News | The Journal-News

Saturday Is 37th Annual Irish Days Chili Cook-Off

The 37th Annual Irish Days Chili Cook-Off is being held as part of the Farmersville Irish Days celebration. Hosted by the St. Isidore chapter of the Knights of Columbus, the event will be held … more

6/1/23

The Panama Community Progress Committee presented plaques to several community members for their donations to purchase new playground equipment for John. L. Lewis Memorial Park. Above, committee member Dolly Knebel (center) presents memorial plaques to the families of Darrell Rau (left side) and Mark Spensberger (right side).

New Playground For Panama’s Kids

After several years of fundraising, a much needed new playground brightens up Panama’s John L. Lewis Memorial Park and is put into regular use by the children that reside in the village. … more

by Tori O’Dell | 8/10/23

Hillsboro High School Building Trades students are hard at work constructing a new pavilion in Central Park. Pictured above, class instructor Aaron Shultz helps students Alec Leetham, Elias Guiterrez, Jace Stewart and Elliot Lentz put in one of the many repurposed trusses.

If You Build It, They Will Come To Central Park

Hillsboro High School students enrolled in the Building Trades classes are working hard constructing a new pavilion in Central Park, with a pair of picnic tables and a perfect location near the … more

9/14/23

On Thursday, Dec. 7, the Community Cafe at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church grand opening will welcome all community members to a relaxing place for free coffee and treats, wifi and conversation.

Grand Opening Of St. Paul’s Café

Come to the Grand Opening of the Community Café at St. Paul’s in downtown Hillsboro between 9 and 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7. The relaxing place for free coffee and treats, wifi, … more

12/4/23

Pictured above are winners of the bikes given away at Witt’s Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30. From the left are Kaiden Smith, Drake Downs, Amelia Vallelonga, Brynlee Bell, Griffin Maretti, Otto Slightom, Tessa Schuler, Sullivan Fleming, Pam Smith and Briella Osborn.

Witt Community Celebrates Easter

With the help of the whole community, including Breakaway, Envision Witt, Witt Lions Club, Witt Fire Department, Witt Public Library, Hillsboro FFA, Witt Casey’s and the Easter Bunny, Witt held … more

4/8/24

New Committee Works To Honor City’s Veterans

The City of Coffeen is working hard behind the scenes to return a derelict piece of property back to the community. What was once an abandoned house located at the corner of Prospect and Main … more

5/30/23

Above, (retired) Col. John S. Raschke speaks about his time in Vietnam, as well as the process of writing a memoir of his experiences during a meet-and-greet at Hillsboro Public Library.

Col. Raschke Speaks At Local Library

Author John S. Raschke, a retired US Army Colonel, discussed his recently released memoir A Tour in Chuong Thien Province: A U.S. Army Lieutenant with MACV Advisory Team 73 in the Mekong Delta, … more

8/10/23

From the left are chamber Secretary Michele Orsborn, member Tom Spears, President Dr. Scott Doerr, Sunny and Red’s employee Angie Lyerla, owners Frank and Beth Steele and daughter, Remy Steele, and chamber Treasurer Ed Chausse.

Grand Opening At Sunny And Red’s

Sunny and Red’s in downtown Nokomis celebrated their grand opening on Friday, Dec. 1, including a ribbon cutting hosted by the Nokomis Chamber of Commerce. From the left are chamber Secretary … more

12/4/23

Hutchison Celebrates Retirement From Bank

Bank of Hillsboro Director Harry Hutchison celebrated his retirement on Thursday, April 4, with an open house reception held at The Abbey on Broad in Hillsboro. Hutchison was honored by friends and … more

4/8/24

Hillsboro Council Discusses Repairs For Sewer Lift Station

Financial decisions and discussions about future actions or inactions were highlights of the Hillsboro City Council when they met in regular session Tuesday evening, April 16, in city hall. As … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 4/18/24

New flags are proudly lining the streets of Taylor Springs thanks to the Taylor Springs Police Department and the generosity of local businesses and individuals.

Taylor Springs Police Dept. Purchases Flags

The fundraiser held by the Taylor Springs Police Department successfully raised enough money to purchase 18 flags for the village. The newly purchased flags were put up by the Taylor Springs … more

5/30/23

Voting Open For TCCU Scholarship Program

Taylorville Community Credit Union has announced that voting to determine the winners of this year’s eight $1,000 scholarship awards has begun and continues through Feb. 29, 2024. Two seniors … more

12/4/23

With confetti and silly string flying in the hair, Hillsboro High School students in the class of 2023 celebrated their graduation on Friday evening, May 26, in the school gym. Pictured above, Keeley Barnhart, at left, and Kyle Butler, center, join the celebration with their classmates.

Hiltoppers Celebrate May Commencement

"There’s no such thing as a self-made person. Someone else believed, encouraged and invested in you. Be grateful and be that someone for others." Hillsboro High School Principal Patti … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 5/30/23

With great anticipation in their eyes and bubble machines, silly string and confetti poppers in their hands, the Nokomis High School class of 2023 anxiously awaits for the official word that their time at NHS has come to an end. From the left are Kamron Coss, Kendall Coss, Emily Cress and Addison Dangbar.

Nokomis Grads Ready For Next Destination

“You are the pilots of your own destiny,” Pastor Ryan Follis told the soon-to-be graduates of Nokomis High School during graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 26. Follis, one of four … more

5/30/23

Sinkhole Forces Closure of Rt. 185

Illinois Route 185 from Hillsboro to Coffeen is closed indefinitely as a sinkhole was discovered 35 to 40 feet from the road near the Kasten farm on Thursday morning , April 11. … more

4/12/24

Powerlifters gathered at Lincoln Plaza in downtown Hillsboro on Saturday, April 13, for the first Raise The Bar Agaist Cancer powerlifting meet. In front, from the left, are Kyle Holcomb, Rod Stewart, Bobby Johnson, Heather Greenwood, Eric Rabich, Gage Miles and Enon Greenwood. In back, from the left, are Amanda Durkin, Kevin Simburger, Marcus Williams, Tyler Lentz, Ray Wille, Nick Scroggins and Tommy Moxey. Not pictured is Josh Lang.

Raise The Bar Against Cancer Holds First Meet

Raise The Bar gym in Hillsboro recently held its first Raise The Bar Against Cancer powerlifting challenge on Saturday, April 13, at Lincoln Plaza. A total of $500 was raised for the Montgomery … more

4/18/24

Hillsboro runner Laura Lessman gives a high-five to a young spectator around mile three of the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15.

Hillsboro Runner Finishes Third Boston Marathon

“You’re here. You’re doing something that you love, something others would love to be able to do. It’s a privilege to run. And you can be upset that it’s not your best … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 4/18/24

Committees, ARPA Funds, Budget On County Agenda

Members of the Montgomery County Board discussed a variety of topics when they met for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, June 13, at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Hillsboro. All … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 6/15/23

Board Awards Low Bid Less One Alternate

Members of the Hillsboro School Board voted to award a $28.1 million bid to replace the main building on the high school campus during special meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 20. The vote was 5-2 … more

by Mike Plunkett | 9/21/23

Personnel Discussion To Continue At Litchfield

Members of the Litchfield City Council are scheduled to discuss the employment of Economic Development Director Tonya Flannery during their meeting on Thursday, April 18, after tabling four motions … more

4/18/24