The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill Correspondent
The Hancock County Board took action that set up road and bridge projects for this coming summer, during their regular meeting on Feb. 18.
Resolutions were approved for federal funds and township bridge program funds to be used to replace a bridge over Grove Creek in Pilot Grove Township, three and a half miles northwest of Burnside, and a bridge over Baptist Creek in Fountain Green Township, four and a half miles southeast of La Harpe.
These projects will be completed by contract with a construction company.
The board approved using county labor for oil and chip work on the Niota Road, Colusa Road, Ferris Road, Ferris Town Road, McCall Road, Colusa Town Road and two and a quarter miles of gravel on the Burnside-Durham Road. These projects are estimated to cost $560,000.
The county will be reimbursed through IDOT with state and federal funds after the road work is done. The county will pay for labor, materials and equipment to do the work.
These resolutions are required in order to use federal funding on the projects, according to county engineer, Elgin Berry.
The Illinois Electronics Recycling program will continue serving the county. The board paid the annual fee of $5,299 to allow residents of Hancock County to drop off electronic items and cans of paint at the County Highway Department Building from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday at no cost. This applies to residents’ personal recycling only. Schools, businesses and large quantity customers can call 309-331-4781 for a direct pick-up, or for more information about other drop off sites.
Accepted items include computer keyboards, monitors, printers, hard drives, VCRs televisions, microwaves, calculators, radios, scanners, stereos, DVD players, FAX machines, small kitchen appliances, vacuums, telephones and cell phones.
Household batteries (AA, AAA, C etc.,) are accepted but not lithium-ion batteries. Batteries must be removed from appliances. Car and lawn mowers battery are accepted.
Unaccepted electronics include air conditioners, white goods such as washers, dryers, water softeners, refrigerators, stoves, and water heaters.
Accepted paints include interior and exterior latex, alkyd, enamel and oil based paints; porch, floor and deck paints; oil and latex primers, and undercoats, interior and exterior varnishes and urethane.
For the complete list of accepted items see the Highway Department website, www.hancockcounty-il.gov/county-engineer, or call 217-357-3155.
In making the Health and Miscellaneous Committee report, Steve Finney told the board that Jessica Croy was named the new director for the Hancock County Health Department. It was noted that the health department has a new dentist with a six-month contract.
In other action, the board designated one vehicle, no longer needed by the Hancock County Transportation System, as surplus. It will be sold at auction. A second vehicle will be retained and used as a service vehicle.
Changes in some of the fees at the recorders office were approved. Fees were increased in July 2023. Since then changes in legislation has caused the need for some Hancock County fees to be amended.
An additional bank account was approved for the circuit clerk’s office for electronic payments.
Cole Boyles, a Boy Scout from Carthage, was introduced at the meeting. He attended as a step to earning a Citizenship in the Community merit badge.