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Government

Henry Co Judge Ruling Allows RI Co to Build More Courtrooms

Rock Island County will not have to ask voters for permission to build a new annex for the courthouse. That was the ruling today in a lawsuit against the Rock Island County Public Building Commission.

Credit Michelle O'Neill / WVIK News
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WVIK News
Attorney Chuck Zalar, from the Office of the Illinois State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor

At a hearing in Cambridge, Special Prosecutor Chuck Zalar argued the commission is limited to jail projects by the 1981 ordinance that created it. Rock Island County built a new jail in 1986. Then more than ten years later, it expanded the jail and built the adjacent justice center. It was financed as one project.

Henry County Judge Dana McReynolds

Henry County Judge Dana McReynolds' ruling is subject to his review of documents about the jail addition and justice center.

Zalar2.mp3
The judge wanted to know the language that was used by the building commission back then when new bonds were issued to do that construction.

Judge McReynolds ruled building the proposed justice center annex is within the authority of the public building commission and the Rock Island County Board. That means they won't have to hold a referendum if the cost doesn't exceed limits under the current levy.

Credit Michelle O'Neill / WVIK News
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WVIK News
Attorney Mike Halpin

Attorney Mike Halpin represented the Public Building Commission.

Government
Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.