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Local and state video gaming bounces back after COVID

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Data released last month in the annual Wagering in Illinois update issued by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability shows Quincy and Adams County now have 125 businesses operating 538 video gaming terminals. Those machines generated $24.7 million in Net Terminal Income (NTI) during Fiscal Year 2022, which the state classifies as July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

Ralls County woman now living in Alabama admits to embezzling $1.2 million from employer, faces 30 years in prison

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ST. LOUIS – A woman formerly from Perry, Mo., admitted on Thursday to embezzling more than $1.2 million from her employer during a six-year span. Stephanie D. Carper, 51, admitted taking advantage of her position as secretary of a family-owned Ralls County agricultural business to write checks to herself, according to a press release from […]

Quincy man gets 10-year sentence to federal prison for distributing more than 200 grams of meth

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Quincy man was sentenced Monday to 10 years in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Sue Myerscough for distributing more than 200 grams of pure methamphetamine in Quincy. At the sentencing hearing, Marcus Moore, 35, formerly of the 2800 block of East […]

Kientzle, Miller named homecoming queen and king at Quincy Notre Dame

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QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame announced its homecoming royalty during an assembly Wednesday afternoon. The homecoming parade will be held Thursday night, the homecoming football game is set for Friday night and the homecoming dance is set for Saturday night. Pictured above, front row from left: 3rd Junior Attendant: Violet Ehrhart, daughter of Mark and Gail […]

Quincy Catholic Elementary Schools announce 7 percent increase in enrollment

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QUINCY — Quincy’s Catholic Elementary Schools recently announced a 7 percent increase in enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year at its four schools — Blessed Sacrament, St. Dominic, St. Francis Solanus and St. Peter. This increase mirrors a national trend, as enrollment in Catholic schools nationwide has increased for the first time in many years. […]

Rokusek pleads not guilty at arraignment; case placed on January jury docket

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QUINCY — A Quincy man who allegedly recorded more than 200 videos of people in a locker room/restroom area without their permission while they were showering or changing clothes pled not guilty Tuesday morning. John Rokusek, 60, was arraigned in Adams County Circuit Court by Judge Amy Lannerd. He appeared with his attorney, Denny Woodward. […]

City planner says Planet Fitness going into former County Market; aldermen OK spending tax dollars on three-bay development at 30th, Broadway

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QUINCY — The Quincy City Council approved a resolution during Monday night’s meeting to enter into a Mid-Town Business District redevelopment agreement with the Charles & Kathie Marx Trust to put $200,000 toward the construction of 6,000 square feet of retail space for three businesses on the northeast corner of 30th and Broadway. Chuck Bevelheimer, director of […]

Aldermen want another organization to spend $12,500 on hotel market feasibility study

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QUINCY — The Quincy City Council rejected by an 11-2 vote Monday night a resolution to spend no more than $12,500 on a hotel market feasibility study. John Mast, R-5, voted against the resolution, but he isn’t against the idea. “It was not against hotels in any way,” he said. “But should the city be […]

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

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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 […]

‘We’re all pretty thick-skinned’: Substitute judge rules against Yohn in motion hearing asking for substitute judge

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QUINCY — Judge Holly Henze on Monday denied Bradley Yohn’s request for a substitute judge in his jury trial scheduled to begin Nov. 7 in Adams County Circuit Court, telling him, “Just because a judge denies a motion or otherwise rules against a defendant doesn’t automatically mean the judge is prejudiced.” Henze was called in […]

Adams County coroner identifies drivers killed in Saturday crash on Illinois 336

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QUINCY — Adams County Coroner Scott Graham issued a press release at 1:54 p.m. Monday identifying two of the three people who died in a traffic crash on Illinois 336 Saturday morning.  Graham said the driver of the pickup truck was Timothy H. Ogle of Loraine, and the driver of the sedan was Terra L. […]

Richard Niemann Sr., 1931-2022: Regional grocery chain prospered for more than 50 years under his guidance

