Community News
Eagarville fall festival returns October 14
Summer may be a memory but Eagarville’s fall festival promises to provide plenty of family fun in a beautiful outdoor setting on Saturday, October 14 starting at 2 p.m.
Eagarville will present their outdoor family games, good food, demonstrations, and craft vendors. Fireworks will conclude the event at dusk.
Eagarville Mayor Carole Scheller, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, well-known area volunteer, and resident since 1971, says, “This village is the best kept secret in Macoupin County. We’re inviting families on October 14 to have some fun and see what our community is like.”
The village has recently had a flurry of building activity as five families have either built new homes or moved into new construction. Another new home is underway.
Josh, a new village trustee who grew up in large cities, says he likes the fact that everyone knows everyone else and “good people look out for one another, especially the kids”. Kayla, whose family is building a new home, notes that her two small sons “love the woods”. Kay, who has been in town for nearly 14 years says “I love the quiet”. April wants her children to grow up in a the country a short, safe walk away from family, “but we’re still centrally located, only three miles from Benld or Gillespie”. Louise says she appreciates the people Eagarville who are always willing to help one another.
This year’s fall festival roster is full of features and activities including train rides, a straw mountain and a corn tank, bounce houses and an obstacle course, a corn hole tournament, a coloring contest, a Hide-a-Rock search, and a photo booth.
Entertainment by DJ Pauli will be provided and demonstrations will be presented by Adopt-a-Pet; Crimestoppers; Peace, Love & Bicycles; Gillespie High School’s MPACT’D safe driving group; and Macoupin County Historical Society.
The menu at the central pavilion with seating available will include chicken teriyaki on a stick, white chicken chili, nachos, hot dogs, and lemon shake-ups, all prepared by village volunteers.
The event will be held on the southwest corner of Eagarville in Tony’s Park, scene of frequent seasonal festivals, a Tour de Donut rest stop, GHS cross-country practices, and family outings.
Sponsors include Quality Flooring, Quality Motors, DeLaurent Construction, Randy’s Market, United Community Bank, Garella Pest Control, Duda Ace Hardware, Tina Olroyd, and Heinz Furniture.
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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.
