Community News
School Board Meeting Summary – Monday, May 23rd
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education voted on Monday night to seek bids for grouting mine workings beneath the site of the propose new elementary school and for earth moving work to prepare the site for pouring the building pad.
As part of the motions to seek bids for the initial construction work, the board accepted school architect Tom Hyde‘s recommendation to slightly reposition the building on the building site to take better advantage of solid coal remaining in the seam beneath the school site. The adjustment moves the school about 30 feet further west than originally planned and about 40 feet to the south. The repositioning will put the building within 160 feet of the southern property line, but still leaves room for a parking area to serve the prekindergarten area located at the south end of the building.
Hyde said he was making the recommendation to shift the location of the building after further consultation with Gerry Maurino, an engineer based in Champaign who specializes in mine grouting projects.
The district will seek bids for grouting the mine workings to encompass an area representing a 15 degree “angle of influence” from the edge of the building. With the mine tunnels located approximately 300 feet below ground, the grouted area will extend about 90 feet from the edges of the building.
Hyde also recommended seeking an alternate bid to extend grouting to a 25 degree angle of influence off the northwest and southwest wings of the building. Earlier this month, the board discussed using enhanced construction techniques at the ends of the wings to further protect the building from subsidence damage in the event of a catastrophic failure in one of the adjoining mine panels. Extending the grout to a 25 degree of influence in those two areas would eliminate the need for enhanced construction methods, while increasing the cost of grouting by only three to four percent, Hyde said.
Answering a question from Supt. Paul Skeans, Hyde said the three to four percent increase in the grouting cost would still be within the budget the district has established for grouting.
In other areas, shifting the location of the building will provide virtually the same protection as grouting to a 25 degree angle of influence by better utilizing remaining coal underground. “Essentially, we can get a 25 degree angle of influence virtually everywhere without a big difference in cost,” Hyde noted.
At the same time, the district will seek bids for building pad grading on the site. That work, according to Hyde will involve removing about 18 inches of topsoil, then bringing in clay to build the building site up by three or four feet. The clay material will be compacted as it is installed to provide a stable building surface for the new school.
Hyde said the grading work should be done prior to the grouting work to facilitate the grouting project. Grouting the mine will involve drilling holes to the depth of the mine and injecting a concrete-type material to fill the mining voids below the school building site.
According to Hyde, having the building pad built up to an elevation of three or four feet will provide better draining and provide better working conditions for workers installing the grout. Wet weather and mud delayed drilling work earlier this year when engineers were testing to determine the exact location of mine workings under the site.
Hyde said bid specifications for the grouting and grading work have not been completed. The bid documents are likely to be approved at the next regular meeting of the board, or the board could call a special meeting for the purposed of approving specifications and getting the bid process started.
In other action, the board appointed School Board President Mark Hayes to serve as boy’s varsity soccer coach for the 2011-2012 school year. Hayes abstained from voting.
Skeans told the board and members of the audience that hiring Hayes for the position would not be a conflict of interest because soccer is a parent-funded sport. “We checked with our legal counsel to make sure that was the case,” Skeans said. “What happened is that Mr. (Joe) Tieman (High School Principal) and Mr. (Dennis) Tiburzi (Athletic Director) decided to pursue Mark Hayes for this position and he graciously agreed to accept it.”
In other personnel action, the board accepted the resignation of high school math teacher Katie Benz and voted to post the position as vacant, with the proviso that preference would be given to candidates with a masters degree. Benz, who taught for four years in the school district, has accepted a position with Staunton High School.
Hayes said the preference for a candidate with a master’s degree is based on the board’s desire to offer dual credit math courses which will give students an opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school.
The board also accepted the resignation of Gillespie High School band instructor Mike Sauerhage, and accepted the resignation of Carl Seago as a volunteer assistant high school football coach.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christine Niehaus as a first-year, non-tenured language arts teacher at the middle school level, and to hire Celia Jubelt as the Gillespie Middle School volleyball coach for the 2011-2012 school year.
The board also hired Penney Feeley and Janice Hammann as cafeteria workers for the school lunch and breakfast program associated with the district’s summer school program.
After some discussion, the board agreed to authorize Skeans to sell bleachers and other items from the old Benld Elementary School to the Mount Olive School District. The Benld school has been vacant for two years since being damaged by mine subsidence. Skeans said the district has been removing material that could be salvaged for use elsewhere in the district.
The bleachers, however, will not work with the design of the new elementary school, he said, and Mount Olive has agreed to purchase them for $10,000. Mount Olive will provide the labor to remove and move the bleachers. On a motion by Peyton Bernot, seconded by Hayes, the board voted to allow the Superintendent to sell the bleachers, ceiling tiles, lights and other materials. Skeans said the material can be sold to Mount Olive School District without seeking bids through an intergovernmental memorandum of understanding. He said he will not dispose of fixtures and materials that would render the old building unsaleable.
In other action, the board:
Accepted a contract with TheraKids, Shipman, to provide physical and occupational therapy for the school’s special education program for the 2011-2012 school year. The company has provided such services for the special education cooperative for the past 14 years.
Approved application for a $145,000 renewable emergency relocation grant from the State Board of Education to pay for leasing modular classroom units to house displaced Benld Elementary School students.
Approved changes recommended by staff for the Gillespie Middle School student handbook.
Reauthorized cooperative athletic agreements with the Mount Olive School District for boys and girls cross country, boys soccer and wrestling.
-Written and Contributed by David Ambrose
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.
