Community News
School board purchases math textbook series for high school grades
High school math instructor Kyle Kozer demonstrating the online capabilities of the new math textbook series.
One month after purchasing a new reading textbook series for elementary grades kindergarten through fourth and one year after purchasing a new math textbooks series for the middle school, the District 7 school board unanimously approved the purchase a new math textbook series for high school grades nine through twelve.
With board members Bill Carter, Don Dobrino and Jenni Alepra absent from the meeting held on Monday, June 22, board members Mark Hayes, Dave Griffel, Weye Schmidt and Peyton Bernot listened to a 10-minute presentation about the new textbook series from high school math instructor Kyle Kozer.
The series, which correlates with the middle school math series purchased last year, includes student editions, teacher editions and an interactive edition for classroom Promethean boards or at-home learning and homework via an internet connection. The $35,000 series includes algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry and pre-calculus.
“It’s just great what you can do with it,” Kozer told the board members after saying he used the series for two lessons during the 2014-2015 school year. “It’s what we need. It meets with what middle school math teachers are already doing.”
[pullquote]It’s what we need. It meets with what middle school math teachers are already doing.[/pullquote]Kozer explained students will be assigned an online identification and password to login into the online edition, which includes an e-book, online assignments, tutorials and example problems. He highlighted that the Gencoe math series is on-point with every aspect and the high school math teachers have all favored the proposed series.
High school principal Lori Emmons added that the series is great considering everything it includes. “It’s just great what you can do with it and what the students can do at home with it,” Emmons added. “Kyle and I went over his presentation and I think it is great.”
After approving the series, the board said they will have to review funding to add Promethean boards to the remaining two math classrooms in the high school. Kozer admitted that he is only high school math teacher with the interactive learning board and the series cannot be used to its full potential without the boards.
Board raises employee’s health insurance deductible
The school board made the difficult decision to change health insurance plans to a plan that raises the employee health insurance deductible from $500 to $1,000 after an 11-minute discussion with Superintendent Tieman about the health insurance bids for the 2015-2016 school year.
Tieman presented the board members bids from Etna, United Health Care and the district’s current provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS was the only provider that was able to guarantee the premiums for the 106 enrolled employees, so the board didn’t consider the proposals from United Healthcare or Etna.
The employees’ current plan with a deductible of $500 raised the health insurance for the district by $40,000, but a plan that raised the deductible to $1,000 raised the health insurance for the district by $9,000. “I don’t consider it a savings either way because we are paying more both ways,” Superintendent Tieman explained. “But, one direction we have to pay $9,000 more and the other we pay $40,000 more. There’s a $31,000 savings in one direction and I’ve tried to put every opportunity in place to save money across the board and be efficient for the district.”
Board member Dave Griffel agreed, saying he doesn’t like to be left with tough decisions like this that raise costs for the employees, but he said a $31,000 savings covers majority of the math textbook series the board approved earlier in Monday night’s meeting. Peyton Bernot agreed with Griffel’s statement and added that the district has to be conscience with every dollar considering the state’s current financial position.
“We should be aware of saving every dime we can,” Bernot closed. “Hopefully next year the premiums come down. We have had to make tough choices on the board and we have had to do this in Benld too.”
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Tieman updated the board on the athletic field improvements by saying work on the football field has already started. The building and grounds committee announced their plan for the athletic facilities during the May meeting and Superintendent Tieman explained the district wants to get the ball rolling on the many projects on-hand.
Most of the work on the football field will be finished when the football season is over late this fall, but the irrigation system will be installed before the season is underway. Maintenance supervisor Rob Graham reported the trenching is complete for the irrigation system and work will continue when the weather clears. Graham said the electricity for the pump house has been completed with the concrete pad for the pump house scheduled to be complete in the upcoming weeks.
Tieman continued by saying board member Dave Griffel and himself have talked with private parties regarding the baseball field tiling, but a decision hasn’t been made yet. He closed with the building and grounds committee’ top priority, the softball field. Tieman said work on the softball field would begin as soon as possible with concrete and masonry work being the top priority.
