Community News
Macoupin County Courthouse News
FELONIES
Courtney A. Balen, 48 of Gillespie, is charged with possession of a controlled substance in connection with an April 20 incident.
Dana A. Morgan, 63 of Carlinville, is charged with theft (<$500/school/worship) in connection with a June 25 incident.
Dustin M. Luketich, 34 of Plainview, is charged with armed violence, burglary, criminal damage to property ($500-10k), and possession of burglary tools in connection with an August 15 incident.
Dustin R. Stieglitz, 37 of Shipman, is charged with armed violence, felon in possession of a weapon, burglary, criminal damage to property ($500-10k), and possession of burglary tools in connection with an August 15 incident.
MISDEMEANORS
Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57 of Benld, is charged with criminal trespass to a building in connection with an August 12 incident.
TRAFFIC
William J. Standage, 58 of Girard, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with a July 31 incident.
Heather L. Brown, 34 of Wood River, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an August 8 incident.
Emily G. Cao, 18 of Springfield, is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis/driver in connection with a July 30 incident.
Erick W. Otero Lamothe, 25 of Dallas, TX, is charged with driving while never issued a license, speeding 35+ mph over the limit, and improper turn signal in connection with an August 2 incident.
Jason A. Castleberry, 42 of Virden, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration in connection with an August 4 incident.
Andrii Dziubyk, 26 of Huntingdon Valley, PA, is charged with CDL not obtained in connection with an August 3 incident.
Tristan S. Sturgeon, 21 of Winter Garden, FL, is charged with driving on a suspended license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with August 2 incident.
Bobby J. Smith, 44 of Cottage Hills, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and an expired registration in connection with an August 3 incident.
Dustin C. Hickey, 40 of Staunton, is charged with driving on a revoked license and speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an August 3 incident.
Douglas D. Davis, 57 of Benld, is charged with driving on a revoked license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an August 5 incident.
Racheal A. Aleshire, 46 of Gillespie, is charged with canceled/revoked/suspended registration, improper use of registration/title, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with a July 28 incident.
Amanda N. Fuller, 37 of Carlinville, is charged with driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle in connection with an August 7 incident.
Michael C. Smith, 34 of Ocala, FL, is charged with possession of a canceled/suspended/revoked license/permit and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with an August 8 incident.
Teresa J. Austin, 33 of Godfrey, is charged with driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper traffic lane usage, improper turn signal, and unregistered/expired registration in connection with an August 14 incident.
Jose Manjarrez, 33 of Chicago, IL, is charged with driving while never issued a license in connection with an August 7 incident.
John A. Sephus, 28 of Peoria, is charged with reckless driving in connection with an August 5 incident.
Derek R. Richardson, 34 of Rochester, is charged with reckless driving and fleeing/attempting to elude officer in connection with an August 9 incident.
John P. King, 37 of Gillespie, is charged with driving on a revoked license and driving 15-20 mph above the limit in connection with an August 10 incident.
Aaron Avila, 27 of Whiting, IN, is charged with speeding 26-34 mph over the limit in connection with an August 10 incident.
Raven T. Watson, 30 of Chicago, is charged with driving on a suspended license in connection with an August 12 incident.
Nicholas E. Vaughn, 22 of Bethalto, is charged with speeding 35+ mph over the limit in connection with an August 14 incident.
Jeffery L. Herron, 29 of Staunton, is charged with leaving the scene and failure to reduce speed in connection with a July 31 incident.
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE FILED
- Julie N. Hampton versus Eric A. Hampton
- Elizabeth S. Baugh versus Evan W. Baugh
- Ryan T. Lindgens Sr. versus Bethany K. Lidgens
- Katelynne Freidinger versus John Freidinger
- Glenn E. Eckhoff versus Rhonda Eckhoff
MARRIAGE LICENSES
- Chaise Alexander Whitlock and Alexis Nichole Cota, both of Carlinville
- Samantha Sue Butcher and Zachary Thomas Simons, both of Shipman
- Breanne Paige Bone and Drew Robert Stayton, both of Carlinville
- Morgan Lee Roberts and Julie A. Barlow, both of Medora
- Stephen Richard Nicholson and Laura Kay Poole, both of Carlinville
- Diana Lynn Winlund and Roger Dale Waddell, both of Henry
- Dylan Thomas Stanton and Sarah May Ebersohl, both of Mount Olive
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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.
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Community News17 hours agoOberkfell repeats as state cross country champion
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Community News4 days agoGeorgia-Pacific to close Mt. Olive corrugated plant by year’s end
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Community News17 hours agoDrive-thru “Warm up our kids” event set for December 2
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