Published on December 26, 2025 4:18 pm
Last Updated on December 26, 2025 4:18 pm
The recent Effingham Sunrise Rotary program featured an inside look at what’s building around town — straight from City Engineer Luke Thoele and City Planner Greg Koester.
Luke shared progress on some major projects, including the Ford Avenue corridor, First Street upgrades, and plenty of pavement, sidewalk, and resurfacing work happening city-wide. The big highlight? The Santa Maria Avenue project, part of the City’s first TIF district — complete with a new pond, parking, and future residential space. Some parts will be opening soon, with full completion expected in 2026.
Other updates included the Jaycee Avenue storm sewer, Evergreen Avenue extension (wrapping up spring 2026), and upcoming improvements at the wastewater treatment plant, Merchant Street gap, West Airport Road, and Bent Tree, Cherry, and McGrath Avenue extensions.
Greg wrapped things up with exciting news about the City’s Comprehensive Plan, set to be finalized within the coming month, along with updates to the Future Land Use Map — shaping how Effingham grows in the years ahead.
PICTURED: Luke Thoele, City Engineer; Ryan Wyckoff, Sunrise Rotary President; Gary Rogers, Program Chair; Greg Koester, City Planner
