Community News
School Board gets first look at Middle School science lab
Tieman urges board members to attend funding formula event
Community Unit School District 7 Supt. Joe Tieman unveiled tentative plans for a new middle school science lab, construction of which could begin as soon as June 2018, during the regular meeting of the Board of Education on Monday night. Tieman also announced that the district will host a School Funding Formula Town Hall on Thursday night at the Gillespie High School gym, and he urged board members and parents to attend and “show the legislature and the governor that this is important to us.”
Tieman emphasized that the plan for the science lab, which is projected to cost approximately $500,000, is tentative. He said he developed the plan because he needed something to show representatives of the Partnership for Educational Excellence and Boeing Aircraft, which have expressed an interest in funding some of the technology equipment the lab will need.
“This is just a plan,” Tieman said. “There’s not even a funding mechanism for it yet.”
[pullquote]The floor plan Tieman presented to the board Monday night shows a lab encompassing the north side of the hallway at the west end of the middle school wing[/pullquote]
Creating a middle school science lab primarily using money generated for the countywide School Facilities Sales Tax has been under discussion by the board and Building and Grounds Committee for the past several months. The floor plan Tieman presented to the board Monday night shows a lab encompassing the north side of the hallway at the west end of the middle school wing, stretching from the high school hallway west to the band room. Tieman said the project would take up three existing classrooms and “gobble up that area between the classrooms and band room.” Lockers on the north wall of the middle school hallway, directly outside the science lab, would be eliminated, allowing the room to be about three feet wider than other classrooms, he said.
Under the proposed plan, the lab would be divided into several areas to serve student needs. A traditional science lab would have room to accommodate 38 students. Elsewhere, the lab would provide a bank of six computers for independent study. Separate areas would house a Lego lab and 3-D printers, with room for 32 students, and a flexible classroom for group projects with chairs and tables for 32 students. The facility would address laboratory needs for science, technology, engineering, and math programs, according to Tieman.
Middle School Principal Jill Rosentreter said the plan was a collaborative effort involving Tieman, herself and all three middle school science teachers.
“I’m really excited about the expanded space and technology and what it will allow us to do,” she said. “This would allow those teachers to expand their lessons so much more.”
Tieman noted that part of the premise for the lab is to provide middle school students with a better foundation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects so they will have a more advanced level of knowledge when they enter high school.
“I think this is a wonderful project and I think it would be a huge advantage to our students and our district,” Tieman told the board. “If this comes to fruition, we would then begin looking at the high school science lab, which is some 20 years old now. If you’ve been over to see it, it’s a combination classroom and lab which really doesn’t work very well.”
[pullquote]If this comes to fruition, we would then begin looking at the high school science lab, which is some 20 years old now[/pullquote]
If the board approves, Tieman said, the project could be financed by using funds generated from the countywide School Facilities Sales Tax, if the board chooses to go that route. However, those funds can be used only for permanent facility improvements and cannot be used for amenities such as classroom furniture, computers and other technology.
“That’s why we’re looking at Boeing and other donors,” he said. “I really think we will get those things funded. This community has a history. I believe this community will step up and fund what the sales tax fund doesn’t cover.” He cited as an example a fundraising drive a few years ago that raised about $90,000 in approximately six weeks to buy new furniture for the former Benld Elementary School. Tieman would not speculate about how much of the projected $500,000 cost could be covered with sales tax money and how much will have to funded from other sources. He said part of the cost of the renovation will include abatement of asbestos now present in the classrooms that will be gutted to make way for the lab.
“If the board decides to pursue this, we would not begin construction until next June,” Tieman told the board.
Board member Bill Carter asked if the facility could be made available to high school classes during times its not been used by middle school students. Rosentreter said that could be a possibility, particularly for special projects such as when a high school class is preparing for the science fair, but she said she expects the lab will be in use most of the hours available every week.
