By DAVID ADAMMuddy River News Editor QUINCY — Mayor Mike Troup expects to resolve the fate of a Quincy motel early next week when he reviews an engineering report on structural and safety issues. Michael Seaver, building official and director of inspection and enforcement for the city, met Friday for a walkthrough of the property with representatives […]
Top Stories
Three contestants to compete for Miss Adams County Fair Queen crown
MENDON, Ill. — Three contestants will compete for the title of 2021 Miss Adams County Fair Queen on July 28. The contestants are:• Hannah Longlett, 19, is a daughter of Jeff and Tamra Longlett. She is a graduate of Liberty High School and attends Western Illinois University. Her sponsors are North Adams State Bank and […]
Muddy River News This Week – Jerrod Welch
MRN Publisher/GM Bob Gough gets an update on Adams County’s COVID status from Jerrod Welch, administrator of the Adams County Health Department.
QPS to go mask optional…for the most part
The Quincy School Board Wednesday voted unanimously to make masks optional, for the most part, for the upcoming 2021-22 school year. On the day after QPS Superintendent Roy Webb released the district’s COVID-19 precaution plan, the School Board passed it 7-0 following more than 90 minutes of public comment before a packed house at the […]
Proposed COVID-19 guidelines for Quincy schools says masks ‘highly recommended’ for unvaccinated people
QUINCY — Superintendent Roy Webb released Tuesday afternoon on social media the proposed COVID-19 guidelines for the 2021-22 school year that will the Quincy School Board will vote on during its July meeting on Wednesday night. The proposal, which Webb posted on his personal Facebook page, “highly recommends” masks in indoor settings for unvaccinated people. […]
Herbal Remedies sells for $30 million to New York company
The local company that first brought medical marijuana, then recreational marijuana, to Quincy has been sold to a company that owners say can compete better in a tough market. Bob Lansing and Christine Wildrick sold Herbal Remedies to Ayr Wellness, based out of New York City, for $30 million. Lansing said as he approaches age […]
Pothole repair truck to fill Quincy’s streets for 90 days
QUINCY — The City of Quincy is trying something different when it comes to filling potholes this summer. The Department of Central Services typically would send trucks throughout the city and patch holes with shovelfuls of a bituminous coal mix. “Yeah, the city has been doing that for 20 years, and it doesn’t work,” Quincy […]
“We don’t want to call it a surge…”
QUINCY – The Adams County Health Department and local healthcare officials are keeping an eye on COVID-19 rates as they begin to rise in Adams County. Dr. Chris Solaro, chief of medicine for Blessing Health System, and Jarrod Welch of the Adams County Health Department addressed members of the community Monday morning on a Zoom […]
Payson School Board votes to recommend masks for unvaccinated people, but they won’t be required
PAYSON, Ill. — Approximately 80 people were in attendance for Thursday’s meeting of the Payson Community Unit School District 1 School Board, which voted to highly recommend masks in most settings for unvaccinated individuals — but they won’t be required. A document titled “Payson CUSD #1 Opening Plan” said layered mitigations such as physical distancing […]
Brock steps down as president/CEO of Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce to take job in Ohio
QUINCY — LaTonya Brock has resigned from her position as president/CEO of the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, effective July 30. A letter from the chamber on Thursday afternoon announced the news of Brock’s resignation. Brock, 48, is taking a position as a management consultant with Inclusity, a minority-owned and woman-owned company in the Toledo […]
“Our goal is NOT to close the Marina”
Art Keller Marina will remain open through at least the end of 2023. After that, there are a few questions. The Quincy Park District operates the facility, but has been consistently losing money on it for years. There have been attempts to find a private operator, but none have stepped forward and followed through. The […]
Canton man played small part in Angels’ Shohei Ohtani’s historic baseball season
CANTON, Mo. — Steffen Simmons won’t take credit for it. He won’t say much about it. But as the world sees Shohei Ohtani having the kind of season that no player has experienced in the history of baseball, Simmons can take a small piece of satisfaction from it. The Japanese superstar is making baseball history […]
