Community News
School board votes to lease three new buses
Members of the Community Unit Community School District 7 Board of Education voted Monday night to commit to a five-year lease for three new school buses, agreed to make middle school softball a school-funded sport and approved an amended 2021-22 district budget.
With an aging bus fleet threatening to siphon money for repairs, the board accepted Supt. Shane Owsley’s recommendation to enter into a five-year lease agreement with Central State Bus for three new school buses. Central State Bus offered the lower of two bids received, offering a price of $26,928 per bus. At the end of the five-year lease, the district will have the option of keeping the vehicles or returning them.
Owsley said the district will start receiving state reimbursements for depreciation starting with the second year of the lease. Over the life of the lease, he estimated the district will receive reimbursements for 60 to 75 percent of the contract’s $84,000 total cost.
Owsley said the lease agreement is the first step toward achieving his goal of having no buses in the fleet that are more than five years old.
GMS SOFTBALL PROGRAM
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Board President Mark Hayes, the board unanimously approved a carefully worded motion to transition middle school softball from a parent-funded sport to a school-funded program. Parents presented the proposal to the board last month, providing an estimate of $10,000 per year for the program’s cost.
The motion calls for the district to fund middle school softball as a “feeder program for the funded high school softball program with the stipulation” that existing funds held by the parents group be turned over to the school district and that the parents group continue to host and sponsor an annual tournament with proceeds of the tournament going to the district.
Shannon Wright, a member of the parents group, said the group has $9,000 to $10,000 in funding to transfer to the school district—enough to cover one full season of the program. Jim Matesa, another parent, advocated for using some of that money for improvements at the school’s ball diamond. He said the facility needs a water line, a ramp for its storage shed, and money to create a concession stand.
Hayes told Matesa that funding for those projects could be an issue. When the parents group funds are transferred to the district, he suggested they would be spent as intended for the program.
“My question is, do you want the program or do you want these projects?” Hayes asked.
Hayes suggested that Matesa get estimates for each of the projects he wanted done and let the board consider them as an issue separate from the middle school softball transition.
AMENDED BUDGET
The board approved an amended budget for the fiscal year ending on June 30 to reflect revenue and expenditures that were not anticipated when the budget was initially approved in September last year. The amended budget is a legal requirement, according to Owsley, to ensure the budget reflects actual revenues and expenditures during the fiscal year.
The amendments are limited to three specific funds—Education, Building Operations and Maintenance, and IMRF. During a brief public hearing prior to the meeting, Owsley pointed out the district had overspent budgeted amounts in Operations and Maintenance, and IMRF. Expenditures in the Education Fund have approached the budgeted amount, making it advisable to add a buffer on the revenue side. The additional revenues came from COVID-19 relief payments from the federal government during the fiscal year. Further complicating the budget, an additional $627,631.33 in state aid payments have been allocated but have not been processed by the Comptroller. Owsley said it was unknown as of Monday night whether or not those payments would arrive before June 30 or after June 30 in which can the money would be considered revenue for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
The amended budget increases estimate revenue for the Education Fund from $13,370,416 to $14,414,150. As of Monday night, the district had spent $12,547,975.50 from the Education Fund. The amended budget adds a $500,000 buffer by increasing budgeted expenditures from $13,258,230 to $13,751,326.
Current expenditures from the Operations and Maintenance Fund are $709,781.32, compared with budgeted expenses of $691,795. Owsley said the additional expenditures were due to underestimated costs for water and sewer, and contractural services for heating/cooling repairs, plumbing and other issues. To account for the discrepancy, the new budget sets expenditures at $831,765.
Expenditures from the IMRF and Social Security fund are $441,994.07, compared with a budgeted amount of $432,642. To cover the shortfall, the new budget increases the expenditure line item to $497,292. Revenue is increased from an estimate of $432,733 to $464,403.
Approval of the amended budget clears out the 2021-22 budget year and paves the way for the board to work on a new budget for 2022-23. The board is expected to place a new budget on file for public review during its August meeting, with an eye toward approving the budget in September.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session, the board voted to accept “with regret” the resignation for purposes of retirement of long-serving district custodian Ray Mansholt, effective Oct. 10.
“Ray has been with our district for 40 years,” Hayes noted. “I know he is very emotional about retiring.”
The board also voted unanimously to hire Dalton Barnes as a high school social science/physical education teacher for the 2022-23 school year. Board members also voted unanimously to hire Alec Jasper as a volunteer assistant football coach and Alexis Lumpkey as a volunteer assistant middle school/high school cheer coach.
The board agreed to post a position for an assistant principal position who will be assigned to “float” from building to building. The board also posted a vacancy for an elementary school teaching position.
