Magnolia flowers tantalize your senses

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Several species of ornamental magnolias grace the Missouri landscape with colorful flowers from March through mid-June. In a press release, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmond said, “In addition to showy, prolific blooms, magnolias’ sweet, citrusy floral fragrance permeates the air and beguiles the senses.” Magnolia flowers have a fascinating history,…

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Hannibal Port Authority moving forward with port development, receives more than $800,000 grant with ARPA funds

WEST QUINCY, Mo. — The waterway on the West Quincy side of the Mississippi may soon be a lot busier. The Hannibal Regional Port Authority has begun minor work on the site located near Memorial Bridge connecting West Quincy to Quincy, and more work is set to begin. The Missouri Department of Transportation approved funding…

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Night hike through Sodalis Nature Preserve planned for Friday

HANNIBAL, Mo. — A night hike through Sodalis Nature Preserve, lasting approximately two hours along a two-mile pave path, is planned for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 12. The female bats at the preserve are in their maternity colonies, preparing to give birth this summer. Should the trail and parking lot become inaccessible, the hike will…

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DAILY DIRT: Saddest of the sad? ‘Love Story” and ‘Brian’s Song’ lead the way in this tear-jerking top 10

There are sad movies, and then are THESE sad movies … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 603 of The Daily Dirt 1. When I started putting together a list of the best of the saddest movies ever made, I soon realized I was going to need two specific categories: A. Love…

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‘We’re at the very beginning’: City officials looking at feasibility of creating youth sports facility to address lack of gym space, increase tourism

QUINCY — The profitability and popularity of youth sporting events in Quincy has prompted city officials to begin looking at the possibility of expanding the Oakley-Lindsay Center or building a nearby facility. Quincy Mayor Mike Troup and Chuck Bevelheimer, director of planning and development, have recently met with representatives with the Quincy Park District, the…

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Sunset Senior Living holds egg hunt for employees, families

QUINCY — Sunset Senior Living held two Easter egg hunts on Thursday, April 6, on its main campus, 418 Washington, for more than 200 Sunset employees and their families. More than 2,100 eggs were stuffed by staff members and QND cheerleaders. Many raffle prizes of toys, bikes, bike helmets, gift certificates and more were donated.…

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DAILY DIRT: A better question might be what are we NOT scared of?

Daily Dirt for Tuesday, April 4, 2023 After reading through these top 10 phobias I’m an emotional wreck. Yes, I’m a Daily Dirtphobiac … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 570 of The Daily Dirt. 1. We’re all scared of something, or multiple somethings. According to the verywellminded.com website, here are the…

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Night hike planned for Friday through Sodalis Nature Preserve

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal Parks and Recreation will offer a night hike at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 31 through Sodalis Nature Preserve as bats that hibernate all winter are starting to wake up. The program will last approximately two hours and follow a two-mile paved trail. Volunteer representatives Meagan Garey and Kristy Trevathan from…

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‘We’re training the trades’: Quincy business Impact Global gets $400,000 Illinois works grant

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…

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Real estate transfers in Pike County from March 1-15, 2023

Muddy River News transaction information is obtained from Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration forms accompanying recorded documents. Dates provided may differ from actual transaction or recording dates. Further details may be obtained from the PTAX form or recorded documents.  Hilda J. Christison of Hannibal, Mo., sold a residence and lot at 1058 Mortimer in Barry…

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Humane Society of the United States provides details from coyote killing contest in Mendon; local conservation expert says event serves purpose

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…

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Hannibal Board of Public Works seeks community input for funding stormwater solution, the “100 year problem”

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Seats were filled, with some people standing, at the Hannibal Board of Public Works 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 discovering…

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Muddy River Weather: ‘It’s tricky’, but it does produce some school closings

Meteorologist Brent Clair tells us that this forecast is a little tough to pin down, but he gives us a look. Hilbing Auto Body brings you Muddy River Weather. Canton R-5: Closed Clark Co. R-1 Kahoka: Closed Dallas City Elementary: Closed; Remote Learning Day Hannibal Early Head Start : Closed Hannibal Head Start: Closed Hannibal Public Schools: Closed Holy Family, Hannibal: Closed…

