Community News
CUSD 7 teachers, administration reach tentative contract agreement
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education are set to meet in special session at 6 p.m., Monday, March 11, to consider ratifying a tentative contract between the union representing district school teachers and the school district. Union membership was set to vote on the contract on Tuesday.
Board members learned an agreement had been reached during their regular monthly meeting Monday night. Supt. Shane Owsley did not discuss details of the contract in open session, pending final approval and ratification by the board and union.
The contract resulted from several weeks of meetings conducted as “interest-based” negotiations—an innovative bargaining structure designed to lessen the adversarial nature of many contract negotiations. Owsley said the method was introduced by the Illinois Association of School Boards, which sent a representative to facilitate the meetings.
Under the meeting structure, union members and members of the board’s negotiating committee were seated around a round table instead of across from each other. Each side was encouraged to discuss proposals based on the interests of each group. The ideas, however, had to be accompanied by a rationale for why the parties wanted a specific consideration and how it could be accomplished.
“It became more of a back-and-forth discussion,” Owsley told the BenGil Post. “It was less adversarial than normal negotiations.”
Union President Jennifer Parker had high praise for the new approach, reading a statement from the union to the board:
“We would like to thank Superintendent Owsley and the board negotiating team for their time and the opportunity to share interests,” Parker said. “Together we have undergone training on a new bargaining method, and over the past several weeks met multiple times to discuss shared interests. Over this time, we not only reached a tentative agreement on a contract extension but also a deeper understanding of the reasons behind each other’s requests. We look forward to continuing this open exchange of ideas between all parties and thank the board and Mr. Owsley for their willingness to try this new method.”
In addition to voting on the contract on March 11, members of the Building and Grounds Committee will convene immediately after the special meeting to discuss capital improvement plans for the next three years. Owsley pointed out the district has three years to spend proceeds of a $1.6 million alternate revenue bond sale late last year. The district has dipped into those funds for a new weight room and improvements to the high school baseball and softball fields, but roughly $800,000 of the money remains uncommitted.
The committee is expected to start proposing and prioritizing projects.
Though no date was set, Owsley also encouraged the Strategic Planning Committee to meet in the near future, noting that some aspects of the Strategic Plan may overlap with projects proposed by the Building and Grounds Committee.
“I think it would be good for us to sit down and make a list of projects and prioritize them,” Owsley said.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of 90 minutes, the board voted unanimously to extend the contracts of BenGil Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto, High School Principal Jill Rosentreter, and Assistant Principal Tara Cooper by one year each, and Middle School Principal Patrick McGinty by two years. Board President Mark Hayes said the action places all four administrators on standardized three-year contracts.
By unanimous votes, the board hired Casey Fellin as head high school women’s soccer coach, Michael Rodriguez and assistant high school women’s soccer coach, and Lindsay Bearden as volunteer high school women’s soccer coach, all pending confirmation of certification and a background check.
Elizabeth Visintin was unanimously hired as eighth-grade girls basketball coach, pending confirmation of certification and a background check, and Pete Visintin was unanimously hired as seventh-grade girls basketball coach.
Jessica Kelly was hired as middle school assistant girls track coach.
Board members accepted the resignation of Chase Peterson as eighth-grade boys basketball coach and posted the position as vacant.
Former Transportation Director Gary Niehaus was hired as a full-route district bus driver. Niehaus previously served as Transportation Director, retiring in 2021.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a “District Focus” segment, the board recognized participants in this year’s Yotes basketball program, as well as student photographers whose works were recognized this year in the Scholastic Art and Writing competition.
GMS Principal Patrick McGinty told the board the middle school does not have a formal art competition but that he is happy that Casey Edgerton has somewhat addressed that void by sponsoring an Encore photography class. This year, two photography students submitted prints to the Mid-Illinois Regional competition. Madison Durston received an honorable mention, and Sydney Wilson was one of 59 Gold Key winners. Wilson’s photograph, “Driving into Dreams,” will advance to judging at the national level.
In addition to those enrolled in Edgerton’s photography class, high school art students Lex Collins and Macie Wright were recognized at the regional level. Collins had two honorable mentions for her drawings and Wright had two gold key pottery submissions.
Edgerton said she started the photography class last year to provide GMS students with a creative outlet. Durston submitted two pieces that year, earning two Silver Key awards.
This year’s regional competition had 762 entries from 32 schools representing 33 counties.
High School Principal Jill Rosentreter offered high praise for the Yotes basketball program. Offered under the auspices of the Special Olympics organization, the Yotes (short of “Coyotes,” the team’s mascot), pairs special education students with high school athletes, providing students with an opportunity to participate in organized athletics.
“This is more than just a Gillespie basketball program,” Rosentreter said. “This is a unification program that builds relationships between students in Mrs. (Jen) Houck’s classroom and other student athletes.” She said the program provided special education students with experiences that “none of them have had before,” including the opportunity to play games in front of a packed gym.
Coached by Dalton Barnes, the team played games this year against North Greene and Triad, with another home game planned against North Greene.
Surrounded by team participants, Houck told the board Community Unit School District 7 has been designated a Unification Champion School, in part because of the Yotes program by the Special Olympics organization. As part of the Unification designation, the school will observe Respect Week next week, she said.
In addition to the basketball program, the school is sponsoring a Yotes bass fishing team, members of which will compete in tournament fishing this spring.
