Sheriff McNamee is proud to announce the promotion of Lieutenant Jesse Bell to the position of Chief Deputy at the Henry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). This significant move highlights Chief Deputy Bell’s impressive 15 years of law enforcement experience, with 12 of those years dedicated to serving the Henry County community. Sheriff McNamee announced the promotion during this week’s Supervisors meeting

Throughout his tenure with HCSO, Chief Deputy Bell has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to his role, having previously served as a Deputy Sheriff, Investigator, and most recently, Lieutenant. His wealth of experience, leadership, and steadfast approach to law enforcement have earned him this well-deserved promotion.

Chief Deputy Bell’s promotion is a testament to his dedication and professionalism in serving the community. The entire HCSO team congratulates him on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to the leadership he will bring in his new role.

On April 1st, 2025, at approximately 11:20 p.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received an 911 call from an unidentified individual reporting a medical issue. The call was mapped to the 1600-grid of Oakland Mills Road. Upon arrival in the area, a vehicle was in the southern ditch fully engulfed in flames.

The fire was extinguished, and an investigation began. A deceased individual was located inside the vehicle. No names will be released until identification is determined and families are notified.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Henry County Emergency Medical Services Ambulance and the Mount Pleasant Fire Department.

KILJ will bring you updated information as it becomes available.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has formally recommended an ordinance regarding alternative energy in the county during this weeks Supervisors meeting. The ordinance was primarily prepared by the Watchman LLC. The recommendation, which includes specific language regarding court venue, was passed despite the attorney’s office advising against it. Officials clarified that the venue for legal matters would ultimately depend on factors such as dollar value and case specifics.

A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for April 22nd at 6:00 PM in the upstairs meeting room. Additional meetings will allow for further discussion and input from the community.

During the meeting, officials acknowledged the significant effort put into the ordinance by the Planning and Zoning Commission. It was noted that members likely did not anticipate the complexity of the project when they first joined the board, but over the past year, the ordinance has undergone substantial evolution.

“I just want to say thank you to the Planning and Zoning Commission for the hard work and effort they’ve put into this,” Supervisor Steve Detrick stated. “It’s been a long process with a lot of reading, follow-ups, and late-night meetings.”

Special recognition was given to Jim and Kurt for their contributions, along with Henry County Watchman, which played a significant role in drafting the ordinance.

The ordinance is described as comprehensive and detailed, reflecting extensive collaboration among various stakeholders. While there were compromises made throughout the drafting process, officials believe the final recommendation represents a balanced and well-researched approach.

With the ordinance set for public hearing later this month, residents will have the opportunity to provide input before final decisions are made.

Henry County Supervisors Meeting Update

Henry County supervisors held their weekly meeting this Thursday (april 3rd) where department heads shared updates on infrastructure, public health, finances, and other public departments within the county.

Road Projects

Jake Hotchkiss gave an update on projects going on in the county. Crews are resurfacing roads, repairing storm damage, and prepping for paving. Contractors began resurfacing in Winfield. Old Highway 34 is being prepared for seal coating, and Franklin Avenue rumble strip work is nearly done. The Nebraska Avenue bridge is now open, with only seeding left. The dust control sign-up deadline is April 15.

Financial & Administrative Reports

Kelly Sloan with he Treasurer’s Office reported the department collected nearly $12 million in property taxes in March and processed over $570,000 in motor vehicle transactions. Vehicle registration fees have changed due to House File 274.

Public Health Updates

Katie Reuter with Henry county Health gave an update about flu cases declining, but measles cases have spread to 18 jurisdictions. Officials stressed the importance of vaccination, with Henry County’s MMR rate at 97.8%. Discussions continue on proposed public health realignment.

Emergency Management & Law Enforcement

The Sheriff’s Office will partner with General Assistance to host a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Training next week for officers from 13 counties. Walt Jackson with Henry County Emergency Management mentioned efforts in a new burn ban ordinance under review. The ordinance would give

Conservation & Community Initiatives

Caleb waters with the Conservation department reported that campgrounds open April 15, though dump station updates are delayed. Fundraising for a new playground has reached $40,000, with proceeds also supporting a shelter house and monument relocation. Conservation Board meetings now occur on the first Wednesday of each month.

Looking Ahead

Residents are encouraged to stay informed on projects, tax deadlines, and public health updates. The next Board of Supervisors meeting will provide further details.