Editor’s note: This article is part of a series profiling the candidates running for Henry County Board. Look for more candidate profiles in the coming week.
Henry County voters will head to the polls Nov. 3 to elect members of the County Board and other local offices. Early voting has been underway since September, giving residents an opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.
Candidates were invited to complete a questionnaire about their backgrounds, priorities and reasons for seeking office. The following profiles are based on their submitted responses and have been edited for length and clarity.
Incumbent District 1 Henry County Board member Crystal Strode is seeking re-election, citing her commitment to fiscal responsibility, public safety and supporting local businesses.
Strode is a chiropractor and owner of Vibrant Health Chiropractic. She and her husband, Jared, who serves as children’s minister at First Christian Church in Kewanee, have made Henry County their home and remain active in the community.
Since joining the County Board in February 2025, Strode has also served on the Henry County 708 Mental Health Board, which supports mental health and developmental disability services throughout the county. She is also active in children’s ministry at First Christian Church and says her experience as a small business owner has shaped her approach to public service.
Strode said she first sought office because she wanted to bring a practical, business-minded perspective to county government and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.
If re-elected, Strode said her priorities include maintaining fiscal responsibility, supporting local businesses and promoting public safety. She said county government should operate efficiently, remain accountable to taxpayers and continue supporting law enforcement and first responders while making decisions that benefit Henry County residents.
Rhiannon Atkisson is seeking a seat on the Henry County Board, District 1 saying her experience as a registered nurse has prepared her to solve problems, manage resources and advocate for residents.
Atkisson said her campaign focuses on improving county services, including infrastructure, public health initiatives and emergency support, while maintaining fiscal accountability. She said county government should treat taxpayer dollars with the same care families use when managing household budgets.
“As a nurse, every resource matters,” Atkisson said. “On the County Board, I will apply that same strict efficiency to ensure our community gets the high-quality services it deserves without overspending your tax dollars.”
Atkisson said she decided to run because she cares deeply about her community and wants to encourage residents to reconnect with one another.
“I chose to run because I care about the people in my community,” Atkisson said. “People have forgotten how to be neighbors, and I want to help people remember how to help each other and be giving.”
She also said differing viewpoints should be seen as opportunities for growth rather than division.
“If elected, I want to help create discussion that leads to development,” Atkisson said. “Differences are not bad, and they do not need to create division.”
If elected, Atkisson said she would work to strengthen county services, improve fiscal accountability and promote a stronger sense of community throughout Henry County.
Scott A. Briney is seeking election to the Henry County Board’s District 1 seat, saying he wants to provide voters with another choice and bring additional balance to county government.
A Geneseo resident for more than 30 years, Briney is a retired educator whose career spanned four decades. He taught history and government at Orion High School for 30 years, coached cross country, track and field, and football, and later served as principal of Orion Middle School. He holds degrees from Augustana College and Western Illinois University.
Briney and his wife have been married for 48 years and have two adult children and four grandchildren.
If elected, Briney said his top priority would be protecting the health, safety and welfare of Henry County residents while maintaining fiscal responsibility. He also expressed concerns about the growth of artificial intelligence, data centers and carbon sequestration projects, saying future development should prioritize environmental considerations in the county’s largely agricultural areas.
Briney said he also supports maintaining county services for veterans and keeping Hillcrest Home under county ownership for the benefit of local residents.
Incumbent Henry County Board member Marshall Jones is seeking re-election, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, transparency and responsive government.
Jones is a retired manager with Verizon Communications. He and his wife, Catherine, reside in Kewanee.
He remains active in the community as pastor of Galva Congregational Church and serves with the Rotary Club of Kewanee and the Salvation Army Advisory Board.
Jones said he is seeking another term to continue working with fellow board members to benefit Henry County through sound financial management, a commitment to public safety and transparent governance.
If re-elected, Jones said his priorities include maintaining a balanced county budget, keeping the county debt-free and ensuring county government remains responsive to residents’ needs. He said those goals are essential to providing effective services while protecting taxpayers’ interests.
