News Headlines and Chapel Report - 10/30/25

The Pike County Board continues to grapple with a $1.8 million budget deficit, sparking tense discussions over possible cuts. At this week’s meeting, Vice-Chairman Tom Lewis strongly opposed a proposed $350,000 reduction to the ambulance department, warning it could deplete funds and lead to layoffs. Board members also learned that about $1 million in a road-use fund may be available, though Chairman Rita Hoskin urged patience in deciding how and when to use it. The meeting took another turn when State’s Attorney Walker Filbert announced the county’s labor attorney had resigned, leaving him to handle labor negotiations. Following that revelation, Lewis and another member resigned from the labor committee. Hoskin emphasized the need to present a tentative budget at the next meeting as discussions continue next week.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in locating two wanted men. According to Two Rivers Crime Stoppers, 47-year-old Cody Leavell is wanted on multiple charges, including unlawful possession and delivery of methamphetamine, failure to register or report changes in his Sex Offender Registry, and falsifying registration information. Leavell, who was previously convicted in Pike County for unlawful residency of a child sex offender, is rumored to be living in the Eldred area. Also being sought is 51-year-old Roy Connell of Kampsville, who faces a felony escape charge after allegedly removing his GPS monitoring device and fleeing pre-trial release. Connell was originally arrested in 2023 for possession and delivery of meth and is known to have ties to Kampsville, Alton, and Brighton. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Leavell or Connell is urged to contact the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office at 618-576-2417 or Two Rivers Crime Stoppers at 1-800-300-2590.

A Hannibal, Missouri man accused of robbing an elderly Barry resident in early 2023 has died in jail while awaiting a court disposition in the case. Authorities say 62-year-old Robert Lee Ledbetter was facing multiple felony charges connected to a February 2023 robbery in which two suspects allegedly stole cash, a handgun, watches, and other valuables from a home on State Highway 106 near Barry after posing as asphalt contractors. Ledbetter and another suspect, Braden Harn, were arrested shortly after the incident when Hannibal Police stopped their vehicle. Harn later pleaded guilty to Class 2 felony theft and received four years of probation, while Ledbetter missed his court date after being jailed in Wisconsin. In February 2024, Ledbetter and another man, Anthony Smith, were arrested there for an armed home invasion, where they allegedly impersonated police officers during the crime. Ledbetter faced multiple charges in Wisconsin, including armed robbery and impersonating an officer. He was scheduled to appear in Pike County Circuit Court on October 28 but was reported deceased on September 23, with his obituary listing September 20 as his date of death. Judge J. Frank McCartney later ruled that if Ledbetter’s estate holds any assets, they may be applied toward fines or restitution in the Pike County case, and the victim may still pursue civil restitution.

Across Missouri and Illinois, legal challenges and legislative efforts continue over proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with advocates working to protect benefits for low-income families and seniors who rely on the program for basic food security. Lawsuits in both states have focused on preserving access to benefits amid rising food costs and tightening eligibility rules that could leave thousands without assistance. Local food pantries have reported increased demand as families struggle to make ends meet, even with SNAP support. For those in need of help, several community food pantries are available across Pike County and the Twin Pikes region. A full list of local food pantries and assistance resources can be found on our Facebook page and at B975Radio.com.

Today's Chapel Report:

Denton Lee Coonrod, 94, of Winchester, passed away October 29. A U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea, Denton went on to become a funeral director and longtime owner of Coonrod Funeral Home. He was deeply involved in his community, serving as a Winchester city councilman, Scott County coroner and commissioner, and was active with the Winchester Fire Department, American Legion, Kiwanis Club, and First Baptist Church, where he was a member for 70 years. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Marjorie Ann, three sons, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and his sister, Toby Shugart. Services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winchester, with burial at Winchester City Cemetery. Visitation is Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Coonrod Funeral Home.