Easter Bunny and Hannibal Early Birds Kiwanis members visit Mississippi Valley State School

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Members of the Hannibal Early Bird Kiwanis Club visited the Mississippi Valley State School March 21 with the Easter bunny. After hugs and high fives by the Easter bunny, students were given stuffed animals provided the club. MVSS is a facility for physically and mentally handicapped students and provides educational experiences for the…

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Levee safety act, designed to safeguard Upper Mississippi region, introduced in U.S. House

QUINCY — The historic 1993 flood of the Upper Mississippi River caused billions of dollars in damages, displacing more than 74,000 people from their homes and disrupting the region’s transportation and economy. The Upper Mississippi River watershed has experienced more frequent flooding with higher river stages with major floods happening in 2008, 2013, 2014 and…

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Floating circus navigating Mississippi River plans free shows in Canton, Quincy and Hannibal this weekend

QUINCY — A troupe of musicians, circus performers and puppeteers floating along the Mississippi River will be stopping in three cities to give free performances this weekend. The Flotsam River Circus will perform Friday in Mississippi River Park in Canton, Mo., Saturday at Clat Adams Park in Quincy and Sunday in Hannibal during the Big River Steampunk…

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Does the Mississippi River have rights?

The Mississippi River flowed lazily under the Centennial Bridge, which connects Illinois and Iowa in the Quad Cities. Cars cruised past on a Saturday afternoon in early May, waving and occasionally honking at a long line of environmentalists who say the river is alive.  Glenda Guster was among the roughly 80 people to join the…

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Body of Nauvoo man found after drowning in Mississippi River

MONTEBELLO TOWNSHIP, Ill. — A Nauvoo man was found to have drowned in the Mississippi River on Wednesday. Deputies with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department received a report on Tuesday of a canoe that had tipped over and a man in the Mississippi River at the intersection of Illinois 96 and County Road 1720N. Deputies…

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Taming the Upper Mississippi, Chapter 6: The great flood of 1993

EDITOR’S NOTE: Muddy River News has received permission to reprint reviews and chapters from the book, “Taming the Upper Mississippi: My Turn at Watch, 1935-1999,” written by Janice Petterchak. The book reflects on flood protection, navigation and the environment on the upper Mississippi River through the eyes of Quincy engineer William H. Klingner. You can…

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Taming the Upper Mississippi, Chapter 5: Drainage districts and the agricultural economy

EDITOR’S NOTE: Muddy River News has received permission to reprint reviews and chapters from the book, “Taming the Upper Mississippi: My Turn at Watch, 1935-1999,” written by Janice Petterchak. The book reflects on flood protection, navigation and the environment on the upper Mississippi River through the eyes of Quincy engineer William H. Klingner. You can…

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Taming the Upper Mississippi, Chapter 4: The early life and career of William H. Klingner

EDITOR’S NOTE: Muddy River News has received permission to reprint reviews and chapters from the book, “Taming the Upper Mississippi: My Turn at Watch, 1935-1999,” written by Janice Petterchak. The book reflects on flood protection, navigation and the environment on the upper Mississippi River through the eyes of Quincy engineer William H. Klingner. You can…

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Taming the Upper Mississippi, Chapter 3: Navigation and flood control

EDITOR’S NOTE: Muddy River News has received permission to reprint reviews and chapters from the book, “Taming the Upper Mississippi: My Turn at Watch, 1935-1999,” written by Janice Petterchak. The book reflects on flood protection, navigation and the environment on the upper Mississippi River through the eyes of Quincy engineer William H. Klingner. You can…

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Taming the Upper Mississippi, Chapter 2: Federal river policy/regional initiatives

EDITOR’S NOTE: Muddy River News has received permission to reprint reviews and chapters from the book, “Taming the Upper Mississippi: My Turn at Watch, 1935-1999,” written by Janice Petterchak. The book reflects on flood protection, navigation and the environment on the upper Mississippi River through the eyes of Quincy engineer William H. Klingner. As early…

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Taming the Upper Mississippi, Chapter 1: Famous French explorer may have been in Quincy area around 1670

EDITOR’S NOTE: Muddy River News has received permission to reprint reviews and chapters from the book, “Taming the Upper Mississippi: My Turn at Watch, 1935-1999,” written by Janice Petterchak. The book reflects on flood protection, navigation and the environment on the upper Mississippi River through the eyes of Quincy engineer William H. Klingner. Are you…

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Taming the Upper Mississippi, an introduction: Quincy would not be Quincy as we know it today without Bill Klingner

