Community News
Gillespie Council sets meeting with satellite water customers
Roger Mensing of Curry and Associates Engineers updated the council on the water project.
On the cusp of embarking on a $10 million water infrastructure improvement project, the Gillespie City Council on Monday night scheduled an April 6 meeting with representatives from satellite municipal water customers, at least some of which are exploring alternative sources of water for their residents. The meeting is set for 10 a.m. at the Gillespie Civic Center and will be open to the public.
The meeting was set during the Council’s regular monthly meeting Monday night on a motion by Ald. Dave Tucker. In other action, the council adopted increases in camping and boating fees at Gillespie Lake, and adopted an ordinance to increase sewer rates for users of the city’s sewer system.
City Attorney Kevin Polo suggested it would be in the best interest of the City of Gillespie to meet with government officials from surrounding communities now so they can “get water at the cheapest possible rate.” While Polo did not specifically indicate that Gillespie would negotiate new pricing structures for satellite customers, he suggested satellite customers might be able to secure the best rates by acting collectively as opposed to negotiating with water providers individually. “There is power in numbers,” he said.
Roger Mensing of Curry and Associates Engineers is the water project manager and is expected to attend the meeting to field questions.
“There’s been a lot of discussion going on in the area,” Polo noted. “Carlinville is going with the Illinois Alluvial project and Dorchester apparently is going with Illinois Alluvial. Benld is talking about running a line to Litchfield and Lake KaHo is already running a line to Litchfield. So there’s a lot going on at the moment.”
He said he and other city officials recently met with Litchfield city officials to talk about Litchfield’s rates for satellite water customers. “Suffice it to say that maybe it’s time to meet with some of the satellites and talk about how they can get water at the lowest rate possible—maybe even cheaper that Illinois Alluvial.”
[pullquote]Suffice it to say that maybe it’s time to meet with some of the satellites and talk about how they can get water at the lowest rate possible—maybe even cheaper that Illinois Alluvial.[/pullquote]
Polo said the meeting would have to comply with the Illinois Open Meetings Act which requires two weeks public notice. He said he also had checked on the availability of the Civic Center space and that April 6 seemed to be the earliest Saturday meeting the public notice requirement.
In related matters, the council adopted a revised resolution awarding the contract for the infrastructure project to Haier Plumbing and Heating, Oquawka, and heard a brief update on the project from Mensing and City Treasurer Dan Fisher.
While the council already had taken action to award the contract to Haier in December, Fisher said the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program required the city to adopt specific language to meet requirements for Rural Development to be involved in funding the project. Among other things, that language reportedly includes provisions authorizing the Mayor to sign agreements related to the project on behalf of the city. Rural Development also required the city to take a separate action to accept a change order reducing the cost of the project by about $940,000. Rural Development is underwriting the project with a 40-year loan of about $7.3 million at two percent interest, plus a grant of $3.65 million to cover about 36 percent of the project’s cost.
The action taken by the council Monday night should free up Rural Development to complete paperwork to release money for the grant and loan, according to Fisher.
Mensing told the council that Haier is eager to get started on the project as soon as possible this spring. “We’re just waiting for Rural Development,” he said. “Haier actually would like to start boring in a couple of weeks.”
Mensing said Fisher had advised him that the city has enough surplus funds to start work on the project pending finalization from Rural Development, then reimburse the city’s coffers when the project financing is released.
Responding to a question from Ald. Jane Weidner, Fisher said Rural Development will ask the city to establish a line of credit at a local bank for the initial stages of the project, which is expected to take two years to complete.
“For at least the first year, they’re going to require us to use interim financing,” Fisher said. “We’ll have a line of credit at the bank that we can draw down on just like building a house. We’d make monthly payments for interest only and at some point, Rural Development” will release grant and loan money to pay off the interim credit line.
He said he favored using existing funds until such time Rural Development releases funding. “The bank would probably let us do that before (funding is released) but that would start the clock ticking on the interest we’d have to pay,” Fisher said.
