News | The Journal-News

Nancy Slepicka uses the interactive function on Hillsboro’s section of the “Spark! Places of Innovation” Smithsonian Institute exhibit now in the basement of the Hillsboro Area Public Library.

The “Spark! Places of Innovation” exhibit, a part of the Smithsonian Institute and Illinois Humanities’ Museum on Main Street” program, opened to a packed house during a … more

7/31/23

Kendall Stewart, of Litchfield, was crowned 2023 Miss Litchfield Chamber of Commerce and Miss Congeniality by retiring 2022 Miss Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Alyssa Lohman during the annual pageant held Saturday evening, July 29, in Simmons Gym at Litchfield High School. She is sponsored by House Of Glow. Other members of her court who will help her represent the Litchfield community are 2023 Little Miss Chamber of Commerce Tilly Fergurson and 2023 Junior Miss Addelyn Winans. Pictured above with Stewart and Lohman is second runner up Isabella Steiner and first runner up Caitlyn Travis.

Litchfield Chamber Welcomes New Royalty

“Welcome to the most fantastic night of the year,” said Meghan Bilyeu, 2000 Miss Litchfield Chamber of Commerce, and the event’s emcee. The pageant kicked off with Bilyeu … more

7/31/23

Aqua Run boaters enjoyed their trip to “Germany” at the stop hosted by Greg and Marissa Cowell and sponsored by Victory Lane Ford and Red Rooster. There was a village scene for photos, snow, as well as delicious snacks and beverages.

‘Around The World’ At Aqua Run

Boaters traveled around the world without leaving Glenn Shoals Lake in Hillsboro during the annual Aqua Run on Saturday, July 29, hosted by the Glenn Shoals Lake Improvement Association. … more

7/31/23

AFSCME Ratifies New 4-Year State Contract

Gov. JB Pritzker and the state’s largest public employee union announced Tuesday that they have agreed on a new contract that will provide a nearly 18 percent pay raise over four years, … more

by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois | 7/31/23

Man Killed On Route 16 On Saturday

Illinois State Police and the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office are investigating the death of a man killed after reportedly exiting a moving vehicle on Route 16 between Irving and Hillsboro. … more

7/31/23

This year’s inductees of the Old Settlers Honor Society include Neoma Boliard and Georgia Williams  of Sew and Show Quilt Club, Michael Foster of Hillsboro Knights of Columbus, Tom Justison of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church,  Sandy Martincic of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Ron Menghini of Hillsboro Presbyterian Church,  Marty and Patty Niehaus of Hillsboro United Methodist Church, Dale and Anna Marie Nobbe of the Montgomery County Fair Association and Juanita Titsworth of Hillsboro First  Baptist Church.

Meet Members Of The 2023 Old Settlers Honor Society

As part of the long-standing Old Settlers tradition, eight dedicated community members will be inducted into this year’s Honor Society. Each will be introduced and presented with a medal … more

7/31/23

Thanks to the generosity of the community around 141 students received new shoes at Imagine Hillsboro’s Free Back to School Store, held at the Free Methodist Church on Saturday, July 15. Above, students in the Hillsboro School District shop for new-to-them wardrobes.

Hillsboro Students Ready To Go Back To School

More than 141 students from the Hillsboro School District came through the doors of Imagine Hillsboro’s Free Back to School Store on Saturday, July 15. After a year-long hiatus, the Free … more

7/31/23

In front, are Terry and Nancy Manning recent adopters. Nancy is also one of Paws Care’s volunteers and often transports rescues. In back, are Chris Dahler, volunteer and recent adopter, Nancy Richardson, Seas the Day travel agent, Karrie Tosetti, Paws board member (spay/neuter voucher chair) and Florence Clark, Paws president.

