[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6115539,"mediaKeyId","2738369-86999b44539ccc22a48276c2e6d9f804","parentId",2738369,"title","Lee County board adopts 'Pro-Ag' resolution after FFA students urge support for agriculture","audioSeconds",2444,"startMs",632710,"endMs",3076910,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738369-86999b44539ccc22a48276c2e6d9f804&start=632&end=3076","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738369-86999b44539ccc22a48276c2e6d9f804/thumbnail_632710.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6115539/Lee-County/Illinois/Lee-County-board-adopts-Pro-Ag-resolution-after-FFA-students-urge-support-for-agriculture","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115539-742ced8d338f66024f663a2d76b19c89/orig.mp4?Expires=1775703196&Signature=BVQfMAlM~w7d1smaGiFyVxB8YstFZp0TUkaIo85lSlk9M2SAZoFA2oAq~wNJL6T9RHZhABkoEbLrSh1DhBFUGCjFzJpWhCeJYlk7lp2OwNc7CWVDgm3KrepfeDjOl9Y9evXw~goPPOnzM-pccJu3Fq9moX~fIwHAWKEeTDCUhxlYGIcjXoIu~JIc9vTMJqf1CG1IkYJGutXkmHkuLUUbiyUDHnE0OG-K2ULad4106kfAWoIfabf0xCFBQAF6ai-j0zsvd2rpK89mG9FvE7AmaWJXu-~HfTxOx8N0isadItkkwuWCEab~JiGWu8bnCPOrS8j6vmhzXmeDvtpl3u7Mbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lee County, IL","date","2025-03-21T12:10:06Z","article","The Lee County Board unanimously adopted a Resolution in Support of Lee County Agriculture sponsored by the Lee County Farm Bureau.

Before the vote, two students from the Ashland-Franklin Center FFA chapter spoke during public comment in favor of the resolution. Kate Vile, identified herself as vice president of the Ashland Franklin Center FFA chapter, told the board that agriculture “has impacted my life in a lot of really good ways” and that FFA helped with leadership and career-development activities such as meats evaluation. Elsie Vile, an eighth grader, said she manages the chapter’s freezer locker and that her goals include becoming a hog farmer and an agricultural teacher. Both speakers said they supported the county’s Pro-Ag resolution.

The resolution text presented by staff cited statistics and findings — including the county’s number of farms, employment supported by agriculture, estimated economic output, and the contribution of farm property to the local tax base — and concluded that the board and county staff will work to support and promote agriculture for the benefit of the county and its residents. Mr. Sheelan moved adoption and Mr. Wilson seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote.

The chair noted afterward that the Lee County Farm Bureau had pins for board members.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lee County Board Meeting - 03/20/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board unanimously adopted a resolution in support of local agriculture. Two FFA students addressed the board in favor of the resolution before the vote.","taxTitle","Lee County, Illinois","taxId",58219,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6115544,"Lee County board holds over zoning code change to create a zoning hearing officer for further work",46,429480,475800,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738369-86999b44539ccc22a48276c2e6d9f804&start=429&end=475","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738369-86999b44539ccc22a48276c2e6d9f804/thumbnail_429480.jpg","/articles/6115544/Lee-County/Illinois/Lee-County-board-holds-over-zoning-code-change-to-create-a-zoning-hearing-officer-for-further-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115544-57de2acbf79320283e45f81226b10f62/orig.mp4?Expires=1775703197&Signature=gmuD9SxUvyJBhuayKlJCSMhvevMtwqiN52~Z3FxFUj3K5TsFQaOg1wMJ12P7lCqgs-t2f-bTiuSHtgUEGQm~899kOIEVL5BGOgU8zylcM8zQq~0PtRSJaTOjVxNj~z-Z0G4KKndQHtcp1RLhKBf21wGOOMQ0dQEasGSYmxeuv9Qz-Qis9lOZHCqOA8G7hSQuXgq9s5oXzgVmNpm1-0pKkJaJqv1m617RpAWVEano9KmhWjhS~oxK~TdwU4~fLhsOjKgxa6ezFVCP0o1jsbvmpi9wzuHxfA7naBllx-wLvtr4VqtYiArJO~fOn73usINXCE8jfOOiGb7Egf3Eu-BeFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On an item that drew specific caution from several board members, the Lee County Board voted to hold over petition 25-PC-78, a proposed revision to Title 10 of the Lee County Code of Ordinances that would replace the Zoning Board of Appeals with a Zoning Hearing Officer and establish standards for amending previously approved special-use permits.