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Aldermen approve adding 10 properties to fix-or-flatten program; demolition unlikely to start for 3-4 months

QUINCY — The Quincy City Council agreed Monday night to add 10 properties to the city’s the fix-or-flatten program. Four of the properties are in the city’s 7th Ward. Six of them are in the 2nd Ward. The properties are at: The original list had 12 properties. Director of Inspection and Enforcement Michael Seaver said the original list…

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Real estate transfers in Pike County from Jan. 16-31, 2023

Muddy River News transaction information is obtained from Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration forms accompanying recorded documents. Dates provided may differ from actual transaction or recording dates. Further details may be obtained from the PTAX form or recorded documents.  Whitetail Properties of Mississippi, LLC of Lucedale, Miss., sold a hunting home and lot at 106…

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Quincy getting $4 million state loan for wastewater treatment

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the City of Quincy has received a $4 million loan for wastewater treatment to reduce sewer overflows being discharged into the Mississippi River. Quincy will use the funding for the second phase of a three-phase project. The project will consist of improvements to increase excess flow treatment of…

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MRN WEDNESDAY WEATHER: Snow days for thee, but not for me

Meteorologist Brent Clair tells us when the snow will stop today. Hilbing Auto Body brings you this weather report. And while Quincy Public School students and teachers trudged through smidge of slop on the roads today, some got lucky. Here are today’s weather-related cancelations. SCHOOL CANCELATIONS MISSOURI Canton R-5 Bowling Green Clark Co. R-1 Hannibal…

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Real estate transfers in Pike County from Jan. 2-13, 2023

Muddy River News transaction information is obtained from Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration forms accompanying recorded documents. Dates provided may differ from actual transaction or recording dates. Further details may be obtained from the PTAX form or recorded documents.  Jamae Marie Jones, et al, of Kinderhook sold a residence at 11 Bear Court in Pittsfield…

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Hannibal man facing second-degree murder charges claims man he shot had threatened to ‘stomp his face in’

HANNIBAL, Mo. — A Hannibal man faces charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action after allegedly shooting a Hannibal man Saturday night, according to a probable cause statement from the Hannibal Police Department. A warrant was issued on Saturday for Justin Sims, 32, after Anthony Migel Miller, 24, was found in the alley west…

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QPD Blotter for Dec. 25, 2022

Jason M Zwick, 42, Quincy, for domestic battery in the 2500 block of Oak. Lodged. 135 James E Burt, 39, Quincy, for violation of order of protection in the 1600 block of Oak. Lodged. 161 Ryanna L Kelley, 25, Quincy, was arrested on a warrant for F.T.A. shoplifting in the 1100 block of South 23rd.…

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Community Foundation gives out $376,000

QUINCY — More than $376,000 was distributed on Wednesday to 58 local nonprofit organizations that benefit from an endowment fund at the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri. The nonprofits were celebrated and recognized during an open house hosted at the Community Foundation. These year-end grants bring the Community Foundation’s 2022 grant-making…

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Union employees at Continental Cement ‘shining light’ on overtime issue in contract negotiations

HANNIBAL, Mo. —The unusual lighting that Hannibal residents may have noticed around town Monday night had nothing to do with Christmas.  Representatives from the United Steelworkers were using the union’s “bat signal” projector to shine a message on walls throughout the city.  They arrived from Pittsburgh, hoping to stir up conversation about the contract situation for…

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Real estate transfers in Adams County for Nov. 14-18, 2022

Muddy River News transaction information is obtained from Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration forms accompanying recorded documents. Dates provided may differ from actual transaction or recording dates. Further details may be obtained from the PTAX form or recorded documents.  Jeffrey A. Friedhoff, Jill A. Friedhoff, and Janet A. Friedhoff of Quincy sold a residence at…

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DAILY DIRT: Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…on Thanksgiving Day?

