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March 30, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — A large full-color mail piece showing support for the three incumbents and one newcomer who are candidates for the Quincy School Board hit voters mailboxes this week. Quincy School Board President Shelley Arns, board members Jim Whitfield and LaTonya Brock and newcomer Curtis Sethaler are featured on the 11-inch by 13-inch piece printed…
Read Full Article March 30, 2023 | By Noah Klauser
CANTON, Mo. — Social media nowadays is full of edited and filtered photos. People spend their time making changes to their appearance or removing objects in the background to get the best picture they can. That doesn’t happen on BeReal. BeReal, founded in 2020 by French former GoPro employee Alexis Barreyat, sends its users one…
Read Full Article March 29, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — The former Golden Corral restaurant is going to be converted into one of the fastest growing independent plasma collection operators in the nation. ImmunoTek, which has 30 plasma collection centers throughout the central and eastern United States, is renovating the former restaurant at 3908 Broadway. A Stamford, Conn., corporation named 3908 Broadway Street…
Read Full Article March 29, 2023 | By CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS
CHICAGO — Longtime Commonwealth Edison contract lobbyist Jay Doherty thought he was merely reminiscing and giving advice to a colleague and friend in a February 2019 meeting set up by ex-ComEd executive Fidel Marquez. But Marquez was wearing a hidden camera, having just a few weeks prior agreed to cooperate with the government’s investigation of…
Read Full Article March 29, 2023 | By Steve Eighinger
QUINCY — Aiden McDonnell says it’s no secret why the Quincy Derby is such an ongoing success. “The support of so many groups and businesses is the reason by it has not only lasted so long, but why it is so popular and why it continues to grow,” said McDonnell, assistant director of the event…
Read Full Article March 28, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — Mayor Mike Troup provided the majority vote needed to provide $100,000 in Downtown Rental Rehabilitation TIF funding to Terrell and Vicky Dempsey for renovations of four upper-story apartments at 234-236 North Sixth. The Dempsey’s law office is on the first floor of the building. They are also putting in $159,740 of private financing…
Read Full Article March 27, 2023 | By Jay Redfern, WGIL Radio
GALESBURG, Ill. — You don’t have to leave Galesburg to experience the best pizza in Illinois or one of the top 100 pizzas in America. Yelp recently released its Top 100 Pizza Places for 2023, and baked at 57 S. Seminary in Galesburg comes in at No. 40 overall and No. 1 in Illinois. Yelp, the mobile app that…
Read Full Article March 26, 2023 | By Muddy River News
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A Mount Sterling, Ill., man has been charged with attempted murder after authorities in Florida claim he almost drowned a security guard in a swimming pool at a condominium. Seth Beavers, 33, of Mount Sterling is charged with attempted murder. Deputies with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department in Crestview, Fla.,…
Read Full Article March 26, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
MRN Editor David Adam talks to Tiramisu’s Ilija Cucuk about running downtown Quincy’s Italian restaurant staple, the location on the square and why people continue to “come enjoy, come eat.”
