Community News
School Board rehires all tenured teachers
Published
13 years agoon
By
BenGil Staff
Moves Borgini and Garde to tenure
During a regular scheduled board meeting on March 26, the Board of Education placed Don Borgini, high school physical education instructor, and Tammy Garde, middle school special education instructor, on tenure for fiscal school year 2013.
Board member Peyton Bernot expressed his concern with placing Borgini on tenure during a discussion session after Billy Carter made the motion. “I will be voting no. I am not degrading his coaching abilities in any way. I think he is an outstanding person and coach, but to pay him the money we do is ludicrous,” Bernot explained, “I am voting no on that reason only.”
“Point well taken,” Dave Griffel responded, “He is paid according to the salary schedule for his level of teaching in this district. He is treated equally to his years of teaching, so I just wanted to clarify.” After Griffel’s comment, Borgini was placed on tenure after 5 yes votes, 1 no vote, and a present vote from Mark Hayes.
The board went on to employ all tenured teachers as presented for FSY 2013: Holley McFarland, Mary Kirk, Rick Spencer, Beth Zehr, Jack Burns, Trudy Giaudrone, Mike Bertagnolli, Margaret Fisher, Robert Macias, Casey Sholtis, Jennifer Brown, Jeff Nehls, Connie Whitehead, Mark Goldasich, Jerry Rosentreter, Troy Barker, Joni Paine, Michelle Smith, Katie Weigand, Angela Brink, Nichole Stoecker, Deb Olson, Karen White, Jarrod Herron, Kim Henderson, Kyle Lamore, Stephanie Wilson, Casey Willmann, Jill Rosentreter, Matt Brawner, Jeremy Smith, Mike Blotna, Stephanie Bray, Barb Schmid, Susan Tiburzi, Gail Niehaus, Gayla Crites, Kellie Vesper, Tracy Petersen, Lorraine Strutner, Kimberly Link, Sharon Schwab, Jody Dunn, Gail McGowan, Leanna Sawyer, Melissa B ussmann, Tracy Hostettler, Darrick Orban, Kara Saracco, Kelly Lyons, John Wiemers, Holly Nejmanowski, Jennifer Parker, Anastasia Henderson, Cate Plovich, Amy Price, Nickie Barrett, Jessi Luketich, Mindy Savant, Casey Niehaus, Karissa Smith, Beth Sies, Valerie Barrett, Beth Rull and Donna Easton.
After employing all tenured teachers, the board employed all non-tenured teachers as well: Amy Goldasich, HS English, 4th year; Kelly Bulla, HS Resource, 3rd year; Ashlee Gibbs, HS Math, 2nd year; Zach Simon, Band, 2nd year; Daniel Edgerton, MS Math, 3rd year; Christina Blevins, MS Language Arts, 2nd year; Rachelle Prough, MS Special Education, 1st year; Marci Johns, Elementary, 4th year; Colleen Favre, Elementary, 4th year; Celia Jubelt, Elementary, 4th year; Jami Schmid, Elementary, 3rd year.
Moving down on certificated personnel, the board appointed winter coaches for FSY 2012 as presented: high school boys’ basketball, Terry Allan, head coach; Casey Sholtis, assistant coach; Matt Brawner, freshmen coach; high school girls’ basketball, Kevin Gray, head coach; Andy Easton, assistant coach; middle school volleyball, Lana Odorizzi, head coach; Celia Jubelt, assistant coach; middle school boys’ basketball, Daniel Edgerton and Tim Wargo; middle school cheerleading, Carrie Scott-Palmer and appointed Chris Rademacher as high school volunteer boys’ baseball coach. The board also appointed Casey Niehaus as middle school boys’ track coach for FSY 2012.
The board then accepted with regrets the resignation for retirement of Gail Niehaus, Pre-K Instructor at the end of the FSY 2012 and to post the Pre-K Instructor for 2013. Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman thanked Gail, “I want to thank Gail for all her years of service at our district. She is a great person and a great instructor.”
Tieman went on to explain that the reason this job is being posted as vacant at such an early date is because it takes a special certification to teach this position. “You have to have an early childhood certificate, an elementary certificate and this position requires an early childhood certificate,” Angela Turcol, principal of Benld Elementary, clarified.
Under non-certificated personnel, the board approved the resolution authorizing honorable dismissal of educational support personnel: Amy Baker, Cathy Barylske, Trinity Bray-Jett, Theresa Carter, Sharon Heyen, Misty Parker, Ella May Roemer, Tim Wargo, Kathy Wheeler, Nicole Zenner.”This is something we have traditionally done historically,” Tieman shed light, “We assess our need for those aids and then as an administrative team, we come before the board and ask that some or possibly all of these aids be rehired.”
Tom Hyde then gave an update on current capital projects. “The mine grouting work has been completed,” Hyde started. Hayward-Baker has demobilized their equipment from the site. The storm water piping and manhole for connection of the District’s storm water detention area to the adjacent field tile piping has been installed.
