News | The Journal-News

Litchfield’s own, Robby Robinson, brought an all star alumni band, which included also from Litchfield, his brother Rex, on bass, and Chuck Wilson on drums. The event was a special tribute for the 150th anniversary of HSHS St.Francis Hospital.

St. Francis Celebrates 150 Years With Robinson

A night of celebration in honor of HSHS St. Francis hospital’s 150th anniversary was held Saturday night, Nov. 8, at the W.D. Kilton Performing Arts Center in Litchfield. The highlight of … more

11/17/25

Even the Grinch had to be impressed with the transformation of Litchfield's Santa House. Forty-four years after Jo Anna Williams and David Ballowe painted Santa's home away from home, the pair returned to spruce up the building for the next generation.

Everything Old Is New Again

In 1981, Litchfield High School students Jo Anna Williams and David Ballowe were tasked with painting the Santa House in Library Park, but after 44 years and thousands of Santa visits, the Christmas … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 11/17/25

HSHS St. Francis took first place in the annual Litchfield Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday evening, Nov. 15.

It Was Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas In Litchfield

The Litchfield Lighted Christmas Parade closed out a day of Christmas celebrations for residents, on Saturday, Nov. 15. Parade winners included HSHS St. Francis in first place, Mt. Olive Royalty … more

11/17/25

Stewart Crowned 2026 Miss Lincoln Prairie

Alia Stewart of Litchfield was crowned Miss Lincoln Prairie at the Miss Central Illinois Competition pageant on Saturday,Nov. 8, at the Illinois Army National Guard Armory in Kewanee. Executive … more

11/17/25

The Nokomis Lions Club sponsored the 55th annual boys Invitational Basketball Tournament. Pictured above, from the left, are Tim Huber, Bruce Betzold, Phil Blazich, Gary Wemple and Jim Ferrero. Those who worked at the event, but are not pictured are Frank Steele, Gary Hulbert, Brenda Bruder, Jack Beaty, Mike Glenn, Jim Rupert, Robert Davis, Tim Chumley, Debbie Glenn and Janet Ferrero.

Nokomis Lions Sponsor Tournament

The Nokomis Lions Club sponsored the 55th annual boys Invitational Basketball Tournament on Monday, Nov. 3, through Friday, Nov. 7, in the Nokomis High School Gym. Teams from Nokomis, Pana, … more

11/17/25

ROE #3 Schools Receive Grant Funding Awards

The Regional Office of Education #3 (ROE3) proudly announces that Aspire High School and TriStar Academy have received two crucial grants. This funding will significantly enhance student … more

11/17/25

Pana Queens Selling Krispy Kremes

The 2025 Pana Chamber of Commerce Queens are selling Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Pre-orders are currently available at a cost of $15 a dozen. Payment is due at the time of the order. Those interested are … more

11/17/25

Litchfield To Offer Free Leaf Collection Service

The City of Litchfield is conducting a free leaf collection program this fall. Residents who wish to use the program should place leaves in rows or piles on the boulevard adjacent to the street. The … more

11/17/25

Taylor Springs Accepting Toy Drive Applications

Applications for the 2025 Christmas Baskets sponsored by the Food and Toy Drive Citizens of Taylor Springs will be available beginning Monday, Nov. 17, in the lobby of the Taylor Springs … more

11/17/25

Volunteers Rake Leaves At Many Hillsboro Homes

Volunteers with Imagine Hillsboro and the Hillsboro Health Junior Board, along with Life Community Church, met at Central Park in Hillsboro bright and early Saturday morning, Nov. 15, for the annual … more

11/17/25

Litchfield finalists for the “This I Believe” essay pictured above, from the left, are Olivia Goldman, Sam Schwab and Brooke Braasch. They are pictured above with a $500 check from NPR Illinois.

Local Students Named “This I Believe” Finalists

Students in Ms. Carter’s and Mrs. Lamore’s English classes this semester were recognized at a ceremony celebrating their status as “This I Believe” essay finalists. The event … more

11/17/25

MCCA board members select gifts at this year’s Appreciation Dinner, held Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Hillsboro Lions Club. Pictured above, from the left are Shelley Halleman, Marla Marley and Pam Myers.

MCCA Hosts Appreciation Dinner

The Montgomery County Cancer Association (MCCA) hosted its annual Appreciation Dinner on Thursday evening, Nov. 6, at Hillsboro Lions Club, with a catered dinner. Each year, the organization hosts an … more

11/17/25

Pictured above, the Huber and Lee families of Hillsboro wave to the Kirby family.

Community Parade Celebrates Benny’s Birthday

More than 100 vehicles joined the nearly half an hour parade in celebration of Benson “Benny” Kirby’s fourth birthday on Thursday evening Nov. 13. Due to brain surgery for cancer … more

11/17/25

Hillsboro Lions Club members are pictured above with Benson Kirby and other members of his family.

Hillsboro Lions Raise Funds For Kirbys

Members of the Hillsboro Lions Club made a donation to the family of Benson Kirby following their pork chop lunch fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 14. Kirby is the four-year-old son of Dr. Nathan and … more

11/17/25

County Fair Queens Hold Food Drive

The Montgomery County Queens will be holding a food drive to feed the community throughout the month of November. The drive, which started on Saturday, Nov. 8, will run through Saturday, Nov.22 and … more

11/17/25

Handmade crafts will be available at the annual Winter Wonderland.

Nokomis Parish Winter Wonderland Next Sunday

The 22nd annual Winter Wonderland will be held on Sunday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Louis Parish Center, located at 523 E. Union in Nokomis. The morning kicks off with fresh baked … more

11/17/25

Pictured above, from the left are Donna Myers of Washington, MO, Carol Burke of Litchfield and Leah Borton of Pacific, MO.

Sisters Take Newspaper On California Excursion

Joined by her sisters, Carol Burke of Litchfield took a copy of The Journal-News with her on a November trip to California. Burke is on a quest to see all 50 state capitol buildings. The trio are … more

11/17/25

PANTHER PRESS • Panther Singers Head To ILMEA Festival

Hello, Panthers! Welcome back to another week of the Panther Press! This week’s riddle is: What has hands but doesn’t clap? Be sure to check back next week to see if your guess was … more

by Alli Frerichs at Litchfield | 11/17/25

REDSKIN REVIEW • Lady Redskins Tip Off Their Season

Welcome back, Redskin fans! I hope you rested up well last week, because this week is busy. Last week, our FFA agronomy team placed second out of 15 teams at LLCC. The team also placed first out … more

by Camryn Engelman at Nokomis | 11/17/25

Pictured above from the left are Jim Jones, precinct committeeman, Rob Corso, Republican Central Committee treasurer, Charity Griggs of CEFS, Roberta Meyer, committee secretary,  Chris Daniels, precinct committeewoman and Tim Hopper, candidate for the office of county clerk and recorder.

Republicans Donate To Food Pantry

The Montgomery County Republican Central Committee presented a $500 donation to the CEFS food pantry on Friday, Nov. 14, at the CEFS center in Taylor Springs. The donation was raised through proceeds … more

11/17/25