Community News
School board adopts parent-funded sports policy, eyes discount electricity provider
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education approved on second reading a policy to govern parent-funded sports protocols. In other action Monday night, the board gave Supt. Shane Owsley power to act in signing a contract with the lowest responsible bidder for electrical power, and voted unanimously to place a tentative 2025-26 budget on file for public review.
The parent-funded sports policy was presented on first reading last month. Now that it is official policy, it codifies what previously had been verbal or “handshake” agreements between the school district and parent groups.
The policy requires parents to fund 100 percent of a parent-funded sport program, including coaches’ stipends, uniforms, travel expenses, officiating expenses and tournament entry fees. For the board to approve a new parent-funded program, parent groups must be able to show they can financially support the program for a minimum of two years, submit a petition of interest demonstrating enough interest among students to field a team, and must provide a signed declaration that the team will abide by all school district rules and policies, including policies regarding equal access and non-discrimination.
Applications to establish a new parent-funded program must be filed by July 1 prior to the school year. Likewise, applications to renew existing parent-funded programs must be submitted by July 1 and must include the same supporting documents as a new applicant.
The policy asserts that parent groups will have no authority over the selection of coaches or other aspects of managing the team. Coaches will be considered employees of the school district and be paid salaries pursuant to the current collective bargaining contract.
On an annual basis, the school district will review existing parent-funded sports and determine whether or not the district is financially able to transition them to district-funded programs.
DISTRICT BUDGET
The board voted unanimously to place a tentative 2025-26 budget on file for public inspection. Interested persons may examine the proposed budget from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays, at the Office of the District Superintendent located at 510 W. Elm Street.
The board will take action on finalizing the budget during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Sept. 22. Monday night’s meeting was moved up one week to ensure a period of 30 days for public review. A public hearing on the budget will be scheduled for Sept. 22, during which Owsley will present a detailed look at the budget for the fiscal year that began July 1 and continues through June 30, 2026.
The budget for the previous fiscal year totaled $19.2 million.
Owsley told board members to expect a leaner, tighter budget for the current fiscal year because of uncertainty regarding state and federal funding and the expiration of COVID-19 recovery funds.
“You’re going to see some numbers that we haven’t seen for a while, and that trend is likely to continue as long as funding remains questionable,” Owsley said. The tentative budget is likely to change somewhat before being adopted as more information about funding sources becomes available, according to Owsley.
Student enrollment, which affects school funding, is declining, Owsley reported. All schools in the South Central Conference are experiencing enrollment declines but Gillespie had the third fastest decline in the conference.
Owsley said he is continuing to seek cost savings possible by asking the State Board of Education to waive some state School Code requirements that cost local districts money.
ELECTRICITY PURCHASER
Following a presentation by Commercial Energy Consultant Mike Grimes, the board voted to give Owsley power to act in entering into a six-month contract with the lowest acceptable bid for purchasing electricity on behalf of the district. Purchasing electricity from a third part generally results in lower energy costs.
A five-year contract with an electricity purchaser is expiring, but Grimes recommended entering into a shorter contract because of exploding energy prices this summer.
“We think the strategy should be to go short,: Grimes said. Increased demands for energy this summer have caused Ameren rates to more than double—from seven cents per kilowatt hour to 14.53 cents per kilowatt hour. By entering a six-month contract, Grimes said, the district can rebid the energy contract in early spring when rates have the potential to come in at a lower price.
The energy market is so volatile at the moment that Grimes could not give the board a locked in price.
“It changes daily,” he said.
PERSONNEL
Following a brief executive session, the board accepted the resignation of Korben Clark as head high school women’s track and field coach and posted the position as vacant, and hired Clark as assistant high school mens basketball coach. Board members also unanimously voted to also hire Ryan Clark as assistant high school mens basketball coach.
THIRD DAY PROJECT
Resident Jamie Whaley briefly addressed the board about Project Third Day, a not-for-profit organization who assists underserved children among CUSD 7 students. While Project Third Day has been active in other surrounding communities, this pilot program is the first time it has been available for local students.
Whaley said the goal for the first year is to assist 50 students in kindergarten through the fifth grade, with an eye toward expanding the program in subsequent years to 100, 150 or more students. The organization will rely on teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers and school nurses to identify students who are most in need. Project Third Day expects to provide access to food resources over long weekend and during school breaks when school breakfasts and lunches are not available to them. The organization also assists with school supplies and clothing items for students in need.
The local organization is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit as a result of partnering with the Gillespie Knights of Columbus. In addition to Whaley, the local Project Third Day board includes Amanda Ross, Trista Tallman, Valerie Jubelt, Jill Kelly, Samantha Schardan and Shirley Hohnbehn. The Knights of Columbus has one non-voting member on the board.
Board member Ross pointed out that student access to the program is totally anonymous.
“We don’t see the kids at all,” Ross said. The group provides food and other resources to the school and children chosen to receive assistance can come to the school after hours.
Persons who wish to support the program can donate money, prepackaged snacks or food items, individual drinks, or gift cards from Amazon, Aldi, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Randy’s Market or other stores. The group can be emailed at PTDGillespie@gmail.com. The group also has a Facebook presence. Search for Project Third Day The Gillespie Way.
CREDIT CARD LIMIT
After some discussion, the board voted to increase the district’s credit card limit from $7,500 to $20,000.
“I don’t think $7,500 on a $20 million budget is realistic,” Owsley said. “That gets maxed out pretty quickly.”
He reported an employee recently had to use his personal credit card for a purchase and submit a request for reimbursement. “We really don’t want that happening,” he said.
Owsley said credit card purchases will require a purchase order and will be subject to all internal controls. “All the checks and balances will still be there,” he said.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
• Approved an Employee Information System Administrator and Teacher Salary Benefits Report, an annually mandated report to be submitted to the State Board of Education.
• Tabled action on the sale of two district-owned parcels of property.
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.
