No one is exactly sure how so many white squirrels ended up in Olney. Nevertheless, the special species can be found frolicking throughout the city and its many parks. The self-described “White Squirrel Capital of the World” embraces the critter, featuring it in the city logo and protecting it through local laws. But the county seat of rural Richland County is home to more than fluffy white rodents. Major employers include a Walmart Distribution Center and Carle Richland Memorial Hospital, plus a well-rated public school system. “We are the hub of Southeastern Illinois in terms of commerce,” says Mark Lambird, the mayor of Olney. “We’re also in the midst of a major downtown reconstruction project, so there’s a lot to look forward to.”
Home prices well below the national median
The median home price in Olney is around $133,000, well below the national median. The city is primarily laid out on a grid pattern, with houses built between the late 1800s and 1990s. Some developments on the outskirts of town near the countryside feature houses built in the early 2000s. “We’ve expanded our enterprise zone to include residential,” says Lambird. “This means if you build or remodel a home, you’ll get a property tax abatement and a sales tax abatement on materials purchased in Illinois.”
Trees planted in parks to feed the white squirrels
The city maintains five parks and other recreational spaces where the white squirrels thrive. In fact, it’s illegal for parkgoers to take any nuts, fruits or seeds. “We intentionally plant such food-producing trees for our squirrels,” says Kelsie Sterchi, Olney's city clerk. The woodlands of East Fork Lake include a 934-acre body of water, a common place for boating and fishing. The city also has an aquatic center and several sports facilities.
Local shops and restaurants on downtown Main Street
Most stores and restaurants are located along Main Street and West Street, which intersect in the middle of Olney, with a mix of national, regional and local retailers and grocery stores. Local restaurants are much more common than national chains, especially on Main Street, which is lined with storefronts. Driving around, it’s important to keep an eye out for squirrels, since they legally have the right-of-way. “Sometimes accidents happen, and we understand,” Sterchi says. “Now, if a motorist is seen not slowing down and/or intentionally hitting a squirrel, that’s where the problem lies.”
Student grows up together through Richland County Community Unit School District
Richland County Community Unit School District 1 earns a B-plus grade from Niche, with one elementary, middle and high school. St. Joseph School, the city’s only private school, provides Catholic education for kindergarten through eighth grade. Also in town, Olney Central College is one of four Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. “We just celebrated the 50th anniversary of Central’s theater program,” says Mayor Lambird. “I’m very proud of it. The shows are outstanding and always sell out. We have a couple folks from New York and Las Vegas who direct and star in the productions.” While offering more than 100 associate degrees, Olney Central also allows students to earn bachelor’s degrees through a partnership with Franklin University.
Locals volunteer for the Annual Squirrel Count and have fun at the Richland County Fair
Every year, volunteers across the city participate in the Annual Squirrel Count, an effort meant to help track the squirrel population. Olney has several other events throughout the year, many held at Olney City Park, including a drive-through Christmas light display, the Richland County Fair and the Olney Arts Council’s Fall Festival.
A 2.5-hour drive to St. Louis, Springfield and Indianapolis
Most people drive to get around, but public buses are available through Rides Mass Transit District. The White Squirrel bus route takes residents downtown and to essential stops across the city, such as Walmart, the DMV and the hospital. U.S. Route 50 and Illinois Route 130 intersect in town, and travelers can head about 2.5 hours to St. Louis, Springfield or Indianapolis. Evansville Regional Airport, the closest place to fly commercially, is about 1.5 hours south.
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