February is a favorite month around here as the American Bald Eagles take up residence along the Illinois River. Chillicothe has a wonderful view of the Illinois River. The Observation Tower at the foot of Elm Street or the shore front at Shore Acres Clubhouse have public access to the beautiful riverfront wildlife. February 2nd is Groundhog Day where the groundhog comes out to check to see if Spring is on its way. Valentine’s Day is Tuesday, February 14th and is a reminder to connect with loved ones. The farmers and gardeners are putting seeds in containers and setting them on window ledges. The baseball fans are getting sneak peeks of their favorite teams during Spring Training.

Even through the winter months, the City of Chillicothe is busy with projects. There is a new well being drilled on Santa Fe and the Cutright Park restroom renovation is nearly finished and will be ready to open in the Spring.

At the January 23rd City Council meeting, the Council:

• Approved a resolution to proceed with financing a new Vac Truck for Public Works
• Approved purchasing a Chlorine Gas Injection Pump for the Wilmot Pumphouse
• Announced an IDOT upgrade to Route 29 from Cloverdale to Truitt with plans to begin construction after May
• Approved a road improvement to Truitt Avenue at Route 29 intersection

The Chillicothe Historical Society announced a presentation to commemorate the 140th birthday of Johnston McCulley (the writer of the Zorro stories) at the Chillicothe Public Library on February 2 at 6pm. The weekend of February 11th and 12th will really be an active one. Bald Eagle Days opens at 7am at Shore Acres Park with the Eagle Watch Breakfast, presented by the Rotary and Lions Club, accompanied by Feathered Friends presentation by Wildlife Prairie Park staff. At 10am the Chillicothe Library will be presenting traditional art awards for “Eagles” and “Life on the Illinois River.” The 11th is also a Chillicothe 2nd Saturday. Chillicothe 2nd Saturdays is a citywide shopping event for small businesses and includes retail businesses on 4th, 2nd, Cedar, and Santa Fe streets. It runs from 10–3pm on the 2nd Saturday of the month from February through December. Attending 2nd Saturday’s is a great way to shop and support local businesses. Also on the 11th, the Chamber will be holding its Chocolate Tour. Buy your tickets now as they usually run out early. That evening, the VFW will hold its Valentine Steak Fry starting at 5pm. On Sunday the 12th, the Henry Decoy Show will be held at Three Sisters Park from 8–2pm. 

So many great things are happening in Chillicothe. Get out and enjoy this great town.

Your hometown,
The City of Chillicothe
Where the Rails Cross the River