Community News
William E. Schmidt Charitable Foundation contributes $30,000 to CUSD #7
Ben-Gil Elementary School is 50% Complete
Board Members David Griffel, Bill Carter, and Weye Schmidt listen as Tom Hyde (far right) explains progress on the Ben-Gil Elementary School.
Superintendent Skeans announced Monday, September 24 during a regular scheduled school board meeting, that the William E. Schmidt Foundation sent another donation to the school. “It is good to hear the building of the new Elementary School is going well,” John (William) said in his letter. “Find enclosed a check for $30,000 as a gift from the Schmidt Foundation in loving memory of our parents, William and Florence, and other departed family members.”
“Every time he does this,” Skeans started, “I am just humbled by his generosity.” Skeans went on to add that he wrote back to John “we are humbled by your recent contribution to the district.” “We are especially grateful for your contribution,” Skeans read from his letter back to John (William). Skeans explained that the check is going to go toward track maintenance and the technology upgrade in the Middle School.
Skeans explained that some of the donations are earmarked and some are not. The ones that are not, Skeans applies the money to where he feels is needed. “Every so many years that track has to maintained,” Skeans explained. “There will be adequate funds there to take care of that when it needs to be done, so it won’t have to be taken out of public taxes.” He explained that last year donations from the William E. Schmidt Foundation went toward the computer labs. “We always put it to good use.”
Joe Tieman, Assistant Superintendent, explains that enrollment for CUSD #7 has increased, according to 6th day enrollment figures.
As of last week, district architect Tom Hyde announced the new Ben-Gil Elementary school is 50% complete. “We have filled out all of the paperwork and signed the documents,” Skeans explained. “We should be receiving a check for $10 million to finish the building. We will receive the continuance money when we are 90% complete.”
Hyde explained that all the concrete work with Korte & Luitjohan from bid package 2 is completed and the Contegra building contract is currently 35% complete. “During the next 30 days, work will continued on walls in classrooms, metal roof installation, and interior electric, plumbing, and HVAC work,” Hyde noted.
As of last Tuesday’s construction meeting with Hyde and Contegra, the company is still confident they will complete their contract by April of 2013 “which is what their contract says.” Hyde explained that Larry Norville tested water pressure around the building and a fire pump is not necessary. After numerous board members complained about the concrete sidewalk looking like “a rollercoaster,” Tom stated he would assess the project.
The board then approved change order number 4 for Contegra and approved the inter-governmental agreement relative to Illinois Department of National Resources and Benld School Demolition. The board approved advertising for demolition bids. “The land is still ours after we award a bid, but everything else on the site is theirs (demolition company).”
Background Checks
Skeans then went on to update the board on a request from board member Jenni Alepra. “Do we do background checks on parents to go on field trips and volunteers for events,” he relayed the question. CUSD #7 does not do any sort of background checks. According to Skeans, they are initiating that process and it will go through the ROE. “We will have the machine over here and everyone will have to go through the background check,” Skeans explained. “We are moving forward with that.”
6th Day Enrollment Figures
Assistant Superintendent Joe Tieman presented the school board with 6th day enrollment figures. In the high school, there are 394 students enrolled which is a 3.1% increase. There are 285 students enrolled in Gillespie Middle School this year, just 3 students less than last year. The Elementary School has 632 students including all of their students outside of the district. It is close to a 3.9% increase for the Elementary School. “Keep in mind, these numbers change,” Tieman concluded. Overall enrollment is up.
Personnel Matters
The school board appointed Rusty Billbruck, previous school board president for CUSD #7, as assistant football coach for FSY 2013.
The school board then hired Brandi Schoen as special education paraprofessional at the high school level, pending certification.
School board president Mark Hayes explains how the sidewalk in front of the new school is not level.
School Board Election
The following Board of Education members are up for re-election in the April 9, 2013 election: William (Bill) Carter, Jr., Dorchester Township; Don Dobrino, Cahokia Township; and David Griffle, Brushy Mound Township. Nominating petition forms for the election are now available. Voters will be electing three persons to the Board of Education at the non-partisan election to be held on April 9, 2013. A school board candidate’s petition, signed by at least 50 registered voters, must be filed in the CUSD #7 Administration Office no later than 5:00pm on December 24,2012.
Any interested in the position, must reside in the appropriate township and pick up a packet from the Administration Office. For any questions, contact County Clerk Pete Duncan at 217-854-3214 or email at pete.duncan@macoupincountyil.gov .
Administrator Updates
Dennis Tiburzi, high school principal, noted that the faculty attended a very good workshop on “Teacher Performance Evaluations” and they will be implementing the new student information system. The new system will allow parents to check their children’s grades on the new system on October 22. Access code and passwords were sent home with the student’s mid-term grades.
He also noted that Mrs. Brown obtained a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for $2,000. The funds will be used to purchase Star Math and Star Reading to be used by the RTI program to assess students’ needs in both math and reading.
Joe Tieman read Lori Emmons report on the middle as she was supervising an athletic function. Tieman announced that mid-terms were sent home last week to parents. He also announced that GMS has a new student council and that the members “are role models and positive influences on the school environment.”
Angela Turcol, elementary principal, announced that 254 families attend the open house. “It was wonderful,” she added. Turcol went on to announce teachers are working with system and making the adjustments needs at the elementary level. She is working on including progress report in the new system.
New Business
The board explained that administrator and teacher salaries and benefits for FSY 2012 are now online on the district website. Internet posting is required by school code and law. “That is last year. That is what the state wants and that is what we have,” Skeans explained.
The board also adopted the FSY 2013 budget as presented. Lastly, the board approved FSY 2012 audit.
September Bills
The board approved payment for the September bills as follows:
Education Fund: $55,036.20
Building Fund: $61,644.31
Transportation Fund: $7,131.31
Site and Construction Fund: $2,459,334.06
Grand total = $2,583,145.88
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
