News Headlines & Chapel Report - 11/18/25

The Pike County, Illinois Animal Shelter is entering one of its toughest seasons yet as ongoing county budget cuts leave the facility operating with limited staff, reduced supplies, and little financial cushion. With fewer resources available, the shelter is working hard to place animals into homes quickly so it can continue providing basic care for those still coming through its doors. At the same time, many local families are facing their own hardships as the recent government shutdown caused a temporary cutoff in SNAP benefits, forcing people to spend what little money they had on groceries rather than pet food. This has led to increased requests for assistance and surrender inquiries from owners simply trying to keep their pets fed. The shelter’s upcoming “Clear the Shelter” adoption event aims to ease both crises — helping animals find safe homes while reducing costs for families through donation-based adoption fees. Despite the challenges, staff and volunteers remain committed to supporting both pets and the people who love them, but the need for community help has never been greater.

Thousands of dollars in donated food are helping rural food pantries across west-central Illinois as they struggle to meet rising demand during a gap in SNAP benefits caused by the recent government shutdown. Dot Foods delivered up to $5,000 worth of goods to each of 15 pantries — a total of $60,000 — giving organizations the flexibility to order items they most need. Pantries in Pike, Scott, and surrounding counties say the assistance came at a critical time, with some seeing weekly household numbers jump from about 125 to 150. While staples and shelf-stable foods were welcomed, coordinators noted protein remains hardest to keep in stock. Despite limited resources, unconventional spaces, and increased need, these rural food pantries remain committed to ensuring families don’t go hungry.

The Meredosia-Chambersburg school board is moving ahead with plans to issue a bond to fund major facility repairs, working with Bernardi Securities to guide the process. Over the next three months, the board will complete the steps required for a referendum, which includes adopting a resolution, holding a public hearing and, if approved by voters, formally authorizing the bond. Options include a $2 million, 10-year bond or a $3.1 million, 20-year bond, both with annual payments of $250,000. Funds would go toward repairs such as new windows, roof work and tuck pointing, with bids now being gathered. The board also reviewed upcoming tax levy changes and is weighing the purchase of a new 14-passenger bus for about $125,750 to support growing sports activities. In personnel matters, Ty Gebhardt was approved as the junior high girls’ softball head coach.

Two Greene County defendants were sentenced to prison last week in separate felony cases. Roger Cox, 43, received a three-year Illinois Department of Corrections sentence after pleading guilty to a Class 4 felony for possessing less than 15 grams of fentanyl in a July 14 incident. State’s Attorney Craig Grummel noted that nearly every law enforcement agency in the county has encountered Cox and credited their cooperation for securing the conviction. In a separate case, 37-year-old Christina Carraway was sentenced to five years in IDOC after admitting to a Class 1 felony charge of residential burglary for unlawfully remaining inside a Carrollton home with intent to steal during a July 18, 2022 incident. Her case was prosecuted by Special Prosecutor Michael Havera, with sentencing handed down by Judge Allison Lorton.

Today's Chapel Report:

Donald Lee “Donnie” Hull Jr., 62, of Roodhouse, passed away on November 16, 2025. Born March 8, 1963, in Jacksonville, he was the son of Donald Sr. and Sandy Hull and the devoted husband of 40 years to Kerri (Howard) Hull. Donnie is survived by his five children and nine grandchildren. Donnie was A pipefitter for more than 30 years at Wieland Metals (formerly Olin). Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, November 19 at Calvary Baptist Church in White Hall, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials may be made to the North Greene Athletic Program.

Doris Jean Barnes, 89, of Carrollton, went to be with the Lord on November 15, 2025. Born July 5, 1936, in Osceola, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Lindsay and Emily Burchell and she is surived by her husband of 73 years, Charles Barnes. Doris is also survived by her six children, fourteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Faith Baptist Church in Carrollton, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Gilead Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Mt. Gilead Cemetery.

Alberta Joan Settles, 93, of White Hall, passed away on November 15, 2025, at her home. Born August 31, 1932, in Winchester, she was the daughter of Thomas and Ada Seymoure and the wife of Glenn Keith Settles, whom she married on Christmas Day in 1953 and who preceded her in death in 2009. Joan is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, seven sisters, a brother, and many nieces and nephews. Joan was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church and worked for many years at the sewing factory in White Hall, later as a cook for the North Greene School District, and eventually at RECO Envelope Factory until her retirement in 1994. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Pine Tree Cemetery, with visitation from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the White Hall Township Library.

Joleen “Jody” Marie Turner, 62, of Bowling Green, MO, passed away on November 14, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Bibb-Veach Funeral Home & Crematory in Bowling Green, with burial in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will take place the same day from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Pike County Special Olympians through Peoples Bank & Trust.

Danny Shealor, 64, of Bowling Green, MO, passed away on November 14, 2025, in Louisiana, MO. Born December 22, 1960, to Garland and Pauline Shealor, he grew up in Louisiana and graduated with the Louisiana High School Class of 1978. Danny lived in several places throughout his life, including Texas, Louisiana, and Clarksville, MO. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, four children, twelve grandchildren, his brother, five sisters, and many extended family members.Danny was a talented carpenter and handyman. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2–5 p.m. on Sunday, November 23 at Lakeview at the Broken P near Bowling Green. Collier Funeral Home is handling cremation rites.