Community News
River Ramblers playing at Benld Park tonight
The River Ramblers will take center stage tonight for the third CCCC concert of the summer months. Concerts are held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday nights at the Benld City Park. The concession stand will open at 6 p.m. tonight selling hot dogs, “big smokies,” Italian beef sandwiches, and strawberry shortcake sundaes along with water and soda. The concert will be presented rain or shine as the covered pavilion will provide excellent shelter or shade!
The group playing tonight is a five piece Bluegrass band that hales from areas surrounding Springfield Il. The group assembled in 1987 with the commitment to maintaining the traditional bluegrass sound. If you’re familiar with the music of Bluegrass icons such as Monroe, Stanley, Flatt & Scruggs, you will recognize nearly every tune this band performs. To date, the group has issued three recordings which include mostly traditional songs combined with some original tunes.
Don Randle is the most recent member to join the Ramblers. He is a computer wizard by day and plays upright bass on the side. Don is a quick study to the music. Don also is an accomplished banjo player and occasionally the Ramblers will sneak in a banjo tune featuring Don.
Jennifer Ramm came to the area from Michigan and quickly found a way to put her fiddling talents to use. She has been with the group since 1993 and provides striking lead and harmony vocals as well. Jennifer added to the band’s sound, the “final touch” necessary to bluegrass music. She is known throughout the area for hosting the local PBS Bluegrass radio show on Sunday evenings.
Mike Smith joined the group in the early years as a bass player and converted to banjo when the original banjo player moved on. Mike was raised in Arkansas where he first acquired an affinity for Bluegrass. He now resides in central Illinois where he continues to enhance his “Croweish” banjo licks. Mike has also developed his own design of “Kat eyz” banjo bridges in recent years and has enjoyed much success producing and marketing them around the world.
Marc Bourne, a central Illinois native, fills the position of guitar. He is one of the remaining original members of the band and is enjoying continued opportunities to learn the music and instrumentation. Marc also contributes lead and back-up vocals along with providing the “straight man” target of Duane’s big country humor.
Duane Patterson is the founder of the group. He came to the area from Kentucky, which is, as you know, “The Bluegrass State”, and could not leave his roots behind. He soon had the group in place and has since always played the role of band promoter. Duane provides most of the lead vocals and plays a “Monroe – like” bold style of Mandolin. There is seldom a dull moment when he is on the stage (or off-stage for that matter).
Duane and the River Ramblers are typically known for their entertaining style on stage as the lively music is combined with an acute degree of personal character. They are sure to keep your attention even if you’re not familiar with this style of music. The group attributes their longevity to enjoying the music and the camaraderie of their fellow musicians.
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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.
