Community News
Wilsonville Board of Trustees names successor for Deno Filippini
Joe Wood, right, listens to discussion during the meeting after ehind appointed to succeed Deno Filippini as trustee.
With a vote of 3-1, the Village of Wilsonville Board of Trustees ratified Village President Annetta Veres’ appointment of Joe Wood Monday night to step into trustee position formerly held by the late Deno Filippini, The board also took the unorthodox step of hiring a non-resident, Gina Frensko of Benld to serve as village treasurer after the previous two elected treasurers resigned the position, voted 3-2 to again use village employees to mow ditches on Wilson Street, and contracted with a home inspector to inspect homes targeted for condemnation.
Before naming Wood as her choice to take Filippini’s place on the board, Veres told the board the seat was vacated due to health reasons. Ironically, Filippini died shortly at 9:30 p.m., shortly after the board’s meeting was adjourned, at Heritage Health of Gillespie at the age of 94. At the time of his death, Filippini was believed to be the longest-serving public official in Illinois. He served as a Wilsonville city official for more than 73 years, including 69 years as the Village Clerk. He was last elected to a four-year term as trustee in 2015.
Trustee Bob Carr objected to Veres’ appointment of a successor to Filippini, saying he was aware of at least one other person interested in the appointment. He suggested delaying the appointment until other applicants could be considered.
“This is my appointment at this time,” Veres responded.
Brought to a vote on a motion by Trustee Keith Mohr, the board approved Wood’s appointment 3-1 with Carr voting “no.” Trustees Mohr, John Veres and Roland Rife voted in favor of the appointment. Trustee David Day was absent.
Speaking with the BenGil Post after the meeting, Wood said he was interested in serving on the board because “I live here in Wilsonville and I’d like to see the village get some help.” A resident of the village for about a year and a half, Wood said he believes his background in construction is one area of expertise he can bring to the decision-making process on the board. “I’m going to do my best,” he said.
Wood acknowledged the challenge of assuming Filippini’s former seat on the board.
[pullquote]I hope I can do half as good as he did[/pullquote]
“I hope I can do half as good as he did,” Wood said.
Following a 10-minute executive session, the board voted unanimously to “hire” Gina Frensko as Village Treasurer. The action follows the resignation of Julie Jackson on May 14, barely a month after she was elected to the position. Jackson previously was appointed as treasurer in January after the prior Village Treasurer Tracey Without resigned last December.
Frensko is a resident of Benld where she serves as a deputy City Clerk, also an appointive position. He husband, Brian, is a city alderman for Benld. The Illinois Municipal Code exempts Village Treasurers from a residency requirement for appointment. However, as a non-resident, Frensko would be precluded from seeking election to the post if it comes up for election in the 2019 consolidate election. The Village Treasurer in Wilsonville traditionally has been an elected office, but the Municipal Code also includes provisions for the Village Board to make the position an appointed post. In either case, the treasurer is paid the same compensation and is required to post the same bond as if they were elected.
DITCH MOWING
By a vote of 3-2, the board rescinded a controversial ordinance that required property owners on Wilson Street, the community’s main street, to mow ditches adjacent to their properties. Previously, city workers mowed the ditches on Wilson Street primarily for aesthetics. Ditch mowing in other parts of the village traditionally has been the responsibility of the property owner. A motion to rescind the ordinance in June last year failed 3-2.
Trustee Carr, who supported rescinding the ordinance last year, apparently asked for the issue to be placed on the agenda for Monday night’s meeting. Earlier in the meeting, resident Sharon Borgini expressed her opinion, saying she felt the mowing requirement should be rescinded. “I think the city should mow it (ditches on Wilson Street),” she said. “If you can mow at Earthline and everywhere else, I think you should mow the ditches.”
Trustee Veres voiced opposition to the measure.
“My opinion is, if it’s good for Main Street then everyone else should have their ditches mowed, too,” Veres said. A year ago, when the board failed to rescind the ordinance, Veres argued it would be fiscally irresponsible to have city workers mow all the ditches in town.
[pullquote]Trustee Mohr made the motion to have village employees mow ditches on Wilson Street and “anywhere else that needs it.”[/pullquote]
President Veres questioned Mohr’s phrasing to include areas other than Wilson Street in the motion. “That’s a big can of worms,” she said. Mohr, however, refused to amend the motion.
Brought to a vote, Mohr’s motion was approved with Mohr, Rife and Carr voting “yes,” and Veres and newly seated Trustee Wood voting “no.”
“Okay, village workers will mow the ditches on main street and ‘anywhere else that needs it’,” President Veres announced. “That leaves it wide open, just so you guys know that.”
HOME INSPECTOR
On a motion by Trustee Veres, the board voted unanimously to contract with Tom Maloney, owner of Goshen Inspection, Worden. to inspect homes in Wilsonville targeted for possible condemnation actions. President Veres said the village’s current home inspector, who conducts occupancy inspections for rental units between tenants, is not interested in doing condemnation inspections. She said Maloney provides a full written report on the homes in examines for submission to the court.
“He’s had cases in both Macoupin County and Madison County and he has never lost a case because his reports are so thorough,” she said.
Veres said Maloney’s fee will be $300 per inspection.
MOTOR FUEL TAX BID
The trustees voted unanimously to accept a bid from DeLaurent Construction, Wilsonville, for materials and labor for this year’s Motor Fuel Tax street maintenance program. DeLaurent agreed to furnish and apply 4,000 gallons of road oil at a cost of $1.90 per gallon for a total of $7,600, along with 200 tons of slag chips at a cost of $42.50 per ton for a total of $8,500.
In addition, DeLaurent will scarify and level two areas on Liberty Street totaling 3,220 square feet and one area on Nettie Street totaling 2,080 square feet. Once scarified and leveled, DeLaurent will add 2.5 inches of rock to the existing road base, then apply and roll a coat of oil and slag chips. Cost of the Liberty and Nettie projects total $5,975.
