News Headlines & Chapel Report - 10/20/25

The Greene County State’s Attorney’s Office announced that Derek R. Nolan, 36, of Eldred, was sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to Unlawful Criminal Drug Conspiracy, a Class 2 felony, in connection with the December 2024 death of Angela K. Virgin, 52, of White Hall. Prosecutors said Nolan and two co-conspirators obtained and delivered fentanyl in Greene County, which Virgin later ingested, leading to her death. Nolan must serve at least 75% of his sentence under Illinois law. One co-defendant, Megan M. Henson, 34, received 30 months of probation after pleading guilty to a lesser charge, while Shanda D. Griffin, 55, died before her case was resolved. State’s Attorney Craig M. Grummel praised the work of local law enforcement, particularly Assistant White Hall Police Chief Daniel N. McPherson, and reaffirmed his office’s commitment to pursuing accountability in fentanyl-related cases.

Bowling Green Mayor Jim Arico highlighted the work of the Pike County Second Chance Coalition, stating he is proud to be a member. He described the coalition’s mission as providing a supportive network for individuals in Pike County who are seeking to rebuild their lives after setbacks—whether from incarceration, substance use, or other challenges. The coalition aims to connect those individuals with resources such as job training, housing support, and mentorship, and Arico emphasized the importance of community collaboration in giving people genuine second chances.

NECAC is asking community members in Pike County, MO to get involved in its upcoming holiday-season assistance efforts. The agency has announced two ways to participate: one involves the “Angel Tree” gift program in partnership with entities including the Salvation Army and the Bowling Green Walmart to provide holiday gifts for children, and the other is a more general support campaign for families in need. The “Angel Tree” element begins on November 17.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its first winter outlook for the Tri-State region of Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois, predicting a season with slightly above-normal precipitation and equal chances of above or below normal temperatures. The outlook aligns closely with The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which also forecasts a mild and relatively dry winter—contrasting with The Farmers’ Almanac’s prediction of a very cold and snowy season. NOAA attributes its forecast to the presence of a La Niña pattern, which often brings wetter-than-average conditions to the area without significantly affecting temperatures. Winter officially begins on December 21.

Today's Chapel Report:

Rebecca Ann “Becky” Phillips, 68, of Carrollton, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. Born on Valentine’s Day in 1957 to Harry Lee and Helena Gehlhausen Moss, Becky married Rick Phillips on June 4, 1977, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Carrollton. She is survived by her husband, Rick, son Brad of Carrollton, sister Betsy Hearn of Kane, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A Carrollton High School graduate, she earned an associate degree in childcare from Lewis and Clark and spent her life caring for children and serving her community through teaching, daycare work, Meals on Wheels, and at Boyd Hospital. A private graveside service will be held later at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, with memorials suggested to the cemetery or St. John’s Catholic Church.