Community News
Gillespie Council tables Audit contract
In search of lower bid
Jared DePoppe explains that the department collected 30 self initiated ordinances last month.
“It is audit time!” Mayor John Hicks proclaimed. On the May 14th regular council meeting, Mayor Hicks presented the council with a bid from Fleming & Tawfall to do the annual audit. The open ended bid would be between $7,500 and $10,700. The bid would fluctuate depending on the work entailed, but it would not exceed $10,700.
“In the years past, it has cost us $10,000,” Hicks noted. The council has used Fleming & Tawfall for the past few years and said “they know the system.” The council named multiple audit agencies in the area that would be available for hire. Tawfall usually does not get to Gillespie until the fall to do the audit, according to Fisher.
The council decided they were going to call around and get other bids before they approve a bid. The council also said they were going to call White Sanitation too about a contact received in the mail. The contract would cover any damage done to the 4 portable restrooms in Gillespie. Gillespie has 3 restrooms at the lake and 1 restroom at Big Brick Park.
The contract stated the City of Gillespie would be responsible for any damage done to the portable restroom and the City agrees to cover the expense of the entire restroom. According to Hicks, we have never signed a contract before. He explained that he was going to call and see if the liability contract is new.
Mayor John Hicks then updated the council that he has been in contact with Kurt Westridge about an ITEP grant for the City of Gillespie. Hicks it is due by May 29 and the city did it two years ago for $5,000. The grant would be for downtown improvements such as sidewalks and lighting.
The lighting is a 50/50 matching grant while the sidewalks are 80/20. The last grant was worth $165,000 in lighting and $80,000 for stamp concrete and installation of concrete. Engineering cost would be about $11,000 and would come out of the grant.
Dan Fisher did not understand why the city has to pay to file for a grant when they paid last time. “It should be done and we already paid for that,” Fisher said, “There is only a few minutes of typing left, so we should apply for it without paying for it.” Fisher went on to suggest that the city use West Central, which does not charge, and not pay to reapply.
According to the mayor, the engineering was supposed to be good for 5 years. Fisher then said that he does not feel comfortable paying to apply when the council can do it themselves. The council approved a motion to apply for the grant, but Fisher is going to find out more information and come back and update the council.
Jared DePoppe, Chief of Police, advised the council that the he had a slower month last month. He did note that the department is getting more reimbursements from ordinance violations. The department handled 30 self-initiated ordinances last month. The council complimented the chief on the report from the chief.
In new business, the council gave the committee the power to act on payments of the demolition project. “There are a few things we have to work out yet, but we will get those resolved in the next week,” Hicks explained. The council went on to approve the motion, but said they would rather hire an engineer in the future with projects like this.
Steve Kluthe brought up the open alcohol issue. “I would like to have it done before Black Diamond Days,” Kluthe noted. Other council members then said the beer tent would be on the South side this year in front of TwinnCo Real Estate. According to Jerry Doliger, it is too hot between the two buildings. The mayor noted Black Diamond Days does carry a liability policy.
Jim Alderson noted that the community had an overwhelming turn out for the recycling day last week. “We are getting a lot of stuff,” Alderson noted, “But people are having trouble bringing the right stuff.” He went on to say that he would like to city to redefine the rules by placing an ad in the newspaper. The council decided that it would a news item and not an ad.
John Ronald expressed an issue with the bike trail. He would like to see it resealed and keep the mowing up. “I wasn’t sure on how we do that,” Ronald expressed. The mayor explained that it is 50/50 with Benld. Fisher said it could be done with a grant that is due by July 1. The mayor said Gillespie could contact Benld and see if they would like to do the same.
Lastly under standing committee reports, Jerry Doliger said the city will still do escorts into town for sporting activities. Although, there will not be any sirens played after 10 o’clock at night due to multiple complaints after last week. The council agreed that it was a good idea.
