Community News
GPD Blog: October 8th-October 14th
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
Officer was called to the 400 block of E. Pine for a residential burglary. The residence had been broken into and change along with several items were taken. This case is under investigation.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2011
Officer was called to a business in the 500 block of E. Elm, where a man came in and used the bathroom, went back out and pumped gas and left without paying for the gas.
Officer took a complaint from a female who had been receiving harassing phone calls from an ex-boyfriend. He was contacted and advised if he called again, charges would be filed.
Officer was called to the 600 block of W. Charles where the caller reported loud music. Danielle M. Leonard, 21, Gillespie was arrested for disorderly conduct. She posted bond and was released. A male at the residence Jeremy L. Schmidt, 34, Gillespie was arrested on a warrant out of Montgomery County for Failure to Appear on a traffic offense. He was transported to Macoupin County jail.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2011
Officer took a report from a male and a female with a baby in a stroller who was crossing Macoupin St. at Chestnut St., when a male driver in a white car just about hit them. The couple recognized the driver. He was contacted and when he came to the police dept., Brandon L. Cunningham, 19, Benld was cited for disorderly conduct under local ordinance. He advised his window was obstructed and could not see very well, he sped up to try to avoid them when he did finally see them.
A female advised she was walking her daughter in her stroller and had her wallet in the stroller. Someone either stole the wallet or she lost it. The next day a lady found it on one of the side streets.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011
Officer was called to the 200 block of E. Spruce where it was reported that a female was threatening suicide and had guns and knives in the residence. When the officer arrived, he found that she had all the doors locked and Benld officer was called to assist. When she finally opened the door, the officer pushed the door open and found her to be combative. An ambulance was called and transported the female to a hospital. But the Gillespie officer was injured on the scene.
Patricia R. Hartman, 18, Bethalto was cited for no insurance and failure to secure a child under age 8 in a child restraint.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011
Kaylee B Carr, 18, Gillespie was cited for having no insurance.
Officer was called to the 300 block of N. Adams, after midnight by an elderly lady who said two young people were in her apartment, rummaging through her belongings. They were located across the hall in her son’s apartment and denied being in the lady’s apartment. They were told if they did go back to her apartment, they would be charged with trespassing.
Two men selling Kirby Vacuum Cleaners wanting to go door to door came to the Police Dept. to see if they could get a permit from City Hall. One of them, Kenneth E. Schofield, 18, Moro, IL was arrested on a warrant out of Madison County for violation of an order of protection. He was transported to Macoupin County jail.
Officers were called to the 600 block of E. Pine for a female threatening to kill herself. An ambulance was called and she was transported to a hospital.
Officer was called to Big Brick Park where two 12 year old boys had painted the slide blue at the park. They were both given city ordinance citation for Malicious Mischief and would be contacted about restitution. One of the mothers and grandmothers came in to pay the fine. Then they returned to advised they cleaned were about to get the paint off the slide.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011
Laurie A. Stroot, 49, Florissant, MO was cited for speeding 48 MPH in a 30 MPH zone.
Officers were called to the 200 block of E. Elm for a domestic. When officers arrived found that the caller’s father had an argument with the male living there. The father left without any more problems.
Officer was called to the 700 block of South St. for a problem with the daughter. She left the residence and took her personal items with her.
Officer was called to the 200 block of E. Elm for a domestic between a mother and her 19 year old son. The son had left but she found him and brought him back. They both stated there would be no more problems rest of the night.
Officer was called by a mother from Benld, stating her 15 year old son was at a residence in the 600 block of E. Pine. The mother arrived on the scene, an ambulance was called and transported the juvenile to a hospital.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011
Officer was called to talk to a female who wanted her clothes and her children’s clothes from the apartment she had been living in with her ex-boyfriend. He was called and said as long as the officer was with her and she didn’t take anything else, it was okay. But he did want the key to the apartment back from her.
Officers were called to the 200 block of E. Elm for a domestic between a male and female. The female was suppose to have hit the man in back of the head. The male left the residence for the rest of the night. The female was transported to her grandmothers.
Officers were called back to the 200 block of E. Elm for a domestic between mother and daughter. Regina L. Holmes, 19, Gillespie was arrested for domestic battery and transported to Macoupin County jail.
Trisha N. Simmons, 33, Benld was cited for driving while license suspended and for having no insurance.
Michael W. Luketich, 45, Gillespie was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for Failure to Appear on a DUI charge. He posted bond and was released.
John A. Vacanti, 24, Mt. Clare was arrested on two warrant, one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear on a delinquent charge and one out of Jersey County for failure to pay or appear on a possession of cannabis charge. He was transported to Macoupin County jail.
Officer was called to the 400 block of E. Walnut for a disturbance. William J. Corbin III, 20, Gillespie was arrested for disorderly conduct and illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor.
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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.
