Community News
Tieman responds to traffic issues during School Board meeting
Mr. Joyce’s comment was “wrong”
During a regular scheduled board meeting on Monday, February 27th, Assistant Superintendent responded to Steve Joyce’s comment about the lack of administration during child pick-up. Tieman informed the board he met with Chief of Police Jared DePoppe and the Mayor of Gillespie John Hicks about traffic issues at the school.
“I wasn’t aware we had many traffic issues,” Tieman opened, “However, it is our job to deal with it.” Traffic was an issue on East Elm, so the school eliminated parking on that street and advised staff teachers could not park on Maple Street.
The City of Gillespie also made Oregon Street a one-way street and citizens cannot park on the opposite side of Oregon Street. “It is a matter of educating parents,” Tieman closed, “We feel like we have taken care of it. I take issue with Mr. Joyce’s comment that my administrators, I assume he includes me, ‘do not care and do not worry about traffic.’ He is wrong and I spent the last week getting in the way of some dedicated staff members to make sure our kids get home safely.”
Tieman went on to say that he would like anyone in the community that has any issue with student safety to contact a building administrator, so we can be proactive about the situation. “It is a shame I had to read about it in the newspaper.”
Assistant Superintendent Tieman then addressed a mold issue that was brought to the board’s attention by a concerned citizen. The district contacted district architect Tom Hyde and asked him to do a study of mold content of in the modulars. “The report came back negative,” Tieman stated, “And there is no mold count per say in the modular.”
Tom Hyde then explained that there were five samples done in the inside of the building and five samples done outside of the building. “If there was any mold in the building, it would not be the district’s responsibility,” Hyde explained, “It would be the owner of the building which is M-Space.” M-Space was faxed a report of the study done.
After returning to executive session for over 40 minutes to discuss information regarding the appointment, employment compensation, discipline performance or dismissal of specific employees, the school board returned to discuss certificated personnel.
The school board extended Lori Emmons’, principal of the middle school, contract for one year and raised her pay 5% and rehired Dennis Tiburzi, principal of the high school, for one year and placed his salary on the appropriate step of the salary schedule.
Finally, the board extended Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman’s contract by one year and placed salary on the appropriate step of the salary schedule. The school board took no action on Angela Turcol, principal of the elementary school, and no action on Superintendent Paul Skeans.
In other personnel actions, the board approved maternity leave for Benld Elementary instructor Jami Schmidt and employed Beth Rull for the elementary and middle school guidance counselor for FSY 2013 after oblige from Bill Carter and Peyton Bernot. A job vacancy was then posted for an assistant technology coordinator.
The board then accepted the resignation of Aaron Cooper as middle school boy’s track coach and went on to appoint Robin Niemeyer and Mark Hayes as volunteer girls’ soccer coach. In other coaching actions, the board approved Jordan Donnellson as a volunteer high school assistant football coach.
Tom Hyde then updated the school board on the current capital projects. The mine grouting work was completed on February 6th after certified by Marino Engineering. Bid package 1 is nearing completion as Ranger has finished everything except the storm water detention area which was given the final approval by IDOT last week as well as the new entrance on Route 16.
Korte Luitjohan will start bringing materials to the site this week for the concrete foundation and structural steel. There were three changes to the contract which added $4,737. Column Line 41 was relocated to accommodate building expansion and roof bar joists were increased to accommodate equipment loads. The cost for reinforcing steel due to mine grouting delays also increased at minimal amount. The changes for the contract were carried out by the board.
In bid project 4, the board decided to not accept to install partitions in lieu of solid walls dividing the speech rooms and Title 1 rooms. The board also did not accept the cafeteria/MPR corridor divider operable partitions. However, the board went on to accept the purchase of new gym bleachers at a cost of $56,000 and sell the old ones while using the old scoreboards from Benld Elementary to save $12,000.
Tom Hyde closed with a new telephone system for district buildings. He received a quote from Frontier Communications for $17,548 for a new digital phone system to be installed in the high school/middle school, elementary school, and district offices. The new phone system will utilize the data wiring system for “voice over IP” communication. The system, which was approved 7-0, will be installed over the coming summer in 2012.
The school board approved Sangamon Area Purchasing Cooperative for FSY 2013. SAPCO is program for area schools to buy food stuff for breakfast and lunch. CUSD #7 has been involved with the program for years and it entails only a $100 membership fee.