Nancy moved to hold the petition over to the April County Board meeting; Mr. Kitson seconded the motion and it carried by voice vote. Board members said the change will require refinement and follow-up. One member who has consulted with DeKalb County described that county’s earlier transition as a learning process that involved initial “hiccups” but ultimately led to a functioning system; the speaker urged patience and additional work to adapt the process to Lee County conditions.

The board’s action was procedural (postponement for further consideration) and does not alter current practice pending additional drafting and public review. The item will return to the April agenda with further materials for the board and public.","The board agreed to hold petition 25-PC-78 — which would replace the Zoning Board of Appeals with a Zoning Hearing Officer and create standards for amending previously approved special-use permits — to the April meeting for additional work and review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6115549,"Visit Lee County reports growth in overnight trips and adds staff to expand tourism marketing",240,717050,957860,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738369-86999b44539ccc22a48276c2e6d9f804&start=717&end=957","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738369-86999b44539ccc22a48276c2e6d9f804/thumbnail_717050.jpg","/articles/6115549/Lee-County/Illinois/Visit-Lee-County-reports-growth-in-overnight-trips-and-adds-staff-to-expand-tourism-marketing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115549-ad9311bbaf63836154e3d2a42ca86442/orig.mp4?Expires=1775703196&Signature=os3z6cGBajQUTDD19wD0w3VFSZ4YU~SmQgZ~kgN06KJWNSq~nTS-fJz-BXwsZrubnYccepDDbryqHYJpN50PM95hXNFWpVP1eVMKF3S5HGArIPbxQDgfFdh2Fg0uZchpL6ESdA1B~6DbhoPX~UJhI30DYJQSbXZRC6ocak2B5lNUUq51chYrA~wNl7ImdoR9qgf3JB~N7E-hhqzLS1hkNSruf6fPnYQP66Yf4EmJde8QCZ3-Q~jqWZ1pKsfI4~iYTQsphquFMkZrBKPMXrrIaNI0mzLeflX56nO3znRGL9uMDA9NxF5Lt0mP68GUGhosJsjrdo-8oXKP5--ICfwKHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lucas Pauley, representing Visit Lee County, told the board the county’s tourism office saw growth in key indicators in the latest available data and outlined plans to expand marketing support for local events.

Pauley reported that interactions on Facebook were up 71.2% year-to-date compared with the final three months of 2024, and watch time on Visit Lee County content increased about 45 percent. He said views and reach declined (declines Pauley attributed to not running paid advertisements in the quarter) — a 28.1% decrease in views and a 66.2% decrease in reach compared with the prior period when ads ran. On Instagram, interactions rose 50% and the office increased posting volume.

On visitor metrics, Pauley said available data for October 2024 through January 2025 showed an 18.6% increase in overnight trips and a 24.3% increase in visit nights compared with the same period the prior year. He reported 33,000 overnight trips and 83,000 visit nights recorded in that window, and cited popular origin markets including Chicago, Naperville, Elgin and other regional metros.

To expand capacity, Visit Lee County has added a seasonal staff member to produce story-driven content, update itineraries and represent the county at tourism events. Pauley said Visit Lee County will partner with Visit Northwest Illinois on advertising for the Pawpaw Festival and continue to develop travel packages and itineraries to promote county attractions.

