2012 2nd Quarter

2012
2nd Quarter
Issues & Programs
WGEM-FM
Quincy Broadcasting Company
Quincy, IL
2012
2nd Qtr Rpt
Table of Contents
LOCALLY PRODUCED PROGRAMMING ...................................................................................................... 3
WGEM NEWS THIS WEEK ................................................................................................... 3
WGEM NEWS .................................................................................................................... 6
WGEM FM INTERVIEWS.................................................................................................. 181
NETWORK PROGRAMMING ........................................................................................................................ 181
AGDAY ........................................................................................................................ 190
NBC NIGHTLY NEWS ..................................................................................................... 197
SHORT FORM PROGRAMMING ................................................................................................................. 222
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Listing of Problems and Needs
1) BUSINESS: Health care system, need for more industry; more tourism; more jobs; downtown
revitalization; economic and industrial development; improved tax climate, lower worker's
compensation, availability of liability insurance; more regional cooperation
2) ECOLOGY: Management of Ecology, landfill space, problems of hazardous waste; weapons
proliferation; nuclear energy; soil erosion; situation of Quincy Bay; need for preservation of
environment; pesticides and herbicides run off problems; conservation and recycling; flood
control; sewer/water-system/water quality; pollution control.
3) EDUCATION: Need for upgrading of system and high educational standards; school funding and
support of system, education for non-traditional students; post-graduate educational
opportunities; educational priorities; retaining & acquisition of new job skills; continuing
education; adaptation to high technology; more parental involvement.
4) YOUTH: Problems of juvenile delinquency; lack of activities; drop-out rate; drug and alcohol
abuse; lack of funds for youth centers; need for more jobs; more programs and facilities; day care
centers; retention of youth in community; teenage pregnancy; better teen center; better
communications and awareness of services available.
5) SOCIAL: Aids, rising medical costs, need for resources for elderly; strengthening of family unit;
transportation and housing for poor and elderly; more programs for elderly; needs for the
disadvantaged; nurses, doctors, and dentists; problems of alcohol and drug abuse; racial
problems; lack of opportunities for black; child abuse; spouse abuse; sexual abuse; support for
single parent families.
6) AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY: Commodity prices, affect 1996 Farm Bill; high agricultural
production costs; high interest rates; availability of credit.
7) TRANSPORTATION: Need for better highways, including four-lane expressways; rail service;
maintaining air service; retain bus routes; city street repairs; maintaining AMTRAK service. Rising
fuel prices.
8) CITY/COMMUNITY: Flood impact, need for adequate housing for poor and elderly; strong
community leadership; community pride; growth/population decline; more blacks in political
community; long-range community planning; community clean-ups; better enforcement of
minimum housing codes; city-wide effort against alcohol and drug abuse; annexation
9) LAW & ORDER: Need for honest government; crime prevention; getting tough on drunk drivers;
problems of vandalism; high crime rate; including white-collar crime; arson; overcrowded Illinois
prisons; increase in spouse, child and sexual abuse; seat belt usage; gun control and substance
abuse; gang activity
10) RECREATION: Need for more and improved facilities; more cultural programs; women's
recreational center; teen & youth centers.
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Locally Produced Programming
Station WGEM-TV programs to the ascertained problems and needs through a variety of
programming vehicles. Being heavily community oriented interested in community
problems, and issues, the licensee devotes a very considerable amount of its news time
to the coverage of significant problems, needs and issues facing the community.
WGEM-TV has produced and broadcast the following programming material in response
to the problems and needs of our viewing area.
WGEM NEWS THIS WEEK
Locally Produced
Sunday 8:30pm (30 min)
WGEM NEWS THIS WEEK is a public affairs program of Quincy Broadcasting Company
that airs once weekly. The program provides discussion of local, state and national
issues affecting our audience. The subject of the program is normally introduced with a
pre-taped report, followed by an in-depth interview. The individual program
information follows. Detail includes date and name of interview guest on topic(s)
discussed. Specific needs covered: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
4/7-8
Autism Awareness month, interview with Lynnae Glascock a pediatric occupational
therapist with Quincy Medical Group on recent autism students and local services for
children and their families; interview with state Representative Jil Tracy on upcoming
state budget cuts and pension problems; story on Hannibal's new smoking ban
4/14-15
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White talking about organ donation, teen driving safety,
state budget cuts, and running for a 5th term; QU Political Science Professor Brian
Borlas talking about what to expect from a presidential race between Barack Obama and
Mitt Romney; A story on a local athletic director recovering from a brain tumor and a
story on a woman who needs a kidney transplant who's the face of this year's organ
donor drive in Illinois
4/21-22
Jackie Bruns with Quincy Catholic Charities talking about food pantry needs; Kate
Daugherty with Down Country, a local group that helps families with children with
Down Syndrome; stories on Hannibal smoking ban and groups who want an exemption;
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Keokuk okays funding for Keokuk Area Hospital, Iowa to make changes to Caucus
process; Missouri lawmakers vote on new voter ID law
4/28-29
Interview with Paul Havermale, 3rd Ward Alderman in Quincy talking about new budget
and cuts approved by city council; interview with Carl Adams, Vice President of Illinois
Ayers Company talking about the rise and fall of gas prices; story on teenagers hooked
on heroin, followed by interview with reporter Lindsey Hess on what she learned about
the spread of the drug in northeast Missouri; story on Missouri lawmakers passing a bill
to make it illegal to enforce the federal health care act; story on this week's Honor
Flight
5/5-6
Story on Harris selling its Broadcast Division in Quincy; interview with Quincy City
Planner Chuck Bevelheimer about how the city uses its revolving loan fund to spur
economic development; interview with Mary Poletti from the Quincy Herald Whig talking
about Hannibal's new ordinance for smoking ban; story on U.S. Transportation Secretary
Ray LaHood in Macomb talking about dangers of texting and driving; story on former
Illinois Governor George Ryan getting an appeal that could get him out of prison; story
on Social Stalkers...how what you do online can lead predators to track your personal
information
5/12-13
Story on U.S. Postal Service deciding not to close rural post offices; interview with
Reggie Coleman, talking about race relations in Quincy, JWCC and what it means for
local education; story on inaccuracies at the gas pump; story on Iowa legislature
adjourns for the year; story on Sen. Mark Kirk's recovery from stroke
5/19-20
A look back at the career of Les Sachs who's retiring after 40 years in broadcasting, 35
at WGEM
5/26-27
Illinois pension/Medicaid reform (primary interview with Christopher Meister, Illinois
Finance Authority); story on Lonny Lemon resigning as QPS Superintendent; Interview
with Missouri State Rep. Lindell Shumake (R-MO 6th Dist.) on recent legislative
session...accomplishments and failures story on How to Take a Vacation on a Budget;
highlights of this week's Honor Flight
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6/3 – 4
Interview with Carla Potts, NECAC Deputy Director of Housing Development talking
about upcoming Tri-State Housing summit; interview with Ray Heilmann, retiring QND
principal looking back at his 39 year career; story on end of Illinois legislative session,
including lack of funding for state parks
6/9 – 10
Rep. Norine Hammond (Illinois-94th Dist.) talking about the end of the legislative
session, pension reform, state budget, etc.; story on Pat Quinn talking about pension
reform; wrapup of results from Iowa Primary; story on Quincy Public Schools hiring
interim superintendent
6/15 – 16
Interview with Dr. Ron Davis, Vice President of Instruction for JWCC talking about
customized training courses for specialized skills in the workforce; interview with Tom
Lockett, campus director for Vatterott College in Quincy, talking about new programs
and training for people looking for new or second careers; story on Missouri Sec. of
State candidate Scott Rupp visiting Hannibal; story on behind the scenes in the White
House press room from KTIV
6/23 - 24
Story on JWCC budget cuts; story on JWCC efforts to boost enrollment; story on Quincy
school board meeting; Illinois state treasurer Dan Rutherford on prison closings; Gov.
Pat Quinn on pension reform negotiations; interview with Gary McGuey, national
motivational speaker and created curriculum for 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens;
story about Iowa Powerball winners
6/30
Honor Flight special: Included WW2 vets talking about their experiences; a look at the
Korean War memorial; recap of the first Honor Flight featuring Korean War vets
recap of the Honor Flight Ball honoring WW2 vets; interview with Honor Flight founder
Earl Morse
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WGEM NEWS
Locally Produced
Monday-Friday
5:30am (90 min)
Monday-Friday
7:25am, 7:55am; 8:25am, 8:55am, 9:25am, 9:55am (5 min)
Daily
12:00p, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 10:00pm (30 min)
Saturday- Sunday
10:00pm (30 min)
WGEM NEWS provides the most up-to-date information in the tri-state area with periodic
in-depth background stories that deal with the problems and important issues of the
communities we serve. Detail includes date telecast, length of story/topic(s). Specific
needs covered: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
4/2
For the second time in three years, Quincy's alternative school program is
changing hands in an effort to save money. The Quincy School District has
terminated the last year of the contract with the Ombudsman program, and
will start its own program this fall. The Ombudsman Program has been held
at the Quincy School District office for the last two years. School officials
say the program is a great one, but the district can save about $50,000 by
taking over the program itself. Inside the school typical classrooms are
filled with not so typical students. And this year, 21 students are set to
graduate with a high school diploma, and teachers say its proof that the
school works. And district officials say that's why cutting the Ombudsmen's
contract was a tough one. But even though the school is changing hands,
district officials say they're keeping some of the program as is. The school
district will take over the alternative program starting this fall. And while
the school's current teachers will be let go, district officials say they could
be hired back to teach in the new program.
Quincy's Blessing Hospital has a new way to treat patients experiencing
chest pains. The hospital unveiled its brand new Observation Decision
Unit Monday afternoon, a service that monitors chest pains that require
extended observation. Officials say they hope to cut down on the amount of
time patients with minor pains are in the hospital while still keeping a close
eye on those that are more serious. The new unit holds six beds with a
designated staff and is located on the third floor of Blessing Hospital.
Schools in Quincy are already looking ahead to next fall with Kindergarten
Roundup next Friday the 13th. Parents of kids who will be 5 by September
first are required to attend their school's kindergarten roundup, even if
they've gone through it already with another child. The roundup will cover
things such as school start and stop times, necessary immunizations, and
what a day in kindergarten is like. Parents only need to bring one thing with
them to the roundup. "The one thing we want them to bring, and this goes
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for every school, every child, we want them to bring a certified birth
certificate. We will make a copy of it here if they need to, but we really need
the certified birth certificate," said Julie Stratman, Principal at Monroe
Elementary. If you are unable to make it to your child's kindergarten
roundup, you should contact your school right away.
It's a simple, child's toy, but all this month, the spinning blades of a giant
pinwheel will stand in front of Transitions of Western Illinois as a reminder-a reminder that we each can bring movement, energy and change to the
lives of children who have been hurt by abuse. Child abuse numbers are on
the rise in Adams County, according to the most recent Illinois Kids Count
report. Between 2006 and 2010, cases of child abuse or neglect have
increased 25 percent. Monday, child welfare leaders gathered in Quincy to
get the message out that you can help prevent more child abuse from
happening, and help those who are already victims. Like the fresh breeze
turning the pinwheel this morning, child advocates are hoping awareness
about abuse and neglect in the community will begin to turn children's lives
around as well-- for the better.
Cancer is difficult to deal with, but what about its side effects? A new
program at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield is helping women with
cancer feel better about themselves. It's called Look Good, Feel Better and is
sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Cancer patients can get
makeovers to help them with a variety of appearance-related effects of
chemotherapy and radiation. Organizers say it's a non-medical treatment,
but can affect a patient's entire outlook. On April 30th, cosmetologists
interested in helping the Look Good Feel Better program can get training in
Quincy. For registration information as a cancer survivor or volunteer,
call 217-523-4503.
The Illinois Department of Transportation bridge crews will be performing a
detailed inspection of the Quincy Memorial Bridge over the Mississippi River
on US 24 eastbound into Quincy beginning Monday, April 2 through
Thursday, April 12. Crews will be working Monday through Thursday from 7
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the bridge. Traffic will be reduced to one lane with a 9foot width restriction on the bridge while crews are present. Please use
extra caution when traveling through the work zone. Delays should be
expected especially during peak traffic hours. This work is weather
dependent and could be delayed or rescheduled.
The fate of an old Hannibal hotel is still up in the air, but city officials say
something must be done soon about the deteriorating building. A public
hearing to help determine the future of the Old Maryland Hotel
ended Monday night with both sides agreeing to try and come up with a
solution to the safety concerns. "The stucco on the building is falling and
there's the concern of it falling on someone's head," said City Attorney,
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James Lemon. A fence now blocks most of the sidewalk in front of the Old
Maryland Hotel as officials work to find a more permanent safety solution
for the downtown Hannibal building. It's right in the middle of downtown,
it's right next to City Hall, it's going to be right in the middle of where the
4th of July celebrations will be," said Lemon. The building's owners, Jim and
Sheryl Love, did not attend Monday's public hearing, but instead sent a
friend to speak on their behalf. Now the Loves have a settlement proposal
for the city; demolish the building and turn it into a parking lot. The Loves
would provide some funding, but it would be mostly at the city's expense.
Lemon says tearing down the building is not ideal and will cost taxpayers.
One councilman did say he was approached over the weekend by a
contractor, interested in helping to restore the building, and the hearing
ended with all sides agreeing to explore all possible options. The issue
could also soon go before a judge who could legally require the owners to
pay to fix the existing problems.
Several dozen people gathered in Quincy Monday night to raise awareness
about autism. The group walked down Maine Street to spread the message
that autism affects numerous children and families in the community. Just
last week, a new study found one in 88 children are now diagnosed with
autism, and those involved in the walk say local children need your support.
"We want our community to see that there are families and faces behind
those numbers and we need the community support," said Dawn Reckers,
Parent Coordinator of the Quincy Area Autism Support Group. Monday is
World Autism Awareness Day and all this month is Autism Awareness
Month.
4/3
The 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic is approaching, and the
northeast Missouri river town of Hannibal is celebrating the life of one of
the ship's most famous passengers. The Hannibal Courier-Post reports that
a cruise on April 14 honors the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown. The cruise will
feature a period costume contest and live music from the era. Molly Brown
was born Margaret Tobin in Hannibal in 1867. She became wealthy as an
adult and lived in Denver. She was on the Titanic when it sank on April 15,
1912. She became famous for her heroism, helping other female
passengers into a lifeboat, directing the boat and speaking five languages
to communicate with survivors. Brown's small, childhood home in Hannibal
remains a tourist attraction.
Harrisburg and other southern Illinois communities affected by a deadly
tornado in February are getting up to $13 million in state and Small
Business Administration aid. Gov. Pat Quinn's office announced Monday that
the help includes reimbursements to local governments for some of their
disaster-related expenses and road improvements. The aid also involves
grants for home repairs and low-interest loans to storm-affected
businesses. Seven people were killed by the twister that tore through
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Harrisburg on Feb. 29. Since then, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency has denied the state's request for help from U.S. taxpayers in the
recovery effort. Quinn says recovery from the tornado won't happen
overnight but the assistance package detailed Monday will help those hurt
by the storm to rebuild their lives.
You may soon notice more troopers on the road in Illinois. Illinois State
Police District 20 recently hired two new troopers to patrol its five-county
area, helping fill a badly needed staffing shortage. ISP officials say because
of recent retirements and transfers, the district has been understaffed for a
while now and the new hires should make a noticeable difference helping
serve the community. There really isn't a typical day. That's what I love
about the job. It’s always something different," said Doug Zulauf, one of the
department's two new troopers. Illinois State Police officials are just as
excited about new troopers like Zulauf. Prior to the hires, officials say there
were times when only three troopers would be patrolling the five county
districts. At times, the closest troopers to a call for service would have to
drive through multiple counties to respond. “With more bodies out there,
the response times will probably be a lot quicker than it would be. If a guy
got a call to respond, it'll be a lot quicker than if he has to respond from
two counties away," said Msgt. Daniel Adams, ISP District 20 Operations
Officer. Zulauf and the other new hire are currently going through 14
weeks of field training and should be finished sometime in the next couple
of months.
The Western Community Center YMCA in Barry is just a few weeks away
from being completed. City officials say workers are about 75 percent
completed with the facility that's being renovated out of the former Holy
Redeemer Catholic Church. YMCA memberships are currently available and
one city official is offering his own unique reason to get people interested
in the project. "I've promised to run one tenth of a mile for every
membership we get up to an entire marathon. So if we get 262 people to
sign up, I'll sign up and run a marathon somewhere," Barry City
Administrator Lance Kendrick said. City officials also say if you sign up now
for a membership, you'll get one month for free and the YMCA will waive its
membership fee.
Voters approved a public smoking ban in Hannibal Tuesday evening,
with 1,653 "yes" votes to 1,309 "no" votes. The ban disallows smoking in all
indoor public places and city owned vehicles. Most of the city's buildings
have been smoke free for over 10 years and the Admiral Coontz Armory
banned smoking in 2010. In other elections, Revere C-3 school district
voters approved to annex into the Clark County R-1 district by a margin of
179 "yes" votes to 43 "no" votes. The annexation proposal will now go to
the Clark County School Board for final approval. In Lewis County, voters
approved a tax hike to support the county health department with 916 "yes"
votes to 505 "no" votes. In the Paris R-2 school district, voters approved a
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$1.2 million bond issue, with 369 "yes" votes to 77 "no" votes. A $1.4
million bond issue also passed in the Van-Far R-1 district and a $2.3 million
bond in Knox County R-1. A tax levy question also passed in Shelby County
R-IV. Tax questions are on the ballot for voters in Marion Co. R-2. In Ralls
County, voters approve the first tax levy in 25 years to help support the
county's ambulance service with 1,033 "yes" votes to 315 "no" votes. If the
levy was not approved, county officials said the ambulance service district
would likely dissolve. Road maintenance and repairs tax increases all
passed in Clark County, Lewis County, Knox City, Scotland County and
Vandalia decide on tax and bond questions for funds to maintain roads.
A Rushville man is sentenced to one year in jail and 30 month’s probation
for charges related to a fatal crash in 2009. Ryan Boyd, 24, pleaded guilty
to two counts of obstructing justice and one count of driving under the
influence. The Schuyler County state's attorney says Boyd was involved in a
single vehicle crash in October 2009 just east of Rushville. Ryan Jones,
22, was killed as a result of the crash. Boyd agreed to meet privately next
week with the immediate family of Ryan Jones.
As gas prices continue to increase, the Quincy School District is keeping a
close eye on the number of kids riding the bus. Two years ago when gas
prices soared, transportation officials say they noticed a big increase in
students riding the bus, especially among high school students. In the last
few weeks ridership has been mostly consistent, but officials are keeping
close tabs on the numbers, and expect more students to be riding the bus
by summertime. "We'll do a student count on each bus and make sure we're
using them to the fullest, making sure we don't have any over. We adjust
routes and hopefully there's a route near them that we can switch some of
the kids to if it is overloaded," said Shane Barnes, Transportation Director
for the Quincy School District. Buses have a strict limit for the number of
students who can ride. If a bus is too full, the driver won't continue the
route.
An unwanted surprise may be lurking in your mailbox. Home insurance
rates are on the rise, and right now many people in the tri-states are
opening bills that are hundreds of dollars more than they expected. On
average rates have increased 10 to 50 percent in the tri-states as everyone
pays the price for increased storm claims in the area. "A couple hundred
dollars on average has been pretty standard this year," said Sara Bruns with
Winters Insurance Group. And more rate increases are on the way, putting
even more financial strain on homeowners. So what can you do? Insurance
agents recommend shopping around for the best rate possible. Insurance
agents also recommend you check your deductible on your policy. If you
increase your deductible even a little, it could make a substantial difference
in your rate.
4/4
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Authorities reportedly uncovered one of the largest meth labs ever found in
the Adams County area Wednesday. The West Central Illinois Task Force
executed two separate search warrants at 1201 Park Place and 429 South
7th Street and allegedly found items used to make meth at both locations.
At the South 7th location, they reportedly found evidence of 25-30 "one pot"
meth cooks. Shawn Jones, 36, was arrested at the residence and is charged
with aggravated meth manufacture and possession of meth manufacturing
material. Jerrit Hartman, 29, was arrested at work and is charged with
aggravated participation in meth manufacture and possession of meth.
Two people are arrested for allegedly stealing $16,000 worth of
merchandise from the Quincy Bergner's store. Tamara Carter, 52, and 44year-old Patrick Steward are charged with retail theft over $300. Quincy
police say they were contacted by Bergner's loss prevention officers about a
series of thefts last month. At the time of the thefts, Carter was an
employee of the store.
Is your daughter hitting the tanning bed to help get that bronze look for
prom? Or are you tanning to get a head start on summer? According to a
new study by Mayo Clinic, skin cancer rates among young adults is
increasing dramatically and it's hitting women under 40 the hardest.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and is deadly. WGEM
spoke with a melanoma survivor who says her fight with skin cancer began
after using a tanning bed in high school. Just shy of her 19th birthday,
Amanda Gibbs noticed a dark mole on her left shoulder. Feeling selfconscious, she had a doctor remove it. But it wasn't just a mole, it was
cancerous. And, at that point, it had already reached stage 3 melanoma and
had moved into her lymph nodes. Gibbs had a 30% chance of living beyond
5 years, but thanks to experimental vaccines in California, she survived. She
says like most young women, she never thought skin cancer would happen
to her. Gibbs says because of her history with skin cancer, her children are
50% more likely to get melanoma. To protect them, she tries to keep them
her kids out of direct sunlight. She also makes sure the little ones are
slathered in sunscreen and wearing hats.
One person was sent the hospital after a violent collision between a UPS
delivery truck and a dump truck. The accident happened around 9
a.m. Wednesday near the intersection of 24th Street and Weiss Lane.
Authorities on scene say the driver of the dump truck failed to yield at
the stop sign and hit the northbound UPS truck. The impact caused the UPS
truck to skid approximately 40 feet and land on its side. The driver of the
UPS truck was taken to Blessing Hospital with moderate injuries. The driver
of the dump truck was ticketed.
Super heroes battled it out in a Quincy gym Wednesday fighting for the
future of kids' teeth. The kids watched as the "Tooth Wizard" battled his
enemy "PlaqueMan" showing the kids how plaque can cause cavities. The
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students at Washington Elementary brushed up on their dental habits with
an oversized mouth and toothbrush. During the program, students learned
the importance of good oral health and how to properly remove plaque
from teeth. Sara Cramer, the principle at Washington Elementary, said they
invite Delta Dental to their elementary school every two years.
For the second time in two weeks, authorities in Lee County shut down a
business suspected of being used in money laundering. Jason Eaves, 40, of
Fort Madison, was arrested on charges of money laundering and ongoing
criminal conduct. The Lee County Narcotics Task Force executed a search
warrant at "The Pleasure Factor", seized evidence and took control of the
business. If convicted, Eaves faces up to 35 years in prison.
We are in the midst of a fierce start to the severe weather season. People
are still talking about Tuesday's tornado outbreak in the Dallas-Ft. Worth
metroplex. The twisters sent people running for cover and flipping semis
into the air like matchbox cars. So far, no deaths have been reported. The
National Weather Service is trying to get people to pay more attention to
tornado warnings. Some counties in the tri-state area are a part of an
experimental "impact-based warning system." The new system uses
stronger words to describe stronger tornados. The next time a tornado
warning is issued, for counties in the testing area, you'll hear words like
"significant," "catastrophic"," "deadly tornado" and "life threatening
situation." We want to stress though that the counties in our area not
included will hear the warnings worded just like they were in the past. But,
you need to take every warning seriously. Get to your safe place and stay
tuned to WGEM for the most up-to-date information. The counties that are
included in the new warnings are: Adams (IL), Brown (IL), Calhoun
(MO), Lewis (MO), Knox (MO), Marion (MO), Monroe (MO), Pike (IL), Pike
(MO), Ralls (MO), and Shelby (MO).
A gallon of gas is now $4.09 in Quincy, and the cost is only expected to
climb heading into summer. But rising gas prices hit you in more places
than just the pump, nearly everything from the cost of food to clothing is
impacted. Business Professor Eric Larson says everyone should be
concerned about the economic impact as gas prices continue to rise. "What
happens is gas prices as they rise, it costs more for people to spend on
anything whether it be gas at the pump, whether it be products that they
buy," said Larson. Gas prices are expected to peak in late April or early May
and could soar as high as $4.50 a gallon.
Voters in Hannibal passed the indoor smoking ban yesterday, but a lot of
unanswered questions are lingering. When will it go into effect? Who will
enforce it? What the fines will be? The city council will discuss those things
at its next meeting. The smoking ban will apply to all public places, such as
bars, restaurants and even nursing homes. Smokers will still be allowed to
smoke outside those places, but have to be three feet away from doors or
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windows. Some businesses are concerned that the ban could cause
customers to stay home. Dr. Richard Draper, who proposed the smoking
ban, says the ordinance still needs to be tweaked by the city council. "I
know that there's a question about whether or not organizations like the
American Legion, Private Clubs may or may not be exempt," said Draper.
One thing that is clear about the smoking ban is that for many, it will take
some getting used to.
Hannibal could have a community garden up and running by next Spring.
The Hannibal Parks and Recreation Department is working on a plan to
convert at least one of the flood buyout lots into a community garden.
General Mills gave the Parks Department a $7,000 grant to build the
community garden. City officials say they're looking at several different
plans. City officials say they're hoping to include raised garden beds so that
people with disabilities can participate in the project.
Are you missing a bicycle? It could be sitting at the Quincy Police
Department, ready to be auctioned off. Dozens of bicycles for both children
and adults have been collected by police. In fact, the department has so
many unclaimed bikes, they are holding two auctions later this month.
There is still time to call and claim a missing bicycle, but officers say very
few people do, making an auction necessary. "We need to keep them for six
months and after that point we have the auction and then the funds that are
received from the auction is returned to the general fund of the city," Jan
Achelpohl, Evidence Custodian, said. The auctions will be April 17 and April
24 at the community auction center in Quincy.
Authorities reportedly uncovered one of the largest meth labs ever found in
the Adams County area Wednesday. The West Central Illinois Task Force
executed two separate search warrants at 1201 Park Place and 429 South
7th Street and allegedly found items used to make meth at both locations.
At the South 7th location, they reportedly found evidence of 25-30 "one pot"
meth cooks. Shawn Jones, 36, was arrested at the residence and is charged
with aggravated meth manufacture and possession of meth manufacturing
material. Jerrit Hartman, 29, was arrested at work and is charged with
aggravated participation in meth manufacture and possession of meth.
4/5
A local "fun spot" for families is now a national recognized facility. Scottie's
Fun Spot of Quincy was recently awarded the Excellence in Family
Entertainment Center Award with the Best Roller Skating Anchored Center
for 2012. The award was announced on March 15 by the Tourist Attractions
& Parks Magazine and Foundations Entertainment University at the
Amusement Expo trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Polling
for the program began in late January and more than 8,000 votes in eleven
categories were tallied.
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Illinois health officials say the remarkably warm weather means bats are
active earlier this year, increasing the risk of exposure to rabies. The Illinois
Department of Public Health says two people are already getting treatment
after a bat tested positive for rabies. Chris Hanlin, Owner of Hanlin's Animal
Removal, says he has already had 15 calls in the last month to remove bats
from peoples' homes in the area. That's an unusually high number for this
time of year. Hanlin says with our mild winter, bats came out of hibernation
early and he's had calls for bat removal all winter-long. Bats find their way
into people's homes by following air flow coming out of cracks and crevices
and it only takes a crack the width of a pencil for a bat to find its way into
your house. Unfortunately, it's not easy to remove bats once they've found a
way in. “You know the best thing they can do is if you think you have a
problem with bats is call a professional," says Hanlin. Bats are not
endangered, but they are protected by the federal government so it is
illegal to kill them.
Quincy police say a scam could be waiting in your mailbox. A Quincy
resident recently received a check in the mail from the Carnegie Library, of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There was no letter accompanying the check,
which was drawn on the PNC Bank of Pittsburgh. If you receive this check or
something similar, do not cash it. Call your local police immediately.
An Easter egg hunt, petting zoo and martial arts will all be filling the
parking lot at the Blockbuster Video in Quincy this Saturday. The Easter
event is free and open to the public. However, those attending are asked to
bring a non-perishable food donation that will be given to the Salvation
Army, or pet food that will go to the Quincy Humane Society. Several local
businesses are partnering with Blockbuster to bring fun activities for the
entire family. The event will run from 3-7 p.m. at the Blockbuster on
Broadway in Quincy.
As families struggle to make ends meet, sometimes a child's extracurricular
activities, like music, fall by the wayside. But a new program could help.
Hungry for Music is a charity that helps underprivileged children get an
instrument if they are wanting to learn how to play. "Research has shown
that when a child is involved with music that is helps them also
academically," Suzi Waters, Hungry For Music chapter member said.
Everything from guitars to drum sets to stand up bases are donated. Waters
say music can work wonders in kids' lives. "I think children need to express
their creativity through music and instruments are a great way to do that. It
also helps with academics," Waters said. To request an instrument or to
donate, call (217)779-8684. You can also go to www.hungryformusic.org
A company that normally cleans homes and businesses was instead taking
care of a Quincy park today. Crews from ServPro started work early this
morning cleaning up Upper Moorman Park. Production manager Aaron
Smith said his dog was swimming in the pond and kept grabbing chip bags,
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water bottles, and other trash items to retrieve. So he thought it would be a
good idea to volunteer and help clean up this part of our eco-system.
Around 10 people helped the ServPro clean-up effort today. Smith
said parks are a place people can go to relax but the parks need community
members to help keep them clean. "And just said why not us? Why not take
an opportunity to give a little back to the community. We feel like they've
been great at embracing my business since we opened in the Fall of
2008...and said why not," said Smith. Smith also said they are always
looking for ways to help the community...but as of right now, ServPro
doesn't have anything in the works.
Americans have more than $1 trillion in student loan debt, and many
college graduates can't pay off their debt from school. If you default, it
affects everything from your credit report to your tax refund. On campuses
across the nation, students are racking up thousands of dollars in debt
during their four years in college. Paying that debt back is a burden that
many are struggling to shoulder. James Coon, a Senior at Culver Stockton
majoring in Business Marketing, will be graduating in May and says he
worries sometimes about not finding a job right away...and not being able
to pay back his loans. Many students are facing Coon's fears, and even if
bankruptcy can clear their other debts, that won't be true for student loans.
"The options that they have are, they can call the lender and request a
hardship deferment. So, there's different kinds of deferments if someone's
not working, if they're disabled," explained Patti Foust, the
Assistant Director for Culver Stockton's Financial Aid Office. Foust says if
you're asking for a deferment, you need to have documentation to back up
your claims of hardship. Foust says once do you have loans, start budgeting
for repayments early. If you have a job in public service or teaching, the
government may forgive your loans after five or ten years. To find out if
your job qualifies you for the loan forgiveness, you should contact your
college's financial aid office.
4/6
Warren Barrett Drive is now open at after a coal truck overturned and spilled
coal onto the roadway near the intersection of U.S. 61. The accident
occurred shortly after 9 a.m., involving a semi and two other
vehicles. Assistant Fire Chief Sean Hampton says the semi tipped over and
the two vehicles were hit by coal. Authorities report no injuries were
sustained due to the accident. They also say the driver of the semi was at
fault and will be cited. Traffic on U.S. 61 was slowed for about an hour and
a half. A bulldozer was brought to the scene to collect the coal off of the
roadway. The Hannibal Streets Department assisted with the cleanup.
Despite rising gas prices and other expenses, shoppers aren't holding back
on their Easter spending. Americans are expected to spend nearly 17 billion
dollars on Easter this year between clothing, candy, dinner and decorations.
On average, people are expected to spend over one hundred and 45 dollars
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a person on Easter this year that's according to a survey by the National
Retail Federation. The survey reflects locally as well says Tom Meulemans,
store manager of JC Penny in Quincy says Easter sales have been really
strong for his store this year. Meulemans says shoppers have been buying a
little more casual Easter clothes than usual like khakis and polo shirts so
they can wear their new outfits beyond the holiday. A warm March also
helped retail sales. Customer traffic has risen for many businesses because
of the nice weather.
Illinois drivers should watch out for increasing farm traffic on rural
roadways in the new few weeks. Record-high temperatures are leading to an
early planting season for farmers. Bob Flider is acting director of the Illinois
Department of Agriculture. Flider says drivers should be careful on the
roads and alert for slow-moving farm vehicles. Farm machinery can block
visibility on roads or move more slowly than normal vehicle traffic. Studies
show the most common types of accidents involving motorists and farm
machinery are left-turn, rear-end and passing collisions. Most farmers are
waiting to plant because crop insurance policies start April 6. But five
percent of the state corn crop is already in the ground.
Illinois officials will suspend road construction where possible to ease traffic
flow for the Easter holiday weekend. The Department of Transportation says
some traffic lanes must remain closed. Officials say all non-emergency work
will be stopped at 3 p.m. Friday and open lanes where possible through
midnight Sunday. Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider says less
congestion will make travel safer. She urges motorists to slow down, obey
speed limits and drive with caution through work zones. Work zone speed
limits are in effect even if no workers are present.
The 38th annual high school student art competition is taking place this
evening at the Quincy Art Center. All the art pieces came from within a 50
mile radius from Quincy. And once the judging takes place there will be one
thousand dollars in cash prizes. Officials say it's something different from
music and sports that helps the students with their visual arts ability. Also
on display at the Quincy Art Center is the Made of Wood Exhibit. Wood can
be a work of art in nature...but molded by an artist, and it becomes a
masterpiece. Tonight, the Quincy Art Center opens a new exhibit called
Made of Wood, featuring works from four Illinois artists. The artists use
natural wood which allows their true craftsmanship to shine. From crafted
furniture, to unique clocks there are many things for the art goers to enjoy.
The Quincy Art Center is open Tuesday-Friday, Noon-4p.m. And Saturday
and Sunday, 1-4p.m.
Missouri House members have approved legislation designed to help
students go to the school closest to them -- even if it is located in a
different district. Students could attend school in a different district if they
live at least 10 miles from their school and a building in another district is
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at least 5 miles closer. Parents would need to request the transfer, and it
could be rejected if classrooms already are full. House members approved
the measure 85-72 on Thursday, which is just barely enough votes to pass
the bill to the Senate. Sponsoring Republican House member Rodney Schad
says some children spend more than an hour each day on a bus. Opponents
raised concerns about how the transfers would affect school districts.
It's the second major meth bust in Quincy this week: authorities reportedly
find enough ingredients to make more than $120,000 in finished meth. Joe
Niffen, 44, was arrested after agents executed a search warrant at 1404
North 26th Street. The West Central Illinois Task Force say they found over
2000 grams of pseudoephedrine pills to make about 1.2 kilograms of meth.
Agents also allegedly found digital scales, cash, and meth packaged for
delivery. More arrests are pending. Niffen was out on bound and awaiting
trial on a meth bust in Plainville last fall.
Five people were arrested for making meth in a Quincy hotel room. Agents
executed a search warrant at Quincy Inn & Suites and reportedly found over
300 grams of finished meth, hypodermic syringes, digital scales and $1,500
in cash. Authorities say they also found a "one pot" meth lab in a car in the
parking lot. Lacey Delcour, James Perry, Kandi Jenkins, Jimmy Richeson, and
April Brown were all charged with aggravated participation in meth
manufacturing.
A couple of Macomb churches are asking for your help in getting more kids
to read, hoping to hand out 12,000 books. The First Presbyterian Church
and the Episcopal Church of St. George are collecting new and gently used
books for their Food for Thought program. Organizers say so many kids in
the area are struggling with reading comprehension, but they hope the
program will give them a boost in their learning curve. "We have collected
quite a few books, but we are planning on giving 10 books to every child
from K through 4 in the school system. So that's where we get the 12,000
books," said Project Coordinator Dirk Yarker. Officials are planning to
distribute the books May 11 and at the same time, announce the creation of
an after school program for next school year. You can drop off donations at
either church.
One of Macomb's largest employers is expanding and that means good
news for job hunters. NTN-Bower, a company that manufactures roller
bearings, announced its investing $100 million, bringing 80 to 100
permanent jobs and new economic activity to the area. NTN-Bower officials
and the city made the announcement this morning at a press conference.
The investment will be used to build a brand new 200,000 square foot plant
directly east of the existing facility. And Macomb's Mayor Mike Inman says
the news couldn't have come at a better time for the community. NTN-Bower
is already Macomb's second largest employer just behind WIU, and the new
jobs means the company will employ nearly one thousand people in the
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general area. And more importantly, more jobs coming means some new
hope for those looking for work. There's no word yet on when exactly NTNBower will start hiring for the new plant, but officials do say they hope to
have the facility completed by April of next year.
Christians around Quincy came together on Good Friday for a live
demonstration along Maine Street. It's called the Stations of the Cross,
representing the last day in the life of Jesus. People were invited to
prayerfully walk through each station, from Jesus' sentence to his death on
the cross. Stops included Washington Park, City Hall, and St. Boniface, 14 in
all as a dedication to the sacrifice on Good Friday. This is the fourth year for
the community wide Stations of the Cross.
Are high gas prices keeping you away from relatives this Easter Sunday?
You're not alone. Many families say they are forced to spend Easter
weekend apart because gas is too expensive. High gas prices are hurting
vacation plans for families across the tri-states. Some drivers still hope
they'll be able to save up for a trip soon, but buying gas has turned into a
strategic game. Bobby Labre filled his 90 gallon RV tank last week and isn't
even going anywhere, expecting gas to be too expensive in a few weeks. "I
haven't used it in about a year and a half because of the gas prices going up
but I will try to get at least a couple vacations in before it gets any higher,"
said Labre. And as people only gas up for day to day necessities they're
thankful technology is keeping their families together. According to AAA
the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded has shot up 19 percent
this year with average price sitting at $3.90 a gallon.
A local Civil War soldier is remembered on the 150th anniversary of his
death in battle. The Tri State Civil War Roundtable rededicated the memorial
grave site of Major Samuel Everett at Woodland Cemetery. Major Everett was
a Quincyan and also the first surgeon killed during the Civil War at the
Battle of Shiloh on April 6, 1862. His body is buried at the battle site but
those in attendance say ceremonies like this are important to honor the
memories of lives lost. Everett was originally from England but moved to
Quincy when he was young, and volunteered with a Quincy unit in the war.
4/9
Now that Easter is over, the rush is on for those who waited until the last
minute to file their taxes. If you've procrastinated and know you're not
going to be able to finish your tax return by April 17, you can choose to file
an extension. The extension is for a time to file, and not for a time to pay.
You need to know an estimate of your income and your deductions to get a
fairly accurate estimate of what you're going to owe to the IRS, and you still
have to pay that by April 17 and then you can file by October 15. If you
have the time to file, but don't have the money, you should still go ahead
and file. If you don't file a tax return or extension by the April 17 deadline,
then you you'll owe IRS penalties and interest. You can find an application
for a 6-month extension at www.irs.gov.
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Health officials in Washington say whooping cough has reached "epidemic
levels." Hundreds of cases have been reported, this year... six times more
compared to last year. Health Officials in Des Moines have confirmed 11
cases of whooping cough at three separate schools in the area. Officials say
that there's a concentration of cases and it's highly contagious. Letters
were sent out to parents at the Des Moines' schools warning of symptoms
because many seem to brush it off as a simple cough. The key is
vaccination. Experts say when 90% of those in high impact areas are
vaccinated, the epidemic begins to recede.
If your child is an aspiring artist, here's an opportunity to show off their
talents. The City of Quincy Tree Commission and the Quincy Public Library
have teamed up to sponsor an Arbor Day poster contest. The competition is
open to Quincy children in grades 4th through 6th. Poster designs must fit
the theme "Trees are terrific in our hometown," and the best posters will
win. "We've got lots of great prizes. We've got prizes for Scottie's Fun Spot
and the Quincy Park District swim passes, activity passes, things like that,"
said Lucy Bordewick with the Quincy Public Library. Posters must be
dropped off at the Quincy public library by April 27.
In three weeks, The Crossing Church will officially open the Orpheum
Theater in downtown Hannibal for services. The church has been working
on restoring the historic theater since November and on April 29 it will host
its first church service in the building. Church leaders say many members
have been putting in long hours getting the building ready, and they're
looking forward to opening the doors to the public.
The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that on April 9th at 6
am. IL 9 from IL 97 East of Cuba, IL to IL 41 North of Bushnell will be closed
to thru traffic. This closure is needed to allow crews to remove and replace
a cross road culvert and can be expected to remain in place until 6am on
April 16th weather permitting. There will be a posted detour directing E.B.
traffic south on IL 41, east on IL 95, and north on IL 97. W.B. traffic will go
south on IL 97, west on IL 95 and north on IL 41.
High gas prices may force MoDOT to scale back on its usual summer
work. MoDOT officials in Hannibal say the rising gas prices add up quickly
for the department which went through 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel last
year. The high gas prices could also mean more people cutting back on the
time they spend driving, which hurts MoDOT funding. Brian Haeffner, Area
Engineer for MoDOT, says things like mowing medians or shoulders may be
done less frequently this summer to save money, but motorists shouldn't
see a difference in road quality.
The Keokuk Union Depot Commission has received a $10,000 for
preservation and rehabilitation of the Union Depot. The Depot entry was
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selected from 118 projects in the Dwell Magazine grant contest. Judges
selected the winning entry from the top ten projects voted upon by an
online vote. The Union Depot will also receive a $4,000 wine storage unit as
part of the prize.
A former Palmyra High School teacher accused of having sex with a student
waives his right to a preliminary hearing. Randall Shepard, 40, is charged
with statutory rape, statutory sodomy and felony sexual contact with a
student while on public school property. The allegations surfaced in
January that Shepard had sexual relations with a 16-year-old girl. The
Palmyra School District immediately placed Shepard on administrative leave
and later fired him in February. Shepard will be back in court for
arraignment April 16.
The Missouri Lottery has set a monthly record for the amount of money it
transfers to education. The lottery says it transferred more than $30 million
to public schools from March ticket sales, breaking the previous record of
$29 million set last September. Lottery Director May Scheve Reardon
attributes part of the increase to sales for a record-high Mega Millions
jackpot. She says the state also had record sales for its Scratchers games.
The majority of lottery revenues go toward prizes. But Missouri law directs a
portion to public schools through the state budget. Lawmakers this year are
considering whether to increase the amount of lottery revenues used in the
budget.
Main Street in downtown Hannibal should be clear of construction work
within the next two to three weeks. Crews have been installing new water
lines, replacing the 100-year-old cast iron main running from North Street
to Warren Barrett Drive. Work started in January, and crews have shut down
one block at a time. Downtown shop owners say the work hasn't seemed to
faze customers. City officials say the project is well ahead of schedule.
Sometime this summer, the downtown strip will be torn up again to install
new sidewalks.
The rising cost of gas has many people looking for ways to save, and some
people are turning to the train. Amtrak says ridership between Quincy and
Chicago has soared more than 87 percent over the last 5 years. Amtrak
officials say ridership is up more than 4 percent in just the last four months,
and much of that increase is due to the rise in gas prices. If you're looking
to save even more on travel, Amtrak now offers a free rewards card that
gives you points every time to take the train. The points can add up to free
trips and even greater cost savings.
Do you know where your home's water main ends and where the city's
starts? That's an issue a local couple is dealing with as they sue the city of
Quincy for damage after a water main broke near their home and flooded
their basement. The lawsuit was on the agenda for Monday night's city
council meeting. Now it's up to the city to respond to the allegations. Was
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the city of Quincy negligent in failing to keep a water main in reasonable
condition? James and Mary Giles filed a complaint against the city of Quincy
after a water main near their home in the 2600 block of Woodale Court,
burst in October. James Hansen, the Giles' lawyer with Schmiedeskamp,
Robertson, Neu & Mitchell LLP, says the break caused substantial damage.
He says water and mud came into their finished basement, which they used
as living space and destroyed several personal items. But the city of Quincy
has not accepted liability for the damage. Mayor Spring says city utility
crews repaired a break near the Giles residence but he doesn't know how
the water got into their home. Spring says if a water or sewer lines breaks
between the main and a residence the responsibility falls on the residents.
If break is on the main line it's the city's. This lawsuit could take up to 18
months before there's any resolution for the Giles family
It's only been open for two years, but the new Lee County Jail is already
being pushed to its capacity and may have to expand. The reason is female
inmates are on the rise, many of whom are serving time for meth related
crimes and assaults. The Lee County Sheriff's office says the problem is all
about space. Men and women have to be kept separated, and every time a
female inmate is moved to a male cell block, the jail loses about five beds
that would have gone to male inmates. According to Iowa state law, not
only do males and females stay separated, inmates are also divided based
on the crime they're charged with... creating even more problems. And
when space is short, tempers start to flare. But authorities say creating
more room may not be as hard as some may think. The jail was built so it
could be easily expanded in the future, authorities just didn't think they
would need it so soon. And with about 85 percent of the inmates charged
with drug related crimes, that extra space may be needed sooner than most
people realize. Planning of the jail expansion is still in progress and there's
no word yet on how much it could cost. If expanded to the maximum, the
jail would be able to hold up to 144 inmates.
The Quincy City Council is preparing to present next year's budget to
residents in the coming weeks. At Monday's city council meeting, there was
a public hearing on the 2013 budget. It is the first of several public
meetings. One person addressed the council asking about declining funds
over the years into the city's fire and police pensions. Council members also
voiced their concerns on the issue, calling it an unfunded mandate from the
state. You're invited to attend the city's annual budget hearing this
Wednesday at 6 pm at the Quincy Regional Training facility on Quincy
University's North Campus.
4/10
The United Way of Adams County and Quincy Rotary Club has announced its
2012 recipient of the Joe Bonansinga Community Service Award. Terry
Myers, President of ADM Alliance Nutrition, was presented the award
Tuesday at the Quincy Rotary Club meeting at Tony's Too. The award has
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been presented each year since 1998 to someone who the United Way of
Adams County says has exemplified the highest standards of community
service. Myers is responsible for the United Way employee committee at
ADM Alliance Nutrition and advocates for community support via the ADM
Cares Program. He has initiated and encouraged on-going support by ADM
Alliance Nutrition for the students of Ellington Elementary School
and supports and participates in the Living Lands and Waters River Cleanup. Myers also initiated an ADM Alliance Nutrition Colleague Development
Discovery Learning Program that received ADM's Values in Action Award,
one of three worldwide ADM businesses to win this prestigious company
award in 2009.
A new President of Spoon River Community College was announced
Tuesday, and he's already got big plans for the campuses, including
Macomb. Spoon River alumnus Curt Oldfield will become the school's 8th
President in July, and Oldfield is promising to focus on preparing students
for today's job market. Oldfield says one of his main goals in leading the
college is to build up the local economies surrounding the Spoon River
Campuses by building up the local workforce to attract businesses. The
presence of the community college in Macomb has already played a part in
bringing in new business, attracting manufacturers like Pella. Pella and
Spoon River both say they have a strong partnership, and Pella officials say
the community college's continued presence and growth is vital to the
region. Oldfield is replacing the current Spoon River Community College
President, Robert Ritshchel, who is retiring in May.
When you go to fill a prescription, will the medication you need be there?
Drug shortages are happening now across the nation and in the tri-states,
affecting everything from ADHD to chemotherapy treatment. "We have not
compromised on patient care, but it has made it more expensive," said Dr.
Raymond Smith, Director of Oncology at the Blessing Hospital Cancer
Center. Nationwide drug shortages are having a direct impact on many
patients in the tri-states. At Blessing Hospital's Cancer Center, many
commonly used chemotherapy drugs are now in short supply, forcing
doctors to prescribe alternative medications. Why the shortages? It all
comes down to money, and the profit made on making drugs. “Generic
drugs are very cheap. When they're very cheap there's not a lot of profit in
them, without profit the drug companies choose to make other things,
when they make other things we run into shortages," said Smith. But with
shortages of generics, doctors are forced to prescribe alternative name
brands, which cost more. For now the Blessing Pharmacy is doing
everything possible to obtain the drugs that are needed. Legislation is
being debated which would require drug makers give 6 month’s notice
before cutting back on production of a medication, but critics argue that
still doesn't solve the shortage problem.
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Do you have Facebook friends that always seem to fill your newsfeed with
their problems or complaints? A new study from Western Illinois University
may explain why. WIU Assistant Professor Christopher Carpenter recently
completed a study about Facebook and narcissists. Carpenter surveyed
nearly 300 Facebook users and found the social network gives people with
narcissistic personality traits a unique outlet for getting attention.
Carpenter says people with narcissistic personality traits often feel the need
to have a huge number of Facebook friends.
Right now 5,000 people in the state of Illinois are waiting for an organ
donation, and one local family is pushing for everyone to sign up and be
willing to donate. "For me it has been a very good experience knowing that
her body in some way has been able to go and help others," said Laura
Cain. Cain's sister, Lesley Manley was a nursing student at John Wood
Community College when she died suddenly, of a heart attack last year. Her
skin, bones and tissue were donated to Illinois' organ & tissue donor
program. Cain says losing her sister was devastating but it's comforting to
support a good cause. Illinois secretary of State Jesse White is heading the
effort to get more people to sign up to become donors. White says if you
sign up to be an organ and tissue donor you could help save up to 25
people. After her sister's sudden death Cain has a message she hopes will
keep families together. "Sign up. Prolong someone else's life, help others-because life is too precious and time goes by too fast," said Cain.
The Quincy Public library was rededicated Tuesday afternoon by the state of
Illinois head librarian, Secretary of State Jesse White. White is responsible
for more than 5,000 libraries across Illinois. White rededicated the Quincy
Public Library in a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday. White's office
contributed close to $125,000 dollars to the Quincy Public Library recent
renovations.
Another threat is found at Quincy Junior High School. QPS Superintendent
Lonny Lemon says a student found a threatening note in a girl's restroom
after school on Tuesday. Lemon says he was notified about the threat
around 4 PM Tuesday afternoon. "The threat was unspecific, there was no
designated time or place in the note," said Lemon. He says this makes the
threatening note different from past threatening notes found at the school
in recent weeks. Lemon says school officials met with police, who
conducted a search of the building. A phone call through the "school
reach system" went out to all parents of Junior High students Tuesday
evening. Lemon says students can expect increased security at school
indefinitely, every student should expect to be searched. School officials
insist the school is safe and encourage all students to attend classes
Wednesday
Brett Miller knew something just wasn't right. Random moments of being
dizzy, nausea, and even slurring his words, led to the terrifying news that
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the Liberty High School athletic director and QND assistant football
coach had a massive tumor on his brain. A moment he and his family will
never forget. Preparing for the worst the news got better following seven
hour’s worth of surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "I'll
never forget the moment when the doctor came in," said Lydia Miller, Brett’s
wife. "It went well and he got even more of the tumor than he had planned
and there were no deficits." And Brett was nearly back to normal. "Within 24
hours of the surgery I was up walking around, doing laps around the
hospital moving and feeling fine," he explained. "Not too bad for just being
out of the surgery." The road to recovery has been promising so far but
there are still some things Brett can't wait to have back. "I'm looking
forward to being able to do things like pick up my daughter who weighs 22
pounds and I can't lift her for these last six weeks. It's been tough not being
able to hold her." Meanwhile, Miller is still progressing. He is walking for
exercise regularly, working full time, and fueled by the support of his loved
ones. While treatment will continue into the near future things are getting
back to normal for the Miller family.
4/11
The Palmyra police department is on the hunt for kangaroos. Officers say
they got a call around 5:30 Tuesday afternoon that more than one kangaroo
was spotted near Hamilton and Leach streets, in the neighborhood behind
Pamida. Police aren't sure how they got into town, but if you see them,
you're asked to contact Palmyra police immediately.
An early spring has put fruit trees about two weeks ahead of schedule,
making the dipping temperatures a concern for commercial fruit growers.
For any blooming plant, 28-degrees is about the lowest temperature they
can handle. Low lying areas are at most risk, because frost tends to settle
there. And, since strawberries are so low to the ground, they are more
susceptible to damage by freezing temperatures, forcing many growers to
irrigate all through the night. Roegge says the last comparable spring was
in 2007, when lows of 19-degrees wiped out apple crops in our area.
Commercials apple orchards had an 80 to 85% loss due to freezing
temperatures. Emerged corn is also at risk. The more advanced the growing
is, the more at risk it is. The corn that is 4, 5 or even 6 inches tall has
exhausted its food supply in the kernel and the root system is not well
established yet.
A Quincy man who donated his time as a boater for last year's Fishing for
Freedom is giving even more this year. Ashley Bunch, a salesman at Dene
Lambkin Honda, donated $1,000 out of his own pocket. Bunch says he
comes from a long line of military veterans in his family, and he says
Fishing for Freedom is a great way to pay tribute. The program pairs up
wounded veterans with area volunteers for a day of fishing on the
Mississippi River. This year's Fishing for Freedom event on June 2 is
expected to draw in around 150 veterans to Quincy.
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Two people arrested for operating a meth lab in a Macomb motel in
September 2010 were sentenced to federal prison today. Justin E. Cox, 28,
of Industry, was sentenced to 68 months in federal prison, while Ashley D.
Alexander, 24, of Industry, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison.
The pair was arrested on September 16, 2010, after McDonough County
Sheriff's Department investigators were led by a tip to a room at the
Rodeway Inn. Police then say they found meth packaged for delivery in the
room. After taking two young children into protective custody, authorities
say they found a working meth lab. Heroin, cannabis, syringes, and a
handgun were also found.
We typically think of firefighters blasting water on blazes, but in reality,
they do a lot more than just fight fires. Wednesday, a group of firefighting
students practiced risky rescues using ropes and harnesses. The students
were from John Wood Community College's Fire Science Training program,
and they gathered at fire training facility on Quincy University's North
Campus. The equipment at the training facility gives firefighting students
the chance to practice for real life situations-- like rescuing someone from a
grain bin or a bridge. It also gives students the chance to conquer their
fears. Wednesday's rope training practice was the final session of a 5-day
course. After finishing the session, students will now be able to take the
State Fire Marshall's basic rope rescue test to become certified in that area.
Once school gets out for the summer, how will your kids be spending their
time? The Quincy YMCA will start its 12-week-long summer camps soon.
The kids can take part in a lot of activities, such as going to parks,
swimming, fishing, making crafts and more. Organizers say the kids will
also learn a lot over the summer. "Some community service, we'll do some
different projects out in the community. We do attend HIS ranch over in
Missouri and help learn about the horses and how to take care of them,"
said Debbie Bruce the YMCA operations director. An open house and
registration will take place on April 28 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the YMCA. Or,
you can just stop by the Y during normal business hours.
This cold snap is leaving some people scrambling to save their outdoor
plants and flowers. It's really not unusual to have cold weather this time of
the year. The average last frost in the Tri-States is April 15. What is unusual
is all the warm weather over the past several weeks. Keller's Garden And
Lawn Supplies in Quincy had to cover up their plants Tuesday night. John
Hoffman, an employee at Keller's, says you need to do the same tonight.
"We had them covered up all night long and we uncovered them about ten
o'clock. Let the temperatures come up around 40 and then take them
off," Hoffman said. If you have plants that can be brought inside, then do
so. Also, use a cloth or sheet, instead of plastic, to cover your plants. "We
have an insulate plant guard. And it will cover up the plant and keep it off
the plant itself and keep the leaves from burning," Hoffman said.
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4/12
A Quincy man has died after being hit by a car while trying to cross
Broadway. Adams County coroner James Keller says Paul B. Cowgill, 29, was
pronounced dead at 9:21 p.m. Wednesday in Blessing Hospital's Emergency
Room. According to police Cowgill was walking south toward Bed Bath and
Beyond when a car struck him. Officers say the driver of the car was not
ticketed. Investigations into the accident and Cowgill's cause of death are
both ongoing.
A local student's artwork will be soon be seen all over the state of Illinois.
Laia Monells is a foreign exchange student at Quincy Senior High and her
artwork was chosen for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White's organ
donation campaign. Laia says a few years ago her grandma needed a
kidney transplant, so she understands firsthand how important organ
donation is and hopes her poster will encourage people to become donors.
Laia's drawing was chosen from thousands of entries across the state. The
poster will be hung in schools, DMV locations and other state offices
throughout the state of Illinois for the next two years.
Watch out! Your next traffic ticket could come from the air. A brand new
effort is underway all this month to use airplanes make Missouri roads
safer. Troop B in Northeast Missouri is conducting Operation STOP, which
stands for Stop, Think, Observe, Proceed. In Palmyra this morning, five
Missouri Highway Patrol Officers and one Palmyra Police Officer worked with
an officer in an airplane to pull drivers over for not stopping thoroughly at
two major intersections. The Highway Patrol used an airplane to monitor
the intersections where Main Cross Street and Ross Street connect with
Highway 61. If the pilot saw someone go through those intersections
without a full stop, he radioed that information to waiting officers. This is
the first time the Missouri Highway patrol has used airplanes to monitor
intersections in Northeast Missouri.
With gas prices so high, many of us are looking for ways to cut back. One
of those ways is buying a cheaper grade of gas. But, is that a good idea?
Premium gas is often 10 to 20 cents more a gallon than regular. That's
tempting for those who fill their cars with premium to downgrade. A local
car mechanic says to check your car's owner's manual. If it says high octane
premium fuel is required, switching to a lower grade is not a good idea.
Your car's performance and gas mileage could be negatively impacted. Most
cars on the road do take regular gas, but experts recommend keeping an
eye on the price of higher octane fuels as well. Mark Holtmeyer, Owner of
Spring Street Automotive, says the biggest factor when it comes to gas
mileage isn't so much what octane you use, but how you drive your car. You
don't want to accelerate or hit the brake too quickly.
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Students at Madison Elementary in Quincy got to learn some new subjects
today from some local guest speakers. Thursday was Junior Achievement
Day. Members from the WGEM sales department spent their morning in the
classroom. Teachers said the kids were excited to be able to work in groups
and to get involved in the discussion over everything they had learned. An
upcoming event for Junior Achievement will be a Bowl-A-Thon will take place
May 12 at Tangerine Bowl in Quincy and Ten Pin Alley in Hannibal.
The Quincy Park District board says it's time to move. The board accepted
an offer at Wednesday's meeting to buy a building the River's Edge Complex
on Bonansinga Drive for $875,000, which includes about 12 acres of land.
Ed Seger, Executive Director for the Quincy Park District, says the district's
current building at the Emerson Community Center is too big and would
require keeping up with the maintenance. Seger says their plan is to move
into their new building in 2013, and that's about the time they will sell their
current location also.
April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month and local animal hospitals are urging
you to make a kit for your pet. Because a number of things can go wrong
after your vet office has closed for the night, vets encourage being ready is
key in case of an emergency. A first aid kit should include things such as
medications, leashes, rubbing alcohol, and more. Hussong says in case of a
disaster, you need to make sure you have plenty of food and water for your
pet and that your animal is a part of your plan if you would need to seek
shelter.
Could Amtrak be coming to Hannibal? MoDOT officials hosted a state rail
plan meeting and Amtrak was a hot topic. Two plans that are very popular
include connecting Hannibal to St Louis and extending the Chicago to
Quincy line to Hannibal. At Thursday night's meeting, MoDOT officials gave
a brief presentation, answered questions and took suggestions for their
State Rail Plan. That serves as the strategic framework for developing
freight and passenger rail service in Missouri, for the next twenty years.
MoDOT says they hear Hannibal residents loud and clear, demand for
Amtrak is strong but funding just isn't available right now. Hannibal
residents shouldn't give up hope. Meetings like this show MoDOT that
Amtrak should be a priority. Basically, it comes down to money. MoDOT
officials say while tracks may be available paying for a platform and train
station is extremely expensive.
4/13
A fire damaged a 2-story house Friday morning on 816 Jackson. Quincy
Assistant Fire Chief Rob Tipton says off-duty crews were called in and 19
firefighters were on scene. Tipton says the fire was caused by old wiring in
a faulty electrical outlet. Cindy Cantrell and her two children were in the
home at the time. No injuries have been reported. Damage is mostly on the
second story, but there is water damage on the main floor.
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Schools in Quincy are already looking ahead to next fall with
Friday's Kindergarten Roundup. Parents of kids who will be 5-years-old by
September first are required to attend their school's kindergarten roundup,
even if they've gone through it already with another child. The roundup
covers things such as school start and stop times, necessary immunizations
and what a day in kindergarten is like. Parents only need to bring one thing
with them to the roundup. "The one thing we want them to bring, and this
goes for every school, every child, we want them to bring a certified birth
certificate. We will make a copy of it here if they need to, but we really need
the certified birth certificate," said Julie Stratman, Principal at Monroe
Elementary. If you are unable to make it to your child's kindergarten
roundup, you should contact your school as soon as possible.
The days of generic hospital dinner trays will soon be history at Blessing
Hospital. The hospital is switching over to a room service style meal plan.
Instead of having meals delivered at set time, patients will now be able to
order what they want off a menu. Hospital officials say they hope the room
service makes a patient's stay in the hospital more comfortable. The room
service for patients should be in place within the next few weeks.
A silent protest and march for Trayvon Martin is scheduled on two sections
of Broadway on Quincy Saturday morning. The march begins at 11:30 a.m.
One group will meet at 6th and Broadway, while the other is set to meet at
36th and Broadway. The groups will march up and down Broadway with
signs in memory of Martin, a Florida teenager who was shot and killed by
George Zimmerman, a community watch coordinator in the neighborhood.
The incident has drawn controversy from those who have called out for
justice for Martin. Martin was killed in February. Zimmerman was arrested
and charged this week with 2nd-Degree Murder. Zimmerman told police at
the time of incident that his actions were out of self-defense.
It's a routine police duty, and also one of the most dangerous...pulling over
drivers. Last night members of the Quincy Citizen Police Academy learned
about vehicle stops, straight from the pros who deal with it every day.
Officers say vehicle stops are unpredictable and they have to be ready for
anything. When a cop pulls over a driver, they always pull a little to the left
of the car in front of them. They do that to protect themselves and the
driver in case another vehicle would swerve off the road. The cop also wears
a wireless mic so everything that is said between the officer and driver is
recorded. Cameras are also in the car and as soon as the lights come on, so
do the cameras. That video can then be used as evidence. Once someone is
arrested, they'll be taken to jail in the backseat of the officer's car. There's
not much room back there, and the seats are plastic. That helps prevent
people from hiding things, like drugs or weapons.
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The student arrested Thursday for a threatening note found Tuesday at
Quincy Junior High School has been charged with a Class 4 Felony for
Disorderly Conduct. Lt. Jason Simmons with the Quincy Police Department
says the student in question faces time in a juvenile detention center. The
student has been released back to their parents and is at home, Simmons
said. QPS Supt. Lonny Lemon and QPD Chief Rob Copley announced the
arrest Thursday night. Tuesday's threatening note was the latest in a series
of threats found in the junior high. Lemon says he does not believe the
student who made this threat is responsible for past threats, though an
investigation is underway. Lemon says because the investigation is ongoing
and the student is a minor he cannot comment on specifics of the arrest,
but he says there are serious consequences ahead for the student and
hopes the arrest sends a message to the whole student body. Lemon says
disciplinary action against the student will be discussed at the next school
board meeting on Wednesday. Meanwhile Lemon says security will remain
on high alert at the junior high until the investigation comes to a close.
Once again, the school is still asking for anyone to come forward with
information into the earlier threats made at the school. Rewards leading to
a conviction are still being offered.
