The Shelby County Clerk said on April 25 that reminders were sent to county board members about the required Open Meetings Act (OMA) training, but several members have yet to provide their certificates. The issue came to light after a request for records revealed missing documentation for some officials.
This matter is important because compliance with OMA training and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests helps ensure transparency in local government. The process also highlights whether public officials are following laws designed to promote open governance.
According to the County Clerk, “I ‘reminded them on 4/10/2026 that OMA training is required. Chrissy is the only person that submitted anything so far.” When asked if board members had been directly contacted for their certificates as part of a FOIA request, the clerk responded, “I did not. I will send your FOIA to those members not providing their certificates to me today.”
After these communications, two more certificates were provided by board members: Christy Wafford completed her training on January 18, 2025, and Judith Wood completed hers on April 14, 2026—almost a month after the initial record was requested. The article described this as “forced compliance,” meaning action was taken only after being prompted by a records request.
Several current and former board members still have not provided proof of completing their OMA training. Without these documents, it remains unclear whether they have fulfilled legal requirements or are in violation of FOIA by failing to produce records when requested.
Edgar County Watchdogs relies on support from small individual donations according to its official website. The organization promotes informed communities by enhancing oversight of local governing entities through accessible public information according to its official website. Its team includes individuals affiliated with organizations such as Investigative Reporters and Editors and the Society of Professional Journalists according to its official website.
The group aims to foster accountability, truth and transparency in local governance through document-based journalism according to its official website. Notable figures like John Kraft and Kirk Allen serve as editors, authors or researchers according to its official website, delivering reporting on issues across Illinois according to its official website.
The next step may involve asking the Attorney General’s office for compliance records regarding specific Shelby County Board members. According to prior experience cited in the report, such requests are typically made only after exhausting efforts with county officials first.
