News | The Journal-News

Irish Days Pageants Begin In Farmersville

As the 114th Irish Days celebration opens this week, pageants will take center stage on Thursday evening, May 29, and Saturday evening, May 31, at the stage in downtown Farmersville. … more

5/29/25

Car enthusiasts brought their vehicles to show off for the fourth annual McKay NAPA Strut Your Stuff Cruise-In for Make-A-Wish on Saturday, May 17.

McKay’s Strut Your Stuff Raises Over $21,000

McKay NAPA Auto Parts held their fifth annual Strut Your Stuff Cruise-In for Make-A-Wish on Saturday, May 17, in Staunton. The event raised just over $21,000 and featured a total of 80 vehicles … more

5/29/25

Old Settlers Shares 2025 ‘Who’s Who’ List

The Old Settlers Association has announced the “Who’s Who” list for 2025, with the contact numbers listed for those in charge of particular events. Old Settlers 2025 will take place … more

5/29/25

Housing Committee To Host Meeting On June 10

The Newkomis Housing and Real Estate Committee will host an informational meeting for residents of Nokomis and Coalton at The Vault on Tuesday, June 10, at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will discuss a … more

5/29/25

Nokomis Library Swears In Trustees

On Monday, May 12, Nokomis Public Library swore in its newly elected or reelected board of trustees. Pictured above, from left to right, are Gina Brown (treasurer), Jenny Farmer (vice president), … more

5/29/25

Lady ‘Skins Donate $5,121 To MCCA

The Lady Redskins Basketball Team raised money for the MCCA by gathering donations from residents and businesses for every three-pointer they made this year. They were able to donate $5,121 this … more

5/29/25

Doris O’Malley stands beside her farewell cake in honor of her many years of service towards the Nokomis Food Pantry and Nokomis Christian Missions.

Nokomis Food Pantry Honors O’Malley

On Tuesday, May 20, volunteers from the Nokomis Food Pantry and Nokomis Christian Missions honored Doris O’Malley for her many years of service to the community as coordinator for the local … more

5/29/25

CNB Holds Annual Stockholders Meeting

The stockholders of CNB Bank Shares, Inc. held their annual meeting on Tuesday, April 29, at CNB’s corporate headquarters in Carlinville. In addition to receiving a report on the past … more

5/29/25

Pictured above, from the left are Hillsboro High School Salutatorian Andrea Huber and Valedictorians Peyton Brewer, Nathan Matoush and Emily Lanter.

Hillsboro Class Of 2025 Celebrates Graduation

The Hillsboro High School class of 2025 took the next step in life as they graduated from the school as part of the annual graduation ceremony, held Friday evening, May 23, in the high school gym. … more

5/27/25

Pictured above are members of the Montgomery County Health Department's Mental Health staff. In the back, from the left are Jennifer Logue, Christina O'Brian, Whitney Evans, Maci Blakenship, Eli Tyszko, Ashley Bulla, Kelsey St. Cin, Dr. Amber Mifflin and Kim Felty. In the middle row are Julie Jones and Laria Davis. In front are Jensine Wyant, Jill Wright, Karli and Randy Thompson.

Health Department Honors May Mental Health Month

In honor of May being named Mental Health Awareness Month, staff at Montgomery County Health Department is reminding the public of the resources available to those in need. “The desire is to … more

by Isaiah Atkins | 5/27/25

Nokomis High School senior Gracelynn DeWerff, center, smiles as confetti falls down on her and her classmates at commencement on Friday evening, May 23.

Nokomis Celebrates Annual Graduation

As confetti filled the gym, Nokomis High School seniors celebrated the annual commencement ceremony, held at the school on Friday evening, May 23, with 42 seniors walking across the stage. Seniors … more

5/27/25

Seated in front is Grantee Paige Coots. In back, from the left are Grantee Alli Frerichs and Pacey DeWitt, chairman of the volunteer grantees.

MCCA Will Honor Cancer Patients

Lady Bird Johnson once said, “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” The Montgomery County Cancer Association (MCCA) is blooming this spring as they prepare for the annual Birthday Party and … more

5/27/25

In Hillsboro, former Honor Guard members salute as the 21-Gun Salute is fired by the Hillsboro Veterans Memorial. From the left are Bob Fuehne, Mary Jo Cerney, Lee Cerney and Dale Walcher.

Local Communities Remember Fallen Soldiers

Thomas Campbell once said, “To live in hearts we leave behind is not today.” Communities across Montgomery County paused on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, to remember those who paid the … more

5/27/25

Elisa Feldmann, at left, is a member of the Board of Directors for HSHS St. Francis Hospital and a former manager who served for over 40 years at the hospital. On the right is Anne Jackson, Litchfield Museum Board secretary. The duo are pictured above at the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center, highlighting the museum’s newest display showcasing the 150 years of care the hospital has provided to the community.

Litchfield Museum Hosting St. Francis 150-Year Display

In 2025, St. Francis Hospital is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding. In 1875, at the request of Bishop Peter Baltes, Diocese of Alton, 20 Hospital Sisters of St. Francis left Muenster, … more

5/27/25

Retiring village trustee Dan Hough was thanked for his 14 years of service to the Raymond Village Board. Hough is pictured above, left, with Mayor Denny Held, right.

Hough Resigns From Raymond Village Board

Longtime village Trustee Dan Hough submitted his letter of resignation to the Raymond Village Board at their meeting on Monday, May 19. Hough will be moving out of town to pursue other opportunities, … more

5/27/25

Each superintendent honoree is selected by peers in their region based on their commitment, dedication and leadership. Superintendent Powell is pictured above with State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders and IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark.

Powell Named Superintendent Of Distinction

David Powell, retiring superintendent of Hillsboro CUSD #3, has been named the 2025 Superintendent of Distinction by his colleagues in the Kaskaskia Region of the Illinois Association of School … more

5/27/25

New Mayor Of Donnellson Sworn In During May

Elvira Rowe was sworn in as the new Mayor of Donnellson during the village board meeting on Monday, May 12. Along with Mayor Rowe, new trustees Virginia Kenny and Barydon Mason and Chief of Police … more

5/27/25

Mural contest winners, pictured above, are Claire Matthews, Levi Lipe, Cadien Hobson, Garrett Mitchelar, Kaleb Paproth and Kinlee Paproth.

Lincolnwood Learns About Prevention

Lincolnwood Junior High School participated in National Prevention Week activities sponsored by the Montgomery County Health Department. The students competed in a mural contest depicting how to live … more

5/27/25

Pictured above, Officer Frank Kenny of the Hillsboro Police Department accepts a donation of child ID kits from Georgia Adams of Securus Insurance Service.

Securus Donates To Hillsboro Police Department

On behalf of the Hillsboro Police Department and the families they proudly serve, Police Chief Randy Leetham and Officer Frank Kenny extend their gratitude to Georgia Adams, owner of Securus … more

5/27/25

Pictured above, the Litchfield VFW members prepare to raise the flag for the national anthem while Boy Scout Troop 89 stands beside the flag, honoring those who have fallen.

Litchfield Honors The American Heroes

Members of the Litchfield Community gathered for the annual Litchfield Memorial Day service held at the Veterans Memorial Garden in Library Park Monday morning. The Litchfield High School band … more

5/27/25