News Headlines & Chapel Report - 10/9/25

The Illinois Department of Transportation has released its proposed five-year infrastructure plan, outlining major projects across west-central Illinois. The most significant local investment is the $245 million replacement of the Joe Page Bridge between Greene and Calhoun counties, slated to begin in 2027. Another major Greene County project includes a $43.4 million bridge replacement on U.S. 67 south of White Hall. Pike County will see the largest total allocation—$147.7 million—for resurfacing and bridge repairs along a 29-mile stretch of I-72 between Illinois 96 and U.S. 54/Illinois 107. Northern Macoupin County will receive $35.4 million for improvements to Illinois Route 111, and Morgan County will get $480,000 for terminal rehabilitation at Jacksonville Municipal Airport. While the Florence Bridge replacement in Scott County was not listed in the updated plan, IDOT says the $160 million project remains a high priority and is expected to begin next year.

Firefighters from White Hall, Carrollton, and Roodhouse responded early Monday morning to an apartment fire in White Hall. According to White Hall Fire Chief Cale Hoesman, the blaze was reported around 6:45 a.m., with one apartment fully engulfed and the fire beginning to spread. All residents escaped safely, though one person suffered burns to their hand, and a dog was lost in the fire. The building sustained significant damage. Hoesman said the fire appears to have started near a chair and may have been caused accidentally by a lit cigarette. Fire crews were able to bring the blaze under control quickly, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures.

The West Central Illinois Nutrition Project has moved its daily lunch service to the Pike County Senior Center at 220 W. Adams Street in Pittsfield. Meals are served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and everyone is welcome to attend. Reservations are requested by calling 217-592-3667 or visiting during lunch hours. The cost is $8 for those under 60, while seniors 60 and older are encouraged to make a donation. The October menu offers a variety of tasty options for guests to enjoy.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has awarded several contracts for bridge, resurfacing, and seal coat projects across the Northeast District. During its October 1 meeting, the commission approved a $194,500 contract to AAD Contracting, Inc. for bridge washing on Interstate 72’s Mark Twain Memorial Bridge in Hannibal. Bleigh Construction Company received a $2.2 million contract for bridge replacements in Pike County on Route B over Peno Creek near Frankford and Route W over Little Ramsey Creek near Paynesville. MoDOT will release construction timelines and traffic impact details before work begins and reminds drivers to use caution and stay alert in all work zones.

Today's Chapel Report:

Larry Dean Horton, 80, of New Canton, Illinois, passed away tragically at his home on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Born April 2, 1945, in Rockport to Delbert and Gladys (Neese) Horton, he married Linda Billings on June 15, 1963, and they shared 62 years together before her passing on the same day. Larry was a Pittsfield High School graduate and worked more than 40 years at Titan Wheel. Survivors include his four daughters, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his brother and sister. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Community of Christ Church in New Canton. Private services will follow. Memorials may be made to the QMG Cancer Institute or Audrain County Crisis Intervention Services. Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry is assisting the family.

Linda (Billings) Horton, 80, of New Canton, Illinois, passed away tragically Thursday, October 2, 2025, at her home. She was born February 9, 1945, in Pittsfield to Dale and Lucille Billings and married Larry Horton in 1963; he also passed away on October 2. Linda was a homemaker, worked at Fisher Store, and managed the New Canton Café. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Community of Christ Church in New Canton. Memorials may be made to QMG Cancer Institute or ACCIS Audrain County Crisis Intervention Services.

John Hassett Murray, 81, of Louisiana, Missouri, passed away at home on September 22, 2025, following the funeral of his beloved wife, Dorothy “Dottie” . Born January 26, 1944, in Centralia, Illinois, to Hugh and Jane Murray, John was educated at St. Mary’s School, Cascia Hall in Tulsa, and Villanova University before serving four years in the U.S. Air Force in Germany. After his service, he worked in systems and sales for companies including for Dunkin’ Donuts and All Parts Co., and earned his degree from St. Louis University. A resident of Louisiana, MO for many years, John was a devoted member of the recovery community, mentoring countless individuals toward sobriety and new beginnings. . He is survived by his children Denise Fanucchi (Zach) of San Antonio, TX, and John Murray (Lisa) of Abington, MA, four grandchildren, and Dottie’s extended family, whom he loved as his own. Services will be held Monday, October 13, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Louisiana, MO, with burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to Harris House in St. Charles, MO.

Bro. Thomas Franklin “Frank” Welch, 71, of Bowling Green, passed away on Friday, October 3. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes and Crematory in Bowling Green, officiated by Bro. David Land and Bro. Jim Miller. Burial will follow in Millcreek Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday, October 10, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.