County eyes mass notification software
By WENDY DAVIS\Reporter

At yesterday's Iroquois County Board meeting, the Judicial and Public Safety committee report included an explanation of a mass notification software the committee is exploring.

John Kuntz said this system is like the text and email alerts area schools are expecting to put into place.

He said John Nordsell of XStream Mobile Solutions explained there would be an administrator of the system, for example 911.

The system could then text residents, specific people or groups of people to be made aware of such issues as weather, school closings, police alerts and any number of emergency situations.

Several Illinois counties have such a system in place, including Kankakee and Will.

Sheriff Eldon Sprau said the initial cost for the system would be between $20-40,000, with yearly maintenance costs set at 25 percent of initial cost.

"We're not saying we can afford this but it's worth looking into and looking into grants to see if it's feasible for our county," he said.

In the management committee report Harriett Mowrey told the board the committee spoke with 911 Coordinator Nita Dubble regarding moving the ESDA headquarters to the administrative center so it would be closer to the 911 office. The move, Dubble said, would make for easier communication between the two offices in the case of an emergency.

No action was taken at the meeting. It was agreed "extensive planning" needs to be done.

John Dowling told the board the recycling center in Watseka was taken away over the holidays because because people tend to put "junk" in it, for example, wrapping paper and styrofoam.

"It costs us to throw that away," he said.

The recycling shed has been put back and will remain in the Wal-Mart parking lot. He said he hopes next year there could be a part-time arrangement to keep it there over the holidays.

Also, Dowling reported Animal Control Administrator Dr. James Finnell told the committee the petition for forfeiture of ownership of Elizabeth Brown's dogs was granted.

If Brown is convicted cruelty to animals, Finnell said, "the county may have an opportunity to recoup some of the money spent for the care of the animals."

Acting Chairman John Wilkening updated the board, yesterday morning, that Kathy Blunk paid the past due balance on her delinquent loan.

In other legal matters, no further actions or motions were made yesterday regarding the civil suit filed by attorney Michael Dietchweiler.County committee discusses loan, lawsuit

By WENDY DAVIS\Reporter