Talk Around Town December 2024 : simplebooklet.com

NEW ELECTIED OFFICIALS TAKEOFFICE3INSIDE Citizens can now address the CountyBoard at their regularly scheduled meetings(3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:00 pm inthe County Board room), and at specialmeetings. Fifteen minutes shall be set aside at thebeginning of each County Board meeting andeach speaker shall be allowed 3 minutes toaddress the board.How to Address the County Board or Committees Although not required, anyone wishing toaddress the Boardmay pre-register by filing acompleted “Request To Address The MadisonCounty Board and Committees" form, with theCounty Clerk’s Office no earlier than 48 hoursprior to the scheduled meeting. For more information on addressing the Boardof Committees visit the County Clerk’s website. Scan QR Codeto Register toSpeakCOVER STORY:GOOD NEWS:16FEATURES:SERVICES: RECGONITION:FINAL PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT DUECOMMENDING PATRIOTISM49CHAIRMANS LETTEROUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS AND CHAIRMANRECOGNIZED FOR THEIR SERVICE TREE RECYCLINGNEW TREASURER SWORN INCHIEF JUDGE RETIRINGMADISON COUNTY PASSES BUDGET & LEVYCIRCUIT CLERK TECHNOLOGY GRANTMADISON COUNTY HOLDING BLANKET DRIVEIN COUNTY CUSTODYCELEBRATING RECOVERY8CIRCUIT CLERK RECEIVES TECHNOLOGY GRANTBUILDING & ZONING ENVIROMENTAL FRANTSAVAILABLE TO MUNICIPALTIES AND TOWNSHIP71256151416162021211818

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4 It is a new day in Madison County, and I’m excited to take over as the new County BoardChairman. While I truly enjoyed serving the past eight years as County Treasurer, I’mlooking forward to the new challenges. As Chairman, my primary focus will be economic development. We haven’t hadleadership from a regional level on economic development in a very long time. When ourcounty is growing, when all of our communities are thriving, and we’re all rowing in thesame direction, the sky’s the limit on what we can accomplish as a county. We have a great story to tell the rest of the world. We have safe communities, great publicand private schools, great churches, and a dedicated workforce. Madison County is a greatplace to raise a family, work and do business. I plan to be our county’s ambassador to attractnew businesses and retain existing businesses. All of our decision making will start with the basic question: how does this impacteconomic development? Why? Because economic development drives everything else in ourcommunities. Then our children and grandchildren have educational and job opportunitiesright here in our county. It’s time for Madison County’s light to shine, and I hope you will all join me to do greatthings together!Sincerely,Chris SlusserMadison County ChairDear Taxpayers,

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RECOGNITION5Madison County recognizes outgoingMadison County recognizes outgoingelected officials for their years ofelected officials for their years ofservice.service. adison County recognized outgoing Board members (right toleft) Michael Turner of Godfrey(2022-2024), Matt King of EastAlton (2018-2024), Robert Pollardof East Alton (2014-2024), andRyan Kneedler of Collinsville (2020-2024). hairman Pro-tem Mick Madison presented outgoing Chairman Kurt Prenzler with a crystal gavel for hiseight years of service leading the CountyBoard and his six years as Treasurer.Chairman recognized for his years ofChairman recognized for his years ofservice to Madison Countyservice to Madison CountyCCMM

