Business
Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday vetoed a measure that would have granted existing utilities in downstate Illinois, notably Ameren Illinois, the “right of first refusal” for transmission line construction. This would have given Ameren, the electric utility that serves much of downstate Illinois, authority to build new transmission lines without going through a competitive bidding…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Quincy now offers registered respiratory therapists an option to earn a bachelor of science degree online, called the RRT to BSRT program. The program allows people with an associate degree in respiratory therapy to complete their bachelor’s degree in as little as 12 months. All…
Read Full Article In our first episode of “Business Big Picture”, Jason Watkins, a certified business consultant, tells MRN’s Ron Kinscherf that another set of eyes can only help your business succeed … whether you are big or small.
Read Full Article Tim Schrage of Refreshment Services Pepsi talks to MRN’s Ron Kinscherf about customer service and the many drinks offered today besides just Pepsi and Mountain Dew. Mercantile Bank sponsors the Business Spotlight.
Read Full Article If you’re a music lover, you may find yourself looking for last-minute deals on late summer festivals or tickets to a sold-out show. However, junk fees, resale pricing for high-demand shows and unscrupulous sellers can all make ticket prices skyrocket. You should also keep an eye out for counterfeit tickets. You’re more likely to run…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Blessing Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation program has earned three-year accreditation from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Studies show patients who participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program after a heart attack, heart failure or other heart problem that required surgery or medical care decreased their chance of death related to their condition…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Shelby Norton is the August Employee of the Month at SIU Center for Family Medicine. Norton is a medical technologist II. She has worked at SIU Center for Family Medicine for four years and has worked in a lab setting for nine years. In her time at SIU, Norton collects, processes and analyzes…
Read Full Article QUINCY — U.S. News & World Report, known for its annual hospital ratings and rankings, has named Blessing Hospital as a 2023-24 High Performing Hospital in the following care areas: This is the fifth year Blessing Hospital has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital, the highest recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s annual…
Read Full Article HANNIBAL, Mo. — A Mariner Girl Scout program is coming to Hannibal with the support of the George H. Riedel Foundation. Riedel trustee Bill Craigmiles recently presented a $16,331 check to the Girl Scouts that will cover all supplies to start a Mariner program, which teaches water skills to members. In a press release, Craigmiles…
Read Full Article Peel back the label and you will find the real story that needs to be told. It’s the story of the workers nationwide, many in our own backyard. Not to be forgotten is the vast number of employees at Anheuser-Busch who work hard to produce the products many of us enjoy with our families and…
Read Full Article As the final days of summer sweep in, you may be planning a camping trip to close out the season. The right gear can make your camping trip a lot more comfortable, but it’s hard to know what you’ll need and where to get it. The price of high quality gear can also add up…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Automation, robotics and welding positions offer household sustaining salaries for those with the right skills, yet regional companies are struggling to find qualified candidates. John Wood Community College and Two Rivers Regional Council are hoping to train more individuals to meet those needs. An open house is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday,…
Read Full Article HANNIBAL, Mo. — The George H. Riedel Foundation recently presented a $50,000 check to support scholarships and programs at the YMCA of Hannibal. A significant portion of the grant will allow the Y to offer scholarships for membership and programming to low-income Hannibal residents. Approximately $100,000 in financial assistance was awarded to 650 people in…
Read Full Article MOUNT STERLING — The Tracy Family Foundation recently awarded more scholarships than ever before to Brown County High School graduates. Twenty-nine 2023 graduates will begin their first semester of college this fall with a competitive scholarship worth up to $18,000 over four years. The Tracy Family Foundation has awarded more than $1.2 millions to 154…
Read Full Article HANNIBAL, Mo. — Blessing Health Hannibal has been awarded three-year terms of accreditation for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after a recent review by the American College of Radiology. CT scans use x-rays to create multiple cross-sections of the body. MRI uses radio waves and strong magnets to create body images. Each technology…
Read Full Article Picture July in Missouri and Illinois, and you’ll probably think of our characteristic hot, humid weather. On top of that, the southern U.S. and Mexico have been experiencing record-breaking heat recently. It’s tempting to blast the air conditioning on days like these, but for many, running the AC at full tilt all day is cost-prohibitive.…
Read Full Article MACOMB, Ill. — The best time for a person to learn about the healthcare available in their community is before care is needed. That’s why McDonough District Hospital and Blessing Health invite Macomb area residents to a “Meet and Greet” with two Blessing heart specialists providing care at MDH on Wednesday, Aug. 2, at the…