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QUINCY — Rich Niemann Jr. summarized his father’s life as a family man and as a businessman by calling him a “guardian of truth and honesty.” Richard Henry Niemann, Sr., who spent more than 50 years with the Niemann Foods regional grocery chain as president, chairman, CEO and chairman emeritus, died Sept. 25, 2022 in […]

Two dead after crash between truck, sedan Saturday morning on Ill. 336 north of Mendon

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QUINCY — Two people died in a traffic crash on Illinois 336 Saturday morning.  The Adams County Sheriff’s Department issued a press release at 5:23 p.m. Saturday that said the accident happened just south of N. 2475th Avenue, in Keene Township between Mendon and Loraine, in the southbound lane. Four other people were injured in the […]

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

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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 […]

Bond set at $750,000 for Quincy man found with package containing kilogram of cocaine during narcotics investigation

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QUINCY — Bond has been set at $750,000 for a Quincy man who was arrested Wednesday with more than a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of cocaine that was discovered during a narcotics investigation. Sami J. Grullon, 25, of Quincy, made his first appearance in Adams County Circuit Court on Thursday afternoon before Judge Tad Brenner. He […]

Tenant workshop to address positive approaches to dealing with rental issues starts Tuesday

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QUINCY — First Baptist Church, 739 N. Eighth, will be the site of a free five-week tenant workshop beginning Tuesday, Oct. 4 and continuing through Nov. 1. Each session will begin with a light supper at 5 p.m., with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m. Anyone who rents a house or apartment in Quincy may […]

‘A snapshot in time’: Sixty-six years after buying ’56 Chevy Bel Air, Quincy man surprised when son brings it back home

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QUINCY — Bing Welper was sitting on the porch of his home on the morning of Father’s Day this spring when he looked outside and noticed a familiar car pulling up on the driveway.  “That’s my car,” he said as a huge grin grew across his awe-struck face. “That’s my car right there.” “I fell […]

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

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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 […]

Quincy Museum to hold Folk Life Festival on Saturday

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QUINCY — The Quincy Museum will hold its annual Folk Life Festival from noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at 1601 Maine. Admission to the grounds and the museum is free. The festival will offer a variety of vendors and demonstrators. Crafters and demonstrators will share a variety of old-time crafts and activities. Visitors can enjoy […]

At least 32 people from Illinois charged in connection with breach of U.S. Capitol; trial for Quincy couple set for April 17

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More than 860 people from nearly all 50 states have been arrested in connection with the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.  The Chicago Sun-Times published a list on Wednesday of at least 32 known residents who face charges for their role in the incident and the status of their court date. A […]

Yohn claims judge has put him at ‘very unfair disadvantage’ and ‘blatantly lied,’ files motion for replacement

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QUINCY — Bradley Yohn, a Springfield man charged with four Class X felonies in Adams County in connection with a Nov. 9, 2021 sexual assault, filed a motion last week requesting a substitution of judge in his case in Adams County Circuit Court. Yohn, 35, is defending himself against charges of home invasion, aggravated kidnapping, […]

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

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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 […]

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

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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 […]

Thought your tap water smelled? You weren’t wrong, but city says odor should be gone by end of week

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QUINCY — Jeffrey Conte, director of public works for the city, says the earthy smell you might have recently noticed in your tap water should be gone by the end of the week. Conte addressed aldermen at the beginning of Monday night’s Quincy City Council meeting to provide an update on what the city has […]

City official admits new citywide cleanup format was ‘a little rough’ Monday but will improve this week

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QUINCY — John Schafer, assistant director of Central Services, could only offer an apology to the people first to arrive at the citywide cleanup site in the Quincy Town Center parking lot Monday morning. “It’s a learning experience for us all,” Schafer said. “This is the first time we’ve done it this way, and there’s […]

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

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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 […]

MRN THIS WEEK: Danielle Buss, CASA

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Danielle Buss of Advocacy Network for Children (CASA) is this week’s guest. Harvey’s sponsors Muddy River News this week. CASA will hold its annual fundraising event, “Tailgate to Celebrate,” at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 at The Ambiance, 5225 Koch’s Lane. Live and silent auctions, games, a raffle and more will be offered. Local businesses […]

