Community News
GPD Activity: February 11-17
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2013
Officer took a report from a male who reported finding damage to his vehicle while parked at his residence in the 400 block of E. Maple St.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013
Gaye L. Suhling, 57, Gillespie was cited for having no valid registration.
Ruth E. Loveless, 62, Carlinville was cited for unlawful burning other than yard waste.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013
Tiffany L. Billings, 25, Kingston, TN turned herself in on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear on a no insurance citation. She posted bond and was released.
Melissa Middleton, 30, Benld was cited for having no insurance.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
Officer was called to the 100 block of E. Maple St. for a hit & run accident that happened on a parking lot.
Dylan W. Pincsak, 21, Irving was cited for illegal transportation of alcohol by a passenger.
Officer took a report from a resident in the 700 block of Olive St. where three juvenile threw firecrackers into a residence. The juveniles along with parents were interviewed and this case is still under investigation.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2013
Officer was called to the 300 block of W. Walnut to check on a residence where a male was seen looking in the windows. The male saw the officer and ran over to W. Chestnut where he was stopped and the 15 year old male said he was just in the area to meet with his girlfriend. He was released to his mother.
Officer was called to the 600 block of South Street for a domestic. The female reported that the male had been yelling at her and spit on her. The female advised she broke the male’s electronic cigarette lighter and that is when he started yelling, pushing her and spitting on her. When the officer talked to the male, he advised that the female had choked his daughter and threw her down two days ago. Neither wanted to file charges but DCFS would be contacted regarding the incident with the daughter. The female left the residence for the rest of the evening.
Benjamin S. Shepard, 18, Dorchester was arrested for reckless driving, two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, no insurance, operating vehicle without evidence of registration and improper use of registration. He posted bond and was released.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2013
Officers were called to the 100 block of N. Macoupin to a business who had called to remove a subject that was starting a fight. The male subject was found outside the business and advised that he was banned from the business and if he returned, he would be charged with criminal trespass.
An officer took a report from a resident in the 700 block of Olive Street who advised that person or persons unknown did damage to the inside of the residence. The resident advised that she is moving and had left the residence unlocked the night before.
Officer took a report from a female who said that a male just hit her at their residence in the 600 block of South Street. Then after reporting the domestic, she decided not to have him arrested.
Officer took a report from a male subject who stated his ex came to the residence to pick up some of her property and while there, she threw a plate. Also, after she left, he noticed items missing.
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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.
