The City of Litchfield is hosting America’s 250 th Fourth of July celebration with food, live music, a kids foam and bubble party, and a fireworks display on Saturday, July 4, at Lake Lou Yaeger.
The celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. in the upper parking lot by the lake shed at Marina 1, 4943 Beach House Trail, Litchfield, where food vendors will be set up -- Shug Smoke Shack will have smoked brisket and pulled pork; Little Dicky’s will serve unique tacos, salsas and chips; the Litchfield VFW will have their local favorites of ribeye sandwiches, brats, pork burgers and hot dogs for the kids; Sweet P’s Shakeups will be on hand with paninis, mini donuts and icy shakeups in an assortment of flavors. You
can find Eads Treats on the lower parking level serving their famous shaved ice with tons of flavors and tie-dyed fun.
Griffin and the Gargoyles, awarded the Best Cover Band by the St. Louis Riverfront Times in 2022, will bring live music to the stage from 7-9:30 p.m. The band is known for playing a variety of classic rock,
80s retro, hip hop and dance, pop, alternative, funk, R&B, disco, standards and swing, country, and oldies.
Be sure to also check out Foam & Flight’s ultimate Foam and Bubble Party in the top-level parking area from 6:30-9 p.m. Foam will be shot off at one-hour increments, and the bubbles will be nonstop. From
8:30-9 p.m., the party will glow in the dark. A portion of the proceeds from this activity are donated to United Cerebral Palsy.
The food, tables and seating, music, foam and bubble party, and handicapped parking for those with a tag will be in the upper parking lot. All other parking will be in the two lower lots.
The fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. The show can be viewed from the parking lots, from the area near the dam and from the cleared area behind the pavilion at Picnic Area 3.
Admission to the celebration is free. For more information, call the Litchfield Tourism Office at 217-324-8147.

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, announced today that Aryn Hunter, MPA, BSN, RN, has been named the first Chief Administrative Officer for HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield, effective July 19, 2026.

 

“HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital is a cornerstone of pediatric care for the HSHS central Illinois region, serving families across a 90-mile radius,” said Brian Brennan, President and CEO, HSHS Central Illinois Market. “Investing in dedicated leadership for the Children's Hospital reflects our strategic commitment to growing and strengthening pediatric services close to home, where families need them most. Aryn brings the operational vision and drive to guide the Children's Hospital through its next chapter of growth, and I am confident she will elevate the level of care we deliver to the children and families who depend on us."

 

In this role, Hunter will be responsible for overseeing nursing, operations and other organizational functions of the Children’s Hospital.

 

With over 20 years of clinical and operational experience in healthcare, Hunter currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. Prior to starting that role in 2024, she served as the hospital’s Director of Operations. Other previous roles within HSHS include serving as manager of education, emergency preparedness coordinator and infection preventionist at multiple HSHS sites.

 

During her tenure at St. Francis Hospital, Hunter has driven mission-focused growth of services at this critical access hospital including a Cancer Care Center expansion project, doubling its size and offering value-based services, and recruiting various surgical  specialists to the area to minimize travel burdens for patients.

 

Hunter earned her Master of Public Administration from Tarleton State University. Before moving into hospital leadership, she built a strong clinical foundation as an ICU and emergency department nurse, along with several years as a critical care flight nurse with Air Methods and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and as a research coordinator at Washington University School of Medicine at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.

 

HSHS has begun recruitment for a permanent replacement for the CAO role at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield.

 Macoupin State's Attorney Jordan Garrison announced today a Gillespie man has pled guilty to his part in the theft of multiple gold coins from a residence in Gillespie. Jason A. Keffer (3/28/1977) pled guilty to felony theft and methamphetamine charges, both class 1 felonies. He was sentenced to 13 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections by Hon. Joshua A. Meyer. 

On November 26, 2025, multiple police agencies executed a search warrant on Keffer's residence in Gillespie. The search warrant was developed after a traffic stop that happened in Maryville, Illinois which showed that Keffer had possessed multiple Gold coins which were suspected to be stolen. As a result of the search of the residence, Keffer was found with over $10,000 worth of coins and over 100 grams of methamphetamine. A warrant was issued on March 12, 2026, and he was detained at the Macoupin County Jail pending trial. 

"This multi-jurisdiction effort not only resulted in the incarceration of a thief, but removing over 100 grams of methamphetamine from our streets," Garrison said. "The work between the South Central Illinois Drug Task Force, Macoupin County Sheriff's Department, the Gillespie Police Department, and the Maryville Police Department should be commended as an example of great work and cooperation. I especially want to thank Colin Subick of the Illinois State Police and Sgt. Matt Marburger of the Macoupin Count Sheriff's Department for their efforts in this matter." 

