Article Options

Kilquist resigns as boot camp boss

By Adam Testa, The Southern

Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:42 PM CDT

MURPHYSBORO ? William "Bill" Kilquist served his last day as superintendent of the Illinois Youth Center in Murphysboro last week.

Kilquist, who led the boot camp since 2003, resigned from his position last week, said Derek Schnapp, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Schnapp said he could not discuss the reasons for and or conditions surrounding Kilquist's sudden resignation.

Jeff Bargar is filling the role of acting superintendent, Schnapp said. Bargar previously served as superintendent of the Illinois Youth Center in Warrenville, which is in DuPage County west of Chicago.

Schnapp could not confirm if Bargar will become superintendent or if there is a timetable in place to have one in place.

"Let's just put it this way, (Bargar is)?our superintendent right now," Schnapp said.

Kilquist assumed the position of superintendent at the boot camp in the fall of 2003, when a shake-up of the Illinois Department of Corrections led to the appointment of four new wardens at area prisons and the firing of three wardens.

Kilquist replaced Judy Davis, a 20-year corrections veteran who had worked at the facility since it opened in 1997.

Prior to becoming superintendent of the boot camp, Kilquist served as Jackson County sheriff from 1982 to 2003

He also serves as the chairman of the John A. Logan College board of directors.

Kilquist could not be reached for comment Thursday.

adam.testa@thesouthern.com

351-5031