News Headlines & Chapel Report 9/8/25

A White Hall man, 22-year-old Hunter E. Neff, has been sentenced to one year in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty in Greene County Circuit Court to Class 4 felony driving with a suspended license. Neff was arrested in Roodhouse on April 22 while driving with a suspended license, just days after a prior conviction for the same offense on April 16 that resulted in probation. As part of a plea agreement, several additional charges were dropped, including misdemeanor battery from April 20 and multiple offenses from the April 22 arrest. Greene County State’s Attorney Craig Grummel said Neff’s repeated disregard for the law and ongoing police contact made prison unavoidable, adding he hopes the sentence helps Neff recognize the seriousness of his actions.

The Raintree Arts Council is presenting Cornet Chop Suey in their final performance at The Apple Shed in Clarksville, MO, on Sunday, September 21, 2025. The council is a multidisciplinary non profit organization serving Pike and Lincoln County, MO. Doors open at 1 p.m. with the show starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $25 for premium seating, $200 for a table of 8, and $250 for a table of 10. Premium seating and table reservations must be made in advance by calling 573-754-0335.

The “Be the Light” Community Walk to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention will take place on Sunday, September 14, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bowling Green Lower City Park. The event begins with a welcome and prayer at 7:00, followed by the walk at 7:15, where community members will walk together in support of one another and in memory of those lost. Donations will be accepted to benefit a local cause, and the event is sponsored by the Bowling Green R-1 Student Services Department.

Illini Community Hospital is hosting a blood drive at First Baptist Church, located at 104 S. Memorial St. in Pittsfield, IL, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Organized by the American Red Cross, the event promotes the message that “Donating blood is as easy as pie.”

Today's Twin Pikes & Two Rivers Region Chapel Report

Mary Duda, 80, of Pittsfield, formerly of Godfrey, passed away at her home on August 30, 2025. Born February 17, 1945, in Monticello, she married Melvin Duda on December 19, 1964, and he survives. A Staunton High School graduate, Mary earned her master’s in English and CPS certification before beginning a 41-year career at Jefferson Smurfit CompanyMary is survived by her daughter Marisa (Reginald) Hart, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, her sister Shannon (Mike) Hall, and niece Kimberly Wilson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Michael Edward Duda, her brother James Wilson, and sister Melissa Wilson. Cremation rites were accorded with no services planned, and memorials may be made to Pikeland Snack Pack. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is assisting the family.