Letter to the Editor
Mr. Felsman, thank you for taking my thoughts seriously! I am pleased that you say Ayn Rand does not represent what most capitalists think or feel. I just recall Paul Ryan, former Speaker of the U.S. House, saying that Ms. Rand was an important source of his thinking. It is certainly true that the poor…
Read Full Article I’d like to add my two cents with Mark Felsman on the recent topic of capitalism versus socialism, which is just a fancy word to get around being called a communist in the real world. Socialism has caused more than 100 million deaths in a little more than 100 years and countless miseries, with the…
Read Full Article Leadership. Whether you feel it’s an art, a science or maybe a combination of both – either way, you’re right. In my career, I’ve had the opportunity to hold various leadership roles and to learn countless “leadership styles,” strategies, approaches and so on. I’ve taken tests and gone through exercises to learn my “bird type”…
Read Full Article Brother Joe, what was the mission of Jesus? I think scripture and tradition would say Jesus came to save sinners of whom I am chief (1 Timothy 1:15-17). Didn’t Father Ronald Knox say Christians aren’t here to make the world a better place but to colonize heaven? Certainly Christians are to help the poor again…
Read Full Article Jesus: Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Capitalist: I’m sorry, but I have to take exception to that. In a capitalist society, if you are a loser, that means you or your family haven’t tried hard enough to play the game. The game has rules. You must play by the…
Read Full Article It’s good that a recommendation has been put forth by the Illinois Department of Transportation for the replacement of the Memorial Bridge. While it is not a consideration to replace the Golden Gate Bridge, also put into service in the 1930s and in a salt air environment, most other bridges should not be expected to last…
Read Full Article Regarding the article concerning the 13-year-old and 18-year-old who sent the pictures — which, of course, he shouldn’t have done. A question I have: Was he aware of her age? I ask because many girls get online and portray themselves as 18, which should not happen. Parents should bear some responsibility for not monitoring their daughter’s…
Read Full Article It seems our society is short on selflessness these days. Selflessness is “giving to others without looking for personal gain.” Thankfully, in healthcare, you’ll find teams of selfless people led by doctors. This area is blessed with many skilled physicians, including those practicing at Blessing Health. After multiple years in training, these doctors joined the Blessing…
Read Full Article Did you ever consider these phrases in the hymn “Hold the Fort” by Philip P. Bliss in 1870? In the first verse: “Ho, my comrades!See the signalWaving in the sky …” And in the chorus: “Hold the Fort for I am coming,Jesus signals still,Wave the answer back to Heaven,By Thy Grace we will!” What does…
Read Full Article Our framing of immigrants at our southern border seems to be missing something. Compassion. Rather than demonizing, perhaps we could empathize. To paraphrase President Franklin D. Roosevelt, “We should remember that we all are descendants of immigrants …” And to quote Bishop Michael Barber SJ of the Diocese of Oakland in California, who worked with immigrants…
Read Full Article I was listening to NPR recently about Feb. 29 and the Hanke-Henry Calendar Idea. The coming of spring on March 19 as well as Easter on March 31 compels me to offer this opinion. Back in the 16th Century, Pope Gregory VIII brought forth what would become known as the Gregorian Calendar to better deal with the earth’s relationship to…
Read Full Article As someone with extensive business experience and a nine-year tenure on the fire and police commission, I feel compelled to share my perspective on the upcoming mayoral election. It is evident to me that our current mayor has fallen short in his leadership and communication skills. Throughout my time serving the community, I have observed firsthand…
Read Full Article The 40 Days for Life Campaign is well under way and shows no sign of slowing. Volunteers show up every day, except on Sundays, holding signs in prayer to end abortion across the nation. This is done locally at Walgreens because they have decided (along with CVS and RiteAid) to provide the two abortion pills,…
Read Full Article Letter to the Editor: Adrian is human and changed his mind, rousing the rabble to pick up pitchforks
Muddy River News recently published an article detailing the events that led to Robert Adrian’s removal as Eighth Circuit Judge. This letter to the editor will examine the reasoning (or lack thereof) surrounding that removal. This is not an attempt to assign a value judgment to the sexual assault case People of the State of Illinois v. Drew…
Read Full Article It’s well-known Americans are increasingly dependent on their smartphones for essential daily functions, entertainment, and connection. Technology helps us do so many things, but sometimes there are unintended consequences when technology gets out of place in our lives. According to a December 2023 survey of consumers, 41 percent shared that they could use some time…
Read Full Article I noticed on the St. Louis Cardinals schedule this season they are to play the Baltimore Orioles May 20-22 at home. It was 70 years ago this season that the St. Louis Browns became the Orioles and 80 years ago that St. Louis had both major league teams in the 1944 World Series. I wonder…
