"The City of Benld will be flushing fire hydrants on Wednesday, June 3rd and Thursday, June 4th. This may cause a slight discoloration of the water.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the City Office at 217-835-2114 extension 1."
HSHS St. Francis Hospital’s front entrance and circle drive will be temporarily closed from 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29 through the weekend. It will reopen Monday, June 1 at 6 a.m.
All patients and visitors should enter through the Emergency Department entrance on the north side of the hospital. The main parking lot will remain accessible in addition to the parking lots outside of the Surgery and Emergency departments. Signs will be posted to direct the flow of traffic.
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.
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.
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."
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
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.
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.
HSHS St. Francis Hospital will be hosting the Women’s Health Survival Guide event, a free, informational conference to discuss women’s health concerns and safety resources with local agencies. The event will be Thursday, June 11 at the Litchfield Community Center at 4:30 p.m.
In addition to learning about local resources available to them, attendees will also hear a presentation from guest speaker Nikki Edwards, HSHS System Manager of Culture and Experience, about Emotional Regulation, and enjoy a vendor fair and local food trucks.
“Emotional regulation is a vital part of our overall health and well-being,” said Ronita Rufus, Emergency Department nurse at St. Francis Hospital. “At the Women’s Health Survival Guide event, attendees will explore comprehensive women’s health topics, discover local resources and learn practical strategies to better understand and manage their emotions.”
To raise awareness and funds to support community members living with breast cancer, HSHS St. Francis Hospital is selling Alpha Candles and T-shirts for the event. Proceeds from the sales will benefit Montgomery County Breast Cancer Support Group.
Registration for the Women’s Health Survival Guide event is not required. For questions, contact Alesia Haslett at alesia.haslett@hshs.org.
For more information about HSHS St. Francis Hospital, visit stfrancis-litchfield.org.
It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Brett Phillip Kunkel. Brett Kunkel unexpectedly passed away, late in the day, on March 29, 2026. At the time of his death Brett resided in Sorento, IL, and was the age of 69. He was born on April 19, 1956, in St. Louis, MO. Brett dedicated his life to his family, service, friendship and leaves behind a legacy of courage, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.
Brett was a lifelong firefighter who answered the call to serve in 1970 with bravery and selflessness. He began this role as a junior firefighter. He officially joined as a volunteer fire fighter in 1974 and became the Chief of the Sorento Fire Department in 1980. Brett P. worked diligently to create a district as well as annexation of Panama, Donnellson, and later Walshville
to create the existing Shoal Creek Fire Protection District. Over the years Brett took the opportunity to complete many training programs across the country which included some college. For many years, he stood on the front lines protecting others, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow firefighters and all who knew him. In 1989 Brett had become an area representative for the IAFPD, and by the time of his death Brett had earned a position as President of the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts. His commitment to helping others defined his life and reflected the strength of his character.
In addition to his service as a firefighter, Brett was a retired coal miner. He was employed at Monterey Coal #1 in Carlinville, IL in 1977 and ended his career there after 30 years in 2007.
He spent years working tirelessly underground, demonstrating a work ethic that was second to none. Brett’s career also included becoming a member of the fire brigade for the mine. Through long days and difficult conditions, he provided for his family with pride and determination.
When he wasn’t at the firehouse, Brett enjoyed Nascar and could be found cheering on Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals or listening to his beloved nephew's band. He also enjoyed adding to his coin collection with his brother Blair, you would often find them together.
Brett typically ended his day at a local establishment enjoying a cold drink with “the guys.” His laughter, quick wit, and generous heart made him the kind of friend everyone wanted in their corner. Brett P. Kunkel was elected Mayor of Sorento where he served several years.
Above all, Brett was a devoted family man. He was a loving and proud father of Aimee (Thomas) Baker, Jaimee (Jared) Joiner, Brittnee Kunkel, and Emilee Kunkel. He was a cherished grandfather to Mason (Claire) Schweppe, Kylee (Drew) Carroll, Thomas (Neveah) Baker, Carter Chapman, Lilee Joiner, Natalee Baker, Jackson Joiner, Emree Joiner, Carson Wolff, Miles Baker, Jace and Everlee Joiner. He was also a great grandfather to Mylee and Wade Schweppe. He was dedicated to attending their many school and athletic activities. He had a strong devotion to his parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins. His greatest happiness came from the time he spent with his loved ones—sharing stories, laughter, and
creating memories that will live on forever. He was known for his kindness, quiet strength, and willingness to always lend a helping hand. Brett will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of service, resilience, and love will continue to inspire those whose
lives he touched.
Brett P. Kunkel is survived by his children, grandchildren, brothers Blair (Debbie) Kunkel, Brian Kunkel, Bart (Pam) Kunkel, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Roberta Kunkel, sister Beverly Kates, and brother Berry Kunkel.
Memorials: The family asks that memorials be given, in Brett's memory, to the Shoal Creek Volunteers, in lieu of plants, flowers and other gifts. Memorials may be given at the visitation and funeral or mailed to the Shoal Creek Volunteers, PO Box 36, Sorento, IL 62086. Visitation: 4pm-8pm., Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Sorento Fire Hall, 101 N. main St., Sorento, IL Funeral: 11am., Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Fire Hall, with Chaplain Dick Joyce officiating. Burial: Sunnyside Cemetery, following the funeral A private luncheon will follow the burial.
At a later date, a fundraising Fish Fry will be held to celebrate Brett's life and service to his community. All community, friends, and family are invited to attend, with proceeds going towards the Sorento Fire Hall 911 memorial fund, which was a passion project of Brett’s.
The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the arrangements.