The cost for the entire program totals $22,075, which will be paid from the village’s share of motor fuel tax collections.
President Veres said she asked DeLaurent to complete the oil and chip program in August. ‘I don’t like waiting to have it done in October,” she said.
BASEBALL DIAMOND SAND
The board tabled until at least next month any action on buying sand to be used in renovating the village park baseball diamond. In May, the trustees voted to allow the local Little League organization to use the diamond as a practice field in exchange for the organization putting in “time and effort” to renovate the field for use as a practice field. At that time, Brian Sellers told the board he could foresee a time when the diamond could host games with more extensive renovation and become a cash generator for the village.
On Monday night, Dustin Calcari, also with the Little League group, reported that a donor he had lined up to buy the sand has withdrawn the offer. He asked the village to consider buying the sand so the group can continue work on getting the diamond into shape for play. Calcari said he had secured a bid for two semi-truck loads of sand which he said would be sufficient for renovating the field.
Instead of accepting the first bid, President Veres suggested seeking additional bids and presenting the issue for board action next month, with a goal of having the field in shape to host games by next season. In the meantime, she said she is looking for grant money to help subsidize the cost of the rehabilitation.
Trustee Carr voiced concerns over the village’s potential financial involvement with the project.
“When they came to us, they were going to take care of everything,” Carr said. “Now, they want us to pay for part of it.”
The issue is expected to be reconsidered at the board’s regular meeting in August.
ELM STREET/HILL STREET ISSUE
The board voted formally to take no position on vacating Hill Street or offering Elm Street to Bill Molinar as a point of access to property he wants to develop behind the Olga Massa residence. Molinar approached the board in January with a proposal to develop Hill Street, which is shown on village plats but has never been developed, in order to access the property on which he want to build. Massa, however, through her attorney, objected to opening the street because it is adjacent to her home. Further research revealed that a garage on the Massa property actually encroaches on the location of the street.
The issue has been in litigation and has not yet been resolved. President Veres told trustees that Village Attorney Kevin Polo had recommended the possibility of vacating Hill Street and offering Elm Street as an alternative access to the property on which Molinar hopes to build.
Trustee Veres said there is a question about whether or not Molinar actually owns the property he wants to develop. He said he checked with the Recorder of Deeds and found that no deed has yet been transferred to Molinar.
Further complicating the issue is an additional piece of undeveloped property behind the Massa residence and in front of the property on which Molinar anticipates building.
“We could vacate Hill Street and let Mrs. Massa have the property she has mowed and maintained for more than 60 years,” President Veres said. “But there is a piece of property behind Mrs. Massa’s that is not attached to her property. If we vacate Hill Street, there would be no way to get to that property. It would be landlocked.”
If the village offered Elm Street to Molinar as an alternative entry, President Veres said, the cost of surveying and marking the location of the street would be an expense incurred by the city.l
“I say leave it as it stands,” said Trustee Carr. His motion to take no action until Molinar presents the village with a plan for development and evidence that he owns the property was unanimously approved.
ALTITUDE VALVE
Trustee Veres reported that he is researching pricing for a replacement altitude valve to repair the village’s water tower. He said “years of no maintenance” led to the valve becoming clogged and inoperable.
“It is of an age that replacement parts aren’t available,” he added.
Once he has secured prices, he said he would present the issue to the board for formal action.
Veres also reported the village is pursuing a DCCA grant to rehabilitate the water tower, but in the meantime expenses such as replacing the altitude valve will have to be borne by the village.
“The good news is that improvements that we are doing now will go toward that grant,” Veres said. The grant requires a 20 percent match on the part of the village.
COMMUNITY SERVICE WORKERS
On a motion by Trustee Veres, seconded by Carr, the board voted to no longer use inmates sentenced to perform community service for village projects.
“It doesn’t benefit us,” Veres said. “We end up baby sitting for them. It takes a lot of time to coordinate and then they don’t show up for work. They need to go to jail and serve their time and maybe they’ll learn something.”
Police Chief Wayne Watkins said he would notify the court that Wilsonville will no longer participate in the program.
CAR IMPOUNDMENT
The board tabled action on authorizing village police to use village garage facilities to impound cars when making an arrest for driving under the influence or other offenses that require impoundment.
Current practice has been to have vehicles towed to Quality Motors in Gillespie, but Police Chief Watkins suggested last month that the city could impound some vehicles, at least during the summer months, in two vacant bays in the city garage.
“It gets to be a pain,” said Trustee Carr. “A lot of times they abandon them, and they you have to get a title because you can’t junk a car without a title.”
Watkins said he will gather more information for the board to consider at a later date.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the board:
- Authorized the expenditure of $475 for 5,000 cards to be used with the village’s newly acquired SOLUS computer system for billing water and sewer customers. Seventy percent of the cost will come from the Water Operations Fund with the remaining 30 percent coming from the Sewer Operating Fund.
- Approved the installation of a metal grate over a sewer opening in the 100 block of Marcia Street.
- Agreed to donate $50 to the Kyle Deatherage Fund in memory of City Clerk Tena Cerentano’s sister, Tammy Edmonds, who died June 12.
- Agreed to contract with the Illinois Municipal League to provide insurance coverage with no changes to the premium or coverage from the previous year.
- Agreed to buy a commercial grade insect zapper for the Wilsonville Community Center at a cost not to exceed $350. The measure passed 4-1 with Trustee Carr voting “no.”
- Agreed to buy three gallons of paint to repaint village fire hydrants.
- Gave permission for the use of Shady Oak Park for a Multiple Sclerosis Drive on Sept. 10.
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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.
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
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The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
