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Articles by Gerold Shelton
Nutrition matters: Speaker says better foods can battle chronic diseases
Chronic diseases are not only preventable, they are reversible by eating a whole foods, plant-based diet, according to data researched by speaker Beth Bryant. About 100 people attended "How Not to Diet: the Relationship Between Food and Chronic Disease" earlier this year. It was the first of the four-part program series, "How Not to Die," at the Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St. Bryant, an orthopedic physical therapist, reviewed some common myths about eating habits that may seem healthy.
Two arrested, charged following shots fired call in Davenport
DAVENPORT -- Two men were apprehended and charged early Wednesday evening following reports of shots fired in the 1000 block of Grand Avenue. According to a media release from Kevin Smull of the Davenport Police Department, no one was injured but charges were filed. Trey E. Miller was charged with felon in possession of firearm and interference with a weapon. Shawn P. Housby was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, interference with official acts and interstate warrant, according to police.
Two arrested, charged following shots fired call in Davenport
DAVENPORT -- Two men were apprehended and charged early Wednesday evening following reports of shots fired in the 1000 block of Grand Avenue. According to a media release from Kevin Smull of the Davenport Police Department, no one was injured but charges were filed. Trey E. Miller was charged with felon in possession of firearm and interference with a weapon. Shawn P. Housby was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, interference with official acts and interstate warrant, according to police.
Two arrested, charged following shots fired call in Davenport
DAVENPORT -- Two men were apprehended and charged early Wednesday evening following reports of shots fired in the 1000 block of Grand Avenue. According to a media release from Kevin Smull of the Davenport Police Department, no one was injured but charges were filed. Trey E. Miller was charged with felon in possession of firearm and interference with a weapon. Shawn P. Housby was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, interference with official acts and interstate warrant, according to police.
Two arrested, charged following shots fired call in Davenport
DAVENPORT -- Two men were apprehended and charged early Wednesday evening following reports of shots fired in the 1000 block of Grand Avenue. According to a media release from Kevin Smull of the Davenport Police Department, no one was injured but charges were filed. Trey E. Miller was charged with felon in possession of firearm and interference with a weapon. Shawn P. Housby was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, interference with official acts and interstate warrant, according to police.
Two arrested, charged following shots fired call in Davenport
DAVENPORT -- Two men were apprehended and charged early Wednesday evening following reports of shots fired in the 1000 block of Grand Avenue. According to a media release from Kevin Smull of the Davenport Police Department, no one was injured but charges were filed. Trey E. Miller was charged with felon in possession of firearm and interference with a weapon. Shawn P. Housby was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, interference with official acts and interstate warrant, according to police.
Two arrested, charged following shots fired call in Davenport
Two men were apprehended and charged early Wednesday evening following reports of shots fired in the 1000 block of Grand Avenue, Davenport. According to a media release from Kevin Smull of the Davenport Police Department, no one was injured but charges were filed. Trey E. Miller was charged with felon in possession of firearm and interference with a weapon. Shawn P. Housby was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, interference with official acts and interstate warrant, according to police.
Moline council disagrees with fair housing study results
MOLINE -- Council members were upset over the results of a fair housing study, questioning if the sample size representing the city was sufficient to draw the conclusions found. Jeremy Gray of Mosaic Community Planning, presented the results of the Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. Moline, Rock Island and Davenport were part of the study, which is required to be conducted by law. One survey question asked if housing discrimination is an issue here.
Audit shows Coal Valley has 1.5 years in reserve fund
Coal Valley — Trustees learned the village has a year and a half of money in the reserve funds. Mia Frommelt, CPA from Bohnsack & Frommelt, said that the village had “a healthy reserve.” She said most city governments only see that kind of reserves before completing a major capital improvements project. “The plan is that, hopefully, you would spend that down,” Frommelt said. Specific numbers on just how much money that equates to were unavailable before deadline.
Moline council debates fleet replacements
MOLINE -- Council members debated the merits of spending more than $300,000 to replace 13 fleet vehicles deemed to be in need of replacement by city staff. Ald. Mike Waldron called some of the replacements as more wants than needs. One line item, for the purchase of nine 2019 Ford F150 Super Cab pickups would replace eight light duty pickup trucks and a sedan. "It's been OK to use these smaller trucks for, in some cases, 11, 12, 13 years," Waldron said.