Read Full Article I am writing in response to Mark Felsman’s letter of February 16. It is incorrect to characterize asylum seekers as “illegal immigrants.” Under international law, anyone has the right to apply for asylum in any country that has signed the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and to remain there until the…
Read Full Article I am replying to Catherine Frederick’s letter. Does she realize these people have entered our country illegally? If we have no borders, we have no country. No one blames them for wanting a better life, but is America obligated to accept everyone who wants a better life? Isn’t our government’s first obligation to its own…
Read Full Article I am writing in regard to the recent discussions among city leaders and community members regarding the possibility of buses or trains full of migrants arriving in Quincy. Whether or not such a situation ever occurs, I’d like to remind our leaders and fellow community members of Quincy’s history of being a welcoming and hospitable…
Read Full Article I’m writing in reference to Ms. Frederick’s question about illegals. A. There is a difference between LEGAL immigrants and ILLEGAL immigrants. B. There is a system in place for immigrants to enter our country LEGALLY. C. Yes, there are plenty of jobs available for LEGAL immigrants to get and make a nice future for their…
Read Full Article I recently read the following Ask MRN story: “Have you heard the rumor that the old ShopKo building is being retrofitted to bring in illegals from other countries to live/house/etc.? Please investigate. We absolutely don’t want this in western Illinois.” I was appalled, but not surprised, when I read this question sent to MRN. I…
Read Full Article It has been long understood in the healthcare and social service community in Quincy, and the stateline as a whole, that a crisis exists regarding the lack of placement options for our area’s troubled youths. Some of these children have faced trauma as a result of abuse or neglect. Others have developed behavioral issues that have…
Read Full Article Quincy has not had an operational bookmobile in service for more than 20 years when age and repair costs combined to end service for Quincy’s 1970s-era bookmobile in the 1990s. When I learned from a friend in Quincy that an effort was underway to reinstate the bookmobile, I was surprised that it had been so…
Read Full Article As we all know, one of our own Quincy Police officers, Matt Hermsmeier, was shot and wounded on Thursday, Jan. 11, while responding to a call for service. Matt had surgery on Thursday and was discharged from the hospital Friday. Now he is recovering at his home. My wife and I are offering to coordinate…
Read Full Article I would like to address misconceptions Adams County Circuit Judge Robert Adrian allows our community to believe in order to save his own pelt. First, in the state of Illinois, any person younger than 17 years of age is under no circumstances ever allowed to consent to sexual activity. In some states, there is a…
Read Full Article We will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 15. We honor his dedication to civil rights, justice and non-discrimination in schools, workplaces and housing. My wish on this MLK Holiday is that this year the Quincy City Council will pass a rental registration, licensing and inspection ordinance. All…
Read Full Article I wanted to take an opportunity to provide clarity on the perception that the Quincy Park District is somehow not interested in partnering with its counterparts on the Quincy City Council, Adams County Board and the Riverfront Development Corporation. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Quincy Park District, in its role as a dedicated team of faithful…
Read Full Article Today’s mobile technology has enabled us to connect like never before. That said, it is important to remain mindful of its ability to gobble up our time. The key is finding balance, particularly in the presence of others. Here’s food for thought as people prepare for Thanksgiving gatherings. The constant ping of new messages and status…
Read Full Article I’m old, and often the banter between Bob (Gough), Ashley (Conrad) and Brittany (Boll) on the podcasts drives me nuts. The Nora Baldner podcast changed my opinion. Ashley and Brittany drove that discussion amazingly well. The respect between the three of them showed. Great history of local journalism. Political views were not discounted. I enjoyed…
Read Full Article Kristy Trevathan offers Hannibal a clear choice to support as the candidate for mayor who supports community improvement by inclusion, economic development and beautifying our hometown. Kristy is a 1971 Hannibal High School graduate and a 1976 graduate of the University of Missouri. She taught in the Hannibal Public Schools for two years and at…
Read Full Article I have always hated losing more than I like winning. Losing sucks. No one likes it, but it is a part of life. It is how we handle the L that says more about our character than the loss itself. You can blame it on the officiating, your teammates, your coach, your parents, etc. Some days, it just isn’t…
Read Full Article “Sometimes I just don’t understand human behavior.” These iconic words from C-3PO in “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) echo more than a simple response to the rudeness of Han Solo. C-3PO’s inability to fully grasp sarcasm and passive aggressive human behavior gave his character comedic depth. The functions of droids like…
