Chillicothe Optimist Town Theatre

Great things are happening at the Town Theatre! This summer not only are we scheduling some great movies, we are ramping up events. Read More »

Why I Joined Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District — Firefighter Forrest Blount

My name is Forrest Blount, and I have lived in the beautiful community of Chillicothe my whole life. I have seen our community grow over the years and believe it's the best place to raise a family. Read More »

When Retirement Plans Change

Like most couples, Chuck and Teresa Rusk had their retirement plans set. Chuck was a machinist and Teresa worked as a secretary in a school. Read More »

OBITUARY — Rita D. Smith

Rita, 76, of Sparland, passed away on June 21, 2024. She was born November 12, 1947 in Peoria, Illinois to George (Toby) and Darlene Miller. She married Ronald (R.E.) Smith on June 12, 1966 in Chillicothe. Read More »

OBITUARY — Merry L. Durrstein

Merry, 71, of Chillicothe, Illinois, formerly Lacon, died on June 14, 2024 at her residence surrounded by her family. Read More »

Nellie’s Corner — July 2024

My buddy Duane invited me to watch the fireworks from his house. He lived on a very high hill three miles north of North Chillicothe. Read More »

The Insurance Corner — Insurers Get Picky About Older Roofs

As homeowner’s insurance companies become more selective about whom they will or won’t cover, one element that can make or break the deal is the age of the roof. Read More »

Chillicothe, IL 1977–1980

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

REAL ESTATE OVER COFFEE — Hire a Professional, a REALTOR.

He or She will be your guide, whether buying or selling. While the internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings and resources, many aspects of the buying process require a level of expertise you can't pick up from surfing the web. Read More »

Random Acts of Kindness

A local entrepreneur named Alex launched an initiative called, "Bread for the Journey." Every morning before the hustle and bustle of the day Alex and his crew meet and make hundreds of sandwiches. Read More »

How does the Chillicothe Park District have a park in North Peoria? Let us tell you!

In the 1960s, growth was happening in the central Illinois area with the construction of the Caterpillar Engine Plant. Read More »

Free Monthly Concerts Continue With Chillicothe Public Library’s “Live at the Library” Series

You probably won’t get shushed at Chillicothe Public Library. In fact, you might be invited to make some noise—or even get up and dance—with “Live at the Library,” a series of free monthly concerts. Read More »

How Is Your Retirement Income Taxed?

Once you’re retired, you will likely need to draw on several sources of income for your living expenses. But do you know how this money is taxed? Read More »

The Chillicothe Lions Club — July 2024

The Chillicothe Lions Club held their 38th annual Mr. Chillicothe Contest Friday, June 14th during Chillicothe Days and it was a resounding success! Read More »

Optimistically Speaking — July 2024

Summer…some people love it and some not so much! But whether you are a summer person or not a lot is going on in our town. June saw Chillicothe Days and the carnival come to town. Read More »

Rotary International – Creating Hope in the World

The Rotary Club of Chillicothe finished the July 2023–June 2024 year last month. The theme to this year was “Creating Hope in the World” Taking a look back to see how our club created hope in the world: Read More »

4th of July Festivities

The Chillicothe Fireworks will be held at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. Gates will open at 4pm. The show will begin at approximately 9:20pm. Read More »

Chillicothe Circle of Service — July 2024

“Garden Party” was the theme for Chillicothe Circle of Service’s fifth birthday celebration held at Grecian Gardens, with dessert provided Read More »

Dad’s Old Fashion Root Beer

At the last membership meeting of the Historical Society, I presented a lengthy slide presentation on the many gasoline stations that have populated Chillicothe since the arrival of the automobile. Read More »

Cooking With Vickie Britton — Mississippi PO Boys

This is a great sandwich for those busy days. Read More »

In the Garden — July 2024

OH…sweet summer! The grass is that plant which must be tended regularly as long as we have rain. The summer flowers are divine…their fragrances are that glorious summer aroma! Read More »

IN THE SPOTLIGHT — Michele Kluge

Many of us have had a special teacher in our lives at some point in our education that stood out. We felt they cared about us and wanted the very best for us. Read More »

What’s Happening in Chillicothe... July 2024

The City is bustling in July starting the month with the 4th of July Fireworks. Did you know this event is put on by a volunteer committee and all fireworks are purchased by donations from the community? Read More »

Letter From the Editors

Except for Christmas, I believe the 4th of July is one of the most memorable holidays. It’s a warm time of the year when the days are long and the kids are out of school and according to the news, it’s one of the most traveled holidays of the year. Read More »

Chillicothe’s Hometown Hero — Don Willis, Run like the wind.

We were not poor but we could see its face. Americans were slammed hard during The Great Depression and again in 1941 with Pearl Harbor then WWII and Korea. Read More »