News Headlines & Chapel Report - 11/11/25

The Joe Page Bridge replacement project has entered Phase I under the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), which began a preliminary engineering and environmental study in 2022 aimed at identifying a structurally sound and modern crossing of the Illinois River between Calhoun, Greene, and Jersey counties — replacing the original 1931 span. After presenting eight corridor alternatives at a September 2024 public meeting attended by 104 people, four have been selected for further evaluation, including options designed to withstand a 100-year flood event. Meanwhile, routine repairs and a structural rehabilitation effort are underway to keep the bridge safe until the new crossing becomes operational.

Deputy Conor Martin of the Pike County Missouri Sheriff’s Office has been honored by the Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Advisory Council (LETSAC) in recognition of his outstanding traffic-safety efforts. Deputy Martin was presented with a commemorative pin and a letter of appreciation for removing 29 impaired drivers from the county’s roads during 2024. LETSAC says its awards honor individuals or organizations that “advocate safety and have a positive effect on transportation safety.”

Allparts, a Louisiana-based manufacturer, recently completed a community bedding drive that collected 15 complete bedding sets for the Sleep in Heavenly Peace project. The company encouraged employees, customers, and local residents to donate new twin-size sheets, pillows, and blankets to help ensure that children in need have a warm and comfortable place to sleep. The donated sets will be distributed through the Pike County chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds and provides beds to families across the region as part of its mission that “no kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”

Two women from Paris, Missouri, have been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who was killed during a police shootout last month. Authorities say Lois Armour, 78, and Patty Armour, 51, are accused of misleading officers about the whereabouts of fugitive and murder suspect Charles Armour, 57, during an October 12 investigation tied to an Operation Relentless Pursuit task force. When officers searched the home, Charles Armour was found and exchanged gunfire with police, resulting in his death and injury to one officer. The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed the women are charged in relation to Charles Armour’s death, alleging their actions contributed to the deadly confrontation. Both Lois and Patty Armour remain held in the Randolph County Jail without bond.

Today's Chapel Report:

Shelley A. Curtis, 71, of Pittsfield, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Pittsfield Manor. Born September 16, 1954, in Peoria to Everett and Alice Fisher, Shelley graduated from East Peoria Community High School and later moved to Pittsfield in 1983, where she worked at Tate Cheese, Illini Community Hospital, Eastside Healthcare, Walmart, and Dollar General. She met her lifelong partner, Leon Deardeuff, in 1985, and together they raised her children. Shelley was a member of Grace Baptist Church. Surviving are her children, James Michael Curtis, Paul Phillip Curtis, and Jennifer Jo Howard; several grandchildren and a great-grandson; her siblings; and her partner, Leon. Cremation rites have been accorded, with arrangements through Niebur Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Brady Curtis Educational Fund.

Ethel Steinacher, 90, of Carrollton, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, at White Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born February 13, 1935, in Smithton to Walter and Nettie (Grommet) Brenner and married John Steinacher on August 11, 1955. He preceded her in death in 1965. Ethel was a longtime member of St. John’s Catholic Church and worked more than 20 years as a CNA at Greenwood Manor. Surviving are her children Cynthia Tefertiller, Steven Steinacher, and Kevin Steinacher; twelve grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 14, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Carrollton, with burial in St. John’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Cemetery. Airsman-Hires Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Angela Jean DeWitt, 70, of Timewell, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Timber Point Healthcare Center in Camp Point. She was born February 1, 1955, the daughter of Clarence and Rose (Franklin) Davis, and married Vernon J. DeWitt in 1972. Angela worked for many years in the kitchen and laundry departments at Timber Point Healthcare Center and also provided home health services to area residents. A 1972 graduate of Brown County High School and of the Catholic faith, she loved spending time on the family farm, gardening, and baking. Surviving are her husband, Vernon; sons Danny and Teddy DeWitt; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several siblings, nieces, and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, November 14, at Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling, with burial in Versailles West Side Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials are suggested to the family to help with expenses.

Harlan Craig Rudnick, 61, of Eolia, passed away on November 3, 2025. Born in New York and raised in California, Harlan’s love for mission work and faith in God shaped his life, leading him to serve others and touch countless hearts. He met his wife Angel Joy Steadman, while on a mission trip, and they married in 2011, raising two children, Josiah and Hannah. Harlan worked at True Manufacturing in Bowling Green. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 15, at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Pike 255, with a carry-in meal afterward. In lieu of flowers, contributions to help the family or the children may be brought to the church or mailed to Betty Steadman at 17767 Hwy. NN, Bowling Green, MO 63334.