Opinion | The Journal-News

Thank You, Tiffany And Sheridan

Several years ago when I was a member of Hillsboro 2000 and Beyond, we were looking for a fundraiser to help pay for Christmas lights for the downtown area. I suggested the Snow Princess with … more

11/27/23

DID YOU KNOW? • About Litchfield 1910

The following article is taken from the Aug. 4, 1910, edition of the Litchfield News Herald. The Truth About Litchfield A city of opportunities on two trunk lines between Chicago and St. … more

11/27/23

Make School Traffic Safety A Priority

It's back-to-school time! The Illinois Insurance Association, a state property casualty trade association, and its member companies urge motorists to be alert as kids make their way to and from … more

By Kevin J. Martin, Executive Director of Illinois Insurance Assoc. | 8/14/23

GRANDMA'S DIARIES • Nov. 1956: Can’t Get Tractor Started

As I was transcribing Grandma's Diary for November 1956, I was hit with a wave of homesickness. I have such bright memories of family holidays, weiner roasts, and Grandma's cooking. I hope everyone … more

by Carole (Best) Brown | 11/27/23

Trying To Start A Civil War?

When someone says that if he is indicted there will be “death and destruction,”that is a threat. Where did the threat of thousands of workers going on strike come from? While I believe … more

By Paul Hemken, of Sorento | 8/14/23

A GRACE FILLED JOURNEY • Finding Happiness In Quarantine

There it was, staring me right in the face, a positive test for Covid. For the first time since March 2020, the Herschelman family tested positive for Covid. It started with Kyle around Tuesday … more

by Mary Herschelman | 11/27/23

Did You Know... Montgomery County

Montgomery County was established on Feb. 12, 1821, and was formed from Bond, Madison and Christian Counties. The county was named for Revolutionary War hero General Richard Montgomery who was born … more

8/14/23

RAMBLINGS: The Old Settlers Memorial Prayer

When I open my eyes each morning, I look through my south windows facing East Tremont Street to see what the previous night’s weather brought. If the street or my sidewalk is wet, I step out to … more

By Ron Deabenderfer | 8/14/23

GRANDMA'S DIARIES: July 1956: Battle Of The Hedge Row

July 1956 is a busy time on the farm. I want readers to know how important Howy Ward was to my grandparents. He farmed their land on a share basis, but he did so much more. He was like a third son to … more

by Carole (Best) Brown | 7/17/23

GROWING YOUR ROOTS: Pulled Pork Has Been A Centerpiece

Pulled Pork has been a centerpiece in the Farm Bureau office the past few weeks. We started with serving lunch at the Montgomery County Fair swine show and now we have moved on to member appreciation … more

7/17/23

Constructed in 1904 through funding from Andrew Carnegie, Litchfield Public Library’s building was the focal point of downtown Litchfield for 112 years. Above, is an early photo of Litchfield’s Carnegie Library.

Did You Know... Litchfield Library

Litchfield Public Library first opened in 1882 in an upstairs room at 421 North State. Three hundred books were purchased for the new venture and Mary Wallace was hired to serve as the … more

7/17/23

RAMBLINGS • Mr. D Rambles About Pet Peeves

Perhaps today’s column will be taken in the spirit of April Fools Day; I hope not. Perhaps it will be taken as one of my “rants by an old man” efforts; I hope not. The fool’s … more

by Ron Deabenderfer | 4/1/24

GUEST COLUMN •Don’t Put All Of Your Eggs In One Basket

“Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.” It’s a common idiom which advises people to limit their investment risk and very fitting during this Easter season with so many egg … more

by Valerie Belusko | 4/1/24

Trade School In The County Is A Good Start

Have we taught all the right things to our students for them to succeed in life? First, I applaud those who have been instrumental in establishing the trade center in Litchfield. I have … more

9/11/23

Be On The Lookout For Deer In Coming Weeks

The Illinois Insurance Association reminds motorists to be on the lookout for deer in the coming weeks. Drivers may have little time to react when deer linger, step onto or leap across the … more

Kevin J. Martin Executive Director Illinois Insurance Assoc. | 11/13/23

Built in 1881, the Planet Mill in Litchfield was considered the world’s largest steam flour mill of its kind, capable of producing 2,000 barrels of flour a day and employing around 200 men. Above, is a photo of the mill prior to the fire and explosion that destroyed it.

DID YOU KNOW? • About Planet Mill

The Planet Mill in Litchfield was considered the world’s largest steam flour mill of its kind, capable of producing 2,000 barrels of flour a day. Located between two railroad tracks and … more

9/11/23

Built in 1891, the first wing of St. Francis Hospital (pictured above) was erected on South State Street. The brick building had room for 20 patients at one time.

DID YOU KNOW? • St. Francis Hospital

On Nov. 14, 1875, three sisters from the Order of St. Francis in Prussia arrived in Litchfield to care for residents until such time as enough money could be raised to build a hospital. The … more

11/13/23

Celebrate Ten Years At Museum On June 3

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center. It has been a fast, fun ten years for sure. We plan to mark the occasion by having a … more

Anne Jackson, Secretary, Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center | 5/1/23

A FEW GOOD WORDS • Maybe The Network Worked Too Well

On Oct. 28, 2003, a young Harvard student gets dumped by his girlfriend. He spends the rest of his late evening drunkenly hacking into the Harvard student databases, stealing photos of female … more

by Isaiah Atkins | 9/11/23

CENTER AND GUARD • A Service To Those Who Served

Veterans Day ceremonies aren’t funerals, but there are definitely some similarities to these events and when a member of the military is laid in his or her final resting place. That might be … more

by Kyle Herschelman | 11/13/23