OLNEY/RICHLAND CO. DODRANSBICENTENNIAL
- CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF COMMUNITY -
A Year Full of Things to See and Do...
Richland County, along with its area organizations and businesses, are thrilled to commemorate our 175th year.
See below to find out what's going on in our area.
Olney Mural
A new mural now graces downtown Olney. It is located on the east wall of the "Farmer's Market" parking lot near the intersection of Main & Whittle. A big thanks to First National Bank in Olney for sponsoring this work of art!
Richland County Courthouse Renovation Reveal
The Richland County Courthouse has been under renovation for a few years with the full reveal set for 2016 as directed by the Richland County Building Commission. Work completed will show:
1. New roof
2. Grinding of joints, re-tuck pointing, repairing damaged blocks & sealing the exterior
3. Asbestos inspection & abatement
4. Installation of new electric service & re-wiring of entire building
5. Upgrading the phone system
6. New HVAC system
7. Upgrading the court rooms to be handicap accessible
8. Upgraded restrooms
9. Upgraded basement
10. Repair of walls, ceilings, floors, laying of new floor coverings, lights, doors & paint
Additional Menu Items at Local Restaurants:
Chilly Willy's: "The White Tail" - vanilla custard, marshmallow creme, mixed nuts, topped with a cherry.
Olney Christmas Parade
The Olney Rotary Club will be hosting this parade. We will see the familiar and beautiful floats to commemorate the season, but hope to see another round of some of the floats from the 175th Celebration Parade! The Dodransbicentennial Commission will have an entry in this parade, as well!
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When: November 26, 2016
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Same route as the 175th Celebration Parade! N. East to Main, Main to Whittle, and Whittle to North!
Ginger Ale's: "The White Squirrel" - enjoy this delicious Italian Soda blend of vanilla & marshmallow, topped with a Maraschino Cherry "eye." Imagine a cream soda with a Richland County twist!
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"The White Squirrel Flavor Shot" is also available as a blend of vanilla and marshmallow. Add this to any drink!
38th Annual White Squirrel Count
Each year, the Olney conducted a squirrel count to help keep tabs on the health and trends of its squirrel population. The information collected is helpful in protecting our famed white squirrels, and is compiled into an annual report that is used as part of Dr. John Stencel's research.
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Enjoy Olney in the backdrop of beautiful, Autumn scenery while you walk your route by yourself or with friends! You will mark what you see on the map provided.
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When: October 1, 8, & 15, 2016
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location(s): Various
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Together We Play Park Opening
RCRC and the Together We Play Park Committee are working tirelessly to provide an inclusive playground for children of ALL abilities to play together. Every child in every family should experience the joy of play. There are children in Richland County & throughout S.E. Illinois that are limited due to disabilities or illnesses. The Together We Play Park will enable each child to play, regardless of their limitations or challenges. The Park was just completed in May of this year and is ready for all children! It is located at Musgrove Park in Olney, IL.
Official City of Olney Tree & Flower
The Tree Board of the City of Olney has worked with the Olney City Council on dedicating an official City Tree & Flower in honor of the Celebration Year.
City Tree: Hickory (Carya) - produces some of the finest nuts for the City's favored squirrels. The squirrels also help to maintain the tree by knocking off loose tissue and eating some of the galls that could form. The majestic nature of these trees is also admired.
City Flower: Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) - this flower is native to Illinois and boasts many different colors and patterns. This wildflower also attracts song birds and butterflies, and is easy to maintain while enhancing landscapes.
Coming Soon - Tree Identification Park:
The City of Olney Tree Board is helping a local Eagle Scout facilitate a new Tree Identification Park. The Eagle Scout is utilizing this park to complete his Eagle Scout Project, and felt this would be a great way to commemorate this big year.
The Tree Identification Park will be added at Musgrove Park, and feature between 50-75 trees.
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