Community News
School board approves $3.7 million property tax levy request
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education unanimously approved a property tax levy request of $3,695,200 during the board’s regular monthly meeting on Monday, Dec. 18. The levy will be filed with the Macoupin County Clerk, who will set the final tax rate of 2023 property taxes payable in 2024.
In other action, the board debated a state-recommended policy dealing with book banning and voted to abate the 2023 tax levy by $75,000, representing school facility sales tax funds used to pay down previously issued capital improvement bonds, and approximately $200,000, represent school facility sales tax funds used to service $1.6 million in alternate revenue bonds issued earlier this year for capital improvements.
The vote to approve the 2023 tax levy came after a one-minute public hearing during which none of the board members had questions or comments, and no members of the public appeared. Supt. Shane Owsley had presented a detailed analysis of the proposed levy during the board’s November meeting.
“It’s important to remember that what we levy is the amount we are requesting,” Owsley told the board. The extension (the amount the school district actually receives) is almost always less than the levy request. Last year, for example, the board levied $2,645,707 but received an extension of $2,480,944.
Among the unknown factors affecting the tax levy is the district’s finalized equalized assessed valuation for property taxes, Owsley noted. Over the past eight years, the EAV has decreased by as much as 3.1 percent and increased by as much as 10.31 percent. The EAV has increased consistently since 2016, Owsley noted, and the average annual increase has been slightly more than 3.5 percent.
Owsley said he anticipates the increase in the EAV to be close to the historical average but to ensure the district captures all of the revenue to which it is entitled, the new levy assumes an increase in the EAV of 10.5 percent. Owsley said the district can safely overestimate the increase in the EAV without risking “overtaxing” resident property owners because of limitations on the tax rates for specific operation funds.
Failing to capture additional revenue resulting from increases in the EAV would cost the district money in the future since future levies will use the previous year’s extension as a starting point.
The tax levy is further limited by the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), which was approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995. Commonly known as tax caps, PTELL limits the increase in the extension to five percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. For 2023, the CPI, which essentially is the rate of inflation, is estimated at 6.5 percent, meaning the district should be able to capture a full five percent increase in the tax extension.
The 2023 property tax levy requests $3,695,200, compared with a previous year’s extension of $3,321,979. Because of the five percent PTELL cap, however, the district expects to realize an extension of $3,446,821—nearly $250,000 less than the levy.
Broken down by individual funds, the new levy requests $1,650,000 for Education, while expecting to receive $1,544,656. For Operations and Maintenance, the levy seeks $435,000 but expects revenue to be limited to $404,036. The levy seeks $173,400 for Transportation while expecting an extension of $163,683. A total of $40,950 is levied for the Working Cash fund, but the extension is expected to total an estimated $37,142. The district is levying $114,000 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund but expects an extension of $107,633. The levy seeks $102,500 for Social Security, while the district expects an extension of $97,368. The levy calls for $229,750 for the Tort fund, while the district expects an extension of $219,032. A total of $31,250 is levied for Special Education, while an extension of $29,921 is expected. The Bond and Interest levy is $918,350, with an expected extension of $843,350.
Property tax revenue represents less than 20 percent of the district’s annual budget, which is in excess of $20 million. The additional funding comes from state and federal sources, along with revenue from the county’s school facilities sales tax.
In a related matter, Owsley told the board he is again applying for a state property tax relief grant that would allow the district to abate upward of $760,000 in property taxes. The district has previously unsuccessfully applied for the grant, and Owsley said the odds of receiving the grant are minimal.
The Superintendent said the grant is awarded on the basis of need and typically is awarded to the top 30 applicants. Some districts, however, do not apply, allowing districts like CUSD 7 to move up on the list. Last year, Owsley said, CUSD 7 was 103rd on the list of applicants.
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS
The board voted unanimously to transfer $75,000 from the School Facilities Sales Tax Fund to the Bond and Interest Fund to service existing bond debt for capital improvements and abate the district property taxes in the amount of $75,000. The board also voted unanimously to abate property taxes in the amount of approximately $200,000, representing School Facilities Sales Tax funds that will be used to service a $1.6 million alternate revenue bond issue approved earlier this year to finance capital improvement projects.
Owlsey said the board will be asked to approve the alternate revenue bond abatement annually for the life of the bond issue. In essence, the action provides an option to levy taxes in the event the district is no longer receiving revenue from the School Facilities Sales Tax program.
BANNED BOOK POLICY
The normally routine adoption of school policies recommended by the State Board of Education sparked a brief discussion about a policy establishing policy toward book banning in school libraries. Responding to questions from board member Weye Schmidt, Supt. Owsley said the ISBE offered two options for the policy—one prohibiting book banning and one allowing the district to follow the practices of the American Library Association. The policy presumably is a response to an upsurge in requests to ban school texts and library books in some states and communities.
