Community News
Partnership awards 18 students with scholarships
The Partnership for Educational Excellence awarded 18 students with scholarships.
Once again, the Partnership for Education Excellence awards academic tuition scholarships to a vast majority of the graduating class of 2013. Approximately 25% of graduates earned a scholarship from the Partnership which is a slight increase from 2012 where 20% of graduates earned a scholarship.
The Partnership is entering their 21st academic year of existence and have been able to award over 310 students with scholarships totaling over $180,200 to graduates from Gillespie High School who have gone on to either a 2-year or 4-year college, university, or technical school.
“Every penny we have donated came from supporters to benefit these great students,” John Fassero, Jr., president of the education foundation, proclaimed. “We want to thank you.” Every scholarship receipient was awarded $500 payable to their school they attend this fall. The Partnership also recognized two music students with $100 scholarships as well to total over $8,200 donated to graduating students from GHS this school year.
This year’s scholarship winners are:
Jessica Bauman, child of Amy Bauman and Richard Bauman of Sawyerville IL, was awarded the Josephine Fassero Memorial Scholarship. Jessica will attend Western Illinois University and plans to major in Spanish for elementary school students. The JOSEPHINE FASSERO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is given by friends and family. Josephine, born in Kansas and raised in Livingston, attended Sanford Brown Business School but had to return home to care for her ailing mother. She married John Fassero of Benld and raised two children, Florence and John, Jr. “Even though she could not continue her formal education, Mom could speak Italian, Slovenian and German. She prized education and would be pleased to know that a scholarship in her name will help someone continue theirs,” says John, Jr. Her devoted family also includes 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Zachary Besserman, child of Timothy Besserman and Karla Smith of Gillespie IL, was awarded the Michael Valenti Memorial Scholarship. Zachary will attend Blackburn College and plans to major in law enforcement. The MICHAEL VALENTI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP, given by friends and family, is awarded in loving memory of this 1998 GHS graduate who lost his life in 1999 in a tragic accident on the brink of his higher education.
Kortney Carr, child of Bob and Dana Carr of Gillespie IL, was awarded the Mark and John Madden Memorial Scholarship. Kortney will attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and plans to major in advertising and public relations. The JOHN and MARK MADDEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is given by family to lovingly honor this father and son. Both played Miners football, graduated from GHS and St. Louis University Law School. John returned to Gillespie to serve the community he loved in private practice, as a county public defender, and for 43 years as Gillespie City Attorney. He died at the age of 78 on 10 October 2009. His son Mark lived half as long, dying suddenly at the age of 39 on 11 October 2005. He was a trial attorney with Moser and Marshalak in St. Louis.
Alexander Dopuch, child of David and Donna Dopuch of Benld IL, was awarded the Benld Rotary Scholarship. Alexander will attend Lewis and Clark Community College and plans to major in business. The BENLD ROTARY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP is given by local members of this international service organization whose motto is “Service above self.”
Brenden Engelke, child of Brian and Lisa Engelke of Gillespie IL, was awarded the Henry Marcacci Memorial Scholarship. Brenden will attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and plans to major in business and accounting. The HENRY MARCACCI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is given by friends and family. Hank taught business in CUSD#7 for 33 years and served as county superintendent of schools for eight years. He and his wife Lucille raised seven children. Hank died at age 101 on January 25, 2011.
Kaily Frensko, child of Brian and Gina Frensko of Benld IL, was awarded the Emil Borgini Memorial Scholarship. Kaily will attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and plans to major in nursing with an emphasis on pediatric oncology. The EMIL BORGINI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is given by anonymous donors. Emil began in 1958 as a teacher of English, French, and history in Benld. He then taught and coached baseball, football, and basketball at Gillespie High School. He was GHS principal for 20 years and later was district superintendent.
Kylie Frensko, child of Brian and Gina Frensko of Benld IL, was awarded the Helen Tiburzi Memorial Scholarship. Kylie will attend Lewis and Clark Community College and plans to major in nursing with an emphasis on neonatology. The HELEN TIBURZI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is given by family and friends. Helen and her husband “Mac” operated a small grocery in Sawyerville before she became chief cook in the Benld school cafeteria. They raised five children – Jim, Dennis, Karen, Joan and Jill. Jim taught in CUSD#7 and Dennis is GHS principal. Several grandchildren are past Partnership scholars.
Allison Goldasich, child of Mark and Amy Goldasich of Gillespie IL, was awarded the Carol Enrico DeLucca Memorial Scholarship for a Top Girl Graduate. Allison will attend Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and plans to major in radiology technology. The CAROL ENRICO DE LUCCA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR A TOP GIRL GRADUATE is given by husband Greg, daughters Ashley and Allison, and friends. This Benld native, a respected educator and counselor, had a consulting business that helped high school and college students pursue their goals through higher education.