EDITOR’S NOTE: Muddy River News has received permission to reprint reviews and chapters from the book, “Taming the Upper Mississippi: My Turn at Watch, 1935-1999,” written by Janice Petterchak. The book reflects on flood protection, navigation and the environment on the upper Mississippi River through the eyes of Quincy engineer William H. Klingner. Bill Klingner…

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Fishing for delicacies on the Muddy River: Pleasant Hill business sells caviar harvested from Mississippi to places around world

SAVERTON, Mo. — When I heard the words boat ride and caviar for this Muddy River News story, I thought to myself… well that sounds just delightful. Little did I know I was about to experience Mike Roe’s sloppy seconds. I still can’t believe I curled my hair for that boat ride. Clearly, I didn’t understand the assignment. 

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New coloring book by Quincy author highlights cities along Mississippi River

QUINCY — Author Robert Turek recently release of his latest book, “Magic of the Mississippi,” a coloring and trivia book dedicated to America’s Greatest River. It is now available on Amazon books. “Magic of the Mississippi” showcases historic river towns along the river to structures built for transportation through hand-illustrated coloring pages created for all ages. More…

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Illinois man who dedicated life to cleaning Mississippi River will be keynote speaker at C-SC event

CANTON, Mo. — Online registration now is open for Culver-Stockton College’s inaugural collaborative conference at the Great River Research Center in Canton. The river conference, themed “Changing Currents,” will take place April 7-9. It aims to facilitate communication that fosters innovative and collaborative solutions to the various challenges facing the river and the communities it…

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MUDDY MISSISSIPPI MIXER FINALIST: Chris Austin, Taproom

Brittany Boll is interviewing each of the three finalists for the Muddy Mississippi Mixer competition. The first finalist is Chris Austin of the Taproom, 104 North 6th, Quincy. Here’s a sample of Brittany and Chris discussing cocktails. We will have interviews with the other two finalists next week and then you can start voting on…

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Calling all bartenders! It’s The Muddy Mississippi Mixer!

by Brittany Boll, Qmunity Connoisseur Rich with German roots, the Midwest mindset yearns to quench the thirst for that refreshing euphoria. Life on our river town is know for it’s drink culture. Birthday parties, church picnics, concerts, and a night on the town: every event revolves around the perfect beverage.  With “a bar on every…

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Rapp named Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum executive director

HANNIBAL, MO. — Megan Rapp has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum.   Rapp received her undergraduate degree in History and Political Science from Culver-Stockton College and her Museum Studies Masters Degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is also a certified Travel Industry Specialist through Indiana University-Purdue University…

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DAILY DIRT: Can you say Shohei Ohtani? Can you say Jactani? Can you say Jac Caglianone?

Florida slugger-pitcher attracting all sorts of MLB attention, and he’s likely to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming MLB draft … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 927 of The Daily Dirt. 1. This information may have fallen through the proverbial cracks for many. How many are familiar with the…

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‘The water wars are coming’: Missouri looks to limit exports from rivers, lakes

Missouri House members on Wednesday took a step toward prohibiting exports of water, arguing the state’s “most precious resource” should be protected and reserved for residents. The bill, which prohibits water exports without a state permit, cleared an initial Missouri House vote 115-25. It needs second approval before it moves to the Missouri Senate, where a…

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DAILY DIRT: Hold on to your wallets, those gas prices will soon be rising

So is the pain at the proverbial pump … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 918 of The Daily Dirt. 1. Brace yourself, it’s coming. “It” is a much higher price for gasoline, if energy analysts are correct. Oil prices continue to rise, thanks to the obvious and familiar — Russia’s dislike…

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EPA sets first-ever limits on ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water, but they shouldn’t affect Quincy

QUINCY — The Biden administration on Wednesday finalized strict limits on certain so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water that will require utilities to reduce them to the lowest level they can be reliably measured. Officials say this will reduce exposure for 100 million people and help prevent thousands of illnesses, including cancers. However, these limits…

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Ethel Marie DeVerger

Ethel Marie DeVerger, 78, of Plainville, passed away at 3:23 pm Friday, April 5, 2024, at her home in Plainville, IL. Ethel was born October 1, 1945, in Quincy, IL to John and Rosie (Crim) Smith. Ethel’s journey began as a bright student at Payson High School. She graduated as valedictorian in 1964, setting the…

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Villa Kathrine returns to warm weather schedule

QUINCY — Friends of the Castle recently moved the Villa Kathrine to its “warm weather schedule.” The villa is open from 9 a.m. to p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. In addition to celebrating the 124th anniversary of the construction of the Mediterranean-style villa, 37 years of serving as Quincy’s…