Read Full Article March 26, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Megabus, which offers city-to-city bus tickets for as low as $1 throughout North America, is expanding its service to 48 Midwest cities beginning Monday, March 27. Quincy, Hannibal, Mo., and Canton, Mo., will benefit from this expansion. Through a new partnership with Iowa-based Burlington Trailways, Megabus will offer a daily trip from Cedar Rapids,…
Read Full Article March 25, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Regional law enforcement agencies from around Quincy gathered on a dreary, rainy morning to say goodbye to one of their officers. More than 50 officers from the Quincy Police Department, along with officers from the Illinois State Police, Adams County Sheriff’s Department and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, lined the road leading to the…
Read Full Article March 25, 2023 | By Muddy River News
Video from WIU. MACOMB, IL — The Macomb Police Department (MPD) is investigating the report of a shooting that occurred off campus in the early morning hours on Saturday, March 25. A caller reported to MPD that a shooting occurred in the 500 Block of North Johnson Street. The Macomb Police Department has confirmed one…
Read Full Article March 24, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — Tim Bliefnick remained silent, but attorney Casey Schnack entered a “not guilty” plea for her client in the first-degree murder case of Rebecca Bliefnick before a crowd of about 50 people in Adams County Circuit Court Friday afternoon. Judge Robert Adrian asked, “Not guilty, Miss Schnack?” Schnack replied, “Yes, your honor.” Rebecca Bliefnick,…
Read Full Article March 24, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
Video provided by Randy Industries. QUINCY — A packed house turned out to watch and listen to six of the seven candidates for Quincy School Board discuss why they wanted the public’s votes on April 4. Incumbents Shelley Arns, Jim Whitfield and LaTonya Brock, who are campaigning as one slate of candidates, appeared along with…
Read Full Article March 23, 2023 | By Muddy River News
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Willie Hedden, 43, a former sergeant at the Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mt. Sterling, was sentenced on March 22 to six years’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for civil rights deprivation resulting in bodily injury and death and obstruction of justice offenses in connection with the…
Read Full Article March 23, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — An Adams County grand jury returned a true bill of indictment Thursday morning in the case of Tim Bliefnick, who is charged with two counts of murder in the Feb. 23 shooting death of his estranged wife, Rebecca Bliefnick. The grand jury met for about three hours Thursday and heard evidence on 38…
Read Full Article March 23, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — The decision to consolidate multiple departments as well as rising costs of materials and construction has turned a new Quincy School District facility into an eight-figure project. At Wednesday night’s Quincy School Board meeting, board members unanimously voted to accept the low bid from Maas Construction of $7,050,000 to build what is now…
Read Full Article March 22, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — The HyVee grocery store at 3700 Broadway will be adding a Wahlburgers restaurant next month. District Store Director Tad Gallaher said the grand opening is set for April 18 as the store is being remodeled. It will be the fifth HyVee in Illinois to have a Wahlburgers, with the others in Bloomington, Peoria,…
Read Full Article March 22, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — A Quincy man who allegedly hit a man in the head outside a Quincy bar, causing him to be sent to Blessing Hospital, pled not guilty Tuesday morning in Adams County Circuit Court. Judge Tad Brenner arraigned Bryan Paden, 40, who appeared with attorney Nick Rober. He has been charged with two counts…
Read Full Article March 22, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — A Springfield man defending himself in a November 2021 sexual assault case said Tuesday afternoon he wanted to defend himself in two other felony cases — and a judge granted his wish. Bradley Yohn, 36, appeared before Judge Tad Brenner in Adams County Circuit Court with his attorney, Public Defender Todd Nelson, for…
Read Full Article March 21, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
PALMYRA, Mo. — A special meeting of the Palmyra School Board has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Superintendent Jason Harper told Muddy River News Tuesday afternoon that four staff members with the Palmyra School District were placed on paid leaves of absence on Tuesday. He provided no other information about the suspended educators. Harper…
Read Full Article March 21, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — The first three downtown concerts in a five-concert series lined up for this summer received approval from the Quincy City Council. Aldermen unanimously voted Monday to approve the use of the city’s empty lot at Fourth and Maine for the Gem City Summer Concert Series, lined up by On the Rail restaurant owner…
Read Full Article March 21, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Several speakers during the public forum at Monday’s Quincy City Council meeting talked about issues such as gas leaks, holes in the ceilings and a lack of response from landlords in the homes they are renting. Alderman John Mast (R-5) then asked Chuck Bevelheimer, director of planning and development, what the city’s next…
Read Full Article March 21, 2023 | By Muddy River News
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Todd Sheffler, 54, of Mendon, a former lieutenant at the Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, was sentenced Monday to 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release, for civil rights deprivation resulting in bodily injury and death and obstruction of justice in connection with…
Read Full Article March 20, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — A Quincy business recently received $400,000 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity as part of the expansion the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program, which creates a talent pipeline of diverse candidates in construction and the building trades. “We do more of the training to prepare folks who are looking to get…
Read Full Article March 20, 2023 | By Ashley Conrad, Daily Muddy Host
Time to get your tickets for the annual Quincy Notre Dame/Quincy Catholic Elementary Schools Mega Raffle. QND Foundation Director Kurt Stuckman talks to Ashley Conrad about the kick-off of this annual fundraiser to benefit local Catholic education.
