News | The Journal-News

Kindergarten students and staff at Beckemeyer Elementary School celebrated 100 days of school on Friday, Jan, 26. Pictured above, the excited students and staff dance along to songs with the theme of … more

1/29/24

Present for the dedication were Sharon’s children, Troy (wife Vicki) Donaldson of Hillsboro, Kim (husband Jeff) Arkebauer of Witt and Christine (husband Paul) Ernst of Litchfield; grandchildren, Brooke and Carlee Ernst, Morgan Arkebauer and Stormy Coffman, Britny Donaldson with great-grandson, Beckett. Not present were her husband, John Page; grandsons, Devan Arkebauer and Jade Weller; and great-grandchildren, Beau, Brayden and Charleigh Arkebauer.

Bremer Dedicates New Bird Feeders

The weather was chilly, but the dedication ceremony was heartwarming for Bremer Sanctuary’s new bird feeder station in Hillsboro. Memorial money was given to the sanctuary after Sharon … more

1/29/24

Local staff the Montgomery County Extension Office awarded LLCC in Litchfield with the 2023 Community Partner Award.Pictured above are LLCC’s Tisha Miller, Jessie Blackburn, Christine Marietta, Alexis Friesland and Kate Harding of Montgomery County Extension Office, and Adrienne Frazier and Gary Wendt of LLCC.

LLCC Receives 2023 Community Partner Award

Local staff at University of Illinois Extension of Montgomery County nominated Lincoln Land Community College in Litchfield as a 2023 Community Partner. LLCC-Litchfield was selected for its continued … more

1/29/24

Hillsboro Library To Host Upcoming Events

Hillsboro Area Public Library has announced events that they will be hosting. On Wednesday, Jan. 31, at 2 p.m., popular magician Professor Longhair will be in attendance for an anti-bullying show. On … more

1/29/24

BB Designs Fundraiser To Benefit Carrie Smail

Beth Edwards of BB Designs in Irving is hosting a shirt fundraiser to benefit Carrie Smail of Hillsboro as she undergoes treatments for breast cancer. Participants may choose from one of two designs, … more

1/29/24

The Hillsboro High School Building Trades Class recently wrapped up work on a renovated home on Vandalia St. in Hillsboro. Pictured above are students Elliot Lentz, Elias Guiterrez, Alec Leetham and Jace Stewart. An open house will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Building Trades’ House Ready To Be A Home

“Welcome to a home where education meets practical application,” the Montgomery County Realtors stated, in an announcement of a new home listing on Facebook. The new home is the product … more

By Isaiah Atkins | 1/25/24

Jeff Boeckler of Northwater Consulting presents a multitude of statistics, along with action plans made with the goal of making the water clearer in Lake Glenn Shoals and Lake Hillsboro.

Soil And Water District Host Annual Meeting

The Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) held their annual meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the University of Illinois Extension office in Hillsboro. Before the meeting began, … more

by Cayden Huber | 1/25/24

Representing Lincolnwood High School is sophomore Robbie Gunn.

County Musicians Take Talent To All-State Festival In Peoria

A dozen county high school musicians will be taking their talents to Peoria this weekend for the annual ILMEA (Illinois Music Education Association) All-State Festival. Held Jan. 24-27 at the Peoria … more

1/25/24

Hiltopper Alumni Celebrate New High School

They’ve seen the Hiltop as students and and as part of the system that makes it work, but now the alumni employees of Hillsboro High School will have the opportunity to see education take its … more

1/25/24

Pictured above, Gene Hebenstreit and family pose with HSHS St. Francis Hospital CEO, Jim Tempe, and director of philanthropy, Paula Endress, after a matching donation of $5000 to the St. Clare Center Food Pantry.

Victory Lane Matches Donation To Food Pantry

Victory Lane Ford recently presented the St. Clare Center Food Pantry in Litchfield with a check for $5,000. The check was a matching gift that represented every dollar donated up to $5,000 through … more

1/25/24

Command Sgt. Maj. Dena Ballowe of Litchfield, the outgoing Illinois National Guard Command Senior Enlisted Leader, thanks family, friends and fellow Illinois National Guard members, for their support.

Ballowe Retires From Illinois National Guard

The year was 1990 and a future Illinois National Guard member watched Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm unfold on national television and was inspired to “do something … more

by Barbara Wilson | 1/25/24

With temperatures below zero, Haven Home of Hope in Hillsboro opened its doors as a warming center Jan. 12-14. Cross Over Ministries and staff assisted more than a dozen people in keeping warm from the freezing weather.

Haven Home Of Hope Hosts Warming Center

During the frigid weekend of Jan. 12-14, Cross Over Ministries staff and volunteers hosted a warming center at Haven Home of Hope, located at 205 Pleasant Street in Hillsboro. Approximately 14 … more

1/25/24

Bass Anglers Hosting Dinner Dance March 16

Litchfield Bass Anglers invite the local community to come to their annual dinner and dance held on Saturday, March 16, at the Litchfield community center. The fun-filled evening will go from 5 p.m. … more

1/25/24

Pictured above is the February $9 Night Out Project: a directional sign. The directional sign activity will be on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m.

Litchfield’s $9 Night Out Returns In 2024

The Litchfield Public Library’s first $9 Night Out of the year was held on Thursday, Jan. 11. The project was a wire basket and glass pedestal cloche, with seasonal inserts for several months … more

1/25/24

Dr. Ratermann Will Join Litchfield Family Practice

Cody Ratermann, MD of Damiansville has signed to practice in Litchfield with Litchfield Family Practice Center, LLP beginning early fall 2025. Dr. Ratermann attended Mater Dei Catholic High school, … more

1/25/24

Last Day To Register To Vote In Primary Election Is Feb. 20

The Montgomery County Clerk’s office reminds voters that their voter registration information must be up-to-date to avoid problems or delays in voting in the Tuesday, March 19, general primary … more

1/22/24

All occupants got safely out of the building during the blaze.

Sunday Blaze Destroys Structure In Raymond

Members of the Raymond-Harvel Fire Department braved frigid temperatures to battle a structure fire on Sunday morning, Jan. 21, at 300 N. West Street in Raymond. There were 21 firefighters dispatched … more

1/22/24

Natural Resources Group Discusses Lake Lot Changes

The members of Hillsboro’s National Resources Committee who met with Parks Superintendent Jim May on Wednesday evening, Jan. 17, were told the details of a newly-written Recreational Lake Lot … more

1/22/24

Litchfield native Lucas Ostendorf is congratulated by Police Chief Kenny Ryker after being sworn in as the newest member of the Litchfield Police Department by his wife Amber and Chief Ryker.

Litchfield Welcomes New Officer

A new face, but a familiar name was introduced to the Litchfield City Council on Thursday, Jan. 18, as the newest member of the Litchfield Police Department. Lucas Ostendorf, … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 1/22/24

Following the program, Historical Society members provided refreshments.

Nearly 200 Attend Mark Twain Program

Laughter filled the sanctuary at the Hillsboro Free Methodist Church as nearly 200 attended the “Catch the Twain” program on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 21. Sponsored by The Historical Society … more

1/22/24