Police say the rainy conditions could have played a factor in a semi accident
near Taylor Friday morning. The accident happened around 9:45 a.m. on
the U.S. 24 exit ramp toward Palmyra. Authorities say the driver was driving
too fast for the conditions and slid off the road. The driver was taken to
Hannibal Regional Hospital with minor injuries
Dogs can be a lot more than just man's best friend, they can be life savers.
Kids at Monroe Elementary in Quincy got to see service dogs in action
Friday. The dogs know over 40 commands and showed the kids how they
can turn the lights on, pick things items, open doors, and more. Organizers
say they love to come to schools and show the kids how to respect the
dogs. The students at Monroe Elementary raised money to donate to the
Illini Service Dogs and raised over $387. This program is the first one that
provides students at University of Illinois to train service dogs from puppy
hood to placement.
There's an all-out effort to repeal President Obama's healthcare law.
Republican lawmakers gathered in Quincy Friday to warn of the financial
burdens they say will impact everyone. U.S. Congressman Aaron Schock
says that Medicaid will increase by more than 40 percent, leading more
unpaid bills in Illinois. Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross says the
state needs to cut off 200,000 ineligible Medicaid recipients instead of
expanding the program. And Schock says the President was wrong when he
said if you like your healthcare coverage, you can keep it. Right now, the
health care law is being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, to determine
whether a universal mandate, that all Americans buy health insurance, is
constitutional. Congressman Schock attended those hearings last month
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and believes the law will not be in place for long. "So whether it happens
through the Supreme Court or whether it happens legislatively through the
House and Senate, I think this law is on shaky ground. There's a very good
chance that it won't be implemented and I think that's what's best for
Illinois taxpayers," said Congressman Schock.
Have you ever had trouble installing your child's car seat or wondered if you
had done it right? A new study says it may not be your fault. It turns out car
makers aren't doing you any favors. The study released by the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety found back seat designs are more for style than
safety. Studying US automakers, the IIHS claims only 21 of the 98 topselling models it evaluated had designs that were easy to use with child car
seats. Car seat experts say that's a big reason why seats aren't installed
safely. A gap beneath the seat is one of the most common problems Quincy
firefighters say they run into when doing a car seat check. It's a problem
easily corrected by using foam noodles. Firefighters say not all car seat
problems can be fixed. Sometimes they too have tell parents to buy a
different seat that will fit the car. Car seat technicians recommend keeping
kids in a rear facing seat as long as possible. The newest recommendations
are now until the age of two. It's also the law in Illinois for kids age 8 and
younger to be secured in a safety seat.
For the first time since the World Series ended back in October a game is
officially in the books at Busch Stadium. Buckets of rain and near a 2-hour
delay didn't stop some of the tri-states biggest baseball fans from soaking it
all in. Friday's sell out crowd was the second largest in the history of Busch
Stadium.
The Quincy Park District has opened the Batting Cage area for the season,
located in Upper Moorman Park, on N. 39th. This area features mini-golf,
paddle boats, hitting cages, concessions, fishing, a playground, disc golf,
bicycle rentals, a shelter house and reservations can be made for birthdays
and other parties. The spring hours are 3:30-9 p.m. Monday through Friday,
10 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Noon-9 p.m. on Sundays. Summer hours
are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and Noon-10 p.m. on Sundays.
Hundreds of people toasted to Carthage Memorial Hospital Friday night in
Carthage at a special fundraiser. "Here's to the Night" Gala was held at Lake
Hill Winery. The event was designed to help raise money for the new
hospital which was built two and a half years ago. Officials say they still
need to raise $1.3 million to cover construction costs. All money from the
gala, which included a cake auction, along with both a silent and live
auction will go to the hospital. WGEM's Lesley Swick served as emcee for the
event.
A new effort is underway to give local authorities some federal muscle in
finding offenders who may have fallen off the grid. The U.S. Marshal's Office
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has a new program to find and arrest fugitives. And it’s already made a big
impact in Ralls County. The Ralls County Sheriff's Office has been looking
for Martin Francis Wiskur since June of 2011 after failing to register his
address with the Missouri sex offender registry. That was until the U.S.
Marshal's Service got involved earlier this month. The Sheriff's Office says
noncompliant sex offenders are a serious concern. But federal agencies like
the U.S. Marshals have resources and abilities that local departments simply
don't have. And in small towns like New London, residents say it’s
reassuring to know federal authorities could be right around the corner
when it comes to serious criminals, especially sex offenders. And local
authorities now have a message for wanted criminals. "The arm of the law
just got a little bit longer for local jurisdictions," Ralls County Sheriff Paul
Forney said. Wiskur has been charged with a Class D felony for failing to
register and could face up to four years in jail and a five thousand dollar
fine.
4/16
The former Palmyra High School teacher accused of having sex with a
student pleads not guilty. Randall Shepard, 40, is charged with statutory
rape, statutory sodomy and felony sexual contact with a student while on
public school property. The trial will be moved to Monroe County on a
change of venue. Allegations surfaced in January that Shepard had sexual
relations with a 16-year-old girl. The Palmyra School District immediately
placed Shepard on administrative leave and later fired him in February.
Shepard will be back in court May 21.
Hannibal fire officials continue to investigate the cause of an overnight fire
at a former riverfront restaurant. Around 11:45 Sunday night, fire crews
responded to 101 Church Street, the building that used to house Bubba's
Restaurant. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze on the second
and third floor within 15 minutes. Fire officials labeled the fire "incendiary
in nature.” The building was abandoned after the flood of '08, and the city
of Hannibal completed a buyout of the property in March.
When telemarketers call your cell phone it doesn't just waste your time, it
costs you mobile minutes and therefore money. But, there's a new measure
in Missouri that could stop the unwanted calls. If you've ever answered a
call from an unknown number only to discover it was a telemarketer on the
other end, you know how frustrating it can be. The Missouri House has
recently passed a bill that would allow cell phone users to add their number
to Missouri's Do Not Call List. Cell phone users in Hannibal said they
support the idea of stopping telemarketers from calling or texting their cell
phones. The Missouri House passed the Do Not Call Bill unanimously and it
now heads to the Senate.
Some people in the tri-states are having to choose between buying
groceries and paying for their medicine. Prescriptions can cost hundreds of
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dollars each if you don't have health insurance, forcing some people to go
without potentially life-saving drugs. Monday the prescription assistance
program received a much needed financial contribution, $10 thousand from
Blessing Hospital to help with a growing need in the tri-states. "Last year we
served 464 and we're predicting the number will be higher again this year,"
said Jackie Bruns, Area Director of Quincy Catholic Charities. Last year alone
the program provided nearly $2.5 million worth of medication to area low
income residents who don't have health insurance; lifesaving medications
that they otherwise would have gone without. To qualify for the Med-Assist
program you must meet strict income guidelines and not have Medicare,
Medicaid or private insurance. Contact Quincy Catholic Charities at 217222-0958 for an application.
A week from Monday, work will be underway to replace the 80-year-old
North River Bridge on Highway 168. A portion of the road between Palmyra
and Philadelphia will be shut down, and finding a suitable detour is proving
to be difficult for many area drivers. MODOT officials are encouraging
drivers to use routes C and Z as a detour, adding about 15 minutes in drive
time. But some drivers could use county roads like 324 to skip detours all
together, and that could cause some problems. Marion County officials say
approximately 1800 vehicles a day use the North River Bridge. The bridge
work may be a hindrance to drivers, but residents say the work could be
more dangerous than people realize. This road here is expected to be a
popular detour, the only problem is, it goes through a residential
neighborhood. County officials have already lowered the speed limit and
put up new signs to warn drivers of the potential hazards. Officials hope to
have the bridge replaced by November but if the weather cooperates, the
project could be done well ahead of time. Residents are also reminding
drivers you could avoid some of the neighborhood areas if they use County
Road 367 instead of 324.
The city of Quincy's sales tax revenue is up more than 50 thousand dollars
compared to this time last year. Monday night the city council heard the
municipal sales tax report which comes to about 659 thousand dollars for
the period between January and April. That's the highest total for these
months in more than five years. Officials say the city's top four tax revenues
are more than five percent above budget for this year.
A local business celebrated a milestone Monday with the completion of its
300th trenching machine. Port Industries in Palmyra builds these machines
that are used for digging trenches for drainage tiles, cables for wind farms,
and even oil pipelines. Company owners say despite the challenges facing
many other small businesses right now, the trenching business is going
strong. In the past few years, Port Industries says it's tripled the volume of
machines being made at the Palmyra factory.
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High Winds early Monday morning sent a tree crashing through the roof of
one Quincy man's home. The tree from a neighbor's yard crashed down
on a house at 605 Hickory Grove around 3 am Monday morning. The owner
of the home says he awoke with a start, only to find that a tree limb had
broken into his dining room. The tree crushed the corner of the
roof causing fairly substantial damage.
Volunteers play a crucial role in keeping hospitals running smoothly, and
Monday, the Hannibal Regional Healthcare System honored its volunteers.
The system hosted a luncheon today to honor all of its auxiliary members
and Michelle Osley was chosen as the Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year. The
CEO of the Hannibal Regional Healthcare System, John Grossmeier, says the
auxiliary is a wonderful resource for the hospital. "Not only do auxilians
work in many areas, like waiting rooms, and the gift shop, and information
desks, but they're there for the patients and patients' families to provide
support in the times of need," explained Grossmeier. Last year alone, the
260 members of the auxiliary volunteered more than 25,000 hours in the
Hannibal healthcare system.
4/17
With just one week until the first Great River Honor Flight of 2012, the
donations continue to pour in to help send local veterans to Washington,
D.C. This afternoon, Members of the Fort Madison Elks Lodge 374
presented a check for almost $1,700 to the Great River Honor Flight
network. The Elks held a lasagna dinner to raise money for Honor Flight,
but more than $1,000 came from people making extra donations to support
the veterans. Another group of World War II veterans will travel to see their
memorial on April 24 for the 11th Great River Honor Flight trip. We invite
you to welcome them home that night. The group is scheduled to return to
John Wood Community College around 10:15 p.m.
Everybody polka! Quincy Notre Dame students hosted their annual Culture
Day for 4th graders from Quincy's Catholic elementary schools Tuesday.
The younger students got the chance to eat Spanish and German cuisine, as
well as learn some basic Spanish and German phrases. “It’s a lot of fun.
They've been doing it for a lot of years now and it gets the 4th graders
more comfortable with QND and just getting to know everyone," QND
student Maria Welding said. The 4th graders even got the chance to meet
some German students who are visiting QND this week.
Voters in Hannibal said yes to a smoke free city on April 3rd, but there are
still a lot of questions on how that will happen. The city council hasn't
drafted an ordinance yet, but the public is speaking out. The biggest
question is whether private organizations, like the VFW, will have to abide
by the smoking ban. Council members say whether those organizations will
get exemptions is something they'll consider carefully as they draft
an ordinance. Hannibal's VFW is made up of about 200 members, and a
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majority of them are smokers. But he wasn't the only one to speak on the
issue. Members of Hannibal's Smokebusters group talked about the dangers
of secondhand smoke to the public, especially to those who suffer from
asthma. The Smokebusters say the vote for a smoke free Hannibal was
clear. They hope the council will remain firm as they draft the ordinance
and not award anyone special treatment. Mayor Roy Hark says there are still
many details to be worked out, namely what is considered public and
private, and who would enforce the ban. Hark says the council has not yet
certified the vote, that will happen in May. It could be June or July before the
law is written and goes into effect.
Did your job turn out to be exactly like you thought it would? A group of
local teens got a peek behind the curtain to see the realities of their
potential careers Tuesday as the Rotary Club of Quincy hosted its annual
Teen Career Day. One group of students tagged along with attorneys to the
Adams County Courthouse, where they visited with a judge, sat in on court
cases, and even toured the jail. Those involved say this sneak preview of a
career is vital. This is the 18th year the Rotary Club has hosted its Teen
Career Day.
The Quincy Police Department will hold its next auction of unclaimed and
abandoned property to include bicycles and other items next week. The
next auction is Tuesday, April 24 at the Community Auction Center at 3555
N. 24th in Quincy, beginning at 4 p.m.
A Tri-State hospital is in danger of shutting down due to ongoing financial
issues, but help could be on the way. Keokuk Area Hospital officials are
asking for $100,000 from the city, and $100,000 from Lee County to make
the hospital eligible for even more money from the federal government.
CEO Wally Winkler says the Hospital is in this serious financial situation
because a majority of patients are on Medicare or Medicaid. Hospital
officials are doing everything possible to avoid having to close. Employees
haven't had a raise in three years and last year the psychiatric unit was shut
down. “From that $200,000 the hospital would receive $512,000," said
Winkler. Winkler says the money is an investment in the community. If the
hospital were to close it would be very difficult to attract new business or
development to the area. Mayor Tom Marion agrees, all of Keokuk would
suffer without the hospital. "In our economy and the way we have
unemployment here in Keokuk, it's essential to maintain your jobs," said
Marion. Keokuk City Council will vote Thursday night on the motion to give
$100,000 to the hospital. The county has already agreed to provide the
money if the city gives its approval. Marion says he believes it will pass
overwhelmingly.
What was supposed to be an end of the semester celebration last year in
Macomb ended with the arrival of riot police, so this year, Western Illinois
University officials are taking a proactive approach to prevent that from
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happening again. Police arrested 88 WIU students at the street party last
year and 12 people were treated for dangerous intoxication levels.
University and community leaders have been meeting regularly with
students to discuss the Wheeler Block Party this year. "We had an open
forum, we had a panel with the city as well as the students and the
administration came together just to sit down and talk about the concerns
and how to best help those students," explained WIU President
Jack Thomas. Thomas followed up with those discussions recently by
sending out an open letter to students, asking them to be respectful and
safe if they choose to celebrate the semester's end. The city has also has
new ordinances in place this year so that now, large gatherings are required
to have certain permits and insurance. Students who live on Wheeler Street
say after all that has happened since last year's party, the Wheeler Block
Party may have had its last hurrah. University officials also told students if
they are arrested at such a party, they'll automatically go through the
University's judicial process as well as the state's, which could result in
suspensions or expulsions.
4/18
Today, Blessing Hospital is adopting a new "hotel-like" atmosphere as it
switches over to a room service style meal plan. Starting today patients will
be able to order their meals from a made to order, restaurant style menu.
This way the food is fresher and also gives the patient the opportunity to
time their meals similar to when they eat them at home. Officials hope the
new room service way of doing things will make a patient's stay more
comfortable.
Is your family's cell phone bill breaking the bank? With just a few simple
changes, you can end up saving a lot of money. Mike McCabe owns Illinois
Signal Communications and says that the two most common problems he
sees families have with high cell phone bills are teenagers texting too much
or using too much data. McCabe says to keep track of your teen’s texting
and as their texting goes up, adjust your plan. It's much less expensive to
go to the next level of text packages than to pay overage charges. Too
much data usage can also cost you more money at the end of the month.
Streaming movies or Pandora on your phone will use up your data package
quickly, but logging on to a local wireless internet system helps. The cost of
ring tones also adds up. Your cell phone carrier can turn off your teens
capability to download ring tones, but McCabe says the most important
thing is make sure they understand that those downloads do cost
money. You can also ask your cell phone carrier to send you text alerts
anytime someone in the family gets close to reaching the maximum of their
texting or data package.
Quincy Notre Dame students have some special guests from across the
pond visiting them this week. Twenty exchange students from Quincy's
sister city, Herford, Germany are tagging along with QND students to
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classes and after-school activities. The students sat in on a familiar class
Wednesday, German language. The exchange students say so far, they've
really enjoyed their time in America. This summer, the German students will
get the chance to return the hospitality when QND students visit Germany.
Parents in Quincy will soon be shelling out more for their student's school
lunches. Wednesday night, the School Board is expected to approve a 25
cent lunch price increase for the upcoming school year. Kids at Monroe
Elementary Wednesday were eating standard school lunch food; soup,
canned fruit, a vegetable, and a white bread. Next year, the government is
requiring schools to provide healthier lunches. You have to provide more
fruits and vegetables for the kids, as well as whole grain breads, and that
alone is probably going to increase our prices next year 15 to 20 cents per
meal," explained Rich Royalty, the Interim Business Manager for Quincy
Public Schools. That additional cost is one reason the school district plans
on raising lunch prices 25 cents. The other reason behind the rising lunch
prices is a new reimbursement requirement from the state. Currently, the
state reimburses the school district about $2.50 for the free lunches that
are given to low-income students, whereas students who buy their lunches
pay only $1.75 to $2.00. The state is now requiring the school district to
charge more to students who do pay for their lunches to lessen that gap.
While the 25 cent increase may be a burden for some families, the district
says it has no choice. District officials are hope the 25 cent increase will
tide them over for two years, but after that, they may have to raise prices
again.
Getting into the gym doesn't require a long term commitment anymore. The
Quincy YMCA is now offering monthly memberships. This "pay as you go"
option allows you to check out a membership up front. The membership
expires after 30 days. YMCA officials say it's a great option for people who
travel frequently, have unpredictable schedules or don't want to set up their
membership through automatic monthly payments. The monthly
membership does not come with guest passes and is not eligible for
discounts. Prices vary for family, single parent, adult and youth
memberships.
Doctors are concerned about a growing trend for high school athletes. The
number of ACL injuries in teen and adolescents has gone up 400 percent in
the last 10 years. And in the days of highly competitive high school sports
more students are getting hurt. Pivot movements and acceleration and
deceleration are what doctors say often lead to ACL injuries. And playing
sports year round doesn't help especially the same sport. That can even add
to the risk of injury because using the same muscles over and over can
cause repetitive trauma. And sports medicine specialists say that routine is
becoming more common among young athletes. Recovering from an ACL
injury can take six months to a year.
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The Quincy School Board is in the preliminary stages of issuing 6.2 million
dollars in working cash bonds. Board members say issuing the bonds will
help the school district eliminate a 2 million dollar deficit in the education
fund, and pay back the line of credit. At Wednesday night's school board
meeting the board and the bond counselor gave some preliminary
information to the public about the process which is still in the very early
stages. "They're working on everything getting all the paperwork ready to
sell the bonds, the interest rate hasn't been developed yet, don't know what
that is going to be, don't know when we are going to get the money just
from general information I think it is going to be sometime in June," said
interim business manager for the school district, Rich Royalty. The business
manager says they expect to have details such as the interest rate worked
out by next month's board meeting.
Prom is right around the corner for Tri-State high schools, and if you have a
high school aged son or daughter, you know just how expensive that one
night can be. A new study finds the average family spends more than
$1,000 on prom night, but you don't have to break the bank for your
daughter to be the belle of the ball. Dresses at the Hannibal Salvation Army
Thrift Store cost between $5 and $15 and have been selling quickly for the
last few weeks. Thrift stores aren't the only way to save. Hannibal High
School has its own prom closet for students to choose from. For $10 girls
can rent a dress. More than 50 donated dresses and a few tuxedos, even
shoes and a few purses are available to rent. If you have prom dresses
sitting around your house, the Salvation Army and Hannibal High School are
always looking for more donations to help the girls in need.
A local school is ranked 15th in the nation at going green. Since launching
the Funding Factory recycling fundraiser in 1999, St. Peter School has raised
more than $23,000 and kept 36,000 pounds of electronic waste out of
landfills. The school has been able to purchase new technology and
software with that money. Teachers say they recycle everything from old ink
cartridges to cell phones, any e-waste that could hurt the environment.
Funding Factory is a free recycling fundraiser for schools, nonprofits, and
charities.
Do you always look both ways when you cross train tracks? Many drivers
don't and police are warning railroad crossing fatalities are on the rise. Last
year fatalities at train crossings increased 17 percent in Missouri. Police say
most accidents happen because people aren't paying attention, or they
think they can beat the train across. That's why Wednesday, the highway
patrol joined with railroad officials to launch Operation Lifesaver. "We're
going to be handing out literature, just reminding motorists to hey, when
you get ready to go at the crossing, make sure you do it safely," said Sgt.
Brent Bernhardt with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Wednesday and
Thursday, police are stopping cars near railroad tracks in Monroe and
Shelby counties to remind drivers about the potential dangers.
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4/19
If you're looking to buy a new appliance, this might be the time to do it. The
Missouri Green Sales Tax Holiday runs through April 25, meaning people
who buy a new ENERGY STAR-qualified appliance will save at least 4
percent. Clothes washers, water heaters, dishwashers, air conditioners,
furnaces, refrigerators and freezers are all included, but make sure you look
for the ENERGY STAR rating. The sales tax exemption only applies to the
first $1,500 on each appliance.
The fifth annual Senior Expo is Thursday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Admiral
Coontz Recreational Center in Hannibal. The first 300 visitors to the Senior
Expo Thursday will receive a free door prize. Senior citizens are encouraged
to arrive early. There are 55 booths and meals and snacks will be available.
No one was reported injured after a pickup truck crashed into the County
Market HealthMart Pharmacy. Crews tell WGEM that a white pickup struck
the building, located on 5 Diamond Boulevard near Hannibal-LaGrange
University. Employees inside the store told WGEM News that the accident,
"sounded like an explosion." The store remains open at this time. Hannibal
police and fire crews are on scene, along with the Hannibal building
inspector to check the building's structural integrity.
April through September is what health officials refer to as "tick time," and
The Adams County Health Department has been getting a lot of calls from
people with tick bites. Registered Nurse Karen Spring says so far there has
been one case of a tick-related disease in Adams County. If you know you're
going to be in a wooded area, applying an insect repellent that contains
DEET will help keep ticks at bay. But, Spring says you should also wear long
sleeves, long pants and make sure your pants are tucked into your socks.
When you come in from being outside, check your kids, your pets and
yourself for ticks. If you do find a tick on you, make sure to remove it
quickly. If you notice you have a rash that looks like a bull's eye or a fever
following a tick bite, call your doctor. As far as your pets go, they're also at
risk. Vets nationwide are worried that warm temperatures will cause
outbreaks of tick borne disease illnesses.
A driver and his dog escaped safely from a semi-truck that caught fire this
afternoon under the Marblehead overpass on Highway 57, below Interstate
72. The driver said the truck began driving rough when he pulled over and
was told by another driver that pulled up to the scene that the truck was on
fire. The truck was carrying railroad ties. The semi was fully engulfed in
flames when emergency crews arrived. Both lanes of traffic are reopened to
traffic.
The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees approved Wednesday
a tuition increase of $3 per credit hour for the 2012-13 school year. Tuition
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for in-district students and online classes will increase to $123 per credit
hour, not including a $10 per credit hour student services fee. The board
approved a similar $3 per credit hour raise last year. Finance committee
members Jim Gay and Reggie Coleman said they arrived at the
recommendation for the 2.5 percent raise after much discussion. Making
sure the annual budget is balanced was a factor in their recommendation.
Both Gay and Coleman said they were not happy about having to raise
tuition, but saw no other choice. The vote to approve the raise was
unanimous.
The Keokuk City Council has approved a letter of intent to commit
$100,000 to the cash-strapped Keokuk Area Hospital. The money would be
used along with $100,000 from the Lee County Board of Supervisors to
leverage more federal funds. Hospital officials say they are in dire need of
more money because Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements do not cover
the costs for patients. In the past few years, the hospital has closed a
psychiatric ward, frozen wages and cut around 70 full-time positions.
New equipment for the Liberty Fire Department will help firefighters keep
you safe in an emergency. The Liberty Fire Department recently acquired
this fire and rescue truck to carry necessary equipment along on calls. The
truck holds rescue tools like jaws of life, air to fill their breathing tanks on
the scene, spotlights, traffic control equipment and more. "It will go on just
about every call, it won't be the first truck out of the station but probably
you’re second or third," said Liberty Fire Chief Don Loos. The truck was paid
for through a grant with the Department of Natural Resources and by
money fundraised in the community. It has been in service since April 1st.
Just in time for the summer season, more people will soon have access to
public pools. Changes in the American Disabilities Act now require all public
pools to install chair lifts that allow disabled individuals easy access to
pools. Quincy Park District officials say the Indian Mounds pool already has
a chair lift and a ramp entry so under the new regulations, no other city-run
pools need to be ADA accessible. However, the district is hoping to add
more ADA accessibility at the Wavering Park pool. 'We have a transition
plan in the works for 4-5 years from now to renovate and put in a handicap
chair lift at Wavering Aquatic Center and possibly a zero depth entry. That's
still in the talks, in the process, but we're looking to make that accessible as
well,” explained Mark Callaway, Recreation Supervisor with the Quincy Park
District. Under the new regulations, hotels and recreation centers are also
required to have chair lifts or another easy access into pools.
Hundreds of people attended the 2012 Watlow Health, Safety, and
Environment fair Thursday afternoon in Hannibal. Local businesses were
invited to talk to their employees about benefits for their work and personal
life. Officials say while this hasn't been an annual event over the past ten
years, they now plan to hold this event once a year. WGEM's Meteorologist
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Brian Inman and Meteorologist Whitney Williams had a table at this event to
answer questions and to pass along information about severe weather.
Parents and preschoolers gathered Thursday at the Quincy Public Library for
some fun activities. It was story time as the kids sat listening to the stories
and even got involved when asked a question. They enjoyed some dancing
and mingling then it was off to craft time. Workers say the library always
has something going on for the kids and parents to get involved with.
Organizers say they know kids have a short attention span so they try to
keep them active and involved in the learning. "On Monday's we have Leo's
Little Ones or First Steps so those are our two youngest ones so therefore
infants to toddlers so really that first exposure. They do a lot of things
that's more touchy and singing and things like that," said Bordewick.
4/20
Members of the Quincy Fire Department and the Cathedral of Worship will
be conducting a "fill-the-boot" drive at Wal-Mart on Saturday April 21, 2012
from 10-2. The proceeds from the event will be donated to the family of Ella
Cain, the young child that sustained significant burns in a house fire in
Quincy on January 3rd of this year. The money will then be used to help
defer personal expenses that the family must incur as Ella continues her
treatments. The public is encouraged to drive by and drop some dollars in
the boot to help Ella and her family.
A Hannibal man who was shot by deputies after a high speed chase last
month was in court Friday. Theodore Rupp, 43, is charged with assault on a
law enforcement officer and unlawful use of a weapon. Rupp reportedly led
authorities on a two county chase on March 11. After wrecking his car near
Fiddlesticks, authorities say Rupp pulled out a gun and pointed it at them.
That's when two Marion County deputies shot him. Rupp will be back in
court on May 14.
Over 600 kids from all over the Tri-States came to John Wood Community
College today to learn how they can make a lasting impact on the world.
This Earth Day event taught local 5th graders about environmental subjects
like solar and wind energy, soil quality, and recycling. Hand-on activities
and building projects allowed them to interact with each other while
learning about the benefits of keeping the environment clean. The students
also learned about species population and natural habitats. And they even
got their hands a little dirty when they made bird houses.
No courts, no justice, no freedom. That was the theme at this year’s 2012
"Law Day." Lawyers from all over Adams County gathered today at the Kroc
Center for their annual luncheon. They discussed topics including their
responsibilities as employees in the legal profession...and how they impact
people's lives on a daily basis. "From family things like divorces or custody,
to the criminal courts, to civil courts. If you have a dispute with your
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neighbor a judge is going to decide what happens. So it really touches
people lives in ways they don't expect," said Emily Schuering Jones the cochairman of Law Day 2012. This nationwide event is usually on May 1st but
Adams County held theirs today because of a special guest James Stewart, a
New York Times Best-Selling Author, who was in town.
New York Times best-selling author James Stewart was in back in his
hometown Quincy today to talk about his newest book. Stewart answered
questions from the audience on a variety of topics and discussed his new
book "Tangled Webs." "Tangled Webs" is Stewart's investigation into some
of the most high profile perjury cases and the impact that has on the justice
system. Stewart's book takes you behind the scenes of the trials like Wall
Street money manager Bernie Madoff, Barry Bonds, and Martha Stewart.
Winners in the WGEM Weather Scene Drawing Contest were surprised with
their prizes Friday by WGEM's Brian Inman. Ellie Page and her kindergarten
class at Payson Elementary won a brand new desktop computer, courtesy of
Advance Physical Therapy. Next we traveled to St. James Elementary and
gave 3rd Grader Lauren Erke and the third grade class at St. James
Elementary, along with 4th Grader Jolie Geisendorfer and her class at
Highland Elementary.
Emergency responders in Macomb spent the morning showing students
how devastating drinking and driving can be. WIU Emergency Medical
Services recreated the scene of an alcohol related crash complete with EMS
responders and victims re-enacting the experience. Organizers say most
people don't see the accidents like first responders do and rarely get a
chance to hear from survivors or family members about how horrific the
experience can be. In 2010, more than 400 people were killed in Illinois in
alcohol related crashes.
The Salvation Army is seeing a growing number of people with jobs who
are struggling to feed their families. To help those families, the Salvation
Army will soon be opening its food pantry the first Saturday of every
month. Right now the food pantry here on 6th street is only open during
the days on Monday through Thursday, which makes it tough for many
families to get the help they need. Elizabeth Lynn with the Salvation Army
Food Pantry in Quincy says many working families right now are needing
food assistance because the only jobs they're able to find are part-time or
minimum wage jobs, jobs that are impossible to feed a family on. Lynn says
she hopes that by having the food pantry open the first Saturday of every
month they'll be able to help working families get the food they need, but
can't pick up during the week.
Quincy police are on the hunt for a burglar, and they think you could help
catch him. It happened earlier this week at County Market Express at 8th
and York. A man can be seen in security video making a purchase during
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business hours. Then, police say the same man--in the same clothes--came
back in the middle of the night with his hood over his head. He shattered
the front door's glass, walked in, took some merchandise, and left. If you
recognize this man, call CrimeStoppers at 228-4474.
If your college student has a credit card, do they really know how to use it?
New research shows 70% of undergraduates have credit cards, but only 15%
know their interest rate. College students manage to earn a 4-year degree,
but most are failing in financial literacy. Quincy University is just one
college working to change that by educating their students on credit card
management. Not only does Quincy University try to help students control
their spending, they also educate them to understand their credit reports.
When freshman arrive on campus, they take part in a financial literacy
program, they do it again as seniors before they graduate. And, there's
information about credit card use on the university's website. Experts say
college students are encouraged to start building credit, but that does not
mean abusing it. Quincy University has partnered with the National
Endowment for Financial Education to have an online cash course and that
information will be directed towards Quincy students. That online course
will be available within the next month.
Students at Monroe Elementary got to meet a nationally acclaimed
children's author Friday. Michelle Bain has written more than 30 books in
the "Adventures of Thumbs Up Johnnie" series. Bain says getting to meet
students at schools like Monroe is always an honor. She says she hopes her
visit will help students discover a love of reading and writing. Bain was able
to visit Monroe Elementary thanks in part to Advance Physical Therapy,
which also donated a Thumbs Up Johnnie book to each of the students at
today's presentation.
Missouri lawmakers want to bar anyone accused in the death or abuse of a
child from running a day care center while the criminal charges are
pending. The House and Senate both passed measures Thursday
establishing "Sam Pratt's Law." The name comes from a 2009 case in which
a young boy died at an illegal day care center in the town of Pilot Knob. The
owner continued operating the business even after she was charged in the
boy's death. The proposal would let a judge order a day care provider who's
charged in the abuse, neglect or death of a child to suspend operations as a
condition of release. The House and Senate each approved a version of the
proposal without dissent. Each bill now goes to the other chamber.
The number of Illinois residents fighting for their right to carry firearms
continues to grow. More than 900 people in McDonough County have
already signed petitions asking for a constitutional carry of arms ordinance,
but organizers say they're expecting a long and drawn out fight. Illinois
state law prohibits carrying firearms in public, but many gun owners say the
law violates their second amendment right. And the only way to get their
message heard is with a grassroots campaign throughout the state.
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McDonough County is following Pike County's example. Last month, voters
in Pike County overwhelmingly approved a constitutional carry ordinance.
Even with the measure, it’s still illegal to carry loaded guns since a local
vote can't overturn state law. But officials say the ordinance is more about
sending a message to lawmakers. Proponents say several law enforcement
officials support a constitutional carry ordinance as well as Representative
Norine Hammond and Senator John Sullivan. Proponents are hoping to get
the ordinance in front of voters on the November ballot.
Students throughout the tri-states may be doing some new and fun science
projects in the coming years thanks to WIU. The 26th annual Pre-K through
8 Science Update Conference was held on campus today drawing more than
140 teachers and college students. The theme of the conference is "science
to engage students", and teachers got a chance to get some hands on
learning of their own as they look for new ideas to incorporate into their
classrooms. The conference drew teachers from as far away as Chicago and
St. Louis and also offered a networking luncheon so teachers can continue
to work with each other.
One local student learned a life changing lesson after a texting and driving
accident last summer. She is now paralyzed from the waist down. But she
says she's alive to share her story and hopes it'll give you pause the next
time you pull out your phone behind the wheel. Once an avid softball player
for Beardstown High School, Taylor Cooper is now in a wheelchair. On July
5th of last year Cooper was texting and driving when she drove her car off a
20 foot embankment and crashed into a telephone pole. Cooper had
broken her back in six places, broken several ribs, both of her lungs had
collapsed and she had damaged her spinal cord and a kidney. But nine
months later she's alive to talk about the trauma. At Pittsfield High School's
Health Fair, Cooper told her story to 400 students hoping they'll remember
her accident next time they want to text behind the wheel.
4/23
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has prevailed in Missouri's
regional Republican conventions. Romney won half of the 24 delegates at
stake Saturday as Republicans gathered in eight congressional district
conventions around the state. But other candidates also put up a decent
showing. Rick Santorum received seven delegates, Ron Paul won four, and
Newt Gingrich received one. Santorum carried every county in Missouri
during a non-binding primary in February. But he recently suspended his
presidential campaign, and some former Santorum backers switched their
support to Romney on Saturday. Most of the rest of Missouri's 52 delegates
to the Republican National Convention will be chose at the state party
convention in June. The roughly 2,000 Republicans who participated in
Saturday's regional conventions had been elected at local caucuses earlier
this year.
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It may be hard to imagine, but many kids in the Tri-States don't have a bed
of their own to sleep in tonight. That's why Ashley Furniture started the
"Hope to Dream" program and Monday they delivered complete bed sets to
four local families in need. The Kitchell family in Quincy received two beds
for their youngest sons. Melissa Kitchell says she is thankful for the gift and
that her kids will get a good night's sleep. . Since the program began last
year, Ashley has made a $5 donation to A Hope to Dream for every mattress
purchased by customers. If you know of a family in need, you can nominate
them for the next round of gifts this summer.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month and a special flag at the
Adams County Courthouse is serving as a reminder. The Advocacy Network
for Children hosted a flag raising ceremony Monday to honor those children
who are abused or neglected. Officials with The Advocacy Network say they
hope all who see the flag take time to remember what it represents. In the
past 10 years, the Advocacy Network has seen over 2,000 children in
Adams County that were victims of sexual abuse or serious physical abuse.
The flag will fly at the courthouse all week long.
A generous donation will help feed the hungry in the Tri-States. The Red Hat
Society at Quincy's Sunset Home donated nearly $450 worth of food to the
Horizons Food Pantry Monday. The ladies of the Red Hat Society say they
collected food a couple of times a week, and the response was
overwhelming with people wanting to help. The Horizons Food Pantry helps
feed hundreds of people every month in the Quincy area.
The city of Quincy will have one less firefighter and one less police officer
on staff as part of amendments to the 2012-2013 budget. Quincy Mayor
John Spring made the announcement Monday morning for an
additional $461,000 dollars in cuts that the city council will consider
tonight. The amendments will be presented to aldermen at tonight's city
council meeting. Both positions will be eliminated by not replacing retiring
personnel. Fire Chief Joe Henning says the cut means the fire department
will be down to "bare bones". Henning says since 2009, the fire department
has lost 5 firefighters and losing one more could create some staffing
challenges if there's firefighters on vacation or out sick. Over at the police
station, the loss of an officer there is also concerning. "It's going to impact
the timeliness of services," said Police Chief Rob Copley. "It won't take away
any actual services that we provide, however you could see a delay in
response, see an increase in overtime costs." At the announcement of the
additional proposed cuts, Mayor John Spring said he was proud of city
workers for stepping up to do more with less. But, if cuts keep coming, the
quality of services could suffer. Both the police officer and firefighter
position will be eliminated when retiring employees leave, so no layoffs will
be necessary. Other cuts the city council will consider would impact Central
Services and the 9-1-1 System. Quincy/Adams County 9-1-1 Center Director
Steve Rowlands says the $30,000 in cuts proposed by the city automatically
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would invoke $20,000 in additional cuts from the Adams County
government, due to a 60-40 funding agreement established in 1988.
Selling a home in the Tri-States is proving to be more difficult these days.
Home prices in Adams County are down, despite good March numbers
overall for the state of Illinois. According to the Illinois Association of
Realtors the median price of a home in Adams County has gone down over
the last three months, and median prices are lower now than they were the
same time a year ago. But economists say that doesn't necessarily mean
homes are losing value. "The median price has moved down because we are
selling more of the 0 to 100 thousand dollar houses instead of the 200
thousand or 300 thousand houses," said Dr. Mitch Ellison, a finance
professor at Quincy University. March numbers show the median price of a
home went down about 3 percent from $99,450 last year to $96,000 this
year. Economists say a big reason why the demand to buy a home is low is
because of an uncertain job market where more people are turning towards
rental properties instead of taking on a mortgage.
High school students from across Adams County Monday were honored for
their academic achievements. The Society for Academic Achievement hosted
a banquet for seniors who have maintained at least a 3.6 grade point
average throughout their four years in high school. In total, 206 students
were recognized at today's banquet. "It's important to motivate and
encourage them to further their education and that's why the program was
started by Dr. Harold Swanberg, back in the late '50s. He wanted to
encourage students to go onto college," Diane Weber, Executive Director for
the Society for Academic Achievement, said. This is the 55th year the
society has honored students for earning high grades in school.
Construction will soon begin on a new multi-million dollar emergency
shelter in Downtown Quincy. Monday, Salvation Army Officials broke ground
in front of the former Inman's gallery at 5th and Broadway, the site of the
future $2.2 million shelter and family services facility. The new shelter will
allow the Salvation Army to provide more services to the community, but
more fundraising is still needed for the facility. The fundraising effort is
short about $250,000. The Quincy Salvation Army received a $25,000
donation from Quincy Medical Group Monday to help kick off the final push
for the donations needed.
Quincy aldermen unanimously approved the budget for the next fiscal year.
At Monday night's city council meeting the aldermen voted to trim the
budget by $461,000. The alderman also all voted in favor of an amendment
to reduce the subsidies the city provides to not for profit agencies, like the
Great River Economic Development Foundation. "Some of those agencies
this is money that they use for operations they are very small in terms of
their budget so I know it will affect them. The good thing, if there is a good
thing out of it, is that it is over a 5 year period that they will be reduced,"
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said Quincy Mayor John Spring. Mayor Spring also said he appreciates the
bi-partisan support for the budget.
There's good news for commuters and businesses in the Louisiana area as
MoDOT begins its first day of repairs to the Champ Clark Bridge. A shuttle
boat will be offered across the Mississippi River starting next week when
the bridge is shut down for up to 8 days. Drivers got a small taste of what
commuting will be like today as MoDOT closed one of the lanes across the
Champ Clark Bridge. But the idea of a shuttle service may be just what
some businesses need as they brace themselves for a tough couple of
weeks. Managers with the Two Rivers Marina say a volunteer is offering his
80 person boat as a shuttle across the river when the bridge closes next
week, and he's doing it free of charge. "He knows this is hard times for
people and he wanted to do something to give back," said Jaime Aslin,
Manager of the Two Rivers Marina. The shuttle boat will not take vehicles
across, only people who cross the bridge in order to get to work. For more
information or to sign up, you can call the marina at 217-437-2321.
The city of Lagrange has finally started tearing down a number of homes
and buildings that have been decimated by flood waters over the years.
Nine buildings are scheduled to be demolished along Main Street in La
Grange. The structures were part of a voluntary buy-out program after the
Flood of '08. City administrator Mark Campbell says while a lot of the
buildings are historic, many of them have become blighted and demolishing
them should make the city more appealing. "Rather than driving through
and see buildings that have sat empty for various parts in the last 20 years,
we're now going to have a much better view of the river," said City
Administrator Mark Campbell. Campbell says the vacant lots will be turned
into green space that should add to the beauty of La Grange's downtown
area.
4/24
School buses might be the next victim of the Illinois budget crisis.
Education officials are considering a proposal to let schools stop offering
free bus service. They could either get rid of the buses or charge for
carrying students each day. The change would be part of a new system for
distributing state money for student transportation. The State Board of
Education could introduce legislation this week. The Illinois Association of
School Boards says transportation spending has been slashed 42 percent
since 2010. That has left school district struggling to pay for bus service.
Officials warn that more cuts will increase the pressure to divert money
from education and spend it on simply getting students to school.
Across the nation this week, organizations are celebrating Week of the
Young Child and Tuesday, Blessing Childcare Center invited parents to join
their young students for a special lunch. Childcare providers said today's
luncheon was a way to recognize children as an important part of the
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community. By taking time to really focus on young children, childcare
providers say you can help them grow into better adults. "Primarily, just
making them feel good about themselves so that strengthens their
learning. It's so, so very important. Just to reflect on the fact that they're
people and they need us," Joleen Patton, Program Director at Blessing
Childcare Center, said. The Quincy Early Childhood Center and several other
organizations in the area are also hosting special events this week in honor
of young children.
The warmer the weather gets, the more work zones we see on Tri-State
Roads. The Missouri Department of Transportation is kicking off Work Zone
Awareness Week Tuesday in Palmyra. Last year in Missouri, there 11 people
killed in highway work zones and 701 were injured. Marisa Ellison of MoDot
says the number one reason drivers crash in work zones is because they're
not paying attention. Drivers should put their cell phones down and anytime
they see orange barrels and cones, they should slow down and pay
attention. MoDot's kickoff event is happening Tuesday, April 41 at the
Brown's Furniture parking lot in Palmyra. Anyone who stops by between 1
P.M. and 4 P.M. will receive orange "reminders" that will help them
remember to slow down and pay attention in work zones. Attendees will
also have the opportunity to have pictures taken with MoDot's oversized
mascot, Barrel Bob.
Authorities have reportedly uncovered a meth lab operation inside a Quincy
motel. Around 6:30 a.m. Monday, the West Central Illinois Task Force
executed a search warrant at the Diamond Motel. Agents allegedly found a
large amount meth, pills and other items used to make the drug in the
owner's office and several rooms. In one room, agents reportedly located
50 grams of liquid meth and syringes. Authorities say they also found a
burn bin and meth lab waste throughout the property. The owner, Donald
Greving, 46, of Quincy was arrested on various meth charges, as were
Bobby Miller, 43, and Kellie Fasnacht, 45, both of Quincy. Michael Abbey,
22, Alicia Smith, 39, and Dawn Johnson, 51, all of Quincy, were ticketed for
other drug charges
An Illinois state registry for first-degree murder convicts has topped 500
people. The Bloomington Pantagraph reports that 528 convicts who have
completed their sentences and been released are on the registry, which was
created by a new law that went into effect in January. The database is
similar to the sex offender registry. It includes names, addresses,
employment places, schools attended and photos for offenders for up to 10
years after their release from prison. The legislation was called "Andrea's
Law" after Andrea Will, an Eastern Illinois University student killed in 1998
by her former boyfriend, who was released from prison in 2010. Her
mother, Patricia Rosenberg, said the website would allow people to know
whether a convicted murderer is living nearby.
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A group of farmers from the Mendon, Ursa, and Loraine area are making
sure more local veterans have the chance to go on an Honor Flight. The Sod
Busters donated $2,000 to Great River Honor Flight. The group holds an
annual putt-putt golf fundraiser around St. Patrick's Day. Participants travel
from farm to farm to play one hole. This year's event raised about $23,000.
Sod Busters donates that money to local groups and families in need.
Senior citizens in Quincy are getting an inside look at what it’s like to be a
police officer or other first responder. The 2012 Senior Police Academy
kicked off Tuesday afternoon with more than 50 people in this year's class.
Participants will spend the next four weeks learning about everything from
the sex offender registry to child abuse reporting. Officials say the class not
only gets seniors involved, it also protects them from being taken
advantage of. The seniors will also get an inside look at the Tri-Township
fire department
Gas prices in Quincy are down to $3.79 a gallon Tuesday. But will they keep
going down? In an interview for WGEM News This Week, Carl Adams, VicePresident of Illinois Ayers Oil, spoke on the future of gas prices and what
factors are involved. He says a speculator recently had to liquidate his
inventory and that's why gas prices are trending down, but the market is
volatile this time of year. "We've had rumors of $5 gasoline. I certainly hope
that doesn't happen, but there's just too many variables that can happen,"
Ayers said. "This time of the year, refineries go down for what they call
turnarounds for maintenance on their refineries." You can hear more from
Adams and watch the all new WGEM News This Week both Saturday and
Sunday morning at 6:30 a.m. on WGEM. You can also catch it Sunday
morning on WGEM-FOX at 5 and 9 a.m.
You might think kids in rural communities would grow up with a vast
knowledge of farming and agriculture, but that's not the case in today's
society. Many kids in rural areas never step foot on a farm, but today, more
than 250 students got a front row seat to see what farming is all about. The
students visited a farm near Golden, Illinois where they were able to pet
animals, climb on tractors, and learn about sorting cattle. The farm tour
was part of a program designed to help rural kids understand the farming
communities they're surrounded by, but might not have ever experienced
firsthand.
4/25
The Senate has moved to impose new restrictions on the closing of rural
post offices. Under the measure, the ailing U.S. Postal Service would be
barred from closing post offices for one year if they are located in rural
areas -- those with fewer than 50,000 people. The exception would be if
there was no community opposition. The measure was among revisions to a
bill aimed at stabilizing the Postal Service. The main bill would provide a
short-term cash infusion while delaying decisions on thousands of post
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office closings and ending Saturday mail delivery. A final vote is expected
Wednesday. The mail agency says it needs to begin closings this year as
part of a billion-dollar cost-cutting effort. Postmaster General Patrick
Donahoe previously agreed to delay closings until May 15.
Three people were arrested after police reportedly found crack cocaine,
heroin, marijuana and prescription drugs in a Hannibal home. Destiny
Sigler, Shon Test, and Jeffrey Smith are all facing various drug charges.
Officers executed a search warrant in the 200 block of North Locust and
reportedly found several drugs. Authorities say they also found items used
to make and distribute the drugs.
The City of Macomb is hoping to better warn people of severe weather by
replacing their aging storm siren system. City Administrator Dean Torreson
says the current sirens were installed in the 1970's and aren't always
reliable. The city hopes to put in six new sirens that will be more powerful
to eliminate any gaps in coverage. Torreson says they have
budgeted $130,000 for the project and hope to have the sirens installed
this summer.
If you're looking for work you might start your search at the Quincy Public
Library. There's a new program designed to help you get the job you're
looking for. On Thursday afternoons in May, the library will hold education
sessions to get you ready for a job interview. Some of the focal points will
be resumes, cover letters, software skills, and correcting some of the most
common mistakes. They also don't see the point of some of those soft
skills....arriving on time, looking well, making that presentation and first
impression. So we're really going to try and hit on some of those things and
try to show how much that factors into your interview," said Bobbi Mock a
librarian. “And during the final sessions you'll face the ultimate job hunting
challenge, interviews. "We have several local employers here to give actual
interviews, give a couple hints about what makes or breaks an interview.
And then give them a chance to actually have an interview and have them
get some feedback as to why or why not, they would have gotten a job with
them," said Mock. The first session is next Thursday at 1PM. If you would
like to reserve a spot you can call the Quincy Public Library at 217-223-1309
or you can come the day of.
An ID tag could be a lost pet's ticket home but a lot of cats and dogs don't
have them. "If your pet has a visible identification tag on, that is his ticket
to an immediate return to your home. Especially if that is personalized
information," said Sally Westerhoff the executive director at the Quincy
Humane Society. That's why the Quincy Humane Society is starting the ID
Me program, thanks to a new 5-thousand dollar grant. The IMarc tag
engraving machine will put the name, phone number and address of the
guardian on the pet's tag. Officials say if your pet goes missing, the first
thing you should do is call the local animal shelter but you can also go
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online. "We have a Facebook page called Lost and Found Pets of Adams
County. People can friend us, they can post information on there about pets
that are lost or found. And we have found that has been a great resource in
reuniting pets," said Westerhoff. Westerhoff says it's also a good idea to get
your pet micro-chipped just in case the ID tag comes off.
Four hundred and fifty Quincy families received scholarships for their child's
Catholic education. The Gene Grawe Scholarship Fund raised more than 106
thousand dollars this year. Parents at gathered at St Dominic's school for
the big announcement. Each family receives a $250 scholarship to help with
Catholic school tuition. Any family with a child in the Catholic School system
is eligible for the scholarships. "If people start right now, start in
kindergarten and go through Notre Dame the amount would be $3,200 that
they would get off tuition if we continue to keep it at $250," said JoAnn
Witte, president of the Gene Grawe Scholarship Fund. The organization
partnered with local businesses to sell gift cards to raise the funds for the
scholarships. Portions of each gift card purchase were given back to the
organization.
Good Samaritan Home in Quincy is looking for tenants to live in the new
cottages being built along Harrison Street. Dozens of people attended a
public meeting at Good Samaritan Home Wednesday night hosted by the
developers, the architects and other officials. Plans for the 20 cottages were
laid out, as well as other project details. About half the cottages are still
available for purchase, starting at 180 thousand dollars. Good Samaritan
Home takes care of the maintenance and utilities of the properties. The
cottages will be completed by next April.
Some downtown Quincy Sidewalks will soon see some improvements. The
city will take bids to build new, ADA compliant, brick sidewalks in front of
the Adams County Health Department and the Salvation Army Kroc Center.
The city promised to make the improvements as part of the agreement to
encourage the Health Department and Kroc Center to build downtown. The
improvements are expected to cost more than a million dollars. Half the
money is coming from state grants while about $600 thousand is coming
from the City of Quincy's TIF money.
An ostrich, a gorilla, and lots of laughter. You might not expect those
things to go hand in hand with anti-bullying lessons, but they did in a Tristate school Wednesday. Students were rolling with laughter in Canton
Elementary gymnasium as national anti-bullying advocate (and
comedian/ventriloquist) Kevin Horner poked at students with a giant ostrich
puppet. Horner was proving a point about reactions, and quickly brought
students back to a serious topic: bullying. He explained that a different
kind of reaction is what bullies look for, and it's that reaction that Horner
says gives bullies power. Wednesday, Horner gave a message of
empowerment to students-- not for bullies, but for bystanders. But, while
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bystanders to bullying can be the biggest help to someone being bullied,
students today say speaking up can be hard. With the help of his trusty
sidekicks, Horner gave students practical advice for bystanders to take
away a bully's power in the moment. Horner says students then need to
report the bullying to a trusted adult. Educators in Canton said Horner's
message is just what students need to hear. Horner travels the nation
speaking out against bullying at schools. Wednesday was the second time
he has visited Canton
Students at Quincy University had a unique opportunity today. Two 4th
Appellate District cases were heard at Quincy University's new mock trial
courtroom. Appellate cases for the 4th Appellate District are normally heard
in Springfield, but the judges came to Quincy in hopes of providing a
learning experience to pre-law college students. Professor Brian Borlas says
all the QU students were fully engrossed in the attorney's arguments as
they laid out their cases. "They were actually passing notes and arguing the
case themselves and commenting on the quality of the attorneys as well,"
said Borlas. Taking learning law out of the classroom and into the
courtroom teaches lessons these students wouldn't otherwise learn. "You
can't buy that kind of education for these kids," said Borlas. The judges
didn't make any decisions today about the cases they heard, but when they
do decide, they will pass their rulings onto the students to provide yet
another opportunity to learn.
The old St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Hannibal could soon become part of the
National Historic Registry. The hospital on Virginia Street opened in 1914,
making it Hannibal's second hospital. Members of Hannibal's Historic
District Development Commission say the building deserves to be on the
National Historic Registry for a number of reasons. "It has to be
architecturally significant, significant to the community as a visual
landmark, it has all of these things. I mean, 1914 is when they opened the
doors to the hospital and it is an architectural beauty," said Bob Yapp, a
local preservationist. An application to put the hospital on the National
Historic Registry has been sent to the State Historic Preservation Office. If
that office gives its approval, the application will be sent to the National
Park Service for final approval. The whole process could take between 2-6
months.
4/26
The National Weather Service says a tornado that touched down in a rural
area west of Kahoka, Mo., Wednesday night was likely an E-F 1 on the
Enhanced Fujita scale. "It's definitely a tornado based on the pictures we've
seen," said Donna Dubberke with the Quad Cities National Weather Service
Office. Dubberke said the damage track is likely about one mile long. "We
have damage reported at three farms," Dubberke said. "Some barns were
destroyed and there is damage to grain bins and other out buildings."
Kahoka Mayor Wayne Blum says the tornado damage appears to have
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touched down near Highway BB and followed a path southeast along the
Wyaconda River. Blum said there is also wide spread hail damage in Kahoka,
mainly to roofs, windows and automobiles. He reports that golf ball to
baseball sized hail rained down Wednesday night. No injuries have been
reported as a result of the storm.
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan supports a cigarette tax increase to
shore up Medicaid but is predicting Republicans will block the idea. The
Chicago Democrat also said yesterday that Gov. Pat Quinn's plan to cut
pension costs is "a good start." Quinn proposes raising cigarette taxes by
$1 a pack. That would raise about $670 million to help close a $2.7 billion
Medicaid shortfall. But Republicans want more spending cuts. Madigan is
unsure what health care reductions will be acceptable to House Democrats.
Quinn also wants dramatic changes to ease pensions' impact on the budget.
They include raising the retirement age and requiring bigger worker
contributions. Madigan says Quinn's plan has good ideas that will be
challenged by outside groups.
Hannibal Clinic is teaming up with the Northeast Missouri Narcotics Task Force,
FACT, Marion County Juvenile Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration to
host a drug take back at the Clinic's Family Practice reception area at 100
Medical Drive on April 26 from 10am-2pm.Accepted at the take back are: all
medications, including prescription and over the counter medications, including
controlled substances, liquids containing medications, prescription inhalers and
medicated ointments or patches. If possible, bring medications in their original
packaging to avoid additional processing. Not accepted at the take back are:
illicit drugs, sharp objects including needles, radioactive medicines, bio
hazardous materials, and glass thermometers or other medical devices. A drug
take back gets expired or unneeded medications out of your home and disposed
of in a proper, environmentally safe way.
Local health care leaders say the future for certified nursing assistants is
bright with growing job opportunities throughout the region. John Wood
Community College and Community Health Care Agencies recognized the
"Angels of Healthcare" on Thursday. Leaders say CNA's are front line
caregivers and establish the first connection with patients. Eleven people
were nominated 2012 CNA of the Year Award. And in the end, Jessica
Kindhart from Bickford Assisted Living took home the trophy.
Every week, more than 100 people are victimized by crimes in Adams
County. Thursday at Quincy University, the Adams County State's Attorney's
Office unveiled a commemorative display...a pair of shoes for every victim
they help. They say it's a visual reminder of the responsibility to defend
those who can't defend themselves. Organizers say too often in the justice
system, the focus is on the rights of the suspect...and the victim gets
pushed to the side. "They should be central focus in this process. They are
the ones who were beaten, who were robbed, who were stolen from... those
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are the people who we need to protect," said Adams County State's Attorney
Jon Barnard. All of the shoes used in the presentation will be donated to
Quanada, an organization that helps local victims of abuse and assault.
A growing number of Tri-State teenagers are struggling with heroin
addictions. Police say it's the new drug of choice for high schoolers. In this
in-depth report, WGEM'S Lindsey Hess sat down with a local teenager who is
hooked on heroin. Many other teens are dealing with the same addiction.
But, counselors say too many parents and educators have no clue about
how widespread the problem has become in the Tri-States. "A lot of kids are
doing it." This 16-year-old Hannibal girl, “Jane,” started using heroin when
she was 13. She says the drug is easy to get, from students at school, or
from adults on the streets. "One hit. Instantly addicted." Jane's battle with
heroin is taking a toll on her health. Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselor
Brittany Hines counsels Jane...and many other teen heroin addicts. Hines
says she's frustrated by the lack of progress in addressing drugs in schools.
Counselors say alert parents should be able to notice if their teenagers are
on heroin or other drugs. Isolation, change in friends, sleeping more than
usual and mood swings are all signs of drug use. Also, listen for "slang
names" for the drug. Some popular terms in northeast Missouri include
"dope", "buttons," "beans" and "boy". Other regular slang terms for heroin
are "smack", "horse", "mud", "brown sugar", "junk", "black tar", "big H" and
"skag." This is a very complex issue and we can't cover every aspect tonight.
So, our in-depth reporting on "Heroin High" continues with more
information Friday morning on WGEM News Today.
Farm animals and machinery visited preschool students in Quincy Thursday.
The Early Childhood Center hosted its annual Farm Day for students.
Preschool teachers say the farm day is fun for the kids, but it also provides
wonderful education tools in and out of the classroom. During the event,
the young students were able to pet horses, chickens, sheep and various
other farm animals in addition to seeing tractors and other farm equipment.
4/27
In our WGEM in-depth report, "Heroin High", you heard from a 16 year old
girl battling a heroin addiction and its growing impact on area high schools.
In our expanded coverage on the subject of heroin use, a Quincy man talks
about how experimenting with drugs in high school exploded into heroin
addiction and crime in adulthood. Adam Blackburn is 29 and six-months
clean of heroin. He says it hasn't been easy to move past a very dark time in
his life as he fights a heroin addiction. Blackburn started experimenting
with drugs in high school. After graduation, he joined the Army, hoping to
change his lifestyle. But it was then that he became a heavy drinker. After
serving in the military, Blackburn says he injured his back and started
relying on pain medication. When that wasn't enough, he tried heroin, and
from there, his life quickly spun out of control. Blackburn was arrested
three times within 6 months for possession of heroin. The third time,
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Blackburn was put in jail for four months. It was then that he began his road
to recovery. Now, he's in drug court and is seeing a counselor for drug
addiction.
The Keokuk Area Convention and Tourism Bureau is once again hosting the
Annual Civil War Reenactment, an important tourism even. A 5-year
Reenactment Plan has been developed to commemorate the 150th
Anniversary of the Civil War with Keokuk as the central point of the Iowa
Sesquicentennial. Some of the events include: Friday night fireworks
featuring live cannon fire; Parade of wounded; Two Sesquicentennial Battles
from Shiloh; Presentations by Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William T.
Sherman; Military Ball; Sunday Church and Memorial Service to honor Civil
War veterans and to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Keokuk
National Cemetery.
Quincy-based Titan International reports record earnings and company
officials say in order to meet demand, all of Titan's factories will be hiring
and expanding operations. Sales for the first quarter of 2012 were $463
million, up 65 percent from last year. Company officials say the order book
is already filled for the year, so they are increasing output to meet
demands. Titan recently bought the former Huck Fixtures building in Quincy
to develop it into a new manufacturing facility.
Low Medicaid reimbursements and late payments: the Health Care Council
of Illinois says that's two strikes facing nursing homes statewide. Leaders
brought their message to Quincy Friday, saying it's time to step up to the
plate for seniors. The state owes nursing homes $600 million in Medicaid
payments, and now Governor Quinn has proposed a $2.7 billion cut in
Medicaid spending. Health care leaders say many nursing homes could be
forced to close, essentially evicting thousands of seniors. “It's impossible
for us to deliver the care that these individuals deserve and expect with 15
percent less money," said HHCI Executive Director Pat Comstock. Comstock
says before cutting nursing home funding, lawmakers need to re-evaluate
eligibility requirements for Medicaid programs.
Local organizations are stepping up to help fill the void left by funding cuts
at Quincy schools. Today the Rotary Club donated 570 books, two for every
student at Washington Elementary. Teachers also got to pick out some of
the books to make it more personal to each student. Quincy Rotarians
thought this was a great way to get the kids started on their own personal
library. The students also had a special guest, Leo the Library Lion. Leo
came in to invite everyone to get a library card and keep reading through
the summer.
Students in Hannibal have been restoring a historic home for two years, and
as the school year wraps up, so does the restoration project. While the
students have picked up valuable trade skills, they've also learned a number
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of life changing lessons. "I've never laid a floor before and I helped lay
flooring here and put up a ceiling," shared Hannibal High School Junior
Justin Davis. His classmate Lilly Charlton said, "You learn a lot of things that
can help you later on in life, like, especially with your own home. Learning
how to fix stuff." Before the students began working on this house, it was at
risk of being demolished. That's clearly not the case now, but perhaps the
biggest change has been not in the structure itself, but in the lives of the
students. "They're all working in teams, learning to get along with each
other," said Bob Yapp, who has supervised the restoration project. There's
still some work to be done, but the house has come a long way from where
it was when we first visited-- and so have the students. When the house is
finished, it will be turned over to the Mark Twain Museum, which will then
sell it. An open house is being planned for some time at the end of May.
A new $10 million facility will help Blessing Health System offer more
convenient care to its patients. Blessing officials broke ground Friday on the
new 62,000 square foot facility at 9th and Broadway. This is the third
addition to the Blessing Health Center in the area and officials say it will
make it easier for patients to see a doctor. New family medicine and
specialist providers, along with mid-level practitioners, will be recruited to
the area. Officials hope to start construction in a couple weeks and be in
the new building by June 2013.
Salmonella concerns have prompted Missouri-based Diamond Pet Foods to
recall a second batch of dry dog food produced at a South Carolina plant.
Production at the plant was suspended after an earlier recall this month. A
statement Thursday said the latest recall includes one production run of the
company's Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Adult Light Formula dry
dog food. The company said one bag tested positive for Salmonella, and the
recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure. No dog illnesses have
been reported. The plant is the same one that shipped mold-contaminated
food that killed dozens of dogs nationwide in 2005.
A Quincy business is being investigated this week for selling controlled
substances. Adams County State's Attorney Jon Barnard says that charges of
Delivery of a Controlled Substance are pending for 60's Spirit after a search
warrant was executed at the business Thursday afternoon. The warrant was
executed by a multi-agency task force, including the West Central Illinois
Drug Task Force, Quincy Police Department and Adams County Sheriff's
Department.
We know about illegal street drugs like meth and heroin, but do you know
your kids are in danger because of synthetic products that are accessible on
some store shelves? Local law enforcement is cracking down and making
sure powerful hallucinogenic drugs like K2 and bath salts are not sold
locally. Authorities seized about 50 thousand dollars of synthetic drugs
from 60s Spirit in downtown Quincy, now charges are pending against the
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owner and employees. But this isn't the only business caught selling these
types of drugs. Police say because the drugs are being sold in stores, kids
will get the wrong idea and think they're safe to use. Police are trying to get
synthetic drugs out of local businesses. After seizing drugs from 60s Spirit,
the investigation brought police to four other Quincy businesses
confiscating another 25 thousand dollar’s worth of synthetic drugs from the
Chelsea, Up in Smoke, This N That, and Fadz, according to Adams County
Sheriff Brent Fischer. "We had done covert buy to confirm that they were
selling these items," said Sheriff Brent Fischer. Police say synthetic drugs
have become a problem in Quincy. They've even come across synthetic
drugs manufactured in town. And authorities want business owners to hear
their message loud and clear. This isn't the first time 60's Spirit has been
involved in an investigation dealing with synthetic drugs, the people
involved now face felony charges. As for the other businesses, this is the
first time and police say those owners have all signed voluntary consent
forms agreeing to no longer sell the illegal substances.
