Community News
Macoupin County Courthouse News
Date range: April 11-18, 2017. Visit the “Court News” category under the “Community News” tab for other editions.
LAWSUITS
A Brighton property owner is suing Paul Phelan, Jerseyville, and the GT/LT Trust, Jerseyville, for damages in excess of $50,000, claiming her property was permanently contaminated with gasoline from leaking underground storage tanks located on property for which the defendants allegedly are responsible. The plaintiff, Donna Schlief, claims she owns about 13 acres lying north of the site of a former gas station in the 1000 block of Main Street, Brighton, that is owned by Phelan. The suit claims three underground storage tanks, installed between 1920 and the 1970s and removed between 1998 and 2005, were once located on the Phelan property. In December 1998, according to the suit, Phelan reported to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency that one of the tanks was leaking gasoline. Four years later, Phelan allegedly wrote to the plaintiff saying no contamination was discovered on the adjacent property and asked for her permission to allow United Science Industries to conduct testing on her property. Schleif gave her permission and the testing apparently was conducted, but Schlief claims she heard nothing more from Phelan or United Science Industries, which later went out of business. Subsequently, Ketchum and Eves, Inc., reportedly was retained to conduct new testing on the Phelan property, which revealed excessively high concentrations of benzene, a known carcinogen, the suit alleges. According to the suit, some 7,000 tons of contaminated soil was removed from the Phelan property, but the benzene contamination could not be abated. As a result, concrete pads were installed on the northeast and southeast corners of the property in an effort to blocking benzene vapor emissions. The suit further alleges that in December 2015, Schleif received a letter from Ketchum and Eves stating that her property was included in an area subject to groundwater ordinances forbidding the use of water wells for drinking water. A month later, Ketchum and Eves wrote to Schlief saying there was no analytical data demonstrating contamination of her property and asking for permission to conduct further testing on her property, which revealed excessive levels of benzene on the Schlief property. According to the suit, it was the first time the plaintiff had any knowledge that her property had been contaminated by the leak. Responding to a Corrective Action Report issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Ketchum and Eves began remediation on the plaintiff’s property in October 2016, removing 367 tons of contaminated soil. The suit alleges, however, that no remediation took place under City Limit Road, which lies between the plaintiff’s and defendant’s properties. Since no remediation took place under the road, the suit contends the plaintiff’s property is subject to recontamination as contaminants continue to migrate from Phelan’s property to hers. The suit alleges the defendants were negligent, trespassed on the plaintiff’s property by virtue of allowing the contamination and created a nuisance. As a result of the alleged conduct, she claims remediation of her property can never be fully accomplished, that it will never again be safe to drink well water from her property, that crop yields will be diminished, rental income from the property will be diminished and that the contamination will continue to be a risk to the health of the plaintiff, farm workers and tenants. The suit demands a jury trial.
A Brighton man who allegedly was twice beaten in his own home by an Alton man two years ago is suing his attacker for more than $50,000. The plaintiff, Chad J. Strohkirch claims he, Aaron P. Parka, Alton, and a female friend, Nicole Austin, went to the Bunkhouse tavern in Bunker Hill on May 12, 2015. Strohkirch and Austin later left the bar and went to Strohkirch’s home, leaving Parka behind at the Bunkhouse. Upon arriving at Strohkirch’s home, the couple went to bed, according to the suit, and sometime later, Parka entered the home without permission and attacked Strohkirch in the bedroom. The suit claims Parka struck Strohkirch in the face with a computer chair and repeatedly struck Strohkirch in the face with his fists. After Parka left, Strohkirch went into the bathroom to wash off blood from the attack and clean his injuries, according to the suit. Parka then allegedly returned to the home, locked himself in the bathroom with Strohkirch and again struck Strohkirch repeated in the face with this fists. The multiple-count lawsuit accuses Parka of assault, battery, infliction of emotional distress, trespass and false imprisonment. Strohkirch seeks a monetary judgment in excess of $50,000 for his alleged injuries, pain and anguish, medical expenses and dental expenses.
Capital One Bank is suing John G. Crocks, Girard, for $10,535.17, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted credit card account.
Asset Management, LLC, is suing Maurice R. Brubaker, Virden, for $14,207.82, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Citibank/Sears Gold credit card account.