Read Full Article March 19, 2023 | By Ron Kinscherf, Muddy River News
QUINCY — A series of downtown concerts lined up for this summer could be in limbo because of a potential development at the site of a former Quincy hotel. Scott Edlin has the lineup of performers set for On the Rail’s Gem City Summer Concert Series. Deposits have been paid. Contracts are signed. Security is…
Read Full Article March 19, 2023 | By Ron Kinscherf, Muddy River News Correspondent
Ron Kinscherf talks to Mark Christensen about teaching golf and game’s status in our area.
Read Full Article March 18, 2023 | By Megan Duncan Muddy River News Correspondent
HANNIBAL, Mo — All in-person employees working at the SC Data Center facility in Hannibal, also known as Swiss Colony, will become home agents in the next several months. Representatives at SC Data Center, Inc., headquartered in Monroe, Wis., said Thursday the Hannibal facility at 3201 Palmyra Road will close on May 31. The call…
Read Full Article March 17, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
UPDATE: Adams County Coroner Scott Graham issued a press release at 4:45 p.m. Saturday identifying the man who was killed as Flint C. Reed of Camp Point. CAMP POINT, Ill. — An unidentified man died at about noon Friday in Camp Point when he was struck by an Amtrak train traveling from Chicago to Quincy.…
Read Full Article March 17, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Judge Roger Thomson put the trial for Bradley Yohn, a Springfield man defending himself in a November 2021 sexual assault case, on the May 8 jury docket — 545 days after Yohn allegedly committed the crime. Yohn, however, told Thomson at the conclusion of Thursday afternoon’s motion hearing in Adams County Circuit Court…
Read Full Article March 17, 2023 | By Noah Klauser
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Locals have come to appreciate the historic look of buildings in downtown Hannibal Part of the city’s history is maintained through its architecture. These old buildings don’t last forever, though. As they get older, they require renovations to keep them in good condition. One such building is the Main Street Bed and…
Read Full Article March 17, 2023 | By Muddy River News
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Alex Banta, 31, of Quincy, a former correctional officer at the Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mt. Sterling, was sentenced Thursday to 20 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for civil rights deprivation resulting in bodily injury and death and obstruction of justice in connection with the…
Read Full Article March 16, 2023 | By Muddy River News
PLEASE READ THIS CAUTIONARY NOTE: Readers should understand this story also contains photos of dead animals. This may offend some readers. Muddy River News believes it is necessary to show the photos to explain what happened at the coyote hunt. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Humane Society of the United States released Wednesday the results of a February undercover…
Read Full Article March 16, 2023 | By Hannah Meisel, Capitol News Illinois
Trial’s second day included hours of opening arguments, first witness CHICAGO – Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan isn’t set to go on trial for racketeering and corruption charges until next summer, but his decades of power in Illinois government and politics loomed large Wednesday as opening arguments got underway in a related case. Madigan’s name…
Read Full Article March 16, 2023 | By Megan Duncan Muddy River News Correspondent
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Carter Cox, senior at Hannibal High School, stood before the Hannibal Public School Board Wednesday night to talk about his experience in carpentry class. Cox learned about roofing, electrical work, building projects, and more in the class taught by Chad Kistler at the Hannibal Career and Technical Center. In carpentry, students tackle…
Read Full Article March 15, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — A $7.5 million plan to build 34 two-story residential townhomes and a community building received assistance from the Quincy City Council on Monday night. HW Ventures, LLC, a corporation owned by Quincyans Justin Wollbrink and Jerry Holtschlag, asked for financial incentives from the city for this development at 203 S. Eighth and 218-224…
Read Full Article March 14, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — Tim Bliefnick will remain in the Adams County Jail until at least next week when a grand jury will hear the evidence against him to decide if he will be arraigned. Bliefnick, 39, made his first appearance in Adams County Circuit Court Tuesday afternoon with attorney Casey Schnack in Courtroom 1A before Judge…
