News | The Journal-News

Commission Discusses Coal Compoundment Height

The Hillsboro Planning Commission met Tuesday, March 10, in city hall; present were Mayor Don Downs, Commission Chair Don Karban, and Commissioners Mike Lee, Jill Ulrici, and Mike Ryan. Attending by … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 3/12/26

County Residents May View Election Returns

Interested local residents may once again gather at the County Board Room located on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse in Hillsboro on Tuesday, March 17, on election night to view election … more

3/12/26

Representatives of local businesses gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 7. They gathered at the steps of the Carnegie Building in Litchfield.

Litchfield Businesses Celebrate Women’s Day

The celebration of contribution and achievement of women could be found in Litchfield to highlight International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8. The 2026 theme for International Women’s Day was … more

3/12/26

Jonathan Griffel and Tom Emery will be guest speakers at the Farm Family event on Monday, March 23, at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield.

St. Francis To Host Farm Family Event

The HSHS St. Francis Foundation and its agriculture committee will host the Farm Family event on Monday, March 23, at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. The Farm Family Event is a free event … more

3/12/26

Pictured above, from the left are Emily Odle, Brandi Lentz and Melissa Smith of MCR Realty Professionals, Inc. in Hillsboro.

MCR Realty Wins Prestigious Award

MCR Realty Professionals, Inc. in Hillsboro was recognized as the #1 firm for production outside the Southwestern Illinois Board of Realtors (SIBR) jurisdiction at the Red Carpet Celebration held … more

3/12/26

Confetti Project Non-Profit Launches In Litchfield

The Confetti Project, a new non-profit in Litchfield, is excited to announce its official opening. The Confetti Project will work to provide birthday celebrations to kids in need, from the gifts … more

3/12/26

Pictured above, from the left are the Honorable Colleen R. Lawless, United States District Judge, Central District of Illinois who presided over the court ceremony and local DAR members, Christine Garner, Guylia Grigsby and Patricia Whitworth.

Local DAR Members Attend Naturalization

Members of the Christiana Tillson chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution attended a Naturalization ceremony on Wednesday, March 4, at the Old State Capital in … more

3/12/26

Girl Scout Program Helping Future Daisies

Girl Scouts of Central Illinois will be hosting a free four-part series for incoming kindergarteners to give future Daisies an introduction to Girl Scouting. Girls will experience real Girl Scout … more

3/12/26

Address Still Unknown For Litchfield Postal Dropoff Box

Mayor Jake Fleming reported at the Litchfield City Council meeting on Thursday, March 5, that replacement of the post office dropoff box on North Monroe has hit a snag, despite the best efforts of … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 3/9/26

One Killed In Accident At Deer Run Coal Mine

Montgomery County Coroner Randy Leetham confirms that a person was killed in an accident at Deer Run Mine in Hillsboro on Thursday afternoon, March 5. His office responded to a call at 1:20 p.m. for … more

3/9/26

Litchfield Chamber To Host Annual Awards

Litchfield Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce their 78th annual awards event will be held on Thursday, March 26, at the Gudgel Ranch Saloon in rural Litchfield. The public is invited to join … more

3/9/26

Officials with the EPA and the ASARCO Trust led a tour of the former zinc smelter site on Friday morning, March 6, in Taylor Springs. About two dozen local officials participated in the tour, focused on the clean-up of the Superfund site. Pictured above, a trust representative speaks to members of the Taylor Springs Volunteer Fire Department (Ron Gazda, Linda Klotz and Chief Brian Redman).

Local Officials Tour ASARCO Superfund Site

About two dozen county and local officials toured the former ASARCO site in Taylor Springs on Friday morning, March 6. The former zinc smelter, once one of the largest smelters in the world, is now … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 3/9/26

Pictured above, they pose for a photo with a copy of Israel Today, their own version of Journal-News on the Road.

Litchfield Couple Await Return Home From Israel

Litchfield couple Cory and Meghan Bilyeu found themselves stuck in Jerusalem, Israel this month after bombings in Iran and other parts of the Middle East. The couple left Montgomery County in late … more

3/9/26

These five foreign exchange students from all over the world are making their home in Montgomery and Macoupin counties this school year. Pictured above, they enjoy a trip to the Cheesecake Factory in Chicago. From the left are Elin Herold of Germany, Laura Falcetelli of Italy, Marie Fenslau of Germany, Vera Garcia of Spain and Chaerin “Blair” Kim of South Korea.

Foreign Exchange Students Enjoy Time Locally

They come from countries all over the world, and for one year, they are making their home in Montgomery and Macoupin counties. Meet Laura Falcetelli of Italy, Vera Garcia of Spain, Elin Herold of … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 3/9/26

Girl Scouts Collect Soda Tabs In March

The local Girl Scout Troop 6411 of Litchfield will be collecting soda tabs throughout the month of March. The tabs will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House, in honor of March being the birthday … more

3/9/26

Members of the Nokomis FFA team participated in the District 4 Proficiency Awards in Mt. Zion on Wednesday, March 4. Pictured above, in front, from the left, are Izaak Doyen, Dylan Yeske, Levi German, Grace King and Kennley Kirk. In the middle row, from the left, are Kinley Stolte, Fallon Knodle, Abigail Centeno, Fausto Centeno, Hunter Casterline and Andrew Suslee. In back, from the left, are Alauna Patton, Reese Goodin, Ryan German, Walker Stewart and Parker Morrison.

Nokomis FFA Competes In District 4

Nokomis High School FFA participated in the District 4 Proficiency Awards on Wednesday, March 4, in Mt. Zion. Nokomis FFA had nine members win in their areas that will be advancing to state, making … more

3/9/26

At the close of the school day, many students returned to Ms. Edwards’ classroom to have their books personally signed by the author.

Dondi Shares History Lesson With Toppers

More than 100 Hillsboro High School students can mark Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, as the day a best-selling author gave them a unique lesson on World War II history. Jan Cress Dondi, whose … more

by Nancy Slepicka | 3/9/26

GRS Shoe Drive Collecting Until March 12

In honor of National Shoe the World Day, the GRS (Give. Reach Out. Support) Foundation is hosting a local shoe drive, collecting gently used or new shoes now until Thursday, March 12. Donated shoes … more

3/9/26

Mt. Zion Hosting Pinochle Post Prom Benefit

Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield will be hosting a day of pinochle on Wednesday, March 11, at the church. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. Entry to play is $3 and donations are accepted for … more

3/9/26

RSVP Bake Sale Benefits Local Seniors

The Montgomery County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program will be hosting a bake sale on Friday, March 27, in the basement of the Hillsboro Area Public Library. Proceeds will go back to seniors of … more

3/9/26