News Headlines & Chapel Report - 10/23/25

A public hearing in Pike County, Illinois, on a proposed 9% property tax increase turned contentious as county officials clashed over the size of the county’s budget deficit. Treasurer Scott Sercle estimated the shortfall at just over $500,000, while other officials, including County Clerk Natalie Roseberry, suggested it could exceed $1 million. The disagreement escalated into a heated exchange between Sercle and Roseberry, prompting intervention from County Board Chairwoman Rita Hoskins. Officials also revealed the county has not had an audit in four years and is currently ineligible for state and federal grants. Both Sercle and Roseberry blamed separate accounting and payroll system issues for the confusion. The board said audits for the past four fiscal years are now underway, but warned that spending cuts may be necessary to address the financial situation.

The Louisiana Police Department has arrested 51-year-old Danane G. Kelley of Louisiana, Missouri, following a traffic stop and subsequent narcotics investigation. During the stop on October 19, officers found illegal drugs and paraphernalia, leading to Kelley's arrest and a search warrant at his room at the River’s Edge Motel, where authorities discovered heroin, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, and other drug-related items. Kelley faces multiple Class D felony charges for possession of controlled substances and a misdemeanor for drug paraphernalia. Judge Milan Berry set bond at $50,000 cash only. Police Chief Josh Baker praised officers for their work and thanked assisting agencies, emphasizing the department’s commitment to combating drug activity in the community.

The Pike County MO Sheriff’s Office reports that 36-year-old Jessica Moore of rural Louisiana, Missouri, who had been reported missing after failing to pick up her daughter or appear at work on October 22, has been located safe. Authorities thank the public for their assistance in helping ensure her safe return.

Trout Season Illinois officially started last Saturday, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has been busy stocking rainbow trout across the state this fall, including several locations within the WBBA listening area. Waters such as Morgan Lake in Jacksonville, Siloam Springs State Park near Clayton, Gridley Lake in Cass County, Beaver Dam Lake in Macoupin County, and Argyle Lake near Colchester are among those receiving catchable-size trout as part of the state’s Inland Catchable Trout Program. The seasonal stocking gives local anglers a chance to enjoy trout fishing in lakes that don’t naturally support the species. However, warm weather has delayed some stockings until water temperatures cool enough to ensure fish survival. Anglers are reminded that a valid Illinois fishing license and inland trout stamp are required to harvest trout, and they can check the IDNR website or stocking selector for the most up-to-date information on local releases and season dates.

Today's Chapel Report:

Betty Alice Salois, 91, of Vandalia, passed away October 21, 2025. A longtime resident of Bowling Green, Betty was a pioneer in local radio, working alongside her husband, Paul, to establish KPCR Radio in 1966. Together, they operated the station for nearly 30 years, becoming familiar voices and community figures throughout the region. Paul preceded her in death in 2017. Betty is survived by her son, Joseph Salois of Vandalia; daughters, Sister Michelle Salois of St. Louis, Patricia “Patty” Marshall of Scottsdale, Arizona, Mary Salois of Weldon Spring, and Margaret “Peggy” Pruett of Bernie, Missouri; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, October 25, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes and Crematory in Bowling Green, with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow Saturday, November 1, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Villa Ridge, Missouri, with burial at the church cemetery.