Read Full Article March 14, 2023 | By Muddy River News
Saw your coverage of Becky’s tragic death and wanted to provide you with a statement from the family which was issued after Tim Bliefnick’s arrest yesterday. We appreciate your continued coverage of this story. While we remain heartbroken, we are thankful to the Quincy Police Department and all who have worked tirelessly in service of…
Read Full Article March 14, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Quincy’s Target store is expected to open in August. Quincy Mayor Mike Troup said he had reached out to Target Corporation in Minneapolis last week, hoping he could give an update about construction at the 36th and Broadway site as part of the State of the City speech he delivered on Friday to the…
Read Full Article March 14, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Quincy Mayor Mike Troup took time Monday night during the Quincy City Council meeting to thank the Quincy Police Department for its work in making an arrest Monday as part of the investigation of the death of Rebecca Bliefnick, while also asking for prayers for her family. “It’s clear that everyone here on…
Read Full Article March 14, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — The squeaky wheel got the grease … and an apology. Katie Stegner made repeated attempts last week to complain to city officials about the lack of handicapped accessibility at the city’s two recycling drop-off sites — 12th and Locust and the HyVee grocery store on Harrison. She also voiced her concerns in a letter to…
Read Full Article March 14, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Adam Yates, chief of the Quincy Police Department, says it will take a minimum of six weeks for license plate readers to be installed on city rights-of-way and at least two months to install them at Illinois Department of Transportation easements after the Quincy City Council unanimously approved the cameras at its Monday…
Read Full Article March 14, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
PLEASE READ THIS CAUTIONARY NOTE: Readers should understand this story contains descriptions of sexual abuse. This may offend and shock some readers or be painful to survivors of sexual abuse or assault. Muddy River News believes it is necessary to report this information as a warning and a reminder of what comprises sexual abuse and the importance of protecting children and supporting…
Read Full Article March 14, 2023 | By Megan Duncan Muddy River News Correspondent
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Sitting on a small table beside the front door at Sarah’s Place, a no-cost home for patients on hospice, is a book filled with stories written about the lives of those who have stayed there. From detailed accounts written by the families to a thank-you gratefully scrawled on a napkin before leaving…
Read Full Article March 13, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — Quincy Police Chief Adam Yates said the evidence in the case of Rebecca Bliefnick’s death pointed Quincy Police detectives in the direction of her estranged husband after days of conducting the investigation. “We looked at all leads and information from the public, and after following the evidence, this is what led to the…
Read Full Article March 13, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — The Quincy City Council will vote Monday night on a petition to divide two lots into 35 lots on property at 203 S. Eighth and 218-224 S. Ninth, then it will vote on two resolutions to provide funding as part of a $7.5 million proposal to construct 34 two-story residential townhomes and a…
Read Full Article March 13, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — Tim Bliefnick has been charged with two counts of first degree murder and one count of home invasion in the shooting death of his estranged wife, Becky Bliefnick. He was taken into custody by Quincy Police Monday morning. QPD will have a news conference with more details later this morning. Becky Bliefnick, a…
Read Full Article March 13, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Two Quincy women who have spent most of their professional careers helping women have joined to breathe new life into a long-time downtown Quincy business. JFM SAL, LLC, a corporation managed by Jeanine Frericks-Moss and Sara Lepper, bought the Silhouette Shoppe, 117 N. Sixth, on Jan. 27 from Linda Simons. The store, which has…
Read Full Article March 12, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
Quincy Mayor Mike Troup talks about his State of the City speech and discusses with MRN Editor David Adam about the city’s need for hotels, jobs and housing, as well as the most important question: When is Target going to open? Muddy River News This Week is brought to you by Harvey’s Furniture.
