News | The Journal-News

Panhandle School District Passes Annual Budget In September

Members of the Panhandle School Board approved the budget for the 2027 fiscal year during their meeting on Monday, Sept. 28, with Superintendent Hopper explaining some of the challenges the district … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 10/1/26

Health Department Hosts County Flu Shot Clinics

The Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) has flu shots available at its main office, located at 11191 Illinois Route 185 in Hillsboro, on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. … more

10/1/26

Clerk Reminds Voters Of Registration Deadline

The Montgomery County Clerk’s Office informs voters the last day for voter registration or transfer of voter registration with all deputy registrars and with the county clerk’s office, with … more

10/1/26

Pictured above, harvest is well underway on the fields of Marty Niehaus, just northwest of Litchfield.

Fall Harvest Underway Across County

As the dog days of summer fade away into fall, harvest is well underway across Montgomery County for local farmers. While some farmers are just getting started, others are nearing completion as … more

10/1/26

Lincolnwood High School seniors Alayah Hansel and Noah Snow were crowned 2026 Homecoming Queen and King at this year’s dance, held Saturday, Sept. 26, at the LHS gym in Raymond.

Alayah Hansel, Noah Snow Reign At LHS Homecoming

10/1/26

Henry Treadway, pictured above, has been named the new library director at the Hillsboro Area Public Library District. Treadway began in the role on July 20.

Treadway Named New Hillsboro Library Director

Those who have visited the Hillsboro Area Public Library at 420 S. Main St. may have met the new library director, Henry Treadway. Treadway began in the position on July 20 and has overseen the end … more

by Cayden Huber | 10/1/26

Coffeen Fall Fest Hosts Horseshoe Tournament

Over a dozen people competed in the Coffeen Fall Festival’s third annual Les Mullen Horseshoe Tournament, held on Saturday, Sept. 26. Competitors included David Brewer, Randy Oglesby, Stan Thacker, … more

10/1/26

Cloverbud 4-H Holds First Meeting Of Year

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, the Montgomery County Clovers Cloverbud 4-H Club met for the first time this 4-H year. Members were given folders with the year's schedule, a Cloverbud Record form and a copy … more

10/1/26

4-H members from 19 counties participated in the annual 4-H State Shotgun Shoot at Brittany Shooting Park in Bunker Hill on Saturday, Sept. 26. Kolten Kidd and Ty Szabo tied for first place with a score of 98 out of 100, resulting in a shoot off. Kidd would go on to win the shoot off, earning first place, with Szabo taking second place. Pictured above, from the left are Kolten Kidd, of Piatt County; Ty Szabo, of Piatt County; Carter Honchell, of Piatt County; Chase Gary, of Woodford County; Grayson Clark, of Franklin County; Parker Logan, of Macoupin County; Natalie Blackorby, of Adams County and Dawson Stone, of Mason County.

4-H Members Compete In 4-H State Shotgun Shoot

A gorgeous day with no rain, no wind, and temperature in the 70’s awaited 75 youth registered to shoot with over 300 observers, family members and 4-H staff and volunteers at the annual 4-H State … more

by Brad Ozee | 10/1/26

Firefighter’s Night Planned For October 7

The Litchfield Fire Department welcomes the public to the annual Volunteer Firefighter’s Night at the Litchfield McDonald’s, located at 2 Ohren Drive, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. This … more

10/1/26

Madison Yard To Host Angel Tree Fundraiser

Madison Yard will be hosting an angel tree fundraiser this Saturday, Oct. 3, in Farmersville. The fundraiser will be a sale of pork patties and pork chops. It will be held at the four-way stop in … more

10/1/26

26th Annual Pound Hunt Returns On November 14

The 26th Annual Pound Hunt, presented by the Shoal Creek Fire Protection District, returns on Saturday, Nov. 14. The event begins at 6 p.m., at 101 N. Main St., in Sorento, with the final check in … more

10/1/26

Nokomis City Council Agrees To New Energy Contract

The Nokomis City Council approved a motion to enter into an agreement with Integrity Energy for both its electricity and natural gas needs. The action occurred at the regular Monday, Sept. 28 meeting … more

by Ben Schwarm | 10/1/26

Neon Cafe owner, Marshall Hughes, stands in front of a few of the many neon signs displayed throughout his restaurant. Most of the neon signs featured in the cafe are original and sourced from the Midwest area. Hughes has been working hard over the last three years renovating and updating 102 S. Main St., in Hillsboro, to offer locals late night eats.

Neon Cafe To Recapture Late Night Dining In Hillsboro

The Hughes family has a history in Hillsboro dating back decades. For Hillsboro native, Marshall Hughes and his parents, Mark and Emily Hughes, they are looking to create a future for the town in a … more

by Cameron Streitmatter | 10/1/26

Local Schools Recognized For Financial Aid Completions

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, is pleased to announce the 2026-27 Financial Aid Application Completion Recognition of … more

10/1/26

Leaders from Hillsboro Health recently accepted an award on behalf of the hospital for ranking among the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States for Best Practices in Patient Satisfaction. Hillsboro Health ranked among the top rural hospitals in the country across all patient satisfaction categories.

Hillsboro Health Awarded For Best Practices

Hillsboro Health leaders recently accepted an award in Kansas City, MO, on behalf of the entire hospital team for ranking among Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation for Best Practices in … more

10/1/26

Bremer’s Owl Prowl Returns October 10

H and B Bremer Sanctuary’s much anticipated annual Owl Prowl returns on Saturday, Oct. 10. A wiener roast will begin at 5 p.m. and guests are asked to bring their own hot dogs, buns, drinks and a … more

10/1/26

Snow Pageant Registration Now Open

Registration has officially opened for Imagine Hillsboro’s fifth annual Snow Pageant. This year’s Snow Pageant will feature two new categories: Little Miss Snowflake and Little Mr. Blizzard. This … more

10/1/26

Shoal Creek Fire Protection District Extends Burn Ban

The Shoal Creek Fire Protection District has conducted a survey of conditions in the area and it has been decided that the current burn ban shall be extended another seven days. The ban includes the … more

10/1/26

Hillsboro Health Hosts Women’s Wellness Night

Hillsboro Health will be hosting a women’s health and wellness night on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hillsboro Health Cloud Room, located at 1200 E. Tremont St. This event is … more

10/1/26