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By DEBORAH GERTZ HUSAR and MIKE SORENSEN
Herald-Whig Staff Writers
QUINCY - It's not an exaggeration to say Joe Conover touched lives in all corners of the community both during his time at The Quincy Herald-Whig and after, and that message was made clear by the words of those who knew and worked with him for decades.
Conover died on March 22 at his home. He was 90 years old.
After serving time in the military following college, Conover joined the Herald-Whig in 1966. After a brief stint writing for Voice of America in Washington, D.C., Conover returned to the Whig in 1968 where he remained for more than three decades, serving as editor for 18 years prior to retiring in 2001.
In his work at the Herald-Whig, Conover embraced the role of the "town editor" for the community. Chuck Scholz, who served two terms as Quincy's mayor during Conover's time as editor, described Conover as very quiet but very adept in his work.
"I had so many arguments with him, I can't tell you," Scholz said. "I'd complain about some coverage, and he would tell me that the Conover guys on the other side of my argument complained about it. I thought he must have been pretty fair. He made everybody mad."
Don Crim served as a writer and sports editor among other positions at the Whig before later becoming the paper's editor himself, said he tried to model his tenure at the paper on Conover's example.
"He just taught me so much," Crim said. "I would apply those lessons throughout my career. I tried to treat people the way Joe treated people. I tried to be calm like Joe was calm."
Crim was the sports editor during the flood of 1993 when the West Quincy levee broke, and he looked back at the newsroom under Conover's leadership at that time.
"I remember that day because that was a Friday," he said. "I heard that the levee broke in West Quincy, so I went straight to the office, as did most of the sports staff. We all helped write stories that night for the news side. It was all hands on deck. Joe helped foster that kind of a newsroom."
In 40 years at the Whig, Crim worked with and met a lot of great people, but "Joe was one of those guys who was at the top of the list," he said. "I just can't say enough of the things that he taught me."
Former long-time State Rep. Art Tenhouse points to the major impact Conover had across the region.
"We were so fortunate to have him at a time when our community needed assistance. Certainly he was a big factor, along with (longtime Herald-Whig Publisher) Tom Oakley of course, in all the developments that have come to this area of the world," Tenhouse said. "He sometimes brought a different perspective."
Scholz agreed with that assessment, noting that while Oakley had the vision for regional transportation initiatives, Conover helped make them a reality.
"Joe was the one that advanced it by writing it up and telling the story," Scholz said. "He provided a guiding light, a perspective that made you think more big-picture in terms of where we were going as a community. It's very easy in city government to get caught up in the day-to-day operations and lose sight of that. Joe never lost sight of that."
Kyle Moore, former Quincy mayor and current state representative and president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation, said Conover worked both professionally and personally to make the Quincy area a better place to live.
"Joe was the perfect combination of tenacity and generosity," Moore said. "His passion for the news industry and for his community was unmatched. Joe would always lend you his ear and offer a helping hand if needed. The Tri-State area is a better place thanks to his contributions to our community through his service on many boards and sharing his many works of art, which is admired and loved by so many. "
Conover, working with his wife Janet, played a key role in community efforts.
When Indian Mounds Pool was threatened with closure, the Conovers led a private fundraising effort and worked with the state on wayside interpretive exhibits for the neighboring park.
"They were for every good cause in Quincy, especially culturally, historic preservation, all the arts," Scholz said. "He left his footprints, definitely."
Conover often was all business, yet would take the time to ask about someone's family, Tenhouse said, and shared his talents close to home.
"Certainly Joe could have taken his talents to a much larger media market, but he was so dedicated to the community," Tenhouse said. "I don't think people realize the Herald-Whig was such an exceptional newspaper, is such an exceptional newspaper, coming from a relatively small media market. The quality of people there and the leadership was just exceptional."
Griggsville farmer Philip Bradshaw and Conover didn't share political views — "He was as far left as I am right, but we always got along great," Bradshaw said — but found common ground on regional issues from highways to promoting New Philadelphia.