The Bend developer pulls deal for sale of park
EAST MOLINE — Developers of The Bend have rescinded their offer to sell the city of East Moline 3 acres of land at The Bend on the Mighty Mississippi. At the last council meeting, aldermen voted to approve purchase of the parcel, known as Murphy Park, for $1. The site includes an outdoor amphitheater. "That was the initial discussion," Doug Maxeiner, city administrator, said at Monday night's East Moline council meeting.
Update: QC spelling champ advances again at National Spelling Bee
Tanya Rastogi, 12, of Bettendorf, Iowa, correctly spelled the word "sporran" during the second round of the 2019 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Tuesday in Oxon Hill, Md. She will compete in the third round at 7 a.m. CDT today. Sporran is the Scottish Gaelic word for "purse." Quad-Cities spelling champ Tanya Rastogi, 12, of Bettendorf, Iowa, advanced Wednesday morning by spelling 'linctus' correctly.
Dispute between feuding neighbors results in officer injury
EAST MOLINE -- A police officer sustained an arm injury while attempting to break up an altercation between feuding neighbors Wednesday afternoon. According to a press release from East Moline Police Captain Darren Gault, the officer sustained an injury to his right arm which required surgery. The officer, a 24 year veteran who is a supervisor and a defensive tactics supervisor, will require three to four months of recovery time.
Moline Preservation Society awards presented at council meeting
MOLINE -- Owners of four historic properties were honored Tuesday night for work they completed to their structures. Mayor Stephanie Acri also proclaimed the month of May 2019 as Preservation Month. "I think everybody would agree that Moline is going through a lot of changes right now, but to take a moment and celebrate our history and its beauty and the foundation of where we came from is wonderful," Acri said.
Moline approves new legal counsel; funding for new emergency radio systems P25 advances
MOLINE -- Attorneys from two law firms will represent the city after council members approved the appointments Tuesday evening. The appointments, recommended by the search committee and City Administrator Lisa Kotter, were approved unanimously with no objections via voice vote during the committee-of-the-whole meeting. Aldermen Dick Potter, David Parker, Mike Waldron, Scott Williams and Sam Moyer were present. Aldermen Mike Wendt and Kevin Schoonmaker and alderwoman Sonia Berg were absent.
'It's amazing': Clinton woman to appear on 'The Voice'
CLINTON — You may not recognize Lydia Parker's name now, but give it a few months, and that may change. The 25-year-old Clinton resident may become more well known as she gets ready to appear on one of the hottest reality television programs in the country. Parker will compete later this year on season 17 of "The Voice" on NBC.
'It's amazing': Clinton woman to appear on 'The Voice'
CLINTON, Iowa -- You may not recognize Lydia Parker's name now, but give it a few months, and that may change. The 25-year-old Clinton resident may become more well known as she gets ready to appear on one of the hottest reality television programs in the country. Parker will compete later this year on season 17 of "The Voice" on NBC.
Moline's portion of radio communications upgrade: $775K
MOLINE -- The city's share of the cost to upgrade radio communications equipment will cost $775,031. Project 25, which is the standard for two-way wireless communications, is a dual-county project. Both Rock Island County in Illinois and Scott County in Iowa, plus city police departments, will be participating in the initiative. City administrator Lisa Kotter shared details of the project during the committee-of-the-whole meeting Tuesday evening.
Floreciente neighborhood fest to be held on Cinco de Mayo (copy)
A celebration of the culture of Moline's culturally diverse Floreciente neighborhood will be held Sunday afternoon. Celebra Floreciente, a neighborhood festival, will happen at the Catalyst Kitchen, located inside St. John's Lutheran Church, 4501 7th Ave. from 2-6 p.m. The fest, hosted by the church and A Palomares Social Justice Center, will feature: food vendors, music from DJ Candela, free children's activities including Miller's Petting Zoo, games and an inflatable obstacle course.
