News Headlines & Chapel Report 9/15/25

The Louisiana Police Department confirmed that missing person Franklin Barker was found deceased around 9:50 a.m. Friday. Police Chief Josh Baker noted that the cause of death remains under investigation, and the department has requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office in the case.

Pike County, Missouri, is currently under a burn ban according to recent posts from the county sheriff’s office and emergency management officials, urging residents to avoid all open burning until further notice. Meanwhile, in Illinois, no formal countywide burn bans have been confirmed in Pike, Brown, Greene, or Scott counties, though local fire departments and the Illinois EPA continue to warn about elevated fire risk due to dry conditions. Authorities in all areas encourage residents to check local updates frequently, as restrictions may be put in place or lifted quickly depending on weather and fire danger.

Pike County, IL will host a Cleanup Day on Saturday, October 11, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Hickory Ridge Landfill Facility in Baylis. Each household may drop off one car or pickup load of trash for free, but trailer loads are not allowed. Proof of residence in Pike County is required. Accepted items include household trash, construction debris, cardboard, paper, aluminum, plastics, and furniture. Hazardous waste, contaminated soils, asbestos, vehicle parts, brush, tires, electronics, and appliances will not be accepted. For more information, residents can call 217-833-2732 or visit gflenv.com.

Pike County, MO has a new assessor. On Tuesday, September 2, County Clerk Laura Stumbaugh administered the oath of office to Kelly Crane, who was recently elected to the position. As assessor, Crane will be responsible for overseeing property assessments throughout the county.

Today's Chapel Report:

Raymond E. Davenport, Jr., 81 of Griggsville, Illinois, passed away on September 9, 2025. Born June 23, 1944, in Decatur, Illinois, Ray devoted his life to education, earning a B.S. in Physical Education from Illinois State University in 1968 and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration in 1975. He spent 34 years as an Educational Administrator, guiding students in Griggsville, Perry, BONCL, Piper City, and Barry. Married to Judy L. Peecher in 1968, the couple raised five children—Kamela, Karin, Christopher, Craig, and Creighton—and enjoyed traveling across the U.S. and the world. Ray also served his community as a Little League coach, Boy Scout leader, Lions Club and Park Board member, County Board member, and church elder. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, in-laws, and grandson Landon. Funeral services will be held September 20, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, Illinois, with memorials suggested to Camp Callahan or Griggsville Christian Church.

Dawn Jeanette Peters, 51, of Kinderhook, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. Born August 6, 1974, to Charles Schroeder and Mary (Dunlap) Schroeder Jett, she married Jason Peters on February 14, 1997, and he survives. Dawn grew up near Stronghurst, IL, attended Southern High School and West Pike High School, and spent most of her adult life in Kinderhook. She is survived by her husband, Jason; children, Michael and Marie; mother and stepfather, Mary and Thomas Jett; brother Patrick (Jacki) Schroeder; brother-in-law Derrick Peters and family; aunt and uncle John and Mary Disselhorst; and stepsister Page Dobrowski. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Schroeder, and in-laws Jim and Mary Ann Peters. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, IL, with visitation from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 17. Memorials are suggested to Kinderhook Cemetery.