Philpot first person to announce candidacy for spot on Quincy Park Board

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QUINCY — Mark Philpot has a history of getting involved in his community, regardless of where he’s lived. He’s only lived in Quincy for three years, but he’s already the chairman of the Quincy Human Rights Commission, the public affairs officer for American Legion Post 37 and vice director for Together with Tri-State Veterans, a […]

Quincy Medical Group has new imaging tool improving staging of prostate cancer

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QUINCY — Quincy Medical Group has added a diagnostic innovation known as the prostate-specific membrane antigen or PSMA PET scan that enables more precise detection of prostate cancer, leading to improved treatment for men. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. The […]

Standby attorney appointed to assist Yohn as he prepares to defend himself in sexual assault case

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QUINCY — Judge Roger Thomson appointed standby counsel for Bradley Yohn, a Springfield man charged with four Class X felonies in Adams County in connection with a Nov. 9, 2021 sexual assault case who is defending himself for a second time. Thomson selected public defender Todd Nelson, Yohn’s attorney from July 20 until Thomson dismissed […]

Issue about holiday pay creating stalemate in contract negotiations between city, police union

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QUINCY — The Police Benevolent and Protective Association Labor Unit 12, which represents the officers and supervisors with the Quincy Police Department, filed a complaint Sept. 14 with the Illinois Labor Relations Board against the city of Quincy. The city responded two days later by filing a petition for a declaratory ruling from the ILRB. […]

National Farm Safety and Health Week: Safety no accident, says family of tractor rollover victim from Taylor, Mo.

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TAYLOR, Mo. — It started as an ordinary Father’s Day with plans for a family get-together celebrating the beloved head of the family. Little did Lacey Miller know that it would be the last Father’s Day that her father would spend on earth. Miller’s father, Marion County farmer Ralph Griesbaum, died in a tractor rollover […]

Quincy woman receives five-year sentence for unlawful delivery of heroin, Xanax

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QUINCY — A Quincy woman received a five-year sentence to the Illinois Department of Corrections on Wednesday afternoon in Adams County Circuit Court.  Caitlin Dietiker, 32, pled guilty to two charges of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance on July 13 in exchange for a prison term of no longer than 10 years. Judge Roger […]

Construction date for $5.4 million library in Mount Sterling should be set soon

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MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — All the money has been raised for a new library to be built in Mount Sterling, and a date to start construction should come soon. The Mount Sterling Public Library was formed in 1915, and it moved to a converted hardware store at 143 W. Main in Mount Sterling in 1967. […]

Bath & Body Works moving, Sidell’s Bakery plans to close and Pappo’s may reopen; property manager at Town Center optimistic about future

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim May, franchise owner of Pappo’s Pizzeria and Pub, told Muddy River News Wednesday morning that he plans to reopen the restaurant at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29. QUINCY — A store that has been in the Quincy Town Center for nearly 25 years has closed. A restaurant that has been there since 2017 won’t […]

Well-traveled manager wants to improve reliability of air service at Quincy Regional Airport

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QUINCY — Chuck Miller grew up in Ohio, spent 29 years in Alaska and has held positions all over the world. He’s spent the last six months as an airfield manager for a U.S. Army installation while living with his wife, his daughter and four granddaughters in Copperas Cove, Texas. He will start a new […]

City says no identity theft, fraud discovered after investigation of cybersecurity incident

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QUINCY – Officials from the city of Quincy say no evidence of identity theft or fraud was found after an investigation of a cybersecurity incident that happened in May 2022. A press release issued late Monday afternoon said the city’s municipal operations now are fully functional. “The city appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as […]

Koetters ready to start family, won’t run for second term on Quincy Park Board

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QUINCY — Nathan Koetters says he won’t run for re-election to the Quincy Park Board during the April 2023 election. Koetters, who is turning 40 this week, will serve just one term after he was elected to fill one of three open seats in April 2019. He thought one term was plenty, and he’s ready […]