Hannibal-LaGrange University moved its first 100 books into the Roland
Library as part of its dedication ceremony Friday morning. Staff and
volunteers formed a human chain to transfer the books into the news
20,000 square foot library. The building is named after Dr. E. Earl Roland, a
1941 graduate of H-LG and a longtime supporter of the school. The new
library will be a benefit to students, says HLGU Library Director Julie
Andresen. The new library includes a new multimedia-equipped computer
classroom, computer lab and private and group study room. Other areas
include a coffee corner and fireplace lounge, children's reading area, and
audio and video editing stations.
4/30
Another house will be on the move this morning across Quincy. Weather
permitting, the house will be picked up off its foundation at 24th and
Harrison and moved across town to 2nd and Locus Street. Parking will be
restricted along the route. This is just one of seven homes being relocated
to make way for an expansion of the Good Samaritan Home.
Macomb Police say there were no incidents relating to this year's Wheeler
Street Block Party. This year was the first time the annual event has taken
place since the city of Macomb passed new ordinances restricting the size
of large parties, restricting the sale of small bottles of alcohol and giving
police more authority to disperse large crowds. The event has was heavily
monitored this year by police and university officials after last year's party
ended with crowd control police being used to disperse a near-riot
situation. WIU University also provided a number of campus related
activities for students as alternatives to the party.
Ft. Madison police have arrested two armed robbery suspects, but are still
looking for another involved in a separate robbery a few blocks away. Adam
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Huss and Akeem Trotter are accused of breaking into a home on Avenue E
Sunday night and robbing the homeowner at gunpoint. As they were being
arrested, police say another armed robbery was reported at the Cigarette
Outlet on Avenue H. The attendant says the man had a knife, took the
money and ran off. The suspect was described as a white man, around
5'11", wearing a black hoodie and white ball cap. If you have any
information, call the Ft. Madison Police Department at (319)372-2525.
As the school year winds down, excitement is already building for next year
in Hannibal. When the new school year starts this fall, Hannibal will have
two new schools. Construction is well underway for the new Mark Twain
Elementary and a new preschool building, and teachers are already looking
forward to moving into new classrooms. Currently, preschool sections are
scattered throughout Hannibal's five elementary schools. Mark Twain
Elementary school only has one preschool section, and its teacher, Johanna
Wilkerson, says she's excited for the daily collaboration between teachers
that the new preschool building will allow. By the start of the new school
year, both buildings will be done, and anticipation is growing. On May 18th,
Mark Twain Elementary will celebrate its 100th birthday by giving former
students, teachers and the community the chance to have one last look
inside the building before it's torn down. Tours of the building will be given
from 9-10 a.m. on the 18th, and from 1-2 p.m.. From 6-8 p.m. there will be
a ceremony to recognize former employees.
Downtown Quincy officials are working hard to attract new business, but
several large spaces are in need of new development. The Quincy City
Center Hotel just went on the market. The asking price? $2.5 million. A few
blocks over the Newcomb Hotel also sits vacant, and along the river front
property sits empty, cleared for a condo project that fell through. Greg
Luckemhoff owns Adam's Florist. He says he's all for encouraging more
development downtown. "The more we have to offer down here the more
people will shop Downtown Quincy," said Luckemhoff. But not all City of
Quincy efforts to spark development have been successful. The Quincy City
Center Hotel was just put up for sale. The city loaned hundreds of
thousands of dollars to the previous owners of the building, money lost
when the building went into foreclosure. A few blocks away is another
troubling investment, the Newcomb Hotel. "He owes about 540,000. We
sent him a 20 day demand letter and we're waiting for his response," said
Chuck Bevelheimer, Quincy City Planner. In recent years the city has
changed the way it does loans. Now all loans use a bank as a middle man,
and to qualify property owners much also invest in the property. Now
there's less risk of the property owner defaulting. Moving forward, City
Planner Chuck Bevelheimer says the city will focus on encouraging more
residential development downtown. Bevelheimer says more living spaces
would open up the opportunity for a wide variety of businesses to serve the
needs of potential residents.
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If you are heading to the Dogwood Festival this weekend, you may want to
bring along a can or two of food. For the second year a youth group called
"Operation Serve" will be collecting canned goods to donate to local food
pantries. The teenagers will push shopping carts along the parade route,
collecting food as they go. All the food collected will help stock the shelves
of the food pantries at Quanada, Horizons, The Salvation Army and
Madonna House.
The London Olympics aren't coming until July, but Quincy Notre Dame
students got a jump start Monday. Every four years the school hosts its
Olympic Day for students. Students competed in various competitions from
football tosses to wheelbarrow races. The Olympics also included several
non-athletic events. QND organizers say the event is a great way for
students and teachers to unwind and refresh for the final few weeks of
school.
As Congress continues debating whether to double the interest rate on
government backed student loans, WGEM is digging deeper tonight into the
hidden costs. If you are paying back student debt, do you know how much
money that accumulating interest will end up costing you? The average
student graduates college with about $22,000 in student loan debt. At the
current interest rate, that debt will grow by about $6,000 over the
repayment period. If the interest rate doubles, it'll add about $1,000 in
interest per year. And that's all money that needs to be paid back
regardless if you find a job or not. Financial Aid officials at WIU say a typical
student loan repayment period is 10-years, but can be extended if they're
struggling to make payments. The worst thing to do is not make payments
and let your loan go into default. "It'll affect your FICO score if you are late
on payments or go into default, it can affect your rent, getting a job, buying
a house. It has a lot of negative effects," said Mary Lawson, Associate
Director of Financial Aid at WIU.
A national epidemic that's what U.S. transportation secretary Ray LaHood
called distracted driving while speaking at Western Illinois University in
Macomb. To change that, LaHood is pushing for a federal ban against
talking on a cell phone or texting while behind the wheel. According to
LaHood 3,000 people died in car crashes last year as a result of distracted
driving and he says that's 3,000 too many. Cell phone in the glove box.
That's a move US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood would like to see all
drivers make as soon as they get in the car.
5/1
The future of hundreds of area employees is in question Tuesday as Harris
Corporation, a longtime Quincy business, is getting out of broadcasting.
Terri Black, a Harris public relations official, says that the entire broadcast
division of Harris, including the Quincy facility, will be sold. The facility will
continue to operate until the sale is complete, but the new owners could do
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whatever they want to the facility and the rest of the broadcast division.
Parsons added that "there are already interested parties" in purchasing the
broadcast division and that "the Harris broadcast division is sound."
Revenue for the Integrated Network Solutions has been declining since last
year because of a low demand in North America. Harris' Quincy facility
manufactures radio and TV equipment. But for the nearly 300 people who
work here, the decision to sell leaves a lot up in the air. Quincy Mayor John
Spring plans to hold a 3:30 p.m. news conference regarding the Harris
Corporation announcement.
Dot Foods is host a job fair at John Wood Community College Tuesday with
hopes to fill several full- and part-time warehouse positions at its
headquarters in Mt. Sterling. The job fair will be held at the John Wood
Community College located at 1301 S. 48th Street in Quincy from 4-8 pm.
Warehouse order selectors use state-of-the-art material handling equipment
and warehouse management systems to build pallets of product for
shipment and receive product. Founded in 1961 in Mt. Sterling, Dot has
never had layoffs in the entire history of the company. All full-time positions
at Dot Foods and Dot Transportation include excellent employee benefits
including health, vision, life, and dental insurance, 401k, profit sharing, and
paid vacation.
In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the James E. Cary Cancer
Center will be offering free skin cancer screenings on the Hannibal Medical
Campus during May. Screenings are available on May 1, from 6-8 pm at
Riverside Dermatology; May 7, from 6-8 pm at Hannibal Regional Medical
Group's Express Care; and May 9, from 9:30-11:30 am at Hannibal Regional
Medical Group. There is no charge for these screenings but registration is
required. In order to make an appointment for your screening, please call
573-406-1642. Space is limited. The Blessing Cancer Center is also offering
free skin and oral cancer screenings on Wednesday, May 22, from 1 to 5:30
p.m. The screenings will be conducted on the Lower Level of the Blessing
Cancer Center, 11th and Oak St., in Quincy, IL.
Drivers beware. Speed limits in Canton are being lowered from 35 mph to
25 mph. The Missouri Department of Transportation will drop the speed
limits on Business Route 61, 16 and P through residential areas. Crews will
be installing the new speed limit signs this month. The change is being
made after MoDOT conducted a speed limit study and found safety could be
improved if they lowered speeds by 10 mph.
Quincy city leaders were optimistic Tuesday as they announced that the city
is working with Harris Corporation to ensure the future of its longtime
Quincy facility and the future of 384 jobs. Quincy Mayor John Spring and
Great River Economic Development Foundation President Jim Mentesti took
part in a 45-minute conference call with Harris Corporation officials after
the company announced that it plans to divest itself of its broadcast
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division. "The goal is to work together to make this happen in a positive
way," Spring said during a Tuesday afternoon news conference. “What can
we do to try and assist them in their efforts, how can we try to help, in our
case, our Quincy facility still working?" They were assured the facility will
stay open, at least until a buyer is found and the broadcast communications
division is sold. It's what the new owners might due that's up in the air.
Mentesti said Quincy city leaders are optimistic the Quincy Harris facility will
stay open and the 384 current employees will keep their jobs. Harris
officials say the company plans to be out of the broadcasting business by
the end of September. Spring said Harris officials have received "numerous
phone calls and emails" about the division, but it was too early to tell
exactly who may have interest.
It may be hard to imagine going back to the days of dial-up Internet
service, but for many rural Missouri residents, their options for faster
speeds are limited. Approximately 10% of Northeast Missouri residents are
on dial-up service, and those who have access to broadband usually don't
have the same speeds as larger cities. An effort to bring broadband service
to the entire Northeast Missouri area is underway, and on Tuesday officials
gathered to discuss their progress. And some city officials in the area say
the lack of speed is handicapping them when it comes to attracting new
businesses to the region. And that's been the goal of the Mark Twain
Regional Technology Planning Team for almost a year now, to bring high
speed broadband service to all of Missouri. Officials say their goal is to get
high speed broadband to at least 95% of Missouri as a whole by the end of
2014.
Seventh grade students from Quincy Catholic Elementary schools are
keeping their minds sharp by testing their trivia knowledge. The students
gathered at Quincy Notre Dame for annual Trivia Day Tuesday. The event
allows the 7th graders to become more familiar with QND and QND Quiz
Bowl members hope it sparks an interest in Quiz Bowl among the students.
Select students from each of the Catholic Elementary Schools competed in
the event, with St. Dominic's students taking the Trivia Day trophy.
If you live in Illinois and have unpaid traffic tickets, the state could soon
take money from your tax refund to cover what you owe. Thousands of
dollars are owed to the city of Quincy in unpaid fines, and the state is
considering a proposal to help cities out. If the proposal passes, the state
would be able to hold back part of a violator's tax refund to pay any unpaid
fines. Quincy's Treasurer Peggy Crim says she thinks the idea is a good
one. Crim says the city is currently owed $220,000 in unpaid nuisance
abatement fines. The proposal to withhold tax returns to pay for unpaid
tickets has passed the Illinois Senate and is being discussed in the House.
The Hannibal City Council looked at a new bill Tuesday night with specific
details on the voter approved smoking ban. Sixth Ward Councilman Richard
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Draper presented the Smoke-Free Air Act, which could go into effect July 1.
The city ordinance itself is roughly eight pages long. A person who smokes
in an area that is prohibited would get a $50 fine. A business owner or
manager who does not comply, would be charged a $100 fine for a first
offense. One of the big questions when it comes to the smoking ban, is
whether private clubs would be exempt. Currently, the ordinance offers no
exemptions, but council member Dr. Richard Draper says there is a chance
that could be discussed at the second or third reading of the ordinance. A
member of the Hannibal VFW and a member of Citizens for a Smoke Free
Hannibal spoke out at the meeting, both asking the council not to grant any
exemptions. The Council also discussed enforcement of the ordinance, as in
who would be prosecuted in the event of a violation; the person smoking or
the business. City manager Jeff LaGarce says it depends on whether the
business knowingly allowed it to happen. Voters approved the indoor
smoking ban in April's municipal elections.
Two groups are helping make sure more veterans get a chance to go to
Washington, D.C. on a Great River Honor Flight. The Central Adams
Sportsmen Association in Golden donated a check for $1,150. Members
raised the money through a gun raffle and decided to use this year's
proceeds to support Honor Flight. Also Tuesday, Cub Scout Pack 101 from
Hannibal came to the WGEM studios for a tour and they brought some
money for Honor Flight as well. The boys raised $951 by bussing tables one
night at Pizza Hut to earn some tips. They also sold fundraising cards to
raise money for our local veterans. The next Honor Flight is May 22.
It's officially May and the month of graduations, but for college grads ready
to enter the workforce, the outlook is grim. According to a new report, the
job prospects for bachelor's degree holders fell last year to the lowest level
in more than a decade. New graduates aren't just facing unemployment,
they're stepping into a job market of underemployment. This means they're
working in lower-wage jobs or only working part-time, struggling to find a
40 hour a week job. Most job openings right now are in professions such as
retail sales, fast food and truck driving. Right now there's a shortage of
about 150,000 truck drivers across the nation, and experts expect that
number to double this year.
5/2
Wednesday is National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and nearly 3 in 10
girls get pregnant by age of 20. Health officials hope to increase awareness
of teen parenthood and prevent teen pregnancy. Right now at Quincy Senior
High there are 18 pregnant or parenting teens. Laura Henke, Director of
Students as Parents Support Service at Quincy Senior High, says in Quincy,
the teen pregnancy rate has not increased, but it hasn't decreased either.
Henke says most teenagers are informed about different types of birth
control, but they're still surprised when they become pregnant. She says it's
important for teenagers to have the confidence to say "no" in risky sexual
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situations. Quincy Senior High School offers a parenting class just for teen
parents has child care is available at the high school.
Missouri health officials have been investigating two additional cases of E.
coli that have similar characteristics. The state Department of Health and
Senior Services said Wednesday it now has 14 confirmed cases of the
harmful bacteria. The two new E. coli cases are from Boone and Marion
counties. DHSS spokeswoman Gena Terlizzi said the 14 cases have similar
lab results, geographic proximity and/or case history. She said a 2-year-old
Boone County child sickened with E. coli remained hospitalized Wednesday.
Five cases have been reported in Boone County, three in Cooper, three in
Howard, and one each in Jackson, Marion and Callaway counties. She said
nine of the people involved consumed raw milk.
Demolition is underway on the former Huck Fixtures building in Quincy.
Excavators were knocking down the walls and ceiling of the old wooden
building on North 28th Street Tuesday. Titan International bought the
property will soon develop it into a new manufacturing facility. Titan
officials say the expansion could lead to new job creation. Construction
could begin later this year.
Marijuana use is up among teens both nationally and in the tri-states. A new
survey finds nearly 1 in 10 teens say they smoke marijuana 20 or more
times a month. And the numbers show marijuana use is actually higher in
Adams County than the national average. When students in Adams County
were surveyed, 24 percent admitted to smoking marijuana at least once,
and drug counselors say those numbers may only continue to rise. Drug
counselors say many teens and even parents seem to believe marijuana is
harmless and that's leading to it being used more and more often by teens.
"They also believe that because it's used for medical purposes, then it must
be okay," said Pamela Foster, a Drug Prevention Specialist with Recovery
Resources. Counselors say marijuana is often laced with other drugs, and
since it's unregulated, it can be very dangerous to smoke.
Construction on Louisiana's Champ Clark Bridge is moving quicker than
anticipated and the Missouri Department of Transportation says the bridge
is back open to traffic. The bridge has been closed since Friday and was
scheduled to be closed up to eight days as crews made major repairs
following a fatal accident on the bridge in December. The repairs include
the removal and replacement of rivets, installation of temporary supports,
and delivery of structural steel along with other miscellaneous items.
MoDOT says some additional work will be scheduled next week, but that
the bridge will remain open to one lane of traffic.
School crossing guards help keep your children safe every day, but how
often do you say thanks? The Quincy Police Department held a special lunch
Wednesday in honor of school crossing guards who work in the community.
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Without crossing guards, police say walking to and from school would be
much more dangerous for children. If you'd like to become a school
crossing guard, QPD is currently looking to hire a few people who can sub
in as needed.
As our temps heat up this week many of us will be tempted to turn on the
air conditioning. But experts say there are a few things you need to do first.
Repairmen for Air Specialists say you first need to make sure your air
conditioner isn't on your unit. "Make sure they don't have it covered for the
Winter and make sure they remove that. If they don't remove it could cause
serious problems to the air conditioner itself. And if they don't have it
maintained just hope everything works fine," said Bill Baulos a service
technician for Air Specialists. Next, wash the outside of the unit with a
garden house. It's also important to check your air filter. If it's dirty and
restricting air flow, it's time to get it replaced. Experts say if your air
conditioner doesn't undergo regular maintenance it could shorten the life
span of the unit and lead to unexpected breakdowns.
Students at Madison Elementary School in Quincy took a break today to
create a surprise Flash Mob. Today is "National Physical Education Day". So
at 10AM all the students rushed into the hall ways and performed the dance
moves to the Cha Cha Slide. Madison's PE teacher was in charge of
organizing the flash mob and said the students absolutely loved it. Students
say their teachers were very surprised to see the students break out into
dance. As for next year, Huneke says they will come up with a new idea for
"National Physical Education Day" but says it will be hard to beat this one.
The drizzly weather this morning didn't stop nearly 100 kindergartners
from spending the day reading in the park. Kindergartners from Quincy's
Catholic Elementary schools gathered in Madison Park today for their
annual Reading Day. The students spent the entire day reading Eric Carle
books-- including 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' and 'Brown Bear, Brown
Bear'. In addition to reading books today, the kindergartners participated in
other literacy activities as well.
5/3
A panel of Missouri lawmakers has endorsed legislation expanding the
state's "move over" law to include state Department of Transportation
vehicles with flashing amber or white lights. Currently, state law only
requires drivers to move over for emergency vehicles. The House and
Senate both approved versions of the bill earlier bill. A compromise worked
out Wednesday by negotiators now awaits votes in both chambers.
In a WGEM News in-depth called "Social Stalkers" you learned about the
growing problem of social stalkers and how to protect yourself and your
family from those lurking through your information via mobile networks.
More and more online predators are using private information posted
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online to commit crimes. Believe it or not those games you play online
could be making your family vulnerable to criminals. We talked with Stacy
Gibson. She says her 10-year-old son has already had problems stemming
from playing online games on Facebook. "There are some games on
Facebook you have to create an account for and on that account it asks for
you name, phone number, addresses. There again you are opening yourself
up to identity theft," Stacy said. "Tyler is 10 and we've had telemarketers
call both home and cell phone or calling him and telling him he's won an
iPod." Another thing to keep watch on. Sometimes when you download a
game, or other app, the GPS locator is automatically turned on.
Royalty was crowned in Quincy Thursday. Zykel Miller and Morgan Elston
were crowned Little Mr. and Miss Dogwood 2012. WGEM's Natalie Will
hosted the pageant.
Hillbillies and science. It was a creative theme used by Chaddock students
for Thursday's science fair. As part of the "hillbilly" theme, students rounded
up various animals including snakes, guinea pigs and even a fainting goat.
Students created displays and activities to highlight environmental and
physical science as well as biology to make science come to life. The
students have been working on the science fair for a little over a month.
As we head into another severe weather season, more people are
considering installing storm shelters in their homes and businesses. But,
how do you know if it's right for you? If you're looking at building, here's a
closer look at the options. Most people know that a basement is the best
place to go during a tornado. For people without basements, going to the
inner-most room of your home is typically the best thing to do. But now
more than ever, people without basements aren't looking to take risks and
are putting in storm shelters. There are two main types of storm shelters:
underground and above ground. They both do the same job, but have
differences. The underground shelter is known to be less expensive.
Another option you have is an above ground shelter, which can cost more.
But if it's built right, an above ground shelter can withstand even an EF 5
tornado. Mark Lawrence, who builds Twister Shelters, says no matter what
kind of shelter you are looking to buy, make sure it is FEMA approved.
In celebration of National Nurses Week, two local caregivers who went
above and beyond their duties were honored Thursday. Kristen Soebbing
won the Distinguished Nurses' award for registered nurses at Blessing
Hospital. Sandy McDonald won the Clinical Excellence Award for Licensed
Practical Nurses. Both were chosen by their peers for their exceptional
patient care and dedication to serving others. Blessing has more than 800
nurses, but only 25 were nominated for the awards.
Local community and business leaders are sending a warning that funding
cuts in public education are hurting the local workforce. Leaders say the
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cuts are leading to an under qualified local workforce. When jobs open up
at Blessing Hospital, the people who are hired often come from outside the
area. It's something leaders, including Blessing Health System CEO Brad
Billings, said needs to be changed. Whether it's nurses or technicians,
Blessing Hospital has hundreds of positions that require a degree beyond
high school. But, Billings said finding qualified workers is challenging,
since only 4 out of every 10 Illinois residents have an Associate’s Degree or
higher. Billings says it would be better if the hospital, the area's largest
employer, could hire locally. The leaders that gathered Thursday said they
hope that legislators will take note of the importance of education,
especially at a young age, and provide funding for preschools and other
programs that give kids a solid educational foundation.
Deciding what you want to be when you grow up can be tough. Especially
for kids. But Hannibal students got some help making that decision
Thursday. Stowell Elementary hosted a career day. Kindergarten through
fifth grade students got to talk to professionals in six different careers,
including firefighters, police and even journalists. WGEM's Lesley Swick had
the privilege of talking to some budding reporters. Teachers say career day
is a great way to get kids thinking about what they want to do later in life.
Other careers featured included a karate instructor, representatives from
the Red Cross and members of the military.
Illinois daycare providers are asking themselves if they'll be able to stay
open after getting notice that the state cannot pay them until July. The
Illinois Department of Human Services has run out of funding for subsidies,
which is the only source of income some daycare providers receive. WGEM
has received phone calls from several local daycare owners concerned after
receiving a letter from the Department of Human Services saying the agency
is out of funds. Daycare providers say this is a massive financial hardship
and will do everything they can to stay open. Officials with the Illinois
Department of Human Services declined an on camera interview, sending us
the same statement childcare providers received. The statement in part
reads: "There isn't enough money in the state budget to pay for childcare
services for the rest of the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2012. We have
requested additional funds from the General Assembly but to date we have
not received any additional dollars."
5/4
MoDOT crews will soon be mowing along some of the busiest highways in
the area. Starting on May 14, MoDOT workers will start knocking down high
weeds and grass along routes like U.S. 61, 36, and 24. Crews will then
move on to the smaller two-lane roads, finishing up before Memorial Day
weekend. Tractors and "follow" trucks will be on the road from 7 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and some Fridays each week through
May. In most areas, tractors will make one pass, making cuts of six feet to
15 feet wide, depending on terrain and obstructions. The next mowing will
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be in mid-July and the final mowing effort will begin in mid-September, with
completion by Nov. 30. Officials say you need to slow down when you see
mowers or a follow truck with a caution sign. MoDOT has streamlined its
approach in taking care of roadsides by combining herbicide applications in
March and April with three mowing cycles during May, July and September
through November, weather permitting. Between mowing cycles, motorists
who see grass and weeds blocking visibility at road or street intersections
along state roads should call MoDOT, and workers will respond and cut
away the visual obstruction.
Would do you get when you combine student creativity and a NASA
engineer? The space ship of the future. Today students at Quincy Notre
Dame had a live digital learning web conference with Damon Talley, a NASA
engineer. Through the Skype interview, the students and teachers were able
to ask Talley about space travel and discuss the space shuttle and where we
go from here. Organizers said the students were eager to learn from the
NASA expert. Based on the information they learned from Talley, the
students will be assigned to design and build a model of future space crafts
as well as design a mission with that craft. I anticipate this will be the first
of many as we continue to focus on the technological advances we got here
at here at Quincy Notre Dame. We will continue to look at all forms of
disciplines and how we can integrate our web casts and technology into
learning here at QND," said Kurt Stuckman, the executive director of the
QND Foundation. Stuckman says it was most importantly a learning
experience.
The Salvation Army started to collect non-perishable food items this
afternoon. Officials say they see hundreds of families in need every month
and it's hard to keep up with demand. Officials and volunteers are getting
the Salvation Army's new emergency shelter cleaned up and decided a food
drive on the same day would draw more people in. Officials also say they
will have tables set up on the sidewalk on 5th street right by the parking lot
of the old Inman's Gallery.
Ever feel like yellow lights are just too short? The Missouri House has
approved a proposal that would set a minimum length for the transition
from green to red. Currently in Hannibal, the average yellow light is about
four seconds, but in other Missouri cities the time of yellow lights vary and
drivers Friday said they don't think that's right. When red light cameras
were put in cities throughout the state, many cities were accused of
shortening their yellow lights. But, MoDOT officials say here in Hannibal,
the length of the yellow lights has never been changed. In fact, Paula
Gough, MoDOT's District Engineer in Northeast Missouri, says the yellow
lights along Highway 61 in Hannibal are set at the longest interval that's
allowed.
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High school students across the area put their engineering skills to the
test Friday at Western Illinois University. WIU held its annual Technology
Education Exhibit, where students submitted projects to be judged.
Categories included furniture making, technical illustration, and computer
aided design to name a few. Nine schools took part in the competition and
instructors say the event is a good chance for students to get a head start
on engineering related careers. "We have a lot of young people who are
going to be engineers, we have people who are going to be working in
industry either on the shop floor or they're going to be working in
productivity, they're going to be making continuous improvements, working
out a process so it’s more productive and this is basically the first step,"
said WIU Engineering Chair Dr. Ray Diez. Two new events were included
this year including bridge building and an egg drop competition.
Some new residents seem to be moving into Macomb and its making for an
odd site. A number of people say they're seeing red tailed foxes in the area,
and one resident actually caught a family of foxes on camera. Wendell Seals
lives on the 700 block of East Adams Street in Macomb says he's seen as
many as eight foxes in the last month. At first they made their home
underneath a nearby garage, but have since moved to a drainage pipe just
off of the street. So far, the family of sly critters haven't been much of a
bother, but Seals says with so many of them in the area, people are starting
to take notice. Why the foxes made their home in Macomb is still a mystery,
but one reason may be the coyote population is increasing... pushing the
foxes into the city limits.
Quincy's Dogwood Festival is officially underway. There were several block
parties all over the Gem City Friday night to kick off the weekend. Sunset
Home hosted a party for its neighborhood, featuring food, music, games
and even miniature horses. At 5th and Broadway, the Salvation Army and
Quincy Medical Group teamed up to host a block party as well. That's where
our very own Les Sachs cut the ribbon to get the weekend started. He'll
serve as the parade's grand marshal on Saturday. Les is retiring later this
month.
Two sixth grade graders at West Prairie Middle School are in the giving
spirit, using their school work to raise money for charity. As part of the
school's Entrepreneur Day, Hannah Davidson and Savannah Conner made
bracelets and sold them to their classmates. Teachers say the day is about
giving kids a fun way to learn some basic businesses skills like price setting
and marketing. But Davison took her project a step further and donated her
profits to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research.
Hannah says she almost completely sold out her entire supply of bracelets
and raised more than 100 dollars. Savannah Connor also led the way by
raising $182 for St. Jude with her duct tape roses.
5/7
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Summer is nearly here, but not all high school students can celebrate yet.
This week and next week is advanced placement testing. Two million
students, including more than 100 students at Quincy Senior High, are
taking advanced placement (AP) exams beginning Monday. In recent years,
AP courses and the end of the year tests have become increasingly popular
at Quincy High School and across the nation. The tests are also helping to
raise standards in the classroom. AP coursework is strictly regulated to
ensure it challenges students. So while some students are planning their
summer vacations, AP students are hard at work, preparing for a test that's
getting them ready for what's next. About 100 QHS students will be taking
the AP tests through the end of next week, but they won't learn how they
scored until the summer.
Lack of money is forcing the Great River First Tee to dissolve after nearly 13
years of operation, but board President Mark Christensen is hopeful the
Salvation Army Kroc Center will take over operations of the youth golf
program. Great River First Tee has offered golf and life lessons to
youngsters since 1999, most recently at the Knights of Columbus Par 3
Course and at Cedar Crest Country Club. It also has a facility at 117 S. 10th.
Macomb police are looking for your help in identifying four suspects
involved in two criminal damage incidents at Digger's College City.
Surveillance video shows a man throwing rocks at a lighted sign, ultimately
breaking it. Another man is seen watching the incident. Another
surveillance picture from two nights earlier shows two suspects who broke
a window. If you know these men or know any information about the
damage, please call the Macomb Police Department at 309-833-4505 or you
can Text Your Tip to 274-637, start your message with keyword MPDTIPS,
and as always you can give your information to Crimestoppers 309-8363222.
Residents in Marion County could have a new way of finding out when
severe weather is headed their way. A proposal to install a telephone
emergency alert system for the county is moving forward. If the system is
approved, the emergency alert calls will come from the Marion County 9-1-1
Dispatch Center. The call system would be used for a number of emergency
situations, including tornado warnings, flooding, snowstorms and even
Amber Alerts. The call system can be tailored to reach everyone in Marion
County or only select groups. Before the system is purchased, Hannibal,
Palmyra and Marion County all need to sign off on the plan. Marion County
and Hannibal have already approved the phone alert system, and it will be
discussed at Palmyra's city council meeting on Thursday. The phone alert
system will cost $20,000 a year. That cost will be shared between Palmyra,
Hannibal, and Marion County if it is given final approval.
The Hannibal City Council Chamber will have a new look by its next
meeting. By next Tuesday, the chamber will have new carpeting, paint,
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pictures and even a new podium and chamber desk. The iconic murals
currently in the chamber will stay. City leaders say the chamber needed an
update since it had been more than 30 years since any major work had
been done. The outside of city hall will also have some repairs done in the
next few weeks. The total cost for the renovations will be just under
$30,000.
The Hannibal Police Department has come up with a new method to getting
ATVs off of city streets. Now when people are caught using ATV's on city
property, they won't just be ticketed. Their ATV could wind up being towed
away as well. Officials at the Hannibal Police Department say the towing is
an extra measure to try to deter ATV users from driving on streets. If you're
caught driving an ATV in Hannibal, the ticket will cost you $130 and towing
fees could cost at least another $40 on top of that.
Two Quincy firefighters are receiving Medals of Honor for their heroic
rescue of Ella Cain, the Quincy infant who was seriously burned in a house
fire earlier this year. Lieutenant Eric Becks and Justin Twaddle risked their
lives to save the infant when this home at 303 Ohio caught on fire. The
Firefighter Medal of Honor is the highest honor a firefighter can receive.
And the two heroes say the whole experience has been a bit overwhelming.
The honor will be bestowed at a ceremony this Thursday in Springfield right
after a special service to honor firefighters who've lost their lives in the line
of duty.
A rare sight in Quincy: different prices at different stations, and we're not
talking a few pennies but an 18 cent difference for much of the day. This
wild fluctuation is over now and all prices have fallen back. So why the big
jump? Experts say the gas price discrepancies across the city are due to
changes in inventory levels. Gas stations change their prices when they buy
new fuel, based on the costs. In a WGEM News this Week interview this
month, the vice president for Illinois Ayers Oil Company explains: when
their costs go up, so does the price you pay at the pump. Managers are
given some leeway to stay competitive with other gas stations in the
market, but when it comes to 15 cent increases or more they need
permission from corporate. Drivers just hope all gas prices continue a
downward trend, versus drastic jumps.
The city of Keokuk is anxiously getting ready to start work on its airport
runway renovation. City officials recently awarded a $3.8 million contract
that's being largely funded by an infrastructure grant from the FAA.
Officials say it’s a project that's long overdue, but when it’s completed it
could provide a big boost to the region's economy. Twenty three years of
airplanes coming and going at the Keokuk airport has done quite a number
on its main runway. A project that comes with a multi-million dollar price
tag. But city officials say with help from a grant from the federal
government, the city will only have to pay about $250,000. A price officials
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say is well worth the cost. Managers at First Community Bank in Keokuk
have been keeping a close eye on the airport plans and say it could draw a
lot of new economic activity to the area. And more businesses means more
potential customers. But recruiting those clients is competitive, and
managers say a maintained airport gives the area an edge. And giving
potential businesses somewhere to land could be the first step in landing
some new clients. City officials say work could start as early as this June but
the project will go in phases and will likely take a couple of years to finish.
An accident involving coal ash shut down Gardner Expressway in Quincy
Monday afternoon. No word on how many cars were involved, but a load of
coal ash spilled near the intersection of R.J. Peters Drive. Both lanes of
traffic were shut down as crews worked to clean up the spill. We'll have
more details as they are released.
WGEM continues its tradition of honoring educators during National
Teacher Appreciation Week, by handing out our 2012 WGEM Golden Apple
Awards. Our first 2012 award goes to a woman who's been teaching in
Quincy for nearly 20 years. Linda Steinbach, is an intervention specialist for
K through 3rd grade at Washington Elementary in Quincy. She helps kids
who are struggling with their reading ability. Nomination letters described
Mrs. Steinbach as a teacher who has helped hundreds of children learn the
reading and writing skills they need to succeed. And her work went beyond
the classroom. She's been known to give kids clothes when they need them
and even attends students' extracurricular activities to help build their
confidence. Steinbach is retiring at the end of the year and it's the kids
she'll miss the most. Steinbach considers Washington students and staff her
family and says even though she's retiring she still plans to volunteer at the
school next year. We'll continue to introduce you to all of our Golden Apple
award winners each night this week on WGEM News at Six.
Seniors in Rushville got a really personal forecast Monday. Chief
Meteorologist Rich Cain was a guest at the senior police academy at the
Schuyler County Senior Citizens Center. Rich talked about storm safety and
weather alerts. He was one of several guest speakers who talked about a
wide range of topics important to senior safety.
If your kids love energy or sports drinks, listen up. Drinking everything
from Red Bull to Gatorade could be causing serious damage to their teeth.
A new study finds drinking sports drinks or energy drinks is "essentially
bathing your teeth in acid". After just five days of drinking the drinks, the
study found teeth began to show signs of enamel erosion, and breaking
down your enamel can have serious consequences. Energy drinks were
found to be twice as bad as sports drinks, but both were worse than many
sodas. Dentists say water is always the best choice to protect your teeth
and stay hydrated.
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5/8
If you've got some produce or a special craft to sell, the new Hannibal
Farmers Market is looking for you. Leaders cut the ribbon on the new
market location near Kerley's Pub on Main Street today. That's where a
special meeting will be held tonight at 6:30 for potential vendors. You can
learn more about the guidelines and reserve a spot. The first market is
scheduled for Saturday, May 19. For more information, call Market Master,
LaDonna Mazzorana, at 573-822-8121.
The Great River First Tee Golf Program is officially dissolved Tuesday.
Board President Mark Christensen says due to a lack of funding, the
national contract for the program has expired. The program was
established in Quincy nearly 13 years ago, mentoring future collegiate
golfers like Emily Powers and Luke Guthrie. Last year, 200 children took
golf classes through Great River First Tee, but just because the program
dissolving, doesn't mean it's gone forever. There are talks of the Kroc
Center taking it over. "We've done everything we could. We are trying to
move the franchise over to the Kroc Center. We think it's a fantastic fit
from a community standpoint, and we know they can do a great job with
it," said Christensen. The talks with the Kroc Center are still preliminary,
but Christensen says there is a good possibility that an agreement will be
reached.
A tri-state woman was taken to a Columbia hospital over the weekend with
serious injuries after an ATV accident just north of Luray. The accident is a
reminder to all ATV and utility vehicle riders that with riding season in full
swing, all safety precautions must be taken. Jeff Waterman, co-owner of
Outdoor Power in Quincy, says the mistakes most ATV riders make is riding
on roads, riding double and not wearing helmets. Waterman says riding
double on an ATV that's designed for one person is extremely dangerous.
An ATV that holds two riders is longer and wider, making it more stable
than a standard ATV. When it comes to kids driving ATV's, Waterman says
it's important that it's the correct size. "People maybe can't afford two
ATV's so they buy one for the adult and then let the child ride it and that's
really not a good idea to do that. You always want to make sure they're on
the proper size ATV so they can actually handle it and operate it properly,"
Waterman says. Every ATV has age limits, so you should check your unit
before letting kids drive it. Helmets should always be worn, even when
operating utility vehicles, which also have seatbelts. There is an ATV Rider
Course for people of all ages.
Area daycare owners are struggling to come up with a plan to stay open
after learning State of Illinois child care subsidies have run out. Daycare
owners were told last week that they shouldn't expect payments until July,
and while state legislators are working on a solution, local day care owners
are rallying to find a way to survive. A group of local daycare owners are
having a meeting at 2028 Broadway at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to talk about
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ways to stay open without state payments. They hope to come up with
some sort of solution so children don't end up home alone. Cheryl Clayton,
a local daycare owner, is organizing a meeting to work with other daycare
owners to find a solution. One possibility is a large fundraiser that would
provide assistance to all area daycare owners so children aren't turned
away. “And so when the state doesn't come through with paying us, for like
the third time this year, we have something to fall back on," said Clayton.
Clayton is already making cuts to stay afloat in case she has to make it
until July without help. State legislators are working on a bill that would
allow payments to continue to daycares. The bill involves transferring
money from the state budget to make up for the shortfall, It has
widespread support, but it could take a couple of weeks to pass. Senator
John Sullivan says lawmakers are also meeting to see if there's an even
faster way to provide funding to childcare providers.
Auto safety advocates and government officials are focusing on the deadly
problem of distracted teen driving. A new study by AAA finds the risk of
fatal accidents skyrockets when teens drive with passengers under the age
of 21. And, the risk goes up during the summer time. Today, students at
Central High School are learning the consequences of distracted driving.
This is the first time distracted driving is being integrated into the annual
mock crash scene. Typically, it only involves drinking and driving. But,
Trooper Mike Kindhart says that there is an important reason for the
change, distracted driving crashes are now almost just as prevalent as
alcohol-related crashes. The scene will be incredibly realistic with two cars
stationed with kids inside and fake blood. The students will be given a
scenario of a distracted driving accident. From there, emergency vehicles
will respond. They will use the Jaws of Life and one of the students will be
pronounced dead. Trooper Kindhart says putting this visual image in the
minds of high school students might make them think twice before
texting. Trooper Kindhart says the re-enactment could be done at any
time of the year, but with it being graduation season, students may be
more likely to make poor decisions while behind the wheel.
Tuesday marks the one year anniversary for a Quincy hotel under new
ownership... It's a celebration of stability after months of turmoil and
financial difficulties. Town and Country Inn and Suites celebrated the past
year with an open house for the community. Management says it's been a
year of hard work but they owe their success to a dedicated staff and a
loyal community. The hotel plans to continue to operate independently of a
national chain. Looking ahead to the future, management says they plan to
focus on social networking and forming relationships with local
organizations and associations.
The roads we travel are safer than ever these days as traffic deaths have fallen
to their lowest levels in more than 60 years. It's not just a national trend, we're
seeing the same thing in the Tri-States and there are number of reasons why.
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For the last 5 years traffic fatalities on Missouri highways have been below
1000. Illinois has dropped below that number for two straight years. In fact last
year Missouri had 784 traffic fatalities, the lowest number since the 1940s, and
police say there's a big reason why highway deaths are going down. Police say
more four lane highways and stricter laws get a lot of the credit. Also,
awareness campaigns on the dangers of drinking and driving, distracted
driving, and the importance of seatbelt use are making a difference. Plus cars
are just safer than they used to be. "You have more airbags in them. Used to be
only the front airbags, now you have the side airbags, they're making the cars
better now, higher strength steel and stuff like that so that makes the cars safer
when you are in an accident," said Assistant Chief Darren Smith of the TriTownship Fire Protection District. First responders say seatbelts can be more
valuable than you realize especially in a rollover crash.
Hannibal Regional Hospital hosted a breakfast Tuesday to honor its nurses
as part of National Nurses Week. Doctors took a few hours from their day
to serve the breakfast for the nurses where eight nurses were recognized
for their outstanding work with patients. Nurses at the breakfast said it's
encouraging to have their hard work recognized. The hospital will host
other events for its nurses this week including free massages, a talent
display, and a hospital picnic.
Reports of child abuse continue here in the tri-states, and a new effort is
underway to help those in need. From physical abuse to living with parents
who constantly argue, counselors in Hannibal say they're seeing more
abuse than ever before. Kids are supposed to be carefree, but when they're
around domestic abuse or any other type of trauma, kids are likely to
become anything but carefree. To meet the needs in the community,
counselors at White Oak Counseling Center have been participating in a
year-long, trauma counseling program through the National Child
Traumatic Stress Network. "It's to try to effect change in that way to
promote healing for the entire unit instead of just that one child," said
counselor Christine Stupavsky. Stupavsky says if domestic abuse or
another trauma isn't dealt with in a child's life, that child will likely grow up
displaying the very same behaviors that first hurt them. She says she's
hoping the national training will give counselors like her the tools to help
children and their families stop the patterns of abuse and trauma. The
counselors at White Oak Counseling still have to go through one final
training session, which will be held in St. Louis. There are only 11 other
counseling agencies across the nation that are participating in the trauma
counseling program with White Oak Counseling.
For our second Golden Apple award of 2012, this special education teacher
faces several challenges in the classroom every day, but says she wouldn't
have it any other way. At a school assembly at Hawthorne Elementary in
Keokuk, we surprised Mrs. Lori Brewer with her golden apple. The
Kindergarten through 3rd grade teacher was speechless. Brewer teaches
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kids who have behavioral and learning disabilities, including kids with
autism, mental disabilities and behavioral disorders. She says each student
is unique and faces different challenges. But when she's able to make a
breakthrough with one of her kids, it's all worth it. Nomination letters from
several parents applaud Brewer's dedication. She keeps in constant contact
with them regarding their child's progress and continues her own
education to make sure she's giving her students the best education
despite their disabilities. Brewer's love for children goes well beyond the
classroom. She and her husband have two daughters and a year ago
adopted a little girl from China.
5/9
A recent rash of car burglaries has police warning drivers. A group of
teenagers were caught breaking into numerous cars in North Quincy, but
police say it can happen to you if you aren't taking the proper precautions.
It's my stuff, nobody needs to be in my car," said Alice Davis. Davis' car was
burglarized over the weekend. She left her car unlocked, making it the
perfect target. Several other nearby cars were also broken into. Police
quickly arrested a group of teenagers for the crime. "These were younger
children, the oldest was 16, so it was more of unsupervised juveniles out
late at night," said Deputy Chief Ron Dreyer. Dreyer says car burglaries like
this happen occasionally throughout the area, and all drivers should be
aware. "People will go out and they will target unlocked vehicles and they
may go to say a public parking lot such as, the mall even," said
Dreyer. Dreyer says simply locking your doors can make your vehicle less
of a target. Also, never leave any valuables in sight. Some other tips: If you
want to put valuables in your trunk, do it at your house rather than when
you get to your destination. You never know who's watching. And police
say you should always park in a lighted area when possible.
Bending to strong public opposition, the nearly bankrupt U.S. Postal
Service on Wednesday backed off a plan to close thousands of rural post
offices after May 15 and proposed keeping them open, but with shorter
operating hours. The move to halt the shuttering of 3,700 low-revenue
post offices followed months of dissent from rural states and their
lawmakers, who said the cost-cutting would hurt their communities the
most. In recent weeks, rising opposition had led Postmaster General
Patrick Donahoe to visit some rural areas in a bid to ease fears about cuts
that could slow delivery of prescription drugs, newspapers and other
services. While no post office would be closed, more than 13,000 rural mail
facilities could see reduced operations of between two hours and six
hours, but only after a review process that is expected to take several
months. An additional 4,000 rural post offices would keep their full-time
hours. The agency also will announce new changes next week involving its
proposal to close up to 252 mail processing centers.
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Registration numbers are running ahead of last year's pace for Saturday's
12th annual Bridge the Gap to Health Race. Quincy Medical Group's Carrie
Kimber, who is in her third year of coordinating the event, believes this
year's field of competitors probably will surpass the 2,300 who joined the
race in 2011. "At this point, there is tremendous enthusiasm ... and
tremendous excitement," Kimber said. "We all know the good this event
does -- it's about people making a difference in the community." Former
Olympic medalists Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Caren Kemner are this year's
race marshals.
It's the first of its kind demonstration in the Tri-States, a dramatic reenactment of a texting while driving crash. Mock car crashes are a
common sight at high schools during graduation and prom season,
designed to teach students about the dangers of drunk driving. But
students at Camp Point Central High School on Wednesday saw the real-life
impact of another danger behind the wheel. The mock crash looked very
similar to the mock drunk driving crashes that students are used to seeing,
but Wednesday's crash shows the consequences of a behavior that's
becoming far more common than drunk driving-- texting while driving.
Imagine getting out of your car and discovering your friend lying
unconscious on your hood-- because you were texting and driving.
Students saw that situation play out before their eyes today. Wednesday's
mock crash was the first texting and driving reenactment that officers have
done in the area, but officers say it won't be the last. The mock car crash
today also warned students about the dangers of drunk driving.
After sorting through more than 50 entries, the Mark Twain Area United
Way announced its new campaign slogan Wednesday morning. The winning
slogan is 'People Helping People'. Two different individuals submitted that
slogan, Monica Williams and William Reisch, who both received a 50 dollar
gift card for submitting the winning entry. United Way leaders say they
chose the slogan because they felt it embodies all that United Way and its
partner organizations do in the Mark Twain area. The campaign slogan will
appear on T-shirts, brochures, and other items to raise support for the
2012-2013 United Way fundraising campaign. The campaign officially kicks
off in September.
Today employees at Blessing Hospital were treated to lunch or dinner. In
celebration of hospital week Blessing had a picnic to show their
appreciation for all the hard work their faculty does year round. On the
menu was hamburgers and bratwursts, marinated chicken breasts, three
bean casserole, and more. Officials say it's the least they can do to say
thank you. Blessing employs over two thousand personnel and also had
community members in attendance at the picnic.
Students at Quincy's Baldwin Intermediate School will be subject to random
searches through the end of the school year. That decision was
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made Wednesday after a teacher found another threat in a restroom. This
is the second non-specific threat this month at the school. Principal Paul
Saunders alerted parents of the situation in an automated phone
message Wednesday afternoon.
Recent weather has been perfect for garden growers across the TriStates. And we've got some expert tips to get the most out of your patch.
Experts at Mill Creek Farm say vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, and
radishes should be planted early in the spring, while tomatoes, peppers,
and cucumbers should be planted when it gets warmer. You also shouldn't
plant seeds in soil that is too wet or plant the seed too deep. A big key
step though, is making sure the plant gets lots of sunshine. Mike Roegge,
owner of Mill Creek Farm, says some common mistakes gardeners make
are planting too early and over watering.
It's a continuing trend in Quincy that the community is stepping up to help
schools in need. On Wednesday, a local church went the extra mile for
teachers and students. Faith Presbyterian Church held a luncheon for staff
members at Dewey Elementary. Church members also volunteer at the
school, reading to kids every month. And next year, thanks to a grant from
ADM, the church will start a backpack program helping kids who need food
on the weekend. A Mother/Daughter Tea was held at the church where
they raised over $300 for the Dewey Library to purchase new books.
In a world that's quickly going digital students in one Tri-State school
district are getting a head start in their careers. Unity High School students
are taking advantage of laptop computers, learning to be tech savvy now
so they're prepared for the future. Wednesday was Tech Night for the
students in the Unity School District. During this past school year, all 9th
and 10th graders have been equipped with a Mac laptop instead of
textbooks and at Tech Night they showed their parents and the community
how it's helped make them better students. No more heavy textbooks or
lost assignments, everything has gone digital. Unity school officials say so
far they haven't found the laptops to be a distraction. In school buildings,
most social networking sites are blocked. With school's wireless
infrastructure superintendent Diane Robertson says students are more
motivated. Now only 9th and 10th graders have laptops but in 2 years 7th
through 12th graders will be equipped with a laptop at Unity.
The Illinois State Board of Education is announcing 37 school districts will
share in nearly $43 million in federal "Race to the Top" school
improvement grants. The money will go toward improving achievement in
science, technology, engineering and math education and building better
connections to post-secondary education and training. Among reforms is
that districts will use more comprehensive principal and teacher
evaluations that tie student growth to educators' reviews. All districts must
have such evaluations by 2016. Illinois got third-round "Race to the Top"
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funding after it was a finalist in the first two. The State Board of Education
keeps half the grant to implement statewide reforms and shares the rest
based on a formula that measures school-district poverty levels.
Our third Golden Apple of 2012 goes to a teacher who is in the fight of her
life. After dedicating so many years to teaching, she was forced to take
medical leave while battling cancer. But through it all she's remained
dedicated to her students. For the first time in more than three months,
Mrs. Lori Wagner made a special visit to her classroom at Hannibal High
School. The ninth grade special education teacher hasn't been at school
recently because she's fighting stage four colon and rectal cancer. She's
physically too weak to get through an entire day. But the impact she's
made on her students and the staff at Hannibal High School makes her a
Golden Apple recipient. Being away from her students is difficult and
Wagner wants to leave a lasting message with them even though she can't
be in the classroom every day. "If you learn anything from me, you learn
that no matter what, you keep going and you can make it through anything
if you put your mind to it," Wagner said.
5/10
As part of National Arson Awareness Week, fire officials are urging you to
talk to your kids about the dangers of fire. Last year in Illinois, juveniles
were associated with 43 arson fires. Just last August, a Quincy boy started a
house fire while playing with a lighter. Lt. Ralph Boden with the Quincy Fire
Department says that it's natural for children to have a fascination with fire,
but when they start playing with lighters or matches, then it's a problem and
needs to be addressed. In the Juvenile Fire Setters Program, Lt. Boden
evaluates the kids and educates them on the danger involved with fire. In
the program parents of children are asked to make sure they have working
smoke detectors and lighters and that matches are out of reach.
In recognition of the United Way's 75th Anniversary in Adams County...
Quincy city officials kicked off a special campaign Thursday morning at city
hall. Quincy Mayor John Spring bought the very first raffle ticket for a
diamond ring, donated by Sturhahn Jewelers. The city is selling raffle tickets
for the ring from now until September 14th and all money will benefit the
United Way of Adams County. United Way officials say as the economy
recovers, there's a lot of need in the community and every dollar helps. You
can purchase your raffle ticket at Quincy city hall, United Way or at Sturhahn
Jewelers for $5 or 3 for $10.
In honor of Mother's Day, the Blessing Breast Center is hosting its "Mamms for
Moms" event today from 8 am to 3 pm. The Center is located in Blessing Health
Center Suite 320, 927 Broadway, Quincy. In addition to receiving a
mammogram, the event will feature demonstrations, massages, raffles, goody
bags and refreshments. Aside from the usual cost for the mammogram, which
will be billed to the woman's insurance carrier, the other Mamms for Moms
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activities are free. A limited edition Mother's Day Breast Cancer Awareness tshirt will be available for $12.
Giving the power to the people, Illinois Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon
was in Quincy Thursday looking for your ideas on how the state can better
rural living. Simon hosted a forum at the Salvation Army Kroc Center get
input on topics ranging from improving infrastructure to school curriculum.
A real-time survey with handheld remotes allowed people to vote on how
state issues impact their lives. Simon says they've heard a lot of interesting
ideas from people around the state, but budget issues continue to make
things challenging. The stop in Quincy was the last in a statewide series of
rural listening posts. Feedback from the forums will be used to develop a
strategic plan that will be released in July.
Could you be getting gouged by the gallon? As gas prices continue to climb
heading into Memorial Day, the gas pump itself could be ripping you off.
WGEM's Kaitlyn Rowney followed along with state inspectors as tri-state gas
pumps were put under the spotlight and found to be both over and under
charging consumers. In fact, state inspectors say they find gas pump
problems all the time in the tri-states, problems that cost you money. "You'll
get charged for something that you didn't get, exactly," Ivan Hankins, an
Iowa Senior inspector, said. Three gas pumps were recently caught
overcharging customers at a gas station in Keokuk. After the gas stopped
pumping, the numbers on the pump kept rolling, charging customers about
50 cents extra. Leaky valves were to blame. What's another potential
problem inspectors look for? The gas pump could be cheating you by not
pumping out the right amount. Inspectors in all three of the tri-states check
every pump at least once a year, stopping the pump when it reads 5 gallons
to make sure it's accurate. No pump is exact, but if it's off by more than the
range allowed by law, it's shut down. One Quincy pump was pumping out
more than allowed and actually giving customers more than they paid for.
"So I will red tag this particular pump and they will have to have their service
company come in and re-calibrate it, set it back to zero," Janet Stills, an
Illinois Products and Standards inspector, said. Inspectors say slight
variances are unavoidable and end up balancing each other out since some
pumps are slightly in your favor, while others benefit the business. "We're
not just here for the consumer, we're here for the business owners too," Stills
said.
Missouri police officers have found methamphetamine in strange places.
Now, they say they found a mobile meth lab strapped to a motorcycle. Police
in Poplar Bluff on Tuesday arrested 33-year-old Michael Hon after his
motorcycle allegedly failed to stop for a seatbelt check, then sped away.
Authorities say that after a chase they stopped the motorcycle and found an
active shake-and-bake meth lab strapped to the back, along with a plastic
bag with meth residue in it. Hon is jailed on a variety of charges. He did not
have a listed attorney.
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Spring Lake Road will be closed Thursday, May 10th from 8:00-5:00 and
could possibly be closed Friday as well. The closure is from Spring Lake
Corner Subdivision down to the north bottom road. Crews will be cleaning
from last June's windstorm.
Thursday marks the beginning of a major effort by Culver-Stockton College
to encourage students to apply and improve the experience of those already
enrolled. School officials announced the comprehensive campaign, the first
of its kind in the last 20 years. Fundraising for several major projects is
underway. Improvements to the college's library have already begun but
also in the works, the school plans to build a new recreation and wellness
center, do some campus beautification, parking lot paving and more. The
school hopes to raise 10.4 million dollars for the projects by 2014. It's
already approaching the eight million mark.
Meth is on the rise in the Tri-States, and the drug is destroying a lot of lives
in the process. While many offenders end up in jail there's a program
helping some of them turn their lives around. Drug court is a
program run by an Adams County judge and a probation officer that puts
addicts, of any drug, on the road to recovery, and keep them out of jail.
And Thursday was a special day for some as they graduated from the
program. After months and even years of hard work, three people are
starting a new chapter in their lives as they fight their addiction to meth.
One of the graduates, Tim Wiemelt, says recovery is a day to day process
that will continue for the rest of life. But he wants other addicts to know,
while it's not easy it can be done. "They're killing themselves, don't let the
disease win," said Wiemelt.
It was a great day for a barbecue and that's just what they were doing
outside Sunset Apartments. It was also an effort to raise money for
Alzheimer's. This Summer the Alzheimer's Association will hold a barbecue
once a month as a fundraiser. Brats, hot dogs, rib eye sandwiches, and more
are on the menu and all the proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Association. The
next barbecue for Alzheimer's will take place June 7th at the Sunset
Apartments, which are located 8th and Broadway.
Parents of a 17-year old girl who was killed in a texting while driving crash
spoke with teens in Northeast Missouri Thursday about the tragedies caused
by distracted driving. Johnny Mac and Breanne Brown's daughter Alex was
killed in a one-car rollover accident in 2009 while she was driving to school.
The accident was caused because she was texting while driving. The Browns
travel across the nation urging teens to focus on the road. Thursday, they
shared their story with students at South Shelby High School. The Browns
hope adults also listen to their message and put down their phones when
they're behind the wheel.
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The Quincy community support for education continues with a donation to
equip classrooms with new tools in the digital age. Titan Wheel donated
$1,200 Thursday to a class at Baldwin Intermediate School so that they can
purchase iPads. Titan officials say they want to make sure kids in Quincy get the
knowledge they need in the constantly changing world of technology. The
students created a class project and presented it to Titan asking for their help.
In the past year, the number of MoDOT construction projects has been cut
nearly in half, and roads in Northeast Missouri could soon be showing the ill
effects. With tight funding, MoDOT has to scale back on many projects this
summer. Although work on projects like the Highway 168 Bridge near
Palmyra will continue, many others will be put on the back burner, such as a
bypass around Hannibal. Highway 61 through Hannibal is notorious for
having heavy traffic. Many drivers say they would like to see a bypass around
Hannibal, but that's one project MoDOT officials say won't be tackled
anytime soon, because there simply isn't enough funding. MoDOT officials
say that's going to be the case for most new construction projects across the
state this summer. Paula Gough, MoDOT's Northeast District Engineer, says
MoDOT crews will strive to fix the worst problems on Missouri roads, but
general upkeep can no longer be as high of a priority, unless more funds
become available.
Cancer affects people of all ages and today students in Camp Point took
steps to raise awareness about the disease. Teachers and students
participated in the second annual Mini Relay Life. One of the reasons they
keep this event going is so they can educate the students. But they also plan
the Mini-Relay to draw community members in who have had cancer in the
past. Organizers say the students took away three important lessons such as
how to lessen their sun exposure, the need to exercise, and how to be sun
safe.
Our fourth WGEM Golden Apple award of 2012 goes to a man who's
dedicated most of his life to Quincy Notre Dame High School. At the end of a
special assembly honoring Ray Heilmann's 39 years at Quincy Notre Dame
High School, we surprised the longtime educator with a WGEM Golden Apple
Award. The applause and standing ovation left Heilmann speechless. QND
holds a special place in his heart. It's where his education career began and
it's where it will end when he retires this year. A Chicago native, Heilmann
interviewed for a teaching job downstate and he got it, but he didn't even
know where Quincy was at the time. Heilmann spent the next nine years as a
teacher and coach, before becoming assistant principal in 1982 and then
principal in 1995. "I've done the whole gamut and have loved every bit of it,"
Heilmann said. "I wouldn't change one experience at all. It's been
phenomenal."
5/11
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More people than ever before are in need of help from our local food
pantries. That's why Quincy mail carriers are stepping in to help. This year's
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is a simple way you can get involved. All you
have to do is leave a bag of non-perishable foods next to your mailbox
tonight before you go to bed. Then, tomorrow when your letter carrier brings
your mail, they will take the food with them. Cheryl Waterman, Executive
Director of the United Way of Adams County, says that pantries are especially
in need of food now, because school is almost out and families will have
more mouths to feed during the day. Although reports say that the economy
is improving, officials say the need for food in our community is increasing.
Last year, 14,000 pounds of food was collected in Quincy for the Stamp Out
Hunger Food Drive.
Do you have an old or unused car seat sitting around? Safe Kids of Adams
County has the answer. Saturday, May 12 from 10:00 AM till Noon, you can
drop off your old car seat at the Kohl's parking lot and receive a $10.00 gift
certificate to Kohl's.
As we all get ready to celebrate mom this year, one Quincy mother has
turned her fight against breast cancer into a life lesson for her kids. On
September 26, 2006, mother of two, Krista Veihl's life changed forever. Veihl,
now considered a breast cancer survivor, describes her initial thoughts after
the diagnosis by saying, "The first thought of course is your children and
mine were two and four at the age of diagnosis." Krista's diagnosis was for
breast cancer. Now after 12 surgeries and rounds of chemo and radiation,
Krista's ready for a lifestyle change. Krista found her boost of healthy
inspiration in former high school friend Angie Asmann. Asmann, the owner
of local fitness club NuFit for You and Quincy Chef Michael Mitchell have
teamed up to get Krista healthy from the inside out. Chef Michael Mitchell
describes his mission, “It’s about changing people's mind set on how they
eat, trying to make healthy food that tastes good." Krista says most
importantly she's taking what she's learning home to her kids and making
strides toward what she wants most for them. "Happy and healthy. I'm
getting there for myself finally and I want to be able to teach that to my
kids," says Veihl.
Want to go to summer camp? The Salvation Army is looking for kids and adults,
alike, but the deadline to register is Saturday. You can sign up at the Summer
Camp Cookout Saturday, May 12, from 3:30 to 6:30 at the Kroc Center. Camp
Mihaska in the St. Louis area offers trails, caves, fishing, water park and other
outdoor activities. Adult volunteers are desperately needed so that more kids
can go.
Nearly 30 students in Warsaw High School's graduating class will have a lighter
load of student debt when they finish college. School administrators say that 27
students received more than $1 million dollars in scholarships this year. In a
time where college costs are skyrocketing, scholarships play a critical role in
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allowing many students to attend college. Administration at Warsaw High say
students applied for over 500 scholarships and won nearly 70 of them. On top
of that, this year's senior class has totaled 922 credits in dual-credit courses
while in high school, saving parents and students over an estimated $300,000
in college tuition.
Hundreds of people, young and old, have one thing in common now. They now
hold degrees from John Wood Community College. Nontraditional students,
many of them adults who've raised families and have held jobs for years, are
common in college these days as they try to stay competitive in a tough
economy. The average age of a student at John Wood Community College is
about 24 years old, not the typical 19, or 20 you might expect at a community
college. In fact you might have several generations of one family in school at
JWCC at the same time. And at Friday's graduation ceremony we caught up with
a grandmother and her granddaughter in that situation. You might not think
graduating from college is something you'd share with your grandmother, or
your granddaughter. But it's an experience Dorothy and Kathryn Dieterle
wouldn't have any other way. "It's really special," said Dorothy. "My grandma and
I have always been really close so getting to do this together makes it that
much better," said Kathryn. And graduation night is proof, you really can do
what you set your mind to, no matter how old you are.
While the housing market continues to make a sluggish recovery, some
businesses in Macomb are working fast to build up home improvement projects.
Pella announced today they're partnering with Hollister Home Center to sell
their windows, and officials say by making it easier to buy locally, it should
boost the economy for the entire area. Pella is one of Macomb's largest
employers, but they've been hit especially hard by the housing market collapse.
But today officials hosted a tour of the facility and say they're feeling optimistic
about the future. John and Ashley Ashwood are one of the first couples to take
advantage of Pella's new partnership with Hollister Home Center in Macomb. By
making it easier to shop locally, officials are hoping more homeowners take
advantage of companies in the area like Pella. Just the kind of confidence
they're seeing from the Ashwoods, and officials say the more money that's
spent locally stays in the community, helping out everyone in the area. Hollister
officials are planning to add a Pella window and door showroom to their store in
Macomb sometime in the near future.
Do you have a child who loves video games or is constantly playing with your
video camera? As part of its Children's College this summer, John Wood
Community College will offer film and video game production classes for kids in
3rd through 6th grades. The classes will give students the opportunity to create
their own stop action films and work with 3-D models. The week long classes
will be held throughout the month of June.
If you're a gamer, there's a new store in the Quincy Mall designed especially for
you. "Big Kids", next to GNC, is a place where you can buy, sell, or trade video
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games. At this store you can find video games for XBox, PlayStation 2,
Nintendo, and more systems. The owner says they also sell DVDs and CDs for
those who aren't really into video games. Owner Justin Martin says if you are
interested in selling or trading video games to bring those items to the store
and they will evaluate the value.
Quincy's Bridge the Gap starts bright and early Saturday morning. But young
athletes were awarded Friday for their feats in the Heptathlon of Health.
Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Quincy Mayor John Spring, and Miss Quincy
Megan Ervin all took part in educating students at Quincy schools about how to
live a healthy life and live a happy at the same time. Students were taught to
incorporate reading, community service, and 30 minutes of exercise even when
they are out of school. Organizers said fitness was the inspiration for this
program. Megan Ervin says all of these subjects are very important for the kids
and their families to carry with them their whole lives.
