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
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In a decisive finish that underscored his rising dominance in Illinois Class 1A cross country, senior Chaz Oberkfell of Gillespie High School claimed the state title with a time of 14:31.10 at the IHSA State Cross Country Championships held at Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 8.
Finishing just behind Oberkfell, sophomore Evan Knobloch of Toulon (Stark County) crossed the line in 14:46.25, placing second. Rounding out the top five were senior Blake McLeese of Tuscola (14:46.45), senior Luca Bryja of Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy) with 14:48.38, and senior Elijah Teefey of Pleasant Plains at 14:49.02.
This victory marks Oberkfell’s second IHSA Class 1A state championship. He also won the state crown as a junior in 2024 with a time of 14:31.87. In his sophomore year, he finished 21st with a 15:21.43 season-best time.
Looking ahead, Oberkfell is set to compete in the New Balance NXR Midwest Regional Championships on Sunday, November 16, at the LaVerne Gibson Course in Indiana. The meet serves as a critical stepping stone toward the national championships, and Oberkfell will look to carry his state momentum into the regional stage.
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The community is invited to participate in a family-friendly, drive-thru charity event aimed at keeping local students warm this winter. The “Warm Up Our Kids” drive-thru takes place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Karmak Campus, located at 1 Karmak Plaza, Carlinville, IL and is sponsored by Karmak and Carlinville Area Hospital and Clinics.
Additional drop-off boxes will be available at the following locations to maximize participation and convenience:
- Sullivans in Carlinville, Gillespie, and Litchfield
- Pharmacy Plus in Girard
- Sav-Mor Pharmacy in Virden
- CAH&C Clinic sites in Gillespie, Girard, Carlinville, and Virden
- Briar Rose in Litchfield
- Brave Hazel in Carlinville
- Oh-So Cute Boutique in Virden
Drive through the event route and drop off much-needed supplies listed below. All donations will directly benefit students in the participating school districts, helping ensure every child has the warmth and essentials they need to face the winter season. Community support help bridge gaps and bring tangible, immediate relief to families in need.
Join us in spreading warmth and goodwill this December. The Ben Gil Post and community partners look forward to seeing you at the Karmak Campus drive-thru.
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A Macoupin County jury found Jeffrey D. Brown, 50, of Sawyerville guilty of aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the shooting death of Rodney Messerly, 42, also of Sawyerville, authorities said.
The verdict was delivered a little before 6 p.m. on November 4, 2025, after a days-long trial led by Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jordan J. Garrison. Brown now faces a mandatory prison sentence ranging from six to 30 years with the sentence to be served at 85 percent. The sentencing will take place on January 12, 2025.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the incident unfolded on September 17, 2024, when Brown called 911 claiming Messerly had entered his home. Responding deputies found Messerly deceased on the front stoop outside the residence. Brown testified that Messerly had forced his way into the home, and he fired in self-defense inside the residence.
Surveillance video played to the jury depicted portions of the confrontation: Messerly speaking with Brown at the door outside the residence before Messerly pushes inside—off-camera for a stretch—followed by four gunshots fired from within the home. Messerly is seen falling back onto the front steps.
A video interview of Brown with Lt. Ryan Dixon of the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department revealed Brown stated he took three steps back inside the residence before firing the initial shots. Forensic pathologist Dr. Nathanial Patterson testified that the first four shots would have been fatal. Approximately seven seconds pass before Brown fires a final shot from inside the residence, striking Messerly in the chest as he yells an expletive.
Garrison offered condolences to Messerly’s family, calling the incident a “horrible situation” and noting that the healing process is just beginning for those affected. He described Messerly as having been experiencing delusions at the time of the incident and emphasized that the last shot was not in self-defense, characterizing it as an act of vengeance.
Brown faces additional charges in unrelated matters: Armed Violence (Class X felony) and Production of Cannabis Plants (Class 4) in 2024CF228, and Resisting Arrest Causing Injury to an Officer in 2024CF252.
Public sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2025. Prosecutors cautioned readers that charges are not proof of guilt and that Brown is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
