Local News
Madison Communications BBB Torch Award
Tue, 30 Mar 2021 09:10:00 CDT
Madison Communications in Staunton was awarded the 2020 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for BBB serving eastern and southwest Missouri and southern Illinois Torch Awards honor businesses and nonprofits demonstrating high ethics in their treatment of customers, employees and suppliers. Read more...
Madison County Expands Vaccine Access
Tue, 30 Mar 2021 08:50:30 CDT
Madison County Health Department announces the expansion of eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines at Madison County clinics to include anyone who is 16 years of age or older and who lives or works in Illinois. Individuals will be asked to show proof of Illinois residency or proof of Illinois employment. Read more...
Litchfield Firefighter Application/Testing Process Approaches
Mon, 29 Mar 2021 18:39:04 CDT
The Board of Fire & Police Commissioners of the City of Litchfield, Illinois will hold entry level Firefighter/Paramedic testing beginning with a mandatory orientation on May 7, 2021 followed by a written examination on May 8, 2021. The top 20 candidates passing the written examination will then take part in the oral interviews. Read more...
Hillsboro Student's Vehicle had Guns but School Officials Don't Believe There was Danger
Mon, 29 Mar 2021 18:36:42 CDT
A rough start to the school week at Hillsboro High School. Administrators learned there may be a gun in a student vehicle in the parking lot. Hillsboro Police Department searched the vehicle and found three shotguns. The guns were not loaded and were all in gun cases. Read more...
Weekend Sports Scores
Mon, 29 Mar 2021 12:24:41 CDT
This past weekends Sports Scores Spring Football – Week 2 - Friday, March 26th South Central Confrence Pana 19, Carlinville 15 Greenville 44, Hillsboro 20 Southwestern 34, Gillespie 24 Vandalia 28, Roxana 17 Sangamo Confrence North Mac 23, Auburn 9 Williamsville 55, New... Read more...
$500,0000 Pledge to Blackburn
Thu, 25 Mar 2021 09:25:19 CDT
Carl and Cynda Zeidler have pledged $500,000 to Blackburn College to create the Peter Slavish Endowed Professorship in Art at Blackburn College. This gift honors Dr. Peter Slavish, a beloved Art professor at Blackburn for more than 23 years. Read more...
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Saturday in Butler
Thu, 25 Mar 2021 09:08:23 CDT
The Montgomery County Household Hazardous Waste Event is set for Saturday from 8 until 3 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Butler. It's co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Farm Bureau and the Illinois EPA. Read more...
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Saturday in Butler
Thu, 25 Mar 2021 09:06:09 CDT
The Montgomery County Household Hazardous Waste Event is set for Saturday from 8 until 3 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Butler. It's co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Farm Bureau and the Illinois EPA. Read more...
Macoupin Covid Vaccine Clinic March 26
Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:34:47 CDT
Macoupin County Public Health Department will be holding a Moderna first dose covid 19 vaccine clinic on Friday, March 26 in the Gillespie Civic Center. The clinic is for Macoupin County residents or those who work in Macoupin County that are 18 years of age or older. Read more...
Litchfield City Hall Reopens Next Week
Mon, 22 Mar 2021 14:50:14 CDT
Litchfield City Hall and other city facilities will soon be open for in person business. All City facilities will re-open for daily business on Thursday, April 1st with State regulations and CDC guidelines. All visitors who arrive to any City facilities are to enter through the main entrance(s). Read more...
Suspect in Litchfield Shooting in Custody
Mon, 22 Mar 2021 14:44:39 CDT
A suspect is in custody in a Sunday afternoon shooting on Litchfield's East Side. A 47-year-old man was struck by multiple gunshots just before 2:40 p.m. in the 1100 block of North Locust. Read more...
Apparent Shooting Injures One, Leads to Hospital Lockdown
Sun, 21 Mar 2021 22:25:30 CDT
There's word of an apparent shooting on Litchfield's East Side Sunday afternoon. The incident led to a lockdown of HSHS St. Francis Hospital for much of the afternoon although the incident did not happen at the hospital. One individual was reportedly shot. Read more...
Ameren Comes to Rescue of Customers Struggling During Pandemic
Sun, 21 Mar 2021 21:27:23 CDT
If Covid 19 has your family in a financial pinch or worse, and the power bill is one of your concerns, there's another reprieve from Amerern. Read more...
Macoupin County Rebuild Illinois Grants
Sat, 20 Mar 2021 09:01:53 CDT
Grants totaling 250 million dollars for counties, townships and municipalities statewide through Rebuild Illinois were announced this week. The grants are for local transportation projects in all parts of the state. Macoupin County's allotment was $341,298.94. The 26 townships in Macoupin County were alloted $588,597.25. Read more...
