News | The Journal-News

Pictured above, from the left are Missy Caldwell of CNB Bank and Trust and Chloe Martincic.

CNB Honors Martincic As Student Of The Month

CNB Bank and Trust in downtown Hillsboro has honored Hillsboro High School senior Chloe Martincic as the Student of the Month for November. The daughter of Shelby and Nathan Martincic of Butler, she … more

11/30/23

Pictured above are the winners of the annual Patriot’s Pen Scholarship competition at Litchfield Middle School. From the left, first place winner Tilly Fergursen, second place Braeden Knapp and third place Sam Mazza.

Litchfield Middle School Holds Award Program

The annual Patriot’s Pen and the Citizenship Educator Teacher of the Year Awards Program was conducted at the Litchfield Middle School on Tuesday, Nov. 21. The Patriot’s Pen Scholarship … more

11/30/23

Carron Is New Executive Director At Cross Over

Jennifer Carron has been hired as the new executive director for Cross Over Ministries. She will be working closely with Erica Petcher, program director for Haven Home of Hope, and will be … more

11/30/23

Pictured above, from the left are DAR members Mary Herschelman, Carol Calvert (who is also on the board of the Historical Society), Kendra Wright and Chris Garner and Historical Society board members Linda Zimmer, Dee Motycka, Susan Marten, Linda Guthrie and Mike Rappe. Not pictured is Patty Whitworth, regent of the Christiana Tillson chapter of the DAR.

DAR Donates To Historical Society

Members of the Christiana Tillson chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented a $500 donation to the Historical Society of Montgomery County on Wednesday morning, Nov. 29. Regent … more

11/30/23

Land Of Lincoln Credit Union of Decatur recently purchased and acquired Nokomis Savings Bank, pictured above, located at 100 W. State St.

LLCU Taking Over Nokomis Savings Bank

Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU), based in Decatur announced in November the completion of its purchase and assumption transaction with Nokomis Savings Bank in which LLCU has acquired the assets … more

11/30/23

State Issues City Of Witt New Fire Truck Funds

Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera and Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) Executive Director Chris Meister issued nearly $7.2 million in no interest or low interest loans to emergency … more

11/30/23

Pocahontas native Jeff Chapman of the Brother Jefferson band will be performing a Christmas concert live at The Grand in Hillsboro on Saturday, Dec. 16. Chapman’s beloved musical style is best described as Americana blues and southern soul.

Jeff Chapman Bringing Talents To The Grand

For 45 years, local musician Jeff Chapman has entertained crowds and touched the soul of his audience through a blend of Americana, the blues, rock and classic southern soul and … more

by Isaiah Atkins | 11/30/23

Litchfield Community Plans Christmas Events

A host of activities are scheduled for the "Litchfield Lighted Christmas" on Saturday, Dec. 16. Downtown businesses will welcome Christmas Walk visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A free showing of the … more

11/30/23

Christmas Tree Lighting To Be Held Monday Night

The first annual Christmas tree lighting event will be held at The Briar Rose in downtown Litchfield on Monday evening, Dec. 4. Located in the front window of the store, the Christmas tree will be … more

11/30/23

Farmersville Flips The Switch To Christmas

Students from the Panhandle School District got a little help from Santa Claus himself as they sang Christmas carols before the lighting of the christmas tree at Farmersville Park on the village … more

11/30/23

AFSCME Sub-Chapter 87 President David Spinner, at right, is pictured with guest speaker, Talor Ray, a certified estate planner with Safe Retirement Systems, Inc.

AFSCME Welcomes Guest Speaker

On Monday, Nov. 13, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Sub-Chapter #87 Retirees members and retired seniors met at the Taylorville United Methodist Church. … more

by Joyce Shelton | 11/30/23

City Council Debates Future Of Central Park Pool

As so often happens, the give and take discussions of possible future agenda items were more interesting in terms of the city’s future than the more cut and dried votes that seem routine. All … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 11/27/23

Christmas came to town on Saturday, Nov. 25, as Hillsboro rang in the holiday season with the annual Christmas parade and Lighting of the community Christmas tree, pictured above.

Hillsboro Rings In The Christmas Season

The Hillsboro community gathered around the tree on Saturday evening, Nov. 25, to ring in the Christmas season with the return of the annual Christmas parade. The parade was the 6 p.m. finale of the … more

11/27/23

Newlyweds Cole and Olivia Grosenheider of Litchfield present a $1,500 check to Tina Hagemeier, president of the Montgomery County Breast Cancer Support Group. Proceeds were raised through a donation dance at their wedding reception in memory of Cole’s mom, Alicia.

Wedding Dance Remembers Alicia

Her motto for life was simple, “live better, not bitter.” And in her 52 years on earth, Alicia Grosenheider of Litchfield did just that. She always had a … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 11/27/23

Construction continues at Litchfield Primary School, which will house pre-Kindergarten through first grade students. It is expected to be open when school starts in August 2024.

Board Hosts Truth In Taxation Hearing

The Litchfield School District will host a Truth in Taxation hearing prior to their December board meeting, as the district is proposing a 7.20 percent increase over last year’s levy. … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 11/27/23

Pictured above, the winners of the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest, first place winner Emma Diveley and second place Garrett Hale. Not pictured is third place Colby Davis.

Litchfield VFW Honors Students, Teacher

Litchfield High School conducted an Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 21 to recognize those who participated in three important contests sponsored by the VFW and Auxiliary nationwide and locally by … more

11/27/23

Christmas Food Basket Applications Due Dec. 15

Applications for the 67th annual Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department Christmas Basket Program are now available for pick-up at the Hillsboro Fire Department at 101 S. Broad St. in Hillsboro. The … more

11/27/23

Surrounded by family, Greta Akers of Witt received her Quilt of Valor on Wednesday, Nov. 22. Pictured above, in front, from the left are Brynlee Bell, Kayden Bell, Melanie McCaslin, Kash McCaslin and Harlie Pilgrim. In back are Lisa Bell, Brian Bell, SFC(Ret) Greta Akers, Dorman Akers, Leala Eddington, Chelsy McCaslin, Ashley Bell and Tim Hobson.

Veteran Greta Akers Receives Quilt

Members of the Sew and Show Stitchers Quilt Guild had another very special Quilt of Valor presentation to United States Army veteran Greta Akers of Witt. Surrounded by her family and fellow service … more

11/27/23

HSHS St. Francis Live Drive-Thru Nativity

HSHS St. Francis Hospital invites the community to view a live recreation of the night of Jesus’ birth at a drive-thru nativity scene on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the circle … more

11/27/23

Pictured above,the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce royalty teamed up with the Montgomery County Fair royalty for a hot chocolate bar and bracelet sale at a vendor event held at the Litchfield Community Center. From the left are Junior Miss Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Tilly Fergurson, Little Miss Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Addy Winans, Miss Chamber of Commerce Kendall Stewart, Little Miss Montgomery County Karsyn Jones, Miss Montgomery County Fair Queen Alexis Lessman and Junior Miss Montgomery County Nataleigh Jackson. The group raised $241, which will be donated to Coats for Kids in Litchfield.

Litchfield Celebrates Small Business Saturday

To help promote local businesses, the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce teamed up with the City of Litchfield’s economic development department for some special Small Business Saturday activities … more

11/27/23