The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Joy Swearingen, Quill correspondent
Hancock County will turn 200 years old on Jan. 13, 2025.
Keith Bruns, president of the Hancock County Historical Society, was at the Hancock County board meeting Feb. 20, making note of the historic date and asking the county board to be part of the plans for a celebration.
“Our historical society will do something. Our mission is to encourage and promote Hancock County history,” Bruns said. “I wanted to make sure the board knew this is coming up and has time to prepare.
“In our board’s discussions, we thought it would be best to have a consolidated effort to celebrate this occasion, rather than hit and miss organizations doing things.”
The county board approved a motion that Hancock County Board be involved in the bicentennial celebration for the county. Board chairman, Mark Menn, suggested the agenda for March could include forming a bicentennial commission, that could include county board members, historical society and other individuals and groups.
Bruns noted that, while the actual date the county was formed is in January, a summer celebration might be better timing. Hancock County Economic Development director, Sam Harnack, offered to be part of the committee.
Hancock County will not grant asylum to undocumented non-United States citizens, following action taken by the board. A resolution was passed that opposes unsolicited asylum seekers being transported to Hancock County. The resolution notes that the federal constitution sets up a means for naturalized citizenship.
The county board recognizes the plight of those seeking asylum and refuge from oppressive governments, but also supports and respects legal immigration through proper channels.
“Those who pay taxes and follow the laws of the land have been unfairly burdened by those who do not pay taxes and choose not to follow the laws of the land,” the resolution states.
“Hancock County supports and upholds the rights of those legally in our community and paying taxes to support the services we provide to our community.”
Under the resolution, the county “does not recognize itself to be a ‘sanctuary’ county. It will not tolerate the dumping of undocumented non-United States citizens in Hancock County.”
The county recognizes the need for and expects federal immigration authorities to assist and uphold their duties including protecting law abiding citizens, the resolution states.
Mark Turner of rural Nauvoo was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Hancock County board.
The Hancock County Republican Central Committee made the recommendation of Turner to fill the board seat in District 4, a vacancy created when Andrew Asbury resigned from the board in January.
Turner will serve until Nov. 30. The remaining two years of the unexpired term will be filled by the Nov. 5, 2024, election.
Turner was appointed to the Building & Grounds and the Highway committees. He will be sworn in at the March county board meeting.
In committee adjustments, Patsy Davis will take over as chairman of the Health & Miscellaneous Committee. Steve Lucie was appointed to fill vacancies on the Finance and Health & Miscellaneous committees.
County Engineer Elgin Berry announced that approval has been granted for improvements on the Connable Road. He is advertising for bids on the project. Bid opening is March 20, at 11 a.m. at the Highway Department.
“This is an important project they have been working toward for the last three or four years,” said Menn. “It is going to be a vast improvement.”
Dennis Castlebury thanked Berry and the road crews for their excellent work cleaning up after the large snowfall in January.
A moment of silence was observed to honor former Circuit Clerk John Neally, who passed away recently.
In his committee report, Finance Committee Wayne Bollin said the county budget ended in the black in 2023.
“Our revenues were 104 percent of what we budgeted. That’s a good thing. Our expense totals were 95.5 percent of what was budgeted for expenditures,” Bollin said.
“That is tribute to our office holders and our staff. That is how we stay afloat. It shows the strength of Hancock County.”
In other business, the board: