News Headlines & Chapel Report - 12/16/25

Preliminary figures from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) show 158,697 deer were harvested statewide during the November 2025 firearms season, a slight increase from 158,577 in 2024 but still well below harvest levels seen less than a decade ago, such as 200,738 in 2018, with hunters citing unusually warm opening-weekend weather as a contributing factor. Across the river here in Illinois, preliminary firearms-season numbers from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources also show a continued decline compared to historic averages, reflecting similar weather challenges and long-term herd management trends. Meanwhile, the Missouri Conservation Commission has approved deer and turkey hunting dates for the 2026–2027 seasons — including a Nov. 14–24, 2026 firearms deer season — and given initial approval to proposed regulation changes aimed at simplifying rules and limiting the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Those proposed changes include removing the CWD portion of the firearms deer season, eliminating the CWD Management Zone while continuing targeted sampling and feed bans in affected areas, removing remaining antler point restrictions, and increasing acreage requirements for CWD management permits, with final decisions expected later in 2026.

Kevin Stumbaugh is retiring as Information Technology Operations Director at NECAC in Bowling Green after 42 years, marking a career that began when personal computers were first emerging and evolved alongside major technological advances. Hired on the spot after discovering NECAC owned an unused computer, Stumbaugh largely taught himself and went on to streamline agency operations through innovative programming, system upgrades, internet integration, cloud services, and modern IT support systems. While he expressed some concern about the future impact of artificial intelligence, he reflected fondly on the relationships built with coworkers, including his successor, Nathan Kohl. Stumbaugh now looks forward to retirement with his family, enjoying hobbies like hunting, fishing, travel, cooking, and showcasing his meticulously restored 1970 Dodge Charger, a lifelong passion.

The cities of Paynesville and Frankford in Pike County, Missouri, have announced municipal elections to be held on April 7, 2026. In Paynesville, candidates may file for four board member positions—three two-year terms and one one-year unexpired term—with filing open from Dec. 9 through Dec. 31, 2025, at the Pike County Clerk’s office in Bowling Green during regular business hours. In Frankford, voters will elect two aldermen to two-year terms, with filing open from 8 a.m. Dec. 9 through 5 p.m. Dec. 30, 2025, at City Hall, which will be closed Dec. 24–26 for the holidays. Candidates in both Pike County communities must be registered county voters and not in arrears on taxes or other financial obligations at the time of filing.

At its Dec. 9 meeting, the Vandalia City Council approved a one-year waiver of water and sewer charges for the newly formed Van-Far Fire Protection District but voted not to transfer $70,000 previously earmarked for a fire training facility to the district. Fire Chief Brandon Straube and district president Heather Williams urged the council to transfer the funds so they could be invested and managed by the district, expressing concerns about financial stability if the money remained under city ordinance. Instead, the council unanimously approved an ordinance placing a five-year hold on the $70,000 within the city’s Capital Improvement Fund, ensuring it remains dedicated to construction of a Fire Department Training Center and accessible to the fire department at any time during that period should the project move forward.

Today's Chapel Report:

Stanley Eugene Kuck, 79, of Pittsfield, Illinois, passed away Friday, December 12, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. He was born September 27, 1946, in Pittsfield to Chris and Gladys Barnes Kuck. He graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1964 and served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970, including service in Vietnam aboard the USS Intrepid as a jet engine mechanic and later aboard the USS Forrestal. Stanley worked for General Telephone Company for 24 years as an installer, repairman, and central office technician, retiring in December 2002, and later worked as a farmhand. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Brenda “Joyce” Kuck; son Scott (Lee Ann) Kuck of Bowling Green, Missouri; stepchildren Michelle (Roger) Brown and Steve (Bobbie) Moran; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Ervin and Edna Mae Daniels. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until service time, followed by interment at Crescent Heights Cemetery in Pleasant Hill. Memorials are suggested to Crescent Heights Cemetery.