March weather begins to warm and spring is in the air. Daylight savings time begins March 8th so don’t forget to update the clocks. 

With spring approaching, yard work begins. There are two ways of disposing of Landscape waste: 1) The burning of landscape waste – permitted only between April 1 and May 31 and between October 1 and December 15. 2) Moffitt Park landscape waste drop off – for residents within the city limits. The Yard Waste Drop Off Schedule for Moffitt Park is located on the city’s website. Opening Day is March 19th.

The Public Works Cemetery and Parks committee gets ramped up for the spring clean-up at the cemetery. The clean-up is the 2nd full week in April. Signs will be posted on the cemetery gates as a reminder.

Can you imagine a pedestrian and bicycle path along IL-29 from Peoria Heights to North of Chillicothe? A feasibility study is currently in the works thanks to Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, and a host of invested committee members and communities. Stay tuned for more updates as this feasibility study is 12–18 months in the making.

At the February 9th City Council Meeting the Council:

Presentation – by Kevin Yates:

• The 2025 Chillicothe Park District Community Impact Report
• Eat Local, Play Local Campaign
• River & Rails Festival Sponsorship Package

Approved:

• Transfer of $9,735.11 as reimbursement from Water & Sewer Funds to ARPA Fund
• Purchase of Altitude Valve Repair Kit in the amount of $2,965 for the Walnut Tower
• Ordinance – Regarding Insufficient Grave Spaces and Buy Back Procedures
• Ordinance – Amending Electrical Permit Fees

Announced:

• 2026 Landscape Waste Drop Off Schedule and open date March 18, 2026.

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

March 2026

01 Historical Society Main Museum and Depot reopen

01 Spring Reading Challenge begins – Chillicothe Public Library

03 Youth Craft: Spring Tree Painting – Chillicothe Public Library, 3:30pm

03 Old-Time Folk & Country Jam – Chillicothe Public Library, 6-7:30pm

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

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

07 Indoor Triathlon – Pearce Community Center, 8am-12pm

08 LIVE MUSIC – Thomas G – American Legion, 3-6pm

11 Coffee at the Clubhouse – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 10am

12 Senior Health and Wellness Fair – Pearce Community Center, 10am-12pm

12-14 IVCHS Musical – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – IVCHS, 7pm

12-15 Chillicothe Players presents: Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 1:30pm

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

14 Pickleball Bootcamp – Pearce Community Center, 1-3pm

14 Spring Fling Youth Dance & Dodgeball – Pearce Community Center, 7-9pm

15 LIVE MUSIC – Darrell Data – American Legion, 3-6pm

17 ST PATRICK’S DAY

17 St Patrick’s Day Celebration – Castaways, 11am

17 Dementia Caregiver Support Group – Chillicothe Public Library, 5-6pm

21 LIVE MUSIC – STEAM Irish Trio – American Legion, 2pm

27 Fish Fry – St. Edward Knights of Columbus, 4-6:30pm

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

29 Easter Egg Hunt, pancake & Sausage Breakfast benefit for Freedom Paws Service Dogs – Shore Acres Clubhouse, 9am

29 Off-Site Worship Service – IVC High, 10am

29 LIVE MUSIC – Billy Washburn – American Legion, 3-6pm

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

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