in tears over this. We are not comfortable in our own homes, and we have done all we can do,” Weller said. “It’s time to hold Mr. Loveless responsible.”[/pullquote]
Weller said she contacted the Illinois Department of Public Health and was told it was a municipal issue. The Macoupin County Health Department agreed that the neighbors’ best recourse was to demand action from the city. She said she also contacted the Department of Children and Family Services “not because I want anyone’s children taken away from them but because there are children in the house and this is an ongoing problem.”
She said she had talked with the neighbors in question and learned they were eager to keep the landlord from exercising a clause in their contract allowing him to enter the residence. They reportedly indicated they would do what they could to control the infestation in lieu of having Loveless enter the house. She said Loveless did treat the exterior of the house himself. “But he is not a professional exterminator,” she said. “It was like throwing a teaspoon of water on a five-alarm fire.”
Under terms of the rental contract, Weller said the tenant is required to pay for extermination services when required and that the landlord has a right to enter the house to check the condition of the property. “He should be required to enforce the terms of his own lease,” Weller said.
Ward 1 Ald. Jerry Dolliger said he contacted Loveless and asked him to hire a professional exterminator.
“He said ‘no way,’ and said he would do it himself,” Dolliger reported. “He went over with a gallon sprayer and sprayed it, and all that did was run them over to the other houses. I asked him to go in and check the home inside and he said he wouldn’t do that either.”
“When did you talk to him?” City Attorney Kevin Polo. Dolliger said he talked to Loveless last week. “He’s had a change of heart since then,” Polo continued, adding that Loveless called him an hour before Monday night’s meeting and agreed to have the residence professionally treated.
“I’m thankful he’s willing to spray, but one spray is not going to take care of it,” Weller commented. “We’ve been living with this for four years.”
Polo said the conditions Weller described could be considered a public nuisance, in which case the city could compel Loveless to rectify the issue. If he failed to correct the issue, he said, the city could be authorized to hire an exterminator and send him to the residence along with Bob Lancaster, the city’s building inspector, to ensure the problem was corrected. Ald. Dave Tucker asked Polo to make contact with the exterminator Loveless chooses to hire to get a report on conditions in the home and verification that the roaches have been eradicated.
“I’d like to see this treated the same way as we do tall grass,” Mayor John Hicks said. “He’d get a chance to clean it up and if it didn’t work, we’d go in and do it and he’d have to pay for it.”
“I’m not sure what the building can do, I’m not sure that the police can do anything,” Polo admitted.
“Actually, this may be a civil matter,” Hicks added.
“That’s another reason why I’m here, if I have to do something like that,” Weller said. She said she has spent $400 on exterminators this year alone and is having an exterminator come back to her home this week. Other neighbors in the area have incurred similar expenses, she said.
NEW COUNCIL MEMBER
On a motion by Ald. Frank Barrett, seconded by Ald. Dolliger, the council voted unanimously to ratify the Mayor’s appointment of Rauzi to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of long-serving former alderman Jim Alderson. Alderson watched as Rauzi was sworn in and hugged her immediately afterword. “The Mayor made a good choice,” Alderson said.
Alderson was last elected in 2015. Rauzi will serve finish Alderson’s term, which expires in spring 2019, at which time the seat will be open for election.
MACOUPIN STREET PROPERTY
Following a 45-minute executive session during which council members discussed the sale of real estate, a union grievance and other personnel issues, the council voted to sell the property at 214 South Macoupin Street to Adam Tallman for construction of a new insurance office. Tallman presented drawings for the building he plans to construct, which includes batting cages in the back, along with a business plan.
The action resolved a long-standing controversy over the sale of the city-owned lot. Appearing at previous meetings, Dave Link, owner of Lumpy’s Tavern adjacent to the property, objected to selling the property without formally advertising for bids and insisted he had offered more money for the lot than Tallman agreed to pay. Link said he offered $12,340 for the lot, while Tallman agreed to pay $8,000—80 percent of the lot’s appraised value. State law requires taxing bodies to sell surplus real estate for no less than 80 percent of its appraised value.
The ordinance authorizing the sale of the property to Tallman requires Tallman to comply with all city zoning and building codes and offers no promises of zoning variances for the property.
Also following the executive session, the council voted to deny a union grievance filed by a Street Department employee. Polo later told the BenGil Post the grievance was denied “by default” because neither the employee nor representatives of the Laborers Union attended the meeting to present their complaint.
