Community News
“The Voice” contestant Neil Salsich named as special emcee for SamJam finale, April 26
CARLINVILLE – A celebrity guest will serve as the emcee at the last SamJam, and is sure to appeal to all music fans.
Neil Salsich, who was a fan favorite on the NBC hit The Voice in the spring of 2023, has been added as the guest host and emcee at the final SamJam concert, which will bring an end to a decade of unforgettable music.
SamJam’s Finale: A Celebration of Music & Hope will be held Saturday evening, April 26 at The Rustic Venues in rural Girard.
A St. Louis product, Salsich burst onto the scene on The Voice by kicking off the blind auditions with an eye-opening performance of the Hank Williams country classic “Honky Tonk Blues.” That earned him an instant four-chair turn from the judges, and he was later mentored on the show by Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson.
Salsich went on to thrill fans around the nation with electrifying renditions of “Have a Little Faith in Me” by John Hiatt, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye, and “Takin’ It to the Streets” by the Doobie Brothers.
Before his time in the national spotlight, Salsich was a fan favorite at previous editions of SamJam, as he appeared at the event with Acoustics Anonymous in 2014 and 2015, and with The Mighty Pines, his usual band, in both 2017 and 2019. He also performed with Sean Canan’s Voodoo Players at SamJam in 2021.
“Neil’s deep connection to SamJam and its passionate audiences make him the perfect host for this milestone event,” said Peter Oswald, the organizer of SamJam. “He’ll really make this final SamJam one to remember.”
SamJam was created in 2014 to honor Oswald’s son, Sam, a 40-year-old Carlinville resident who has endured years of struggle with neurofibromatosis (NF), which affects 1 in every 2,500 worldwide. NF is most often noticed in childhood or early adulthood, and appears equally across sexes, races, and ethnic groups.
In its first nine editions, SamJam has raised over $90,000, with the funds going to NF Midwest, Inc., an organization that provides research grants and support services in Illinois and five surrounding states.
“This year’s SamJam is extra special, because it’s the last one,” said Peter Oswald. “For a decade, this event has raised crucial funds for NF research and support services for NF patients and their families. We hope everyone will join us one last time for this historic and heartfelt celebration.”
Salsich will kick off the last SamJam at 5 p.m., followed by ClusterPluck, a southern Illinois band known for high-energy folk, bluegrass, and rock, at 5:30. It will be ClusterPluck’s fourth appearance at the SamJam series.
At 8 p.m., the HillBenders, a Springfield, Mo. group that is one of the most electrifying bands in roots music, will headline the event. The HillBenders also played SamJam in 2016. Salsich will treat fans to live solo performances between acts.
Guests for the evening will enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and one lucky attendee will win a five-day Caribbean cruise.
Tickets for SamJam’s Finale are $40 for adults and $20 for children under 12. They are available online at www.SamJam4NF.com. Tables of 10 seats near the stage, with the privilege of getting to the front at the food line, are available for $450, and may be reserved by calling 217-556-4917. All proceeds will benefit NF research and support services.
For more details, sponsor information, or to make donations online, visit www.SamJam4NF.com or call the number above. SamJam4NF, Inc. is a Section 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and any gifts may be tax deductible.
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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.