Avenue of the Cities traffic study could cost $200k
MOLINE -- A traffic study on Avenue of the Cities would provide the city with an overdue look at the timings and phasing of the traffic signals along the corridor, according to city engineer Scott Hinton. Hinton estimates the study will cost about $200,000. He said the study will help the city become more pedestrian friendly so they can move more easily from north to south on the avenue. At the same time, the study would also look at the need for signal changes for vehicular traffic as well.
Shed fire in East Moline causes $10k in damages
A shed explosion in East Moline burned hot enough to bust out several windows in the back half of the house at 3701 2nd St. Wednesday night. No one was injured in the fire. Three fire departments, Genesis Medical Center and the East Moline police department responded around 6:35 p.m. A shed explosion in East Moline burned hot enough to bust out several windows in the back half of the house at 3701 2nd St. Wednesday night. No one was injured in the fire.
Shed fire in East Moline causes $10k in damages
An East Moline firefighter spray water on hot spots of the wooden frame that once was a shed behind 3701 Kennedy Dr., East Moline, on Wednesday. No one was injured in the fire. EAST MOLINE - No one was injured after a shed caught on fire at 3701 2nd St. at about 6:35 p.m. Wednesday evening, police and fire officials said. According to a battalion commander from the East Moline Fire Department, damages are estimated at about $10,000. On scene, all that remained of the charred shed was one back wall.
Next RI council to decide fate of Johnson Controls contract
ROCK ISLAND — The next Rock Island City Council will likely get to make the decision on whom to engineer a project that would reduce energy use, saving the city money. On Monday night, the council voted 4-3 to deny the contract. Alderman Stephen Tollenaer made a motion at the end of the night to reconsider the contract after the new council has been sworn in next month. He said he would not change his vote but said he thought the next council should get a chance to decide.
Next RI council to decide fate of Johnson Controls contract
ROCK ISLAND — The next Rock Island City Council will likely get to make the decision on whom to engineer a project that would reduce energy use, saving the city money. On Monday night, the council voted 4-3 to deny the contract. Alderman Stephen Tollenaer made a motion at the end of the night to reconsider the contract after the new council has been sworn in next month. He said he would not change his vote but said he thought the next council should get a chance to decide.
Coal Valley City Park pavilion to get new paint, flooring
COAL VALLEY -- The pavilion at Coal Valley City Park on 1st Street is one step closer to getting a new coat of paint and flooring improvements. Village board members voted 6-0 to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Coal Valley Township to split the costs of the improvements. The village will kick in $2,467.87. "They don't have to partner with us, they just thought they have their picnics there and hey would like to see it improved," Mayor Mike Bartels said.
Soon-to-be judge McGehee submits resignation letter to Rock Island County Board
ROCK ISLAND -- Rock Island County State's Attorney John McGehee submitted his resignation letter to the county board Wednesday evening. The resignation will occur on May 1, pending his swearing in as circuit court judge. An announcement of his appointment was made earlier this month. He will replace retiring Judge Lori Lefstein. In the interim, Patricia Castro will serve as the acting state's attorney until a permanent replacement is brought to the board.
Moline council debates legal counsel study
MOLINE -- One alderman expressed concern Tuesday night about why the city is making a request for proposal for outside legal services without having seen a report or discussed the matter further. Recently, the council voted to approve spending $10,000 for Rob Bush's services to study the the option of hiring an independent contractor for legal services.
Liquor license approved for new RI grocery store
ROCK ISLAND -- The Rock Island City Council voted 6-0 on Monday to approve a liquor license for a new grocery store that will open in the former Save-A-Lot at 625 26th St. Some residents expressed concern about allowing another liquor license in the area, while others supported the idea. A public hearing was held Monday night at the city council meeting. Alderman Stephen Tollenaer was absent.
Coal Valley to apply for grant towards resurfacing 1st Street
COAL VALLEY -- Resurfacing of 1st Street could happen in 2023 if the village of Coal valley is awarded a surface transportation block grant. "There's no guarantees that we get the work or get awarded any sort of funding, but it is certainly worth the chance of getting 80 percent funds from the state or federal government," Mayor Mike Bartels said.
