County Board to Get Latest on Redistricting

Effingham County Board Chairman Jim Niemann told the Board's Legislative Committee Monday that he will report at next week's Board meeting on a redistricting plan for the county.

Niemann said the lack of census results will hamper redistricting efforts. Typically, any changes in township boundaries come following receipt of Census results, but Niemann said that likely won't be an option. He said that if the numbers aren't available, he, State's Attorney Bryan Kibler, County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel, County Republican Chairman Rob Arnold, County Democrat Chairman Dave Seiler and a representative of the Illinois Attorney General's Office will work as a committee to deal with redistricting.

Also Monday, the Legislative Committee voted to recommend to the full Board an end to remote participation in Board meetings. Niemann said COVID numbers are down, so it's time to return to in-person attendance other than due to ill health.

Committee members also voted to recommend recently retired Chamber President and CEO Norma Lansing for a seat on the County's Economic Development Advisory Board to fill a vacancy created by the departure of Jane Reinheimer. Effingham County Regional Alliance head Cortney Yockey had also indicated interest in the spot.

The committee also voted to recommend to the full board Jake Buhnerkempe of J&R Collision Centers to fill a vacancy on the County 911 Board. If confirmed by the County Board, the committee appointments would be effective June 1.