City Council Witnesses Presentations Including Citizen Service Citation

(STEVE BONE WITH CITY POLICE CHIEF JASON McFARLAND)

Effingham city council members Tuesday commended local resident Steve Bone, who was recognized by Police Chief Jason McFarland with a Citzen Service Citation.

Bone was honored for his efforts at the Effingham Walgreen on August 3. He was in line in the pharmacy drive-through when he noticed that the employee waiting on him appeared disturbed. He asked the employee whether things were okay and the employee relayed that an armed robbery was taking place. 

McFarland said Bone got out of his vehicle and asked the person in the vehicle behind him to contact 911. Bone went into the store and identified the suspect, then pursued the suspect to make sure police knew of his direction of travel so they could make an arrest. The chief said he was most impressed with Bone's efforts, and that led to the citizen's citation presentation...

The Council also heard from Fire Chief Brant Yochum on a couple of matters, including the fire at Bob's Discount on Sunday night. While there was considerable damage done to the business, it was much less than what might have been the case but for the fire suppression system located in the store...

The Council also welcomed the city's new Building Official, Tayler Polk. Former Building Official Chris Roedl went back to work in the medical field, leaving the opening for Polk. Polk finds himself in a unique position, working for the City of Effingham while he serves on the Altamont City Council. 

(NEW EFFINGHAM CITY BUILDING OFFICIAL TAYLER POLK WAS SWORN IN BY CITY CLERK ABBEY NOSBISCH)

Council members also witnessed a presentation by City Administrator Steve Miller to Russ Leppin, a longtime City employee who was honored with the Employee of the Quarter award.

(RUSS LEPPIN)

Council members also welcomed new city police officer Alex Larch. McFarland said Larch, who has been working as a dispatcher for the police department while completing his police officer education, graduated at the top of his class academically.

(ALEX LARCH)