Letter to the Editor
The views I share here reflect a letter I sent to Hannibal Public School’s board members, with some modifications to protect my child’s privacy from today’s online world. I planned to share my letter at the board meeting, but understanding that public comments won’t occur before the vote, I felt it was important to share…
Read Full Article It seems like every day we are infiltrated with information regarding war in the middle East and the Ukraine. How fortunate we are to have the brave men and women that make up the United States military. What a privilege it is to tuck our children and grandchildren in bed each night, under the blanket…
Read Full Article Regardless of how we feel about the election results, what’s important is how we move forward. Our nation’s voices have spoken, and how we treat one another after Nov. 5, is as meaningful (if not more) than before. True Democracy is not the muffling of voices, as it is the amplification of our collective voice as Americans. We…
Read Full Article First, a few definitions and clarifications. Abortion Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition of abortion: … a legal induced abortion is defined as “an intervention performed by a licensed clinician … that is intended to terminate a suspected or known ongoing intrauterine pregnancy and that does not result in a live birth.” This definition excludes management…
Read Full Article The following is long, but it could be the most important message you ever read. Please make your vote count for freedom. Vote now, vote early for all Republicans. Please be bold and share the following. We have a country to SAVE! Men, like nations, think they’re eternal. What man in his 20s or 30s doesn’t believe, at least subconsciously,…
Read Full Article A couple of weeks ago, MRN published an excellent editorial regarding the on-again off-again roundabout project for 48th and State. The entire debacle was an example of our so-called community leadership reducing themselves to engaging in a political pissing contest with the county. It gave the appearance that the contest was a higher priority than public…
Read Full Article Abortion is essential to healthcare. Denying a person an abortion leads to health risks, up to and including the death of the pregnant person. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate out of all high-income countries, per an analysis published by the Commonwealth Fund in June 2024. Additionally, the maternal mortality rate for…
Read Full Article Let’s face the most significant controversy: The roundabout. Like most of you, I have heard those opposed to the improvement. They make various comments in opposition to the roundabout. Why? These negative statements often come from folks who have never or infrequently used roundabouts. They may well be intimidated by their use. Whose fault is…
Read Full Article I recently received a sample ballot in the mail for the upcoming general election. I couldn’t believe how long it was – statewide and local candidates, state constitutional and statutory amendments, local propositions, and judicial candidates. People often tell me they are confused about voting on the judges on their ballots. I understand their confusion,…
Read Full Article Even as the Cardinals and the Cubs failed to make the playoffs, I still am an avid fan and baseball card collector. I still have my card collection. Unfortunately, I never saw my dad’s collection. He told me he found a cigar box down by the railroad tracks full of Honus Wagner and other player cards…
Read Full Article My sister Amanda Folker was tragically murdered in Quincy, Ill., by Marvin Larry Betts on Oct. 6, 1996. Betts, a stranger to her, followed her from a party and attacked her 42 times with a hatchet. He then attempted to set her body on fire by pouring lighter fluid over it. This person has been…
Read Full Article I don’t know if this election is necessarily “a battle between good and evil,” as Lara Trump said recently, but it is about right and wrong. I deeply resent the efforts of the Trump family, and any public figure, to employ this kind of hateful, divisive language that sets us at odds with one another. Former president…
Read Full Article Having read the recent discussions about the 48th and State intersection, I hope the community does not get a negative impression of roundabouts (traffic circles) for future use. I grew up just north of Utica between Interstate 80 and Starved Rock State Park. There is now a very effective circle intersection at the junction of U.S.…
Read Full Article Who would be best to serve the future of the Western District of Marion County? Lacey Miller has been a very active citizen of Marion County for her entire life. She was involved in 4-H as a youth and as a leader as an adult. She was very active in the Palmyra FFA chapter and…
Read Full Article After deep reflection and consideration, I’m officially rescinding my previous suggestion for the name of the Quincy team in the Prospect League. The name Mississippi Mavericks was nice, sure, but I think I’ve cracked the code for the perfect name. Are you ready for it, Quincy? Introducing the Muddy River Roundabouts! Now, hear me out. What…
Read Full Article Spiritual Care Week, also known as Pastoral Care Week, provides an opportunity to thank spiritual care providers in our communities – specifically chaplains. These men and women provide a much-needed service in our hospitals, nursing homes and correctional facilities At Blessing Hospital, our chaplains, most of whom are volunteers, provide spiritual care and emotional support…
Read Full Article I read and enjoy Steve Eighinger’s column daily and often pass on many to family and friends, as I am doing with his item on the film, “Necessary Roughness.” Brought back many grand memories! It was filmed during the summer in our town of Denton, Texas (since 1973). The whole family was “in” the film.…
Read Full Article My wife and I just got home from the movie “Reagan.” What is happening now in this country is a stark duplicate of the years just before and during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. I would recommend that everyone go see it. During President Jimmy Carter’s term, inflation got out of hand, interest rates soared, unrest in the world…
Read Full Article From time to time, friends and acquaintances ask me if they can come watch the proceedings of the Supreme Court of Missouri in Jefferson City. I reply, “Of course. We love having people visit the court and see us in action.” I am always surprised when I hear people say they think they need a…
Read Full Article I am writing in regard to the roundabout issue at 48th and State. At the last time the City Council voted down this project, it was noted that there has been no support expressed to any of the alderman. I’m not sure I agree with this comment, but I know I actively supported this roundabout. …
Read Full Article As a parent of school-aged children in the Quincy school system, I wish to voice my concerns concerning the elevated threats of gun violence in our local schools and raise questions regarding this issue. I have read that common walk-through metal detectors can scan a person about every second. Why isn’t every student scanned by…
Read Full Article Bill Goellner is the hottest topic of conversation in cafes and coffee shops across Marion County. Why is this so? Bill has not been plastered across our local newspapers. Let me tell you why my neighbors are talking about Bill Goellner. It used to be that nobody could get elected in Marion County unless they…
Read Full Article I’ve recently become aware of an anticipated major renovation of Riverview Park. Although much needs to be done to restore the park to some of its original vision, and there are some interesting ideas in the proposed Master Plan, a couple of things in particular greatly concern me. Most importantly, I learned that the memorial…
Read Full Article While reading the November / December 2023 issue of Missouri Life, my wife and I noted on pages 30-37 several articles about Missouri and its Medal of Honor recipients. While all the profiles were interesting, one listed Arthur J. Forrest from Hannibal, Mo. Forrest was issued the award on April 19, 1919, for his actions…
Read Full Article I believe we need to sit down and take a long, hard look at how and what we are signaling to our children regarding risk assessment, the danger of anecdotes and emotional overreactions. In the past week, an online threat made to Quincy Public Schools was quickly reviewed and deemed non-threatening. During that brief process,…
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