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‘Now I can be a leader in different ways’: Elbe announces plan to step down as JWCC president on Dec. 31

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QUINCY — Michael Elbe couldn’t help himself, turning to his athletic roots to explain what it’s going to be like to step down the president of John Wood Community College on Dec. 31. “I’m going to miss the people, and I’m going to miss the relationships,” he said after a press conference Thursday afternoon. “I’m […]

MADIGAN, MCCLAIN INDICTED; MCCLAIN ‘CARRIED OUT ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES AT MADIGAN’S BEHEST’

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Indictment: Used position as speaker, Democratic Party chair for personal gain UPDATED SPRINGFIELD – Longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 22 counts for allegedly using his position as the top House Democrat to solicit “personal financial rewards” for himself and others, according to the U.S. Attorney’s […]

Taproom closed for two days as future is in limbo; Pickleman’s Pantry could be moving to different location

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QUINCY — The Taproom and Cafe, 104 N. Sixth, was closed Monday, will be closed again Tuesday, and its future is uncertain. The building is owned by Michele Wilkerson, who also owns the property at 601 Maine that was home to the former Grown ’n Gathered specialty food store. She announced in May that her […]

Dorsey: After 35 years, the annual St. Patrick’s parade has run its course in Quincy

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I write this today with a very heavy heart. After a 35-year run, the annual St. Patrick’s parade in Quincy has come to an end. Since the first parade in 1987, I have put my heart and soul into this event. It grew from just Dennis Oliver and me walking down the street to more […]

Ask MRN: Will city pick up extra garbage bags that don’t fit into my tote?

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Dear MRN: I recently saw one of the city’s garbage totes in my neighborhood with several bags of garbage that did not fit into the tote. Will the city still pick up all of those bags? Kevin McClean, director of Central Services, says he would tell employees in his department not to pick up the […]

After getting $1.25 million DCEO grant to expand broadband access, Adams declines $4.9 million DCEO grant received in June 2020

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QUINCY — Days after receiving a $1,252,041 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help expand local broadband access, Adams Telephone Cooperative in Golden informed customers it was declining a DCEO grant of more than $4.9 million. Each grant was to help broadband access to unserved homes and businesses in Adams […]

Second arrest made in Quincy death

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QUINCY — At approximately 9:30 a.m. Saturday, deputies with the Adams County Sheriff’s Department made an additional arrest in reference to an ongoing homicide investigation that occurred in the Gross Gables subdivision on Thursday. Devere S. Gholston, 27, was arrested for an outstanding Adams County arrest warrant for first degree murder (3 counts), residential burglary […]

New job description for police chief allows more candidates to apply; Troup wants focus on law enforcement, crime reduction instead of budget

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QUINCY — The qualifications for a candidate to be Quincy’s next chief of police now are much less stringent. The job was posted earlier this month on the Illinois Police Chief Association website. However, the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners — Barry Cheyne, Steve Meckes and Kerry Anders — voted Friday during a special […]

‘I wish him bad and horrible things for the rest of his life’: Victim impact statements read as Dean gets sentenced to 65 years

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MOUNT STERLING — Facing the man found guilty of murdering her daughter was nerve-wracking for Carolyn Woodward. “I’m not good at being the center of attention,” she said. Woodward read her victim impact statement before Thursday morning’s sentencing of John Michael Dean, who was found guilty Dec. 16 by a Brown County jury of shooting […]

Yohn, Blackledge on March 7 jury docket; cousin claims Yohn is being ‘beaten’ and isn’t receiving money being sent to him in jail

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QUINCY — The cases for Bradley Yohn and Karen Blackledge remain on the March 7 jury docket, though DNA and fingerprint evidence yet to arrive from the state crime lab could potentially delay their jury trials. Blackledge and Yohn both made appearances in Adams County Circuit Court on Tuesday morning. When Judge Amy Lannerd asked […]

City code likely to prevent Troup from appointing Finney to Board of Police and Fire Commissioners

