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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: April 15, 2026 Media Contact Information: Carrie Skogsberg (309) 821-4175 news@countryfinancial.com
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Drivers should plan ahead during the busy planting season, remembering that farmers will be on the road and allowing for extra time. Slow down, stay focused on the road and look for the lights on farm vehicles. Prepare equipment Equipment malfunctions are a common cause of farm accidents. Thoroughly inspect and maintain all farm equipment before hitting the fields. Regular maintenance such as checking worn parts, replacing filters and lubricating moving components can reduce unexpected breakdowns and improve overall safety. Take extra caution when handling chemicals Chemical safety is another critical focus during planting season. Review safe handling procedures for fertilizers, pesticides and other hazardous materials with all farm workers to help ensure everyone is aligned on proper protocols. Have Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on-hand in case of emergency and ensure the use of personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles and masks. “Safety on the farm isn’t just about equipment—it’s about awareness, communication and looking out for one another,” Hinthorn said. “Refreshing safety practices each season helps prevent injuries and protects everyone involved.” Prevent theft Theft of tools, chemicals and other personal property is common during planting season and can occur when equipment is left unlocked in the field, and when farmers are in and out of sheds frequently and don’t close and lock the doors. Take time to ensure valuable items are secured. Check insurance coverage and review extra coverage options Farmers should check their farm insurance coverages to be sure they have the right endorsements and coverages. For example, with Extra Expense coverage, a farmer who has a covered loss on a piece of equipment may be able to receive additional payment to rent equipment and resume operations. Farmers who sell seed corn need to purchase additional coverage. Check farm inventory lists to be sure they are accurate and up-to-date, especially if you have sold or purchased new equipment. Meeting with an insurance agent to discuss equipment, buildings, livestock, crops and employees can help ensure proper protections are in place and that any recent changes to operations are addressed. Take care of your health Finally, farmers are encouraged to prioritize their health and wellbeing. Long hours and physical demands can take a toll, making it important to take breaks, eat healthy meals, get enough rest and understand how medications may affect alertness. Let family members or employees know where you’re working and keep a phone or walkie‑talkie nearby in case of emergency. Taking time to prepare for a safe planting season helps prevent accidents, reduce stress and protect against the unexpected. COUNTRY Financial has been protecting farms for more than 100 years and has more than 400 Farm Certified representatives ready to serve farmers’ crop, farm and liability insurance needs. For more information, visit countryfinancial.com/farm. Policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL, an equal opportunity provider.
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