Deer Run/Route 185 Subsidence to be Tackled by Montgomery Co Board
Fri, 19 Mar 2021 15:46:05 CDT
There will be deeper and public discussion in the days to come on the Route 185 and surrounding farmland subsidence issues tied to mining operations. Read more...
Montgomery Co. Sheriff K9 Flex Gets Protection
Thu, 18 Mar 2021 15:21:05 CDT
Just like the human law enforcement personnel he works next to, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office K9 Flex is a potential target for criminals. Now like the humans wearing the badge, Flex can spring into action with some protection. Read more...
Chris Mont EMA Moves Closer to Demise
Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:44:57 CDT
We recently told you that Christian County wanted a divorce when it came to the Chris-Mont E-M-A arrangement for emergency services. Now like a literal divorce, the split may become a battle over money and some of the parting words aren't all that friendly. Read more...
Chris Mont EMA Moves Closer to Demise
Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:42:49 CDT
We recently told you that Christian County wanted a divorce when it came to the Chris-Mont E-M-A arrangement for emergency services. Now like a literal divorce, the split may become a battle over money and some of the parting words aren't all that friendly. Read more...
Free Food in Carlinville
Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:02:21 CDT
A free drive-thru food giveaway will be held on Friday in Carlinville. The drive-thru giveaway is open to residents of Macoupin County. No registration will be required and there are no financial eligibility requirements. Read more...
Witt Firefighters Rescue Man in Tree Incident
Tue, 16 Mar 2021 17:48:07 CDT
It's been a tough few days for Witt volunteer firefighters. On Sunday afternoon, they responded to a traumatic injury involving a person struck in a tree in the 300 block of 2nd Street. They turned to their ladder truck to remove a patient to the care of EMS. Read more...
Montgomery Co Early Voting Expands
Tue, 16 Mar 2021 17:33:54 CDT
A reminder, early voting is ramping up in Montgomery County ahead of next month's Consolidated Election. You have a couple of weeks to request a vote by mail ballot with a deadline of April 1st. Read more...
Montgomery Co Vaccine Supply Rebounds
Tue, 16 Mar 2021 17:31:22 CDT
There's noteworthy improvement in the Covid 19 vaccine supply in Montgomery County. Recently the state's weekly allotment dropped to 200 doses temporarily. Last week, the weekly allocation grew to 500 doses of Moderna and 200 doses of Pfizer. So far, 5,500 individuals have asked to be placed on the vaccine call list. Read more...
Montgomery Co Conservation Minded Farmers Score a Big Win
Mon, 15 Mar 2021 14:29:57 CDT
Montgomery County farmers are taking advantage of a new Illinois Department of Agriculture program, Fall Covers for Spring Savings. Established in 2020, the Fall Covers for Spring Savings rewards farmers, who plant cover crops for the IDOA program, receive a $5 per acre discount on their federal crop insurance. Read more...
New VP at Blackburn College
Mon, 15 Mar 2021 09:24:55 CDT
Blackburn College has named Al Sturgeon Vice President for Diverse and Equitable Student Life and Dean of Students. Read more...
Hillsboro/Litchfield Schools COVID Update
Fri, 12 Mar 2021 17:30:42 CST
Hillsboro Schools continue to adapt to changing state standards and methods for keeping schools open as safely as possible from the pandemic. Read more...
Apparent Hit and Run Victim Dies, Suspect in Custody.
Fri, 12 Mar 2021 17:09:11 CST
A tragic end to this week's hit and run accident on Route 16 near Irving. Illinois State Police investigators confirm the 24-year-old woman struck Wednesday night one-tenth of a mile west of Grandpoint Avenue and west of Irvin has died and a suspect is in police custody, accused of driving intoxicated when the incident occured. Read more...
Time Running Out to Honor Veterans in Litchfield
Fri, 12 Mar 2021 08:42:50 CST
War Veterans with ties to the Litchfield and surrounding area have until Thursday, April 1st, 2021 to have their names added to the Litchfield Area Veterans Memorial by Memorial Day 2021, according to Committee representative Ray Kellenberger. Read more...
Hillsboro School District and High School Leaders Set Retirements
Thu, 11 Mar 2021 14:08:37 CST
This week, we told you that Hillsboro Schools Superintendent David Powell received a four-year contract extension that he says will take him to the end of his career. He won't be alone in collecting his last paycheck from the district at mid-decade. Read more...
Chris-Mont EMA Appears Doomed
Thu, 11 Mar 2021 14:06:44 CST
It's no longer a matter of "One Team, One Fight". Christian and Montgomery Counties have been allied forces in the battle against Covid 19, but the merger of emergency management operations under the banner of Chris-Mont EMA appears doomed. Read more...
Person Struck on Route 16 Near Irving
Thu, 11 Mar 2021 13:44:28 CST
The Illinois State Police and Montgomery County States Attorney's Office are investigating an apparent hit and run last night west of Irving on Route 16. Just after 9:30 last night (Wednesday), the Witt Volunteer Fire Department mobilized to a report of a person struck by a vehicle. Read more...
Person Struck on Route 16 Near Irving
Thu, 11 Mar 2021 13:42:13 CST
This week, we told you that Hillsboro Schools Superintendent David Powell received a four-year contract extension that he says will take him to the end of his career. He won't be alone in collecting his last paycheck from the district at mid-decade. Read more...
Senator Turner Traveling Office Hours in Carlinville
Wed, 10 Mar 2021 09:20:54 CST
State Senator Doris Turner will be holding Traveling Office hours on a regular basis in Carlinville. Starting March 17th Members of Turner's staff will be in Carlinville on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 9:00am until noon in the Carlinville City Hall. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. Read more...
Montgomery Co Bicentennial Planning Moves Forward
Tue, 09 Mar 2021 17:29:38 CST
Preparations continue for the Montgomery County Bicentennial Celebration. The rescheduled opening event set for April tenth has the potential to take advantage of better weather than the postponed February 13th event that was set to take place at the Historic Courthouse. Read more...
Housing Rehab Grant Process in Earliest Stages
Tue, 09 Mar 2021 17:28:03 CST
You may have heard good news for the City of Litchfield as the city was one of thirteen in the state to receive the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Community Development Block Grant for Housing Rehabilitation. As you might imagine, the money won't exactly flow to homeowners like an ATM. Read more...
Housing Rehab Grant Process in Earliest Stages
Tue, 09 Mar 2021 17:26:29 CST
You may have heard good news for the City of Litchfield as the city was one of thirteen in the state to receive the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Community Development Block Grant for Housing Rehabilitation. As you might imagine, the money won't exactly flow to homeowners like an ATM. Read more...
Bourne Elected to Republican State Central Committee
Mon, 08 Mar 2021 09:01:13 CST
State Representative Avery Bourne of the 95th District was elected to represent the 13th Congressional District on the Illinois Republican State Central Committee. The commitee is the governing body of the Illinois Rupublican Party and is composed of members elected from each of Illinois' 18 Congressional districts. Read more...
The End of an Era as Schutt Announces Plans to Leave Litchfield
Sat, 06 Mar 2021 17:14:02 CST
Devastating news as a key employer is leaving the area and a great source of civic pride as well. National sports helmet producer Litchfield based Schutt Sports has announced to employees their plans to leave Montgomery County as well as Salem. Read more...
Macoupin Covid Vaccine Clinics Available
Sat, 06 Mar 2021 09:00:38 CST
Macoupin County Public Health Department is currently taking appointments for two Covid-19 vaccine clinics that will be held Tuesday, March 9th and Wednesday, March 10th. These are clinics for the first dose of the vaccine. You can make your appointment by going to the health department's website or Facebook page. Read more...
St. Francis Auxillary Offers Health Career Scholarships
Sat, 06 Mar 2021 08:59:03 CST
The HSHS St. Francis Auxiliary offers three scholarship awards to students whose principal residences are in Montgomery or Macoupin counties. The scholarships are awarded to applicants who have completed one year of college and who are pursuing degrees or diplomas in health-related occupations. Three awards of $1,000 are given. Read more...
Litchfield Tourism Event Publication Deadline Nears
Sat, 06 Mar 2021 08:57:08 CST
FINAL CALL: Litchfield event calendars will be sent to the printer next Monday, March 8. If you host a public Litchfield event, please submit your event to the online event calendar: https://visitlitchfield.com/events/your-events/?action=edit. These events will be published, for free, throughout the state of Illinois. Read more...
Heating Bill Assistance Still Available
Sat, 06 Mar 2021 08:30:08 CST
The winter chill may be gone for now, but the bills from winter and in particular the recent cold snap can still put residents with limited income in a deep freeze financially. Read more...
New Montgomery County Covid 19 Death
Fri, 05 Mar 2021 13:25:30 CST
There's a new death to report in connection with Covid 19 in Montgomery County. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports a woman in her 80's has died in connection with coronavirus. That brings the number of deaths linked to the pandemic to 69. Read more...
Drug Induced Homicide Arrest Made
Fri, 05 Mar 2021 13:22:57 CST
Hillsboro police arrest a man on drug induced homicide charges in connection with a December overdose death. James McBrain is charged with drug induced homicide charges in connection with the December 4th death of 30-year-old Justin Calcott of Hillsboro at a residence on Hickory Street. Read more...
Drug Induced Homicide Arrest Made
Fri, 05 Mar 2021 13:18:40 CST
Hillsboro police arrest a man on drug induced homicide charges in connection with a December overdose death. James McBrain is charged with drug induced homicide charges in connection with the December 4th death of 30-year-old Justin Calcott of Hillsboro at a residence on Hickory Street. Read more...
