News Headlines & Chapel Report - 9/24/25

All across our region, a major change in local print journalism has taken place as Better Newspapers, Inc. has merged five county newspapers into one weekly publication. The Calhoun News Herald, Greene Prairie Press, Jersey County Journal, Pike Press, and Scott County Times are now combined into the River County News, which published its first edition on September 10, 2025. The last issue of the historic Pike Press—whose ancestors trace back to 1842 and included 10 different papers—rolled off the press on September 4, closing a remarkable chapter of Pike County history. While the new River County News promises broader regional coverage with local reporters dedicated to each county, one thing remains certain: WBBA Radio is proud to continue being your source for news that is local, timely, and relevant to the Twin Pikes and Two Rivers Region—first and foremost.

Missouri families are getting some relief on everyday essentials. Diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence products are now tax exempt across the state. Lawmakers estimate the change will save families between $30 and $60 per child each year on diapers, and about $6 annually for women buying pads and tampons. While the state expects to lose more than $200 million in revenue, Missouri’s Department of Revenue Director Trish Vincent says the tradeoff is worth it to help families. Gay Litteken, executive director at First Chance for Children in Columbia, says the need for diapers has nearly doubled in the past year. She says even a few cents saved per item can mean the difference between putting gas in the car, putting food on the table, or having diapers for a child.

The Missouri Department of Transportation’s Focus on Bridges Program, a key initiative launched under former Governor Mike Parson, has been named a finalist in the 2025 America’s Transportation Awards competition. The program originally set out to repair or replace 250 of the state’s poorest bridges but ultimately contributed to improvements on 1,000 bridges statewide during Parson’s time in office. All 250 priority projects were completed, with Parson calling the program “a model moving forward.” Now competing for either the Grand Prize or the People’s Choice Award—determined by online voting through November 17, 2025—the winning project will also receive $10,000 to donate to a transportation-related scholarship or charitable cause.

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! Racing legends Al Unser, Jr. and Mike Lashmett will be at Bowlers Universe in Pittsfield on Wednesday, October 9, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. Fans can meet the drivers, see a vintage sprint car, and enjoy a special look back at Pike County’s racing history—including The Pittsfield Speedway, The Shifters Drag Strip, and the midget tracks in Pittsfield and Florence. The event is sponsored by Vintage Indy and the Pike County Historical Society.

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