Three other defendants are pending trial in Macoupin County for their alleged part in this crime. The public is reminded all defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government's burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

10:30 AM
Depart Chain of Rocks Park to West End Service Station in Edwardsville, IL
620 St Louis St, Edwardsville, IL 62025

11:00 AM
Arrive at West End Service Station

11:30 AM
Depart West End Service Station for Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, IL
908 Veterans Memorial Dr, Livingston, IL 62058

12:00 PM
Arrive at Pink Elephant Antique Mall

12:30 PM
Depart Pink Elephant Antique Mall for Lunch Stop in Litchfield, IL

1:00 PM
Arrive in Litchfield for Lunch / Visit to Route 66 Welcome Center
334 Old Rte 66 N, Litchfield, IL 62056

2:15 PM
Depart Litchfield for Cannonball Jail in Carlinville, IL
221 E 1st S St, Carlinville, IL 62626

2:40 PM
Arrive at Cannonball Jail (quick photo op drive-by)

2:50 PM
Depart Cannonball Jail for Doc’s Just off 66 in Girard, IL
133 S 2nd St, Girard, IL 62640

3:10 PM
Arrive at Doc’s Just Off 66 for a quick milkshake and photo op

3:30 PM
Depart from Doc’s Just Off 66 to Auburn Brick Road
5435 Snell Rd, Auburn, IL 62615

3:50 PM
Arrive at Auburn Brick Road (drive-by photo op)

4:10 PM
Depart Auburn Brick Road for Apple Barn in Chatham, IL
2290 E Walnut St, Chatham, IL 62629

4:20 PM
Arrive at Apple Barn

4:45 PM
Depart Apple Barn for Illinois Route 66 Experience in Springfield, IL
Gate 2, 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL 62702

5:15 PM
Arrive at Illinois Route 66 Experience for the Big Texan Event

7:00 PM
Big Texan Event Ends

 

Coffeen Fire Protection District responded to a reported vehicle accident with a roll over, yesterday, Thursday evening just before 5:30, in the 17000 block of Chapman T trail, roughly a mile East of Coffeen.  

 

Once on scene fire crews found a 2 vehicle accident. With a Dodge pickup with heavy damage, rolled over, laying on its driver side, roughly 30 feet off the roadway, and a Nissan sedan with driver side front damage, still remaining in the roadway. The driver of the Dodge truck was able to self extricate, and was not injured, and the 4 individuals in the Nissan were all uninjured as well. None were transported by ambulance.

 

Coffeen FD responded with 3 apparatus and 7 firemen. Ambulance crews from Hillsboro responded with 2 ambulances, and 2 Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies responded as well. The rolled over Dodge was towed by Elams Towing.

We now know the members of the royalty for the 2026 Macoupin County Fair.   Miss Macoupin County Fair is Ruby Yvonne Lowder, the daughter of Ben and Christy Lowder of Girard.  The Junior Miss winner is Charlee Grace Steward of Carlinville, the daughter of Jacob and Amanda Steward.   The Little Miss winner is Mae Lewis-Hahn of Girard, the daughter of Joey and Cassandra Lewis-Hahn.

Witt is in the market for a new Mayor.   Tim Taylor tendered his resignation at the City Council's last meeting.  He isn't discussing the motivation for his departure at this point.   Shawn Cady has been serving as Mayor Pro Tem. 

On May 25, 2026 at approximately 1:18 pm the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Telecommunication Division received a 911 call reporting a vehicle crashing into a building at 2110 Frey Ave. in Scram City Sammy's Slots. Police arrived and located the minivan still partially crashed inside the business, and severe damage to the front and side of the next door residence at 2106 Frey Ave. Hillsboro Fire Department also responded. Quickly, the responding officer learned that the driver was still on scene and may have intentionally crashed the van. The officer made contact with the driver checking if he was injured and if he intentionally crashed the van into the residence. In fact, he had purposely crashed into the residence. Brandon K. Gates, age 29, of Hillsboro was taken into custody. Montgomery County Sheriff's office responded to assist. Elam's Towing removed the vehicle from the scene. Thankfully, no injuries were reported from the crash. 

Later, Gates was transported to the Montgomery County Jail where he was booked in on several different charges. Gates's booking charges include the following: two counts of Criminal Damage to Property over $10,000, Reckless Conduct, Attempted Aggravated Battery and Attempted Aggravated Assault, Criminal Damage to Property Under $500 and Criminal Trespass to Residence and two counts of Criminal Damage to Property between $500 to $10,000. 