Are you the lucky winner? ‘All in for the Win’ vaccine lottery selects person from Quincy to earn $100,000
SPRINGFIELD — Three lucky winners were chosen in the first $100,000 Monday drawing as part of the state’s “All In for the Win” vaccine lottery. The Illinois Department of Public Health notified winners by phone or email starting Monday afternoon. The winners of a $100,000 cash prize in the July 12 drawing are from Quincy, Springfield […]
Steve Eighinger’s debut column for Muddy River News
Steve’s columns will pop up on Muddy River News on Mondays and Thursdays and, of course, you’ll get your daily fix of his deep thoughts in Daily Dirt. Enjoy and please help us welcome Steve to the Muddy River News family. JRG From now on, if I’m dining out, I’m dining in by Steve Eighinger […]
IDPH adopting updated CDC guidelines: Schools to be fully open, unvaccinated students should wear masks
Nikki Buehler was happy Friday to finally hear news out of Springfield. The Illinois Department of Public Health issued a press release Friday, stating that it is fully adopting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated guidance for COVID-19 prevention in K-12 schools that also was released Friday. The updated school guidance now aligns […]
Family of USS Oklahoma sailor happy ‘Uncle Buck’ will be remembered
NIOTA, Ill. — Glenn Smith always remained curious about what happened to Uncle Buck. “My grandmother (Bertha Harr) and my mother (Margaret Harr), ever since I was a little kid, always wondered where Uncle Buck was because he was missing an action,” Smith said. “They never had clarity. He was just lost forever, buried in […]
“Get yer red hots here!” Hot dog parlor coming to former Elder’s location
QUINCY – A spot once famous for fried chicken, catfish, burgers and frozen fishbowls of beer will soon be serving up hot dogs and video gaming if approved by the City of Quincy. Charles Hull purchased the property on the southeast corner of 18th and State in May. Elder’s Restaurant stood there from 1970 to […]
Kelly Mays sworn in as 3rd Ward Alderwoman
Kelly Mays was unanimously approved to be Quincy’s next alderman by the Quincy City Council at Tuesday night’s meeting. The Council met on Tuesday this week due to the July 4 holiday. Mays was nominated by a 4-3 vote among Adams County Republican Central Committee members and that was forwarded to Mayor Mike Troup, who […]
Quincy woman and her husband have 2.2 million followers on TikTok. Watch how it happened
Matt and Abby Howard are high school sweethearts who got married in July 2019 during their sophomore year at Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. Abby (Biswell), who graduated from Quincy (IL) High School in 2017, was traveling to the Muny in St. Louis to perform in summer theater programs when she met Matt, a […]
Area Distributors acquires two West-Central Illinois companies
QUINCY — Area Distributors of Quincy recently acquired two local companies: MarLon Business Forms of Quincy and Wade and Dowland Office Equipment of Jacksonville. MarLon is the largest supplier of custom printed labels, business forms, checks and envelopes in the Tri-State area. The products are used in a wide range of packaging, manufacturing, mailing and […]
Two Missouri store owners say nationwide fireworks shortage isn’t slowing business
QUINCY — Record-breaking sales in 2020, combined with supply chain problems for getting fireworks out of China this summer, have led to a shortage in fireworks across the United States as the Fourth of July approaches. However, two businesses in Missouri say they have plenty of fireworks available. “We’re really in pretty good shape,” said […]
Let’s get muddy! Mud volleyball tournament one of many highlights at National Tom Sawyer Days
By JIM DEWEY Hannibal’s annual celebration of America’s independence is underway. The 66th annual National Tom Sawyer Days kicked off June 19 with the Hannibal Beautiful Baby contest that included Pee-Wee, Little Tot and Miss Hannibal pageants. The event is new to National Tom Sawyer Days. The next event in the celebration will be a […]
Muddy River News This Week : State Sen. Jil Tracy
On Muddy River News This Week, furnished by Harvey’s, Bob Gough talks to State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) about the recently-wrapped up session in Springfield and the new 50th Senate District, which she’ll represent when she runs for re-election in 2022.
