Effingham County Board members Monday took time to recognize a former member for his half-century of service to the county.
Ernest Garbe of Dieterich served on the county board for 21 years, including service as vice chairman and chairman. He was chairman when the Effingham County Office Building opened after offices were moved from the old Courthouse.
Garbe also is a US Navy veteran, a member of Dieterich Community Development Corporation, a past member of the Dieterich school board, and was a founding member of South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission.
A man who is still active even in his later years, Garbe stayed for a few minutes then suggested to the Board that some of those who were gathered to recognize him for receipt of the Chairman's Commendation Award needed to get back to the corn harvest, so made their exit. Member Norbert Soltwedel proposed Garbe be recognized with the award.
The Board also took time to recognize National 4-H Week and several local 4-H'ers were on hand for the presentation.