County Delivers Final Van to CSS

(LEFT TO RIGHT: CSS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANDY KISTLER, CSS CLIENTS KEVIN DETERS, JERRY CARR AND JAIME MENDENHALL, EFFINGHAM COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN JOSH DOUTHIT, CSS DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYMENT PETE NICCUM, COUNTY BOARD ADMINISTRATOR ANGIE THOMPSON, AND EFFINGHAM COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR BECKY BROWN)

A ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon to turn over the final van purchased by Effingham County for use by Community Support Systems. The County utilized ARPA funding to pay for the van.

Under the arrangement, CSS will pay for the maintenance and upkeep of the three vehicles purchased for use by the agency. The County will remain the owner of the vehicles.

CSS Director of Employment Pete Niccum said CSS is running eight routes to pick up their clients each morning and take them home each evening. The 43 clients served live in outlying areas and work at either CSS' headquarters on Main Street or the Developmental Training Center, both located in Teutopolis. Central Illinois Public Transit runs four routes for CSS in the local community. 

Effingham County Board Chairman Josh Douthit said the purchase of the vans "reinforces the County's support for local agencies."

CSS Executive Director Andy Kistler said, "On behalf of our staff members and our workforce in Teutopolis, we appreciate the contribution." Of the donation of the vans, Kistler said, "Actions speak louder than words."