News Headlines & Chapel Report 9/3/25

An elevated wildfire risk is expected across all of the Twin Pikes and Two Rivers Region this weekend, from Friday through Sunday (Sept. 5–7, 2025). Forecast maps show low humidity and breezy conditions, creating a dangerous setup for rapid fire spread, especially in central and southern Illinois and surrounding areas. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions and avoid all outdoor burning during this period. The message is clear: 🔥 DO NOT BURN 🔥—even small fires could quickly get out of control under these conditions.

The city of Pittsfield is once again turning to music to support local causes with its second Music with a Mission Festival this Sunday. Proceeds from the event will go toward replacing the fire department’s $750,000 pumper truck and helping fund a new amphitheater at Lake Pittsfield, which is still in the design phase. Last year’s festival raised between $15,000 and $20,000 despite rainy weather, and organizers hope to surpass that total this year. Headlining the show is the country band Little Texas, best known for hits like “God Blessed Texas” and “What Might Have Been.” Opening acts include Pittsfield’s own Evan Darnell and Nashville-based Los Honky Tonkers. The concert will be held at the Pittsfield Lake ball diamond, with gates opening at 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance at City Hall, $28.52 online, or $30 at the gate. Mayor Gary Mendenhall said the goal is to bring more entertainment opportunities to Pittsfield while funneling all proceeds directly into community projects.

The Great River Honor Flight will launch its 78th mission from Hannibal on Sept. 11, carrying 30 veterans from around the region to Washington, D.C. to visit the nation’s war memorials. Among the group are one Korea-era veteran, 26 Vietnam-era veterans, and three who served between or after those conflicts, representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Army National Guard. The journey begins at 2:15 a.m. from Hannibal-LaGrange University, with stops in St. Louis, Baltimore, and the capital. Veterans will visit memorials including the Vietnam Wall, Korea Memorial, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Iwo Jima, Air Force, and Navy memorials, as well as witness the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. A special tribute will also be held at the Women’s Memorial for the two women on the mission. The group is expected to return to Hannibal around 10 p.m. for a celebratory homecoming at HLGU. With this trip, the Great River Honor Flight will have flown 2,506 veterans to Washington, D.C. over the past 16 years.

Missouri voters approved Proposition A last fall, requiring businesses to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. But just months after it took effect, Gov. Mike Kehoe repealed the mandate, sparking controversy. Supporters argue the repeal undermines democracy since 58% of voters backed the measure, while opponents contend the proposition was poorly written and too costly for businesses. With the repeal, companies now decide what benefits to offer. Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce director McKenzie Disselhorst said this flexibility helps businesses design competitive benefits packages. However, Quincy University professor Dr. Justin Coffey warned that some employers may struggle to attract workers if they don’t provide paid sick leave. Both agree the debate is far from over, and the issue will likely resurface until a compromise is reached.

Today's Chapel Report:

Mark D. Lynch, 65, of Pittsfield, IL, passed away September 2, 2025, at Eastside Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Born April 8, 1960, in Quincy to Marvin and Lois Gratton Lynch, he married Vickie Lowe in 1994, and she survives. A lifelong Pike County resident, Mark worked in farming, food production, and as a plumber’s apprentice before earning his HVAC certification and later retiring due to disability. Mark is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and many relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ronnie, and in-laws. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 7, at Jaycee Park at Lake Pittsfield. Memorials may be made to the family c/o Niebur Funeral Home.

Hayden Adkison, 97, of Louisiana, MO, passed away September 1, 2025, at Maple Grove Lodge. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, at Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana with Rev. Terry Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery near Louisiana. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, and online condolences can be shared at collierfuneral.com