The DeWitt County Board continues to make headway in getting a new animal shelter in place.

Thursday night at the regular DeWitt County Board meeting, the board approved the bids to begin work on the former-Black's building, and transform it to a new animal shelter. According to County Board Chair, David Newberg, the construction company has been approved, which is a major step in the right direction.

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Newberg says the shelter could be ready for move in around the end of the summer, early fall. He explains work should start in the next couple of months and it will take another six to eight weeks for completion.

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There are two buildings on the property, and Newberg indicates the Clinton Ambulance Service has expressed interest in renting the second building. He says that is tremendous news because they would rent the building, and provide the County additional revenues.

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The current animal shelter and adjacent properties have been sold to the City of Clinton in recent months. Newberg says it is a great deal for both the City and County. When the animal shelter is complete and the possible move of the ambulance service to the second building on the property, Newberg believes the County will have three top of the line facilities when the two are added with the Courthouse and jail facility downtown.