The Journal-News

The incoming 2022-2023 Montgomery County CEO Team introduced themselves during the CEO Marketplace on Tuesday evening, May 3. From the left, are Hally Kerske, Mason Morris, Matthew Barker, Matthew Ulrici, Zaylon Sisk, Carley King, Elijah Aumann, Natalie Engelman, Summer Smith and Morgan Jarrell.

Following months of hard work and dedication, high school seniors from Lincolnwood, Hillsboro, Litchfield and Nokomis High Schools invited the public to check out their student businesses during the … more

by Tori O’Dell | 5/5/22

Since 1924, the clock hanging on the corner of the First National Bank building in Litchfield has been one of the city’s most visible landmarks.

First National Giving Historic Clock A Hand

Over the last few months many locals have likely noticed the missing clock on the southeast corner of State and Kirkham streets in Litchfield. The distinguished green patina of the … more

5/5/22

Time To Pick Again Sunday In Litchfield

The Litchfield Pickers Market will return from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mother’s Day, Sunday, June 8, at downtown Litchfield, starting at 400 North State Street. The Litchfield Pickers Market is the … more

5/5/22

Hillsboro Country Club will turn 100 on Monday, May 23. The club is inviting the public to help them mark their centennial year with a full day of celebrations on Saturday, June 11. Above is a picture of the clubhouse shortly after it was built in 1923.

Hillsboro Country Club Celebrates Centennial

Hillsboro Country Club will officially mark its centennial year on Monday, May 23, with a full day of celebrations planned for Saturday, June 11, starting with a free public golf day and a party on … more

by Tori O’Dell | 5/5/22

Candidates in this year’s Old Settlers Queen contest, in front, from the left are Marah Huber, Emily Maguire, Melissa Rufus and Aliyah Trader. In back are Old Settlers Association President Mary Brown, Autumn Eddington, Anna Jackson, 2021 Old Settlers Junior Miss Jenna Durbin, 2021 Old Settlers Queen Jade Christian, Kyleah Reynolds, Anastasia Thompson and Shawnna Rovey of the Old Settlers Association Queen’s Committee.

Meet This Year’s Old Settlers Queen Candidates

And they’re off! The Old Settlers Association hosted its annual Queen’s Kick-Off event on Thursday evening, April 28, at the Challacombe House in Hillsboro. Old Settlers … more

5/2/22

Litchfield Chamber of Commerce board members and officers for the past two years were recognized at the event. Those present, from the left are Mike Strubhart, Julie Timmermann, Shelli Crow, Mandy Jewell, Candice Mazza, Cassie Beesley, Glen Cherry, Roberta Meyer, Executive Director Beth Cherry, Tonya Flannery, James Timpe, John Blank and Mike Fleming.

Litchfield Chamber Presents Awards

“Tonight, we get to celebrate passion, hard work and the process of uniting to build successful businesses in our great city,” said Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Beth … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 5/2/22

Schram City Board Hosts Special Meeting April 27

Members of the Schram City Village Board met for a special meeting on Wednesday evening, April 27, to increase the loan dollar amount from $1 million to $1.2 million for the water main project. … more

5/2/22

Humble House owners Katy Evans (left) and Kelsey Flack (right) will debut their boutique locally during their Mother’s Day Pop Up this Saturday, May 7.

Humble House Pops Up In Time For Mother’s Day

Hillsboro natives Kelsey Flack and Katy (Cory) Evans have been best friends for over a decade and now they have teamed up to open Humble House, an online clothing boutique. “I … more

by Tori O’Dell | 5/2/22

Natural Area Guardians (NAGs) hope this monarch butterfly sculpture will welcome travelers to the Route 66 Prairie on Interstate 55. The above representation is courtesy of Foppe Visual Communication of Highland.

Help NAGs Build Butterfly Sculpture At Prairie

An active local nature preservation group hopes a stunning monarch butterfly sculpture will soon welcome travelers to Montgomery County and a prairie restoration area nestled between Interstate 55 … more

4/28/22

Hillsboro Community To Host Spark Exhibit

Hillsboro Mayor Don Downs announced that a message received last Thursday, April 21, from Matt Meacham of Illinois Humanities acknowledged that Hillsboro will host Spark! Places of Innovation next … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 4/28/22

Nokomis Council Plans Fiscal Year 2023 Budget

Little action was taken at the Monday, April 25, Nokomis City Council meeting, but much planning is underway. Commissioners introduced the first draft of the Fiscal Year 2023 city budget. Budget … more

by Ben Schwarm | 4/28/22

Litchfield Council Has Short Agenda Tuesday

Members of the Litchfield City Council faced a short agenda at an adjourned meeting on Tuesday evening, April 26, at Corwin Hall in downtown Litchfield. All council members were present for the … more

4/28/22

New Aldermen Take Vacated Seats In Witt

There were several new faces at the Witt City Council meeting on Tuesday night, April 26, following the resignation of two of the city’s aldermen and mayor last month. New appointments include … more

by Tori O’Dell | 4/28/22

Reorganization Efforts Looking For Leadership

“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” - John Maxwell Someone to adjust the sails is exactly what those in favor of … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 4/28/22

Litchfield School Board President Julie Abel, at left, administered the oath of office to new board member Jimmy Gorowski on Tuesday evening, April 26. Gorowski was appointed to replace Mike Fleming, who resigned in March.

Jimmy Gorowski Appointed To Litchfield Board

Members of the Litchfield School Board had a lot on their plate during the April board meeting, including filling a board vacancy and discussion of a potential co-op for sports and changes to the … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 4/28/22

Hillsboro Pre-K Earns Award For Inclusion

The Hillsboro Pre-K Program (which is part of the Hillsboro School District) recently achieved an award for Outstanding Practices in Inclusion. This recognition demonstrates the … more

4/28/22

Litchfield Family Practice is being honored as Litchfield Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Business of the Year for their steadfast commitment to the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Left, from the left, are Dr. Tim Ishmael, Dr. Laura Watt, Dr. Phil Johnson, Dr. Elaine Fisher, Dr. Dan Wujek, Dr. Keith Cochran and Dr. John Mihelcic.”

Litchfield Family Practice Earns Business Of The Year

“I nominate Litchfield Family Practice Center for ‘Business of the Year’ for their steadfast dedication to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The healthcare facility has … more

by Tori O’Dell | 4/28/22

Perry Estelle Designs trio, from the left, Renee Wynn, Abby Barcum and Katie Rogers enjoy one of many beloved shopping trips.

Perry Estelle Designs Named Rising Star Award Winner

Three women who have transformed their love of fashion into a thriving business in downtown Litchfield have earned this year's Rising Star award from the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce. “I … more

by Bethany Martin | 4/28/22

Jennifer Fleming, eighth grade language arts teacher at Litchfield Middle School, has been named the inaugural Educator of the Year Award winner by the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce. She will be honored at the 74th annual awards presentation on Friday, April 29.

Jennifer Fleming Named Chamber Educator Of The Year

“I try to be present with the kids in my room at all times,” said Litchfield Middle School teacher Jennifer Fleming. “I try to be the teacher I would want my children to have. … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 4/28/22

Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award winner Jim Wright has served on the Litchfield Airport Authority Board for 24 years.

Jim Wright Is Chamber Of Commerce Citizen Of The Year

A man who has devoted much of his retirement life to the Litchfield Municipal Airport, Jim Wright will be honored with the 2022 Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award. Mr. Wright … more

by Mike Plunkett | 4/28/22