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 As
guests arrived at the first cutting, at the New Holland Village
Hall, all were excited to come in and see the space that has been
repurposed from a bank to a village hall and community center.
There is an impressive collection of old bank tools and equipment on
display plus many reprints of photos taken in New Holland from the
late 1890s to the mid 1950’s.
As it came time for the ribbon cutting, all the guests were called
outside the front door of the new village hall.
The ribbon cutting was guided by Lincoln Daily News,
represented by Richard and Nila Smith. Also on hand for the event
was Marla Blair of the Salt Creek Journal.
Those gathering behind the ribbon included Village
President Andrea Coers and husband John, June Kidd and Tyler Hodge
of the First National Bank in Tremont. Village Trustees Joni
McAllister, Valerie Goin, James Rehmann and Mike Burris with the
village water department. Representing Logan County were Board
Member Keenan Leesman and County Clerk Theresa Moore. Logan County
Fair Queen Emma Stoltzenburg and Richard Smith were the designated
ribbon holders for the ceremony.
Tyler Hodge spoke on behalf of the bank saying that
he was proud to be with a bank and in a community that is growing.
County Board Member Keenan Leesman spoke next saying
that the invite he had seen referred to accomplishing big things in
a small community. He said that was a well made statement. He said
this was a big accomplishment and he added “when you have the right
people you can accomplish anything, and this is a testament to that.
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The last person to speak was Village President Andrea
Coers.
“Good morning and thank you to everyone who came to
our celebration.
"New Holland is truly blessed to have wonderful citizens and
businesses that want to grow and thrive.
"The Village Board have been a huge asset in the growth and
development of New Holland. Plus Mike Burris with our water
department is a huge asset.
"In October of 2020, June Kidd, CEO and President of First National
Bank in Tremont, along with Tyler Hodge Regional Manager, presented
the Village of New Holland with this beautiful building at 109 West
Lincoln Street along with a $20,000 grant. The addition of the grant
funds was definitely unexpected after being gifted the building to
the Village.
"The funds will be used towards Downtown Development projects. We are
truly blessed to have this building for our Village Hall, Community
Center and New Holland Historical Society. We hope to finalize an
agreement with Sheridan Township next week to make this their
township office and meeting space.
"The Village now owns the entire strip of buildings from 103 to 109
West Lincoln.
Make sure to come inside to tour our Village Hall and browse through
the historical room.
"Additionally, in May of 2022, the Village was notified they were the
recipient of a $2 million grant made possible through the Rebuild
Illinois Public Infrastructure. (The funds are being used for a new
potable water system in New Holland.)
"We have been blessed to have Lee Beckman and Seth Flach with Milano
& Grunloh out of Effingham by our side through the whole
process.
"Thank you again to the First National Bank in Tremont, their board
and to everyone that came today!"
When the speakers had finished, it was time for the
posed pictures then the countdown to the ribbon cutting.
As the ribbon flew through the air after the snip,
those watching cheered and congratulated the village of New Holland
for a remarkable achievement.
Immediately following the ribbon cut, everyone was invited back
inside Village Hall to visit and await the next ribbon cutting that
would take place at approximately 10:30 a.m.
While visitors milled about inside the Village Hall, they had a
chance to lend their support to a big upcoming event. Two young
ladies, Lilah and Lydia Goin were set up selling mugs and t-shirts
to raise money for the New Holland Sesquicentennial. The village
will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025 and fundraising is
underway now for a huge celebration to be held in about two years.
[Nila Smith] |