Read Full Article MACOMB, Ill. — The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on July 21 for the grand opening of Small Towner Event Venue (6 W. Side Square), a new Chamber member and new business in the Macomb community. Owner Kari Kelso and her husband renovated the interior and exterior…
Read Full Article CARTHAGE, Ill. — Memorial Hospital recently received two awards from the American Heart Association as a stroke-designated hospital. Memorial Hospital received the Silver Plus award for quality stroke care for overall hospitals as well as Rural Stroke Bronze which recognizes rural hospitals. These awards are given to hospitals nationwide that report their measures to the…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The American Heart Association recently recognized Blessing Hospital for being among the nation’s leading providers of stroke care. The hospital earned the AHA’s Get With the Guidelines Gold level recognition for third consecutive year. Blessing received a Gold Plus Award for meeting or exceeding national core standard levels of care in the treatment…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The Quincy Family YMCA concluded its 2023 annual campaign by raising $230,000. In a press release, Rick Shover, CEO of the Quincy Family YMCA, said, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our donors who graciously contributed to this year’s annual campaign. Your generosity empowers us to make a meaningful difference and…
Read Full Article PAID ADVERTISEMENT Over the past six months, the pet industry has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation, driven by an increasing focus on pet health and well-being. Pet owners around the nation have been investing more in premium pet supplies, particularly in the categories of pet food, pet treats, and pet toys. 1. Premiumization of Pet…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The Blessing Hospital Laboratory has earned re-accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Blessing has been CAP accredited since 1980 and is among more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide. The CAP accreditation process is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients. During the reaccreditation process, inspectors visit…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Gem City Real Estate Group is taking a new approach to the traditional back-to-school supply drives typically held this time of the year. In many classrooms when kids run out of school supplies throughout the year, it is often the teachers who step in and fill the gaps out of their own pockets.…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Faculty Excellence Awards were presented to four SIU School of Medicine Family and Community Medicine employees during Grand Rounds on July 12. Quincy faculty member Dr. Bill Dixon was presented the Master Clinician award by Paula Mackrides. Nominees for this award demonstrate exceptional clinic skills and service through activities that include developing and…
Read Full Article BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — A job training program developed by the North East Community Action Corporation is getting more recognition from the federal government. Jeanna Caldwell of the U.S. Department of Labor presented certificates on July 12 to six graduates of the NECAC apprenticeship program. Three other NECAC team members were recognized for achieving energy…
Read Full Article Ron Kinscherf gets some clean advice on how to handle water damage from Jeff Butler of Clean Restoration. PAID PROMOTION
Read Full Article CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Birkey’s Farm Store, a Case IH and Case Construction dealer based out of Champaign, announced Wednesday the company had entered into a purchase agreement to acquire Selby Implement Company’s stores in Quincy and Hannibal. The acquisition is expected to close July 31. “This is a great opportunity for Birkey’s to expand our…
Read Full Article QUINCY – Carley Properties, LLC, a Springfield-based real estate firm focused on value-add restoration, development and leasing of rural and urban real estate, recently completed the renovation of John and Virginia Benya’s mid-century modern family home in Quincy. An open house at the property is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, July 20. The nearly 2,100…
Read Full Article Prime Day has passed, but many other retailers continue to join the trend around this time of year with mid-summer sales. But buyer beware: Busy shopping seasons are an opportunity for scammers to use phishing messages, fraudulent websites and fake social media ads to get consumers’ money or personal information. Online shopping has been the riskiest scam…
Read Full Article QUINCY, Ill. — United Way of Adams County will kick off its annual United Way Wednesdays starting on July 19 at Texas Roadhouse. Twenty-six area restaurants are participating. A complete list of participating restaurants can be found at www.unitedwayadamsco.org. Jenna Hull, Director of Development and Communications, says United Way wanted to expand into the county…
Read Full Article MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Dot Foods, Inc., held its popular Forklift Rodeo national championship June 29 at the Mount Sterling headquarters, and a Golden man was one of the winners. The competition tested Dot’s warehouse employees’ skills on four pieces of material handling equipment as they competed for large prizes, a free vacation and bragging…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Niemann Foods held the grand reopening for the rebrand of its North 24th Street store. NFI President/CEO Rich Niemann, Jr. talks about the company’s plans for the location.