“Hopefully, this will be busy with middle school students all the time,” Carter commented. “We will learn from this and learn what we need to do better when we get to the high school lab.”
SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA TOWN HALL
Tieman encouraged board members, parents and others to attend a “Fix the Formula” Town Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 27, in the high school gymnasium. The event will be hosted by Tieman, along with Southwestern School District Supt. Brad Skertich and Staunton School District Supt. Dan Cox. Guest speakers will include Sen. Andy Manar, who sponsored a school funding formula reform bill that recently passed the legislature, along with Rep. Christian Mitchell and Comptroller Susana Mendoza.
Tieman said the funding formula issue is important to Community Unit School District 7 because of several factors. While the bi-partisan budget, which was approved despite the governor’s veto, contains money for education, without a funding formula in place, there is no way for the state to distribute funds to local school districts. Senate Bill 1, if signed into law, would result in a projected $625,000 in additional state aid funds for the local school district.
[pullquote]From 2011 to 2017, Tieman told the board, the school district has lost nearly $3.5 million in general state aid and categorical payments.[/pullquote]
“At this point, we have a budget but we have no funding formula in place,” Tieman said. “If there’s not a funding formula in place by Aug. 1, the state aid payment that is due Aug. 10 cannot be made. For this district, that’s about $300,000. Keep in mind that we will still be responsible for payroll whether or not we get the payment. It’s going to create a cash flow problem.”
Tieman said that if the funding formula issue is allowed to languish in stalemate between the legislature and the governor “we could have zero dollars by January.”
While the Town Hall meeting ostensibly will be to discuss Senate Bill 1 and provide the public with information about it, Tieman said the format will focus on answering questions from persons in attendance.
From 2011 to 2017, Tieman told the board, the school district has lost nearly $3.5 million in general state aid and categorical payments.
“That’s $3.5 million we should have had access to,” he said. “We’ve had to cut, and cut again, and cut again. My three principals rarely send me a purchase order for anything. They’ve become very inventive about using activity funds for things they need for the classroom. They shouldn’t have to do that.”
“We’d like to see a good turnout (for the Town Hall meeting),” Tieman said, “so our legislators and governor know that his is important to people. We want our legislature and governor to listen loud and clear.”
ACTION ITEMS
The relatively short meeting saw only a handful of action items.
Board members voted unanimously to recall paraprofessional staff members who work as teacher aides during the school year. Those recalled for employment are: Amy Baker, Catherine Baryslske, Theresa Carter, Sharon Heyen, Sheila Katich, Laura O’Brien, Misty Parker, Amy Reiniesch, Ella May Roemer, Brandi Schoen, Tim Wargo, Kathy Wheeler and Nikki Zenner. Paraprofessional staff are routinely laid off at the end of the school year and re-employed prior to the start of the new academic year.
The board also voted unanimously to hire Vanessa Kolesar, Gillespie, as a seventh-grade volleyball coach for the 2017-18 school year.
By a unanimous vote, the board accepted a bid from Flowers Sanitation, Virden, to provide trash hauling services for the coming year. Flowers offered a bid of $535 per month for September through May, and $125 per month for June through August.
Comments
Members of the Benld City Council on Monday night approved two zoning variances for David Wycoff and Ben Maracacci but decline to override the Zoning Board’s decision to deny a petition for a zoning reclassification on the city’s east side.
Amanda Yeager appeared before the council, hoping the council would override the recommendation of the Benld Zoning Board regarding reclassification for a parcel of property on the east side of Illinois Route 138 across from the Cabin Bar and Restaurant. Yeager was referred to the Zoning Board in January after she appeared before the council hoping to have the parcel reclassified from residential to agricultural use. At that time, she told the council she wanted the property rezoned to make it more sellable. On Monday night, however, she indicated that she plans to build a house on the property a keep one to three farm animals—horses, goats and/or sheep.