"There were a lot of things we agreed on," Bradshaw said.
Both served on the boards of the Adams, Morgan, Pike, Scott Interstate Connection, or AMPS, coalition of Central Illinois Expressway proponents, and the New Philadelphia Association, which after decades of work earned national park status for the Pike County site of the first known town in the U.S. planned and legally registered by an African-American.
"When Joe Conover got involved with something, he was involved. He was very dedicated. You didn't have to worry about Joe not taking part and doing what needed to be done," said Bradshaw, who remembers Conover as a "good adviser."
"He knew what was going on, who to push a little bit, nudge a little bit or talk to get things done," he said. "He probably wasn't as good at talking to the people as he was at telling somebody else you might want to visit with this guy or that guy, to point you in the right direction."
Visitation for Conover will be from 2-4 p.m. Monday at the Unitarian Church of Quincy, 1471 Hampshire, with services to follow immediately at the church.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director 2940 Baker Drive Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) encourages communities to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week Oct. 18-24, 2026, and Principal Appreciation Day on Friday, Oct. 23, to highlight the dedication of principals, assistant principals, and deans. This annual recognition has been recognized by Illinois governors since 1990. October is also National Principals Month, supported by the IPA, the National Principals Association (NPA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA). Brian Faulkner, IPA president and principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School (Sugar Grove), shared: "During Principal Appreciation Week, we celebrate the dedicated school leaders across Illinois who work tirelessly to create schools where students can learn, grow, and thrive. Principals are lead learners, culture builders, advocates, and champions for both students and staff. We are grateful for the passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment they bring to their schools and learning communities each and every day." “This year, we celebrate our state’s school leaders for what they do – unlocking the potential of those they serve,” said Dr. Jason Leahy, IPA executive director. “These courageous individuals lead their learning organizations with optimism, humility, vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to do what is best for their students. Both research and common sense tell us how critical these servants are to positively influence young people, teachers, and communities. For this, they deserve our respect and gratitude.” IPA invites teachers, students, parents, and community members to show appreciation for school leaders on Friday, Oct. 23.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director 2940 Baker Drive Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) will host its 55th Education Leaders Annual Conference, “Unlocking Potential,” from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20 in Peoria. The event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities to help school leaders enhance their impact on schools and communities. 2026-2027 IPA President Brian Faulkner shared, “Unlocking Potential is grounded in the belief that leadership is not confined to a title. Leadership lives within every member of our school community, and when we create opportunities for others to lead, we unlock the collective potential of our students, staff, and communities.” The conference kicks off Sunday, Oct. 18, with a golf tournament, committee meetings, and a welcome reception honoring past IPA presidents. Keynote speakers include: Phil Januszewski, a 20-year educator turned full-time motivator, will deliver a keynote Monday morning titled “Less Tired. More Inspired: Three Actions Toward Thriving Instead of Surviving.” Januszewski will share three crucial actions that will allow leaders to leverage individual strengths and passions to reach higher levels of happiness, fulfillment, and giving, all while avoiding burnout and a negative mindset. Brian Faulkner, 2026-2027 IPA president, and Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders will speak Monday afternoon. IPA Awards for Excellence, Herman Graves Awards, Reaching Out & Building Bridges Awards, and the Mr. John Ourth & Dr. Fred W. Singleton Professional Development Scholarships will also be presented at this session. Dr. Mary Hemphill, CEO and founder of The Limitless Leader LLC, will open Tuesday morning with her session “Future-Proof Leadership: Unlocking Potential in a Skills-Based Economy.” Future-proof leadership will equip principals. assistant principals and deans with a practical framework for leading a skills-based economy, including actionable strategies to implement immediately for kindergarten through high school. Additionally, Tuesday’s IGNITE session will feature fast-paced presentations from school and district leader duos, including Dr. Ben Collins, superintendent, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64; Dr. Courtney Goodman, principal, Eugene Field Elementary School (Park Ridge); Dr. Jill Griffin, superintendent, Bethalto Community Unit School District 8; and Justin Newell, principal, Civic Memorial High School (Bethalto). These leaders will share their perspectives on implementing the School Leader Paradigm and Illinois School Leader Evaluation Plan in their respective districts. The conference will conclude with IPA Deputy Executive Director Brian Schwartz and IPA Government & Public Relations Director Alison Maley, who will provide updates on new education-related laws passed during the 2026 Illinois Legislative Session, and offering insights on how school leaders can stay informed and advocate for their schools. For more information about the IPA or to register to attend, please visit ilprincipals.