Community News
July 25 School Board Meeting: Bernot Suggests Halt Construction
CUSD #7 school board met on the evening of July 25 for their regular scheduled meeting. Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman replaced Superintendent Paul Skeans while he is away on vacation. After 58 minutes in executive session, the board appeared before the public. All 7 board members were in attendance Monday night. After the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated, first tab under open action was personnel issues.
The board certificated many open vacancies tonight; they are as follows:
- Motion made by Bernot, seconded by Dobrino to appoint Matt Brawner as Gillespie High School Scholar Bowl Sponsor for FSY 2012.
- Motion made by Griffel, seconded by Carter to appoint Tina (Niehaus) Blevins as Gillespie High School Prom Sponsor for FSY 2012.
- Motion made by Schmidt, seconded by Bernot to appoint Andy Easton as Middle School Girls Assistant Basketball Coach for FSY 2012.
- Motion made by Alerpa, seconded by Carter to accept the resignation of Dennis Tiburzi as Gillespie High School Freshmen Boys Basketball Coach for FSY 2012 and to post the position of Gillespie High School Freshmen Boys Basketball Coach for FSY 2012. Griffel added to the discussion after the job was posted. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Tiburzi,” Griffel said, “on an excellent job as freshmen coach. He has been coach for over 20 years and I have had 2 sons go through his program. I greatly commend him and all I can say is, he will be greatly missed.”
- Motion made by Bernot, seconded by Carter to recall CUSD #7 paraprofessionals as presented for FSY 2012; Amy Baker (BES), Trinity Bray-Jet (GMS), Theresa Carter (BES), Sharon Heyen (BES – Title), Misty Parker (BES – Title), Ella May Roemer (GHS), Tim Wargo (GMS), Kathy Wheeler (GHS – Staunton), and Nicole Zenner (Pre-Kindergarten Aide).
In legal action, motion made by Alepra, seconded by Griffel to accept legal easements as presented. Griffel added that the drainage of the water on the new elementary site will drain from the east instead of the west. He provided that this will be very convenient, there were no other comments made.
Under the consent agenda, motion made by Carter, seconded by Schmidt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting and executive session minutes of June 27 and the special meeting minutes and executive session minutes of July 13, 2011. In further action, the board approved the payment of July bills. Motion made by Bernot, seconded by Dobrino to approve payment of the July bills as follows:
- Education Fund: $88,774.29
- Building Fund: $191,894.51
- Transportation Fund: $8,031.00
- Total Insurance Fund: $25,116.00
- For a Grand Total of: $313,815.80
With no recognition of the public, Mr. Tieman read the superintendent’s report. Tieman advised the public that Mr. Paul Skeans recently attended a city council meeting to advice them that road was being built from Route 16 to the site of the new elementary school so there will be no destruction to Kelly Street. Tieman also provided that the school is only 54% of the property taxes. As many residents taxes are increasing, the school is not fully accountable for the increase since it is only about half of it. Tieman added that the 5 year plan is available in the library and advised the public to get one and view what is in store for the district in the next 5 years. Alepra added that the past plans have been changed 11 times due to the amount of progress the school is making.
Mr. Tieman then turned it over to the principals. Ms. Angela Turcol (Benld) discussed Family Literacy Night. The program is funded by an IRC Grant which was awarded to the Title Reading Teachers: Dana Tieman, Suzie Tiburzi, Lorraine Strutner, and Kimberly Link. The grant is $1500 and is to be used to promote family reading. The family literacy night is planned for September 8 from 6:00-8:00pm. Every student who attends the program will leave with book to keep as their own. Turcol went on to discuss the summer reading program. The program was instated at the end of the last school year when each student was given a summer reading packet to encourage them to read throughout the summer. When the students return in August, they will turn in the reading form to their teacher and be given a token for a Dairy Queen treat as well as other recognition. Turcol is working on the ISAT report for the teachers so they will know how last year’s students scored as well as enable them to begin working on the students’ skills immediately.
Tieman reads the superintendent's report.