City-wide cleanup event open Sept. 26-30 in Quincy Town Center parking lot

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QUINCY — The City of Quincy’s annual city-wide cleanup event, in conjunction with Republic Services, will be held Monday, Sept. 26 through Friday, Sept. 30 on the northwest corner of the Quincy Town Center parking lot (near Slumberland) at 3203 Broadway. The cleanup site will be staffed and open to the public during the following […]

GIS class at Western Illinois University enhances assessment of community needs in Quincy

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QUINCY — It was a piece of the collective puzzle that tied an Adams County needs study together with a technological bow. Students in a Western Illinois University Geographic Information System class recently used the technology they learned in the classroom to give the final report some user-friendly features. The United Way of Adams County, […]

Kvitle branches out to start his own optometry business while following his father’s legacy

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QUINCY — Jason Kvitle remembers reading the phrase, “The currency of our world is not money. It’s time.” It has stuck with him forever. Kvitle, 35, is nervous and excited as he’s halfway through his first month as the owner of Kvitle Eye Care Associates at 1107 College Avenue, but he also appreciates the time […]

Griggsville man arrested after allegedly starting three fires at livestock company during week

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GRIGGSVILLE, Ill. — A Griggsville man was arrested Thursday in connection to a series of fires in Pike County. The Pike County Sheriff’s Department and Office of the State Fire Marshal executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence in the 700 block of North Chandler Street in Griggsville. After the execution of the search […]

Durbin says he will ‘take advantage’ of friendship with Biden to get money secured for restoration of Quincy Bay

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QUINCY — U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) says he’s going to lean on an old friend to help pay for the restoration of Quincy Bay, one of the largest natural bays of the Upper Mississippi River. “I happen to know this president, and I’m going to take advantage of it,” Durbin said Friday afternoon as […]

Tyler, Wiemelt tabbed as deputy chiefs for Quincy Police Department

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QUINCY — Raymond “Mike” Tyler is the deputy chief of operations for the Quincy Police Department, and Travis Wiemelt is deputy chief of administration. Adam Yates, chief of the Quincy Police Department, announced the appointments Friday morning in an email sent to local media.  Both deputy chiefs were appointed by Yates and approved Tuesday by […]

Four Park Board commissioners show support for keeping marina open through 2025; vote could come in October

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QUINCY — John Frankenhoff put his cards on the table, then challenged other Quincy Park Board commissioners to do the same. Some showed their hand. Others chose to keep their cards close to their chest. The future of Art Keller Marina, which has lost money in each of the past three years and is on […]

Park Board debates putting sale of small parcel of land in Parker Heights Park on ballot

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QUINCY — Voters may get to weigh in on the sale of a small portion of Parker Heights Park on Quincy’s north end. Carla Gordon and John Gebhardt asked commissioners not to sell the 1.13-acre parcel of land to Knapheide Manufacturing during Wednesday night’s Quincy Park Board meeting. Both were concerned that if the property […]

QPS Foundation launches 2022 Dream Big annual campaign

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The QPS Foundation’s President of the Board of Trustees, Lindsay Ertel, announced this year’s goal of raising $200,000. Various fundraisers will be held during the campaign, including the 10th annual Night to Dream Big Gala and Auction, a Food Truck Festival and Week to Dine Big. Sponsors from around the region have partnered with the Foundation to ensure a successful fund drive for Quincy Public Schools.