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‘That’s what keeps me up at night’: Director of Public Works explains need for water/sewer rate hike in Quincy

QUINCY — Jeffrey Conte can’t forget May 2, 2019, when he received an early-morning phone call. “We’ve got a problem,” Conte remembers hearing. Conte, the director of public works for the City of Quincy, learned a heavy rainstorm that night had led to a break in a storm sewer that runs underneath the water treatment…

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Richard “Dick” McCullough Winters II

Richard McCullough Winters II, of Ft. Meyers Beach, Florida, passed away on February 9, 2024. Richard “Dick” was born in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Richard and Virginia Young Winters, on August 18, 1947. He married Patti Wombles on August 22, 1992, and he was previously married to Irene Villa and Paula Wegman. Dick graduated…

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Real estate transfers in Adams County from Feb. 5-9, 2024

Muddy River News transaction information is obtained from Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration forms accompanying recorded documents. Dates provided may differ from actual transaction or recording dates. Further details may be obtained from the PTAX form or recorded documents.  M6 Enterprises, LLC of Quincy sold a residence at 1011 Ohio in Quincy to Joseph M.…

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Garland C. Hathaway

Garland C. Hathaway, 86, of Quincy, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on February 16, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. Born on October 22, 1937, in St. Louis, MO, Garland was the loving son of William C. and Gladys (Henry) Hathaway. On April 30, 1956, he married his soulmate, Gloria…

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Hannibal Eagle Day on Feb. 24 will offer activities along riverfront

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal Eagle Day will be from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center and the Rotary Pavilion on the Hannibal riverfront. Eagle/nature-related crafts and games for children will be at the armory. Master Naturalists will provide educational information for all visitors on how eagles became endangered and…

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‘In my book, this is a great thing’

QUINCY — As the microphone was passed around the crowd of about 350 in the Oakley-Lindsay Center’s Kent Hall Thursday evening, a man wanted to ask Glenn Sanders a question. Sanders, a retired Illinois Conservation Police district supervisor, is also a member of the Quincy Bay Area Restoration and Enhancement Association (QBAREA), the group spearheading…

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Frericks encourages community to attend Thursday open house to see plan for Quincy Bay rehabilitation project

QUINCY — Rome Frericks, executive director for the Quincy Park District, wants anybody interested in the tentative plan for the Quincy Bay habitat rehabilitation and enhancement project to come to an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Oakley-Lindsay Center, 300 Civic Center Plaza. The open house will be conducted in partnership…

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Open house for Quincy Bay habitat rehabilitation project to be held Thursday at Oakley-Lindsay Center

QUINCY — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, invites the public to an open house announcing the tentative plan for the Quincy Bay habitat rehabilitation and enhancement project. The open house, conducted in partnership with the Quincy Bay Area Restoration and Enhancement Association (QBAREA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Illinois…

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Real estate transfers in Pike County from Jan. 15-31, 2024

Muddy River News transaction information is obtained from Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration forms accompanying recorded documents. Dates provided may differ from actual transaction or recording dates. Further details may be obtained from the PTAX form or recorded documents.  Eddie Carpenter, guardian of the estate of Shirley A. Durk of Jacksonville, sold a residence at…

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Two broods of cicadas emerging this year in Illinois, Missouri for first time since 1803

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Billions of cicadas will buzz this spring as two broods emerge at the same time. These broods last emerged together in 1803 and won’t appear together again for 221 years. That means that your grandchildren’s great-great-great grandchildren likely will be the next group to experience the dual emergence of these cicada…

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Real estate transfers in Adams County from Jan. 22-26, 2024

Muddy River News transaction information is obtained from Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration forms accompanying recorded documents. Dates provided may differ from actual transaction or recording dates. Further details may be obtained from the PTAX form or recorded documents.  Shade Lewis and Taylor Lewis of La Grange, Mo., sold a car wash at 1143 State…

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Harry Walter Koeller

Harry Walter Koeller age 99 of Quincy, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday, January 21, 2024, in Blessing Hospital. Harry was born June 16, 1924, in New Canton, IL, to Edward L. and Elsie F. (Ebmeier) Koeller. He married Dorothy Stolte. After 25 years of marriage, she preceded him in death. He…

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MRN TOP 10’s: “Feel Good” stories

Yes, many of our page views come from crime and bad news. But we cover lots of stories of a more positive nature. Content to tug at your heart strings. Here are our top stories that might make you smile or shed a tear in a good way. 1. FRANKIE SAY: After 27 years, Robert Stellino…

