News | The Journal-News

Open Containers On Agenda In Hillsboro

Audience attendance was sparse at Hillsboro’s City Council Tuesday evening, Oct. 17, and the city’s business was efficiently dispatched. Public Safety Commissioner Tommy Justison was not … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 10/19/23

The above plans show the layout for the soccer complex proposed for the city of Litchfield if the council approves the purchase of the land and the bids for the project on Thursday, March 7. The city’s share of the cost for the project is $2,704,427 for the eight-field option or $2,684,472 for the six-field option according to information provided by Economic Development Director Tonya Flannery.

Litchfield City Council Contemplates New Soccer Park

Whether or not Litchfield breaks ground on a proposed soccer park will be determined during their meeting on March 7, where the Litchfield City Council will vote on a land purchase agreement and to … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 3/4/24

Protecting Health And Property In The County

Projects and activities to prevent injuries and fatalities while maintaining vital services for Montgomery County residents will be the main topic of discussion at the Montgomery County Hazard … more

8/17/23

Bremer Sanctuary Announces New Logo

Bremer Sanctuary in Hillsboro is excited to announce that they now have their first-ever logo. The new logo was designed by Hillsboro native, Amber Connor, who is the oldest daughter of Bremer … more

3/18/24

Dr. Jerome Epplin's last day at Litchfield Family Pratice Center was Dec. 14, after shifting his sole focus on the care of his geriatric patients.

Dr. Epplin Shifting Focus To Geriatrics

After nearly 40 years of practicing at Litchfield Family Practice, Dr. Jerome Epplin has had what he likes to call it - a change - as he's shifted his focus to mainly supportive living, nursing home … more

by Bethany Martin | 2/20/18

Crowned at the Nokomis Homecoming on Friday, July 7, these four smiling faces will represent the city for the next year. From the left are 2023 Junior Miss Mila Heldebrandt, 2023 Miss Nokomis Audrey Sabol, 2023 Little Miss Autumn Kitchens, and 2023 Little Mister Keagan Scoles.

Sabol, Heldebrandt, Kitchens And Scoles Crowned

Audrey Sabol was crown 2023 Miss Nokomis Homecoming, Mila Heldebrandt was crowned Junior Miss, Autumn Kitchens was crowned Little Miss, and Keagan Scoles was crowned Little Mister at the Nokomis … more

7/10/23

Bremer Sanctuary Hosts Fall Bird Banding Event

Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary in Hillsboro will be hosting a bird banding event this fall on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 8 a.m. to noon. Lincoln Land Association of Bird Bander’s Tony Rothering, … more

8/17/23

Litchfield Middle School seventh graders Tessa Pastrovich and Ellen Hunn demonstrate Ozobots they have coded in STEM classes this quarter during the regular Litchfield School Board meeting on Tuesday evening, Oct. 17, at the Unit Office in Litchfield. School board members from the left are Gregg Hires, David Belusko, Jimmy Gorowski, President Julie Abel and Valerie Cain.

Superintendent Search Continues In Litchfield

At the end of their regular meeting on Tuesday evening, Oct. 17, members of the Litchfield School Board spent about two hours in closed session at the Unit Office in Litchfield. One of the items … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 10/19/23

Panhandle School District To Host Pre-K Screenings

The Panhandle School District will be offering a free developmental screening on Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12, for children ages 3-5 who reside in the district. The screening will … more

3/18/24

It looked like Christmas in July as Santa’s helper Donald Baxter greeted children of all ages in this year’s Nokomis Homecoming parade on Saturday evening, July 8 through downtown Nokomis. The theme of this year’s parade was “Road Trip,” and Santa’s entry as a “World Traveler” earned him second place in the Local Adult division.

Nokomis Parade Brings Road Trip To Homecoming

“Road Trip” was the theme of this year’s Nokomis Homecoming parade that took center stage on Saturday evening, July 8. The parade stepped off at Fred B. Johnson Park through … more

7/10/23

Master Gardener Course Offered Online This Fall

The Master Gardener program will be offered with two online training options, self-paced of hybrid with live sessions, this fall. They hybrid course will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 12, and includes … more

8/17/23

MyFormals in Litchfield held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their 35th anniversary on Saturday, March 2, at 9 a.m. Refreshments were provided, alongside a chance to meet with former Project Runway contestant and fashion designer Johnathan Kayne. In front, from the left, are Litchfield Chamber of Commerce President Kassidy Paine, Morgan Laurie, Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Queen Kendall Stewart, Little Miss Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Addy Winans, MyFormals owner Lisa Brumm, Brielle Marten and Lauren Plummer. In the back, from the left, are Maria Eilers, Meghan Hyam, Megan Stewart, Johnathan Kayne, MyFormals co-owner Katy Pederson, Athena Sedlack and Vickie Throne.

MyFormals Celebrates 35 Years Of Local Fashion

Coral may not be one’s first thought when it comes to fashion, but MyFormals in Litchfield made that the case as they celebrated their 35th anniversary on Saturday, March 2. The 9 a.m. … more

3/4/24

Stamp Out Cancer Team Seeks Silent Auction Items

The Stamp Out Cancer team is looking for items to add to their silent auction for their big event on Saturday, April 6. The Stamp Out Cancer silent auction is one of the biggest in the county with a … more

3/18/24

Coffeen Alumni Share Memories At Reunion

There were 30 members and six guests in attendance for the 104th annual Coffeen Alumni Association meeting, which was held at the East Fork Community building in Coffeen on Saturday, May 27. … more

7/10/23

Main Street Closed Overnight Saturday

Main Street in downtown Hillsboro will be closed from Tilson Street north to Courthouse Square overnight Saturday for re-striping of parking spots and crosswalks, according to Mayor Don Downs. … more

7/13/23

Gold Star Mission To Ride Into Litchfield Sept. 19

“Always remember, never forget,” reads the motto of Gold Star Mission, speaking to those who lost their lives serving their country. On Sept. 19, Gold Star Mission will ride into … more

By Isaiah Atkins | 8/17/23

Trump Still Candidate In County Primary Race

Montgomery County Clerk and Recorder Sandy Leitheiser informs voters that the court ruling on Wednesday, Feb. 28, by Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter to remove Republican Presidential … more

3/4/24

Katie Rogers pins her husband David’s badge on after he was sworn in as the Litchfield Fire Department’s newest captain on Thursday, July 6. Rogers has worked for the Litchfield Fire Department since 2011.

Litchfield Fire Promotes One, Adds Another

A promotion and a new addition to the Litchfield Fire Department led off the city council meeting on Thursday, July 6. The council had approved testing for the captain’s position with the … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 7/10/23

Registration Open For October Pickers Market

Registration is open for art and craft vendor booth space at the final 2023 Litchfield Pickers Market on Sunday, Oct. 8. This market will feature juried vintage, antique and refurbished items, … more

8/17/23

Pictured above is Holly Leetham of the Hillsboro Lions Club and Mayor Don Downs.

Hillsboro Lions Club Host Candy Day This Saturday

Mayor Don Downs of the City of Hillsboro proclaimed Saturday, Oct. 21, to be Lions Club Candy Day, as the Hillsboro Lions Club will participate in Candy Day by giving away candy and accepting … more

10/19/23