Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has received questions regarding the activation of outdoor warning sirens during the severe weather event on Sunday, March 15, 2026, which ultimately produced 5 EF-1 tornadoes impacting portions of Nokomis, Witt, Irving, and other areas of Montgomery County, Illinois.

At no time during the event was Montgomery County under a Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Additionally, there were no confirmed real-time reports of a tornado, funnel cloud, or rotational activity, nor were there verified reports of hail reaching two inches in diameter or wind speeds exceeding 75 miles per hour. Under current county protocol, any of these conditions would have resulted in the activation of outdoor warning sirens.

Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert individuals who are outdoors of imminent severe weather threats, typically when a Tornado Warning is issued or when credible, confirmed reports of dangerous conditions are received. Based on the information available at the time—including radar data, trained weather spotter input, and observed conditions—criteria for siren activation were not met.

Following the storm, damage assessments, storm path analysis, and a more detailed review of radar data conducted by the National Weather Service determined that an EF-1 tornado had occurred. The NWS is continuing to evaluate this event to better understand why the tornado was not identified through radar or other indicators in real time.

Montgomery County EMA understands the concern this situation has raised among residents in Nokomis, Witt, Irving, and surrounding communities. We remain committed to working closely with the National Weather Service and our local partners to ensure the most accurate and timely warning information possible.

Residents are reminded to utilize multiple methods for receiving weather alerts, including, mobile alerting systems, and trusted media sources, as outdoor warning sirens are only one part of a comprehensive warning system.

For additional information, please contact Montgomery County EMA at the number or email listed above.

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Montgomery County, IL — Dan Hough, Director of the Montgomery County EMA, announced Wednesday that preliminary findings from the National Weather Service indicate that a total of 5 EF1 tornadoes passed through several areas of Montgomery County on the evening of Sunday,
March 15. In response, communities hardest hit by the storms have coordinated a joint cleanup effort to assist residents with debris removal with the help of the Montgomery County EMA.
On Tuesday, March 24, mutual aid resources from the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) will be deployed to assist with debris removal operations in the communities of Nokomis, Witt, Irving and Coalton.Please use caution when hiring contractors to do work if you need assistance please reach out to your local Village/City Hall.   
Residents are encouraged to move recent storm damaged vegetative debris to the boulevards to facilitate collection. Crews will not enter private property; all debris must be placed in the boulevard, which is publicly owned property. Only recent storm damaged vegetative debris will be collected. Construction and demolition debris, including materials from damaged buildings, as well as appliances, tires, and other
non-vegetative items, will not be accepted. Daily cleanup operations will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m on Tuesday –Thursday.
Residents are asked to follow these guidelines to ensure an efficient and safe cleanup process for all affected communities. Please contact your local Village/City Hall to add your name to the list for pick-up.

The Litchfield Chamber of Commerce is preparing to honor a number of residents and businesses.  Winners include Educator of the Year Trish Fenton, Citizen of the Year Candi Mazza, who has helped struggling students and families in the Litchfield School district,  Business of the Year Rise and Grind Coffee Co., Rising Star Diamond’s Bistro and Gaming and Special Recognition Brittany Ronco, who has been a key player for together lithfield can. The ceremony will start with doors opening and cocktails at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. The awards ceremony presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dessert and a social hour at 7:30 p.m.Prices are set at $40 per person, or $300 for a table of eight. Those interested can reserve a ticket by calling 217-556-7729. Reservations must be made today,  Wednesday, March 18. 

Witt Mayor Tim Taylor says cleanup efforts continue after Sunday's storm damage and it's official.  You can call much of that storm damage, tornado damage.  Taylor says the National Weather Service informed him that the EF-1 tornado that later hit Nokomis, struck in Witt first with the town suffering considerable damage in its Southwest corner, including at the Witt Lions Club.  