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Catherine Darlene Doyle

On December 25, 2023 at 5:02 am, Catherine Darlene Doyle, 84, passed away peacefully in Blessing Hospice Care with her son, daughter and son-in-law by her side. Darlene, “Dee Dee”, was born March 4, 1939 in St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hannibal, Mo. a daughter to Albert L. Juette and Catherine Bowen Juette. She grew up…

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Sixty local nonprofits receive grants totaling more than $400,000 from Community Foundation

QUINCY — More than $400,000 recently was granted to 60 local nonprofit organizations that benefit from an endowment fund at the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri. These year-end grants bring the Community Foundation’s grantmaking total to more than $4 million in 2023. The grants were awarded from designated funds, which support…

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Riverview Park: The Hannibal community to help plan long-term improvements for the town’s ‘crown jewel’

HANNIBAL, Mo. — For many in Hannibal, the winding roads through Riverview Park is a walk, or drive, down memory lane. For more than a century the 465-acre park, located at 2000 Harrison Hill, has echoed the sounds of generations playing baseball in the grassy fields, wandering down the nature paths, swinging on swing sets,…

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Nauvoo ranks in top 150 in underrated winter getaways by Family Destinations Guide

NAUVOO, Ill. — FamilyDestinationsGuide.com sought to highlight underrated winter getaways for families throughout the United States by surveying 3,000 experienced travelers. Results of the survey show Nauvoo ranked in the top 150 underrated winter destinations, coming in at No. 138 on the Family Destinations Guide list. The guide describes Nauvoo as being known for its…

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Ray C. Shortridge

Ray C. Shortridge, 96, of Quincy, passed away at 8:59 am Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Bickford Cottages in Quincy, IL. Friends and Family are invited to Ray’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Tuesday, November 7, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. There…

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Taking a bite out of the Big Apple: One Quincyan’s journey to New York City for first time in 14 years

Driving beneath the Hudson River through the underground Lincoln Tunnel from Union City, N.J., into Manhattan, one enters a bizarre wonderland almost beyond fathoming. Notions about New York City (NYC) abound, but setting foot here shatters preconceptions and leaves you gasping and groaning in turns. I returned to this city last month for the first…

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Instead of donating $350,000 to bury power lines, Park Board president suggests giving Clat Adams Park to riverfront group

QUINCY — Members of the Quincy Riverfront Development Corporation asked the Quincy Park Board on Wednesday night for a donation of $350,000 to bury power lines in Clat Adams Bicentennial Park. Park Board President Jarid Jones had another donation in mind. Rome Frericks, executive director of the Quincy Park District, recommended the Park Board table…

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Award winning drummer returns to Hannibal roots with one-night performance on Sunday

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Matt Kane, award-winning drummer, jazz musician, composer and bandleader, returns to his Hannibal roots this weekend for a one-night performance. Kane recently released his fourth album “The Other Side of the Story,” featuring entirely original compositions.   To celebrate this milestone with his hometown, Matt Kane, along with pianist Brant Jester and bass…

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This is the 10,000th post on Muddy River News

QUINCY — Milestones are subjective sometimes. We try to recognize our launch anniversary every year (April 30, 2021) but when I hit “publish” on this post, it was the 10,000th post on Muddy River News. We have tried to create content that is informative, thought provoking, interesting or fun. Hopefully, you’ve found something on MRN…

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Culver-Stockton College ceremony on Thursday to recognize 170-year anniversary

CANTON, Mo. — Culver-Stockton College will recognize its 170th anniversary of the dedication of the college on Thursday, Sept. 14.  An Academic and Cultural Event program, led by college historian Scott Giltner, is planned to commemorate the dedication of Canton’s Christian University at 6:30 p.m. in Merillat Chapel. “On Sept. 14, 1853, local townspeople gathered and…

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Night hike planned for Friday through Sodalis Nature Preserve

HANNIBAL, Mo. — A Night Hike through Sodalis Nature Preserve at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, will give participants the chance to appreciate nature as the season changes. Representatives from the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalists will lead the hike. The full night hike program lasts approximately two hours and follows a two-mile paved trail. The…

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Hannibal sunflower oil producer receives grant to pay for facility that will double production

HANNIBAL, Mo. — When Show Me HH Farms first opened its then 10-acre sunflower field to the public two summers ago, a bigger goal was in mind. Owners Kent and Kathy Brown, alongside their son and daughter-in-law Phillip and Amberlyn Brown, bought a cold press that same summer and have been producing all-natural sunflower oil…

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