After turning down 15-year sentence in plea deal, Quincy man now could get as many 25 years in prison for burglaries, weapons offenses

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QUINCY — After refusing last week to accept a 15-year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections in exchange for guilty pleas to five burglary charges, Zachary Laffey reached a new plea deal and stunningly agreed Wednesday to guilty pleas on even more charges which could lead to a sentence of as many as 25 […]

Trial for former Quincy nightclub owner facing assault charges now on February docket

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QUINCY — Judge Amy Lannerd put the trial for a former Quincy nightclub owner accused of assaulting a Quincy University student on the docket in February 2023.  Steven W. Homan, 48, made an appearance before Lannerd in Adams County Circuit Court on Tuesday with Ben Song, an associate with the St. Louis firm of Rosenblum, Schwartz […]

Troup casts deciding vote as curbside recycling will be eliminated; Quincy man commits to transporting recyclables to city bins for elderly, disabled

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QUINCY — After more than a year of study, review, concern and debate, an ordinance to eliminate the city’s curbside recycling program came down to one vote. After City Clerk Laura Oakman announced aldermen voted 7-7 on the issue during Monday night’s Quincy City Council meeting, Quincy Mayor Mike Troup quickly cast the deciding vote, […]

City to seek $12.5 million grant to add gutters, curbs, sidewalks to State Street from 24th to 36th

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QUINCY — After they tabled the issue for one week, aldermen voted to support a resolution supporting the jurisdictional transfer of 36th Street (from State Street to Broadway) to the state and the acceptance of State Street by the city. Chuck Bevelheimer, director of planning and development, explained during Monday’s Quincy City Council meeting that […]

NEA Big Read: Quincy to kick off Thursday at Quincy Public Library

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QUINCY — The NEA Big Read, Quincy’s popular community read for all ages, will kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at Quincy Public Library. People will receive a free copy of “Sitting Pretty” by Rebekah Taussig, hear from 7th Ward Alderman Ben Uzelac offering his support and learn from Quincy native Megan Lovelace as she […]

Former Jefferson School property to become site of indoor trampoline facility

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QUINCY — A Quincy developer plans to turn property unused for nearly 40 years into the site for an indoor trampoline facility. Schuster Development LLC of Quincy bought a 2.19-acre vacant lot at 301 Spring from Riverside Community Church for $237,500 on Aug. 31, according to property tax documents filed in the Adams County Recorder’s […]

Monroe City woman pleads not guilty to charges of unlawful use of weapon, tampering with judicial officer

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MONROE CITY, Mo. — A Monroe City woman pled not guilty on Wednesday to one count of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of tampering with a judicial officer. Stephanie L. O’Connor, 48, was arraigned in Monroe County Circuit Court by Judge Michael Wilson. She appeared by video without an attorney. However, James […]

Ordinance forces Hanafin out as interim airport director; mayor believes new director could be in place in October

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QUINCY — Quincy Mayor Mike Troup says a city ordinance forced him to remove Gabriel Hanafin as the interim director of Quincy Regional Airport, but he believes a new director will be in place by the end of October. Hanafin is still employed at the airport as the assistant to the airport director. He took […]

Exchange Club’s Field of Honor with 1,000 American flags to be on display this weekend

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QUINCY — The Quincy Exchange Club, along with many local sponsors, is displaying its Field of Honor this weekend. The club is honoring veterans and first responders with 1,000 full-size American flags on display at the former location of St. Mary’s Hospital on Broadway between 14th and 16th Streets. The flags are organized in rows […]

Volunteer group raising money for ‘the extras’ to help beautify Illinois Veterans Home grounds

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QUINCY — A simple Facebook post asking to fix rusty benches eventually led to the creation of a group of people dedicated to raising money to beautify the grounds at the Illinois Veterans Home. Teresa Pickle and Cathy Shanks, retired nurses at the home, have combined with Linda King to coordinate Cherish the Memories, which […]

Community forum crowd wants bi-weekly recycling pickup treated like essential city service; aldermen get first chance to vote on Monday

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QUINCY — Two ideas about the future of recycling seemed to rise above all the rest during Wednesday’s community forum about the city of Quincy’s proposed recycling ordinance. About 100 people filled the City Council chambers, offering suggestions and questions about recycling. Quincy Mayor Mike Troup served as the moderator of the forum, and near […]

Quincy Riverfront Development Corporation learns about Quincy Riverfront Development Foundation

