Community News
Top Stories of 2011
Here are the most viewed stories from each month. We did not pick them, our viewers did. Click on any heading to view the entire article. The stories are from March to December because we did not start our quest until the end of February.. enjoy!
March
Chuck Price to Open Restaraunt on Gillespie Main Street!
Gillespie’s own Chuck (C.P.) Price is planning to open a new restaurant on Main Street. It will be located in the building that last housed Ageless and Broadway Video. We recently interviewed Chuck to get the inside scoop on his new venture. Here are his responses:
What will the new restaurant be called?
Chuck: “Originally I had settled on “The Pit” but after asking for suggestions from friends and family I have decided to call it “CP’s Five n’ Dine. People still remember when that building was “The Dime Store” so we feel that “CP’s Five n’ Dine” will keep that sense of nostalgia and history alive. I’m even in talks to try to get the old robotic horse that used to be in the window at The Dime Store.”
What is your target opening date?
Chuck: “My goal is to do everything we can to be open by May 1st.”
What kind of food will be on the menu?
Chuck: “We will serve all the same dishes that were available at Chief’s as well as an expanded dinner menu, breakfast all day, protein shakes, and a full blown bakery.”
What will it look and feel like inside?
Chuck: “We’ll have a large dining area with lots of things to promote shopping local in G-Pie. As I said before we’re even trying to get the horse from the old dime store.”
April
Cody McGuire & David McGuire Charged in Gillespie Shooting
Two 19-year-old Granite City men have been charged in connection with the shooting of a 30-year-old male late Wednesday night in Gillespie, according to Illinois State Police.
The office of Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jennifer Watson confirmed late Thursday that Cody R. McGuire (pictured top left), 19, of Granite City is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated battery in connection with the the shooting of Lee Jason Walton, 30, in Gillespie. McGuire is accused of shooting Walton in the face and chest with a .38 caliber handgun.
David P. McGuire (pictured top right), 19, also of Granite City is charged with aggravated battery for allegedly causing great bodily harm to Walton by striking Walton in the head with his fist.
ISP Master Sgt. Dave Wasmuth said Thursday that the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department received a call shortly before midnight reporting a shooting in the 700 block of West Gillespie Street in Gillespie. Gillespie City Police and Macoupin County Sheriff’s deputies reportedly responded to the scene where they found Walton suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
May
80 Graduate From GHS
In a ceremony long on tradition with a few moments of serendipity, Community Unit School District 7 awarded diplomas to more than 80 graduating seniors during commencement exercises on Sunday afternoon in the Gillespie High School gym.
Valedictorian Ashley Heyen departed from the tradition of delivering a valedictorian speech to sing an original composition while accompanying herself on guitar. “Unlike my amazing co-valedictorians, I’m not a good speech writer,” Heyen said. “This song just came to me and I hope you enjoy it.”
The song, “Days Like This,” described Heyen‘s emotions upon saying goodbye to high school and preparing for the future. “They say all good things must come to an end,” she sang. “That’s life and it will happen over and over again.”
Class members gave Heyen a standing ovation at the conclusion of her performance. An emotional Katie Benz, high school math teacher, used part of her time at the podium to say goodbye. “The decision to leave Gillespie High School is one of the hardest I’ve had to make,” she said. She offered thanks to parents, teachers and to High School Principal Joe Tieman “for believing in me four years ago.”
June
Kylie Frensko crowned Miss Black Diamond Days 2011
Miss Kylie Frensko was crowned Miss Black Diamond Days 2011 queen on June 3, 2011 at Gillespie Civic Center. Kylie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Frensko of Benld. She is will be a junior at Gillespie High School and is very active in cheerleading. She also received awards for People’s Choice and Most Photogenic. Miss Frensko was among 7 other canidates and hundreds of people who quietly awaited the announcement of who would wear the crown. “It’s such a great honor,” Kylie said. First runner up went to Bailey Loveless and Miss Congeniality went to Mikayla Tarro.
Miss Emily Harszy was crowned Jr. Miss Black Diamond Days 2011. Emily will be a freshman at Gillespie High School and is very active in her church. She also received awards for Miss Congeniality. Ms. Harszy mentioned the pageant was, “an awesome experience.” First runner up was Reese Marshall and Kaitlyn Henrichs received awards for People’s Choice and Most Photogenic.
Before ending her reign, Miss Sarah Heyen expressed her gratitude for the experience, and encouraged her successor to, “Enjoy every moment because the experience goes by fast.” Then the runners-up and winners were announced and friends and family crowded the stage to congratulate them all.
July
Historic Coliseum Ballroom Destroyed by Fire
The storied entertainment venue that once hosted the likes of Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and Fats Domino was destroyed by a fire that broke out about 9 p.m., Saturday, July 30.
Community Unit 7 Fire Protection District Chief Larry Norville said local fire departments were called shortly after 9 p.m. The first units arrived on the scene about 9:20 p.m., at which time the ceiling was fully inflamed. As many as 16 fire departments from throughout the region eventually responded to the blaze, many of them serving as tenders to bring water to service pumper trucks and two snorkels on the front lines of the battle.
The Coliseum was the scene of a free concert Saturday night featuring the local band, Shadow of a Doubt. Thirty or more people were in the building with flames reportedly erupted in the ceiling. Norville said initial indications were that the fire started in the ceiling in the northeast corner of the building. At least one person was taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and minor burns. Two others were taken by private vehicle, apparently for treatment of smoke inhalation. Norville said some people inside the building feared they would be unable to escape the blaze when the fire broke out as burning ceiling tiles began to rain down at the front of the building as they were trying to exit.
