Hancock-Henderson Quill, INC.

11/22/2025

The rain didn't prevent Stronghurst from having a merry time at the Annual Christmas Open House.

11/22/2025

Give the gift of local news this holiday season.

Get $2 OFF a gift subscription to the Hancock and Henderson County Quill Newspapers – the perfect present for family, friends, or anyone who loves staying connected to our community.

Use code: GIFTSUB2025 at checkout

Sale ends December 24.

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*New Subscriptions Only*

11/21/2025

If you are headed to the Stronghurst Christmas Open House, make sure to stop by the Quill Office. We have free cookies and punch, a chance to win free year subscriptions and more!

11/19/2025

Garland Lloyd Lefler, age 87 of Stronghurst, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst. He was born February 11, 1938 in Stronghurst, the son of Lloyd and Millie Leinbach Lefler. On February 11, 1961, he married Trudi Dowell in the Stronghurst United Methodist Church.

Garland farmed in Henderson County his entire life. He enjoyed traveling, collecting toy tractors, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Trudi, two sons, Mark (Sara) Lefler and Mitch (Debra) Lefler, both of Stronghurst, four grandchildren, Mara (Blake) Bessine, Myles (Shannen) Lefler, of Stronghurst, Garret Lefler of the Quad Cities, and Rachel Lefler of Brooklyn, New York, five great grandchildren, Forrest and Brooklyn Lefler, and Holden, Lane, and Charlotte Bessine. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call after 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Banks & Beals. Burial will follow in the Stronghurst Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the Stronghurst United Methodist Church, Stronghurst Senior Center and Family Outreach Community Center. Please visit Garland’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.

11/18/2025

The Quill has learned that many subscribers in Kirkwood and the surrounding area did not receive last week’s issue. Copies of the November 12 edition are available at the Kirkwood Post Office.

11/17/2025

Kick off your Holiday Season this Friday in Stronghurst!

11/14/2025

La Harpe-Dallas City 7th grade boys topped Nauvoo 25-22 Wednesday, to claim the Hancock County Tournament title.

On Thursday night both the 7th and 8th grade girls claimed the Sand Valley Tournament Title.

The 7th grade team defeated West Prairie 47-5 to improve to 19-0 while the 8th graders defeated West Central 30-25 improving to 18-1.

11/13/2025

11/13/2025

Illini West High School has earned a Bronze rating by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission's (ISAC) Recognition of Excellence based on the number of FAFSA's completed by the class of 2025. Pictured from left to right is Stephen Sparks (IWHS class of 2025) and Ryan Bliss, IW School Counselor.

Illini West also earned a distinction by ISAC for implementing the following events during the fall of 2025: Financial Aid Informational Night, FAFSA Completion Workshop, and College Application Completion Workshop.

11/13/2025

The Sheriff's Office along with FOP Lodge #428 will be at the Stonghurst Christmas Walk and the Oquawka Christmas Parade. We will be holding a "Stuff the Squad" event to collect toys, non-perishable foods, and cash donations for local pantries and toys drives.

11/11/2025

Thank you Veterans!

This Week’s Quills are HERE! Fresh off the press! The latest edition includes a Veterans Day Special Edition Insert honoring our local heroes! Grab your copy today at local shops, or subscribe for home delivery!