The Pioneer Newspaper - Madison County

The Pioneer Newspaper - Madison County The Pioneer newspaper publishes local community news with a positive message lifting our communities.

Six One Five Collective, a Nashville band packs downtown Highland at the Square. An estimated 700 people enjoyed the eve...
09/11/2026

Six One Five Collective, a Nashville band packs downtown Highland at the Square. An estimated 700 people enjoyed the evening. It was a beautiful sight with the Sun setting in Western sky. The Highland Parks and Rec Department is helping to make memories that will last a lifetime. The Pioneer newspaper is happy to report that everyone had a great time as the show brought joy and good times to the Thursday evening event.

Shirley Donnell, age 83 of Greenville, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after being diagnosed with pancreatic ...
09/10/2026

Shirley Donnell, age 83 of Greenville, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April of this year.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Greenville Free Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Donnell – Wiegand Funeral Home in Greenville. Memorials in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Greenville Free Methodist Church or Holt International Adoption Agency. Service will be live-streamed
https://youtube.com/?si=sZJ5HSFu6xitLrVf

Shirley Mary Dargan, the daughter of Rev. Robert E. and Edna Stevenson Dargan, was born December 12, 1942, in Madoc Ontario, Canada. She was one of four children growing up in Canada, 3 brothers: Robert, Javan, and Danny.

Shirley grew up in Canada, attended the local schools, and Lorne Park College thru the 13th grade. She then attended and graduated from Women’s College Hospital, with her Nursing Degree in 1966. Shirley worked in pediatric care at South Peel Hospital in Toronto. She and her brother Danny moved to Greenville, Illinois in 1967 to attend Greenville College and Shirley worked as a Registered Nurse at Utlaut Memorial Hospital from 1967 till 1975.

Shirley and William E. Donnell were united in marriage on September 12, 1968, in the Kingsview Free Methodist Church. This is one of the churches her father started and where Shirley grew up. They have enjoyed 58 years of marriage. Shirley was a stay-at-home mom raising 3 children. She started volunteering at the Greenville Elementary School in 1990 and eventually working full time as a para-professional until 2010.

Shirley always had a love for children: working in Pediatrics, adopting 3 children, and teaching Sunday school to kids for almost 30 years at the Free Methodist Church. She also volunteered for years at the Hospital Axillary and worked the hospital bizarre for most of those years. Shirley loved the Lord and serving and caring for others. She made rounds regularly at the Glenwood and nursing home to visit her friends and pray with many.

Shirley is survived by her husband Bill, children Heather Donnell of Los Angeles and husband Christopher, son John Donnell of Greenville, and son Paul Donnell of Washington, DC and wife Audrey. Loving grandmother to Fiona Donnell and Philip Donnell.

Shirley is also survived by a brother Robert Dargan of Greenville and wife Althea, nieces and nephews: Sherilyn and Judge Scott McPherson, Debbie and Doug Anderson, Andrew and AnnMarie Dargan, Stephanie Dargan, Dr. Geoffery Dargan, Jonathan Dargan, and host of great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, and dear friends like family to Shirley.
Preceded in death by her other two brothers Dr. Javan “Jay" Dargan (Margaret Dargan surviving), Danny Dargan in 1981 (Beth White surviving and husband David), and Julianne Dargan her niece.

Donnell - Wiegand Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Only condolences or memories may be shared online www.donnellwiegand.com

Evangelical UCC Invites Community to Annual Sausage Supper October 3 HIGHLAND, IL – Evangelical United Church of Chris...
09/10/2026

Evangelical UCC Invites Community to Annual Sausage Supper October 3

HIGHLAND, IL – Evangelical United Church of Christ (EvUCC) invites the community to its Annual Sausage Supper on Saturday, October 3, from Noon to 7:00 p.m. at the church, located at 2520 Poplar Street in Highland.

A long-standing Highland tradition, the Sausage Supper draws families and friends from throughout the region who look forward to enjoying this meal each year.

This event is a carry-out only, making it easy for guests to enjoy a delicious meal at home with family and friends. Each meal will feature homemade sausage along with tasty side dishes and homemade desserts, all conveniently packaged and ready to go.

