The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Publisher/Owner
The Henderson
County board, at a special meeting Monday morning, appointed a new State's
Attorney to serve the unexpired term of States Attorney David Vancil, Jr.
(R). Republican's nominated Attorney Ray Cavanaugh, Warren County States
Attorney from rural Gladstone and the board approved.
The vacancy came earlier than expected after States Attorney Vancil, who was elected Circuit Court Judge on November 5th, was appointed by Justice Kilbridge two weeks prior to his swearing-in ceremonies December 2nd,
Vancil accepted to start early and was sworn in Monday morning in Knox County, filling out the unexpired term of Judge Stephen Evans who retired now for the second time.
Judge Evans returned to the bench after the Boyd murder trials were consuming much of the court's time causing a shortage in judges.
With a vacant State's Attorney's position and petitions scheduled Monday in Oquawka To Reconsider the Brian Boyd sentence and a plea for attorney fees, the county acted quickly, and Henderson County States Attorney Ray Cavanaugh was in court for the state arguing the motions. Both Boyd motions were denied.
Attorney Ray Cavanaugh grew up in Warren County, a 1983 graduate of Yorkwood, a 1986 graduate of Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, and 1990 graduate from John Marshal Law School in Chicago.
In Chicago he worked a year and a half in the Public Defender's office in Cook County in Juvenile Court working with delinquency, abuse, and neglect cases.
He returned to become Warren County Public Defender for five years, and Warren County Assistant State's Attorney six years.
He and his wife Kathy purchased the Judge Evans home and moved a year ago in October of 2001 with their five children.
"We were outgrowing our home in Warren County and I had been told of the possible opportunity that could come about in Henderson County."
Vancil had recommended Cavanaugh to the Republicans for his replacement, he said.
Cavanaugh's wife, Kathy works at the Midwest Community Bank in Monmouth, who's branch bank is in Oquawka.
Their children are Kasey, 16, a Sophomore at Union High School, Twins boys Shane and Riley, 8, third graders and Erin, 6, first grader at ICS in Monmouth, and son Colin, age 4.