Honoring Our Legacy at Ghosts in the Park

Every town has stories. Every school has traditions. But few have a legacy as layered, proud, and uniquely enduring as the story of the Grey Ghosts—the beloved mascot of Illinois Valley Central High School, originally Chillicothe Township High School. Read More »

Once Upon a Time in Chillicothe, IL: The Story of Webb’s Inn – Part 1

There was a time in Chillicothe, Illinois, when the clatter of plates and the hum of conversation filled the air, and a single place stood at the center of it all — a place where meals were memorable, and love was always the secret ingredient. Read More »

The Insurance Corner – Why Fixed Annuities Make Sense in a High Interest Rate Environment

Fixed annuity rates have been rising since 2022 and continue to be attractive, with some products offering rates as high as 6.8%. Current rates are the highest we’ve seen in decades, and with a fixed annuity, you can lock in a good rate of return for a guaranteed income that will stay with you for as long as you live. Read More »

Real Estate Over Coffee – The American Dream

What is the American Dream? Growing up, I always heard that owning a home was part of that dream. It was the big goal—something that meant you were on the right path in life. And while that’s still true in many ways, I’ve come to learn that homeownership is about so much more than just signing on the dotted line. Read More »

In the Garden

Mulching is one of the best things you can do to achieve great gardening success. Mulching helps retain moisture, adds nutrients back into the soil, suppresses weeds, and keeps the garden looking tidy. Read More »

Nelly’s Corner – August 1962, Age 10

Cruel expressions started coming out of most mothers, normally sweethearts. Lots of my baseball buddies were stunned and a bit shocked. Such dour words and short tempers began to be noticed by all of Kid-Dom in town. Read More »

Thank You

Thank you, everyone, for making our 11th year for the Tom Harm's Memorial Cruise-In/Silent Auction another success. We broke a record this year! Read More »

The Power of Parks: How Green Spaces Boost Property Values

Parks and green spaces are often celebrated for their role in enhancing community well-being, providing recreation, and adding beauty to neighborhoods. But their value extends well beyond leisure and aesthetics. Read More »

Optimistically Speaking

I can hardly believe it is August already. Where did the summer go? One thing I know for sure is that the older you get, the faster the weeks, months, and years go by....ask any older person! Read More »

Looking to Get Involved in Chillicothe? Rotary Welcomes You!

Do you have an hour to spare twice a month? Want to feel more connected, make a difference, and start your day with purpose? If so, the Rotary Club of Chillicothe may be just what you’re looking for! Read More »

Chillicothe Circle of Service

Do you realize IVC District 321’s school year start is just around the corner—August 11th to be exact? With that in mind, Chillicothe Circle of Service continues to support all schools within IVC’s boundaries (including Calvary Baptist and St. Edward) by providing gift cards based on enrollment to each school so teachers can purchase required—but not donated—items for students in need. Read More »

Three Stops on the Road to Financial Stability

Achieving financial stability doesn’t happen overnight — it takes a journey. And, as with every journey, you should reach some milestones along the way. Read More »

Going Back to School with Pearce Community Center

Back-to-school season brings about numerous changes for kids and adults alike. One of the biggest changes with the back-to-school season is everyone’s daily routine. Many families enjoy a flexible schedule in the summertime. Read More »

The Chic Manufacturing Company Building

Back in June, I was watching the local news and saw a story where a photo of an old building in the Warehouse District of Peoria was featured. The name of the building was briskly displayed in large letters “Chic Manufacturing Co.” Read More »

Cooking With Vickie Britton – A Simple Salad for Summer

A special thank you to my friend Linda K for her fantastic recipe! Read More »

Fire Safety Collection Finds New Home at Chillicothe Public Library

The Chillicothe Public Library District has partnered with the Illinois Fire Service Institute Library (IFSI Library) and the Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District (CCFPD) to house and circulate a part of their collection. Read More »

Behind the Curtain: Alton Humphreys’ Study Abroad Fund

If you are a theatre fan, you know that London is a wonderful place to experience live theatre and learn from the tradition there. One Chillicothe native has the opportunity to spend a semester learning abroad in London this upcoming semester. Read More »

In the Spotlight – Rich Gerberding: A Man With a Mission and a Ministry

Most of the time, the road you start down isn’t the road you end up on. This is one man’s story of how he found the road that molded his life: Read More »

Sanitary Wipes

Chillicothe Public Works has had issues the past several years with “flushable” wipes being placed into toilets. The packaging may state that these items are flushable, but they do not biodegrade at a very fast rate. This is causing sewer lines to back up into residential homes. Read More »

What’s Happening in Chillicothe...

The City of Chillicothe offers a RESIDENTIAL SIDEWALK PROGRAM to help homeowners with the cost of installing or replacing residential sidewalks, curbs, and the sidewalk portion of driveways. The City will reimburse 80% of the cost, up to $2,000 per property (maximum of two properties per applicant). Read More »

Chillicothe’s Hometown Hero – Mary Ward: Chillicothe’s Original Grammar Queen

Mary Elizabeth Hanes Ward’s story began in Jerseyville, Illinois, where she was born the oldest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. C. M. Hanes. A thoughtful and determined young woman, Mary graduated from Jersey Township High School and later attended the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minnesota. Read More »