50-year-old golf Moline school board reviews course sports dual-language program A3

new look B1 Skip-a-Long offers help for children A7

140TH YEAR · MOLINE, Tuesday, May 8, 2018 | QCOnline.com | $1.50 167TH YEAR Razing RICo building closer Committee of the whole could advance plan SARAH HAYDEN [email protected]

ROCK ISLAND — The courthouse is again moving toward possible demolition. On Monday morning, members of the Rock Island County Board’s Governance, Health and Administration committee approved a revised agreement with the Public Building Commission, allowing it to advance to the county board’s committee of the whole meet- ing on Wednesday. MEG MCLAUGHLIN PHOTOS / [email protected] If approved Wednesday, the agreement will Ken Duhm, of Moline, rides his bike past fl ood water along Ben Butterworth Parkway on Monday in Moline. The go to the regular meeting on May 15. National Weather Service fl ood warning remains in eff ect all along the Mississippi River in eastern and western Illinois until Committee members Cecilia O’Brien and further notice. The river is expected to rise to 17.8 feet Friday morning then begin falling. Mike Steffen attended Monday’s meeting by telephone conference. Scott Terry was absent. The new agreement states the commis- sion will retain funds through July 18 to cover asbestos abatement in the courthouse, Rising river closes streets demolish it and in- stall landscaping, “The PBC berms and security Moline, Davenport bollards to protect (Public the exterior of the close streets near new justice center Building unless the county Mississippi River board, by July 18, Commission) says the funds are STAFF REPORT not needed. can do as the MOLINE — The rising Mississippi Committee mem- (legal) opinion River is adding several city streets to its bers last month victims en route to Friday’s crest. rejected an agree- provides. It Water was standing on sections of ment because its River Drive in Moline on Monday along date was left blank. does have with other Quad-Cities streets. The city “This is a reso- has closed River Drive from 23rd Street lution to make a the power to to 55th Street. resolution,” Rock Motorists can access local businesses Island States At- demolish.” at 23rd Street, 34th Street, 41st Street and torney John McGe- 55th Street. Suggested detours include hee said. “(County ROCK ISLAND 12th Avenue, Avenue of the Cities and board members) Illinois 92 (4th Avenue). Motorists also have until July 18 COUNTY STATE’S are reminded not to drive through flood to make a decision. ATTORNEY JOHN waters or around barricades. They could wait MCGEHEE At 1 p.m. Monday, the Mississippi longer — that could River in Rock Island was at 16.38 feet, be a decision, too — above the 15-foot flood stage. The river A motorist drives through the Mississippi River fl ood waters on River Drive on Monday in or they could decide to demolish it.” is expected to crest at 17.8 feet Friday. Moline. The revised agreement, authored by county Upriver, the Mississippi was at 11.27 board vice chairman Richard Brunk, states feet at 1 p.m. Monday in LeClaire. Flood the courthouse is in disrepair with insuffi- level is 11 feet; a crest of 12.9 feet is ex- stallation of a flood barrier. Additional River Drive. And Pershing Avenue, Perry cient county funds to rehabilitate it and, to pected Friday night. At Fulton, the river lane reductions will be placed in various Street and Iowa Street are closed south date, no realistic solution for its preservation. was at 18.25 feet at 1 p.m. Monday and low points along River Drive as the river of 2nd Street. The agreement does provides some hope surrounding many elevated homes in level rises. is closed, as is the riv- for the building constructed between 1895-97. the Albany area. Flood level there is 17 The detour for eastbound River Drive erfront bike path between Credit Island It states the county will explore whether a feet, with a 19.7-foot crest expected early between Iowa and Perry streets is River and LeClaire Park. The boat docks at renovated courthouse could contribute to the Friday. Drive to Brady Street, to 3rd Street, to Marquette Landing have been removed, county’s overall facility needs. Flood work continues in Davenport, River Drive. The westbound detour is and flooding has begun to affect LeClaire “The county board has determined more according to Jennifer Nahra with the River Drive to 4th Street, to Harrison Park. time is needed to explore potential options city. Davenport Public Works employ- Street, to River Drive. Public works crews from both Daven- and external funding sources that may pro- ees worked Monday morning to move South Concord Street is closed be- port and Rock Island have placed pumps vide for the renovation and reuse of the court- Hesco flood barriers into place along tween Utah and River Drive. Wapello in the flooded areas. In Davenport, sand- house,” the agreement states. River Drive, she said. and Miller avenues are closed between bags are available for pick up to people Diane Oestreich from the Rock Island Davenport has closed River Drive Railroad Avenue and South Concord affected by flooding at the Public Works between Iowa and Perry streets for in- Street. Gaines Street is closed south of Marquette Facility, 232 S. Marquette St. See RICO, Page A2

Puppy-slashing Kewanee animal shelter closed sentence today LISA HAMMER when the new board took over. enna did not show, however, and A sentencing hearing is scheduled today [email protected] The animals’ records are also to reach the remaining dog in- for Damien Ingram, 17, of Kewanee, con- missing. Only one dog was left at side, board members “pried open KEWANEE — The shelter is the shelter, eliminating the cur- one of the steel pet doors,” Ms. victed of slashing an 8-week old puppy’s closed but animal rescues con- rent need for employees. Bergren said. throat last summer in Kewanee. Mr. Ingram tinue during a tough transition The shelter’s director, Kelli “The shelter manager should was convicted March 8 of animal torture and ag- of board members on the Henry Wallace-McKenna, was sched- never have done that,” Ms. Ber- gravated cruelty. A puppy later named Thor was found County Humane Society-Ke- uled to meet at 6 a.m. May 1 with gren said. “You would have with fi ve slash marks to its throat and left for dead. wanee Chapter. Humane Society board member thought she’d make the access Under state law, Mr. Ingram could be sentenced to Around May 1, eight dogs and Mary Bergren to turn over the up to eight years in prison for the off enses. 40 cats vanished from the shelter building’s key. Ms. Wallace-McK- See SHELTER, Page A2

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