Effingham County Board chairman recognizes Ernest Garbe for decades of serving community

Sep. 23—EFFINGHAM — In recognition of his more than half a century of service to the village of Dieterich, Effingham County, and his country, the Effingham County Board recently presented Ernest Garbe of Dieterich with the Effingham County Board Chairman Commendation Award.

Effingham County Board Chairman Josh Douthit presented the award to Garbe during the board's regular meeting on Monday.

"Ernest Garbe is hereby recognized for his long-time public service to Effingham County," Douthit said Monday.

His service includes as chairman and vice chairman during his 21 years on the Effingham County Board, nine years on the Dieterich Unit 30 Board of Education and more than 50 years on the South Central Regional Planning and Development Commission.

"Ernest was instrumental in organizing the South Central Regional Planning and Development Commission, which is still an active commission today," Douthit said.

Garbe has also served as a charter member for the Dieterich Community Development Commission and is active in the Ruritan Club. Garbe served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955.

Douthit also recognized Garbe, an Illinois Master Farmer, for his 20 years on the University of Illinois Agriculture Extension Council.

"Therefore, as chairman of the Effingham County Board, I hereby present this award in appreciation for your public service of over 50 years to the citizens of Effingham County," Douthit said.

Upon accepting the award, Garbe recognized his family and friends who came to the meeting to show their support, and briefly reflected on receiving the award.

"Effingham County was looked up to as a leader in Southern Illinois," Garbe said. "We tried to live up to that expectation. I try to be a good representation of Effingham County."

In other matters, Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns and Effingham County State's Attorney Aaron Jones provided updates on the end of cash bail in the state of Illinois, which took effect the same day as Monday's meeting.

"The Pretrial Fairness Act is in play," Kuhns said. "It started at midnight. It's going smoothly as far as I can see."

Jones said six county inmates had already been released from custody under the new law.

Douthit expressed his appreciation for how Kuhns and Jones have been adjusting to the new law, saying they have been following the Illinois Supreme Court's decision on the matter "with a smile."

Also during the meeting, the board voted unanimously to proclaim Oct. 1-7 as National 4-H Week in Effingham County.

"We will urge all of our citizens to encourage and support the work of 4-H."

Jamie Stang Ellis, the creative director for the Rusty Reel Lake Jam, updated the board on the music festival that will take place Oct. 12-14 at Lake Sara near Pinky's and The Rusty Reel.

"Rusty Reel Lake Jam is a three-day country music festival with a kick of rock 'n' roll," Stang Ellis said. "It is going to be held in the boatyard."

She said organizers are expecting an attendance of approximately 3,000 people and are constructing a stage in front of the boat slips by the Rusty Reel, where artists will perform. Performers include Black Berry Smoke, Allie Keck, Big & Rich, among others.

Bret Michaels will be the festival's headliner on Oct. 14, and Stang Ellis said Michaels is donating $10,000 to local organizations but it has not yet been decided which ones.

In other matters, the board:

—Appointed Curtis Stortzum to the Lucas Township Drainage District as the replacement for Troy Traub for a term of Sept. 18, 2023 to Sept. 2, 2024.

—Approved a professional engineering agreement to replace two bridges along 100th Street in Moccasin Township.

—Approved the disbursement of $2,000 for Trade Skills & Manufacturing Day.

—Approved the disbursement of up to $3,600 of the county's American Rescue Plan Act funds for the Childcare Research Committee Gap Scholarship.

Nick Taylor can be reached at nick.taylor@effinghamdailynews.com or by phone at 618-510-9226 or 217-347-7151 ext. 300132.