Community News
High school principal Dennis Tiburzi announces retirement at District Board Meeting
Board approves new starting/ending times for next school year
Board members Mark Hayes, Dave Griffel, Billy Carter, and Weye Schmidt laugh as Mr. Tiburzi says “Go Miners!”
During a regular school board meeting on May 20, the board accepted the resignation/retirement of high school Principal Dennis Tiburzi effective June 30, 2013. Tiburzi has been with the district for 16 years, but has taught for a total of 35.5 years. Board president Mark Hayes thanked Tiburzi for his years of service to the district.
Dennis Tiburzi expressed appreciation to the board thanking them for everything they have done. “I thank Superintendent Skeans and Mr. Tieman,” Tiburzi continued. “It has been a pleasure working with Ms. Turcol and Ms. Emmons. The district is on the right track. They are moving forward doing great things.”
The board wished Tiburzi well on his retirement. Tiburzi smiled and told the board he won’t be very far away if they need anything. “I plan to spend a lot of time with my wife in the new elementary school,” Dennis closed, “Go Miners!”
The board went on to post for a secondary school principal position.
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman questioned if the school board would like to consider new start and end times for FSY 2013. The middle school and high school would start school at 7:45am ending at 2:30pm. The elementary school would remain the same, 8am-3pm. “Basically, we are combining bus routes to save money. It is just making it much more efficient for the kids to get to school,” Superintendent Skeans explained. The board objected to take a vote on the item as everyone agreed it was in their interest to save money by grouping bus routes together.
Personnel
Board members Peyton Bernot, Don Dobrino, and Jennie Alepra write down how much the 2 new buses will cost.
The board voted 6-1, Weye Schmidt objecting, to hire Casey Sholtis as the high school boys’ basketball coach for the new school year and posted for the assistant basketball coach position. The school board also hired Whitney Paige as a school nurse 7-0.
In other certificated manners, the board posted for a pre-kindergarten/title reading teacher position and a middle school/high school business computer teacher.
Under non-certificated manners, the board posted for a unit district clerical position and appointed Jared Martin as high school boys’ soccer volunteer coach for the new school year. The board accepted resignation from John Blank, head coach of the girls’ soccer team. They posted for the position.
New Business
The school board approved the purchase of 2 new buses for the 2013-2014 school year. The two 2008 buses are used with 39,000 miles and 30,000 miles. The cost for the two buses total $95,540 with cameras already installed in them. The purchase was approved 7-0.
Transportation still has a 20% depreciation schedule for 5 years, so we turn in 20% depreciation after this year and they will send the district 20% back and the district will make the first payment with the received funds. Using the depreciation schedule for the State of Illinois, the district will not use any of their own funds.
The school board approved early graduation at the end of second semester requests for Rebecca Besserman, Jimi Jo Hagan, Ashlynn Jackson, Ricky Mouir, Alexis Moutrie, Alex Conlee, Whitney Gibson, and Cody Schlecte. The approval for graduation depends if all graduation requirements are met by that point in time. The board approved all requests 7-0.
Old Business
Superintendent Skeans brought up the Benld property again discussing what to do with the property once the old elementary school is demolished. Skeans told the board the sports group that has expressed interest in the property wrote a letter to the board asking consideration.
Once again, Skeans recommended the land either be given to a government agency or retained for district use. “The youth organization is an independent organization not related to any government agency,” Skeans closed.
Tom Hyde explained the project is still on hold due to the issue regarding the resolution as to when they can start. Skeans explained he was not aware of changes. He foresees the project to start within one week or two.
BenGil Elementary School Update
Tom Hyde, district architect, announced the new school is finishing up with substantial completion possible by the end of the week. “Substantial completion means we would take ownership of the building,” Hyde clarified. Skeans explained he has been pushing for substantial completion for a long time now as he gets to send in to receive the final part of the funding from the Capital Development Board once “substantial completion” is declared.
Tom Hyde explains the new elementary school could reach “substantial completion” by the end of this week.
Site work for the outside of the school is expected to be complete in about 4 weeks, Hyde explained. The crews need to do last minute paving, grading, and adding a layer of top soil. The geothermal well fields have all been completed and tested as well.
The district received formal approval for a $120,000 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community System for the PV systems. The $120,000 grant is based on 60% of the cost. The photovoltaic system will cost nearly $200,000.
Hyde then explained he had two change orders. The first change order was for B&B Electric and the middle school/high school data outlet revision. B&B Electric is installing and purchasing the surveillance system, installing the promethean boards, and adding additional data outlets in the hs/ms library and computer lab. The first change order had a total cost of $27,538 and was approved 7-0.
The second change order was to Contegra Construction to incorporate the overlay of Kelly Street into the project. The figure is higher because it is overlaying the entire Kelly Street. The cost for that project is $57,620 and was approved 7-0.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Tieman, assistant superintendent, explained data teams will meet in the summer and go over student test data. They will also format the data to display the information to teachers. In addition, Tieman asked for the board’s approval on the change in starting/ending time for the buildings starting next school year.
Administrator Updates
Mr. Dennis Tiburzi, high school principal, updated the council on the closing school year. Tiburzi explained the high school was awarded a bronze award from the U.S. News and World Report as the best high schools in Illinois for the second consecutive year. Tiburzi also explained the underclassmen will complete their school year on May 23 and 24 where they will take their final exams. Lastly, Mr. Tiburzi explained the Class of 2013 exceeded $507,000 in scholarship funds.
