News | The Journal-News

Nokomis Council Approves Two New Employees

At its Monday, Feb. 26 regular meeting, the Nokomis City Council approved the hiring of two new city employees. James Sands was hired as a new part-time police officer while Robert Ellis was brought … more

by Ben Schwarm | 2/29/24

Eighteen youth from Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery Counties explored careers in environmental science on Monday, April 1 at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam in Alton.

4-H Learns About Environmental Science Careers

Eighteen 4-H youth from Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties took part in an environmental science career exploration trip and tour with the Army Corps of Engineers and Melvin Price … more

4/18/24

Stinson, Jonas Crowned At Nokomis Spring Prom

Nokomis High School seniors Lucas Stinson and Reaghan Jonas were crowned 2024 NHS Prom King and Queen at this year’s “Evening in the Garden” dance on Saturday evening, April 27, at … more

4/29/24

Pictured above, 2023 Raymond Mr. Muscle Jesse Carron presents a check for $1,000.19 to MCCA board member Susie Galer, at left, and MCCA Vice President Joyce Lipe, at right.

Mr. Muscle Contributes To MCCA This Spring

Members of the Montgomery County Cancer Association had a couple of special donations when they held their regular monthly board meeting on Thursday evening, May 9, at the Hillsboro Methodist Church. … more

5/16/24

Helping to officially cut the ribbon, from the left are John and Kendra Wright, Hillsboro Mayor Don Downs, Tap Room General Manager Tim McConnell and Head Bartender Eve Meier.

Red Rooster Celebrates 121st Anniversary

It’s a celebration 121 years in the making as John and Kendra Wright held an open house on Saturday, Nov. 25, at the renovated The Historic Red Rooster Inn, in downtown Hillsboro. The building … more

11/27/23

State Issues City Of Witt New Fire Truck Funds

Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera and Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) Executive Director Chris Meister issued nearly $7.2 million in no interest or low interest loans to emergency … more

11/30/23

Old Settlers Association Announces Parade Themes

Members of the Old Settlers Association met on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the Challacombe House in Hillsboro. They are making plans for this year’s Old Settlers celebration, which will be held … more

2/29/24

Together Litchfield Can Plans April Walkabout

In 2024, a MAPPING (Management and Planning Programs Involving Nonmetropolitan Groups) program was held to help with the future of the Litchfield community. This program led to the collective team … more

4/18/24

Litchfield High School seniors Kirsten Gudausky and Cy Cress, pictured above, were crowned 2024 Litchfield High School Prom Queen and King at this year’s dance on Saturday evening, April 27, at the Kilton Fine Arts Center. See page 8A for a complete court photo.

Cy Cress, Kirsten Gudausky Reign At LHS Prom

Litchfield High School juniors and seniors enjoyed this year’s Prom festivities on Saturday evening, April 27, at the Kilton Fine Arts Center, located inside the Unit Office in Litchfield. This … more

4/29/24

Car enthusiasts brought their vehicles to show off for the fourth annual McKay NAPA Strut Your Stuff Cruise-In for Make-A-Wish on Saturday, May 4.

Strut Your Stuff Raises Over $16,000 For Make-A-Wish

McKay NAPA Auto Parts held their fourth annual Strut Your Stuff Cruise-In for Make-A-Wish on Saturday, May 4. The event raised just over $16,000 and featured a total of 74 vehicles showing up for the … more

5/16/24

Susan Hucker, right, of the Historical Society of Montgomery County, gives tours of the Blackman/Evans House on Main Street in Hillsboro to Jane Spencer and Anne McLaughlin.

Historical Society Hosts House Tour

The Historical Society of Montgomery County hosted a Christmas house tour of five unique and historic structures on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 26. The tour included the unique and architecturally … more

11/27/23

Hillsboro Council Discusses Alley Concerns At Hearing

Anne Foster was the only person to address Hillsboro’s City Council at a public hearing conducted before the regular council meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20, in city hall. … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 2/22/24

Hillsboro Board Of Appeals Looks At Zoning Code

Hillsboro’s Zoning Board of Appeals met for two hours Tuesday evening, Feb. 27, in city hall council chambers. Present were chairman Gene Knisley, secretary Lynn Fugate, and members Rice … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 2/29/24

Hanging Baskets Bloom For Mother’s Day Sale

The Montgomery County Master Gardeners will be holding their annual Mother’s Day Hanging Basket Sale on Friday, May 3, from 9 a.m. until baskets are sold out. The sale will take place at Mt. … more

4/18/24

Stacks the cat, beloved member of Carnegie Library in Litchfield, died on Friday, May 10, surrounded by the love and care of the staff of the library.

Library Staff Announces Death of Stacks The Cat

Staff from Litchfield Public Library are saddened to announce that Stacks the Library Cat died peacefully on Friday, May 10 after facing illness for a few weeks. Library staff went to great lengths … more

5/16/24

Steve and Patty Beal of Waggoner stand in front of the display cases at Beal's M&M Museum, the culmination of almost 40 years of collecting M&M memorabilia. While it's Steve's collection for the most part, Patty is an active participant as well, sometimes ordering items that she thinks may be a good fit for the collection. "She's just as nuts as I am," Beal said. "I admit I’m an addict. She’s in denial."

Beal's Museum A Pretty Sweet Spot

With more than $900 million in sales last year alone, M&M’s have been a favorite for those with a sweet tooth from far and wide since their introduction in 1941. But for some, the love of … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 6/22/23

Matt Vaughn, at left, and Joshua Hughes, finalized the trail course for this year’s Dirty Hootenanny on Saturday, Oct. 14. This year’s event will benefit Aaron Roach.

Dirty Hootenanny Race To Benefit Aaron Roach

Members of the M&M Multisport Club are finalizing plans for this year’s Dirty Hootenanny race on Saturday, Oct. 14, in Litchfield. Proceeds from the event will benefit Aaron Roach, who was … more

9/28/23

Pictured above, members of the Litchfield Middle School eighth grade class. The class is hosting a shoe drive for those in need and to raise money for a end of the year class trip.

Litchfield Students Collecting Shoes

This year, the eighth grade students at Litchfield Middle School are collecting shoes, shoes and more shoes. They are working to earn enough for an eighth grade class trip at the end of the school … more

11/27/23

Pocahontas native Jeff Chapman of the Brother Jefferson band will be performing a Christmas concert live at The Grand in Hillsboro on Saturday, Dec. 16. Chapman’s beloved musical style is best described as Americana blues and southern soul.

Jeff Chapman Bringing Talents To The Grand

For 45 years, local musician Jeff Chapman has entertained crowds and touched the soul of his audience through a blend of Americana, the blues, rock and classic southern soul and … more

by Isaiah Atkins | 11/30/23

Raymond Hires WHKS For Mapping System

Mayor Denny Held called the monthly Raymond Village Board meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19. Those in attendance included Mayor Denny Held, Trustees Ryan Bruntjen, Dan Hough, Kendall … more

2/22/24