Published on July 21, 2025 5:49 pm
Last Updated on July 21, 2025 5:49 pm
(FROM LEFT: EFFINGHAM COUNTY SHERIFF PAUL KUHNS AND DEPUTIES TYLER KOESTER AND BRANDON KUHL)
The Effingham County Board and County Sheriff Paul Kuhns recognized two sheriff’s deputies with Lifesaving Awards for actions they took in May in rural Dieterich.
The Sheriff said Deputy Tyler Koester and Deputy Brandon Kuhl responded to a call involving a woman suffering from knife wounds to the forearm and the neck. The two gave emergency aid and then carried the woman across a muddy field to a waiting ambulance.
Kuhns commended the deputies’ “quick lifesaving actions for a subject who was in both mental and medical crisis.” He said, “your professionalism and competence are a great reflection on yourselves and our office.”
The Board also approved a resolution recognizing Kurt Schmidt on his retirement after five years’ service with the county health department. Schmidt was not present for the meeting.
In other business, the County Board:
–approved the addition of all fulltime County employees with the exception of County Board members in eligibility for the Employee Assistance Program
–approved a loitering ordinance to maintain the County grounds without being overly restrictive, as the ordinance concerns camping on the grounds
–appointed new city police chief Kurt Davis to the 911 Board
–approved participation in nine defendant opioid settlements
–approved the Purdue Pharma L.P. bankruptcy plan and a separate GESA release agreement
–awarded a bid for construction of a new bridge along 225th Avenue in Union Township
–approved two subdivision plats; Imburgia Subdivision and R&J Worman Subdivision
–approved the audit
–declined a partnership agreement for TextMyGov services
–approved a joint ordinance with the City of Effingham for a proposed Enterprise Zone annexation
–approved disbursement of just over $42,000 to CEAD Council in opioid funding
–approved disbursement of ARPA funding to purchase four benches, two pet waste stations, and landscaping rock for the courtyard
–approved a quote for the next audit
–approved resolutions for the salaries of the incoming sheriff and public defender
Board members received programs and gate passes for the Millroad Thresherman’s Show from Association members Kathy Schroeder and Taylor Feldkamp; heard from County Engineer Greg Koester that the South Altamont roadway is now Truck Route status; heard from Board Vice Chairman Dave Campbell that he should hear in August about receipt of a second revolving loan fund; and heard from State’s Attorney Aaron Jones that he is joining the appeal of the Assault Weapons Ban as far as its 2nd Amendment status and its’ constitutionality.
