Community News
Long time District 7 employee Artie Herron to retire
Board appoints Jill Rosentreter as Assistant Administrator
Tom Hyde explained the Ben-Gil Elementary School is nearly completed.
Board member Dave Griffel said it best Monday evening when he said, “For nearly 30 years you would call the district office and get a friendly, kind voice on the phone. If you would just ask for the boss, the answer would be ‘I will get Artie for you.’ During that time, Artie has been one of the most dedicated, friendly, and confident employees the district has had.”
Griffel continued saying Artie has blessed the district by taking care of the finances through the difficult times and more recent better times. “Thank you for everything you have done,” Griffel concluded. Other board members chipped in saying the resignation comes with a heavy heart and telling her she will truly be missed.
Artie Herron has decided to retire from her bookkeeper position at the administrative office after being with the district for 28 years. Artie started working in the district office when she was 29 and has decided its time to retire and relax. “I just want to spend more time with my kids and grandkids,” Artie said. The board accepted Artie’s resignation 6-0 during the district’s regular July meeting Monday evening, July 16.
Rosentreter as Assistant Administrator
After one month after the hiring of Lori Emmons to fill the principal position on both the high school and middle school level, the board appointed Jill Rosentreter to assist Emmons as the Assistant Administrator.
Rosentreter was previously the 8th grade science teacher, but will cash in her time in the classroom to be the assistant principal overseeing both the middle school and high school. Rosentreter was hired 5-1 with objection from Don Dobrino.
By eliminating the dean of students position and the assistant superintendent position pending Superintendent Skeans retirement, the board will eliminate 2 administrators at district 7 saving the district nearly $100,000 if Skeans stays until March of 2014 as he said in his resignation letter. The board has confirmed they will not fill the assistant superintendent position Joe Tieman is currently filling now when he moves to the superintendent position when Skeans retires.
The board went on to post for a district science teacher as Griffel opted to change the motion to read district science teacher rather than middle school science teacher. Griffel said he would like the district to hire a science teacher with master degree credentials so they could possibly take over a high school class to give high school students college credit.
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman confirmed Mike Bertagnolli will remain athletic director for the district without the dean of students role. Tieman also explained Bertagnolli will move back to a teaching position with the supplement role of athletic director.
Personnel Actions
The board recalled district paraprofessionals for FSY 2013-2014 as listed below: Amy Baker, Catherine Barylske, Trinity Bray-Jett, Theresa Carter, Sharon Heyen, Misty Parker, Ella May Roemer, Brandi Schoen, Tim Wargo, Kathy Wheeler, and Nikki Zenner.
The board also recommended hiring Cathy Edwards as district office secretary 6-0. The school board accepted resignations from Mellissa Bussman, high school cheerleading coach, and Kelly Lyons, assistant high school cheerleading coach.
Board looks at terminating Early Graduation
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman presented the board data pertaining to the amount of early graduates the high school has had over the past 10 years. Tieman explained sometimes there were no requests and sometimes there were around 9 with a high of 12 recently.
Joe Tieman explains raising the graduation credits is a double edged sword.
Surrounding school districts around us like Bunker Hill, Litchfield, and Carlinville offer early graduation much like Gillespie. Staunton, Mt. Olive, and Southwestern do not offer early graduation, according to Tieman.
Tieman explained all the information Monday evening was for “information only” as he asked the board if they would like him to continue looking at policy changes or to leave everything as is. Tieman suggested the board to grandfather in students in high school, if they suggest changing the policy. “We work off a 4 year plan in high school, so some kids at sophomore year are planning to graduate early and are taking courses ahead of time so they can graduate after 3 ½ years.”
Griffel asked what the district loses from state reimbursement when a student graduates early as he noted that was his only concern. “I don’t want to lose half a teacher’s salary because of early graduates,” Griffel explained. Tieman answered the figure was close to $5,000 each student.
Tieman also suggested alternatives such as raising the graduation requirement to more than 23 credits. He also explained that is a double edged sword saying it may not be mathematically possible for students who want to graduate early and it may pose extra difficulty to the students who are already struggling to get through high school.
Board president Mark Hayes said he wasn’t in favor of taking the early graduation away, but he would like to see a few scenarios on how it affects the district. Board member Weye Schmidt said every student has a unique situation. “It has to be pretty convincing for me to vote in the direction of taking it away,” Schmidt said. Jennie Alepra agreed asking if any of the districts that don’t allow early graduation have allowed it for unique situations.
Tieman said he would work on scenarios for the board and bring it back for the board in either the August or September meeting.
New Ben-Gil Elementary School Update
Tom Hyde explained the new elementary building has been “occupied” and “substantial completion” has almost been turned over. He also reported the storm damage has almost all been completed and the district has received about 90% of the money from the state.
Hyde presented the board with figures the school board opted to change in the June meeting. Adding swings onto the already proposed playground equipment would add $21,589 with nearly 75% of the figure being mulch since the area has to be expanded. The bid was approved 6-0.
Hyde also presented the board with a figure of $50,878 for additional furniture and equipment inside the school. The additional furniture for the classroom would be a rug and rocking chair to be used as a teaching resource in the Daily 5. “Both will be used for gathering time for reading time,” Angela Turcol, elementary principal, said. Other furniture includes folding tables for the lounge, chairs for faculty lounge and office, 4 fire resistant filing cabinets, and 4 lateral files for thr counseling office, nurse’s office, and principal’s office. The furniture bid was approved 6-0.
And finally, the last change order for sidewalks and fencing was for $201,436. The sidewalks would be added around the Ben-Gil Elementary School and the fencing was for the east, west, and south perimeter surrounding the football and baseball fields. The north side will be replaced by insurance; so all the fencing around the perimeter will be new now. The fencing bids also include fencing around the softball field being constructed on the new Ben-Gil Elementary campus. The fencing and sidewalk bid was accepted 6-0.
Tieman added the Gillespie Sports Boosters is donating 30 padded chairs for the new Ben-Gil Elementary School for the gymnasium, 15 for the home team and 15 for the away team. The chairs total $2,800 and the Sports Boosters will pay the total bill. “That is very nice of them,” Hayes explained.
New Business
District 7 awarded milk, bread, and fuel bids for the 2013-2014 school year, which they bid with surrounding schools. District 7 bids with Bunker Hill, Staunton, and Mt. Olive for the milk and bread bids, but only with Staunton for the fuel bid. The milk bid was awarded to Prairie Farms, the bread bid was awarded to Flowers Baking Company, and the fuel bid was awarded to M&M Service Company.
The board went on to award Contegra Construction to be construction manager for the storm damage repair for the high school gymnasium and concession stand near the football field. “Their fee is 5% which is their overhead profit percentage,” Hyde explained. “They also charge by unit prices which is 5.5% and they charge an hourly rate depending on who is on-site and what they are doing.”
They provide management and supervision over everything. “By going with a construction manager, we get to get everything repaired as soon as possible,” Hyde explained. Tieman explained the impact on the students is two fold by impacting students daily as students in P.E. have to go outside or use another facility, and it also impacts the fall and winter sports and those athletes.
July Bills
Education Fund: $21,567.40
Transportation Fund: $3,662.57
Site & Construction Fund: $2,237.50
Building Fund: $13,333.31
Grand Total: $40,800.78
NEXT BOARD MEETING: Monday, August 19th at 7:00pm in the Administration Annex
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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.
