News Headlines & Chapel Report - 10/31/25

A serious collision occurred Wednesday around 1:30 p.m. on U.S. Route 67 at NW 400 Street, just north of Carrollton, Illinois, when a semitrailer truck and a car collided, according to preliminary reports from the Illinois State Police. One of the vehicle occupants sustained severe injuries and was air-lifted by medical helicopter to a hospital. The names of both drivers have not been released and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Brown County authorities are investigating a series of thefts from gravesites at Morrellville Cemetery in rural Brown County, with at least six incidents reported over the past four years, including two in October. Sheriff Justin Oliver said the department has released photos of individuals who may have information about the crimes and is asking the public’s help in identifying them. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Brown County Sheriff’s Department at 217-773-2011 or email sheriff@browncoil.org

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing will host a Youth Mental Health First Aid training session this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 104 S. Memorial St. The course aims to help participants recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth ages 12 to 18. Attendees will learn the council’s action plan, which includes assessing risk, listening, providing reassurance, and encouraging professional and self-help strategies. The council notes that one in five young people live with a mental health condition, with half of all mental illnesses beginning by age 14. Lunch will be provided, and registration is available through EventBrite.com.

The Illinois House of Representatives has approved a resolution sponsored by State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer designating Old U.S. Route 36 from Jacksonville to Alexander as the “Special Agent Pete Lackey Memorial Highway.” The honor recognizes Lackey, a Winchester native and Illinois Bureau of Investigation agent who was murdered on November 27, 1972, while en route to testify in a drug trial. Lackey was ambushed and fatally attacked by 26-year-old Barry Fonner of Jerseyville, who later admitted to the killing while under the influence of narcotics. Fonner was acquitted at trial but later confined to a psychiatric facility and died in prison in 1992. Special Agent Lackey had served with the Illinois Bureau of Investigation for two years and was survived by his wife and two children.

Today's Chapel Report:

Richard “Rich” B. Taylor, 50, of Summer Hill, Illinois, passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Born April 30, 1975, in Springfield to Robert and Shirley (Guffey) Taylor, Rich was a 1994 graduate of Pittsfield High School and worked various jobs throughout his life. He is survived by his children Darcy, Andrew, and Zack Taylor, all of Quincy; his sister Deborah (Brian) Schlieper; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Connie Taylor. No services are planned at this time. Memorials may be made to Niebur Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements.

Shirley Ann Dodds, 86, of Godfrey, Illinois, and originally from Mount Sterling, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, at Evercare of Jerseyville. Born January 25, 1939, in Brown County to John and Bessie Kerr, Shirley dedicated her life to education, earning her degrees from Western Illinois University and teaching for many years before retiring in 1993. She is survived by her son Donald Dodds, two grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Private burial will be held at Mt. Sterling City Cemetery, with arrangements by Hendricker Funeral Home.

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