State Finally Approves Improvement Project for Dieterich

A project begun in 2013 will apparently begin in 2018 in the village of Dieterich.

Dieterich board members heard this month that the State has finally approved plans for a grant-funded project that includes three pedestrian bridges and a number of sidewalk upgrades around the village. The $902,000 project is an 80/20 match, meaning the Village will contribute $182,000 of the cost. The pedestrian bridges will cross Dieterich Creek at Section, Church and Virginia Streets. The sidewalk improvements will be done throughout town. The project will be on the State bid letting for November, meaning actual construction will likely begin in the spring.

The Dieterich board has decided to move Trick or Treat. This year's Trick or Treat in Dieterich will take place on Saturday, October 28 from 5-7pm.

The Board also voted to contract with the Effingham County Sheriff's Department on police patrols. The County has already contracted for the additional patrols in Beecher City. The agreement with Dieterich will be for another 10-20 hours/month, and would utilize deputies who have already completed their regular shift with the county for that day. Village Clerk Brittny Gipson said this "will not be someone sitting outside the tavern waiting to write tickets" but community policing, with deputies getting out of their vehicles and interacting with the community. It's hoped the project will begin in October.

The Board also granted Rick Browning a 50-cent/hour raise since he has successfully completed his probationary period; discussed a proposed Liberty Park pavilion addition, but reached no decision; and discussed the possibility of a Clean Up Day in early October.