The backstop for the field has to be extended as well to protect the solar panels on the new elementary school, but Tieman said utilizing the construction trades class for various concrete paths, dugout roofs and dugout benches will save thousands of dollars alone.
Superintendent Tieman closed his report by saying board member Jenni Alepra and branch manager of the United Community Bank in Gillespie reported an anonymous donor donated $500 to help with the softball field improvements and $600 toward the football field improvements.
Personnel
The school board unanimously approved maternity leave for second grade instructor Nikki Barrett starting August 14, 2015 and ending March 14, 2016. The board went on to accept Tara Allen’s resignation from seventh grade volleyball coach and later posted the position as vacant.
The board unanimously reappointed the following spring coaches for the 2015-2016 school year: high school track, Mike Bertagnolli, Jack Burns, Jeff Nehls, Jerry Rosentreter, Austin Semplowski; softball, Michelle Smith, Joe Kelly, Alina Fields, Jim Matesa, Kelcie Matesa; baseball, Jeremy Smith, Casey Sholtis, Dan Smith, Adam Tallman, Tim Wargo; soccer, Robin Niemeyer, Tara Allen; and middle school track: Christina Blevins and Casey Niehaus.
Lastly, the school board reemployed the following paraprofessionals: Amy Baker, Cathy Barylske, Trinity Bray-Jett Theresa Carter, Sharon Heyen, Shelia Katich, Misty Parker, Amy Reiniesch, Ella May Roemer, Brandi Schoen, Tim Wargo, Kathy Wheeler and Nicole Zenner.
Public Recognition
Mark Stewart, representing the Coal Country Sports Complex, requested the school board consider donating any unwanted equipment from the former elementary school site in Benld to the sports complex. Stewart explained the complex is nearing completion for the reclamation project and is hoping to add basketball courts and ball fields to the site, but would willing accept any equipment donations to ease the financial burden.
Stewart also informed the board that the complex would be a perfect location to host home cross-country events in the upcoming school years once the site is ready. He explained he has already been in discussion with cross-country coach Casey Niehaus.
The school board accepted his request, but notified him that a decision has not been made in regard to the vacant school property in Benld or the unused equipment. Superintendent Tieman said the district won’t consider departing with any softball field equipment until the new softball field is completed on the new elementary school site in Gillespie.
June Bills
The payment of the June bills was unanimously approved:
Transportation Fund: $6,441.10
Education Fund: $84,313.73
Site & Construction Fund: $12,150.03
Building Fund: $53,954.50
Grand Total: $156,859.36
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Edwin L. Rhodes, 68 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs/methamphetamine delivery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Fulton Street. Sebastian S. Nessl, 31 of Gillespie, was issued citations for suspended registration due to no insurance, operating an uninsured vehicle, and expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. Ricky L. Murphy of Fillmore, was issued a citation for failure to change address and suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Cottage Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Francis Street in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Adam M. Wagner, 33 of Benld, was issued citations for suspended registration and expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Hard Road in Benld. April R. McNealy, 39 of Mt. Olive, was issued citations for disobeying a stop sign and expired registration.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a battery. Eric M. Streeb, 37 of Staunton, was arrested for aggravated battery.
Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 58 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear on larceny.
An officer was out in the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
Kourtney K. Claro, 34 of Benld, was arrested on a Madison County Warrant for failure to appear on unlawful possession.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to identity theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to Clay Street and Park Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Walnut Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a stolen vehicle from the 200 block of North Kentucky in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Hannah E. Naugle, 25 of Gillespie, was given a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Elm Street and Macoupin Street. Ruthie J. Kahl, 35 of Carlinville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Illinois Avenue and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Christopher T. Brickey, 30 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while his license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Avenue. Jess P. Barker, 69 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass to property in the 400 block of Broadway Street.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of Park Avenue.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
Anita S. Grizzle, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance, dangerous drugs, and a Madison County warrant for failure to appear on dangerous drugs.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer recovered a vehicle that was reported stolen from the 200 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Francis Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Hard Road in Mt. Clare. Chandler M. Hayes, 26 of Thayer, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 5th Street in Benld. Amanda L. Martinek, 35 of Mt. Olive, was issued a citation for operating uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026
Cody R. Ikerman, 35 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while license was suspended.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment in the 600 block of Broadway Street.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in reference to criminal trespass.
