Published on September 15, 2026 7:02 pm
Last Updated on September 15, 2026 7:02 pm
Effingham City Council members Tuesday indicated support for the acquisition by the City of the Thelma Keller Convention Center. The City would also lease operations of the convention center back to a new hotel owner.
Paperwork is not complete on the acquisition, but all five Council members voiced support for the plan and a vote on the transaction should be forthcoming. Commissioner Jake Niebrugge said that a majority of convention centers are owned by municipalities, rather than private entities. Commissioner Hank Stephens said the acquisition “makes all the sense in the world.”
The Council also learned that a bid letting on the next phase of the Evergreen Avenue reconstruction project is set for September 29. This reconstruction will extend from Sherwood Park to Oceola Street.
Council members awarded the contract for the reconstruction of Cherry Street from Jefferson to Fayette Avenues. Feutz Contractors of Paris was awarded the bid for just under $652,000.
The Council also granted a special use permit for a solar energy system west of J&R Collision Center. The plans for the project include electrical upgrades that should be conducive to economic development in that area. Also approved was the sale of property to Heartland/Effingham for $159,000. The sale is related to an expansion of the John Boos and Company manufacturing facility.
Council members granted permission to Unit 40 school district to hold the annual Homecoming Parade this Sunday afternoon.