Read Full Article MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — The Quilts of Valor Foundation presented 12 Dot Foods and Dot Transportation, Inc., employees with Quilts of Valor at a ceremony at Dot Foods in Mount Sterling on July 5. This ceremony, organized by Dot’s Veterans Employee Resource Group, recognized the following veteran employees: The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Following in the footsteps of its sister store in Mattoon, the former County Market at 24th street in Quincy has been renamed Niemanns. Gerry Kettler, Director of Consumer Affairs with Niemann’s, said over the past year or so, customers have spoken informally to County Market associates about where they would like to see…
Read Full Article Summer 2023 is shaping up to be a big one for boaters headed to popular destinations like Table Rock Lake or Lake of the Ozarks. If you’re thinking of buying a boat this summer, make sure you’re prepared before you shop. Recreational boating has always been a favorite pastime of people who live near Missouri…
Read Full Article QUINCY — The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce is launching its inaugural Leadership Institute, a program aimed at educating and inspiring emerging leaders to actively participate in the Quincy and Adams County community. Designed to cultivate leadership skills and community awareness, the Leadership Institute will empower participants to make a positive impact on the Quincy…
Read Full Article The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on June 28 for the grand reopening of Credit Union 1, 322 W. University. The location was formerly Western Illinois Credit Union, which merged with Credit Union 1 in August 2022. Credit Union 1 offers a full range of services including…
Read Full Article MACOMB, Ill. — The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting June 22 to welcome Graham Medical Group, 1630 E. Jackson, to the local healthcare community. Open since June 5, Graham Medical Group-Macomb offers primary family medicine and specialty care, women’s health, radiology, lab services as well as a…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom has new resources available for schools, thanks to funding from Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America. In a press release, Kinsey Tiemann, the agricultural literacy coordinator for Adams County, said, “Keeping resources available at no cost to schools is a critical element of our mission so partners like…
Read Full Article HANNIBAL, Mo. — Alicia Rollins, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Hannibal, recently received the firm’s Ted Jones Entrepreneurial Award for her exceptional achievement in building client relationships. She was one of 1,442 financial advisors firmwide to receive the award. The award is named after Ted Jones, the son of the firm’s founder. He became…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Ben Drebes, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Adams County, recently received the firm’s exclusive Soar to Success Award for exceptional achievement in building client relationships within his first five years as a financial advisor. Drebes was one of only 1,122 financial advisors firmwide to receive this award. In a press release, Drebes…
Read Full Article You’re probably familiar with how artificial intelligence can be used to generate text, but did you know AI can generate voices, too? BBB and organizations like the Federal Trade Commission are warning consumers about a new type of scam: fake calls, voicemails and voice messages generated by AI. Researchers at McAfee recently found that scammers need only three…
Read Full Article MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Dot Foods recently launched Focus on STEM, a program designed to give west-central Illinois school districts the tools and education needed to create science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. STEM occupations include computer programming, architecture and engineering, life and physical science occupations, as well as the related managerial, sales, and…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Jan Smith at Happel Inc., Realtors, recently was awarded the At Home with Diversity certification from the National Association of Realtors. Smith joins 20,000 other real estate professionals in North America who have earned the certification after completing an eight-hour course addressing topics of diversity, fair housing and business planning development. The program…
Read Full Article HANNIBAL, Mo. — To take advantage of more foot traffic, the corporation that owns the Native Grill and Wings brand has decided to vacate the Quincy riverfront for a spot in Hannibal’s Historic District. The bar and grill at 138 N. Front was closed Friday and will reopen in Hannibal this fall. FAT Brands of…
Read Full Article QUINCY — First Bankers Trust Company, N.A. (First Bankers), a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bankers Trustshares, Inc., recently announced changes to its leadership team. Dave Rakers will assume the position of executive vice president of Growth Initiatives, while Nathan Frese has accepted the role of market president for the Adams County market. The targeted change date…
Read Full Article Peak real estate season is in full swing, and home inspectors are in high demand. An inspection is a critical step in buying a home. Home inspectors can uncover structural or mechanical issues that buyers need to discuss with the seller. However, finding a good home inspector can be intimidating. Licensing and certification requirements for…
