County Board Marks Apprenticeship Week; Salutes Retiring Sheriff's Office Member

This is National Apprenticeship Week for 2024 and various observances are taking place to mark the occasion.

The Effingham County Board proclaimed the week at their meeting on Monday. They also honored Effingham County native Andrew Hall who is International Apprenticeship Champion.

Hall, a Dieterich High School graduate, was in Texas working through Local 149 of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, but Local representative Kevin Sage was on hand, as were Andrew's parents, Eric and Julie Hall.

(FROM LEFT, KEVIN SAGE, JULIE HALL AND ERIC HALL)

Lake Land College celebrated Apprenticeshp Week on Tuesday. A luncheon event featured a keynote address and celebratory signings for all new apprentices. Effingham Regional Growth Alliance President and CEO Courtney Yockey provided the keynote address.

The County Board Monday also recognized Phil Hardiek on his retirement after 21 years of service with the Effingham County Sheriff's Office. Hardiek began his career in 2003.

(FROM LEFT, COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN JOSH DOUTHIT AND PHIL HARDIEK)