V-Safe Sign Up
Fri, 05 Mar 2021 09:41:36 CST
As more Illinois residents become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, the Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging those who receive a COVID-19 vaccination to utilize the V-Safe After Vaccination Health Checker. Read more...
Highland FFA Used Oil Drive
Thu, 04 Mar 2021 16:11:45 CST
The Highland FFA Chapter in partnership with Green for Life will be holding a Use Oil Drive at the parking lot of the Highland Junior High School on Saturday, March 6th from 8 am to noon. Read more...
Murder Charges in Macoupin County
Wed, 03 Mar 2021 09:15:11 CST
A Carlinville man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a Virden man. Macoupin County State's Attorney Jordan J. Garrison announced Tuesday that two counts of first degree murder were filed against 20 year old Dalton M. K. Obermark for the stabbing death of John Rennie. Read more...
Nokomis Cemetery Tax Issue on April Ballot
Wed, 03 Mar 2021 09:05:31 CST
Grave concern is taking on a whole new meaning in Nokomis Township this election season. Township voters will weigh in on a tax referendum to create a revenue stream for Nokomis Cemetery. A yes vote would lead to a maximum tax of .10% to provide for cemetery maintenance. Read more...
Virtual Vets Career Fair on Thursday
Wed, 03 Mar 2021 09:01:07 CST
On Thursday (March 4th), Disabled American Veterans & RecruitMilitary will host the St. Louis Virtual Career Fair for Veterans from 11am to 3pm CT online. This free virtual event is open to ALL members of the military community, past and present, as well as military spouses and dependents. Read more...
Litchfield Street Closure
Wed, 03 Mar 2021 08:59:33 CST
In Litchfield, the intersection of Tyler Avenue and Illinois Avenue will be closed through tomorrow (Thursday Mar 4th), weather permitting, for storm sewer construction for the South Side Ditch Project. Read more...
Sheriff Robbins Offers Scholarship
Tue, 02 Mar 2021 17:54:30 CST
Montgomery County students can get a boost toward college expenses thanks to sheriff Rick Robbins and the Illinois Sheriffs' Association. Robbins and the association are offering a 500 dollar scholarship as part of a 50-thousand statewide program. The scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books and fees only. Read more...
Bourne Launches Art Contest
Tue, 02 Mar 2021 17:52:10 CST
State Representative Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) is announcing her annual Student Art Contest! Students throughout the 95th district are encouraged to participate in the competition, which is open through the month of March. Entrants are asked to submit original, Illinois themed, artwork in any 2-D medium (i.e. Read more...
Four Montgomery County Drug Arrests
Tue, 02 Mar 2021 13:15:59 CST
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police Drug Task Force have made four more arrests stemming from a recent grand jury, which convened in the week of February 1. State’s Attorney Andrew Affrunti led the grand jury. Arrested between February 18 and February 25 were: Joseph A. Read more...
State Police Special Patrols in Macoupin and Greene Counties
Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:16:51 CST
Illinois State Police District 18 Commander Mark Gillock has announced state police will conduct special patrols in Macoupin and Greene counties in March. In Macoupin County, Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement patrols will be from 6pm until 6am. Read more...
Macoupin Covid Vaccine Clinic Is Full
Mon, 01 Mar 2021 09:19:14 CST
The Macoupin County Public Health Department vaccine clinic scheduled for Friday, March 5th, is full and no more appointments are being scheduled. Macoupin County Public Health will announce future vaccine clinic dates on WSMI radio, the health department website and the departments facebook page soon. Read more...
Montgomery Co Vote by Mail Underrway
Mon, 01 Mar 2021 09:06:03 CST
The vote by mail era continues and now the process begins for he upcoming April 6th election. The Montgomery County Clerk’s is now accepting applications for vote by mail ballots. Consolidated Election in-person Early Voting is now available at the Historic Courthouse in Hillsboro as well. Read more...
Montgomery Co records new Covid death
Mon, 01 Mar 2021 09:03:51 CST
For the first time in nearly three weeks, Montgomery County has reported a new death tied to Covid 19. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports a woman in her 60s passed away. That brings the number of deaths tied to the pandemic to 68. Read more...
Litchfield Tourism Promoting Local Businesses
Mon, 01 Mar 2021 09:00:26 CST
The Litchfield Tourism Office will be promoting the events that have been published on the VisitLitchfield.com Event Calendar. If you have not already posted your 2021 special events, please do so through this link: https://visitlitchfield.com/events/your-events/?action=edit . Read more...
Bremer Visitor Numbers Surge
Mon, 01 Mar 2021 08:58:49 CST
Coronavirus has led to a year of cancelled events and traditions being put on hold at Hillsboro's Bremer Sanctuary. However, there's a huge silver lining to what's become a self serve attraction to enjoy nature's splendor. The number of visitors has surged 65% in the past year. Read more...
