News | The Journal-News

Pictured above, Hillsboro senior Kinsley Trader with her trophies for state champion in the trampoline and fourth place in the double mini.

Hillsboro High School senior, Kinsley Trader, competed recently at the United States Trampoline and Tumbling Association’s (USTA) state tumbling meet at Pana High School, hosted by Kris’ Power … more

5/4/26

Pictured above, in front, from the left, are Levi German, Fausto Centeno, Ilexia Doyen, Kinley Stolte, Abigail Centeno, Grace King, Lily Broers and Carsyn Bertolino. In back, from the left, are Dominic Hammond, Ryan German, Izaak Doyen, Walker Stewart, Jordyn Marley, Fallon Knodle and Braydon Cachera.

Nokomis FFA Attends Section 19 Banquet

Nokomis FFA recently attended the Section 19 FFA Banquet. Nokomis FFA congratulates Fausto Centeno for being named the Section 19 vice president. Levi German also delivered his retiring address and … more

5/4/26

Pictured above, in the back from the left, are Kaleb Knodle, Hunter Wilson, Carson Huber, Mason Page, Caiden Lienlokken and Lillian Kirn. In the front are Delaney Adams, Olivia Keiser, Harrison Tuetken, Raelyn Brown and Madelyn Payne.

Hillsboro FFA Attends Section Banquet

On Wednesday, April 22, eleven Hillsboro FFA members attended the Section 19 FFA Banquet in Nokomis. They enjoyed a great meal, followed by an awards ceremony, section officer candidate speeches and … more

5/4/26

Pictured above, Dawn Rosentreter, social service director at Litchfield Health and Rehab, gives a kiss to Kermit the Lamb, following the center’s April fundraiser event.

Health And Rehab Kisses The Lamb

Litchfield Health and Rehab’s spring fundraiser came to a dramatic close on Monday, April 27, as residents and friends gathered to watch staff members kiss a lamb. The ‘Kiss the Lamb’ … more

5/4/26

Cox Earns Hall Of Fame For Mathematics Tests

Beckemeyer’s Mrs. Hammann has had her fourth grade class take timed math tests throughout the school year. She begins with addition, moves to subtraction, then multiplication facts from 1-12, … more

5/4/26

Hillsboro And Litchfield USPS Stamp Out Hunger

Mail carriers in Hillsboro and Litchfield are asking for the public’s help in filling the shelves of local food pantries this Saturday, May 9, during the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive. To … more

5/4/26

Hillsboro Basketball To Host Co-Ed Camp June 22-24

Coach Corbin Govaia and the Hillsboro High School basketball team will host its annual co-ed basketball camp on June 22, 23 and 24, at the Hillsboro High School gym. Boys and girls entering third … more

5/4/26

Litchfield Library Celebrates Star Wars Week

Litchfield Library will be celebrating Star Wars week from May 4 to 9. The library welcomes the public to a week of crafts, games and photo opportunities. Free Star Wars books will also be available. more

5/4/26

Pictured above, the 2025 Montgomery County royalty, from the left, Queen Isabella Steiner of Litchfield, Young Miss Indi Flowers of Hillsboro, Little Miss Myrah Noyes of Hillsboro, and Junior Miss Presley Gifford of Litchfield.

County Fair Pageant Seeks 2026 Applicants

The Montgomery County Fair is officially inviting contestants to apply for the 2026 Montgomery County Pageant. This year’s regal theme, “Crowned in Gold,” highlights confidence and friendship … more

5/4/26

Pictured, from left to right, Darla Jorn, Carol Sneed and Randy Jorn at the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center. Showcased directly behind them is their new Route 66 display.

Litchfield Museum Unveils New Route 66 Installation

The Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center recently unveiled their new display highlighting the history of Rt. 66 in Illinois. This installation was designed by Carol Sneed and Linda Stoecker … more

5/4/26

A grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting were held on Saturday, May 2, for Bondurant Pools and Spas, who have assumed ownership of the former Lessman Pools and Spas, who have been in operation since 1989. Pictured above, from the left, are Kaitlyn Fath of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, Kaden Brown, Dean Lessman, Becky Lessman, Mabry Bondurant, Diane Cabello, Kayleigh Bondurant, Dane Bondurant and Hillsboro Economic Developer and Community Planner Melissa Smith.

Lessman Pools Succeeded By Bondurants

A new chapter in local pool and spa services is underway as Lessman Pools and Spas, previously owned by Becky and Dean Lessman, transitions ownership to Bondurant Pools and Spas, with a grand opening … more

5/4/26

Taylor Springs Board Receives Park Update At April Meeting

Members of the Village of Taylor Springs Board convened for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 21, at the community building. Acting Village President Jody Jackson called the meeting to … more

4/30/26

Panhandle School Board Meets On Rainy Monday

Panhandle Superintendent Aaron Hopper told the school board during their meeting on Monday, April 27, that the roof by the girls locker room had been fixed and no longer leaked. That was good to hear … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 4/30/26

Heavy Rainfall Floods Montgomery County

While the most serious storms drifted north of Montgomery County on Monday, April 27, heavy thunderstorms brought 3.5 ins. of rain and sent flash floods roaring across the region. Pictured above, the … more

4/30/26

Members of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation board, in front, from the left are Cheryl Welge of Ameren, Alisha Roller from the Village of Taylor Springs, Cassie Rovey from the Village of Farmersville, Melissa Smith from the City of Hillsboro and Stacie Peecher from the City of Litchfield. In back are individual member Tommy Justison, Bob Wagahoff of Bank and Trust, John Galer of The Journal-News, Jodi Reynolds from the City of Nokomis and Executive Director Kaitlyn Fath. Not present for the photo was Chris Daniels of the Montgomery County Board. Newly elected board members include Cheryl Welge, Alisha Roller and Stacie Peecher.

MCEDC Hosts Annual Meeting In April

Members of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) met for their annual meeting on Thursday, April 23, at the South Central Illinois (SCI) Regional Workforce Training and … more

4/30/26

Montgomery Master Gardener Plant Sale

The Montgomery Master Gardener plant sale is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 1, from 9 a.m. until sold out. It will be held at the Mt. Moriah Lodge 51, located at 903 S. Main St. in Hillsboro. … more

4/30/26

Half Witt Winery To Host Live Music In May

Half Witt Winery has a series of events planned for the month of May. On Saturday, May 2 the Pizzazz Dance Band will perform live music from 6 to 9 p.m. Big Jake’s BBQ food truck will be on hand. … more

4/30/26

Chaser To Play At Glenn Shoals North Marina

Glenn Shoals Lake Club has announced live music provided by Chaser at the Glenn Shoals Lake North Marina on Friday, May 15, from 7 to 10 p.m. The event is free of charge. Donations will be accepted … more

4/30/26

Mullins’ Home Beautification Awarded By Newkomis

The Newkomis Beautification Team would like to highlight local residents for their hard work this spring sprucing up their properties around town. The first spotlight award went to Sara Mullins’ … more

4/30/26

Honor Flight Mission #77 Takes Off Tuesday, May 5

Land of Lincoln Honor Flight (LLHF) will be taking Mission #77 on Tuesday, May 5, from Springfield Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. Mission #77 will serve 95 veterans, five Korean and 90 Vietnam era … more

4/30/26