News Headlines & Chapel Report - 10/28/25

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, along with Sen. Jil Tracy and Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, hosted an ICASH event Monday at the Pittsfield Public Library to help residents find and claim unclaimed money or property. The ICASH program, created by the Treasurer’s Office, works to reunite Illinoisans with lost assets such as stocks, CDs, safe deposit box contents, and other valuables. Rep. Davidsmeyer noted that some items are sentimental family keepsakes, while others may hold significant monetary value. Since 2015, ICASH has returned more than $2 billion in assets to Illinois residents.

Calhoun County is working to finalize an agreement with Calhoun Ferry Co. to purchase the Golden Eagle Ferries, which cross the Mississippi River between Calhoun County, Illinois, and St. Charles County, Missouri. The county received a $650,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation to help acquire the three ferries, two of which operate daily with one as a backup. While the county would assume ownership, the privately owned Calhoun Ferry Co. would continue handling operations and payroll. County engineer Kyle Godar said the move would make the ferries eligible for federal funding through the Ferry Boat Program, which currently cannot be used on privately owned vessels. Access to these funds could help control toll prices and support maintenance or future vessel purchases. Denise Knight, operations manager for Calhoun Ferry Co., noted this could ease costs for regular commuters who rely on the service. The Golden Eagle Ferry runs seven days a week and, along with the recently sold Grafton Ferry, remains one of the only crossings over the Mississippi River between Alton, Illinois, and Louisiana, Missouri.

The Carrollton Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the holiday season and inviting the community to join in the festivities. The Chamber is encouraging individuals, groups, churches, and businesses to decorate the city for Christmas, including participating in the “Home for the Holidays” parade at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 5. Participants can also help brighten the courthouse yard with decorated artificial trees or add snowman-themed decorations to the planters around the square. Decorations should be taken down by Jan. 10, and more information is available by calling 217-942-3187.

The Rink at Uptown Mount Sterling, a beloved holiday tradition that first launched in 2023, is returning this year with even more festive cheer. Drawing over 5,000 visitors in its first season, the outdoor ice rink — expanded last year to 3,600 square feet — uses a special Industrial Frigo Ice USA system that allows skating in temperatures up to 65 degrees. Organized by Action Brown County, the event moves this year to Courthouse Park behind the Brown County Courthouse and will feature holiday lights, fire pits, food and drink vendors, Santa’s House, a community Christmas tree, and the Holiday Pocket Park. Executive Director Alex Geisler said The Rink is “a place where the community gathers, businesses shine, and holiday traditions are created.” The Rink opens for the season on Nov. 28, with details about public skating and private rentals available at browncountyil.org/the-rink.

Today's Chapel Report:

Harold Wayne Brewer, 78, of Bowling Green, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2025, at his home. A lifelong resident of Bowling Green, he was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War and later worked for the Bowling Green Water Department and Bleigh Construction before retiring. Harold was also a longtime member of the Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department and St. Clement Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Susan; sons, Jason and Jared; five grandchildren; and several siblings. Visitation will be Thursday, October 30, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes and Crematory in Bowling Green. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 31, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church, with burial in St. Clement Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Clement Cemetery or the donor’s choice.