Freel resigns as Quincy Humane Society director; Brumbaugh to succeed her
The Quincy Humane Society has selected Pilar Brumbaugh, the organization’s current Community Relations and Fundraising Director as its new executive director. Brumbaugh will succeed Reggie Freel, who is stepping down at the end of July. “(Brumbaugh) brings a fresh, new perspective to the Quincy Humane Society. With the full support of the board, Pilar will […]
‘We’re not just the fire department’: Citizen’s Fire Academy opens eyes for participants
Jeff Bergman, right, tries to pry a car door off a vehicle with assistance from members of the Quincy Fire Department during the Citizen’s Fire Academy on Tuesday, June 15.
QU to add sprint football in fall 2022; players can’t weigh more than 178 pounds
QUINCY — Quincy University will have two football teams playing in the same stadium starting in the fall of 2022. They will have different coaching staffs, different players, different uniforms, different leagues and will play entirely different schedules. The rules of the game will be the same except for one critical difference. No player on […]
State’s new Firefighters Pension Investment Fund will pinch pockets of Quincy firefighters
QUINCY — The members of Quincy Firefighters Pension Fund Board learned at a Monday meeting that the pension fund portfolio had a total value of $44,226,832, a 24.4 percent rate of return for the last 12 months and an 11.3 percent rate of return for the past five years. That’s the good news. But the […]
Muddy River News This Week: State Rep. Randy Frese
On Muddy River News This Week, Furnished by Harvey’s, We talk to the 94th District State Representative from Quincy about the recently wrapped-up (sort of) General Assembly session and how redistricting affects West-Central Illinois.
Kinscherf gives up career as IT consultant to ‘do something great’ as children’s book author
QUINCY — After working for 30 years as an information technology consultant, Ron Kinscherf grew tired of what he called “the rat race.” “I was tired. I was done,” he said. He quit his job in April but did not know what to do next. For years, in addition to his day job, Kinscherf spent […]
‘The Acid Lady,’ convicted of sealing dead husband in barrel of acid, seeks clemency in California
GOLDEN, Ill. — Larissa Schuster was sentenced in May 2008 to life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing her estranged husband, Golden native Timothy Schuster. Timothy Schuster’s brother, Ted, never figured the ordeal was ever truly over. “When (Larissa) was convicted, the state’s attorney’s office in Fresno County told us to be […]
Proposed residential property registration ordinance tabled until September by City Council
QUINCY — The Quincy City Council voted Monday night to table discussion about a proposed residential rental property registration ordinance, choosing to spend the next 2 ½ months to study the issue before aldermen review it in September. Seven people spoke to the City Council on Monday in support of the ordinance. Mayor Mike Troup […]
Muddy River News This Week: Joe Henning, Quincy Fire Department
QUINCY — Joe Henning is retiring as chief of the Quincy Fire Department in mid-July. He has a new job lined up, but he will remain in Quincy close to his family and remain active in our community. He also was recently named as the winner of the Adams County United Way’s Joe Bonansinga Service […]
Plans for 48th and State roundabout coming into focus; work expected to begin on site within year
QUINCY — Work on the creation of a roundabout in the intersection of 48th and State should begin in the late spring or early summer of next year. Jim Frankenhoff, engineer for the Adams County Highway Department, and Steve Bange, senior project engineer for the City of Quincy, met last week with representatives from Springfield […]
Blues in the District returns with live performances starting Friday, June 11
QUINCY — Blues in the District just wasn’t the same last year. The pandemic forced organizers to forego attempts to have live concerts in Washington Park last summer. Instead, two concerts were held in the Washington Theater, and blues lovers could watch the events on Facebook. “People still loved it,” said Bruce Guthrie, executive director […]
City Council agrees to spend nearly $2 million to replace collapsed sewer on Oak Street
QUINCY — Mike Farha looked at the nearly $2 million cost for sewer replacement for a three-block stretch on Oak Street, quietly shook his head and rubbed his eyes. “The reason I voted yes for it is that it has to be done,” the 4th Ward alderman said after Monday night’s Quincy City Council meeting. […]
Adams County using $1 million federal grant to replace guardrails