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SERVICESFinal property taxFinal property taxinstallment dueinstallment due he Madison County Treasurer’s Office is reminding taxpayers that the final installment of their real-estate tax bill is due in December. The due date is quickly approaching the fourth and final taxinstallment on Tuesday, Dec. 3.” The Treasurer Office is reminding taxpayers that there aremany ways to pay a tax bill —pay at participating collectorbanks or credit unions throughout the county, by mail, through afinancial institution’s online bill pay service, the Treasurer’swebsite at www.madcotreasurer.org, by phone at 1 ( 844) 919-4300, or in person at the Treasurer’s Office, 157 N. Main St.,Suite 125, Edwardsville. The office continues to encourage taxpayers to usealternative methods to pay taxes/ Also a reminder that there isno penalty applied to payments mailed and postmarked by thedue date. The Treasurer’s Office also suggests that anyone paying bymail should take their payment inside the post office to have itpostmarked before/on the actual due date. Mail collected fromdrop boxes is often not locally postmarked, but sent to adistribution center in St. Louis, which can take several days. The Treasurer’s office serves as the county’s tax collector andit is important to remember that the Treasurer’s Office does notdetermine the billed amount. Property tax bills are determined by four factors — theassessment, the equalization factor or ‘multiplier,’ the tax rateand any exemptions,” he said.Each year taxpayers receive a bill that includes information onupcoming due dates, available payment options and where theirtax dollars go. For more information or questions contact the Treasurer’sOffice at (618) 692-6260, or to pay by phone, please call 1 (844)919-4300TT

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Tree Drop Off SitesTree Drop Off SitesTree Drop Off Sites'TIS THE SEASON'TIS THE SEASON'TIS THE SEASON TO TREECYCLETO TREECYCLETO TREECYCLEMadison County to host its 28th year of Christmas Tree Recycling CollectionMadison County to host its 28th year of Christmas Tree Recycling CollectionAlhambra/Alhambra Township — Village Maintenance Shed Alton — Riverview Park Haskell Park James Killion Park at Salu Milton Park Former Great Central Lumber lot at Henry StreetNorthside Park Choteau Township — Township Garage Collinsville — Willougby Farm Woodland Park Collinsville Township — Township Road District Office East Alton — City GarageEdwardsville — Winston Brown Recreation Complex Edwardsville Township — Township Community Park Fort Russell Township — Township Highway Dept. Foster Township — Township Garage Glen Carbon — New Glen Carbon Fire Department Godfrey — Street Department Granite City — Granite City Park District Hamel/Hamel Township — Township Highway DepartmentHartford — Curbside and alley picky up only Marine Township — Township Shed Maryville — Curbside Only Helvetia Township — Township Shed Leef Township — Township Garage Nameoki Township — Township Shed Olive Township — Maintenance Facility Pin Oak Township — Township Highway Dept. Saline Township — Township Shed St. Jacob Township — Township Highway Dept. Troy — Tri-Township Park Wood River — City composte site Wood River Township — Township Highway Dept. ive nature a gift this holiday season by recycling your Christmas tree at various locations across Madison County. "Rather than toss the tree in the trash, take it to a recycling location," Building and Zoning Administrator Chris Doucleff said. In coordination with Madison County Building and Zoning, townships and municipalities throughout the county are providing 34 drop-off sites forresidents to dispose of their Christmas trees. The Christmas Tree Recycling Program has operated successfully for the past 28 years in Madison County. The recycled trees are chipped intomulch and used in public gardens and parks across the community. Rather than toss the tree in the trash, take it to a recycling location. Trees will be accepted from Dec. 26 through Jan. 14, 2025. All lights and ornaments must be removed prior to drop-off. Pine wreaths, pine roping, or other landscape waste is prohibited. Building and Zoning created a downloadable holiday recycling guide on its Recycling 101 page (https://bit.ly/2T0j4On .) The guide depicts whichholiday items can and cannot be placed in single-stream recycling. Other common holiday items such as burnt-out Christmas light strands, plastic bags, bubble wrap, and plastic air pillows are recyclable but not inyour single stream bin. These items can be dropped off at recycling bins found at many local stores. For additional information, www.earth911.com is agreat resource to find drop off locations for these items locally. More information, visit the county website: at www.madiisoncountyil.gov.GG7

