Community News
Gillespie Police Activity: October 21-26, 2015
This story is contributed by a member of the Gillespie Police Department and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with TheBenGilPost.com. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015
Officer was called to the 500 block of Henry Street to speak with a male about a domestic that just happened at his residence. The female who had left on foot was brought back to the residence. She was advised not to return to the residence for the rest of the night. The officer gave both subjects statements to fill out, but neither wanted to sign charges at this time.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015
Dianne M. Neibel, 47, Brighton was cited for speeding 35 mph in a 20 mph zone.
Officer took a report from a female who reported that her sister had taken off with her baby in a stroller, but hadn’t returned to the residence after dark. Officer put out an I.S.P.E.R.N. and the female and baby were located in Staunton. At this time the female did not want to go home. Their mother gave her permission to stay at a friend’s house until morning.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015
Officer stopped three males walking after receiving a call there were three subjects in the park after dark. Blake D. Roberts, 18, Gillespie was wanted on a warrant out of pike county for traffic charges. He posted bond and was released. Jake D. Vesper, 23, Collinsville was arrested on a warrant out of Collinsville for domestic battery and resisting a peace officer. He was transported to Macoupin County Jail.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015
Officers were called to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street for a couple of shoplifters. They ran out of the store and the manager said the suspects had thrown the merchandise behind the building. The officer located the two subjects on Burton Street. Joel E. Schoen, 37, Gillespie was arrested and charged with pedestrian under the influence of alcohol, retail theft and disorderly conduct. Quetsy A. Rivera, 40, Gillespie was arrested for pedestrian under the influence of alcohol and retail theft. Both were transported to Macoupin County Jail.
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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.
