WOODSTOCK – The McHenry County Board ousted Mental Health Board President Lee Ellis after weeks of controversy and despite a behind-the-scenes campaign waged to keep him.

The County Board on Tuesday approved filling four Mental Health Board vacancies with three newcomers and another incumbent. Ellis was not recommended for reappointment by the Public Health and Human Services Committee, which interviewed 12 candidates for the seats.

Committee Chairwoman Donna Kurtz, a critic of Mental Health Board practices and spending, lauded the vote. She had been concerned over the past several weeks that efforts would be made to override the committee's recommendations.