QUINCY — A $1 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s highway safety program is making it possible to replace about 13,000 feet of guardrails in Adams County. Clevenger Contractors from Bluffs was awarded the contract. Workers have been replacing guardrails around the county since April. County engineer Jim Frankenhoff believes the work will be […]
Championship Sunday at the Grand Prix of Karting
The cacophony of engines buzzing with the bells of Blessed Sacrament Parish rolls through the morning air on Quincy’s South Side today. Drivers are getting their final warmup laps in this morning before Championship Sunday begins at 11:30 am. Here’s today’s schedule:
Race day in Quincy! The 50th anniversary of the Grand Prix of Karting is underway
The race is on! Blue skies, warm temperatures…it’s time to race in South Park. Muddy River News is here all weekend bringing you the thrills, chills and (hopefully few) spills. Come down the park. Bring your cooler and something to sit on. It’s a Quincy tradition. Here I am discussing the start of racing with […]
Calm before the storm: South Park prepares for the Grand Prix of Karting
After a one-year COVID-induced cancellation, Quincy’s great American tradition is back this weekend. The Grand Prix of Karting will see about 350 karters from across the country bring their best to the Gem City and make the park buzz…literally. Race Director Rick Fulks talks about preparing for the race: The action begins at 8:30 a.m. […]
Muddy River News This Week: Sayeed Ali, Quincy School Board
On Muddy River News This Week, Furnished by Harvey’s, The Quincy School Board president talks about getting through a school year dominated by pandemic procedures and moving forward.
GREDF tabs former Quincy mayor as its next president
Kyle Moore wasn’t out of work long. The former two-term Quincy mayor will be the next president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation. Moore, who was introduced at a Thursday afternoon press conference, takes over for Marcel Wagner, who is retiring after 10 years at the agency’s helm. Jim Mentesti had been GREDF’s president […]
Executive director of Quincy Chamber of Commerce becomes first Black woman to serve on Quincy School Board
QUINCY — LaTonya Brock, executive director of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce since 2017, was sworn in Thursday morning to become a member of the Quincy School Board. Brock will replace Mike Troup, who stepped down from the School Board after winning the mayoral election in April. She will complete the remainder of Troup’s term, […]
Historic Chicago hotel fire killed four Quincy men, including mayor, 75 years ago
One of the most tragic days in Quincy’s history happened 75 years ago this weekend. Edward J. Schneidman, 40, the mayor of Quincy, and Martin Heinen, a 6th Ward alderman and a member of the Quincy College (now Quincy University) faculty, died in a disastrous fire that swept Chicago’s LaSalle Hotel during the early hours […]
Adams County Sheriff’s Department ‘narrowing down’ suspect in string of car burglaries
QUINCY — Adams County Sheriff’s Department officials say they are close to identifying a suspect and making an arrest in a string of car burglaries last month. Deputies responded to Knapheide Manufacturing, 1848 Westphalia Strasse, at approximately 2:50 a.m. May 25 after receiving a report of multiple vehicles on the parking lot being entered and […]
JWCC gets $3 million in CARES Act money for Workforce Development Center
John Wood Community College will receive a $3 million EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to remodel its Workforce Development Center and build a 14,300-square-foot addition, allowing the center to expand its training programs. The project, to be matched with $3 million in local funds, is expected to create more than 900 jobs, retain more […]
Sunset Home looking to raise $5 million to build 106-bed skilled nursing facility
QUINCY — Sunset Home is looking to raise at least $5 million as part of a campus renovation plan that would include construction of a 106-bed skilled nursing facility across the street from its current location at 418 Washington. Jerry Neal, administrator at Sunset Home, says a 43-bed Alzheimer’s unit added to the current facility […]
Quincy City Council sends Coffee Bar proposal to Traffic Committee, tables one other development
As expected, the Quincy City Council sent the proposed second location of Carter’s Coffee Bar at 7th and Broadway to the Traffic Committee. As reported by David Adam in Muddy River News on Tuesday, Alderman Jeff Bergman (R-2nd Ward) followed through on his proposal to table the issue for two weeks and send it to […]
Quincy Hospitality House launches $2 million fundraising campaign for new home to be named after Teresa Adams
