News | The Journal-News

Nokomis Police Department K9 Luna, pictured above, recently received a bullet and stab protective vest due to a donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

Nokomis Police K9 Luna Receives Protective Vest

Nokomis Police Department K9 Luna has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Luna’s vest was … more

6/15/26

ImpactLife To Hold Blood Drive In Raymond June 23

The local Raymond community will host a blood drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, at the Knights … more

6/15/26

Diskey the Wonder Dog, rescued by Russ Rosencrans, flies through the air, performing exciting jumps and catches. Together, they tour the United States putting on a message of courage, kindness and perseverance. The next leg of their tour consists of Bunker Hill, Benld, Staunton, Litchfield, Mt. Olive, Carlinville and Hillsboro.

Diskey The Wonder Dog Book Tour Set For June

“I Wasn’t Done Yet” Most people look at retirement as the finish line. For me, it kept turning into a restart. I spent more than 20 years in broadcasting, telling stories, connecting with … more

By Russ Rosencrans | 6/15/26

Wendy’s Event To Benefit Hearts United This July

Wendy’s in Litchfield will be hosting a community event fundraiser on Friday, July 10. The fundraiser will be active from open to closing and will benefit Hearts United. Thirty percent of all … more

6/15/26

Taylor Springs Firefighters Host Music Bingo Fundraiser

Volunteers with the Taylor Springs Fire Department are gearing up for their third annual Music Bingo fundraiser event on Saturday, June 20. This year’s event will be held at the Taylor Springs … more

6/15/26

Laura Keyes, at right, talks with Merle Imler of Coffeen. Keyes frequently presents programs about American history and also portrays historical and literary characters.  For more information, visit www.HistoricVoices.info.

Audience Hears Stories Of Underground Railroad

Laura Keyes of Peoria attracted 60 area residents to the Challacombe House in Hillsboro, Sunday afternoon, June 7, for a program of the Historical Society of Montgomery County. Keyes, a … more

6/15/26

Congresswoman Mary Miller visited Borgic Farms, in Nokomis, on Monday, June 1, with members of her staff and the Illinois Farm Bureau to learn more about the pork industry and the operations and issues within it.

Congresswoman Mary Miller Tours Borgic Farms

Borgic Farms recently welcomed Congresswoman Mary Miller, members of her staff and representatives from the Illinois Farm Bureau to their sow farm facility in Nokomis, on Monday, June 1,for … more

6/15/26

Hillsboro School Board Talks Grants, Projects And Policies

The Hillsboro School Board assembled for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. Not present for this month’s meeting was board member Brian Patton. Superintendent Hope McBrain presented … more

by Cameron Streitmatter | 6/11/26

Journal Publications owner John M. Galer of Hillsboro has been recognized with the General James O. Amos Award, which will be presented at the NNA convention in September.

Galer To Receive National Newspaper Award This Fall

Recognized as one of the highest and most dignified tributes in community journalism, the General James O. Amos Award is presented to a working or retired newspaperman who has provided distinguished … more

6/11/26

EJ Water Cooperative’s new 100,000-gallon water tower west of Coalton is now operational, providing additional storage capacity and improved water system reliability for customers in the area. Pictured above, from the left, are Jacob Durbin with EJ Water Cooperative, board member Steve Lee, board member Keith Pierce, Village Superintendent Tom Gonet, Mayor Mike Havera, board member Gary Wemple, board member Sandy Jachino, Village Clerk Krystal West and attorney Trent West.

New Water Tower Now Operating In Coalton

EJ Water Cooperative and the Village of Coalton are celebrating the completion and successful operation of a new 100,000-gallon water tower, a project that reflects a strong partnership and shared … more

6/11/26

Montgomery County Clerk and Recorder Sandy Leitheiser, at left, administers the oath of office to new Montgomery County Board member Roy Schieferdecker on Tuesday evening, June 9.

Schieferdecker Appointed To County Board

Roy Schieferdecker of Litchfield was unanimously appointed to the Montgomery County Board on Tuesday evening, June 9, at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Hillsboro. Montgomery County Clerk and … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 6/11/26

Pictured above, from the left, are Kitchell Memorial Library Board of Directors, Colby Huddleston, Treasurer Debbie Forbes, Marilyn Boston, Vice President Melanie Poggenpohl, Holly Beeler, Secretary Catherone O’Connell and President Brian Grundy.