Mensing also reported that he and city officials have had two meetings with vendors proposing remote meter reading systems. Such a system would allow the city to read water meters from City Hall as well as provide daily data monitoring water pressure and the location of possible household water leaks.
“It will take about 10 minutes to read all of the meters in town,” Fisher said.
“That’s the system we need to go with,” Mayor John Hicks commented. “It will get us into the 21st century.”
CAMPING, BOAT STICKER FEES INCREASED
On motions by Ald. Frank Barrett, chair the council’s Lake Committee, the council voted separately to increase fees for boat stickers and camping permits at Gillespie Lake. The fee increases will be effective for the 2019 recreational season.
The council’s action raises camping fees from $15 per night for RV sites with electrical hook-ups to $17 per night and $20 per night on holidays. Fees for primitive/tent camping sites will go from $10 per night to $12 per night and $15 per night on holidays. The fee charged for non-camping RV dumping will go from $6 to $10.
The lake has 24 RV sites and four tent/primitive campsites.
Barrett said the fee increases will help “offset some of the cost for improvements” within the lake campgrounds.
[pullquote]For the first time the boat sticker pricing schedule will include slightly higher fees for non-resident boaters using the lake.[/pullquote]
For the first time the boat sticker pricing schedule will include slightly higher fees for non-resident boaters using the lake. Persons with a 62033 zip code for their mailing address are considered “residents.”
For boats with outboard motors of up to 10 horsepower, the new fee will be $25 for residents and $30 for non-residents. Motors ranging from 11 to 20 horsepower will require a fee of $30 for residents and $35 for non-residents. The fee will be $40 for residents and $45 for non-residents for boats with motors ranging from 21 to 40 horsepower; $50 for residents and $55 for non residents for boats with motors ranging from 41-75 horsepower; $60 for residents and $65 for non-residents for boats with motors ranging from 76 to 100 horsepower; and $70 for residents and $75 for non-residents for boats with motors ranging from 101 to 150 horsepower. Boats with motors in excess of 150 horsepower will require a permit sticker costing $80 for residents and $85 for non-residents.
Sailboat stickers are $30 for residents and $35 for non-residents.
The permit sticker fee for canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and other non-motorized craft is $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents.
A daily permit for any boat regardless of size will be $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents.
A $100 permit sticker is available only to persons who hold a lease for a lake lot at a cost of $100 per year for personal watercraft such as jet skis.
Previous boat sticker fees ranged from $20 to $53 depending upon motor size and there was no distinction between resident and non-resident boaters.
Barret said the new fees are lower than the fees charged for boaters using other lakes in the area. Glen Shoals, for example, charges fees ranging from $40 to $185 depending upon motor size for non-resident boaters. At Lake Lou Yager, non-resident boaters are charged from $55 to $120 for permit stickers depending upon motor size.
SEWER RATES INCREASED
With little discussion, the council voted unanimously to increase the minimum sewer rate from $6.50 for the first 1,000 gallons to $8.50. Sewer users will pay an additional $1.50 per 1,000 gallons for usage in excess of 1,000 gallons.
The council deferred action on a resolution to facilitate procedures allowing city employees to borrow from their retirement accounts pending additional information about what it will cost the city to administer the program. The council voted unanimously in December to offer employees the option of borrowing up to 50 percent of the amount vested in their 457 Retirement Plan fund in the event of an emergency. The amount borrowed would then be repaid to the fund via payroll deductions at an interest rate of 5.25 percent. Since the employee essentially would be borrowing from himself or herself, the accrued interest will be paid into their retirement fund.
Council members questioned how much additional time would be required on the part of staff in the City Clerk’s office to administer the program. Fisher said it would be more likely that the city’s accountant would do the work since she is the person who administers payroll. There was no information available, however, about how much the accountant would need to be paid for the additional workload.
“Can we defer this for another month until we can find out how much it’s going to cost?” Ald. Tucker said.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council members met in executive session for about 15 minutes to discuss the status of collective bargaining negotiations between the city and Laborers Union. Polo previously announced that no tentative agreement has been reached.
