News | The Journal-News

Pictured above are winners of the bikes given away at Witt’s Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30. From the left are Kaiden Smith, Drake Downs, Amelia Vallelonga, Brynlee Bell, Griffin Maretti, Otto Slightom, Tessa Schuler, Sullivan Fleming, Pam Smith and Briella Osborn.

With the help of the whole community, including Breakaway, Envision Witt, Witt Lions Club, Witt Fire Department, Witt Public Library, Hillsboro FFA, Witt Casey’s and the Easter Bunny, Witt held … more

4/8/24

New Committee Works To Honor City’s Veterans

The City of Coffeen is working hard behind the scenes to return a derelict piece of property back to the community. What was once an abandoned house located at the corner of Prospect and Main … more

5/30/23

Above, (retired) Col. John S. Raschke speaks about his time in Vietnam, as well as the process of writing a memoir of his experiences during a meet-and-greet at Hillsboro Public Library.

Col. Raschke Speaks At Local Library

Author John S. Raschke, a retired US Army Colonel, discussed his recently released memoir A Tour in Chuong Thien Province: A U.S. Army Lieutenant with MACV Advisory Team 73 in the Mekong Delta, … more

8/10/23

From the left are chamber Secretary Michele Orsborn, member Tom Spears, President Dr. Scott Doerr, Sunny and Red’s employee Angie Lyerla, owners Frank and Beth Steele and daughter, Remy Steele, and chamber Treasurer Ed Chausse.

Grand Opening At Sunny And Red’s

Sunny and Red’s in downtown Nokomis celebrated their grand opening on Friday, Dec. 1, including a ribbon cutting hosted by the Nokomis Chamber of Commerce. From the left are chamber Secretary … more

12/4/23

Hutchison Celebrates Retirement From Bank

Bank of Hillsboro Director Harry Hutchison celebrated his retirement on Thursday, April 4, with an open house reception held at The Abbey on Broad in Hillsboro. Hutchison was honored by friends and … more

4/8/24

Hillsboro Council Discusses Repairs For Sewer Lift Station

Financial decisions and discussions about future actions or inactions were highlights of the Hillsboro City Council when they met in regular session Tuesday evening, April 16, in city hall. As … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 4/18/24

New flags are proudly lining the streets of Taylor Springs thanks to the Taylor Springs Police Department and the generosity of local businesses and individuals.

Taylor Springs Police Dept. Purchases Flags

The fundraiser held by the Taylor Springs Police Department successfully raised enough money to purchase 18 flags for the village. The newly purchased flags were put up by the Taylor Springs … more

5/30/23

Voting Open For TCCU Scholarship Program

Taylorville Community Credit Union has announced that voting to determine the winners of this year’s eight $1,000 scholarship awards has begun and continues through Feb. 29, 2024. Two seniors … more

12/4/23

With confetti and silly string flying in the hair, Hillsboro High School students in the class of 2023 celebrated their graduation on Friday evening, May 26, in the school gym. Pictured above, Keeley Barnhart, at left, and Kyle Butler, center, join the celebration with their classmates.

Hiltoppers Celebrate May Commencement

"There’s no such thing as a self-made person. Someone else believed, encouraged and invested in you. Be grateful and be that someone for others." Hillsboro High School Principal Patti … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 5/30/23

With great anticipation in their eyes and bubble machines, silly string and confetti poppers in their hands, the Nokomis High School class of 2023 anxiously awaits for the official word that their time at NHS has come to an end. From the left are Kamron Coss, Kendall Coss, Emily Cress and Addison Dangbar.

Nokomis Grads Ready For Next Destination

“You are the pilots of your own destiny,” Pastor Ryan Follis told the soon-to-be graduates of Nokomis High School during graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 26. Follis, one of four … more

5/30/23

Sinkhole Forces Closure of Rt. 185

Illinois Route 185 from Hillsboro to Coffeen is closed indefinitely as a sinkhole was discovered 35 to 40 feet from the road near the Kasten farm on Thursday morning , April 11. … more

4/12/24

Powerlifters gathered at Lincoln Plaza in downtown Hillsboro on Saturday, April 13, for the first Raise The Bar Agaist Cancer powerlifting meet. In front, from the left, are Kyle Holcomb, Rod Stewart, Bobby Johnson, Heather Greenwood, Eric Rabich, Gage Miles and Enon Greenwood. In back, from the left, are Amanda Durkin, Kevin Simburger, Marcus Williams, Tyler Lentz, Ray Wille, Nick Scroggins and Tommy Moxey. Not pictured is Josh Lang.

Raise The Bar Against Cancer Holds First Meet

Raise The Bar gym in Hillsboro recently held its first Raise The Bar Against Cancer powerlifting challenge on Saturday, April 13, at Lincoln Plaza. A total of $500 was raised for the Montgomery … more

4/18/24

Hillsboro runner Laura Lessman gives a high-five to a young spectator around mile three of the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15.

Hillsboro Runner Finishes Third Boston Marathon

“You’re here. You’re doing something that you love, something others would love to be able to do. It’s a privilege to run. And you can be upset that it’s not your best … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 4/18/24

Committees, ARPA Funds, Budget On County Agenda

Members of the Montgomery County Board discussed a variety of topics when they met for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, June 13, at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Hillsboro. All … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 6/15/23

Board Awards Low Bid Less One Alternate

Members of the Hillsboro School Board voted to award a $28.1 million bid to replace the main building on the high school campus during special meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 20. The vote was 5-2 … more

by Mike Plunkett | 9/21/23

Personnel Discussion To Continue At Litchfield

Members of the Litchfield City Council are scheduled to discuss the employment of Economic Development Director Tonya Flannery during their meeting on Thursday, April 18, after tabling four motions … more

4/18/24

Members of The Journal-News staff were honored with more than two dozen awards at this year’s Illinois Press Association convention on Thursday, June 8, in Bloomington. Pictured above, from the left are owner Susie Galer, Editor Mary (Galer) Herschelman, owner John M. Galer, Sports Editor Kyle Herschelman and Publisher Mike Plunkett.

Journal-News Recognized At IPA Convention

The Journal-News was recognized with more than two dozen awards at this year’s Illinois Press Association advertising and editorial contests. Awards were presented at the annual Illinois … more

6/15/23

Scammers Try To Get $15,000 From Grandparents

A set of Hillsboro grandparents were nearly scammed out of $15,000 cash on Tuesday, June 13, in a bogus attempt to extort bail money for their grandson. The grandparents had taken the $15,000 in … more

6/15/23

Rylie Jones Crowned At Pana Tri-County Fair

Rylie Jones of Hillsboro was crowned Teen Miss Pana Tri-County on Wednesday, Aug. 30 in Pana. The pageant includes contestants from Christian, Shelby and Montgomery counties. A sophomore at … more

9/7/23

Coal Mine Officials Still Analyzing Sinkhole Data

Officials from Deer Run Mine have been on site of a 95-foot wide sink hole along Illinois Route 185 between Hillsboro and Coffeen. According to EMA Deputy Director Dan Hough officials are still … more

4/18/24