News Headlines & Chapel Report 9/2/25

Between August 25 and August 31, 2025, the Pike County Sherrif's Department reported several arrests. Ashlyn Kay Martin, 25, of Griggsville, was booked on a warrant for failure to appear related to driving offenses. Guillermo Ortiz, 38, of Texas, was held on a failure-to-appear charge. James Lee Little, 60, of Pittsfield, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear and criminal trespass. Elizabeth L. Campbell, 19, of Pittsfield, was charged with aggravated assault, including with a motor vehicle. Kaitlyn Elizabeth Grimes, 30, of Louisiana, Missouri, was arrested on a bench warrant. Richard C. Campbell, 44, also of Louisiana, Missouri, was arrested twice during the week on methamphetamine possession charges, once by Pittsfield Police and later by the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.

State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville, received the 2025 IARF Champion Award from the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities for his leadership in supporting community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illnesses. The honor was presented during the group’s Aug. 27–29 conference in Bloomington, which drew more than 350 professionals statewide. IARF President Josh Evans credited Davidsmeyer for helping secure an 80-cent hourly wage increase for direct support professionals through his committee leadership and advocacy on the House floor. Davidsmeyer said he was honored by the recognition, praising direct support professionals for their vital, life-changing work

Illini Community Hospital is hosting a food distribution event on Thursday, September 4 at the Pleasant Hill Fairgrounds, 210 West Clay Street, Pleasant Hill, Illinois. Distribution begins at 1:00 p.m. and food will be given on a first come, first served basis. The event is open to Pike County, Illinois residents only and will provide food for approximately 200 families.

The Pleasant Hill Community Club is seeking urgent monetary donations to keep its doors open and continue supporting community events like the annual Christmas Toy Drive, which has provided gifts for hundreds of children. Rising costs have put the club in financial strain, and without additional support, it may not be able to remain open much longer. Community members are encouraged to donate through Venmo (QR code provided) or directly to listed club members. Donations are tax-deductible, and the club emphasizes that giving today can help sustain future events and opportunities.

Today's Chapel Report

John David Hakenwerth, 59, of Bowling Green, passed away August 30, 2025, at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. Born November 22, 1965, in Louisiana, Missouri, John was raised on the family farm in St. Clement and graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1984. John was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his brother Allen, sisters Marilou Schumacher and Linda Strickfaden, sister-in-law Kelly, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Urban and Hilda Hakenwerth, and brother Jim. Memorials may be made to the family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 5 at 10 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Bowling Green, with burial in St. Clement Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday, September 4 from 4–7 p.m. at Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes and Crematory.