Government operations in Iroquois County are being questioned. And – the dismissal of an Animal Control warden may be just the start of several other issues shedding a negative light, including violations of everyday policy.

State’s Attorney Jim Devine acknowledges in-house matters need to be rectified, mistakes need correcting, and perhaps, hidden-agendas need to go away. It’s all about open government.

The recent firing of animal control warden Jamie Fanning seems just the beginning of several problem matters that’ve escalated .....

"Again, we're back to same things we've talked about before --TRANSPARENCY," board member Sherry Johnson said. Just a few people keeping issues under wrap and then thinking they make all the decisions."

County Board members Johnson, Chad McGinnis and Larry Hasbargen pointed out several problems in basic policy as it relates to employee relations. McGinnis even claims Iroquois County’s own code is violated, showing the Animal Control Director wasn’t even properly appointed, let alone him firing an employee, who may or may not be considered a county employee vs a contractual-hire ? ........

Tuesday’s Tax Committee meeting was all but peaceful. Supporters of fired-warden Jamie Fanning were present. Fanning says her dismissal was retaliation over her making public harassment she had to deal with from her administrator, Dr. Haney Youseff. Youseff denied the accusations, say the firing was based on job performance.

Committee Chairman Marvin Stichnoth said the allegations and the county not following its policies will have to be reviewed by the state’s attorney.

Johnson and McGinnis question who made Stichnoth the authority to investigate anything ?

94.1 WGFA