Read Full Article “I’m just here trying to educate people.” This is a line I have heard, stated with conviction by Jarid Jones, on several occasions with regards to the riverfront development project. He believes he has a wealth of knowledge to share about the inner workings of the various governing entities in Quincy with regards to funding,…
Read Full Article My wife, Paula Wallace, and I both shared words of advice on Tuesday night at the Quincy City Council meeting, along with many others who were standing against the abortion racket being perpetrated in Illinois. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful, even though the message and appeal for life and blessing was clearly with the pro-life people…
Read Full Article Letter to the Editor: Let's spend more time making this world a place where it's safe to go to sleep
Two caveats toward Quincy City Council aldermen using their governmental offices to continue seeking an overturn of the Reproductive Health Act in Illinois: 1. A large part of what bothers me so much is people claiming to be so “pro-life” do so with such a feeling of self-satisfaction that they are morally superior in their…
Read Full Article We awoke Saturday morning to news of a war in the Middle East. With all the world’s problems, it was a needed respite to return to a less stressful time, a time captured by the Quincy Museum’s annual Folk Life Festival. For a few hours, families could enjoy music, crafts, exhibits, games and refreshments.…
Read Full Article As I awakened at 4 a.m. the day after the marathon City Council meeting, I experienced an epiphany so profound that I had to put pen to paper (or fingers to keypad — few of us write anymore). I witnessed more of my neighbors taking time out of their busy lives to speak at a City…
Read Full Article Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer“ was released this year to universal critical acclaim. With a rating of 93 percent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, the film brought to life one of the most significant eras in human history. Exploring a number of scientific, political and philosophical themes, “Oppenheimer“ served as a grim, prudent reminder of an often overlooked and disturbing…
Read Full Article It has come to the attention of Students for Life of America that the attorney advising the Quincy City Council on the Sanctuary City for the Unborn ordinance has voiced opposition to making Quincy a sanctuary city for the unborn while also claiming to hold pro-life values. The aldermen and alderwomen who passed this very…
Read Full Article Today, many stand with you in this effort to “preserve the safety, health, peace, good order, comfort, convenience, morals and welfare of all inhabitants within the city of Quincy, and to ensure the federal prohibitions on the shipment of abortion pills and abortion-related paraphernalia are obeyed.” The negligence of the abortion industry has been tolerated…
Read Full Article On behalf of Springfield Right to Life, its Civic Action Committee and Two Hearts Pregnancy Help Center, we strongly support the passage of the “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance. In reviewing the ordinance summary, it looks to be a mere adoption of the Comstock Act of 1873 (18 USCA 1462 & 1463) which, in…
Read Full Article I am writing in response to the letter from Nicholas Scholz, which said the proposed “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance would make Quincy less competitive in the market for young, educated workers. Perhaps Mr. Scholz would prefer only people with college degrees to vote? I am reminded of William Buckley’s famous saying that he…
Read Full Article On Tuesday, Oct. 10, the Quincy City Council will be weighing the possibility of making Quincy a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn.” An ordinance has been placed on the City Council’s agenda, and there is some concern that it might be voted on after a single reading. That the text of this ordinance has only…
Read Full Article Why has the Quincy City Council decided it is within their scope of responsibility to make Quincy a sanctuary city, preventing abortions and medications related to abortion from being available in the city of Quincy? In attempting to make the city a “safe haven,” this ordinance will make the city unsafe for many current residents…
Read Full Article The proposed “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance would make Quincy less competitive in the market for young, educated workers. According to the Pew Research Center, 66 percent of Americans with a college degree or higher believe that abortion should be legal in most cases. I am willing to bet my next paycheck that number…
Read Full Article City Council will introduce an ordinance next week to make Quincy a “sanctuary city for the unborn.” We strongly oppose this legislation and firmly believe such legislation would represent an unnecessary intrusion of government into deeply personal healthcare decisions, particularly when Illinois law already protects healthcare rights. The Reproductive Health Act, passed in 2019, ensures…
Read Full Article We are excited to hear about the riverfront development. My husband Norm and I, along with our 2-year-old daughter, moved to Quincy in 1980 from Rockford. We were excited to be close to the Mississippi River, the largest river in the country. Moving here from Rockford was like going back in time. We were disappointed Quincy…
