News Headlines and Chapel Report — January 7, 2026

In Louisiana, Missouri, the city council took another step Monday night toward impeaching one of its own members. Council members approved procedures for an impeachment hearing involving Councilwoman Heather Wernowsky, though no official reason for the impeachment has been released. The move follows Wernowsky publicly questioning Police Chief Josh Baker about police procedures after an October incident involving a home being entered without the owner’s consent. Some council members expressed concern the process is being rushed, while city legal counsel warned officials to proceed carefully to ensure due process. In other Louisiana news, a judge has denied for a second time a request to dismiss charges against former Police Chief William Jones, who faces charges including second-degree murder and drug trafficking.

Pike and Greene counties are among the poorest in Illinois, according to a new report from financial planning website 24/7 Wall Street. Pike County ranked as the 17th poorest county in the state, with a median household income of $55,514 and nearly fourteen percent of residents living below the poverty line. Greene County ranked 31st, with similar poverty and unemployment figures. Greene County Board Vice Chair Mark Strang said the findings are not surprising, citing limited industry, population decline, and what he described as a continuing brain drain as residents leave the area for better-paying jobs.

Illinois fire departments are now allowed to charge assisted-living facilities and nursing homes for repeated lift-assist calls under a new state law that went into effect Thursday. The law allows departments to collect reasonable fees after the sixth lift assist at a single facility in a calendar year, with charges limited to actual personnel and equipment costs. White Hall Fire Chief Cale Hoesman said lift-assist calls have increased slightly but have not placed a strain on his department, adding that any decision to charge would be up to the district’s board of trustees.

A new four-legged helper is making a difference in the North Greene School District. Pocono, a four-month-old poodle, is the district’s first therapy dog and works alongside special education teacher Jena Walden to provide comfort and stress relief to students. Pocono joined the district in November following a two-year placement process and was funded through a grant from the Tracy Foundation. Walden says the dog has already helped students manage anxiety during school activities and community events.

Chapel Report

Noel Duane Young, age 87, of White Hall, passed away Monday, January 5, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He was born March 16, 1938, in Jersey County, the son of Stephen and Mary Crane Young. He married Katherine Retherford March 5, 1956, in Jerseyville, and she preceded him in death January 21, 1997. He is survived by his children, Donna (Jack) Pyatt of Carrollton, Donald (Carolyn) Young of Brighton, Ricky (Cheryl) Young of Eldred, Cindy (Jim) Featherstone of Rockbridge, and Regina Ward of White Hall; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Frances Summers of Jerseyville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and four brothers.