News Headlines & Chapel Report 9/16/25

The City of Carrollton will be flushing fire hydrants October 6–10 as part of routine system maintenance. During this time, residents may experience temporary low water pressure or discoloration and are advised to avoid doing laundry while hydrants are being flushed in their area to prevent staining. If tap water appears discolored, running cold water for a few minutes should help clear the lines. City officials note the work is necessary to keep hydrants functioning properly and to ensure the community’s water system remains safe and reliable.

The Applefest Baby Contest will take place Saturday, October 11, at the Appleshed in Clarksville, Missouri. Registration opens at 11:15 a.m. at the Chamber Table inside the main entrance, with judging beginning at 11:30 a.m. Boys and girls from newborn to age 3 can compete in one of four age categories: newborn–5 months, 6–11 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Each group will receive place ribbons, and one boy and one girl will be named “Best in Show,” earning gift certificates from The Rocking Horse and Cuddle Butter Bamboo Boutique.

The Elsberry Police Department has welcomed a new officer to its ranks. Officer Jake Tryon, who brings three years of full-time law enforcement experience with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, has joined the department. A local resident, Tryon said he is eager to continue serving and protecting the community he calls home. The department encourages residents to greet him with a warm welcome if they see him out on patrol during the day or evening.

Miss Illinois Teen Lillie Brown, 16, of Jacksonville, recently competed in Orlando for the title of Miss America Teen and said the experience was “the best week ever,” even without bringing home a crown. Brown, who began her pageant journey as 2016 Little Miss South Jacksonville and later became 2021 Junior Miss Morgan County, said the highlight was meeting contestants from across the country after years of only connecting online. A competitive dancer with Legacy Dance & Tumbling Complex, she showcased her skills during the Miss America’s Got Talent portion with a routine to Lauren Daigle’s “Thank God I Do,” which she called her favorite event. Beyond the stage, Brown said the pageant helped her grow in confidence, public speaking, and interview skills that will benefit her long-term. While proud of how she represented Illinois, Brown has her eyes set on the Miss Illinois competition in the future, after finishing high school.

Today's Chapel Report:

Karla Neumann, 63, of Eolia, Missouri, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025. Born September 22, 1961, to Karl Neumann and Helen Hubbard, Karla was married to Robert “Bob” Elder, who preceded her in death on May 31, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 16, at Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, Missouri, with the Rev. Bill Patrick officiating, and burial at Fairview Cemetery near Louisiana. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the St. Louis Area Food Bank, and condolences may be shared online at collierfuneral.com.