News Headlines & Chapel Report - 10/24/25

A former Pike County, IL employee is raising red flags about the county’s finances as officials discuss a possible property tax increase. Brenda Emerson DeSpain, who worked for the county’s Highway Department until December 2023, says years of payroll errors, late retirement payments, and poor auditing practices have left county accounts in disarray.

She says the county fell months behind on IMRF retirement contributions, switched to a costly new payroll system that led to widespread paycheck mistakes, and hasn’t balanced its payroll clearing account since 2021. Emerson DeSpain also criticized the county’s decision to replace its longtime auditors with a cheaper firm, calling the change a costly mistake.

She believes the county should fix its internal inefficiencies before asking taxpayers to cover the shortfall. County officials have not yet responded to her claims.

A combine caught fire Wednesday afternoon along Pike County Road 259 near Louisiana, Missouri. Fire crews from several departments responded and quickly brought the blaze under control before it could spread beyond the field. The operator escaped safely, and no injuries were reported. Officials believe the fire started in or near the engine compartment while the combine was in use. No nearby structures were damaged, though traffic was briefly slowed as firefighters cleared the scene. Authorities are reminding farmers to inspect equipment regularly and stay alert to fire risks during the dry harvest season.

The North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is calling on residents to contact their elected officials to help protect the Office of Community Services and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) from proposed elimination. NECAC says CSBG is a vital, cost-effective federal program that provides essential services to people in need for less than $800 million nationwide each year.

Over the past year, NECAC used CSBG funds to assist 15,074 disadvantaged individuals across its 12 Missouri counties. The agency warns that ending the program would have “catastrophic” consequences for local communities, though NECAC itself is not closing.

Residents are encouraged to reach out to their congressional representatives — including Sam Graves (202-225-7041), Bob Onder (202-225-2956), and Ann Wagner (202-225-1621) — to express support for maintaining CSBG funding.

Several Halloween events are planned across Pike County, Missouri and Illinois this weekend, offering fun for all ages. In Bowling Green, the Refuge Church of Pike County will host a Trunk or Treat Friday evening with free food, candy, hayrides, and a bounce house for families. In Pittsfield, the Golf Cart Club Halloween Parade rolls through town Saturday at 11am with a rain date of Sunday at 1PM, featuring decorated golf carts and a costume contest around the square. And in Griggsville, the Haunted Hayride at the Western Illinois Fairgrounds will thrill visitors Saturday night, with an earlier, kid-friendly version offered for younger children. These are among several festive activities bringing communities together to celebrate Halloween on both sides of the river.

NO NEW OBITUARIES FOR TODAY"S CHAPEL REPORT