Moline council officially hires new city administrator
MOLINE - The hiring of Lisa Kotter as the next city administrator was approved unanimously at the Moline City Council meeting Tuesday night. Kotter replaces Doug Maxeiner, who resigned from the position on Jan. 22. Kotter came to the area in 2015, where she has served as city administrator in Geneseo. Prior to that, she was the city administrator of Clintonville, Wis., for 17 years.
Moline council officially hires new city administrator
MOLINE - The hiring of Lisa Kotter as the next city administrator was approved unanimously at the Moline City Council meeting Tuesday night. Kotter replaces Doug Maxeiner, who resigned from the position on Jan. 22. Kotter came to the area in 2015, where she has served as city administrator in Geneseo. Prior to that, she was the city administrator of Clintonville, Wis., for 17 years.
Courthouse demolition delayed yet again
It could be at least six more months before the fate of the historic Rock Island County courthouse is determined after an appellate court in Ottawa reinstated a temporary restraining order. Rock Island County State's Attorney John McGehee confirmed that the appellate court issued the decision around 3 p.m. Monday. That restraining order will come at a relatively expensive price, $336,000, to Landmark Illinois and other historic organizations that joined in the appeal.
Shooting reported in Rock Island
Police and emergency personnel are on the scene of an apparent shooting near 14 1/2 Street and 9th Avenue Monday night, in Rock Island. According to scanner traffic police received the call about 8:30 p.m. More details to follow.
Shooting reported in Rock Island
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Courthouse demolition delayed yet again
ROCK ISLAND — It could be at least six more months before the fate of the historic Rock Island County courthouse is determined after an appellate court in Ottawa reinstated a temporary restraining order. Rock Island County State's Attorney John McGehee confirmed that the appellate court issued the decision around 3 p.m. Monday. That restraining order will come at a relatively expensive price, $336,000, to Landmark Illinois and other historic organizations that joined in the appeal.
Speaker: Henry Farnam's bridge created Quad-Cities
DAVENPORT — A decision made in the mid-1800s played a major role in the creation of the Quad-Cities, attendees of the 16th annual Henry Farnam Dinner were told Thursday night. The 2019 Farnam Dinner was held Thursday at the Radisson Quad City Plaza, 111 E. 2nd St. The event was sponsored by River Action, Radisson, Chippiannock Cemetery Heritage Foundation, visitquadcities.com and the Dispatch-Argus-QCOnline.com.
Moline to save nearly $1M by cutting identity elements on I-74 bridge
MOLINE -- A cost overrun on the construction of the I-74 River Bridge project has led the council to cut costs, nearly $1 million being spent on five identity elements and other design elements the city partnered with Bettendorf to install. Mayor Stephanie Acri said she would have a discussion with Bettendorf Mayor Robert Gallagher regarding the agreement to pay for artwork to be installed in the middle of the bridgework.
RI Council awards asphalt contract to Valley over Brandt
ROCK ISLAND -- A bid for the 2019 asphalt street milling and patchwork program in Rock Island was award to Valley Construction, despite Brandt Construction being the lowest bidder. Rock Island City Council members voted 4-2 Monday night to award the contract to Valley Construction of Rock Island at a cost of $68,884. Brandt Construction of Milan had the lowest bid at $67,524.
Moline's Avenue of the Cities might get center turn lane
MOLINE — Converting Avenue of the Cities to a two-lane road with a middle turn lane was one of the most popular ideas presented at a public workshop held Wednesday night. Project Manager Lesley Roth, who is also an associate principal/director of Urban Planning for RATIO Architects of Chicago, and other engineers held a workshop at the Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St. The workshop was held to get public opinions on the future look Avenue of the Cities.
Moline's Avenue of the Cities might get center turn lane
MOLINE - Converting Avenue of the Cities in Moline to a two-lane road with a middle turn lane was one of the most popular ideas presented at a public workshop held Wednesday night. Project Manager Lesley Roth, who is also an associate principal/director of Urban Planning for RATIO Architects of Chicago, and other engineers held a workshop at the Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St. The workshop has held to get public opinions on the future look Avenue of the Cities.