Board members thanked Pauley for the data-driven update and noted the value of partnerships and targeted advertising. No board action was required.","Visit Lee County presented first-quarter metrics showing increases in overnight trips and visit nights compared with the prior year period and told the county board it hired a seasonal staffer to expand marketing, itineraries and community partnership work.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6115554,"Township consolidation bills draw warning from Township Officials representative; Lee County board briefed on potential impacts",850,1283440,2133450,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738369-86999b44539ccc22a48276c2e6d9f804&start=1283&end=2133","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738369-86999b44539ccc22a48276c2e6d9f804/thumbnail_1283440.jpg","/articles/6115554/Lee-County/Illinois/Township-consolidation-bills-draw-warning-from-Township-Officials-representative-Lee-County-board-briefed-on-potential-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115554-e1a26b6d74378ac1b8f3fc873e47c455/orig.mp4?Expires=1775703196&Signature=h43rvMAj0RIjb71TxqJDyiN6~~aXVQiXw-pUq7gEwOOsyb5tS~gxEzM8COKi919OjN2w-CjHJzJmIb6rnB2IhoyqWuJ9hXLSWajQZCIvZZ1-oejQZCwKSoSyUG-mTGaq3pweX~6UZH5J05slDMLDjWeXdr0Im3wrr7Joan50wZqINsH5RfcdHRoHYBkKr8cxSeHSHcmjpmH1qsYqHCrjyX65JEvK3KfeyEsiAImv4r6wKzz22SbyrlrEj5bnwoiDpMueCO4sVLC6c93L1yf1EfwAf9XiXVAfSzNjuk4HA3ILzGbklwrU7zTSuSytRR-t24EegI5yGQxymcwPLJAWNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Arnold Retcher, chairman of Township Officials of Illinois and a Whiteside County highway commissioner, briefed the Lee County Board on a cluster of recently filed Illinois bills that he said could dissolve or consolidate townships and transfer functions to county government.

Retcher described Senate Bill 2217 as written to dissolve townships with populations under 5,000 and place their functions with the county; he said the draft lacks language about required votes, consolidation procedures and how to transfer assets and titles. He also discussed Senate Bill 2504, which would eliminate township tax assessors in counties with a population under 50,000 and shift assessment duties to the county. Retcher said companion bills would permit lower signature thresholds to put dissolution on ballots, and he warned that some measures could be attached to large omnibus budget bills or moved as shell bills, accelerating their passage.

Retcher told the board many county officials and associations he has consulted oppose the proposals. He flagged operational concerns including the transfer and titling of equipment, the accounting complexity of retaining township tax dollars for expenditure in the original township, cemetery maintenance and general assistance responsibilities, and the likely need for additional county staff and equipment to manage roads if responsibilities shift. \"There's no way a county could take over all the township roads and do it as effectively as townships do,\" he said, citing costs and staffing estimates.

Board members and committee chairs who spoke later highlighted the potential fiscal impact in Lee County. One board member said an initial county model for labor costs suggested adding township responsibilities could raise labor costs by an estimated $300,000 to $700,000 depending on assumptions and hiring needs. Another board member noted Lee County already consolidates multiple-assessor duties in some areas and that the county currently performs many assessment tasks in practice.

Retcher urged board members to contact state legislators and flagged that the legislative session runs through late May. He said Township Officials of Illinois planned outreach and meetings with the governor’s staff to seek negotiated solutions.

No formal action was taken by the board at the meeting on state bills; the presentation was informational.","Arnold Retcher, legislative chair for the Township Officials of Illinois, told the Lee County Board that several recently filed state bills could dissolve or consolidate townships in small counties and transfer duties to county government, and cautioned board members about potential operational and cost implications.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6115558,"Lee County board advances zoning petitions, passes ordinances and budget items in wide-ranging consent actions",139,173320,312340,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2738369-86999b44539ccc22a48276c2e6d9f804&start=173&end=312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2738369-86999b44539ccc22a48276c2e6d9f804/thumbnail_173320.jpg","/articles/6115558/Lee-County/Illinois/Lee-County-board-advances-zoning-petitions-passes-ordinances-and-budget-items-in-wide-ranging-consent-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115558-1926ec9cc8d075fe0321206ce767ca4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775703196&Signature=b5mv5j1Cj4bDb1prv7n-k4QLAyo6Rxb22Btnf8bBuklvZAw8pCqkYYMc~aDSjAJ8lj-H1zRHPAYgDYiiGO1WZVM9eJ7OLmT5aMB1KHVzms4Jwm5-0lFzrdJ0gInMQNUVoqvCsR6Ei4UBhwWmFshd-wSZukWwxZeIa-IddKO9dNlUC81l26LwM8lZo8WSj62bYi5t80fZzTmsbgK~yf6TkglaxxH8Na6MR~11lULbi4STAnbRAF-iM3z4qn-mOOmzq0Y-uPy8KGJFxuyUGb1jVzMxZgdWxecnkBtXO7nR~~~IkStzIdzMYj~pb4GFG0x1xh4HQIRvqIyoQWq9Alyj4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lee County Board on an otherwise brief March agenda approved a slate of petitions, ordinances and administrative resolutions ranging from zoning petitions for commercial solar projects to county procurement and funding disbursements.