In the middle school, Lori Emmons explained 6th grade students submitted Letters About Literature and one student, Drew Timmermeier, was selected as an Illinois Semi-Finalist for his submission over Civil War Spies by Camilla J. Wilson. Emmons also explained the 8th grade promotion will take place on May 29th at 6:00pm in the high school gymnasium.
Ms. Angela Turcol explained nearly 25 elementary teachers will attend a book study on June 12 covering the Leader in Me. She also added 100 students earned lunch with the principal by meeting their reading goals.
May Bills
Education Fund: $71,691.12
Transportation Fund: $9,080.43
Site & Construction Fund: $698,138.18
Building Fund: $10,557.23
Grand Total: $789,466.96
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FELONIES
Trey W. Fenton, 34 of Mount Olive, is charged with residential burglary, burglary without causing damage, and criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a November 3 incident.
Peyton R. Pehrson, 26 of Benld, is charged with two counts of aggravated DUI/license suspended or revoked, DUI/BAC 0.08, DUI, driving on a suspended license, driving 21-25 mph above the limit, expired registration, disregarding a stop sign, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
John M. Molinar, 40 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to residence in connection with a November 2 incident.
TRAFFIC
Robert M. Keffer, 38 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 25 incident.
Haidyn D. Branson, 25 of Hettick, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 25 incident.
Asa M. Proctor, 47 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 28 incident.
Rodjai A. Johnson, 21 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
Amber L. Burgess, 45 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 23 incident.
Shane C. Chance, 29 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an October 28 incident.
Jerry J. Wilson, 77 of Carlinville, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an October 30 incident.
Shannon J. Ward, 44 of Modesto, is charged with improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with an October 28 incident.
Blake D. Roberts, 28 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license, unlawful use of cannabis/driver, and display plate attachment in connection with an October 30 incident.
Shota Gagelidze, 44 of Downers Grover, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a November 1 incident.
Christopher P. Smith, 39 of Chesterfield, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with an October 26 incident.
Chad C. Baumann, 54 of Chicago, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an October 27 incident.
David A. Rithe, 44 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license, driver failing to give notice of a crash, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and failure to reduce speed in connection with an October 29 incident.
Donald E. Bruhn, 66 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an October 29 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Rocky Lyle Smith versus Rebecca Lee Smith
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Tyler Luke Semplowski of Peoria and Margaret Anne Moore of Gillespie
- Craig Charles Wicker and Cheryl A. Scroggins, both of Staunton
- Jacob William Feeley and Kaitlin Marie Moore, both of Plainview
- Peyton Scott Hudspeth and Macy Danielle Rhodes, both of Divernon
- Cody Stephen Bradley and Savannah Michelle Norris, both of Auburn
Comments
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to an animal call.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld. Mandy V. Aldridge, 44 of Benld, was issued a citation for driving a vehicle with suspended registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. Stormee M. Lyons, 32 of Benld, was issued citations for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and operating a vehicle while using an electronic device.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Lincoln Street and Edgar Street in Eagarville. Tony L. Law, 58 of Benld, was issued citations for operating an uninsured vehicle, no valid driver’s license, and expired registration.
An Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025
An officer was out with a vehicle in the 300 block of East Central in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was out with a subject in the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Frey Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a juvenile at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a dispute in the 500 block of West Baker Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Broadway Street. Seth E. Bruhn, 45 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for operating a vehicle with expired registration.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a domestic battery in the 400 block of South Kentucky Street in Benld. Devon W. Pulley, 18 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint. Kussandra D. Hildebrand, 30 of Benld, was issued a citation for a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Shelby Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Crystal D. Bryant, 37 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to Calcari Street in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to criminal trespass. Melissa J. Hughes, 50 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for theft, and she was also issued a citation for criminal trespass.
An officer dispatched to Cedar Street and Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Route 138 in Mt. Clare in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Frey Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to Henry Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Alec T. Laughlin, 20 of Livingston, was issued citations for operating an uninsured vehicle and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a motorist assist.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 1200 block of South Second Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to take a report of fraud in the 600 block of West Oak Street.
An officer was out in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference an animal complaint.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Jackeline K. Hernandez-Montufar, 24 of Beardstown, was issued citations for no valid driver’s license and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle in their driveway.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Pine in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to Route 138 by Benld Cemetery in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Madison Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was out on 5th Street and Locust Street in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was out on the 200 block of West Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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In a decisive finish that underscored his rising dominance in Illinois Class 1A cross country, senior Chaz Oberkfell of Gillespie High School claimed the state title with a time of 14:31.10 at the IHSA State Cross Country Championships held at Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 8.
Finishing just behind Oberkfell, sophomore Evan Knobloch of Toulon (Stark County) crossed the line in 14:46.25, placing second. Rounding out the top five were senior Blake McLeese of Tuscola (14:46.45), senior Luca Bryja of Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy) with 14:48.38, and senior Elijah Teefey of Pleasant Plains at 14:49.02.
This victory marks Oberkfell’s second IHSA Class 1A state championship. He also won the state crown as a junior in 2024 with a time of 14:31.87. In his sophomore year, he finished 21st with a 15:21.43 season-best time.
Looking ahead, Oberkfell is set to compete in the New Balance NXR Midwest Regional Championships on Sunday, November 16, at the LaVerne Gibson Course in Indiana. The meet serves as a critical stepping stone toward the national championships, and Oberkfell will look to carry his state momentum into the regional stage.