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the HSHS Home Care Butterfly Release at HSHS St. Francis Hospital tonight (Tuesday May 26) has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a future date. We are contacting those who submitted RSVPs/ordered butterflies

The monuments that comprise the Veterans Memorial Garden in Carnegie Park will be the scene of the Memorial Day Ceremony  at 10:30 a.m.

According to Montgomery County Clerk/Recorder Sandy Leitheiser, two war veterans who were past or present residents of the boundaries of the Litchfield School District will have their names added to the Litchfield Area Veterans Memorial prior to this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony.   

Hillsboro will honor those who served during Memorial Day services set for11 a.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Park at the intersection of Main and School St. Steelworker Petty Officer First Class (SW1) Zachary Joyce will serve as this year’s guest speaker. 

Nokomis Memorial Day Services will be held at 10 a.m. at the War Memorial in Nokomis Memorial Park, hosted by the American Legion Waples-Bauer Post #94   Guest Speaker MSgt Amber Sallee from the 126th Air Refueling Wing Scott AFB.   For all those attending please bring lawn chairs. 

Triple Star Post 299 American Legion  

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY  

Monday, May 25th - 10:00 a.m. 

The Gun Club, Raymond, IL. 

Keynote Speaker: Mike Plunkett See less 

 

The Memorial Day concert at the American Legion, 554 Ramey St., Carlinville at 7:00 PM tonight. They will honor and salute those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country 

The Staunton Area Honor Guard has announced its schedule of Memorial Day observances for Monday, May 25. Community members are invited to attend the ceremonies as the honor guard pays tribute to veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country. 

Memorial Day, May 25 Schedule 

 

Livingston........................................................ 9 a.m. 

Old City Cemetery...................................... 9:30 a.m. 

Staunton Health and Rehab Center..............10 a.m. 

Memorial Park Cemetery..........................10:30 a.m. 

Main Street Staunton....................................11 a.m. 

Benld.................................................................1 p.m. 

Gillespie.......................................................1:30 p.m. 

The City of Carlinville announces that Mayor Doug Downey will present
the 2026 State of the City Address on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Carlinville City Hall, located at 550 North Broad Street.
The annual address will highlight key initiatives, accomplishments, and future goals for the city, with a focus on five major areas: Public Works Projects, Public Safety, Economic Development, Budget and Finance, and Community Engagement.  Following the presentation, residents will have an opportunity to ask questions in a open forumand share feedback with city officials. This interactive portion aims to foster open communication and ensure community voices are included in shaping Carlinville’s path forward.
For those who are unable to attend, but would like to submit questions, you can submit your questions to ddowney@cityofcarlinville.com. They will be read during the presentation and a response will be forwarded to the resident.
The State of the City Address is free and open

Macoupin State's Attorney Jordan Garrison announced today that a Chicago man traveling through Macoupin County was sentenced to 7 years for aggravated robbery. Marquese C. Douglas (10/1/1995) pled guilty in front of the Honorable Joshua A. Meyer and was remanded into the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections. This is the 60th case sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections in 2026.  

On April 8, 2026, the Springfield Police Department responded to the Amtrak train station for a report that a male with a black mask passed a note to a café car attendant that stated "Give me money or I will shoot." According to the witness, the male acted like he had a gun. The male was given approximately $459. Springfield officers were able to identify the suspect and obtain a confession. Further investigation showed Douglas was lying and did not have a gun on him at the time of the robbery. During the investigation, it was determined the train was in Macoupin County jurisdiction when the robbery happened.  

Robbery is a class 2 felony which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years, but due to Douglas acting like he had a gun, the charge was elevated to a class 1 felony.  

"Threatening individuals with gun violence is absolutely unacceptable," Garrison said. "Prison is the only appropriate accountability for criminals who put members of the public in dangerous situations such as this. I want to thank the Springfield Police Department under the command of Chief Joseph Behl for their outstanding work in holding this offender accountable. I also want to thank Assistant State's Attorney Sydney McWard for her efforts in obtaining this sentence." 

A number of service stations are on the brink of reaching the $5 per gallon mark for regular unleaded gas.  $4.99 gas can be found in Hillsboro and Jerseyville, but in Vandalia FS Fast Stop has coasted beyond the $5 barrier.  Gas Buddy reports gas is now $5.29 per gallon at the pumps there. 

