While Chillicothe, Illinois, doesn’t hold a groundhog ceremony on February 2nd, the month offers its own spectacle: American Bald Eagles along the Illinois River. Top viewing spots include the 20-foot Observation Tower at Elm Street and the eagle-viewing telescope at Shore Acres Park, where you can view these majestic birds.

Saturday, February 14th, is Valentine’s Day and is packed with fun and excitement!  The Chillicothe Rotary and Lions Clubs, along with the Chillicothe Public Library, will host the Eagle Watch Pancake and Sausage Breakfast at Shore Acres Clubhouse from 7:30 to 10:30am. Later that day, the Chamber of Commerce will hold the Chillicothe Chocolate Tour in the Historic Downtown District, offering sweet treats and local charm.

At the January 12th City Council Meeting, the Council:

Date Change:

• Ghost in the Park date change from October 9th to September 25th

Approved:

• Ordinance No. 26-01-01, an ordinance approving the Perpetual Access and Maintenance Easement Agreement between the City of Chillicothe and MKJEA Properties, LLC
• The expenditure of $6,486.98 to Martin Equipment for repair of backhoe
• Statement of Work for on-line hosting of Municipal Code, cost $950.00, payable to CivicPlus, LLC
• An expenditure of $6,500.00 to Fritch Heating and Cooling for purchase and installation of a mini split heating and cooling system for Economic Development Office at City Hall
• Proceeding with Columbarium Phase 2 Addition at a cost of $77,858, with an expenditure of $38,928.50 payable to master Craft Memorials/Peoria Wilbert Vault Co., for a down payment for the purchase and installation of two Columbarium Phase 2 Additions at the Chillicothe Cemetery
• Transfer of $38,928.50 from the Cemetery Set Aside Account to general fund for funding the down payment for the Columbarium Phase 2 addition to be placed in the Cemetery
• Waiving the competitive bid process for the demolition of structures on the Sturgeon Lane Property
• Opening the proposals for the demolition of the structures on the Sturgeon Lane Property
• Accepting the Sturgeon Lane Property demo proposal from Schaeffer & Son in the amount of $33,300

Refer:

• City Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending the city code to increase the electrical Inspection fee from $65.00 to $75.00

Update:

• Chillicothe Community Fire District and City of Chillicothe will hold a meeting to discuss the best way to move forward with Property Maintenance Agreement

City Council meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 7pm at City Hall. The February Council meetings will be held on the 9th and the 23rd. The Public is invited to attend.

February 2026

01 Princes, Princesses and Paws – Fundraiser for Freedom Paws Service Dogs - Shore Acres Clubhouse, 1pm

02 Movies at the Library – The Color Purple – Chillicothe Public Library, 12pm

02 Cupcake Lab – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 2pm

03 Youth Craft: DIY Birdfeeder – Chillicothe Public Library, 3:30pm

04 Line Dancing Lessons @ the Clubhouse – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 6:30pm

04 Historical Society Program – Main Museum, 6:30pm

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

06 K-Pop Party – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 6:30pm

07 Carry-out Chili Supper – St. Edwards Knights of Columbus, 4-6pm

08 Henry Decoy Show – Three Sisters Park, 8am-2pm

08 The Balloon Factory – Shore Acres, 1pm

11 Coffee at the Clubhouse – Shore Acres, 10am

11 Line Dancing Lessons @ the Clubhouse – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 6:30pm

13 Karaoke – American Legion, 8pm

14 Eagle Watch Breakfast – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 7:30-10:30am

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

14 Chillicothe Chamber Chocolate Tour – Retail businesses on 2nd Street, 11am

15 The Color Studio – Shore Acres, 1pm

16 Movies at the Library – Valentine’s Day – Chillicothe Public Library, 12pm

18 Senior Getaway Day: Promise of Liberty Exhibition, Chillicothe Park District, 9am

22 LIVE MUSIC - The Holdouts – American Legion, 2-6pm

25 Line Dancing Lessons @ the Clubhouse – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 6:30pm

27 Karaoke – American Legion, 8pm

28 Parents Night Out – Pearce Community Center, 5-8pm

28 Ham and Bean Supper – First United Methodist Church, 4-7pm

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