Hamilton County Board members pictured with SAFE members: John Carrell, Adam Little, Karson Kays, Ashley Davis, Board Chairman Kelly Woodrow, John Mead, and Landon Vaughan.
A new 3,000-head swine breeding facility is planned for McLeansboro, promising local jobs and economic growth.
During the Hamilton County board, Micah Miller requested approval for a Sow Farm at 5743 County Road. Miller plans to construct a 3,000-head facility that will create jobs and buy grain locally.
“It’s a genetic multiplier unit, so it’s producing baby pigs. It’s a good opportunity for the county to provide eight to ten jobs there.”
Bellwether Representative Dustin Harmon explained that the board does not have to hold a public hearing on the matter if it finds one unnecessary.
“The Department of Agriculture mainly governs the site; the board’s control over this is, like you said, just the way you give notice to the public. So the written notice is still required through publication.”
The board unanimously approved the construction of the pig farm.
The courthouse bathroom renovation project, discussed at several county board meetings, encountered a setback when the second-lowest bidder raised their price. This price increase occurred after state inspector requirements changed, affecting project specifications. Board member Landon Vaughan said he secured architectural and engineering services to clarify the updated requirements and properly scope the project for rebidding.
In New Business, the board heard from Angie Messmer on the 4-H program, as well as from Ashley Davis and Karson Kays with SAFE, Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies. Hamilton County board members signed the proclamation to observe April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Three Highway Recommendations were approved: establishing engineering services, material proposals for the 2026 County MFT Program, and the 2026 Road District MFT Program.
Lastly, two appointments were made: Jamie Vineyard to the Southeastern Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission Board to replace Glen Miller, and Adam Little to the same board to replace Terry Drone, as nominated by Landon Vaughan.
The Hamilton County Board meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 pm.