Various media sources are reporting that Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Phillip Nelson, and Illinois State Fair manager Patrick Buchen, both resigned on Thursday.

In a statement released by Governor Bruce Rauner late Thursday afternoon, the Governor said Nelson will remain employed with the Department for the next 30 days to help with the transition.
 
Rauner added that he appreciated Director Nelson’s commitment to agriculture and his service to the people of Illinois.
 
Rauner appointed current Department of Agriculture Chief of Staff Warren Goetsch as Acting Director.  A search for a permanent replacement is underway.

Both were appointed by Governor Bruce Rauner when Rauner took office last winter.

Both Nelson and Buchen presided over last month's Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio for more information on this developing story.