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The Chillicothe Voice

In-Print July 2025

The First Lady of Kindergarten

Jun 26, 2025 03:15PM ● By Brian L. Fislar

Okay everyone, come sit close. I have a story to share, and it begins right here in Chillicothe more than eighty years ago. It is the tale of Mrs. Bette Weber Gibbs, the brave young teacher who opened our town’s very first kindergarten class at Pearce Grade School in 1941. For the next 43 years she guided little ones through their ABCs, their first friendships, and their first discoveries, milestones etched in our town’s memory and remembered still to this day.

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5th Annual “Back the Blue” Awards Night

Jun 26, 2025 03:12PM

On May 15th the Chillicothe Police Department held their 5th annual “Back the Blue” Awards Night and appreciation dinner at Grecian Gardens. This was originated by Dave Hirtz along with other citizens of Chillicothe to honor the Chillicothe Police Officers and their families.

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In the Garden

Jun 26, 2025 03:05PM ● By JB Culbertson

The declining honeybee population is an ongoing global crisis. Our most important pollinators, bees, love urban settings where there are short flight paths and a variety of different plants and flowers to sample. In fact, bees are more likely to thrive in your backyard than on acres of farmland devoted to single crops. By the way, there are five or six places in Chillicothe where you can buy Local Honey. You must try it. It is delicious!

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Obituary – Kimberly (Longenbach) Kell

Jun 26, 2025 03:03PM

Mrs. Kimberly of Nashville, IL, departed this life surrounded by her family at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 6:41am. She had attained the age of 55 years, 5 months, and 29 days.

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Obituary – Ronald Creighton Coletrain

Jun 26, 2025 03:02PM

Ronald, aged 69, passed away May 21st peacefully at his home with his loving family right by his side after a year-long fight against Pancreatic Cancer. Born on May 4, 1956, in Charleston, South Carolina to Gloria and Perlie Coletrain. He grew up in Chillicothe, Illinois, with his only sister Tammy Coletrain (Callison). He graduated from IVC in 1974, then went on to continue a career in automotive manufacturing. Later, retiring from Mitsubishi Motors after 30+ years.

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The Insurance Corner The Precautions You May Not Think of Before Vacation

Jun 26, 2025 02:42PM ● By Gus Krantz, CFP®, CTFA, AFIS, Agency Principal with Turner Hicks Agency

Going on vacation? Maybe you bought a trip to Cancun or Paris, or perhaps you’re doing a tour of Civil War sites in the South. While the chances of you being affected by violence on vacation are typically low, there are other risks that you need to consider: like an unexpected problem at home—such as a plumbing leak—when you are thousands of miles away, having valuables stolen, injuring yourself in a scooter crash, or having your personal data hijacked.

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Chillicothe High School Alumni Banquet Honors Distinguished Graduates

Jun 26, 2025 02:40PM

The annual Chillicothe High School Alumni All-School Banquet was held on June 14 at Illinois Valley Central High School. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award, jointly sponsored by the Chillicothe Alumni Association, the Illinois Valley Central Educational Foundation, and IVC School District 321.

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REAL ESTATE OVER COFFEE How Buying or Selling a Home Impacts the Local Economy

Jun 26, 2025 02:33PM ● By Jeannie Quick, Sunflower Real Estate Group

More than just a personal milestone—it’s an investment in your community. When we think about buying or selling a home, we often focus on personal factors: a growing family, a new job, or the desire for a change of scenery. But did you know that your decision to move also has a powerful ripple effect on your local economy?

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City of Chillicothe Hosting the Sweet Corn Festival! July 19, 2025

Jun 26, 2025 02:31PM

Introducing the Sweet Corn Festival! Thanks to your feedback, we are excited to announce a fresh take on our traditional Corn Boil. This year, we’re rolling out the Sweet Corn Festival, a full day of family-friendly festivities, delicious food, and community spirit!

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Nelly’s Corner

Jun 26, 2025 02:29PM ● By Greg “Nelly” Nelson

July 1962. Age 10 The 55 Ford was Kewanee-bound bound and all working parts were working as best they could. One headlight had been out for two weeks, but Dad had learned to drive in the dark using the back roads. Even one car light could illuminate the dark countryside. Heck, even a train only uses one light. He could adjust to hard times because it was the only time he knew.

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