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QUINCY — Quincy Mayor Mike Troup’s proposal for Jason Finney appointed to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners ran into a snag during Monday’s Quincy City Council meeting. Troup said in a Friday interview that Kerry Anders’ term expired at the end of January. Anders said in a Sunday interview he wants to fulfill […]

Troup wants to appoint Finney as fire and police commissioner, but Anders questions when his term ends

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QUINCY — Quincy Mayor Mike Troup plans to appoint former 3rd Ward alderman Jason Finney to the city’s Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, effective immediately for a three-year term, at Monday’s City Council meeting. Kerry Anders, who Finney would replace on the committee, isn’t quite ready to step aside. Troup said in a Friday […]

Muddy River News This Week: Cameron Vaughan

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QUINCY — Cameron Vaughan has been in the news quite often in the past month since she decided to speak out about Judge Robert Adrian’s reversal of his decision to find Drew Clinton guilty of one count of criminal sexual assault. Vaughan, who turns 17 in March, is in her final year as a student […]

‘#standwithcammy’ supporters gather in Washington Park to protest judge’s reversal in sexual assault case

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QUINCY — A crowd of approximately 60 to 70 people marched in Washington Park on Saturday afternoon to publicly protest Judge Robert Adrian’s reversal of a ruling in a criminal sexual assault case. Armed with signs and wearing T-shirts that read “#standwithcammy,” the protesters marched around Washington Park chanting, “No Faith in Adrian,” “Stand With […]

Schnack says Dr. Phil never contacted him for comment, called Raoul’s request to Illinois Supreme Court for new sentence ‘dangerous’

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QUINCY — Drew Schnack thought Wednesday’s interview of 16-year-old Cameron Vaughan of Quincy on the syndicated “Dr. Phil” talk show was “well done.” However, the Quincy attorney representing 18-year-old Drew Clinton, who was found guilty in October of criminal sexual assault but released in January after an Adams County judge reversed his verdict, had a […]

Muddy River News This Week: Megan Duesterhaus, QUANADA

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Executive director Megan Duesterhaus talks about the types of services that QUANADA (Quincy Area Network Against Domestic Abuse) offers, what people should do if they believe they are a victim of sexual or domestic abuse and her thoughts about the recent decision by Judge Robert Adrian to reverse a ruling in a criminal sexual assault […]

Replacing irrigation system at Westview Golf Course won’t be cheap or quick

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QUINCY — Quincy Park District officials discussed replacing the irrigation system at Westview Golf course during Wednesday night’s monthly meeting inside the organization’s Bonansinga Drive compound. David Morgan, director of golf for the district, detailed how a series of ongoing problems with the current system — coupled with its age — raise the need for […]

Quincy Children’s Museum secures former Quincy Paper Box site for permanent location

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QUINCY — The progress made in the growth of the Quincy Children’s Museum brought Amy Peters to tears on Tuesday. As she read an announcement that the museum’s permanent location will be the former Quincy Paper Box building, 230 N. Third, Peters had to take a moment to avoid letting her emotions get the best […]

Quincy teen involved in sexual assault case to appear Wednesday afternoon on ‘Dr. Phil’

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QUINCY — The national spotlight will once again shine on Quincy and the decision by a local judge to overturn a guilty verdict in a sexual assault case. Cameron Vaughan, the 16-year-old Quincy High School student who claimed she was raped by 18-year-old Drew Clinton last summer, will appear Wednesday on “Dr. Phil,” which airs […]

Troup says changes in process to hire police chief ’step in right direction,’ but he wants more input

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QUINCY — The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners released a timeline on Saturday showing a plan for a new chief of the Quincy Police Department to be announced at the May 16 meeting of the Quincy City Council. The process to find the new police chief, however, will change slightly compared to the process […]

Sangamon Co. Judge blocks schools from enforcing mask, vaccine mandates… refers to policies as ‘type of evil’

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In a 30-page ruling late Friday, Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Raylene Grischow “deemed null and void” the governor’s emergency rules through the Illinois Department of Public Health concerning COVID-19 mitigations for schools.