WATER LINE BID
On a motion by Ald. Tucker, seconded by Ald. Barrett, the council voted unanimously to give the city engineers Curry and Associates authority to advertise for bids to undertake an estimated $10 million project to replace aging water distribution lines within the city. City Treasurer Dan Fisher said the city is waiting for authorization from the Illinois Department of Transportation to install lines along Illinois Route 4, which runs through the city, which will complete the easement package for the project to proceed. Once the final easements are in place, he said, the Rural Development Bank, which is financing the project, will sign off on paperwork for the project to start. Since those two items could be completed before the next meeting of the council, Fisher asked for authorization to advertise for bids contingent upon final paperwork being completed.
DUMP TRUCK PURCHASE
Council members voted unanimously to give Mayor Hicks power to act on purchasing a used dump truck from Prairie Farms Dairy in Carlinville to replace one of two aging dump trucks owned by the city Street Department. Public Works Chair Ald. Dolliger said Prairie Farms is offering to sell the vehicle for an estimated price of $3,500 to $4,000, but the truck will need new tires at a cost of about $3,500. Additionally, the city will have to have the bed shortened, which could inflate the final total cost to $15,000 to $20,000.
Dolliger said the city spent $8,000 in the past year on repairs for the truck the new vehicle will replace.
“What we have now, almost daily it has to go to Quality Motors,” Dolliger said.
“I’d like to see a more firm number” on the price of the truck, Hicks said, referring to the $3,500 to $4,000 price tag on the replacement truck. He also said he’d like a firm estimate on the cost of shortening the bed before committing to the purchase.
GENERATOR MOVE
On a motion by Ald. Steve Kluthe, the council authorized Ald. Dolliger to enter into a contract to move a city-owned generator from the former site of the Gillespie Police Department to the Civic Center, contingent upon what Ameren may charge to update a connection box on the north side of the building. Dolliger said he had secured a bid of $10,000 to move and connect the generator, which is about a third of the previous estimate. The connection box, however, is old and may have to be replaced. Dolliger cited the experience of a local business that recently had to replace a connection box at a cost of about $8,000.
The council’s action gives Dolliger authority to proceed depending on what the cost of replacing the connection box turns out to be. Funding for the project will come from the ESDA fund.
Once installed, the generator will allow the city to offer the Civic Center as a cooling center or heating center in the event of a widespread disaster-related power outage in the city. Hicks said the city has been working nearly nine years to get the generator moved and installed at a price the city can afford.
WHEELCHAIR RAMP EXEMPTION
Council members unanimously approved Ald. Tucker’s suggestion to draft a proposed ordinance amendment to waive the fee for building permits related to the construction of wheelchair ramps attached to Gillespie homes. Tucker said the ramps generally do not alter the footprint of the home and do not create a potential for violating the city’s zoning code. Under the proposal, the city would continue to issue building permits for such projects and would have the ramp inspected upon completion.
City attorney Polo advised that such a measure probably should be authorized by amending the ordinance rather than making an administrative change.
City Treasurer Fisher noted that the fee for building permits was designed to cover the city’s cost for having the building inspector inspect the completed projects. “I think that’s something you should consider,” said Fisher.
“I think this is something the city could do and should do,” Tucker responded.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Gave permission for the HEIDI organization to purchase and install a handicap-accessible swing at the Big Brick Park playground. Tyler Link, representing HEIDI, said the project would be done at no cost to the city with Knights of Columbus members providing labor. He said the organization was undertaking the project “so every child can have the pleasure of sitting next to their friends on a swing.”
- Gave permission to the Macoupin-Montgomery Shriners Club to distribute newspapers in exchange for donations during one weekend in October, provided they can coordinate with the local Lions Club, which uses a weekend in October for its Candy Days fundraising project. Shriners Club Vice President Matt Rolando told the council the Shriners sponsor several children’s hospitals that provide medical services at no cost to patients “regardless of their ability to pay.” Those facilities are supported entirely by donations. The newspapers distributed during the fundraising effort will describe the services provided by the hospitals and how the Shriners fund those services.
- Approved a lake lot lease transfer from Diane Knowles to Jeffery Sneed, East Alton. Lake Committee Chair Ald. Barrett said Sneed plans to use the cabin at 11 Circle Drive as a part-time residence with the possibility of it becoming a permanent residence at a later date.
- Agreed to pay for sending two part-time police officers to Police Academy training starting in September.
- Agreed to send Treasurer Fisher to an Illinois Municipal League convention in Chicago next month at a cost of $650.
- Referred to committee an application from the Canna Community Church for a facade improvement grant to assist with a project that includes tuck pointing, roof repair and the addition of a bathroom.
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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.