The board voted unanimously to rehire the following spring sport coaches: Robin Niemeyer, head women’s soccer coach; Paige Niemeyer, women’s assistant soccer coach; Jeremy Smith, head mens baseball coach; Tim Wargo, paid assistant baseball coach; Adam Tallman and Dan Smith, volunteer assistant baseball coaches; Michelle Smith, head softball coach; Jim Matesa, paid assistant softball coach; Joe Kelly volunteer assistant softball coach; Mike Bertagnolli, head men’s track and field coach; Jessica Kelley, head women’s track and field coach; Jacob West, assistant track and field coach; Jay Weber, Alex Ottersburg and Jack Burns, volunteer assistant track and field coaches; Jacob Killebrew, head bass fishing coach; Ryan Bussmann and JQ Halteman, volunteer assistant bass fishing coaches; Jill Strole, middle school track coach; Chase Peterson, middle school track coach; Alex Ottersburg, assistant volunteer middle school track coach; and Jay Weber, assistant volunteer middle school track coach.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Agreed to contract with Blue Cross-Blue Shield to provide employee health insurance for the coming year with a premium increase of 2.5 percent. Owsley said the company originally proposed a six percent increase but came back with a better price when the district asked it to reconsider its bid.
- Chose Prairie Farms Dairy to provide milk for the district’s food service programs, and selected Kohl’s Wholesale, Quincy, to provide bread and other foods.
- Approved a consolidated district plan which consolidates a number of documents to facilitate easier application for federal grant funds.
- Approved a language change in the teacher evaluation policy giving administrators an option to evaluate teachers with a proficient or better rating every three years instead of every two years.
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FELONIES
Justine D. Pocklington, 27 of Standard City, possession of methamphetamine (<5 grams), aggravated feeling police/21 mph over, no valid registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a February 2 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Katlyn N. Pilger, 21 of Benld, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (<$500) in connection with a March 28 incident.
Donald L. Lloyd, 46 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to land in connection with an April 5 incident.
TRAFFIC
Tarina S. Slaughter, 47 of Girard, is charged with improper use of registration/title, unlicensed, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an April 4 incident.
William C. Geiser, 60 of Gillespie, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an April 6 incident.
Lauren E. Wolfe, 21 of Granite City, is charged with improper use of registration/title and expiration of registration in connection with an April 3 incident.
Jim T. Wahl, 53 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with an April 8 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Nora Washington versus Joseph D. Washington
- Samantha Lehnen versus Chad Wallace
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Colton D. West of Hettick and Alina M. Carver of Scottville.
- Devin J. Martin and Mariah P. Crane, both of Bunker Hill.
- Jonathon E. Swisher of Shipman and Mackenzie P. Calvin of Saint Charles, MO.
- Lucas Boschelli and Danielle J. Boatman, both of Carlinville.
- Todd R. Leverton and Jennifer L. Bowman, both of Carlinville.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Oak Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Oak Street in reference to harassment.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
Jonathan M. Kirkwood, 29 of Benld, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for traffic.
An officer was dispatched to Maple Street and Adams Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was out with a female at Trolley Street and Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Camden G. Zumwalt, 18 of Staunton, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North 7th Street in Benld 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 well-being check.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Cory D. Norton, 33 of Columbus, NC, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for driving while driver’s license was suspended. He also has a warrant out of Montgomery County for failure to appear while driver’s license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Madison Street and Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was out with a male at Staunton Road and Charles Street in reference to a traffic crash. Tanner E. Moore, 28 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, using an electronic communication device, and failure to change address.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Frey Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Staunton Road in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 4th Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Maple Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was out in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld. Amanda L. Broderick, 37 of Benld, was issued citations for unlawful possession of traffic signs and obstruction. Luther C. Welch, 31 of Shipman, was issued a citation for obstruction.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a death investigation.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to illegal dumping and criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft in the 1200 block of Second Street.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street. Andrea M. Hulsey, 30 of Mt. Clare, was issued a citation for her minor child not wearing a seatbelt.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 900 block of Springfield Road in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to Ben-Gil Elementary School in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to Kentucky Street and Hickory Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Walnut Street to assist the Macoupin County Sheriff Department in serving an eviction notice.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a well-being check.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Dorsey Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Donaldson Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and Main Street in Benld. Trinity A. Pruitt, 22 of Benld, was issued citations for speeding and for illegal transportation of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a civil issue.
The school resource officer brought a child to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of West Spruce Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Clay Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
An officer was dispatched near the water plant in reference to juveniles fighting.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Second Street in Benld in reference to assisting the Litchfield Police Department with a case.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Charles Street in reference to a civil issue.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Henry Street in East Gillespie. Leonard J. Schwartz, 55 of Edwardsville, was issued a citation for speeding.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Pine Street. Scott A. Byrd, 49 of Wilsonville, was issued a citation for expired registration.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026
Larry E. Conlee, 42 of Mt. Clare, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for dangerous drugs. He was also arrested for resisting a peace officer and aggravated battery.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to an animal complaint on Bishop Drive at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Hard Road in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Walnut Street in reference to solicitation.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Community News
“History Belongs to All of Us”: Focus of Carlinville Community Conversation Series starting May 4
“History Belongs to All of Us,” a three-month series of events and activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence and emphasizing Illinois’ role in seizing liberty for the American people will kick off Monday, May 4, and continue through July 16, 2026.
The series is project of Carlinville Winning Communities funded by a grant from Illinois Humanities. The events will encourage participants to examine and discuss the Declaration of Independence and other primary historical documents through facilitated conversations, according to Mary Tinder, a Macoupin County Historical Society & Carlinville Winning Communities board member.
Carlinville Winning Communities was one of only 13 entities statewide to receive an Illinois Humanities grant to support the Community Conversations Series.
We are fortunate to have received Illinois Humanities funding for this unique project, With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 100th anniversary of Route 66, it is altogether fitting to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going, as well as to reflect on both and the cultural impact of our independence, Tinder said.
In keeping with the “History Belongs to All of Us” theme, several of the presentations and discussions will emphasize the role of Native Americans and the impact of American independence on Native American and other cultures.
Program topics will be explored through presentations by Illinois Humanities Road Scholars, live readings of historic documents, art, music and discussions. The programs are free to attend and all venues are handicapped accessible.
The series kicks off with “Illinois in the Revolutionary War,” a presentation by local historian and author Tom Emery, at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Macoupin County Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building, 920 W. Breckenridge St., Carlinville. Emery will lead a discussion of information included in his most recently published book, Illinois in the Revolutionary War.
“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” said Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”
A discussion of Nicholas Welch’s 1812 Land Grant and the Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk/Sac Indian tribes, is set for 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the Anderson Home parlor on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. Under the Land Grant program, the government set aside more than five million acres in western Illinois to compensate American war veterans with large tracts of land. Though Welch never set foot in Illinois, the granting of land to him displaced Black Hawk from his home in the area of present-day Rock Island. The facilitated discussion will focus on original historic documents, juxtaposing Welch’s land grant with Black Hawk’s experience.
Because of the smaller, more intimate venue, reservations are required. RSVP to marytinder1@gmail.com to reserve a seat.
“Relive the Mother Road: The Edwards Trace,” a collective analysis of documents and a look at contemporary research will be led by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Anna Sielaff, Friday afternoon, June 26, during an Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee on the Macoupin County Courthouse lawn. Sielaff will discuss the 3,000-year-old Edwards Trace, used by Native Americans and early Illinois settlers, that stretched from Cahokia to Peoria. Portions of the trace run through Macoupin County, and some sections lay along the original alignment of Route 66. Imagine Rural Arts also will lead an art project in connection with how the trail was marked.
The Old Fashioned Route 66 Jubilee event runs from noon into the evening with food, musical performances, literary presentations, games, food and other activities.
The date is significant for Carlinville and Route 66 since 6/26/26 happens to be our zip code! The Jubilee offers a variety of experiences and taking a deeper look at the Edwards Trace and the Mother Road is an interesting way to explore local history on this unique date and location, Tinder noted.
Continuing on to the July 4th holiday, Macoupin County high school and college students will read the Declaration of Independence aloud in the main courtroom of the historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville at 10 a.m. The event also will feature a display of more than 30 historic flags provided by the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. A facilitated discussion will follow the reading and participants will be invited to sign the “Macoupin County America @ 250 Time Capsule” book. The book will then be on display at the Macoupin County Historical Society, said Andrea Duncan, one of the organizers.
A unique and somewhat mysterious artifact from Macoupin County will be the subject of a presentation at 7 p.m., Monday, July 6, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. Sharon Breyden and husband Tommy Breyden will display and discuss the Black Hawk Tablet, uncovered in the 1940s on a farm near Hettick. The odd inscriptions on the lead medallion suggests Black Hawk and an early Macoupin settler formalized an agreement to peacefully coexist in central Illinois.
For the final program of the Carlinville Community Conversations series, Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus, a member of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, will present “We the Native People” at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, at the Historical Society’s Ruyle Genealogy Building. The focus is on Native Americans at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed. The interactive program will use traditional story-telling and music to help audience members understand the groundswell changes in Native American culture and lifestyle resulting from American independence and subsequent western expansion.
For more information and details about the “History Belongs to All of Us” series, contact Carlinville Winning Communities Board members, Andrea Duncan, (217) 204-1446, or Mary Tinder, (217) 825-9699.
