News Headlines & Chapel Report 9/1/25

The Pike County Highway Department will begin striping several county roads on Tuesday, September 2, with work continuing for several days. In other Pike County road work this week; 15th Street (the South Lake Road or 1 mile North of State Hwy 106) in Newburg Township will be CLOSED on Wednesday, September 3rd for a culvert replacement. Drivers are urged not to follow the paint machine to avoid getting paint on their vehicles and are reminded to use caution and follow all traffic signs while traveling through the work zones.

The City of Barry has announced that road chipping will take place on Tuesday along several streets including sections of Mortimer, Mason, Main, and adjacent connecting roads. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for possible traffic delays, equipment on the streets, and temporary access limitations while crews complete the work. City officials thank the community for their patience as these maintenance efforts help keep Barry’s streets in good condition.

Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries, in partnership with Google, has launched a free, fully virtual Digital Career Accelerator Program for anyone in Central Illinois. The initiative provides access to official Google certifications in fields such as IT support, project management, UX design, AI essential skills, data analytics, and digital marketing, with most programs designed to be completed in 3–6 months at under 10 hours per week. Participants receive flexible scheduling, one-on-one career coaching, and the chance to boost their technology skills and career opportunities—all at no cost and with no eligibility requirements. Spots are limited, and those interested can get started by filling out the short interest form online at LLGI.org.

The Greene County Historical Society in Carrollton invites the public to explore its treasures during Greene County Days, September 5–6 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the historic Lee-Baker-Hodges House on the Carrollton Square. Along with newly uncovered artifacts from a second-floor storage room, visitors will see new displays including Civil War hardtack, a handmade leather purse, vintage cigar boxes, and family heirlooms like a children’s roll-top desk and a toy horse and cart made in 1912. Highlights also include the 1928 School Friendship Book, historic photographs, and a slideshow of Carrollton High School homecoming parades from the 1950s. Admission and tours are free.

Today's Chapel Report

Ilene Elledge, 98, of Pittsfield, IL, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Liberty Village in Pittsfield. She was born January 29, 1927, in Nebo, IL Garold T. Elledge in1948; he preceded her in death in 1998. A graduate of Nebo High School and Gem City College, Ilene worked in offices in Quincy and Pittsfield, at Nebo Grade School, and alongside her husband on the family farm. She was a devoted member of Nebo Baptist Church and later Calvary Baptist Church, active in teaching, Bible school, and community service. Surviving are her daughters, Rhonda Houchins and Carrie Reed, seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Pittsfield, with visitation from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Interment will follow at Nebo Cemetery, with memorials suggested to Nebo Cemetery or Nebo Community Club.

Viola Davis, 80, of Roodhouse, IL, passed away on August 28, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 3, 1945, in Michigan to John Joseph (Jacinto) Jessie and Iva Matilda Olgalvie Jessie, and on May 28, 1994, she married Bill Davis, who survives. Viola worked throughout her life as a seamstress, café owner, and Wal-Mart manager, and was known for her love of sewing, gardening, time outdoors, and especially her devotion to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she and Bill embraced as one blended family. She is survived by her husband; children Renita Norris, Lynn Cummings, Harry Jennings, Tonya Ross, Andy Davis, and Eric Davis; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister Edith Byus. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, grandson Mark Cummings, and several other loved ones. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Memorials are suggested for a bench to be placed on the walking trail near her favorite lake.