Community News
Kylie Frensko crowned Miss Black Diamond Days 2011
2011 Miss & Jr. Miss Black Diamond Days Candidates.
Miss Black Diamond Days 2011: Kylie Frensko.
Miss Kylie Frensko was crowned Miss Black Diamond Days 2011 queen on June 3, 2011 at Gillespie Civic Center. Kylie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Frensko of Benld. She is will be a junior at Gillespie High School and is very active in cheerleading. She also received awards for People’s Choice and Most Photogenic. Miss Frensko was among 7 other canidates and hundreds of people who quietly awaited the announcement of who would wear the crown. “It’s such a great honor,” Kylie said. First runner up went to Bailey Loveless and Miss Congeniality went to Mikayla Tarro.
Jr. Miss Black Diamond Days 2011: Emily Harszy.
Miss Emily Harszy was crowned Jr. Miss Black Diamond Days 2011. Emily will be a freshman at Gillespie High School and is very active in her church. She also received awards for Miss Congeniality. Ms. Harszy mentioned the pageant was, “an awesome experience.” First runner up was Reese Marshall and Kaitlyn Henrichs received awards for People’s Choice and Most Photogenic.
Before ending her reign, Miss Sarah Heyen expressed her gratitude for the experience, and encouraged her successor to, “Enjoy every moment because the experience goes by fast.” Then the runners-up and winners were announced and friends and family crowded the stage to congratulate them all.
During the weeks leading up to the June 3rd pageant, 7 young women between the ages of 16 and 20, and 10 girls between the ages of 12 and 15, met with pageant organizers Sonya Levie and Tobi Libbra who helped prepare the girls for the event.
“Some of the girls get nervous,” said Ms. Levie. “We help them with their walk and how to answer their questions.”
1st Runner Up Miss Black Diamond Days: Bailey Loveless.
As a former pageant director, Sonya understands what the contestants are facing as they interview with the judges and appear on stage to answer questions. Unlike other pageants, which critique contestants largely on their looks and talents, the Miss and Little Miss Black Diamond Days pageant scores the girls and young women on their overall appearance and how they present themselves in front of the judges and in front of the audience as well as the private interview.
“The winner will represent Gillespie at events throughout the year,” Sonya said. “The judges will look at how they handle themselves on stage and how well they speak in front of a crowd.”
To see the pictures from the pageant, click here! You have to be a member of Facebook and a fan of The BenGil Post.
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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.