Meals will be available throughout the day while supplies last. Each supper will include 1 lb. of sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and a dessert. We encourage you to mark your calendars on Oct. 3 and plan to pick up a few meals at this annual event.

The cost per dinner is $15 and cash, check, or credit cards will be accepted.

For more information, contact Evangelical United Church of Christ at (618) 654-7459 or visit www.evucc.org.

William “Shane” FaithWilliam “Shane” Faith, 56, of Greenville, IL, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at St. Joh...
09/10/2026

William “Shane” Faith
William “Shane” Faith, 56, of Greenville, IL, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at St. John Hospital in Springfield, IL.
He was born on December 14, 1969, in Greenville, IL, to Hugh William and Linda Sue (nee Hessenauer) Faith.
Shane was a person who loved life and never wasted a moment. His life was widely described as colorful and constantly interesting. Shane was also known as vibrant and always looking for adventure. Everyone knew him as a very energetic person. He made many friends throughout his life that meant a lot to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh William and Linda Sue Faith; and brother, Clint Alan Faith.
Shane is survived by his daughter, Tesla (Doniton) Nelson; brothers, William “Cody” D. Faith and Dustin L. Faith; grandchildren, Mercedes, Belle, Eli, Lincoln, and Lexus.
Memorial donations may be made to the donor’s choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held early next year.
Meridith Funeral Home, Pocahontas, IL

UPDATED OBIT: Betty Ann Santel (nee Breiner), age 89, of Damiansville, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Cedarhu...
09/10/2026

UPDATED OBIT:

Betty Ann Santel (nee Breiner), age 89, of Damiansville, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Cedarhurst of Breese. She was born April 21, 1937, in Damiansville, a daughter of the late Emil and Frieda (nee Billhartz) Breiner.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Santel, whom she married August 25, 1959, at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville and who died April 30, 2010; siblings, Emil Breiner (infancy), Marilyn (Edwin) Fiedler, and Lavergne (Julie) Breiner; parents-in-law, Joseph and Helena (nee Wuebbles) Santel; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Albin “Bones” Toennies, Sr. Flora Santel, Catherine (Paul) Kahrhoff, Olivia (Don) Meyer, Vince (Sophie) Santel, Mary (John) Friess, and Johnny Santel.

Betty is survived by her children, Gary (Deb) Santel of Damiansville, Kevin (Jenny) Santel of Bartelso, Janice (Vernon) Huelsmann of Trenton, Michelle (Doug) Ratermann of Damiansville, Jolene (Danny) Becker of Bartelso, and Kristi (Terri) Deerhake of Germantown; grandchildren, Jennifer (Corey) Ripperda, Nathan (Jenna) Santel, Colin (Kenzie) Santel, Alyse Santel, Jared (Kayla) Huelsmann, Amy (James) Aberts, Ryan Huelsmann, Brandon Huelsmann, Nicholas Huelsmann, Bradley (special friend, Sarah Kohnen) Huelsmann, Cody (Abby) Ratermann, Jordan (Madeline) Ratermann, Dawson (Madi) Ratermann, Logan (special friend, Hayley Palm) Ratermann, Bryanna (Owen) Faust, Mikayla (fiancé, Zack Wempe) Becker, and Brylee Deerhake; great-grandchildren, Bennett, Kye, and Ryker Ripperda, Colton and Madeline Santel, Wrenley and Harlow Santel, Connor, Austin, and Alyssa Huelsmann, Colter and Silas Aberts, Rosie Ratermann, Joel Ratermann, Grayson Ratermann, Myra Faust, and one more great-grandchild on the way; sister, Darlene Toennies of Damiansville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was centered around her family, her faith, and hard work. She was a homemaker and also worked as an egg inspector at Southern Farms Egg in Germantown before later working at Kids Town in Damiansville. A lifelong member of St. Damian Catholic Church, Betty was also a member of the Sodality and faithfully gave her time and talents to her parish. For many years, she was well known as one of the dedicated noodlemakers for the annual church picnic, a tradition she took great pride in being a part of.

