The following is part Twenty-Nine 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. 

2014 – Better Banks expanded its presence in Central Illinois by acquiring the First National Bank of Chillicothe, which was itself a merger in 1966 of two historic Chillicothe banks: First National Bank, established in 1900, and Truitt Matthews Bank, founded in 1868. This acquisition, completed in August, marked the addition of Better Banks’ seventh branch location.

2014 – Ruth McLaughlin, a dedicated Chillicothe resident, generously donated land at 1016 Santa Fe Avenue for the establishment of a Veterans Memorial. This initiative aimed to honor local veterans and provide a space for reflection and remembrance.

2014 – The Chilli Bowl bowling alley closed its doors in 2014 after 53 years of operation. Owned by Danny and Shawna Colwell, the Chilli Bowl had served as a community hub since its opening in 1961, providing space for social gatherings and recreation.

2014 – Blarney Castle, after more than 70 years in operation in Rome, closed its doors. Started in the 1930s by current owner Bill “Bongo” Fleming’s grandfather, the business moved to its iconic location in 1944. Blarney Castle became famous for its signature pizza, a local favorite for little league teams and families after games at nearby fields. The closure marked the end of an era for a landmark cherished by generations.

2015 – The Shore Acres Park in Chillicothe celebrated its 100th anniversary. To mark this milestone, the Chillicothe Park District hosted a commemorative event featuring activities such as an antique auto cruise-in, which paid homage to the park’s historic charm. Shore Acres, established in 1915, has long served as a beloved community gathering space, known for its iconic clubhouse and variety of recreational facilities.

2015 – The City Council approves Chillicothe Properties, LLC and Manager Joseph LaHood to develop the new plat of land and subdivision known as River Sound Section Five. The plat is located west of River Sound Section Four. The seventeen-lot subdivision will run east and west on Harborway Drive and north and south on Presley Street.

2015 – Chillicothe’s ambulance service, Rescue 33, established in 1996 and Incorporated in 1968 officially disbands after nearly 50 years in operation.

2015 – Riley Beard became Illinois Valley Central (IVC) High School’s all-time winningest wrestler, amassing a remarkable career record of 175 wins and only 21 losses. Over four years, Beard demonstrated exceptional consistency and improvement, finishing with records of 38-8 in 2012, 44-6 in 2013, 45-4 in 2014, and an impressive 48-3 in his senior year.

2016 – The Chillicothe Veterans Memorial, known as the “Veterans Triangle,” to honor local military service members was dedicated on July 4, 2016. Located at the intersection of Santa Fe and Chestnut Streets, near the Pearce Community Center, the memorial features a star-shaped base symbolizing the unity of all U.S. states, with a compass rose to represent the diverse origins of veterans.

2016 – St. Edward School faced imminent closure due to extensive repairs needed for a leaky roof, with costs estimated at nearly $600,000. The parish community launched a fundraising campaign, raising over $440,000 in just three days. The generous response, often referred to as the “Miracle in Chillicothe,” enabled the school to undertake necessary repairs and continue its mission of providing Catholic education.

2017 – Donald Z. White ran unopposed in the 2017 Chillicothe mayoral race and was elected, marking his return as the city’s 32nd mayor. White had previously served as mayor from 2001 to 2005 and had been active in local politics, competing in other elections.

2017 – The City Council approves The Sycamore Group, LLC led by developers Jeff Kolbus, Terry Ruhland, and Rick Hinck to develop the new plat of land and subdivision known as Sycamore Trail Section Three. The plat is located south of Sycamore Trail Section Two. The sixteen-lot subdivision will feature houses on Prairie Springs Drive and Keystone Court. 

2017 – IVC School District purchases the former Commerce Bank building in downtown Chillicothe. The district plan for the IVC Learning Center to occupy the building.

2017 – Senior Chief Petty Officer William “Ryan” Owens, a Navy SEAL from Chillicothe, was killed during a raid on an al-Qaeda compound in Yemen. A 1998 graduate of IVC High School, Owens had served multiple tours in conflict zones. He was posthumously advanced in rank, and in his honor, the Chillicothe post office was renamed after him, and Illinois Route 29 was designated as the William “Ryan” Owens Memorial Highway.

2018 – Three Sisters Park introduced an 18-hole disc golf course, adding to its recreational amenities. The course weaves through wooded areas with a few open holes, offering a mix of technical and open shots. Featuring Mach V targets, the course provides a challenging experience for players of all skill levels.

2018 – First Busey Corporation, the holding company for Busey Bank, announced its acquisition of Mid Illinois Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of South Side Trust & Savings Bank of Peoria. The transaction, valued at approximately $133.4 million, was completed on October 1, 2017.

2019 – Rescue 33 Foundation holds its final Donut Days fundraiser, marking the end of a beloved 50-year tradition in Chillicothe. The event offered various types of donuts and proceeds from the event were donated to numerous local organizations, including Veterans Helping Veterans, Drew’s Plots, IVC Band, IVC Campus Life, The Princess Closet, Chillicothe Rugby Football Club, Travel Baseball, Wonderful Wally, Optimist Club, and Crossword Cafe.