SMALL CLAIMS
No court date has been set in a slander action filed by a Sawyerville man after a Macoupin County Circuit Court judge denied the plaintiff’s petition to waive filing fees. In the suit, Christopher Hicks is seeking damages of $10,000 from Jennifer K. Miller, Sawyerville, claiming Miller “knowingly communicated false allegations” against Hicks, “as well as false allegations that constitute ‘special damages’ according to 740-ILCS-145.” The statute cited refers to slander and libel under civil law. According to docket entries for the case, no court date will be set until Hicks pays filing fees of $136 to the Circuit Clerk and $54 to the Sheriff’s Department for serving a summons.
Capital One Bank is suing Dennis R. Miller, Carlinville, for $2,735.17, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted credit card account.
St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield, is suing Scott T. Forbes, Mount Olive, for $1,377.66, plus court costs, allegedly owed for hospital goods and medical services.
Discover Bank is suing Jeramie M. McFarland, Virden, for $3,137.41, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted credit card account.
Discover Bank is suing Emily Wilson, Virden, for $1,799.37, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted credit card account.
Cavalry SPV I, LLC, is suing Sam D. Ward, Brighton, for $4,319.36, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Citibank/Sears credit card account.
Cavalry SPV I, LLC, is suing Janice K. Wood, Brighton, for $4,582.32, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Citibank/Sears credit card account.
Crown Asset Management, LLC, is suing Beth A. Bramley, Brighton, for $3,543.56, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Citibank/Home Depot credit card account.
Capital One Bank is suing Carrie Vannatta, Palmyra, for $1,268.45, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted credit card account.
Capital One Bank is suing Sandra M. Petty, Gillespie, $2,770.20, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted credit card account.
Discover Bank is suing Kacie Meisenheimer, Virden, $1,3676.37, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted credit card account.
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC, is suing Karen Warren, Plainview, for $2,095.912, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Synchrony Bank/Walmart credit card account.
Midland Funding, LLC, is suing Amy Hubbard, Brighton, for $1,619.90, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Synchrony Bank/J.C. Penney credit card account.
Midland Funding, LLC, is suing Angela Griffith, Girard, for $3,028.58, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Citibank/Sears credit card account.
Midland Funding, LLC, is suing Mary Vannatto, Carlinville, for $978.14, plus court costs, that the plaintiff claims is owed on an allegedly defaulted Credit One Bank credit card account.
Peggy Opremchak, Virden, is suing Doug Baker, Virden, for $545 she claims the defendant owes her from a deposit she allegedly paid on an apartment in the 600 block of Dean Street that she rented from Baker.
Kravanya Funeral Homes, Gillespie, is suing William Thornhill II, Alton, for $3,043.50, plus court costs and $652.59 in interests, that the plaintiff claims is owed for funeral services provided in December 2013.
Kravanya Funeral Homes, Gillespie, is suing Tina Favre, Gillespie, for $8,458.44, plus court costs and $191.74 in interest, that the plaintiff claims is owed for funeral services provided in June 2016.
Kravanya Funeral Homes, Gillespie, is suing Kelly Hutchins, Gillespie, for $3,650.50, plus court costs and $138.96 in interest, that the plaintiff claims is owed for funeral services provided in January 2016.
FELONIES
Russell J. Horrighs, 32, Virden, is charged with criminal damage to property in excess of $500 in connection with an April 6 incident during which he allegedly caused more than $500 but less than $10,000 in damage to a red semi-truck tractor owned by Flowers Sanitation. Horrighs is accused of pulling a CB radio off its bracket, pulling the headliner down in the passenger compartment and tearing off speaker covers.
Annyssa R. Myers, 27, Virden, is charged with possession of less than five grams of a substance containing methamphetamine in connection with a Jan. 21 incident in Girard.
Terry A. Rigney, 33, Virden, is charged with possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine in connection with a Feb. 27 incident in Girard.
Earl T. Schofield, 30, Scottville, is charged with possession of a controlled substance in connection with an Oct. 23, 2016, incident in Girard. Schofield is accused of possessing less than 15 grams of a substance containing AB-FUBINACA, a designer drug/synthetic cannabis, when his vehicle was stopped for an alleged traffic violation. In addition to the felony charge, Schofiled faces traffic charges for allegedly driving on a suspended driver’s license, operating an uninsured vehicle, driving without headlights when required, driving a vehicle without a valid registration and driving a vehicle with an expired registration.
