Meet your neighbor, Shannon Kissinger. Shannon grew up outside of Basco, but is a Carthage resident.
The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Meet your neighbor, Shannon Kissinger. Shannon grew up outside of Basco, but is a Carthage resident.
She is the daughter of Boyd and the late Bev Baker. She has an older sister, Micky, and a younger brother, Keegan.
Shannon graduated from Carthage High School in 2002, while also earning her CNA certificate and worked as a CNA for a short time before getting married and moving to the East Coast for military purposes.
Shannon has four children with her ex-husband. Logan is a diesel mechanic and a window tinter. Logan and his wife Camryn live in Blandinsville.
Levi recently graduated from high school via a homeschool program and is a full-time hired hand for a local farmer. Levi and his girlfriend Abby live in Carthage.
Kendra is a Junior at Illini West High School and Kipton is in 7th grade at Carthage Middle School. Her children enjoy hunting, fishing, being on the water, traveling and riding any kind of ATV.
In more recent years, Shannon met her significant other, Earl Varner, via social media and enjoys spending time with him. She also has two dogs, Remmi and Benni, who she adopted from Hearts of Hancock.
Shannon works in the Hancock County Treasurer’s office at the courthouse. She has been involved with the Republican Central Committee, Republican Women’s Committee, Carthage Primary PTO, CMS Sports Boosters, Illini West After Prom, and she is currently serving on the Illini West School Board.
When asked what her hobbies were she stated, “I love spending my time on the Mississippi River with friends and family. I am a sucker for a beautiful view. I love to take pictures of a good sunset or sunrise, or a beach view or mountain view. I also enjoy traveling, even though I don’t get to do it very often.”
Shannon is running for Hancock County Treasurer. When asked why she is running she said, “It’s always kind of been my plan since I started working in the office in June 2015, to run for Treasurer when Kris decided to retire, but I made my final decision while I was on vacation with my family, in July. I love my job and the community I live in.
“The residents deserve someone who has experience, and I offer experience and knowledge because I have worked as Chief Deputy Treasurer under Hancock County Treasurer, Kris Pilkington, for more than 10 years.
“I also offer 20 years of experience in accounting/finance.” You can find her name on the Republican ballot in the Primary Election on March 17, 2026.