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By Steven Stilt

With construction of a new on-campus gymnasium slated to wrap up later this year, the Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees on Monday night approved the purchase of a scoreboard for the new facility.

The board voted to accept a proposal from Nevco Sport LLC of Greenville for a digital basketball and volleyball scoreboard, digital scorer’s table and sound system, at a cost of $303,717. That cost also includes a new scoreboard for the school’s baseball field, as well as installation of all equipment.

College President George Evans notes that the purchase will be funded with working cash funds and reimbursed from sales of advertising campaigns that will run on the scoreboards.

“We did not include that in the bond referendum, knowing that we were going to use additional dollars of sponsorships to help offset those costs. So again, using the working cash to pay for that up front, while replenishing it — documented it and replenishing it with sponsorship ads in the next couple years. Eventually I see it turning into a nice little revenue source for us.”

Evans says construction of the new gymnasium is on track to be completed sometime between mid-October and mid-November of this year. The old gym will be left in place for athletic tournaments and other functions.

Trustees also approved the purchase of furniture for the new gym, from KI Furniture of Green Bay, Wisconsin, at a price of $30,581.56.

In other action, the board accepted the retirement of Academic Center for Excellence specialist Michele Hill, effective July 31st of this year, and the retirement of respiratory therapy professor Beth Urban and assistant professor of automotive technology Chuck DeBernardi, both effective in May of 2026.

Also during Monday’s meeting, which was held at KC’s Vandalia Education Center, the board of trustees took time to recognize longtime Vandalia mayor Ricky Gottman, who did not seek re-election this spring. Board Chairman Bill Hawley read a resolution thanking Gottman for his service and dedication to the city and to Kaskaskia College. Gottman addressed the board, thanking college officials for their efforts and calling KC an asset to the community.

Former Vandalia mayor Ricky Gottman (center) is presented with a resolution recognizing his service to the City of Vandalia and Kaskaskia College on Monday. With Gottman are KC President George Evans (left) and KC Board of Trustees Chairman Bill Hawley.

Evans says Gottman’s dedication and his networking connections have been highly valuable to the college.

“He always was an accommodating individual, really trying to connect me with the right individuals to help the Fayette County and Vandalia area. I don’t know if he gets enough credit for that. … He’s just been a really good friend to the college in so many ways, and we’re going to miss him.”

Gottman steps down as the longest-serving mayor in Vandalia’s history, having recently finished his sixth term in office.