County commissioners hear progress reports

Progress reports on a variety of projects were heard Monday at a regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners.

The meeting was at the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro

Action on two matters, a new county liquor ordinance and a court fee collection process, were delayed until next week when the board will reconvene on Monday.

Union County State’s Attorney Tyler Edmonds gave board members a draft copy of the new ordinance which revises county laws regarding businesses which sell liquor.

Edmonds and the board also  briefly discussed collection of past-due court fees and fines, possibly by a private agency.

An update on the county’s new fuel storage and distribution system was given by county engineer Kevin Grammer.

The new system will allow tracking of fuel use by each department. Fuel costs will then be charged to individual office or department budgets.

Grammer also reported that work on a new bridge at the south end of Lingle Creek Road is near completion.

Work will then soon begin on another bridge on the road, near its intersection with Springville Hill Road.

A third Lingle Creek Road bridge, near Wilderness Retreat Road, is planned for replacement next year.

A public meeting was held last week regarding development of county-owned State Pond property, now known as Pine Ridge Lake.

Another meeting is set for 2 p.m. Friday to discuss funding for the proposed park and camping area.

“We have lots of plans,” Grammer told the board. “The real issue now is funding.”

Commissioner Don Denny reported that repairs have been made to the county’s Sunshine Inn community center and funding is being sought to help pay for roof replacement.

Commissioners heard a report on activities of the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau, given by director Cindy Cain.

Tina Penrod reported on an adult degree program offered through Shawnee Community College by Mid-Continent University.

Commissioners voted approval for vacating Shawnee Subdivision so the unimproved land can be returned to agriculture.