Crisis Nursery Getting Closer for Effingham

(TINA DANIELS LISTENS AS EFFINGHAM COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN JIM NIEMANN READS A PROCLAMATION AT MONDAY'S BOARD MEETING CELEBRATING HER 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE EFFINGHAM COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT)

A crisis nursery is closer to becoming a reality for the Effingham community.

Effingham County Board member Karen Luchtefeld told the Board Monday that a lease agreement has been completed with the Effingham County Board of Health to lease space at the Effingham County Health Department as a site for the nursery. Under the 18-month lease agreement, Crisis Nursery of Effingham County would be responsible for one-third of the cost of utilities at the facility.

The crisis nursery will be available 24/7 for anyone who needs crisis care of an infant for whatever reason. Luchtefeld said some other steps must be taken before the crisis nursery begins operation.

Also Monday, the County Board approved a three-year commitment to the Effingham County CEO Program at $1,000/year beginning with the new county fiscal year December 1; recognized County Telecommunications Supervisor Tina Daniels for 25 years' service with the Effingham County Sheriff's Department; declared Thursday, May 12, as Law Day in the county; and agreed to utilize Mike Conrad and Top Shelf Solutions for first aid and safety cabinets in the County Office Building and County Government Center.

The Board awarded bids to Marathon Petroleum, Emulsicoat and Effingham Asphalt for road oil and patch mix for county road maintenance; and approved a series of appointments to county boards and committees. County Board member Rob Arnold and Steve Miller were appointed to the County Housing Authority; Rosie Gibbons was named to fill out Gene Logue's term on the 708 Board through the end of June and Mike Tate was reappointed to the 708 Board to fill out Joe Adams' term through the end of June; Steven Rudolphi was named a trustee to the Watson Fire Protection Board; Elwin "Curly" Stuemke was named a trustee to the Altamont Fire Protection District Board; Linda Workman was named to fill out Joyce Shumaker's term on the Board of Health; David J. Probst was named a trustee on the Teutopolis Fire Protection District Board; and Gary Horn was named a trustee on the Dieterich Fire Protection District Board. The big news is that Tate was reappointed to the 708 Board after being replaced earlier this year. At the time, it was indicated efforts would be made to return him to the Board as soon as an opening occurred.