Ho hum.

Another day, another award for Kane County’s Division of Transportation. Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago, that we ran a story about these guys winning awards for their work in the Fox Valley?

Seriously, there must be something going on — some sort of “fix” in, some manner of voodoo employed, some crazy alignment of the constellations — for Carl Schoedel and Tom Rickert to get yet another major recognition from their peers in 2015.

It couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the notion that Kane County’s DOT is considered among the best in the state of Illinois and has gained recognition nationally for its leadership, innovation and professionalism. It couldn’t be because these two guys work their tails off and belong to more boards and committees and advisory groups than you can list in 10-point type on a standard 8-by-11 sheet of paper.

It couldn’t possibly be because, sometimes, local government actually does get it right.

Or could it?

Here are the press releases. You can decide the value propositions for yourself.

Kane County Engineer Presented with Community Involvement Award

Kane County is honored to announce that Kane County Engineer Carl Schoedel was awarded with the 2015 American Public Works Association, Chicago Metro Chapter Community Involvement Award at their annual Awards meeting on March 19, 2015.

The award recognizes public works professionals who are active leaders in their community and encourages public trust in public works professionals through recognition of outstanding community involvement. Carl received the Community Involvement Award from the local Fox Valley Branch of the American Public Works Association back in January. This recent award is an acknowledgement from the greater Chicago area members of the American Public Works Association.

“We are so thankful to have a County Engineer with such talent and integrity,” Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen said. “This award is a confirmation of what we already knew. Carl is a leader who cares about outcomes that affect people; not only in his professional endeavors, but in his commitment to his fellow citizens.”

Schoedel and his wife were recently awarded the “Children’s Champion Couple” award from CASA Kane County, a non-profit organization that helps abused and neglected children that are not being adequately addressed in court.

Schoedel’s philanthropic endeavors have also included raising money and awareness for the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the Naperville Area Humane Society, and providing two substantial academic scholarships to IUPUI since 2003.

Schoedel joined Kane County in 1997 and was appointed county engineer in 2003.

Kane County Transportation Professional Presented with Manager of the Year Award

Kane County is honored to announce that Kane County Deputy Director of Transportation Thomas B. Rickert was awarded with the 2015 American Public Works Association, Chicago Metro Chapter Professional Manager of the Year – Transportation Award at their annual awards meeting on March 19, 2015.

This award seeks to inspire excellence and dedication by recognizing the outstanding career service achievements and exceptional leadership and management of public transportation professionals. Rickert received the Professional Manager of the Year – Transportation Award from the local Fox Valley Branch of the American Public Works Association back in January. This recent award is an acknowledgement from the greater Chicago area members of the American Public Works Association.

“It’s an honor to have such a renowned transportation professional on our team,” said Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen. “Tom has always been well-respected by his peers across the county, and this award confirms his leadership and contributions have extended to the greater Chicago area.”

Rickert has had a long and meaningful career in transportation, spending the last 26 years at the County and currently serving as the Deputy Director of the Kane County Division of Transportation. He is recognized as someone who can find common ground between agencies and individuals to successfully implement projects and programs that may face great barriers such as funding, design, policy and programming.

“Tom’s commitment to developing a first-class transportation system has resulted in the sustainability of the transportation/public works industry in Kane County and the greater Chicago area,” said Carl Schoedel, Kane County engineer. “Projects such as the award-winning Stearns Road Bridge Corridor, the development and evolution of the Randall/Orchard Road corridor, the Metra West Line Extension to Elburn may not have implemented without Tom’s hard work.”

Rickert has a devotion to not only transportation infrastructure, but to providing a transportation system that satisfies the needs of those who may not have traditional transportation options available to them. He played a significant role in developing the Ride in Kane Program, which provides expanded transportation services for many senior, disabled, and low-income individuals in Kane County. Additionally, Rickert serves as the chairman for CMAP’s  Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force which seeks to improve walking and bicycle travel conditions in metropolitan Chicago.

He has also led efforts to improve transit ridership conditions on the county’s busiest arterial, Randall Road, proving to be an advocate for improved conditions for all users of the transportation system.