A Hillsboro legend and has his closest friends would say, an East Hillsboro legend, has died in a Bond County traffic crash.  Rich Stewart, who coached several sports at Hillsboro High School, made his mark on the gridiron.  He recorded an 87-38 overall record in 12 seasons.  He led the Hiltoppers to nine IHSA playoff appearances from 1994-02 and 2005-07.   But wins and loses, pale in comparison to his impact on young athletes in the game of life.  He was often scene in the octagon corner during Matt Hughes extended reign atop the UFC ladder. Stewart was killed in a one vehicle crash on  IL-127 at Alpine Lane, Bond County.  The crash occured Friday just before 1:30.  State Police say a preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: ISP Troop 8 responded to the location above for the report of a fatal single-vehicle rollover crash. One occupant was pronounced deceased on scene. There is no further information.

Three years after a storybook season seemed to change the trajectory of the once beleaguered Litchfield football program, district officials have reached a difficult decision.  The Friday Night Lights won't feature the Litchfield Purple Panthers varsity team this football season.  Here's a statement from Athletic Director Joe Webb.

 

In talking with school school administration and the football coaching staff, we have made the difficult decision to forfeit our 2026
varsity football season. This is not an easy decision to make, but we feel it is the right decision for many reasons. Some of
those reasons include avoiding injury for our underclassmen who are not physically ready for a varsity schedule,
developing our underclassmen at a level that is most appropriate for them to grow, and avoiding a situation where we
might have to forfeit some games throughout the season and creating a competitive disadvantage within the conference.
We recognize this decision creates a burden for other coaches, teams, ADs, and administrators within the South Central
Conference. We also have to protect the safety of our young football players first and foremost.
For the 2026 season, we will focus on playing a full JV schedule and developing the players that we have at the
appropriate level. We believe this is an important step in creating a more competitive football program for future years,
and will allow us to field a varsity football team in the future.
 

 Hillsboro Health and Chris and Melanie Sherer jointly announced that Hillsboro Health will take ownership of The Event Center of Montgomery County effective Aug. 1.

 

Originally constructed and operated by the Knights of Columbus in 1999, the facility has served as a gathering place for celebrations, meetings, fundraisers and community events for residents throughout Montgomery County and the surrounding areas. Chris and Melanie Sherer purchased the property in 2019 and have continued its legacy as a premier event venue for the region. 

 

Under Hillsboro Health ownership, The Event Center will continue to operate as an event venue and remain available for rentals by organizations and individuals. 

 

"Hillsboro Health is proud to continue the tradition of this important community rental space," said Michael Alexander, CEO of Hillsboro Health. "In addition to hosting future Hillsboro Health Foundation fundraisers such as the Purse Auction and Valentine Gala, we remain committed to making the facility available to support other community events and causes." 

 

The Sherers said they are pleased to see the facility's mission of serving the community continue under local ownership. 

 

"It has been an honor to own and operate The Event Center for the past several years," said Chris and Melanie Sherer. "We are grateful to everyone who has trusted us with their special events. We believe Hillsboro Health is the right organization to carry this facility into the future and ensure it continues to be a place where people celebrate and support important causes." 

 

Anyone with a current event contract can be assured that their reservation and agreement will be honored following the ownership transition. Additional information regarding future rentals and use of the facility will be announced once the transition is complete.

 

Hillsboro Health, formerly called Hillsboro Area Hospital, is a local, independent health care organization comprised of a 25-bed, not-for-profit, Critical Access Hospital that provides inpatient, outpatient and emergency services. Hillsboro Health also offers primary and specialty care, therapy services and a fitness and aquatics center.

 

 

Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk Daniel T. Robbins and Montgomery County Sheriff Tyson Holshauser have been notified of a new jury duty scam currently targeting the public.
Please be aware that individuals are calling residents, claiming to be Montgomery County Deputies, and stating
The resident is in contempt of court for failing to appear for jury duty. These scammers then instruct the victim to go to an ATM to make a payment to avoid jail time.
Please be advised that the Circuit Clerk’s office and the Sheriff’s Office will never call you to demand payment regarding jury duty. If you receive one of these calls, do not provide any personal information and disconnect
immediately.

The interim successor for departing HSHS St Francis Hospital Chief Administrative Officer Aryn Hunter. 

 

— Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) has announced Ian Polus, MSN, RN, Assistant Manager of Surgical Services, ER, and Respiratory Therapy at HSHS St. Francis Hospital, has been named the interim Chief Administrative Officer at St. Francis Hospital, effective July 13, 2026.

 

Polus has been with St. Francis Hospital for nine years, serving in the Surgery Department as a registered nurse and as assistant manager for the past four years. He serves on the hospital’s OR 360 and patient experience workgroup. Prior to joining HSHS, Polus served as an RN for five years at the Community Hospital of Staunton.

 

Polus is deeply committed to community involvement as he is president elect of the Litchfield Kiwanis Club and is a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. He also volunteers his time with the St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary and The Next Network, a regional Recovery Community Organization (RCO) in Litchfield.

 

He earned his Master of Science in nursing from McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois and his Bachelor of Science in nursing from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. He has an associate in science in registered nursing from Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois.

 

HSHS continues their executive search for a permanent replacement for the CAO position at HSHS St. Francis Hospital.