| One Moline Place developer shares new plan with city
MOLINE -- The developer of One Moline Place is moving forward with revised plans for the project that include the demolition of the former nursing dormitory and building houses in the $180,000 range. Mike Shamsie recently gave the city an almost week-by-week project timetable for the second phase of One Moline Place showing that the final plat will be recorded at the Rock Island County Courthouse on May 15, 2008. Before that time, the former nursing building will be imploded and roads and other infrastructure will be installed on the land stretching from 4th to 6th streets and from 5th to 11th avenues. According to the conceptual plan, at least 75 homes could be built. "I am positive, optimistic. I think this is a good indication that he intends to go through with the project," said Mayor Don Welvaert.
Dismantling Retirement Benefits
When it comes to preparing for retirement, there are few guarantees anymore. Just ask recent retirees of Hanesbrands Inc. under the age of 65. On Feb. 1, Hanesbrands cut its contribution to retirees' health-insurance premiums from an average of 62 percent to no more than 35 percent. It will end its contributions entirely Dec. 1 but will continue to provide access to the group rate for retirees who can pay the full cost of the premium. Some pre-65 retirees told the Winston-Salem Journal that they have gone from paying $60 to $130 a month to more than $450. When the subsidy ends, they said, their premiums will rise to more than $750 a month. For a retiree carrying a spouse on his or her policy, the cost could top $1,200 a month. "I am 61 1/2 years old and have been paying $64 a month for my premium," said Frances Flinchum, who retired in May 1999 when Sara Lee Branded Apparel, the predecessor to Hanesbrands, eliminated her job.
Auction-goers snap up lifetime of Selma artist's works
SELMA -- Frances Lanier may be in the deep twilight of her life, but she hasn't been forgotten by friends and fans, many of whom couldn't wait to take a bit of her home with them last week. The 90-year-old Lanier was the star attraction at an auction of her paintings last week at the Selma Performing Arts Center. Watercolors, oils and pen and ink drawings, some dating back more than 50 years, filled the walls and tables set up to display the best of her creative imagination. It was as much a tribute as an auction, and it didn't take long for Lanier to realize that as admirers from Selma, Montgomery and other cities arrived to hug her and then pull out checkbooks and cash. "There are a lot of reasons why they're buying her paintings tonight," said Auburn Montgomery art professor Rick Mills.
Snow, cold create day off, chaos
An overnight snowfall and frigid temperatures created a day off for some, but a wintry mess for others who were without power or water due to bursting pipes. Two homeowners accidentally set fire to their homes last night while trying to thaw frozen pipes and water heaters. The arctic blast has damaged pipes at more than two dozen businesses and homes in the past two days.
Roughly 620 people were without power for six hours yesterday in the Arundel on the Bay neighborhood while Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. workers tried to fix a broken cable.
Yet the cold and the snow didn't stop mechanic Chris Adair from riding his bike to work. He bundled up in cycling tights, jersey, sweatshirt, snow board jacket, snow board gloves and two pairs of socks as he headed to his job at Capital Bicycle.
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