News Headlines and Chapel Report — December 18, 2025

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has announced a $4.25 million multistate settlement with Menards, resolving claims that the retailer deceptively marketed its 11 percent rebate program. Investigators say Menards’ advertising led customers to believe they were receiving an immediate discount, when the offer was actually store credit for future purchases. The settlement also addresses allegations of price gouging on certain essential items during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and requires Menards to change its advertising and rebate practices. Illinois will receive just under 947 thousand dollars as part of the agreement.

In Pike County, Illinois, Western Community Unit School District 12 is considering bussing students across state lines to Hannibal, Missouri, for trade and technical education classes. The proposal has raised concerns from the Illinois Education Association and some local teachers, who say questions remain about oversight, safety, and why Illinois-based vocational options may not be used. District officials say no final decision has been made and that they are continuing to review the proposal.

The pilot killed in last month’s plane crash in Pike County has been identified as Scott A. Schieferdecker, 56, of Rockledge, Florida, formerly of Quincy. Investigators say the aircraft experienced fuel-related issues before crashing around 9:40 p.m. in a field north of Interstate 72 near Griggsville. Three people were on board the plane; two passengers were transported to area hospitals, and Schieferdecker was pronounced dead at the scene. Federal investigators report no mechanical failures were found.

It has been more than six weeks since Contour Airlines began flights between Quincy Regional Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, and reviews from travelers have been mixed. Quincy Mayor Linda Moore says some passengers report positive experiences, while others have raised concerns about communication during delays. Contour operated 100 of its 102 scheduled flights in November, and city leaders say they are pushing for better real-time

updates for passengers.

Today’s Chapel Report

Phyllis “Jeanne” Howard, age 84, of Pittsfield, passed away Monday, December 15, at her home; she was born January 26, 1941, in Pearl, the daughter of Earl and Wilma Conkright, and married Larry Howard on March 22, 1959. Jeanne worked at various jobs including the Alsey Glasgow Water Commission, assistant postmaster in Alsey, recorder at MacMurray College, AB Chrisman Fertilizer Company, secretary to the superintendent at Barry High School, and as a pharmacy technician at the hospital in Pittsfield, later owning and operating Howard’s Tax Service and PJ’s Flowers. She is survived by her husband Larry Howard, her son Robert Howard, daughters Pamela Sethaler and Patricia Peterson, eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, a sister, and two nephews. Funeral services will be held at eleven o’clock Tuesday morning, December 23, at knee-burr Funeral Home in Pittsfield, with visitation prior to the service, followed by interment at Green Pond Cemetery.

Dennis Lynn “Denny” Lovelace, age 82, of Elsberry, passed away Wednesday evening, December 17, at his home; he was born December 19, 1942, in Elsberry, the son of Louie and Opal Lovelace, graduated from Elsberry High School in 1960, and married Carolyn Lee Branstetter on June 2, 1963. Denny worked for MFA Oil Company and later served as manager of the MFA Elevator until his retirement in 2007, then farmed with his son for several years. He is survived by his son Jimmy Lovelace and wife Carolyn, two grandchildren Louie and Kara, a brother Wayne Lovelace, sisters Joyce Long and Carol Collins, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at one o’clock Tuesday afternoon, December 23, at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, with visitation prior to the service and burial to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Kyle Matthew Smith, age 35, of Pittsfield, passed away Tuesday, December 16, at his home; he was born July 11, 1990, in Jacksonville, the son of Jay and Trinkett Smith, graduated from Pittsfield High School in 2009, and later attended Berklee School of Music in 2012. Kyle was employed by private pig farmers. He is survived by his parents Jay and Trinkett Smith, his brother Andy Smith, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held at six o’clock Sunday evening, December 28, at the Pike County Senior Center.