Foundation work is scheduled to start March 29. Contegra will be on site as soon as a portion of the building is available for them to begin work. Korte and Luijhon expect 400 million feet per day in gray beam. “There should be some visible signs shortly,” Hyde closed, “It is starting to move.”
The board approved change order #2 FBE/MBE subcontractors. “This is being required by the state,” Hyde clarified. 5% each in the total amount of $105,173, subject to final verification and approval from Capital Development Board and authorized the Superintendent to act as soon as approval is received.
In other actions, the board authorized to advertise and seek bids for Data Wiring as well as approved and adopted plans for specifications for the New Elementary School. Hyde needs these documents to submit to the Regional Superintendent for review and issuance for a Building Permit.
School administrators then provided updates of events and programs underway in each attendance center. Mr. Dennis Tiburzi, high school principal, explained to the board that the juniors took a practice PSAE/ACT test to help prepare them for the upcoming test in April. The environment was the same as it will be in April. In other activities, the vocal ensemble group received “Best of the Day” during an IHSA Solo/Ensemble contest in Jerseyville. “This is fabulous, I can’t remember getting this award in the 15 years I have been here,” Tiburzi noted.
Tiburzi went on to say the faculty and staff were updated on the synthetic drug use in the area by Gillespie Police Chief Jared DePoppe and Litchfield Police Chief B.J. Wilkenson. He went on to close with a congratulatory spiel toward the soccer team for winning the Metro East Cup, the boys and girls track team on early accomplishments, and named members that were All-Conference members for basketball which included: Shelby Jarman, Alexis Burns, Michael Bussmann and Ellen Gray who received honorable mention.
Middle school principal Lori Emmons congratulated science fair winners and explained Stephen DeMartini and Marissa Hartke will go to the next level and attend the State Science Fair in Champaign. In other middle school news, the honors banquet will be on May 2nd and the GMS Indian Invite will be on April 7. “We had a great turnout last year and we invite everyone to join us this year again,” Emmons explained. The Indian Invite is an annual track meet for grades six through eight.
Lastly, Angela Turcol notified the board that 45 new kindergarten students attended the kindergarten preview. She then went on to say that herself and Mrs. Rull joined the advisory board at Macoupin County Maple Street School Health Center and are working on a relationship with the Health Center to become aware of the programs they offer. “Mrs. Rull is working with their education representative to build participation in the programs the Center offers to elementary and middle school students,” Turcol closed.
The board then approved the payment of March bills in the amount of $93,439.42 and adopted the 5-year plan. The board also approved membership in the IHSA for fiscal school year 2013. “This allows us to compete in the post season,” Tiburzi clarified.
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FELONIES
Joshua M. Maloney, 28 of Bunker Hill, is charged with domestic battery in connection with a February 1 incident.
Mark D. Bartok, 66 of Bunker Hill, is charged with criminal damage to government property (<$500) and criminal trespass to a residence in connection with a February 1 incident.
William R. Werner, 28 of Staunton, is charged with aggravated batter of a peace officer in connection with a February 4 incident
Patrick D. Greer, 39 of Mount Olive, is charged with possession of methamphetamine (15 < 100 grams) in connection with a February 5 incident.
Caleb A. Stoner, 33 of Bunker Hill, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>10k<100k) in connection with a February 24, 2022 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Mark D. Bartok, 66 of Bunker Hill, is charged with criminal trespass to residence in connection with a February 3 incident.
Michael A. Rhodes, 36 of Palmyra, is charged with resisting a peace officer/firefighter/corrections employee and criminal trespass to land in connection with February 3 incident.
TRAFFIC
Jose J. Garcia Romero, 26 of Chicago, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 26 incident.
Howard E. Nelson, 32 of Hettick, is charged with improper use of registration/title in connection with a January 29 incident.
Casey J. Smith, 33 of Carlinville, is charged with improper use of registration/title in connection with a January 24 incident.
Joshua R. Tieman, 21 of Carlinville, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a January 29 incident.
Alexis Cheyene Pierce, 30 of South Bend, IN, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 30 incident.
Shycare J. G. Johnson, 26 of Marietta, GA, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 27 incident.
Jonathan W. Baumberger, 45 of Litchfield, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with a January 28 incident.
Lamonja L. Warren, 26 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a January 29 incident.
Jason P. Duffecy, 48 of Lombard, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with a January 29 incident.
Tijuana C. Good, 37 of Ephrata, PA, is charged with fleeing/attempting to elude officer and improper turn signal, in connection with a January 30 incident.
Pedro A. Membreno, 40 of Saint Louis, MO, is charged with driving while never issued a license in connection with a January 5 incident.
Ashleigh K. Bethel, 41 of Benld, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 30 incident.
Jayden M. Harper, 30 of Chesterfield, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a January 31 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Ronald W. Clarkson versus Angela R. Clarkson
- Krystie E. Lumma versus Shawn T. Lumma
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Police News
Gillespie Police Report February 2 – February 8, 2024
Published
5 days agoon
February 10, 2025By
Averi G
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble at Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer spoke with a juvenile at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a juvenile issue in the 500 block of Baker Street.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Lake by the horse arena and camp sites in reference to suspicious vehicles.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to fraud.