QUINCY — Amy Looten takes one four-hour shift every month at the Quincy Hospitality House. She’s there to help guests, check them in and make sure the home is ready. And sometimes, she sits with visitors and talks. “(The house) serves as a respite,” Looten said. “It’s such a stressful time for these people. Most […]
Quincy man who wasn’t “trippin'” after being shot five years ago arrested on outstanding warrants
Devon Hawkins, who went viral after going live on local television after being shot five years ago, was arrested in Quincy over the weekend on multiple charges. Hawkins, 26, was arrested in the 7th and Lind area on a Jersey County warrant for FTA speeding, driving while license suspended, and transportation of alcohol. In January […]
2nd Ward alderman wants to table coffee bar proposal to further study traffic; owner considering other locations, including Missouri
QUINCY — Jeff Bergman believes the city only has one chance to get it right. That’s why he says he and fellow 2nd Ward alderman Dave Bauer plan to propose at Monday night’s Quincy City Council meeting to table a request by Ciara Weese to build a second Carter’s Coffee Bar in Quincy, this time […]
Memorial Day at Quincy National Cemetery
Volunteers planted flags last week and they were by each headstone on this cool, gray Memorial Day Monday morning. Thanks to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Always.
“Culturally-appropriate” sex ed bill passes, will head to Pritzker’s desk for signing
Friday, May 28, 2021 New ‘culturally appropriate’ requirements opposed by Republicans, faith-based groups By RAYMON TRONCOSOCapitol News Illinoisrtroncoso@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House passed legislation on Friday updating the state’s sex education curriculum in a partisan split. The bill, which creates a new “personal health and safety” curriculum for grades K-5, and a “sexual health […]
New Illinois legislative maps pass less than 24 hours after introduction
GOP, community groups complain of short notice By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinois|phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers passed measures Friday to redraw state legislative and judicial district lines, less than 24 hours after the bills implementing the maps were introduced. The latest versions of the legislative maps were released about 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The actual legislation […]
Former track star brings innovative athletic performance business to hometown
QUINCY — Tony Douglas walked up to an athlete working out at the Verti-Go complex and asked how he was feeling. The athlete replied he was doing well but his back hurt a little bit because he had done squat lifts earlier in the day. “Here’s an athlete who wants to play basketball, which means […]
Popular pastor, radio personality Bruce Rice passes away
QUINCY – Bruce Rice, who co-hosted WGCA-FM’s popular morning show and founded the Contemporary Christian radio station more than 30 years ago, passed away yesterday following an illness. Rice had recently retired from full-time work at the radio station after serving as its general manager. He is survived by his wife, Maxine, his five daughters […]
Minor league baseball changes help Prospect League expand to 16 teams
QUINCY — Major League Baseball has taken over operations of the minor leagues and downsized operations, and the aftereffects have positively affected the number of teams and quality of players of the Prospect League. The Clinton LumberKings and Burlington Bees, rivals in the Class A Midwest League for more than 60 years, were trimmed from […]
As Park District struggles with finances at Art Keller Marina, Frericks says restoring Hogback Island is ‘out of our control’
QUINCY — Wednesday’s special meeting of the Quincy Park District Board of Commissioners was designed for local boat owners to offer ideas for stemming the loss of income at the Art Keller Marina. About 30 people attended the meeting, and many of them discussed issues concerning cleanliness, security, accessibility to Quinsippi Island, low water levels […]
Review board rejects Quincy Medical Group proposal for $61.1 million hospital
QUINCY — Quincy Medical Group’s proposed $61.1 million hospital was rejected 4-2 Wednesday by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board. A press release from Quincy Medical Group noted that the Intent to Deny that was issued by the HFSRB is “not uncommon” for proposed projects. QMG is allowed to submit additional information for […]
Adjustments to proposal for downtown coffee bar satisfy Quincy Plan Commission
QUINCY — Changes made to the original proposal for a coffee bar at the intersection of Seventh and Broadway satisfied the Quincy Plan Commission at its Tuesday meeting. The commission voted to support the issuance of a special use permit to allow the development of Carter’s Coffee Bar, a coffee/specialty drink shop. All landscaping, buffers […]
