News Headlines and Chapel Report — 12/22/25

Former Bowling Green Police Chief Ty Bounds has been charged with two felony counts and four misdemeanor counts related to his involvement in the ongoing investigation into the death of Nathaniel Mueller in Pike County, Missouri. The charges were filed by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and allege interference with an official investigation currently being handled by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Bounds resigned from law enforcement in June after publicly accusing the Pike County Sheriff’s Office of a cover-up in Mueller’s death earlier this year. According to court records, the charges stem from incidents dating back to February and March, including allegations of disarming a peace officer, assault, making false reports and affidavits, and harassment connected to social media posts. Bounds has denied wrongdoing and maintains he acted within his authority. Mueller’s family has publicly expressed support for Bounds. This past weekend marked one year since Mueller was reported missing. His case remains open and active, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

A Griggsville man arrested in a Pittsfield drug bust earlier this year has been sentenced to prison time in Pike County Circuit Court. John J. Bridgewater, 41, was found guilty in a two-day bench trial in mid-October of Class 3 felony possession of methamphetamine under five grams and Class A misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Court records show Bridgewater failed to appear for a sentencing hearing on December 15 and was later arrested on December 17. The charges stem from a January search warrant executed at a residence in the 500 block of Kellogg Street in Pittsfield. Authorities noted Bridgewater was a prior methamphetamine offender who had previously served prison time. Bridgewater was sentenced to eight years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, fined $1,000, ordered to pay court costs, and given credit for 29 days already served in the Pike County Jail.

Illinois’ electric grid could face future power shortages and higher electricity prices as fossil fuel power plants retire and demand increases from data centers tied to artificial intelligence, according to a new report from the Illinois Power Agency, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and Illinois Commerce Commission. The report warns potential shortfalls could begin in northern Illinois by 2029 and in downstate Illinois by 2031, increasing reliance on imported power without action by policymakers or grid operators. State agencies cite accelerating demand from data centers, transportation, and industrial growth, combined with the planned retirement of coal, gas, and oil-fired power plants. The warning comes as electricity prices have recently increased again for some Illinois consumers. Supporters of recent energy legislation say the state is taking steps to avoid a crisis, while critics argue Illinois’ energy policies are moving too quickly and could strain reliability.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed legislation providing long-term funding for public transit systems in the Chicago metropolitan area, a move supporters say is intended to prevent service cuts as federal pandemic relief dollars expire. The law authorizes roughly $1.5 billion in new annual funding for the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace, funded primarily through increased local sales taxes in the Chicago region, redirected motor fuel tax revenue, and interest earnings from the state road fund. The legislation also restructures transit oversight under a new Northern Illinois Transit Authority. Opponents argue the measure once again prioritizes the Chicago area while neglecting transportation needs in downstate Illinois, diverting resources they say could be used for roads, bridges, and infrastructure outside the metropolitan region. The law is expected to begin implementation in 2026.

Today's Chapel Report

Elizabeth Kells Andrew, age 64, of Winchester and formerly of Griggsville, passed away Tuesday, December 17, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield. She was born February 9, 1961, in Pittsfield, the daughter of Earl and Lillie Mae Barrow Kells. She married Mark Andrew on January 17, 1998, and he preceded her in death. She is survived by sisters Joyce Sitton, Debra Anders, and Martha Sharrow; sisters-in-law Linda Kells and Lynnann Kells; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brothers Stephen Kells and George Kells; sisters Sandra Swartz and Morocca Kells; several nieces and nephews; and brothers-in-law. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family through Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, which is handling the arrangements.

Wanda Neff, age 87, of Griggsville, passed away Friday, December 19, at Barry Healthcare and Senior Living. She was born November 27, 1938, in Barry, the daughter of Harold LeRoy and Mabel Young Furniss. She is survived by her children Brenda Cooley, Donald Crawford, Dallas Crawford, and Michael Crawford; numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son William Glen Cawthon; one great-grandson; several siblings; and a special friend, Earl Richards. Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, December 26, at Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry. Memorials are suggested to the Pike County Animal Shelter. Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry is handling the arrangements.

Jan Ann Ford, age 78, of Peoria and formerly of Versailles, passed away at 1:45 a.m. Monday, December 22, at Washington Senior Living in Washington. She was born July 13, 1947, in Jacksonville, the daughter of Fred and Lavona Smith Brown. She married Robert Moore and later married Kenneth W. Ford, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter Marni Moore of Peoria, one niece, and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and one nephew. Arrangements are pending with the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling.

Joyce Ann Edelen Scherder passed away peacefully Thursday, December 18, at Pike County Memorial Hospital. She was born December 2, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Henry Cecil Edelen and Jessie Mae Nichols. She married Harry Joseph Scherder on November 28, 1959, and he preceded her in death. She is survived by her children Kenneth Scherder, Ellen Stanko, Kevin Scherder, and Barbara Scherder-Goetz; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one bonus granddaughter; two sisters; sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one son-in-law; multiple siblings; and several brothers-in-law. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial mass will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 29, at St. Clement Catholic Church, with interment of cremains to follow in St. Clement Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Anne’s Anchor, St. Clement Catholic School, or Pike Home Health and Hospice.