Community News
School board approves further planning related to middle school STEM lab
Tom Hyde of Graham & Hyde Architects, Springfield, displays the proposed Gillespie Middle School STEM lab to the school board Monday evening.
The Gillespie CUSD 7 school board also gave its stamp of approval for Tom Hyde of Graham & Hyde Architects, Springfield, to proceed with further planning and design work related to the construction of a new science lab for Gillespie Middle School on a motion by Dennis Tiburzi, seconded by Bill Carter. The board voted unanimously to proceed with plans for building a new middle school science lab following a brief presentation by Hyde detailing preliminary plans for the project.
Hyde emphasized that the plan is “a preliminary plan” based on discussions with administrators and staff from last spring. While the final plan will be subject to revisions over the next couple of months, Hyde said he would like to have the project finalized in time to advertise for bids in February or March with an eye toward having the project ready to open by the second semester of the 2018-19 school year.
Under his tentative schedule, major work, including asbestos abatement, moving walls, and plumbing work would be done during the summer break between the current school year and the 2018-19 academic year. Finishing work would be done during the first semester when students already are in attendance.
“When the kids come back, they’ll be able to walk down a finished corridor,” Hyde said, adding that the total scope of the work probably will take about eight months to complete. “We’re probably looking at a year from today (to complete the project),” he said.
[pullquote]The tentative plan calls for the lab to be located on the west side of the northwest wing of the middle school facility adjacent to the band room and across the hall from the chorus room.[/pullquote]
The tentative plan calls for the lab to be located on the west side of the northwest wing of the middle school facility adjacent to the band room and across the hall from the chorus room. Part of the summer work, Hyde said, would include installation of sound absorbing materials on the wall between the band room and science lab. To gain square footage, the east wall of the classroom would be moved out, eliminating locker space in that section of the corridor.
The lab itself is projected to include three distinct rooms—a traditional lab capable of seating 36 students, a “flexible” classroom space for group projects capable of seating 32 students, and a “Lego “ lab/robotics center capable of accommodating 32 students. Additionally, the plan includes storage space, a six-unit computer center for independent student and three-dimensional printers in the Lego lab area.
Hyde tentatively projected the cost of the project at $520,000, excluding furniture and non-permanent equipment. Tieman said the district plans to pay for the project with money accruing to the district from the county-wide school facilities sales tax that was implemented last year. Proceeds from the sales tax is earmarked for capital projects and improvements to school facilities, but cannot be used for equipment costs such as computers and moveable furnishings.
Tieman noted that construction of a middle school science lab was among the issues the district cited when urging voters to approve the county-wide school facilities sales tax two years ago.
“Aside from the fact that it (the science lab) is sorely needed,” Tieman said, “this is a pledge we made to the community.”
Tieman said he had spoken with both local banks about borrowing up to $600,000 for the project to be paid back with sales tax funds. Based on those conversations he said the district would be obligated to pay $130,000 to $135,000 annually to service the debt over five years. The district is receiving about $360,000 in sales tax revenue every year, Tieman said, 20 percent of which is obligated for paying down bonded debt incurred for capital projects such as the new elementary school. Even with the 20 percent obligated for debt reduction and annual payments of $130,000 for the science lab, the district would have about $150,000 remaining every year “that we can bank or use for other projects,” Tieman said.
[pullquote]“I think financially we can do this,” Tieman concluded.[/pullquote]
“I think financially we can do this,” Tieman concluded.
Tieman said the district already has received some donations of cash from community members and organizations to help pay for laptop computers, lab equipment and other amenities for which sales tax revenue cannot be spent. He said once the community is aware that the district is moving ahead with the science lab plans, he expects additional donations will come in.
“I can find the funding,” he said. “When it’s ready to open, we will have a state-of-the-art STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) lab.”
Middle School Principal Jill Rosentreter said the lab is “a dream come true for middle school science.” She said current classroom space is not capable of providing students with the hands-on educational activities that are required for students to meet current science curriculum standards.
After a brief discussion between the board and Hyde, Hyde agreed to develop an alternative plan that would include a vented safety hood for chemical experiments and demonstrations. The current tentative plan doesn’t include such equipment.
President Hayes asked whether it would be more expensive to install a hood at a later date after the lab is completed.
“You could add it at a later date,” Hyde responded, “but it’s always cheaper to do it today.” Hyde noted, however, that the trend among school districts is to eliminate hands-on experiments with chemicals, relying instead on computer simulations.
[pullquote]Middle School Principal Jill Rosentreter said the lab is “a dream come true for middle school science.”[/pullquote]
“I think part of it is chemical storage,” said high school biology teacher Michelle Smith. “As you know, we spent a couple of thousand last year disposing of chemicals that were here long before I came. If we’re talking about a high school lab, it might be different.”
Hayes said offering hands-on chemistry experience could be crucial in preparing students for college where hands-on chemical experimentation is routine. Rosentreter, however, said there currently is no need for a hood to accommodate chemistry experiments at the middle school level.
“There’s no need currently,” Hayes emphasized. He suggested the hood might be wise in anticipation of any kind of circumstances that would require high school students to use the middle school lab. He noted that the district has in recent years shifted classroom use in response to emergencies such as the loss of the former Benld Elementary School.
Ultimately, Hyde agreed with Tieman’s suggestion to price the project with and without a hood.
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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.
