When Were the “Good Old Days”?

Whenever you reminisced about the things you experienced years before, did you ever say, “Those were the Good old Days” or something like that? I have, and have wondered who decides which days those are? My grandchild didn’t seem to know anything about those days. Read More »

Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce

Our December member’s gathering was a special one. We gathered at Pearce Community Center for an evening Christmas party/dinner catered by Castaways Catering and to present our Annual Chamber Member awards. Read More »

Nelly’s Corner

We had a death threat in our neighborhood. Unusual in January. Not much to do in Arctic weather except go sled riding on the Wilson street "hill.” It was an annual ritual for about 50 kids. The timing of the ritual was always about two days after a snowstorm. Lots of cars would pack the snow perfectly by then. Read More »

Obituary – Kenneth Bryan Hillard

Kenneth, age 63, of Chillicothe, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Read More »

Obituary – Frederick Carl Webber

November 16, 1954 — November 24, 2025 Frederick, 71, of Ottawa, ON, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Fred was born November 16, 1954, in Sparland, Illinois. Read More »

Obituary – Dennis “Denny” Ray Steiger

Dennis, 74, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, at the Henry Rehab and Nursing Facility, with his son Cole Steiger and his daughter in law Ashley by his side. Read More »

Fact or Folklore: The Tale of Mandy and Henry Burnett – Part One

What if I told you a story about a brother and sister who stepped out of the everyday world and never truly returned? A story about two people who spent more than fifty years in the hills outside Chillicothe, Illinois, living in hand-built huts and Read More »

IVC Ghost Post

IVC High School students will be returning to class on January 6th to a new year with new goals! IVC Seniors will be returning to school with one semester left in their high school careers. Let’s make it count! Make new friends! Enjoy old friends! Read More »

The Insurance Corner – Adult Children on Your Policies Can Create Coverage Gaps

These days, many families are assisting their adult children financially far longer than parents of earlier generations. And that kind of support for college, and sometimes basic survival, can create insurance coverage gaps for the adult child that can be a major risk to their parents’ financial wellbeing. Read More »

Chillicothe Lions Club

Well, another Christmas has come and gone, and I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. Some of us might still be looking for New Year’s resolutions. If helping others in some way while having some fun along the way yourself might be Read More »

Community Impact

What has the Rotary Club of Chillicothe been up to? Thanks to a generous matching donation, the club provided 300 boxes of skillet meals to the Community Needs Agency in December to support its Christmas food distribution. Read More »

Chillicothe Circle of Service

Chillicothe Circle of Service recently recognized attorney Richard V. Laukitis with their first annual Difference Maker award. Laukitis has done pro bono work for Chillicothe Altrusa (now Chillicothe Circle of Service) for many years and provided the legal guidance for Circle to disassociate from Altrusa International, allowing our organization to focus our efforts and Read More »

Tech Corner – Chillicothe Verizon Wireless

Between mobile phones, streaming services, and home internet, household technology bills can add up quickly. As families look for ways to manage expenses without giving up reliable service, one option worth understanding is bundling mobile and home internet through a single provider. Read More »

Tech Corner – Chillicothe Verizon Wireless

Between mobile phones, streaming services, and home internet, household technology bills can add up quickly. As families look for ways to manage expenses without giving up reliable service, one option worth understanding is bundling mobile and home internet through a single provider. Read More »

Optimistically Speaking

January marks the beginning of a new year and a new start. Is it time for a change or to start something new? Whatever the case may be. The first of the year seems like a good time to begin. Forget the past and press on to the future. Read More »

Real Estate Over Coffee – Looking Ahead: A New Year of Growth and Stronger Community Connections

As the year comes to a close, it’s natural to pause and take stock of where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Our town has always been a place where people look out for one another, where families grow roots, and where neighbors become lifelong friends. Read More »

Take Control: Why Budgeting Doesn’t Have to Feel Restrictive

Budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive. In fact, it can be empowering. A budget simply helps you understand your money flow and align it with what matters most. Read More »

2025 Was a Great Success

Vielen Dank, Chillicothe! Thank you to everyone who made Nikolausmarkt 2025 a great success! Over the weekend of November 21 and 22, 2025, visitors to City Park enjoyed sweet treats, holiday music & performances, and shopped from artisans selling from their chalets. Read More »

Stop Tossing and Turning: Five Central Illinois Fixes for Better Sleep Tonight

Nights in Central Illinois should end with peace and a pillow, not staring at the ceiling at 2am. A good night’s rest isn’t complicated — it’s something everyone deserves. It comes down to support, routine, airflow, and the right equipment. If you’re tired of being tired, start with a few simple tweaks. Read More »

In the Garden

In winter, I look through magazines, books, and even flower catalogs to find new things or find new plants that may work in my garden. I also look for new ways to help protect my landscape from local wildlife—particularly groundhogs, squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks. Read More »

Cooking With Vickie Britton – Happy New Year! Let’s make an easy chicken dinner!

Olive Garden Italian Chicken Read More »

Get the Most From Your Library, at Home!

Stuck inside on a cold winter day and looking for something to do? Your library has countless resources you can enjoy without leaving your cozy couch. Stay warm, save time and money, and make the most of your library card. Read More »

What’s Happening in Chillicothe...

Happy New Year! The community ended 2025 with a successful gift giving season. The retail holiday events inspired our community to get out of their homes and into our local businesses. The tree lighting ceremony and Nikolausmarkt German Festival in City Park along with the Read More »

Heroes Among Us – Christopher Gibbs

Courage, dedication, honor, and love of country are some of the attributes that Chris Gibbs embodies. Chris first caught my attention at the CEC Veterans’ Program in November. I saw this man in the honor guard with a full chest of medals and thought…there’s a story here. Read More »