The Wayne County Board met Thursday evening in the upstairs courtroom of the Wayne County Courthouse to hear updates from various organizations and county departments.
Tara Buerster, Director for Illinois Extension, presented the annual report for Edwards, Lawrence, White, Wabash, and Wayne Counties. She shared a new Wayne County “snapshot” that outlines Extension activities, focusing on 4-H programs, clubs, and volunteer efforts. Buerster announced that the SNAP Education program ended in mid-February following federal funding cuts, with Jane Jones no longer serving as the SNAP Ed Committee worker. She also introduced the Hunters Feeding Illinois program, which processed 83 donated deer, providing 2,698 pounds of venison distributed to food pantries across three counties. Two processors in Lawrence County each received a $100 incentive per deer processed.
Katie Bell, Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator, reported on the January 2026 agronomy summit, which had over 30 registrants, though only 17 attended due to a snowstorm. The summit featured presentations on weed management, farm outlooks, and weather. Bell also announced upcoming summer farm tours, including a cattle farm visit in Johnsonville, and plans to continue successful programming in Wayne County.
Ryan Littlejohn, 4-H Program Coordinator, discussed the reach of recent webinars on financial literacy and personal development, as well as a new embryology project with New Hope Grade School students. He previewed upcoming programs such as Health Fitness for seventh graders in partnership with Frontier Community College, substance abuse prevention through a 4-H Health Rocks grant, cooking classes for middle school students, and a Ride Right Rally on July 10th featuring ATV, UTV, and motor safety training in cooperation with the Illinois State Police.
4-H members Hannah Fickes and Gracie Toombs shared personal stories about the program’s impact. Fickes, now 19, credited 4-H with building her confidence and community skills, while Toombs described overcoming shyness and earning state-level recognition for woodworking and cake decorating.
Mariah Hayes, Executive Director of CASA for Kids, announced a major strategic consolidation for 2025, merging three programs to now serve 11 counties, including Wayne County. In the last year, CASA served 506 children, with the majority aged 0-11, and prepared teens for adulthood. Ninety-five advocates contributed over 6,800 volunteer hours, and 25 new advocates were sworn in. The program helped 119 children reach permanency, with more than half reunited with their families. CASA improved training access through a partnership with Lakeland College, offering 30 hours of on-demand training. Funding sources included grants (79%), fundraising (13%), county support (7%), and contributions from individuals, corporations, and churches (2%).
Angel McGuire, IECC Program Director for Adult Education at Frontier Community College, introduced the new Homelessness and Housing Insecurities Committee. Many students qualify for McKinney-Vento status due to unstable housing. The committee will partner with local agencies and schools to provide wraparound services. An SIUE report estimated around 12,000 Wayne County residents live in poverty or on public assistance, with 370 documented as homeless. The committee’s first fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, with proceeds supporting building and resource funds. Recent efforts included connecting National Honor Society students with Midwest Food Bank to help distribute frozen meat, and addressing food insecurity for 36-40 FCHS students on weekends and breaks.
Wayne County Board Chairman, Daryl Hargrave re-appointed Tom Taylor as Board Member for a 3 yr term to the Wayne County Health Department, Nate Burgess to Wayne Co. 911 representing EMS, Keith Colclasure representing law enforcement and Norman McKinney representing citizen at large to serve 4 yr terms on the Wayne Co 911 Authority Board.
Dennis Seidel, Wayne County Highway Department Engineer, reported on bridge and road projects, including a fully funded Bedford Township bridge and ongoing work in Enterprise and Leech Township. An asphalt project is scheduled for bidding on the 16th.
Wayne County Sheriff Chris Otey reported a rise in department activity, particularly cases involving children, with deputies often providing childcare until DCFS arrives. Jail occupancy remains high.
County Clerk LizAnn Woodrow shared election results: Out of 11,117 registered voters, 3,960 cast ballots (35.5% turnout). Elm River had the highest turnout at 52%.
Coroner Shari Winter announced staff changes, with Beth Wilson stepping down as Deputy Coroner and Brent McGuire filling the role through November. Winter also mentioned an upcoming case presentation to the Southeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging Death Task Force.
The Board then went into an executive session to discuss elected official salaries for the next four years.