The Journal-News

Hillsboro High School senior Kade Edwards waits for the call to join his classmates behind the stage during the graduation ceremony held on Sunday, May 31. While the last three months have been interesting ones for the class of 2020, Sunday night was a bright spot for the group as students were given the chance to walk across the stage as their family and friends looked on from cars parked in front of the stage in the high school parking lots and junior high lawn. The night ended with a slide show highlighting the seniors and a fireworks show over the school.

Class Of 2020 Goes Out With A Bang

In a time where the world is as tumultuous as ever, Hillsboro Principal Patti Heyen addressed a group of students on Sunday, May 31, who have experienced more challenges in three months than most … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 6/4/20

Legal secretary Linda Guthrie (above) prepares to say goodbye to Cullison and Vandever Law Office. She will officially retire on Friday, June 5.

Linda's Last Day At Law Office Is Friday

Linda Guthrie has been keeping things on track at Cullison and Vandever Law Office in Hillsboro for the past 34 years but that is soon to change as the longtime legal secretary prepares to step into … more

by Tori O’Dell | 6/4/20

St. Agnes Catholic Church in Hillsboro is getting a facelift this spring and summer, with repairs being made to the roof area and the bell tower.

Renovation Work Continues At St. Agnes

An extensive restoration project is fast approaching completion at St. Agnes Catholic Church. Those that have driven along Tremont Street in Hillsboro have likely noticed the repairs being made to … more

6/1/20

County Board Approves Business Proclamation

After a special meeting of nearly two hours, members of the Montgomery County Board voted 17-2 to approve a proclamation in support of Montgomery County businesses, organizations and houses of … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 6/1/20

Litchfield Man Drowns In Pool On Saturday

A young Litchfield man is dead after an apparent swimming pool drowning Saturday, May 30, in Litchfield. Felipe A. Perez, 20, of Litchfield, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Montgomery … more

6/1/20

Postive Rates Continue Downward

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported 2,805 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 121 additional deaths related to the novel coronavirus over two days this weekend. The percentage … more

by Capitol News Illinois | 6/1/20

Hillsboro To Offer Business Grants

Hillsboro’s city council approved a Small Business Stabilization Grant Program by a 3-0 vote (Commissioner Don Downs abstained because his wife could benefit from its passing) during their … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 5/28/20

Cars belonging to the Raymond Baptist Church congregation line Broad Street to participate in a drive-in church service as Pastor Ron Butler offers his sermon aboard a lift.

Church Honks Their Horns For Jesus

While the stay-at-home order has prohibited gatherings of more than ten people, the churches of Raymond have proved that God’s work never really ceases. Most churches around the globe have … more

by Bethany Martin | 5/28/20

Tony and Kari Dragoo of Hillsboro, at right, are renovating the former Greasies building in downtown Hillsboro into a new restaurant. Helping them are Tony’s coworkers at Atlas 46, Kyle Anderson, at left, and Derek Chesser.

Dragoo Couple Renovate Restaurant

After sitting vacant for several years, one Hillsboro couple is giving a facelift to an iconic downtown restaurant. “It’s happening,” said Tony Dragoo, who is originally from … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 5/28/20

Trends Show Region Is Ready For Phase 3

Illinois is ready to move into the Phase 3 “recovery” stage of the state’s five-phase COVID-19 coronavirus plan on Friday, May 29. Beginning Friday, manufacturing, offices, … more

5/28/20

HHS Graduation Moved To Sunday

The Hillsboro High School graduation ceremony scheduled for Friday, May 29, has been postponed until Sunday, May 31, beginning at 8 p.m. due to the rain in the weather forecast. This … more

5/28/20

Nokomis District Sets Plans For June Graduation Date

Amid ongoing social distancing guidelines, the Nokomis School District has set a Saturday, June 6, graduation date for both Nokomis Junior High School and Nokomis High School. The eighth grade … more

5/28/20

Historic Courthouse To Reopen On Monday

The Historic Courthouse and Regional Office of Education in Hillsboro will reopen for daily operations at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 1, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Rick Robbins and County … more

5/28/20

Litchfield Makes Required Recreational Adjustments

In compliance with the State of Illinois’ Restore Illinois guidelines the City of Litchfield has made some adjustments to the upcoming tourism event calendar and various aspects of Lake Lou … more

5/28/20

While the "19" in COVID-19 meant pounds gained for some cooped up individuals, others have done what they can to stay fit during the shutdown. Heather Greenwood of Raise The Bar has started virtual classes for her gym's clientèle in an effort to keep them fit and active. From yoga to weights to aerobics, the people who have avoided the pitfalls of being without their gym have definitely raised the bar.

Life Continues In Montgomery County

While everything is different since the word “coronavirus” entered our vocabulary, the world hasn’t stopped completely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, we … more

5/28/20

Melissa Jones read Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address as part of this year’s Irving Memorial March on Sunday afternoon, May 24.

Irving Community Pauses To Remember

“We are here today to remember that the freedom we enjoy as Americans came at a great price,” said Mark Noyes, who was the speaker at this year’s Irving Memorial March program on … more

5/26/20

On Course For Phase 3 To Begin On Friday

Every region in the state remains poised to advance to the next stage of state plan to emerge from COVID-19 coronavirus restrictions on Friday, May 29. “Please remember, we are currently in … more

5/26/20

Campbell Questions Council About Suspension

Members of the Litchfield City Council met remotely again on Thursday, May 21, via Zoom. The aldermen spent 35 minutes in open session, with the majority of the meeting pertaining to the status of … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 5/26/20

Litchfield School District Curriculum Coordinator Jennifer Thompson works on installing banners of each LHS senior outside the high school on Thursday evening. The district bought a five-foot by seven-foot banner for each senior, and photos for the project were taken by Minndora’s Specialty Photography in Litchfield.

Litchfield Sets June Graduation Date

Members of the Litchfield School Board officially set Thursday evening, June 18, as this year's graduation for Litchfield High School seniors during their regular board meeting on Thursday evening, … more

by Mary (Galer) Herschelman | 5/26/20

Nokomis Board Considers Drive-By Graduation

President Chad Ruppert called the May 19 meeting of the Nokomis School Board to order with seven board members, either in person or via Google Meets internet link. Superintendent Doerr … more

by Randy Rieke | 5/26/20