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“They provided a lot of opportunities andencouragement for my sister and I,” he said. “I can’tthank you enough.” Slusser also thanked the other county-wide officials aswell as the former Circuit Clerk Tom McRae. “Tom has been a tremendous mentor, friend andconfidant,” he said. He also thanked the other county-wide leaders beingsworn in as well as Sheriff Jeff Connor, County ClerkLinda Andreas and Regional Superintendent of SchoolsRobert WerdenSlusser also commended the staff in the Treasurer’sOffice. “I worked hard to create a family like atmosphere,” hesaid. Slusser said he knows the office will be left in goodhands with its new Treasurer Mike Babcock and ChiefDeputy Treasurer Corrie Becker. “It Is a new day in our county,” Slusser said. “The pasteight years have been a little chaotic. We are not lookingback, we are looking forward.” Slusser said his first promises to commit to have agreat working relationship with the County Board anddoesn’t plan to hold chaotic board meetings. Second, Slusser promised to run operations of thecounty government like he did in the Treasurer’s Office. “Family first, mutual respect and expectations of ewly elected Madison County-wide officials took their official oath of office. Chairman Chris Slusser thanked everyone forattending the inauguration ceremony on Dec. 2, whowas sworn in along with Circuit Clerk Patrick McRae,State’s Attorney Tom Haine, Coroner Nick Novacichand Auditor David Michael. “It’s been a long and winding road to get to thismoment,” Slusser said. Slusser said his journey into politics started in 2008,when voters first elected him to the County Board. In2012, he ran for chairman. “Not only was I unsuccessful in that race I vowedshortly after, out of frustration, I was done with politicsforever,” Slusser said. It didn’t last and in 2016 he ran again and waselected to the County Board and three weeks later wassworn in as Treasurer and served for two years. In 2018,he ran and was elected annd then re-elected in 2022. Slusser thanked all those who helped him on hispath, including his wife, Megan and their daughtersAnnabelle and Zoë, along with his father, Jim Slusserand partner, Geneva Terrell, and his mother Darla andMark Knopf, and sister, Jaime Macke. Slusser, who became choked up when talking abouthis parents, said they grew up in poverty and overcamea lot to become successful in their careers. N9

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excellence — not perfection, but excellence,” he said. “Itdoesn’t mean we always get it right, but when we work hardnot to repeat the same mistakes.”. Slusser said he wanted every employee to feel valued and enjoy their work. “I’m a firm believer that uninspired people rarely doinspire work,” he said. He said his third promise is to stay focused on the thingsthat matter to everyone in the county — economicdevelopment. “When our county is growing and all our communities arethriving, when we are all rowing in the same direction, thesky is the limit in regards to what we can accomplish at thecounty,” he said. “We haven’t had leadership on a regionallevel on economic development in a long time — thatchanges today!” McRae, who served as the chief deputy treasurer forthe past eight years, thanked everyone for giving theirtime to attend the swearing in ceremony. “It is an honor to stand here before you as the nextMadison County Circuit Clerk,” he said. McRae, who took the circuit clerk reins from hisfather, Tom McRae, said although his father “stoked thefire” when it come to running in politics, it was hismother Patti, who was his true inspiration. He said his parents taught him a lot, including thattrue success is not measured by personal gain, wealth orstatus, but how much you can contribute in the successof helping others. McRae said he was looking forward to working withhis new staff. State’s attorney sworn in for second timeSon replaces father asCircuit Clerk Haine said to see a room filled with so many wonderfulpeople filled his heart with gratitude. He said he felt blessed tohave served the past four years. He first thank his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom hesaid was the most important person in his life. He thenthanked his wife, Eva, his children. “I remember going to my own fathers swearing in as State’sAttorney” he said as he spoke to his five children. He said four years ago when he was sworn into office thefirst time, it was by his father, Sen. William “Bill” Haine,former Madison County State’s Attorney, “In the state of Illinois, you have to be a notary public or ajudge to swear someone into office,” Haine said. Haine said his father was neither at the time and becameone so he could notarize a single signature. The elder Hainepassed in August 2021. “He was my hero in every aspect of my life,” Haine said. Haine said it is a true team effort to enforce the law inMadison County as he spoke about his staff and thankedthem. “They wake up every day and are ready to justice forMadison County,” he said.

