Lonnie Parr: Principal of the People

Some names fade with time, but Lonnie Parr’s never has. People remember him not for awards or fancy titles, but for how he treated others. If you knew him as a principal, a teacher, a neighbor, or a friend, just hearing his name can still bring back memories, a word of encouragement when you needed it most, fair guidance, or a smile that somehow made everything feel alright. Read More »

Obituary – Robert P. Borys

Robert, 81, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025. Born on July 22, 1944, in LaSalle, Illinois, Robert lived a life marked by service, adventure, and devotion to learning. Read More »

Obituary – Peter A. McLaughlin

Peter, age 58, of Washburn, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at his home. Read More »

Cooking With Vickie Britton – Meatball Casserole

Let’s make a yummy casserole! Read More »

IVC Ghost Post

Highlights of October included meeting and learning with the GAPP students from Koblenz, Germany. The German students thoroughly enjoyed their time in Chillicothe, Illinois, and IVC German students look forward to their visit to Germany this coming summer. Read More »

Chillicothe Public Library Is Grateful for Community Connections

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what inspires gratitude in your life. At Chillicothe Public Library, we are grateful for the many ways that we get to connect with our community. Read More »

The Insurance Corner – How to Protect Your Home and Family During Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, remember to use added caution when celebrating the holiday. Thanksgiving Day is the most common day for home cooking fires to occur, followed by the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Read More »

Nelly’s Corner

It’s been a tough October with Buttface and me having the scourge of the mumps. Not contagious, finally, but still have a walnut on each side of the neck. November is going to be a lot better. Read More »

Step Outside – Discover What the Chillicothe Park District Offers

As the seasons shift and the crisp air of autumn settles in, there’s no better time to take advantage of the natural beauty in and around Chillicothe. The Chillicothe Park District offers a rich variety of parks, trails, and facilities designed to help our community step outside, reconnect, and flourish. Read More »

Tech Corner – Chillicothe Verizon Wireless

In our own Chillicothe VZW, we welcome local phone sales professionals Angelo Lucente and his brother Mark Lucente. Both team members are from our own Varna, Illinois. These two local, home-grown brothers are committed to serving you well with their 7+ years of experience Read More »

Chillicothe Circle of Service

Laura Sniff, co-founder with her husband Jim of Blue Ridge Community Farm (BRCF) and the Picket Fence Foundation, was the guest speaker at our October meeting. Both organizations are 501(c)(3) non-profits and support children and adults with disabilities in Central Illinois. Read More »

Optimistically Speaking

Can it really be November already? I love all the holidays, but there's just something special about this time of year. Thanksgiving reminds us to take time out of our everyday lives to give thanks for all we have and especially for our friends and family. Read More »

Shademaker’s Fall/Halloween Spirit Contest Winner Announced!

Congratulations to Austin and Zaida Bessler at 810 Cutright, winners of this year’s Shademaker’s 3rd Annual Fall/Halloween Spirit Contest! Their fun and festive decorations really captured the spirit of the season. Read More »

The Chillicothe Lions Club

The Chillicothe Lions Club would like to thank everyone who donated October 10th & 11th to our annual Candy Drive. We would also like to thank Grecian Gardens, Short Loin store (intersection of Truitt & Santa Fe), as well as the AMVETS (during their Sunday Breakfast), for allowing us to be at their facilities while doing this event. Read More »

Thanksgiving in America

We in America have an established holiday dedicated to giving thanks to whomever or whatever we recognize as the power that has overseen our survival over the past year. We call it Thanksgiving. Read More »

Chillicothe Rotary Club

On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the Chillicothe Rotary Club welcomed a group of German exchange students to our breakfast meeting at Grecian Gardens. It was a wonderful morning of conversation and connection, as we learned about one another’s cultures and experiences. Read More »

Open Enrollment: What to Know Before You Enroll

For many people, fall brings open enrollment, the period to choose your medical and workplace benefits for the year ahead. Read More »

Real Estate Over Coffee – How Much House Can You Afford? Tips for Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home is exciting — and a little overwhelming. Between credit scores, down payments, and monthly budgets, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in numbers. But with a little preparation, you can walk into the process confident and ready. Read More »

Scout On In Central Illinois – A White Sash, a Red Arrow, and a Commitment to Service

At the 2016 Blair Atholl International Patrol Jamborette in Scotland, I met a young Scottish Scout who asked if I was one of the “Red Arrow Guys.” Confused, I asked her to explain. She proceeded to tell me about visiting a Scout camp in Florida and being given a white sash with an embroidered red arrow. Read More »

Kick Off Your Holiday Season at Chillicothe’s 2nd Annual Nikolausmarkt!

Herzlich willkommen! We invite you to Chillicothe’s very own German Christmas market – the Nikolausmarkt – on Friday and Saturday, November 21st and 22nd. This family-friendly, citywide celebration is the perfect way to start the holiday season! Read More »

Let’s Get Ready to Jingle!

This November, you can get an early start to your holiday season. Chillicothe Players Theatre is presenting Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez. Read More »

In the Garden

It is time for the growing season to start slowing down…we are expecting our first frost this week. If you are bringing any plants in from the yard, you had better hurry. If you are cleaning up your yard for the season, here are a few pointers… Read More »

What’s Happening in Chillicothe...

This past month, the City Council finalized the Comprehensive Plan, developed in partnership with the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission. Over the past year, the process has included a dedicated committee, community meetings, interviews, surveys, and expert input. Read More »

In the Spotlight – Matt Kenady, Edward Jones Agency

In an industry often focused on dollars and dividends, Edward Jones advisor Matt Kenady keeps his focus on something deeper. Inspired by a creed penned by Ted Jones, the founder’s son, Matt has built his career on principles of service, honesty, and genuine care for his clients’ financial well-being. Read More »