The Stephenson County Board on Oct. 16 formally declared the county coroner's office vacant after receiving the irrevocable resignation of Brian Halverson effective Oct. 9, 2025.

County administrators told the board that, because Halverson did not designate a deputy coroner to act in the interim, duties temporarily fall to the sheriff under state statute. The county cited "Illinois State statute 55 ILCs 5 slash 3 dash 3 0 0 9" during the meeting; following that provision, Sheriff Steve Stovall appointed Chief Deputy Dwayne Coleman as acting Stephenson County Coroner. The presenter said Coleman has more than 30 years of experience as a deputy coroner and will perform official duties until a replacement is appointed and sworn in.

The board also approved a selection committee to screen applicants. The committee will be chaired by County Board member Ronnie Bush; other named members include William Hadley, Sheriff Steve Stovall, interim police chief Travis Davis and Robert Burke of Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. County officials said they expect to present a candidate for board approval at the next monthly meeting.

A motion to declare the office vacant was approved by the board by a 15-0 roll-call vote.