On March 17, voters in Christian County will cast their ballots in the primary election for the next sheriff. Two Republican candidates are running, and no Democrats are running. Running are two lifetime Christian County residents and law enforcement officers. Jim Baker is the current Chief Deputy at the Christian County Sheriff's Office. Phil Deal is the current Assistant Chief at the Stonington Police Department. Between Illinois State Police investigations, fraud accusations, and social media rumors, the race has become about more than just qualifications. Candidates are finding themselves answering for their pasts rather than talking about the future. 

Christian County officials are working to contain a large oil leak in Mosquito Creek, south of the Mt. Auburn blacktop.