The City of Litchfield, with the cooperation of Litchfield CUSD #12, is applying for grant funding to improve walking and bicycling infrastructure for students in our community.

Please complete the simple 12-question online survey linked below (one survey per household). The survey collects crucial data about walking and biking to and from school. Even if your child does not currently walk or bike, we still want to hear from you.

No names or email addresses will ever be collected as part of these surveys.

• Deadline: September 5, 2025

• Click the link to begin survey: https://forms.gle/pwBRwSeXLnfqA5N3A

 After two decades of distinguished leadership and service, Lincoln Land Community College President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., has announced she will retire from her role as LLCC’s sixth president in June 2026.

Dr. Warren shared the news in a heartfelt message to faculty and staff during the college’s annual convocation on the morning of Aug. 22. “Serving our students and strengthening the communities we call home has been a privilege beyond measure. I am deeply proud of all that LLCC’s students, faculty, staff, alumni and community leaders have accomplished and continue to accomplish together. LLCC is an institution of learning and so much more. It’s a place where dreams take root and bright futures take shape.”

Warren has served as president of LLCC since 2006. Under her leadership, LLCC has expanded with four new facilities and the renovation of nine others throughout the 15-county LLCC district. She has secured millions of dollars in gift and grant funding for the college, including an $18 million gift benefiting LLCC’s agriculture program and a partnership with Memorial Health to address the nursing shortage and construct a Nursing Education Center within Montgomery Hall. Building on strong transfer programs, Warren has broadened the college’s educational offerings and created more options for students of all ages. She has developed the college’s workforce training, grown health care education programs and expanded opportunities to add new skills and grow professionally — making LLCC a truly comprehensive college. She has also enhanced community partnerships, meeting regularly with legislative, business and community leaders to determine how the college can best serve its district. 

“Dr. Warren leaves a legacy that will shape our college for generations to come,” said Rep. Wayne Rosenthal, chair of the LLCC Board of Trustees. “She has been a tireless advocate for student success, innovation and excellence. Her visionary leadership has fueled transformative projects across the college and expanded meaningful connections with community partners. We are deeply grateful for her service and look forward to honoring the remarkable progress achieved during her time here.”

Warren is active in leadership roles on national, state and local levels. She is a board member of the American Association of Community Colleges and past president of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents. Locally, she serves on the board of HSHS St. John’s Hospital and the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance. She is past chair of the Mid-Illinois Medical District, past chair of United Way of Central Illinois and served on the board of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. She holds the title of Colonel, Retired and Honorary Brigadier General for the Georgia National Guard, and served on the Reserve Forces Policy Board headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Prior to LLCC, Warren was president of the Community College Alliance and vice president of the Virtual Campus at Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. Earlier, she was a provost at Georgia Perimeter College, taught at research universities and community colleges, chaired a department of nursing, served as president of the Georgia Nurses Association and was a psychotherapist in private practice.

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board officially approved Hillsboro Health’s Certificate of Need application for a construction project at its main hospital campus. This critical infrastructure upgrade is designed to modernize facilities, expand outpatient surgery services and ensure continued access to high-quality care for the Hillsboro community and surrounding areas.

The proposed building project includes three major components:

1. Central Utility Plant Upgrade: Replacement of aging mechanical systems to improve energy efficiency, reliability and support future growth.
2. Surgical Services Expansion: Construction of an 11,000-square-foot addition to house two new operating rooms, a procedure room, post-surgery recovery suites and a modern central sterilization area.
3. Enhanced Patient Experience: Renovation of the hospital’s front lobby and construction of a new entrance canopy to improve accessibility and the overall patient and visitor experience.

Much of the hospital’s current infrastructure dates to its original construction in 1975. This project will replace outdated mechanical equipment and surgical spaces with modern, efficient and patient-centered designs that reflect today’s standards of health care delivery.

“This project represents a significant investment in the future of health care in our area,” says Hillsboro Health President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Alexander. “Upgrading our infrastructure and expanding outpatient surgery capabilities ensures patients have access to high quality health care without having to travel long distances. This growth will also enable us to continue to serve our community for generations to come,” said Alexander.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 with completion targeted for late 2027.

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, assisted living facilities and a fitness and aquatics center.

HSHS St. Francis Hospital has launched a new service to help patients in need of a lift. The hospital now has a golf car* shuttle service offered weekdays providing transport to and from the hospital parking lot to various hospital campus locations for patients who may require assistance in walking.

