News Headlines & Chapel Report - 10/13/25

A chance of rain and thunderstorms in the forecast for Saturday could put a damper on two of the region’s biggest autumn events — Pike County Fall Pickin’ Days in Illinois and Colorfest in Louisiana, Missouri. Both festivals draw large crowds for outdoor shopping, food, and entertainment, but organizers are keeping a close eye on the weather. While many vendors plan to set up rain or shine, heavier showers could limit turnout and force adjustments to some outdoor activities. Sunday’s forecast looks more favorable, giving visitors another chance to enjoy the fall festivities if Saturday brings too much rain.

The annual Hull of a Race 5K has once again broken records in its mission to fight Parkinson’s disease. Organizers announced that the 2025 event raised $26,000 for the Missouri Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association — an increase of $8,000 over last year’s total and the highest in the race’s 19-year history.

Co-director Jeanie Cox said the event has now raised more than $200,000 since its inception, uniting families, friends, and community members in a shared cause. The total includes proceeds from race registrations, business donations, raffles, a silent auction, and a quilt auction. Nearly 250 runners took part in the August event.

Cox and fellow co-director Pam Peters said they hope to make next year’s race — the event’s 20th anniversary — the biggest and most successful one yet.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is assisting the Ralls County Sheriff’s Office with a death investigation following a reported shooting early Sunday morning at a rural residence outside Monroe City.

Deputies responded to the scene and discovered the body of an adult male. The Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control was called in, and investigators later determined the man died from a gunshot wound.

Authorities said there is no known threat to the community and that investigators are pursuing several leads. The Ralls County Sheriff’s Office and the Highway Patrol continue to investigate. Anyone with information is urged to contact MSHP Troop B Headquarters at 660-385-2132.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced plans to add a third daily Amtrak train to its popular Missouri River Runner route between St. Louis and Kansas City in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The additional service is designed to give travelers more options as thousands are expected to visit Kansas City, which will host six World Cup matches, including a Round of 32 game on July 3 and a quarterfinal on July 11, according to KCTV 5 in Kansas City.

According to MoDOT’s August 2026 Highways and Transportation Committee meeting minutes, the department requested $1.7 million in general revenue funding to cover costs for the expanded service. The third round-trip is set to begin in April 2026 and will operate through the World Cup events in June and July, before returning to the regular two-train schedule later that summer.

The Missouri River Runner makes stops in Hermann, Jefferson City, and Independence, offering travelers scenic views of Missouri’s wine country, the state capital, and historic landmarks along the route.

There are no new obituaries for today's chapel report.