After the resignation of Township Administrator Keith Sexton, the Vermilion Township Board moved quickly to appoint a replacement during their Wednesday night meeting. Local resident and business owner Joe Baxter was selected to fill the vacant seat.
Baxter had previously run for an unexpired 2-year term as trustee in the November 2023 election. He is the owner of Baxter Concrete and also operates a family-run Christmas tree farm in the township.
“It’s a good fit for me. I’m farming and every year it takes a little bit more of my time, so reducing my work hours and being in the vicinity of home is such a bonus!” Baxter said. “My wife and I started a Christmas tree farm, so you know I’m vested here—I literally have roots here! Gotta leave it better for the next generations. It wasn’t given to us broken!”
Baxter’s appointment brings both business experience and a deep personal investment in the community to the board at a time of transition and growth.