Yeager pointed out that the property is surrounded by property already zoned for agricultural use. Two out of five property owners neighboring the Yeager property objected to the Zoning Board regarding the reclassification. One of those property owners, Yeager pointed, lives on property that already is zoned for agricultural used.
“It’s not a democratic process,” City Attorney Rick Vericchio explained. Even though a majority of the neighbors either supported or have no opinion on the matter, the Zoning Board could base its recommendation on other factors.
According to Yeager, some members of the Board told her privately after the hearing that if they had known about the number of neighbors who supported or had no objection, they would have voted to recommend reclassification.
“You want this council to override the Zoning Board?” Mayor Jim Kelly asked Yeager.
When Kelly called for a motion to reclassify the property, none of the aldermen responded. “I would need more information before I vote on this,” said Ald. Jerry Saracco. With no motion on the floor, the matter died.
Ald. Norm Emmons advised Yeager to reapply to the Zoning Board and restart the hearing process, after which the council could vote on the Board’s recommendation.
The council was unanimous in granting a zoning variance for Ben Marcacci to build duplexes on two of three lots at 311 W. Central Avenue, 208 West Spruce and 210 West Spruce. Marcacci reportedly plans to build a home on speculation on the third lot.
The council also was unanimous in granting a variance to David Wykoff to bring in a mobile home for 18 months while he builds a new home on 4.83 acres of property just off Cahokia Street. Wykoff said he will consult with the Macoupin County Department of Public Health to advise him on installing a septic system to service the new home.
In other housing action, the council voted unanimously to declare 206 South Second Street a public nuisance—a formality that authorizes the City Attorney to send a letter to the owners demanding they clean up the property within 60 days. The home reportedly is vacant and needs to have the grass mowed.
Council members also discussed an ongoing public nuisance case against property at 306 Park Avenue. Brian Komanetsky, owner of the house, is pursuing an eviction action against the occupant and has promised the city he will clean up the property once the tenant is removed. An eviction hearing is set for April 28.
“By our next meeting we’ll have a better handle on when she will be out,” Veritcchio advised. “Does he intend to clean it up? He says he does.”
STOP SIGN
On the recommendation of Ald. Dustin Fletcher, the council voted 5-1 to install a stop sign on Short Street at Willow Street. Fletcher said residents in the area complained about speeding vehicles on Short Street.
Ald. John Balzraine cast the single “no” vote.
ANNUAL AUDIT
The council gave the Mayor power to act to retain Scheffel Boyle Public Accountants to complete the city’s annual audit at a cost not to exceed $20,000. The accounting firm had not submitted a formal proposal before Monday night’s meeting. Last year, the audit was completed at a cost of $18,500.
City Clerk Terri Koyne reminded aldermen the firm already has been retained at a cost of $5,000 for a special audit of IDNR grant funds expended on building the new Benld Family Sports Complex.
CEJA PROJECT
Council members voted unanimously to spend about $5,000 in Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant money to install a new floor and paint in the former City Hall when the CEJA grant funds become available. The renovated space will be offered as a community meeting venue for civic group meetings.
GOLD STANDARD AWARD
Ald. Balzraine announced that the DeStefane Events Center was recognized as a Gold Standard award recipient by the Macoupin County Department of Public Health for compliance with food handling safety regulations. The Events Center was one of 33 recipients recognized by the Health Department.
Balzraine said Sue McCoy is in charge of ensuring the Events Center is in compliance and “she does a fantastic job.”
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FELONIES
Rusty S. Menge, 54 of Hettick, is charged with reckless discharging of a firearm in connection with an April 12 incident.
Brandon L. Allen, 41 of Port Orange, FL, is charged with two counts of unlawful commercial use of game ($500+), two counts of outfitting service without a permit, hunting on others land without permission, five counts of obtain license/revoked in a another state, using license issued to another, and loan/transfer license in connection to an April 16 incident.
Michelle D. Heaton, 51 of East Alton, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a December 14, 2025 incident.