Why were QPS/QFT contract talks so amicable this time? Millions in stimulus money certainly helped, and more is coming
QUINCY — Sayeed Ali, president of the Quincy School Board, and Brandi Many, the teacher subgroup president of the Quincy Federation of Teachers and Educational Support Personnel, noted how easy recent contract negotiations were. Only three bargaining sessions were needed to reach a deal well before the June 30 contract expiration date. When the last […]
Dorsey’s 48-year radio career to end Thursday
QUINCY — Jeff Dorsey finally has an opportunity to chase the last of his two childhood dreams. At age 67, he wants to become the catcher for the New York Yankees. “I can hit. I don’t know if I can still catch,” he said. “I might have to get a crane to get me back […]
Ralls County’s only grocery store to remain open as Hickman’s IGA finds buyer
Jordan and Megan Branstetter’s reasoning for buying a small family-owned grocery store was influenced by more than just one number-crunching business decision. “We love Perry,” said Jordan Bransetter of the Ralls County community of just under 700, but swells a bit in the summer as patrons of Mark Twain Lake visit primarily between Memorial Day […]
Local group launches fundraiser while searching for home for Quincy Children’s Museum
QUINCY — A six-person board has been named to help create a vision for a children’s museum in Quincy. About $70,000 has been raised for the project, a logo and website have been created and a promotional photo shoot has been completed. Items for a handful of interactive children’s activities have been bought, and a […]
Accident on Kellerville Blacktop kills one, injures one
At 10:30 Thursday morning, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office responded to a traffic crash on North 1200th Ave and East 2200 St. This location is more commonly known as on the Kellerville Blacktop, about 3 miles east of Highway 104. Upon arrival deputies notice that there was a collision between a large dump truck and […]
Teachers ‘felt valued,’ agree to three percent raise in one-year contract
QUINCY — The Quincy School Board’s unanimous vote to approve a one-year contract with the Quincy Federation of Teachers and Educational Support Personnel for the 2021-22 school year came at about 6:40 p.m. The teachers’ union followed with its own approval less than an hour later. Seventy percent of the union’s 652 members turned out […]
Grown ‘n Gathered to become organic test kitchen for national franchise
QUINCY — Michele Wilkerson wanted to expand Grown ‘n Gathered, a specialty food store that combines the attributes of a farmer’s market, a grocery store and family kitchen. Doug Stritzel, founder of the Pickelman’s Gourmet Cafe franchise, wanted to add more organic food to his menu. Wilkerson and Stritzel now are working together to convert […]
Only three bargaining sessions needed for School Board, teachers union to reach agreement
QUINCY — Sayeed Ali and Brandi Many got their assignments done early this year. Negotiators for the Quincy School Board and the Quincy Federation of Teachers and Educational Support Personnel reached a tentative agreement last Thursday on a one-year contract. Ali, the Board president, and Many, the teacher subgroup president for the teachers union, signed […]
Number of businesses seeking workers from GREDF food service job fair continues to grow
QUINCY — Every time Angela Caldwell thought she had a count for the number of businesses interested in being a part of the food service job fair at the Quincy Town Center on Wednesday, that figure would grow again. “So it got to a point where we just stopped,” Caldwell said with a laugh. “If […]
Quincy City Council approves $500K in TIF funding for $10 million downtown hotel project
The Quincy City Council Monday night approved $500,000 in tax increment financing (TIF) for public health and safety improvements as part of a $10 million proposed renovation of the Illinois State Bank Building at 531 Hampshire. The Tanninger Companies out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, made the request of the city, which has about $1.8 million in […]
Quincy nightclub owner purchases Elder’s Restaurant property
Charles Hull, owner of The Complex and The Cab nightclubs in Quincy, has purchased a long-time, but shuttered, restaurant at 18th and State. The southeast corner of that block was home to Elder’s restaurant from 1970 until June 2019. But that doesn’t mean your frozen fishbowls of beer or fried chicken will be coming back […]
Muddy River News This Week – Carol Brockmiller, QMG
MRN Publisher/GM Bob Gough sits down with the CEO of Quincy Medical Group to discuss healthcare and QMG’s plans for building a 25-bed hospital at the Quincy TownCenter (formerly Quincy Mall).