Employee files civil lawsuit against Rokusek and his website design firm

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The suit was filed Jan. 20 in Adams County Circuit Court on behalf of an unnamed plaintiff by Mariah Garcia, an attorney with Loevy & Loevy in Chicago. The plaintiff, a 33-year-old Quincy resident identified as “Jane Doe” in the suit, claims she has lost wages (bonuses), a potential reduction or loss of earning ability, and substantial emotional pain and suffering.

2×4’s for Hope names new executive director, plans to continue building homes

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QUINCY — 2×4’s For Hope, a Quincy-based organization that helps build homes for homeless and at-risk veterans, plans to continue building homes in 2022 under the guidance of a new executive director. Jordan Lenz, who had served the organization as its administrative assistant, was named executive director at the December meeting of the board of […]

Director of Quincy Regional Airport leaving at end of month for job in St. Louis area

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QUINCY — Sandra Shore, director at Quincy Regional Airport in Quincy, told members of the city’s aeronautics committee at its Wednesday morning meeting she is leaving to become the director at the St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia Heights starting Feb. 28. Shore, 29, has directed the airport in Quincy since 2018. “That’s going to […]

Weather closings, cancellations and delays for 2/3/22

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Closings, cancellations and delays for February 2 in the Muddy River Region.

Fire and police commissioner calls near two-month delay to start search for new police chief ‘disappointing, frustrating’

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QUINCY — Near the end of Monday’s meeting of the Quincy City Council, Mayor Mike Troup announced the police aldermanic committee will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 7. That meeting will mark the official beginning of the city’s search for a police chief. Fifty-six days will have passed since Rob Copley announced his intent to […]

Aldermen approve sale of two fix-or-flatten properties; city to receive $10,000 annually for 18 years as part of nationwide opioid settlement

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QUINCY — The Quincy City Council recommended on Monday night the sale of two properties that were part of the city’s fix-or flatten program. It also adopted a resolution to participate in a billion-dollar nationwide opioid settlement agreement. The city advertised in December 16 vacant lots that it owned were for sale, and it received […]

World Series of Poker-playing, American Ninja Warrior-competing orthopedic surgeon in Quincy awaits next big challenge

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QUINCY — For most of the year, Bryan Pimlott is a pretty regular guy. He’s an orthopedic trauma surgeon at Blessing Hospital with a perpetual grin on his face. But for three weeks, he’s a calculating, cut-throat, diabolical poker player wanting to steal every dime you have. “I call myself a pretend poker professional,” Pimlott […]

Trial for Quincy woman charged in 2020 crash that killed four moved to April

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QUINCY — The trial of a Quincy woman charged in connection with the 2020 crash that killed four people has been moved to April. Public Defender Todd Nelson filed a motion on Wednesday in Adams County Circuit Court to continue the case against Natasha McBride, 37. She faces four counts of murder in connection to […]

Edwardsville real estate development firm buys former ShopKo property for $1.8 million

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QUINCY — A real estate development firm in Edwardsville has bought the former ShopKo property at 3200 Broadway for $1.8 million. Documents filed in the Adams County Recorder of Deeds office show the sale was finalized Dec. 16. RLP Development Company, Inc., in Edwardsville was listed as the buyer. Jaime Eads, a project manager with […]

DCEO grant for $1.25 million to help Adams Telephone Cooperative expand broadband access in Adams, Pike counties

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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a $1,252,041 grant to Adams Telephone Cooperative in Camp Point that will help expand broadband access to about 200 unserved homes and businesses in Adams and Pike counties.

Up all night with a Twitch millionaire: The loneliness and rage of an internet video game rock star from New London, Mo.

