News | The Journal-News

Since it was built in 1996, the Raymond Knights of Columbus Hall has been the place to make memories, whether its at a wedding reception, a birthday party or for a good cause. After 28 years, the building is in need of some repairs and the Raymond Council of the Knights of Columbus is hosting a campaign trying to raise $25,000 for a new heating and cooling system in conjunction with their annual fish fries, which start this Friday, Feb. 16, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

For nearly 30 years, the Knights of Columbus Hall in Raymond has been way more to the community than just building. Built in 1996, the KC Hall has seen celebrations of all kinds, from wedding … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 2/15/24

The Historic Red Rooster in Hillsboro was honored as one of the best new businesses in the River and Routes tourism region. Pictured above are Red Rooster head bartender and events coordinator Eve Meier, Rooster owner Kendra Wright, River and Routes CEO Cory Jobe and Rooster owner John Wright.

Red Rooster, Pickers Market Honored

The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau awarded two local businesses at their annual Tourism Summit on Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. The Historic Red Rooster … more

2/15/24

CIPT, Housing Authority Visit County Board Meeting In February

Members of the Montgomery County Board dispatched of their regular monthly business in just under an hour and a half on Tuesday evening, Feb. 13, at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Hillsboro. … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 2/15/24

Pictured above, Morse delivers a balloon to MNRC resident Martha Hadley, who was all smiles at the special gift.

Capri IGA Shares The Love For Valentine's Day

“This is the best part of the job,” said Tyler Morse, new owner of Capri IGA in Hillsboro. Morse, pictured above, at right, and three of his staff members delivered more than 220 … more

2/15/24

Hitchings Announces Candidacy For Judge

Former Montgomery County State’s Attorney Bryant “Butch” Hitchings has formally announced his candidacy for Resident Circuit Judge in Montgomery County for the Fourth Judicial … more

2/15/24

Construction Continues On High School Campus

After an official ground-breaking in November, construction crews continue to make progress on the campus of Hillsboro High School as they work on a new school facility. In the first photo, the … more

2/15/24

McConnell Updates Planning Commission

The City of Hillsboro’s Planning Commission met early Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 13, for a brief time; a quorum (Chairman Barb Hewitt, Logan Altenburger, Don Karban, Mike … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 2/15/24

"Herblock's Presidents, Cartoons on Authority and Accountability" can be viewed in the library lobby now through Saturday, Feb. 24.

Hillsboro Library Hosts New Presidential Exhibit

In celebration of the upcoming Presidents' Day holiday, a new exhibit at Hillsboro Area Public Library displays cartoons drawn by the legendary Washington Post editorial cartoonist Herbert Block. … more

by Nancy Slepicka | 2/15/24

Amateur Radio Club Announces March Events

The Montgomery County Amateur Radio Emergency Corp. will be attending the Lewis and Clark Hamfest event on March 23, running from 7 a.m. to noon. It will be at Lewis and Clark Community College in … more

2/15/24

A trivia night benefitting the Coffeen Veteran’s Memorial was a enjoyable evening for all on Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Lodge on Main. Pictured above are winners from the night, from the left, Noah Blaum, Lisa Billingsley, Scott Battles, Stan McCaslin, Katie Johnson, Steve Johnson, Nate Blaum, Laura Lessman and Derek Guiterrez.

Trivia Raises Money For Veterans Memorial

A trivia night fundraiser for the Coffeen Veteran’s Memorial at the Lodge on Main led to a packed house on Saturday, Jan. 20. Emcees of the event include Zach Wygal and Dan Drake of the … more

2/15/24

A police sketch of the I-70 serial killer utilized by the St. Charles Police Department. The killer was described as as “white, 5 ft. 7 to 5 ft. 8 ins. tall and weighing between 150 and 160 lbs., with sandy light hair.

Litchfield Author Profiles 30-Year Hunt For I-70 Killer

It’s May 3, 1992. A quiet Sunday afternoon in the Channel 4 KMOV newsroom in St. Louis, MO. The hometown Cardinals are playing the San Diego Padres on the TV. A slow day … more

By Isaiah Atkins | 2/12/24

CEFS Opens Head Start In Litchfield

Montgomery County C.E.F.S. Head Start 0-5, now known as Aumann Preschool Center, held a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Friday, Feb. 9, at the preschool, located at 402 W. St. John St. in … more

by Cayden Huber | 2/12/24

Sculptor John McClarey was the first to pose with the Lincoln statue and Historic Courthouse background, on Aug 11, 2009.

Thanks To McClarey, Hillsboro’s Lincoln Is Like No Other

John McClarey’s death in a car crash three weeks ago has spurred fond memories of how this world-renowned sculptor helped Hillsboro reconnect to its rich history. Fifteen years ago, … more

by Nancy Slepicka | 2/12/24

Pictured above are this year’s celebrity waiters. In front, from the left are Steven Janssen, Sandy Leitheiser, Dr. Stacy Funderburk, Lisa Walden, Tommi Cline, Lucas Altenberger, Karen Sanders, Michelle Reeves, Megan Kindernay and Cooper Law. In the middle row are Jaimann Ellis, John Rapp, Bryant Hitchings, Bob Schwander, Mike Plunkett, Randy Leetham, Dr. Ben Cady, Jordan Hewitt, Riley Hewitt, Tyson Holshouser and John Kindernay. In back are Jeremy Connor, Dylan Richter, Greg Cowell, James Hertel and Earl Flack.

A New Record!

As the Hillsboro Area Health Foundation annual Valentine’s Gala celebrated its silver anniversary this year, the event also set a new fundraising record of over $135,000. The 25th annual event … more

2/12/24

Misdeeds By Funeral Home Director Spur Legislative Proposals

The wrong cremains were buried in a national cemetery. Bodies cremated under the wrong name. The wrong ashes returned to families from coast to coast. An investigation into the mishandling of human … more

by Beth Hundsdorfer Capitol News Illinois bhundsdorfer@capitolnewsillinois.com | 2/12/24

Voters Urged To Be Wary Of Registration Deadline

The Montgomery County Clerk’s office informs voters the last day for voter registration or transfer of voter registration with all deputy registrars and with the County Clerk’s office … more

2/12/24

HHS Choir Alumni Invited To Sing At Busch Stadium

"Hillsboro Day" at Busch Stadium on Monday, July 29, will feature local elementary and high school musicians performing prior to the 6:45 p.m. Cardinals versus Rangers game. The Beckemeyer School … more

2/12/24

Witt Fire Department Plans Rib Fundraiser In February

The Witt Volunteer Fire Department's (WVFD) 15th annual drive-thru Rib Dinner Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Witt Lions Club. The $20 meal includes a half-rack … more

2/12/24

Redfern Looks Back On Coffeen And Preaching

“I preach the same message because it’s always true,” said Leland Redfern, a 91 year old retired Baptist minister who currently resides in Centralia, with origins in Montgomery … more

by Cayden Huber | 2/12/24

Radio Club Meeting Wednesday, Feb. 14

The Montgomery County Amateur Radio Emergency Corp. will have its regular meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the Challacombe House, located at 509 School St., two blocks east of the junction of Rt. … more

2/12/24