News | The Journal-News

MCCA board members select gifts at this year’s Appreciation Dinner, held Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Hillsboro Lions Club. Pictured above, from the left are Shelley Halleman, Marla Marley and Pam Myers.

The Montgomery County Cancer Association (MCCA) hosted its annual Appreciation Dinner on Thursday evening, Nov. 6, at Hillsboro Lions Club, with a catered dinner. Each year, the organization hosts an … more

11/17/25

Pictured above, the Huber and Lee families of Hillsboro wave to the Kirby family.

Community Parade Celebrates Benny’s Birthday

More than 100 vehicles joined the nearly half an hour parade in celebration of Benson “Benny” Kirby’s fourth birthday on Thursday evening Nov. 13. Due to brain surgery for cancer … more

11/17/25

Hillsboro Lions Club members are pictured above with Benson Kirby and other members of his family.

Hillsboro Lions Raise Funds For Kirbys

Members of the Hillsboro Lions Club made a donation to the family of Benson Kirby following their pork chop lunch fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 14. Kirby is the four-year-old son of Dr. Nathan and … more

11/17/25

County Fair Queens Hold Food Drive

The Montgomery County Queens will be holding a food drive to feed the community throughout the month of November. The drive, which started on Saturday, Nov. 8, will run through Saturday, Nov.22 and … more

11/17/25

Handmade crafts will be available at the annual Winter Wonderland.

Nokomis Parish Winter Wonderland Next Sunday

The 22nd annual Winter Wonderland will be held on Sunday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Louis Parish Center, located at 523 E. Union in Nokomis. The morning kicks off with fresh baked … more

11/17/25

Pictured above, from the left are Donna Myers of Washington, MO, Carol Burke of Litchfield and Leah Borton of Pacific, MO.

Sisters Take Newspaper On California Excursion

Joined by her sisters, Carol Burke of Litchfield took a copy of The Journal-News with her on a November trip to California. Burke is on a quest to see all 50 state capitol buildings. The trio are … more

11/17/25

PANTHER PRESS • Panther Singers Head To ILMEA Festival

Hello, Panthers! Welcome back to another week of the Panther Press! This week’s riddle is: What has hands but doesn’t clap? Be sure to check back next week to see if your guess was … more

by Alli Frerichs at Litchfield | 11/17/25

REDSKIN REVIEW • Lady Redskins Tip Off Their Season

Welcome back, Redskin fans! I hope you rested up well last week, because this week is busy. Last week, our FFA agronomy team placed second out of 15 teams at LLCC. The team also placed first out … more

by Camryn Engelman at Nokomis | 11/17/25

Pictured above from the left are Jim Jones, precinct committeeman, Rob Corso, Republican Central Committee treasurer, Charity Griggs of CEFS, Roberta Meyer, committee secretary,  Chris Daniels, precinct committeewoman and Tim Hopper, candidate for the office of county clerk and recorder.

Republicans Donate To Food Pantry

The Montgomery County Republican Central Committee presented a $500 donation to the CEFS food pantry on Friday, Nov. 14, at the CEFS center in Taylor Springs. The donation was raised through proceeds … more

11/17/25

Pictured above, at right, is Dorothy Ernst, treasurer of the Litchfield Food Pantry, the recipient of a $200 donation from the Veiled Non-Profit (VN-P) organization. The donation was presented by VN-P President Mike Fleming, at left.

Veiled Non-Profits Give To Litchfield Food Pantry

The 2025 Veiled Non-Profits (VN-P) organization recently presented a $200 donation to the Litchfield Food Pantry. Treasurer Dorothy Ernst was presented the check by VN-P President Mike Fleming. Ernst … more

11/17/25

Worksaver in Litchfield (once known as Wikomi) was recognized by FEMA (Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association) as a charter member as the organization celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. The group also inducted co-owner Tom Burenga into the Farm Equipment Shortline Legends Hall of Fame this fall. Pictured above from the left are Worksaver owners Tim Burenga, Tom Burenga and Mike Kloster.

Burenga Inducted Into FEMA Hall Of Fame

“It’s been a hell of a ride,” said Tom Burenga, co-owner of Worksaver in Litchfield. This fall, Burenga was inducted into the FEMA (Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association) … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 11/13/25

Hillsboro School Board Discusses Preliminary Tax Levy

After a moment of silence to honor the brave men and women who have courageously served this nation in the armed forces, the Hillsboro School Board addressed a brief agenda at their meeting on … more

by Isaiah Atkins | 11/13/25

Northern Lights Glow In Montgomery County Sky

The northern lights (aurora borealis) were visible to residents of Montgomery County on Tuesday evening, Nov. 11. J ournal-News reader Maribeth Rahe captured the natural wonder from her Oak St. … more

11/13/25

Christmas Coming To Litchfield This Weekend

Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend, as the Litchfield community prepares for their annual Christmas celebration. The Festival of Trees celebration will be happening Friday, Nov. 14, from … more

11/13/25

Let’s Grow Fillmore To Host Tree Lighting, Santa Visit

Let’s Grow Fillmore will be holding a Christmas tree lighting on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m., in uptown Fillmore. Cookies and hot chocolate will be at the museum, along with Santa. For kids … more

11/13/25

Women’s Auxiliary To Host A Breakfast With Santa

The Raymond-Harvel Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary will be hosting a breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 15. The event will include photos with Santa, donuts, cookies … more

11/13/25

Shoe Sensation Will Hold Drive For Food Pantry

Shoe Sensation in Litchfield will be holding a “Step Up To Stop Hunger” event to support the local food pantry. Shoe Sensation customers who bring in one canned good or non-perishable … more

11/13/25

Coffeen Fire Department To Stuff The Truck

Coffeen Fire Department will be hosting its annual “Stuff the Truck” event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Coffeen Dollar General. The fire department will be collecting … more

11/13/25

Rural Development Applications Now Open

Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) is accepting applications for its 2025-2026 Rural Development Grant Program, with $120,000 available to support projects that strengthen rural communities across Illinois. … more

11/13/25

Gerlach Earns American FFA Degree

Kaylee Gerlach, daughter of Eric and Angie Gerlach of rural Waggoner, was awarded with the American FFA Degree on Saturday, Nov. 1, during the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo held in … more

11/13/25