The School Recourse Officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld to assist DCFS.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Macoupin Street. Claudette N. Cruse, 48 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for improper use of registration.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 2nd Street, 400 block of West Oak Street, and the 200 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to criminal defacement of property. The juvenile suspects were located.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Schmidt Street in East Gillespie in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Stacy L. Marshall, 59 of Wilsonville, is charged with stalking/cause fear of safety and driving under the influence of alcohol in connection with a January 23 incident.
Jarod A. Fagan, 41 of Carlinville, is charged with aggravated use of a communications device/death, two counts of aggravated DUI/crash/death, driving under the influence of alcohol, registration expiration, improper traffic lane usage, transporting/carrying alcohol, and seat belt required in connection with a December 9 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Frederic J. Skinner, 22 of Carlinville, is charged with criminal damage to property (<$500) in connection with a December 30 incident.
Noel J. Kennon, 47 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a January 12 incident.
TRAFFIC
Jessica D. Jackson, 37 of Girard, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 27 incident.
Mason C. Marquette, 18 of Virden, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit and transporting/carrying alcohol in connection with a January 21 incident.
Joshua D. Strode, 48 of Chatham, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 18 incident.
Rhiannon P. Ewin, 26 of Carlinville, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 28 incident.
Denae L. Clements, 32 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and expired registration in connection with a January 27 incident.
Anna M. Bearup, 44 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 27 incident.
Amanda M. McDowell, 43 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and expired registration in connection with a January 27 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Ellie J. Ondrey versus Zachary C. Ondrey
- Lillyan Hawkins versus Drew M. Hawkins
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- John Louis Osborne and Melissa Jeannine Harbaugh, both of Hettick
Comments
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Pine Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with the female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a child custody issue.
An officer was dispatched to Staunton Road and Southern Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Central in Benld by the Illinois Department of Transportation in reference to a vehicle that had been parked on their snow route, and they needed to be moved. Amy J. Arnold, 34 of Benld, was issued a citation for illegal parking.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 5th Street in Benld. Dakota N. Lytle, 27 of Staunton, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Park Street and Illinois Street in Benld. Alexander C. Richardson, 29 of Benld, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of West Pine with a subject riding an ATV on the roadway.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street, Chelsa R. Pruden, 36 of Staunton, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Maple Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Walnut Street. Denae L. Clements, 32 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for suspended registration for no insurance and expired registration.
The school resource officer assisted the Department of Children and Family Services in reference to a juvenile issue at Ben-Gil Elementary School.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Illinois Street in East Gillespie. Christian M. Garrison, 25 of Girard, was issued a citation for failure to change address.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 300 block of North Kentucky Street in Benld.
The school resource officer was dispatched for a student who fled from school. The child was located and returned to her residence.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out with a vehicle in the ditch in the 300 block of Kelly Street, assisting until a tow truck could arrive.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
The school resource officer was dispatched to Gillespie High School in reference to a fight between two juveniles.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a fight.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Staunton Road and Division Street in Mt. Clare. Donald E. Ruyle, 52 of Benld, was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was out at Francis Street and South Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to an animal complaint.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on West Oak Street in Benld.
An officer was out in the 200 block of Locust Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft. Tabitha M. Pratt, 39 of Benld, was arrested for theft, possession of another credit/debit card, and possession of a lost or mislaid credit/debit card.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a burglary.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to criminal damage.
An officer was dispatched to North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in Benld.
The school resource officer took a report of an assault on a juvenile and reported it to the Department of Children and Family Services.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at 3rd Street and Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare. Gregory A. Boaz, 32 of Mt. Clare, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Elm Street in East Gillespie. Isabelle G. Manning, 21 of Edwardsville, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and LJ Ave. Jynnafer E. Marin, 44 of Coffeen, was issued a citation for driving on a suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Macoupin Street. Kerri D. Felchlin, 43 of Edwardsville, was issued citations for expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Easton Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in reference to a civil standby.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
