Civil and Municipal - Mar 2023

112 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3 While Highland is a high-tech hub of innovation and resources, it doesn’t ignore more traditional infrastructure. This includes a review of the electric grid distribution as more residents drive hybrid and electric vehicles, and the city continues to add to its existing charging station infrastructure. Federal grants will help fund more charging stations in the months and years ahead. Highland has its own electric department, known as Light and Power. Its goal is to provide commercial and residential customers with the most cost-effective and reliable electric system available. The city has invested in a solar field to provide solar power to parts of the city. Plus, Highland is involved in the Illinois Electric Cooperative to help make power for its residents more reliable and affordable. “Our team tries to stay abreast of emerging trends so we can provide electric power in an efficient and cost-effective way,” Hemann says. A recent sewer line installment around downtown extending into parts of the city will last the next 100-plus years and upgrades are being made to the city’s main water plant and city-owned power plant. Highland Community Schools is a top-rated district in the state with over 96 percent student attendance, 93 percent teacher retention, and an 85 percent graduation rate among its six schools. The school board recently passed a $40 million bond issue to build a new primary school that will provide best-in-class technology and infrastructure. The Highland Parks and Recreation department can boast of its Korte Recreation Center. Built 20 years ago, Korte still possesses an air of modern amenities and contemporary design. It houses a swimming pool, gymnasium, babysitting facilities, walking track, and more. Parks are located throughout the city, with various sports fields and attractions from disc golf and fishing to playgrounds, baseball, softball, and soccer fields. Two-thirds of Highland is surrounded by bike trails, with one upcoming project expected to complete a full circle of trails around the community. According to Hemann, “residents can travel on a bike trail from all over town to neighboring towns and counties safely.” PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n The Olde Wicks Factory www.oldewicksfactory.com The Olde Wicks Factory is a historical special event center located in Highland, IL (just 30 miles East of St Louis). With five venue halls to choose from in the 80,000 sq ft facility, the OWF is quickly becoming the premier event space in the STL and Metro East region. n Digital Artz www.digitalartz.us Mayor Kevin B Hemann