News | The Journal-News

Hillsboro Council Discusses Business District Programs

Both the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and the Facade Improvement Grant program have been instrumental in the rejuvenation of Hillsboro’s downtown, but occasionally a snag appears; that … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 8/3/23

The new Historical Society of Montgomery County museum is located adjacent to the historical Harkey House. The museum, sitting on the site of the first ever Hillsboro School, is planning to open on Aug. 6, as part of the Old Settlers festivities.

County Museum Aiming For Aug. 6 Opening

The Historical Society of Montgomery County is working hard to prepare the all-new historical county museum this Aug. 6, launching as part of the Old Settlers festivities. While the museum (and … more

By Isaiah Atkins | 8/3/23

Little Miss Morrisonville Adeline Grundy gets some help from her big brother, Joe Grundy, during the 51st annual Bullfrog Jump at Morrisonville Homecoming and Picnic.

They Leap To Compete At Frog Jump

The 51st annual Bull Frog Jumping Contest was held during Morrisonville’s Homecoming and Picnic on Friday afternoon, July 28. Competitors traveled from throughout Montgomery County and … more

8/3/23

Sgt. Radanovich Will Be Returned To Mt. Olive

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that U.S. Army Sergeant John W. Radanovich, 23, of Mt. Olive, reported missing during World War II, was accounted for on May 11, 2023 nearly 80 … more

8/3/23

Soil And Water Conservation District Talks Water Pollution

The Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District (MCSWCD) met at the Hillsboro Water Treatment Plant on Tuesday, Aug. 1, to discuss the water treatment process and what farmers can do to … more

By Isaiah Atkins | 8/3/23

Pictured above, in front, from the left are Chloe Atkins, Michelle Balla, Jesse Balla, Mitchell Cunningham, Kim Smith and Alecia Miller. In back are Debbie Atkins, Pastor Matt Ferguson, Leah Hemken, Milla Anderson, Sally Mattson, Mark Mattson, Youth Pastor Cooper Eaker and Izac Zerrusen.

Local Youth Enjoy Mexico Mission Trip

After a nearly three-year hiatus, youth from the Hillsboro Presbyterian Church participated in a five-day mission trip to Rancho 3M Orphanage in Guadalupe, Mexico. Throughout the July 24-29 … more

8/3/23

Linda Liebsher (right) of Cross Over Ministries gives a tour of Haven Home to Ken and Gail Schaal.

Haven Home Of Hope Now Open In Hillsboro

The Haven Home of Hope was prayerfully and joyfully opened with a ribbon cutting and open house on Sunday evening, July 30, in Hillsboro. The home, operated by Cross Over Ministries, began … more

8/3/23

Pictured above, in front, from the left are Extension staff members Andrew Holsinger, Sara Marten, Valerie Belusko, Amanda Cole, Lisa Peterson and Cassie O’Connell. In back are Amanda Cunningham, Connie Niemann, Taylor Pope, Rebecca Livingston, Jessica Jaffry, Alexis Friesland, Lisa White, Beth Groves and Meghan Cope.

Local Extension Bids Farewell To Cole

Community members, staff and friends attended a reception for Amanda Cole, who has served the local University of Extension program for the past 18 years. The reception was held on her last day of … more

8/3/23

Bremer Sanctuary unveiled the newest donation memorial bench, in memory of Jane Bremer Price. Visitors to Bremer can visit the bench on White Oak Trail.

Bremer Sanctuary Unveils New Price Memorial Bench

Bremer Sanctuary is excited to announce the newest donated memorial bench. Jane Bremer Price, daughter of Jesse and Eunice Bremer and cousin of Helen and Betty Bremer has a wonderful and meaningful … more

8/3/23

Ad Hoc Committee Meets Ameren Representatives

Members of the carbon sequestration ad hoc committee of the Montgomery County Board held their second meeting on Tuesday, July 18, at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Hillsboro. There were about … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 8/3/23

Nancy Slepicka uses the interactive function on Hillsboro’s section of the “Spark! Places of Innovation” Smithsonian Institute exhibit now in the basement of the Hillsboro Area Public Library.