Read Full Article March 11, 2023 | By Megan Duncan Muddy River News Correspondent
HANNIBAL, Mo. — A former Hannibal councilman expressed concerns during Tuesday’s meeting of the Hannibal City Council regarding the council’s behavior, specifically referring to Feb. 21 meeting. Jim Van Hoose watched the meeting on the City of Hannibal’s YouTube channel, where each meeting is live-streamed. He was specifically concerned with the behavior of the several…
Read Full Article March 11, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
Quincy Mayor Mike Troup gave his annual State of the City speech that lasted about 20 minutes on Friday, March 10 to members of the Quincy Exchange Club at the Elks Club, then took questions from the audience for another 20 minutes.
Read Full Article March 11, 2023 | By Ron Kinscherf, Muddy River News Correspondent
Creative Garden Services was started in August 1998 by Carol Rakers. She has been in the green industry since 1983. Creative Garden Services, CGS, has 10 full-time employees and three seasonal employees. TI-Trust sponsors the MRN Business Spotlight.
Read Full Article March 10, 2023 | By Muddy River News
QUINCY — A youth pastor at a Quincy church was arrested on Tuesday on sexual abuse and pornography charges. An investigation began in January after law enforcement agencies were contacted by a parent of a juvenile who had disclosed possible sexual abuse by a youth pastor at Hope Lutheran Church, 1739 Harrison. During the investigation, multiple…
Read Full Article March 10, 2023 | By Noah Klauser
QUINCY — Families often experience challenging circumstances such as divorce and adoption that can leave a lasting impact on children. Hobby Horse House has provided support to those families for more than 20 years. Hobby Horse House is a non-profit child welfare agency stationed in Jacksonville, but it provides services to 33 counties, including Adams…
Read Full Article March 9, 2023 | By Muddy River News
QUINCY — A Quincy woman and a teenage male were taken into custody after a report of shots fired was called into the Quincy Police Department late Wednesday afternoon. Officers from the Quincy Police Department were dispatched at 4:49 p.m. Wednesday, March 8 to the 1100 block of Lind for a shots fired call. Callers…
Read Full Article March 9, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — The health of the Quincy Park District’s finances was evident Wednesday night when the Quincy Park Board to approve more than $700,000 in projects through the city. Million Construction submitted the low bid of $262,390 for a parking lot addition at Moorman Park, the largest project on the list. The popularity of the…
Read Full Article March 8, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Ryan Schmidt fought through the tears and emotions to talk to his son before he was taken away to prison. “I am extremely hurt and angry with your actions, Hayden,” he said. “As hard as it is for me to do, I have to forgive you, and I still love you.” Appearing before…
Read Full Article March 7, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — A Quincy man faces up to five years in prison when he gets sentenced on May 5 after agreeing to plead guilty for threatening a public official. As part of a straight plea, Chaeto Nichols, 18, had one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class 1 felony, and a misdemeanor charge…
Read Full Article March 6, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Angela Caldwell gave her appointment to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners one more try. “I had already decided that if it didn’t happen tonight, that was it,” she said. The third time turned out to be the charm. The Quincy City Council voted 7-6 to approve Mayor Mike Troup’s appointment of…
Read Full Article March 6, 2023 | By Megan Duncan Muddy River News Correspondent
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Jessica Hawkins sees the hopelessness of addiction every day outside the windows from her desk at F&M Bank on Broadway in Hannibal. “It’s heartbreaking to see people hurting like that. They look lost,” she said. Hawkins, a member of Consumed International Ministries, is working with her church to bring hope to Hannibal…
Read Full Article March 6, 2023 | By Mark McDonald and Randy Phillips
Mark McDonald and Randy Phillips take you to Quincy University’s North Campus, where the school’s broadcasting department is putting together regular content in its state-of-the-art facility. Dot Foods brings you Muddy River Gems.