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Michael, who was elected to his second term ofoffice, also thanked his family, staff and the voterswho re-elected him. He even recognized the formerauditor, Rick Faccin, who died in September, for allhis contributions and conversations.“I don’t have to much to say , other than to thank thetaxpayers for entrusting me and my fellow electedofficials,” he said. “We do a lot of quiet work and weare not always looking for recognition.” Auditor enterssecond term The newest member to the group of county-wide elected office holders to be sworn in was Novacich. Novacich served with the Granite City Police Department for more than 24 years and was chief the past year. He said it was a conversation sparked by his friend and mentor Sheriff Jeff Connor about running. He said that the office of coroner is the only one he considered because of its close connection to law enforcement. He said that when he found out Coroner Stephen P. Nonn would be retiring and was given the nod, he decided to run. “I want to thank you all for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “I will work diligently tobring honor and dignity to the deceased.” All the men praised their families for the grace andpatience they are given as they serve the public. Also on Monday, returning County Board memberssworn in were Terry Eaker of Bethalto, Chris Guy ofMaryville, Paul Nicolussi of Collinsville. Frank Dickerson ofWorden and Jason Palmero of Glan Carbon, along withnewly elected board members Linda Ogden of Godfrey,Linda Wolfe of Collinsville, Brynn Kincheloe of East Alton,Don McMaster of Wood River and Fred Schulte ofEdwardsville. The newly appointed Treasurer Mike Babcock wassworn in along with his replacement Chrissy Wiley ofBethalto. Political first timer11

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NEW TREASURER IS SWORN INNEW TREASURER IS SWORN IN adison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser selected his successor for Treasurer. Slusser picker County Board member Mike Babcock of Bethalto to fill the seat he left vacant after he waselected to his new role as chairman. Babcock was sworn into office on Dec. 2 after the County Boardapproved his appointment. “I believe Mike has the integrity and background necessary to safeguard the taxpayer’s money,” Slussersaid. “I’ve known him for more than 15 years, plus he has experience in county government as well asmanaging investments.” Babcock also serves as the Wood River Township supervisor, a position he’s held the past 15 years, andwill continue to hold until the Spring 2025 election. With the help of his township board, Babcock balancedthe budget and provided a zero tax increase the past 16 years. Babcock’s platform on the county board, which he served for six years, was to provide common sense solutions to save taxpayers money, which included transparency and keep the property tax levy flat.During Babcock’s time on the county board, he voted on no tax increase He served as the chair of the Judiciary Committee as well as served on the Executive, Government Relations and Finance and Government Operations, committees. Babcock holds a financial advisor license with Cambridge Corp. He earned an Associate of Science degree in electronics from Lewis and Clark Community College and a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He worked for McDonnell Douglas for eight years before changing career paths into the insurance and finance industry, which he’s been doing for the past 30 years. He currently owns Babcock Insurance and Financial Services. “I’m excited about this next chapter,” Babcock said. “I plan to continue the legacy of what Chris accomplished as treasurer, especially the county’s investments. Babcock is involved in the community and has served on various non-profit boards, most recently he is serving on the board of Community Hope Center in Cottage Hills. He and his wife, Caroll are also members of the First Baptist Church of Bethalto. He was born and raised in Rosewood Heights and currently resides in Bethalto with his wife, They have three grown sons and four grandchildren. Slusser named Chrissy Wiley of Bethalto as Babcock’s replacement on the County Board. This is Wiley’s second time serving on the board; she replaced Slusser when he became treasurer in 2016 before moving out of that district in 2018. MMadison County Associate Judge Andrew Carruthersswears in appointed Treasurer Mike Babcock as his wife,Carol, standa besides him.FEATURES