Renovated Kitchell Library Holds Open House

Kitchell Memorial Library in Morrisonville held an open house on Thursday, June 4, to reveal the new renovations made to the library and also to swear in a new board member. The renovation included … more

6/11/26

LECC To Provide Free Summer Meals To Children

The Litchfield Early Childhood Center (LECC), located at 725 S. Chestnut, in Litchfield, invites children 18 and under for their summer meals program. Breakfast and lunch will be provided free to … more

6/11/26

Dancers with the Inspired Movement Academy in Hillsboro competed at Nationals the first weekend in June. From the left are Hazel Holshouser and Ambrea Doll

IMA Dancers Compete At Nationals

The first weekend in June, three dancers from Inspired Movement Academy (IMA) competed their solos at the Positive Vibes Nationals. Hazel Holshouser and Ambrea Doll also participated in an opening … more

6/11/26

TCCU Freedom Tree Returns For Year 12

“As more state and federal programs are eliminated, and the demand for community assistance continues to grow, Taylorville Community Credit Union’s (TCCU) 12th annual ‘Freedom Tree community … more

6/11/26

HSHS St. Francis Hospital hosted their annual Nursing Exemplar Awards ceremony during National Nurses Week in May. Shown at the ceremony are HSHS Central Illinois Market and St. Francis Hospital leadership alongside award winners and nominees. In front, from the left, are Sarah Tomlinson, Brandi Marten, Kiley Winfree, Gretchen Bilbruck, Dana Young and Christy Hemken. In the middle row, from the left, are Becky Jackson, Shannon Maddaleno, Pamela Houlihan-Heaton, Matthew Eppinger, Katy Reighter, Chris Davidson, Ian Polus, Mindy Reyes, Stacey Miller, Adriane Calladine and Aryn Hunter. In the back row, from the left, are Maryann Voyles, Nichole Depper, Joann Maberry, Jennifer Garnica, Dr. Ryan Jennings, Jessica Murray, Melissa Snow, Kelly Walter, Megan Putnam and Alesia Haslett.

HSHS St. Francis Holds Annual Awards Ceremony

During Nurses Week in May, HSHS St. Francis Hospital honored colleagues with various awards recognizing their commitment to their patients, families and the community. During National Nurses Week, … more

6/11/26

Vicki White of Twisted Trail Winery in Fillmore, pictured above, showcases just one of the walls of artwork that can be found at the winery’s new art gallery. Multiple artists are featured, including many of White’s original works, and many different mediums are used in the available pieces.

Twisted Trail Winery Opens Art Gallery In Fillmore

John and Vicki White have been working to prepare a grand opening for the Twisted Trail Winery in Fillmore. While the winery has had soft openings for about a month, the grand opening is currently … more

by Cayden Huber | 6/11/26

Drive Out Hunger Golf Scramble Returns July 24

The Montgomery County Farm Bureau and Country Financial will be hosting the Drive Out Hunger Golf Scramble at Indian Springs Golf Course in Fillmore on Friday, July 24. There will be an 8 a.m. … more

6/11/26

Nearly 100 individuals participated in Litchfield’s annual Memorial Day Ruck March. This year the event included a deejay from Six Shooter Karaoke, sponsorships from Elite Roofing and State Farm, assistance from the Montgomery County Queens, a horse escort from Massa Stables and support from the Marine Corps Recruiting Station. Many participants wore rucks, or weighted backpacks, to symbolize the physical and mental burdens many service members carry.

Litchfield Hosts Second Annual Memorial Day Ruck March

Logan Miller. Some may know his name from his time playing varsity football in Staunton in the early 2010’s while others may recognize his 11 years of service with the United States Marine Corps. … more

6/11/26

Hiltopper Students Enjoy Music Trip To New York

Nearly 70 joined a group of Hiltopper music students to take on the Big Apple this June 1-6. Members of the Hillsboro High School band, choir, Chamber Singers and concert choir took at 16-hour bus … more

6/11/26