Published on July 20, 2026 7:14 pm
Last Updated on July 20, 2026 7:16 pm
(EFFINGHAM COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN JOSH DOUTHIT SPEAKS WITH DIANA SIEMER, THE WIDOW OF TONY SIEMER AND SONS QUINTON AND BEN)
Monday’s Effingham County Board meeting was highlighted by recognition of the family of Tony Siemer for Siemer’s 51 years of service on the Effingham County Airport Commission, including more than 20 years as Commission Chairman.
Siemer died last October at age 81. His wife, Diana, and a number of other family members were on hand for the recognition.
(MEMBERS OF THE TONY SIEMER FAMILY PRESENT FOR MONDAY’S CEREMONY)
The last major project in which Siemer was involved, the extension of the east-west runway, will be dedicated on August 20.
Also Monday, the Board approved the jail roof bid award to Joiner Sheet Metal and Roof in the amount of $221,450. Also, the Board approved a $7,500 disbursement of hotel/motel funding to the Effingham County Jail; approved election judge certification; approved salary resolutions for the sheriff and the public defender for the new terms beginning in December; and approved an application submission for a Community Development Block Grant for a disaster response program through South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission.
The Board approved the purchase of a drop box to be installed next to the CEFS bus stop outside the County Office Building downtown. The box will be used for people to deposit their property tax bills and to leave their election ballots. Also approved was a grant application for an intermediary re-lending program. The County has received a second $99,000 grant to be loaned to new or expanding businesses.
The Board approved a Central Illinois Public Transit agreement with Community Support Systems for transport to and from Wetherell Place and Effingham Terrace, with more discussion expected on service to Sigel. Also finalized was just under $50,000 to the City for the County’s share of the cost of County Office Building parking lot improvements