Since no agreement has been reached with the union, Fisher also recommended deferring action on setting salaries for employees not covered by the collective bargaining agreement. Only three city employees are not part of the union.
POLICE CAR DISCUSSION
The council discussed but took no action on a request from Police Chief Jared DePoppe to purchase a new police car. DePoppe said that several years ago he proposed a plan to retire aging squad cars and buy one new one every one to two years.
“We’re a little behind on that now,” he said. “We’d like to get a new squad car. Our squads are getting older.”
He said the city could buy a car from Morrow Brothers Ford, Greenfield, on a state bid for $27,000 for a 2019 Ford Intercept or $32,000 for a 2019 Sport Utility. An additional $5,000 would be required for equipping either vehicle with police equipment.
He said he had contacted Rural Development about the possibility of securing a grant but was told that grant funding for that program will not be released until October.
“I’d like to get one now,” he said, “and get another one in October when that funding becomes available.”
Mayor Hicks asked about the possibility of buying a used police car, but DePoppe said the city has purchased used vehicles in the past and that he would like to go with a new vehicle this time.
In the meantime, he said a 2010 Crown Victoria owned by the police department needs to have its transmission replaced, and he is looking into the possibility of taking the transmission from the car currently used by the School Resource Officer if it is interchangeable. Otherwise, he said the city is looking at $2,500 for a new transmission or $2,000 for a used one.
No action was taken Monday night but it is possible the proposed purchase will be included as an agenda item for a later meeting.
BOY SCOUT PROPERTY
The council referred to committee a request from local Cub Scout Leader Ed Bergen to resume use of a parcel of property formerly used as a shooting range on Farley Lane at Gillespie Lake.
“We had it when I had the Boy Scout troop, and about a year and a half ago that fell apart,” Bergen said. Bergen said he has since established a Cub Scout troop and would like to resume using the property. He said about 20 youths are enrolled in the program and he is looking for “more things for them to do.” Activities could include a public service project to clean-up the property.
Ald. Barrett said he’d like to walk the property with Bergen before making a recommendation to the council.
The council also referred to committee with power to act a request from Charles Knoche to install a sewage holding tank on a lot he leases at Gillespie Lake. Knoche relied on a “porta-potty” until that unit recently was stolen.
“I’d rather see a holding tank out there than a porta-potty,” Barrett said.
But Mayor Hicks objected, saying Knoche’s lot is a picnic lot, not a permanent residence.
“I’m worried about setting a precedent,” Hicks said. “You’d be opening it up to everyone.”
Moreover, Hicks said he had concerns about the frequency of inspections for holding tanks at the lake. Current provisions call for them to be inspected only when a lot is transferred to a new resident. “There ought to be some kind of guideline to make sure they’re maintained,” he said.
Ultimately the issue was referred to committee with power to act in two weeks.
SEASONAL WORKER
The Mayor directed Ald. Jerry Dolliger to locate a candidate to be hired as a seasonal worker this summer in part to help with mowing and maintenance at Welfare Park.
Barrett said Gillespie Middle School ball teams currently play games at the park and that he had informed them that they are responsible for taking care of the ball diamonds. But other maintenance needs, such as regular mowing, are the responsibility of the city.
“We can use money from the concession stand to pay expenses,” Hicks suggested, “until we can get a park district.”
“There are people who are interested in a park district,” Ald. Dona Rauzi commented. Barrett added that if a park district proposal was included on a future ballot, it could include East Gillespie.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Approved a lake lot lease transfer for 45 Bishop Drive to Patrick Sheppard.
- Approved a business license application for Ageless Apparel to open a storefront location for their printing business in the former Dombeck Dentistry building on South Macoupin. The business will employ three people. Fisher commented that Austin Peterson told him that he was interested in opening a downtown location in part because of the plans Grow Gillespie has unveiled to improve the downtown business district and stimulate commerce.
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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.
