McLean County Judge-Executive Curtis Dame described 2025 as one of the most challenging but ultimately resilient years in the county’s recent history, pointing to major flood recovery efforts, infrastructure investments, and preparations for future emergencies as key achievements.
“We’ve weathered our fair share of challenges,” Dame said. “But in the hour of need, everybody comes together to see the greater good … that’s why we’re strong.”
A year defined by disasters
Dame likened 2025 in McLean County to Kentucky’s unpredictable weather, noting how quickly the county went from one emergency to another. The year began with narrowly avoiding an EF-2 tornado, followed by devastating floods in February, April, and May, and ended with extreme drought and winter weather.
The county sustained damage to public facilities, including the historic courthouse and the Chamber of Commerce building. In response, McLean County has focused on both immediate and long-term recovery.
A key step was the creation of the McLean County Hope Foundation, a nonprofit formed to help with disaster recovery and better prepare the county for future emergencies. Dame credited FEMA and local leaders including Chamber Director Sharon Walker for helping coordinate logistics during crises, including shelter, heaters, and emergencies.
$2.4M secured for floodplain buyouts
One of the most significant accomplishments of the year, Dame said, was securing more than $2.4 million in grant funds to fund voluntary buyouts of 21 high-risk flood properties.
The funding package included support from the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program and the Department for Local Government.
“The key thing is, nothing will ever be built on those sites again,” Dame said. “The whole goal is to remove the risk rather than trying to build dams or levees.”
He said more than 10 families remain displaced and in temporary housing, but the county is now cleared to move forward with buyouts at no cost to local taxpayers.
Infrastructure upgrades, water projects, and economic development
Despite setbacks, Dame said the county made progress in several areas.
Over $2 million in funding has been secured from federal and congressional sources to construct a new water tower for the unincorporated Beech Grove community, improving water pressure and reliability.
Dame also said the county continues working to install backup generators at all rural fire departments and to upgrade emergency communication systems.
He highlighted the importance of planning for earthquakes, noting McLean County’s vulnerability due to its location near the New Madrid fault line.
New recreation projects underway
Two major park projects are also advancing.
A new splash pad, estimated at approximately $400,000, is in active development at Myer Creek Park. The facility will be placed near existing restrooms to save on costs. Dame said the county has the funding secured and will not borrow money for the project.
Early design work is also underway for a regional multi-sport indoor complex that could double as a storm shelter. The facility would serve as a practice space for local athletes and be centrally located on high ground. Dame said it could also function as a logistics hub during emergencies.
Preserving history, planning for 250th celebration
Looking ahead, McLean County is forming a commission to plan local events for America’s 250th birthday in 2026. The county will keep celebrations modest but will highlight its Civil War history and unique geography, split by the Green River.
Dame noted that the Green, Rough, and Pond rivers have shaped the county’s development for centuries, from 1800s river commerce to modern emergency planning.
“We were definitely known for the Green River,” he said. “It kind of impedes, but at the same time, it connects.”
Final thoughts
Dame is proud of the community’s perseverance and the strength of county employees and emergency responders.
“There are days I want to pull my hair out, but I feel like we’re on the right path,” he said. “What we lack in development, we make up for in heart and perseverance and compassion. And I think the flood showed us that we still have that.”
