Peoria Standard

Stark County Board Chairwoman Coleen Magnussen has resigned from the board, citing "strife and turmoil" caused by the ongoing budget impasse in Illinois, according to the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW).

On its Illinois Leaks website, the ECW said that Magnussen emailed her resignation message to area media.

"At this time I have chosen to resign my position as the Stark County Board Chairwoman, as well as my position on the Stark County Board," Magnussen wrote. "The current budget situation has escalated into a crisis that has created turmoil and strife within the county. For the sake of my family and the good of Stark County I feel it is best I resign my position and allow someone else to continue the public leadership of Stark County."

The ECW noted that several complaints have been voiced against Magnussen, calling for her to resign. The Journal Star reported that it wasn't uncommon for county officials and employees to contend that she was difficult to work with.

“I think it is best for Stark County, so we can move forward,” Sheriff Steve Sloan, who had been feuding with Magnussen, wrote in an email.

The former chairwoman ended her email by saying she hopes the community will continue to support the board.

"I am proud of our fiscal track record over the past several years as great strides have been made," she wrote. "I sincerely apologize if I have offended anyone during my tenure."

Magnussen served as chairwoman for four and a half years.