Under new business, the board declared three school busses as surplus property. According to Tieman, Gary Niehaus indicated that the three buses were not used. One of the busses has not been used for two years and two other busses sitting outside are not in use.
After declaring the three busses surplus property, the board was updated by the building principals:
Ms. Angela Turcol stated that Benld Elementary is prepping for the ISAT test approaching. They had theme related days to have students get more involved and excited for the test that starts Tuesday. The music program for the fourth grade and fifth grade will be held March 20th.
Middle school principal Lori Emmons then updated the board on middle school. She announced that the eighth grade science fair took place Wednesday and said there were some outstanding projects. She went on to say that parent teacher conferences were proven to be well received by parents at all grade levels. She went on to say the middle school is prepping for ISAT testing by studying in study hall and fun night will be held March 16th.
In middle school sports, girls volleyball ended their regular season and regionals for seventh grade has started this week while eighth grade will start play next week.
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman updated the board on the high school news after the absence of Dennis Tiburzi. He opened with the attendance rate for January was 90.5% and reassured the board that PSAE/ACT questions are still presented in all classes. The WYSE team won second place at regionals and Abbie Cline, Dallas DeMartini, Nathan Dickinson, Allison Goldasich, Alex Greff, and Steven Wolf will compete in sectionals on March 6th.
In high school community and athletics, the FCA raised $5,265.00 at their super bowl party for Andy Easton and the students rose over $900.00 in food items for the Gillespie Area Caring Center. The girls basketball team won their regional while Eric Tiller qualified for the State Wrestling Tournament and Cort Hellmann advanced in the IHSA 3-Point Competition to Vandalia.
In closing, the board approved payment of the February bills:
- Education Fund: $63,325.69
- Building Fund: $8,777.21
- Transportation Fund: $9,428.51
- Site & Construction Fund: 704,126.71
- Total: $784,958.12
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FELONIES
Austin C. Drake, 30 of Girard, is charged with theft/unauthorized control (>$500<$10k) and bad checks/obtaining control of property in connection with a September 22 and an October 7 incident.
William C. Cooper, 41 of Gillespie, is charged with burglary in connection with a November 1 incident.
Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of De Soto, Mo, is charged with aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
Derek J. Bultema, 40 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of methamphetamine in connection with a November 26 incident.
Brandon A. Martin, 26 of Wood River, is charged with aiding/abetting/possession/selling a stolen vehicle and aggravated fleeing in connection with a November 26 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Richard J. Williams, 44 of Staunton, is charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle in connection with a November 14 incident.
Ryne L. Manion, 41 of Mt. Olive, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with a November 20 incident.
TRAFFIC
Terence L. Binion, 51 of University City, MO, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 22 incident.
Andrew J. Goewey, 34 of Sawyerville, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 21-25 mph above the limit in connection with a November 22 incident.
Teresa J. Niewiadomski, 47 of Bethalto, is charged with driving on a suspended license, expired registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a November 19 incident.
Keona D. Roos, 22 of Freeburg, is charged with driving on a suspended license, improper use of registration/title, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration in connection with a November 21 incident.
Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 23 incident.
Alexis R. Spann, 32 of Auburn, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Alicia N. Tamosaitis, 29 of Girard, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 19 incident.
Justin A. Collins, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license in connection with a November 20 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Allan L. Petit versus Teresa M. Pettit
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a domestic battery. Ashley A. Esmon, 39 of Staunton, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Springfield Road and Calcari Street in East Gillespie. Angel L. Bricker, 22 of East Alton, was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle and driving while registration was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Laura Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of East Elm Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Elm Street. Zachary A. Johnston, 44 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of East Central in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Steven O. Smith, 36 of Chicago, was arrested on a warrant out of Chicago on a weapons charge.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to theft and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Charles Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of West Wilson Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Locust Street in Benld in reference to the removal of a subject.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Penny Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to South 2nd Street in Benld in reference to unwanted solicitors.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025
An Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Macoupin Street and Easton Street. Joseph L. Schnurr, 63 of Eagarville, was arrested for reckless driving, fleeing/eluding a peace officer, squealing tires, failing to obey a stop sign, improper use of registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Springfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a fire alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henry Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henrietta Street in reference to an animal complaint.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Central in Benld in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a reckless driver.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Elm Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 300 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer spoke with a male on Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to a vehicle that was parked on the lot for a few days.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2025
An officer was dispatched to West Central Street and North Trolley Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Lynn Street in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street at Gillespie High School in reference to the fire alarm sounding.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