Read Full Article In reading about the issue of high energy electrical utility distribution along the Quincy riverfront, I saw financial numbers on cost but did not see much given from an electrical engineering power distribution standpoint on this issue. I trust this is known in the background between Ameren and city engineers. In case there needs to…
Read Full Article After driving from Schuyler County to attend the Back the Blue Festival in Quincy, I was disappointed to see such a low turnout to honor your local police and other first responders. Hopefully, next year will see some larger numbers. First responders, who include both law enforcement and emergency medical personnel, lay their lives on…
Read Full Article As a family member of the four victims of Natasha McBride, I want to express gratitude for your efforts to bring the truth out into the light! I must admit I have carried an absence of trust in the legal system and those connected to it for much of my life. I initially felt that naivete…
Read Full Article On a clear, windless day in September 2022, a large limb from a tree in the city easement fell. It hit my house, causing $2,500 damage to a new roof that had been put on in May 2022. A claim filed with the Risk Management department of Quincy was promptly denied. An appeal also was…
Read Full Article As a resident of Quincy, I am writing this letter regarding our city government. Recent problems regarding the city, such as votes by the city council and police of no confidence in the mayor, an onerous housing policy, lack of or limited health care for city employees and a recent ransomware cost of $650,000 for…
Read Full Article The recent Quincy City Council’s vote of no confidence in Mayor Mike Troup and his response indicate a lack of understanding on the part of the mayor regarding how our city operates. As someone who previously served as a Republican alderman, I support a strong city council that delegates authority to the mayor. A system…
Read Full Article This is in response to the release from Mayor Mike Troup on July 13, 2023, following the no-confidence vote by the city council and appeal by the members of the PB&PA Unit 12 for expanded residency. Mayor Troup said the city “chose” not to negotiate in the public. The fact is the city wasn’t negotiating…
Read Full Article I tried really hard not to write this. I really did. But after observing the Supreme Court decisions over the past few days, and recognizing the myriad of responses and opinions that would be derived from them, I felt it was important to have my say. I’m 53, an African American, graduated from the former…
Read Full Article Rajah Maples is a tremendous boost for WGEM.. She has a wealth of experience and excellent on-air presence. She raises the bar for TV reporting in Quincy. Very smart move for WGEM. Rajah is not only a great professional, but she is a very nice person. That is a huge part of a broadcaster’s success…
Read Full Article As a former Republican alderman in Quincy, I have a vested interest in the success of the city and the residents. It is therefore with great concern that I write this letter to question the current mayor’s actions that have undermined public safety. First and foremost, the mayor should not publicly criticize department leaders. It…
Read Full Article One of the most controversial non pharmacologic interventions (also known as NPIs) during the COVID pandemic was the recommendation by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — and oftentimes ensuing local mandate — of masking to decrease the spread and infection of the SARS COVID-19 virus. Our community was told it was necessary for the…
Read Full Article The April 4 election may seem unimportant with no mayoral race and few contested alderman races, but one of the most important roles in our community is that of a board member for the Quincy Public Schools. We have the opportunity to continue exemplary service to our community by the three board members willing to…
Read Full Article I recently had occasion to drop off bottles at one of the new recycling sites. I’m all for things being handicapped accessible, but even with ramps, it involves some amount of physical labor to tote your boxes and cartons of bottles from your car to the bins, pull them out of the cardboard, open the…
Read Full Article The League of Women Voters, I am told, had planned to sponsor a debate between Paul Lange, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Representative in the Illinois 15th Congressional District, and Mary Miller, the Republican candidate for that office. Miller apparently refuses to debate Lange. I would like to propose questions that each candidate might have…
Read Full Article I was under the impression that all dog owners should have their dogs leashed. Obviously that’s not the case in the Wilmar and North Wilmar area. We take such care to keep our lawns clean and manicured, but some stupid mutt (I mean the dog) thinks it is OK to soil our yard with its poop.…
Read Full Article Thanks for publishing the long list of local businesses who received PPP U.S. Government provided and forgiven “loans” to maintain operations and payrolls during the recent pandemic slowdown. These loans here and across the country were instrumental in the prevention of more widespread economic catastrophe. It would be honest and refreshing if these recipients would…
Read Full Article This letter is from Harold Stuckwisch of Warsaw, Ill. If I were one of the persons who had to pick who the chief of police would be in the City of Quincy, it would definitely be (Deputy Chief) Shannon Pilkington. I worked around him years ago when I was employed by his father, Lynn Pilkington,…
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