Macoupin County already knew there would be a new sheriff in town, but now they know who that sheriff will be.   Lt Ryan Dixon won a decisive victory over Deputy Chief Quinn Rieher.  

 

In the 15th congressional district race, incumbent Mary Miller easily defeated two Republican challengers.  Meanwhile, in the four way battle of Madison County based Democrats looking to face in November, Edwardsville's Jennifer Todd defeated Paul Davis by nearly 10% of the vote. 

 

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski released the following statement after being declared the winner in the Democratic Primary for Illinois' 13th Congressional District. Budzinski has represented the district since January 2023.

"Over the past three years, I’ve been focused on delivering for the people of Central and Southern Illinois. I’ve secured millions in investments for our communities while fighting back against Donald Trump’s attacks on our healthcare, our freedoms, and our democratic norms.

"This victory is a strong signal that what we’re doing is resonating with voters who are ready for Democrats to take back the majority in the House of Representatives.

 

"I will always keep IL-13 voters at the center of everything I do here in Washington and I look forward to continuing to deliver meaningful change for our communities."

 

In Montgomery Co, there were no initiatives or referendums, so  let’s take a look at look at votes in state races.   There was 20% turnout.   

County voters narrowly picked Lt Governor Julianna Stratton over Congressman Raja Krish-nuh-MUR-thee in the Democratic race for US Senate.  .  Don Tracy, the former Republican Party Chairman, scored a solid victory in the Republican race to succeed Senator Dick Durbin.   Darren Bailey easily won the Republican primary for Governor.   Dems went against the grain, with Holly Kim being the top votegetter in the race for Comptroller.  Turnout reached 20%.  

 

In Christian County,  voter turnout was a mere 5.8%!  

In the Republican race for Sheriff , Jim Baker defeated Phil Deal by a 2-1 margin.  

 

With a lack of competitive races locally, Bond County only saw a voter turnout of 6.5 percent. 

A tough evening for Montgomery County when it comes to the impact of storms that rolled through yesterday.  The biggest impact was found in Nokomis where all schools are closed today.  District officials are dealing with significant roof damage at Nokomis High School.  Nokomis Supt Scott Doer (do-urr) shared an update with us... 

“We have been assessing the damage.  At this point, the north side of the new gym roof is gone, which caused other damage to areas of the NHS roof.  We are currently in the process of mitigating the situation, cleaning debris, and prepping the roof in case other storms come to the area soon.  "I want to thank the Nokomis Fire Department for their hard work, as well as other first responders who came to check on any and all damage to the building.  At this point, all Nokomis Schools will be closed on Monday so we can further assess damage, get more cleaning crews here, and contractors for estimates on any repairs."    

 

 In Witt, Mayor Tim Taylor reports Roofs,siding and a lot of trees were uprooted.  There was one machine shed on the ground and a number of car ports suffered heavy damage.   The town’s beloved Lions Club Building also suffered damage to its roof and AC units.  County Clerk and recorder Sandy Leitheiser announced the Witt polling place  will move from the Lions Club Building to the Witt Fire Dept.   

There were several other reports in the Nokomis, Witt, Coffeen and Raymond Areas of power lines that had been taken down by the high winds and falling branches. Damage assessment efforts are continuing. Residents are reminded to notify your power provider if you have lost power due to the electrical service being pulled from your home. You should also notify and electrical Contractor and your home insurance as Ameren will not replace the meter base and conduit to your home.  Any other power lines that are down should be reported to your power company. Only contact Montgomery County 9-1-1 if you see the downed line is sparking or causing a fire. 

Montgomery County Clerk/Recorder Sandy Leitheiser informs all
voters residing in Witt Township that due to building damage as a
result of Sunday night’s storms, the Polling Place for this Tuesday’s
General Primary Election will be changed from the Witt Lions Building
located at 503 W Broadway St in Witt and will instead be held at the
newly remodeled Witt Fire Department located at 226 Hirst St in Witt.
Those needing direction should look for an outdoor Polling Place sign
in front of the Fire Department building or contact the County Clerk’s
Office by phone at 217-532-9530 or via email at
countyclerk@montgomerycountyil.gov.

