Sumner formally applies for state grant

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 1:17 PM

By Steve Anderson

The city of Sumner has taken the initial steps toward applying to the state of Illinois for an over $1.3 million public infrastructure grant.

The City Council Tuesday approved a resolution to seek the funding for the improvement of various water mains and lines located in the southwestern portion of the city. The resolution was voted in after a required public hearing held by the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission (GWRPC). They are handling the grant application process for the city.

After the affirmative action by the council, Jeff Vaughn with the GWRPC told GIANT-FM News that the application will be taken to Springfield and turned in prior to the application deadline of Thursday, August 27th. He also was optimistic about the awarding of the grant and said that it could be anywhere from 4 to 5 months before any notification that the grant has been awarded.

The Council also approved the appointment of recently hired patrolman Blayne Winningham as a full-time officer. The action brings the Sumner Police Department up to full staff with now 2 full-time officers and 6 part-time. He has been patrolling with Chief Doyel Hoffman in preparation for solo work in the future.