Community News
Paws in the Park & Paws on the Run approaching
Celebrate Spring on April 28
Up to 100 dogs or more are expected to participate in the Coal Country Chamber of Commerce’s fifth annual Paws in the Park all-breed dog show from 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 28, at Benld City Park.
“Paws in the Park is kind of kick-off event for the spring season in ‘Coal Country’,” said Greg Craine of 1st BancFinancial, who chairs the annual Paws in the Park event. “It’s the first opportunity for folks in our area to get out and enjoy the spring weather at a family-oriented event.”
Dogs participating in the show will be judged in the following categories: best costume, best dog trick, cutest, ugliest, biggest, smallest and best of show. Judging will be followed by a pet parade at 10:30 a.m., which will be followed by an award ceremony on the stage under the park’s main pavilion.
Dogs will be judged by members of PAWS CARE, Inc., Montgomery County. Macoupin County TAILS (To Adopt Is Life Saving) will handle registration; starting at 9 a.m. Registration for the Dog Show is free. Persons attending the event can have their dogs micro-chipped, courtesy of Macoupin County TAILS, at a cost of $30.
Micro-chips are small electronic devices implanted under the skin of a dog, which can be used to locate a pet that has been stolen or has wandered away. “The availability of micro-chipping for $30 is a tremendous bargain,” Craine said. “Taking a pet to veterinary office for micro-chipping is considerably more expensive, and we are grateful to Macoupin TAILS for making this service available for Paws in the Park.” Owners of the first 50 dogs to register for the event will receive a certificate good for an eight-inch personal size, one-topping pizza from Roma’s Pizza, Gillespie.
Each registrant will be asked to choose no more than three of the six categories in which they want their dog to be judged. “Best of the Show” will then be chosen from the winners of the other six categories. All pets brought to Paws in the Park must be leashed at all times, even when they are being judged. Participants should be prepared to clean up after their pets.
Spectators and participants are invited to bring along lawn chairs for their comfort. A total of 107 dogs were registered for last year’s Paws in the Park, and upward of 400 people attended the event. In conjunction with Paws in the Park, the Build Benld Committee will sponsor the second annual “Paws on the Run,” a five-kilometer run and one-mile fun walk. The 5K Run is set to start at 7 a.m. at the Benld City Park with a 6 a.m. to 6:45 a.m.
The 1 Mile Fun Walk will be after the Dog Show judging. It will begin at 11 a.m. The entry fee for Paws on the Run is $15 for adults, $10 for youths (10 and under). Those who register by April 8 will receive a specially designed t-shirt commemorating the event.
Those who wish to participate may contact Build Benld about a registration form at BuildBenld@mail.com or by calling 217-835-2135.
The Coal Country Chamber of Commerce Choo-Choo, driven by volunteer Rick Konneker, will be available for free rides during the morning and will be a part of the pet parade. District 18 Safety Officer Doug Francis will present the Illinois State Police rollover simulator to demonstrate the importance of wearing seat belts when operating a motor vehicle.
CCCC members who have committed to sponsoring Paws in the Park are 1st BancFinancial; Accents Florist and Gift Shop; CCT; City of Benld; Country Financial of Gillespie-Tina Olroyd, agent; Drew Ford; FNB-Benld Banking Center; Macoupin County TAILS; Madison Communications; Magic Wand Car Wash; Michelle’s Pharmacy; Papa JoDanni’s Restaurant; PAWS CARE, INC.; Reid’s Service Heating and Cooling; Roma’s Pizza of Gillespie; Toni’s Family Restaurant; State Farm of Gillespie/Benld-Jessica Ely, agent; United Community Bank of Gillespie; and WSMI Radio.
Anyone who wishes to participate or help sponsor Paws in the Park may call (217) 710-5218, or send an email to mrer@madisontelco.com. Additional information can be found on the CCCC website, www.coalcountrychamber.com.
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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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