News | The Journal-News

Over 30 stakeholders including OneGoal leaders, educators, district administrators and local business leaders, gathered to review labor market data and define regional priorities. The diverse group spent the evening identifying ways to bridge the gap between classroom learning and sustainable local careers.

Local Districts, Industry Leaders Attend Regional Event

In partnership with OneGoal, a college and career advising nonprofit supporting rural communities in Illinois, several local school districts came together this month at the South Central Illinois … more

4/2/26

Winners from the Young Authors Celebration on Tuesday evening, March 19, at the Lincolnwood cafeteria were awarded ribbons for their work. Pictured above are the top three finishers from kindergarten through seventh grade.

Raymond Students Show Out At Young Authors Night

Panhandle School District held their annual Young Authors Celebration Night on Tuesday, March 19, in the school cafeteria. Students of all ages from kindergarten to eighth grade were invited to … more

4/2/26

Zion Evangelical Church To Host German Lunch

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Farmersville (next door to the truck and car wash) will be hosting a German meal fundraiser at approximately 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 12. The lunch will be … more

4/2/26

Litchfield PTO Hosting Glo Bingo On April 18

The Litchfield Parent-Teacher Organization will be hosting Glo Bingo at the Litchfield Community Center on Saturday, April 18, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and bingo starting at 7. The Litchfield … more

4/2/26

Blue Pantry Cabinet Now Fully Stocked

The Blue Pantry Cabinet in Donnellson is currently fully stocked with shelf-stable pantry foods, hygiene products, household essentials and more. The pantry welcomes residents of the Village of … more

4/2/26

The Story Emporium hosted Jason and Lori Walz for a book signing of their cookbook, Walzy’s Eclectic Eats: Tradition is What You Make It. Pictured above, from the left, are Logan Altenberger of the Story Emporium and Jason and Lori Walz.

Story Emporium Hosts Walz Cookbook Signing

The Story Emporium in Hillsboro recently hosted a book signing for Jason and Lori Walz of Hillsboro on Saturday, March 21. The Walz’s were showcasing their new book, written by Jason and edited by … more

4/2/26

DRAGON BEAT • Dragons Finally Home For Spring Break

Hey there Dragon Beat! With the weather being wonky this past week and our students getting restless, spring break couldn’t arrive any faster! There is no school today through next … more

by Isabelle Zbinden at HJHS | 4/2/26

LANCER LINES • FFA Students Enjoy Annual Banquet

Hello and welcome back to another week of the Lancer Lines! I hope you have all had a great week! I will start this week with the answer to last week’s riddle. Here it is: What kind of shoes … more

by Ella Jenkins at Lincolnwood | 4/2/26

Pictured above, Mike Finn and Craig Traylor were recognized for their decades serving local community water departments on Thursday, March 26, and wished the best in their retirements. As a gift, Finn received a handmade clock, crafted from pipes from the old Hillsboro High School and including the school’s water meter as its face.

Traylor, Finn Retire From Water Plant

Hillsboro’s longtime Woodard and Curran water plant employees Craig Traylor and Michael Finn celebrated their retirements on Thursday afternoon, March 26, with a celebratory lunch at The Red … more

4/2/26

Pictured above, from the left, Diogo Botelho, Mayor Dennis Held and Rachel Skinner, pro shop manager gather at Shoal Creek Golf Course for a $2,500 donation from Pattern Energy. The donation purchased a new AED for the golf course.

Pattern Energy Donates To Golf Course

The Village of Raymond is pleased to announce a donation of $2,500 by Pattern Energy to fully fund the purchase of a brand new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) that will be located at Shoals … more

4/2/26

Pictured above, Ava Koski and Ava McLafferty find some eggs during the hunt.

Youngsters Hunt Eggs In Fillmore

Youngsters of all ages enjoyed the Fillmore Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, at Molly McDowell Park in Fillmore. Children had the chance to hunt brightly-colored eggs and enjoy … more

4/2/26

Witt Egg Hunt Moves Indoors This Saturday

Due to potential inclement weather on Saturday, April 4, Envision Witt has announced a change of plans to this year’s community Easter Egg Hunt. Instead of the Witt City Park, Easter festivities … more

4/2/26

Mila Heldebrandt of Nokomis served as a youth ambassador for the Breakthrough T1D’s 2026 Dream Gala on March 28.

Heldebrandt Chosen As Diabetes Youth Ambassador

Mila Heldebrandt of Nokomis was chosen as a youth ambassador for Breakthrough T1D's 2026 Dream Gala. It was held Saturday, March 28, at the Ritz Carlton grand ballroom in St. Louis, MO. The theme was … more

4/2/26

Mental Health Speaker Visits County Schools

Renowned mental health speaker Sam Anthony Lucania spent a week in central Illinois in March visiting high school students. Among his stops were Mt. Olive, Gillespie, Nokomis, Lincolnwood in Raymond, … more

4/2/26

Hillsboro Presbyterian Hosts Family Workshop

The First Presbyterian Church in Hillsboro is hosting a marriage and family event April 17-18 at the church. The weekend opens with A Family on a Mission program on Friday, April 17, starting at 5:30 … more

4/2/26

Historical Society Accepts Donations For Yard Sale

The Historical Society of Montgomery County will have two fundraising yard sales this year on the grounds of the Historic Harkey House, 305 S. Broad St. in Hillsboro. A "'spring cleaning" yard … more

4/2/26

HSHS St. Francis To Hold Women’s Health Event

HSHS St. Francis Hospital will be hosting the Women’s Health Survival Guide event, a free, informational conference to discuss women’s health concerns and safety resources with local agencies. … more

4/2/26

Envision Witt Hosting Third Chicken Dinner On April 11

Envision Witt will be holding their third annual community chicken dinner on Friday, April 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. The event is drive-thru only to allow for quick and convenient pickup. Tickets cost $15 … more

4/2/26

The ‘Meet The Machines’ event brought out a wide collection of trucks, tractors and heavy machinery on display for all to enjoy.

Raymond Gets Chance To ‘Meet The Machines’

All were welcomed as the Women’s Auxiliary of the Raymond-Harvel Fire Department held their ‘Meet The Machines’ event on a beautiful Saturday, March 28, in downtown Raymond. The event raised … more

4/2/26

Farmersville Installing New Friendship Swing

Village of Farmersville employees are currently working to install a new addition to the park. The Friendship Swing was purchased in honor of Debbie Lucas, who passed away on Nov. 30, 2025. Lucas was … more

4/2/26