News | The Journal-News

Pictured above, at right, is Dorothy Ernst, treasurer of the Litchfield Food Pantry, the recipient of a $200 donation from the Veiled Non-Profit (VN-P) organization. The donation was presented by VN-P President Mike Fleming, at left.

Veiled Non-Profits Give To Litchfield Food Pantry

The 2025 Veiled Non-Profits (VN-P) organization recently presented a $200 donation to the Litchfield Food Pantry. Treasurer Dorothy Ernst was presented the check by VN-P President Mike Fleming. Ernst … more

11/17/25

Worksaver in Litchfield (once known as Wikomi) was recognized by FEMA (Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association) as a charter member as the organization celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. The group also inducted co-owner Tom Burenga into the Farm Equipment Shortline Legends Hall of Fame this fall. Pictured above from the left are Worksaver owners Tim Burenga, Tom Burenga and Mike Kloster.

Burenga Inducted Into FEMA Hall Of Fame

“It’s been a hell of a ride,” said Tom Burenga, co-owner of Worksaver in Litchfield. This fall, Burenga was inducted into the FEMA (Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association) … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 11/13/25

Hillsboro School Board Discusses Preliminary Tax Levy

After a moment of silence to honor the brave men and women who have courageously served this nation in the armed forces, the Hillsboro School Board addressed a brief agenda at their meeting on … more

by Isaiah Atkins | 11/13/25

Northern Lights Glow In Montgomery County Sky

The northern lights (aurora borealis) were visible to residents of Montgomery County on Tuesday evening, Nov. 11. J ournal-News reader Maribeth Rahe captured the natural wonder from her Oak St. … more

11/13/25

Christmas Coming To Litchfield This Weekend

Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend, as the Litchfield community prepares for their annual Christmas celebration. The Festival of Trees celebration will be happening Friday, Nov. 14, from … more

11/13/25

Let’s Grow Fillmore To Host Tree Lighting, Santa Visit

Let’s Grow Fillmore will be holding a Christmas tree lighting on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m., in uptown Fillmore. Cookies and hot chocolate will be at the museum, along with Santa. For kids … more

11/13/25

Women’s Auxiliary To Host A Breakfast With Santa

The Raymond-Harvel Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary will be hosting a breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 15. The event will include photos with Santa, donuts, cookies … more

11/13/25

Shoe Sensation Will Hold Drive For Food Pantry

Shoe Sensation in Litchfield will be holding a “Step Up To Stop Hunger” event to support the local food pantry. Shoe Sensation customers who bring in one canned good or non-perishable … more

11/13/25

Coffeen Fire Department To Stuff The Truck

Coffeen Fire Department will be hosting its annual “Stuff the Truck” event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Coffeen Dollar General. The fire department will be collecting … more

11/13/25

Rural Development Applications Now Open

Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) is accepting applications for its 2025-2026 Rural Development Grant Program, with $120,000 available to support projects that strengthen rural communities across Illinois. … more

11/13/25

Gerlach Earns American FFA Degree

Kaylee Gerlach, daughter of Eric and Angie Gerlach of rural Waggoner, was awarded with the American FFA Degree on Saturday, Nov. 1, during the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo held in … more

11/13/25

Witt City Council Receives Sewer Update

Members of the Witt City Council convened on Tuesday evening, Oct. 28. After reciting the pledge and opening in a word of prayer, the present council members listened to a series of public comments. … more

by Isaiah Atkins | 11/13/25

Pictured above, in front from the left, are Homecoming Queen Jackie Carrillo and Homecoming King Tucker Armentrout. In the middle row, from the left, are court members Taryn Love and Braylin Crawford. In the back row, from the left, are court members Kelsey Suffern, Keaton Thomas, Lilian Horath, Michael Boyd, Kinlee Paproth and Kaleb Paproth. Also on the court but not pictured due to a Pawnee football game are Carter Webb and Owen Brown.

Lincolnwood Celebrates Homecoming

Lincolnwood High School held its Homecoming celebration on Saturday Nov. 8. The events of the evening included the crowning of the Homecoming court. more

11/13/25

Pictured above, from the left are Captain Patricia Whitworth of the U.S. Army, Master Sergeant Craig Foster of the Illinois Air National Guard, MM2 Felix E. Powell of the U.S. Navy, Lance Corporal Dale L. Walcher of the U.S. Marine Corps and E-5 Sergeant Randy G. Patton of the U.S. Army.

Five Veterans Receive Quilts Of Valor

In honor of Veterans Day, local stitchers presented five Quilts of Valor at Beckemeyer Elementary School in Hillsboro on Monday, Nov. 10, with assistance from the school’s third graders. … more

11/13/25

The Rev. Michael Plummer of Calvary Baptist Church was recognized as part of Pastor Appreciation Month in October. Pictured above, from the left, are Charlotte, Abby, Katherine and the Rev. Michael Plummer with Deacon Chairman Louis Lang, who presented the Plummer family with a gift certificate from Calvary Baptist Church.

Pastor Plummer Recognized In October

The month of October is designated for Pastor Appreciation Month. Calvary Baptist Church Pastor, the Rev. Michael Plummer, and his family were were showered with different acts of love and kindness … more

11/13/25

Meghan Hyam, CRHCP at Litchfield Family Practice Center, represented the clinic at the National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) Fall Conference in Reno.

Hyam Represents LFPC At Fall Conference

Litchfield Family Practice Center has proudly announced that Meghan Hyam, CRHCP, presented at the National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) Fall Conference, held in Reno last month. Her … more

11/13/25

Pictured above are Raymond-Harvel Ambulance squad ready to help with the dinner. In the back from the left is Dale Weitekamp, Helene Robinson, Keasha Wagahoff, Danny McCallum, Aaron Myers and Rick Broaddus. In front is Barb McCallum, Mary Ann Skinner and Carol Benning.

Dinner Raises Funds For Helipad

Members of the Panhandle Community made their way to the Raymond Knights of Columbus Hall on Friday evening, Nov. 7, for the drive-through chicken dinner benefiting the Raymond-Harvel Ambulance … more

11/13/25

Litchfield Man Pleads Guilty, Sentenced To 25 Years

Litchfield resident William Groves pleaded guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Montgomery County courthouse in Hillsboro. A plea was negotiated with lead … more

11/13/25

Litchfield Fire Department responded to a fire at a Douglas St. residence on Sunday morning, Nov. 9. Upon arrival, they discovered the garage fully engulfed in flame.

Litchfield Fire Responds To Engulfed Garage Fire

On Sunday, Nov. 9, at approximately 7:12 a.m., the Litchfield Fire Department (LFD) was dispatched to 206 N. Douglas Street for a report of an odor investigation and possible smoke in the area. While … more

11/13/25

Charlie Lentz, Sr., of Hillsboro, at left, is pictured in front of the Vietnam Wall as part of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight on Tuesday, Oct. 21. He is pictured with his son, Chuck Lentz, Jr., at right.

Local Veterans Take Honor Flight In October

Five veterans with connections to Montgomery County were on the Tuesday, Oct. 21 Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, the last flight for the 2025 season. Charlie Lentz of Hillsboro, Tom Currie of … more

by Cayden Huber | 11/13/25