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QUINCY — Now that the creation of the Quincy Riverfront Development Foundation is complete, the Quincy Riverfront Development Corporation wants to know how it’s going to function. Quincy Mayor Mike Troup announced the creation of the Quincy Riverfront Development Foundation on Tuesday afternoon. The first three members of the foundation are Hal Oakley, chairman of […]

Yohn dismisses second public defender, will defend himself again; says he’s ‘being treated like an animal, like an Afghan terrorist’

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QUINCY — Bradley Yohn is defending himself for a second time. The Springfield man, charged with four Class X felonies in Adams County in connection with a Nov. 9, 2021 sexual assault, filed a motion on Aug. 24 to claim public defender Todd Nelson has been ineffective as his counsel and asked to represent himself […]

JWCC breaks ground for Workforce Development Center expansion

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More than 75 people attended the official groundbreaking ceremony for John Wood Community College’s Workforce Development Center expansion project Wednesday morning. “This expansion project, along with the new JWCC Agricultural Sciences Complex near Baylis, demonstrates the College’s continued commitment to the district and our industry partners in the Tri-State region,” said JWCC President Michael Elbe. […]

QU’s freshman class of 307 students the largest in 30 years

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QUINCY — Quincy University welcomed 307 freshmen to its campus this fall, a 33 percent increase over last year. It’s the largest freshman class for the school since 1992. Enrollment at QU for the fall 2022 academic term is 1,250, which includes undergraduate and graduate students. That figure is an 8 percent increase from the […]

Gholston first-degree murder trial removed from October jury docket

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QUINCY — The first-degree murder trial of a Quincy man has been delayed. Devere S. Gholston, 27, appeared Tuesday in Adams County Circuit Court before Judge Debra Wellborn. His attorney, public defender Babette Brennan, was absent. Public defender John Citro, who is serving as Brennan’s co-counsel in the case, was in attendance. Gholston has been […]

Not-for-profit foundation for riverfront development gets approval by Internal Revenue Service

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QUINCY — The formation of a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) foundation to help raise money for the Quincy Riverfront Development Corporation finally has received approval from the Internal Revenue Service. Quincy Mayor Mike Troup called a press conference for Tuesday afternoon to announce the creation of the Quincy Riverfront Development Foundation. The first three members of the […]

Request to increase Jason Priest’s bond to $100,000 denied, but judge places him on electronic surveillance

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QUINCY — An Adams County judge denied a request from the Adams County State’s Attorney’s office to modify Jason Priest’s bond, but she ordered Priest to be placed on GPS electronic surveillance monitoring. Priest, 50, now has 12 separate cases pending against him, and the state’s attorney’s office expects to file additional charges later this […]

Masks now optional for patients, visitors at Blessing Health System hospitals, clinics

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QUINCY — For the first time since the COVID pandemic started in March 2020, masks are now optional at Blessing Health System hospitals and clinics for patients and visitors. The change to Blessing Health’s masking policy was made Tuesday and confirmed by the marketing, communication and community relations department. The only exception is for anybody […]

Curious crowd shows up to check out Illinois 57 plans

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QUINCY — The conference room at Downtown Quincy’s Atrium hotel was filled with charts, maps and big screens Thursday evening showing potential improvements for Illinois 57 between Broadway and I-172. The project, which has an overall price tag of about $75 million, appears to have been scaled down in order to make it more feasible. […]

QPS to change insurance providers citing concerns of company’s financial stability

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QUINCY — The Quincy School Board voted Thursday to move its employee health insurance from a self-funding model. District officials told their employee of the pending move, citing concerns regarding the stability of the current insurance provider, Egyptian Schools Employee Benefit Trust. “Once we were made aware of the potential risk for our insured team […]

Blessing Health to close hospital in Keokuk on Oct. 1, will focus on clinic-based outpatient care in region

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KEOKUK, Iowa — In response to consistently low demand for inpatient and emergency room care, Blessing Health will close its hospital in Keokuk, Iowa, on Oct. 1 and focus its healthcare resources in the region on clinic-based outpatient care. The announcement was made in a press release sent to local media Thursday morning. The hospital […]

