Published on March 16, 2026 8:11 pm
Last Updated on March 16, 2026 8:11 pm
Effingham County Board members Monday approved a resolution opposing the Illinois Physician-Assisted Suicide Bill. The measure was passed out of committee last week and will take effect in September.
The bill, Senate Bill 1950, is officially known as the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act. Under the measure, an Illinois resident 18 or older with six months or less to live can self-administer lethal medication.
Board member Sandi Rich voted against the resolution. Among her reasons, Rich wonders about the impact on county coroners and first responders who might have to handle such deaths and the responsibility involved. She also wonders if someone obtains the medication, then decides against using it, how will it be handled?
Rich’s comments were echoed by Effingham County County Coroner Kim Rhodes, who said they don’t even know yet what type of medication will be involved.
Pat Lewis, who serves as Effingham County Democrat Central Committee Chairman, said he appreciates County Board Chairman Josh Douthit’s past comments as a police officer and attending to someone who attempted suicide. Lewis, like others, said he agrees that the measure should be reviewed and the legislation could be revised, but said, “I don’t support anyone who supports a complete end to this.”
Also Monday, the Board proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month; allocated remaining ARPA funds for tree removal on the historic courtyard and for the purchase of flags; approved appointment of Michael Bowman as a trustee of the Edgewood Bi-County Fire Protection District; authorized County Engineer Greg Koester to sell a tandem truck and a pickup truck to local agencies; approved participation on the statewide rock salt bid; and approved the use of the courtyard and pavilion for the EffingHAM-JAM on July 17 and for the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays beginning May 30th.
The Board approved a vehicle lease agreement; approved a purchase of service agreement between CEFS and Effingham County; approved requests for proposals for replacing the county building jail roof; agreed to let a firm make presentations for county employees for air ambulance service; approved the resignation of Jeremy Kyle from the Ethics Commission and naming Mike DePoister to replace Kyle; approved $825 in lawn maintenance on the courtyard lawn; and authorized Board Chairman Douthit to approve and execute all opioid settlement documentation.
County Clerk Michelle Kollmann reported 920 early voting ballots had been received along with 381 vote by mail ballots. Polls will be open from 6am to 7pm Tuesday.
