The Journal-News

By 2 p.m., nearly 100 registered voters from Bois D’Arc Township had made their voices heard, with the assistance of election judges Susan Holt, Barb Stottler, Carol Hupp, Junita Stieren and Julie Jones. That number would nearly double by the closing of the polls at the Farmersville KC Hall, with 194 voters casting ballots, more than 100 more that voted in the consolidated election in April 2021 in Bois D’Arc Township. The increase in voting was due in part to the question on reorganizing the Panhandle and Morrisonville school districts, which would have sent students from both districts to Raymond for high school and Morrisonville for junior high. While it passed significantly in Montgomery County (508 for, 184 against), it failed by 110 votes in Christian County (250 for, 360 against) to kill the proposal.

A deactivation referendum that would send junior high school students in the Panhandle School district to Morrisonville and Morrisonville high school students to Lincolnwood High School in Raymond … more

6/30/22

Hillsboro City Council Seeks New Attorney

Had Jerry Gregory not been sworn in as a city councilman on June 14, a quorum would not have been present on Tuesday, June 28, when the council reconvened because neither Finance Commissioner Katie … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 6/30/22

Water Project Remains Focus Of Witt Aldermen

The aldermen learned about the current status of their DCO grant, as well as EJ Water Cooperative’s plans for pursuing future grants, in relation to the ongoing water project, during the Witt … more

by Tori O’Dell | 6/30/22

A new family is excited to take the helm of the community favorite. From the left are Eric Karlovic, Stephanie Zubal, Joyce Schoen and Stacey Karlovic.

Litchfield Pizza Man Gets New Owners In June

For nearly 50 years, the Chandler family has been an integral part of the Litchfield community, owning and operating the popular restaurant, Pizza Man. But this June, the restaurant has a new … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 6/30/22

Pictured above, Bode Niemeier walks his lamb with assistance from his father, Steve Niemeier, as announcer Cody Zeeck watches on.

No One Ba-ashful At Sheep Show

The Montgomery County Fair Sheep Show was held Wednesday, June 22 in Butler. Competitors included Rigby, Gentry and Adelaide Dunkirk, of Morrisonville, Reagan and Hayden Funderburk, also of … more

6/27/22

Time For Voters To Make Primary Picks

Voters will get the chance to participate in democracy by nominating candidates for federal, state, and county offices in the primary election on Tuesday, June 28, as well as select partisan precinct … more

6/27/22

Nokomis Board Amends Budget For 2022 Fiscal Year

Prior to their regular business meeting, President Chad Ruppert called to order a public hearing on the amended FY22 budget at 7:25 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21. In addition to Ruppert, … more

by Randy Rieke | 6/27/22

Fireworks Displays Will Mark Independence Day

Residents of Montgomery County are geared up to celebrate the 246th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on Monday, July 4. Hillsboro The Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce … more

6/27/22

Madalyn Kraus of Farmersville, at left, reacts as her name is called as the new 2022 Miss Montgomery County Fair Queen on opening night of this year's fair, Wednesday, June 22, in Butler, as other contestants cheer. From the left are Kraus, Miss Congeniality Paitynn Wilson, Alexis Lessman and Jaci Hrabusicky. Not pictured is first runner-up Alecia Miller. Also crowned during the opening night of the pageant were Junior Miss Montgomery County Ady Fergurson of Litchfield and Little Miss Montgomery County Sawyer Spencer of Nokomis.

New Trio Will Represent Montgomery County Fair

It was a night to celebrate some new faces, beautiful both inside and out, as the 36th annual Montgomery County Fair opened in Butler on Wednesday evening, June 22. Representing Montgomery County … more

6/23/22

County Fair Continues This Week

The Montgomery County Fair continues through Sunday, June 26, at the county fairgrounds in Butler. Gate admission is set at $7 per person and includes free parking and carnival rides. However, … more

6/23/22

Above is the question Panhandle School voters will face on June 28, pertaining to the reorganization of the Panhandle and Morrisonville school districts.

Panhandle Meets Before June Election

With the polls opening eight days later, the Panhandle School Board met on Monday, June 20, for the final time before the voters in the Panhandle and Morrisonville school districts decide on the … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 6/23/22

Emily Spindler of FGM Architects presented a drawing of the proposed Madison Park Elementary School project. The current plan is to renovate part of the existing building using health life safety funding for pre-K classrooms, a gym and a lunchroom, and build a kindergarten and first grade wing onto the building.

Litchfield Board Looks At Madison Park

Construction projects were on the minds of members of the Litchfield School Board as part of their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, June 21, in the Radius Room at Litchfield High School. … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 6/23/22

The new burn pile, located near 8th Road and 22nd Avenue, has been put to good use as the village and members of the community clean up after the storm that took place on Friday morning, June 17. The site is only used to burn yard waste, including grass clippings, leaves and tree branches.

Raymond Works To Clear Damage

A storm that made its way through Montgomery County on Friday morning, June 17, was a pressing topic at the Raymond Village Board meeting held Monday evening, June 20, at the village … more

6/23/22

Planning Commission Learns About Charging

The Hillsboro Planning Commission presented a full house to Hillsboro resident and Boeing employee Jeff Polus as he gave an overview of electric car charging stations and the potential economic … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 6/23/22

Jerry Wesley of Witt, a cancer survivor of more than 40 years, shared his journey as this year’s MCCA Honorary Chairman. Pictured above, MCCA board member Trina Britton, at right, presents him with a carnation during the survivorship ceremony.

MCCA Celebrates Cancer Survivors At Annual Event

“No one stands alone,” said Honorary Chairman Jerry Wesley. “If you live in Montgomery County and you have to deal with cancer, none of us stands alone. We are blessed. If you need … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 6/21/22

Litchfield Council Talks Fight Over Food Trucks

Food trucks have been more prominent in Litchfield as of late, leading to the need for the city to tackle the issue of how to support these small businesses while supporting the brick and mortar … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 6/21/22

Commissioner Reports From Council Meeting

Hillsboro City Council meetings always give commissioners, the mayor, and the economic development/community planner a chance to discuss particular events in the areas they oversee. A storm of … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 6/21/22

Montgomery County Fair Returns

The Montgomery County Fair will return to the county fairgrounds in Butler this week, Wednesday, June 22, through Sunday, June 26. This year’s fair is packed full of events and sure to offer … more

6/21/22

Foreign Exchange student Henrietta Funk (bottom left) visits the Washington Monument during a trip to Washington D.C. with her host family over winter break.

Exchange Student Returns

“It all started with Erin saying that she thought it would be fun to host a foreign exchange student,” said Dave Mattson, casting an easy going smile at his wife. “I said, … more

by Tori O’Dell | 6/21/22

As the Montgomery County Cancer Association makes plans for their Celebration of Life event this Saturday, June 18, four local banks continue to support their efforts by contributing $500 to the non-profit organization. Volunteers with the MCCA raise funds for patient financial assistance, scholarship grants and cancer research. Pictured above, from the left are Litchfield National Bank Vice President Sue Wetzel, Bank and Trust Chairman Kent Redfern, MCCA Treasurer Pat Cailey, First National Bank of Litchfield Vice President Lana Justison and CNB Bank and Trust Vice President Bill Vogt, representing banks in both Hillsboro and Litchfield.

Annual MCCA Celebration Returns Saturday

After a two-year absence due to a global pandemic, volunteers with the Montgomery County Cancer Association are excited to bring back the 18th annual Celebration of Life and Birthday Party. This … more

6/16/22