Community News
Hyde assures Board New School will be complete in Feb. 2013
8th period is a great success
Tom Hyde presents the new school exterior materials to the school board.
Tom Hyde updated the school board on current capital projects on Monday evening’s board meeting that took place on April 23. Hyde introduced an updated schedule and an overall planning schedule. The planning schedule dated from 2009 when the site selection committee was established to 2012, where we are today.
The construction schedule is set to be complete in February of 2013. “There is a lot to go yet, but that is kind of what we are looking at,” Hyde explained. He went on to say the biggest issue that set the project back was the mine grouting. According to Hyde, they planned for three months and it took five months.
Korte & Luitjohan started April 1 and has most of the foundation complete and will start on the south end of the building shortly. Their work is scheduled to be complete toward the end of May. Steel should be brought it in the beginning of next week. Contegra has also started on the underground plumbing.
Hyde then went on to explain the color scheme to the board. The outside of the school will be “Gillespie Brick” along with 3 feet of pre-cast material which will look like lime-stone. “It doesn’t look like lime-stone up close, but it will from a distance,” Hyde assured. The exterior roof will be beige along with the accent material of the windows. “It will go best with the brick.”
“We are looking at a 39% energy efficient savings over the requirements for today,” Hyde noted, “The number still does not reflect wind power and natural day light.” Hyde went on to ask the school board to approve a $53,107 change order on the installation for underground utilities. The underground wiring would run from the Methodist Church down Kelly Street into the transformer outside of the school. To eliminate all above ground powering from the church down to Oak Street would basically hide all the wiring on the entire property. The figure also includes 5 street lights down Kelly Street.
Jennifer Brown, RTR director, explains that the 8th period is a great success.
Superintendent Paul Skeans urged the board to approve the $53,107 change order to “beautify” the property. “I want the school to look as beautiful as possible and I think we could do this by hiding all the wiring,” Skeans added. Board members frowned upon why these figures were not included in the original bid while Hyde explained that Ameren was not available at that time to get their bid. The school board later went on to object the change order and keep the wiring above ground for no additional cost.
Mrs. Jennifer Brown, RTR director, gave the school board an update on eighth period. Brown reiterated that the program is only for first and second semester senior and juniors whose grade point average was above 3.0 along with second semester sophomore who were above 3.0. “I think the program is great,” Brown explained, “We moved some kids out of the program. I think it is a great success!”
Targeted students receive interventions at least twice per week or four intensive days if they are need of both math and reading. Other students can use their time in eighth hour with their teachers using a pass system, so they could get the one-on-one time with their teachers. 30% of the students in the program were able to filter out of tier two small group instruction for eighth hour and 75% of students overall have showed marked improvement.
Under certificated personnel, the Board of Education hired Jennifer Brown for summer school 2012 consumer education and driver’s education and hired Rob Macias for summer school 2012 drivers’ education. They also approved posting for 2 Elementary School teaching positions for FSY 2013.
For non-certificated, the Board of Education hired Denise Graham for the Unit Office Staff position and posted a summer food service position. The board also accepted resignation of high school scholar bowl coach, Matt Brawner effective at the end of the FSY 2012. The board went on to approve to post for a high school scholar bowl coach position for FSY 2013.
After requesting bids on three school buses, the board approved sales of the surplus property. The board of education accepted the bid of $2,051.25 from John Van Doren for bus #8, a 1996 International Thomas 65 passenger school bus. They also accepted the bid of $3,015.00 for bus #9, 2001 Freightliner Thomas 65 passenger school bus, and $1,420.00 for bus #17, 1993 International Thomas 71 passenger school bus, from Ponder Equipment & Company.
School administrators then updated the board on current activity in each building. Mr. Tiburzi, high school principal, told the board that mid-term report cards were distributed on April 19th. He also congratulated Dallas DeMartini on his first place WYSE state physics competition and congratulated Abigail Harszy as she was a state winner in Environmental Science and Natural resources Management competition.
Tiburzi went on to extend congratulations to Zach Logan for runner-up in Diversified Horticulture competition and to the Ag Mechanics Team who received first place in sectional competition. Members included Zach Logan (First Electricity), Kyle Reid (First Tractor Power), Graham Cooper (First Welding), Stephanie Hartke (Second Surveying), Austin Neider (Second Carpentry), and Spencer Laughlin (Fifth Ag Business Management).
Lastly, he congratulated Austin Neider for first in MTI Welding Competition along with Graham Cooper who received second and Josh Jacobs who received third. He went on to explain that prom is scheduled for May 5 and graduation is slated for May 20 at 2:00pm.
Lori Emmons, middle school principal, extended her luck to Stephen DeMartini and Emily Harszy who will be attending the State Science Fair in Champaign. She also explained that fifth grade students will attend an orientation in the middle school to ease the preparation for sixth grade. “We are very excited to do this for our future 6 grade students,” Emmons explained, “Hopefully it will ease some of the anxiety that goes along with starting middle school.”
Emmons went on to announce that the middle school honors banquet will be on May 2 and Mrs. Gloria Sidar will be the guest speaker. She closed with conference news. The baseball team won the 2M conference this year along with the eighth grade basketball team while the eighth grade girls baseball team and seventh grade boys basketball team got second in the 2M conference.