August
DePoppe hired as Gillespie Chief: Special Council Meeting August 15
The city then went in to executive session to appoint a chief of police to the police department. After 30 minutes, the council returned to open session. With a motion made to hire Jared DePoppe to chief of police, the council voted 6-1 with the only decline coming from Gus Ottersburg.
While waiting for DePoppe to arrive at the council meeting to swear in, Mayor Hicks updated the council on the demolition of the buildings on Macoupin Street. Hicks said there were many counts of asbestos and it will have to be removed before demolition. Demolition is slated to begin August 26. The asbestos will have be removed prior to the demolition, there was not much asbestos. The titles of the buildings has not been signed over to the city, but it is expected to be handled soon.
DePoppe then arrived at the meeting and was sworn in by city attorney: Kevin Polo. DePoppe and his wife, Joanna, have been living in Gillespie since June of 2005. DePoppe and his wife have 2 children: Bree (5) and Lock (6 months). DePoppe has been with the Gillespie Police Department since October of 2006 when he was hired as a volunteer police chaplain. In August of 2007, Depoppe was then hired as a part time officer and he served this position for a year and one half until he was hired full time in March of 2009. In January of 2011, DePoppe was again promoted to Sergeant and then Depoppe was acting chief of police when Dean Plovich resigned almost 2 months ago. Depoppe has been the pastor at First Baptist Church in Gillespie since January of 2006.
September
CUSD #7 Breaks Ground on New Elementary
A crowd of over 100 visitors plus over 750 students were all smiles when school board members and elected officials broke ground on the new 26 million dollar new elementary school. Superintendent Paul Skeans welcomed everyone to the ceremony. “The new school will be completed by December of 2012,” Skeans addressed the crowd.
After the high school band and choir opened the morning ceremony, Superintendent Skeans reminded the crowd what the school district has been the recipient of. On Sunday, March 28, 2009, the school district lost the brand new elementary school in neighboring Benld. Just four days later, Skeans said, the school district was operating under double shifts in the high school and middle school. “That is why all the students are here, they were all apart of it,” Skeans mentioned. In November of 2009, the district was able to move the elementary students into modular building with the help of Phil Hare and Deanna Demuzio. Then, with the help of Governor Pat Quinn, the school district was able to receive 19 million dollars in grant money to help replace the elementary school. “The school board then matched 7 million dollars to help make the project possible,” Skeans said.
A committee of 26 members selected the Kelly street site on July 19, 2010. Then, in August of 2011, the school board awarded the first sitework construction bids. “In the next months, the school board will be awarding construction bids,” Skeans forcasted. It has been a long process, according to Skeans, but this community has joined together and overcame the obstacles and that has led us where we are today, “that is why we are here today.”
October
Local fitness center hoping to expand this August
A local business in Gillespie may just be getting a little bigger this summer. According to Pete Visintin, Ageless Fitness and Tanning, located at the old Curry concrete plant, is in the process of lining up financing for a new 11,000 square foot multi-sport gym that will be adjacent to the current building. If all goes as planned, they hope to have the new gym completed by the end of the 2012 summer.
“This has been our plan all along since we built the new gym. In fact, it was part of our agreement with the city. It was originally supposed to be completed within 5 years of opening our new gym, but with the success we’ve had, we decided to move it up. It will not just have a positive financial impact on our business, but the entire community should see a difference. We hope to run 10-12 tournaments per year as well as 4 or 5 sports league per year, bringing around 200 people per tournament to the Gillespie area. Retail shops, restaurants, and gas stations should see an increase in traffic. With the addition of the new school and the new high school sports complex, as well as the changes that are happening on main street, we hope we’ll be able to show outsiders what a small, nice town Gillespie is. ”
The 11,000 square foot facility will include a regulation full court basketball court that will also be able to be used as a volleyball or tennis court. It will also house a 3200 square foot turf area with at least 2 batting cages and plenty of room for groundballs and throwing. It will contain bathrooms and a concession stand, as well as plenty of seating for spectators. In addition, the new building will allow Ageless to redo the floor plan of its current building so they can add more cardio equipment, as well as expand their successful athletic strength and conditioning program.
November
Savant withdraws resignation and holds supervisor position
After resigning from his supervisor duties a week earlier, Savant chose to remain supervisor..
The Benld City Council met for a special meeting on Monday, November 21 to discuss personnel issues. On the last regularly scheduled board meeting, November 14, Jim Savant informed the City Council that he is resigning “from all supervisor duties.” Savant is the maintenance supervisor for the City of Benld.
Savant informed the council that he “is severely underpaid and is forced to ask for a raise.” He went on to say that he knows the excuses he will get after asking for a raise and is willing to accept them. After being with the city for 22 years, the supervisor title lost “a little luster” to Savant and he decided it is the best choice for him and his family.
After much discussion, the council voted to table the acceptance of his resignation on November 14 and discuss the issue with Savant. “He obviously has a grievance, we should hear him out,” Mayor Hendricks noted.
December
Gillespie Police Officer shoots dog
After being at new home just over one day, chocolate lab puppy, with the name of Molly, broke loose out of her backyard where she was in company of a pair of other chocolate labs.
According to owner Deanna Rife, the new puppy was anything but aggressive and was rather sweet and playful. Rife went on to say the puppy was a Christmas gift for her mother.
Upon escaping the fenced in yard, Molly wandered to a nearby neighbor where the action took place.
“When I came by she snapped at my arm and was growling and I was like, okay,” said Melissa Holmes. She was foaming at the mouth, and just like a lot of foam and drool, but there was a lot of foam and she growled a lot, like for 15 minutes straight.”
Unable to move the dog, Melissa said she had no other choice than to call the police. Gillespie officers arrived within minutes and from there Holmes stopped trying to apprehend the dog.
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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.
