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.   

 

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.