The graduating class at Warsaw High School has achieved something
remarkable: more than a million dollars in college scholarships. So how did they
do it? Warsaw's guidance counselor and students say the key to getting that
much money in scholarships is to simply fill out as many applications as
possible. But, there's a lot more going on behind the scenes at Warsaw High
School that has led to the big payoff for a total of 27 students. Students can
readily name off the amount of scholarships they received this year, staggering
amounts ranging from $15,000 to $60,000. Believe it or not, those numbers are
just the beginning. The total amount of scholarships for seniors at Warsaw was
announced at their annual banquet and it took everyone by surprise. 27
students from Warsaw's graduating class will be going off to college this fall
with a record amount of scholarship money. "It was like
$1,021, 000," said Principal Tom Bertucci. It's a shocking number, but when you
talk with students, teachers, and administrators it's not hard to figure out how
students raked in that much money. "We expect a lot out of our students,"
stated Paul O'Day, the guidance counselor at Warsaw.
The 60th Annual Book of the Golden Deeds Award was presented Friday in
Quincy to an 85-year-old woman. Hazel Mills was honored by the Quincy
Exchange Club with the award. She is involved in numerous activities and has
touched the lives of many in the community. Mills said she was very honored to
receive this award and said her best quality is her love for people. About a
dozen past recipients of the Golden Deeds Award were also in attendance to
show their support.
Our final Golden Apple award of 2012 goes to a woman who's poured her heart
and soul into educating young students for more than 30 years. Mrs. Cheryl
Watson, a third grade teacher at Madison School in Quincy was surprised with
the award at a special assembly just for her. Watson has been teaching for 33
years and plans to retire at the end of the school year. Her colleagues describe
her as a creative, innovative teacher who goes above and beyond in the
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classroom. One of Watson's ideas that's become tradition at Madison School is
the Living History Museum, where students study a famous person and deliver a
speech about them dressed in character. Watson says her passion for teaching
is what's kept her going all these years. Watson's students and friends turned in
a remarkable Golden Apple nomination, with a scroll that features letters from
students touting how much they adore Watson as a teacher.
Macomb High School students got a chance to hear some valuable life lessons
from the youngest U.S. representative. Congressman Aaron Schock spoke to
students this morning about his experiences as a politician and the importance
of setting goals. Schock says at just 30-years-old, he's already accomplished a
lot in his career, and the best piece of advice he can give is to be ready to face
challenges. "There's certain obstacles you're going to have to overcome, so get
ready to confront those challenges and recognize any goal that you have is
going to take some hard work to get there," Schock said. Congressman Schock
also hosted a Q & A session with students after his speech.
5/14
After spending 28 years in the Keokuk School District, Superintendent Dr. Lora
Wolff is stepping down. Wolff has accepted a teaching position at Western
Illinois University in the Educational Leadership department. She began her
career in Keokuk as a language art teacher and has served as superintendent
for the last four years. Wolff says she is most proud of the facility upgrades that
continue and helping secure more than 12 million dollars in grants. The search
for a new superintendent is underway.
A warning for parents, more children are swallowing button batteries, and
winding up with severe burns to their throat and esophagus. A new study finds
ER visits due to swallowing batteries have doubled in the past 20 years as the
small, coin shaped batteries have become more common in homes. The
batteries are found in everything from car keys and remotes to some toys, and
young children can be very tempted to swallow them. And these batteries are
more than just a choking hazard, they can burn your child's throat. "When they
swallow them, the saliva, when it comes in contact with these batteries, causes
an electrical charge that burns their throat or their esophagus," said Jan
Hummell of the Adams County Health Department. In as little as two hours, the
battery can begin to burn through your child's throat and esophagus. That's why
health officials say you should keep a close eye on everything in your home that
may contain button batteries.
If you grew up in the tri-states in the 1960s, this Tri-State Original will feel like a
blast from the past. Tony Coniglio was known as "Tony the Fireman" and hosted
his own kids television show from 1959 to 1963. And while his television days
are long behind him, he's still in the public spotlight if you know where to look.
It's been more than 50 years since most people have seen Tony the Fireman's
uniform. A relic from the days when television itself was just an infant. "I was a
radio guy and TV was pretty new. And they said what if we call you Tony the
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Fireman and I said why not. I like firemen anyway," said Coniglio. And just like
that, one of the area's earliest television shows was born. Coniglio played the
iconic fireman for nearly four years before leaving to manage a new radio
station in Morris, Ill. It's been nearly five decades since Coniglio's television
days, but he's still staying busy in the Macomb area. He writes a regular column
in the newspaper, voices commercials, and serves on the McDonough County
Board, just to name a few. And he's not stopping anytime soon. And believe it
or not, after all these years he still gets the occasional fan. "They're gray haired
people now in their 60's and they'll say I was on your show and I think, 'oh my
God,'" said Coniglio. But for Tony the Fireman, it’s all just part of a day's work.
A new convenience store and Steak n' Shake will soon bring up to 80 new jobs
to Canton Missouri. Ayers Oil Co. is teaming up with Steak n' Shake on the
project which promises to employ everyone from high school students to
experienced adults. If work stays on schedule, the restaurant and Ayerco gas
station will be open by June 21. Canton Mayor Jarrod Phillips says he has high
hopes for what this development will mean for the community. "More jobs mean
more money for people to spend locally," Phillips said. And every dollar spent
on gas, burgers and shakes means more money to support the city of Canton.
The mother of a Hannibal teen killed in a one car accident last week is asking
the community to help her honor her son in a unique way. 16-year-old Austin
Hampton died after the vehicle he was in rolled off a driveway, down a cliff and
hit a tree. Austin's mom has designed special t-shirts that read "You mad, bro?"
on the front and "I am not even mad" on the back. Hannibal printing company
Printex is producing the shirts. She says it was a funny saying Austin used, and
she decided to add "I'm chillin' with Jesus" on the back. Jeana Hampton says the
community support has already been tremendous. The shirts are being sold for
$12. Hampton says after all the costs are paid, the remaining funds will go
towards the Pirate Fund that helps families who are struggling to pay for a
funeral. A special benefit will also be held for Austin on June 9th at St. John's
Elementary School.
Good news from the auto industry, car sales in 2012 have been climbing month
by month. And here in the tri-states, dealers say more people are buying.
Dealers at Tom Boland Ford in Hannibal say this year, they've seen some of their
best months ever. And one of their best sellers may be a bit of a surprise, the
Ford F-150 truck. Dealers say more people are doing comparison shopping
between new and used vehicles. "It used to always be that a used car was
cheaper than a new one and now people are comparing and that gap has really
closed in. And the old saying where you drive it off the lot and you lose $5,000,
well the one year old ones are not much cheaper than the new ones," said Tom
Boland Ford Dealer Bobby Boland. Dealers also say if you're in the market to buy
a new vehicle, be on the lookout for different incentives to save some money.
Quincy area food pantries got a big boost in food donations thanks to the Post
Office, the United Way and the Quincy community. The Quincy Post Office raised
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more than 18,000 lbs. of food this weekend in their Stamp Out Hunger Food
Drive. The food is being distributed to ten different area food pantries’ that will
help feed those in need. And volunteers who picked up the food say the amount
was surprising.
"I was amazed. I walked in and asked George the coordinator what the response
was and he told me the poundage and I was shocked," said Laura Hyde with
United Way. The Post Office will continue taking food donations throughout the
week, but you'll have to drop them off at Post Office facility at 36th and Locust.
Hannibal, St. Louis and other spots along the Mississippi River play prominent
roles in a new movie. "Waterwalk" is a drama about a father and son who retrace
an historic canoe trip, much of it down the river. The movie features footage
from Hannibal, St. Louis, Alton, Ill., and other places. It recently opened in
selected locations. Co-director James Sparling was in Hannibal for a premiere on
Friday. "Waterwalk" tells the true story of Steve Faulkner and his son Jason. The
father loses his newspaper job and decides to retrace the 1,000-mile route of
the Marquette-Joliet expedition of 1673 with his son.
The Quincy Police Department could soon be adding a humvee to their fleet, for
free. At Monday night's city council meeting, Quincy Police Chief Rob Copley
explained that QPD is part of federal program that allows them to acquire
surplus military equipment at no cost. Copley says the department has its eye
on a Hummer available, with just 30 thousand miles on it. The Hummer would
not be used as a regular patrol car. It would serve as a troop transport vehicle,
for example when there is a standoff. Chief Copley says the humvee would also
be useful in inclement weather, for instance during a blizzard or when roads are
flooded.
5/15
You can now get your hands on fresh, locally grown produce from the 30th
Quincy Farmer's Market in Washington Park. It has been a successful growing
season thanks to the mild weather, so organizers are expecting a good vendor
turnout. Besides produce, there will also be some new things at the market this
year including children's activities, live entertainment and local chef
demonstrations. Organizers say with the growing popularity of organic produce,
the farmer's market is a sure way to make sure you're getting natural food. The
farmer's market is accepting debit, credit and SNAP cards again this year. The
market runs every Tuesday and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM in
Washington Park.
The Pike County Health & Resource Fair is being held today in Pittsfield until 2
p.m. The fair takes place at the Crossroads Center at 125 E. Jefferson and
includes over 60 informational booths, free health screenings, and door
prizes. The health screenings vary from blood pressure and body fat, to oral
health. Those who attend are encouraged to participate in a new opportunity to
pledge to improve one or more aspects of their lifestyle. Transportation may be
arranged through Pike County Transit at 285-4529.
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Local law enforcement honored fallen officers across the country with a flag
ceremony on Peace Officer Memorial Day at Quincy City Hall on Tuesday
morning. Officers say they hope everyone will take a moment to remember
those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities. Last year
166 officers were killed in the line of duty in the U.S. Three of those killed were
in Illinois and one Illinois officer has already died this year. Deputy chief Curt
Kelty, says last year's standoff near Kingston where two officers were shot
makes today's event especially significant as they're reminded to always be on
guard. "The officer has to assess the situation and they never know what that
times going to be when somebody might attack or there could be a violent
problem so they have to stay on guard at all times," says Kelty. Traffic crashes
are the number one cause of officer death followed by gunfire.
A Quincy man is being treated for serious injuries after a roll-over accident. It
happened in rural Adams County near Liberty just after 7:30 PM today. The
Adams County Sheriff's Office says Travis Holder was traveling east on N 1200
when his vehicle ran off the roadway and rolled his car. Holder was taken to
blessing hospital for his injuries. Holder was ticketed for driving while license
suspended and failure to reduce speed.
These days, you can get a haircut just about anywhere. But if you're looking for
the feel of an old-fashioned barber shop, that's a bit harder to find. Barber
shops are slowly becoming a thing of the past and the ones that are left may
not be there much longer. And the ones that are left are filled with decades of
history, and in this edition of Tri-State Originals we stopped by one here in
Quincy to see what makes these places so special. When you walk into Mike's
Barber Shop, it looks simple enough, one chair, one barber, you just sit down
and wait your turn. And for some customers, that's just the way they like it.
Mike Cadwell's been in charge here at Mike's Barber Shop for more than 40
years. His spot is one of the few remaining "old fashioned" barber shops left in
the area, a place where Cadwell says customers come for more than just a
shape up above the ears. "You become part of a family of people. And certain
guys come on certain days because they're friends come on the same days and
they meet, they get their hair cut and they sit and visit," Cadwell said. But
places like Cadwell's are slowly dying out. The art of specializing in men's
haircuts is starting to fade and after nearly four decades in business, Cadwell
says at age 61 he's still the youngest barber in the area. "So you can see an end
is coming to it. The few shops that are left, they guys are all older, they'll all be
retiring or semi-retiring," Cadwell said. Something Cadwell himself is getting old
enough to do, but says retirement is still a couple of years away.
The Hannibal Police Department is opening a new cadet program. The Hannibal
City Council approved the proposal Tuesday night, which will give the
department a larger pool of applicants to hire from. The program is open to
individuals who aren't yet certified to be police officers, but have the necessary
skills. "You talk about the military downsizing and the people pulling out of
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these countries," Hannibal Police Chief Lyndell Davis said. "You're going to have
all these highly trained people with very unique, special skills and because they
don't have their law enforcement license, their peace officer licensing, I wouldn't
be able to hire them unless they went through the academy." But Chief Davis
says oftentimes, qualified individuals can't afford to quit their job to attend the
police academy. The cadet program will give them that opportunity.
Speeders beware, construction zones are popping up all over the tri-states, and
if you're caught going too fast, it will cost you. State police were patrolling a 7mile long work zone Tuesday which officers say has been especially troubling
lately. Many drivers aren't slowing down. Police say no matter the time of day,
workers or not, if you’re driving through a construction zone, you'll pay the
price if you're caught speeding. A 7-mile long construction zone on I-72
between Hull and Barry has been particularly bad for speeders recently. It's so
long, many drivers are slowing down initially but then speeding right back up.
"A lot of drivers are feeling, 'I've got past the workers, I'm out of the zone,' but
the fact of the matter is the 45 mph runs from the beginning of the zone to the
end of the zone and we need for you to maintain that 45 mph speed," Kindhart
said. Whether you see workers or not, speeding in a construction zone will earn
you a $375 ticket with a mandatory court appearance. Troopers say they also
pulled over several people today who were on their phones while driving though
this construction zone. If you are ticketed, it will cost you $120.
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum is the backbone of tourism in
Hannibal and Tuesday morning the plaza was filled with people who came out
to commemorate the museum's 100th birthday. While accomplishments in the
last 100 years were celebrated, many were looking to the future of the Mark
Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. “People from all around the world come to
Hannibal because they read his books," Cindy Lovell, Mark Twain Museum
Director, said. "His books are still best sellers around the world, published in
dozens of languages. He has a big fan base.” And for 100 years, that fan base
has allowed the museum to grow from one building to nine. As they celebrated
the milestone today, museum officials said they hope the Boyhood Home and
the other historic buildings are around for another hundred years, so that many
more generations can experience Twain's childhood for themselves.
Hannibal's voter approved smoking ban will take effect July 1. The city council
gave final approval to an ordinance outlining the details of the ban. Our
newsgathering partners at the Quincy Herald Whig report the vote was four to
three to amend the ordinance to original form. That means it will include
language about the health effects of smoking. As of now, the smoking ban does
not include any exemptions for private clubs.
A new proposal in the state of Illinois to help fund teacher pensions has Quincy
city leaders concerned. The city could be forced to cut about $3 million worth of
services and staff, including firefighters and police officers, if the general
assembly enacts the legislation. It would divert shared revenue to the pension
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program so local governments share in the cost of pensions, but City
Administrator Gary Sparks says losing $3 million in funding would be
devastating for Quincy. "To come up with that kind of money after all the cuts
that we've made over the last few years, it would heavily affect personnel within
our community," said Sparks. Quincy City leaders spent much of Tuesday on the
phone with legislators, working to try and come up with a solution. The
proposed legislation is scheduled to be heard in a House Executive
Committee today in Springfield.
If your child is a take charge kind of person, Quincy Senior High could offer a
class they'd be perfect for. The School Board's Curriculum Committee is
throwing their support behind a new leadership course. Teachers would
recommend students for the class and would teach those students with
their communication skills and how to speak about social issues. Teachers say
there's already considerable interest in the course, with nearly 180 students
already recommended by their teachers. The course will only take between 25
to 30 students and is only available to seniors, but could include juniors down
the road. Teachers say the class should appeal to anyone interested in
becoming a better leader. The proposed course still has to be approved by the
Quincy School Board but is expected to pass.
Fire investigators return to the scene Wednesday of a five-alarm fire at the Doyle
Manufacturing complex at 40th and Broadway in Quincy. Assistant Fire Chief
Rob Tipton says the initial fire call came in around 5:42 p.m. today. All Quincy
firefighters, including off duty personnel were called in to battle the blaze. A
Doyle spokesman says the fire was in a building where they paint fertilizer
equipment. Tipton says that building contained flammable materials like aerosol
cans, which led to several explosions inside. Tipton says the metal roof on that
building collapsed on top of the fire, making it difficult to fight the
flames. Crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the
manufacturing facility. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire has
not yet been determined. Emergency crews shut down Broadway from 38th to
48th streets for about three hours in order to drag fire hose across the road.
Getting around Pike County, Illinois is getting easier for people on a tight
budget. The Illinois Housing Authority is teaming up with the West Central Mass
Transit District to provide free transportation for those on limited income. The
shuttle service will travel the entire county and take residents back and forth to
places like Wal-Mart, grocery stores and healthcare visits. For more information
on how to qualify, you can call the transit system at 217-285-4529.
5/16
Hundreds of kids in Quincy hit the pool, the courts, and the quad at Quincy
University for the sixth annual Baldwin Day. Baldwin's 6th graders are
approaching the end of the school year so teachers say the event was a day to
let loose and have fun. With over 480 students in attendance there were plenty
of activities indoors and outdoors for them to enjoy. "You can see they're all out
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playing on the field. So we have inside activities as well. They get a lunch, they
get to swim. And basically just hang out with friends and have a good time
today," said Debbie Gorman, an organizer. More than 60 parents and volunteers
helped coordinate Wednesday's event.
You might have a long to-do list this spring when it comes to home repairs but
remember, the quickest solution may not always be the safest. Local home
improvement experts say you should always make a plan for what you want to
do before actually starting the work. They say the most common injuries are
broken bones from falls. If you're using a ladder, take a second look at the base
before you climb because it could prevent a trip to the hospital. Also, when you
get on your roof you need to be extra careful. "If you're working on top of the
roof you should have a rope tied somewhere, to where if you slip and fall you're
not going clear off the roof and get hurt," said Ronald Abney, from Abney Home
Improvements. Also, if you're going to be working with something like saw or
sander, be sure to wear goggles to make sure your eyes are protected.
Pool weather is coming fast. And Wednesday, the Hannibal Aquatic Center got a
jump start on the summer. Employees started cleaning the pool, power
washing, painting, and more. Officials said it's a process they go through every
Summer. The center opens May 26 and say this year they have a new system for
the pool that should cut down on maintenance time. "It's an automated feeder
so it automatically feeds our chlorine and our acid for our PH. Which is very
helpful. We did have an old system in the past but this is going to help us out
in the long run," said Aron Lee, Hannibal's Recreation Supervisor. Lee says
something new this year will be "Sunday Fun Days".
Adams County health officials are hot on the trails of people illegally dumping
trash alongside the road. Officials collected evidence and the person or persons
responsible could now face stiff penalties. It's illegal to dump any trash on the
side of the road but a wooded area alongside Boy Scout road in Adams County
has turned into someone's dumping ground. Adams County Health Department
environmental sanitarian Leo Mueller put up "no dumping signs" last week to
discourage people from leaving their trash there. The signs haven't helped. Now
he's back for clues as to who is responsible. After sifting through three different
piles, Mueller finds a paystub, several letters, a utility bill, a dentist's bill and a
Victoria Secret catalogue all with the same name and address listed. Mueller is
confident this will be enough to refer the case to the state's attorney's office
and recommend the culprits be charged with illegal dumping. Nearby residents
say they are concerned about illegal dumping in the area and hope something is
done. Illegal dumping in Illinois is a class B misdemeanor. It could carry
a $1,500 fine and up to six months in jail.
Do you have an extra bedroom and a love for baseball? If so, the Quincy Gems
are looking for you. Six more host families are needed to house Quincy Gems
players this summer. Host families will be responsible for providing players with
a place to sleep, meals, and laundry access. Gem's officials say host families and
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players often end up building a lifelong friendship. If you're interested in being
a host family, you can contact the Quincy Gems at the Oakley Lindsay Center or
visit their website.
Summer break is just a few days away for kids in the Tri-states, but learning
shouldn't end when class is out. Teachers say if you can get your kids to read,
write, and work on math skills over the summer, they'll be in good shape for
when school starts this fall. As the school year comes to an end, you can almost
feel the excitement bouncing off the classroom walls as kids anxiously await
summer break. Teachers like Alison Merrill at Madison Elementary say parents
should encourage their students to learn all summer long, and there are ways to
do that without making it feel like a chore. "I'd read them lots of books, ask
them what they think about books, have them write in a journal their favorite
part, their least favorite part and why, or the message of the author," said
Merrill. If you're going on a vacation, encourage your child to keep a journal of
all the neat things they do and see. And, don't forget about math skills. "We
earn stars at school for good behavior," said Merrill. "You could do that in the
summer. You could have your kids earn so many and then they could buy prizes
with the money that they earned, counting money, real life situations." While
learning might not top the list of things kids are excited for this summer,
teachers see a big difference between kids who keep their minds active over the
break, and those who don't. "It's so sad," said Merrill. "It actually makes me sad,
like as a teacher that we've come so far, and if they do nothing three months or
whatever, they're going to go backwards a bit."
Investigators say that Tuesday's fire that destroyed the paint processing
building at Doyle Manufacturing is not suspicious after preliminary
investigations Wednesday morning. Tom Bentley, Assistant Fire Chief for the
Quincy Fire Department, says investigators plan to return to the site at 40th and
Broadway Thursday to continue investigating a cause. Bentley says that the
source of the fire is under piles of debris and equipment that will need to be
moved before a cause can be determined. In the meantime, the president of
Doyle Manufacturing is trying to figure out what's next for the business. The
seven employees who used to work in the paint processing building were sent
home Wednesday morning when they showed up to work. The future of their
jobs is uncertain right now as the company looks to recover from this fire. But
the rest of the facility is functioning as usual. In the building adjacent to the
fire, the electricity is on and machines are hard at work, keeping the
manufacturing process on schedule. The work done at the paint processing
building was crucial to the company's operations, but for now Monty Doyle,
President of Doyle Manufacturing says he's looking to outsource paint work to
other local companies so production can continue. "We're going to keep going
as we always do and we're going to outsource our paintwork to Hannibal,
Quincy, whomever is capable of doing it," Doyle said.
A group of local history enthusiasts are work on saving the log cabins near
Quincy's Adams Landing. The log cabins were built in the 1800s.The Friends of
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the Log Cabins Association held their annual meeting to unveil a plan to
improve the Log Cabin Village and encourage their use for educational
purposes. The plan includes signage to explain each cabin's significance,
pathways and parking, all to be completed within the next 3 years. The group is
working on a fundraising campaign for the 250 thousand dollar project. They're
holding an open house at the cabin this weekend, May 19 and 20 from noon to
4 PM.
Are you looking for somewhere to eat tonight that's a bit out of the ordinary?
You may be surprised what kind of popular and unique dishes can be found
right here in the Tri-States. Fitz's on Fourth, the Mark Twain Dinette and Ice
Scream are just some of the places that have dishes owners say keep people
coming back for more and more. You may be familiar with some, but others you
have to try it in order to believe it. At Fitz's on Fourth for example, owners say
their dish gets the same reaction time and time again "The nose gets crinkled
up and they get kind of this funny look and then they try it and the eyebrows go
up and say oh gosh, this is really good," said Jeff and Vickie Fitzsimmons,
Owners of Fitz's on Fourth.
Quincy Mayor John Spring said Wednesday that a proposal to help fund teacher
pensions would have an "extremely devastating" impact on the city of Quincy. In
written testimony submitted to a House Executive Committee, Spring testified
against House bill 3637, which would divert shared revenue to the state’s
pension program. "If either Amendment No. 2 or Amendment No. 3 are adopted
and CPPRT funds are directed downstate in a new appropriation to pay teacher
pension cost it would devastate cities like Quincy," Spring said in his testimony.
Spring says the city could be forced to cut about $3 million worth of services
and staff, including firefighters and police officers, if the general assembly
enacts the legislation. "We would close 2 of our 5 firehouses, which means 18
firefighters would be let go, saving $1,350,000, along with 7 police officers,
saving $575,000, would barely get us to $2 million dollars in cuts," Spring said
in his testimony. "I'd still be looking for another million dollars to cut." Spring
added that the extended fallout from the legislation would likely impact the
city's ISO rating, impacting over 100 industries and manufacturers in the city.
Quincy City Administrator Gary Sparks also says losing $3 million in funding
would be devastating for Quincy. "To come up with that kind of money after all
the cuts that we've made over the last few years, it would heavily affect
personnel within our community," said Sparks. Quincy city leaders spent much
of Tuesday on the phone with legislators, working to try and come up with a
solution.
5/17
Currently, Ellington students are celebrating their final full day of school by
using their Fun Day to donate money to fire victim, Baby Ella. The school's Fun
Day, hosted by the Ellington PTA, started at 9 a.m. this morning and will
continue until 2 p.m. in Wavering Park. The day's theme is "Minute To Win It"
and involves a traveling game show for charity where students are quizzed on
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curriculum-based trivia questions. Ellington's Student Leadership Teams, made
up of two students from each classroom, elected to donate the money raised at
their Fun Day to Baby Ella. Baby Ella is a local 15-month-old girl who was injured
last January when her home caught on fire. The traveling game show for charity
is sponsored by ServiceMaster Cleaning & Restoration and is available to
schools, fire departments, and non-profit organizations as a fundraiser. Along
with their game show fundraiser, ServiceMaster decided to make fire restoration
services available to Baby Ella's family.
A felon on parole is arrested after authorities reportedly found heroin in his
Quincy home. Albert Howard, 30, is charged with possession of heroin with
intent to deliver. The West Central Illinois Task Force executed a search warrant
early Thursday morning at 815 1/2 Madison and allegedly found eight
individual bags of heroin packaged for sale. Albert Howard is currently on
parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections for Possession of Firearm by
a Felon.
As you head out on the roads, be on the lookout for deer. Even though it's the
month of May, deer are on the move, and officials are warning drivers to be
careful. The Department of Natural Resources says May has the second-highest
rate of collisions between vehicles and deer. Fawns are being born and does are
running off their young bucks. Jason Krigbaum, owner of Heartland Auto body
and Towing in Hannibal, says that his business has seen a 50% increase in deer
collisions over the last few weeks. Not only are deer collisions dangerous, but
typically the vehicle damage costs between $3,000- $6,000. Krigbaum says
most of the deer collisions he's seeing are happening at night. Krigbaum says
drivers should use their high-beam headlights, which will reflect in the deer's
eyes so they can be seen better.
From caps to cars, Fishing For Freedom got another big boost in Quincy today.
Shottenkirk Toyota presented a $1,000 check to tournament organizers. The
program pairs up wounded veterans with area volunteers for a day of fishing on
the Mississippi River. The Fishing For Freedom tournament will be held June 23on the Quincy Riverfront.
The Quincy Mail Processing and Distribution Center will close by February
2013 under a new plan announced Thursday morning. The U.S. Postal Service is
moving ahead with cost cutting plans to close more than 200 mail processing
centers, saying it can no longer wait for Congress to decide how to cut postal
costs. The Quincy facility has around 60 employees, who will be offered early
retirement or jobs elsewhere in the region. Operations from Quincy will be
moved to Springfield, Illinois under the new plan. The agency will consolidate
140 mail processing centers, including Quincy's, within the next year, including
48 this August. Most will occur next January and February, after the busy
election and holiday mail season. Another 89 closings would occur in 2014.
Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe says postal operations are simply too big
given declining mail volume.
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The Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross announced today that its
annual Hero Campaign far exceeded this year's goal. The goal was set at
$50,000, but thanks to the efforts of local leaders and community members,
the Adams County Red Cross chapter brought in more than $57,000. All of that
money will be used for local outreaches. “So all this money that we raised this
year will go toward disaster relief, CPR classes, swimming classes. All the
services that the Red Cross offers, this helps us throughout the year be able to
sustain those services," said Hero Campaign Chair Don Crim. This is the 9th
year the Adams County Red Cross has held its Hero Campaign.
The Etch-A-Sketch may be just a children's toy, but there's nothing childish
about what Cody Leggett can do. "I Etch-A-Sketch, and they're like you're a
grown man what are you doing playing with a children's toy," Leggett said. But
one look at some of Leggett's work and its clear these pictures aren't child's
play. "I never really thought of myself as an artist. This was just something that I
like to do," Leggett said. If it wasn't for a work accident that nearly took off
Leggett's finger a couple of months ago, he may have never thought twice
about doodling with an Etch-A-Sketch. "Normally I was working 50 to 60 hours a
week, a lot of 12 to 16 hour days on top of that. I didn't even think I had this
skill anymore." And all of a sudden, Leggett found himself with a lot of extra
time on his hands. "I just happened to be sitting around one day and picked up
the old children's toy I had and one thing led to another," Leggett said. After a
couple of months of practice, Leggett started getting pretty good. He started
looking for more complicated pictures on the Internet, like Keokuk's Lock and
Dam, Chief Keokuk, and the Iowa Hawkeye logo. As for accidentally shaking the
toy and erasing the image, Leggett says he has his own way of making it
permanent. By drilling a hole in the back of the toy and draining out the powder
inside, he can make a clean image that can't be shake away.
Authorities are looking for your help in tracking down a burglary suspect who
stole guns from West Quincy Pawn Shop. Detective Mike Miller of the Marion
County Sheriff's Office. He told me that at about 1:15 a.m. Thursday someone
broke a window to get into the store and stole several pieces of jewelry and 1015 handguns. The suspect is described as six foot tall, wearing a black or dark
hooded sweatshirt, dark jeans and white shoes. He might also have some
scrapes or cuts to his hands and arms. The Pawn Shop's owner, Lionel
Hammond, says he's been in business since 2004 and this is the first time the
shop has been burglarized. If you have any information, contact the Marion
County Sheriff's Office at 888-769-2077.
How should parents regulate their children's cell phone use once they've made
the decision to get a phone? Experts say parents need to have clear guidelines
in place so their kids know when and how they are allowed to use their cell
phone. If a child breaks the rules, experts say parents need to follow through
with consequences. WGEM talked to Quincy mom Leanne Wiseman. She says she
sets strict cell phone rules for her daughter Kirsten and hasn't had a problem
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yet. "She knows nothing after 10 o'clock. She knows that I will take it away if I
ever catch her. Her grades have to stay up there where I want them," said
Wiseman. Wiseman says she also frequently checks her daughter's phone
without any warning.
Family Planning in downtown Quincy held an open house and ribbon cutting
Thursday in its new office. People were able to tour the recently expanded and
remodeled facility on Hampshire Street. Officials say they provided services to
over 1,800 women and men last year with over 5,000 visits. They now have
much more space and say they will be able to help more people. “Anything from
a pap smears, breast examines, and that's kind of a base level. And then
beyond that is going to be educational," said Jeffery Seavarkrob, the President
of the Board. The newly expanded office is located at 636 Hampshire Street,
Suite 201 in Quincy.
It's always been said it's the little things that matter. And your bottle caps are
helping local organizations help others. So far, Refreshment Services Pepsi has
collected over 290,000 caps in this year's Community Caps campaign. Each one
is worth five cents, so when you do the math the total so far comes to $14,500.
All the money raised will go towards organizations like Great River Honor Flight,
Fishing for Freedom, Children's Miracle Network, and even some schools.
What started off as a simple road improvement project to Lindell Avenue in
Hannibal is now sparking controversy over the replacement of a local bridge.
City officials say the Humpty Dump Bridge in Hannibal is notoriously unsafe.
Neighbors say they deal with more car accidents than they can count, but a few
still want the bridge to stay. The speed limit on the bridge is 25 miles an hour
but neighbors and city officials say people drive over the Humpty Dump Bridge
much faster for a thrill and there's the proof: dents all over the asphalt from
when people land hard after getting airborne. Ask anyone living near the
Humpty Dump Bridge in Hannibal. They'll tell you they've seen dozens of car
accidents from people speeding over the bridge. Neighbors call it a cheap thrill
for local teenagers and even some adults. And families say they're afraid to let
their kids play in the front yard because of it. Alderman Barry Louderman says
the bridge is structurally unsafe when the city rebuilds Lindell Avenue, the
humped bridge will be replaced with a flat one. The city has engineering bids
out for the bridge project now. Officials expect work to begin within the next 30
to 40 days. Within the next year and a half all of Lindell Avenue is set to be
rebuilt.
Quincy Notre Dame Students celebrated the spiritual part of their graduation
Thursday. The baccalaureate mass took place at St. Peter's Church. There are
102 students in QND's graduating class. It was a special evening for everyone,
including QND principal Ray Heilmann who is retiring after 39 years. Heilmann
says this day brings back a lot of memories. QND's graduation is Sunday at 1
PM in the school gym.
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Hunger is something hundreds of kids in the Tri-states will be facing at home
this summer. To prevent kids from going hungry, Quincy Public Schools will be
offering free lunches at two local elementary schools. Starting Monday, Berrian
Elementary and Washington Elementary will open back up to give any child in
the area a free meal. 200 kids each are expected to be back in the Berrian and
Washington lunchrooms, getting what might be for some their only meal of the
day. To fill Quincy's empty stomachs with something more nutritious than chips,
free meals will be offered to anyone under 18. "We're happy to accept anyone,"
said Jean Kinder, the food director for QPS. "Our program is not necessarily for
low income families, it's for everyone." Parents are more than welcome to come
as well. "We're offering a free meal to an adult if they bring five or more
students in with them," said Kinder. If a parent has less than five kids, they will
be asked to pay $2 for their meal. At Berrian, the lunches will be served Monday
through Friday all summer long from 10:45 until 11:45. The free meals will also
be served at Washington Elementary from noon until one.
5/18
The local public is invited to attend the annual EMS Day in the Quincy Mall this
Sunday at noon. Various activities will take place inside the mall, and will
include several agencies such as the Adams County Ambulance & EMS, the
Adams County Red Cross, and the Medical Reserve Corps., just to name a few.
Demonstrations will take place in the south parking lot between Krieger's and
TGI Friday's, and at 1 p.m., Adams County Board Chairman Mike McLaughlin and
Quincy Mayor John Spring will give a special presentation.
Summer break began this afternoon for thousands of kids in the Tri-States.
Around noon today, the school year ended for students in the Quincy Public
School District. As kids packed up and bounded to the buses this afternoon,
many were already planning their summers. Since today was the last day of
classes, students in Quincy only had to go for half a day of school.
Quincy fire officials have concluded their investigation into Tuesday's five alarm
fire at Doyle Manufacturing and found it to be accidental in nature. Captain
Chad Hummel says due to the extent of the damage, investigators could not
pinpoint the exact cause, but have ruled out anything suspicious. The fire
destroyed the paint processing building, but crews were able to save the
manufacturing facility.
A two car accident at 5th and Broadway sent two people to the hospital Friday
morning. The accident happened just before 11 a.m. and involved a pick-up and
a car. Police on scene say the driver of the car ran a red light and hit the truck,
which was turning left onto 5th street. The driver and passenger in the truck
were taken to Blessing Hospital. South 5th Street was closed for about 30
minutes as crews worked to clear the scene.
The Adams County Red Cross has a new vehicle to respond to emergencies in
the Tri-States. Features are about the same as the older one, because the
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purpose of this is the same as the last one, it's just in better shape. The ERV is a
2002 model that replaced their 1996 model. It has about 100,000 less miles
and came to Quincy from Miami. Locally, it will respond to single family fires.
A former Hamilton School Board member has been sentenced to 60 days in jail
and two year’s probation for sexually abusing a teenager. August Gregory,
44, will also have to register as a sex offender. Gregory was convicted of
criminal sexual abuse for inappropriately touching the teenager between
September 1 and December 2.
A new survey says Illinois ranks second in the nation when it comes to dog
bites. According to State Farm, more than 300 dog bite insurance claims were
filed last year. Here in Adams County, Animal Warden Jenni Benjamin says
numbers are lower compared to other areas of the state. One reason has to do
with strictly enforced aggressive dog laws, where citations range from $75 on
up depending on the nature of the call.
Chronic Kidney Disease is claiming more lives than ever before. It just recently
moved up to the eighth-leading cause of death among Americans, according to
the CDC. The difference between life and death for many patients is a kidney
transplant. And in April, two friends, Kim Jansen & Craig Beswick, from the tristates both received donated kidneys, on the same day, from the same donor.
Jansen had been on the kidney donor list for exactly one year and Beswick had
been waiting for a kidney for three years. April 18 was their lucky day. Kim and
Craig weren't the only ones stunned by the coincidence. "One of the recipients
will only match about 10 percent of the population, and the other patient, the
other recipient will only match about 50 percent of the entire population of
donors. So, the odds that they would both match this particular donor, let alone
be from the same town...,' said Dr. Jason Wellen of Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Craig
and Kim are well on their way to a full recovery, but their friendship might not
ever be the same. "That's definitely a bond that you would not expect any other
couple of friends to have. This kind of joins you for life." Jansen said. Kim and
Craig both say they hope their story inspires others to sign up to be organ
donors.
Missouri National Guard volunteers were lending a helping hand at HannibalLaGrange University Friday. H-LGU is in the process of moving more than
80,000 books to its new library. About ten volunteers helped move more than
one thousand boxes of books, a project library officials say would have taken
months without the guard's help. The official grand opening for the new library
will be in August.
This weekend's weather will have Tri-State boaters itching to get on the water
but authorities have a few reminders before you push off the dock. Ramps at
Clat Adams Park will be packed with boaters, but first park rangers are asking
you to first go through a safety checklist. Make sure that everyone on board will
have a life jacket that is in good condition. Authorities say you also need to pay
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attention to the buoys, so you know where the deepest water is. You'll also need
to keep a safe distance from other water vessels. One of the biggest problems
rangers see every summer is boats with too many people Another tip, if you
plan on having alcoholic drinks while out on a boat you must have a sober
driver just as you would if you were driving a car. Popkin says it's a great idea
for all boaters to take a boat safety class and there a few this summer. They will
be held June 9 and July 14 and they're free, but rangers say you'll need to call to
reserve a spot. For more information you can call the Quincy Park Rangers at
(217) 228-0890.
It's not every day a cop put down their badge and picks up an apron. Friday
afternoon the Quincy Police Department and the Illinois State Police held their
annual Cops & Nachos event. Officers will be worked for tips by refilling drinks
bussing tables and visiting with customers at Maya Mexican Restaurant in
Quincy. All of the money raised will benefit Special Olympics Illinois assisting
athletes in our local area.
Last year the event raised one thousand dollars.
Keokuk Police Chief Tom Crew is retiring after serving with the department for
22 years. Crew says his last day on the job will be on June 28th. Crew tells
WGEM he was eligible for retirement two years ago, but wanted to make sure
the department was fiscally secure before leaving. One of his most memorable
cases included investigating a meth trafficking ring spanning all the way to
Mexico.
Illinois child care agencies that faced an uncertain financial future got a reprieve
from lawmakers. Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law Friday a measure that shifts
state funding to carry the child care fund through the end of the budget year in
June. The Democrat acted just hours after the Senate sent him legislation to
shuffled $73.6 million from other parts of the budget. The Department of
Human Services program that subsidizes community or in-home child care for
parents who work, go to school or job training was out of money. That might
have meant some of the providers would have to close. Local child care
providers say they are relieved. Legislators also used the bill to move $151
million into paying down a Medicaid health care program bill backlog.
How many gas engines do you have at your home right now? It’s a strange
question, but if you include your vehicles, lawnmowers, generators, etc. you
may have more than you think. But can anyone beat 225? That's how many one
Missouri man has making his collection one of the largest and most unique in
the world. And one of the oldest and rarest gas engines ever made belongs to
Wyaconda, Missouri native George Martin. "It was sitting outside in bad shape
and rusted cylinders, the bolts you couldn't get out, you had to saw them off
and everything," Martin said. It's called an inverted gas engine, and Martin's
dates back to 1902. And it's just one of about 225 engines he's rebuilt over the
years. "I bought them mainly from junk yards and places like that. And someone
would tell me where there was one I would go get it," Martin said. But finding
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the engines is just half the fun. Martin says the best part is figuring out how to
make these old time engines run, and that usually means building the parts he
needs. "It was something I like to do to make the parts and make something
run. I always like to make something run and I just liked that from years ago,"
Martin said. His collection even attracts quite a few visitors, some who've come
from as far away as Japan just to see the sight first hand. “I’ve had visitors from
40 states and about five or six foreign countries," Martin said. And if you're
someone who just has to see the engines themselves, Martin says he'll be more
than happy to take you on a tour, and show you all 225 machines.
A check forgery spree has hit Quincy that's taking money right from the
accounts of local businesses. A man and two women, one of them identified as
22-year-old Tatanisha Byas, are suspected of forging checks with real account
numbers. Checks have been cashed from the business accounts of Subway,
Quincy Insurance Group, and Professional Expressions Salon. So far, eight
checks have been cashed at Mercantile and Bank of Quincy, but authorities say
there may be more out there. If you have any information, call Quincy Police at
228-4475 or the Crimestoppers hotline at 228-4474.
5/21
Pools around the Tri-States are set to open this Memorial Day weekend,
including a new look pool in Mt. Sterling. United Way funds help pay for a new
liner in Joel Oliver Memorial Pool. The new liner should last 15-20 years.
Before, crews had to paint the pool every two or three years. The United Way
also donated money for a new shelter at Rotary Park.
School may be out for the summer, but there is something your child needs to
do over the next few months...get a whooping cough vaccine. The Illinois School
Code has changed for this next school year. Now all incoming 6th and 9th
graders are required to have a whooping cough vaccine. Jan Hummel of the
Adams County Health Department says that whooping cough, or pertussis, is
especially dangerous for small children and babies. But, since many teenagers
are babysitters or have young siblings, it's a good idea for them to be
vaccinated against the disease. Hummel says the reason behind the new
requirement is because of an increase in whooping cough cases state-wide.
Hummel says new parents and grandparents should also consider getting
vaccinated.
Police have wrapped up their search of the Midwest Percenters motorcycle
clubhouse in Liberty. Officers were searching for evidence related to an alleged
armed robbery that happened in Quincy earlier in the day. Police executed a
search warrant for the motorcycle clubhouse just before 11:00 PM last night
and wrapped up the search around 1:30am this morning. According to the
Quincy Police Department, officers located a semi-automatic handgun and a
loaded sawed-off shotgun in the search.
Joseph Teel Jr. of Barry, Gerald Utterback of Barry, Zane Liggett of Springfield,
Illinois and Timothy Jackson of Roodhouse, Illinois were arrested in connection
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with an armed robbery in Quincy Sunday afternoon, investigators said. Quincy
Police said the four men robbed two motorcycle riders at gunpoint while
they were on the street near 12th and Hampshire at about 2:15 p.m. Sunday.
Police say the two victims were wearing the colors and clothing of another
motorcycle club, but would not elaborate on the name of the club. Police did not
say what was taken in the robbery. Authorities were able to track the four men
back to a Percenters MC clubhouse at the intersection of Main and Pittsfield
Streets in Liberty, where they were arrested. Early reports indicated that club
members had assembled at a convenience store parking lot, but investigators
later said the men were actually across the street from the store at their own
clubhouse. Police said no one was injured and no shots were fired at any time.
The Adams County Sheriff's Office, the Illinois State Police and the Illinois
Conservation Police assisted in the arrests. The four men were lodged in the
Adams County Jail and will make an initial court appearance today.
Warsaw High School Principal Tom Bertucci has been a busy man this month.
"The phone's been ringing off the hook from all around the world," exclaimed
Bertucci. Ever since it was announced that this year's senior class was receiving
over $1 million in scholarships, news stations from St. Louis to Minneapolis
have been calling the school to question Bertucci on what has been going on
and how the students were able to receive so much scholarship money. "We
work at it," Bertucci said he answers. "We have a great group of kids. We tell
them, work like you're supposed to and we'll take care of it." After a May 11
story on WGEM, other news stations have picked up on Warsaw's successes.
From Nevada to Georgia to Tennessee, the story of the seven-figure scholarship
payday for Warsaw's senior class has been told across the country. Bertucci says
he has enjoyed e-mailing out the story link and tells people to search for it on
the Internet in order to view the story nationwide.
A student at Rushville-Industry High School has demonstrated such strong
leadership skills that his fellow classmates created a new award just to
recognize his work. The graduating class awarded Mason Vincent the first ever
award for Outstanding Student Leadership. Mason said he was touched by the
recognition from his peers. "I wasn't planning on getting an award or whatever,
but yeah, I was very honored. I was honored by it," said Mason. Mason plans on
becoming a High School Agriculture teacher and will be attending Spoon River
Community College next year.
More people are riding the bus in Quincy. During fiscal year 2011-2012, Quincy
Transit Lines provided 509,111 rides to residents in Quincy and Adams County.
That's a 5 percent increase from the year before. Monday night, the city council
will take a closer look at buying 10 new bus shelters and providing transit
services to Quincy University for three years.
Authorities are investigating the cause of a weekend fire that temporarily closed
a coal plant south of Montrose. The Montrose fire department says a conveyor
belt caught fire at Hendricks River Logistics about 6 a.m. Saturday. The blaze
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engulfed the conveyor system and spread into the plant's 60-foot-tall tower.
One firefighter suffered a back injury while fighting the blaze. No other injuries
were reported.
The Hawk Eye newspaper reports damaged to the plant is estimated at more
than $1 million in damage. Plant manager Shawn Duer told the Daily Gate City
newspaper that the plant will be shut down until the conveyor system can be
fixed.
When critical patients from rural hospitals need to be transported to a higher
care facility, there isn't always a good spot for the Air Evac helicopters to land.
That's why the city of Rushville installed a landing pad on the edge of town two
years ago at a cost $15,000 to $20,000. Monday, EMS workers and the Air Evac
Lifeteam presented the city with a plaque to show their thanks. In the past year,
the Air Evac Lifeteam has flown into the Rushville at least 50 times, and the
landing pad has made a huge difference in helping save patients’ lives. "The
more minutes we can save, the better it is for the patient's outcome," said Greg
Word, the base pilot for the Air Evac Team in Quincy. Air Evac Lifeteam members
say if other towns had similar landing pads, it would help save even more lives.
The next time you see a coupon that looks too good to be true, there's a good
chance that it probably is. Counterfeit coupons have been a continuing problem
for places like grocery stores. Employees at Quincy's Hy-Vee say they see at
least a new one every week. And with more people using the Internet to get
coupons, it’s getting harder for consumers and stores to tell the difference. "I
think the Internet is the greatest source for coupons these days. And there's so
many websites you can go to. And for a counterfeiter, it’s easy to insert those
counterfeit coupons in a website and have people unknowingly print out those
coupons and come to the store to use them," said Store Director Mark Lammers.
Managers say the majority of big value coupons are counterfeit...offering four,
five or even six dollars off of a certain product.
Bleigh Drive will be closed at Paris Gravel Road starting today and will remain
closed for approximately three weeks. Customers and suppliers needing to
access buildings on Bleigh Drive, such as Bleigh Ready Mix, Peters Heating & Air
Supply, and Klingner & Associates, should enter off of Veterans Drive. Buildings
on Corporate Square Drive, such as White Electric, Servpro, Custom Gutter,
Wonder Bread, Basford Pool and spa, Corporate Square Storage, B&D Concrete
Construction, Williams Electric, and McNally Plumbing Supply will be accessible
from Route 61 down Paris Gravel to Corporate Square Drive. Patients and
suppliers of Preferred Health Care will only be able to access the building off of
Route 61 down Paris Gravel Road.
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the U.S. 24 west
bound Bayview Bridge will be reduced to one lane starting today. While AEH
Construction workers are sealing the bridge deck, one lane will be closed during
daylight hours and the other lane will be open to traffic at all times. The project
is expected to take a total of two days and cost a total of $47,000. Drivers
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are urged to proceed with caution and at reduced speeds when crossing the
bridge so as to keep workers out of harm’s way.
5/22
Safe Kids of Adams County will be donating ten car seats to Adams County
Ambulance and EMS today. The car seats will go in each of the ten ambulances
in Adams County so they can transport children. The last time the car seats
were replaced in Adams County ambulances was in 2002.
Just as many people start new home improvement projects, the CDC has
lowered the recommended limit for lead exposure in children. Hannibal painter,
John Roberts says if your house was built before 1978 and it has flaking paint,
there could be lead. As you sand and scrape before you paint, Roberts
recommends wearing a mask and contain the chips by laying down plastic.
Roberts says lead can be a real harm to children because they're more likely to
touch the peeling paint and put their hands in their mouths. The American
Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children have their blood lead
concentration measured at least once. You can also have your home tested by a
professional contractor.
Support for our veterans continues for this summer's Fishing for Freedom event.
A fundraiser held earlier this month called Quarter Madness raised $529 and
Tuesday, organizers presented a check to Fishing for Freedom representatives.
American Legion Post 37 donated another $500 to the cause. The program
pairs up wounded veterans with area volunteers for a day of fishing on the
Mississippi River. Fishing for Freedom is set for June 2 on the Quincy riverfront.
A major Hannibal road project is underway, soon Stardust Drive will be
connected to Highway 61. Crews are working on the extension of Stardust Drive
from Head Lane to Veterans Road. They're clearing trees out of the way now, to
prepare the area for a road. Soon, the city engineer says storm sewers will be
installed. Residents on Head Lane say they're looking forward to a shorter route
to the highway. The city engineer says the project should be completed by
December of this year.
It's the first week of summer for many students in the Tri-States, but that
doesn't mean you can speed up in school zones. Police are still writing tickets.
From lunch programs to summer classes, you never know when kids will be
walking around a school building. And police say you still need to slow down.
Berrian, Washington, Adams, Baldwin and Quincy Jr. High Schools all have
summer programs. That means the speed zones around those schools are still
in effect. And Quincy police say you need to watch more than just your speed.
"There's also talking on a cell phone while in a school zone, which is punishable
by a $120 fine, also there is passing a stopped school bus while children are
loading and unloading and the school bus has the stop arms out," Chris Mueller
with Quincy Police Dept, said. Police say it's always better to be safe than sorry.
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So, if you aren't sure if a school is in session this summer, slow down and get
off the phone.
After a meeting that lasted several hours Tuesday night there is still no decision
on whether the Hancock County ambulance service could be overseen by an
outside company. The board will take up the issue again in a special meeting on
June 13. If the county board gives its approval, the company called Advance
Medical Transport out of Peoria would be hired for 6 months to help the
ambulance district fix dozens of problems. But some worry it could turn into
much more than an advisory role, and they fear the standard of care would go
down if the ambulance service is privatized. It was a full house as the Hancock
County board debated whether to bring in an outside company to oversee its
ambulance district. Some discussions even got heated. Several issues, among
them problems with the standard of care being provided by the Hancock County
ambulance service, were brought to the attention of officials at Blessing
Hospital in January. Blessing currently oversees Hancock County's operation.
That led to a plan of corrections for the ambulance district and some board
members don't feel that's being properly addressed. Paramedics worry bringing
in Advance Medical Transport for six months under an advisory role would lead
to the company completely taking over the Hancock County ambulance service.
Is the sunscreen you put on your children safe to use? Many sunscreens were
found to have inadequate UV protection which while they meet American
standards, would not pass Europe's stricter sunscreen regulations. The safety of
some common chemicals is also being called into question. So what should you
look for when you choose a sunscreen? Doctor Lent Johnson says to look for an
SPF of at least 30, You also want to look for UVA and UV B protection, and take
a close look at the ingredients. Johnson says some sunscreens contain
chemicals that can cause irritation. Johnson says sunscreens aren't highly
regulated, but if you look closely, many good options are out there. “If you're
using a sunblock produced by a reputable manufacturer then I think you're
probably pretty safe," said Johnson. And no matter the sunscreen, you have to
use it correctly in order to be protected from the sun. The FDA is working on
new regulations for sunscreens so it's easier for you to know which sunscreen
truly offers the best sun protection. By December, companies will be required to
print right on the label exactly how effective the ingredients are.
Central Elementary School is hosting a summer lunch program for children ages
18 and younger that will run June 4 - August 3. Free meals will be available for
kids Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12-1 p.m. at 109 West School Street.
No reservations are necessary and there are no income restrictions. Children
simply need to show up to the school to receive their free lunch. Mentally or
physically disabled adults over the age of 18 who are enrolled in a stateapproved education program will also be eligible to eat at no cost. The lunch
program is sponsored by the Illinois Coalition for Community Services, funded
by the United States Department of Agriculture, and will be administered by the
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Illinois State Board of Education. For further information, contact Community
Organizer Scott Thompson at 217-522-2378
Slowly but surely, McDonough County's wind farm project is moving forward.
The Cardinal Point Wind Energy Project will eventually bring 116 new wind
turbines to the area, generating not only renewable energy, but new jobs and
increased revenue. Element Power officials updated the public today on the
project that's been in the works for nearly four years. And while actual
construction is still a ways away, county officials and landowners are still
eagerly waiting for turbines to be built. The project's been underway for nearly
two years after changing owners and today officials with Element Power updated
the public about the project's progress. "We've gone through most of the
development items in McDonough County. We have 116 turbine locations
permitted, ready to go for construction," said Scott Koziar, Senior Project
Manager. Officials say in addition to renewable power, the project will generate
an extra two million dollars in property tax revenue and bring more than 300
construction jobs to the area. “Looking at the school district, an increase of a
million dollars in revenue that first year as well as the construction jobs it
creates," Koziar said. And while there's not much to look at now, land owners
and county officials are patiently waiting to see what happens next.
5/23
The first bird and mosquito batches of the year have tested positive for West
Nile virus in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health said Tuesday that
the Chicago Department of Public Health collected a crow May 16 that tested
positive. State and DuPage County Health Department workers collected
positive mosquito samples on May 17. The mosquitoes were from Lemont and
Norridge in Cook County, and Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Lisle, Westmont and
Woodridge in DuPage County.
Illinois Public Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck says the positive samples are a
good reminder to be cautious heading into the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Last year the first West Nile virus positive results were two birds collected on
June 8 in LaSalle County.
Ameren hosted a public meeting Wednesday to let the public discuss and learn
plans for an upcoming transmission line for between Palmyra, Missouri and
Sugar Creek, Indiana. If approved, the project will cost around $1 billion, and 9
percent will be paid by Illinois Ameren Customers. Monthly bills for most
consumers will go up 35-50 cents a month, but officials say the improvements
to the network could ultimately save everyone money. Any possible routes will
be discussed in more detail during a second round of open houses in July. Leigh
Morris, Supervisor of Corporate Communication for Ameren, said the 345,000
volt line is estimated to be 330 miles long, although there are no proposed
specific routes at the time. On top of bringing local jobs to the area, Morris says
the line will provide an increased capacity for electricity will bring growth,
especially when companies are always in demand for electricity. The proposed
routes will be decided on at the final open house in September. They will then
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be submitted as a request for public need in November. A decision will be
issued regarding the proposed routes in July 2013. However, construction will
not begin until 2015 and the first segment will not be in service until 2016. The
entire project is expected to be completed in 2019.
The cost of cigarettes in Illinois could soon be going up by a dollar, but could
increase the tax help save health care in the state? Wednesday, Illinois' top
doctor, the Director of Public Health, was in Quincy encouraging the community
to support a dollar tax increase to help fund Medicaid and close a $2.7 billion
deficit. The dental clinic at the Adams County Health Department faces drastic
cuts as the state of Illinois looks to close the Medicaid deficit. Clinic Manager
Jarred Welch says the proposal to eliminate Medicaid coverage for adult dental
care, except for emergencies, would have a huge impact on the community. But
these drastic cuts could be avoided, or at least alleviated, if a one dollar
cigarette tax increase is approved. State Director of Public Health, Dr. LaMar
Hasbrouck, visited Quincy in support of the tax increase. Hasbrouck says the
alternative to the tax increase is widespread cuts that will impact everyone. He
says the entire Illinois Medicaid system is in danger. The cigarette tax increase
and Medicaid cuts are awaiting debate in the Illinois House and Senate this
week. The cigarette tax has widespread support in the health community, but
many republicans have spoken out against the plan.
The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police are
teaming up this weekend. "Click it or Ticket" is a nationwide campaign that is
enforced by local and state entities. Their plan is to add hundreds of safety belt
enforcement zones and increase their patrols over the holiday weekend.
Trooper Mike Kindhart, with the Illinois State Police, says they have one goal, to
save lives and make sure drivers aren't driving distracted.
Where do your teenagers hang out at night? There's a new effort in Quincy to
build a skate park in town so kids have a safe place to go. Johnson Park at 18th
and Harrison is the proposed site for the skate park. A local group of parents
called Adams County Skate Park NFP is proposing to raise the money to build it,
hoping their kids will have access to a safe place to skateboard. Skateboarding
is an activity some local teenagers do every day, but right now they don't have a
safe place to do it. There is no skate park in Quincy, and that forces kids to
skate on private property or city sidewalks. Adams County Skate Park NFP is a
group of parents raising all the money for the project. The skate park is
estimated to cost $100,000. The Park District proposed Johnson Park as the
location and asked the community to fill out surveys on if they support a skate
park here. The group has just begun their fundraising efforts. Their next event
is a cook out and car wash on June 2 at St James. The Quincy Park District plans
to vote on the location of the skate park at their meeting on June 13.
Rushville is beginning a new program to bring more technology into the
classroom, from the elementary schools all the way to the high school. In two
years every student and teacher in grades 5 to 12 will be getting a laptop.
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Wednesday, teachers spent the day learning how to use the technology most
effectively. For many teachers in Rushville, the iPads and laptops in their hands
right now are just a fun piece of technology, but by the end of the next school
year, school administrators are hoping they'll be a valuable tool that will
encourage students' interest in learning. While the laptops are a big investment,
teachers and administrators say they'll also help students develop critical
thinking skills that will get farther in life than just knowing facts and numbers.
The new computers and software will cost the district about $400,000 every
year. Plater says the district is able to afford that cost thanks to some careful
budgeting. The Rushville School District plans on partnering with Pearson
Publishing for the digital textbooks and training. The school board will have the
final vote on that partnership Wednesday night.
In many ways, it was the end of an era in Hannibal late last night. The final
World War II exclusive Great River Honor Flight rolled into town around 11:30
PM, after a one-day round trip to Washington D.C. Around 200 motorcycles, the
largest motorcade to date, escorted the veterans into town. When the veterans
arrived, they were greeted by hundreds of cheering friends and family. The
Honor Flight will continue flying World War II veterans to Washington, but the
next trip will include Korean Veterans as well.
Gas prices jumped 21 cents a gallon in some places Tuesday in Quincy. And
with Memorial Day weekend coming up, drivers are taking a closer look at their
travel plans. After several weeks of declining prices, most gas stations in Quincy
have switched their signs to read anywhere from $3.59 to $3.65 a gallon. In
Hannibal, gas is $3.42. Local drivers say it's frustrating to see prices go up
ahead of the holiday weekend. AAA projects 34.8 million Americans will travel
50 miles or more this weekend, an increase of 1.2 percent from last year.
Quincy's Union United Methodist Church returned Wednesday night from a
mission trip to Tornado-torn Joplin, Missouri. Volunteers with the group helped
rebuild houses and spirits and leaders with the mission say that the devastation
is still tremendous. “You know, while the amount that has been done is
impressive, there's still whole blocks that are just laid waste. Just emptiness.
You have no trouble telling where the storm track was," said Pastor Bob
Morwell. Morwell's group not only raised money to fund the trip, but also dug
into their own pockets to help restore buildings in Joplin.
No one was injured after a semi fire south of Palmyra Wednesday afternoon.
Traffic on U.S. 36 was slowed for nearly four hours near the intersection at
Highway H. Emergency crews on scene say the semi rear ended a pick-up truck
and the front of the semi caught fire. The semi driver pulled off the
road and reported seeing several explosions. No one was injured.
5/24
For the American Red Cross, summer is met by a decline in blood donations as
families fill their schedules with vacations. The American Red Cross is
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partnering with Blessing Hospital to host the 7th Annual Quincy 12 Hours of
Giving Blood Drive underway today. "The Quincy 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive
is a vital opportunity to help ensure that patients have the blood they need this
summer," said Pam Shaffer, executive director of the Adams, Brown, and Pike
County American Red Cross. Since 2006, the summer blood drive has collected
977 pints of blood. All donors will receive a Red Cross water bottle, food, and
will be entered to win door prizes, including store and restaurant gift cards. All
blood types are needed and identification is required at check-in.
Not flash mob but cash mob. It is a creative way the Historic Quincy Business
District hopes to draw customers downtown. Thursday afternoon was the first
cash mob in Quincy, at Ice Scream. The mission is to pump money into the local
economy by naming one business as a destination. And it worked, in the first 20
minutes of the cash mob, 27 people bought ice cream. Officials say you can
look forward to more cash mobs in the future. "We're actually going to make
this a monthly deal, we'll do at least 12 a year we'll probably throw a couple
special ones in around the holidays and try to do about 15 cash mobs a year,"
said Travis Brown with the Historic Quincy Business District. The next cash mob
will be June 14 at "Everything and the Kitchen Sink"
The Quincy Public School Board will soon begin the search for a new
superintendent after Lonny Lemon resigned at Wednesday night's meeting.
Lonny Lemon is taking a superintendent job north of Chicago at a K-8 district
near Libertyville. Lemon says he plans to leave Quincy sometime mid-June and
will start his new job July 1st. Lemon says during he's proud of what was
accomplished in Quincy during his tenure as superintendent, despite
challenging financial times. QPS School Board President Bill Daniels says the
board will begin a search for a new superintendent as soon as possible. But
because of the timing of Lemon's decision, the district will also look at the
possibility of going with a temporary superintendent for up to 100 days.
Many people are taking off this weekend for their first long road trip of the
summer, but is your car ready for the drive? AAA estimates an increase in
travelers this weekend with a predicted 35 million Americans hitting the road. If
your Memorial Day plans have you traveling, experts say to make sure to check
over your car thoroughly first. Mark Holtmeyer, Owner of Spring Street
Automotive, says to check your oil, transmission fluid, and tires. With
temperatures expected to hit the 90's this weekend, you should also make sure
your air conditioner and battery are running efficiently. Holtmeyer also says that
drivers should keep a gallon of water in their vehicles. If your car would spring a
small leak in its cooling system, you can add water which will help until you can
get your car somewhere to be repaired. Since the weather will be so hot this
weekend drivers should also keep drinking water in their cars.
Multiple fire crews are on the scene of a quick spreading barn fire east of
Quincy. Fire crews were called just before 2 p.m. to a barn a half-mile east of
Burton on old State Street. One barn has already burnt to the ground, but the
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fire has spread to another barn full of hay. Tri-Township, Fall Creek, and Payson
Fire Departments are fighting the flames, but are having difficulty getting water
to the scene.
If you like your ball park hot dogs now you don't have to go to a baseball game
to enjoy one. AJ's Dawgs is a new restaurant that opened up today in downtown
Quincy. Whether you like Italian sausages, brats, or the classic Chicago style hot
dog AJ's has those and more. Customers were lined up today for their chance to
try the newest downtown addition. AJ's Dawgs is located at 6th and Hampshire.
They are open Monday through Saturday, with extended hours on Friday and
Saturday.
With temperatures forecasted to get into the 90's, a heat wave has already
started to impact the tri-states. While there isn't a universal definition for a heat
wave, it is generally considered to be three or more days of excessively hot
weather that can come with humidity. When the weather gets this hot, it's not
only uncomfortable, but also dangerous. You need to drink plenty of water even
if you aren't thirsty. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Another important tip is to put on plenty of sunscreen, especially if you're going
to be in the sun for a long time, like golfers. If you think you have gotten too
hot and feel dizzy or weak, you'll need to get out of the heat quickly and rest in
a building that is air-conditioned. But if you can't get inside find a cool, shady
place to rest in. Also, do not drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks because they
can make heat exhaustion worse. When taking part in any outdoor activities it's
a good idea to take frequent breaks. Drink water every 15-20 minutes.
A new bill creating harsher penalties for illegally parking in a handicap zone is
on its way for final approval. The legislation would increase the fines, hoping to
stop the widespread abuse by able bodied drivers. If you're using a handicap
placard and you or your passengers don't need it, you're parked illegally. Illinois
lawmakers want to increase the fines for that from $500 to $600. "I think
sometimes, depending on the weather, people might possibly want to get closer
to the stores. If it's a rainy day or snowy day, that could be a reason," said
Quincy Police Officer Kelley Vandermaiden.
Vandermaiden says while local law enforcement officers don't encounter drivers
illegally parking in handicap spots very often, even sometimes is too much.
Vandermaiden says the rules for legally parking in a handicap parking spot are
simple, but some of the details may catch drivers by surprise. "If someone has a
handicap placard and they are driving, they are allowed to use that spot. If
you're driving someone else and they have a placard and that person is going in
as well, you can use the spot. But, if you're driving someone and they're staying
in the car, you need to park in a regular parking space," explained
Vandermaiden. Governor Quinn still needs to sign off on the bill. If he does that,
the bill will go into effect January 1, 2014.
A group of Quincy Junior High students went back to school today...for a special
living history lesson, from a Holocaust survivor... Edward Heisler was a prisoner
in Auschwitz Concentration camp during World War Two. The 82-year-old spoke
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to nearly one hundred students, parents, and teachers who came to listen to his
story... and it's one he was a bit hesitant to tell. "My wife kind of kept pestering
me that I should go out and tell people what happened because surprising to
me a lot of people never heard of it," said Heisler. Heisler adds, "There was
actually some terror for me in it, to be able to come out and speak about it.
Because it was 35 years before I told anybody. My children didn't know." Heisler
was held captive for over a year and students who attended the presentation
today say listening to Heisler was more powerful than any text book and were
grateful for the opportunity.
Students from Haskell Indian Nation University are in the middle of a two month
journey to Washington D.C. Today their walk brought them through Quincy. The
primarily on-foot trek is being called the Trail of Broken Promises. Students and
cultural activists involved are protesting in an effort to save the Wakarusa
Wetlands, Kansas' only remaining indigenous wetland prairie, from becoming
the South Lawrence Trafficway. The activists say the grounds in question are
sacred and shouldn't be touched. "We decided that the best way that we have
been learning in our classes to see change is through policy making, and that's
why we are carrying a draft piece of legislation with us," said Millicent Pepion.
Upon arrival in Washington D.C. the students will address congress and ask for
the construction to be stopped. They also plan on visiting the White House to
ask President Obama for an apology.
As we head into a heat wave, health officials have a warning for parents. Don't
leave your kids in the car, even for a minute. The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration estimates more than 50 kids died last year from
overheating in a car. There have already been several deaths this year due to
parents forgetting their child in a hot car, one in Missouri just a few weeks ago.
Health officials say if a child were left in a car when the temperature outside is
90 degrees the situation would become dangerous in just a matter of minutes.
Health officials say the younger the child, the greater the danger. As soon as
their body temperature reaches 105 degrees organ failure sets in. Health
officials say often kids will fall asleep in the car and parents simply forget
they're there. But there are some things you can do to prevent that from
happening. Put something in the back seat you know you'll need when you
reach your destination.
5/25
A Quincy man faces up to 120 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal
child pornography charges. Jonathan Cashion, 20, was arrested in February
after the FBI searched his home on Madison Street. Authorities say he took
photos and videos depicting sexual acts with children and posted them online.
Cashion is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 10.
Many people in the Tri-States are heading out of town for their Memorial Day
weekend destination but watch out, police in the Tri-States are stepping up
enforcement and extra troopers will be out. Last year, over the Memorial Day
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holiday weekend, the state of Missouri had more than 1,000 traffic crashes
resulting in four people dying. Troopers say they're looking for what they call
the four fatal violations: not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, distracted driving,
and driving under the influence.
"We would ask that you make sure before this time begins that you're
designating a sober driver before that activity ever starts, because once that
activity starts, we get a lot of mentality that I'm only buzzed, I'm not drunk, I'm
still able to drive, and we know that buzzed driving is drunk driving and that's a
recipe for disaster," said Illinois State Police Trooper Mike Kindhart. If you
experience car trouble while driving, troopers say to get off the road as much as
you can, turn on your hazard lights and call *55.
The Illinois Veterans Home at Quincy will conduct its annual Memorial Day
Program today at 10:30 a.m. on the front lawn of Kent Infirmary on the grounds
of the Illinois Veterans Home. Command Sergeant Major Howard O. Robinson
Jr., of the Illinois Army National Guard, will deliver the keynote address. The
program will include a Roll Call of the Dead, a wreath laying in memory of all
veterans of all wars, and a rifle salute and taps ceremony. Dan and Karen
Brownlee will provide musical entertainment. The general public is invited to
attend the program. Seating is available but limited; the public is encouraged to
bring lawn chairs. Following the ceremony, the Home will host a family picnic
for the 432 residents of the Home and their families. Several hundred family
members are expected to attend.
Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield comments to WGEM on
the lawsuits filed against President Obama's birth control legislation. Bishop
Paprocki says the legislation infringes on the right of people to practice religion
without government interference and the diocese is exercising its rights under
the first amendment. The Obama administration mandate that most employers
provide coverage for birth control in their insurance is drawing opposition from
catholic dioceses across the country. The two Illinois diocese and Catholic
Charity groups across the state filed lawsuits in federal court in Chicago.
"Unfortunately a lot of people are viewing this as an issue about contraception it
really is not. That happens to be the requirement of the mandate but what is
really at stake here is the government can order you to do anything so if they
can order us to do contraception they can order us to do abortion they can
order us to do a lot of things contrary to our teaching," said Bishop Paprocki.
Bishop Paprocki says the church has also been working the White House to
change the legislation, but he says so far they have made little progress.
Hannibal police are investigating a shooting, but say the victim isn't
cooperating. Authorities responded to calls of shots fired in the 400 block of
Richmond just before 10 p.m. Thursday. Police say unknown suspects fired
shots at 27-year-old Vanell Williams, of St. Louis, as he left a house and walked
to his car. Williams was reportedly taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital by family
members and was treated for minor gunshot wound to his leg. Police
say Williams refuses to cooperate with investigators, but the incident remains
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under investigation. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked
to call the Hannibal Police Department at (573)221-0987.
Hannibal Wal-Mart employees went to new heights Friday to raise money for a
good cause. Workers set out to raise $2,000 for the Children's Miracle Network
and the store's manager Joshua Parson camped out on the roof until the goal
was raised. As part of the fundraiser, employees were also selling hotdogs
today while clowns and the Palmyra Fire Department greeted customers. "We're
in the middle of a 6-week campaign for Children's Miracle Network and we
wanted to do something big to raise a lot of money to help the kids who are in
the hospital," Parson said.
Miss Hannibal also participated in the fundraising event, by strapping herself to
a pole in front of the store until the goal was raised.
The Illinois House has agreed to raise tobacco taxes as part of a plan to
strengthen the state Medicaid program. The tax increase passed 60-52 Friday. It
now goes to the Senate, which has backed similar increases in the past. It more
than doubles the tax on cigarettes, to $1.98 a pack. Other tobacco products
would see a similar tax increase. It also would create a special tax on hospitals
that would then be matched by the federal government and returned to the
state. In all, it's supposed to raise $800 million a year for the Medicaid program.
Officials yesterday approved deep Medicaid cuts. The taxes and cuts are
supposed to close a $2.7 billion hole in the Medicaid budget.
There's another kind of adventure waiting at Hannibal's Mark Twain Cave over
Memorial Day weekend; a special kind of cheese aged right in the cave.
Heartland Creamery is partnering with the cave to sell the cheese at the Mark
Twain Cave gift shop. "This is a great, great setup for us to get back to the
roots of how things were done and just to utilize some of the creative side of
cheese making," Paul Mitchell, Cheese Production Manager, said. Each batch is
aged for 6-10 weeks in a metal container inside the caverns. "The perfect
temperature in this cave at 52 degrees is perfect for the cheese to age and
maintain its life and vitality as far as fermentation process with the cheese,"
Mitchell said. The first batch of the cave-aged cheese is all cheddar, but
Heartland Creamery is looking at expanding to other kinds of cheeses as well.
Millions of Americans are getting ready for a holiday weekend. Some are
heading out of town, while others have to stay home. And for those who are
traveling, the price of gas is affecting how far they go. Gas in West Quincy is
$3.49 a gallon. This time last year it was about 30 cents higher, at $3.83. But
many families say it's still too expensive. A trip to the St Louis zoo would make
the Lear family very happy, but for the Lears and other tri-state families, that's
just too pricey for their budget. Gas prices are a big part of it. The Lears will be
spending Memorial Day weekend at home instead. "We're just going to have a
barbecue and just kind of make it family time instead of heading to St Louis,"
said Lear. Others are still able to go out of town for the long weekend, but
they're cutting back on how far they travel. According to AAA, while there are
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more people traveling this Memorial Day weekend, the overall distance traveled
is expected to be 150 miles less than last year. To keep everyone safe police
will be out in full force. If you are heading out of town and you have car trouble,
troopers say to get off the road as much as you can, turn on your hazard lights
and call *55.
Local shops in Hannibal are feeling particularly optimistic about the tourism
season, because the flood gates never went in. During the spring and early
summer, the snowmelt and spring showers typically cause the Mississippi River
to swell out of its banks. "We'll get maybe 6-9 phone calls in a day from groups
canceling entire group tours and that's very painful," Cindy Lovell, Executive
Director for the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, said. While downtown
Hannibal is protected against the rising water thanks to the floodwall, local
businesses say they see a dip in customers whenever there's even rumors about
flooding along the Mississippi. Already this spring, local businesses say they've
seen more visitors than usual in Hannibal, with many of those visitors coming
from just a few hours away.
Another reason downtown businesses are feeling optimistic about this year's
tourism season is because they've brought back the Twain on Main festival.
Gas, tires and maps are just some of the things you'll double check before you
hit the road over Memorial Day weekend. But what if you're taking the boat out
this holiday weekend? There's a different inspection checklist you need follow
before revving up the engine, especially with more law enforcement on the
water. One of the first things you need to do is make sure there is a life vest for
every passenger, but that's not all you need to check to ensure your safety this
weekend. Jim Schoch owns J&J Marine on Quincy's riverfront. "One important
thing that people don't think about until they need them is your running lights,
if they get caught out after dark the lights need to be working," Schoch said.
Besides running lights, Schoch says you must have a fire extinguisher, a throw
cushion with a rope attached and an anchor and a workable horn or whistle.
Another added concern for boaters this weekend are the river levels. Levels are
especially low this weekend, meaning boaters need to be extra careful.
"Knowing where wing dams are is a big part of it, a lot of them are exposed, but
at the same time you may not be able to see some of them," said Park
Ranger Brent Groesch. As a reminder, if you plan on having an alcoholic
beverage while on the river this weekend the law is still the same with a .08
limit for drivers. For more lessons in safety, the Quincy Boat club is putting on a
free boating safety class on June 9 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
5/28
Monday, the Quincy Park Band held its annual Memorial Day Concert, but due to
the threat of rain, the concert was held inside the Kroc Center. There was a full
house for the free concert, which featured an array of patriotic music. Many of
the concert-goers say they look forward to the event every year. "I think it's just
a nice thing to for the service people, and I just think it's just nice," said Jane
Ippensen, who regularly attends Quincy Park Band concerts with her husband.
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"We enjoy it." If you missed Monday's concert, you can still catch the Quincy
Park Band on Wednesday evenings during June and July at Madison Park in
Quincy.
Beneath the billowing stars and stripes, the community of Barry gathered to
honor those who have served our country. There are more than 500 flags lining
the streets of Barry this Memorial Day and filling the town's cemetery. Each flag
bears the name of a local military member. Whether they were killed in action or
passed away during peaceful times, whether they fought in the civil war or
recent battles, the flags pay tribute to every local soldier. But, unfortunately,
many are no longer flying as strong as they once were. "They get worn out,"
said Caitlin Lee, a 16-year old from Barry. "So, we came up with the idea to get
wristbands made like this that say Freedom Isn't Free." Caitlin was inspired by
the two flags bearing her grandfathers' names, so she took it upon herself to
raise the funds to repair or replace the aging flags. "People have been extremely
generous," she remarked. Thus far, Caitlin has raise more than $1,600 from
selling the wristbands, but she says that's a small amount compared to what
military members give every day. "Their sacrifice has been really great and you
can't ever repay them for that," said Caitlin. But, Caitlin and many others in the
Barry community know you can strive to honor them
Quincy firefighters responded to a large dumpster fire at Quincy Recycle a
Monday morning. The dumpster was full of Friday's trash. Firefighters say there
was a lot of electrical equipment around, and anything from a cigarette butt to a
short in a wire could have caused the fire. One challenge firefighters faced was
the dumpster being a closed container with only a small opening in the back.
"With all the surface area in the trash, all the small pieces, it's difficult to get
water on everything. Once we get it on the ground we can use pike poles and
spread it out and we'll be able to put water on actually what's burning," says Lt.
Jason Steinkamp. There were no injuries. The only damage was to the dumpster
and trash compactor.
Volunteers are honoring fallen soldiers on Memorial Day with an impressive
sight. Monday morning Macomb volunteers placed 782 flags throughout
Chandler Park, representing each veteran from McDonough County who has
died. The flags go up five times a year during different holidays to honor area
veterans. And while the numbers of flags increases from year to year, so do the
volunteers who help make the impressive scene possible. For many of the
volunteers, the task has become a tradition and their own special way to say
thank you for their veteran's service. Monday morning, all 782 flags were placed
in just over twenty minutes. The flags will remain in Chandler Park until 6 p.m.
Monday.
Drivers we spoke with Monday said traveling has been easy with not much more
traffic on the roads than a typical day. "No traffic jams, no congestion, people
driving safely. Just the right amount of cars. It was great," said Sue Meller.
"Roads have been pretty good. I haven't seen any accidents. I came from Granite
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City, Illinois," said John Blomme. Travelers like Blomme say heading home after
the long weekend has been fairly easy. "It seems like everyone is paying
attention so hopefully we'll have a safe holiday," said Blomme. Blomme says he's
noticed lots of police out on area roadways, keeping an eye on drivers. "I've
seen a lot of patrol out, just sitting on the side of the road. They had a couple
people pulled over, but it's been pretty quiet, pretty smooth. Not a lot of people
passing," said Blomme. All available Missouri State Troopers are on duty,
making sure everyone makes it home safely. "On the way home it's just as
important to get to our home safely," said Trooper Brent Bernhardt. Travelers
say the only problem is that the long holiday weekend is nearly over, and it's
back to work Tuesday. "I'm kind of sad that it's over. My husband is ready to get
back to work but it's been great," said Meller.
It was a very special Memorial Day homecoming for a father and son. Senior
Master Sergeant Jeff Hamby is retiring from the Air Force Reserves after 24
years of service and decided to surprise his 9 year old son, Austin before his
baseball game tonight in Rushville. Hamby had been stationed near the Kuwait
border and is glad to finally be reunited with his family. "I've been serving the
greatest country in the world, it was a real honor, but there's nothing like
coming back home to your family after that long away from them and that's my
special little guy in the whole world. I don't know, I'm overwhelmed," says Senior
Master Sgt. Jeff Hamby. Hamby said he chose to surprise Austin at his baseball
game because he is really interested in the sport right now.
It's been a tradition for 115 years at a local church, the annual Memorial Day
Strawberry Festival. Volunteers at Ellington Presbyterian Church in Quincy spent
the day stemming, cutting and mashing thousands of strawberries. All the
strawberries are used to make different desserts for the fundraiser at the
church. They serve everything from strawberry shortcake to strawberry sundaes.
"It is an absolute tradition. We have multiple generations working every year
and people from the church just grow up with the strawberry festival and it is a
real Quincy tradition and a great way for people to come enjoy our little country
church and enjoy some hospitality and great food," said volunteer, Debbie Reed.
The money raised goes towards church activities and missions.
If you and your family spent any time outdoors this holiday weekend, you know
the warm weather has brought out a lot of bugs. To save money, the city of
Quincy no longer sprays for bugs on a regular basis. The city of Quincy sprays
for bugs on a complaint driven basis only. Families we spoke with say they're
loading up on bug spray to avoid getting bitten. To save money, the machine
the city of Quincy uses to spray neighborhoods sits idle at Central Services,
unless there's a complaint. "People call in or an alderman contacts us regarding
their district or ward at a specific area, we follow up on that by going out and
spraying," said interim director of Central Services for the city of Quincy, Marty
Stegeman. City officials say the bug spraying program has been complaint
driven for several years, as the cost of chemicals skyrockets. "The chemicals
range, depending on the chemicals we use anywhere from roughly $9,000 to
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above $30,000," said Stegeman. If you want to contact the city about bug
problems in your neighborhood you can call Quincy Central Services at (217)
228-4520.
5/29
Our recent dry spell is causing some local water districts to run low on water.
Officials are now asking everyone living in rural Marion County to not fill
swimming pools, not water yards, and cut back on doing laundry. This is the
first time in several years that Marion County PWSD has issued a water
conservation request, and they hope everyone takes it seriously. It is so dry
right now in Marion County that water towers are being pushed to their limit.
Officials with the Marion County Public Water Supply District said the dry
conditions are exactly why conservation is necessary. Too many people are
using more water than usual. "What is happening is a lot of people are watering
yards and watering their gardens, which everyone wants a pretty garden at this
time of year," said Marion County Public Water Supply District Manager David
Carroll. The water levels in the district are so low, pumps are struggling to get
water where it's needed. "We're running low on water pressure. We're pumping
about as fast as we can but we seem to have a hard time keeping up," said
Carroll. Marion County isn't the only water district facing conservation issues
right now. The Hicory Kurtan co-op in Rushville is also asking everyone to try
and conserve. Both water districts are asking everyone to conserve water until
further notice.
Fire crews are on the scene of a dual house fire in Hannibal. Crews responded
to 1805 Chestnut Street around 9:15 Tuesday morning. The fire then spread to
1803 Chestnut. Fire crews reportedly now have the fire under control, but
continue to put out hot spots. One person was taken to the hospital for stitches.
No word yet on what started the fire. WGEM has crew on scene and will bring
you the latest details as they develop.
Music and dancing could be seen throughout Washington Park as the elite team
from Center Stage music kicked off the Quincy Farmer's market this Tuesday
morning. Shoppers stopped to watch as the performers showcase everything
from disco and country to rap and ballet. The elite team is traveling to Las
Vegas, Nevada next month. Center Stage owner and instructor Chenille
Saunders says this was great practice before their big day. Center Stage has
been open for almost two years and offers instruction in voice, piano, guitar,
violin, acting, improv and more.
Check your mail box, property tax bills arrive Tuesday for most people living in
Adams County. County Treasurer Terry Asher says many people may find their
bill is actually slightly lower than last year. "The counties, the rates went down.
A lot of the county districts tried to hold the line and some of them the rates
went down," said Asher. The bills are reformatted slightly this year, and Asher
says the bills should be easier to understand. Your Tax dollars are due in two
installments, on July 1st and September 1st. Since those dates fall on the
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weekend, you'll either have to pay in person the day before, or make sure it's
postmarked by the due date.
Canton police have reopened White Street after an incident involving a man with
a gun. Canton Police Chief Hayes Shelley the suicidal subject is now in custody
and has been taken to the hospital. No names are being released at this time.
Shelley says a woman called 9-1-1 after escaping the house at 1207 White
Street. Police say after about an hour standoff, officers were able to make
contact with the man outside. He then went back into the house so police had
to enter the house to subdue him. There was no one else in the house when
police entered. Police are not releasing information on whether or not there are
any injuries. Canton police and the Missouri Highway Patrol shut down White
Street from North 12th to North 14th for about two hours. The investigation
into the incident continues.
New charges have been filed against a Quincy woman who was arrested in
connection with the fatal shooting of her husband on Sunday. Adams County
State's Attorney Jon Barnard says 28-year-old Bethany Coyle is now charged with
Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, a Class 4 felony. Her preliminary hearing is
scheduled for June 12. Her husband, Wallace Coyle, 37, was found dead of an
apparent gunshot wound in his home at 1313 Spruce around 3:30 a.m.
Sunday. Investigators say the results of the autopsy confirm that Wallace turned
the gun on himself and suffered a fatal self-inflicted gunshot to the
head. Quincy police say Bethany Coyle grabbed a handgun during a domestic
dispute and fired one round that struck a wall. Police say after a struggle,
Wallace Coyle gained control of the gun and shot himself in the head. Police say
the investigation continues.
A Hancock County doctor has been sentenced to 90 days in jail and two year’s
probation for sexually abusing a child. Dennis Coventon, 60, was convicted of
criminal sexual abuse by a Hancock County judge after a stipulated bench trial.
The judge says evidence showed Coventon inappropriately touched a young
girl.
If you see an emergency vehicle's flashing lights that may soon be enough for
you to put down your cell phone while driving in Illinois. A bill on Governor
Quinn's desk restricts the use of a hand held cell phone for drivers within 500
feet of an accident scene when emergency vehicle's lights are flashing. It also
bans sending picture and video messages. First responders say it would keep
the scene safer. The bill would still allow for cell phone use when reporting an
emergency.
The search is on to find a new superintendent for the Keokuk School District.
And the community got a chance to voice their opinions about what they want
out of the future leader of their children's school district. Ray and Associates,
the company searching for a new superintendent, held two public forums
Tuesday to help make a profile of the superintendent they can search for. And
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both school officials and parents say they're expecting a lot out of the next
leader of the school district. It didn't take long for parents like Garry Seib and
others to come up with a laundry list of things. Qualities like leadership and
accountability, while tackling issues like the budget, open enrollment, and No
Child Left Behind. School board officials say they share many of the same
concerns being echoed by parents. And the more opinions they hear, school
officials say the better decision they can make. If you missed both meetings,
you have until Wednesday to fill out an online survey that can be found on the
school district's website.
Now, while you may be excited about your upcoming vacation you might want
to be careful how and who you tell about your getaway. June is Home Safety
Month because more houses will be empty this summer while owners are on
vacations. Police say burglaries spike in the summer...and homeowners often
unknowingly bait intruders by what they post on social media sites. “That you're
going to be out of town or how long you're going to be out of town or where
you are going to be because that just makes an easy target," says Officer Peter
Hummel. But, Quincy Police say there are some things you can do to reduce
your odds of becoming a victim. “A good suggestion is to contact a neighbor,
friend, relative, and have them stop by every day or two," says Officer Hummel.
Officials also say you should leave a few lights on in the house, lock all doors,
set your alarm system, and make sure your newspapers don't pile up. "You have
that sense of blind comfort, thinking 'oh we're not in a big city,' but it happens,"
says Biggs.
A new oil pipeline running through Missouri is expected to bring Marion County
$611,649 in new revenue. The Flanagan Pipeline will cut across the Northwest
corner of Marion County, and the company who installs and maintains the
pipeline will be required to pay land usage taxes. School districts in Marion
County will receive the largest chunk of the tax revenue, but some of the money
will be used for things like maintaining roads or replacing county vehicles. "The
other thing is we've got a lot of small bridges in the county that we're
responsible for and we haven't been able to replace many of those in the last
four years and we certainly want to do that in the future," said Marion County
Commissioner Bob Heiser. Construction on the Flanagan Pipeline is expected to
start sometime within the next year.
Many families say it's too expensive to take a vacation and they're turning to
state parks for an affordable getaway. But Governor Quinn has recently
threatened to close a number of state parks because of Illinois' budget crisis,
and even those still open, are in dire need of upkeep and staffing. Illinois
Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller says the agency has a
budget of 49 million but needs 80 million to operate. To make up for Medicaid
spending and a deficit in the state's pension system Governor Quinn has
suggested closing a number of parks. Legislators have also proposed ways to
bring in more revenue for state parks, including a number of new fees and
increases to current ones, such as hiking the cost of your vehicle's license and
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registration fee by $2. Measures to fund the state parks could be voted on by
state lawmakers before they're scheduled to adjourn at midnight on Thursday.
Reports say the unemployment rate is decreasing, but local food pantries say
the need for food is going up. Officials with the Quincy Salvation Army Food
Pantry say that they can't imagine how bare their shelves would be without the
Central Illinois Food Bank. Once a month, a truck from the food bank in
Springfield travels to Quincy to deliver food to the Salvation Army food pantry,
as well as about 7 other pantries in Adams County. Last year, the Central Illinois
Food bank distributed over 8-million pounds of food to Central Illinois food
pantries and soup kitchens. The Salvation Army purchases the food for just 19
cents per pound plus a small delivery charge. Officials with the food bank say
that with the high demand right now, they're moving a lot of food in a short
amount of time. The Central Illinois Food bank gets the food from national
donations, federal commodities, plus local and regional donations. Elizabeth
Flynn with the Quincy Salvation Army says with the high demand right now,
they're moving about 700,000 pounds of food every three to four weeks. "It's 19
cents a pound and then the truck delivers once a month and there's a small
delivery charge, so it's a wonderful thing. I would hate to think the kind of
condition that our pantry would be in without access to the food bank," said
Flynn.
5/30
The Historic Quincy Business District has been chosen as the site for the 2012
Illinois main street state conference. This September more than 250 people
from across the state will gather here to learn more about how to develop
downtown communities and encourage small business. "It's a really big boost
not just for our hotels and restaurants but these are people that are doing what
we do in our community, back home in their community," said HQBD Executive
Director Travis Brown. Officials hope hosting the conference will also help
inspire new ideas for developing Downtown Quincy.
Beginning at 7:00 AM on May 30, 2012 and through the completion of the
project, North 17th Street between Broadway and Spring St. will be closed to
traffic. Crews are installing a new water service to the area. No word yet on how
long the closure is expected to last.
Farmers in the Tri-States were able to plant early and crops were developing
but, now they've hit a bump in the road...not enough rain. Corn plants are
starting to wilt, and experts say no rain would be detrimental to the corn crop.
Experts say the biggest concern now is the soybean crop. Either farmers planted
their soybeans late in dry fields, or if they planted early, the lack of moisture is
forcing them to re-plant. Some farmers haven't planted soybeans at all yet. They
are waiting to see if rain will come. Wheat harvest is going to be about 2 to 3
weeks early this year, and some farmers might even wait until after their wheat
is harvested to plant soybeans. Many farmers were concerned insects would be
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a big problem this year because of the mild weather. Good news though, other
than spraying for cut worm in some areas, insects haven't been a big issue.
The United Way of Adams County announced plans Wednesday morning to
reinvest $1,304,000 in the community this coming year. The money will be
invested into three different areas: education, income, and health. United Way
felt these three were the building blocks for a good quality of life. The
education investment consists of $340,700 and has program outcomes of
character development, academic success, physical and mental fitness, and
community service leadership. The income investment includes $258,512 and is
intended to promote access to education and supportive service, dept reduction
and savings, and financial assistance and training. The health investment gives
$248,738 in support of healthcare, parenting and life skills education, safety
and security, and civic involvement. 38 local volunteers spent over 1,530 hours
determining how best to address the community's needs through
reinvestments. The total funds for this coming year were increased by 3
percent and will benefit a total of 32 local programs. "There's a wide variety
here, I mean we had the Salvation Army. Cornerstone, Transitions. So it's a wide
variety in the community and there's too many to mention at once to give the
credit to," said Resource Investment Process chairman Rick Halter. This was the
second year in a row that United Way was able to increase their community
investments.
A large cemetery in Hannibal is dealing with an ongoing theft issue. Could your
loved one's grave be the target of thieves? Brass vases are being stolen right off
of graves to be sold for scrap, and so far hundreds of graves have been
targeted. The problem is that these vases are easily removed and can be sold
for scrap metal, making the graves an easy target for thieves. The bronze flower
vases have been stolen off grave markers all over the cemetery. "Well over 100.
Maybe 200, 300," said funeral director Doug Hosmer. Some of the stolen vases
turned up recently at a local scrap yard. A suspect was arrested, but many more
people may also be involved. As a result, staff have begun gluing down the
vases in hopes of stopping the thefts. "We've only been gluing them for only a
month and a half, we're not sure how good of a fix it is," Hosmer said.
Meanwhile, Hudleson had a message for the thieves. "The people that have
done this, think about your relatives," challenged Hudleson. "Would you want
them torn out like that?" A deer cam was also just added to hopefully catch
those responsible and deter this from happening in the future. Police encourage
anyone with information on the cemetery thefts to contact them immediately
The Historic Quincy Business District is about to get a boost of color! The Adopt
A Pot Program will bring new life to the downtown planters this year... but with
your help. The program encourages residents of Quincy to get involved in
beautifying the downtown historic district. Anyone can adopt a pot and are
encouraged to be creative in designing their planter. "Take over a planter and
care for that planter, you know, water it, weed it," says Travis Brown, Executive
Director of the Historic Quincy Business District. Each planter will cost 20
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dollars and will have a plaque that displays your business name, group or family
name. Planters will be placed throughout the downtown area on Maine and
Hampshire Streets. If you want to Adopt a Pot, call The Historic Quincy Business
District.
The donations keep pouring in to support our local veterans. The American
Legion Auxiliary in Hannibal presented Great River Honor Flight Board ViceChairman, Neil Maune, with a check for $500 to help support future flights. The
money came from a bingo tournament the auxiliary hosted. The Emmett Shields
American Legion Post has been a supporter of Great River Honor Flight since its
start on Veterans Day 2009.
A Plainville family has recently been plagued by health problems and medical
bills are piling up. This weekend St. Brigid's church in Liberty is hosting a
fundraiser to help them out. Tony Huber has been unable to work for a year
because of seizures and diabetes, and his wife Jesica has had to stay home to
care for him. The couple has two sons, one who has autism. This weekend, a
benefit will be held in Liberty with all proceeds going to the Huber family. The
live auction will also feature tickets to a Cubs-Cardinals game. The benefit for
the Huber family will be held on Sunday, June 3 from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
A local soldier serving in Afghanistan recently received an award from the
President of Poland. Rushville native Major Eric Davis received the Officer's
Cross of the Order of Merit. While in Afghanistan, Major Davis was the deputy
commander of the Polish Land Forces' Task Force Bravo. Davis and his son
Specialist Kyle Davis, serve with the Illinois Army National Guard's 33rd Infantry
Brigade.
If you want to take your pet on a vacation this summer, veterinarians say there
are some things you should do to make the experience better for you and your
pet. First of all, veterinarians recommend having a microchip installed in your
pet in case it gets lost. Microchips typically cost between $20-$30. You should
also bring your pet's medical records with you when you travel, and be careful
about letting your dog’s mingle at rest stops. "Flu is a big thing in dogs,"
explained Dr. Bob Reich with the Animal Medical Clinic in Quincy. "It's a summer
disease in dogs rather than a winter disease in people and so you've got to be
careful of where you co-mingle your pets and where you walk your pets. That's
why you should bring your own bowls and your own food and your own water."
Reich says while traveling with your pets might seem like a lot of fun, most of
the time it's less stressful for you and your pets if you board your pets while
you're gone or if you have someone else take care of them.
Even more money is going back into the community, but in the form of
housing. The Two Rivers Regional Council received a $1.9 million grant to
rehabilitate run down homes. Two properties have already been redone and are
available to first time home buyers who have an annual income under $70,000.
Officials say this program will help restore the overall look of neighborhoods in
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Quincy. The homes are located at 1009 Lind and 622 North 7th street. If you are
interested in looking at the properties you can contact any realtor in town.
After tabling several proposals last week due to uncertain funding from the
state, the Quincy City Council voted this week to move forward with several
purchases. Tuesday night, the Quincy City Council approved the purchase of a
new database. The new software will integrate records from multiple city
departments into one digital database. The city will purchase the new software
for approximately $40,000. Currently, records for most departments are kept in
a paper-file format, and city officials say the system is inefficient and the
database will be a big improvement. Once the new software is in place, city
departments will be able to upload records-- including inspections and work
permits-- into one central database.
Investigators are looking into the cause of a basement fire in a warehouse
building in Hannibal. Crews responded shortly after 8 p.m. today to 400 S. 11th
Street. Firefighters put out a small fire in the basement of a two-story, brick
warehouse building. Firefighters say the fire caused minimal damage and was
extinguished within two minutes of making entry. The property was unoccupied
at the time and no injuries were reported. Hannibal Police Department and
Marion County Ambulance assisted on scene.
A shortage of some prescription drugs or just the cost of medicine is driving
more people to the Internet. They're counting on online pharmacies to deliver
the pills they need. But you may not be getting what you paid for and it could
be dangerous to your health. Dixie Wallace picked up her prescription from the
Hy-Vee pharmacy. Wallace says she's comfortable knowing exactly where it
came from and would never buy her pills online. "The pharmacist checks
everything and double checks. I would be very skeptical of that coming from
India or wherever," said Wallace. Experts say Wallace is right to be skeptical.
"Pretty much any name brand medication can have a counterfeit," said Hy-Vee
pharmacist Jason Tipton. Pharmacists say some of the more popular counterfeit
medications are Viagra and Adderall. Drug manufacturers now use holographic
seals for consumers to know the difference between what is real and fake.
Illinois hospitals would be required to provide free care to some poor people
under a bill passed by the Legislature and headed to the governor's desk. Urban
hospitals would have to provide free treatment to patients with incomes below
200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. That's about $46,000 for a family
of four. Rural hospitals would have to give free care to patients with incomes
below 125 percent of the poverty guidelines. That's about $29,000 for a family
of four. Care would have to be medically necessary and patients would have to
apply for assistance. The measure also would authorize Attorney General Lisa
Madigan to adopt standards for the applications hospitals use for financial
assistance.
5/31
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State officials have approved plans for a large-scale hog farm in McDonough
County despite objections from some neighbors about odors and potential
pollution. The Journal Star reports that the Illinois Department of Agriculture
approved construction permits for South Morgan Acres in Blandinsville, near the
Henderson County line. The farm could handle around 18,000 hogs in five
buildings. Farm Vice President Steve Krogmeier says he hopes to begin
construction soon, with hog production under way in the first quarter of 2013.
Officials say the facility is expected to create 20 permanent jobs. Some
residents aren't happy about the decision. Barbara Adams and her husband
have lived in their home less than a mile from the site since 1978. She says
they'll now be sandwiched between two big hog farms.
Two semis slid off the road in Thursday morning's rainy conditions near the
Highway 24/61 split near Taylor. One semi-trailer landed on its side in a ditch.
The other semi slid down an embankment. No injuries were reported. Traffic
was slowed in the area for about 30 minutes.
The 6th annual Resource Expo continues Thursday through 2 p.m. This free
event will take place in the Quincy Senior & Family Center at 639 York Street. A
wide variety of raffles, prizes, entertainment, and informational booths are
included in the event. Senior citizens ages 50 and older as well as persons with
disabilities and their caregivers are encouraged to attend the expo. Door prizes
will be given out every hour and raffle prizes include 2-24" HDTV flat screen
televisions and over $300 in grocery and gas gift cards. Entertainment will be
provided by Fuzzy Face Frank on his electric piano in the morning and Ben
Bumbry and the Messengers in the afternoon. Fried chicken and roast beef will
be provided by the non-profit, Meals Plus for Seniors. All concession and food
sales will serve as a fundraiser for Meals Plus, whose mission is to provide home
delivery meals. A complimentary shuttle service will be available for
transportation to the event from the York Street parking lot.
Attention college grads, now that you're getting your first paycheck, do you
know how to manage your money? If you're a recent college grad, Financial
Expert Mark Schlipman says that there are three important things you should
do: start a plan, pay yourself, and start eliminating debt. Look at what debts you
have, what your goals are, and what you're going to do with your extra money.
Schlipman says to consider lowering rent costs by getting a roommate.
Also, think of other ways to bring in extra cash. Experts say to spend slowly for
new furniture, clothing, electronics and other items. Next, put away 10% for the
future. Look at your debt load, and work at paying off your debt as soon as
possible. Try to avoid the urge to spend now and pay later. Once you start
accumulating debt on credit cards, it can be very difficult to get back on track.
Schlipman suggests, "Focusing on the first debt first, which is the smallest one.
Then you get that statement in the mail and it's got a zero balance, then you
start applying all that money to the second debt...it creates that synergy, that
motivation to get the next one paid off." Schlipman says to keep yourself on
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track and reward yourself when you pay off a debt. A gift like a weekend
getaway will help motivate you to follow through with your plan.
Wednesday marks the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities
Act and improvements in care and assistance were celebrated locally. There are
an estimated 4,000 people in Adams County with disabilities. The West Central
Illinois Center for Independent Living helps improve opportunities for those
people. Glenda Hackemack with the Center for Individual Living says that more
businesses are becoming receptive to hiring people with disabilities. "They are
so reliable and so excited just to be there. And, we've had employers here in
Quincy say how much they appreciate them. They come to work every day
happy and they're willing to do whatever they possibly can to help that business
or organization grow," says Hackemack. The Quincy Public Library was given the
Accessible Entity of the Year award Wednesday for helping accommodate those
with disabilities.
Two groups of Junior High students from Payson will be going to Washington
D.C. in ten days to participate in a national history competition. Each group
created a video entry for the competition. One group studied an Illinois
women's rights activist who was put in an insane asylum by her husband for
challenging his views, while the other group studied deaf education in Illinois.
All nine students from both groups said the projects were incredible learning
opportunities. The students have been working on their history projects the
entire school year, meeting for 45 minutes before school, three times a week.
They will compete in the National History Day Contest June 10-14.
The Missouri State Fire Marshall is on his way to Wayland, Missouri to
investigate the cause of a structure fire. According to Clark County Deputy Brian
Lewis, a structure fire started late into the night on May 29, 2012. The fire
involved two un-occupied buildings. Police are not releasing any more details at
this point.
The annual Girl Scout Cookie Program has wrapped up for the year, but local
troops had to make one more delivery today. 25 Girl Scouts along with leaders
delivered over 700 boxes of cookies to residents at the Illinois Veterans Home.
"Operation Share Cookie" is a program that supports military troops serving
overseas and here in the U.S. And this year, a portion of the cookies went to
local vets. Organizers say this is a great way to get the girls more involved in
the community. "And the program supports our military troops serving overseas
and domestically. And a portion of the cookies this year are going to our
veterans. So today our girls are delivering here at the Illinois Veterans Home to
say thank you to the veterans for their service," said Erica Douglas, a Public
Relations Specialist. Douglas says today gave the girls a chance to say thank
you to the vets for their time serving our country.
While you may have been excited we had such a mild winter, you could be
paying for it this summer... in the form of bugs. Ants, roaches, and spiders are
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just a few pests keeping local exterminators busy. You might have noticed
mosquitoes and other pests out even earlier than usual this year. But what
makes one year a banner year for bugs and another below average? Well...It all
boils down to weather...and with temperatures expected to jump back up this
weekend, your home could be a perfect environment for bugs. Bugs flourish
when temperatures and precipitation are high. "Generally high humidity can be
a problem with them. Also, if you have a lot of heat with that, that will generally
bring things out," says Tom Kelty, Pest Control Technician. And with the recent
weather, it could get worse. "You know, with the rain we have had today, I
would imagine it will start to get progressively worse now," says Kelty.
A local small business is going international. Two Japanese buyers visited
Payson today to load up a 24-foot trailer full of merchandise from The Grainery-an online resale store. This is the second time in two weeks these buyers from
Japan have visited The Grainery. The Grainery's inventory is eclectic to say the
least, and its buyers are almost as diverse as the items stored in its warehouse.
"Within the last few months we've sold to Russia, to Australia, New Zealand,
Israel, and Great Britain," said Kevin Herrin, the manager of The Grainery. The
sales are typically conducted online, but not on Thursday. "I have store in
Japan," explained Atoru Higa-Shitani. Higa-Shitani and his business partner
spent the day loading up a 24-foot trailer, packing in items ranging from a set
of chairs to a stack of antique suitcases. The Japanese buyers bought so much
merchandise from The Grainery that they decided to pick it up themselves.
Higa-Shitani says most of the items will be sold to businesses in Japan as
furnishings or decorations.
6/1
Two local women are planning to shave their heads in the fight against cancer.
Reagan Reis and her friend Gretchen Rosson are teaming up with The Blessing
Foundation and The Blessing Cancer Center to raise money for their patients for
A Million Strands of Hope. The goal of the fundraiser is to accept donations in
exchange for Reis and Rosson shaving their heads. Rosson has watched family
members fight cancer, so both women feel strongly for the cause. "My point of
view is that we're all directly or indirectly affected by cancer," said Reis. Reis
said their unique idea originally started off as a joke. Reis said her boyfriend
joked, "I'd pay you to shave your head!" The women are hoping to raise at least
$1,000, though they plan to follow through at any amount. Money will be
accepted until June 3 at their Instant Replay head shaving event from 1-5 p.m.
The event features local musical artist Cheeks McGee, along with other
entertainment, food, and raffles.
The summer employment rate for teens was 24.9% in April that's up
substantially from the 12 to 14% back in 2000. But if your teen doesn't have a
summer job yet is it too late? Water Works Owner Rob Warning says here are
a few jobs still left for teens, but they have to actively search for one and show
employers they're willing to work hard. Warning hires teenagers every summer
to work in his car washing and detailing business. He says if they start when
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they're 15 or 16 years old, they're likely to stick around and work for him for
about six years. Warning says teenagers often have the reputation of being lazy,
so it's important they prove themselves to their employers.
Energy assistance is now available for customers in northeast Missouri. The
North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is taking applications until
Sept. 30 for the Energy Crisis Prevention Program. The program pays up to
$300 per household. Applicants must be electric customers, meet income
guidelines and have received an utility shut-off notice. Call your county's nearest
NECAC service center to see if you qualify.
A 9-year-old boy known as the "One Boy USO" is in Quincy this weekend as part
of this weekend's Fishing For Freedom event to honor wounded military
veterans. Cody Jackson is a 9-year-old from Georgia who has already personally
thanked over 10,000 of our nation's soldiers and veterans. Cody, who was born
after the events of 9/11, said his mission began at the age of 4 with one simple
question. "I was at the airport and I said, 'why is it taking so long to get on the
airplane?' and 'why are there guns and why are there officers and everything?'
and they told me about 9/11," Cody said. Cody said he was astounded to hear
of the sacrifice so many men and women made for our country. "I took it very
seriously. Right then and there I was starting to thank the soldiers, So, I did,
and it just started from there on," Cody said. He compiled his experience into a
children's book he wrote himself. Filled with stories of people he's actually met.
Cody uses the proceeds from the book and donations to fund care packages he
sends to deployed troops. Cody spent Friday morning visiting veterans at the
Illinois Veterans Home and will be on hand at this weekend's Fishing For
Freedom event along the Quincy Riverfront.
The final designs for the new Performing Arts Center on the Western Illinois
campus have been revealed. The architects and designers presented the final
color and material choices for the inside and outside of the building Friday.
"They've really done a good job with a lot of the color selections and the
material selections for the inside of the space; wood ceilings, really nice
terrazzo floors. There's talk of doing a lot of art with some of the decorative
concrete and things like that," said PAC Project Manager Ted Renner. The center
will include three theatres and various rehearsal spaces. There has been talk of
building a performance center in Macomb for more than 30 years. The new
building is expected to be a huge benefit to the campus and
community. Campus officials say if state funding comes through, construction
will start in January. The building will take three years to complete and will cost
$70 million.
A new flag pole, granite bench, memorial stone and garden is now located in
front of the Quincy Humane Society. Two Eagle Scouts were recognized Friday
for their efforts in creating a project that celebrates rescue dogs. "So we have a
lovely stone and it’s got a picture of Randy Gross and his dog Dusty, a Golden
Retriever, working at Ground Zero right after the bombing there," said Sally
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Westerhoff, the Executive Director at the Quincy Humane Society. Organizers
say the site took months to complete. The boys even provided the American
Flag, a Quincy Humane Society logo flag, and a Spay and Neuter message flag.
It is the start of a brand new chapter in the lives of 513 Quincy Senior High
School students. They have now officially graduated high school. As the
graduates walked out in their caps and gowns, friends and family members
cheered from the stands of Flinn Stadium. Principal Danielle Edgar says it's very
memorable day. "It's a special day because it is a celebration of the culmination
of 13 years in Quincy Public Schools. These kids have accomplished much in
that time and we just like recognizing them and honoring them at this event,"
said Edgar. Friday was also Quincy superintendent Lonny Lemon's last
graduation as he plans to resign at the end of this month.
Finding a place to live in Fort Madison could soon get easier. A Cedar Rapids
based development company is moving forward with plans to build 45 upper
story apartments in the downtown area. The plans call for renovating three
downtown buildings; the Old Lee County Savings Bank, the old Metropolitan
Hotel and the building that currently houses Sears. But the apartments not only
mean more tenants, it could bring a good economic boost to the entire city. But
new apartments are just part of the development plan. City officials say the
buildings will also get some much needed renovations, bringing more
improvements to the downtown area. "It's especially great with our facade
renovation program through a CDG grant, it’s going to renovate 13 buildings
downtown and this will add an additional three buildings on top of that," said
City Manager Byron Smith. With residential areas occupying space that's been
vacant for years, city officials say it should have a noticeable impact on the
area's economy. City officials say the project could cost a little under ten million
dollars and the developers hope to get state grant money to help with the price.
If everything goes as planned, construction could start sometime this summer.
Many older adults lack the training and skills to compete in today's current job
market and with the economy the way it is, more and more adults over 50 are
looking for jobs. Recently, the American Association of Community Colleges
recognized the work that Spoon River Community College-- which has a branch
in Macomb-- is doing to help students over 50 go back to school. "Just this past
year we have had 300, 50 Plus people complete technology classes with us,"
said Carol Davis, SRCC's Vice President of Community Outreach. Davis says
while some, like Rutledge, have taken the classes simply to sharpen skills, many
others older adults are actually going back to school to get a degree. "We know
what the economy has done to people plus 50," said Davis. "We also know from
the bureau of labor statistics that by 2020, 25 percent of the workforce is going
to be 50 and over and they face a lot of unique challenges to be able to get
back into the workforce and or stay in the workforce." Because of Spoon River's
work with students over 50, The American Association of Community Colleges
has chosen Spoon River as just one of 11 schools in the nation to teach other
colleges how to help out to older students as well.
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Quincy's Cape Air Service is on pace to break a ticket sale record this year and
that would come with a big reward. One million dollars from the Federal
Aviation Administration would go to Quincy's airport. The one million dollars
from the FAA would be used to make improvements at the airport and city
officials already have a few ideas in mind. But to receive the funds, passenger
boarding’s at the airport need to reach the 10,000 person mark Numbers for
this year already surpass those for this time last year. Passengers say
convenience is a big reason why. Cape Air flew 874 passengers in May, that's
one of its highest monthly totals ever out of Quincy. Airport director Jeff
Steinkamp expects numbers to continue increasing. "Looking at the numbers
for these first 5 months we are 11 percent ahead if we continue that pace we
will be over the 10,000 maybe 10,200," said Steinkamp. And the 10,000 would
mean a significant boost for the airport's improvement fund: $1 million.
Officials say it could be spent on new concrete for runways and better lighting,
even purchasing more land. Passengers say at $49 a ticket, it's the best way to
get to St. Louis.
6/4
Vintage Tech Recyclers will be set up for recycling at the Electronic Waste
Collection Event Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The event will be sponsored by the
Adams County Health Department. The only electronic items that will not be
accepted are curling irons and white goods such as refrigerators, dish waters,
and stoves. To make an appointment for a drop-off, contact the Adams County
Health Department at 217-222-8440, ext. 125.
If you're looking for a way to keep your kids active and entertained this
summer, John Wood Community college may have just the answer. Today was
the first day of children's college, a summer program where kids can learn
everything from jiu-jitsu to sewing and Lego building techniques. The program
is for children in kindergarten through 6th grade, and there's still time to sign
up. "They go through the whole month of June, so they can take session 1, 2, 3
or 4. Anytime in the month of June, Monday through Thursday. We do breakfast,
lunch and aftercare," said Community Education Coordinator Jenny Sousa. All
the courses offered to kids are designed to be fun and engaging while also
teaching important, age appropriate lessons.
A 7-year-old northeast Missouri boy is dead as the result of an all-terrain vehicle
accident. The accident happened Sunday evening near Greentop in Adair
County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 26-year-old William Arrieta of
Austin, Texas, was driving a Polaris Ranger with two children as passengers
when he lost control and the ATV overturned and landed on all three of them.
One of the passengers was 7-year-old Brody Schoonover of Kirksville, who was
pronounced dead at the scene. Arrieta was hospitalized with what the patrol
called minor injuries. A 6-year-old passenger, Aiden Nevars of Austin, also had
minor injuries.
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This weekend, Hannibal will host its first annual art fair. Organizers have been
planning the art fair for more than a year. The art fair will feature a variety of
juried work from local artists as well as visiting artists. The art fair will be held
on Main Street in Hannibal from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m.-4
p.m. on Sunday.
Two people were sent to the hospital after a two car accident at 5th and
Broadway in Quincy. Police on scene say the driver of a red van ran was headed
south on 5th Street and ran a red light crossing Broadway just after 3 p.m.
Monday. A westbound car hit the van, and both vehicles spun out of control.
The van stopped in the middle of the road. The car ended up in the grassy area
in front of the Kroc Center. Both drivers were taken to Blessing Hospital by
ambulance. Traffic was slowed in the area for about 20 minutes.
What's the future hold for a shuttered Quincy museum? Your input is needed.
The Gardner Museum of Architecture & Design, located at 4th and Maine, was
closed back in March due to funding issues. The Historical Society of Quincy and
Adams County took over the assets, and now a committee is looking at what
can be done with the facility. A public hearing will be held at the museum
starting at 6 p.m. Thursday to gauge people's interests.
It's the season to grill out, but are you taking all the necessary safety
precautions? Firefighters say a cookout can quickly turn dangerous. 5,800 fires
a year start with barbecues or fire pits firefighters want you to know how to
prevent that with some life-saving advice. The flames can spread fast if your
grill or fire pit isn't in a safe place. Firefighters say that's the number one reason
why they find themselves responding to fires at a cookout. "The grills or the fire
pits are placed too close to a structure or low hanging trees. They'll catch the
structure on fire, melt the siding, or catch the tree on fire above them," said
Quincy firefighter Jerry Smith. But a house isn't all that can catch fire. Certain
fabrics, like flannel or nylon are easily ignitable. Firefighters say that's why you
should always have a hose nearby when grilling out. More safety tips: make sure
you use long handled utensils, and never pour lighter fluid onto a fire that is
already lit. Finally, firefighters say to make sure the fire is completely put out. If
it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Another reminder from firefighters, it
is illegal to burn trash or brush within Quincy city limits.
Many families in Missouri rely on state subsidies to pay for daycare while they
work full time to make ends meet. Legislators in Missouri have approved a bill
that will expand who is eligible for that money. For some families, a pay
increase at work means losing the subsidies that help them pay for their child's
daycare. It's a cost that many families can't afford and this new legislation is
designed to help them. "I've had families that have made a nickel too much,"
said Anita Foster, the Director of the Wee Care Preschool and Daycare in
Hannibal. Foster says when it comes to being under the childcare subsidy
income limit, a mere dime can save families thousands of dollars, or cost them
thousands of dollars. For some parents, it's an expense that outweighs the
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benefits of getting a raise or a promotion at work. The Missouri legislature is
hoping to help those families out by allowing them to continue getting
subsidies if they pay half of the amount they earn over the income limit. So, if a
family makes a dollar over the income limit, they'll have to pay the state 50
cents to keep their childcare subsidies. "I think that this is a way we can go
ahead and encourage them to maybe get a better job and increase their own
family income," said Senator Brian Munzlinger. The proposal still needs the
Governor's signature before it actually gets put into action. If Governor Nixon
signs the childcare subsidy bill, the state will have a trial run in one rural county
and one urban county to see how well the program works. If the trial run is a
success, the program could then expand to the rest of the state.
Canton city officials are easing the minds of residents about concerns over the
city's drinking water. Recent testing revealed a spike in chemical compounds
known as Trihalomethanes, a byproduct of using chlorine to clean the water.
While there's no immediate threat to the water's safety, city officials say they
already have a plan in place to correct the issue. The city recently sent out a
notice to residents informing them about the issue. While it caused some
concern among residents, others say there's no need for alarm. And that's the
message city officials want people to understand. After recent testing showed
the water to be violating a federal drinking water standard, city officials say
there's no need for residents to be concerned. "We use chlorine to treat our
water supply as do many other municipalities. When you treat with chlorine,
there are naturally occurring organic compounds in the water supply that react
with the chlorine," said Canton Mayor Jarrod Phillips. The reactions are known
as Disinfection Byproducts. City officials aren't sure exactly why it happened,
but know it’s a naturally occurring issue. And there's already a plan to regularly
flush the system to make sure the problem doesn't happen again. In the
meantime, officials say there's no need to find alternative water sources or treat
the water any differently. Officials say the water would only be dangerous to
someone who drank two liters a day for the next 70 years. But if you're
someone who has health issues that may be problematic with the water, you are
encouraged to contact your doctor.
A plan to bring super-fast cable and Internet to Quincy appears to have hit a
roadblock. A meeting between the city of Quincy and eye-3, a United Kingdom
based fiber optic company, was canceled yesterday. City officials won't say why
the meeting was canceled or if another one will be scheduled. The fiber optic
lines would have raised cable and Internet speeds up to 100 megabytes a
second, ten times faster than a standard cable connection.
6/5
If you've ever wanted to be a firefighter, now is your chance to help the Quincy
Fire Department. The fire department needs 15-20 volunteers for a new fire
ground rehabilitation team. The volunteers will respond to all structure fires and
work to keep firefighters safe by monitoring the physical conditions of the
firefighters. The goal is to help keep firefighters safe while they work to
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extinguish the blaze. "With our current manpower and levels, we have
firefighters to send to the scene, we don't have extra people to help out when
guys do come out of fires hot, to help them get hydration, so we're looking for
volunteers to help us with that," said Deputy Chief Greg Dreyer. An
informational meeting will be held June 27 at 6 p.m. in the Quincy Regional
Training Facility. For additional information, contact the Quincy Fire Department
at 217-228-4459.
Dot Foods is hosting their 7th Annual Forklift Rodeo June 5 and 21. The rodeo
is a way for the company to thank their employees while giving them the chance
to show off their skills in the hopes of winning an all-expense paid vacation. Dot
Foods' eight distribution centers will hold local preliminary competitions
Tuesday 5-7 p.m. Employees will compete in three categories: Narrow Aisle, Sitdown Lift Truck, and the Mule. At the preliminaries, one winner in each category
will be declared local champion. The winners will then go on to the finals,
hosted June 21 in the Mt. Sterling headquarters located at 1 Dot Way. The three
national winners will receive all-expense paid vacations to either Las Vegas; the
Bahamas; Clearwater Beach, FL; Universal Studios; New Orleans; Cozumel,
Mexico; or on a Carnival Cruise.
Quincy University is partnering with the Community Foundation of the Quincy
Area to ensure that the university provides community service for another 150
years. The QU Endowment Fund will benefit the university and its programs as
well as the community. QU said they are proud to be involved with the
Community Foundation. The Community Foundation is a not-for-profit resource
that works with people who care about the tri-state counties to build funds and
support for local needs. "We are pleased to welcome QU to our circle of
endowments," said Executive Director Jill Arnold Blickhan. "University leaders
understand that permanent funds are vital in assisting with current needs while
building support for the future."
New students at Western Illinois University this fall will likely have to pay more
for their education. The board of trustees will consider a 4.5 percent increase
on all costs at its meeting on Friday. Undergraduate students entering the
Macomb campus in Fall 2012 will be charged $8,012 in annual tuition, up $363
dollars from last year. Yearly room and board costs will go up $400 for the
average student. Tuition fees and room and board are guaranteed for four
years, so current students will not see any change in their cost to go to school.
Eyes in Pike and Scott counties are keeping tuned to the uncertain future of the
Florence Bridge. A meeting was held in May to discuss the future of the Illinois
Route 106 Florence Bridge. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
has started debates to determine whether the bridge, which was built in 1929,
should be repaired, replaced, or removed. IDOT Region 4 Engineer Roger
Driskell said the bridge is still functioning and the project is merely in the
feasibility stage. The purpose of the last meeting was to throw out options, to
determine what is best for the bridge and the region, and to look at the pros
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and cons of the project. A second meeting will be held in July and a third
meeting will come later to further discuss the Florence Bridge. Due to barge
accidents in the past, the bridge has already had to undergo repairs. If a new
one is constructed, the engineers plan to follow all Coast Guard requirements
regarding the height and width of the opening in order to prevent further
collisions. According to Driskell, right now the project is in need of options and
local input. "We are listening to the public and what they have to say," said
Driskell
The Quincy School Board has hired retired business manager Bud Martin as an
interim superintendent for up to 60 work days. School board president Bill
Daniels says the search continues for a permanent replacement for Lonny
Lemon, who is leaving later this month to take a job in northern Illinois. Martin
is a retired school superintendent who came to Quincy as business manager in
late 2009. He resigned from that position in April. Martin is expected to start
working with Lonny next week.
Martin will be paid $600 a day in his interim role. This morning, the Quincy
School Board also voted not to start a new program that would provide free
lunch and breakfast to every student in the five Quincy schools with high
poverty rates. Daniels said some board members didn't feel comfortable giving
free lunches to people who didn't need it. The program would have
been federally funded and regardless of family income, every student at the
Early Childhood Center along with Adams, Berrian, Dewey and Washington
Elementary would receive free meals at school.
How would you like to save money on your electric bill without having to touch
your thermostat? The city of Quincy is considering a plan to switch power
suppliers, a move that could save residents up to 25-percent. Mayor John Spring
says a switch to energy supplier Integrys would save customers up to 20
percent on the electric supply portion of their bills. "The basic thing is that
people would see their electric rate go down at least for the contract period. If
by chance it does go below that amount say with Ameren who is our regular
supplier, the customer would simply revert back to the Ameren rate," said
Spring. Even if the switch takes place, you would still get a bill from Ameren
Illinois and you'd still pay the same delivery charges and taxes. Voters would
have to approve the switch in power suppliers so the issue could be on the
November ballot. If approved, it could mean a total of more than 1.2
million dollars in savings for Quincy residents.
Two years after eliminating 26 positions, John Wood Community College is
looking to cut more staff tonight. College officials are trying to cut nearly a
million dollars from the budget to try and make up for decreased funding from
the state. If the proposed cuts are approved, seven employees at John Wood will
lose their jobs. Officials here say the cuts are troublesome, but necessary. John
Wood's administration has been working for several months on a proposal to
trim the budget by leaving some positions unfilled and deciding not to give
raises to its employees.
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The school also approved a plan to increase tuition by three dollars per credit
hour to help ease its funding challenges. The John Wood Board of Trustees will
vote on the proposed cuts at its June 20th meeting.
If you've spent any time in pool recently, you may want to think about taking a
long shower afterwards. A new study by the Water Quality and Health Council
reveals one in five Americans admit to peeing in the pool. So how are public
pools kept clean? Pool staff regularly monitor chlorine and acidity levels. "We do
it four times daily. Right in the morning and then two times when we are open
during the day, and then again right before we close so it is a constant
process," said recreations supervisor for the Quincy Park District, Mark
Callaway. Chlorine levels have to be high enough that they can kill harmful
contaminants and other germs. The Water Quality and Health Council says the
main sources on contamination are sweat, sunscreen, fecal matter and urine.
The organization says while chlorine doesn't kill all the germs, the right levels
keep the pool safe to swim in. "We do have to maintain those when the Illinois
state pool inspector comes we have to be sure we are within the ranges
otherwise we could face closures or other types of discipline," said Callaway.
Park district officials say a quick shower before you jump into the pool will also
help keep them clean.
High school students interested in nursing had a unique opportunity today.
Students were able to work side by side with registered nurses to help diagnose
and treat simulation mannequins. The Blessing-Rieman Simulation Center is a
state of the art facility that is used daily by the nursing school to test the skills
of nursing students, but this afternoon it was high school students who were
learning what it means to be a nurse. The students were able to interact and
help perform life saving measures on specialized mannequins. Students said the
experience helped them to decide whether or not they would like to become a
nurse. Today's nursing simulation event was for all students ages 15 and older.
6/6
If you drive Missouri roadways, you might notice farmers cutting roadside grass,
not state transportation workers. The farmers aren't just cutting grass, they're
making hay. MoDot officials say it's a win-win situation. With dry conditions,
farmers are more likely to run out of hay from their own fields. It also helps out
the cash-strapped MoDOT. It costs MoDot about 30 dollars an acre to mow
themselves. "We're trying to conserve resources these days and mowing less.
This gives us an opportunity to have places on our right of way that we would
not mow, somebody else come in and do it for us," said Brian Haeffner, MoDot
Area Engineer. If you're interested in mowing and baling hay on medians and
roadsides, officials say to contact MoDot and they will look into the possibility
of issuing you a permit for a specific area.
A community event will be celebrating its 15th season this summer. Friday kicks
off the first Blues in the District concert in Washington Park at 5:30 p.m. with
performer Larry McCray. McCray is one of the seven Fan Favorite Acts. The Fan
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Favorite Acts was new this year as a way for the public to pick which performers
they wanted to see back. A poll was put out through social media and the
Historic Quincy Business District (HQBD) newsletter, enabling fans to vote on
concert entertainers. "Luckily we secured all seven fan favorites," said HQBD
Executive Director Travis Brown. Additional new features this season include a
guitar raffle and a Blues Birthday Bash as a celebration of 15 years of concerts.
The birthday bash will take place during the last concert on September 14 with
giveaways and cake. The HQBD is proud to have hosted Blues in the District for
so many years.
The Quincy area is losing dozens of jobs. Konstant Products is closing its doors
in just three days after 28 years in business in Quincy. A Konstant employee
confirmed this morning the manufacturing plant is closing this Friday. She said
the Canada based company currently employs 67 people in Quincy. But those
workers may not be out of a job for long. "We're trying to move ahead as far as
helping employees get re-employed and working with the workforce investment
people, they seem very optimistic," Charles Bell, Consultant for GREDF said.
Bell says they've already heard from several local manufacturers, interested in
hiring Konstant's employees. An unnamed, out of town employer has even
expressed interest in buying the building and some of the machinery. "The first
thought that people have is that they're going to close the doors and the jobs
are gone, that doesn't appear to be the case here. We'll be able to retain the
jobs and hopefully be able to reopen the doors," Bell said. Executives with
Konstant have not returned calls from WGEM News. Konstant Products makes
heavy duty racks used in warehouses.
Teens about to turn 16-years-old in Quincy may not get their driver's license as
quickly as they'd like. Quincy High School's summer driver's education program
has been scaled back this year due to budget cuts. Instead of five behind-thewheel teachers, there are now only three. There's a long list of students wanting
to receive Driver's Ed training, but with fewer teachers, many teens will have to
wait months for a spot to become available. "It's just one of those things, you've
got to be patient and just wait. Sometimes you have to go privately and get it
done. There's nothing more we can do," said Kerry Anders, Director of Driver's
Ed for Quincy High School. Driver's Ed instructors hope to teach around 25
students this summer. All other students will have to wait until later in the year.
What's 10 feet tall, weighs five tons, and crushes cars to the roar of the crowd?
Monster trucks, of course...and they are taking over Quincy. Grinder and
Monster Mutt were on display Wednesday at Advance Auto Parts ahead of this
weekend's Monster Jam. Grinder has a 1,500 horsepower engine that runs on
methanol. Driver Frank Krmel says he started racing go-carts at a young age
and getting behind the wheel of a Monster Truck is a thrill ride like nothing
else. Monster Jam Summer Heat runs for three nights starting tomorrow at
Quincy Raceways. You can get your tickets at the raceways box office.
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Your votes are now needed to help a local organization win a new car. Big
Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Illinois is one of five finalists competing
online to win a new Toyota Sienna Van. Voting is Thursday only and you must
have a Facebook account to participate. Program Director Kathy Brink says Big
Brothers Big Sisters could really use a new vehicle and they need everyone's
support to win.
"We cover 5 counties and we have one caseworker that travels about 1,200
miles a month. And then we have several bigs that are college aged and they
don't have any vehicles," Brink said. Voting runs from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday.
Kids in the Adams County area took a trip to Power Town on Wednesday, where
they got a firsthand lesson on electricity. The University of Illinois Extension
Unit 14, Adams Electric, and Ameren all teamed up to teach the kids about
electricity. Eighty-eight kids came to Camp Point to take part in workshops, take
tours and even had a visual lesson on how dangerous power lines can be.
"Teaching them safety and how to be safe in different situations when they're
out and about. If they're in a car accident and there are lines on top of the
car...to stay in the car," said Christine Morey, the 4-H Program Coordinator for
Adams County. The kids learned what live power lines can do if you touch them
and took home some safety tips. "Don't mess around near power lines. Don't
climb trees whenever there's power lines near the trees or anything like that,"
said Logan Graham. Morey says events like these are good for kids because it
keeps their minds active during the summer break.
At a time when many food pantries see a drop in donations, one family is
getting on their bikes to put food back on the shelves. Mark Wiewel and his two
sons will ride 300 miles across Illinois for the 7th Annual WCU Bike for Food
fundraiser. The Western Catholic Union is hoping to raise $20,000 for ten area
food pantries. Wiewel says he picked a biking event because it’s an activity he
has always enjoyed doing.
Mark is asking for your help to raise enough money to reach their goal. "There's
such a need for people to eat 365 days a year. The food pantries are just really
being tasked with providing food and they need the available funds to do it,"
said Wiewel. If you would like to help you can send your donation directly to one
or more of the ten area food pantries located in Canton, Hannibal, Palmyra,
and Quincy. If you write a check, be sure to write the word "Bike" somewhere on
the check so it can be included in this fundraiser. If you are paying in cash,
include a note and mail it directly to the food pantry. If you are donating can
goods ask them to include your donation with their other WCU Bike for Food
contributions.
Starting next week, the Admiral Coontz Armory will begin undergoing more
than $83,000 in renovations. The renovations will include installing new, energy
efficient lighting in the main gym area as well as completely re-doing the
kitchen and bringing it up to code. Several walls in the second floor of the
armory will also be torn down to create more space for the boxing club. While
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the senior adult dances will continue at the Armory throughout the summer, the
rest of the building will be closed until the renovations are finished.
Thursday night, the Board of Public Works will hold a public hearing to discuss
the rate increases, which would raise water, sewer and electric rates for the
third year in a row. The higher rates are a concern to many small businesses in
Hannibal, since for most, cutting back on utility costs is nearly impossible. But
Hannibal's BPW says the rate hikes are needed to get the city's water treatment
facility into compliance with EPA standards. Thursday night, the Board of Public
Works is seeking the public's input on the proposed rate increases. "The more
people that show up and express their opinion, the better,” said Heath Hall with
the Hannibal BPW. Hall says the meeting will not only give the board direction
from the public, it will also give the public a chance to learn more about the rate
hike. “The worst thing that can happen is them to call two months later and say,
'Why is my rate increased?' So, we want them to show up, get the information up
front," said Hall. The public hearing will be held in the Hannibal City Council
Chamber at 6 p.m. Immediately after the hearing, the Board of Public Works will
vote on the proposed increases. If approved, rates will go up starting July 1st.
Kids are out of school but parents are still hard at work... and many parents are
faced with the decision of leaving their kids home alone. And that raises the
familiar question, 'Is my child old enough to leave home alone yet?' Many
parents wonder how young is too young and how old is old enough? But officers
I spoke to today here at the Quincy Police Department aren't depending on age
as a factor. Quincy Police Officer William Calkins says there's no set age by law
to which children are allowed to stay by themselves. He says he's seen children
of all ages stay home alone.
"Parents often times have kids as young as 9, 10 years old stay home alone with
a safety plan in place and phone numbers and neighbor contacts that they can
be safe with," said Officer Calkins. Calkins also says if you're going to leave your
kids alone, make sure they know the dangers within your own home...such as
stoves with an open flame, microwaves, ovens and outlets.
Finding a job this summer is proving a little easier for one age group. It is the
best teen job market in the last six years, and if you're still looking for work
employers say there's hope. A strong teen job market gives teens the
opportunity to make some spending money and gain some experience in
customer service that will look good on their resume. Nearly 160,000 teens
landed jobs last month. That's more than double the number of teenagers from
the year before. And employers like Hy-Vee say there are plenty of candidates to
choose from. "Probably 75 percent of applications are from teenage kids," said
Human Resources manager for Hy-Vee, Dennis Fleming. Analysts say it's not
clear what makes 2012 a good year for teen employment. But there is less
competition. The number of teens who aren't looking for work keeps rising. For
those who are, employers say there are still jobs to be had. And for a teenager,
being involved in sports or the arts is a top quality for a candidate. "If they are
dedicated to extracurricular activities then that means they will probably be
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dedicated to their work, that they manage their time, they are able to fit a job
in," said Fleming.
6/7
The city council is discussing plans to purchase a third warning siren for the
area. Mayor John Hayden said their current two sirens provide good coverage
for the north, east, and south sides of town, but there is not one that
completely covers the west side. As a result, the city is hoping to add a warning
siren to protect people in the west. "We want to put it on a high point to cover
most of the west end of town," said Hayden. Mayor Hayden said the siren could
cost around $19,000-$20,000. The proposed purchase will be presented at the
June 19 meeting. Hayden said if approved, the city will acquire the siren as
soon as they can. "I'm pretty confident we'll buy one for the west end," said
Hayden. In addition to the west end siren, the city would like to find a used
siren to put in the area around the lake. This siren would cover the
campground and serve people during their summer vacationing.
A popular fishing recreation area on Mark Twain Lake is finally reopening after
it was hit by a flood four years ago. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Mark
Twain Lake Project Office announced that the Bluffview Recreation Area will be
open to the public Friday. The area is set up for daylight use and will have daily
hours of 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Corps officials said the recreation area was supposed
to open last year but was delayed for safety reasons. Contractors spent this
spring working on landscaping and rock removal to finish the area. Bluffview is
located next to the Re-Regulation Dam, nine miles downstream from the
Clarence Cannon Dam on the Salt River. Both of these dams sustained damage
in 2008 when massive releases from Clarence Cannon Dam burst through the
Re-Regulation Dam and eroded the stream banks. The area around the dams
and channel was repaired last year and altered to be more beneficial for
fishing. Between the flood and repairs, a new bowl shape was created in the
downstream channel. The shape reduced the force of the water and improved
the fish habitat. During repairs, they also created a set of paths in a step
pattern along the broad embankments. These steps were designed to provide
expanded fishing access, though the corps officials would like to remind fishers
that the steps leading to the area directly below the dam are off limits. Corps
officials also said that the No Boat Entry zone has been repositioned.
With the current economy and housing market, home ownership has become a
faded dream for many across the Tri-States. Today, leaders from around the
nation will come together at Culver-Stockton College in Canton to discuss how
to make the surrounding community a better place to live and raise families.
The Tri-State Housing Summit will feature programs and speakers to discuss
topics ranging anywhere from cost-effective construction to creating new
housing opportunities. The main thing leaders will work on today is how to
make the American dream of home ownership more of a reality. Carla Potts,
Director of Housing Development for Northeast Action Corporation says that the
current housing market in the Tri-States isn't bad, but definitely needs
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improvement. The event is an outgrowth of the Tri-State Development Summit,
a group that has held nine regional conferences since 1996 in an effort to
discuss common issues and solutions in 35 Missouri, Illinois and Iowa counties.
Housing is one of the 10 steering committees that meet and report to the
summit.
A local baseball team called the "11U Dirtbags" showed their support for a
grandmother with cancer by shaving their heads. Debbie Catlett is a
grandmother of one of the players. Debbie is a huge supporter of the team and
cheers on the boys at every game. Just recently Debbie found out she had
breast cancer for a second time, this time after 20 years in remission. She
started her first round of chemo on June 4th and had said she was not looking
forward to losing all of her hair. To help Debbie go through this difficult
experience the "11u Dirtbags", along with coaches and even some dads chose
to shave off all of their hair. They told Debbie that she could go and start her
chemo and know that the Dirtbags would be there to support her.
United Way of Adams County is in need of literacy kits for their annual Day of
Action. People and organizations are being recruited to help build and deliver
350 literacy kits to United Way agencies that serve young children. "During the
2010-2011 academic years, 27.1 percent of all third graders in Adams County
were not reading at grade level," said United Way associate Laura Hyde.
Participation in this project includes giving money for kits to be purchased,
advocating for early childhood literacy and telling others about the kit project,
and volunteering to build and deliver kits. Individuals should drop-off
completed kits or donations to the United Way Office at 936 Broadway, Suite F
by Thursday, June 14. The literacy kits cost about $15 and include a book and
activity, both of which can be found at local stores such as Great Debate Books,
Quincy Books, Hobby Lobby, and Illinois School Supply. Kit supply lists can be
found at the Mustard Seed or the Quincy Public Library. The United Way staff are
asking citizens to volunteer to help children by also delivering the literacy kits
during the Day of Action on June 21. "This project can be life-changing for a
child," said Hyde. They will be delivered to Advocacy Network for Children, Big
Brothers Big Sister of Wes Central Illinois, Madonna House, Quanada, Quincy
Catholic Charities, YMCA, The Salvation Army, and Transitions of Western
Illinois.
After years of planning, Blessing Hospital will break ground this summer on a
new $70 million patient tower. The four story building will bring all inpatient
care into one building and create dozens of new private patient rooms. The
addition will be built on Blessing's 11th street campus, allowing them to
relocate services from the 14th street building. Officials say a private room is
the most common request from patients. "If we can give you a private room, we
can do two things...we can improve privacy and confidentiality, we can improve
patient safety. So, I think from comfort and from satisfaction, this is going to be
a wonderful opportunity for the patients we serve," said Maureen Kahn,
President/Chief Executive Officer of Blessing Hospital. "It can promote a
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decrease in the transmission of a potential of infection while you're here in the
hospital. Because you have less people moving in and out, you're not sharing a
room with another patient," said Kahn. Construction on the new patient tower
should be completed in two years.
Emergency response crews and police officers from Hannibal got to listen to
someone who has been through one of the most catastrophic natural disasters
in recent years, the police chief of Joplin, Missouri. "If I were going to do a new
plan we would have a plan and a backup plan and maybe even one more plan
because I've learned that the absolute un-imaginable can become reality." Joplin
Police Chief Lane Roberts said. Roberts spoke in Hannibal Thursday on the
amount of damage still in Joplin, and talked to emergency crews in Hannibal on
how to respond effectively to emergencies, such as the one in Joplin. "When the
tornado took out a couple of our fire stations and one of our hospitals, it
actually eliminated our staging area. What we didn't have was the flexible plan,
what happens when those things are no longer there," Roberts said. Roberts
says that nearly 80 percent of the businesses that were demolished are back up
and running, but you can still tell where the tornado took its toll.
Kayak Quincy kicks off this weekend, providing kayak rentals and guided tours
of the bay. The tours stay out of the main river channel, away from strong
currents and heavy boat traffic. Organizers say it's definitely not something you
have to do alone. "Most people have really enjoyed--there are tandem boats, so
if young adults want to go with their parents, it's alright, you just want to make
sure you can swim," said Holly Cain of the Quincy Area Convention & Visitors
Bureau. "Everything's provided for you. So all your gear, equipment, life vests,
are all there by the guide." The tours last about two hours, and leave from
Kesler Park on Quincy's riverfront
Thursday night, the Board of Public Works will hold a public hearing to discuss
the rate increases, which would raise water, sewer and electric rates for the
third year in a row. The higher rates are a concern to many small businesses in
Hannibal, since for most, cutting back on utility costs is nearly impossible. But
Hannibal's BPW says the rate hikes are needed to get the city's water treatment
facility into compliance with EPA standards. Thursday night, the Board of Public
Works is seeking the public's input on the proposed rate increases. "The more
people that show up and express their opinion, the better,” said Heath Hall with
the Hannibal BPW. Hall says the meeting will not only give the board direction
from the public, it will also give the public a chance to learn more about the rate
hike. “The worst thing that can happen is them to call two months later and say,
'Why is my rate increased?' So, we want them to show up, get the information up
front," said Hall. The public hearing will be held in the Hannibal City Council
Chamber at 6 p.m. Immediately after the hearing, the Board of Public Works will
vote on the proposed increases. If approved, rates will go up starting July 1st.
A new treat has been made available on the Quincy University campus for
students and local residents to enjoy. QU announced the opening of Qyo Sweet
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Treats Cafe in the lower level of the Brenner Library, open daily from 12-9
p.m. The cafe is a unique self-serve frozen yogurt shop that offers nine different
flavors and more than 20 various toppings. A non-dairy sorbet and sugar free
selection will also be available. Qyo will be open to the public and will offer
coffee drinks and cold beverages as well as the frozen yogurt. The yogurt
served is YoCream brand and a product of The Dannon Company. For more
information, contact Qyo Supervisor Victoria Melville at 217-228-5232.
The summer boating season is in full swing, so what happens when there's an
emergency on the Mississippi River? Quincy firefighters are trained to rescue
boaters from all kinds of situations on the water but they say you can avoid
trouble by knowing some of the most common dangers. Herman is trained to
know this part of the Mississippi inside out. He trains other firefighters so they
can be prepared for a water rescue. But not everyone is as familiar with the
river. In Illinois you don't need a license to drive a boat and for the
inexperienced boater, the Mississippi can be tough to maneuver. Herman say
strong currents and wing dams often catch boaters off guard. Near a wing dam
the river's depth can change quickly. Hitting one the wrong way can strand you,
or sink your boat. "Usually if you do hit one you could put a hole in the bottom
of your boat," said Herman. Floating debris is another danger, along with large
structures like docks, especially when it's dark. Firefighters say it's also
important to be on the lookout for other boaters who may not have their lights
on. Asian Carp are another common hazard on the river. Firefighters say
anytime your boat is moving at a slow idle with the propeller in gear you need
to be on alert. A message to boaters of all levels: wearing your life jacket can
keep you alive while you wait for help to reach you. If you want to learn more
about staying safe on the river, the Quincy Boat Club is holding a boating safety
course this Saturday from 8 to 5 PM.
An effort to spark interest in a shuttered local museum brought dozens of
people to a public hearing Thursday night. The Gardner Museum of Architecture
and Design at 4th and Maine is closed but the purpose of the hearing is to see if
it can be re-opened. The Great River Economic Development Foundation, the
Historic Quincy Business District and city officials want to gauge the level of
financial support in the community and get new ideas on how to fund it. Public
suggestions included a museum tax or grants, but some say private
contributions are important too. The museum was built in 1888 and many say
they hope to see it remain a public exhibit space for future generations.
6/8
Two suspected gun thieves were arrested in Macomb after a high speed chase
and an all-night search. Shawn Banks, 34, and 32-year-old Christopher Bigsby
reportedly sped away in a van from McDonough County Sheriff's deputies
around midnight. The van stopped on a rural road near Spring Lake, where
authorities arrested Banks after a foot chase. A helicopter was brought in to
help search for Bigsby, who ran into a cornfield. He was found around 7 a.m. at
a house in Macomb. Both men are charged with residential burglary, possession
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of firearms by a felon, and resisting arrest. Bigsby faces an additional charge of
aggravated fleeing and eluding police. McDonough Co. Sheriff's Office says
more charges are pending.
Rabbit's popping out of a hat, disappearing doves, and card tricks are all things
you associate with magic; but that wasn't the case at the Quincy public Library
today. Nitro Joe stopped by the library to teach kids about the "magic" in
science. Kids got to see him perform science experiments with common house
hold items. The event helped to promote summer reading by making learning
more interesting.
The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees has approved a 4.5 percent
increase on all costs for new students. Undergraduate students entering the
Macomb campus in Fall 2012 will be charged $8,012 in annual tuition, up $363
from last year. Yearly room and board costs will go up $400 for the average
student. Tuition fees and room and board are guaranteed for four years, so
current students will not see any change in their cost to go to school.
A domestic abuse arrest of a Quincy man ultimately led to a meth discovery.
Quincy police say 33-year-old David Tuley was arguing and fighting with his
girlfriend Tuley Thursday night. He allegedly battered his girlfriend and then
threw a metal pole at her. Tuley was located later in the evening on a traffic
stop and was taken into custody for the earlier incident. Police say Tuley
was carrying meth precursors and methamphetamine. Tuley was arrested for
addition charges of DUI-Drugs. During the DUI processing, Tuley
reportedly refused to comply with a search warrant and was charged with
Obstructing Justice. Tuley was lodged in the Adams County Jail.
A Ft. Madison man has been arrested on felony drug charges. According the Lee
County Narcotics Task Force, 25-year-old Bradley Glen Traman was arrested
Thursday at his home on 23rd Street. This arrest stems from an investigation
into the whereabouts of a federal fugitive that led authorities to Traman's
house. While looking for the fugitive, authorities reportedly found items used in
the "shake and bake" method of manufacturing meth. Agents say Traman's 3year-old son was located in the residence. He was removed and turned over to a
family member by the Department of Human Services. With this being Traman's
second or subsequent offense as well as having a minor in the house and the
distance to a school, authorities say Traman faces up to 130 years in a state
correctional facility.
If you're guilty of texting while you're driving, you’re not alone. A new
federal survey says more than half of all teens admit to the distracted driving
practice. Federal officials call the results of the survey a national epidemic.
In Quincy, we found teenagers who are all over the texting and driving
spectrum, from never at all, to all the time. It's no surprise drivers behind the
wheel aren't focusing solely on the road. But the survey results on texting while
driving are eye-opening to both officials and teens. According to the study,
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teenagers send and receive nearly 100 texts a day. And some teens say it took
some close calls to make them re-think texting while they drive. But even with
some distracted drivers on the road, Quincy insurance agents say accident
claims haven't risen much over the last couple years. It could be a sign that antitexting and driving messages are working. And while there's no question about
how dangerous texting and driving can be, some teens say it's so easy to do,
and hard to stop. While distracted driving remains high, the report did find
teens being safer in other ways, like using seatbelts more and drinking and
driving less.
Summer school usually means back to school and more homework from heavy
textbooks, but not anymore. Quincy Senior High school now offers summer
classes online. The "APEX" classes are held at Quincy Junior High and are offered
for a variety of the "common core" courses. Students only have to be in the
school for 2 hours a day, and teachers say it's not only good for the students to
be able to learn online, but it's good for the teachers too. Students still receive
one-on-one guidance from teachers while in the classroom, but are also
expected to do work outside school. The APEX system can be accessed from any
computer with an Internet connection.
Hundreds of people in Quincy are taking a stand against cancer. It is the annual
Relay for Life event and the goal this year is to raise a little over $140,000 to
find a cure, and support local services. There are more than 600 people walking
this track in the relay, doing their part to find a cure for cancer. Those who lost
their lives battling cancer aren't forgotten, hundreds of luminaries are lit
to honor their memories. Many of volunteers say Relay for Life is more than just
a fundraiser, it's an inspirational experience. It was emotional moment for
cancer survivors as they began the relay. A day some say they weren't sure
they'd live to see. Organizers say while donations may seem small, every step
they take will make a difference. Some of the 42 teams will be here walking
throughout the night. The event lasts until 6 AM Saturday morning. There's still
time to donate to this year's campaign, the fundraising continues until August.
You can go to relayforlife.org\adamsil
Employees of a local nursing home took to the picket line Friday to protest what
they see as poor conditions for residents and workers. But administrators say
the union is just trying to stir the pot. A group of picketers were outside Camp
Point's Timber Point Nursing Home, demanding something be done about what
they say are inadequate supplies, staffing shortages and low pay. Most of the
picketers were from Chicago, headquarters for the SEIU union. The protesters
say they don't agree with how residents are being taken care of, with the lack of
bed linens, diapers and bibs. One Timber Point worker claims they are the
lowest paid nursing home staff members in Adams County. But officials with
Timber Point say contract negotiations haven't even taken place yet, and today's
demonstration is un-necessary. When asked about the claims, administrators
say they are without merit and are quote "silly". "I really don't want to respond
too much to these claims because there really is no validity to these. It's just
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kind of a ploy by the union I guess," said Adam Zanger, Administrator
with Timber Point Healthcare. Picketers say they will continue to fight for what
they want until demands are met. Patient care wasn't affected by Friday's picket,
a majority of the workers remained on the job at Timber Point.
6/11
Quincy fire investigators say they've wrapped up their investigation into what
started a fire a Pop's Pizza early Monday morning. Quincy Fire Chief Joe Henning
says the fire ignited when a hamper of oily rags spontaneously combusted.
Henning says the hamper was in a storage room attached to the Pop's
Pizza restaurant. Henning says is minimal smoke damage to the restaurant, but
fire damage only to the storage room. "Looked like the majority of the flames
were coming from the ceiling area in that back part. Crews were able to make
entry and get in and get the fire knocked down pretty quickly so most of the fire
was contained to the higher part of that room," Henning said. Store workers say
Pop's Pizza will be closed for at least Monday as they clean up damage from the
fire.
Be careful what you post on Facebook, because it could show up in court.
Adams County State's Attorney Jon Barnard says it's common for evidence to be
taken from Facebook for divorce or criminal cases. A new report shows more
than 80 percent of divorce lawyers are seeing an increase in content posted to
social media sites, like Facebook, being used as evidence. "Posting all this stuff
about yourself. What I'm doing, where I am, how old I am, who I am, etc. That
information is accessible and it's often very important in the courtroom. Yes, we
can use it and yes, we do use it," says Barnard. Barnard also says very rarely is a
court order necessary to get information from Facebook because it's usually
available for anyone to see.
Summer Energy assistance is running out faster than ever in northeast Missouri.
Energy bills are arriving now in mailboxes across Hannibal, but for some
families there is not enough money to pay, leaving some to choose between
food and gas or electricity. The North East Community Action Corporation
(NECAC) provides energy assistance to low income Northeast Missouri families
who qualify. Unfortunately, NECAC funds are limited and only 6 days into the
program, more than $100,000 have been handed out. Officials at NECAC
expect money to run out soon. NECAC has also received approximately $25,000
less than last year in funds. "The need is definitely stronger or greater than it
was last year. After one week we're 25 percent through the program, so we're
probably going to be out of funding by mid to late July," said NECAC official
Brent Engel. Officials with NECAC say the down economy and rising utility costs
are to blame for the increased need. The program pays up to $300 per
household. Applicants must be electric customers, meet income guidelines and
have received a utility shut-off notice. Officials said the sooner you apply the
better, so you can qualify for assistance before it's all gone.
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The rain finally arrived today, and was welcomed with open arms, especially by
local farmers. Not only were farmers happy about the rain today, but
landscapers were glad to see the rain as well, and even though it wasn't a lot of
rain, farmers and landscapers both agree every little bit helps. "We ended up
with about three tenths of an inch here this morning, and that just buys us a
little time until we can get more rain, more meaningful rain than that," said
farmer Dennis Dempsey. While today's rain didn't do much to help corn crop,
your lawn may be fairing much better. Ted Genenbacher, co-owner of Quincy's
Frese Ornamental says even the little rain we got today is helpful. Genenbacher
said a lot of the damage on crops and gardens right now is from wind damage.
Planting your garden in a wind blocked area, such as at the corners of your
home, could help
Bombs and hostages; two words you don't want to hear in the same sentence at
your child's school. So, Monday evening, Quincy police took over Baldwin school
for sniper training, preparing for the worst possible scenario. "We got hostages
throughout the building," yelled one of the volunteer "bad guys" at Monday's
training. "If you don't comply with our demands, this whole place is going
down." The training scenario was played out on all sides as if it were real-- a
possibility which officers hope they never encounter. But, if they do, they want
to be prepared, and the best way to do that is to train. "None of the people that
are in the scenarios know anything about what's going on,” explained Sgt. Dan
Duhamel with the Quincy Police Department. "It's basically real world and they
have to adapt and overcome right away." And like the real world, Monday's
scenario escalated quickly. Just as the bad guys promised, officers discovered
multiple hostages and SWAT Team members did whatever they could to bring
them to safety. The training ended with the good guys overpowering the bad,
and thanks to the intensity of what officers encountered today, it's an ending
trainers hope will be more likely in any real world situations. Every year the
Quincy Police department stages a sniper training.
If you're working in the manufacturing industry and looking to take the next
step in your career, you may want to consider walking into a classroom. John
Wood Community College has announced a new management course designed
to give employees the tools they need to be successful leaders. The new 16
hour course will include both on-line and classroom instruction and school
officials say it’s designed specifically for people are currently working. John
Wood's new management course will focus on skills like communication,
managerial techniques, quality assurance, supply chain management. Perfect for
those who are already working or looking to spruce up their resume. And if
you're interested, there are still a few spots available.
A policy to help protect Quincy students who play sports or instruments in the
heat is expected to be adopted in a week. According to the proposed "heat
related illness prevention" policy, coaches will be required to make themselves
familiar with risk factors and warning signs associated with heat-related illness.
They will also have to check the temperature and heat index prior to the start of
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practice and monitor the heat situation as practice continues. The policy also
spells out safety guidelines coaches and band directors will have to follow once
the heat index reaches certain levels or if students exhibit any signs of heatrelated illness. The policy includes having athletes adjust to the heat gradually
by exercising outdoors four to five days a week before the intense practice
sessions start, mandatory water breaks, and a new buddy system to watch for
any signs of heat exhaustion. According to the proposed policy, no practice or
activity will be allowed once the heat index reaches 105 degrees or higher. The
policy is expected to be adopted at the board's June 20 meeting.
Five people, including four children, were taken to the hospital Monday night
after an accident on Hannibal's south side. The crash happened at 30th and
Warren Barrett Drive around 8:30. First responders on the scene say a car
pulled out in front of the minivan. All five people in the van, which includes a
baby, went to the hospital as a precaution. One of the people in the car refused
treatment, the other ran from the crash scene. No word yet on whether that
person was caught.
The city of Keokuk is getting ready to shell out some big money to fix a number
of streets torn up by the city's storm sewer separation project. The City Council
recently awarded a $2 million contract to pave a number of gravel roads
involved in the Soap Creek street improvement project. The new asphalt streets
have a shorter life, but should cut down on the amount of dust kicked up from
the project.
6/12
A Quincy tradition is coming to an end. The annual Germanfest will no longer
continue in Quincy and some are concerned the enthusiasm for Quincy's rich
German history will go away. About two months ago, Quincy's German Village
Society folded and now there's no one to take over the festival. Band members
say they're worried that Quincy's strong German heritage will no longer be
celebrated, and the next generation won't fully appreciate the community's
strong German roots. Germanfest is typically held at the end of July and with the
large number of volunteers it takes to make the event happen, supporters say
it's really getting to be too late for this year. Former German Village Society
members say the group worked hard to recruit a new organizer, but there was
little interest from the community. One suggestion from band members is for a
non-profit organization to take over the festival and use it as a fundraiser.
Local law enforcement took to the pavement Tuesday morning in honor of the
Illinois Special Olympics Summer Games. Officers from the Quincy Police
Department, Illinois State Police and Adams County Sheriff’s Office met together
to run the torch 22.5 miles to the Hancock County Line. Those officers then
connect with runners in Carthage and Macomb, eventually taking the torch all
the way to Bloomington for the opening games this Friday. This is the 26th year
for the law enforcement torch run and is the largest fundraising event for
Special Olympics. This year they hope to raise three million dollars.
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A Quincy man was arrested Monday evening on meth related charges. Mark
Wilson, 42, of Quincy, was arrested on charges of unlawful participation in meth
manufacturing and for the possession of meth. The West Central Illinois Task
Force, accompanied by the Adams County Sheriff's Department, followed
information that Wilson was manufacturing meth. Police say they arrived at
Wilson's home to discover the smell of a strong chemical odor commonly
associated with meth. Agents contacted Wilson, who police say consented to a
search of his home. Items used in meth manufacture where found, as well as
over 25 grams of finished and liquid meth, a "One Pot Meth Cook", and drug
paraphernalia used to ingest meth. Wilson was lodged at the Adams County Jail
and is currently pending a court appearance.
With Flag Day approaching, Mayor Inman and the Flags of Love Committee are
preparing to raise 782 flags. The Macomb Rotary Club will be assisting the
committee in decorating Chandler Park with the flags on Thursday. The flags
will be raised at 6 a.m. and taken down at 6 p.m. Local volunteers are also
needed to help with the care of the flags. In the event of bad weather, a red
ribbon will be on a pole in the southeast corner of Chandler Park to signal that
the flags will not be put up.
2nd and 3rd graders are spending this week creating giant bubbles and
launching rockets at Hannibal-LaGrange University. HLGU is hosting its 20th and
final year of Science Camp where professor of science education Dr. Judy
Lemons will teach students about Pillbugs, light, heat, color, rockets, and
more. The giant bubble creations will take place Wednesday at 11 a.m. and 3:15
p.m. at the east end of the Mabee Sports Complex. Rockets will be launched
Thursday next to the Roland Fine Arts Center and Highway 61 at 11 a.m. and
3:15 p.m. HLGU invites 4th and 5th graders to attend a similar science camp
next week
Missouri Republican Senator Scott Rupp paid a visit to Hannibal today to talk
about job creation in Missouri. Senator Rupp is a candidate for Missouri's
Secretary of State. Rupp is trying to get Missouri residents back to work and
says previously owning several small businesses has helped him gain an insight
to getting people hired. "I'm tired of 9 percent unemployment and you know,
America is the land of the dreams and that's why I want my kids to be able to
reach their 'American Dream' and that's why we got to get America and Missouri
back to work," Rupp said. Rupp is from Wentzville, Missouri and said the future
of his own kids play a large role in the need for jobs. "I have five young kids and
I just want to make sure that Missouri is a great state for when they go to
school and graduate and come back and raise their own families and that starts
with getting the economy moving and get people back to work," said Rupp.
Hannibal's jobless rate dropped from 7.2 percent in March to 5.9 percent in
April. That was the lowest since November 2008.
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Just in time for the summer heat, the Quincy Salvation Army is giving out free
fans, but they are in limited supply this summer. Last year, more than 65 fans
were given out in four hours. This year, fewer than 10 are available.
The Salvation Army Fan Program will be distributing the fans from 10 a.m.-12
p.m. and from 1-3 p.m., while supplies last. A photo ID is required to be eligible
to receive a fan. The Salvation Army is also in need of fan donations and funds,
which can be sent to the organization at PO Box 75, Quincy, IL 62306, or taken
to the 333 N 6th St. location. For further information, contact The Salvation
Army Family Services office at 217-222-2087.
Employees at Quincy's Sunset Home raced to end Alzheimer's Tuesday. Workers
scrambled to dress their co-workers up in hospital attire and rush them down
the parking lots on rolling beds. The relay-style competition was a fun way to
raise money for Alzheimer's disease research and support. Employees say the
money raised today will stay in the community to help local families. Today's
event raised more than $5,000, which is a record for the 3rd annual event.
The state of Missouri has cut funding for Early Head Start in half, which means
fewer children will get a much needed head start on their education. The
director of the Hannibal Head Start says the funding cuts won't hurt the
program here because for the past eight years, the Hannibal Head Start
program has not accepted state funding-- fearing this moment when funding
would be cut. Still, both parents and leaders here are still concerned about what
these cuts indicate. Parents of children in Early Head Start will quickly tell you
how big of a difference the program has made in their child's life. While parents
of kids in Hannibal's Early Head Start don't have to worry about their children
losing a spot in the program because of state cuts, the program's director,
Linda Bleything, still worries about cuts to federal funding. If there are federal
cuts, more than just affordable childcare will be lost. Already, Bleything says
there are far more families in need than slots available, so cuts of any kind
mean even fewer families in northeast Missouri will get the childcare and
resources they need. In the past five years, federal funding has stayed the same
for Head Start, so already the Hannibal program is working with a tight budget.
Summer school is now in session, but in Quincy, many of the students who are
required to attend are not showing up. School officials said more than 100
students in kindergarten through 6th grade chosen for summer school because
they've fallen behind have yet to turn up for summer school. Officials are
worried what missing summer school may mean for their future. Administrators
said some parents have said family vacations or work schedules prevent their
child from attending, while others just want their child to have a school-free
summer. While there are no legal consequences for missing summer school, it
could impact your child for years to come. If you received a letter telling you
your child is required to attend summer school, it's not too late to start.
Last year more than 700 people were diagnosed with the West Nile virus,
infected by mosquitoes according to the Center For Disease Control. And Illinois
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ranked 4th in the nation when it comes to fatal cases. So what can you do to
protect your family? Illinois health officials say people are already testing
positive for West Nile Virus, and it typically doesn't even peak until August. To
help keep West Nile Virus at a minimum, eliminate breeding grounds for
mosquitoes which include: bird feeders, water fountains, and rain gauges.
Ruthie Stickler is well aware of the risks associated with the West Nile Virus. And
she is taking extra precautions to ensure her grandchildren are safe. "Stay away
from stagnant water, I have bird feeders at home and baths for the birds, and I
change the water every day because the kids are at my house a lot and I have a
shaded yard," said Stickler.
Good news on the Quincy economic front, officials say the city received more
tax revenue than expected. The city took in more than 760-thousand dollars in
sales tax revenue in March, a 6.4% increase from last year. City officials say
when you combine those numbers with the last 12 to 18 months, the results are
encouraging. But they're not celebrating yet, state lawmakers could still decide
to cut more than three million dollars in tax reimbursements. "If we can hold the
state off from grabbing those revenues from us, right now if this continues to
trend it’s good news for Quincy," said Gary Sparks, Quincy Director of
Administrative Services. Officials say one reason behind the increase in sales tax
revenue this winter was the unseasonably warm temps that attracted more
shoppers.
It can be hard to get a man to see a doctor, but skipping those regular checkups could be doing more damage than you think. As part of National Men's
Health Week, doctors are encouraging men to see their physicians on a regular
basis, not just when they have a problem. Health officials say that's true
especially for men who smoke or who are obese. Those men are more prone to
health problems later in life. "The issue is you've been waiting this time and
you've already had some damage going on so you're already kind of behind the
ball already if you're coming in at 30, 40 years old and you've been having high
blood pressure," said Dr. Adam Samaritoni with the Hannibal Regional Center.
Dr. Samaritoni recommends that even men who feel relatively healthy should
visit a doctor every couple years to catch any potential problems before they
progress.
6/13
Keokuk High School students and residents will have to wait and see if the
campus' dilapidated tennis courts will be repaired. High school officials say that
the board will hold off until the completion of the current overhaul of the school
in the fall to make a decision. One estimate put the restoration of the court's
cracks and uneven surfaces at $175,000. The school is waiting to evaluate its
budget and to see the city's proposed financial help.
Our mild June days are soon coming to an end and then Mother Nature is going
to crank up the heat. When it gets hot some rely on help to keep cool, and this
year, that help is a little hard to come by. The Quincy Salvation Army typically
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hands out fans to those in need, but right now the number they have on hand is
extremely low. In fact, on Wednesday the Salvation Army was down to six fans
left. Right now, the Salvation Army is only giving fans to the elderly, disabled,
or those with small children, and putting others on a waiting list. Officials say
without a fan, many simply have no other way to keep cool. The Salvation Army
is asking for new or used large box fans, available at most department stores,
or cash donations. You can drop off either at the Family Services office, on the
east side of the Adams County Courthouse.
An old Quincy bank has new owners and a new name. Peoples Prosperity Bank
cut the ribbon the afternoon at the site of the old Associated Bank, near 7th and
Maine in downtown Quincy. They officially took over management after closing
on the deal last month, and say the changes experienced by their customers
have been minimal. Peoples Prosperity Bank is looking to expand, and open
another branch in town.
The Little People's Golf Tournament has been around for 39 years, bringing
junior golfers from around the world to Quincy. This year numbers have
dropped in compared to years past. The tournament's Executive Director Nan
Ryan says there are 318 golfers signed up for the Pepsi Titan Little People's Golf
Championships. That's down from more than 900 golfers in 2000. Ryan says
since 2000 the number of junior golfers in the country has gone down by
roughly one million. At the same time the number of tournaments available for
kids has gone up. Ryan says many kids have had to stop playing because of the
down economy and more families are also choosing tournaments closer to
home. Ryan tells WGEM that the tournament was struggling financially, so much
so that she didn't even know if it would happen this year. Titan International
joined on as a major sponsor along Pepsi making the tournament possible this
year.
The Rockin' A Arena near Palmyra presented a $25,000 check to the Muscular
Dystrophy Association today. The money was raised during the first annual
Chase Anderson MDA Memorial Rodeo, which was held to honor the son of
Rockin' A's owner who died a little over a year ago as a result of muscular
dystrophy. More than 1,200 people showed up for the rodeo, which was held in
March. The funds that were raised will be able to send at least 50 kids who have
muscular dystrophy to camp.
Plans are already underway for next year's Chase Anderson MDA Memorial
Rodeo. The rodeo will be held around the middle of March.
Authorities say a Hannibal man attempted to deliver gallons anhydrous
ammonia to an undercover agent in Quincy. Anhydrous ammonia is a key
ingredient in making meth. Jon Morton, 26, of Hannibal, along with Caleb
Colliver, 26, of Knob Noster, Missouri, and William Zabriskie 34, of Calhoun,
Missouri, were arrested Tuesday evening and face numerous charges including
aggravated participation in meth manufacturing and intent to deliver anhydrous
ammonia. Agents say they also found finished meth and a fire extinguished
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modified to hold anhydrous in the vehicle. All three men were on parole in
Missouri for various drug charges.
Months after safety concerns were raised regarding the operation of the
Hancock County Ambulance Service, the County Board still hasn't reached a
decision on whether to hire a private company to take over. Wednesday night,
the Hancock County Board tabled a vote for the second month in a row. The
County Board was expected to make a decision on hiring a private company out
of Peoria, Advance Medical Transport, to take over the county's ambulance
service. However, because a report from the current ambulance coordinator was
not available, the board decided to hold off on taking a final vote. One of the
issues all sides seemed to agree on though was that better leadership is
needed. EMS workers in Hancock County say having better leadership would
solve a lot of those problems, but until recently, who has the authority to
discipline employees or correct sloppy work has been confusing. To that
end, Wednesday's meeting included talks of disbanding the EMS Board and
relying solely on a coordinator and the County Board for oversight, or hiring a
private company to take over ambulance services. Whatever decision is made,
county board members say their priority is the people of Hancock County.
Representatives from Advance Medical Transport presented an outline of its
plan at the meeting, a plan that didn't indicate cutting any services. However,
many residents are worried that could ultimately happen.
A piece of childhood history for many Keokuk residents is slowly but surely
getting ready to blast off again. Kilbourne Park's iconic rocket slide is back in
the city after being renovated in Las Vegas and featured on the popular
television show American Restoration. The slide was taken out of Kilbourne Park
in 2008 because of its age and safety issues. It was then purchased by an out of
state buyer and renovated on an episode of American Restoration. And once
residents realized that was their city's slide, they decided they wanted it back.
Robert Korschgen, with help from his daughter Destiny, has been leading the
effort to bring the original Rocket Slide back to Keokuk's Kilbourne Park.
Although it’s back in town, he says it’s going to take a while before its back at
the park. The structure still needs considerable work before it's deemed safe for
kids. Korschgen says it’s going to cost about $50,000to make that happen. A
group of residents have already volunteered to start taking donations, but are
waiting until it passes its safety inspection.
The cost of a college education is continuing to soar. According to a new study,
college costs on average 15 percent more now than just 4 years ago. Just last
week, the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees voted to raise tuition 4.5
percent. The main reason for the jump is state cuts to higher education. But
financial advisors say rising costs make it more important than ever to save for
your children's education. Putting a little away every month can add up to a
substantial amount by the time they're ready for college. Financial advisors say
there are many ways to save money, from college savings plans to investments.
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They recommend you do your research so you can decide what's best for your
family.
6/14
Fire investigators say that the early morning Thursday fire that destroyed
Sprout's Inn is not suspicious in nature. Firefighters tell WGEM News that a
cause has not yet been determined in the fire. The restaurant is considered a
total loss after the ceiling collapsed during the blaze. "It's been horrible,"
Sprout's Inn owner Jenny Wiemelt said. "Just losing my dad (Patrick McClean)
and losing this piece of history on top of it is just been horrific. But when I
turned around this morning and seen my employees behind me and supporting
me and urging me to keep strong and to rebuild...things happen and it's okay."
"We'll just make it better and it's going to be okay." Firefighters responded to
the scene at 2814 N. 12th Street around 1 a.m. Thursday. Fire Chief, Joe
Henning, said the department had a late response time because crews were
already dispatched to another call on the north end of town on Sycamore.
Firefighters tell WGEM News they believe the fire possibly started in the wall and
escalated quickly. The building was soon fully engulfed. The brick walls of the
building are still standing, but the entire ceiling has collapsed to the ground.
Sprout's Inn has been in place at its 12th Street location since 1948. Wiemelt
says they will rebuild in the same location. The restaurant employs over 70
people.
A fire severely damaged the back of a Quincy home near 11th and Spruce
Thursday afternoon. The Quincy Fire Department responded shortly after 1
p.m.. One of the home's residents says she was actually in the shower at the
time, when someone began banging on her door, telling her the house was on
fire. She says she quickly got dressed, and ran outside with her son and their
dog. No one was injured, and the fire department has not released a cause at
this time.
Missourians may now add their cellphone numbers to the state's No call List for
telemarketers. Gov. Jay Nixon was in St. Louis County on Thursday to sign a bill
extending the existing no-call law to cellphones. Attorney General Chris Koster
was with Nixon. Koster's officer maintains the No Call List. Missouri has
maintained a no-call list for landlines since 2000. Cellphone numbers added to
the list are off-limits to most solicitations by phone call or text messages.
Koster's office has reported getting 150 to 200 calls a week from people
complaining about telemarketing calls to cellphones. Supporters say the law is
important because many people now use their cellphone as their primary
phone. The federal government already includes cellphone numbers on its nocall list.
If you are a smoker in Illinois you will soon be paying more to get your
fix. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a $2.7 billion package of cuts and taxes
Thursday, including a tax increase on cigarettes of $1 per pack, in order to
provide hundreds of millions of dollars to Medicaid. The tax hike and Medicaid
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cuts go into effect July 1. They are designed to repair long-term deficit in the
state's Medicaid program.
The cuts will mean leaner services for the state's 2.7 million Medicaid patients.
More than 25,000 working parents will lose their state-funded health
coverage. Some nursing homes and hospitals will see their Medicaid payments
reduced. Illinois is eliminating extras like regular dental care for adults.
Eyeglasses will be limited to one pair every two years. Patients will be limited to
four prescription drugs per month without prior state approval.
Sprout's Inn has been at its current location on North 12th Street for more than
60 years. In that time, a lot of memories have been made by customers and
employees alike. It's that kind of connection the community has with the
restaurant that makes seeing the destruction of Thursday's early morning
fire so difficult for many people. Since 1948, Sprout's Inn has been home to
many employees and a part of the McClean family for three generations. But as
employees and customers start to think about the future, which will include a
rebuilt Sprout's Inn, a photo collage of the people who have dedicated their lives
to the iconic restaurant is all that remains from the fire. The collage represents
decades and generations of people who all worked to make Sprout's the fixture
it became. Through the rubble, fallen ceilings and charred walls, the photo
remains untouched and intact. It's a sense of family that remains strong even
through the devastation and will be together for years to come. "I guess the way
I'm looking at it is a friend said to me earlier, my dad's just making it be mine
all on my own. He's making me rebuild it and making it all mine," Wiemelt said.
When the new Sprout's opens, the link to the restaurant's past will be front and
center. "I'm going to display that collage like crazy," Wiemelt said. Workers and
family were combing through the rubble Thursday afternoon, hoping that,
perhaps, more than just a photo collage can be salvaged.
The sixth season of Hannibal's outdoor summer concert series begins Thursday.
The Music Under The Stars series at 7 p.m. at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home
and Museum Thursday with blues musician James Armstrong. Beverages and
barbeque pork and bratwurst will be available.
The Macomb school district is moving closer to starting its search for a new
superintendent. Alene Reuschel has announced she will retire after the end of
the 2012-2013 school year. The Macomb school board has yet to decide if the
district will hire an outside agency to find a replacement, but it will use an
independent group to initially screen applicants. The school board will discuss
more details during its meeting on Monday.
With Flag Day approaching, Mayor Inman and the Flags of Love Committee are
preparing to raise 782 flags. The Macomb Rotary Club will be assisting the
committee in decorating Chandler Park with the flags on Thursday. The flags
will be taken down at 6 p.m. Local volunteers are also needed to help with the
care of the flags. In the event of bad weather, a red ribbon will be on a pole in
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the southeast corner of Chandler Park to signal that the flags will not be put
up.
Bickford in Quincy will host its annual Flag Day Community Veterans barbeque
to help honor and thank veterans in the area. The event begins at 4:30 p.m.,
with a special presentation at 5 at 4221 Maine Street, across from Boots Bush
Park. The event includes a special presentation from the American Legion Color
Guard, a musical tribute honoring members of each branch of military service
and more. Additional entertainment will be provided by musician Jim Evans.
Quincy Quarter Madness is sponsoring a 50/50 raffle this Thursday. Doors open
at 5:30 p.m. with an all you can eat Mexican bar and desert at 6 p.m. The event
will take place in the Elks Club located at 311 N 2nd Street. An auction happens
from 6:30-8:30 p.m., followed by door prize giveaways. The Quarter Madness
will benefit the St. Jude Quincy to Peoria run.
A mistaken push of the wrong pedal caused a big hole at a fast food restaurant
at Hannibal. Dairy Queen manager Theresa Smith says an elderly couple was in
the parking lot around 3:30 p.m. when the driver accidentally pushed the
accelerator instead of the brake, causing their vehicle to crash through the wall.
There were four employees working at the time. No one was injured in the
incident.
If you're the parent of young children, you might need to have a serious
conversation with your babysitter. That's because many of them are sharing too
much information about your family online. While it's likely an innocent act, it
could put your child in danger. Like most 12-year-olds, it seems like twins Sarah
and Brian McIntyre are always texting and posting on social media. But, after
taking the Red Cross' 'Babysitter's Training Class' the twins say they'll be putting
the phones down while watching children. “We learned that it is important to
give 100% of your attention to the kids, so that way if they are in an emergency
you know what to do right away," said Sarah. But, there are even more dangers
associated with babysitters and texting. There's a growing concern about
babysitters unknowingly tipping off predators by posting locations and photos
of children on social media. Experts say parents need to be ahead of the
problem and talk with their babysitters.
Our dry weather has been good for road construction, and Hannibal could use
all the days it can get to complete a full summer's worth of work. There are a
number of major projects underway throughout the city. In downtown Hannibal,
work will soon begin on replacing all of the sidewalks and eventually, Main
Street will have a new overlay. It's not just road construction that will have
Hannibal torn apart this summer. But some of the projects on Hannibal's west
side will change traffic patterns in the city. DeLois Wagner, who has lived on
Stardust Drive for more than 20 years, says she's looking forward to new
growth in Hannibal as crews extend Stardust Drive out to Veterans Road. Across
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town, another major project just wrapped up. After months of work, traffic is
now moving again along Paris Gravel Road .
Hannibal City Engineer Mark Rees says both Paris Gravel Road and the Stardust
extension will help with traffic flow in the city. In addition to those big projects,
crews will also be out doing regular upkeep on streets by filling in potholes and
doing mill and overlay work-- all in all, resulting in a busy road construction
season around Hannibal. The Stardust Expansion is expected to be completed
before the end of the year, while bids for the sidewalk project here in downtown
Hannibal will be opened on July 6th.
The Lee County Narcotics Task Force isn't only fighting the war against meth,
it's also battling a shrinking budget. An audit by the state of Iowa revealed
a $90,000 deficit mainly from overtime. But funding shortfalls aren't stopping
officers from working to keep meth off the streets. While the deficit is being
sorted out, investigators were on the scene of another meth bust today, which
makes more than 40 since the start of the year. But investigations are adding up
financially, and lead to confusion about where overtime pay is coming from. Lee
County attorney Mike Short says the $90,000 deficit resulted from a
misunderstanding between the task force and the city of Keokuk. The bill will
ultimately be split three ways between Keokuk, Fort Madison and the Lee
County Sheriff's office. Short says the Task Force will soon be financially
managed by Lee County and plans are in the works to make sure another deficit
doesn't happen.
6/15
Investigators have determined a cause in Thursday's fire that destroyed Sprout's
Inn. Quincy Fire Department investigators and an investigator representing
ownership insurance company have determined that "repetitive use of an
electrical outlet over an extended period of time caused a loose terminal
connection on the outlet, resulting in overheating." Crews responded just
around 1 a.m. Thursday to Sprout's Inn on North 12th Street to the reported
fire.
It's an unusual sight during the summer. The price at the pump is going down.
Tri-State drivers say they're glad to hear gas prices are coming down, but say $3
a gallon is not what they consider cheap. As of Friday, the lowest price for gas
in Quincy according to www.motortrend.com is $3.48. Just two years ago at this
time, we were sitting at about $2.80 in Illinois. Some Illinois drivers say that it's
going to take a significant drop in price to make a difference in their
pocketbook. A national fuel price survey says lower crude prices are the reason
for the drop.
Missouri's attorney general is warning people to beware of text messages
claiming they have won prizes like Wal-Mart or Costco gift cards. Attorney
General Chris Koster says the text messages offer prizes such as gift cards, but
when people click on a link there is no actual prize. Instead, Koster says the link
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automatically infects the cellphone with malware that lets identity thieves access
personal information.
Koster says his office has been getting a lot of reports about illegitimate text
messages promising free gift cards. He says people should never open a link in
a text message or email unless they know the sender very well.
Programs that give critical support and resources to families and kids could
struggle to maintain services this year in light of state budget cuts. The state of
Illinois is looking at slashing $86 million from the budget for the Department of
Children and Family Services, and the cuts will affect local programs. Dozens of
kids who are sexually abused go through the doors of the Advocacy Network for
Children every year, and counselors there are always on call to help. But, the
budget at Advocacy Network is already stretched thin and because it's funded in
large part by DCFS, it's facing even more cuts. The Advocacy Network for
Children's mission is to provide support and be a voice for kids who have been
sexually abused, but cuts are making it increasingly difficult to maintain
services. Next year, the Advocacy Network will be working with a budget that's
three percent smaller than this year. Hetzler says the Advocacy Board of
Directors is looking at other options for funding right now, including raising
more local support. The DCFS cuts won't be official until Governor Quinn signs
the budget.
If you're near the Quincy Airport this weekend, you might be able to catch some
Para gliders soaring across the skies. The wind was too strong Friday for the
fliers to take off, but Saturday and Sunday, powered parachute fliers and
powered Para gliders will be taking off from Quincy Regional Airport. The public
is invited to come out and see the flights. Saturday night, the group will also
host a banquet and auction fundraiser for local paraglide Mike Mixer who was
injured in a paragliding crash. A pancake and sausage breakfast will also be
held on Sunday morning at the airport from seven until 11.
Your kids are texting away tonight, but how closely are you watching them? A
new study conducted by the University of Utah (published online in the journal,
"Archives of Sexual Behavior") reveals that more teens are sexting, and up
to 20% of them, admit to it! Today, the term "sexting" now applies not only to
the exchange of nude photos but sexually explicit text messages as well. Local
police say sexting has become a real problem, and some kids don't even know
that sexting is against the law. An Illinois law that went into effect in 2011 gives
the state’s attorney discretion to charge a minor with a sexting misdemeanor
instead of a felony, which would require teens to register as a sex offender if
found guilty. Because of the nature of the crime, the prevalence of sexting is
hard to pin down, as parents and teens are often embarrassed to report it. But
Detective Vanderbol with the Quincy Police department says reports of sexting
are on the rise. Officials say to beware, because once that picture is sent, it can
potentially be seen by everyone and D. J. Beasley, a 16 year old from Camp
Point, has seen it happen. "There was this girl that sent one to a guy on the
baseball team, and everyone just forwarded it to everyone," said Beasley.
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There's new hope for frustrated drivers trying to find a parking spot in
downtown Quincy. City officials are discussing a plan to build a new parking lot
at 6th and Jersey. The city is considering addressing the parking problem by
renovating a lot which is catty corner from the Quincy Public Library. The lot
would add more than 70 parking spaces and business owners say the move is
overdue. Business owners aren't the only ones pushing for more parking
spaces. The Historic Quincy Business District is also working with the city to get
the expansion project underway.
Construction continues at the Good Samaritan Home at the corner of 24th and
Harrison. Good Samaritan Home is building a total of 20 new cottages for their
independent living program. To qualify to live in the house, you must be over
60 years old. Good Samaritan takes care of the maintenance and utilities for the
properties. Officials say this development will help extend their services.
Construction is expected to be finished in June of next year. So far, 11 out of
the 20 cottages are reserved.
The 'Dark River Derby Coalition' will host the 'McLean County Missfits' Saturday
night at Scottie's Fun Spot, but the night also helps serve a special group. The
bout will also serve as a fundraiser for Camp Callahan. This is the second
season for the women's flat track roller derby league and they're always looking
to give back to the community. "During our season we have six home bouts and
we have one home about a month and we pick a different organization, a
charitable organization for each bout," Jessica Patel, Dark River Derby Coalition
President. The bout will also serve as a fundraiser for Camp Callahan.
Over a year has fallen off the calendar since the debut of roller derby and the
Dark River Derby Coalition squad right here in the Gem City. It started off as an
experiment, where learning about the sport had to come from online videos and
plenty of trial and error before the success started to roll forward. "This is an
organization that is as grass roots as it possibly could be," said DRDC coach
Trent Lyons. "It was a few women from various backgrounds that said this
would be great to bring to Quincy." As an up and coming sport, building a roller
derby foundation was a unique process for members of the DRDC. Now a future
that was once unknown looks promising for the rapidly growing sport. When
you add in the fact that the DRDC is a local charitable organization, it's a
winning situation on and off the rink. "As a non-profit organization it's always
been about what can we give back to the community," said Trent Lyons. "So that
means the more the community comes out and supports us, the larger the team
grows, the more our capabilities, and the more we can give back to the
community."
The Kroc Center Worship Theater was resonating with tunes performed by many
local students. Students devoted a week of hard work to the Joe Bonansinga
Music Institute's summer music program. Most of the performers are from the
surrounding area and looked forward to showcasing their talent at Friday's
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concert. They showcased their talents for parents, friends and other concert
goers. This is the first time this event has been held at the Kroc Center.
6/18
An early morning car chase ends in the arrest of a Quincy man. According to
the Quincy Police Department, officers tried to pull over 23-year-old Cory Scott
Calvin for a traffic violation on Hampshire Street at 1:14 Monday morning.
Calvin refused to stop leading officers on a high speed chase heading east
down Maine Street. The driver drove through a yard and struck a light pole near
30th and Lincoln Hill before continuing north on 30th Street. The vehicle then
ran out of gas at 30th Street just south of Broadway where Calvin was then
taken into custody. Calvin was arrested for Aggravated Fleeing to Elude Police,
DUI, and numerous traffic violations. Calvin was lodged in the Adam's County
Jail. No one was injured during the incident and Calvin was the only occupant of
the vehicle.
Now, no one in Illinois can stop firefighters or police officers from collecting
charitable donations on roads -- even if they wanted to. Under a new Illinois law,
public safety officials can't be denied permits to collect money for charities from
drivers along roadsides. Gov. Pat Quinn signed the law Friday and it takes effect
immediately. The governor's office says Illinois is the sixth state to adopt such a
law. The others are Florida, Nebraska, Texas, California and North Carolina. The
Associated Firefighters of Illinois had called for the legislation after some
communities started banning the roadside collections, citing safety hazards.
One of the oldest roadside charity drives is organized by the International
Association of Firefighters. It collects money in firefighters' boots for the
Muscular Dystrophy Association.
A Hannibal man facing felony charges after he was shot by Marion County
sheriff's deputies last month had a formal reading of his charges postponed.
Theodore "Ted" Rupp, 43, appeared briefly in Marion County associate circuit
court via video from the Marion County Jail. Rupp was arrested Monday on one
charge each of assault on a law enforcement officer and unlawful use of a
weapon. Authorities say he led sheriff's deputies from Marion and Ralls counties
on a chase from Perry to Hannibal after fleeing a Perry crime scene on the
morning of March 11. After wrecking his car in an embankment on West Ely
Road near Fiddlestiks restaurant in Hannibal, just east of the intersection of U.S.
61 and Shinn Lane, Rupp allegedly pointed a shotgun at two Marion County
sheriff's deputies who attempted to apprehend him. The deputies shot him. The
deputies' names have not been released, but Sheriff Jimmy Shinn said an
investigation into the incident has been completed. Rupp was airlifted to a St.
Louis hospital after the shooting and was taken into custody upon his release.
He is lodged in the Marion County Jail on $50,000 cash-only bond. A motion for
bond reduction was filed Wednesday by Rupp's attorney, Public Defender
Jennifer Richardson.
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Jury selection is expected to start Monday in the murder trial of Calvin Duane
Pettey. He's accused of killing Sandra Fugate in their Hannibal home in April of
2010. The trial has been moved to Mexico on a change of venue. Pettey and
Fugate were to be married just two days after her body was found. A woman
who testified earlier that she was romantically involved with Pettey claims he
admitted to killing Fugate. The trial is expected to last all week.
After three teenagers were killed by trains in Missouri recently, MoDOT is asking
everyone to be safer around railroad crossings. Experts say if a train is moving
55 miles per hour, it takes at least a full mile for a train to come to a complete
stop. So, even if an engineer sees something or someone on the tracks ahead,
they often can't get stopped in time. That's why MoDot urges everyone to pay
extra attention near railroad crossings-- especially those that have no lights or
gates. "In rural Missouri and the rural tri-states, many of the crossings don't
have lights and signals, so it's very important to pay attention," said Paula
Gough, the MoDOT district engineer for Northeast Missouri. Gough is also
sending out the reminder that railroad tracks are private property and should
never be used as a shortcut or a walking path since train schedules are often
inconsistent.
A downtown Quincy restaurant damaged by fire one week ago reopened
Monday night. Owner Josh Smith said many people from the community have
pitched in to get the restaurant ready FOR tonight. Crews have been working
throughout the weekend to clean up water damage after a fire broke out in a
storage room last week. The fire started after a pile of oily rags spontaneously
combusted.
Luckily, no one was injured after a car collided with a semi-trailer on Highway
61 in Palmyra. The accident happened around 3 p.m. near the Ross Street
intersection. Authorities on scene say a car pulled into the path of a northbound
semi, hitting the back tire of the trailer. Traffic was slowed in the area for about
30 minutes as crews worked to clear the scene. Authorities also say this
continues to be a dangerous intersection as several serious accidents have
happened here the past few years.
After several wet springs, rootworms are back in the tri-states wreaking havoc
in some cornfields. Local crop expert Mike Roegge with University of
Illinois Extension says the wet weather for the past three to four years
prevented many rootworms from hatching, so farmers have had fewer problems
than usual. But this year's dry weather has created a perfect breeding ground
for the bugs. "Does everyone have the problem? No," said Roegge. "It's isolated.
But those few who have it, it can be somewhat treacherous. Again, depends
upon the weather from here on out, but rootworm, as their name would
suggest, feed on roots. But, any time you have a loss of root system, especially
in stressful years, it can affect the crop." Roegge says Japanese beetles could
also pose a threat to farmers and gardeners this summer.
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Today is one of the hottest days of the year and the rest of this week isn't
looking much better. The heat wave hitting the tri-states does mean fun in the
sun but you need to be careful because all this extra heat could put you at risk
for heat stroke. Our extended heat wave puts people at risk for not only heat
stroke, but heat cramps and heat exhaustion as well. Dr. Richard Saalborn with
Blessing Hospital says those who have jobs that require them to be outside,
need to be EXTRA careful. "Confusion, the mental status changes that might
occur with someone who gets a lot more confused. They're not able to decrease
their body heat adequately, so that's when they have a lot of their mental status
change," said Saalborn.
The heat didn't stop hundreds of kids from heading out to Q-U Stadium today
for some fun. The Quincy Gem's hosted the event where kids got to play
baseball with the team or jump in a bounce house on the field. Cooling stations
were also available so the youngsters didn't get too hot. Kids we talked with
said they loved hanging out with the team. Kids say they had so much fun and
they are already looking forward to next year.
Quincy Police officers and firefighters teamed up today, but not for the reason
you might think. They joined the American Red Cross at Quincy University for a
blood drive. The "Battle of The Badges" is a friendly competition where both
departments compete to see which can get the most people to donate blood.
Officials say blood donations are desperately needed during the summer when
volunteers are less likely to donate. According to the American Red Cross,
someone in the U-S is in need of blood every two seconds.
Hannibal takes yet another step in the long process of the city going smoke
free. Monday morning Hannibal businesses are coming together to learn how to
prepare for the implementation of the Smoke-Free Air Act. Businesses will
be learning the in's and outs of the ordinance. At Monday's meeting, officials
with the American Cancer Society will hand out free 'No Smoking' signage for
businesses to display on their doors.
Emotions were on display during the first day of the Calvin Duane Pettey murder
trial inside the Audrain County Courthouse Monday. Petty is accused of shooting
Sandy Fugate to death inside her Hannibal residence in April 2010 just two days
before they were to be married. After six men and six women were seated as
jurors, Marion County Prosecutor Tom Redington put on eight witnesses in the
afternoon. Most were police who first responded and investigated the murder.
However, one was Fugate's mother, Mary Patterson, who emotionally described
finding her daughter face down on the floor around noon on April 15, 2010. She
left the courtroom in tears but composed herself to watch the rest of the
afternoon session with about 10 other family members. Defense attorney Todd
Schulze told jurors the murder trial was a case of "plausible deniability" and told
jurors to pay careful attention to the evidence, and that Kirk had motive. The
trial, moved to Audrain County on a change of venue, is expected to last three
or four days.
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6/19
They're the signs of summer in an election year: signs advertising yard sales or
promoting political candidates. But the Missouri Department of Transportation
says they can also be traffic hazards. MoDOT is asking the public for help in
keeping yard signs off state-owned rights of way. The agency says the signs
restrict visibility and create obstacles for drivers who need to pull over quickly
in emergencies. MoDOT also says that signs and other objects near a right of
way complicate maintenance work and interfere with mowing. The agency says
it tries to contact the owners of unauthorized signs before pulling them up.
Those that are removed are held for 30 days and can be retrieved from local
maintenance facilities.
The 4th of July is right around the corner, and fireworks are always a big part of
the celebration. But last year, the Hannibal Jaycees announced that it could no
longer pay for the community fireworks show. Now, thanks to hard work and
generous Hannibal businesses, the fireworks show is happening this 4th of July.