Spark! Smithsonian Exhibit Now Open

The “Spark! Places of Innovation” exhibit, a part of the Smithsonian Institute and Illinois Humanities’ Museum on Main Street” program, opened to a packed house during a … more

7/31/23

Kendall Stewart, of Litchfield, was crowned 2023 Miss Litchfield Chamber of Commerce and Miss Congeniality by retiring 2022 Miss Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Alyssa Lohman during the annual pageant held Saturday evening, July 29, in Simmons Gym at Litchfield High School. She is sponsored by House Of Glow. Other members of her court who will help her represent the Litchfield community are 2023 Little Miss Chamber of Commerce Tilly Fergurson and 2023 Junior Miss Addelyn Winans. Pictured above with Stewart and Lohman is second runner up Isabella Steiner and first runner up Caitlyn Travis.

Litchfield Chamber Welcomes New Royalty

“Welcome to the most fantastic night of the year,” said Meghan Bilyeu, 2000 Miss Litchfield Chamber of Commerce, and the event’s emcee. The pageant kicked off with Bilyeu … more

7/31/23

Aqua Run boaters enjoyed their trip to “Germany” at the stop hosted by Greg and Marissa Cowell and sponsored by Victory Lane Ford and Red Rooster. There was a village scene for photos, snow, as well as delicious snacks and beverages.

‘Around The World’ At Aqua Run

Boaters traveled around the world without leaving Glenn Shoals Lake in Hillsboro during the annual Aqua Run on Saturday, July 29, hosted by the Glenn Shoals Lake Improvement Association. … more

7/31/23

AFSCME Ratifies New 4-Year State Contract

Gov. JB Pritzker and the state’s largest public employee union announced Tuesday that they have agreed on a new contract that will provide a nearly 18 percent pay raise over four years, … more

by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois | 7/31/23

Man Killed On Route 16 On Saturday

Illinois State Police and the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office are investigating the death of a man killed after reportedly exiting a moving vehicle on Route 16 between Irving and Hillsboro. … more

7/31/23

This year’s inductees of the Old Settlers Honor Society include Neoma Boliard and Georgia Williams  of Sew and Show Quilt Club, Michael Foster of Hillsboro Knights of Columbus, Tom Justison of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church,  Sandy Martincic of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Ron Menghini of Hillsboro Presbyterian Church,  Marty and Patty Niehaus of Hillsboro United Methodist Church, Dale and Anna Marie Nobbe of the Montgomery County Fair Association and Juanita Titsworth of Hillsboro First  Baptist Church.

Meet Members Of The 2023 Old Settlers Honor Society

As part of the long-standing Old Settlers tradition, eight dedicated community members will be inducted into this year’s Honor Society. Each will be introduced and presented with a medal … more

7/31/23

Thanks to the generosity of the community around 141 students received new shoes at Imagine Hillsboro’s Free Back to School Store, held at the Free Methodist Church on Saturday, July 15. Above, students in the Hillsboro School District shop for new-to-them wardrobes.

Hillsboro Students Ready To Go Back To School

More than 141 students from the Hillsboro School District came through the doors of Imagine Hillsboro’s Free Back to School Store on Saturday, July 15. After a year-long hiatus, the Free … more

7/31/23

In front, are Terry and Nancy Manning recent adopters. Nancy is also one of Paws Care’s volunteers and often transports rescues. In back, are Chris Dahler, volunteer and recent adopter, Nancy Richardson, Seas the Day travel agent, Karrie Tosetti, Paws board member (spay/neuter voucher chair) and Florence Clark, Paws president.

Vacations Raffle Will Raise Funds For Paws

Dogs and cats and beach resorts don’t sound like they go together, but the results of a raffle sponsored by Seas the Day Travel will pair them well. Paws Care is currently selling raffle … more

7/31/23

A long held dream of Cross Over Ministries will come into actuality with the opening of the Haven of Hope Home, a resource for those in the midst of mental health and substance use crisis in Montgomery County. Above, are members of the team that spearheaded opening Haven Home, (front, L-R) Dawn Young and Kim Noyes. In back, (L-R) Ryan Gnaegy, Amber Kite, Erica Petcher and Bonnie Goodwin.

A Refuge Of Hope, Haven Home Set To Open

“I don’t think the community realizes how many people are struggling with mental health and substance use issues in Montgomery County. These are real people with real families and friends … more

By Tori O’Dell | 7/27/23

Nokomis Public Library’s new location held its first event on Monday, July 12, kicking off a new era for the community. Pictured above is the young adult and youth section at the new 100 N. Spruce St. location.

Nokomis Library Starts New Chapter

For centuries, libraries have been an essential part of society. Their status as a center for learning and community engagement has given many the space and resources to seek opportunities and pursue … more

By Isaiah Atkins | 7/27/23