The Journal-News

McConnell Begins Role As Hillsboro City Planner

Sarah McConnell officially took on the role of the Economic Development and Community Planner for the City of Hillsboro on Monday, May 2, filling the vacancy left by Jonathan Weyer when he left the … more

by Tori O’Dell | 5/16/22

County Gets 1.77 Percent Multiplier

Montgomery County has been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0177, according to David Harris, Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. The property assessment … more

5/16/22

Members of the Hillsboro United Methodist Church have helped raise funds to put a roof on a sister church in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. The church’s pastor, Louis Kasongo, visited the Hillsboro church on a trip to the United States in May.

African Pastor Visits Hillsboro Church This May

Louis Kasongo, a United Methodist pastor from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa, spent time with members of the Hillsboro United Methodist Church (HUMC) for several days in May. … more

5/16/22

Carlinville Man Killed In Two-Vehicle Accident

A Carlinville man was killed in an accident on Illinois Rt. 108 at East 2nd Road, just west of I-55, in Montgomery County on Wednesday, May 11, at approximately 5:40 p.m. Ronald C. Schaaff, 49, … more

5/12/22

No-Hitter A Dream Come True For Detmers

“It’s something I’ve dreamed of ever since I was a little kid,” Reid Detmers said during the press conference after the Los Angeles Angels’ 12-0 win over Tampa Bay. … more

5/12/22

Members of the Montgomery County Board approved a proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Montgomery County on May 10, following a presentation by Cross Over Ministries. Pictured above, from the left are Linda Liebscher, Montgomery County Board Chairman Evan Young, Dawn Young and Wayne Wedekind.

County Board Recognizes Mental Health Month

Members of the Montgomery County Board unanimously approved a proclamation marking May as Mental Health Awareness Month throughout the county, as part of their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 5/12/22

Hillsboro Approves Summer Events

Some rather important discussions occurred during the Hillsboro City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 10, when three council members (Fred Butler, Katie Duncan, and Kendra Wright) and Mayor Don Downs … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 5/12/22

Nokomis Moves Ahead To Improve Water

The Nokomis City Council continued to make progress towards its objective to improve the city drinking water and sewage treatment facilities at the regular Monday, May 9 meeting. Mayor … more

by Ben Schwarm | 5/12/22

Hillsboro Approves Ag Building Addition

Members of the Hillsboro School Board approved a bid for a 2,000-square-foot addition to the ag building on the high school campus during their meeting on Tuesday, May 10. Tim Downen of … more

by Mike Plunkett | 5/12/22

Following decades of service, Earl Meier, at left, and Whitey Patton will retire from the Bank of Hillsboro Board of Directors in June. The bank has planned an open house at 4:30 p.m. June 10, at The Abbey on Broad in Hillsboro.

Meier, Patton Retire From Bank Board

It’s the end of an era for two longtime members of the Bank of Hillsboro Board of Directors following a combined 78 years of dedicated service. Whitey Patton, who has been an integral part … more

by Bethany Martin | 5/12/22

Imagine Hillsboro’s Reinventing Central Park Committee presented a contribution in the amount of $30,000 to the City of Hillsboro to purchase the playground equipment for Central Park on Tuesday, May 3.

Playground Equipment Purchased

It has been almost two-and-a-half years since the Reinventing Central Park Committee, a subset of Imagine Hillsboro’s Parks and Recreation Committee, officially launched their large-scale … more

by Tori O’Dell | 5/12/22

Hillsboro’s newest eatery, Frida’s Tacos, hopes to offer a more relaxed atmosphere than a traditional restaurant. From the left, are owners Lupita Quiroz and Sandy Torres, and Ari and Leo Lipe. Not pictured is Saul Quiroz.

Frida’s Tacos Caters To Casual Diners

Frida’s Tacos held a soft opening at 103 Seyborn Avenue in Taylor Springs on Tuesday, May 10. An offshoot of Lomas del Sol in Hillsboro, the new restaurant is owned by Sandy Torres and Saul and … more

by Tori O’Dell | 5/12/22

Litchfield City Clerk Carol Burke administers the oath of office to Dan Newkirk, who was appointed as the newest member of the Litchfield City Council on Thursday, May 5. Newkirk replaces Mark Brown as an alderman for ward two, after Brown resigned last month after seven years on the council.

Newkirk Named To Litchfield City Council

The Litchfield City Council picked up a new member and heard about a new problem during their council meeting on Thursday, May 5, at Corwin Hall. Long-time Litchfield teacher and coach Dan Newkirk … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 5/9/22

Imagine’s Princess Dance Returns Saturday, May 14

Preparations are underway for Imagine Hillsboro’s “Father-Daughter Princess Ball” on Saturday, May 14. Father-figures and their princesses can dance the night away from 6 to … more

5/9/22

The Reverend Jeff Hemken, serving Hillsboro’s Calvary Baptist Church since 2008, prepares to retire by returning to family in Phoenix, AZ.

Pastor Hemken Plans Retirement To Arizona

Having graduated from Hillsboro High School decades prior, mixed feelings followed Pastor Jeff Hemken when he returned after 35 years to become the Calvary Baptist Church’s new clergy. … more

by Barb Boston | 5/9/22

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.

CEO Students Showcase Businesses

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