The shuttle will be staffed by volunteers and hospital colleagues Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. dependent on availability. The shuttle will transport patients from their vehicles to these hospital campus locations:

• Hospital Front Lobby and Emergency Entrances
• Litchfield Family Practice Center
• St. Francis Way Clinic
• Ortho/Therapy Clinic
• Other medical office buildings on campus as needed

If patients do not see the shuttle from their vehicle, they can call 217-710-3198. This number is also posted on signage in the hospital’s parking lot.

Aryn Hunter, Chief Administrative Officer, shared why the hospital wanted to start this service. “We are always attuned to hearing from patients what their needs are and getting assistance from their cars to our campus locations was something they expressed. We are now blessed to be able to now offer six-passenger golf car shuttle for this purpose, thanks to the support given by the Duff Memorial Trust and the Hospital Sisters San Damiano Fund.”

Paula Endress, Philanthropy Program Manager, expressed gratitude to these two organizations that provided funding for the golf car shuttle service. “The Hospital Sisters San Damiano fund provided a grant that helped support the launch of this service. Together, with the Duff Memorial Trust, administered by the Bank & Trust Company in Litchfield, the project became a reality.”

Dan Fleming, President of the Bank & Trust Company, said, “The trust committee of the Duff Memorial Trust believed the funding of the golf car was an endeavor that James and Owen Duff would have been proud to support as a way to assist the patrons of our local hospital.”

Interested in driving? Volunteers are needed to operate the shuttle service. Interested persons can contact Endress at 217-324-8200.

Anderson Hospital recently announced that they wouldn't be taking new X-rays for the timebeing because of a shortage of radiologists to take X-rays.  The struggle isn't exactly limited to Madison County, but in Montgomery County, Hillsboro Health is reaching out to those in need.

HILLSBORO, Ill., August 11, 2025 — Hillsboro Health announces its suite of Outpatient Imaging services, including MRI, CT, X-ray, Ultrasound and Mammography, is available for patients who need appointments by calling 217-532-4196. As some regional facilities face appointment delays due to a shortage of radiologists and radiology technologists, Hillsboro Health is stepping up to ensure timely, high-quality imaging care for our community.

“We understand how critical imaging services are for diagnosis and treatment,” said Hillsboro Health Director of Imaging Services Edith Dagen. “Our team is committed to providing reliable access to imaging, especially when some patients are experiencing long wait times elsewhere. Hillsboro Health is here to help.”

To further strengthen its MRI capabilities, Hillsboro Health recently welcomed Dan Rikli, RT, MR, ARRT, MRSO as its new MRI Technologist. Dan brings over 11 years of experience in MRI and holds specialized training as a Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO), ensuring the highest standards of safety and expertise in MRI procedures.

Just before 7:30 this (Tuesday)  Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
answered a 911 call reference a fight in progress behind the Salvation Army in
Hillsboro. Police began responding to the scene, about the time they arrived at
location in the 200 block of S. Broad Street, 911 had learned there was possibly one
person injured from a knife. Officers were told by a witness there were at least three other people inside and that at least one was injured. One of the victims answered the door and was severely bleeding and officers began providing medical treatment to the victim as the other officers began searching the residence for other victims and suspects. Emergency assistance was requested from numerous agencies. Several law enforcement officers responded along with some other civilian agency personnel.
Two witnesses were seen by EMS and refused treatment. Two victims were identified and transported to local hospitals for treatment. During the investigation it was learned, one of the victims threatened the other with and knife when a physical altercation broke out. The witnesses attempted to break the fight up but was unsuccessful and called 911. Initially two suspects were detained, after interviewing suspects and witnesses one remained in custody. Thomas L Fly 63 of Hillsboro was arrested on charges of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, and booked into the Montgomery County Jail.
With the assistance of Montgomery County State’s Attorney Andrew Affrunti a search warrant was sought and obtained. With the assistance of the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services the scene was searched and processed.
The Hillsboro Police Department wishes to thank the responding assisting officers for their quick response. Those assisting agencies were the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Litchfield Police Department, Montgomery County EMA, Hillsboro Street Department, and the Illinois State Police. Hillsboro Area Ambulance Service
transported one patient and Litchfield Fire Department responded and assisted with a second patient. Both patients were treated and later released.

The public is reminded that all persons arrested are presumed not guilty until proven in a court of law.