Ms. Lori Emmons then gave the principals report for the middle school. Emmons said registration is set to begin August 2nd, and all information regarding sign-ups can be found on the districts website. Emmons also advised the board that baseball practice will begin next week. The ISAT data was compiled from individual student scores by Emmons through the student information systems on the ISBE website. According to her data, 6th grade had 51 students increase in Language Arts while 25 fell and 66 students increased in Math while 15 fell. In 7th grade, 80 students increased in Language Arts while 13 fell and 63 increased in Math while 17 fell. In 8th grade, 49 students increased in Language Arts and 13 fells while 52 students increased in Math and 5 fell. Overall, the middle school noticed a slight increase, but is still not meeting comparing to the rest of the nation.
Mr. Dennis Tiburzi then updated what is going on in the high school. Tiburzi stated that registration is slated for next week and an informational meeting on “8th period” is scheduled for Tuesday, August 9 at 6:00 pm in the cafeteria. Tiburzi also advised the board that the freshmen orientation is scheduled for Thursday, August 11 at 6:00pm and a meet and greet with the new band director is scheduled for July 30 at 1:00 in the afternoon. Tiburzi provided insight on the athletics also. 10 footballs helmets were received from a $1500 grant from USA Football, this is the fourth year the program has received this grant. The football team just got back from Vanderbilt were they competed in a 7 on 7 passing tournament. The girls volleyball team competed in a summer tournament and the JV squad did very well in Auburn, Tiburzi said. Both the girls and boys basketball summer programs are wrapping up as well as the boys soccer program. The soccer program just completed a summer camp and Tiburzi announced that all home games will now be played at the Coal County Sports Complex near Little Dog Mine now.
Board listens to Hyde explaining the energy efficient features incorporated in the new school.
In old business, Hyde and Bernot explained the school in Richardsville they viewed over the weekend. Bernot explained the school is one of his greatest experiences in his life and he highly advised the board to consider halting construction and having Hyde draw up a 2 story plan that could potentially save the district 10 million dollars. After much debate from Griffel and other board members, no action was taken. Griffel said the contracts for the mine grouting is already signed and to reject the contract now would be a tedious process as well as a possible lawsuit. Bernot assured him that the contract has not even been signed “for one” and “If you read the contract,” Bernot stated, “we have the option to null any contract at any time.” Alepra added that waiting on construction could jeopardize the CBD grant. Bernot persistently went on to advice the board that they are just a phone call away. “I am sure they would understand that we could potentially save them millions of dollars, I am sure we would get our extension then,” Bernot said. With much debate, the board decided it was proper to go ahead with the $27 million dollar school and there will be no changes to the design.
Bernot seemed to get the last word in again, “There is an elephant in here; is it our objective to spend the most money on this school and send the bill to the taxpayers? No, but that is what it seems like you all want to do! We had 2 designs for the school, a ‘H’ design and a ‘V’ design. As you all know, the ‘H’ was $150,000 cheaper and yet we still went with the ‘V’. Now that is only $150,000, we are talking $10 million dollars here! Our architect just stood before you and told you that 2 story building would be cheaper, and yet none of you blink. I went to Kentucky to compare two schools and I come back and tell yous that this new design could save $10 million dollars and none of you blink an eye.”
With no other comments, the board moved on to awarding bids. The board awarded trash, fuel, milk, and bread bids. With a motion made by Alepra, seconded by Dobrino, the district awarded the trash bid to Merritt of Bunker Hill. Merritt will cost $17,550 for 3 years and there will be no increase each year. The fuel bid was awarded to M&M Service Company of Carlinville, the milk bid to Prairie Farms in Carlinville, and the bread bid to IBC Sales Preparation of Peoria for FSY 2012 as presented.
In new business, motion made by Hayes, seconded by Carter to approve student fees for FSY 2012 as presented. All $20 classes were raised to $25. Driver’s Education remained at $50 for this year, but is expected to be raised FSY 2013. Welding class was raised from $50 to $60. The parking sticker fee was also raised from $50 to $60. The textbook rental fees remained the same as well as the locker fee and all cafeteria food prices.
In other new business, motion made by Alepra, seconded by Dobrino to keep executive session minutes from March 2010 to February 2011 closed and to destroy executive session tapes from September 2008 to August 2009.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:18 and the next board meeting is scheduled for August 15 at 7:00pm.
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.
