News | The Journal-News

Pictured above, from the left are Deputy of the Year Gage Wesley, Undersheriff Jeff Roach, Telecommunicator of the Year Kara Black, Sheriff Tyson Holshouser, Correctional Officer of the Year Damon Neece and Employee of the Year Chief Chef Bev Slightom.

Members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office met for their annual meeting on Wednesday morning, Dec. 10, at the Montgomery County Farm Bureau building in Hillsboro to recognize the … more

12/11/25

Newly crowned Snowkomis royalty, in front, from the left are Little Mister Snowkomis Trenton Lehman, Miss Snowkomis Kara Beaty and Little Miss Snowkomis Blakely Gross. In back are Junior Miss Snowkomis Kenley Aumann and Pre-Junior Miss Snowkomis Madeline Black.

Five Reign At Snowkomis Pageant

Five new faces will represent the Nokomis community following the first-ever Snokomis pageant, held Sunday, Dec. 7, at the First Baptist Church in Nokomis. This year’s winners include Miss … more

12/11/25

‘Tis the season for the 39th annual Live Nativity scene at the Calvary Baptist Church in Hillsboro. Volunteers spent about four hours on Saturday morning, Dec. 6, setting up this year’s display. It will run this year Dec. 19-23, nightly from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Calvary Baptist Plans Live Nativity Event

Sicilian donkeys and other stable animals will be alongside Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, shepherds, wise men and angels at Calvary Baptist Church’s 39th Outdoor Living Nativity Scene. The church … more

12/11/25

Lincolnwood Names Cast For “Frozen” Production

The Lincolnwood Drama Club is proud to announce that this year’s spring musical is going to be “Frozen.” The show will be held from April 10 to April 12. Abby Lipe will play Anna, … more

12/11/25

Lomas Pack The Place To Support NHS

A Pack The Place will be held at Lomas Del Sol from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16, in order to support the National Honor Society. Dine-in and takeout orders are included as part of the fundraiser. … more

12/11/25

Pictured above, in front, from the left are Phillip Camargo, Randy Leuschke, Donald Sturgeon, Rachel Sturgeon, Bob Hester, Connie Hester, Mandy Myers, Sloan Tuetken, Emily Monk, Abigail Gorsage and Tati Camargo. In the second row are Paulo Camargo, C.J. Dyas, Steph Dyas, Kelly Wendell, Jynnafer Marin, Brenda Hamm, Sami Eisentraut, Jackie Niehaus and Addie Dyas. In back are Peyton Myers, Luke Tuetken, Canaan Gorsage, Elijah Gorsage, David Cunningham, Gabe Gorsage, Joyce Fath and Janis Collins. Not present for the photo were Lisa Shipman and Macy Shipman.

Free Methodist Church Presents ‘A Christmas Legacy’

The Hillsboro Free Methodist Church invites the community to attend this year’s musical production, “A Christmas Legacy,” Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. each … more

12/11/25

Hillsboro Health CEO Mike Alexander, at right, announces the addition of urologist Dr. Roberta Koeppen to the hospital staff in the fall of 2026.

Hillsboro Health Adds New Urologist

Hillsboro Health announces Roberta Koeppen, MD, will join its medical team to provide urology specialty services beginning in fall 2026. Dr. Koeppen will offer outpatient clinic care and perform … more

12/11/25

Hillsboro Students Named To ILMEA State Ensembles

A host of Hillsboro School District musicians have been named to the ILMEA All-State ensembles. These select choirs and bands will perform at the all-state concerts on Friday, Jan. 30 (jazz … more

12/11/25

Raffle Winner And Family Enjoy Harkey House Meal

On Saturday evening, Dec. 6, the Historic Harkey House in Hillsboro was the site of a candlelight dinner, the first dinner inside the home in more than 65 years. The Historical Society of Montgomery … more

12/11/25

Donnellson Board Discuss Water Tower

The Donnellson Village Board convened for their monthly meeting on Monday evening, Dec. 8. Absent were former Trustees Barry Mason and Renee Kuhl, who tendered their resignations from the board prior … more

by Isaiah Atkins | 12/11/25

There was no shortage of vendors or customers at the annual Raymond Christmas Mall held on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Raymond Knights of Columbus Hall. There were over 35 vendors present, many of them local showcasing handmade products.