The Bunker Hill Chamber of Commerce is hosting a job fair at the Municipal Building today from 10 until 3 at 810 South Franklin.  Among the employers on hand will be: Third Street Realty, The 618 Salon, United Community Bank, the Illinois Dept of Healthcare and Family Services, the Illinois Dept of Human Services, the Bunker Hill Police Dept, Painters District Council #58, Superior Industrial Fire Services, Madison Communications, Madison County Employment and Training, the US Navy, First Student, Home Instead, S-I-H-F Healthcare, Home Instead, Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois Department of Public Health, State of Illinois Central Management Services, Lewis and Clark Community College, Republic Services, Express Employment Professionals, IUOE Local 520, the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Challenge Unlimited Inc and Senior Services Plus.  Rollin' Dogs Food Truck will be on hand

1 mile East/Northeast of Coalton a flash flood occured around 2:45.   Flooded roads outside of Nokomis on East 23rd.   

Additional flooding in Coffeen 

Water crossed the road on 185 east of the prison 

Water over the road on North 9th at 185 by the Coffeen water tower.  Water over the road Filmore Trail at Possum Trail 

The underpass between Hillsboro and Schram City was closed as a car was stranded in the deep water.   Firefighters were able to rescue the victim with no injuries reported. 

In Witt, water was over Route 16 by Mac’s Diner.  One large tree limb fell, blocking a street. 

In Litchfield, flood waters shut down Hauser and North Illinois near HSHS St Francis Hospital 

In Raymond, what appears to be a pickup was caught in the flooded Route 127 viaduct .   

 

High winds overturned a semi on I-55 north of Farmersville. 

High winds brought down a tree and that resulted in another semi rollover near the Taylorville Airport 

 

Litchfield 1 inch hail around 7:15 pm. 

 

Rain totals 

Hillsboro 4 inches of rain 

Nokomis 3.6 

Litchfield 4.15  
Witt 4.5  

Raymond 3.5  

 

Staunton 3.5  

Gillespie 3.5  

Carlinville 3.9 

 

 

2 miles south of Benld  1 inch hail around 7:20 pm 

Staunton 1 inch hail 7:20 pm 

Bunker Hill 1 inch hail in Bunker Hill and one mile south of town around 7:10 pm 

Due to the inclement weather forecasted for this evening, the Gillespie CUSD 7 Board meeting will be postponed until Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Please call the office with questions.

Two-term Litchfield Mayor Dorothy Mansholt, the first woman elected to the post has passed away.   She won a six-way race in 1989 to claim the gavel.  She had to win over an all male city council to leave her mark and what a mark she left.  .Among the accomplishments during her eight year run in the 90s was the opening of  the Lincoln Land Community College satellite facility and creation of the Shoal Creek Nature Preserve.

We're not sure what "Mother Nature" has against baseball but once again, she has rained on the parade of Montgomery County baseball teams and with overnight rains turning the Hillsboro Sports Complex into a sponge.   

A central figure in making Litchfield a better place to live has passed away.   77-year-old County Board member Bill Bergen passed away Friday and he wore many hats after making Litchfield his new home after serving with the Navy in Vietnam.  He served as a Litchfield firefighter and EMT for 30 years and was Fire Chief for nearly all of the 1990s in a 15 year run that ended with his retirement in 2006.  He was an Arson Investigator for Litchfield and Montgomery County and served as a Montgomery County deputy coroner.He also  served on the Litchfield Park District Board for 16 years, including time as President.  When you look at the success of the Litchfield girls soccer program, Bergen was a central figure.  He served as head coach for 16 years.  He also coached youth soccer and softball.  He served on the board for the Litchfield Youth Soccer Association for over 25 years. He was also a central figure at  Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, where he served as an Elder,and coached Zion girls basketball. Our condolences are going out to his wife of 47 years Joyce and his daughters Susan and Stacy.   

Help us celebrate 100 years of Illinois FFA! 

We’re highlighting 100 Faces of FFA — former members whose experiences shaped their lives, careers, and communities. 

We need your help to tell these stories! Please provide as much information as possible so we can showcase their journey, achievements, and impact. 

Who can nominate? Agriculture Teachers/FFA Advisors, members, and alumni of FFA — anyone who knows someone whose FFA experience made a difference. 

How to participate: Nominate someone you admire or nominate yourself! Every story counts, and your submission could inspire the next generation of FFA leaders. 

Let’s come together to honor the people who have made Illinois FFA what it is today!.   Here's the link to find out more.   https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ZXPYvuYWt3LM3uWued1LFcIyuh-LEYO1irY4YC0v8g/edit?usp=sharing to see the Questions on the form to prepare yourself to nominate them.  

And if there are others, like your father, mother, uncle, aunt, friend, neighbor or your FFA advisor or anyone you can think of, please don't hesitate to nominate them as well.  We want hundreds of faces, and we are hoping to get all generations.