Published on June 2, 2026 9:10 pm
Last Updated on June 2, 2026 9:11 pm
Effingham city council members Tuesday adopted a temporary moratorium on applications, permitting, and permit approval for cryptocurrency mines and data centers in Effingham.
City Attorney Tracy Willenborg said the 12-month moratorium will allow the city to do more research on data centers. The moratorium is effective within the corporate limits and the 1-1/2 mile extraterritorial limits around Effingham.
Nicholas Tkachuk spoke on behalf of a small group from the Party for Socialism and Liberation and encouraged the Council to adopt the moratorium. Tkachuk said there are concerns over pollution and water usage.
The vote to adopt the moratorium was 5-0 in favor.
The Council discussed funding that would help the Effingham Knights of Columbus Building Corporation with improvements at the Effingham Event Center. The proposal was to allocate $400,000, but the consensus of the Council was to boost the amount to $500,000. A vote will likely come at the next meeting.
Council members approved a Class B liquor license for Looper’s Golf Lounge at 1705 Avenue of Mid-America, which will make indoor golfing available, and approved an agreement for water main work along Fayette Avenue east of Willow Street at just under $1.6 million, with the cost to be borne by the City. Also approved was the purchase of a new aerial ladder truck.
The Council accepted an agreement from Keystone Power Holdings for a 30-year solar power project near the water treatment plant, and annexed a third addition to Golden Fields Subdivision into the City. There was also discussion about events including Let Freedom Ring on July 3 and EffingHAM-JAM on July 17. Also discussed was the final phase of the rebuilt Merchant Street and a water main project on Outer Belt West.
Council members and City Administrator Steve Miller honored Joe Williamson as Employee of the Quarter. Williamson, who was a finalist for a state award, has worked for the City for 38 years.