Raymond Community Ready For Christmas

Christmas came early to the Village of Raymond, as the community held its annual Christmas Mall event on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Raymond Knights of Columbus Hall. There were over 35 … more

12/11/25

HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield announced their recent 150th anniversary concert realized $50,000 in support of its Family Maternity Center. Pictured above, from the left are Philanthropy Program Director Paula Endress, Dr. Roger Wujek, who served as master of ceremonies, Shari Grandidier, presenting on behalf of the Robinson family, Nurse Manager Family Maternity Center Shannon Maddaleno and Chief Administrative Officer Aryn Hunter.

Concert For St. Francis Raises $50,000

HSHS St. Francis Hospital officials announced that $50,000 was raised at the recent “50 Years with Frankie Valli Music and Memories” concert that was held to celebrate the … more

12/11/25

Pictured above, in front, from the left are Make-A-Wish volunteer Sue Messerli, Make-A-Wish volunteer Kathy Neville, Make-A-Wish Gift Officer, Community Programs Ashley White, McKay Napa Auto Parts President Earl Flack, Randy Herschelman (48-year McKay employee and Make-A-Wish grandpa) and McKay Napa Auto Parts Chief Operating Officer Scott Mountford. In back are AutoCare Coordinator Sara Hemann, McKay ownership team Jeremy Hemann, Vice President of Purchasing Chad Zimmerman, Vice President of Operations Ryan Ocepek, Vice President of Sales Matt McKay, McKay Chairman of the Board Jim McKay, McKay Sales Manager Bill Stoneburner and Norm May, retired sales manager.

McKay Surpasses Million Dollar Mark

For more than 20 years McKay Napa Auto Parts has been raising money for Make-A-Wish Illinois. And this year, McKay’s total donations to the nonprofit organization topped $1 million. … more

12/11/25

No Threat Found With Nokomis Fire Alarm

At approximately 12:38 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec.10, the fire alarm was set off at North Elementary School. All students were evacuated in record time. After a thorough investigation, it was determined … more

12/11/25

Donnellson President Rowe Resigns

Village of Donnellson President Elvira Rowe submitted her official letter of resignation to the office of the village clerk on Tuesday morning, Dec. 9, citing “board misconduct and violations … more

12/11/25

AI-Powered Platform Helps HSHS Save Lives

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is using AI to transform chance discoveries of early lung cancer into second chances for patients. Thanks to Eon Health’s AI-driven platform that … more

12/11/25

Local entrepreneurs and hot sauce enthusiasts Jason and Lori Walz have developed a line of homemade hot sauces, pictured above. Their Ember sauce, center, was named runner up in the hot sauce category at the recent Sauce King NYC 2025 competition.

Walzy’s Hot Sauce Named NYC Runner Up

Hillsboro couple Jason and Lori Walz just took runner-up in the best hot sauce category at the Sauce King NYC 2025 competition with their homemade Ember ‘Gold with a Scold.’ Entries were … more

by Isaiah Atkins | 12/11/25

Litchfield Parks Plan Discussed By City, Park District

Members of the Litchfield City Council approved an updated parks and recreation master plan during their meeting on Thursday, Dec. 4, as the city continues to work with the Litchfield Park District … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 12/8/25

Butler T Accident Closes Highway Thursday Night

A two-car collision closed Illinois Route 16 and Illinois Route 127 at the Butler T on Thursday evening, Dec. 4. According to an Illinois State Police accident report, first responders were … more

12/8/25

Local Pastors Ask For Tree Of Lights Donations

The Greater Hillsboro Ministerial Fellowship (GHMF) is asking for donations that will help with financial assistance for those with emergency needs throughout the year. A special page in this edition … more

12/8/25