News Headlines & Chapel Report - 9/30/25

The Mega Millions jackpot has climbed to an estimated $497 million, with a cash option of $229.5 million, ahead of the Tuesday, Sept. 30 drawing at 11 p.m., which can be viewed on the Mega Millions website. No one hit Friday’s $474 million jackpot, though a Virginia player won $2 million by matching five white balls with a 2x multiplier. While still shy of the top 10 largest jackpots, Mega Millions has grown quickly since its April 2025 rule changes, which increased the ticket price to $5, boosted starting jackpots, enhanced prize tiers, and built in multipliers up to 10x. Players select five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball from 1 to 24, with odds of winning the jackpot at 1 in 290 million. The annuity option provides 30 payments that grow 5% each year, or winners can choose a lump sum. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER.

The Sons of the American Revolution will honor Revolutionary War veteran Pvt. Abraham Scholl with a ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday at Griggsville Cemetery. The event will include a grave marker dedication, presentation of colors, gun salute, and taps. Born in 1764 in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Scholl fought in the Siege of Bryan Station and alongside Col. Daniel Boone at the Battle of Blue Licks in Kentucky. He later settled in Griggsville in 1825, where he lived until his death in 1851. Scholl is buried in Griggsville Cemetery with his first and second wives.

The City of Pittsfield announced that the Burn Pike will reopen on Tuesday, September 30, resuming its normal days and hours of operation. Residents are reminded not to light fires while dumping and thanked for their cooperation.

Boyd Memorial Hospital in Carrollton will host a free Senior Wellness Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at its Reisch Dining Room, 800 School St. The event begins with a presentation on the ABCs of Medicare from 10 to 11:15 a.m., followed by a session on Medicare wellness exams and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. From noon to 2 p.m., attendees can receive free blood pressure screenings and visit with representatives from Boyd’s medical departments and several area healthcare providers. While admission is free, lunch reservations are required by Wednesday by calling 217-942-6542.

Today's Chapel Report:

Carol Ann Seybold, 82, of Pittsfield, IL, passed away at home on Friday, September 26, 2025, with her husband by her side. Born December 14, 1942, in Davenport, IACarol married Charles “Chuck” Seybold in 1968, and together they raised two sons. A University of Iowa graduate in recreational therapy, Carol later helped run Seybold Candy Company before working at First Bank. Carol was active in the Pittsfield United Methodist Church, Home Extension. She is survived by her husband; sons Rob (Rebecca) and Scott; grandchildren Colin, Berkley, and Eva; and extended family. Services will be held Friday, October 3, at 10:30 a.m. at Pittsfield United Methodist Church, with visitation Thursday, October 2, from 4–6 p.m. at Niebur Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the church or the Pittsfield Fire Department.

Rhonda Rose Niemeyer, of Bowling Green, passed away September 25, 2025, at St. Luke Hospital surrounded by her family. Born March 2, 1955, to Victor and Rose Ann Orf Niemeyer Rhonda owned The Corner Deli & Pizza, and later woked for Verizon in Wentzville, and worked many years with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office and the Pike County Recorder’s Office, where she retired as Deputy Recorder in 2024. She is survived by her three children, Erica Floyd, Darrell Damron, and Jessica Brown; grandchildren Riley Kenney, Carson and Cooper Brown, and Jackson Damron; five siblings; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services will be held October 4 at St. Clements Catholic Church, with visitation from 9–11 a.m. Memorials may be made to St. Louis Stray Rescue or the Endometrial Cancer Research Foundation.

Frances M. Coonrod, 86, of Carrollton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Calhoun Care Center. Born July 18, 1939, in Carrollton to James and Helen (Ray) Hillis, she married William “Bill” Coonrod in 1958, and he preceded her in death in 2020. Frances is survived by her children, Sherrill (Lee) Martin, David (Michelle) Coonrod, and Tim (Karen) Coonrod; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and eight siblings. A lifelong member of Life Point Church, Frances retired after 27 years with Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation. Services will be held Friday, October 3, at 11 a.m. at Life Point Church in Carrollton, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Burial will follow later at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Wrights. Memorials may be made to Life Point Church. Airsman-Hires Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Dickie Bill Davidson, 65, of Carrollton, passed away September 24, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born May 12, 1960, he was a longtime diesel mechanic with Illinois Valley Paving and a member of Operating Engineers Local #965 and Carrollton United Methodist Church. He married Adri Willis in 1995 who survives. Also surviving are his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, a granddaughter, two sisters, and a brother. A Celebration of Life will be held October 11 at Carrollton United Methodist Church.