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NEW LONDON, Mo. — Just before midnight, six hours into his 10-hour Twitch live stream, Tyler Steinkamp’s rage begins to erupt. He’s just scarfed down a dinner of cold chicken fingers over the sink during a three-minute ad break and raced back to his computer, where he is playing the “battle arena” game “League of […]

State files for continuance in Yohn case as it awaits DNA evidence; pre-trial still set for Friday

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QUINCY — A request to continue one of three cases filed against Bradley Yohn was granted Tuesday afternoon in Adams County Circuit Court. Assistant State’s Attorney Todd Eyler filed on Jan. 19 a motion for a continuance on the six counts Yohn faces in connection with an incident on Nov. 9 along North Bottom Road […]

Corps of Engineers gives Winfield dam $732 million to be modernized, but Quincy dam gets nothing

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QUINCY — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced last week it will use $732 million in federal infrastructure funding to modernize Lock and Dam 25 at Winfield, Mo., on the Mississippi River to improve the shipment of grain and soybeans. The Corps also announced it will spend $97.1 million on environmental restoration at Lock […]

Allen stepping down as Hannibal-LaGrange University president; Matz named acting president

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HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal-LaGrange University President Anthony W. Allen submitted his resignation after nine years of service. His resignation is effective Jan. 31. In his resignation, announced Friday on the Hannibal-LaGrange website, he indicated his decision is a combination of needing to recover from lingering health issues, spending more time with his family, and giving […]

Davis prepares for primary battle

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QUINCY — Congressman Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) was in Quincy Friday to be the guest speaker at a business event. Before heading to Town and Country Inn to speak at the Kohl Wholesale annual meeting, Davis stopped by the Muddy River News studios to discuss the current Washington climate and his upcoming June 28 primary contest […]

Lieurance points toward April 10 opening for Adams County Speedway

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QUINCY — Jim Lieurance admits he found the outpouring of support to be a rather emotional experience. If pressed, he will admit to probably wiping away a tear or two. When Lieurance, 62, took control of the Adams County Speedway of Illinois — formerly known as Quincy Raceways — in the fall, he knew he […]

Farha working with appellate prosecutor, Attorney General’s office to put Clinton sentencing in front of new judge

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QUINCY — Adams County State’s Attorney Gary Farha said he will be taking steps to put the Drew Clinton criminal sexual assault case back in front of a judge for sentencing after speaking Wednesday morning with a state official. Farha said he participated in a phone conference with David Robinson, the chief deputy director at […]

Quincy teen jailed after fleeing deputy, then crashing airborne SUV into four parked cars

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QUINCY — A Quincy teen is lodged in the Adams County Jail after he attempted to flee from a deputy with the Adams County Sheriff’s Department Wednesday night. The deputy was northbound on Ill. 57, north of Eighth Street, at approximately 5:47 p.m. when a 2005 Ford Explorer came up behind the squad car at […]

Acquisition of Maranatha Park designed to expand Complete Game Training Academy

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QUINCY — Rich Polak believes the purchase of Maranatha Park is the next step in growing Complete Game Training Academy, a baseball and softball training facility at 602 N. Second. “We’re going to leave the one field that has the lights on it at the same dimensions and just upgrade that,” Polak said. “We’re still […]

Troup says former Kmart, ShopKo properties among major commercial, retail developments on horizon

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QUINCY — Quincy Mayor Mike Troup says the ShopKo property at 3200 Broadway has been sold, and negotiations are nearly complete for a big box retailer willing to spend $20 million to renovate and occupy the former Kmart building at 3701 Broadway. The City Council voted in late November to subdivide the ShopKo lot into […]

McBride murder trial won’t start until opinion of her fitness to stand trial is submitted

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QUINCY — A pre-trial hearing date for a Quincy woman facing four murder charges remains unchanged, but a report from a Chicago psychiatrist could change that. Judge Scott Larson ruled Friday afternoon in Adams County Circuit Court that he would grant Josh Jones, lead trial attorney for the Adams County State’s Attorney’s office, more time […]

Chief judge removes Adrian from felony docket to ‘make sure everything’s running smoothly in Adams County’

