News Headlines & Chapel Report - 11/12/25

Illinois State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer joined community members in Versailles this Veterans Day to dedicate the town’s new Veterans Memorial. Speaking at the ceremony, Davidsmeyer expressed his gratitude to local veterans and praised the efforts of the Versailles Lions Club and other community members who contributed to the project. “I was honored to join friends in Versailles for Veterans Day and to help dedicate their beautiful new Memorial,” Davidsmeyer said. The ceremony recognized the service and sacrifice of local veterans, highlighting the strong community spirit that brought the memorial to life.

The Missouri Department of Social Services says more than 650,000 residents will begin receiving partial SNAP payments later this week as the federal government shutdown continues. DSS spokesperson Chris Moreland confirmed that benefits should begin reaching recipients by mid-November, though only 65% of the usual monthly allotment will be issued following a new directive from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA ordered all states to reduce benefits after the U.S. Supreme Court granted an administrative stay in an ongoing Rhode Island case affecting federal food assistance. Missouri officials say they’re working with EBT vendors to distribute funds as quickly as possible while continuing to process new SNAP applications. About 10.5% of Missourians rely on SNAP, which is fully funded by the federal government.

Amid the federal government shutdown, many states have paused heating assistance, but Missouri’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) continues to operate for now. The program, which helps low-income families pay their utility bills, is currently running on leftover federal funds from last year, according to Megan Bania, executive director of the Missouri Community Action Network, which operates 17 LIHEAP distributors statewide. Bania says new funding won’t come in until Congress passes a budget deal, but Governor Mike Kehoe has pledged that the state will use existing resources to ensure families can keep their heat on this winter if the funds run out.

The Illinois Farm Bureau’s Rural Development Grant Program is now accepting applications for 2025‑2026, offering funding to support projects that strengthen rural communities across the state. Eligible initiatives include efforts that improve infrastructure, attract businesses, expand housing, increase access to healthcare, enhance emergency services, develop recreational opportunities, or promote local tourism. Grants are awarded in partnership with county Farm Bureaus and local collaborators, and applicants are encouraged to contact their county Farm Bureau to discuss projects and obtain the application link. Previous recipients have used the program to revitalize communities and improve quality of life, making it a key resource for rural development throughout Illinois.

Today's Chapel Report:

Linda Ann Hittner, 71, of Pittsfield, passed away Monday, November 10, 2025, at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by her family. Born March 3, 1954, in Carlinville, she married Darrel Hittner in 1969, who preceded her in death in 2020She is survived by her daughters Lisa, Julie, and Cindy l; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings David and Susan Leefers. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by burial at West Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Pittsfield West Cemetery.

Thomas “Tom” O. Dell, 82, of Pittsfield, IL, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. Born February 15, 1943, he married Jacqueline Sue Norris in 1965. Tom was a longtime business owner and later worked for IDOT until retiring in 2019. He was active in the community through the Pittsfield Masonic Lodge, Jaycees, Shriners, and local boards. He is survived by his wife Sue, daughter Stephanie, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members. Visitation will be Sunday, November 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, with Masonic services following at 3 p.m. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children or Gray Cemetery.

Beverly Ann Saxbury, 76, of Clayton, Illinois, and formerly of Versailles, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, November 10, 2025. Born October 10, 1949, in Pittsfield, Illinois, she was the daughter of Charles Edwin and Isabelle Faye Orrill Patterson. Beverly married William Francis Saxbury on December 17, 1971; he preceded her in death in 2016. She was a devoted homemaker and worked over 20 years at National Starch and Chemical Company in Meredosia. She is survived by her children Heather Frisbie, Bill Saxbury, Brook Saxbury, and Les Welty; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two brothers, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Versailles West Side Cemetery, with memorials directed to the family via Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling.

Eugenia “Jeanie” Sue Barton, 83, of Curryville, Missouri, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Country View Nursing Facility in Bowling Green. Born March 22, 1942, to William E. and Leavon Norton, she married Robert “Bob” Barton on October 29, 1960; he preceded her in death in May 2025. Jeanie grew up in Pike County, graduating from Clopton High School, and spent her life raising her family and working in various local businesses, including Bridal Originals, Surf Brothers, and the Bowling Green School District, retiring in 2007. She is survived by her daughters Lynda and Lori ; grandchildren Ryan, Bethany, Kayla, Shelby, Clinton, and Shayla; great-grandchildren Reece, Zoey, Aaden, Clint, Paige, Raylynn, and Jaxson; great-great-grandchild Walker; and her brother Bob “Shorty” Norton, along with extended family. Jeanie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob, and brother Ed. Cremation rites were handled by Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes in Bowling Green.