The following is part Thirty and the final part 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. 

2019 – The Mossville Junior High School 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Team achieved a historic milestone by clinching the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Class 3A State Championship. The Lady Warriors completed an exceptional undefeated season with a perfect 27–0 record.

2019 – The Illinois Valley Central (IVC) High School Grey Ghosts football team achieved an undefeated regular season with a 9–0 record, winning the Illini Prairie Conference title. Led by head coach Tim Heinz and quarterback Alex Merlo, the Grey Ghosts earned a high seed in the IHSA Class 4A playoffs. In the first round, they defeated Taylorville High School 31–22. Their postseason run ended in the second round with a loss to Murphysboro High School, which went on to become the state runner-up. IVC finished the season with an overall record of 10–1.

2020 – The Pearce Community Center in Chillicothe, Illinois, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2020 with a video series showcasing its history, growth, and future vision. The series highlights its early focus on volunteerism in the 1990s, facility expansions in the 2000s, and plans for continued community service, reflecting the center’s enduring commitment to Chillicothe.

2020 – The Chillicothe Park District added pickleball courts south of the aquatic park, expanding the area’s recreational amenities and providing residents with more outdoor activity options. The courts quickly became a popular spot for both casual and organized play.

2020 – 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 Six. The plat is located west of Stillwater Drive and River Sound Section Two. The eight-lot subdivision will run east and west on Stoney Walk Way.

2021 – Michael D. Hughes was elected as the 35th mayor of Chillicothe, Illinois, narrowly defeating his opponent, Donald White, by a margin of 12 votes. The final count was 405 votes for Hughes and 393 votes for White. This close race reflected a highly competitive election, with Hughes ultimately securing the position. 

2022 – The Illinois Valley Central (IVC) High School Girls Volleyball Team made school history by finishing third in the IHSA Class 2A State Tournament, the program’s first state trophy, ending the season with a 36 to 4 record. After winning the sectional title over Fieldcrest and advancing through the Super Sectional, the Lady Ghosts beat Freeburg in straight sets (25 to 16, 25 to 15) to secure third place. The team was led by Kenna Wollard and Ali Bainter, who earned All-State First Team and Second Team honors, respectively.

2022 – David Russell, a junior at Illinois Valley Central High School, delivered an impressive performance at the 2022 IHSA Class 2A State Track and Field Championships. He secured the state championship in discus with a throw of 52.35 meters and earned second place in shot put with a throw of 16.23 meters. During his sophomore season, Russell placed fourth in shot put and ninth in discus.

2023 – The Chillicothe Metal Company, Inc. celebrates its 60th year in business, marking six decades as a global leader in manufacturing environmental enclosures, packaged generator sets, trailers, fuel tank bases, and electrical controls. Founded by Robert Fennell in 1963, CMCO has grown from a small sheet metal shop into a premier supplier for industries including power generation, utility, petrochemical, mining, marine, military, and specialty markets.

2023 – 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 Seven. The plat is located west of Stillwater Drive and south of River Sound Section Six. The ten-lot subdivision will run east and west on Hillcrest Drive. 

2024 – The St. Jude Brad Wallin Memorial Tournament, concluded in June 2024 after 20 years. Created in memory of Brad Wallin, who passed away from cancer at age 11 in 2004, the tournament grew to host 354 teams in its final year and raised around $1.6 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Organizers decided to end it, citing the emotional toll of organizing and feeling they had successfully honored Brad’s legacy.

2024 – The Chillicothe Park District completed the “Play for All” renovation of Shore Acres Park, creating a more inclusive and accessible space. The project included a new all-abilities playground, upgrades to Tippett Field, and improved roads and walking paths. Funded by a $600,000 OSLAD grant and local support, the park reopened with a celebration on September 1.

2024 – Rachel “Rae” Krause, is the first female Eagle Scout in the Illinois Valley Central (IVC) School District. A senior at IVC High School, Rae has been involved in scouting for five years and was a founding member of her troop, which is led by her mother, Gwyn. Her Eagle Scout project involved constructing two new fire pits at Camp Wokanda in Mossville, Illinois.

2024 -  The Town Theater closed its doors after nearly 75 years of operation. The final movie shown was The Wild Robot, a fitting farewell to a beloved local institution that had served Chillicothe since its opening on December 2, 1949, with The Gal Who Took the West. The Chillicothe Optimist Club had purchased the theater from Verne Reynolds in 2009, and during their stewardship, they gave back to the community by supporting local youth and providing affordable entertainment. Though the theater’s closure marked the end of an era, hope remains for its next chapter: in late 2024, lifelong Chillicothian Mike Tobin acquired the building with plans to remodel and reopen it as a performing arts theatre by late 2025, ensuring the Town continues to bring people together for years to come. 

2025 – Michael D. Hughes won his re-election bid as mayor of Chillicothe, Illinois, narrowly defeating his opponent, Timothy S. White, by a margin of 77 votes. The final tally was 511 votes for Hughes and 434 votes for White. With this victory, Hughes became the tenth mayor in the city’s history to be re-elected and serve consecutive terms.

2025 – Pearce Community Center celebrated 35 years of serving the Chillicothe community. Since opening its doors in 1990, Pearce has provided a welcoming space for fitness, recreation, and connection. The anniversary event featured free activities including coffee and donuts, family gym time, a scavenger hunt, and a cocktail hour, and concluded with a special proclamation ceremony recognizing the center’s impact and legacy.