The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Micah Stewart
J-P Correspondent
Journal Pilot
Jenny Meeks, IMS Director, presented Brian Friedrich, Captain, and Konnor Bland, Lieutenant, with badges to honor their acceptance of leadership positions with additional responsibilities.
"I believe that when someone steps up to assume responsibility, they need to be rewarded," said Meeks. "I would not be still standing, let alone still in this position, if it wasn't for these two gentlemen. It took me a year, but during that time when I needed help the most, these two always stepped up."
Friedrich and Bland will continue to perform their roles and support Meeks with these new leadership responsibilities. Meeks intends to continue with formal badge presentations as roles and responsibilities grow in the EMS department.
Samantha Harnack was introduced to the board as the new Hancock County Economic Development Executive Director. Harnack is relocating to Hancock County from Wyoming, along with her husband, Jay, who is the new superintendent at Illini West. She takes over the position from Belynda Allen, who served the county for two years.
"I have been able to meet with the prior director and speak with many others to learn about areas that need improvement," said Haymack. "One of my big areas of focus will be to find ways to improve internet access and quality for the county. A lot of the county has internet but the users don't. For schools, businesses and individuals, access to good internet is vitally important."
Highway, road and bridge committee chair, Patsy Davis, reported on the committee meeting held May 27.
County engineer, Elgin Berry, informed the committee that the County Highway Fund is still waiting on payment of $338,921.73 from the Illinois Department of Transportation for day labor work performed by Hancock County in 2020. Payment was requested on Sept. 23, 2020.
Wayne Bollin said that a plan must be developed for how to spend the $3.5 million in COVID relief funds.
Possibilities mentioned were $150,000 for courthouse air conditioning, $250,000 for the jail roof, rehabilitation of Connable Road and several other long-term infrastructure projects.
Finance, fees and salaries committee chair, Mark Menn, reported on the committee meeting held June 10. At the meeting Kris Pilkington, Hancock County Treasurer, reviewed budgetary status reports.
Her office will make distributions soon to everyone but the school districts, who requested distribution on July 1.
The committee received only one bid for the court room technology for $77,223.25, from Conference Technologies. It is expected to take six weeks to complete. The county will receive a grant for $89,000 for the project.
Holly Wilde-Tilman told the committee that the census figures are not in yet.
A hearing must be held for voting districts with a 10 percent or less difference, but that is difficult without the final census numbers. They plan to have a hearing before the July 8 board meeting.
Building, grounds and insurance committee chair, Dennis Castlebury, reported on the committee meeting held June 14.
Miranda Lambert was introduced as the new transportation director. Sheriff Travis Duffy reported the jail currently has 21 male and four female inmates.
Miscellaneous and health committee chair, Janet Fleming, reported on the committee meeting held June 15.
Ada Bair, CEO of Memorial Hospital, notified the committee that the hospital is not interested in taking over ambulances.
A rumor was circulating that Memorial wanted to take over ambulance service. Bair said she is talking with Jenny Meeks on possible changes with transfers, but nothing more than that.
At the June 22, Hancock County Board meeting, two Hancock County EMS individuals were honored with promotions. Brian Friedrich was named Captain, and Konnor Bland was named Lieutenant. These two gentlemen were appointed to these roles for meritorious service to Hancock County EMS, and for their dedication to the citizens of Hancock County.