2024 Chillicothe Reunion in Gilbert, AZ

We would like to invite all current/former Chillicothe residents who now live in the Phoenix metropolitan area, or will be visiting the area next month, to attend the 2024 Chillicothe Reunion being held in Gilbert, AZ at the Golden Corral restaurant. Read More »

Support Needed: Restoring Chillicothe’s Historic Depot

The Rock Island Depot, one of the cornerstones of Chillicothe’s history, desperately needs your assistance! The Chillicothe Historical Society took ownership of the Depot in 2000, located at the corner of Third and Cedar Streets. Read More »

Cooking With Vickie Britton—Hungry Jack Biscuit Barbecups

Hungry Jack Biscuit Barbecups Read More »

Nellie’s Corner—February

Crusty and Slick Johnson gathered with me at dawn in the first week of the hot summer. The ball diamond was empty so no witnesses were present. Read More »

Obituary—Robert Michael “Mike” Cranford,

Robert, 82 of Peoria, IL, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023, at home with his family around him. Read More »

Obituary—Martha L. Edminster

Martha, age 90, of Chillicothe, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Methodist Hospital in Peoria. Martha was born on November 24, 1933 in Peoria, IL to Oscar and Marie (Isenberg) Sweeney. Read More »

Obituary—Helen Arlene Carroll

Helen, age 98, of Chillicothe passed away on January 7, 2024 at Arc of Chillicothe. She was born on September 11, 1925 in Trivoli, Illinois to Alvin and Clara (Grafelman) Gronewold. Read More »

Obituary—William “Bill” Charles Coats

Bill passed away peacefully at home on December 29, 2023 at the age of 88. Bill was born in Streator, IL in 1935 to Charles and Mary Coats. Read More »

The Cellular Connection

One of my favorite books growing up was Black Beauty. This book depicts the journey of a beautifully bred and good spirited horse whose experiences in a variety of circumstances and many different owners, formed a horse’s life during a time before automobiles. Read More »

The Insurance Corner—Auto Insurance Rate Hikes Show No Signs of Slowing

A number of factors are converging to drive up the cost of auto insurance, and the website Insurify.com predicts that rates will jump 12% on average in 2023 from this year’s level. Read More »

Chillicothe, IL 1958-1961

The following is the fifteenth of a multi-part article about the timeline of Chillicothe, IL. This article will illustrate the key dates along with the key individuals who helped to shape our city’s great history. Read More »

Remembering Nancy Gould: A Life of Love, Hard Work, and Community Spirit

Webster’s dictionary defines the word extraordinary as going beyond what is usual, regular, or customary. While Nancy Gould may not immediately spring to mind when considering those who lived extraordinary lives, she unquestionably deserves a place among them. Read More »

In the Garden—February 2024

Hi, all! Trimming a tree outside with edible ornaments for birds provides a win-win in the winter survival game. Hungry birds benefit from nutritious seeds, fruits, nuts, and other treats festooning the branches of an evergreen tree or shrub. Read More »

Coal Hollow Park

The 48 acres of rolling, wooded terrain located off of Yankee Lane, originally used for coal mining and wagon travel, came under the control of the Neighborhood House of Peoria in the 1940s. Read More »

Why I Joined Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District—Robert Gess

Growing up in Washington, I never dreamed of being a firefighter. Fire was not in my blood, as they say. No one in my immediate family served in the fire service, nor as law enforcement, nor as first responders; I was much more interested in music and sports. Read More »

Rotary—February 2024

From late December through early March, hundreds of American Bald Eagles take up residence along the Illinois River. Read More »

Optimistically Speaking—February 2024

Each new year the Optimists Club looks back on what they have accomplished during the past year. This is a recap of 2023. Read More »

Lions Club Update—February 2024

The 2024 Bald Eagle Days will be held Saturday February 10th at the Shore Acres Club House from 7:30am to 10:30am. Read More »

From the President

Gilmore’s Sports Bar hosted our January “Business After Hours” event. The Chamber’s “Business After Hours” events are open to the public! No admission fee, snacks, and a door prize! Read More »

From the Owner of Lucky Dog’s Pub & Eatery, Dennis Luckett

It is sometimes hard to find the correct words to end something. Sandy and I are announcing that Lucky Dog’s Pub & Eatery has been sold and the last day of business will be Friday, February 2nd. We are most thankful for our great staff! Read More »

REAL ESTATE OVER COFFEE—A Christmas Story to Remember

I have a seller that is a retired builder. Last fall when visiting with Bob and his wife Betty, they reminded me of the multiple rentals they own. With them wanting to travel more, they decided it was time to sell most of them. Read More »

Are You Stuck in the Same Old, Same Old?

To be honest, we live in a world that gives us the same old, same old; the same fights and disagreements over the same issues and topics with the same predictable outcomes—again, and again, and again… Read More »

Get Involved With the Community—Volunteer Opportunities

Three Sisters Park has volunteer opportunities. Spring Planting Days, April 23 – 25, 2024, is an annual event in which schools bring 5th – 7th grade students to learn about farming in 1918 with six hands-on stations. Read More »

5th Annual Chili Cook Off—Arc at Chillicothe

Mark your calendar for February 9th at 11am to 1pm for a Chili cook off! The menu consists of chili, cornbread, dessert, drinks, and all the fixings. So, come get your Big Ol’ Tasty Bowl of Chili. Read More »

IN THE SPOTLIGHT — Sherry Killion Adams

When talking with Sherry, you quickly learn that she loves her family, has a strong relationship with God, and loves her hometown of Chillicothe. Read More »

What’s Happening in Chillicothe in February 2024

The month of February is an ideal time to watch the eagles along the river. The observation tower at Eagle Landing at the end of Elm Street and the eagle viewing telescope at Shore Acres Park provide great riverfront views. Read More »

Letter From the Editor - February 2024

It’s almost Groundhog Day. What will Punxsutawney Phil predict for the next 6 weeks? We will hope for a gloomy day in Punxsutawney, PA on February 2nd so that we will have an early Spring. Read More »

Chillicothe’s Hometown Hero: The Shield —Duty, Conviction, and Humility

Can any of us say, in today’s society, what we are missing? What are the most pertinent and needed ingredients in our sometimes mundane or often pampered lifestyles that we humans are slowly losing each day? Read More »