The Chillicothe community dedicates significant time and energy to collecting essential items—such as food, coats, hats, and gloves—and raising funds with the annual bell-ringing fundraising drive supporting the Community Needs Agency (CNA). CNA then distributes these items, along with other essentials, to those in need within the IVC School District 321. This season, consider signing up to ring the bell for CNA, making a donation when you see a bell ringer, adding a few extra cans or boxes to your grocery cart, or picking up an extra coat, hat, or pair of gloves to share with CNA and, by extension, your community. Chillicothe truly is a small town with a big heart!

The Chillicothe Police Department continues their 12th annual Cops and Kids Christmas Program. The toys will be distributed on the 14th. Thank you to the community for making this a successful event.

The Shademakers are busy planning their 5th annual Holiday Spirit Lighting Contest called “Light up Chillicothe.” Nominate your neighbors that go all out with their home holiday lighting decorations and turn in your forms to City Hall by December 13th. Winners will be announced at the Breakfast with Santa - AMVETS at the VFW on December 22.

At the November 11th City Council meeting the Council approved:

• Appointment of Patrick Semtner as 3rd Ward Alderman effective immediately
• Appointment of Patrick Semtner to Council Committees: Human Resources, Public Works, Finance
• The City Engineer to Draft Engineering Agreement for the PPUATS Cloverdale Road Improvement
• An Ordinance for a Three-Way Stop on Harborway at Bradley Avenue
• Special Event Request–Nikolausmarkt, Nov 22 from 4–8pm and Nov 23 from 11am–6pm & Carriage Rides from 4–8 pm
• Special Event Request for the Chamber Christmas Parade from 2–4pm on 2nd Street
• Contract–Axon Enterprise, Inc. for Tasers in the amount of $15,686 for first year and $11,326.70 per year for 4 years
• Contract–Axon Enterprise, Inc. for 12 Body Worn Cameras in the amount of $8,368.96 for 5 years
• Holiday Planting of Planters in the amount of $2,100 payable to Picket Fence
• An Ordinance amending the zoning map to rezone Sunnyside Property behind 615 Truitt from R3 to C2 (Special Use)

Council went into closed session.

• Closed Session–Purchase or Lease Real Estate ILCS 120/2 (c) (5)

Council meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 7pm at City Hall. The Public is welcome to attend.

December Events

01 Holiday Shop Hop, Chillicothe Businesses

04 Knots of Fun – Chillicothe Library, 3pm

05 Historical Society Christmas Party – Grecian Gardens, 5:30pm

05 Girls Night Out – Picket Fence Foundation, 6:30pm

05 Ladies Night Out – Freedom Paws Service Dogs, 6-9pm

07 Breakfast with Santa – Pearce Community Center, 9am

07 Winter Wonderland Vendor Market & Photos with Santa by Freedom Paws Service Dogs, Shore Acres Clubhouse, 9am

07 Pearl Harbor Ceremony – Cutright Park, 11am-Noon

07 Chillicothe Christian Church Open House – A Night in Bethlehem, 2-5pm

07 Chili Cook-Off supporting Freedom Paws Service Dog – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 4pm

07 A Heart for Lela (Chris) – Heather’s Wine Nook, 4pm

09 Chillicothe 2nd Saturday – Retail Businesses on 2nd, 4th and Santa Fe—Holiday Shop Hop winners

11 Coffee at the Clubhouse – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 10am

13 Christmas Walk – Evergreen Senior Living, 5:30pm

13 Shademaker’s Holiday Lighting Award Nominations due at City Hall by 3pm

13-14 Madrigal Dinner –  IVCHS,  12:30pm matinee, 5:30pm Dinner

14 LIVE MUSIC – Molly’s Pizzaria, 6pm

14 Gingerbread House Workshop – Chillicothe Library, 8:30am

14 Cops For Kids Christmas Toy Delivery

11 Coffee at the Clubhouse – Shore Acres Park Clubhouse, 10am-12pm

19 Free Bluegrass Christmas Concert – Chillicothe Bible Church, 6:30pm

20 Live Nativity – Calvary Baptist Church, 7pm & 8:30pm performances

20 Grinchmas Party – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 6-8pm

21 Community Needs Agency Food Distribution & Optimist Toy Drive – Three Sisters Park, 7-11am

22 Breakfast with Santa – AMVETS at the VFW, 8-11am — Shademakers Holiday Lighting Award

26 Tech & Tacos: What is Advertising Really Selling – Chillicothe Library, 6pm

There is a lot happening in Chillicothe! Come on out and join us!

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