Community News
New Elementary School is 6 weeks behind schedule
Tom Hyde explains to the board the Elementary School is 6 weeks behind.
Tom Hyde, district architect, updated the school board on current capital projects during their regular scheduled board meeting on Monday, December 19. “Construction schedules are fluid based on a few different things,” Hyde opened.
First and foremost, Hyde explained that the site prep-work occurred during the month of August and was originally scheduled for July. Other work still needs to be done for the water retention area that will rest east of the drive off the side of 16.
The mine grouting process did not actually start until the middle of October and Hayward Baker has experienced numerous issues along the way such as equipment issues and material issues. The grouting process was supposed to be complete by the end of November and as they are still in the grouting process, Hyde expects them to be complete around February. “That is the best they can do with what they got,” Hyde said of Hayward Baker, “Keep in mind that they have 30 people working on site each day.”
As far as the building construction, the intent was to dove tail the foundation work with the completion of the grouting process but again, that is delayed. Hayward Baker is currently grouting on the east side of the property. They anticipated being able to grout 800 yards per day, but the best they have been able to do with one plant is 250 yards. “They have come to the generalization that they are only going to complete 400-500 yards per day, at best,” Hyde added.
As stated before, the grouting will not be complete until February, so Korte Luitjohan can not start until then. They anticipate their work on the foundation and steel work will last about 6 weeks which will be about one and one half months off schedule.
“Right now, we are about a month and a half behind schedule,” Hyde closed, “They have had a litany of issues.” According to Skeans four weeks ago, the “project is on schedule and there have been no problems whatsoever.”
The school board then went on to accept a letter from Illinois Clean Energy Commission indicating that they are pleased to inform the district “that the Clean Energy Foundation has approved a grant of $352,500 to the Gillespie School District for the Elementary School.” The forms have already been signed and sent back in to accept the grant.
“In essence, we will soon be getting a check that will be deposited in our account,” Superintendent Skeans noted, “for $352,500 to help us in ground sourcing systems such as photovoltaic and wind turbines.” Skeans did mention that the district is not done applying for grants, so there could possibly be more in the future.
Superintendent Skeans reads that CUSD #7 received $352,500 from a Illinois Clean Energy Grant.
The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation was established in December 1999 as an independent foundation with a $225 million endowment provided by Commonwealth Edison. The Foundation exists to improve energy efficiency, advance the development of renewable energy resources and protect natural areas for people in communities all across Illinois.
Since its first sets of grants in 2001, the Foundation has awarded over 3,600 grants, totaling $212 million, to Illinois nonprofit organizations, schools, municipalities and other local and state government agencies. The grants support activities in every one of Illinois’ 102 counties.
Under personnel actions, the board is in the process of evaluating Superintendent Paul Skeans and intends to have the process complete by the January meeting. The board went on to recommend to appoint fall coaches as presented FSY 2013 and approve 12 week maternity leave for high school instructor Kelly Bulla.
Skeans went on to announce that CUSD #7 received numerous “perfect” audits on both the federal and state levels. “I was told by the federal auditor, that resides in Indiana, that our school is the first school district he has not been able to make a comment on,” Skeans added.
In addition to the audit, Skeans noted that the district had a surprise state inspection by the State of Illinois for their transportation on December 19. “Their comments were: for an old fleet, we are great,” Skeans read, “One of the cleanest buses and facilities they have seen. All of them met every standard that they are supposed to meet.”
After meeting with several other superintendents and presenting them with Griffel’s letter concerning distant learning, Skeans announced that he received a positive response from all the superintendents. “Number one, we are going to share in the concept of distance learning and share staff for number two,” Superintendent Skeans closed. Skeans clarified that he is not just speaking to surrounding districts because the staff can be anywhere as long as there is in internet connection.
Next, the school administrators updated the school board on what is going on in each building. Mr. Tiburzi, high school principal, opened and noted the attendance for the month of November was 92.2%. Tiburzi went on to state that curriculum maps for the first quarter have been submitted and are being reviewed. Also in the curriculum, classes are presenting PSAE/ACT questions to the students to prepare for the April tests.
“The high school band and chorus concert was an outstanding performance,” Tiburzi continued. The physics team received $150.00 for placing second at the Blackburn College Science Day and the basketball teams will be competing in the Carlinville Holiday Tournament beginning Monday, December 26th. Tiburzi closed with a congratulations to wrestlers: Josh Harvill (5th), Cotey McCallister (2nd) and Eric Tiller (2nd) for placing in the Porta Wrestling Tournament.
The $352,500 can be used towards wind turbines which was in the renewable energy plan for the new elementary school.
The updates continued to the middle school where Ms. Lori Emmons noted that the teachers will be conducting ISAT skills review twice a week in study hall starting in the 3rd quarter. Emmons went on to appreciate the student council as they collected 518 cans for the Caring Center in Gillespie. The student council previously collected over $600 in a penny drive.
Principal Emmons went on to congratulate the 8th grade boys basketball team after they placed first in the Staunton Tournament and then announced that the Indians will host Litchfield at home on January 2nd.
Ms. Angela Turcol concluded the updates as she updated the board on Elementary news. Turcol explained to the board what the school is doing to be in contact with the parents. In prior meetings, principal Turcol explained how they are keeping in touch with the students and tracing their progress, but this is the first time the elementary school has been in reach with the parents. “We really need their support in all aspects of their child’s education,” Turcol suggested.
The school board went on to approve the December bills as follows:
- Education Fund: $55,442.50
- Building Fund: $19,111.18
- Transportation Fund: $9,179.18
- Site & Construction Fund: $666,007.38
- Grand Total: $749,740.24
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.