Read Full Article March 5, 2023 | By Muddy River News
LORAINE, Ill. — A Loraine man was killed in a traffic crash that happened Saturday night at Illinois Route 336 and East 1500th Street in Loraine. Deputies with the Adams County Sheriff’s Department learned at approximately 8:37 p.m. about a two-vehicle crash. Upon arrival at the scene, deputies found the two vehicles in the northbound lane…
Read Full Article March 5, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
Bob Gough talks to energy consultant Reg Ankrom about the City of Quincy’s aggregation policy and what those “opt-out” letters that residents recently received mean. FROM A NEWS RELEASE: The City of Quincy’s municipal electric aggregation program, paused since March 2022, will resume in April under a new contract with Constellation NewEnergy for electric supply…
Read Full Article March 4, 2023 | By Ron Kinscherf, Muddy River News Correspondent
Dale Koontz Builder of Quincy celebrated 50 years in business on March 1. The custom home building and remodeling company was founded by Dale and Donna Koontz in 1973. Over the last 50 years DKB has been responsible for a number of subdivisions and developments in Quincy, including Cambridge Estates, Tuscany Fields and Wildhorse for…
Read Full Article March 3, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — Evidence gathered at the scene of a fatal shooting and from other locations has been sent to the Illinois State Police Crime Lab in Springfield. Quincy Police sent an update to local media Friday morning regarding the investigation into the shooting death of Feb. 23 shooting of Rebecca Bliefnick. The 41-year-old mother of…
Read Full Article March 3, 2023 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
NORMAL, Ill. — It took nearly all of the two-and-a-half hours the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team had between Class 2A state tournament games Thursday to come to grips with the fact the Raiders weren’t coming home as champions. Once the Raiders accepted that reality, they finished an incredible two-year run the most fitting…
Read Full Article March 3, 2023 | By Megan Duncan Muddy River News Correspondent
PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Deep in the history of Pike County near Barry, Ill. is a site that was once a township named New Philadelphia. Founded in 1836, the town was the first platted and independently registered by a free African American before the Civil War. His name was Frank McWorter and he came from Kentucky…
Read Full Article March 2, 2023 | By Ron Kinscherf, Muddy River News Correspondent
QUINCY — Everybody in the Adams County Courthouse’s courtroom 2A could sense the happiness as Jennifer Fischer announced 122nd and 123rd graduates of the Court’s Drug Program, Darrell Conner and David Day. “We love it. We love seeing that success,” Fischer said. “We like seeing them change their lives and just be a more productive…
Read Full Article March 2, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Sources have told Muddy River News that an agreement has been reached in the labor dispute between members of United Steelworkers Local 11-205 and management at Hannibal’s Continental Cement plant. About 100 workers took to the picket line on February 22 over multiple issues with management. The contract between the union and…
Read Full Article March 1, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — Quincy Police started executing a search warrant Wednesday morning at 1641 Hampshire, the home of the estranged husband of a Quincy woman who was killed last week. Police Chief Adam Yates confirmed the search of a home at 1641 Hampshire and a car outside the home. Muddy River News has learned the home…
Read Full Article March 1, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — Quincy’s lone primary on Tuesday saw Jake Reed score a convincing win over Natalie Thompson in the city’s Sixth Ward. Reed, who won the Republican primary with 68 percent of the vote, will face Democrat Patty Maples in the April 4 general election. Maples was appointed to fill the term when Katie Awerkamp…
Read Full Article February 27, 2023 | By Muddy River News
QUINCY — Adam Yates, chief of the Quincy Police Department, said he’s making no apologies for being “tight-lipped” about the investigation into last week’s fatal shooting of Rebecca Bliefnick. He wants Quincyans to know that “homicide investigations are complex, difficult and take time,” and his department has “only one chance to get it right.” Yates…
Read Full Article February 27, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Mike Tyler, deputy chief for the Quincy Police Department, had a simple three-word resolution when explaining a recent rash of vehicle thefts and burglaries in Quincy. Lock. Your. Doors. Tyler issued a press release Monday morning to local media outlets explaining that five vehicles were stolen from various locations around the city last…
Read Full Article February 27, 2023 | By Tom Ortbal
The program for a Breakfast Kiwanis meeting a few years ago was a presentation on the basics of performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). I listened to the presentation by Fire Chief Joe Henning and participated in the simulation of CPR. As I recall, I didn’t quite get it right at first. I wasn’t exerting enough pressure on the chest…
Read Full Article February 26, 2023 | By Megan Duncan Muddy River News Correspondent
LAGRANGE, Mo. — It was 13 hours that Kris “Tanto” Paronto, and the rest of the CIA annex security team, held off terrorist in Benghazi, Libya on Sept. 11, 2012, helping to save 20 lives. Tragically losing their lives that day were J. Christopher Stevens, Sean Patrick Smith, Ty Woods, and Glen Doherty. Paronto relived…
Read Full Article February 26, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
Anna Keithly of TAPS talks about how the organization she works for supports families of those who have lost loved ones who served.