Think you and your family have had some awkward holiday gatherings? I’m just guessing, but I doubt any of them compare to our medal winners today … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 456 of The Daily Dirt. 1. In just two days, it’s officially time to break out the holiday songs. Believe…

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Troup casts tie-breaking vote in favor of $9 monthly surcharge on utility bills, says property taxes could go down

QUINCY — After aldermen voted 7-7 on the issue of adding a monthly surcharge to utility rates during Monday’s meeting of the Quincy City Council, Mayor Mike Troup cast the deciding tie-breaking vote in favor of the surcharge. Troup also hinted he believes the increase in water and sewer bills could potentially be offset by…

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City Council begins water surcharge debate

The City of Quincy is looking at a flat increase in the residential water rates of $9 a month, which is an increase of more than 50 percent, as a way to offset the rising costs of associated with making the water from the Mississippi River consumable. The City Council heard the first ordinance reading Monday night and aldermen are expected to vote on some type of surcharge at the October 31 meeting.

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Aldermen approve language regulating honeybees in Quincy

QUINCY — Aldermen voted during Monday night’s meeting of the Quincy City Council to approve an ordinance regulating how many honeybees or hives a homeowner could have. Honeybees? “Well, you know, we’ve got language in the city code about ducks and waterfowl and chickens,” said Chuck Bevelheimer, director of planning and development. “Honeybees? Who’d have…

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Real estate transfers in Pike County from Sept. 26-30, 2022

Muddy River News transaction information is obtained from Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration forms accompanying recorded documents. Dates provided may differ from actual transaction or recording dates. Further details may be obtained from the PTAX form or recorded documents.  Christal J. Crowder and Seth A. Graham of Rockport sold a residence at 166th Avenue in Rockport…

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Clarksville, Mo., to get $1.7 million EDA grant to help build removable flood wall 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The city of Clarksville, Mo., will be receiving a $1.7 million Economic Development Administration grant to construct a removable flood protection system along the Mississippi River to keep businesses open and operating while protecting the historic downtown. This EDA grant will be matched by $10 million in state funds. “I’m thrilled to…

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Real estate transfers in Pike County from Sept. 12-16, 2022

Muddy River News transaction information is obtained from Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration forms accompanying recorded documents. Dates provided may differ from actual transaction or recording dates. Further details may be obtained from the PTAX form or recorded documents.  Mervin H. Yoder and Linda L. Yoder of Dixon, Mo., sold a 24.78-acre farm at 16671…

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American Symphony riverboat to arrive Saturday in Hannibal

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The newest riverboat on the Mississippi, the American Symphony, will arrive in Hannibal at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Hannibal mayor James Hark, will present a proclamation and key to the city to the captain of the American Symphony. The American Symphony began cruising the Mississippi River for the first time this…

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Quincy Riverfront Development Corporation learns about Quincy Riverfront Development Foundation

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

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

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

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‘Behind the Mask: A Night in Barcelona’ to raise funds for Adams County Suicide Prevention Coalition

QUINCY — The Adams County Suicide Prevention Coalition will be the host of “Behind the Mask: A Night in Barcelona” from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 in Dick Brothers Brewery, 929 York. Funds raised will support the prevention efforts undertaken by the coalition. ”The ACSPC relies on fundraisers and donations to fulfill its mission of preventing the…

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Boaters offer help, Park Board offers feedback on what it wants to see to keep Art Keller Marina open

QUINCY — Some Quincy Park Board commissioners bristled after board president John Frankenhoff told local media outlets after the Aug. 1 planning session that keeping the Art Keller Marina open after 2023 wasn’t likely “unless something drastic happens.” However, Frankenhoff’s comment may have unintentionally lit a fire under the Quincy boating community. Two boaters offered…

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New 10-foot tall stainless steel sculpture installed on Hannibal’s riverfront

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal’s second public art sculpture recently was installed in a partnership with the Hannibal Arts Council and Hannibal Parks and Recreation as part of the Sculpture on the Move program.  The sculpture, titled Liberté, was installed on a base on Hannibal’s newly redeveloped riverfront. The artist, Chris Wubbena, drove the 10-feet tall stainless-steel…