Lack of respect, concerns with criminal reform bill make finding local law enforcement officers difficult
QUINCY — The allure of becoming a police officer isn’t what it once was. The National Police Foundation reported in 2020 that 86 percent of police departments nationwide are experiencing a shortage of officers. Hiring for officers is on a five-year decline. Quincy and Adams County are not immune to this problem. Figures provided by […]
Lifeguard shortage creates ’50/50 chance’ that Indian Mounds Pool won’t open this summer
QUINCY — Mike Bruns, director of program services for the Quincy Park District, believes there is a “50/50 chance” of Indian Mounds Pool not opening this summer because of a lack of available lifeguards. Bruns reported Wednesday to the Park District’s Board of Commissioners during its monthly meeting that Indian Mounds Pool is scheduled to […]
School children to be protected by street closure near St. Francis Church
QUINCY — Father Steven Arisman, pastor at St. Francis Solanus Church, vividly remembers the first time he realized something needed to be done about traffic on a stretch of College Street that runs from 17th to 18th Street between the church and the grade school. “There was one lady who (turned west off 18th Street), […]
Adams County to receive $12.7 million in federal COVID funds
The Adams County Board heard Tuesday night that the county is going to receive a little more than $12.7 million in federal COVID relief funds. County Finance Committee Chairman Bret Austin said the County should receive half of the money ($6.355 million) in a few weeks and the other half in a year. Austin said […]
Homan pleads not guilty; status review of case set for July 6
QUINCY — Steven Homan, owner of the Barn nightclub at 711 S. Front, pled not guilty to a charge of aggravated battery when he made his first appearance Tuesday morning in an Adams County courtroom. Homan, 47, was charged April 14 after a Quincy Police Department investigation of an incident at the nightclub on April […]
Quincy City Council, Plan Commission to review new Broadway location for coffee bar
The Quincy City Council referred a special use permit to the Quincy Plan Commission for review that will consider a second location for Carter’s Coffee Bar. The owner, Ciara Weese, has contracted the property at 641/645 Broadway for its new location. The Plan Commission will review and send back to the City Council for final […]
Land bank to help get delinquent properties in Quincy back on tax roll, avoid fix-or-flatten
QUINCY — The Two Rivers Land Bank, approved by the Quincy City Council on April 26, is designed to help find buyers for blighted properties for which owners are no longer paying taxes. “Our city’s goal is to have these properties get purchased before they get to the fix and flatten level,” city planner Chuck […]
Spend some time today appreciating your Mom
You wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your mom. #facts Before you take her to brunch, fix her dinner or buy her this year’s plant/flower combo, Here are a few things you need to think about before you do so. It might make you spend a couple of extra bucks on her. I love […]
The Illinois municipal pension problem
A study from WIREPOINTS shows that 102 of 175 measured cities in Illinois, including Quincy, received failing grades on their pension systems. llinoisans are suffering from more than just the nation’s worst state-level pension mess. For most residents, another problem hits much closer to home: Illinois’ local pension crisis. Complicating the situation is the fact […]
Mayor Troup begins Quincy’s top job
Quincy Mayor Mike Troup sat down with Muddy River News This Week to discuss getting the ball rolling as Quincy’s Mayor. He talks about his leadership team, led by Director of Administrative Services (DAS) Jeff Mays. Mays, a former state representative and director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security under former Governor Bruce Rauner, […]
Illinois to begin to move into COVID “bridge phase”