Joshua L. Gooding, 29, Carlinville, is charged with possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine in connection with an April 9 incident in Carlinville.
Terry A. Rigney, 33, Virden, is charged with possession of five to 15 grams of methamphetamine in connection with an April 10 incident in Girard.
William K. Flowers, 27, Carlinville, is charged with two counts of failing to register as a sex offender as of April 5 for allegedly falsely reporting to the Carlinville Police Department that he was homeless when he actually was living in the 700 block of Johnson Street in Carlinville, and falsely reporting to the Carlinville Police Department that he was unemployed. The first count was elevated to a felony due to a previous conviction from 2013 for failing to register as a sex offender.
MISDEMEANORS
William K. Flowers, 27, Carlinville, is charged with violating a court order of protection in connection with an April 8 incident in Carlinville during which he allegedly came within 500 feet of a female subject to a court order of protection against him.
Mark B. Bersch, 60, Carlinville, is charged with domestic battery with bodily harm in connection with an April 5 incident in Carlinville.
Bonnie A. Hill, 58, Staunton, is charged with battery in connection with an April 2 incident in Staunton during which she allegedly caused bodily harm by striking a female victim in the face with her fist.
Richard A. King, 41, Marissa, is charged with assault in connection with an April 10 incident in Carlinville during which he allegedly threatened a female victim by raising his fist and advancing toward her.
Theodore M. Holmes, 46, Palmyra, is charged with disorderly conduct in connection with an April 10 incident during which he allegedly told a female he would kill her if she called police in such a manner as to alarm and disturb the victim and provoke a breach of the peace.
Jasper D. Washington, 33, Carlinville, is charged with domestic battery in connection with an April 9 incident in Carlinville during which he allegedly caused bodily harm by grabbing his girlfriend by her neck.
Several area residents have been charged with deceptive practice for allegedly writing checks to local businesses while knowing their banks would not honor the drafts. Those charged include: Jacqueline A. Saffell, 30, Greenfield, accused of writing three bad checks to the Waytown Tavern, Girard, on Feb. 27, in the amounts of $245, $300 and $200; Vickie L. Ferratto, 53, Benld, accused of writing a bad check for $97.91 on Jan. 20 to Randy’s Market, Benld; Clinton C. Dunbar, 27, Girard, accused of writing a bad check for $60 on Feb. 10 to Joseph F. Boente Sons, Carlinville; Brandy L. Augustine, 37, Staunton, accused of writing a bad check for $149 on Feb. 4 on Feb. 4 to the Animal Doctors, Staunton; Jesse A. Scroggins, 38, Bunker Hill, accused of writing a bad check for $30 on Feb. 8 to the Animal Doctors, Staunton; and Jenni L. Parish, 39, Litchfield, accused of writing a bad check for $59.69 on Jan. 25 to Macoupin Family Practice Centers, Gillespie.
TRAFFIC
Clarence A. Steele, 43, Carlinville is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving on a suspended driver’s license in connection with an April 11 incident.
Todd Starks, 29, St. Louis, Mo., is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with an April 15 incident. Starks also faces a traffic charge for alleged illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver and a civil law offense of possession of 10 grams or less of a substance containing cannabis.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Carolyn Noel Sawyer, Mount Olive, vs. Nathaniel David Sawyer, Staunton.
- Karen Boston, Eagarville, vs. Shane Boston, Eagarville.
- Kris E. Elliott, New Douglas, vs. Pamela R. Elliott, Virden.
- Tara Reyes, Girard, vs. Jose Michael Reyes, Virden.
DISSOLUTIONS OF MARRIAGE GRANTED
- Tara Reyes, Girard, vs. Jose Michael Reyes, Virden.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Jerry A. Crites, Benld, and Haylie M. Kirkwood, Dorchester.
- James L. Webb and Shanna M. Saulsberry, both of Sawyerville.
- Christopher Andrew Wetherington and Valerie Joy Sherman, both of Carlinville.
- Michael A. Pegg and Cori M. Borror, both of Mount Olive.
Comments
Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
Comments
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
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The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