Read Full Article HANNIBAL, Mo. — Ron and Elsie Gaber of Kirksville recently made a generous donation to Hannibal Regional Foundation to support hospice services in northeast Missouri. This donation will help to create the Gaber Founder’s Award for Excellence in Hospice Services Endowment for Hospice of Northeast Missouri. The purpose of the endowment is to establish, in…
Read Full Article CHICAGO — Ernst & Young LLP announced Monday that Paul Reitz, CEO of Titan International, Inc. was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year Midwest award winner for 2023. The Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards program is one of the preeminent competitive awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. Reitz was selected by an independent…
Read Full Article HANNIBAL, Mo. — Dr. Michael Bukstein, surgeon and physician executive director for Blessing Health Hannibal, is retiring on July 1 after 48 years of service. “When I joined Hannibal Clinic in 1975, I was physician number 11,” he said. “The friendships and relationships that I have made and enjoyed are enduring.” A Missouri native who…
Read Full Article MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Dot Foods, Inc., held its first Giving Festival on Thursday, June 1, at the Mount Sterling distribution center. More than 30 West Central Illinois non-profit organizations showcased their organizations’ missions. Dot Foods also recognized its employees for their dedication to giving back to their community and announced the 2022 Volunteer of…
Read Full Article MACOMB, Ill. — The Ambassador Committee of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting June 14 to welcome the Macomb Steakhouse, 1302 W. Jackson, as a Chamber member. The full-service restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, regional favorites, dessert and salad bar options, as well as the recent addition of a breakfast buffet.…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Cornerstone: Foundations for Families, a mental health services provider, has announced the appointment of Dr. Melissa McKelvie as its new executive and clinical director effective July 10. McKelvie, a clinical psychologist, brings with her more than 24 years of experience in serving people and communities. She has worked with hundreds of clients in…
Read Full Article NEBO, Ill. — Harpole’s Heartland Lodge was a filming location as part of the State of Illinois’ $30 million advertising campaign promoting unique destinations across Illinois. This ad campaign will be marketed nationally through multiple outlets, including cable TV networks, to boost tourism across Illinois. A production team of more than 50 people took over…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Leaders of the Upper Mississippi, Illinois & Missouri Rivers Association (UMIMRA) and the Corn Belt Ports will be holding the organizations’ annual meetings in Quincy on June 21 and 22. Advocates from across the Midwest to hear presentations focused on flood control, navigation and common-sense environmental stewardship in the 21st century. The Wednesday…
Read Full Article UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill.— Dot Foods, Inc., and its trucking affiliate Dot Transportation, Inc. continue to expand its Chicago distribution center located in the University Park Industrial Park (251 Central Avenue, University Park, IL, 60484). On June 7, Dot Foods Chicago broke ground on a new 100,000 square-foot warehouse expansion, new parking for Dot Transportations’s trucking operations, and a…
Read Full Article Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, Zelle or CashApp are a convenient way to split checks, pay rent or purchase from small businesses. However, scammers are finding creative ways to get money from users. Unlike more traditional banking services, P2P payment apps are less likely to provide reimbursement for fraud – making the risk…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Adam Tallcott is one of only 1,377 Edward Jones financial advisors to receive an Edward Jones Award for exceptional achievement in building client relationships. The award is named after Ed Armstrong, who built a successful branch office beginning in 1977 and contributed to the well-being of his clients, colleagues and community in Grand…
Read Full Article EDITOR’S NOTE: Niemann Foods, Inc. announced Tuesday it is redeveloping its store at 48th and Broadway. However, store officials said they are keeping the plans of what the final project will be under wraps for now. “Niemann’s is very excited to bring this concept to their hometown of Quincy,” Gerry Kettler, NFI Director of Consumer Affairs, said…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Melinda Thompson with Blessing Hospice has earned Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse status by meeting the requirements of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, including passing an examination. While licensure as a registered nurse assures minimal competency to practice in a field, certification indicates mastery of a defined body of knowledge and…
Read Full Article This is a paid advertisement. Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to celebrate the dads in our lives with a special gift. In 2023, certain trends are emerging as the most popular choices for Father’s Day gift ideas. Whether your dad is a grill master, a backyard enthusiast, a fashion-savvy individual,…
Read Full Article This is a paid advertisement. Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to celebrate the dads in our lives with a special gift. In 2023, certain trends are emerging as the most popular choices for Father’s Day gift ideas. Whether your dad is a grill master, a backyard enthusiast, a fashion-savvy individual,…
