*This “article” is a mix of the JEDI meeting minutes and summation of an audio recording of the meeting.”
The JEDI October meeting was held in the Peoples State Bank room of the Chamber office. Jennifer Hinterscher spoke about the Cruise In from the perspective of MidAmerica. The guests felt it was a great night and they talked about it all weekend. Everything went smooth overall. She spoke about the shirt sales and other follow up items. A well done was offered overall and she stated, “It made a big impression.” She ended with stating if it ever leaves Effingham again, Newton is definitely in the running if open to it.
Lea Creadore highlighted the parking team as well as everyone who helped. Sarah highlighted Lea and all of the work she put into the event. (Lea was the head of the event.)
Updates:
The new Dollar General is open and an upcoming tour may be done. City of Olney Code Enforcer and Enterprise Zone Supervisor Mike Mitchell has retired. Dallas Colwell has taken his position. Doug Weddell suggested a ribbon cutting. Lea suggested it could be done with the tour and asked Amber to let the Chamber know if the tour is scheduled and they could coordinate the ribbon cutting to be done at the same time.
Mark Bolander
He stated they were working on getting a daycare, but they can’t give any details right now.
He gave “kudos” to those who helped plan the Corvette Cruise In. He spoke highly about the positive planning environment before the event. He also spoke highly about the Fall Festival as well. Mark stated he was open to having the Corvette event again.
Jason Warfel
2020 Fiscal Budget will be on display next Thursday. Next meeting is October 10. U of I Extension Council has 4 vacant spots and looking to fill one from Jasper County. They meet 4 times a year. If interested, contact me or Carl Baker, the extension office in Effingham.
Mike Hall invited Jason to a recent Dieterich Mapping session. The majority of Dieterich’s success can be attributed to this program. They are looking to possibly bring the mapping program to Jasper County but will need the commitment from the community to attend. The program is 5 weeks long, one 3-hour night meeting per week with no less than 25-30 people attending. The program is to learn as a community what we need or want and then talk about how to facilitate. The cost would be $3,500.
He offered handouts on the program. Discussion was held on this event versus the Strategic Marketing Plan and Comprehensive Plan that has been done. Discussion was also held on the school’s relation to the community and how the two can be blended better. Andy Johnson spoke about visions and plans to keep students in the community after they graduate. He wanted to know what the board, administration and himself should be talking about during their upcoming planning session to be able to bridge the gap between the community and the schools.
Andy asked “What are we going to do for that next generation, for the future. If I’m going to have conversations with the board, I think at some point I need some input for the community.”
Discussion was held about what the needs of the community are, especially the businesses. Mark suggested the information could be found with a simple survey with the businesses.
Tom Brown spoke about the plans being done, but people do not always read them.
Andy Johnson
The board has 30 days to fill Rob Street’s board seat after his passing. It is advertised and they will be conducting interviews. Previous candidates will be considered. Andy spoke highly of Rob on both a personal and professional level.
High School fall sports are in full swing. Cross County is running very well.
Volleyball is playing really well. Football is seeing success and Friday is a home
game. Tennis is having a great season. Soccer has only lost one. Band placed 1st in
everything at Robinson and Grand Champion last weekend. They go to EIU this weekend.
Jr. High baseball went to the regional championship against T-town. It was a
really good game but they ended up losing. Cross County has 3 more meets then
they have their sectionals next Saturday. Softball placed 4th in state. We are very
proud of the girls. Girls basketball starts Thursday with their opening home game
at 6pm.
Next week is Homecoming. The parade will be on Friday at 2:30pm.
Lea Creadore – Chamber
October 12th is Scare on the Square 3pm-5pm.
Additional Comments:
Jennifer Hinterscher: Thursday is pack the place night at the High School home Volleyball game.
Thursday at St. Thomas, the Jasper County Cancer Support Bingo door open at 5pm and game starts at 6pm.
Sarah Kinkade spoke about the Queen of Hearts where there were over $500,000 in 39 weeks. While the people were here buying tickets, they were also purchasing other items within the county. The boosters wanted to do something not only to bring money to the athletics program, but also to the community. She cited the VFW being able to rehabilitate and update their building.
Motion to close meeting made by Andy Johnson, second by Louis Ochs, and motion
passed.
