The Journal-News

Just in time for this year’s harvest season, the Justison Farm operation purchased the new black Fendt IDEAL Model 9T combine in July, which is uniquely furnished with a “Justison Farms” name plate. Fendt is a German manufacturer, and according to Kuhns Equipment Store Manager Ben Kuhns, farm machinery must have have license plates in Germany. Instead of a traditional plate, the Justison’s piece of equipment received a special designation.

Montgomery County Farmers Hit The Fields

As farmers return to the fields, one local farming family has enhanced its large operation with a new cutting-edge piece of machinery, the Fendt IDEAL Model 9T combine. Justison Farms in Butler … more

9/28/20

Both Cases And Rate Up During Past Week

The number and rate of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Montgomery County increased last week, with 36 new cases reported by the Montgomery County Health Department for a positivity rate of 3.2 percent … more

9/28/20

In a photo taken before the streets of downtown Hillsboro were paved, the iconic Corner Block building was erected in 1894 with third floor balconies and a diagonal southeast entrance.

Corner Block 'Absolutely' Still Sound

“Is the building structurally viable? Absolutely,” architect David Leonatti said after a tour of the Corner Block building that anchors downtown Hillsboro. The architect toured the … more

by Mike Plunkett | 9/28/20

MCHD To Hold Clinics In Nokomis, Litchfield

The Montgomery County Health Department will be holding its second drive-thru flu shot clinics this week. The clinics will be held Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 9 to 12 p.m. at Litchfield Community … more

9/28/20

A prayer gathering (above) was held on the south steps of the Historic Courthouse in Hillsboro on Saturday, Sept. 26. The event was held in conjunction with the National Prayer March in Washington, DC.

Pausing For Prayer For The Country

Christians from throughout Montgomery County gathered on the lawn of the Historic Courthouse in Hillsboro on Saturday, Sept. 26, as part of the National Day of Prayer and Repentance. The local … more

9/28/20

Chelsey Jeffers Seeks Submissions From Public

Montgomery County resident Chelsey Jeffers is currently a graduate student, pursuing a masters of arts degree in history at the University of Illinois-Springfield, and is seeking help from her … more

9/25/20

Before discussing the downtown Corner Block building with the Hillsboro City Council on Tuesday, David Leonatti of Melotte-Morse-Leonatti-Parker toured the building. From the left are Commissioner Michael Murphy, Planner Jonathan Weyer, David Leonatti, and Superintendent Jim May. A separate report from the tour will be published next week.

Corner Block On Hillsboro Agenda

It was a meeting that almost didn’t happen. Once Mayor pro-tem Katie Duncan gaveled an assembled crowd to order and roll call was taken, City Attorney Kit Hantla rose to explain why the meeting … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 9/24/20

13th COVID Death Over The Weekend

The Montgomery County Health Department announced the 13th COVID-19 coronavirus death in the county over the weekend. The death was announced on Saturday, Sept. 19, and is the fifth this … more

9/24/20

Raymond Halloween Parade Will Be Oct. 25

As the regular monthly meeting was called to order on Monday evening, Sept. 21, members of the Raymond Village Board dedicated a moment of silence to remember longtime Trustee Kathy Summers, who … more

9/24/20

Witt Looks At Ways To Increase Grant Eligibility

Witt City Council held a special meeting, prior to their regularly set meeting to discuss the city’s potential agreement with EJ Water Cooperative on Tuesday, Sept. 22. EJ Emmerich, … more

by Tori O’Dell | 9/24/20

Panhandle Passes FY21 Budget

Members of the Panhandle School Board approved the budget for the 2021 financial year on Monday, Sept. 21, after meeting early to discuss the budget. Superintendent Aaron Hopper presented the … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 9/24/20

Litchfield Board Approves School Budget

Members of the Litchfield School Board unanimously approved a $40.5 million budget during their regular monthly meeting, held Tuesday evening, Sept. 22, at Sihler School in Litchfield with all board … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 9/24/20

Meghan Maretti of the Hillsboro Community Child Development Center, at left, works with Heidi Slightom on stacking blocks and building towers to stimulate brain development in preschoolers.

Little Leaps Fosters Brain Development

Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a series of articles highlighting the results of the Little Leaps program through the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Hillsboro Area … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 9/24/20

Early Voting Underway In Montgomery County

Voters may cast early ballots beginning Thursday, Sept. 24 through Monday, Nov. 2, for the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Ballots may be cast between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Early Voting … more

9/24/20

Alexandrea, a company that sells high-end handbags, will open a storefront in downtown Hillsboro. Owner Alex Haxel personally designs the bags her company will sell, and plans to debut her new line later this year. Leatherworker Edgar Gua (above) shows an early prototype of the Bow Bag. The finished prototype can be viewed at left, in the background of the photo.

Haxel Plans To Debut Line In Hillsboro

Downtown Hillsboro welcomed business owner Alexandrea “Alex” Haxel to the neighborhood during a welcome reception hosted by Atlas 46 CEO Brian Carver on Friday, Sept. 18. Attendees wore … more

9/21/20

MCHD Reports 35 New Cases Last Week

After six new cases at the beginning of the week resulted in a low positivity percentage, the Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) has confirmed 29 new coronavirus cases since Thursday for a … more

9/21/20

Litchfield To Apply For A Block Grant

Hopes are high for the Litchfield City Council that the city can receive a grant from the state that will help home owners in financial need. During the city council meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17, … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 9/21/20

Planning Commission Discusses Corner Block

Seven members of the Hillsboro Planning Commission convened at 12:30 Thursday afternoon, Sept. 17, in city hall chambers; also present were city planner/economic development director Jonathan Weyer … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 9/21/20

‘No Electioneering’ Zone Starts With Early Voting

When early voting begins on Thursday, Sept. 24, Montgomery County Clerk Sandy Leitheiser reminds that state law prohibits electioneering and political signage around the Historic … more

9/21/20

Laying the walls of the lodge was a longer task. A transfer scribe was used to match the contours of the logs. Each log had to be cut to fit the contour of the one beneath it. In front, from the left are Glenn Mueller, Matt Clifton and Jenni Mueller-Clifton. In back, from the left are Brandon Mueller, Miranda O’Dell, Wes Mueller and Gary Mueller.

Mueller Family Builds Log Cabin Together

“We have all grown up at the cabin. It’s a part of who we are. So many of our childhood memories are from the cabin,” said Rio (Mueller) Flesch.” “It’s named … more

by Tori O’Dell | 9/21/20