December 2025
Chillicothe truly is a small town with a big heart! Each year, our community comes together to support the annual bell-ringing fundraising drive for the Community Needs Agency (CNA). Through generous donations of food, coats, hats, gloves, and financial contributions, CNA is able to provide essential assistance to individuals and families in need within the IVC School District 321. This season, you can make a difference—sign up to ring the bell, drop a few extra items in your grocery cart, or make a donation when you see a bell-ringer. Every act of kindness helps strengthen our community and brighten someone’s season.

The Chillicothe Police Department continues their 13th 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 6th annual Holiday Spirit Lighting Contest called “Light up Chillicothe.” Nominate your neighbors who go all out with their home holiday lighting decorations, and turn in your forms to City Hall by December 12th. There are two categories: “Whimsical” and “Traditional.” Winners will be announced at a City Council meeting.

The City of Chillicothe offers yard waste burning through December 15th. Check the City’s website under the “Residents” menu, then “Burning Schedule” for full details. 

At the November 10th City Council Meeting the Council:

Approved:

• An expenditure of $2,256.40 payable to Princeville Tire for the Purchase of Tires – Dump Truck #25
• Resolution for an agreement between City and Tazwood Community Service Inc. This organization helps residents pay for utility bills.
• Ordinance – New Article – City Parking Lots. This article limits parking of commercial vehicles in Public Parking
• Ordinance – Comprehensive Plan. This guides a city’s future by outlining goals for land use, housing, transportation, and community well-being.
• Special Event Request – Chamber Christmas Parade taking place November 22nd from 2-5pm. Parade starts at 3pm.
• An expenditure of $8,841.50 to purchase a Lexipol Subscription to help with law enforcement and police onboarding.
• A Purchase of $55,000 payable to Princeton Chevrolet/GMC for the purchase of a 2025 Dodge Durango Police Patrol Vehicle
• Ordinance and Real Estate Sales Contract between the City of Chillicothe and Thomas Sittinger for the purchase of Sturgeon Lane Trailer Park in the amount of $50,000.
• Refer – Insufficient Lot Size to the Cemetery & Parks Committee for further Discussion

Did not get approved

• Ordinance – Regarding City Council Meeting Agendas

City Council meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 7pm at City Hall. The public is invited. The next Council meeting will be held November 24th.

December Events

11/29-12/13 Holiday Shop Hop, Chillicothe Businesses

04 Senior Bingo – Pearce Community Center, 11am-12pm

04 Historical Society Christmas Party – TBD

06 Breakfast with Santa – Pearce Community Center, 9am

06 Pajamas & Pancakes with Santa – Benefit for Freedom Paws Service Dogs – 100 Park Blvd, 9am

06 Jingle Jam Youth Dance & Dodgeball – Pearce Community Center, 7-9pm

07 LIVE MUSIC – Not Petty – American Legion, 3pm

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

13 Chillicothe 2nd Saturday – Retail Businesses on 2nd, 4th and Santa Fe, 10am

13 Gingerbread House Workshop – Chillicothe Public Library, 9:30am

13 Cops For Kids Christmas Toy Delivery

14 Central Illinois Flea Market – Three Sisters park, 9am

19 Silver Cinema Series – It’s a Wonderful Life – Chillicothe Park District Operations Facility, 1pm

19 Party in the Park: Grinchmas Party – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 6pm

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

13 & 14 Madrigal Dinner – IVCHS,  5pm Doors open, 5:30pm Dinner

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

There are so many things happening in our town. Get out and have fun!

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