In Raymond, a number of Christmas open houses at local businesses and the vendor mall at the Knights of Columbus have been postponed to next Saturday, December 6th.  The lone exception: Santa will proceed with his appearance at CNB Bank from 8:30 to 11:30.

 

Meanwhile Imagine Hillsboro's ambitious Small Town Christmas, which was to feature a Holiday Parade and tree lighting among other events has been cancelled with potential for a later date.   Imagine Hillsboro issued a statement.

 

"This decision breaks our hearts, but with accumulating snow and dangerous travel conditions expected by Saturday morning, A Small Town Christmas must be canceled.

We are currently exploring potential reschedule dates and will share updates as soon as they are available. The safety of our community will always come first. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

With an approaching winter storm, Raymond's Christmas Activities have been moved back one week to December 6th.  Several businesses are hosting Holiday open house events and the Knights of Columbus will continue to be a center of activity with a vendor mall and more. 

The new Supervisor of Assessments for Montgomery County has wasted little time in offering a solution to the wooded acerage tax issue that led to standing room only county board meetings.   During the Wooded Acerage Ad Hoc Advisory Committee meeting last week, Mullen said county residents will no longer have to worry about their property taxes soaring because of a 2007 state law.   However, there is one wrinkle, if non farm timber heavy real estate goes on the market, then the property would be reclassified residential at the time of property transfer, sending taxes upward.   . .Mullen believes grandfathering is the right and fair approach. 

For more than three decades, Melina "Mindy" Mathenia has lived up to the dual title of owner and operator of Hillsboro’s iconic Park n Eat.   She kept the old Reaban’s building going strong on a cash only basis on the backside of Downtown Hillsboro for a generation.  Sadly, you won’t find Mindy taking your order at the Park n Eat’s window after she suddenly passed away.  Her family says the restaurant will be closed for the foreseeable future.  "We know Mom and Park N Eat were loved by many and she loved and appreciated her customers and friends but please respect our privacy while you keep us in your thoughts during this very difficult time. Thank you, Bryan, Kyle and family."   She wasn’t one to make a big fuss about her kindness but one thing is clear, she’ll be remembered as much for her kindness as the many burgers and food orders she filled. 

Litchfield Schools Supt Dr Kelly McClain is looking ahead to the 2030s.  She has announced the district is officially launching a  comprehensive strategic planning process to guide district priorities over the next five years.  The strategic planning committee will hold six evening meetings, scheduled from 5–8 PM on January 7 & 22, February 11 & 25, March 11, and April 15, 2026. if you are interested in participating on the committee, please  contact the District Office at 217-324-2157 or email Dr. McClain directly at 

kmcclain@litchfieldpanthers.org. 

UNIT:   Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8

 

LOCATION: IL-108 eastbound east of County Line Road, Barnett, Montgomery County  

 

DATE and TIME:  November 8, 2025, at approximately 9:54 a.m.

 

BRIEF SYNOPSIS: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: ISP Troop 8 responded to the location above for the report of a crash involving a pick-up truck pulling an empty anhydrous tank and a train. The driver of the truck was transported to a local hospital with injuries. The westbound lane is currently shut down. There is no further information.