Schmidt said he preferred the option of relying on the ALA because it apparently would provide some latitude in restricting books on the basis of age appropriateness.
Board member Peyton Brent said state law set to take effect Jan. 1 will prohibit book banning in all state-supported libraries. Since school libraries receive state funds, he said they presumably would be subject to the new law.
Owsley recommended adopting the entire list of policies, opting for the ALA version of the book-banning rule, on the assumption the ISBE will provide a revised policy reflecting the new state law at a later date.
PERSONNEL
The board voted 5-1, with Dennis Tiburzi voting “no,” to reassign Donnie Allen to the position of high school men’s track and field coach and post the high school women’s track and field coaching position as vacant.
The board also unanimously voted to approve a maternity leave for high school paraprofessional Darian Gill, to run Jan. 3 through April 3, approve the retirement of Jody Dunn to occupy 56 days into the 2026-27 school, and post a vacancy for a BenGil Elementary School music teacher.
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FELONIES
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
“History Belongs to All of Us”: Focus of Carlinville Community Conversation Series starting May 4
“History Belongs to All of Us,” a three-month series of events and activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasizing Illinois’ role in seizing liberty for the American people will kick off Monday, May 4, and continue through July 16, 2026.
The series is project of Carlinville Winning Communities funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities. The events will encourage participants to examine and discuss the Declaration of Independence and other primary historical documents through facilitated conversations, according to Mary Tinder, a Macoupin County Historical Society & Carlinville Winning Communities board member.
Carlinville Winning Communities was one of only 13 entities statewide to receive an Illinois Humanities grant to support the Community Conversations Series.
We are fortunate to have received Illinois Humanities funding for this unique project, With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is altogether fitting to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going, as well as to reflect on both and the cultural impact of our independence, Tinder said.
In keeping with the “History Belongs to All of Us” theme, several of the presentations and discussions will emphasize the role of Native Americans and the impact of American independence on Native American and other cultures.
Program topics will be explored through presentations by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, live readings of historic documents, art, music and discussions. The programs are free to attend and all venues are handicapped accessible.
The series kicks off with “Illinois in the Revolutionary War,” a presentation by local historian and author Tom Emery, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Macoupin County Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Emery will lead a discussion of information included in his most recently published book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War.
“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” said Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”
A discussion of Nicholas Welch’s 1812 Land Grant and the Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk/Sac Indian tribes, is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the Anderson Home parlor on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. Under the Land Grant program, the government set aside more than five million acres in western Illinois to compensate American war veterans with large tracts of land. Though Welch never set foot in Illinois, the granting of land to him displaced Black Hawk from his home in the area of present-day Rock Island. The facilitated discussion will focus on original historic documents, juxtaposing Welch’s land grant with Black Hawk’s experience.
Because of the smaller, more intimate venue, reservations are required. RSVP to marytinder1@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
“Relive the Mother Road: The Edwards Trace,” a collective analysis of documents and a look at contemporary research will be led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Anna Sielaff, Friday afternoon, June 26, during an Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee on the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn. Sielaff will discuss the 3,000-year-old Edwards Trace, used by Native Americans and early Illinois settlers, that stretched from Cahokia to Peoria. Portions of the trace run through Macoupin County, and some sections lay along the original alignment of Route 66. Imagine Rural Arts also will lead an art project in connection with how the trail was marked.
The Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee event runs from noon into the evening with food, musical performances, literary presentations, games, food and other activities.
The date is significant for Carlinville and Route 66 since 6/26/26 happens to be our zip code! The Jubilee offers a variety of experiences and taking a deeper look at the Edwards Trace and the Mother Road is an interesting way to explore local history on this unique date and location, Tinder noted.
Continuing on to the July 4th holiday, Macoupin County high school and college students will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in the main courtroom of the historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville at 10 a.m. The event also will feature a display of more than 30 historic flags provided by the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A facilitated discussion will follow the reading and participants will be invited to sign the “Macoupin County America @ 250 Time Capsule” book. The book will then be on display at the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Andrea Duncan, one of the organizers.
A unique and somewhat mysterious artifact from Macoupin County will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. Sharon Breyden and husband Tommy Breyden will display and discuss the Black Hawk Tablet, uncovered in the 1940s on a farm near Hettick. The odd inscriptions on the lead medallion suggests Black Hawk and an early Macoupin settler formalized an agreement to peacefully coexist in central Illinois.
For the final program of the Carlinville Community Conversations series, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, a member of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, will present “We the Native People” at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. The focus is on Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. The interactive program will use traditional story-telling and music to help audience members understand the groundswell changes in Native American culture and lifestyle resulting from American independence and subsequent western expansion.
For more information and details about the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, contact Carlinville Winning Communities Board members, Andrea Duncan, (217) 204-1446, or Mary Tinder, (217) 825-9699.