‘We are definitely moving in the right direction’: Boaters, Park District officials pleased with talks about marina

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QUINCY — Chris Griggs called it “a dialogue like we’ve never had before, which is very much appreciated.” A group of local boaters and renters informally met for about 90 minutes with Quincy Park Board commissioners John Frankenhoff and Jeff VanCamp on Tuesday to talk about issues involving boating on the Mississippi River and finding […]

Yohn files another motion to represent himself; hearing set for Sept. 7

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QUINCY — A Springfield man, charged with four Class X felonies in connection with a Nov. 9, 2021 sexual assault, is asking to represent himself — again. Bradley S. Yohn, 35, filed a motion Wednesday, Aug. 24, to represent himself in his case. A status hearing was held Wednesday in Adams County Circuit Court, and […]

Graff eligible for 1-3 years in DOC or up to 30 months probation after pleading guilty to lesser charge; sentencing set for Oct. 19

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QUINCY — A youth basketball coach and athletic trainer pled guilty Wednesday afternoon in Adams County Circuit Court to one count of criminal sexual abuse. Jonathan Graff, 31, of Quincy entered an open plea with his attorney, Drew Schnack, in front of Judge Roger Thomson. He will sentence Graff at 11 a.m. Oct. 19.  Criminal […]

Community forum about proposed recycling ordinance set for Sept. 7 at City Hall

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QUINCY — A community forum in the City Council chambers at Quincy City Hall is set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7. The purpose of the forum is to provide additional information about the proposed recycling ordinance and receive feedback from citizens about questions or concerns.    Citizens concerned about recycling but unable to attend the […]

Neighborhood information technology company launches in Quincy

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QUINCY — A new service, JustTasking, will help people in Adams County with everyday tasks and getting them done. Their motto is, “If you can’t. We know who can.” JustTasking leverages a network of “taskers” to connect users to the proper people for several different tasks when needed. “As we continue to invest in the […]

Pappo’s Pizzeria and Pub owner says location, lack of kitchen staff led to closing of restaurant

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QUINCY — Difficulty in finding employees to staff the kitchen helped lead to the decision to close a Quincy restaurant. Pappo’s Pizzeria and Pub in the Quincy Town Center announced it would be closed “until further notice” on its Facebook page last Wednesday. Franchise owner Jim May told Muddy River News in a text on Tuesday […]

Network issues caused outage to Quincy/Adams County 911 text capabilities; service now restored

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UPDATE: Quincy/Adams County 911 text service has been restored. Quincy/Adams County 911 has been notified that AT&T Mobility is experiencing ongoing network issuescausing Text-to-911 service functionality to fail. Due to this service outage, senders will receive a bounce back message indicated that they should dial 911 via voice for help. AT&T Mobility customers are encouraged […]

Assistant state’s attorney says plea deal may be possible in Rokusek case; review set for Sept. 27

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Judge Thomson noted it will have been almost a year since Rokusek’s arrest when the status hearing happens on Sept. 27.
“If it’s not resolved then, we’ll be picking a trial date,” Thomson said. “I’m just giving you fair warning.”

Citywide cleanup going from last Saturday in September to daytime drop-offs during last week in September

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QUINCY — The popular citywide cleanup, typically scheduled for the last Saturday in September, now will become a five-day weekday event during the last week in September. Jeffrey Conte, director of public works, says Republic Services is having problems with drivers, and they typically would need 10 to 15 drivers for a single-day citywide cleanup. […]

‘If it’s not curbside, I’m going to throw it in the garbage’: Speakers express dissatisfaction with proposed drop-off recycling sites

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QUINCY — Six people spoke to the Quincy City Council during the public forum portion of Monday night’s meeting to express their dissatisfaction about the possibility of the discontinuance of curbside recycling pickup in the city. Mary Ann Klein, president of the League of Women Voters, was one of the people who spoke. She hopes […]