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Dist. 1 — Fred MichaelDist. 2 — Stacey PaceDist. 3 — Frank DickersonDist. 4 — Bobby RossDist. 5 — Mick MadisonDist. 6 —Valarie DoucleffDist. 7 — Linda OgdenDist. 8 — MIchael “Doc” HollidayDist. 9 — Bill StotenboroughDist. 10 — Shawndell WilsonDist. 11 — Dalton GrayDist. 12 — Don McMasterDist. 13 — Brynn KincheloeDist. 14 — Mike BabcockDist. 15 — Terry EakerDist. 16— Robert T. MeyerDist. 17 — Victor ValentineDist. 18 — Allison LaMotheDist. 19 — Nick PetrilloDist. 20 — Denise Wiehardt Dist. 21 — John JanekDist. 22 — Linda WolfeDist. 23— Paul NicolussiDist. 24 — Fred SchulterDist. 25 — Chris Guy Dist. 26 — Jason PalermoCounty Board DistrictsNew County Board members take OathNew County Board members take OathReturning County Board members sworn in were Terry Eaker of Bethalto, Chris Guy of Maryville, Paul Nicolussi of Collinsville,Frank Dickerson of Worden and Jason Palmero of Glan Carbon, along with newly elected board members Linda Ogden of Godfrey,Linda Wolfe of Collinsville, Brynn Kincheloe of East Alton, Don McMaster of Wood River and Fred Schulte of Edwardsville. Chrissy Wiley of Bethalto was also sworn in to replace Mike Babcock who was appointed Treasurer..13

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MADISON COUNTYMADISON COUNTYMADISON COUNTYC H I E F J U D G E R E T I R I N GC H I E F J U D G E R E T I R I N GC H I E F J U D G E R E T I R I N G hief Circuit Judge Stephen Stobbs is retiring at the end of the month after serving in his position for the past two years. "I will especially miss my friends and colleagues here at the courthouse, including all the wonderfulemployees that work tirelessly, every day, to serve the people," Stobbs said. Stobbs served as a Circuit Court judge for four years and an associate judge for 14 prior to beingelected. Prior to becoming an associate judge, Stobbs was a member of the Madison County Board andrepresented Godfrey. Stobbs, 56, plans to return to full-time private legal practice. Stobbs earned his license to practice law in 1994, following his graduation from Thomas Cooley LawSchool in Lansing, Mich. From that time he practiced law with his father, the late John Dale Stobbs, at Stobbs & Sinclair Ltd., an Alton-based law office, until his judicial appointment in 2006 as one of 13 associate judges. In 2020, he was elected a Circuit Court Judge for the Third Circuit Court. The Third Judicial Circuit includes both Madison and Bond counties. During his time on the bench, Stobbs presided over every type of case, including traffic, criminal, probate, chancery, civil, and family. Since 2013, he served as the presiding judge and managed the Madison County asbestos docket, the largest such docket in the United States. Stobbs published several legal articles, is a certified judicial mediator, and was regularly featured as a panelist at national asbestos education conferences. While on the bench, The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Stobbs to several committees including the Legislative Committee, which monitors the legislative activity of the Illinois General Assembly as it affects the judicial branch, and several local circuit court committees, including the Medical malpractice mediation committee and the Foreclosure mediation committee. As Chief Judge, Stobbs will complete his service on the Illinois Conference of Chief Judges in December of this year. Stobbs and his wife, Katie, who have been married for 29 years, are the parents of four children. CCC