Gov. JB Pritzker just announced the state will enter the “bridge phase” with less restrictive mitigations on May 14. That means, if there are no setbacks, full reopening will take place about a month later on June 11. From Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office: As more of our residents receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Illinois will operate with a […]
Madigan’s presence felt as lawyers in ComEd bribery case hint more charges on the way
Chicago Tribune – Near the end of a routine status hearing, an attorney for Michael McClain of Quincy, a longtime Madigan confidant accused of orchestrating the bribery scheme, said it would be difficult to discuss a trial date for the case because “there has been some at least intimations that the government might be seeking […]
Quincy School Board members defend QHS graduation policy
UPDATE: Quincy High School has just announced that each senior will now be allowed six tickets for the May 28 graduation, up from four tickets. A crowd of about 100 people filled the basement of Tower Pizza and Mexican Tuesday night as the Quincy Tea Party hosted a meeting to ask current and past members […]
C-SC president: Mandating vaccine allows college to ‘get back to core mission’
Doug Palmer wants to life at Culver-Stockton College to return to what it was before the pandemic as soon as possible. “We believe strongly that it is in our best interest to get back to our core mission of teaching and learning,” he said. Palmer believes the best path to do that is by mandating […]
Mike Troup sworn in as Quincy Mayor
Quincy Mayor Mike Troup made it through his swearing in as the city’s next mayor pretty easily. But as he made his opening remarks to the packed house in the Quincy City Council Chambers, the emotions seemed to get to him a bit, especially when discussing his family. “The challenge for our city for the […]
Myths of a Quincy legend
Author Kathleen Spaltro finds the facts behind the fables of one of Quincy’s most famous native daughters. Lucile Langhanke wasn’t a name that was going to light up a marquee. However, Mary Astor would. Author Kathleen Spaltro beautifully tells this story in her book “The Great Lie: The Creation of Mary Astor”, which came out […]
Former chief remembered for shakeup of Quincy Police Department
Cameron, who today has his own private practice in Quincy, was the attorney for the City of Quincy when Gruber came from Addison, Ill., to become the police chief in 1976. He was the youngest police chief in the United States at the time of his appointment.
Owners of successful coffee bar considering second location; City wants to fix traffic congestion
QUINCY — A retired kindergarten teacher and her daughter have brought Seattle’s thirst for coffee to Quincy, and the popularity of their business has caused quite a stir along Maine Street. Carter’s Coffee Bar, 3815 Maine, is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Saturday. May 1 also is the birthday for Debbie Carter’s husband, Owen, who […]
Mayor Moore discusses his tenure at Quincy City Hall
Kyle Moore ends eight years as Quincy’s mayor on Monday. He was this week’s guest on Muddy River News This Week, furnished by Harvey’s.
Grand jury indicts Homan, who also surrenders Quincy liquor license; Evans announces she’s leaving QU
QUINCY — A hearing scheduled for Thursday morning regarding alleged liquor code violations at the Barn, 711 S. Front, was canceled after Steven W. Homan, owner of the nightclub, notified the City of Quincy that he is relinquishing his liquor license. However, an Adams County grand jury determined on Thursday there was sufficient evidence to move […]
Tenure on School Board helped steer Troup toward mayoral run
Before taking over Monday as mayor, Troup attends final School Board meeting QUINCY — Mike Troup says becoming Quincy’s mayor was “never on his bucket list,” but he believes his six-year tenure as a member of the Quincy School Board helped prepare him for his next venture. Troup attended his last School Board meeting on […]
Coming Home …
Well, here we are again. Welcome to Muddy River News. I’m Bob Gough, the general manager and a partner of Muddy River News LLC. The company was officially formed in March, but I’ve been kicking around the idea of a local, multi-platform news venture for a while now. Many of our readers already know me, […]
