I actually wrote a letter to the editor back when all the QCT-created furor was going on about RiverGulf and Builders, in support of the industries. I still feel that industry has a place on our riverfront, as that's the only reason Davenport exists, but I've come to accept the decision about these two businesses. What the QCTimes article doesn't explain is why the ethanol plant opening is tied to RiverGulf's Davenport operation. I assume that they're just going to move all of their grain operations to the Buffalo site? Anyway, I say unless there are imminent (and finacially feasible) plans for that site, or the site across River Drive, give them a 1 year extension and tell them to get a move on.
Swing of the Quad Cities might be sold -QCTimes
This is almost certainly a good thing. The article (purposely?) doesn't mention what they're paying now, which is $490,000 per year. The new owners would only have to pay $273,000 a year for the first 3 years, and then $385,000 for the next 22 years. Its like refinancing a mortgage from 15 to 30 years to lower payments, but unfortunately the city is the bank on this deal. The reason to accept this would be if the new owner is able to lower prices and get people back to the ballpark. Currently a night at JOD has been priced out of the market of families of 5 or 6.
"Pirate" station taken over? -QCTimes
Mostly I just found this hilarious. When the guys hadn't paid their rent for 4 months, the property manager not only locked them out, but he took over the radio station's operation and is taking payment from their advertisers! Seems like he's asking for his own FCC fine though. I love this comment (for once) at the QCTimes.comments:
Argh matey...ye pirate station be mine now! wrote on October 26, 2006 1:36 AM:
"I wondered what had changed...the music seemed to improve a bit (no more Jeremy Jordan's "Right Kind of Love") and it's started to sound more like a radio station (with weather reports, etc.). About being taken over, that seems kind of amusing to me. Live by the sword, die by the sword. That's the pirate way."
Seriously though, I thought it was interesting what these guys were trying to do, because if the President and others are able to refer to us being at war constantly, why wouldn't the FCC's war clause apply? Unfortunately they obviously aren't the most upstanding citizens to be making this argument.
4 comments:
A little clarification for you, QCI.
There are two separate stories on the website about the Swing sale. The second one (not linked here) does show what the current deal is worth.
Meant to include this in the last post. Here's the link to the story outlining all the financial details:
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2006/10/27/news/local/doc45418eba85001048352298.txt
I won't have to boycott the Swing anymore if the Krause's no longer own it. That family is on my blacklist since they filed suit against Iowa taxpayers for $1B.
Thanks Tory.
I also think new ownership is a good thing, but I think most of us said that last time too...
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