The Wayne County Board met Thursday evening in the upstairs courtroom, with all 12 board members present for a full agenda of community updates, appointments, and approvals.
Janice Crow of Birth to Five presented information on early childhood programs available to area youth and families, highlighting services offered in Wayne County and surrounding areas. Ashley Davis from Sexual Assault and Family Services also addressed the board, outlining services for sexual assault victims and their families. She requested, and received, a unanimous board proclamation designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Wayne County.
Chairman Daryl Hargrave made several appointments during the meeting: Randy Ellis was named to a three-year term as trustee for the Fairfield Rural Fire Protection District; Melinda States was appointed to complete Rodney Legg’s term as Commissioner for the Wayne County Housing Authority; and Jerry Ridgeway was reappointed to a three-year term on the Board of Trustees for the Orchardville Fire Protection District.
Highway Department head Dennis Seidel presented a preliminary engineering agreement for safety improvements on County Highway 1, as well as a joint funding agreement for an overlay project on County Highway 13. Both were unanimously approved by the board.
States Attorney Kyle Ellis reported that his office is operating much more efficiently since hiring a new assistant. County Clerk Liz Ann Woodrow reminded all eligible voters of the importance of participating in next Tuesday’s Primary Election and presented Resolution 2026-03-12, setting a $20,000 bond for the County Clerk, which was approved unanimously.
Sheriff Chris Otey informed the board that Wayne County occasionally houses inmates from Edwards and White counties at a rate of $40 per day.
In new business, the board unanimously passed a Resolution of Support for Illinois and Wayne County Agriculture, with members of the Wayne County Farm Bureau present for the vote.
Building and Grounds Committee Chairman reported continued improvements to the courthouse, including the presentation of a bill from Hayes Plumbing & Heating/AC for phase 13 of the new heating and air conditioning system being installed.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.