Joel Booth, president of the Hannibal Community Promotions Group says they
took on the task of raising $15,000 for the show in late January. By March 15th,
they had already exceeded their goal. Booth says the group canvassed the
community for donations and businesses jumped right in to help save the
annual tradition. Booth adds that the group already has a head start on
fundraising for next year's fireworks. And, because of their success, they're
reaching out to other non-profits to help them with promoting and fundraising
for their events as well. The Hannibal fireworks show starts at dusk on July 4th
at Nipper Park.
The Hannibal Fire Department has issued a burn ban until further notice. Fire
officials say a lack of adequate rainfall, warmer temperatures and wind gusts up
to 30 mph make conditions for burning potentially dangerous. No open burning
is allowed in the city.
Downtown Rotary made another donation to the Quincy community Tuesday.
Rotary's Local Foundation presented a $20,000 donation to the Salvation Army
during their meeting at noon in Tony's Too. The donation will go towards
the Salvation Army Shelter / Family Services construction project to cover 10
percent of the existing cost. "It's a significant gift and a very timely gift too as
we near the end of the project," said Major Dan Jennings. Major Jennings said he
anticipates construction on the buildings will finish in the spring of 2013.
The Hannibal Arts Council's Juneteenth celebration kicks-off Tuesday in honor
of the end to slavery in 1865. The event will take place at 6 p.m. in the Spratt
Theater and will include youth activities such as an art project and a Christianthemed puppet show. Juneteenth will continue through Saturday with a
"Slavery's Echoes" exhibit put on by the Hannibal African American Life and
History Project. The exhibit features Slave Narratives and will be on display in
the Hannibal History Museum.
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There is good news for tri-state women in the prevention and fight against
breast cancer. The Hannibal Clinic's facilities have been recognized by the
American College of Radiology. The clinic has been named a Breast Imaging
Center of Excellence. It earned the recognition because of its advance
equipment in breast ultra sound and biopsy, mammography and stereo tactics.
Doctors said the accreditation will reassure patients they are getting the best
care.
Meth makers are being rounded up and thrown in jail thanks to Operation
Saddle Up, an ongoing police effort in West Central Illinois. Yesterday eight
people were arrested in simultaneous raids in Fulton County, breaking up a
drug ring that was trafficking drugs into the Macomb area. Much of the work to
crack down on meth actually happens at a computer where police officers can
track how often people are purchasing meth ingredients. Another key factor in
fighting meth is cooperation between police departments. Officers from
Schuyler, Fulton and McDonough counties got together today to celebrate the
success of a drug raid yesterday, which led to eight arrests in the Astoria area.
"The teams went out together and we did simultaneous arrests of these
individuals," said McDonough County Sheriff Rick VanBrooker. Working together
as part of operation Saddle Up has led to drug rings being dismantled
and Sheriff VanBrooker said the raids are clearly working. Operation Saddle Up
has so far arrested 50 people between McDonough, Schuyler and Fulton
counties. Those arrested can face both federal and local drug charges.
A recent report said corn and soybean conditions are in trouble due to the hot
and dry weather. In Quincy corn fields, the soil has a little moisture due to the
amount of rain over the weekend. The same cannot be said for people just on
the other side of the county. One farmer said while he's worried, he has to let
nature take its course. The USDA reported a three percent drop in corn ranked
good or excellent. Soybeans dropped four percent as well in just one week.
Japanese Beetles are invading the Tri-states, and if gardeners aren't taking
precautions they could find many of their plants chewed down to the stem.
Landscaping experts say the growing population of beetles have been making
their way westward across the U.S. since the early '60s and they're beginning to
hit the Midwest hard. Experts say the beetles don't typically kill plants, but they
do cause lots of damage. "What they do is they skeletonize and just scout the
foliage off of plants. They really like to get into the really tender, juicy buds of
plants too, especially blooms, like on roses, Rose of Sharon, hardy hibiscus and
such," said Melanie DelCastillo with Frese Ornamental Nursery. According to
expert, the best way to keep your plants safe from the beetles is to spray them
with a Japanese Beetle pesticide or to trim back flowers on your plants.
There's no such thing as a free lunch-- even if five Quincy Public Schools qualify.
The district had the opportunity to get federal money to provide every student
in five Quincy schools with free breakfast and lunch, but the board didn't want
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to take it. Now, dozens of parents are expected to voice their frustration
at Wednesday night's board meeting. Some of the people that plan to speak
here at the board meeting say they're concerned the board isn't working in the
best interest of the kids. "They had an opportunity to do something really
positive for the kids and as a result they chose not to do anything, which is a
big mistake," said Michael Connell, a former teacher and principal who actually
resigned from the Quincy School Board's policy committee because he
disagreed so strongly with the board's decision. Connell says making the free
lunch program available to every child in Dewey, Adams, Berrian, Washington,
and the Early Childhood Center would keep hunger from distracting any
student. "Plus the fact that it's free. We're not going to be paying for it," added
Connell. But, some board members don't quite see it that way since the funds
come from tax dollars. "You and I, all of us are paying into that to the federal
government and that's where those dollars are coming from," said School Board
President Bill Daniels. Board members also expressed another concern. "It was
expanding the program to free to people who don't normally qualify," said
Daniels. The outcry from the community has persuaded the school board to
reconsider expanding the free lunch program. “There may be a change, there
may not be a change. We're just giving it a second opportunity for discussion,"
said Daniels. The Wednesday board meeting will be held at Baldwin
Intermediate in the Round Room at 7 p.m. No matter what the board decides,
free and reduced price school meals will still be available for qualifying families
in the district.
A house once used for classes by the Quincy School District could soon become
home to an area family. The house at 2424 High Street will be auctioned off
next Saturday, June 30th. The 1,200 square foot home used to house special
education classes, but now those classes have moved elsewhere and the school
board hopes selling the house will raise money for the cash-strapped district.
Interested bidders can pick up more information at the Board of Education
office.
6/20
Teachers and school officials from around the Tri-States are coming together
this week to better their teaching methods. A conference to highlight
continuous improvements in local schools is being held Wednesday through
Friday for area educators and community members. The 3rd annual "The Leader
in Me Journey" conference takes place daily from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Town &
Country Inn and Suites. The conference is put on by the Adams County
Academic Success Initiative (ACASI), which is funded by the United Way of
Adams County. The purpose of the conference is to help educators learn the
strategies and techniques for using Dr. Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly
Effective People" in classrooms. 20 schools and 1,200 educators have already
been trained in "The 7 Habits" and have incorporated the program for more
than 8,000 students. Graduate credits and Continuing Professional
Development Units will be available for those who attend the conference.
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Gov. Pat Quinn is going forward with his plan to close several adult and juvenile
prisons, even though legislators put money in the new state budget to keep
them open. The Democratic governor's office said Tuesday he will close prisons
in Dwight and Tamms, along with some halfway houses and two youth camps.
Quinn's office did not explain his decision or make an official announcement.
The Tamms prison is a "supermax" facility for the state's most dangerous
inmates. Dwight is a prison for women. Closing them will mean squeezing more
inmates into the remaining prisons, which are already seriously overcrowded.
Quincy drivers be prepared to stop more: several traffic lights around town are
getting an upgrade. Beginning Wednesday morning, crews will be installing new
traffic controllers at five intersections as a part of the Motor Fuel Tax
Rehabilitation Project. The following intersections will be without signals for
about two weeks: 14th and Maine, 18th & Maine, 30th & Maine, 36th & Maine
and 12th & State.
Four way stop signs of flashing red lights will be put in place.
A Hannibal man has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2010 death
of his fiancé. Calvin Duane Pettey, 42, was convicted by an Audrain County jury
after three hours of deliberations. Pettey fatally shot Sandy Fugate in April
2010, just two days before they were to get married. According to our
newsgathering partners at the Quincy Herald Whig, a witness testified that she
had an affair with Pettey and he was looking for a way out of marrying Fugate.
The trial was moved to Mexico, Missouri on a change of venue. Pettey faces life
in prison when he's sentenced August 27.
A new barbeque restaurant is now serving up southern favorites in downtown
Quincy. Riverside Smokehouse and Grill opened yesterday in the former Ritz
Restaurant building on 3rd Street. Riverside owners have operated a location in
Canton, Missouri for years, but they wanted to expand to Quincy. Customers
checking it out Wednesday say they the restaurant makes a great addition to
the community. The Riverside Smoke house and grill is open seven days a week
with late night hours on weekends.
More than 60 percent of all pool-related deaths and injuries occur in pools
owned by the victim's family or friends, according to federal statistics. And as
summer officially begins, local experts are warning people to keep children
under a watchful eye.
Kids should always be within a guardians arm distance while in the pool. When
outside of the pool running is prohibited because it could cause life threatening
issues if someone slips and falls. According to federal statistics each year,
nearly 400 children drown in pools and more than 5,000 others are treated for
pool related injuries. Life jackets and floaties are a great way to keep your
children and visitors safe. Also, fenced in pools can help protect others from
accessing your pool when you aren't around.
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There's a new place in Hannibal where families can turn for help. Families and
Communities Together or FACTS cut the ribbon today at their new location on
Melgrove Lane. The staff at FACTS gave out awards and honored the
achievements of the group. Officials say the larger space will allow the group to
store more food and household items for families in need and will help the
entire community.
If you are planning to take your boat out on one of the area's lakes or rivers the
Missouri Highway Patrol is warning you to be safe. Authorities are on the
lookout for drunk boaters. The department plans to conduct searches in Long
Branch, Mark Twain and Thomas Hill Lakes as well as the Mississippi River. One
boater we spoke to said people are more aware of the dangers now because of
boating fatalities in recent years. The blood alcohol limit for boaters is .08, just
like for drivers on the road
It's the first day of summer and with the hot temperatures in the Tri-States,
more and more people are going outside to get some exercise. However, it can
be tough staying cool in the hot weather, especially if you're not following some
important safety tips. The main thing athletic trainers say is to stay hydrated by
drinking water even when you're not thirsty. This helps replenish what you're
losing in sweat. Hydrating before you head outside is best because the sign of
thirst means you're dehydrated. A local athletic trainer said if someone thinks
they are getting too hot while exercising, they need to stop. Exercising in the
afternoon heat can quickly turn dangerous, so try working out in the morning or
evening hours, when it's not as hot. High humidity can be another factor that
can cause problems because it makes it harder for your body to cool off. For
this reason, it is also good to wear light weight, lightly colored clothes so that
you don't get too hot too fast. To make sure you aren't losing too much water,
weigh yourself before and after your outside activity, then whatever the
difference is in ounces, replace that with fluids.
The Pepsi-Titan Little People's Golf tournament wraps up in Quincy Wednesday
and local businesses are counting their cash. Hundreds of families came from
out of town, keeping hotels and restaurants packed with visitors over the past
three days. And business leaders estimate the community made around
$300,000 from business due to the tournament. It's both the businesses and
the golfers who are coming out winners, benefiting from a tournament that's
been held in the community for decades.
The John Wood Board of Trustees has given its first round of approval to nearly
$1 million in budget cuts for the upcoming year. JWCC's President John Letts
says the cuts are being spread across various programs, and, if approved, mean
that seven JWCC employees will lose their jobs. The four full-time positions that
are posed to be eliminated are a continuing education specialist, a community
education office assistant, a web coordinator, and the Director of Instructional
Support and Distance Learning. The three part-time jobs are all information
desk assistants. Letts says the JWCC Budget Task Force faced a tough decision
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in recommending to eliminate the seven positions and ultimately made that
recommendation based on several factors. "Having little to no impact on our
enrollment revenue and services to students. Those were the big things,"
explained Letts. Another consideration, he says, was the feasibility of other
employees taking over the duties of the eliminated positions. The budget now
has to be available to the public for at least 30 days before it can be officially
adopted, which means the final budget won't be approved until the board's
August meeting. A public hearing will be held before that meeting to give the
public the opportunity to comment on the budget.
6/21
An alarming number of Tri-State third graders, 27.1% to be exact, are reading
below grade level. Today, the United Way of Adams County is helping change
the statistic by donating 72 literacy kits to local organizations. The kits include
a book and an activity to help with reading comprehension, and to make
reading more exciting and fun. Plus, the activities help parents interact with
their children when reading with them. The kits are for early grade levels. The
early grade levels are when experts say it's especially important for parents to
try and turn their children into fans of reading. "Those early grades, the early
ages are when you can hook a child onto a lot of things good and bad so we're
trying to get the positive hook in them and expose them to some fun books and
some fun things," said Laura Hyde with United Way of Adams County. Hyde says
that during the summer months, some children fall behind in reading, so it's
critical that they keep reading and learning during their time off of school.
The Historic Quincy Business District is hosting their annual Sidewalk Sales
Thursday through Saturday. Downtown businesses will hold sales both inside
their building and out on the sidewalk in front of their building from 8 a.m.-8
p.m.
For the past two years, the Adams County Farm Bureau has helped local food
pantries receive a special item: meat. Five hogs were donated from an area
farmer and the bureau paid the processing costs. A little over a thousand
pounds of ground pork was distributed to about 13 local food pantries and each
received about 80 pounds of meat. A local farmer said meat is something the
pantries run out of quickly. This is a continuous program so the Adams County
Farm Bureau encourages other farmers to consider donating.
Quincy University celebrated the success of its Building for the Future fund drive
today. For the second consecutive year, the QU fund raised more than $1
million. The money will go towards annual operating expenses including
technology upgrades, campus enhancements, and faculty development, as well
as the endowment. President Robert Gervasi said this accomplishment shows
how everybody is stepping up. Gervasi said employee participation went from
35 percent to over 90 percent.
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For the past few years, enrollment at John Wood Community College has been
falling and that's causing some challenges at the school. Wednesday night, the
Board of Trustees gave initial approval to cutting $1 million from the budget,
which included some layoffs. Falling enrollment is part of the reason for budget
cuts, so now the college is implementing new strategies to turn those numbers
back around. Administrators say they're not exactly sure why enrollment
numbers have fallen here at John Wood but they suspect it’s for a number of
reasons, so they're taking several approaches to bring enrollment numbers back
up and keep them up. "The personal connection is so important," said Tracy
Orne, the Director of Public Relations and Marketing at JWCC. She says the
personal connection is something John Wood is trying to stress in all of its
recruitment efforts, which include hosting application and enrollment days at
local high schools, and by getting back in touch with students who have
stopped taking classes at JWCC. One of the successes the school had recently
was in a postcard campaign. It sent out a set of postcards to students who
have stopped taking classes at JWCC and encouraged them to come back. From
that effort alone, the school brought in around $15,000.
Today, our StormTrak Weather team had the privilege of meeting a group of
coworkers in Quincy who are taking the right steps to prepare for severe
weather. Denman Services purchased about 70 weather radios as an employee
safety incentive program. Today Rich, Brian, and Whitney made sure the weather
radios were programmed and ready to be used. Organizers say it's important
for their employees to stay safe. "We have a safety team and we went through
many options. A couple of years ago we did a safety jacket and this time we
thought the weather radio would, we try and keep it associated with safety,"
said Evonne Keppner. The Director of Support Services at Denman. Weather
radios really can be a life saver when severe weather strikes. You may not live
near a tornado siren or always have the TV on, but a weather radio will alert you
24/7.
Dognapping is on the rise in the Tri-States and thieves are targeting pure
breeds. Three dogs in the past week have been snatched from their owner's
yards. Officials are currently investigating and said there are some things you
need to do to keep your dogs safe. Quincy Animal Control Officer Steve Scherer
was surprised by the recent dognapping’s because he has rarely seen cases of
stolen dogs. Scherer said there are numerous reasons why people steal dogs,
and it's not necessarily for the money. Officials do not know if it is the same
person involved in these thefts or if they are individual cases. The Quincy
Humane Society is aware of the situation and advises all dog owners to take
precautions. If you cannot watch your dog at all times, fences are a good
deterrent against dognappers, but workers with the Quincy humane society also
recommend taking an additional step. "We've heard a lot of stories of dogs
being stolen whether there is a fence or not. The number one thing I would say
is to microchip your pet, it's very important," said Klobe. The microchip will
include information on the dog's owner, address and contact information, which
can lead back to you no matter where the dog turns up. Officials said to keep
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your dog inside at night or a least or tied up in your yard. Officials said they are
exhausting all possible reasons as to why pure bred dogs are being stolen
across the area. If you have any information about dogs being stolen or if you
think your dog might have been stolen, call the Quincy Police Departments nonemergency number at 217-222-9360.
A group of Hannibal kids washed cars for a good cause. Kids in Motion raised
money for the Samantha Otte foundation by washing cars in various locations.
The goal is to teach the youngsters the value of work, community and their
future. The kids we spoke with said they love helping others in the community.
The city of Macomb will be hosting its annual Heritage Days this year in
celebration of female activism. The Heritage Days, themed "Macomb's Tradition
of Female Activism," will take place this Thursday-Sunday with the
parade happening Saturday at 10 a.m. Local businesses, non-profit
organizations, and service clubs will showcase their own floats in the parade
and be eligible to win cash prizes through the float contest.
6/22
This heat wave can quickly turn a summer picnic into a nightmare. The 90
degree temperatures are affecting more than just your mood, but also your
food! If food is left out for more than two hours, it needs to be thrown away.
When dealing with meat, it needs to be packed up separately from the other
food. And when it's cooked, it needs to reach a certain temperature before you
can eat it. "What we call full cooked would be 155 degrees for hamburgers, 165
for chicken, and a steak can be at 145," said environmental sanitation employee
Rex Eflamtz. "Pork chops can also be about 155." Officials said there is no real
sign that food has gone bad because you can't see the organisms on them that
make us sick, so it's important to go by the two hour rule.
Temperature's are expected to be back up in the 90's this weekend and many
residents find comfort in the heat by turning down their air conditioners, which
may seem like the best way to keep cool, until the bill arrives. Air conditioners
are humming away right now, costing you hundreds of dollars each month, and
as residents in Quincy try to find the best way to beat the heat, hiking up your
air conditioner may not be the cheapest way. Officials with Ameren Illinois said
there are easy solutions to lowering your electrical bill, like turning up your
thermostat at night and unplugging unused electrical cords, but there is
another solution many people might not think about: incandescent light bulbs.
"It's actually generating heat, not light, so by switching to a compact fluorescent
light bulb, you can not only reduce the energy usage by 75%, but you're not
producing all that extra heat that your air conditioner then has to overcome,"
said Ameren Illinois Community Relations Coordinator Carl Fisher. Also try to
turn off all lights in the house while away from home. Turning on a fan during
the day, instead of leaving the air conditioning on, will also help cut costs.
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The famous Cast Iron Dogs of Boscobel statues have found a home on the lawn
of the Quincy Museum. The dogs stand guard on concrete pads near the
entrance to the museum, located at 1601 Maine. The statues, which weigh
about 850 pounds each, were repaired and painted by Industrial Finishing
Services. The cast iron dogs were originally purchased in 1862 to sit outside the
home of a Quincy attorney on Columbus Road. Since then, they were moved to
Singleton Park, now where Baldwin School resides. The dogs witnessed many
changes in scenery in the area and even survived a fire. In 1954 they were
bought by Arthur Niemann, who then passed them down to his daughter Myra.
In 2008, Myra contacted the Quincy Museum and said the dogs were to go there
upon her death. Myra passed away on October 30, 2011.
Washington Park will be home to over 50 art booths and exhibits this
weekend. The Midsummer Arts Faire starts Friday 5-9 p.m. and continues
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The faire is free to the
public and will include over 50 fine artist booths, art exhibits and sales, live
music, food, and hands-on art activities for all ages. There will also be a Young
Collectors Gallery fundraiser for local art education.
A Comedy-Magician cooked up something special just for the Quincy Public
Library. "Absolutely Jim" stopped by the library Friday to showcase his spicy-hot
magic show, mixed in with culinary comedy, to kids from around the area. Using
props, magic, lots of audience participation and his own unique kitchen
invention, Jim taught kids about the different food groups while encouraging
kids to continue reading.
Every Friday during Summer Reading, the Quincy Public library will host
different entertainers at 9:30 A.M. and again at 10:30 A.M.
Nationally-known sports fundamentalist Dave Ferguson says putting kids
through rigorous activity before they hit puberty is threatening their health.
And, a local doctor says he is starting to see indications of that here in the TriStates, mainly in children who play the same sport all year long. While kids need
to exercise, Quincy Medical Group Doctor Adam Derhake says the type of
injuries he sees in kids are a result of only playing one sport year round. But
Derhake said as long as you know your limits, you shouldn't have to worry.
Listen to your body and don't try to play through pain or injury as it just leads
to further problems down the road," said Derhake. "And that's when I think you
really see some of the issues come up whereas before we didn't. Because they're
never changing drills or activities that they're involved in and so over time that
leads to more overuse type injuries," Derhake said.
The clock is ticking on a program that helps many Illinois residents afford their
medication. Participants of Illinois Cares Rx received a letter telling them that
the program that has helped them for so long will be eliminated on July 1 due
to budget cuts. The program has paid the monthly premiums for Medicare part
D participants. It has also covered a large portion of co-pays for medicine.
Pharmacists said that when the program ends it will have a great effect on
many. The news has left many scared about how they will pay for much needed
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medication. If you have concerns about affording your medication, speak with
your pharmacist about finding a cheaper medicine or get in contact with an
agency that can help you.
6/25
The 4th of July is right around the corner and fireworks are already on sale in
Missouri. But, this year's extremely dry conditions can make celebrating with
fireworks even more dangerous. Firefighters say that the dry weather is a
concern for them right now. With grass and fields being so dry, shooting
fireworks can be a risk. LaGrange Assistant Fire Chief Grant Kennedy says the
best precaution you can take, is to keep a bucket of water nearby, just in case a
small fire would ignite. And, be careful where you shoot fireworks. They don't
always go where you think they will and the dry conditions would only make the
problem worse. Kennedy adds that after a firework has been shot, douse it with
water because it can keep smoldering for a while. Another tip...firefighters say
to keep a phone handy just in case you would have an emergency. With dry
grass and high winds, a fire can get out of hand quickly.
Monday night the Quincy City Council will take a closer look at creating another
downtown parking lot. The proposal would renovate the lot at 6th and Jersey,
catty corner from Quincy Public Library, to create 76 new parking spaces. A few
downtown business owners are set to speak before the council tonight in
support of the move. City officials said they have already heard about the need
for more parking as the public lots behind One Restaurant and the Maine Center
are always full. City Planner Chuck Bevelheimer said funding for the $270,000
project would come from the downtown TIF district.
Do you know where your cell phone is right now? Well, with the rising heat
outside, you better hope you didn't leave it in your car. Leaving technological
devices, such as cell phones, iPads, cameras, laptops, GPS systems, or any other
electronic in a hot car for a prolonged amount of time can do severe damage to
your gadget. "Once an item gets that hot it's really mainly the battery because
the battery could explode if the battery got too hot," said Best Buy employee
Shane Clouse. Besides batteries exploding, extreme heat can also cause battery
damage or even cause your phone to leak acid if left in the heat for too long.
Officials said most current phones have an internal meter so that if the phone
goes about 102 degrees, it will automatically shut off.
The Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donors of all
types. The American Red Cross has reached emergency levels with 50,000 fewer
donations than expected this June. The shortfall leaves the Red Cross with half
the readily available blood products on hand than this time last year and
officials with the Red Cross say the need is dire. The need for blood still
remains constant so donors are being asked now to help patients and replenish
the blood supply. All blood types are needed but especially O positive, O
negative, B negative and A negative are needed as soon as possible.
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A new study finds that a startling 28 percent of Americans have no savings in
case of an emergency. Just under 50 percent do not have enough money to
cover even three months of expenses. Experts said the reason for those
numbers is simple; people are spending more money than they are taking in
each paycheck. They also said consumers are buying too many convenience
products that they cannot afford, leaving nothing left for an emergency fund.
One expert we spoke with said you need a plan to get back on your feet. "Well, I
think the biggest factor is people have lost sight that they need to spend less
than they make. And you can't have an emergency cash reserve if you are
spending more than you are bringing home and it takes discipline but you have
to map out a game plan," said certified financial planner Brian Dilley. Dilley said
that the first priority is to pay off your credit card debt, and then you can begin
to start a savings fund.
A rural Ft. Madison family is homeless after a fire destroyed everything they
own. The house is off Business 61/Route O next to Huffman Welding & Machine.
Montrose fire officials say a father and three kids were outside Monday
afternoon when a daughter noticed the flames. Six fire departments from
around the area responded, but the building is a total loss. No one was injured.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Red Cross is taking donations
to help the family.
A recent ruling in Indiana said child sex offenders are not allowed to access
social media sites. In the past week, two states implemented rulings and laws
on sex offenders and social media. In Louisiana, offenders must say on their
Facebook page that they are a sexual offender. In Indiana, child sex offenders
aren't allowed on any web site that kids access. The ban includes such sites as
Facebook and Twitter, to better protect children from predators. In Illinois, child
sex offenders are allowed to access social media sites unless it is against their
parole. Mothers and grandmothers that spoke to WGEM said it should be a
universal ban on any type of sex offender. The only rule in Illinois for sex
offenders and the Internet is that they are not allowed to knowingly
communicate with someone under the age of 18 by Internet without a lawful
purpose or if the offender is a parent or guardian. Adams County Sheriff Brent
Fischer says while there are laws in place, sex offenders can still use social
media to contact kids. But the law cannot fully protect the kids, as parents have
to take control.
Customers might be shocked to see the price of their cigarettes when they stop
in liquor stores in Illinois. Smokers are now paying $1.98 in tax per pack of
cigarettes. The Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits assistant manager said he feels that the
tax hike might cause more smokers to cross the bridge into Missouri for their
cigarettes A Missouri cigarette vendor agreed and said because of the tax he
has already seen an increase in customers, and he expects to see that trend
continue. The new cigarette tax was part of a bill signed by Governor Pat Quinn
to pay for the state's struggling Medicaid program.
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6/26
There are some big changes getting underway on Quincy's Maine Street. City
Engineer Jeff Steinkamp says that the traffic signals at 33rd & Maine Street, in
front of Quincy Senior High School, will be removed Tuesday. It's part of the
Safe Routes to School Reconstruction Project. Temporary stop signs will be at
the intersection for 8 weeks. From 30th to 36th and Maine, the city is rebuilding
curb and sidewalks, as well as re-pave and re-stripe the street. Officials say to
be extra careful when driving through the area. As far as now, Steinkamp says
that the project will be completed before the start of school. More road
construction includes 5th to 6th & Maine Street. That section of the road will be
blocked Tuesday. A large crane is going to be lifting large electronic equipment
onto the top of the WCU building, so drivers will need to take another route.
The Quincy Park District is hosting Family Fun in the Sun this summer. These
free events will feature live entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere in
Madison Park, 24th and Maine, from 6-7 p.m. The performance schedule: June
26 - Jim Austin does Magic - Austin is funny and unpredictable. July 10 - Don
Millers Magic is Science, Unexplained - Miller uses magic tricks and science
experiments to explain the laws and principles of science to children. July 24 Mario Manzini a Tribute to Houdini - Manzini is a Guinness World Champion
Escapologist and offers a family-style show using audience participation. He
escapes from straitjackets, handcuffs, a tied sack, 100-foot rope tied to a chair
and other restraining devices.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Bomb Squad entered Perry, Missouri this
morning to investigate a suspicious item on Main Street. After thorough
investigation, officials confirmed the item to be a harmless. Missouri Highway
Patrol confirmed the item to be a container filled with what appears to be milk
but is actually herbicide. The herbicide was found at the southwest corner of the
four way stop at Main and Palmyra Streets and at the time was unidentifiable
and therefore deemed as a potential threat. A couple blocks of Main St. were
shut down and evacuated as the Ralls County Sheriff's Office and Missouri
Highway Patrol secured the scene. Officials are now clearing out of the area,
allowing locals to return to their normal routines.
As the temperatures rise in the Tri-States, drivers need to keep their eyes on
their car tires. Experts said drivers need to make sure there's just the right
amount of air in their tires, especially before traveling long distances in their
car, because extreme heat can severely damage tires. "If you drive long periods
of time on tires that have been aged, you can have some problems with them.
They can heat up and blow out on you," said Delta Tire co-owner Peter
Steinkoenig. According to Steinkoenig, more people come in to a tire shop
during the summer than any other season. He urges people to make sure their
air pressure level is set to what is recommended on your car to avoid any
problems. "If the air pressure is too low, you can have tire failure and
prematurely wear your tires," said Steinkoenig. Steinkoenig said if air pressure
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is too high, it can result in a rougher ride as well as also prematurely wearing
your tires.
A successful Quincy program to help students in need is now expanding to all
schools in the district. For the past three years Quincy High School has had a
pay-it-forward, cash jar. It's full of donated money that's handed out at the
principal's discretion to students in need. The idea came from a retired Quincy
teacher who wanted to do something to help students, and in the last three
years that money has paid for everything from calculators to track shoes. The
fund has been so successful, every elementary and each section of Baldwin will
start the new year with $250 in a charitable fund. The Junior High and High
school will have $500. Administrators hope donations will continue so no
student has to go without.
Gas prices are falling all over the United States, including here in the Tri-State
area. The state-wide average in Illinois is $3.59 a gallon, but in West Quincy, it's
$3.50. In Missouri the average is $3.25 and $3.46 in Iowa. One resident said
while the price of gas won't affect his travels, it's still frustrating. Illinois
residents currently spend just over 6 percent of their income on gasoline.
A mosquito has tested positive for west Nile in Quincy. Health officials said the
mosquito was caught in a trap on the south side of town, and tested positive
Tuesday for the potentially deadly disease. Now that a mosquito has tested
positive, health officials are warning everyone to take extra steps to avoid
getting bitten. Health officials said because it has been so hot and dry,
conditions are perfect for mosquitos. This is shaping up to be the worst season
for mosquitos in nearly a decade, but you can take steps to protect your family.
Lee Mueller, with the Adams County Health Department, traps and tests
mosquitos for West Nile. He's seeing a lot more of the bugs than normal for this
time of year. Mueller said current weather conditions are ideal for mosquitos to
breed and potentially spread disease. Health officials recommended removing
all standing water and emptying small pools when they're not in use so
mosquitos can't breed. Officials also said mosquito spray with deet is the most
effective way to prevent the bugs from biting.
Job hunters listen up, the work you've been looking for could be out on the
open highway. 500,000 truck drivers are needed nationwide in the next four
years, and John Wood Community College is trying to meet that demand with a
new incentive. In the past, Missouri residents enrolled in the training course
were required to pay out-of-state tuition. Now, Missouri truck driver students
pay the same amount as Illinois students: $3,795. JWCC has lowered the
Missouri resident fees for their truck driver training to be more affordable as a
lure to get people into the field of truck driving, an industry in need of
employees.
6/27
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One year ago today, the tri-states were hit overnight by a windstorm that took
out electricity and left trees and debris everywhere for weeks. Now the trees
and debris are gone, but the memories from that day are still very clear and
many people say it was a storm they'll never forget. Locals said while there were
some parts about the storm they enjoyed, they hope they never see another
storm like it.
Last June's windstorm destroyed an estimated 2,000-3,000 trees in Quincy
alone and brought business to an organization in town. Since that day, Trees for
Tomorrow has worked hard to replace the trees that were lost. So far dozens of
trees have been planted in public right of ways, but for every tree replaced,
more trees are in need of removal. All trees which lost large limbs in the storm
are still at risk. If you suspect your tree may be diseased or dying, call a nursery
to do an assessment. You may need to remove the tree
The heat wave that will be impacting the Tri-States could make conditions
uncomfortable for us, but what about man's best friend? The hot temperatures
we will see over the next week could really take a toll on pets. One local
veterinarian said dogs can start to over-heat with temperatures of just 85
degrees. The way dogs and cats cool down is by evaporation through their
tongues, so if you don't have air conditioning, a fan would be a good tool to
help them stay cool. Panting, staggering, and fainting are just some of the signs
that your pet may have a heat illness. Vets said when these things happen, you
need to cool them down immediately. Reich also reminded that pets should not
be in a hot car unless the AC is on and you are in the car with them, because it
can get hot inside a car fast.
It's hard to believe just how different the morning was for many us on June 27,
2011. At about 1:00 a.m. a massive windstorm tore through the area, leaving
nothing short of a path of destruction. It took hundreds of workers days to get
power restored, trees lifted off homes and roads clear. And, even though the
majority of the majority of the clean-up is finished it still continues one year
later. The last project is grinding stumps, which crews are doing across town.
Interim Director of Central Services Marty Stegeman. Stegeman said that with all
say the significant lessons learned from the event, it has helped them prepare
should a similar storm hit Quincy again. Gary Sparks, Director of Administrative
Services for the City of Quincy says the storm cost the city just over $206,000.
The city did seek reimbursement from FEMA, but did not qualify. Insurance paid
about $40,000 to repair sidewalks. Fortunately, the city always budgets for a
reserve fund in case something like this would happen.
Some downtown Quincy businesses that had severe damage and were forced to
shut down for months after the storm have bounced back in a big way. The Park
Bench is thriving today according to its owner Jerry Schmidt, but he says it was
a long and sometimes frustrating road to get there. The structural damage the
restaurant suffered was so bad it forced them to close for three months. The
cafe had already planned to move a couple stores down last October, but they
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didn't anticipate the unexpected closure from the storm. The Park Bench owner,
Jerry Schmidt, says with the help of many people the cafe is stronger than ever
today. Celia Neff who owns Celia's remembers waking up in her flooded
apartment that sits above her gift shop in downtown Quincy a year
ago. Neff quickly discovered the storm destroyed her home and her store. To
make matters worse, debris from the storm wrecked her vehicle. Today, she is
back in business and living in her apartment, but said it took the help of many
in the community to get back on her feet. Celia's and The Park Bench restaurant
next store are now connected through an open door to help drive customers to
each other's businesses.
The Lee County Narcotics Task Force reported the arrest of a West Point man on
a felony drug charge. Brandon Erb, 27, of West Point was arrested Monday for
conspiracy to manufacture meth in excess of five grams, a class B felony. The
Lee County Attorney's Office assisted the task force in an investigation into Erb
providing items used to make meth in the Lee County area. Erb is presumed
innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in
a state correctional facility.
Families who oppose Gov. Pat Quinn's plan to close the Jacksonville
Developmental Center will gather at the Illinois Capitol to ask the Democrat to
change his mind. Rep. Jim Watson will lead the group Wednesday. The
Jacksonville Republican says supporters will ask Quinn and the Department of
Human Services to keep open the facility for developmentally disabled residents
instead of moving them to community-based settings. The state's new budget
year begins Sunday. The group also wants a report on allegations by a state
workers' union that a state contractor moved some residents of the Jacksonville
center out with just 48 hours' notice and no review of those residents' readiness
for community living. They also want monthly data released tracking residents
who are moved.
The windstorm that stuck the Tri-States last June took quite on toll on the
residents and businesses of Camp Point. "The damage was just unbelievable. It
literally looked like a bomb went off," said Camp Point resident David Lantz.
Camp Point residents woke to find much of their town in shambles. Trees and
power lines were down everywhere, many blocking city streets. The community
didn't waste any time in beginning the cleanup process as neighbors came out
to help neighbors. "It's amazing to me, maybe because it is just a small
community. It is amazing to me how everyone pulled together to help that day
and for the week afterward," said Lantz. City officials said some work still needs
to be done, but the small city is continuing to move forward.
The Quincy City Council opted to table for two weeks any decision on a
proposed Girl Scout program center and camping area north of the Hickory
Grove subdivision. The subject has become a hot topic among residents in the
Hickory Grove area after earning an endorsement from the Quincy Plan
Commission earlier this month. Alderman Paul Havermale, R-3, said at Monday
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night's City Council meeting the two-week delay was to allow enough time for a
proposed neighborhood meeting.
Five speakers scheduled to appear before council -- Amy Lefringhouse of the
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, and four residents of Hickory Grove. All five
speakers were welcomed back for the July 2 council meeting.
Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a law that requires coaches and university employees
to report cases of abuse. Quinn's office says the law that goes into effect
Wednesday is designed to help further protect children and young people from
sex abuse and child abuse. Illinois lawmakers introduced the measure in
response to the sex abuse scandal involving former assistant Penn State football
coach Jerry Sandusky. The law requires athletic personnel, university employees
and early intervention providers to report suspected abuse. Rep. Dwight Kay of
Glen Carbon is one of the bill's sponsors, and he says the situation at Penn State
made it clear that Illinois needed to tighten up its reporting laws to make sure
nothing like that happens here.
During the wind storm last year, power was knocked out for days for some
residents.
Generators were then purchased and put to work. Now that your generator has
been out of use for a while, there are tips to follow before turning it back on.
Make sure the fuel and oil are in good condition. If your generator is low on oil
and the engine starts it could lock up or burn up your motor. When you turn it
on, be sure to stay safe. Local professionals said to make sure to check the
fluids yearly and start the generator up once or twice a year.
Fishing for Freedom held a dinner Wednesday night to recognize the corporate
donors who played a part in the success of this year's tournament. This year,
Fishing for Freedom raised $35,000, which gave more than 106 veterans the
opportunity to enjoy a free weekend of fishing. Organizers say they couldn't
have done it without the businesses that helped sponsor the event. "We cover
all the motel rooms for the soldiers that come in and their meals and everything
else that we've got to pull off with the permits. So, it's a little expense and these
donors donated to us. I know they would have done it out of their heart anyway,
but we just wanted to show a little appreciation to them," explained Bob
Havermale, Quincy's Fishing for Freedom Chairman. Fishing for Freedom
organizers are already looking ahead to next year's tournament, which will be
held June 1 and 2.
Many parts of Missouri have gone a while since their last big rain. But just how
dry is it? A soil science professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia says the
Midwest is going through its driest period since 1988. Professor Randy Miles
says the soil is dry down to nearly five feet, which is the depth where most
crops get the moisture they need to thrive. Miles says the drought actually
started last August and was enhanced by a warm winter. High temperatures,
low humidity, plenty of wind and a lack of snow last fall and winter caused
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water to more quickly evaporate from the soil. Now Missouri is in the peak of
summer, when the soil can lose up to one-quarter inch of water per day.
6/28
An unusual sight Thursday morning in Quincy as a 12,000 pound MRI unit was
lifted into the side of Blessing Hospital. It took nearly $1.5 million to get this
top of the line unit to Quincy. The new MRI machine is expected to improve the
over-all health of Blessing's patients. The MRI machine will be ready for patient
use in September.
It's going to be a scorcher today with triple digit temperatures. If your plans
take you outside, there are some things to keep mind to avoid getting
overheated. Dr. Steven Ginos of Blessing Physical Services said when the heat
index gets into to the upper 90's or hundreds, it's dangerous to be outside.
People who are overweight or who are drinking are especially at risk. Dr. Ginos
said one way to tell if you or someone else has heat stroke is if that person is
experiencing confusion. If you notice anyone around you experiencing a seizure
or acting in a confused or combative manner, call 911 immediately. Another
thing to remember if you're leaving the house today, your car is going to heat
up very quickly. If you have to be outside today, Dr. Ginos said to take frequent
breaks and drink plenty of water, and don't forget the sunscreen. Also, don't
forget to keep a close eye on your kids and check on elderly neighbors. Cooling
Centers are available anyone free of charge in multiple locations such as the
Keokuk Senior Center and the Quincy Kroc Center. (List of Cooling Centers in
Tri-State).
The wait is now over, Canton's Steak 'n Shake will officially open its doors
Thursday morning. You can stop by the restaurant off of US 61 and Route P
anytime between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. The Steak 'n Shake is expected to bring
about 60 jobs to the area. The building has been in constructed since May
2011.
Currens Hall on the Western Illinois University-Macomb campus sustained
smoke damage as a result of an electrical fire Wednesday night. According to
WIU, the fire originated in the mechanical maintenance room in the basement.
As a result of the damage, Currens Hall will be closed until further notice.
Classes scheduled in Currens Hall have been relocated to Morgan Hall. College
of Arts and Sciences employees who work in Currens should report to Morgan
Hall 303 and College of Education and Human Sciences employees who work in
Currens should report to their dean's office in Horrabin Hall. According to
Physical Plant Assistant Director Monte Colley, the main drive on the chiller
caught fire. The fire was caused by either an electrical failure or overheating.
WIU Physical Plant Staff have begun clean-up and repair efforts. College of Arts
and Sciences Dean Susan Martinelli-Fernandez said the chemicals in the building
are secure and the building's ventilation is working. Due to the damage, the air
conditioning in Currens Hall is inoperable at this time and it will soon be
determined if a temporary chiller will be installed.
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Illinois law enforcement agencies are planning to crack down on drunk driving
this weekend and through the Fourth of July holiday. The Illinois Department of
Transportation announced stepped-up enforcement plans Wednesday. State
police and other law enforcement agencies also will be watching for seat belt
violations. The statewide effort is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and administered by IDOT. It follows an increase in Illinois'
vehicle crash fatalities compared to the same time period in 2011. Preliminary
Illinois data show 449 people have died in crashes through June 25 of this year.
That's compared to 381 killed in crashes during the same period last year. Last
year, 13 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in Illinois during the Fourth
of July holiday weekend.
Shelby County Emergency Management officials declared a no burn notice
Thursday morning for the area until further notice. The burn ban is in response
to dry conditions and means that no open burning is allowed in the county until
officials give the okay.
The City of La Plata has issued an open burn ban until further notice. The burn
ban includes yard waste, fires, open cooking, and recreation fires such as
outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, bon fires, burn barrels, and any other burning
normally allowed. The ban also includes the discharge of consumer fireworks
within the city limits and all city owned properties. The open ban will remain in
effect until canceled.
The Adams County Emergency Management Agency issued a no burn advisory
for the entire county until further notice. Record high temperatures, low
humidity levels, and severe drought conditions have created an extremely dry
environment, providing reason for the burn ban to go into effect. The public is
asked to be extremely cautious or avoid using matches, cigarettes, torches, or
other open flame devices that could start an un-wanted fire. The public is also
reminded that lighting most fireworks in Illinois are prohibited and could also
cause a fire. With the dry weather, fires can become out of control very rapidly.
If this happens, or if you spot an un-attended fire, call 911 immediately. Rural
fire departments have already responded to 4 brush and 9 grass fires since June
1. The risk of fire danger is expected to rise and extend throughout the
weekend. Consult with your local fire department before conducting any open
burning or recreational fires.
One of the original Ironman competitors took off from Quincy Thursday
morning as he attempts to run the length of the Mississippi. 79 -year old Tom
Knoll has run thousands of miles during his lifetime, and through his running
he's raised more than $1 million for charities. Knoll has already run across the
country twice, but before he's traveled from coast to coast. Knoll says this crosscountry run will be his last of this length, and, in a way, he says it is like a
victory lap for him. Knoll says he's averaging about 30 miles a day on this run
from New Orleans to the Minnesota-Canada border. In addition to being one of
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the original Ironman competitors, Knoll was also in the military for more than
30 years and has run 197 of marathons in his lifetime. Knoll has written a book
called "Why Not a Million?" on his experiences in raising a million dollars for
charities through his running. All of the profits from the book will also be given
to charity
The Tri-States is getting its fair share of extreme heat and people are having to
find other ways to cool off. The Quincy Public Pools were packed today as
parents and their children enjoyed the cool water. The temperatures climbed
into the triple digits today. And even though pools are a great way to cool
down, you and your family still have to take precautions to stay safe. Pool
personnel say they have to watch how kids and their parents act while at the
pool. If they start to get sluggish or doze off in this hot weather a worker will
check to see how they are feeling. In times of extreme heat, the Quincy Public
Pools lower their admission to a dollar, however that only takes effect when the
National Weather Service issues an "Excessive Heat Warning." But so far this
summer the Tri-States has only seen a "Heat Advisory".
Statistics show more fires are reported on the fourth of July than any other day
of the year, with half of those being fireworks-related, so that prompted officials
to hold a demonstration today to illustrate the dangers. The Quincy Fire
Department teamed up with Illinois State Police and Safe Kids Adams County to
remind everyone which fireworks are illegal in Illinois and the risks involved in
using any of them. Last year in Illinois alone, 200 people ended up in the
emergency room with firework- related injuries. It is illegal in Illinois to possess
most types of fireworks. Officials also say even though sparklers are legal they
are frequently associated with injuries among children ages 4 and under.
The city of Canton is looking to increase tourism in the city by building a
Canton Levee trail. The project originated through a $150,000 transportation
enhancement grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation. Mayor
Jarrod Phillips said the levee trail won't only help tourism, but will also help the
education of high school students as well as those attending Culver Stockton.
Phillips expects the project to be completed no later than September.
Farmers are also keeping a close eye on their livestock as the extreme heat
builds across the Midwest. All kinds of livestock need to stay as cool as possible
but make sure they have enough room in the shade. Sometimes there isn't
enough shade and cattle are so close together it does more harm than
good. Some suggestions from Iowa State University Extension include clean
fresh water, shade and using a higher percentage of feed in the afternoon. If
necessary, farmers should begin sprinkling cattle with water if there are signs of
heat stress.
6/29
The Missouri Department of Conservation has issued a fire ban on all
conservation areas in the state. The fire ban prohibits campfires and other open
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fires, including charcoal grills, as well as the use of firewood in cooking fires.
Contained camp stoves and charcoal cooking fires in concrete or metal fire
rings are still allowed. People visiting conservation areas are reminded that the
use of fireworks is prohibited. MDC Wildland Fire Supervisor Ben Webster would
like to ask people to use caution when driving off road or smoking. Wildfires
could start if the dry grass comes in contact with catalytic converters or
cigarettes. It is best to drive and park only on roads and to extinguish
cigarettes completely and safely. If a fire is sighted and getting out of control,
call 911 immediately.
The hot summer temperatures can affect numerous things, including people
who are taking medications. In the extreme heat, medicines can cause health
issues if you are not careful when taking them, especially antibiotics. "In the
extreme heat antibiotics especially can cause health issues. They put you at an
increase inseparability to the sun and can cause a sun burn," said Blessing
Hospital Pharmacist Kara Bolen. For this reason, sunscreen should always be
applied before heading outdoors. Bolen also warned people to pay attention to
the colored labels that often come on prescription bottles; they can provide
helpful information and remember, the color of the label does not rank their
importance.
The search continues for a suspected meth cook who ran from police into an
Adams County cornfield. The West Central Illinois Task Force is looking for 46year-old Michael Wert. Authorities say around 10 a.m. Friday, they searched a
home north of Clayton and found pseudoephedrine pills, fertilizer spikes and
other meth making materials. After Wert ran into the cornfield, agents searched
the area on the ground and by helicopter, but couldn't find him. Melissa Tucker,
36, was arrested on various meth charges. If you have any information on this
incident or Wert's whereabouts...contact the Quincy Regional Crimestoppers at
(217)228-4474.
When the temperatures are still in mid-80s during well into evening hours, you
know they're dangerously hot during the day-- especially for the elderly. That's
why doctors are urging you to check on your older neighbors, friends and
relatives. Doctors say people who are 65 and older need to be careful when
temperatures get this hot, especially those who have other medical conditions
like respiratory or cardiac diseases. With a lot of elderly people on a restricted
budget, Brenda Fleming with the Quincy Senior Center says many older people
put money ahead of health. "They don't want to turn their air on or don't think
they can afford it," said Fleming. For many elderly, warm homes don't feel
uncomfortable, but doctors say they can quickly become dangerous. Dr. Richard
Saalborn of Blessing Hospital says if you know an elderly person, you should
check on him or her several times each day during hot weather to make sure
they're doing okay. If you can't do that, you should at least pay attention to
things that seem out of place. If the heat is beginning to affect someone you
know, doctors say you should try to get that person into an air-conditioned
environment as soon as possible and make sure they drink plenty of water. A
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cool bath or shower will also help. If those things don't work, you should call a
doctor immediately.
While people across the US are making their Fourth of July plans, Warsaw
residents were planning for something a little different. The Warsaw
Bicentennial celebration kicked off Friday. The ceremony began by digging up a
time capsule full of old magazines, newspapers and photographs that were
buried 50 years ago. While the heat may be a concern for attendees,
Bicentennial organizer Gary Uhland says they're prepared for the hot weather
over the next few days. The 399th Army Band from Fort Leonard Wood Missouri
will march in the Warsaw Bicentennial parade will begin at 11:00am on
Saturday, June 30. This decorated unit is one of the few remaining military
bands able to support special events like the Warsaw Bicentennial Parade.
Activities and entertainment will continue through Sunday.
Nancy Lacroix, a mother of two, sees cars speeding by her home near 44th and
Harrison all too often, and she says it has been an ongoing problem in the area.
And Lacroix says that the issue is more than just motorists driving a couple
miles over the speed limit. The Quincy Police Department actually has grant
money set aside to pay the overtime of officers, who are placed in
neighborhoods to nab speeders and other traffic offenders. Lacroix agrees that
the speeders need to be held accountable. "We have a lot of children out
playing, riding bikes, people out walking their dogs and enjoying summer and
the fall and the safety of the speed limit needs to be enforced," said Nancy
Lacroix.
When temperatures get this hot, your car's performance can take a hit in several
different ways. If you are driving down the road and begin to see the
temperature gauge quickly go from Cold to Hot or if you see a glowing "HOT"
light, your car could be overheating. One local mechanic said he is fixing two to
three cars a day that have overheated. Water pumps, antifreeze, and the
radiator are just a few things that have had to be looked over when
temperatures get this hot. If your car does start to overheat, turn off your radio
and air conditioning. Jim Holtmeyer, owner of State Street Automotive, said his
number one tip for the hot summer months is to keep your antifreeze clean and
full. As for your tires, when temps heat up, the air in your tires expands, so
check the pressure regularly.
The Lewis County Water District is asking customers to conserve water. Officials
say high demand in the heat is leading to low water pressure for 800 customers
in the Ewing and Durham area. Lewis County residents should avoid filling
pools, washing cars, doing extra laundry and other activities that use large
amounts of water. The water conservation request extends until Monday.
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WGEM FM INTERVIEWS
Monday – Friday 7-9am Various duration’s
As an ongoing Ascertainment process, WGEM FM frequently interviews key people in our
area that are able to enlighten our listening public on current community problems and
needs. Specific needs covered: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. All interviews range from 2
minutes to 10 minutes.
Network Programming
In addition to our locally produced programming specifically designed to respond to the
problems and needs of our viewing area, network programs often cover issues relating
to our local problems and needs.
The following are selected episodes of regular programs and specials, which, in our
judgment, contribute to serving the problems and needs of our community.
4/2
 Ill St. Rep. Jil Tracy talks about current legislation
 Mark Schmidt of the Autism Program for Illinois talks about autism statistics
4/3
 Tim Gieseke of the CRP Readiness Initiative talks about natural resources in the
Midwest
 Rodney Hart of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about local crime and courts
 Derek Leffert of the Missouri One Call System talks about calling their hotline before
digging
 Martin Coco of the St. Louis Cardinals talks about Ticket Sales and Marketing for the
2012 season
4/4
 Amy Crawford of MODOT talks about work zone awareness
 Cindy Lovell of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home talks about an upcoming design
contest
4/5
 Mary Kenney of the Ill. Housing Development Authority talks about the Foreclosure
Prevention Network
4/6
 Ill. Sec. Of State Jesse White talks about his upcoming visit to Quincy, and the organ
and tissue donation campaign
 U.S. Cong. Blaine Luetkemeyer talks about getting broadband internet to rural
internet providers
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Julie Marra of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about upcoming weekend concerts
4/9
 Jeff Stier of the National Center for Public Policy Research talks about pink slime
 Reg Ankrom talks about historical parts of Quincy
 Jane Holt of Paw Pals talks about Mardi Pals in the District
4/10
 Jay Rowell of the Ill. Dept. of Employment Security talks about the Illinois JobLink
web site
 Rodney Hart of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about local crime and courts
 Bob Flider of the Ill. Dept. of Agriculture talks about sharing the road with farmers
 Nate Keener of the Ill. River Watch Network talks about an upcoming training
workshop
4/11
 Dr. Gary Harper of the National Runaway Switchboard talks combating the runaway
crisis
 QHS football coach Rick Little talks about the upcoming Dogwood Bowl tourney
4/12
 Beth Mosher of AAA talks about senior citizens on the road
 Mary Ann Heitmeyer of the US Army Corps of Engineers talks about bald eagle nest
locations
 Laura Hyde of the United Way of Adams County talks about an upcoming volleyball
tourney
4/13
 Michael Devine of the IRS talks about tax filing season
 Dr. Rich Fiesta of the Alliance for Retired Americans talks about elections
 Julie Marra of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about upcoming weekend concerts
4/16
 Quincy Mayor John Spring talks about current issues in local government
 Linn Haramis of the Ill. Dept. of Public Health talks about West Nile virus
4/17
 Cong Aaron Schock talks about the Affordable Health Care Act
 Rodney Hart of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about local crime and courts
 Valerie Welsch of the USPS talks about tax filing deadlines
 Carrie Kimber of QMG talks about the upcoming Bridge the Gap race
4/18
 US Cong. Bruce Braley talks about the adoption tax credit
 Franklin Russell of the Earth Day Network talks about Earth Day
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Scott McFarland of the Serve Ill. Commission talks about National Volunteer Week
4/19
 US Sen. Dick Durbin talks about investing in first-responder capabilities
 Jim Chilson of the Citizens Utility Board talks about the Ameren’s Smart Grid
expenses
 Jane Polett of the Quincy Symphony Orchestra talks about their upcoming concert
4/20
 US Cong. Bobby Schilling talks about current legislation
 Julie Marra of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about upcoming weekend concerts
4/23
 Gloria Wilson of the Quincy Breakfast Optimist Club talks about their childhood
cancer campaign
 Amy Lehenbauer of the Community Foundation talks about grant applications
 Reg Ankrom talks about upcoming historical events in Quincy
4/24
 Steve Rowlands of Quincy/Adams County 911 talks about their operating budget
 Rodney Hart of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about local crime and courts
 Bob Havermale of Fishing for Freedom talks about the need for volunteer boaters
 Megan Duesterhaus of QUANADA talks about their upcoming benefit
4/25
 Farm blogger Sarah Fernandez talks about her recent ag trip to Asia
 Dale Kuhn of the IL One Call System talks about calling them before digging
 Sally Westerhoff of the Quincy Humane Society talks about the ASPCA grant being
given to QHS
4/26
 Lindsey Hess talks about her upcoming series on heroin use in high school
 Kayleigh Friend of the Central Ill. Food Bank talks about their involvement in the
community
 Sue-ann Westhoff of the Junior Achievement of NEMO talks about an upcoming bowla-thon
4/27
 Bobbette Cawthon of the Quincy Assn. of Realtors talks about local home sales
 Mark Jones of the NEMO Education Assn. talks about the “don’t say gay” bill
undermining educators anti-bullying efforts
 Julie Marra of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about upcoming weekend concerts
4/30
 US Cong. Blaine Luetkemeyer talks about current legislation
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Amy Vaughn of Kids in Motion talks about their program
Amy Terwelp of Vancil Performing Arts talks about the Dancin for a Cure fundraiser
5/1
 Wendell Cox of Township Officials of Ill. Talks about an efficiency report
 Rodney Hart of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about local crime and courts
 Patrick Dehaan of gasbuddy.com talks about gas prices in the area
 Krista Veihl of the American Cancer Society talks about upcoming fundraiser walk
5/2
 Amy Crawford of MODOT talks about the Alex Brown Foundation
 Jill Arnold Blickhan and Dennis Everly of the Community Foundation talk about
contributing
 QHS Baseball Coach Bruce Bonness talks about his team playing Busch Stadium soon
 Catherine Smith talks about a canned food drive during the Dogwood Parade
5/
 Natalie Will talks about her upcoming segment on “Social Stalkers”
 Jim Mentesti from GREDF reacts to the Harris Broadcasting sale
 Les Sachs talks about being the Grand Marshal of the Dogwood Parade
5/4
 Ill. St. Rep. Jil Tracy talks about current legislation
 Laura Hyde of United Way of Adams County talks about the Stamp Out Hunger
Campaign
 Julie Marra of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about upcoming weekend concerts
5/7
 Lesley Swick talks about the Golden Apples contest
 Ill. Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon talks about the Quincy Rural Listening Post
 Travis Brown of the HQBD talks about the Cash Mob
5/8
 Jan Hummel of the Adams Co. Health Dept. talks about the upcoming car seat
roundup
 Rodney Hart of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about local crime and courts
 Steve Holowicki of Two Rivers Regional Council talks about a free business startup
workshop in Mt. Sterling
5/9
 Erica Borggren of the Ill. Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs talks about the impact of
returning soldiers
 Kevin Curran of the Gus Macker group talks about the need for referees
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5/10
 Katie Lorenz of the American Lung Association talks about Adams County’s
recognition for being a clean county
 Kaitlyn Rowney talks about her upcoming series “Gouged by the Gallon”
 Rob Ebbing of the Quincy Gems talks about the need for host families
5/11
 Chris Koch of the Ill. St. Board of Education talks about education funding
 Carrie Kimber of QMG talks about the Bridge the Gap race
 Julie Marra of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about upcoming weekend concerts
5/14
 Ill. St. Trooper Mike Kindhart talks about motorcycle awareness month
 Chris Pavlish talks about his upcoming “Tri-State Originals” series
 Collin Hitt of the Ill. Policy Institute talks about teacher pension costs
 Joe Henning of the Quincy Fire Dept. talks about a golf tourney fundraiser
5/15
 Dr. Stephen Apalinski talks about May being Asthma Awareness Month
 Rodney Hart of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about local crime and courts
5/16
 Ill. St. Rep. Norine Hammond talks about current legislation
 J. Paul Davis of Adams County EMS talks about EMS Day
 Annie Kennedy of JWCC talks about Children’s College programs
5/17
 Brenda Martens talks about her upcoming “Too Young To Text” series
 Steve Tieken talks about Native American mounds in Quincy
5/18
 Ia. Cong. David Loebsack talks about current legislation
 Ill. Cong. Bobby Schilling talks about current legislation
 Julie Marra of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about upcoming weekend concerts
5/21
 Ill. St. Sen. John Sullivan talks about current legislation
 US Cong. Blaine Luetkemeyer talks about current legislation
 Reagan Reis talks about the Million Strands of Hope
5/22
 Mo. Hwy. Patrol Sgt. Brent Bernhardt talks about National Boating Safety Week
 Rodney Hart of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about local crime and courts
 Ill. St. Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka talks about cigarette taxes
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Kayleigh Friend of the Central Ill. Foodbank talks about increasing needs during the
summer
5/23
 Pam Shaffer of the American Red Cross talks about the 12 Hours of Giving program
 Jessica Marie Cate of the Quincy Park District talks about a Skate Park Open House
5/24
 Lisa Miller of the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity talks about carbon
pollution standards
 Todd Maisch of the Ill. Chamber of Commerce talks about cigarette taxes
5/25
 US Sen. Claire McCaskill talks about current legislation
 Rick Gengenbacher of the Ill. Vets. Home talks about upcoming Memorial Day events
 Julie Marra of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about upcoming weekend concerts
5/28
 Matt Vanover of the Ill. St. Board of Education talks about the Find a Book program
 Patti Thompson of the Ill. Emerg. Management Agency talks about their Community
Preparedness Initiative
 Laura Hyde of the United Way talks about their upcoming 5K run
5/29
 Stacy James of the Prairie Rivers Network talks about the livestock industry’s unique
exemption from paying to pollute
 Rodney Hart of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about local crime and courts
 Ill Lt. Gov Sheila Simon talks about Complete College bills
 Ashley Fesler from AIM at Melanoma talks about an upcoming softball tourney
5/30
 Quincy Mayor John Spring gives an update on city issues
 Mo. St. Rep. Craig Redmon talks about current legislation
 Holly Cain of the QAVCB talks about kayaking on the riverfront
6/1
 Mike Roegge of the Univ. of Ill. Ag Extension Office gives a crop update
 Jon Hagler of the Mo. Dept. of Ag. Talks about the Great Missouri Buzz Off
 Julie Marra of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about upcoming weekend concerts
6/4
 Tim Carpenter of Fight Crime: Invent in Kids Ill. Talks about crime in the state of IL
 Sarah Fernandez does a segment on drought conditions and gardening
 Annette Jackson promotes her book I Hurt Like Hell
 Travis Brown of HQBD talks about Blues in the District
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6/5
 Bridgette Murphy talks the Bold and Fierce Foundation
 Rodney Hart of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about local crime and courts
 Ill. St. Sen. John Sullivan talks about current legislation
6/6
 US Sen. Dick Durbin talks about current legislation
 Evelyn Hollender talks about the Relay for Life
 Dawn Reckers talks about the Quincy Area Autism Support Group
6/7
 Quincy School Board Bill Daniels talks about the hiring of an interim superintendent
 US Sen. Chuck Grassley talks about current legislation
 Kathy Brink of Big Brother Big Sister talks about a competition for a van for their
organization
6/8
 Ill. St. Sen. Jil Tracy talks about current legislations
 Joyce Fikri from the St. Louis Area Dairy Council talks about National Dairy Month
 Julie Marra of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about upcoming weekend concerts
6/11
 Hope Danielson of Niemann foods talks about the benefits of dairy
 Cheryl Ball from MODOT talks about freight transportation through Missouri
 Adam Nielsen of the Ill. Farm Bureau talks about the Farm Bill
 Laura Hyde of the United Way talks about Day of Action
6/12
 Quincy Mayor John Spring talks about his upcoming trip to Germany
 Rodney Hart of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about local crime and courts
 Dan Kleinsorge of MO Farmers Care talks about illegal dumping in the Missouri River
 Brandon Thompson of the Quincy Community Theatre talks about the upcoming
theater production
6/13
 Brent Engel of NECAC talks about summer energy assistance funds
 Michael Devine of the IRS discusses tax tips
 Mark Wiewel of the Western Catholic Union talks about the WCU Bike for Food
fundraiser
6/14
 Pam Shaffer of the American Red Cross talks about summer survival tips
 Patrick Dehaan of gasbuddy.com talks gas prices
WGEM-TV
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
2nd Qtr Rpt
John Janik of the National Flag Day Foundation
6/15
 Jim Anderson of the Ill. Radio Network talks about potential cuts to DCFS
 Mo. St. Sen. Brian Munzlinger talks about current legislation
6/18
 Area farmer Kenny Cook talks about the local famers impact on grocery stores
 US Cong. David Loebsack talks about current legislation
 Ill. St. Treasurer Dan Rutherford talks about pension reform
6/10
 Loka Ashwood of the Rural Residents for Responsible Agriculture talks about
proposed farms in McDonough County
 Linda Delaforgue of Citizen Action Illinois talks about Illinois’ Medicaid plan
 Illinois St. Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis talks about June being National Fireworks
Safety Month
 Kaitlyn Rowney talks about her upcoming trip on the Great River Honor Flight
6/20
 Bill Wilson with Americans for Limited Government talks about the Supreme Court’s
decision on the Affordable Health Care Act
 Lee Mueller of the Adams Co. Health Dept. Talks about an upcoming Hazardous
Waste Collection
 Jenny Wiemelt, owner of Sprout’s Inn talks about the rebuilding process after the
restaurant was destroyed by fire
6/21
 US Cong. Bobby Schilling talks about current legislation
 Christina Rasmussen of the Ill. Policy Institute talks about pensions and retirement
debt in IL
 Local historian Reg Ankrom talks about tourism in the community
6/22
 Rodney Hart of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about local crime and courts
 Jim Duffet from the Campaign for Better Health Care talks about the Affordable
Health Care Act
 Julie Marra of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about upcoming weekend concerts
6/25
 Jill Arnold Blickhan from the Community Foundation talks about donation goals
 US Cong. Blaine Luetkemeyer talks about current legislation
 Writer Aaron Ross talks about his journey to walk across the United States
WGEM-TV
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June 26, 27, 28
Not available
6/29
 Brad Koetters from the American Red Cross talks about tips to stay cool
 Quincy City Engineer Jeff Steinkamp talks about stop lights and traffic control
devices being replaced
 Julie Marra of the Quincy Herald-Whig talks about upcoming weekend concerts
WGEM-TV
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AGDAY
Simulcast from WGEM-TV (NBC Network)
Monday - Friday 4:30am (30 min)
AGDAY is a syndicated daily half-hour television program presented in magazine format
focusing on agriculture news (farm policy and producer and consumer news), market
news, weather, drought conditions, reports on health breakthroughs, country living,
and gardening. The agday Team reports daily. Specific needs covered: 6
4/2
Weigh Options before Changing Planting Decisions; Nitrogen
Recommendations following Warm Winter; USDA: Corn Stocks Still Tight;
NCGA 2011 Winners-Corn Yield Guide; Ecopragmatism
4/3
Cotton Gives Way to Other Crops; Are You Heading to the Fields Yet?;
Agronomist: Keep Tillage Passes to a Minimum; Get You New Employees
‘On Board’
4/4
U.S. Exports to China Pass $100 billion; More Weed Control Needed due to
Warm Weather; Make Seedbed Preparation Goal of Spring Tillage; The Farm
CPA
4/5
Waiting to Plant: Easier Said than Done; Farmers May Modify Planting
Decisions; Last Year’s Drought Raises Interest in Sorghum; John Block
Reports from Washington
4/6
Poultry Inspections; National Chicken Council; LFTB Label; Beef Exports;
Moldy Grain; Grain Bin Safety; Oil Prices Fall; In the Country: Virginia
Veteran Farmers; Egg Donations; Drink Cleaner
4/9
April 10 Reports: Focus on Corn, Soybean Carryout; Is It Finally Time to
Plant?; Little 2012 Corn Priced; On the Radar
4/10
Stocks Hit Corn: Soybeans Tightening; Full Coverage of the April 10 USDA
Reports; Warm Winter Leaves Stored Corn at Risk for Mold; In the Shop
4/11
WGEM-TV
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Put Your Risk Manager Hat On; Send Us Your Planting Updates;
Conservation Practices Preserve Soil, Save Money; Should You Replant Your
Corn?
