County Board Recognizes Finfrock for Years of Service

(COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN JOSH DOUTHIT WITH RETIRED CHIEF DEPUTY SHERIFF LARRY FINFROCK)

The Effingham County Board Monday took time to recognize Larry Finfrock for his 31-year tenure with the Effingham County Sheriff's Department.

Finfrock retired recently after working for the sheriff's department since 1992. County Board Chairman Josh Douthit, who worked with Finfrock in law enforcement, said Finfrock worked in every category. He wrapped up his career by serving as Chief Deputy Sheriff.

Sheriff Paul Kuhns noted that he and Finfrock grew up together in the sheriff's department. He told Finfrock, "I'm gonna miss you, Larry, but best of luck!"

Lt. Travis Buhnerkempe was recently promoted to succeed Finfrock as chief deputy sheriff.

The Board Monday voted to allocate the County's remaining ARPA funding. a $17,614 increase in earmarked funding and allocation of funds for county vehicles purchase; $34,280 for an air-conditioner compressor unit for the County Office Building; $20,000 for TREC Trail maintenance, and any remaining funds for county infrastructure projects. Board members also allocated $2,500 in hotel/motel funds to Lake Sara fireworks; approved Jim Niemann as PRN airport assistant; approved use of the Courthouse Courtyard for the VW Welcomefest Downtown Party on Friday, June 16; the annual agreement with U of I Extension; approved the Effingham County Recorder Rental Housing Support Program; approved a joint funding agreement for construction work on the upcoming Moccasin Road resurfacing; approved a resolution to show support for an increased township bridge program; approved the low bidders for Motor Fuel Tax oil and batch for road maintenance; and approved a series of appointments. Also approved was funding for the County Haz Mat Coordinator to attend out-of-state training and using grant funds to cover the cost at no cost to the County.

The appointments include Dr. Tina Rozene, Vickie Bushur and Karen Hill to replace Marge Lancaster, all on the Board of Health; Charles Braasch to the Board of Review; Dr. Nanci Huels as County Veterinarian; Eric Webb to replace Donnye Davis as a Watson Fire Protection District trustee; Dan Roedl as an Altamont Fire Protection District trustee; Jeremy Kyle to the Ethics Commission; and Jonathan Horn as a Teutopolis Fire Protection District trustee.

Board members approved an amended vehicle lease agreement with Community Support Systems; approved an agreement with the City of Effingham to abate any charge for use of GIS information; heard from County Clerk Michelle Kollmann that digitization work in her office is underway; heard from Board member Dave Campbell that there is more than $11,000 in loan funds for new or expanding businesses; heard from Board member Jeremy Deters that the lighted stop signs in Montrose have been an improvement with travel through the village; heard from Board member Norbert Soltwedel that expenses are under budgeted amounts and that income is above anticipated amounts.