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Real estate transfers in Pike County from July 11-15

Muddy River News transaction information is obtained from Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration forms accompanying recorded documents. Dates provided may differ from actual transaction or recording dates. Further details may be obtained from the PTAX form or recorded documents.  Carroll Menke and Wyvetta Menke of Jupiter, Fla., sold a residence at No. 3 Crescent Heights…

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Gov. Parson issues drought alert for almost half of Missouri counties

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson issued drought alerts in nearly half of Missouri counties Thursday, where exceptional heat and lack of rain threaten the state’s farmers and ranchers.  “Unfortunately, we don’t anticipate conditions improving soon,” Parson said in a news conference.  Fifty-three counties along or south of the Missouri River are affected by the alert. About three-quarters of the…

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Owners of Welcome Inn file civil lawsuit against city, claim motel closure in July 2021 was ‘arbitrary, capricious and undertaken in bad faith’

QUINCY — Nearly one year after city officials displaced more than 250 people by closing the Welcome Inn at 200 Maine, the motel’s owners filed a civil lawsuit Monday in Adams County Circuit Court. Quincy Property LLC claims in the suit the city’s actions to close the motel were “arbitrary, capricious and undertaken in bad…

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Eleven local businesses receive more than $2 million in PPP loans; Adams County gets more than $150 million

QUINCY — The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) gave more than 2,800 loans totaling more than $150 million in Adams County in 2020 and 2021, and 11 Adams County businesses received more than $2 million in PPP loans. Shippers Rental Company, a specialized freight long-distance trucking company at 3803 Dye Road, received the largest single loan…

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Terry Anastas Ultimate Ride set for July 9 at the Dock

QUINCY — Friends of the Trail is the host of the Terry Anastas Ultimate Ride on Saturday, July 9. All events begin at the Dock on Quincy’s riverfront. Routes available this year are: The Metric Century — a 62-mile ride that begins at 7 a.m. The Poker Run Route — a 12-mile ride that begins…

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Cardboard boat races set for June 25 at Hannibal Aquatic Center

HANNIBAL, Mo. — In years past, Hannibal youngsters sailed handmade rafts on the mighty Mississippi during the annual raft race. Today’s youngsters use cardboard and duct tape to construct their watercrafts and take a leap of faith hoping their vessels can hold up in the waters at the Hannibal Aquatic Center. The sixth annual Hannibal…

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Real estate transfers in Pike County from May 9-13

Muddy River News transaction information is obtained from Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration forms accompanying recorded documents. Dates provided may differ from actual transaction or recording dates. Further details may be obtained from the PTAX form or recorded documents. Information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Kinscherff Farms, LLC of Pleasant Hill…

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Census Bureau says Illinois may have been undercounted in 2020 census; survey data shows 6 states undercounted, 8 overcounted

SPRINGFIELD – The Census Bureau released new survey data Thursday suggesting the population of Illinois may have been undercounted by nearly 2 percent in the 2020 headcount. That was one of the findings of the Census Bureau’s Post-Enumeration Survey, or PES, something the bureau does after each decennial census to assess the quality of the…

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‘We wanted somebody who really had touched all of Quincy’: Scholz to receive Exchange Club’s Golden Deeds award Friday

QUINCY — It’s probably easier to list all of the community activities Chuck Scholz hasn’t participated in and all of the awards he hasn’t been given. Scholz, 68, is best known for his three-term stint as the mayor of Quincy from 1993-2005, but he’s been a board member, trustee, chairman or volunteer for dozens of…

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Chiefs mascot to be special guest at annual sporting clay fundraiser May 11 for Boy Scouts of America

MENDON, Ill. — Nearly 255 shooters comprised of community leaders and friends of scouting will arrive Wednesday, May 11 at the sporting clay range at the Saukenauk Scout Reservation, 2948 E. 1000th, in Mendon for the 22nd annual sporting clays fundraiser sponsored by Practical Tactical Plus. Shooters will experience 16 shooting stations, followed by getting…

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