Three new Vermilion County Board members officially took their seats on the board Monday night during the reorganization meeting which was held at the Bremer Theatre at Danville Area Community College.
Shelley McLain of Catlin replaces Chuck Nesbitt, who did not seek reelection in November after eight years on the board. She represents District 3, which is made up of much of the southwest part of Vermilion County, including the towns of Catlin, Fairmount, Fithian, Indianola, Ridge Farm and Sidell.
Mary Ellen Surprenant, a local realtor, replaces Deanna Witzel representing District 6 on the board. District 6 includes portions of Danville rural areas northeast of Danville.
Jerry Hawker of Danville won his District 7 seat on the board by defeating incumbent Greg Thatcher in the November election by less than 100 votes. District 7 contains portions of Danville, Hillery and Vermilion Heights.
Board members unanimously chose Larry Baughn of Hoopeston to remain County Board Chairman for the second consecutive term. Craig Golden was also chosen unanimously as Vice Chairman.
The board also approved $494,000 in budget amendments for the Vermilion County Health Department to upgrade equipment and other items, and an extra $100 payment to each county election judge, as County Clerk Cathy Jenkins said money was left over and only two election judges could not be present on Election Day.
