Community News
School board recognizes GMS track state qualifiers
Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night recognized eight members of the Gillespie Middle School Girls Track and Field team who qualified during a sectional meet last Saturday at Gillespie advance to state finals this coming Saturday in Peoria.
“This year’s girls track team has been spectacular,” GMS Principal Patrick McGinthy. “It seemed like every meet, they were bringing home hardware.”
Head Coach Jacob West introduced each of the eight team members, all seventh graders, who will compete at the state level.
Ella Brawner, started pole vaulting in the sixth grade, according to West. This year, she broke the previous school record with a jump of of eight fee and five inches. At subsequent meets, she broke her own record with successive jumps in excess of eight feet, culminating with a jump of nine feet and four inches at sectional.
Though not a record breaker Alyssa Cyprian, also qualified to compete in the pole vault this Saturday.
Brawner also will compete at state in hurdles. Starting this year without blocks, Assistant Coach Jack Burns suggested introducing her to spikes and starting blocks. “Sure enough, she broke her previous record and qualified for state,” West said.
West described Jessie Bulla as an all-around athlete. “You can put her in anything at she’ll do very well,” West said. At Staunton, she threw the shotput 30 feet and one and one-half inches, breaking the previous school record of 29 feet and six inches. She came in first at the sectional meet, qualifying for the state competition.
Also qualifying to compete in the shotput competition at state is Alivia Schoen.
“Not only will Jessie Bulla being throwing at state,” West reported, “but she will be joined by Alivia Schoen.”
Alyssa Hamilton set a new school record in discuss during the Staunton meet, throwing a distance of 86 feet and five inches. She qualified Saturday to throw at the state level.
Completing her first season in track and field, Lydia Edwards will compete in the high jump after posting a jump of four feet and five inches.
“We tried to get her to come out last year,” West said. “This year she decided to come out and she has just put her heart out there.”
West said the GMS 4×100 meter relay team consistently placed first throughout their season and qualified to run at the state level at last Saturday’s sectional meeting. Leighton Vogel will run first, passing the baton to Edwards who will pass off to Bulla. Bulla will hand off to Khloe Helvey to finish.
West reported the team placed first in every meet of their season except the South Central Conference meet, where they landed in second place. The team was in five points of first place.
“I told them to get ready for a phenomenal career in seventh and eighth grade and in high school,” West said. “You guys have something other teams don’t. This year, let’s work on making other teams nervous and sure enough they did it. I’m proud of them and they should be proud of themselves.”
“For you guys to place first in the sectional speaks volumes,” Supt. Shane Owsley said. “When you get to state, you’re not going to see anything you’re not prepared for. I don’t think this is the last piece of hardware we’re going to see from this team.”
School Board President Mark Hayes commended West’s enthusiasm for the track and field. “It’s obvious you love what you’re doing,” he said.
West and co-head coach Chase Peterson lead 55 middle school athletes who went out for track and field this year and are assisted by Burns.
PERSONNEL
By a unanimous vote, the board rehired the following winter coaches for the 2025-26 school year:
- Anthony Kravanya as freshman boys basketball coach.
- Nikki Brawner as head high school girls basketball coach, with Matt Brawner as assistant coach and Michael Rodriguez as volunteer assistant coach.
- Alexis Lucky as head high school cheerleading coach.
- Andrea Williamson as high school head dance coach, with volunteer assistant coach Elizabeth Doghttery.
- Jarrod Herron as high school and middle school Scholar Bowl coach.
- Celia Jubelt to coach eighth grade volleyball and Elizabeth Thackrey at seventh grade volleyball coach.
- Tate Wargo as eight grade boys basketball coach and Trae Wargo as seventh grade boys basketball coach.
Board members voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Kaylee Collins and Language and Speech Pathologist, a position Collins was hire for in December 2022, filling a position that had been vacant since the beginning of the academic year. The measure to accept Collins’ resignation included posting the position as vacant for the coming academic year.
Board members also voted unanimously to hire Nicholas Davio as BenGil Elementary School music teacher and fifth grade band teacher, and hire Jessica Kelly for a Gillespie Middle School summer school position. Davio, a 2003 graduate of Milikin University, Decatur, has pursued a music career in the Chicago area for more than 20 years. A freelance singer, musician and songwriter, he was on the staff of the Old Town School of Folk Music for 10 years.
Additionally, the board accepted the resignation of Shelby Maguire as a district paraprofessional and posted the position as vacant.
BUDGET MATTERS
Board members voted to display an amended fiscal 2025 budget reflecting changes and revenue and expenditures that occurred during the fiscal year concluding on June 30. Supt. Owsley said the original budget adopted last year doesn’t appear to “be off by much.” However, the amended budget available for public inspection until June 30 is subject to change as more information becomes available. Owsley said state funds due to the school district should be in by June 30, as well as final invoices.
The board directed Owsley last month to start compiling a fiscal 2026 budget. The 2026 fiscal year starts July 1. State law requires the district to adopt a budget by the end of September. Owsley typically presents the tentative budget in August every year, after which the document will be subject to public review for 30 days.
FOIA REQUEST
Owsley reported he received another AI-generated Freedom of Information Act request of information. This follows several AI FOIA requests the board was made aware of last month. The newest request ask for copies of all purchase orders the school district generated from 2020 to date.
Since the request appeared to be a “commercial” request, Owsley said he notified the requester there would be a charge for photocopying the documents.
“We have 600 to 700 purchase orders every year,” he noted.
OTHER ACTION
In other action the board:
- Accepted bids from Prairie Farms to supply milk for the 2025-26 school year, and from Kohl Wholesale, Quincy, to supply bread products.
- Agreed to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the South Central Illinois Regional Workforce Training and Innovation Center, Litchfield. Owsley said 21 local students plan to pursue vocational education at the facility next year.
- Approved a project to resurface playgrounds at BenGil Elementary School, using proceeds from a maintenance grant plus matching funds.
- Approved district-wide job descriptions.
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.