As a hardworking farmer’s wife, Betty was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty. Whether helping around the farm, tending to her garden, or caring for her home and family, she approached everything with determination and a strong work ethic. In her quieter moments, Betty enjoyed quilting, sewing, baking, and gardening, often using her talents to create something special for those she loved.

Above all else, Betty treasured her family. She especially loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother and was always happy to spoil her grandchildren whenever she had the opportunity.

Funeral Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville with Fr. Matthew Elie presiding and Deacon Glenn Netemeyer assisting. Interment will follow at St. Damian Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday, September 14, 2026, from 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville

In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Damian Parish or wishes of the family (checks payable to Michelle Ratermann) and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th Street, Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.mossfuneralhome.com

Well over 100 people stopped by the Highland KC Hall to play bingo on Wednesday evening,
09/10/2026

Well over 100 people stopped by the Highland KC Hall to play bingo on Wednesday evening,

Euchre and Bingo Both Begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday NightsHIGHLAND — The Knights of Columbus hall remains a busy mid‑week ga...
09/09/2026

Euchre and Bingo Both Begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday Nights

HIGHLAND — The Knights of Columbus hall remains a busy mid‑week gathering spot, with both euchre games and the weekly bingo session starting at 7 p.m. each Wednesday night. Players arrive early to settle in, visit with friends, and get ready for cards or the fast‑paced bingo action.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and the kitchen offers its usual lineup of favorites during break time — hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pork burgers, and the hall’s well‑known popcorn.

THE PIONEER NEWSPAPER/ By Bill Napper

09/09/2026

KC BINGO SCHEDULE UPDATE

By William A. Napper
HIGHLAND, Illinois —

KC Bingo will be held tonight, September 9, at the Highland Knights of Columbus Hall.

Organizers also announced that there will be no Bingo on September 23 due to the installation of new flooring.

The Knights said they have received numerous calls about the schedule and asked the community to help spread the word. “Sorry for any confusion,” they added.

09/09/2026

Six One Five Collective to Headline Thursday’s TNL Concert

The Pioneer Newspaper
By William A. Napper

Country music fans will have a reason to gather on the Downtown Square Thursday night as Highland welcomes the touring Nashville group Six One Five Collective. The ensemble is making a special stop in town as part of its national tour—just one day before heading to New York, where they are scheduled to open for Jason Aldean.

The performance is set for Thursday, September 10, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on the Downtown Square. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, invite friends, and enjoy an evening of live country music before the group takes the stage in New York.

If you enjoy country music, this week’s TNL concert promises to be one of the season’s standout events.

Bethalto, IllinoisHarold "Chuck" C. Johnson, 77, of Bethalto, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2026, at his residence...
09/09/2026

Bethalto, Illinois

Harold "Chuck" C. Johnson, 77, of Bethalto, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2026, at his residence.



Chuck was born on May 8, 1949, in Springfield, IL, the son of Harold Fore and Charlotte Florence (Behl) Johnson. He married Janice E. (Watts) on December 11, 1993, in Bethalto. She survives.



He began working for the railroad when he was 16 years old. After 38 years as a machinist at Terminal Railroad Association, he retired in 2003. Chuck was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of Bethalto Jaycees and on the board at United Way. Chuck loved playing 5 card stud poker, racing at Godfrey Speedway, playing his guitar, traveling, motorcycles, and watching his granddaughter perform at halftime. He has a special place in his heart for his dog, Zoey, and his cat, Buster. But most of all, he loved the time he spent with his family.



Along with his wife, Janice, he is survived by his children, Angela (Lance) Perkinson of Bethalto, Steven Johnson of Brighton, and William J. Rust of New Orleans, LA; and two grandchildren, Janice Perkinson and Logan Perkinson, both of Bethalto.



He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Johnson; and a daughter-in-law, Christina (Gaither) Johnson.



A celebration of life visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 4 to 7 pm, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto.



Memorials are suggested to Bethalto Public Library.



Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.

Address

PO Box 144
Highland, IL
62249

Telephone

(618) 882-4932

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