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QUINCY — Judge Bob Adrian, who has gained national attention for the reversal of his decision in a local criminal sexual assault case, is no longer handling criminal cases at the Adams County Courthouse. An administrative order signed Thursday by Pittsfield judge Frank McCartney, chief judge for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, detailed the changes in […]

Chief judge visits Quincy: ‘Things will be done’ in coming days, weeks in regard to Adrian’s comments

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QUINCY — Judge Bob Adrian did not complete the remainder of his court docket Wednesday after throwing Josh Jones, lead trial attorney for the Adams County State’s Attorney’s office, out of his courtroom for a “comment” Jones recently made on social media. Frank McCartney of Pittsfield, chief judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court, said […]

“…I can’t be fair with you today. Get out.” Adrian throws assistant state’s attorney out of courtroom for social media ‘comment’

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QUINCY — Judge Bob Adrian threw Josh Jones, lead trial attorney for the Adams County State’s Attorney’s office, out of his courtroom Wednesday morning for a “comment” Jones recently made on social media. Jones and Adrian were in courtroom 1B for status hearings on a series of felony cases in Adams County Circuit Court. After […]

Hill leaving Quincy Public Library to become executive director of Quincy Community Theatre

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QUINCY — Quincy Community Theatre announced Tuesday the selection of Burgundy Hill as its executive director. “We are excited to welcome Burgundy to the QCT family,” said Julie Schuetz, president of the QCT Board of Directors. “In her professional life, as a Board member and as a volunteer, Burgundy has exhibited a dedication for serving […]

Bring on the pancakes and chocolate milk; it’s time for Fray to celebrate Miss Quincy title

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QUINCY — Juliana Fray is looking forward to a feast of pancakes, accented by a tall glass of chocolate milk, at Quincy’s Village Inn restaurant. “That’s my favorite meal in the whole world and my favorite place to eat,” Fray said. Make no mistake about it, Fray will be chowing down in a celebratory fashion, […]

Guilty, then not guilty: Judge causes tempest by changing verdict in criminal sexual assault case, delivering rebuke from bench

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QUINCY — A rare reversal by a judge, who ruled in October that an 18-year-old Quincy man was guilty of criminal sexual assault but changed his mind Monday, has frustrated an assistant state’s attorney and infuriated the father of the accuser. “I’ve been prosecuting for over 40 years — first in Kansas, and for the […]

After 26 months in jail, Quincy man charged with murder learns his trial must be delayed for another change in attorney

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QUINCY — The trial of Quincy man, who has been in the Adams County Jail for nearly 26 months facing three counts of first-degree murder, was delayed yet again Wednesday afternoon in Adams County Circuit Court. John Citro with the Adams County Public Defender’s office informed Judge Robert Adrian of a potential conflict of interest […]

Murder suspect from Palmyra pleads not guilty; asks for change of venue, change of judge

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PALMYRA, Mo. — A Palmyra man facing charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm pled not guilty during his arraignment Wednesday morning in Marion County Circuit Court. Raymond D. Gum, 34, appeared by video before Judge Rachel Bringer Shepherd. His charges are in connection with the death of Crystal […]

Ask MRN: Are parents aware of SB 818 that revamps sex education in Illinois schools?

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Dear Muddy River News: I don’t think many parents are aware of SB 818 being passed by Illinois. This revamps sex education (K-12) in schools, and it is global, according to a documentary I found online. It is about 35 minutes long. I don’t know if you have already covered this, but all people need to be aware […]

Four to compete for Miss Quincy title on Saturday at Quincy Community Theatre

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QUINCY — Miss Quincy Scholarship Program officials announced Saturday the 73rd annual Miss Quincy and Miss Quincy’s Outstanding Teen Competition, presented by Gully Transportation, will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at Quincy Community Theatre.  Lindsey Hess, executive director of the program, is pleased the competition is moving forward after the pageant was canceled in […]