Tanner L. Wolff, 24 of Litchfield, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams) in connection with a December 13, 2025 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mount Clare, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee in connection with an April 11 incident.
Kenneth W. Bennett, 69 of Carlinville, is charged with violating an order of protection in connection with an April 14 incident.
Gregory A. Swift, 43 of Virden, is charged with heft of lost/mislaid property (<$500) in connection with an October 18, 2025 incident.
Brandon P. Bellm, 33 of Carlinville, is charged with battery/causing bodily harm in connection with a March 18 incident.
Joseph S. Augustine, 50 of Staunton, is charged with tossing/throwing a jackrock on property in connection with an April 14 incident.
TRAFFIC
Casey C. Trebing, 28 of Worden, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 10 incident.
Ayman Y. Omar, 51 of Lake Saint Louis, MO, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
John M. Steward, 29 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
Kylie T. Hunter, 29 of Springfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an April 12 incident.
Diana C. Hardison, 60 of Bunker Hill, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 12 incident.
Jimmy Monroe, 75 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and improper traffic lane usage.
Richard A. Stuckey, 70 of Brighton, is charged with failure to notify of damage to an unattended vehicle in connection with an April 9 incident.
Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 14 incident.
Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis/driver and driving 1-10 mph above the limit.
Keith M. Steele, 27 of Auburn, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an April 11 incident.
Joshua D. Strode, 48 of Chatham, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an April 10 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Marshall Emery versus Maurissa Emery
- Coltan Milton versus Chelsea Milton
- Micah Gotter versus Pamela Gotter
- Katie Ritter versus Thomas Ritter
- James A. Donaldson versus Cheryl A. Donaldson
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Cristopher C. Miller and Yvonne M. Rendon, both of Carlinville.
- Earl W. Tiepelman and Maria J. Goth, both of Mount Olive
- Phillip L. Randazzo and Trisden M. Haggett, both of Gillespie.
- Christopher T. Bertolis and Jordan R. Ryan, both of Mount Olive.
- Robert A. Lee and Dawn M. Hilderbrand, both of Maryville.
- Jason T. Daube and Jamie M. Goble, both of Brighton.
- Gabriel E. Bliss and Grace A. Hobson, both of Virden.
- Matthew G. Weidner of Bunker Hill and Claire A. Wilton of Carlinville
- Michelle L. Dettwiler of Litchfield and Heather N. Geary of Vine Grove, Kentucky
- Hunter Gl. Niemann of Litchfield and Hannah M. Ward of Pawnee
Comments
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Spruce Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to found property.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Park Street and South Trolley Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Fillmore Street and Burton Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a medical issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of 2nd Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and 5th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026
The school resource officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School Office in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping.
Douglas D. Davis, 59 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Kentucky Street and Central Avenue in Benld. A 16 year old male from Benld was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of North Francis Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 600 block of Gillespie Street.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Hard Road and Dorsey Road in Benld. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Street and Hard Road in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment in the 300 block of East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Pine Street in reference to a well-being check.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Henrietta Street. Lester W. Harvill, 56 of Benld, was arrested for improper lane usage and driving under the influence.
Catherine A. Brister, 50 of Staunton, was arrested on a Calhoun County warrant for failure to appear for violation of a court order.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Stemmi Street in Wilsonville to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issue on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer spoke with an officer at Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to illegal dumping
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to child abuse.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Osie Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Illinois Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of LJ Avenue in reference to a wellbeing check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Jersey Street. Amy L. Vollintine, 31 of Sorento, was issued a citation for suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Garage in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Central in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Henrietta Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Oregon Street. Daniel L. Harpole, 31 of Brighton, was issued a citation for speeding.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to an issue with a parent.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street with an Alderman in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 600 block of West Osie Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was out at a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld speaking with a male in reference to suspended registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026
John E. Wenzel, 74 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street.
An officer assisted Macoupin County Sheriff Department at South 4th Street and East Spruce Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Hard Road in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Meadowlark Drive in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Western Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
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