Read Full Article February 25, 2023 | By Megan Duncan Muddy River News Correspondent
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Seats were filled, with some people standing, at the Hannibal Board of Public Works (HBPW) meeting Thursday night to discuss stormwater in Hannibal. The meeting was the result of a proposed tax that HBPW sought to add to the April ballot last month. The proposal was then killed by the HBPW after…
Read Full Article February 25, 2023 | By Noah Klauser
HANNIBAL, MO — Michele McCoy, the dean of students at Hannibal High School, recently began bringing her dog to school. His name is Hook, and he offers comfort to students as a certified therapy dog, helping calm students during stressful situations. “I just felt like with the amount of kids we have who have experienced…
Read Full Article February 24, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — Rebecca Bliefnick, 41, of 2528 Kentucky Road, was found dead Thursday afternoon by a family member who went to check on her after she did not arrive at St. Peter School to pick up her children. Quincy Police responded to the call at 3:23 p.m. Thursday. Investigators and a member of the Adams…
Read Full Article February 23, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — The former owner of a Quincy marketing and advertising company has pleaded guilty to three counts of unauthorized taping and producing videos of multiple women at the company he owned. John Rokusek, 60, pleaded guilty Thursday in Adams County Circuit Court before Judge Mark Vincent. In negotiations with the Adams County State’s Attorney’s…
Read Full Article February 23, 2023 | By Megan Duncan, Muddy River News Correspondent
NEW LONDON, Mo. — Ralls County is the defendant in a civil lawsuit in which a former deputy in the sheriff’s department alleges Ralls County Sheriff Brad Stinson made inappropriate sexual advances toward a female lieutenant, then retaliating against the deputy who attempted to report it. The suit was filed Feb. 20 by Mark Braden,…
Read Full Article February 22, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — After a litany of public speakers who spoke in support of the Police and Fire Commission and, in some instances, chastise Mayor Mike Troup, the mayor’s nomination of Angela Caldwell to that commission failed for the second straight week at Tuesday’s Quincy City Council meeting. Retired Quincy Police Chief Rob Copley said he…
Read Full Article February 21, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — Quincy Mayor Mike Troup plans to resubmit Angela Caldwell’s name for a three-year appointment to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. However, an outgoing commissioner says he’s worried about the “independence” of the three-person panel in the future. Troup said he remained “committed” to appointing Caldwell in an email sent Thursday, Feb.…
Read Full Article February 21, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — The station that brought you “Silly and Billy” weekday mornings and a few innings of Harry Carey during years of Cubs’ broadcasts will be off the air for good on March 1. Gray Television, owners of WGEM, has informed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that the company is pulling the plug on WGEM-AM,…
Read Full Article February 21, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — A long-time banker in Quincy is taking a job with the city’s treasurer office at the end of March. Kelly Stupasky, who has worked for banks in Quincy for more than 36 years, is leaving his position at Heartland Bank and Trust, formerly known as People’s Prosperity Bank, on March 3 to become…
Read Full Article February 20, 2023 | By Muddy River News
MOZIER, Ill. — A high-speed chase through Calhoun County and Pike County ended with the arrest of a Hannibal woman. A deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop at 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, in Mozier on a white 2008 Pontiac G6. As a result of the attempted…
Read Full Article February 20, 2023 | By Randy Phillips
Faye Dant, executive director of Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center, gave her presentation Sunday at the History Museum at 332 Maine.
