The Kelheim Contingent Returns to Effingham County

(THE KELHEIM CONTINGENT, 2024-STYLE)

For almost 30 years, the student exchange between Kelheim, Germany and Effingham County, Illinois has helped foster understanding and friendship between high schoolers from Germany and the United States.

The exchange began in 1997 when Ralph Ruppel of Vincennes, Indiana acted on his knowledge of Effingham County's German heritage. Ruppel contacted then-Mayor Bob Utz and others in Effingham to see whether an exchange could be started between German high schoolers and Effingham area students.

The latest exchange is underway this week as the Kelheim kids are visiting the county. The students stay with Effingham County students and their families. The local kids will later head to Germany to stay with the Kelheim kids. 

The Kelheim contingent were guests of Effingham Noon Rotary on Wednesday. The students shared what they liked here and a little about themselves. The students say that their home area is remarkably similar to Effingham County, particularly the agricultural area. They also remarked on the openness and friendliness of Effingham County.

There was also a presentation following the Rotary meeting where City Administrator Steve Miller presented a $1,000 check on behalf of the City to the Kelheim crew, since the students have to raise funds to pay their own expenses. 

The students' visits are not just to Effingham, but also to Chicago and St. Louis.