4/12
Frost Threatens Corn Acres by the Thousands; Get Your Corn Crop Off to a
Good Start; Pricey Beef Becoming a Concern; Set Your Spring Price Goals;
Crop Comments; Leave a Legacy TV
4/13
Warm Winter means More Pests; ‘Life-Threatening’ Weather May Strike
Midwest; Keep the Planting Updates Coming!; The Farm CPA
4/16
All that Glitters-and Gurgles; Extreme Weather to Become More
Commonplace; Chinese Slowdown Ahead?; In the Shop
4/17
Has the 2011 Corn Crop Been Rationed?; Fertilizer Inputs Spiral Lower;
Remarkable Growth in the Wake of Destruction; States Wrestle with
Immigration Laws; Straight from the Heartland
4/18
Keep a Close Eye on Soil Temperature; Early Wheat Could Provide Chance to
Double-crop; Keep Calm and Farm On; Keep Your Lender in the Loop; I-80
Planting Tour
4/19
Big oil in North Dakota; Outside Funds Can Be Your Marketing Friend; Are
You Planting Yet?; Livestock Today
4/20
Will the 2012 Corn Crop Be the Earliest Ever Planted; Infrastucture Funding
Wanted on a Local Level; What Kind of Welder Are You? Read Wheat Crop
Comments
4/23
Crop Outlook Favorable, but Mother Nature Rules; The Farm Safety Net
debate; How to Prepare for $4.50 Corn; How’s Planting Going in Your Area?;
In the Shop
4/24
USDA Confirms BSE in a California Dairy Cow; Switching from Corn to
Soybeans; Livestock Feed Price Alert; Machinery Journal
4/25
WGEM-TV
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Expectations for the 2012-2013 Corn Marketing Year; Planting Depth Vital
to Even
Corn Emergence; New Holland’s New Game Plan; Keep Notes on Your
Equipment
4/26
Farm Bill Approved by Committee; What You Need to Know about the BSE
Finding; Is It Time to Plant Soybeans?; The Farm CPA; Straight from the
Heartland
4/27
Child Labor Rule Withdrawn; A Call for Crop Insurance Limits; Fast-Maturing
Wheat Crop in the Plains; On the Radar; Pro Farmer Profit Briefing
4/30
Soybean Prices may Draw More Acres; Old-crop Corn Gets a Boost from
Chinese Demand; Helpful Tips for Controlling Weeds This Spring; What Is
Important to Your Employees?; Corn College TV
5/1
Old-crop Corn Tightens; New-crop Yield Prospects Strong; Challenges
Facing Small Banks; Is the Cattle Market Too Cautious?; Farmland Forecast
5/2
2012 Farm Bill: What’s Next?; Stellar Hard Winter Wheat Crop Predicted;
Record Numbers of Black Cutworm Moths; Current Marketing Thoughts
5/3
Kansas Wheat Would Welcome Rain; Modern Hybrid Corn Makes Better Use
of Nitrogen; Get the Capital to Buy Cattle; In the Shop
5/4
Grains and Oilseeds to Trade Nearly ‘round the Clock; Replant Risks and
Rewards; Cattle Fighting Early Battle with Ticks; Machinery Journal
5/7
From Parched to Quenched in 7 Days; How’s the Weather on Your Farm?;
Manage Margins Throughout the Planting Season; In the Shop
5/8
Expect Mixed Signals from May 10 Report; more than 70% of U.S. Corn
Planted; Three Distinct Patterns for Corn Prices; Does Uniformity of
Emergence Matter?
5/9
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What to Watch for in the May 10 USDA Report; How Are Your Fields
Looking?; Caterpillars Threaten Southern Crops; Are You Positive? Straight
from the Heartland’ I-80 Planting Tour
5/10
Old-crop Carryover Hammers Corn Market; Full Coverage of the May 10
USDA Reports; Canadian Canola Stocks Fall on Strong Exports; Machinery
Journal; Baxter Black; Consumer Ag Connection
5/11
Could Soybeans Best Old Record of $16.63; Hedge without a Large Upfront
Investment; ‘Pink Slime’ Label Echoes ‘Swine Flu’ Misnomer; How to
Determine Liquid Nitrogen Placement; Pro Farmer Profit Briefing
5/14
Take Advantage of Markets’ Plea for Soybeans; What’s Happening on Your
Farm?; Wheat Feeding to Decline by 2013; Current Marketing Thoughts;
Pest Watch
5/15
How Many Futures Contracts Can One Market Support?; Final Thoughts on
the Hard Winter Wheat Tour; Soybeans Nearly 50% Planted; Barn Buzz;
Straight from the Heartland
5/16
Corn Market Direction Unfolding, Magnitude Still Uncertain; Top Tips for
Maximizing Profitability; Use the Right Marketing Tool at the Right Time; On
the Radar; 2012 Pest Watch; I-80 Planting Tour
5/17
Estimating U.S. Corn Yield: Where Should We Start?; CME Group Offers
Short-term Hedges; Focus on Soybean Seeding Rate, Depth; John Block
Reports from Washington
5/18
3 Reasons Why the Market Is Nervous; Nitrogen Applications for the 2012
Corn Crop; Farmers Cite Marketing as Biggest Challenge; Farm Estate and
Succession Planning
5/21
Weather Outlook: Above-Normal Temperatures; spring Hog Price Rally Not
in the Cards; Europe’s Continuing Money Woes; In the Shop
5/22
Protection for Weather Markets, Report Surprises; Lifting the Veil on Family
Farms Group; Learn about Canadian Agriculture; Scout to Improve Profits;
Dairy Today Report
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5/23
Corn Yield Estimate Causes Market Uncertainty; Monsanto Plans to Acquire
Precision Planting; Cotton Futures Drop, Continuing Downtrend; On the
Radar; 2012 Pest Watch
5/24
Behind the Doors of Family Farms Group; U.S. Ag Poised to Sustain Strong
Growth; Rationing Could Cause Ethanol Plant Shutdowns; The Truth About
Trade
5/25
Midwest Farmers Face Flash Drought; 11 Crop Diseases that Occur in Hot,
Dry Weather; U.S. Hay Stocks Larger than Anticipated; Barn Buzz; 2012 Pest
Watch
5/28
Saltwater Issues; Rice production; Analysis with Farm Director Al Pell;
Wagon Wheel; operation Military Kids; Tonsils
5/29
Summer Fuel Prices to Be Stable If; Trading May Start Earlier on USDA Report
Days; Tips for Planting Soybeans into Dry Soils; Farmers Estimate 2012 Corn
Yields
5/30
Most Crops Rated Good, Excellent; Scout Fields to Stay on Top of Weeds;
2012 Farm Bill: It’s Not Over Yet; How to Think Like a CEO
5/31
The Effect of Dry Weather on Corn Roots; Calves Get Heat Stressed, Too;
Scout Wheat for Stripe Rust; In the Shop; 2012 Pest Watch
6/1
What Will It Take for $7 Corn?; Is the Long Ethanol boom Coming to a
Close?; Hot, Dry Weather Taking Toll on Young Corn; How Do Your Crops
Look? Dairy Today Report
6/4
7 Reasons Farmland Values Are High; Understanding the Beef “Factory”;
McDonald’s Lovin’ Group Housing; How Tall is Your Corn?; In the Shop
6/5
Soybean Prices a Roller Coaster; Corn and Soybean Crop Condition Hold
Steady; Grain Market Held Hostage by Europe; Dairy Talk: Bovine Warming
6/6
WGEM-TV
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Navigate Through Price Volatility; Corn College Early-Bird Rate Expires June
8; Insects on an Accelerated Calendar; John Block Reports from Washington;
Beef Today video
6/7
Low Topsoil Moisture Becoming a Concern; Just How Stressed Is the Corn
Crop? 5 Ways to Help Cattle Beat the Heat; How Are Growing Conditions on
Your Farm?; Emptying the Notebook; Leave a Legacy TV
6/8
Will Your Early Planted Corn Beat the Heat?; Last Chance for Corn College
Registration Discount; A Conversation with Investor Jim Rogers; What Pest,
Disease Pressure Are You Seeing?; Barn Buzz
6/11
Extended Trading May Affect USDA Reports; Beneficial Rain Falls on the
corn Belt; Southern Farmers See Northern Bias in Farm Bill; In the Shop;
2012 Pest Watch
6/12
USDA Reports Supportive, but Wheat Futures Down; Full Coverage of the
June 12 USDA Reports; Farm Bill Amendments Debate Begins; John Block
Reports from Washington
6/13
Pro Farmer; Winter Wheat Production; Hob Day One Oklahoma; Virginia
Salad Bowl; Food and Your Family
6/14
Long-Range Market Outlook; Bt Corn Root Injury Confirmed; 3 Ways to
Better Communicate with Your Lender; Emptying the Notebook; Baxter Black
6/15
Do Early-Season Condition Ratings Matter?; No Relief To Midwestern
Drought Conditions; Farmer–reported Wheat Yields Increase; Take the Farm
Journal Bt Technology Survey; Farm Estate and Succession Planning
6/18
3 Tips for Higher Profits; Is Dry Corn Crop Still a Bin Buster?; Top 10 Tips
for Scouting this Season; Current Marketing Thoughts; Tractor Tales
6/19
Farmland Values: What Do Investors Say?; More Crops Affected as Drought
Spreads; Senate Closer than Ever to a Passed Farm Bill; Twitter-It’s Not Just
for Kids Anymore; Consumer Ag Connection
6/20
WGEM-TV
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Anticipating the June 1 Estimates of Stocks; Ag Forecast: Hot, Humid
Weather on Tap; 10 Ways to Win and Argument; Take the Farm Journal Bt
Corn Survey; In the Shop; Baxter Black
6/21
Farm Bill 2012: Reform Is the Word; Complete coverage of the 2012 Farm
Bill; Do Recent Prices Understate Downside Risk?; Sign Up Now for Corn
College; John Block Reports from Washington; Straight from the Heartland
6/22
Can USDA’s Projections Hold Water?; Thinking Out of the Box for Marketing;
Are Your Crops Potassium-Deficient?; Emptying the Notebook; Tractor Tales
6/25
As Temperatures Heat up, Will the Corn Crop Shrivel?; The Upside of No
Rain; Did the Fourth of July come Early?; Livestock Today; Corn College TV
6/26
When the End of the Bulls Is near; Key Pests to Monitor in the Coming
weeks; Drier Pastures Causing Cattle Movement; In the Shop; U.S. Farm
Report
6/27
Soybean Fundamentals Remain Strong; How Does Hot, Dry Windy Weather
Affect Corn?; Send In Your weather and Crop Reports; Ready for the Report?
6/28
Expect More Acres for Corn, Wheat; Supreme Court Upholds Obama Health
Care Law; Keep Your Eye on Crude Oil; When Do Corn Roots Stop Trying to
Find Moisture?
6/29
Crops on the Edge; A Record Corn Crop, Maybe; Japanese Beetles Rear Their
Shiny Heads Again; Current Marketing Thoughts; Pro Farmer Profit Briefing
WGEM-TV
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NBC NIGHTLY NEWS
NBC Network
Monday – Friday 5:30pm (30 min)
NBC NIGHTLY NEWS is a half hour long newscast with Brian Williams covering national
news. Specific news covered: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
4/2
The head of the federal General Services Administration has resigned over a
boondoggle of a trip that spent taxpayer funds on a mind-reader, among
other things. Lisa Myers has the latest.
Also, new numbers out tonight point to a dramatic increase in melanoma,
the deadliest form of skin cancer, especially among young women. Dr.
Nancy Snyderman looks at the numbers and the reasons behind them. And
another deadly massacre on campus, this time at a small Christian
university in Oakland, Calif. Kristen Dahlgren has the latest.
Plus, the Supreme Court takes a hard line on strip searches in jail, ruling
that law enforcement has the right to strip search anyone, even for a
violation as minor as a traffic infraction; the presidential campaign starts
looking very much like the general election has begun, as Hillary Clinton
talks to NBC’s Andrea Mitchell about this year’s political battles over
women’s health; the latest on a revamped tornado warning system; and a
snapshot of America in 1940: all the details on just how different this
country was 72 years ago.
4/3
Three tornadoes tore through the Dallas Fort-Worth area this afternoon, sending
debris flying through the air in stunning pictures captured on live TV. American
Airlines has cancelled all flights in and out of its Dallas-Forth Worth hub for the
remainder of the night, and officials are surveying what looks like extensive
damage from a storm system that may not be over yet. NBC’s Jay Gray is on the
ground with the latest and we’ll have some analysis of what happened from
weather channel tornado expert Dr. Greg Forbes.
Also, the shooting rampage at a small Oakland, California college that left 7
dead and 3 wounded: was the alleged gunman set off by teasing about his ability
to speak English?
Plus, will Mitt Romney effectively wrap up the GOP nomination tonight in
Wisconsin; new warnings that older women may be underestimating their risks
from being too heavy; and a cool new way to look at the world’s great artworks:
just a mouse click away.
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4/4
No one was killed or seriously injured in the Dallas-Forth Worth area
tornado outbreak yesterday: a stunning development, considering the 13
twisters that touched down. There is extensive damage, though and Lester
Holt is on the ground with the latest, while Gabe Gutierrez takes a close
look at that unbelievable video of tractor trailers flying through the air as
one of the tornadoes hit.
Also, Chuck Todd wraps up last night’s primaries which have all but
wrapped up the Republican nomination for Mitt Romney; and Pete Williams
reports on the political back and forth over health care reform and the
courts that has some experts saying everyone needs to cool off.
Plus, renewed controversy over the Augusta National Golf Club policy
barring women members; a new study that says too much medical testing
can do more harm than good; and, can you dig it? New York’s decades-long
planned 2nd Avenue subway line is finally under construction, and some
neighbors think the giant project is anything but a blast.
4/5
Glimmers of economic hope are giving more Americans confidence that an
economic recovery could stick. CNBC’s Sue Herera has the latest data on the
eve of another big jobs report.
Also, an update on the Justice Department’s investigation into possible civil
rights violations in the Trayvon Martin shooting, from Investigative
Correspondent Michael Isikoff.
Plus, fierce fighting erupts again in Syria; Mitt Romney starts laying out his
strategy for the general election as calls for Santorum to get out of the race
continue; amazing audiotapes of the 80-year-old grandmother who landed a
small plane after her husband died at the controls; the retired Secret Service
agent who once guarded Jackie Kennedy opens up about his time with her
to Savannah Guthrie.
And a real growth industry in Miami: the telenovela.
4/6
Two Navy aviators and four other people were taken to the hospital in
Virginia Beach today after the pilots ejected from their F/A-18D and it
crashed into an apartment complex. Smoke poured from burning buildings
and wreckage after the crash, but emergency officials said it would have
been much worse if the pilots hadn’t dumped fuel before the plane went
down. Jim Miklaszewski has the latest.
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Also, a disappointing jobs number for March, and what it means for the
economy going forward: Anne Thompson has the data and we get some
analysis from CNBC’s Kelly Evans.
The U.S. Coast Guard sinks a Japanese ‘ghost ship’ that’s been drifting
across the Pacific since the tsunami more than a year ago; and one woman’s
transformation from low-paid line cook to full-fledged entrepreneur: with a
little help from a program designed to do just that.
4/9
The Florida special prosecutor assigned to the Trayvon Martin case said
today she would not be using a grand jury as she decides whether to indict
neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Martin’s shooting
death. The grand jury was expected to convene tomorrow, as protesters
pressing for an indictment shut down Sanford’s police station for a time
today. Kerry Sanders has the latest.
Also, two Oklahoma men suspected of a Tulsa shooting spree that left three
people dead and two more hurt were in court today. Janet Shamlian reports.
Plus, countdown to a North Korean rocket launch that the U.S. calls
“provocative,” as well as some amazing rituals inside North Korea, from
NBC’s Richard Engel; the definitive stats and facts on that crazy ‘summer in
March;’ a new study on autism and obese mothers.
And remembering Mike Wallace, who held wrong-doers in high and low
places accountable and won the trust and admiration of America in the
process.
4/10
George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who shot Trayvon
Martin to death in what he says was a case of self-defense, lost two of his
lawyers today as they told reporters Zimmerman contacted the special
prosecutor in the case against their advice. The lawyers also said they
haven’t spoken to him since Sunday, are not sure where Zimmerman is, and
they are concerned about his physical and emotional safety. We’ll have the
latest on this breaking story.
Also, Rick Santorum suspended his presidential campaign today, clearing
the way for Mitt Romney to become the 2012 Republican nominee at the
party convention this summer. Santorum did not endorse Romney on his
way out, and Romney called him “an important voice” for the party and the
country. Ron Mott reports and David Gregory joins Brian with a look at
where we go from here.
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Plus, we may already be paying the price for the extremely warm and dry
winter: wildfires are scorching parts of the East Coast already. Tom Costello
has the latest.
And, Richard Engel has more of his fascinating look behind the scenes in
North Korea as it prepares to launch a long-range rocket; the stock market
takes a beating on renewed worries about Europe’s debt load; new
warnings about dental x-rays and a type of non-cancerous brain tumor; and
100 years after the sinking of the Titanic, re-enacting the voyage that ended
in an enduring tragedy.
4/11
The special prosecutor in the Trayvon Martin case will file charges against
neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman today, with an
announcement scheduled for 6 p.m. ET in Florida. We will have the latest
news and reaction from the community and beyond from Kerry Sanders and
Ron Allen, and legal analysis from Savannah Guthrie.
Also, reports that North Korea is fueling its long-range rocket mean the
launch window may be about to open. Richard Engel reports.
Plus, the U.S. government sues Apple in an anti-trust action over e-books;
dramatic new details of what Hillary Clinton experienced during the raid to
kill Osama bin Laden, which top officials were monitoring in real time;
Americans forced by job and housing difficulties into extreme job
commutes.
And actress Ashley Judd takes a stand against mindless criticism of
women’s looks.
4/12
A remark by a Democratic party pundit that Ann Romney doesn’t
understand the economic challenges women face because she “has never
worked a day in her life” caused a mini-firestorm on the campaign trail
today, with Mrs. Romney defending herself on Twitter and the Obama
campaign distancing itself from the remark. Andrea Mitchell reports and
Chris Jansing has reaction from women around the country.
Also, George Zimmerman appears in court for the first time to face a
second-degree murder charge in the Trayvon Martin shooting. Kerry
Sanders reports and Savannah Guthrie joins Brian with some analysis.
Plus, former presidential candidate John Edwards’ trial on campaign finance
violations related to an extramarital affair gets underway; Americans forced
by job and housing difficulties into extreme job commutes; and a boy’s
project, fueled by imagination and whatever he could scrounge up,
becomes a viral video hit, and changes his life.
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4/13
Tonight: millions across the nation’s heartland are on high alert now that
severe storms are threatening to produce devastating tornadoes over the
next 48 hours. The Weather Channel’s Severe Weather Expert Dr. Greg
Forbes joins us to break down the threat outlook. And Chief Environmental
Affairs Correspondent Anne Thompson reports on an increasinglyexpanding danger zone – the dry winter causing a severe drought across
more than half the country.
Also, Peter Alexander reports on Mitt Romney’s highly-anticipated address
to the National Rifle Association conference.
Richard Engel continues his reporting from inside North Korea: tonight, he’ll
have global reaction to North Korea’s failed rocket launch; Mara
Schiavocampo reports on a New Jersey mayor who’s being hailed as a hero;
Newark Mayor Cory Booker ran into a burning home, risking his own life to
save a woman inside.
And Jim Maceda closes out the show with the story of a couple who have a
surprising connection to the Titanic tragedy, which marks its 100th
anniversary this weekend
4/16
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff apologized today for the military’s
role in the scandal in Cartagena, Colombia, in which Secret Service agents
and military personnel allegedly hired prostitutes while doing advance work
for the President’s trip to a summit meeting. Army General Wayne Dempsey
said “we let the boss down” after reports of boozing and a dispute with one
alleged prostitute led local police to report the incident to the U.S. Embassy.
Kristen Welker has the latest, including new details on who was involved.
Also, new estimate show 75 tornadoes plowed through the Plains and
Midwest over the weekend, and Jay Gray reports from Woodward,
Oklahoma, where the death toll from the storms rose today.
Plus, temperatures as much as 30-degrees above normal bake the East
Coast, as the Boston marathon wilted in summer-like conditions; Mitt
Romney’s candid remarks to big-ticket donors are picked up by an open
mic; the former head of the federal GSA takes the 5th at a hearing on lavish
spending on trips; subprime credit card lending makes a comeback.
And speaking of comebacks, the bald eagle’s return to areas where it hasn’t
been seen in decades, including — believe it or not -- Chicago.
4/17
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On this tax deadline day, law enforcement officials are warning last-minute
filers about a surge in identity theft aimed at collecting tax refunds. Pete
Williams reports on the sharp uptick in cases, and what you need to know
to protect yourself. Also, more details about the alleged Secret Service party
in Cartagena, Colombia, which may have involved more than 20-women and
some U.S. Marines. Kristen Welker has the latest.
Plus, the space shuttle Discovery’s final flight, a piggyback ride over some
of Washington’s landmarks to the delight of those watching from below.
Also, what Southern Californians are learning from a very realistic
earthquake simulation; and what’s the best way to count a huge colony of
flightless birds? Take to the air.
4/18
Legendary TV host and producer Dick Clark died of a massive heart attack
this morning, eight years after suffering a stroke that affected his ability to
speak, but did not deter him from work. The long-time host of American
Bandstand continued to appear on his “New Years Rockin Eveshow” right up
until this year. Chris Jansing reports from Times Square.
Also, President Obama reacts to photos of American soldiers smirking and
posing with corpses of Taliban fighters, published this morning in the L.A.
Times. He called the conduct shown in the photos “reprehensible.” Jim
Miklaszewski reports.
Plus, rocker Ted Nugent has some explaining to do, after a comment about
President Obama that sounded too much like a real threat; Citigroup’s CEO
has his big pay package smacked down by shareholders; the final winners
of the massive Megamillions jackpot come forward; and almost 50, and
fabulous: the Major League player who just became the oldest pitcher to
ever win a game.
4/19
More details are surfacing in the Secret Service scandal, and more
resignations are expected, after three agents were pushed out last night.
Kristen Welker has the latest.
Also, a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll has some good news for both
candidates to cheer about, and the first look at how Mrs. Romney is viewed
by voters. Chuck Todd has all the numbers and analysis.
Plus, what’s behind a surge in measles cases in the U.S., and what you can
do to protect yourself and your family; legendary Tennessee women’s
basketball coach Pat Summitt says goodbye, though she’s not going all that
far; why New York police are digging up a basement today, in connection
with an infamous child abduction that happened in 1979.
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And another reason why it’s so vital to care for our oceans: cancer
treatments that work, from under the sea.
4/20
Accused murderer George Zimmerman spoke during a bond hearing this
morning, with a message to Trayvon Martin’s parents. Zimmerman said he
was "sorry for the loss of your son," and that he "did not know how old he
was" or if he was armed. A judge set his bail at $150,000 and a monitoring
device. Kerry Sanders has the latest and Savannah Guthrie has legal
analysis.
Also, an update on the Secret Service scandal, amid word that three more
people from the agency are about to lose their jobs. Kristen Welker reports.
Plus, a cry for help from an American held prisoner in Cuba; law
enforcement back on the scene of a possible lead in the Etan Patz
disappearance; more deaths on the U.S. border with Mexico raise questions
about the use of force against illegal immigrants; and the latest social
media sensation sweeping the country: Pinterest.
4/23
We learned tonight that Sanford, Florida’s police chief Bill Lee resigned
tonight, in the wake of the Trayvon Martin death investigation, as the man
who shot him, George Zimmerman, is released from prison on bond. Kerry
Sanders has the latest.
Also, the scandal surrounding the Secret Service advance team in
Cartagena, Colombia is widening, and more departures are expected.
Kristen Welker continues her reporting tonight.
Plus, new numbers that show a really tough job market for college grads,
even as they are taking on mountains of debt to pay for school; a
Nor’easter brings heavy rain and even some snow to parts of the Northeast;
Wal-Mart’s Mexican operation facing investigations tonight after a New York
Times report alleging the company used bribery to expand, and top
management covered it up.
And Chelsea Clinton has our Making A Difference report: the Joplin, Mo.,
teacher with the foresight and drive to make sure a special Spring Day
didn’t get lost in the debris of a killer tornado.
4/24
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first case of mad cow
disease in the U.S. since 2006. The affected cow was a California dairy cow
and government officials said no meat from the animal entered the human
food chain. Still, the finding is unnerving because mad cow disease is so
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dangerous to humans. NBC Chief Science Correspondent Robert Bazell has
the latest.
Also, accusations were flying at the John Edwards trial as the prosecution’s
main witness took the stand. Lisa Myers has details.
Plus, President Obama tells a college crowd he finished paying off his
student loans just eight years ago, as he makes a pitch for stopping an
interest rate increase. Chuck Todd reports and John Yang looks at the
burden student debt is placing on a generation of young people.
Kevin Tibbles has the story of “Burn,” a documentary about and largely by,
Detroit’s embattled fire department; and our Education Nation report
tonight is on a teacher of the year who’s an inspiration to her kids, and
other teachers as well.
4/25
The Supreme Court heard arguments on Arizona’s controversial
immigration law today, and the Justices seemed inclined to support the
central premise: that it’s OK for law enforcement to check people’s
immigration status when they’re stopped for other reasons. Pete Williams
reports.
Also, the Republican National Committee named Mitt Romney the party’s
presumptive presidential nominee today, just hours after Romney swept
primaries in five states, and as Newt Gingrich signals he’s ready to end his
campaign. Chuck Todd looks at the state of play for the general election.
Plus, the latest on the Secret Service scandal; more testimony in the John
Edwards trial; NewsCorp’s Rupert Murdoch argues that his media empire
doesn’t influence politics in the UK; the business of making TVs showing
signs of life in the U.S. again; and Making A Difference, with trees in the
city.
4/26
The investigation in U.S. Secret Service agents hiring prostitutes expanded
today, with reports that behavior similar to the Colombian escapade took
place on a 2011 trip to el Salvador. Kristen Welker reports.
Also, Speaker of the House John Boehner unleashes a fierce attack on
President Obama for making a campaign issue out of something Boehner
says isn’t an issue at all. Kelly O’Donnell has the latest.
Plus, the TSA under fire again, after some high profile missteps; the latest
from the John Edwards trial; a new report on how many Americans are not
getting enough sleep, and how dangerous that can be; a teacher who’s
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suing after being fired from her Catholic school teaching job after
undergoing fertility treatments.
And memorabilia from the life and times of "the Splendid Splinter" beloved
Red Sox slugger Ted Williams, goes on the auction block.
4/27
Today the House passed a bill that would prevent interest rates on a
popular student loan program from doubling: but Republicans voted to
fund it with money from a preventative health screening program that’s
part of the President’s health care reform law. He is threatening a veto as a
result, and NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell has the latest on this new Washington
standoff.
Also, the general election hasn’t formally started yet but the presidential ad
wars are underway, as team Romney goes after "celebrity" President Obama.
Peter Alexander reports.
Plus, the latest from the John Edwards trial; an incident at Chicago’s Midway
Airport last night puts a spotlight on preparedness for a contagious disease
outbreak; and another space shuttle in a dramatic flyover, before taking its
place in a new home.
4/30
The Obama campaign is coming under fire for what critics are calling the
overt politicization of the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound, which the
campaign has turned into a political commercial. Chuck Todd reports. "Rock
Center" also gained exclusive access to the top-secret White House Situation
Room for a look back on the raid, which took place a year ago tomorrow.
Brian sat down with President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton and Admiral Mike Mullen.
And Harry Smith looks at the One World Trade Center Building -- the
replacement for the WTC towers destroyed on 9/11-- surpassing the height
of the Empire State Building today. Also, a Chinese dissident on the run and
in hiding inside China may complicate Secretary of State Clinton’s upcoming
trip to Beijing. Ian Williams has the latest.
Plus, debris from the Japanese tsunami last year is washing up in Alaska,
and officials on the West Coast are growing more worried about the
potential environmental impact; young people with Type 2 diabetes are
having a difficult time controlling their disease, with big implications for
their long-term health; and a couple in their 90s granted the ‘Wish of a
Lifetime,’ returning to the place where they met, with D-Day as the
backdrop.
5/1
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President Obama is in Kabul, Afghanistan tonight, one year after the Navy
Seals raided Osama bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan.
The President will address the nation tonight on a new agreement between
the U.S. and Afghanistan that will put the two countries on an equal footing
after the war ends in 2014. Chief White House Correspondent Chuck Todd
reports from Washington, Atia Abawi is in Kabul and Brian has more of his
exclusive reporting: the President talking candidly about that night one year
ago, from inside the White House Situation Room.
Also, News Corporation mogul Rupert Murdoch gets a harsh smackdown
from Britain’s parliament in the wake of the phone hacking scandal there.
Jim Maceda has the latest.
Plus, the latest on the John Edwards trial; and a theater performance geared
to a special audience, and how they loved it, thanks to some caring
Americans Making a Difference.
5/2
A drum major at Florida A&M was beaten to death during a hazing ritual
this past winter, and tonight prosecutors have filed criminal charges against
13 people in connection with the incident. Most will face charges of hazing
resulting in death, but prosecutors said more serious charges may still be
filed. Kerry Sanders has the latest.
Also, former NFL star Junior Seau was found dead of what authorities said
was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. Gabe Gutierrez reports.
Plus, Newt Gingrich finally bows out of the Republican presidential race and
the case of the blind Chinese dissident who was hiding out in the U.S.
Embassy in China grows more complicated with conflicting claims about
what’s happened in the past several days.
And former Rutgers University football player Eric LeGrand, paralyzed
during a game in 2010, was signed today by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in
a move that’s a tribute to his spirit and determination.
5/3
The National Weather Service says the two-year La Niña weather
phenomenon, which has triggered widespread drought in the South and
rain to the North, is over. Tonight: what that means for our weather going
forward, after what’s been a wild couple of years.
Also, the release of part of that treasure trove of documents found in
Osama bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan. And a widening diplomatic
drama playing out in China: The White House is trying to figure out how to
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resolve the predicament involving a blind Chinese dissident who wants to
U.S. to help him and his family leave the country.
Plus: how retirement communities are coming up with innovative solutions
for people having a hard time selling their homes.
5/4
The jobs report for April was a disappointment, with employers adding just
115,000 jobs as the unemployment rate dropped, largely due to people
leaving the work force. John Yang has the numbers and the reaction.
Also, the sordid tale of John Edwards’ affair and his attempts to hide it play
out in a Greensboro, North Carolina courtroom. Lisa Myers continues her
reporting.
Plus, a key player in the Secret Service prostitution scandal speaks; the U.S.
and China come to a tentative agreement on the future of the Chinese
dissident who wants to come to America; former NFL star Junior Seau’s
family says his brain will be studied for concussion damage; and a summer
of superheroes, coming soon to a theater near you.
5/7
Vice President Joe Biden caused a stir on the campaign trail yesterday, as he
voiced support for gay marriage beyond what the President himself has
been willing to do. White House spokesman Jay Carney today refused to
elaborate on the President's stance, saying it’s up to him to discuss his
personal opinion on the matter. Chuck Todd reports.
Also, election results roiled Europe’s political status quo, with France
electing its first socialist president since Francois Mitterrand, and Greece
rejecting it’s pro-bailout government. Jim Maceda has the latest.
Plus, examining a potential terrorist threat to start forest fires; the John
Edwards trial continues with more testimony about the money that went to
support Edwards’ mistress; an obesity conference confronts the growing
problem and its multiplying costs; and a comeback for one of film’s most
famous vessels: the African Queen, ship-shape and sailing again.
5/8
The FBI is examining a bomb given to the U.S. by a foreign government and
believed to have been made by al-Qaida's operation in Yemen. Security
officials believe the bomb was meant to target western aircraft, but say
there was no active plot to blow up a particular plane. Pete Williams
continues his reporting on this breaking story.
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Also, the Republican primary in Indiana today could be the end of the road
for long-time Republican Senator Richard Lugar, facing a tough challenge
from a Tea Party-backed challenger. Kelly O’Donnell has the latest.
Plus, a government witness’s e-mail called John Edwards “evil;” the death of
author and illustrator Maurice Sendak has kids and grown-ups reflecting on
his most famous creation “Where the Wild Things Are;” a nationwide obesity
conference says the U.S. has created a climate where getting fat is the
default option—and big changes are needed.
And Chelsea Clinton has our ‘Making A Difference' report tonight, on a
Hollywood player who is helping kids in the juvenile justice system find
their voices.
5/9
President Obama today became the first sitting president to support gay
marriage, saying his evolving view on the issue has led him to approve,
though he said decisions about legality are best left up to the states. Chuck
Todd reports and Anne Thompson looks at how Americans’ views on samesex marriage have changed.
Also, Richard Lugar, one of the longest-serving members of the Senate was
defeated by a Tea Party challenger last night: Kelly O’Donnell has reaction.
Plus, more drama at the John Edwards trial; the FDA considers a potential
new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis; the high risk of concussions for
soccer-playing girls; and a janitor at an Ivy League university is now a proud
graduate.
5/10
President Obama, fresh off his embrace of gay marriage, is on the fundraising trail today, with events in Seattle and tonight in Los Angeles: a dinner
at actor George Clooney’s house that’s expected to raise a staggering $15
million, a record for a single event. Kristen Welker reports and Chuck Todd
looks at Mitt Romney’s interview today addressing a Washington Post story
about high school pranks aimed at classmates who ended up being gay, that
cast Romney in a negative light.
Also, Richard Engel has the latest on two bombings in Syria that have left
more than 50 dead.
Plus, the prosecution winds up its case in the John Edwards trial;
investigating the cause of mass bee die-offs that are a real threat to
agriculture; a new program to help veterans of Americas wars called ‘Got
Your Six'; and the British Royal family shakes off recent scandal and turmoil
and emerges a lot more.. likeable.
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5/11
There is new fallout tonight from the mess at JPMorgan Chase: a staggering
$2 billion dollar trading loss from a very big bet by one of its traders, gone
terribly wrong. How could it have happened? Weren’t new rules supposed to
stop this kind of thing? And what does it mean for depositors and taxpayers
when the nation’s biggest bank loses control of itself? CNBC’s Andrew Ross
Sorkin, author of the bestseller "Too Big To Fail," explains, and JPMorgan’s
Chief Executive Jamie Dimon speaks out in an interview with "Meet the Press"
Moderator David Gregory.
Also tonight, presidential politics; a key ruling at the John Edwards trial;
women reinventing their careers; and how a Hollywood blockbuster is
inspiring girls to take up a sport we haven’t heard much about lately.
5/14
JPMorgan is removing several employees involved in the firm’s disastrous
derivatives trades, including one of the highest-paid and highest-ranking women
on Wall Street, who ran the unit responsible for the losses. Anne Thompson has
the latest.
Also, the Obama campaign goes after Mitt Romney’s former private equity firm
Bain Capital as a middle-class job-killer. Chuck Todd reports.
Plus, California grapples with a budget deficit far higher than what the
government projected: now questions about where the cuts will hit hardest.
The female head of the Army’s Drill Sergeant training program is back in her job
after a fight; the danger posed to young children by those button-type batteries
found in more and more products; and the star that not only stole the show but
walked away with the big prize ... on all fours.
5/15
The U.S. government set a new target today: develop an effective treatment for
Alzheimer’s disease by 2025. The new ‘National Alzheimer’s Plan’ will commit
funds and guidance for health professionals, as Alzheimer’s becomes more of a
public health burden. Robert Bazell reports.
Also, a horrifying scene in the town of Port St. John, Fla., as a mother kills her
four children and herself. Gabe Gutierrez has the latest.
Plus, defense testimony in the John Edwards trial moves closer to the former
presidential candidate and his family.
The President and rival Mitt Romney are back on the topic of the economy;
JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon keeps his job and his pay in the
wake of a subdued shareholder meeting; the surprising extent of sleepwalking in
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this country and the problems it’s causing; and a big action movie with a real-life
hero as one of its stars.
5/16
Former Senator and presidential candidate John Edwards’ trial on campaign
finance charges moved into its final phase today as the defense rested without
calling Edwards, his former girlfriend, or his daughter Cate. Lisa Myers continues
her reporting from Greensboro, N.C.
Also, new information about accused murderer George Zimmerman and victim
Trayvon Martin may shed new light on what happened that fateful night. Michael
Isikoff reports and Savannah Guthrie joins Brian with some analysis of both these
high-profile cases.
Plus, fears about flesh-eating bacteria after two cases draw a lot of attention; a
potential breakthrough in treating childhood cancer; and the California town
famous for the migration of tiny swallows is in a last-ditch effort to lure them
back, after they were chased away from their usual spot.
5/17
Facebook priced its initial public stock offering at $38 a share today, which
would reap the social networking company $16 billion and give it a valuation of
more than $100 billion. Mike Taibbi reports and CNBC technology correspondent
Jon Fortt joins Brian with some analysis.
Also, Lisa Myers continues her reporting on the John Edwards criminal trial and
closing arguments today.
Plus, a planned race-based Super-Pac attack on President Obama falls flat after
the Chicago billionaire who was supposed to fund it says he’s not interested.
Also, a new milestone in the changing face of America as non-white births
outnumber babies born to non-Hispanic white Americans for the first time.
And remembering the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, whose records were the
soundtrack of the 70s for millions.
5/18
The debut of Facebook shares on the Nasdaq this morning was a bumpy ride:
problems with executing trade orders left a lot of customers in the dark and by
the end of the day the stock was struggling to hold on to its $38 initial offering
price. Still, a lot of people-- including Facebook employees and backers-- were
made millionaires, at least on paper today. CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo reports.
Plus, a raft of new evidence in the Trayvon Martin case: NBC’s Kerry Sanders
sorts through it all.
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Plus, President Obama hosts the G-8 Summit at Camp David; Chicago goes on
high security alert for this weekend’s NATO Summit; a private taxi service of
sorts blasts off to deliver groceries to the International Space Station.
And a man Making A Difference with a genuine act of true generosity.
5/21
A federal health panel says routine screening for prostate cancer may lead to
more problems for men than it's worth: including over-treatment, complications
and side-effects, even as many cancer survivors say the PSA test saved their
lives. Chief Science Correspondent Robert Bazell has the latest on this emotional
debate.
Also, as the NATO Summit wraps up in Chicago, a small protest at Boeing’s
headquarters and a downtown business district that looks like a ghost town with
a massive police presence: but no replay of yesterday’s violent clashes. John
Yang and Chuck Todd report.
Plus, the continuing political fight over whether private equity firms like Bain
Capital are job killers here at home; Facebook stock flounders on its second day
of trading; and the sentencing for a former Rutgers University student who spied
on his gay roommate with a web-cam, which led to the roommate’s suicide.
And the big show in the sky over the American West.
5/22
A bizarre incident aboard a Paris-to-Charlotte, N.C., flight today forced an
unscheduled landing in Bangor, Maine, after a passenger gave a note to the
flight crew saying she had an explosive device implanted in her body. That
turned out not to be the case, but it made for some tense moments. Pete
Williams has the latest.
Also, a lot has changed since our last NBC News Wall Street journal poll on the
presidential race: Chuck Todd crunches the numbers on where things stand.
Plus, a return to Joplin, Missouri, a year after a devastating tornado killed 161
people and destroyed a big part of town; a new risk associated with sleep apnea;
what the airlines are doing now that may make it more difficult and expensive
for your family to travel together this summer.
And a young baseball player who’s a champion in more ways than one.
5/23
Senators had harsh questions for the director of the U.S. Secret Service today:
they accused the agency of tolerating bad behavior by its employees when they
are on the road. Pete Williams reports on the new details that came out of
today’s contentious hearing.
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Also, questions are swirling and lawsuits are flying after Facebook’s botched
debut on the Nasdaq. Tom Costello reports and Andrew Ross Sorkin joins Brian
with some analysis.
Plus, Egyptians go to the polls in a historic vote; Mitt Romney pushes back on
criticism of his former company Bain Capital; new evidence in the case of a
hazing death at Florida A&M; what you need to know about taking calcium
supplements.
And why libraries are divided over a very popular book.
5/24
Government scientists are out with the hurricane season forecast tonight: and in
the wake of a year of bizarre and destructive weather, the outlook for the
summer is normal, with a projected total of between nine and 15 storms, one to
three of which could become really big ones. Tom Costello reports and Dr. Rick
Knabb of the National Hurricane Center joins Brian with some analysis.
Also, a confession in the child abduction that rocked the country 33 years ago,
but is the man who confessed really the culprit? Ron Allen has the latest.
Plus, what’s going on at the John Edwards trial; tensions rising between the U.S.
and Pakistan, and the latest on Iranian nuclear talks; the newspaper that won
admiration and a slew of awards for its coverage of Hurricane Katrina is
dropping to three days a week and letting staffers go; a traffic jam on, of all
places, Mount Everest.
And the storied actors who are still lighting up Broadway, decades after starting
their careers.
5/25
The man who confessed to killing 6-year-old Etan Patz 33 years ago is being
evaluated in a psychiatric ward at New York’s Bellevue Hospital, as investigators
try to determine whether he really did commit the crime that put child abduction
at the front of American consciousness. Ron Allen reports and Chris Jansing has
more on the way this case changed our society.
Also, extreme weather on tap for some parts of the country this Memorial Day
weekend, including what could be record temperatures at the Indy 500. The
Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore has the latest.
Plus, Vice President Biden speaks movingly about loss and suicide; initial results
from Egypt’s historic election; what success for the SpaceX craft means for the
space program in the U.S.; and a big anniversary for one of this country’s most
beloved landmarks.
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5/28
Beryl washes away holiday plans; Heat grips much of US; First Read Minute;
Wildfires scorch six states; Romney takes swipe at Obama’s foreign policy; Syria
violence caught on camera; Nation marks Memorial Day; College students are
studying less; Great-grandmother is tireless volunteer; ‘I always wanted to work
with children’; Horror and death in former Syrian rebel stronghold; Tony Blair
denies making deals with Murdoch; British woman may face death in Indonesia
5/29
The U.S. and several other western nations today expelled Syria’s tops diplomats
from their countries, a response to Friday’s massacre in the town of Houla that
left more than a hundred people dead, half of them children. Richard Engel has
the latest.
Also, a deadly earthquake rocks Italy, and NBC’s Jim Maceda is on the scene.
Plus, the judge gives the jury a talking-to at the John Edwards trial, now in its
seventh day of deliberations; Mitt Romney is poised to clinch the GOP
nomination tonight, as controversy swirls around his embrace of Donald Trump
who’s doubling down on his stand that the President wasn’t really born in the
U.S.; new revelations that Bluefin tuna caught off the California coast just four
months after the Japanese earthquake and tsunami had elevated levels of
radioactive material in their bodies.
And the Americans awarded the highest civilian honor today — the Medal of
Freedom.
5/30
The U.N.’s envoy to Syria left empty handed today, with no diplomatic agreement
on how to end the violent crackdown there, some Western officials are calling for
military intervention but others say absolutely not. The back-and-forth comes as
the U.N. says it has uncovered evidence of another massacre. Andrea Mitchell
reports.
Also, Israeli Defense minister Ehud Barak said today his country is considering
unilateral action to disentangle his country from the Palestinians in the West
Bank and Gaza as unproductive peace talks have dragged on for three years.
Richard Engel has the latest.
Plus, general election on, as President Obama calls Mitt Romney to congratulate
him on clinching the GOP nomination; how a man out on parole snuck aboard a
commercial flight in San Diego without a ticket; banks and colleges gouging
students with high fees on bank cards sued to access student loan funds; and
the family feud that just won’t die.
5/31
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Matt Lauer is filling in for Brian tonight, and he’ll be joined by Lisa Myers on the
scene at the John Edwards trial where the jury has found him not guilty on one
count out of six, and the judge declared a mistrial on the remaining campaign
finance violations charges. Savannah Guthrie will also join Matt with some
analysis.
Also, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is trying to ban super-size sugary
drinks, which is causing a heated argument over public health versus the nanny
state. Ron Mott reports and Dr. Nancy Snyderman talks to Matt about the
implications.
Plus, the latest from the presidential campaign on the day George W. Bush
returned to the White House for his portrait unveiling; the challenge teens with
ADHD face when learning to drive safely; and an advance look at tomorrow’s
jobs report, amid signs the economy is weakening.
6/1
May’s jobs report was a big letdown, with just 69,000 added to employers
payrolls, against expectations of 150,000. The unemployment rate ticked up to
8.2 percent and the stock market is taking a beating, falling into negative
territory for the year. CNBC’s Tyler Mathisen has the latest, and David Gregory
joins Lester Holt with a discussion about the political implications.
Also, the John Edwards jurors speak, and NBC’s Lisa Myers who’s covered the
proceedings from the start, has their reaction to the trial’s end and their
rationale for the outcome.
Plus, the difficult job of fighting the massive wildfire in New Mexico; the
hurricane season is off to a fast start, and Weather Channel meteorologist Jim
Cantore has the forecast; the promising outlook for a new approach to treating
cancer; and Britain is ready for one royal bash, to celebrate the Queen’s
Diamond Jubilee.
6/4
The Republican chairman of the House Committee that oversees transportation
says there’s been a dramatic meltdown in TSA operations at an airport in Florida,
which involved dozens of employees, including some high-ranking ones. Tom
Costello has the latest. Also, an update on the brutal start to the fire season out
West, including that massive fire in New Mexico: Miguel Almaguer is on the
scene.
Plus, what the Wisconsin recall election tells us about the state of the nation’s
politics; new signs that science is taking the upper hand in the battle against
deadly melanoma.
Prince Philip hospitalized as the Queen’s big concert goes on; and the drug
smuggling war next door takes to the sea, with dramatic results.
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6/5
Queen Elizabeth capped off Britain’s four-day Diamond Jubilee celebration with
one last greeting from her Buckingham Palace balcony, and a televised address
where she thanked all those who organized and attended the festivities, calling
it all ‘a humbling experience.’ Stephanie Gosk reports, including the latest on
Prince Philip, who had to miss the last day of the celebration because of illness.
Also, a bitter and hard-fought gubernatorial recall election comes to a close in
Wisconsin: Ron Allen looks at what it does and doesn’t mean for national
politics.
Plus, Brian’s conversation with former President Bill Clinton, who’s in the
doghouse with some Democrats over his praise for Bain Capital; a new way of
testing to see if breast cancer is likely to recur; and the last-in-our-lifetime
planetary event on tap tonight.
6/6
Organized labor took it on the chin last night, as voters in two California cities
overwhelmingly supported ballot initiatives that would cut pension benefits for
public employees. Those votes came on the same day of a failed recall effort
aimed at ousting Wisconsin’s Republican governor, who stripped public
employees of their collective bargaining rights. Janet Shamlian and Chuck Todd
report.
Also, a jury is seated at the Jerry Sandusky child abuse trial, as a debate erupts
over whether many of the jurors’ close ties to Penn State is good or bad for the
prosecution and the defense. Michael Isikoff has the latest.
Plus, remembering a visionary: science fiction writer Ray Bradbury; singer Sheryl
Crow’s revelation that she has a benign brain tumor puts a spotlight on the
condition; and Brian visits a New York City school where teaching with love and
respect for the kids is Making A Difference.
6/7
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for regime change in Syria today, after
evidence of another massacre of civilians surfaced: just 10 days after more than
100 people were killed, half of them children, in another slaughter that U.N.
envoy Kofi Annan called a tipping point. Ayman Mohyeldin reports and Andrea
Mitchell has more on the diplomatic response.
Also, environmental fallout from the record-setting warmth that the U.S. is
experiencing: Chief Environmental Affairs correspondent Anne Thompson
reports.
Plus, why environmental experts on the West Coast are worried about a very
large piece of debris from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami; Michael
Isikoff’s exclusive report: inside Guantanamo prison; new warnings about CT
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scans and potential cancer risk for children; a new look at the risky activities
teenagers are engaging in these days.
And the former football star telling his story to a rapt audience, after being
cleared of a rape charge that totally derailed his life.
6/8
President Obama met the press this morning on the economy, prodding Europe
to take decisive action on its debt crisis, and discussing the implications of
Europe’s problems here at home. But he ran into a buzz-saw of criticism after
saying the U.S. private sector is ‘doing fine,’ and this afternoon, retracted that
remark. Chuck Todd reports and Stephanie Gosk has the latest from Europe
where EU officials will discuss a bailout for Spain’s banks over the weekend.
Also, fierce fighting today in Syria as UN human rights officials get their first
look at the scene of another massacre. Ayman Mohyeldin continues his
reporting.
Plus, horse racing heartbreak as Triple Crown contender ‘I’ll Have Another’ is
scratched from the Belmont Stakes and retired from racing due to an injury; a
mysterious E. coli outbreak has health officials scrambling; and don’t miss our
tribute to the Class of 2012.
6/11
Maybe you've seen the commercials - or found the offers in your mailbox. As the
economy improves, banks and other lenders are inching back into the business
of offering credit to high risk customers. Critics complain they're preying on the
vulnerable - with interest rates of up to 29 percent. NBC's Chris Jansing reports.
Yacht explosion off the coast of NJ. 21 passengers on board, injuries reported;
Apple unveils its latest MacBooks and operating software; and Cutting disorder
affects kids as young as 7.
Commerce Secretary suffered seizure before weekend hit-and-run car accidents;
From an African slum to Wesleyan University; Bands we're featuring on Nightly's
graduation round-up.
In a new book, the founder of Harlem Village Academies recounts how she set
out to prove that a good school can turn any kid around. NBC's Brian Williams
reports.
6/12
Paul Bunnell's latest film, "The Ghastly Love of Johnny X," is a historic
achievement partly because it's likely to be the last feature ever shot on Eastman
Kodak Plus-X 523.
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‘Russia will be free’: Thousands march against Putin in Moscow; Cows, sheep to
star in Olympic ceremony; Case closed: Dingo ruled responsible for death of
baby in 1980; Commerce Secretary suffered seizure before weekend hit-and-run
car accidents; and Coast Guard believes NJ yacht explosion a hoax.
Key witness, Mike McQueary, takes the stand in Jerry Sandusky trial and alleged
victim 1 emotionally describes abuse by Jerry Sandusky.
In a new book, the founder of Harlem Village Academies recounts how she set
out to prove that a good school can turn any kid around. NBC's Brian Williams
reports.
6/13
The 132-ton dock from Japan that washed ashore Agate Beach last week is
attracting a flood of tourists. State officials say more than 11,000 tourists have
traveled to the remote Oregon beach to take a look for themselves.
MRI and CT Scan use spikes, study finds: Should we be worried?; The Queen
continues her Jubilee tour; ‘Forest Boy’ mystery: stumped police release photo;
Henry Hill, the former mobster turned FBI informant whose life was basis for
“Goodfellas,” dies at 69; North Dakota voters reject measure to abolish property
taxes; and Auburn shooting suspect turns himself in.
In a new book, the founder of Harlem Village Academies recounts how she set
out to prove that a good school can turn any kid around. NBC's Brian Williams
reports.
6/14
David Cameron testified at the Leveson Inquiry that there was never any 'overt
or covert' agreement with News International. The Prime Minister admits
relations between the press and politicians have become too close, but denied
any deal was made between the two. ITN's political correspondent Alex Forrest
reports.
Jobless claims jump as job market struggles; Investigator recommended charges
against Sandusky in 1998; Wildfires: on scene with New Mexico’s governor;
Texas billionaire Allen Stanford sentenced to 110 years in prison for Ponzi
scheme; U.S. cancer survivors to rise by a third by 2022; Baby soap linked to
newborns’ positive marijuana test; Foreclosures jump in troubling sign for
housing recovery; Cameras help kids cope with cancer; and auburn shooting
suspect turns himself in.
The Pablove Shutterbugs program is lifting spirits by teaching kids about the art
of photography as they battle a serious illness. NBC's Chris Jansing reports.
6/15
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Egypt's voters have been further polarized by Thursday's Supreme Court decision
to dissolve the new Islamist-dominated parliament and allow a former prime
minister to run for president.
Bartering takes hold in austerity-wracked Greece; Nervous traders look ahead to
key weekend in Europe; Consumer sentiment drops to 6-month low; Former
Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta convicted on insider trading charges;
‘Teacher of the Year’ gets a pink slip amid budget cuts; Hurricane Carlotta
forms, heads for Acapulco; More evacuated as wildfires spread in Colorado, New
Mexico; How to avoid banks’ ‘hidden fees and deceptive practices’; and
Foreclosures jump in troubling sign for housing recovery.
The Pablove Shutterbugs program is lifting spirits by teaching kids about the art
of photography as they battle a serious illness. NBC's Chris Jansing reports.
6/18
Greece appeared to have avoided crashing out of the euro currency zone early
Monday after political parties in favor of an international bailout deal won a slim
election majority.
Military guards Egypt power as Islamists claim victory; Jury may hear unaired
parts of Sandusky interview; Rodney King found dead in swimming pool; Olympic
torch bearer proposes in the middle of his relay run; Survey finds that many
workers don’t look forward to retiring; Analysis : Egyptians face a new Egypt
under the Muslim Brotherhood; World’s population is 17 million tons overweight;
More evacuated as wildfires spread in Colorado, New Mexico; and how to avoid
Bank’ hidden fees and deceptive practices.
Dr. Rachel Remen created a medical school class 20 years ago that specializes in
doctor-patient communication, and changed the way doctors relate to their
patients. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.
6/19
Angry crowds protest in Egypt: Mubarak ‘clinically dead’; US warns Egypt military
not to steal election; Sandusky’s wife testifies in child sex-abuse trial; High
temperatures scorch Midwest, head East; Asian-Americans fastest growing racial
group; Southern Baptists elect first black president; Heroin use increasing among
suburban teens; Wildfire warnings for Southern California; Woman gropes TSA
agent; Man vandalizes Picasso painting; 5,000 ducks cross the road in China;
Lolo Jones: Overcoming obstacles on and off the track; ‘My greatest benefit is
finding my weakness’; Niger’s children face starvation; Looking to rock the youth
vote; First Read Minute.
6/20
Lawyers for Jerry Sandusky abruptly rested their case Wednesday morning
without calling the former Penn State University assistant football coach to the
stand.
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Niger’s children face starvation; Southern Baptists elect first black president; Car
crashes into pool along ‘rollercoaster road’; Flooding kills animals at the Lake
Superior Zoo in Minnesota; No charges for Texas father who killed daughter’s
alleged molester; Record heat to mark official start of summer; Painkiller use
breeds new face of heroin addiction; and Native Americans to get millions after
win in Supreme Court.
Dr. Rachel Remen created a medical school class 20 years ago that specializes in
doctor-patient communication, and changed the way doctors relate to their
patients. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.
6/21
Dueling portraits of Jerry Sandusky; Sandusky accuser: ‘I know what he did’;
Zimmerman retraces his steps; Commerce secretary resigns; Boehner
recommends Holder be held in contempt; It’s hot out there; Romney faces
pressure to appeal to Latinos; Outpouring of support for bullied grandma; Oracle
CEO to buy majority of Hawaiian island; Artist LeRoy Neiman has died; Following
the International Space Station; Prince William turns 30; From the Archives:
Prince William’s debut; From the Archives: Britain celebrates the birth of Prince
William; ‘One woman hurt is one too many’; Hilary Clinton welcomes ‘the people
in purple’; Egypt’s election results delayed.
6/22
Thousands of protesters filled Cairo's Tahrir Square Friday as Egypt's presidential
candidates, an Islamist and former general, accused each other of trying to steal
the election.
Jurors review key testimony in trial of Jerry Sandusky; Video: Taliban hostage
siege at lakeside Kabul hotel; Winderman: The King is finally crowned; Middleschool bullies apologize for tormenting bus monitor; In case you haven’t heard,
there’s a shortage of Good Humor ice cream; No verdict in first day of
deliberations in Jerry Sandusky trial; Track the International Space Station; and
Record heat to mark official start of summer.
Dr. Rachel Remen created a medical school class 20 years ago that specializes in
doctor-patient communication, and changed the way doctors relate to their
patients. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.
6/25
The fire in Fort Collins and a new blaze in Colorado Springs are taking their toll
on the parched state's tourism industry.
After high court ruling, some illegal immigrants on edge; Analysis: Egypt’s big
turn under the Muslim Brotherhood; Slow-moving Debby hits Florida, spawns
tornadoes; Nearly 3 in 10 Americans have no savings in case of emergency;
Japan sells first Fukushima seafood since nuclear crisis; Dole bagged salads
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recalled due to potential listeria contamination; Wildfires leave Colorado tourism
high and dry; Thank you Title IX; and No verdict in deliberations in Sandusky
trial.
Dr. Rachel Remen created a medical school class 20 years ago that specializes in
doctor-patient communication, and changed the way doctors relate to their
patients. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.
6/26
Thousands lined the streets of Doncaster to cheer on one of Britain's most
courageous Olympic torch bearers. Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson lost both
legs and suffered brain and back injuries in Afghanistan, but was determined to
walk his stretch of the national tour without using crutches. He did. ITN's Paul
Davies reports.
Rielle Hunter: ‘Edwards and I are no longer a couple’; Video: Queen visits
Catholic church in Enniskillen; Video: Spices’ girl power ‘rings’ true during
interview; London’s Big Ben to be renamed Elizabeth Tower; Report finds Mac
users guided to pricier hotels on Orbitz; NBC/WSJ Poll: More would be pleased if
health care law ruled unconstitutional; Wildfires leave Colorado tourism high and
dry; Analysis: Egypt’s big turn under the Muslim Brotherhood; and Thank you
Title IX.
Dr. Rachel Remen created a medical school class 20 years ago that specializes in
doctor-patient communication, and changed the way doctors relate to their
patients. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.
6/27
Fire crews outside Colorado Springs, Colo., expected more weather trouble in
what the local fire chief called a "monster event" that doubled in size overnight
and has caused 26,000 people to flee.
7 die in attack on Syrian pro-regime TV station; Jane Austin’s ring expected to
sell for $46,000 at auction; Video: Let’s do lunch!; Chicago city Council votes to
decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana; Ringing in the Olympics
in London; Developing: FDA approves new weight-loss drug, first time in 13
years; NYC, automats created lunch as we know it; Bone marrow donors may be
compensated after ruling stands; and Police say Zimmerman had chances to
defuse situation before shooting Martin.
Dr. Rachel Remen created a medical school class 20 years ago that specializes in
doctor-patient communication, and changed the way doctors relate to their
patients. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.
6/28
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Tom Goldstein of the SCOTUS blog breaks down the Supreme Court's ruling on
health care. When asked why Chief Justice John Roberts voted to uphold the law,
Goldstein said, "I think he believed it."
Instant reaction to Supreme Court health care ruling; Brother of lesbian teen shot
in head: She’s ‘fighting’; video: thousands of poppies dropped in memory WWII
veterans; Sharapova, Serena hit back at male tennis player who said women
don’t deserve equal prize money; First time in 100 years: U.S. cities are growing
faster than suburbs; Live: President Obama statement on health care ruling; NYC,
automats created lunch as we know it; Bone marrow donors may be
compensated after ruling stands; and Police say Zimmerman had chances to
defuse situation before shooting Martin.
Dr. Rachel Remen created a medical school class 20 years ago that specializes in
doctor-patient communication, and changed the way doctors relate to their
patients. NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports.
6/29
Sixteen year old DeShun Peoples is one of 10 students from Chicago who will
along with dozens of others from across the country who will spend four weeks
studying in China. They are part of President Obama's '100 Thousand Strong'
initiative. NBC's Katy Tur reports.
Floods disrupt UK transportation; The Queen’s diamonds; Zimmerman makes
new appeal for bail: judge considers; ConEd workers threatening to strike in
middle of new York-area heat wave; Record-breaking heat across the U.S.: D.C.
could feel like 115 degrees; Passengers & crew fight back, foil plane hijacking in
china; Years of sacrifice on the path to U.S. citizenship; Thrilled and relieved,
sick patients cheer court ruling; and NYC, automats created lunch as we know it.
More than a year after the devastating tornado that ripped through Joplin, Mo.,
stores are opening their doors once again. NBC's Chelsea Clinton reports.
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Short Form Programming
The following PSA’s ran on WGEM FM during the quarter. Some are nationally produced
PSA’s that run on an ROS basis
Energy Efficiency-Light Bulbs Outdated
Drunk Driving Prevention-Car Accident
QU Basketball Day-Father-Son Camp 3 on 3- 2012
QU Basketball Team & Elite Camp 2012
Savings Tips
Take me Fishing
Heart Assoc. Red 4 Women
IHSA-more than a game
IHSA-Lessons
Fishing for Freedom 2012
Always Clean CPU
Texting while driving
Big Bro Big Sis
QPD citizens police academy
Always Take Keys
Habitat for Humanity
Heart Assoc.
Big Bro Big Sis
USA.gov
Heart Assoc.
Federal Info
Adopt a Cat
Vets Voices
USA.gov
Adoption
Adopt a Dog
Food Safety
Selective Service
Marriage
Earned Income Tax Credit
High School Drop Out Prevention
Lead Paint
Veteran’s Crisis Line
Food Safety
Earned Income Tax Credit
Marriage
Selective Service
Girl Scout Cookies
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