Read Full Article February 20, 2023 | By Ron Kinscherf, Muddy River News Correspondent
QUINCY — When you grow up working in the family restaurant business, it can be very difficult to get that lifestyle out of your veins. Even at the ripe old age of 70. “But 70 is young,” Colleen Stice said with a smile. Stice and her husband, Mike, and friends (and sisters) Stephanie and Tammy Kaufman…
Read Full Article February 19, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
Adams County Correctional Officer Taylor Leszkai recently was named the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Correctional Officer of the Year for 2022 in recognition for his “above-and beyond” work ethic and his selfless actions in the face of extreme crisis. He talks to MRN Editor David Adam about his service.
Read Full Article February 18, 2023 | By Rich Egger, Tri States Public Radio
The McDonough County Voice will soon vacate its office on the west side of Macomb’s courthouse square. A large dumpster was parked outside the newspaper office last month. Garbage cans and boxed up materials can be seen inside the building. That comes after a round of layoffs last year that gutted remaining news staff at…
Read Full Article February 18, 2023 | By Muddy River News
Ron Kinscherf talks to Larry Yingling from Neylon Farms about agriculture and its future. TI-Trust sponsors the Business Spotlight.
Read Full Article February 17, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
QUINCY — At the annual Adams County Farm Bureau Viewpoint Luncheon, State Representative Norinne Hammond (R-Macomb) made an observation that summed up the state of Illinois’ Republican caucus in both chambers of the General Assembly. “Right now, in this room, we have 10 percent of the House Republican Caucus,” she said. Counting herself and fellow…
Read Full Article February 17, 2023 | By J. Robert Gough, Publisher
Davey sits in for Frankie and we talk chips and salsa differences at the various McClean establishments. Also Ashley thinks they made too much of Mahomes twerking or tweaking his ankle in the Super Bowl.
Read Full Article February 17, 2023 | By Steve Eighinger
QUINCY — The fledgling Quincy Area Community Cat Coalition hopes to raise $15,000 through an upcoming fundraiser. The group, formed in 2020 and active since 2021, will host “Whiskey, Wine and Whiskers” at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11 inside the Holiday Inn ballroom, 4821 Oak. This is the organization’s principal fundraiser for the year, although…
Read Full Article February 16, 2023 | By Muddy River News
QUINCY — Adams County Correctional Officer Taylor Leszkai recently was named the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Correctional Officer of the Year for 2022 in recognition for his “above-and beyond” work ethic and his selfless actions in the face of extreme crisis. A press release from the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association said Leszkai recognized a gap in services for…
Read Full Article February 16, 2023 | By Muddy River News
QUINCY — Brian Canfield will become president/chief executive officer of Blessing Health upon the Oct. 6 retirement of Maureen Kahn. Blessing Health consists of Blessing and Illini Community Hospitals, Hannibal Clinic, a provider group and network of rural health clinics, college of nursing and health sciences, charitable foundation and durable medical equipment/biomedical/linen services business. Blessing…
Read Full Article February 16, 2023 | By Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday laid out a $49.6 billion spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year that calls for significant new spending for early childhood education and efforts to combat homelessness among other areas. He also claimed credit for putting the state back on more secure financial footing. Speaking to a joint…
Read Full Article February 15, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — The Adams County Board followed the recommendation of the Transportation, Building and Technology Committee on Tuesday and approved a bid of $56,000 from Safestart Environmental of Chicago to test for mold and other contaminants throughout the Adams County Courthouse. About 15 people — most of them attorneys, judges and employees at the courthouse…
Read Full Article February 14, 2023 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
QUINCY — The former owner of a Quincy nightclub accused of assaulting a Quincy University student in April 2021 entered an Alford plea on Tuesday morning to an amended charge of battery. Steven W. Homan, 49, appeared with his attorney, Benedict Song, before Judge Mark Vincent in Adams County Circuit Court. A trial expected to…
Read Full Article April 26, 2024
CLUB MUDDY: JEN WIEMELT
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