The board voted to send two solar special-use petitions to the Zoning Board of Appeals: petition 25-P-1639 for a 5-megawatt commercial (community) solar facility on a 67.29-acre parcel in Palmyra Township, and petition 25-P-1640 for a 2-megawatt commercial facility on parcels also in Palmyra Township totaling 67.29 acres. Mr. Kitson moved to forward petition 25-P-1639 with Mr. Frieland seconding; Nancy (Naylor) moved to forward petition 25-P-1640, seconded by Mr. Hudson. Both motions carried on voice votes.

The board approved petition 25-P-1638, a special-use permit request from Craig A. and Christine Kessel to allow a minor auto repair business at 859 Morgan Road in Amboy Township (1.24 acres). Mr. Bivens moved to approve; Mr. Gascoigne seconded and the motion carried.

On ordinance and code changes, the board approved petition 25-PC-77, an amendment to Chapter 4 (Stormwater Management) of Title 11 (Subdivision, Flood Control and Stormwater Management) of the Lee County Code of Ordinances. Miss Naylor moved, Mr. Gascoigne seconded; the motion carried.

Other measures approved by voice vote or unanimous consent included:
- County engineer salary appropriation (moved by Mr. Wilson; second Mr. Acree) — approved.
- Certificate of authority for salt purchase for the county (moved by Mr. Hudson; second Mr. Field) — approved.
- Revisions to zoning and building permit fees (moved by Miss Naylor; second Mr. Kitson) — approved.
- Purchase of fingerprint-scanning equipment for the new courts, $14,500 (moved by Mr. Gascoigne; second Mr. Kopin) — approved. Board discussion cited recent state changes to pretrial processing as the reason for the expedited purchase.
- Anti-stigma training funding from opioid-settlement monies: Partnership for Healthy Lee County Connected Communities, $26,462 (moved by Mr. Kitson; second Mr. Pearson) — approved.
- Two reappointments: Greg Burrow to the Lee County Zoning Board of Appeals (moved by Mr. Frio; second Mr. Wilson) and Norris Tucker Jr. to the Lee County Housing Authority (moved by Mr. Kitson; second Mr. Cohen) — both approved.

A petition to amend Title 10 zoning regulations to replace the Zoning Board of Appeals with a Zoning Hearing Officer (petition 25-PC-78) was held over to the April County Board meeting on a motion by Nancy, seconded by Mr. Kitson. Board discussion noted that the change would be a work in progress and cited DeKalb County’s experience as a reference.

Votes were recorded by voice; motions were carried by board consensus unless noted. No individual recorded vote tallies were provided in the meeting transcript for these items.","At its March meeting the Lee County Board voted to advance two commercial solar petitions to the Zoning Board of Appeals, approve a stormwater ordinance amendment and a set of routine resolutions and purchases, including opioid-settlement funding and a fingerprint scanner for court processing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lee County board adopts 'Pro-Ag' resolution after FFA students urge support for agriculture

Lee County board holds over zoning code change to create a zoning hearing officer for further work

Visit Lee County reports growth in overnight trips and adds staff to expand tourism marketing

Township consolidation bills draw warning from Township Officials representative; Lee County board briefed on potential impacts

Lee County board advances zoning petitions, passes ordinances and budget items in wide-ranging consent actions