“All these kids had a blast,” Houck said, adding that she hopes to add Yotes bowling, track and dance next year.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Pastor Dane Solari visited the board meeting to advise that Trinity Baptist Church recently completed a 10,000 square-foot addition, featuring classrooms, office space and a common area for fellowship events. Solari said the congregation wants to “open our doors” to the community, and invited the school to make use of the structure if there is a need.
He also volunteered members of the congregation to take part in landscaping projects or other projects the school needs to have completed.
“We’d like to offer our church to come take something off your ‘to-do’ list,” he said. “We have a lot of skilled workers in our church.”
Supt. Owsley told Solari the district greatly appreciated the church’s offer. “I’m sure we will be reaching out to you,” he said.
AUDITOR HIRE
The board voted to again retain Loy, Miller, Talley, P.C. to perform the district’s annual audit at a cost not to exceed $14,030. The firm has performer the annual audit for the past several years.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Board members placed on first-reading a tentative school calendar for the 2024-25 school year. The tentative calendar calls for 173 days of class attendance with five hours and 50 minutes of instruction each day. The first day of student attendance would be Aug. 14, with the last day of attendance on May 29. Commencement ceremonies would be May 18.
School holidays would be as usual on Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day and Memorial Day. The Thanksgiving Day holiday would run Nov. 27 to Nov. 29. The Winter Holiday would run from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, and Spring Break would be April 17-21. One change from past practice, students would have Monday, Nov. 4, and Tuesday, Nov. 5, off for Election Day.
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FELONIES
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
“History Belongs to All of Us”: Focus of Carlinville Community Conversation Series starting May 4
“History Belongs to All of Us,” a three-month series of events and activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasizing Illinois’ role in seizing liberty for the American people will kick off Monday, May 4, and continue through July 16, 2026.
The series is project of Carlinville Winning Communities funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities. The events will encourage participants to examine and discuss the Declaration of Independence and other primary historical documents through facilitated conversations, according to Mary Tinder, a Macoupin County Historical Society & Carlinville Winning Communities board member.
Carlinville Winning Communities was one of only 13 entities statewide to receive an Illinois Humanities grant to support the Community Conversations Series.
We are fortunate to have received Illinois Humanities funding for this unique project, With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is altogether fitting to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going, as well as to reflect on both and the cultural impact of our independence, Tinder said.
In keeping with the “History Belongs to All of Us” theme, several of the presentations and discussions will emphasize the role of Native Americans and the impact of American independence on Native American and other cultures.
Program topics will be explored through presentations by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, live readings of historic documents, art, music and discussions. The programs are free to attend and all venues are handicapped accessible.
The series kicks off with “Illinois in the Revolutionary War,” a presentation by local historian and author Tom Emery, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Macoupin County Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Emery will lead a discussion of information included in his most recently published book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War.
“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” said Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”
A discussion of Nicholas Welch’s 1812 Land Grant and the Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk/Sac Indian tribes, is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the Anderson Home parlor on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. Under the Land Grant program, the government set aside more than five million acres in western Illinois to compensate American war veterans with large tracts of land. Though Welch never set foot in Illinois, the granting of land to him displaced Black Hawk from his home in the area of present-day Rock Island. The facilitated discussion will focus on original historic documents, juxtaposing Welch’s land grant with Black Hawk’s experience.
Because of the smaller, more intimate venue, reservations are required. RSVP to marytinder1@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
“Relive the Mother Road: The Edwards Trace,” a collective analysis of documents and a look at contemporary research will be led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Anna Sielaff, Friday afternoon, June 26, during an Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee on the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn. Sielaff will discuss the 3,000-year-old Edwards Trace, used by Native Americans and early Illinois settlers, that stretched from Cahokia to Peoria. Portions of the trace run through Macoupin County, and some sections lay along the original alignment of Route 66. Imagine Rural Arts also will lead an art project in connection with how the trail was marked.
The Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee event runs from noon into the evening with food, musical performances, literary presentations, games, food and other activities.
The date is significant for Carlinville and Route 66 since 6/26/26 happens to be our zip code! The Jubilee offers a variety of experiences and taking a deeper look at the Edwards Trace and the Mother Road is an interesting way to explore local history on this unique date and location, Tinder noted.
Continuing on to the July 4th holiday, Macoupin County high school and college students will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in the main courtroom of the historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville at 10 a.m. The event also will feature a display of more than 30 historic flags provided by the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A facilitated discussion will follow the reading and participants will be invited to sign the “Macoupin County America @ 250 Time Capsule” book. The book will then be on display at the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Andrea Duncan, one of the organizers.
A unique and somewhat mysterious artifact from Macoupin County will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. Sharon Breyden and husband Tommy Breyden will display and discuss the Black Hawk Tablet, uncovered in the 1940s on a farm near Hettick. The odd inscriptions on the lead medallion suggests Black Hawk and an early Macoupin settler formalized an agreement to peacefully coexist in central Illinois.
For the final program of the Carlinville Community Conversations series, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, a member of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, will present “We the Native People” at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. The focus is on Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. The interactive program will use traditional story-telling and music to help audience members understand the groundswell changes in Native American culture and lifestyle resulting from American independence and subsequent western expansion.
For more information and details about the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, contact Carlinville Winning Communities Board members, Andrea Duncan, (217) 204-1446, or Mary Tinder, (217) 825-9699.
