A recent survey by TimesNewspapers found that seven of 11 public bodies in Woodford, Peoria and Tazewell counties failed to comply with the state’s new Freedom of Information Act. That is a dismal record.

It should not come as a shock to residents that Chillicothe’s own St. Jude runners would make their fundraising goal of more than $100,000.

Bigger than the amount of money raised is the heartfelt support for local causes, something that Chillicothe has down pat.

Reading this week’s police news leaves at least one impression of crime in town — scams abound.

This weekend is a great time to visit Three Sisters Park and see the hot air balloons.

Rome resident Judy McColl simply saw a problem one year ago — few flags flying on the Fourth of July.

It is doubtful that many people stop to think about where they are spending their money, but they should.

The Community Charities Re-Sale Shoppe is one place that offers a plethora of opportunities for residents.

Is the closet, basement or attic a little full or will a car not fit into the garage?

The return of summer and sweltering Central Illinois temperatures means many Chillicotheans will be seeking cool comfort in pools and, of course, the Illinois River.

Just a few days into June and Central Illinois has already experienced 90-degree weather.

While those temperatures mean the start of summer fun — swimming, camping, cookouts and more — it is also important Chillicotheans take simple precautions during the humid and hot days that lie ahead.

Once news of the Chillicothe Optimist Club’s purchase of Town Theatre reached the area, there was a consistent comment from residents: the theater needed new seats.

And until they installed new seats, some residents said they would not attend movies.

There are no more excuses now.

Author John Abrams said, quite correctly, “If the people who make the decisions are the people who will also bear the consequences of those decisions, perhaps better decisions will result.”

It should come as no surprise to residents that controversy surrounds the new skate park.

Each side makes valid points about why the park should, or should not, be located on Chillicothe Bible Church property.

If your household’s census form is still laying on a table with other mail, it is time to fill it out.

Now that the temperatures have turned moderate and the snow has disappeared, the persistent issue Chillicothe has with litter is again highly visible.

Times are tough for most everyone, but that is the environment Rescue 33 has survived in since the 1960s.

The most important role of a newspaper is to inform the public. This is done with a variety of news items, such as stories, advertising and photographs.

Another item that is a vital ingredient of a newspaper is public/legal notices, which are found in the classified section.

It is no secret that Chillicothe is like many other small, Midwestern communities where patriotism runs high.

Whether you think the Chillicothe City Council is misguided or right on with its decision to enforce the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, one thing is clear — aldermen spout the need to “level the playing field” for all establishments in town.

An unenforced law is the worst kind. It can create an atmosphere that breeds contempt for all laws.

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act is one such law. This law, passed in 2008, makes it illegal to smoke in indoor public places. But, problems with the way the law was written and contempt for the law by smokers and some business owners rendered this law impotent.

Chillicothe took a couple hard hits recently in losing two people whom we have come to depend on when it comes to Illinois Valley Central High School sports.

Ron “Poison” Phillips mastered the books of IVC statistics, and Steve “Ash” Aeschleman gave the play-by-play of the game.