Du Quoin briefs: New squad car; city clerk's office gets spruce

<b>New squad car will have bigger engine</b>

The Du Quoin City Council agreed with Commissioner Mike Ward's request to take the higher bid to buy a new squad car for the police department. According to Ward, the bid of $53,253 is $3,000 more than the other bid, but the car will come with a bigger engine, which is useful considering the wear and tear officers put on cars. He added they'll get longer engine life and get a much higher price when the time comes to sell the car. The police department's manpower is once again at full strength and another squad is needed, Ward said. The council voted 5-0.

<b>Remodeling ongoing in city clerk's office</b>

The Du Quoin council agreed Monday to put $15,247 in remodeling expenses for the city clerk's office and the water office up for public display. A contract to paint both offices is $5,723 and a contract to put in new flooring is $9,524, according to Commissioner Jill Kirkpatrick. The council is expected to approve these expenditures at the next city council meeting on Jan. 24.