The Staunton FFA Alumni has mad some changes to their annual dinner auction fundraiser, originally scheduled for Saturday, February 6th. The fundraiser will now be an online event, running from February 6th through Thursday, February 25th. The fundraiser will be an online auction on Hibid.com conducted by Ahrens' Auctions of Staunton. For more information, contact Linda Niehaus at 618-402-2710, Mike Kessler at 317-873-6798 or any Staunton FFA Alumni member or student member. Their also on Facebook as Staunton FFA Alumni.

The Montgomery County Sherrifs Office has taken several reports of attempted unemployment fraud. Unsuspecting victims are receiving IDES Prepaid debit cards in the mail. It’s still unclear how the scammers intend on receiving the money, but the real concern is that they have your information. If you have not filed for unemployment, please contact your employer and IDES to make them aware of the situation. After contacting IDES, it’s recommended you continuously monitor your credit for any fraudulent open accounts. If you suspect yourself of being a victim of identity theft, contact your local Law Enfrocement agency for information and a report.

Another great source of information would be to use the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) hosted by the FBI located at www.IC3.gov

Montgomery County will turn 200 years old in five weeks, and to celebrate, the Historical Society of Montgomery County is offering historical souvenirs now on display in the store front window just south of Black Rabbit Coffee in downtown Hillsboro.

Items include a hard-bound reprint of the 1874 Montgomery County atlas for $25, a 2021 souvenir calendar for $15, courthouse note cards or a courthouse ornament for $5, copies of Tom Bliss’ “The Goose Bone Papers” for $5, Christmas cards for $2, and several assorted post cards for $1.

Purchases may be made at Jeff Dunn’s Neon Sign Shop, just around the corner at 110 E. Wood Street.

(Nokomis, IL.) - Kroger’s Central Division announced today the decision to close its store in Nokomis, Illinois. The decision follows extensive evaluation of the store’s financial performance. Company analysts report the store has not operated profitably for several years and their research indicates a turnaround is not realistic.

The company praised the store’s associates, saying the announcement is not a reflection on them or their service. Kroger Human Resources leaders will now discuss the next steps for the 28 members of the store team. Severance will be offered to qualified associates based on their length of service with the company.

The store will close in approximately 30 days.

HILLSBORO, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension will be offering the state mandated Certified Food Protection Managers class and exam. The Illinois Department of Public Health Food Sanitation Code (section 750.540) requires food service establishments to be under the operational supervision of a certified food protection manager during hours of operation. Certificates need renewal every five years and class attendance is mandatory to sit for the exam. University of Illinois Montgomery County Extension will be offering the course and exam.

The two-day course will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Montgomery County Extension Office in Hillsboro, located at #1 Industrial Park Drive, on February 3 and 5. Participants must attend both classes. The certification exam will take place on the second day of classes. Please bring a valid photo ID to the exam.

The class will be taught by Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator, Lisa Peterson and provides the minimum classroom work to prepare for the National Certification Examination. Topics include foodborne illnesses, safe food handling, cooking and storage, employee health and hygiene, facility safety and maintenance, cleaning and sanitization. Certificates need to be renewed every five years.

The fee for this course is $100 and includes the textbook, class materials and exam. Classes fill quickly. Please register by January 29. Registration is required because exams need to be ordered prior to course. Register by calling Montgomery County Extension Office or online at go.illinois.edu/cjmm. For any questions or concerns, please call Montgomery County Extension Office at 217-532-3941.

This class size is limited in adherence with CDC guidelines. All program participants and staff will be required to practice social distancing measures, including wearing a face covering. If the class is full, please email Lisa Peterson, lap5981@illinois.edu to be put on a waitlist. More class times and dates coming soon.

Alex Alonzo Perez, newborn son of Juan and Juana Alonzo Perez of Litchfield, is the winner of The Journal-News "First Baby of the Year" contest.

He was delivered by Dr. Laura Watt at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield at 10:40 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2021. Alex weighed 5 lbs., 11 ozs., and measured 18 ins. long. He has two older sisters, Elena, age five, and Sophia, age ten months.

The contest, which began more than 85 years ago, is sponsored by The Journal-News, along with dozens of gifts from area businesses.

The following merchants and financial centers have donated prizes to the winning infant and parents:

From Hillsboro, a gift from Montgomery County State’s Attorney Andrew Affrunti, a $25 savings account from the Bank of Hillsboro, a $10 gift certificate from Park-N-Eat, a gift from Hiller’s Heating and Cooling, a $25 savings account from TCCU, an infant eye exam from the Family Eye Care Association, a $5 gift certificate from John’s Pharmacy, a free tire rotation from FastFlo, a one dollar U.S. eagle sterling silver coin from the First Community Bank of Hillsboro, a gift from Robin’s Nest Florals Etc., a gift from Brown’s Insurance Agency, a case of Gerber juice or strained baby food from Capri IGA, a gift from Montgomery Nursing and Rehabilitaion Center and a gift from Jorn Sign Company.

From Litchfield, a gift from Cory Evans-Country Financial, a gift from UJ’s Convenience Store, a gift from First National Bank, a gift from the Bank and Trust Company, no tear baby shampoo from Beauty Bar Salon and Spa, a gift from Joetta’s Personal Hair Care, one dozen cookies from Jubelt’s Bakery and Restaurant, and a gift from Glik’s.

From Nokomis, a gift certificate from Sav-Mor Pharmacy and Gift Shop.

From Raymond, a gift from First National Bank and a gift from Marten Insurance.

From Coffeen, Matrix Products from Hair Designs by Tina Leefers.