Community News
Spring snowstorm dumps on BenGil community
Area residents brought out the snowblowers to clear pathways and driveways of the heavy snow.
Very few signs around the BenGil area are pointing toward spring other than the Easter weekend forecast where temperatures are expected to reach the 60-degree mark. Right now, the area resembles the perfect white Christmas, but nearly 3 months late. The spring snowstorm, which hit the area Sunday, March 24, blanketed the entire Midwest bringing heavy snow and high winds on Palm Sunday weekend.
The storm dumped nearly 16 inches of snow in some parts of the community while other parts of the area only reported 12 inches of snow. The storm started with rainfall Saturday evening and turned to snow overnight as residents woke up to a minimal blanket Sunday morning.
Throughout the day Sunday, the storm continued to pound the area and left nearly 12 inches of snow on the ground Sunday. The storm let up by the end of the day Sunday only to strike again when the lights shut off. Residents then woke up to 2-3 more inches of snow Monday morning leaving some roads nearly impossible to drive on.
Area youth take part in the snow fun as CUSD #7 was called off both Monday and Tuesday.
CUSD #7 called off school for Monday on Sunday evening due to the inclement weather while pageant meetings, church gatherings, fitness classes, and countless high school sporting events got the shaft as well due to the snowstorm.
Area police departments didn’t report any fatalities due to the storm, but responded to handfuls of multi-car and single-car accidents. For the most part, citizens were very responsible and careful when they hit the streets of BenGil.
By mid-morning Monday, the street department in both Gillespie and Benld did a tremendous job clearing the streets providing passable intersections and roadways. Although, winds picked up throughout the day on Monday leaving CUSD #7 to call off school again for Tuesday, March 26.
The call went out about 5 o’clock Monday evening for the second cancellation citing inclement weather as the reason for the second snow day.
By early afternoon on Monday, the storm weakened and left the area. The wide-hitting system left some of the BenGil area without power and TV signals. As reported by the National Weather Service, wind gusts traveled up to 45 mph creating snow drifts of 2-4 feet in some parts of the area.
Whatever the calendar says – this isn’t spring.
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The area gets hammed by 12-16 inches of snow leaving numerous political yard signs covered up.
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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.