Benld Elementary principal, Angela Turcol, announced that Rylee Jarman won the fifth grade spelling bee held at Carlinville Intermediate School. She also went on to say that the AR Picnic with the Principal is going to be held on May 11. Students who reached their AR goal will be treated to a picnic at Big Brick Park where they get to dine with the principal and engage in activities.
Lastly, the board approved the FSY 2013 school calendar as presented, and approved to amend FSY 2012 calendar as presented in new business. They also approved to apply for the 50/50 match maintenance Grant of $50,000 as presented and accepted the FSY 2012 School District Library Grant in the amount of $1,012.57.
Comments
FELONIES
Christopher L. Black, 43 of Virden, is charged with home invasion/causing injury and two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer in connection with a January 4 incident.
Casey W. Sobberi, 40 of Wilsonville, is charged with burglary in connection with a January 3 incident.
Eugene Arnold, 62 of Royal Lakes, is charged with aggravated battery/great bodily harm, aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, and domestic battery/bodily harm in connection with a January 6 incident.
Michael A. Upton, 34 of Palmyra, is charged with twelve counts of child pornography and possession of methamphetamine (5 grams) in connection with multiple dates in 2025.
Bryer D. Greff, 31 of Virden, is charged with aggravated battery/public place, resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee, and two counts of disorderly conduct in connection with a January 7 incident.
Shayne W. Dugger, 26 of Palmyra, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a September 28 incident.
Sarah L. Winston, 36 of Carlinville, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 4 incident.
TRAFFIC
Austin D. Courier, 30 of Vriden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a December 30 incident.
Courtney N. Lomelino, 23 of Virden, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 25 incident.
William R. Dyer, 55 of Carlinville, is charged with leaving the scene, driver failing to give notice of a crash, transporting/carrying alcohol/driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, seat belt required/driver, and failure to reduce speed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Billy R. Austin, 44 of Modesto, is charged with expired registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and being unlicensed in connection with a January 4 incident.
Richard W. Wallis, 63 of Nilwood, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Stephanie E. Jennings, 34 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a January 6 incident.
Bruce A. Day, 60 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Clayton R. Sampson, 19 of Palmyra, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 6 incident.
Dakota R. Lavely, 20 of Troy, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 5 incident.
Wayne E. Mitchell, 46 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a revoked license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a December 30 incident.
Monty M. Gardner, 55 of Brighton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 2 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Catherine Harrison versus David Breen
- Margaret Putman versus Justin S. Putman
- Taunia R. Moore versus Blake A. Moore
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Wade Logan Yates of Brighton and Anna Catherine Marcy of Riverton.
- Douglas Guennewig and Buffy Riddens, both of Staunton.
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to South Hard Road in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighbor trouble.
Jiles R. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of another’s credit/debit card.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Osie Street and Handy Street in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Burton Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a neighborhood dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Walnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Adams Street in reference to ordinance issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Osie Street. Kylee P. Cothern, 18 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration and operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a hit and run traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Tiana F. McFarland, 28 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Virginia Street in East Gillespie. Debra A. Brooks, 65 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for speeding.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the High School office in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Darlene Karns, 70 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 7th Street and Pine Street in Benld. Dylan S. Richards, 32 of Staunton, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Montgomery Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 500 block of South Jersey Street.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint in the 200 block of West Maple Street.
The School Resource Officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Frey Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Racheal A. Aleshire, 47 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while her license was revoked.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Central Avenue in Benld. Amber R. Brackett, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration and for no insurance.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to an intoxicated pedestrian.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Virginia Street in East Gillespie in reference to stalking.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
FELONIES
Micah J. Ramsey, 39 of Carlinville, is charged with aiding/abetting/selling a stolen vehicle and driving on a revoked license in connection with a December 27 incident.
Shawn M. McBride, 38 of Staunton, is charged with obstructing justice/destroying evidence in connection with a December 18 incident.
Riley G. Rhodes, 18 of Carlinville, is charged with possession/displaying an altered ID card in connection with a December 18 incident.
Shane S. Bell, 35 of Girard, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a November 6 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Ted. E. Hanner, 50 of Bunker Hill, is charged with obstructing identification in connection with a December 3 incident.
Brittany M. Lyons, 35 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a December 19 incident.
Betty J. Jamieson, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with violating the animal control act in connection with a December 29 incident.
James J. Denby, 27 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with a December 8 incident.
Tricia J. Pfeiler, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/cause bodily harm and cruelty to animals in connection with a January 1 incident.
Rodney J. Rosentreter, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) and resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with a January 1 incident.
TRAFFIC
Rustin L. Reed, 19 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a December 27 incident.
Passion M. Kinzey, 33 of Chicago, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 27 incident.
Ella R. Robinson, 20 of Bonne Terre, MO, is charged with speeding 35 mph over the limit in connection with a December 30 incident.
Julie B. Kruse, 55 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a December 18 incident.
Gregory A. Knezic, 60 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license and improper use of registration/title in connection with a December 23 incident.
Dixie L. Moffitt, 73 of Worden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a December 22 incident.
Dakota L. Schoondyke, 28 of Virden, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in connection with a December 26 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Debra E. Seago versus Carl L. Seago Jr.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- David L. Ehlers and Shirley Marie Lee Haines, both of Bunker Hill.
- Steven D. Clattenburg and Billie Jo Croll, both of Virden.
- Robert J. Halpin and Chelsea L. Kirkover, both of Gillespie.
