In The Spotlight – Rescue Roofing: Scott & Tracy Mohn

Scott and Tracy Mohn (pronounced Moon), originally from Peoria, moved to Chillicothe more than 20 years ago. Tracy is a nurse, and Scott had been working at another established roofing company in Peoria for over 20 years. Read More »

How to Replace Your Mattress Without Overpaying

Most people hate mattress shopping. It’s often delayed for years because better sleep feels like it comes with a huge price tag. The truth is, overpaying isn’t necessary when you know what to look for and how to shop smarter. Read More »

IVC Ghost Post

Students just celebrated Swing 2026 with a Circus-themed dance on Saturday, January 31st sponsored by the IVC Dance team. A great time was had by all! Thanks, IVC Spirits! The first week of February is “Happy School Counselors Week!” Be sure to stop by your counselor’s office this week to thank them for all the ways they support IVC students! Read More »

Obituary – E. Diane Streibich

Diane loved Christmas, Scrooge, John Wayne, Jesus, learning, writing, sewing, cooking, entertaining, teaching, and Hicks Hollow Road. More than anything, though, Diane loved her family. Born in Flanagan, Illinois, on November 10, 1939 to Roger and Bernice (Milburn) Meils, Diane was the younger sister to Bruce, younger cousin to Ann, and older sister to Priscilla. Read More »

Obituary – Patricia (Kehr) Kimble

Pat died January 7, 2026 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Pat was born in Chicago on March 27, 1949, to Thomas and Edith Kehr. She grew up in Chillicothe, and graduated from “Chilli High” in 1967. She earned her B.A. at Monmouth College, and her M.A. at Northwestern University. Read More »

Obituary – Mary Helen Kent

With heavy hearts we share that Mary Helen Kent, 74, of Lacon, IL passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025 surrounded by family at home. Read More »

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

That line fits here, because after years of rumor, memory, and well-intended storytelling, the story of Mandy and Henry Burnett deserves to be grounded again. Part One explored the folklore that grew around them. What follows begins with what can be known. Read More »

The Insurance Corner – Medical Marijuana, Recreational Pot Laws, and Driving

With cannabis legal in 40 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use, many people may be confused about the legality of driving after using pot. Read More »

Chillicothe Lions Club

If you enjoy a great view of the Illinois River and would like a great pancake and sausage breakfast, at a very good price, the Rotary and Lions Clubs are having their annual Eagle Watch Breakfast Saturday, the 14th of February at the Shore Acres Clubhouse, starting at 7am till 11am. Read More »

Optimistically Speaking – Community Fundraiser Success

November and December marked our biggest fundraiser of the year. Local businesses across the Chillicothe area generously donated gift cards to be used from December 2025 through December 2026. Read More »

Eagle Watch Breakfast

To celebrate and promote awareness of the remarkable American Bald Eagles and wildlife along the Illinois River, the Rotary Club of Chillicothe and the Lions Club will host their annual Eagle Watch Breakfast on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 7:30 to 10:30 am at Shore Acres Clubhouse, 100 Park Blvd, Chillicothe, Illinois. Read More »

Shademaker’s Annual Holiday Lighting Contest 2025 Award Winners

Awards were presented at the January 12th City Council meeting. From Left to Right: Maria Geiger, Kami & Brad Lockenvitz, June West & Ray Nicklin, Janey Welch, Sandi Levell and Trish Westerman-Conner. Read More »

Cooking With Vickie Britton – Lets Make Some Easy Apple Bars

Ingredients 1 pkg. yellow cake mix (2 layer size) ½ cup butter, softened 3 to 4 cooking apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced Read More »

Real Estate Over Coffee – The Right Time to Buy or Refinance May Be Sooner Than You Think

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect moment” to buy a home or refinance your current one, it may be time to rethink that plan. Fannie Mae recently released its latest mortgage rate forecast, projecting the average 30-year fixed rate to stay between 5.9% and 6.2% throughout 2026. Read More »

Nelly’s Corner – February 1962. Age 10 and proud of it!

Dear general population; Stunning news for some of us that has shaken the neighborhood. Helen Capone, my dream woman, has left me and left town for someplace called Miami. I’m pretty sure it’s south of Chillicothe...way out of my reach, according to my mom. Read More »

In the Garden

After your Christmas cactus is done blooming, it needs bright but indirect light and moderate watering. Don’t fertilize until Spring and Summer when the plant is actively growing. Move the plant outdoors in summer months to boost blooming around the holidays. Read More »

Putting Your Aging Parents’ Wishes First

As your parents grow older, it may be time to talk with them about financial and aging issues. Position these conversations to honor their plans and understand their wishes, so their affairs will be taken care of as they would like. Read More »

Civic Engagement at the Library

Another election season is upon us, with the General Primary Election coming up Tuesday, March 17, 2026. From voting to navigating conversations with friends and family, Chillicothe Public Library is here to support you as you engage in democracy. Read More »

What’s Happening in Chillicothe...

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. Read More »

1981 and the Boys of Winter: A Grey Ghosts Legacy

There are seasons you remember for the scores, and then there are seasons you remember for the way life seemed to slow down around them. In Chillicothe, the winter of 1981 was one of those seasons. And on December 18, more than four decades later, that winter came rushing back. Read More »