Henderson County Board

Henderson County Board Debates 'New Illinois' Referendum, Tables Vote for March Meeting 

Andrew Postle, The Quill

The Henderson County Board convened on February 10, 2026, for its regular meeting at the Henderson County Courthouse in Oquawka. 

Present were Brad Flatt, Kim Gullberg, Bill Knupp, Kurt McChesney, Jon Corzatt, Patty Daniels, Janet Stubbs, Deborah Pflasterer, and Richard Bigger Jr. Absent was Will Pruett.

A significant portion of the meeting was once again focused on the “New Illinois” referendum effort. Rich Whitman fielded questions and concerns from the board on behalf of the Illinois Separation Referendum Group. Whitman reiterated financial disparities and policy disagreements, such as sanctuary state issues, that downstate counties often find unpopular due to Chicago and Cook County’s influence.  

Bigger stated that he believes separating from Cook County would just bring chaos, and Health Department Administrator Josie Lair asked about a public health plan for the new state.  Whitman responded that they have not discussed that, as planning has not gone that far; you have to form a new state and legislature first. 

Concerns were also raised about current debt and how it would be distributed. Whitman highlighted that the biggest issue is unfunded pensions, which would be distributed based on where the pension was earned: if earned in Cook County, the “old state” would be responsible; if earned in a downstate county, the “new state” would be responsible. Daniels stated that she felt the “New Illinois” effort was running from the problem rather than addressing it. She noted that there are 49 other states you can move to. 

Gullberg pointed out that people are leaving; Illinois ranks third in worst domestic population loss, behind only California and New York.

It was then brought up that the referendum the board would vote on—to add to the November election—is to give the people of Henderson County the chance to show their approval or disapproval of the current status quo of being part of Illinois.  Formation of a new state would require approval from the Illinois General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. This referendum would not bind Henderson County to anything, and whether the county becomes part of a new state would be decided by state and federal legislatures.

“It does not matter whether you’re for it or against it; you’re giving the people a chance to voice their opinion,” stated Whitman. 

“It’s not for us nine people to decide for everybody else. We need to decide here today if we want to put it on the ballot,” said Flatt.

“What you’re discussing today is letting the citizenry of your county let their voices be heard… You’re talking about a process that will probably take 50 years. So what you’re doing is letting your county have a voice,” said State’s Attorney Kristen Petrie. 

“I like to give the people a choice, but I also like to know what I’m giving them the choice of,” stated Knupp.

It was decided to table any further discussion and have a hard vote at the next meeting.

County Engineer Rick Walker discussed resolutions for construction and inspection of the Honey Creek Bridge on Crane Hill Road east of Lomax. That will be 100% paid for by township bridge money, and for the construction and inspection of the Lone Tree Ditch bridge on County Highway 15.  That $1.5 million project will be paid 80% by federal money and 20% by local funds. Both resolutions were passed unanimously.

The Henderson County Republican Central Committee had no recommendation to replace the vacancy of Todd Miller, and that was tabled for the March meeting.

The board approved the January 13 meeting minutes, as well as claims paid and the monthly report of the County Treasurer for January.

The board accepted the resignation of James Zeilstra as Veteran’s Assistance Superintendent. There were concerns about how the board goes about finding a replacement. 

State's Attorney Petrie updated the board on the update to the solid waste management plan. She stated that she sent a request for an extension and all the historical documents.  Once she receives the information requested, she will have a better timeline and vision of where this is going.

The board unanimously approved the RFP for the new Auditor.

Glenda Ehlen, Lee Moore, and Dalton Pullen were present to talk about the county ambulances. Pullen was voted in as director of the Oquawka ambulance in what was described as a tense meeting. Oquawka was back in service as of February 10. Ehlen reported that Galesburg Hospitals’ Ambulance Service is starting an EMT course in March.  They are offering a discounted rate for the class of $400 for volunteers in neighboring counties. It was discussed whether the county would be willing to cover some of the cost for volunteers. 

They discussed protecting the county from someone taking advantage of the county paying for the class and the individual not sticking around. Pullen was going to look into getting a copy of Wapello’s contract, as they have something similar to what the board was discussing implementing. The board unanimously approved paying $400 once the state’s attorney creates a contract. They also discussed continuing education. 

The current agreement is that the board pays $1,000 for continuing education. The program the ambulance services are looking to use for continuing education is $2,735. The board  approved paying $1,000 total to the three county ambulances annually for continued education with the departments responsible for the remaining balance.

Biggsville also reported issues with the cot that is 18 years old. The cost to replace it with a new one would be $32,000. They could get a year-old demo cot that comes with a warranty for around $19,000. It was discussed that the ambulance should pursue some fundraiser options to help with the costs.

Concerns were also brought up about citizens not calling 911 and what is the best way to get that message out to the public.

The meeting adjourned around 10:15 a.m. The next county board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, at 8:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Courthouse.