News Headlines & Chapel Report - 9/25/25

Pike County, MO officials dedicated a new 911 facility this week, celebrating the completion of a decades-long vision to improve emergency communications and public safety. The ceremony, hosted by the Pike County 911 Board, featured remarks from Board Chair Richard “Al” Murry, 911 Director Kassie LaFave, and Missouri State Rep. Chad Perkins. The new “Pike County 911” building, constructed by Martin General Contracting, was designed to withstand even an F5 tornado and ensure uninterrupted service for law enforcement, fire, and EMS partners. LaFave praised the dispatchers as “the calm in the chaos,” calling the center their new home, while Perkins described 911 telecommunicators as the community’s “first first responders.” Although some systems are still being finalized before the facility becomes fully operational, the open house gave residents a chance to tour the hardened structure and meet the dispatch team.

The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit challenging the state’s 2023 SAFE Act, which bans gender transition care for minors. Three families with transgender children argue the law discriminates based on sex and has prevented their kids from accessing treatment for two years. Lower courts have upheld the law, with the state maintaining it protects children from “untested” procedures. The Attorney General’s Office is defending the law as constitutional, while the families’ attorney calls it an attack on transgender youth. A ruling is expected in the coming weeks.

Illini Community Hospital is hosting a food distribution event on Thursday, October 9, at John Wood Community College’s Southeast Education Center, located at 39637 260th Ave, Pittsfield, Illinois. Distribution will begin at 2:00 p.m., with food available on a first-come, first-served basis for approximately 200 Pike County, Illinois families. The event is open exclusively to Pike County residents.

A Missouri woman has been sentenced to more than four years in federal prison for a scheme to fraudulently auction off Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate. Prosecutors say Lisa Jeanine Findley, 54, of Kimberling City, fabricated loan documents, posed as multiple people, and published a fake foreclosure notice claiming Presley’s daughter had borrowed $3.8 million before her death in 2023. The plan unraveled after Presley’s granddaughter Riley Keough sued, leading a judge to block the sale. Findley pleaded guilty to mail fraud in February, while an aggravated identity theft charge was dropped as part of a plea deal. She was sentenced Tuesday in Memphis to four years and nine months in prison, plus three years of probation.

Today's Chapel Report

Caroll L. Kendall, 93, of Pittsfield, IL, passed away September 23, 2025, at Illini Community Hospital. Born January 18, 1932, in Hannibal, MO, he was the son of Kenneth E. and Carolena J. Wendorff Kendall. A 1951 Barry High School graduate and U.S. Navy veteran, Caroll married Mary Ruth Murphy in 1955 and shared 65 years of marriage until her passing in 2021. He founded Kendall Accounting in 1968, continued serving clients from his home office after closing the storefront, and faithfully served as sexton of Pittsfield West Cemetery for decades. Active in his community, Caroll was a member of Barry United Methodist Church, Moose Lodge #420, Pittsfield American Legion Post #52, and a supporter of Ducks Unlimited and Old Orchard Country Club. Carroll is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. Cremation rites were accorded, and a graveside service will be held October 2, 2025, at Pittsfield West Cemetery. Memorials may be made to West Cemetery or Pittsfield American Legion Post #152.

Francis Earl “Buddy” Edlin, 86, of Mt. Sterling, IL, passed away September 23, 2025, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. Born November 30, 1938, in Brown County to Marshall Earl and Frances Bradbury Edlin, he married Helen Joyce Dunbar in 1958, and they shared 50 years together until her passing in 2008. Buddy worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the LaGrange Lock and Dam and later for Bartlow Brothers in Rushville. A Brown County High School graduate, he ran Crooked Creek White Tails Hunt Club. He also owned The Lodge Restaurant in Cooperstown, where he loved cooking for family and friends. Buddy is survived by his two children, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews. Cremation was accorded, with a memorial service set for September 27, 2025, at Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling, followed by inurnment in Cooperstown Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.