December 2025 Issue Below are the articles printed in the December 2025 edition of the Chillicothe Hometown Voice. In the Spotlight – The Women of the First United Methodist Church Labors of Love A few good people working together can make a big difference in other people’s lives, and the women at the Chillicothe Methodist Church are doing just that. Read More » Obituary – Naomi B. “Sis” Stoner Kennington Naomi, age 89, of Chillicothe, passed away on October 23, 2025 at Hallmark Healthcare of Pekin. Read More » Obituary – Donald Henry Connor Don, age 91, of Chillicothe, Illinois, passed away peacefully in the very early hours of Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Lacon Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Read More » Obituary – Peggy Jean Connelly Pierson Peggy Jean Connelly Pierson, 87, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, in Frisco, Texas, with her son Brian Fislar and his wife Kristen by her side. Read More » Obituary – Timothy Roger Jones Tim, age 83, of Chillicothe, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. Read More » Obituary – Donald Joe Willis Don, age 86, of Chillicothe, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at his home, surrounded by the family he loved beyond measure. Read More » Obituary – Connie K. Stachewicz Connie, 78, of Chillicothe, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Read More » A Night In Bethleham Each year, the Chillicothe Christian Church is transformed into the ancient town of Bethlehem. On December 13th, from 2:00–4:30 you and your family will be transported back to the days when Jesus walked the earth. Read More » Chillicothe Chamber News On November 7th, Dunkin’ Donuts celebrated its official ribbon-cutting in Chillicothe with the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce and community members in attendance. The event highlighted the excitement surrounding the new location and its contribution to local growth. Read More » Veterans Day Program Chillicothe Elementary Center held a breakfast and program for Veterans and their families on Veterans' Day. Castaways provided a full breakfast for all who attended. Read More » The Chillicothe Lions Club The Lions Club Members will be busy working at Helping Hands, the first Saturday of each month, here in Chillicothe till January. This, along with the Mr. Chillicothe contest and the recently completed Candy Day Drive, all raise money that is kept locally to help people. Read More » The Insurance Corner – Is It Ever Too Late for Life Insurance? Many people think life insurance is only for the young. They believe that life insurance is a tool best used by newlyweds with mortgages, parents of young children, and spouses who are both employed. Read More » Chillicothe Park District: More Than Summer Fun – A Year-Round Hub for Community Life When many people think of the Chillicothe Park District, they picture sunny days at Shore Acres Pool. While summer is a special season here, the Park District is far from a summertime operation. Read More » In the Garden Change the soil in your houseplants… Read More » IVC Ghost Post On Saturday, December 6th, IVC Student Council will be sponsoring a “Morning with Mrs. Claus.” Young students in the district will enjoy treats, crafts, games, and a special visit with Mrs. Claus to help celebrate the holiday season! Read More » Nelly’s Corner "All you kids outside, NOW!" Mom was on a serious mission. Some gossip hound had said that the Nelson kids "might have lice." Mom was so irritated that she decided to show the entire block of Birren Avenue that her children were absolutely purified of such a scourge. Read More » Managing Risk at Different Stages of Life As an investor, risk is always part of the journey – but how you manage it can depend on where you are in life. Read More » Cooking With Vickie Britton – Potato Soup Let’s have some warm potato soup! Read More » Chillicothe Circle of Service As part of our mission to provide educational opportunities and support to the community, Chillicothe Circle of Service has donated $800 to the Chillicothe Public Library District to support both the Lego Club and the First Lego League (FLL) Challenge Team. Read More » Friend of Youth Award Each year, the Chillicothe Optimist Club gives out a Friend of Youth Award. This award recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made outstanding efforts to support and mentor youths in their community. Read More » Optimistically Speaking December is such a wonderful time of year. Although it signals the coming of the cold winter months, it also gives us time to reflect on our blessings, expressing appreciation to friends and family, and to celebrate achievements we've had throughout the year. Read More » Tech Corner There’s nothing worse than seeing that 5% battery warning on your phone right before you’re supposed to meet up with friends or finish a group project. A power bank is a portable charger that can refuel your devices anywhere, anytime. Read More » Staying Consistent Through the Holidays With Pearce Community Center ‘Tis the season for lots of holiday gatherings and preparation for the holiday gatherings. And while the time of fellowship is always enjoyable, the time to prepare for such events takes time away from our usual fitness routines. Read More » Legos, Literacy, and the Library When people think about literacy and libraries, the first thing that comes to mind is often books and reading. However, any modern librarian will tell you that both libraries and literacy are about so much more than that! Read More » Changing the World Begins in Our Own Backyard On October 29th the Rotary Club of Chillicothe hosted a Halloween Party at Peoria Casting Club for the Crabel Court residents. The party included a magician, Mark Padgett, who delighted the audience. The event included gift bags for each attendee and a light supper. Read More » Remembering Don Willis Memories From All Who Knew and Loved Him This tribute is not mine alone. It is a reflection of the many stories, memories, and heartfelt words shared by family, friends, neighbors, teammates, and generations of people whose lives were touched by Don Willis. Read More » What’s Happening in Chillicothe... 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 Read More » Community Needs Agency Is Preparing for Its Annual Campaign to Support Christmas Food Basket Distribution Community Needs Agency’s (CNA) annual campaign to provide needy families in the area with Christmas food baskets—as well as provide the agency with year-round operating funds—is off and running. Read More » In-Print