News | The Journal-News

Together Litchfield Can Plans April Walkabout

In 2024, a MAPPING (Management and Planning Programs Involving Nonmetropolitan Groups) program was held to help with the future of the Litchfield community. This program led to the collective team … more

4/18/24

Susan Hucker, right, of the Historical Society of Montgomery County, gives tours of the Blackman/Evans House on Main Street in Hillsboro to Jane Spencer and Anne McLaughlin.

Historical Society Hosts House Tour

The Historical Society of Montgomery County hosted a Christmas house tour of five unique and historic structures on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 26. The tour included the unique and architecturally … more

11/27/23

Hillsboro Council Discusses Alley Concerns At Hearing

Anne Foster was the only person to address Hillsboro’s City Council at a public hearing conducted before the regular council meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20, in city hall. … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 2/22/24

Hillsboro Board Of Appeals Looks At Zoning Code

Hillsboro’s Zoning Board of Appeals met for two hours Tuesday evening, Feb. 27, in city hall council chambers. Present were chairman Gene Knisley, secretary Lynn Fugate, and members Rice … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 2/29/24

Hanging Baskets Bloom For Mother’s Day Sale

The Montgomery County Master Gardeners will be holding their annual Mother’s Day Hanging Basket Sale on Friday, May 3, from 9 a.m. until baskets are sold out. The sale will take place at Mt. … more

4/18/24

Steve and Patty Beal of Waggoner stand in front of the display cases at Beal's M&M Museum, the culmination of almost 40 years of collecting M&M memorabilia. While it's Steve's collection for the most part, Patty is an active participant as well, sometimes ordering items that she thinks may be a good fit for the collection. "She's just as nuts as I am," Beal said. "I admit I’m an addict. She’s in denial."

Beal's Museum A Pretty Sweet Spot

With more than $900 million in sales last year alone, M&M’s have been a favorite for those with a sweet tooth from far and wide since their introduction in 1941. But for some, the love of … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 6/22/23

Matt Vaughn, at left, and Joshua Hughes, finalized the trail course for this year’s Dirty Hootenanny on Saturday, Oct. 14. This year’s event will benefit Aaron Roach.

Dirty Hootenanny Race To Benefit Aaron Roach

Members of the M&M Multisport Club are finalizing plans for this year’s Dirty Hootenanny race on Saturday, Oct. 14, in Litchfield. Proceeds from the event will benefit Aaron Roach, who was … more

9/28/23

Pictured above, members of the Litchfield Middle School eighth grade class. The class is hosting a shoe drive for those in need and to raise money for a end of the year class trip.

Litchfield Students Collecting Shoes

This year, the eighth grade students at Litchfield Middle School are collecting shoes, shoes and more shoes. They are working to earn enough for an eighth grade class trip at the end of the school … more

11/27/23

Pocahontas native Jeff Chapman of the Brother Jefferson band will be performing a Christmas concert live at The Grand in Hillsboro on Saturday, Dec. 16. Chapman’s beloved musical style is best described as Americana blues and southern soul.

Jeff Chapman Bringing Talents To The Grand

For 45 years, local musician Jeff Chapman has entertained crowds and touched the soul of his audience through a blend of Americana, the blues, rock and classic southern soul and … more

by Isaiah Atkins | 11/30/23

Raymond Hires WHKS For Mapping System

Mayor Denny Held called the monthly Raymond Village Board meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19. Those in attendance included Mayor Denny Held, Trustees Ryan Bruntjen, Dan Hough, Kendall … more

2/22/24

Hillsboro Library Hosts Spring Events This March

Things will sure be hoppin’ at the Hillsboro Area Public Library in March with a wide variety of spring-themed activities. To kick off the month, the library will celebrate the birthday of … more

2/29/24

Thanasi Harris To Ride To Litchfield Sept. 29

At 14-years-old, Justin Thanasi Harris was involved in a BMX accident that left him a quadriplegic. Now 20 years later, he will bike under his own power for 110 miles on Sept. 29 and 30, from St. … more

9/28/23

City Council Debates Future Of Central Park Pool

As so often happens, the give and take discussions of possible future agenda items were more interesting in terms of the city’s future than the more cut and dried votes that seem routine. All … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 11/27/23

This year’s Waggoner Centennial Players production, “Hillybilly Hayride,” kicks off on Wednesday, Feb. 28. Pictured above cast members Bob Wagahoff and Shaun Webb humorously confront Steve Wood and Jessica Sidwell onstage as part of the annual performance at Waggoner Centennial Hall.

Waggoner Play Celebrates 35 Years This March

Since 1989, the Waggoner Centennial Players have performed their annual theater play to adoring crowds. This year’s production of “Hillbilly Hayride,” opens with the annual kickoff … more

By Isaiah Atkins | 2/22/24

St. Francis Hosting Animal Blessing

On Oct. 4, people all over the world celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is known as the patron saint of animals, and whose life of love and service are followed by the … more

9/28/23

Christmas came to town on Saturday, Nov. 25, as Hillsboro rang in the holiday season with the annual Christmas parade and Lighting of the community Christmas tree, pictured above.

Hillsboro Rings In The Christmas Season

The Hillsboro community gathered around the tree on Saturday evening, Nov. 25, to ring in the Christmas season with the return of the annual Christmas parade. The parade was the 6 p.m. finale of the … more

11/27/23

Litchfield Community Plans Christmas Events

A host of activities are scheduled for the "Litchfield Lighted Christmas" on Saturday, Dec. 16. Downtown businesses will welcome Christmas Walk visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A free showing of the … more

11/30/23

Eric Kohnen of Poettker Construction, at right, led a tour for members of the Litchfield School Board on renovation work happening at Litchfield Primary School (formerly JD Colt Elementary). The tour was held Tuesday evening, Feb. 20, just ahead of their board meeting.

Litchfield Board Tours New School

Litchfield School Board members approved some change orders and learned about the progress at Litchfield Primary School as part of their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, Feb. 20. Board … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 2/22/24

Dr. Brooke Dean Begins Work In Pana

The Community Medical Clinic and Pana Community Hospital have been waiting more than a decade to welcome Dr. Brooke Dean to their practice and hospital and the time has finally come. Dr. … more

9/28/23

Newlyweds Cole and Olivia Grosenheider of Litchfield present a $1,500 check to Tina Hagemeier, president of the Montgomery County Breast Cancer Support Group. Proceeds were raised through a donation dance at their wedding reception in memory of Cole’s mom, Alicia.

Wedding Dance Remembers Alicia

Her motto for life was simple, “live better, not bitter.” And in her 52 years on earth, Alicia Grosenheider of Litchfield did just that. She always had a … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 11/27/23