Rock Island County courthouse could come down today
ROCK ISLAND — The historic Rock Island County Courthouse could be torn down as early as Wednesday, according to county board chairman Richard Brunk. That action was made possible earlier in the day when a lawsuit filed in an effort to halt demolition was dismissed in a hearing by Peoria County 10th Circuit Judge Jodi Hoos. She dismissed the case, saying Rock Island County is exempt from the Historic Resources Preservation Act. "A permit was issued by the county zoning office already," Brunk said.
RI County courthouse could come down Wednesday morning
The historic Rock Island County Courthouse could be torn down as early as Wednesday, according to county board chairman Richard Brunk. "A permit was issued by the county zoning office already," Brunk said.
RI County courthouse could come down Wednesday morning
ROCK ISLAND — The historic Rock Island County Courthouse could be torn down as early as Wednesday, according to county board chairman Richard Brunk. That action was made possible earlier in the day when a lawsuit filed in an effort to halt demolition was dismissed in a hearing by Peoria County 10th Circuit Judge Jodi Hoos. She dismissed the case, saying Rock Island County is exempt from the Historic Resources Preservation Act. "A permit was issued by the county zoning office already," Brunk said.
RI County courthouse could come down Wednesday morning
ROCK ISLAND — The historic Rock Island County Courthouse could be torn down as early as Wednesday, according to county board chairman Richard Brunk. "A permit was issued by the county zoning office already," Brunk said.
Juvenile charged in Davenport shots-fired incident
DAVENPORT — One of the three shooters allegedly involved in a shots-fired incident late Monday afternoon was charged, with two others still on the lam. According to a press release issued by the Davenport Police Department, a report of shots fired in the 1200 block of Warren Street was received at approximately 4:54 p.m. No one was injured, however the victim's vehicle was struck by the bullets.
East Moline to revisit entertainment tax after complaints from business owners
EAST MOLINE - After hearing concerns from several business owners, East Moline City Council members voted 6-0 Monday night to reconsider the city's entertainment and eatery tax. The council now wants to get more information about the tax out to the community. Because this was not an agenda item for the Monday meeting, the council could conduct no further discussion on the issue.
Snider calls Hope Creek financial status "sobering"
ROCK ISLAND -- Rock Island County Administrator Jim Snider called the financial status of Hope Creek Care Center "sobering." Snider spoke about the many hurdles the facility is facing after the Rock Island County Board's Committee-of-the-whole meeting Wednesday night. "I think the reality is we have a big financial challenge to overcome," We have a lot of vendor debt, we have quite a bit of debt to our inner-funding area, and so it's gonna take a big shovel to get out of this." Snider said.
Snider calls Hope Creek financial status "sobering"
ROCK ISLAND -- Rock Island County Administrator Jim Snider called the financial status of Hope Creek Care Center "sobering." Snider spoke about the many hurdles the facility is facing after the Rock Island County Board's Committee-of-the-whole meeting Wednesday night. "I think the reality is we have a big financial challenge to overcome," We have a lot of vendor debt, we have quite a bit of debt to our inner-funding area, and so it's gonna take a big shovel to get out of this." Snider said.
RI council rejects Brandt Construction Company street patching bid 4-2
ROCK ISLAND — The 2019 Asphalt Street Milling and Patching Program will not be awarded to Brandt Construction Co. Rock Island City Council Aldermen Ivory Clark, James Spurgetis, Joshua Schipp and David Geenen voted against awarding the bid to Brandt on Monday night, while Virgil Mayberry and Stephen Tollenaer voted in favor. Dylan Parker recused himself from the vote, due to the nature of his employment.
Coal Valley approves final plans for 78-acre Ridges Estates
COAL VALLEY - After two years of work, trustee and developer Dale Keppy received the final approval needed to develop 78 acres of land into a new subdivision called Ridges Estates. The Coal Valley village board voted 4-0 Wednesday night to approve the final plans. Keppy abstained from the vote and Trustee Stan Engstrom was absent. Keppy explained the property is located west of the existing Ridges division, which extends all the way to the village limits.
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