News | The Journal-News

Three student finalists in the annual Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest were announced at Litchfield Middle School on Monday, Nov. 10. From the left are Tilly Fergurson, Presly Gifford and Dexter Link.

Finalists Named In Patriot’s Pen Contest

The names of the top three finalists in this year’s Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, conducted at the Litchfield Middle School were announced on Monday, Nov. 10. They are (listed … more

11/20/25

Litchfield Fire Department responded to a residential fire on Tuesday morning, Nov. 18. The Jackson St. residence’s garage was fully engulfed with heavy smoke and fire.

Litchfield Responds To Jackson St. Blaze

At approximately 7:10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Litchfield Fire Department was dispatched to 918 S. Jackson St. for a report of a detached garage on fire with flames encroaching on a nearby … more

11/20/25

Donnellson Village Board Meets In November

Members of the Donnellson Village Board convened on Monday evening, Nov. 10, for their regularly scheduled meeting at the Donnellson Community Center. Present for the meeting were Mayor and Village … more

by Isaiah Atkins | 11/20/25

Litchfield High School To Host Winter Blood Drive

Litchfield High School will host a community blood drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, at … more

11/20/25

The Jefferson Street home of Bob and Susan Schwandner is one of three Hillsboro homes on the Christmas House and Church Tour on Sunday, Nov. 30, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Couple Opens Historic Home For Holiday Tour

A distinctive brick ranch house on Jefferson Street is one of three Hillsboro homes on the Christmas House and Church Tour sponsored by the Historical Society of Montgomery County. The annual … more

11/17/25

Montgomery County Clerk and Recorder Sandy Leitheiser, at left, administers the oath of office to new Supervisor of Assessments Tysha Mullen, during the Montgomery County Board meeting on Wednesday evening, Nov. 12.

Mullen Named Supervisor Of Assessments

Montgomery County approved two positions and passed a balanced budget as part of their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, Nov. 12, at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Hillsboro. … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 11/17/25

This year’s “It’s in the Bag” purse auction set a new fundraising record of over $26,000 for the Hillsboro Health Foundation. Proceeds will be used to fund pelvic floor therapy in the hospital’s new therapy center. Pictured above, from the left, Paula White, Kennah Camp, Kaitlyn Fath and Dana Holshouser look at designer purses in the silent auction.

Purse Auction Sets New Record

Sold! The 19th annual “It’s in the Bag” purse auction set a new fundraising record for the Hillsboro Health Foundation. Held Thursday evening, Nov. 13, at The Event Center of … more

11/17/25

Litchfield Schools Set Strategic Planning Dates

Litchfield Community Unit School District #12 is officially launching a comprehensive strategic planning process to guide district priorities over the next five years. This initiative includes … more

11/17/25

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, as The Sweet Spot’s third annual Golden Ticket event returns to Montgomery County. Bars are available at The Sweet Spot, The Journal-News office, and at other select participating local businesses

Golden Tickets, Boro Bar Return

The Sweet Spot candy shop is bringing back its much-anticipated Golden Ticket Chocolate Bar Promotion for the third consecutive year—and this time, it’s bigger and sweeter than ever. … more

11/17/25

Litchfield’s own, Robby Robinson, brought an all star alumni band, which included also from Litchfield, his brother Rex, on bass, and Chuck Wilson on drums. The event was a special tribute for the 150th anniversary of HSHS St.Francis Hospital.

St. Francis Celebrates 150 Years With Robinson

A night of celebration in honor of HSHS St. Francis hospital’s 150th anniversary was held Saturday night, Nov. 8, at the W.D. Kilton Performing Arts Center in Litchfield. The highlight of … more

11/17/25

Even the Grinch had to be impressed with the transformation of Litchfield's Santa House. Forty-four years after Jo Anna Williams and David Ballowe painted Santa's home away from home, the pair returned to spruce up the building for the next generation.

Everything Old Is New Again

In 1981, Litchfield High School students Jo Anna Williams and David Ballowe were tasked with painting the Santa House in Library Park, but after 44 years and thousands of Santa visits, the Christmas … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 11/17/25

HSHS St. Francis took first place in the annual Litchfield Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday evening, Nov. 15.

It Was Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas In Litchfield

The Litchfield Lighted Christmas Parade closed out a day of Christmas celebrations for residents, on Saturday, Nov. 15. Parade winners included HSHS St. Francis in first place, Mt. Olive Royalty … more

11/17/25

Stewart Crowned 2026 Miss Lincoln Prairie

Alia Stewart of Litchfield was crowned Miss Lincoln Prairie at the Miss Central Illinois Competition pageant on Saturday,Nov. 8, at the Illinois Army National Guard Armory in Kewanee. Executive … more

11/17/25

The Nokomis Lions Club sponsored the 55th annual boys Invitational Basketball Tournament. Pictured above, from the left, are Tim Huber, Bruce Betzold, Phil Blazich, Gary Wemple and Jim Ferrero. Those who worked at the event, but are not pictured are Frank Steele, Gary Hulbert, Brenda Bruder, Jack Beaty, Mike Glenn, Jim Rupert, Robert Davis, Tim Chumley, Debbie Glenn and Janet Ferrero.

Nokomis Lions Sponsor Tournament

The Nokomis Lions Club sponsored the 55th annual boys Invitational Basketball Tournament on Monday, Nov. 3, through Friday, Nov. 7, in the Nokomis High School Gym. Teams from Nokomis, Pana, … more

11/17/25

ROE #3 Schools Receive Grant Funding Awards

The Regional Office of Education #3 (ROE3) proudly announces that Aspire High School and TriStar Academy have received two crucial grants. This funding will significantly enhance student … more

11/17/25

Pana Queens Selling Krispy Kremes

The 2025 Pana Chamber of Commerce Queens are selling Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Pre-orders are currently available at a cost of $15 a dozen. Payment is due at the time of the order. Those interested are … more

11/17/25

Litchfield To Offer Free Leaf Collection Service

The City of Litchfield is conducting a free leaf collection program this fall. Residents who wish to use the program should place leaves in rows or piles on the boulevard adjacent to the street. The … more

11/17/25

Taylor Springs Accepting Toy Drive Applications

Applications for the 2025 Christmas Baskets sponsored by the Food and Toy Drive Citizens of Taylor Springs will be available beginning Monday, Nov. 17, in the lobby of the Taylor Springs … more

11/17/25

Volunteers Rake Leaves At Many Hillsboro Homes

Volunteers with Imagine Hillsboro and the Hillsboro Health Junior Board, along with Life Community Church, met at Central Park in Hillsboro bright and early Saturday morning, Nov. 15, for the annual … more

11/17/25

Litchfield finalists for the “This I Believe” essay pictured above, from the left, are Olivia Goldman, Sam Schwab and Brooke Braasch. They are pictured above with a $500 check from NPR Illinois.

Local Students Named “This I Believe” Finalists

Students in Ms. Carter’s and Mrs. Lamore’s English classes this semester were recognized at a ceremony celebrating their status as “This I Believe” essay finalists. The event … more

11/17/25