Thirteenth Circuit introduces new South County attorney, reports hires; AFSCME contract set to expire Nov. 30

The Thirteenth Circuit Probation Committee on Aug. 13 introduced Jeremiah Adams as the new South County attorney for civil affairs and reported several personnel changes across the circuit. The committee also noted that the collective-bargaining agreement with AFSCME covering probation officers concludes Nov. 30, 2025, and that staff will prepare for upcoming negotiations.

Committee leadership said Jeremiah Adams will replace Mark Anderson, who was appointed to an associate judge position downtown. The chair described Adams as "a long time prosecutor here in the state's attorney's office," and welcomed him to the meeting.

Staff reported a resignation in Bureau County for an adult probation officer and said a replacement hire is starting next week; the new hire is from the Princeton area and has prior experience with social service agencies. In LaSalle County, staff said a juvenile officer resigned and a conditional offer has been made to a candidate who is expected to start within a couple of weeks. The committee also reported hiring a specialty court officer to fill a previously vacant position. Staff said, as of the meeting, clerical and probation officer positions are fully staffed across the circuit.

On labor relations, the chair told the committee the current AFSCME contract for probation officers concludes on Nov. 30, 2025, and that preparations for bargaining will begin whenever the union notifies the employer to start negotiations. The chair also said county budget presentations are forthcoming, with a visit to Bureau County scheduled for the following week.

No formal motions related to personnel or the AFSCME contract were recorded; announcements were informational and the committee accepted them as updates.