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2:18 Missions, a nonprofit focused on home repair projects in the Gillespie area and humanitarian efforts at Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky, has launched a spring food drive to support families served by the Henderson Settlement Food Pantry. The pantry assists low-income families across five counties in the Appalachian region, where a steady supply of nourishing food is essential.
The organization emphasizes that no donation is too small or too large. Right now, all contributions received from now through the first week of April will directly fund food for families in need. It costs roughly $35 to provide food for a family of four for an entire month, a goal that this drive aims to meet for as many families as possible.
Donations can be made in several convenient ways. Checks or cash may be given to any 2:18 Missions team member. For those who prefer digital options, donations are accepted via Venmo or PayPal at 2:18 Missions Nfp. Community members are also encouraged to follow and engage with updates on the 2:18 Missions Facebook page.
2:18 Missions stresses that every contribution, regardless of size, makes a tangible difference in the lives of families working to make ends meet in the mountains of Kentucky and the residents of Gillespie who support their neighbors in need. The organization invites the public to join in this effort and to help spread the word through social media and word of mouth.
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The Gillespie Public Library invites the community to its 13th annual Night of Trivia and Games, a popular evening of competition, camaraderie, and cash prizes. The event is set for Saturday, March 28, 2025, with doors opening at 6:15 p.m. and play beginning at 7 p.m. at the Gillespie Civic Center.
Attendees can expect a safe, social night out as organizers have arranged tables to accommodate social distancing, ensuring guests can enjoy the fun in a comfortable setting. The evening features prizes for first, second, and third place, along with a 50-50 drawing and other assorted cash games and prizes.
In keeping with the event’s lighthearted spirit, there will be no silent auction. Organizers emphasize that the goal is “Only laughs and fun,” with a chance to win money while enjoying a friendly competition format.
Entry is a $100 team fee, with a maximum of 10 players per team. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by March 25 to guarantee a table. Registration options include mailing a form to Gillespie Public Library, 201 W Chestnut, Gillespie, IL 62033; calling the library at 217-839-3614; or contacting Steve Joyce at 217-839-2839.
For those interested in joining or learning more, team captains should designate a contact person and provide a reachable phone number during registration.
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The estate of the late Lindell and Jean Loveless, longtime Macoupin County pork producers, has made generous equal gifts to The Partnership for Educational Excellence in Gillespie CUSD #7 and to the Carlinville CUSD #1 Education Foundation. The gifts come from the remainder of a family trust established to ensure high-quality end-of-life care and were divided upon Jean Loveless’s passing, with equal shares allocated to the education foundations in each district.
Tim Loveless, local businessman and son of Lindell and Jean, emphasized the family’s enduring commitment to education and practical life skills. “It was my parents’ desire to use these remaining funds to support and enhance career and technical education programs in our schools,” Loveless said. He recalled his family’s deep roots in hard work and the value of life skills, noting that “the spirit of this gift is to prepare students for life in general, and to prepare them to earn a living by learning a trade.”
“The bottom half of the class,” Tim continued, “needs financial education and practical skills. A person can learn and earn their way to success.” He described his parents’, grandparents’, and great-grandparents’ diverse ventures—from farming and cattle to turkey production, nursing homes, meat processing, swine production, and subdivisions—and underscored that high formal education is not the sole path to success, but motivation and skill are crucial. He expressed hope that the gift will help school districts boost opportunities for students who may doubt their ability to succeed.
John Fassero, Jr., president of The Partnership for Educational Excellence in CUSD7, welcomed the gift as a strong alignment with the Partnership’s mission. “This Loveless family gift is a perfect fit for the established goals and policies of The Partnership,” Fassero said.
Since its founding in 1992, The Partnership has awarded nearly 600 scholarships based on goals and hard work rather than GPA or class rank. Fassero noted that the organization has several scholarships targeted to the trades, and that nearly 20 scholars have pursued trade school education in the past four years alone. “In addition, two-thirds of The Partnership’s giving is directed to curriculum enhancement across all three schools and in all specialties, including shop and FFA,” Fassero added.
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