News Headlines & Chapel Report 9/23/25

Between September 15 and September 21, 2025, the Pike County Illinois Sherriff's Department processed several arrests involving a range of offenses. Multiple individuals were jailed on outstanding warrants, including Jaden Noble for failure to appear in court, Sarah Littlefield and Jalie Maines on body attachment warrants, and Octavia Ashford for failure to appear. Jeffrey Penn also faced a body attachment warrant, while Allyson Nelson was booked on multiple deceptive practice charges and a hold related to a theft case in Adams County. Cary Holder was held for the U.S. Marshals on federal regulation violations, and Christopher Penn was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections. Locally, Timothy Swartz was arrested by Pittsfield Police for driving with a suspended license.

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is holding an online auction of unclaimed property through Sept. 28, featuring 150 lots of collectible items. Up for bid are sports cards of legends like Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Wayne Gretzky, and Brett Hull; assorted pins including Chicago Bears collectibles; jewelry such as 14-karat gold watches and pins; U.S. bicentennial memorabilia; rare coins and silver bars; and other unique treasures. The auction is hosted on HiBid, and participants must create an account to bid. Items are considered unclaimed after being untouched by their owners for at least 10 years, though proceeds are held indefinitely for rightful owners. This online sale follows a record-setting in-person auction at the Illinois State Fair, which generated $374,582 in total sales, including a 10-ounce gold bar sold for $33,500. For those interested, the state’s ICash website allows people to search for property held in their name.

The Advocacy Network For Children (ANFC) is calling for volunteers to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to support foster children across Western Illinois. ANFC hosted an accelerated CASA training course on Saturday, equipping participants to advocate for victims of child abuse and neglect in court. Currently, ANFC has 83 volunteer CASAs handling 482 cases across its 10-county region. The training covers topics such as trauma, resilience, mental health, poverty, and professional communication. According to CASA Manager Brittany Durst, many children experience abuse and neglect that often goes unnoticed, and having a CASA significantly improves outcomes, including higher chances of staying out of foster care and graduating high school. Training is offered several times a year, both in-person and online, with no prior experience required. More information is available at advonet.org/casa or by calling 217-223-2272.

The Brown County Historical Society will host its annual meeting and program, “Meet Me in Versailles,” at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Versailles Community Building, 102 Main St. Following a brief business meeting, the program will explore the history of Versailles and highlight ongoing efforts to revitalize the village, including restoration work at the community building. The evening will also feature stories and photos from residents, and guests are encouraged to bring their own memories and pictures to share. The event is free, open to the public, and new memberships will be accepted—no reservations required.

Today's Chapel Report

Jill Frazier Clement, 63, of Springfield, formerly of Pittsfield, passed away September 21, 2025, at her home surrounded by family. Born August 10, 1962, to Roger and Ina Frazier, she married Steve Clement in 1996 and was the proud mother of Jack and Madelyn. A Pittsfield High School graduate, Jill continued her education at Quincy College and Lincoln Land Community College, later working for the Illinois House of Representatives and Saputo’s Italian Restaurant. She was an active member of Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband, children, mother, and five sisters. Visitation will be held Sept. 24 at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, with a graveside service Sept. 25 at Wilson Cemetery in Perry. Memorials may be made to Wilson Cemetery or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Judy K. Thiele, 75, of Pittsfield, passed away September 20, 2025, at Liberty Village in Pittsfield. Born July 11, 1950, in Quincy to James and Lillian Bean, she married Charles “Chuck” Thiele in 1968, and together they shared 57 years. Judy worked various jobs, including Farm & Home, Brown Shoe, and Niebur Funeral Home, before becomng a full-time wife, mom, and grandmother. Judy is survived by her husband, sons Mark (Annette) and Steve, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, siblings William (Rhonda) Bean, David (Julie) Bean, and Willa Jean (Gary) Kerker, and brother-in-law Randy (Lonette) Thiele. Cremation rites were accorded, with a graveside service set for Friday, September 26, at 10 a.m. at West Cemetery, Pittsfield. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Nathan Curtis Love, 32, of Louisiana, MO, passed away at his home on September 14, 2025. Born February 6, 1993, in Louisiana to Curt Love and Jeri Smith, he was a 2011 graduate of Louisiana High School and studied civil engineering with a minor in explosives at Missouri S&T. Nathan worked with his family at Love & Sons before co-founding Love Bros. Contracting with his brother Steven. Nathan was a member of the Sons of the American Legion and Operating Engineers Local 513 He married Shelby Hunter Love on October 9, 2021, who survives along with his parents, brothers Steven (Thressa) and Jeffrey (McKenna Brandt), niece and nephew Cooper and Lacey, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Collier Funeral Home, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Rev. Nathan Adams will officiate. A private burial at Fairview Cemetery will follow, with a celebration of life at the American Legion in Louisiana. Memorials may be made to the Nathan Love Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Angela Lynn “Angie” Esela, 53, of Versailles, passed away at her home on September 18, 2025. Born February 19, 1972, in Rushville to Charles and Mary Esela, she was a 1990 graduate of Brown County High School and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at several area nursing homes. Angie is survived by her son, Gavin Jennings, as well as her brother, Jim Esela of Mt. Sterling; sisters, Penney Esela of Mt. Sterling and Teresa Esela of Wisconsin; nephews J.J. and Jeremy Esela and Noah Graglia; and niece Abby Graglia. Per her wishes, cremation has been accorded and no services will be held. Memorials may be made to the family to help with expenses through Hendricker Funeral Home, Mt. Sterling, which is assisting the family.