An officer was out with a vehicle blocking the roadway in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld blocking the roadway.
An officer was out in the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of Abba Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to fraud.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Maple Street. Zyan T. Kolesar, 24 of Gillespie, was cited for driving on suspended registration.
An officer was dispatched to 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 1100 block of Abba Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the business in the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Burton Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to property on Green Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 7500 block if Staunton Road in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious item.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
TUESDAY, TUESDAY 4, 2025
Donald E. Ruyle, 51 of Benld, was arrested on a warrant out Macoupin County for failure to appear on domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Burton Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Easton Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Adams in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a fire call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Adams street in reference to a suspicious person,
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department in reference to speaking with a female reference someone who she believed to be hacking into her cellphone.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to Irene Street and Adams Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious male in the 400 block of Pear Street.
An officer was initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Kyle R. Aldridge, 28 of Auburn, was issued a citation for operating uninsured vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a neighbor dispute in the 700 block of South Macoupin Street.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 800 block of Broadway Street in reference to an alarm sounding.
WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
An officer spoke with a female and a stepfather at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a family dispute in the 400 block of West Dorsey Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a possible fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Easton Street in reference to domestic battery. David L. Clark, 32 of Gillespie, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to Harmony Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to Clinton Street in reference to a suspicious male.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North 8th Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, FEBRUAY 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of South Second Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Illinois Avenue and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Melissa L. Sutton, 60 of East Gillespie, was issued a citation for no valid registration.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Dorsey Street and 2nd Street in Benld. A 16-year-old female from Gillespie was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Broadway Street in reference to traffic control.
An officer was dispatched to North Clinton Street in reference to a four wheeler on the roadway.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to child abandonment.
An officer spoke with a female in the 500 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a civil issue.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to residence.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue and theft in the 100 block of West Elm Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Montgomery Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Easton Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie High School in reference to extra security patrol after the basketball game.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie reference theft.
An officer was dispatched to Western Avenue and West Elm Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to juvenile issues.
An Officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street reference a wellbeing check.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Mt. Clare Drive and South Hard Road in Mt. Clare. Samantha N. Sandy, 30 of Walshville, was issued citations for expired registration and expired driver’s license.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched 300 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property. Joshua M. Maloney, 28 of Wilsonville, was arrested for criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to building.
Steven A. Kroll, 33 of Eagarville, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for driving under the influence.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a female in the 400 block of North 4th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 Block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a suspicious person.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
Gillespie teen wins drive safe Chicago video contest
Published
1 week agoon
February 6, 2025By
BenGil Staff
Wins $2,000 Prize and Video She Created will Air on 160 TV Stations Nationwide
CHICAGO – Emily Bergen, 16, a student at Gillespie High School in Gillespie, has won the annual Drive Safe Chicago public service announcement contest. Antonio Knott, 15, of Merrillville High School in Merrillville IN, placed second in the voting, and Noelani Elizalde, 17, also from Merrillville High School, was third.
Sponsored by the National Road Safety Foundation in partnership with the Chicago Auto Show, teens from Illinois and surrounding states were invited to submit ideas for a 30-second PSA about sharing the road with other passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles and pedestrians.
Three finalists were selected and each worked with an Emmy Award-winning producer to transform their PSA submissions into 30-second TV public service announcements. The public was then able to vote for their favorite online. More than 1,400 online votes were cast.
The winner received $2,000 and will be featured on nationally-syndicated Teen Kids News, reaching more than 160 TV stations across the country. The first runner-up got $1,000 and the second runner-up won $500. All three finalists’ teachers received $100 gift cards.
Bergen’s winning PSA shows a young driver starting her car and pressing a “share the road” button. As she drives, an AI voice warns her of a bicyclist, a pedestrian and children in a school zone. The voice then reminds her, “Cars don’t come with devices like me, which is why you need to know how to share the road.”
“The carnage on our roads can be reduced if drivers remain aware of others who share the road,” said Michelle Anderson of The National Road Safety Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes safe driving. “We think the creative ideas about sharing the road from our Drive Safe Chicago winner and runners-up convey that message effectively.”
“Although today’s new cars are safer than ever, with technological advances that are proven to help avoid crashes,” said Chicago Auto Show Chairwoman Kelly Webb Roberts, “drivers must still be aware of others they are sharing the road with, whether it’s a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrians.”
The National Road Safety Foundation says driver error accounts for 94 percent of all fatal crashes, with speeding and driver distraction among the leading factors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 40,990 people died on U.S. roads and highways in 2023, with hundreds of thousands of injuries and an estimated annual cost of more than $340 billion.
View Bergen’s winning video below:
Bergen’s video is also featured center on the National Road Safety Foundation’s website with the runners-up videos to the right and to the left: https://m.shortstack.page/NLxMqT