Menard County was established in the winter of 1839 by action of the Illinois State Legislature, being one of three counties split off from Sangamon County. At the time, Abraham Lincoln was a Representative to the State Legislature and Chairman of the Committee on Counties. The bill to separate Menard from Sangamon was written and presented by Lincoln on January 16, 1839 and passed the legislature on February 15, 1839. The action defined the boundaries of Menard County and provided for an election on the first Monday in April 1839 to elect public officials and three county commissioners. Over one hundred sixty years later, on November 7, 2000 the voters passed the proposition to be represented by five commissioners elected from single member districts.
Menard County is located slightly west of the center of the state and contains approximately 314 square miles. Petersburg, the county seat, is about 20 miles northwest of Springfield. A large number of settlers from Southern states and European immigrants came to Menard County to farm. The county continues to be known for agriculture and its rural character, while also providing a diversity of residential living options, quality schools and a service-based economy that caters to area residents and businesses.
Menard County is a non-home rule county and governed by the Illinois County Code, Chapter 55 ILCS 5/1-1001, et. seq., and related acts. Menard County's government consists of thirteen departments, six elected officials, the judiciary and a five member County Board elected from single member districts.
In addition to the above general government activities, the County owns and operates a skilled care nursing home. Sunny Acres accepts private pay, Medicaid and Medicare patients. Countryside Estates, situated next door to Sunny Acres, opened in 2000 and is an independent living facility.
Please contact the Department Heads noting their contact information on their webpage.
read morePlease contact the Elected Officials noting their contact information on their webpage.
read moreIf you are seeking information that is not on the County website, please contact the County Coordinator at 217/632-4412.
read moreGeneral contact for County business may be make by contacting the County Coordinator at 217/632-4412.
read moreRESCHEDULED NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MENARD COUNTY, ILLINOIS
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., a rescheduled Public Hearing from Wednesday March 25, 2026 will be held by the Menard County Zoning Board of Appeals in the Menard County Courthouse, 102 South Seventh Street, Petersburg, Illinois, for the purpose of considering and hearing testimony regarding a special use permit, for an Agribusiness located on approximately 331.45 +/- acres in Menard County generally located at or about 26352 Quarry Avenue, Athens Illinois and generally located at or about the following parcel identification numbers:
13-17-400-003, 13-17-400-007, 13-20-200-001, 13-20-100-005, 13-20-100-006, 13-20-200-002, 13-20-200-003, 13-20-300-002, 13-20-300-003, 13-20-400-001, 13-20-400-003, with parcels bounded by Quarry Avenue for easement access, and street frontage on Engel Street, and Shanghi Avenue.
The foregoing proposal is the result of a petition by RCM CO-OP, and acting on their own behalf or with counsel, are seeking to obtain the special use permit to operate an Agribusiness specifically, a Grain Elevator with components for truck receiving, silos and loading facility including rail spur and loop track to facilitate loading and direct access to the rail line that is adjacent to the proposed site.
The application and other documents are on file and available for inspection at the Menard County Courthouse, 102 South Seventh Street, Petersburg, Illinois, during normal business hours.
All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing and will be given an opportunity to be heard.
General Primary Election - March 17, 2026
General Election - November 3, 2026
Running for Office - 2026- Candidate's Guide.pdf
CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL RESULTS FROM THE 03.17.2026 GENERAL PRIMARY ELECTION.
To contact emergency services, please call "911" if possible. Otherwise, please see the non-emergency numbers listed below:
| City | EMS | FIRE | POLICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 632-7700 | 636-8221 | 636-8729 |
| Fancy Prairie | 632-7700 | 566-3333 | Sheriff: 632-2773 |
| Greenview | 632-7700 | 971-8767 | 968-7137 |
| Oakford | 632-7700 | 632-7784 | Sheriff: 632-2273 |
| Petersburg | 632-7700 | 632-2349 | 632-2251 Non-Emergency: 632-7137 |
| Tallula | 632-7700 | 634-4312 |
Sheriff: 632-2273
|
| Menard County Rural Residents | 632-7700 | 632-7911 |
Sheriff: 632-2273 |
WANTED: Part-time driver for Menard County Senior Transportation. Must be 21 years of age and able to complete First Aid/CPR certification, mandatory drug/alcohol testing, background /driving record check as well as other required driver training. EOE/AA. Previous applicants need not apply. Apply in person or e-mail resumes to dworthington@menardcountyil.gov
Please note that the Menard County Zoning Office has moved and is now located at the Menard County Annex located at 101 East Jefferson Street in Petersburg. The phone number of 217/632-5123 remains the same.
