News Headlines & Chapel Report - 12/15/25

Multiple law enforcement agencies took part in “Saturation Saturday” this weekend along the Missouri Highway 79 corridor as part of the 79 Safe coalition, which works to improve roadway safety from St. Charles County to Hannibal. Officers conducted increased patrols within their own jurisdictions, focusing on impaired driving and overall traffic safety. Despite bitterly cold conditions and wind chills well below zero, officers remained on duty throughout the evening to help keep communities safe. The 79 Safe coalition also provided snacks and drinks to participating officers as a show of appreciation. Drivers are reminded to plan ahead, drive sober, and use caution during winter travel.

The North Greene School District has launched a new, staff-focused childcare program aimed at addressing teacher recruitment and retention while breathing new life into the former White Hall Elementary School building. Superintendent Jackie Kuchy spearheaded the creation of the Little Spartans Educational Daycare, which provides childcare for district employees’ children from six weeks to five years old. Funded through the Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot Program and approved by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services under a provisional permit, the daycare allows staff to better balance work and family responsibilities in a community facing a significant childcare shortage. District leaders say the program not only supports educators but also helps ease White Hall’s designation as a rural “childcare desert,” with hopes to expand once full state licensing is secured.

A Quincy woman is facing two counts of child abuse following allegations that she participated in forcing dish soap into the mouths of her boyfriend’s children as a form of discipline. According to court documents, a 7-year-old and a 4-year-old reported that Amanda Kaunas, 29, held them down while a 13-year-old neighbor administered Dawn dish soap using a syringe, causing gagging, vomiting, and breathing difficulty. Police say Kaunas admitted she allowed and directed the use of soap as punishment for behaviors such as biting and spitting, and acknowledged she should not have permitted a teenager to discipline the children. The children’s mother reported lasting trauma, including nightmares and difficulty taking liquid medicine. An order of protection has been issued against Kaunas, who is scheduled to appear in court on January 20.

Warmer weather is on tap this week across the Twin Pikes, bringing a noticeable change after several days of bitter cold and accumulating snow. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in Pike County, Missouri, and Pike County, Illinois are expected to climb into the 40s and 50s by midweek, with a return to mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. Forecasters say the warmer air will lead to melting of the several inches of snow currently on the ground across much of the listening area, which could result in wet and muddy conditions and localized ponding in low-lying areas. While the milder temperatures will be a welcome break from winter, drivers are urged to watch for slick spots during overnight refreezing and be alert for changing road conditions as the snowpack melts.

Today's Chapel Report:

George Robert Smith, 78, of Barry, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2025. He was born July 30, 1947, in Pike County, Illinois, to Richard L. and Marian L. Smith and married Sandra K. Selvy on October 24, 1975, who preceded him in death in March of 2024. Smith graduated from West Pike High School in 1966, served in the U.S. Army where he received a Purple Heart and Sharpshooter Badge, and was honorably discharged in 1968. He worked for Moorman ADM in the shipping department for 41 years before retiring and also farmed in Pike County. He is survived by two daughters, Carrie Moore of Barry and Jennie Smith of Collinsville, along with siblings and extended family. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 17, at 10:30 a.m. at Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry, with visitation Tuesday evening and burial at Shiloh Cemetery in rural Plainville.

Rita Marie Price, 82, of Greenfield, Illinois, and formerly of Waverly, Illinois, passed away early Friday morning, December 12, 2025, at her residence. She was born November 9, 1943, to Ralph and Mary Stouffe Joiner and married Leland “Banjo” Price on July 13, 1965, who preceded her in death in 2017. Price was a homemaker and longtime waitress at The Last Chance Café in Waverly. She is survived by three children, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 15, at Witt Cemetery near Rockbridge, with memorials suggested to Witt Cemetery.

Christopher Lee Beer, 52, of New London, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Cremation rites are being handled by Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, Missouri. A graveside service and interment will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Fairview Cemetery near Louisiana, Missouri.