Read Full Article HANNIBAL, Mo. — Whether you’ve attended an epic party at the PlayPlace or swapped the fancy dinner for what you were really craving (hello, McNuggets), we know birthdays with McDonald’s hold a special place. Now, McDonald’s is celebrating Grimace’s birthday. Starting June 12, fans can get in on the festivities with the Grimace Birthday Meal…
Read Full Article MT. STERLING, Ill. — Dot Foods kicks off its annual trade show Tuesday in St. Louis, but next year, the Mt. Sterling-based company will move the event to Denver. Dot, which has its sales office in the St. Louis suburb of Chesterfield, Mo., has held the trade show in downtown St. Louis for the last…
Read Full Article QUINCY — As a result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology, Blessing Health Center, 4800 Maine, has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is a noninvasive medical test that uses magnetic fields, instead of radiation, to produce images of internal body parts to help…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Four local nonprofits were selected to participate in the second cohort of the Nonprofit Excellence Initiative, a collaborative program of the Quincy Area Funders Collaborative which seeks to strengthen the effectiveness of not-for-profit organizations in Adams County. The second cohort of the Nonprofit Excellence Initiative consists of Good Samaritan Home, Quincy Humane Society,…
Read Full Article LIBERTY, Ill. – Liberty Bank recently hosted an open house to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the bank’s founding. The open house was held at the bank’s Quincy Community Banking Center at 4134 Broadway, in conjunction with a “Business After Hours” event through the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce. Bank President and Chairman Mark Field shared…
Read Full Article DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Register reported last week a Des Moines soybean processing plant has been hit with a $20,000 fine for allegedly exceeding the state’s limit in harmful pollutants emitted into the air. In an agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Illinois-based Archer Daniels Midland Co. will pay the fine and…
Read Full Article Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in June is a good time for older adults and their loved ones to take extra safeguards against scams and fraud. Older adults, especially those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, can be more susceptible to scams. Scam awareness is a complex mental task, and it’s harder for those who have a condition that…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Patients undergoing a lung biopsy for possible cancer at Blessing Hospital are having their procedure done using the latest technological advancement. Blessing offers the Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system. Blessing is the only hospital in the region offering this technology, made by the same company that developed the renowned da Vinci robotic surgery system.…
Read Full Article MACOMB, Ill. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation recently announced Lauren Merritt, executive director of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, has been selected to participate in the eighth cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads fellowship program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development…
Read Full Article MRN’s Ron Kinscherf talks with Carla Green with Edwards Group. Mercantile Bank brings you the Business Spotlight.
Read Full Article QUINCY — Lisa (Ihnen) Surratt, a registered nurse in the intensive care use at Blessing Hospital, retired June 1 after 44 years of service. Losing her mother when Surratt was 8 years old motivated her to become a nurse. Her career began at St. Mary Hospital in Quincy in 1978 after graduating from John Wood…
Read Full Article As more people search for remote work opportunities, scammers are looking to cash in. Job fraud is the most common type of scam for people ages 18-34, and it’s on the rise this year. In the first three months of 2023, consumers reported job scam losses of nearly $840,000 to Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker,…
Read Full Article Ron Kinscherf talks to the ladies from Yellow Kiss Boutique about their shop located in Downtown Quincy at 127 N. 6th. Mercantile Bank brings you the Business Spotlight.
Read Full Article Fifth-generation family farm from Rushville places first in High Times Hemp Cup national competition
RUSHVILLE, Ill. — Stoney Branch, a fifth-generation family farm in Rushville, recently won first place in the High Times Hemp Cup’s flower and pre-roll category for their CBD hemp strain, Blueberry Waffles. In a press release, co-founder and cultivation director Justin Ward, said, “Our small family operation has worked diligently over the last four years…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Physical therapist KJ Whittaker has joined the staff of XCEL Physical Therapy, 804 State. Whittaker has more than 26 years of experience and has worked in west central Illinois and northeast Missouri since 2003. Whittaker treats patients with all diagnoses related to physical therapy. He specializes in outpatient orthopedics with a focus on…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Quincy University’s Oakley School of Business held an awards ceremony on May 2 in the Hall of Fame Room in the QU Health and Fitness Center. The program featured comments from Brian McGee, QU president, and Cynthia Haliemun, dean of the Oakley School of Business. Faculty in the Oakley School of Business presented…
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