Vacations Raffle Will Raise Funds For Paws

Dogs and cats and beach resorts don’t sound like they go together, but the results of a raffle sponsored by Seas the Day Travel will pair them well. Paws Care is currently selling raffle … more

7/31/23

A long held dream of Cross Over Ministries will come into actuality with the opening of the Haven of Hope Home, a resource for those in the midst of mental health and substance use crisis in Montgomery County. Above, are members of the team that spearheaded opening Haven Home, (front, L-R) Dawn Young and Kim Noyes. In back, (L-R) Ryan Gnaegy, Amber Kite, Erica Petcher and Bonnie Goodwin.

A Refuge Of Hope, Haven Home Set To Open

“I don’t think the community realizes how many people are struggling with mental health and substance use issues in Montgomery County. These are real people with real families and friends … more

By Tori O’Dell | 7/27/23

Nokomis Public Library’s new location held its first event on Monday, July 12, kicking off a new era for the community. Pictured above is the young adult and youth section at the new 100 N. Spruce St. location.

Nokomis Library Starts New Chapter

For centuries, libraries have been an essential part of society. Their status as a center for learning and community engagement has given many the space and resources to seek opportunities and pursue … more

By Isaiah Atkins | 7/27/23

Solar Project Talk Continues At Panhandle Board

Members of the Panhandle School Board further discussed options for a potential installation of solar panels at their monthly meeting on the evening of Monday, July 24. After listening to a … more

By Isaiah Atkins | 7/27/23

Hop Over! Morrisonville Picnic Begins Thursday

The 95th annual Morrisonville Picnic begins Thursday, July 27, Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29. The annual celebration is sponsored by the Morrisonville Community Club and is sure to provide … more

7/27/23

Power Shut Down To Repair Static Wire

Power was out for just over two hours Tuesday night, July 25, while utility crews repaired a line that was clipped by a low-flying airplane. The power outage, which began at about 9:40 p.m. Tuesday … more

7/27/23

Nokomis Council Names Five For New Commission

The Nokomis City Council appointed five area residents to a new panel designed to spur improvements to the city at its July 24 regular meeting. Commissioners approved the idea, initiated by Mayor … more

By Ben Schwarm | 7/27/23

Historian Kevin Kaegy describes Abraham Lincoln’s law career during a lecture hosted by the Historical Society of Montgomery County on Sunday.

Lecture Shines Light On Lincoln The Lawyer

Bond County historian Kevin Kaegy described the legal career of Abraham Lincoln at a lecture hosted by the Historical Society of Montgomery County on Sunday afternoon, July 23, at the Challacombe … more

7/24/23

Litchfield Finds 'One Way' Solution To Street Issue

The wheels of democracy meshed well during Litchfield’s city council meeting on Thursday evening, April 20. All but one alderman (Dwayne Gerl) answered roll call, and the two ladies who … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 7/24/23

Summer Work Going Well In Nokomis District

President Chad Ruppert called the Nokomis School Board meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18. In addition to Ruppert, Superintendent Scott Doerr, board members Steve Janssen, Denny … more

by Randy Rieke | 7/24/23

Committee Will Make Recomendations

The Hillsboro Natural Resources Committee’s meeting on Wednesday evening, July 19, was relatively short but perhaps meaningful in terms of the closed session in which two candidates for open … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 7/24/23

Pictured above, from the left are Bradlee Saxby, Helen Saxby, John Heller, Annette Heller, Sara Porter, Chris Porter, Brad Saxby, Kyle Saxby, Isabelle Saxby and Elizabeth Gibbar. In front are brothers Hendrix and Lakota Porter.

Local Donation To Help Heller Center

“People have just been so incredibly generous,” said Helen Saxby of Litchfield. “We are so grateful.” This July, Hope for Hendrix, established in honor of Saxby’s … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 7/20/23

Council Hears Public Concerns About Hillsboro

The Hillsboro City Council meeting held Tuesday evening, July 18, had three speakers during the public comment section of the agenda. Michelle Claybrook and Sue Stege, who live on Welch Street, … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 7/20/23