Lange Avenue Formally Dedicated; Former Mayor Receives Sign

Former Effingham Mayor John Lange was honored for 35 years' service to the City of Effingham as well as his term as mayor during a ceremony Wednesday morning.

Lange, who served as Mayor from 2007 to 2011, was on hand for a ceremony at the intersection of the newly-dedicated John Lange Avenue, the roadway that runs east and west from the Roy Schmidt Honda dealership site to Schwerman Street. Before his term as mayor, Lange served as Effingham Chief of Police and served on the police force for many years.

(CURRENT MAYOR MERV GILLENWATER {left} AND FORMER MAYOR JOHN LANGE TAKE A LOOK AT THE STREET SIGN PRESENTED TO LANGE AT THE CEREMONY)

Current Mayor Merv Gillenwater, who served as a commissioner on the City Council during Lange's term as mayor, also discussed his years in law enforcement with the Illinois State Police, working with Lange on various operations.

Lange was grateful for the honor, saying it wasn't just recognition for him, but for his family and the citizens of Effingham. He said he wished his mom and dad could have been there. His mother died just a few weeks ago.

(THE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR JOHN LANGE AVENUE)

The former mayor's cousin, Millie Lange, works with us at the radio station. He quipped that he was glad Millie finally has a street named after her.