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Special Revenue Fund53.3%General Fund33.5%Internal Service Fund8.9%Madison County passes budgetMadison County passes budgetand property tax levyand property tax levyThe general fund budget highlights includes: Increase in Coroner’s Officer to hire two newemployeesIncrease in Jail for medical expenses* Increase in IT for software and cyber security Increase of $4 million for facilities upgrades atthe Administration Building, Criminal JusticeCenter, Sheriff’s Office/Jail and Animal Control.Increase in Opioid remediation costs, which isfunded from monies received from a class actionlawsuit.S Budget HighlightsBudget Highlights he Madison County Board approved a $187.5 million fiscal year 2025 budget, along with a $30.75 million property tax levy. Chairman Chris Slusser said this new budget reflects anunprecedented ninth year run of not increasing its property tax levy at thecounty government level. “We can’t help what other taxing districts might do,” Slusser said “Butat the county government we kept our property taxes flat for nine years.” On Nov. 20, board members approved the budget along with a zero-growth tax levy. The new spending plan started Dec. 1. Slusser said that the budget also reflects the county’s commitment tolaw enforcement and keeping the community safe by funding to theSheriff, State’s Attorney and Coroners offices. The budget also complieswith additional unfunded mandates due to state’s Safety Act. County Board member Chris Guy of Maryville, and Finance CommitteeChair said the county is continuing to capture more with less. He saidbesides investing in public safety, the county is also investing in cybersecurity as well, which is to protect data and other information. “We are proud of being able to keep the levy flat with no property taxincrease,” Guy said. The levy is the amount received from property taxes used to helpfinance the county’s budget. The overall budget increase remains at less than 3 percent. The budget includes 11 funds — the General Fund, along with specialrevenue funds for the Detention Home, Health Department, IllinoisMunicipal Retirement Fund, Social Security Fund, Mental Health, Veterans’Assistance Commission, Highway, Bridge, Matching Tax Funds (grants),Tort Judgement and Liability Insurance. The General Fund budget increased 3 percent from $60.1 million to$62.7 million. The General Fund pays for the majority of personnel costs. The fund issupported with $31 million in property tax levy funds and the remainingrevenue comes from grants, fees, fines and forfeits, licenses and permits,sales tax and more. Other funds include Special Revenue ($ 99 million), Capital Projects($4 million), Enterprise ($3.99 million) and Internal Service ($16.77million.) Revenue for Special Revenue Funds include $31 million in tax levyfor the detention home, health department, mental health board, veteran’sassistance, highway/bridge, IMRF, Social Security and matching tax. Chairman Pro-tem Mick Madison said the continued effort by the boardto keep the levy flat shows a commitment to taxpayers. “Even with inflation, the county found ways to keep the amount thesame it was requesting from taxpayers,” Madison said. “Not all can besaid about other taxing districts.”T15

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Madison County employees collectingblankets for those in need he Circuit Clerk’s Office announced that Madison County was awarded a $105,407 Technology Modernization Grant from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC). Circuit Clerk Patrick McRae credits Circuit Clerk’sInformation Technology Manager Brian Davis for his efforts insecuring the grant, which will be used to make upgardes withouthaving to pass the costs on to the taxpayers. “Brian went the extra mile to make this possible,” McRaesaid. Davis said the grant will fund an IBM iSeries server used forcourts case management system and image storage retrievalsystem. He said this is the third grant received by the ThirdJudicial Circuit Court in Madison County. Davis said previous amounts were much less and the grantswere used to purchase monitors and other equipment used inmodernizing the county’s courtrooms. In 2021, the AOIC established the Courthouse TechnologyModernization Grant Program to aid in combatting technologicalchallenges facing courthouse across the state.Madison County receives technologyMadison County receives technologymodernization grant from Illinois Courtsmodernization grant from Illinois CourtsT adison County is asking the public to help “share the warmth” this winter. Madison County is holding its first blanket drive. As temperatures drop, the county iscollecting blankets and bedding to help local families and the homeless stay warm. “This blanket drive will provide our communities with needed items during the cold weatherseason,” Chairman Chris Slusser said. Donations can be dropped off at the Madison County Administration Building, Suite 312 or 380(the lobbies of Community Development and the Mental Health Board.) Donations can be new or gently-used. The blanket drive will go through Jan. 30, 2025 which isthe night of the homeless count. Madison County Homeless Coordinator David Kerr said that volunteers will be out the night ofJan. 30 throughout the county collecting information on the number of individuals living unhousedand passing out information and other items, including donated blankets. He said Madison Countywould also be holding its Homeless Connect event on Jan. 31, 2025. “This year’s event will be held at Riverbend Family Ministries in Wood River,” Kerr said. For more information about the blanket drive visit Community Development’s website atwww.madisoncountyil.gov.M

