The City of Effingham

10/30/2026

A Little Halloween Buzz About Safety!

Our K9 Siren and Dispatcher Kailey Rush are making a little buzz around the Department with an important Halloween reminder!

Siren came to work dressed for the occasion, and she's reminding everyone to have a bee-utifully safe Halloween!

Whether you're trick-or-treating, handing out candy, or driving through the neighborhood, here are a few tips to keep Halloween fun for everyone:
Bee Bright: Wear reflective clothing, carry a flashlight or glow stick, and make sure drivers can see you.
Bee Aware: Stay on sidewalks, cross at designated crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing the street.
Bee Together: Younger children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult. Older kids should stick with their group and follow a planned route.
Bee Choosy: Check all treats before eating, and only accept candy from trusted sources.
Bee Alert: Drivers, slow down, eliminate distractions, and watch carefully for little ghosts, goblins, and superheroes who may be out and about!
Bee Responsible: If your Halloween plans include adult beverages, plan a sober ride home.

K9 Siren, Kailey, and everyone at the Effingham Police Department and 9-1-1 Communications wish you a fun, memorable, and SAFE Halloween!

Have fun, look out for one another, and remember... Safety is always the sweetest treat!

10/30/2026

The City of Effingham is proud to announce the opening of its newest Electric Vehicle Charging Station!

The charging station is located at 200 S. Merchant, directly across from Kirby Foods. This charger is centrally located within walking distance to our great downtown district.

The electric charging station was made possible by partnering with Ameren Illinois, securing over $75,000 in grant funds for Effingham's Charging and Electrification Program.

Thank you to Ameren Illinois and all stakeholders who made this possible!

10/23/2026

Effingham Police Department Announces Additional Traffic Enforcement

The Effingham Police Department will conduct additional traffic enforcement beginning October 23, 2026, and extend through September 30, 2027, as part of an ongoing effort to reduce crashes and save lives. The initiative is supported by a federal Fiscal Year 2027 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

“Traffic enforcement is an important part of our efforts to prevent crashes and keep our community safe,” said Lieutenant Andy Warner. “We encourage all motorists to make responsible decisions behind the wheel, obey traffic laws, and remain attentive while driving. Safe driving is everyone’s responsibility, and even small decisions can make a difference in preventing serious crashes.”

During this enforcement period, officers will focus on four major factors that contribute to serious and fatal crashes: impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and reckless or aggressive driving. Additional enforcement will help address these dangerous behaviors and reinforce the importance of making safe choices on the road.

Through a combination of proactive enforcement and public awareness, the Effingham Police Department hopes to encourage responsible driving habits and help keep local roadways safe for everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Effingham.

The FY2027 STEP grant period runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Throughout the grant year, officers will conduct additional traffic enforcement, including during periods when the risk of serious crashes may be elevated.

The Effingham Police Department reminds motorists that safe driving starts with every driver:
• Always drive sober
• Obey posted speed limits
• Put distractions away
• Make responsible decisions behind the wheel

10/23/2026

🚒 Please join us in welcoming the newest members of our department, who were introduced to the City Council on Tuesday!

Our new Paid-on-Call Firefighters picutred with Fire Chief Brant Yochum are Curt Hegstrom, Derek Heuerman, Brandon Duncan, Carl Blythe, Isaac Thompson, John Westendorf, Kyle Ruffner, and Skyler Bilbo & Auxiliary EMA Jeannie Burrell.

We appreciate their willingness to serve our community and look forward to having them.

10/23/2026

City Treasurer Bridget Polk was recognized for her award as a Certified Public Finance Administrator by the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada. To earn this certification, Bridget was required to complete many hours of training and demonstrate her proficiency in various aspects of her profession. Thanks for your service to City government and the residents of Effingham, Bridget!

10/16/2026

The City of Effingham hosted the American Public Works Association (APWA) local Prairie Chapter for a lunch and learn this afternoon.

Jeremy Heuerman, Director of Public Works presented on the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Discussions included facility planning, grant funding and the future of bike trails/lanes in Effingham. Approximately 25 professionals from Municipalities and Consultant Engineering Firms came from all around Central Illinois. It was a great turnout! We thank you all for attending!

10/14/2026

The City of Effingham is seeking candidates for Part-Time Custodian. The starting pay is $16.12 per hour for approximately 25 hours of work per week. For more information, click on the link below.

The City of Effingham is seeking candidates for Part-Time Custodian. The starting wage for this position is $16.12 per hour for approximately twenty-five (25) hours of work per week. Employees in this position receive one (1) hour of paid leave for every forty (40) hours of time worked. No other fri...

10/12/2026

Mayor Schutzbach has set Trick-or-Treating in the city of Effingham for Saturday, October 31 from 6PM to 8PM.
If you wish to receive trick-or-treaters, please leave your porch light on.
The City of Effingham wishes everyone a safe, fun and Happy Halloween!

10/07/2026

Effingham Mayor Mike Schutzbach has proclaimed October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is a community crisis that impacts countless local adults and children. Eradicating intimate partner violence requires an entire community working together to support survivors and break the cycle of abuse.
Joining Mayor Schutzbach in support of this mission is Victim Advocate, Victoria Hunt.

10/07/2026

‼ BOIL ORDER HAS BEEN LIFTED ‼
Boil Order 10/7/26