Breaking.  A devastating fire has heavily damaged the vacant Litchfield Bowling Alley.  The fire broke out shortly after  2pm today (Sunday 3/15).  Mutual aid swarmed in from Mt Olive, Shoal Creek, Gillespie and Raymond-Harvel.  Route 16 should be open again between Litchfield and Hillsboro.  There are no ?reports of injuries. 

- Macoupin State's Attorney Jordan Garrison announced today that Marc A. Wash (5/27/1978) of Durant, MS, plead guilty to possessing more than 5500 grams (12.125 pounds) of cocaine in Macoupin County. The Honorable Joshua A. Meyer accepted the guilty plea and set the matter for sentencing hearing on July 2, 2026. The sentencing range for the charge Wash plead guilty to is 8-40 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.  

On June 11, 2021, Trooper Keith Hauter conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was speeding. The vehicle also had a broken tail light and smelled of cannabis. Wash was determined to be driving the vehicle with a suspended license and a tow inventory was conducted. During the inventory, Tpr. Hauter found an hidden compartment in the back of the vehicle which contained the cocaine. Judge Meyer set the bond at $500,000 which Wash posted 10 days later. He has been on pretrial release since posting bond.  

“Drug addiction is a misery that is enabled by people who bring these awful substances into our communities.” Garrison said. "Ongoing efforts to stop the flow of drugs into our county is the only way to get ahead of this scourge. I thank the Illinois State Police, specifically Keith Hauter and the South Central Illinois Drug Task Force for their exemplary work in securing the guilty plea."  

The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, can confirm the death of two individuals involved in a motor vehicle collision on Interstate 55 early this (Monday 3/9)  morning. The incident occurred in the southbound lane near the Chatham / East Lake Drive exit. A 42-year-old female resident of Wentzville, Missouri, and a 51-year-old female resident of Girard, Illinois, were pronounced deceased at the scene. Autopsies are scheduled to take place today. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The deaths remain under investigation by the Sangamon County Coroner and the Illinois State Police.  The identities of the victims have not been released.

GILLESPIE,IL – A milestone in American road history is coming to Gillespie as the town marks Route 66’s 100th anniversary with a Roaring ’20s–themed night of food, music, and dancing. The 100th Anniversary Route 66 Chicken, Beer & Dance, organized by Grow Gillespie, invites residents and highway enthusiasts to gather for an evening that nods to the era when diners, roadhouses, and neon signs defined America’s Main Street. 

The event will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Gillespie Civic Center located at 115 North Macoupin Street, Gillespie with doors opening at 5:00 PM and the event starting at 5:30 PM. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Roaring ’20s attire to match the spirit of the night. 

The family-friendly evening features a two-part live music lineup. Hank Greenwalt will play from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM followed by the Glendale Riders from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The event promises a lively soundtrack for dining and dancing, with a distinct mid-century vibe that honors Route 66’s heyday. 

Advance tickets are required and cost $40 per person or $75 for a couple. Tickets include a catered dinner, beer, and live music. Tickets can be purchased online (https://www.growgillespie.org/event-details/100th-anniversary-route-66-chicken-beer-dance) or by contacting Grow Gillespie event leaders Jody Carpani at 217-710-1109, Shannon Sarti at 

217-556-4152, or emailing gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com.

Sponsorships, which include complimentary event tickets, are also available by contacting Grow Gillespie. The night blends nostalgia with contemporary community spirit. Guests will enjoy a chicken dinner, beer, a dedicated dance floor, and live performances that span the evening. The Roaring ’20s theme invites festive costumes and costumes-friendly photography, making it a memorable weekend activity for friends and families, Route 66 fans, and history buffs alike. Proceeds and participation benefit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle