Community News
Superintendent Skeans updates Rotary
Structural steel will soon be seen
Paul Skeans explains that Hayward-Baker has grouted up to Line A.
The Area Rotary met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 31st at Toni’s Restaurant in Benld. Paul Skeans, superintendent of school district #7, updated the Rotary on the building program and what is going in the world of CUSD #7.
Skeans first introduced two people that are “instrumental” in the new school construction. Joe Tieman who currently serves as assistant superintendent and Angela Turcol, Benld Elementary Principal, came to the luncheon Tuesday afternoon with Superintendent Skeans. “I want to give them all the credit I possible can for their work,” Skeans opened.
CUSD #7 purchased 15 acres on Kelly Street in Gillespie for the site of the new school. At a price of $22,500 per acre, the district forked over $337,500 for the mined land that rests across the street from the high school baseball diamond. “We wanted to keep all the schools in one fiscal location,” Skeans explained. A study was conducted to see if there was a mine underneath the land after the purchase of the land, but the district already knew there was a mine beneath it “because all the land [CUSD #7] looked at was mined except for one.”
The district then moved on to the discovery phase and hired Marino Engineering to plan the preliminary exploration. Gerry Marino has been discovering mines “for many, many years” all over the globe. Once Marino was hired, his job was to: determine how deep the mine was, where it was, and the condition of the mine. That process took a couple of months, as expected.
The mine was discovered at 350 feet below ground, which is average according to Skeans. The mine was reported dry as video cameras documented the conditions of the mine. Cameras were dropped down the drill holes and gave a “historic view of the mine” while discovering old beams and pillars. All documented footage is archived in the high school library and anyone can view the material.
Once the mine was discovered, the engineers plotted out a scientific way to grout the mine. That process took another “period of time” and after drilling 30-40 holes, the crew found out exactly where the mine was situated. The school board then authorized site work to Ranger Excavating who built temporary roads and built the building pad. After the excavating work was complete, the footprint of the school on the site was located.
Following the ground work, the district then collected bids for the mine to be filled in. The district approved Hayward Baker’s bid of $4,408,380 to grout the mine. The international company has been on site since October and are expected to finished towards the end of February or early March. The company is a few months behind due to “very difficult problems.” “The weather and the mud has slowed them down,” Skeans explained, “Along with some equipment problems at the beginning.” Everything is up and running and the company is pouring 1,200 cubic yards of concrete per day.
The grouting has been completed up to “Line A” which splits the building in half. The company just has the two wings to grout underneath and they are expected to finish in about one month. Since a significant part of the building has been grouted, the district moved ahead and awarded the foundation and structural steel work which is expected to start “pretty soon.”
Scattered around the banquet room were posters and drawing of the new school. One poster to the right of Skeans was a representation of what the building should look like when it is completed. A poster in the back of the room pictures a leaf drawing of the front of the school while the other poster in the back showed the mine grouting area. To the left of Skeans, a poster signified what the inside of the building would look like and how many rooms will be inside. “There will be 33 classrooms,” Skeans stated.
For the part of the building that is east of line A, you will start to see “structural steel come out of the ground.” Once the foundation has started and completed, the rest of the grouting will be completed and they will “pigtail” right in on the other two wings with the foundation and structural steel. When Korte & Luitjohan finish the structural steel east of line A, Contregra will start on the general construction which was just approved for the general construction a couple weeks ago.
“It is a piggy-back process,” Skeans noted, “We had the dirt work, then the grouting, and now structural steel and foundation. Then will come the actual building.” The district plans to be in the building during Christmas break of the 2012-2013 school year or during spring at the “latest.” “It is very possible to make up the months that we are behind right now,” Skeans explained.
Skeans remained pessimistic towards the move in date because “things happen and do not go exactly as planned.” The district may make up the time, but may not. All of the big contracts have been let at this time and it will not be long before you will start to see the building.
The building will be a “state of the art, fully self-contained” elementary school with pre-kindergarten through grade five. It will be a green building called LEED, Leading Environmental Educational Design, and will be featured in the ‘Gold’ category. Possible categories are bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. “We are rating very, very high,” Skeans explained. The publicly funded building will be environmentally built and constructed with all consideration of the sun movements and wind movements. The heating and cooling will be geothermal while the district received a $350,000 grant for clean energy.
A wind turbine will generate power and be used by the building for the utmost possible uses. The school also plans to use photovoltaic cells. “In essence, it will be a building that people from all over the state and surrounding states will visit to see the state of the art building,” Skeans explained. The building will contain LED lighting while being funded by 75% capital development funds and 25% local bonds.
The district is in the process of applying for a grant to tear down the old elementary school. After the demolition, the school hopes to use the site for soccer fields and baseball or softball fields. The softball field will be redone and still used. “We hope to see the youth participate in soccer, football, baseball, softball fields to be active,” Skeans added.
“There will not be another collapse of a building,” Skeans closed, “At least not an elementary school, the middle school is another story since it is built over a mine.”
The Free Dictionary: Used to express hesitation or uncertainty. →
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.
