News | The Journal-News

Michael Bryant and his son, Grant, try out the new ramp in their garage. The ramp was built by local volunteers, who spent their Saturday volunteering at the Bryant's home

Local Volunteers Pitch In To Build Grant’s Ramp

The lives of Michael and Grant Bryant were made much easier as several local volunteer craftsmen came together Saturday, Feb. 10, and built them a ramp. The group, led by Ron … more

by Steve McLaughlin | 2/20/24

Pictured above, teams from the four schools prepare for the ‘Balloon Racer’ event, where each team of students quickly constructed a balloon-powered device to launch a straw down the string, in hopes of going the furthest distance.

Science Olympiad Brings Out The Best

Future scientists and engineers from local grade schools put their minds to the test at the Elementary Science Olympiad Competition on Thursday, Feb. 15. Fourth and fifth grade students from Pana, … more

2/20/24

Four Arrested After Theft Of $500,000 In Property

On Wednesday, Feb. 14, an investigation into the thefts of large amounts of copper and other materials from Vistra’s Luminant Coffeen Power Plant resulted in the arrests of four individuals and … more

2/20/24

Litchfield To Begin Planning For 2026 Rt. 66 Celebration

In 2026, the states through which the historic Route 66 passes will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the route’s designation. Posts on many Route 66 social media platforms show that travelers … more

2/20/24

Hillsboro Board Makes Personnel Moves

Following executive session at the Hillsboro School Board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13, board members accepted the resignation of teacher’s aide Kaili Hanner, custodian Ridge Snoddy, and High … more

2/20/24

HSHS, ImpactLife Host February Blood Drive

HSHS St. Francis Hospital will be hosting a community blood drive on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 1215 Franciscan Drive, inside the donor bus. Those interested in making a donation … more

2/20/24

New Life Church Announces Sunday Morning Services

New Life Church in Harvel is excited to announce that they will be now be having Sunday morning services, beginning with Easter Sunday, March 31, at 10:30 a.m. “This year is our 19th … more

2/20/24

All proceeds from this year’s Fusion Dance Center benefit concert will go to the family of Daryn Kelley, pictured above, who was recently diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Fusion Dance To Hold Annual Benefit Concert

Fusion Dance Center will be holding their annual benefit concert on Sunday, March 3, at the Hillsboro High School gym with the first act starting at 1 p.mand act two starting at 2:30 p.m. A $5 … more

2/20/24

Nokomis Sends Students To District

The Nokomis FFA program is excited to annonce that the team had a total of nine section winners that will advance to the district competition and six second place students at the Section Profiency … more

2/20/24

Pictured above, from the left are Branden McCallum, Tommy Justison, Neil Tester, Kreed Lewey, Ida Hand, Katie Brown, Ethan Brown and Jade Lorton.

Young Leaders Attend State Conference

Nearly 500 young leaders in agriculture from across the state met in Springfield for the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders Conference, held Feb. 2-3. “We are incredibly proud of all of … more

2/20/24

Hillsboro Schools Review Social Studies Curriculum

“It is certainly time for a new curriculum,” junior high social studies teacher Shannon Daniels said at the Hillsboro School Board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13. “The current … more

by Isaiah Atkins | 2/15/24

Nokomis Sets Date For Electronic Recycling

The Nokomis City Council set a date for its annual electronics recycling day at its Monday, Feb. 12, regular meeting. BLH Computers out of Springfield will be in Nokomis on Saturday, May 11, for … more

by Ben Schwarm | 2/15/24

Early Voting Now Open For March Primary Race

Montgomery County Clerk Sandy Leitheiser has announced that as of Thursday, Feb. 8 through Monday, March 18, voters can cast their ballot early for the Tuesday, March 19, general primary election. … more

2/15/24

Since it was built in 1996, the Raymond Knights of Columbus Hall has been the place to make memories, whether its at a wedding reception, a birthday party or for a good cause. After 28 years, the building is in need of some repairs and the Raymond Council of the Knights of Columbus is hosting a campaign trying to raise $25,000 for a new heating and cooling system in conjunction with their annual fish fries, which start this Friday, Feb. 16, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Raymond Knights Kick Off Campaign

For nearly 30 years, the Knights of Columbus Hall in Raymond has been way more to the community than just building. Built in 1996, the KC Hall has seen celebrations of all kinds, from wedding … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 2/15/24

The Historic Red Rooster in Hillsboro was honored as one of the best new businesses in the River and Routes tourism region. Pictured above are Red Rooster head bartender and events coordinator Eve Meier, Rooster owner Kendra Wright, River and Routes CEO Cory Jobe and Rooster owner John Wright.

Red Rooster, Pickers Market Honored

The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau awarded two local businesses at their annual Tourism Summit on Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. The Historic Red Rooster … more

2/15/24

CIPT, Housing Authority Visit County Board Meeting In February

Members of the Montgomery County Board dispatched of their regular monthly business in just under an hour and a half on Tuesday evening, Feb. 13, at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Hillsboro. … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 2/15/24

Pictured above, Morse delivers a balloon to MNRC resident Martha Hadley, who was all smiles at the special gift.

Capri IGA Shares The Love For Valentine's Day

“This is the best part of the job,” said Tyler Morse, new owner of Capri IGA in Hillsboro. Morse, pictured above, at right, and three of his staff members delivered more than 220 … more

2/15/24

Hitchings Announces Candidacy For Judge

Former Montgomery County State’s Attorney Bryant “Butch” Hitchings has formally announced his candidacy for Resident Circuit Judge in Montgomery County for the Fourth Judicial … more

2/15/24

Construction Continues On High School Campus

After an official ground-breaking in November, construction crews continue to make progress on the campus of Hillsboro High School as they work on a new school facility. In the first photo, the … more

2/15/24

McConnell Updates Planning Commission

The City of Hillsboro’s Planning Commission met early Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 13, for a brief time; a quorum (Chairman Barb Hewitt, Logan Altenburger, Don Karban, Mike … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 2/15/24