News Headlines & Chapel Report - 11/3/25

Bridge repair work on Interstate 72 in Pike County is set to begin this week, affecting several bridges between the New Salem–Pittsfield interchange at mile marker 31 and the Hull–Payson interchange at mile marker 10. Starting Monday, crews will begin widening bridge shoulders as the first phase of the project, with resurfacing and deck painting scheduled to follow in March. Drivers can expect lane closures, traffic control signs, and barrels in the work zones, and are encouraged to allow extra travel time due to possible delays.

The City of Bowling Green has approved the purchase of tracking devices to be installed on city-owned vehicles in an effort to boost safety, transparency and operational efficiency. During the October meeting of the city’s aldermen, council members authorized the additional trackers, which will allow officials to monitor vehicle usage, location and maintenance needs more closely. Proponents say the move will help ensure that city assets are being used appropriately, improve response times in city operations, and provide better data for budgeting and fleet planning. The tracking system is expected to roll out in coming weeks across the city’s vehicle fleet.

Governor J.B. Pritzker has appointed former Jacksonville City Attorney Eddie Carpenter to serve as Public Administrator and Public Guardian for Greene County. Carpenter, who already holds the same role in Cass, Morgan, Pike, and Scott Counties, will oversee estates for those who die without a will and make decisions for disabled adults who have no one to assist them. A longtime local attorney, Carpenter began his career in 1980 and previously served as Jacksonville’s City Attorney before retiring from full-time practice in 2018. His appointment is pending Illinois Senate approval.

Contour Airlines officially launched service at Quincy Regional Airport on Saturday, November 1st, marking a new chapter in local air travel with fast, 38-minute flights to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. City officials joined the inaugural flight, celebrating upgraded comfort features including 30-seat jets, onboard lavatories, and in-flight attendants. Mayor Linda Moore praised the new partnership for making travel easier and more reliable, while Airport Director Bill Lantz said he was thrilled to see the long-awaited deal finally take off. Contour replaces Southern Airways as the airport’s carrier, and flights to Chicago are now available for booking online..

Today's Chapel Report:

Roy S. Dooley, 67, of Pleasant Hill, passed away Tuesday, October 28th at his home.Born in Dallas City in 1958, he graduated from Dallas City High School before working in the grocery industry for more than 30 years, finishing his career managing meat departments at Lemon’s IGA and County Market. He is survived by his son Lucas and grandson Oliver, along with six siblings. Cremation rites have been accorded and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield.

Cecil Hupper, 84, of Eolia, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on October 30th. Born in Arkansas in 1941 he was A standout basketball player at Clopton High School, he went on to play in college and later taught and coached at Silex High School before spending more than three decades with Cuivre River Electric Cooperative, where he helped launch the Operation Round Up charity program. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral Home in Troy, with funeral services Thursday morning at 10. Interment will follow at Millcreek Cemetery in Silex. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Samaritan’s Purse, or the Millcreek Cemetery Association.