Effingham City Council Fills Fire Chief Slot

The Effingham City Council Tuesday hired Brant Yochum as the city's fire chief.

Yochum is a battalion chief for the Vincennes, Indiana Fire Department. He is expected to be sworn in as chief in January. Effingham's Assistant Chief Matt Kulesza will continue to oversee day-to-day operation of the department until Yochum arrives. Kulesza has been in the position since Bob Tutko's retirement as chief on July 2.

Also Tuesday, the Council approved a special use permit for Lupita's Mexican Store to move to 1509 West Fayette and share a store with a light industrial operation. Both businesses are opened and operated by the same individual.

The Council also approved two transactions related to an easterly extension of Ford Avenue east of Charlott Street.

Council members were also briefed by City Director of Public Works Jeremy Heuerman on a project to replace the water meter system in town. Heuerman said the project is expected to take the next few years to complete.