Community News
A Tribute to Norman Halpin
Article submitted by fans and players of GHS softball
This week the Benld-Gillespie community lost one of its finest citizens and biggest softball fans. Early Thursday morning Norman Halpin lost his battle with cancer at the age of 82.
For the last 11 years Norman attended every softball game that his granddaughter Laura Halpin, now a junior pitcher at Gillespie High School, played in. “Poppy,” as the softball girls called him, got the greatest joy of his golden years by setting up his old, green lawn chair in right field and watching the girl’s games. Rumor has it that he sat way out in right field so no one would hear him yell at the umpires.
Norman’s granddaughter Laura Halpin, and teammates Payton Anderson, Abbie Cline, and Loni Manalia learned of his passing early Thursday morning and quickly gathered at the Halpin home to be with the family. After some debate the girls decided to go to school around 10:00am because they knew “Poppy” would not want them to miss their game that night.
Before the game Norman’s whole family, including his wife Mary, gathered in right field and set up his famous, green lawn chair. Laura and Payton Anderson went out to center field before the game and gave Mary a hug and some words of encouragement. Before the girls went back to the dugout to join their teammates Mary asked Payton to hit a homerun for Norman.
On her last at-bat of the game Payton smashed a homerun. As she rounded the bases a fan threw the ball back into the field of play. After she crossed the plate Payton grabbed the ball, took it out to right field, and presented it to Mary.
“It was a very emotional moment for everyone. I don’t think there were many dry eyes to be found. It was a touching moment for the whole Halpin family and for everyone involved with the Gillespie Softball Program” says Payton Anderson’s father Rob Anderson.
Junior Catcher Abbie Cline – “He will always be watching over every game like he used to. My prayers go out to all his family.”
Junior Short-Stop Payton Anderson – “He will always be out in center field watching us play. I love you Poppy.”
Junior Pitcher Laura Halpin – “The reason I started playing softball was my “Poppy.” He was my biggest fan. He came to every game no matter how far away it was or what the weather was like. I will always remember him sitting in right field at welfare and waiting on his porch with his green chair and straw hat for my dad and I to pick him up to go to my tournaments. During the car rides softball was always the subject being discussed. After every game he told me how I did a good job even if I had a rough game. I will always be thinking about him while on the field. I know he will always be watching me from his seat in right field. He is now my Angel in the Outfield.”
Some people might say that it was just a game or that Payton’s homerun was just a hit, but to the Gillespie players, coaches, fans, families, and the Halpins’ it was much more than that. It was a tribute to a man that will be missed but NEVER forgotten. It was a tribute to Mr. Norman Halpin.
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In a decisive finish that underscored his rising dominance in Illinois Class 1A cross country, senior Chaz Oberkfell of Gillespie High School claimed the state title with a time of 14:31.10 at the IHSA State Cross Country Championships held at Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 8.
Finishing just behind Oberkfell, sophomore Evan Knobloch of Toulon (Stark County) crossed the line in 14:46.25, placing second. Rounding out the top five were senior Blake McLeese of Tuscola (14:46.45), senior Luca Bryja of Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy) with 14:48.38, and senior Elijah Teefey of Pleasant Plains at 14:49.02.
This victory marks Oberkfell’s second IHSA Class 1A state championship. He also won the state crown as a junior in 2024 with a time of 14:31.87. In his sophomore year, he finished 21st with a 15:21.43 season-best time.
Looking ahead, Oberkfell is set to compete in the New Balance NXR Midwest Regional Championships on Sunday, November 16, at the LaVerne Gibson Course in Indiana. The meet serves as a critical stepping stone toward the national championships, and Oberkfell will look to carry his state momentum into the regional stage.
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The community is invited to participate in a family-friendly, drive-thru charity event aimed at keeping local students warm this winter. The “Warm Up Our Kids” drive-thru takes place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Karmak Campus, located at 1 Karmak Plaza, Carlinville, IL and is sponsored by Karmak and Carlinville Area Hospital and Clinics.
Additional drop-off boxes will be available at the following locations to maximize participation and convenience:
- Sullivans in Carlinville, Gillespie, and Litchfield
- Pharmacy Plus in Girard
- Sav-Mor Pharmacy in Virden
- CAH&C Clinic sites in Gillespie, Girard, Carlinville, and Virden
- Briar Rose in Litchfield
- Brave Hazel in Carlinville
- Oh-So Cute Boutique in Virden
Drive through the event route and drop off much-needed supplies listed below. All donations will directly benefit students in the participating school districts, helping ensure every child has the warmth and essentials they need to face the winter season. Community support help bridge gaps and bring tangible, immediate relief to families in need.
Join us in spreading warmth and goodwill this December. The Ben Gil Post and community partners look forward to seeing you at the Karmak Campus drive-thru.
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A Macoupin County jury found Jeffrey D. Brown, 50, of Sawyerville guilty of aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the shooting death of Rodney Messerly, 42, also of Sawyerville, authorities said.
The verdict was delivered a little before 6 p.m. on November 4, 2025, after a days-long trial led by Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jordan J. Garrison. Brown now faces a mandatory prison sentence ranging from six to 30 years with the sentence to be served at 85 percent. The sentencing will take place on January 12, 2025.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the incident unfolded on September 17, 2024, when Brown called 911 claiming Messerly had entered his home. Responding deputies found Messerly deceased on the front stoop outside the residence. Brown testified that Messerly had forced his way into the home, and he fired in self-defense inside the residence.
Surveillance video played to the jury depicted portions of the confrontation: Messerly speaking with Brown at the door outside the residence before Messerly pushes inside—off-camera for a stretch—followed by four gunshots fired from within the home. Messerly is seen falling back onto the front steps.
A video interview of Brown with Lt. Ryan Dixon of the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department revealed Brown stated he took three steps back inside the residence before firing the initial shots. Forensic pathologist Dr. Nathanial Patterson testified that the first four shots would have been fatal. Approximately seven seconds pass before Brown fires a final shot from inside the residence, striking Messerly in the chest as he yells an expletive.
Garrison offered condolences to Messerly’s family, calling the incident a “horrible situation” and noting that the healing process is just beginning for those affected. He described Messerly as having been experiencing delusions at the time of the incident and emphasized that the last shot was not in self-defense, characterizing it as an act of vengeance.
Brown faces additional charges in unrelated matters: Armed Violence (Class X felony) and Production of Cannabis Plants (Class 4) in 2024CF228, and Resisting Arrest Causing Injury to an Officer in 2024CF252.
Public sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2025. Prosecutors cautioned readers that charges are not proof of guilt and that Brown is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