Abigal Harszy, child of Joseph and Diana Harszy of Gillespie IL, was awarded the Andrew Easton, Sr., Memorial Scholarship. Abigal will attend Louisiana College and plans to major in mathematics education. The ANDREW EASTON, SR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is given by friends and a family filled with teachers. This life-long educator and football coach was a devoted and positive mentor for hundreds of young people. “He would have loved the idea of helping young people continue their educations,” according to his wife Florence and children Andrew, John, and Ann Marie.
Elizabeth Heyen, child of Kelly and Mary Heyen of Gillespie IL, was awarded the Rick Richards Memorial Scholarship. Elizabeth will attend Illinois State University and plans to major in agribusiness. The RICK RICHARDS MEMORIAL AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP is given by family. This GHS graduate and local farmer is remembered fondly for his kindness and generosity to his family – wife Barb and daughter Lisa – and many friends.
Haylie Kirkwood, child of Jeff and Tracie Kirkwood of Dorchester/Gillespie IL, was awarded the Betty Olive Memorial Scholarship. Haylie will attend Illinois College and plans to major in nursing with an emphasis on oncology. The BETTY OLIVE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is given by family because of the high value she placed on education. Known for her “green thumb” and prolific flower and vegetable gardens, this native of Alhambra cherished a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. She focused instead on raising her children – Judy, Kay, Pam, Patti, and Randy, all graduates of CUSD #7 – on the farm.
Deanna Landreth, child of Alecia and Gilbert Landreth of Benld IL, was awarded the James Rosentreter Memorial Scholarship. Deanna will attend Ranken Technical College and plans to major in architecture. The JAMES ROSENTRETER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is given by his wife Judy and family: “Our dad spent his life helping others pursue educational and financial goals. It’s fitting that dad is sharing his dream of a young person’s success.” His sons are Rodney and Jerry, a GHS teacher; both of their wives are teachers; two of his grandsons are Partnership scholars.
Chase Peterson, child of Jennifer and Darrin Peterson of Gillespie IL, was awarded the Joseph Libbra Memorial Scholarship. Chase will attend Lewis and Clark Community College and plans to major in nursing. The JOSEPH LIBBRA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is given by family. Married 48 years to Eileen, he was a hard working grain and livestock farmer, proud of his Army service in Korea, and dedicated to their four children – Mary, Trish, Joe and Carol – and eight grandchildren.
Kathryn Stromsland, child of Susan and Peter Stromsland of Gillespie IL, was awarded the Matt and Marge Turcol Memorial Scholarship. Kathryn will attend Millikin University and plans to major in pre-medicine. The MARJORIE & MATT TURCOL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is given by family and friends. Matt and Marge’s greatest joy was their family. Marge is remembered by all for her generous and caring ways. Matt was mayor of Benld and president of the CUSD#7 school board. Their daughter Susan is a frequent mini-grant recipient and two of their grandsons are Partnership scholars.
Guinevere Tesio, child of Shannon and Jason Tesio of Gillespie IL, was awarded the Elinor Davies Memorial Nursing Scholarship. Guinevere will attend Lewis and Clark Community College and plans to major in nursing with an emphasis on neonatology. The ELINOR DAVIES NURSING SCHOLARSHIP is given by friends and family – husband Larry and sons Mike and Tim and their families – in honor of Elinor who served many decades as school nurse in CUSD#7 and was an active member of the Gillespie First United Methodist Church.
Jade Tieman, child of Joe and Marti Tieman of Gillespie IL, was awarded the Carroll-Keupper Family Memorial Scholarship. Jade will attend Western Illinois University and plans to major in nursing. The CARROLL-KEUPPER SCHOLARSHIP was established by the late Rosemary Keupper Valle and her sister Lillian Keupper in honor of their families who have been involved in medicine, world health, and banking/finance. Their grandfather Anthony Carroll was an early member of the Gillespie school board.
The partnership was also pleased to administer two music awards on behalf of the estate of Evaline Boehmke. The band and choral faculty of GHS chose Rebecca Korunka for chorus and Dakota Barber for band; each recipient was awarded $100 for excellence in music.
The Partnership is a 501c3, IRS-chartered, not-for-profit foundation. To keep up with their activities or to make a donation, visit their website at www.thepartnershipcusd7.org or write them at P.O. Box 125, Gillespie, IL 62033. All donations and memorials are acknowledged by mail when names and addresses are provided.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – –
There are plenty of ways to keep up on BenGil news:
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter
Check out all of our pictures on our sister site, we are your personal photographer
Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take
Follow us on Twitter for the fastest score updates and breaking news updates
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.