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2026 Media Contact Information: Office of the Highway Commissioner Northfield Township Road District 237 Melvin Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 724-8300 ntroad@northfieldtownship.com
Property acquisition moves the MWRD–Road District partnership closer to protecting 130 residential structures and critical roadways from flooding across Northfield Township NORTHBROOK — The Northfield Township Road District (NTRD) announced that the purchase of the nearly 16-acre property for the stormwater detention basin serving the Central Road Flood Control Project closed Sept. 8. The project is designed to reduce flooding affecting 130 residential structures and several roadways in South Glenview. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners authorized the purchase of the 15.82-acre site, along with a 0.91-acre temporary construction easement, from Ridgewood Cemetery Company, Inc., for $8.15 million plus closing costs. The property acquisition is a major milestone in the intergovernmental partnership between the Road District and the MWRD to deliver flood relief along the Central Road corridor from the Des Plaines River to Glenwood Lane. “For the families in South Glenview who have watched water come up their driveways year after year, this property acquisition means the detention basin is no longer a line on a drawing — it is on its way to becoming real,” said Highway Commissioner Michael J. Korman. “When Central Road stays open and dry during a major storm, every resident of Northfield Township benefits, whether they are commuting, getting kids to school, or counting on first responders to get through.” The project will bring direct relief to residents of South Glenview and the surrounding unincorporated area, where flooding has repeatedly threatened homes, yards, and streets. Once operational, the project is expected to reduce flooding that impacts 130 single- and multi-family residential structures, as well as several roadways within and around the project area. The full project includes new mainline storm sewers under Central Road and Dearlove Road and lateral storm sewers on Glenwood Lane, Glendale Road, Glenshire Road and Hillside Road within the Road District’s jurisdiction. The approximately 16-acre detention basin site near Dee Road and Central Avenue will capture and temporarily store stormwater during major rainfall events, reducing pressure on the corridor’s existing drainage system. While the detention basin will capture and store stormwater at the west end of the corridor, the benefits extend across the entire Road District. Reduced flooding protects the pavement, culverts and drainage infrastructure the Road District maintains on behalf of all Township residents, lowers long-term repair costs, and keeps a vital east–west route reliable during severe weather. MWRD is leading and funding the $8.15 million land acquisition, along with the design and construction of the project. Once construction is complete, the Road District will assume long-term ownership and maintenance of the improvements within its jurisdiction. “Strong partnerships are essential to building more resilient communities, and we appreciate the Northfield Township Road District's collaboration on the Central Road Flood Control Project,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “Together, we're expanding stormwater storage, reducing flood risks, and protecting our waterways while creating lasting benefits for Northfield Township residents.” Next steps include completing due diligence on the property, conducting survey and staking work, and continued progress on the project design. Aquatic biologists from the MWRD’s Monitoring and Research Department will also be assessing the potential transfer of turtles and fish. The aquatic biologists are conducting an environmental suitability assessment in September to evaluate that conditions are appropriate for this plan. The Road District will keep residents informed as the project advances toward construction. For updates on this project and other Road District programs, visit ntroad.com. About the Northfield Township Road District The Northfield Township Road District is an independent unit of local government organized under the Illinois Highway Code (605 ILCS 5/), responsible for the construction, maintenance, and drainage of roads within its jurisdiction in Cook County, Illinois. The Road District is led by an elected Highway Commissioner and serves residents across Northfield Township, including unincorporated areas.
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