News Headlines and Chapel Report 10/10/25

Kevin “Kevy Kev” Russell, of St. Charles, MO who served as chief engineer for WBBA B97.5, has died after battling the West Nile Virus. Kevin fell ill about five weeks ago with a persistent fever that led to hospitalization, but his condition worsened over time. Known as a beloved leader who helped build and technically operate stations from the ground up, Russell’s passing has deeply affected those who worked with him. His death comes amid a surge in West Nile cases in Missouri, where three people have died and 15 have been hospitalized as of October 4.

Missouri health officials report that the mosquito-borne illness has increased dramatically compared to previous years, prompting urgent warnings to residents statewide. The Missouri Department of Health is advising people to use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk hours, and eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Most infections cause mild or no symptoms, though about one in five people may develop flu-like illness, and in rare cases, the virus can lead to severe neurological complications. Officials are continuing to monitor the outbreak closely as mosquito season extends into the fall. WBBA Radio Sends our deepest condolences to all of Kevin's family and many friends.

Winchester schools were briefly placed on lockdown Tuesday afternoon after police were alerted to a high-speed chase involving a stolen vehicle headed toward the city. According to the Winchester Police Department, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office notified Scott County authorities that the suspect vehicle, traveling east on Illinois Route 106, had refused to stop and was reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour while recklessly passing other cars. As a precaution, Winchester schools were placed on lockdown until the situation was under control. The suspect was later apprehended in Brown County. Authorities have identified the driver as 25-year-old Erick O. Johnson Jr. of Champaign, Illinois. Johnson is currently being held in the Schuyler County Jail on multiple charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle, reckless driving, aggravated fleeing police, and driving with a revoked or suspended license. He had previously been arrested on September 27 following another high-speed chase along Illinois Route 106 in Scott County.

Authorities in Louisiana, Missouri, have arrested a local man following a suspicious house fire earlier this week. On October 6, 2025, around 7:21 p.m., police and firefighters responded to a blaze at a vacant residence at 601 Virginia Street. With no active utilities at the property, officers quickly deemed the fire suspicious and requested assistance from the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office. Investigators later determined the fire had been intentionally set.

Police identified and arrested 40-year-old Jarred M. Ingram of Louisiana, Missouri, in connection with the incident. The Pike County Prosecuting Attorney has charged Ingram with second-degree arson, second-degree burglary, and first-degree property damage. Judge Milan Berry set his bond at $25,000 cash only, and Ingram remains in custody at the Pike County Jail. The Louisiana Police Department thanked the Louisiana Fire Department and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office for their assistance. Authorities remind the public that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Clarksville, Missouri’s annual Applefest returns this weekend, celebrating the town’s rich riverfront heritage and fall harvest with food, crafts, live music, and family fun. The highlight of the weekend is the Applefest Parade on Saturday, where B97.5 WBBA will be joining the lineup to bring great music and community spirit along the parade route. Visitors can enjoy apple-themed treats, local vendors, and small-town charm all weekend long in historic downtown Clarksville.

Today's Chapel Report:

Ronald W. Camerer, 81, of New Canton, Illinois, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. Born October 9, 1943, in White Hall to Robert G. and Mary Eileen (Wooldridge) Camerer, Ron married Diane Gates on August 8, 1965, and they shared 60 years together. A 1961 graduate of West Pike High School, he earned an associate degree in English from Hannibal-LaGrange College before serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War aboard a swift boat off the southern coast of Vietnam. After his honorable discharge, Ron worked for McDonnell Douglas and later spent 37 years at Dundee/Holcim Cement in Clarksville, Missouri, where he advanced from laborer to plant operator. Survivors include his wife Diane; son Chad (Tonya) Camerer; and grandchildren Ryan Camerer and Francis (Joe) White. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 17, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. prior to the service. Private interment will follow at Shearer Cemetery in New Canton. Memorials may be made to Shearer Cemetery or the White Hall VFW.

Riley Nichole Lemmons, 21, of Griggsville, Illinois, passed away at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. She was born on October 3, 2004, in Quincy to Jody Lemmons and Angela Reveal. A 2024 graduate of Griggsville-Perry High School, Riley was active in softball, basketball, and volleyball, and earned both her EMT and CNA certificates while still in school. She worked at Eastside Healthcare, Liberty Village in Pittsfield, and Rumors in Griggsville. . Riley is survived by her parents, stepparents, siblings, grandparents, and many extended family members. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 13, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Pittsfield. Memorials may be made to the family c/o Niebur Funeral Home.

Jerry Herschel Johnson, 83, of Quincy and formerly of Barry, Illinois, passed away on October 7, 2025, at Good Samaritan Cottages. Born August 26, 1942, in Barry, he was a U.S. Navy veteran who married Bonnie McMillin in 1962 and worked for several local industries before serving as custodian at Barry School for 20 years. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bonnie, their children Michael and Jerilyn, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 11, at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, with burial at Parklawn Cemetery.

Anna “Sis” Charlene Clendenny, 87, of Mozier, Illinois, passed away on October 8, 2025, at Liberty Village in Pittsfield. Born June 5, 1938, in Kampsville, Illinois, to Charles and Lelia Anna Sorrels Sidwell, she married Elba Ellsworth Clendenny in 1963, who preceded her in death in 1991. Anna was a graduate of East Pike High School. Anna is survived by her children Robert and Patricia Clendenny, granddaughter Liana Clendenny, and sister-in-law Norma Sidwell. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 13, at Hess Cemetery in Pearl, Illinois, with memorials suggested to the family c/o Niebur Funeral Home.