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adison County Community Development (MCCD) is asking residents for their help in creating its next Strategic Plan. MCCD is asking everyone who lives, works and even visits thecounty to help set its goals for the economy, the environment andmore. Each year Madison County receives funds from the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that benefitslow-and-moderate income residents.MCCD develops a strategic plan every five years after receivingpublic input through a Public Interests Survey and then submits theplan to HUD. The survey includes 13 questions and asks those taking it to scalethe importance street improvements, sidewalk replacement, sanitarysewer replacement, flood/drainage improvements, housing forpeople who are homeless, new affordable housing, rehabilitation ofexisting occupied housing, support for locally owned businesses,neighborhood cleanup, public services. The survey also asks people to scale the importance of publicfacilities in their community and what would be most useful such aschildcare, healthcare, mental healthcare, senior center or other. The survey is now live online. The public can scan the QR code(page right.) or visit a local library or Housing Authority office toview/take the survey via “hard copy.” The deadline to take the survey is Jan. 31, 2025. Visit Community Development at www.madisoncountyil.gov formore information, M adison County is offering grants to municipalities and townships to support environmental projects The Madison County Resource Management Program, under theguidance of the Building and Zoning Department is announcing itsRequest for Proposals (RFPs) for environmental projects. The grantsare assigned to assist local government with environmentalobjectives and projects including solid waste management, airquality initiatives, energy efficiencies, smart growth and stormwaterabatement. “The Goal of the program is to promote best managementpractices and case studies of positive environmental projects withinMadison County,” Building and Zoning Administrator Chris Doucleffsaid. Doucleff said that when the county established the grantprogram in 2001, projects were limited to recycling and wastediversion as part of its recycling program. “In recent years, the county revisited the types of projects thatcould be done,” Doucleff said. “The projects still meet the statutoryrequirements but allow the county to accommodate a broader scopeto include plan and policy development, stormwater management,efficient and alternative energy projects and environmentalrestoration work.” The grants program is fully funded by local landfill fees. Thepurpose of the grants is to provide financial support for projectsfocusing on resource and best management practices throughoutthe County. Doucleff said the impacts of the grants are both valuable andlong lasting as evidenced by communities that continue to benefitafter receiving funding. All grant recipients undergo site visits upon project completionas well as submit a final report with their funding reimbursementrequest. The maximum grant amount is $15,000. The deadline to submit RFPs is 4:30 p.m., Jan. 17, 2025. Visitwww.madisoncountyil.gov for more information.Residents asked totake Public InterestsSurveyMadison CountyMadison Countyofferingofferingenvironmental grantsenvironmental grantsM

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GOODNEWS Recognizing the People of Madison CountyRecognizing the People of Madison County adison County Chief Judge Stephen Stobbs swore in new detention officers in November. Front row, left to right: Assistant Superintendent Mike King, Detention officers Amanda DiNardo, Isabella Ely-Erickson, SamanthaWorthen, Adaela Taul, Kadie Ringering, Supervisor John Owens, Detention Officer Sydney Sahuri, Director Kevin McKee Back row, left to right: Superintendent Jeff Seaman, Detention officers Nigel Singleton, Noah Van Buskirk, Sawyer McGrath,Brayden Primmer and CMO Brad Paschal.MIn County CustodyIn County CustodyIn County Custody Detention officers sworn inDetention officers sworn inCelebrarting RecoveryCelebrarting RecoveryCelebrarting RecoveryMadison County Drug CourtMadison County Drug Courtgraduates participantsgraduates participants adison County Associate Judge Neil Schroeder,along with Circuit Court Judge Kyle Napp, prensented recentDrug Court graduates with their diplomas. The graduation was held Nov. 14 to showcase the accomplishments of theparticipants and the successes of the drug program. Madison County Drug Court was the first such court in Illinois and hasexisted since 1996.M

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Madison County BoardMeetingsCheck out the Citizens Guide on thecounty's website to find out more onthe operations of Madison CountyGovernment and its departments.The public is invited to attend County Boardmeetings, which are held in the Board Room atthe Madison County Administration Building, 157N. Main St., Edwardsville, Ill.Visit www.madisoncountyil.govfor more information.Check out the calendar to viewupcoming County Board andCommittee meetings.The Madison County Board Chairmanappoints individuals to more than 70boards and commissions with theadvice and consent of the CountyBoard. Click on the booklet to find outmore.Madison County Board — (618) 296-4341 — coboard@madisoncountyil.gov

Talk Around Town December 2024

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