CHILLICOTHE PROFILE

Overview | Schools (public and private) and Learning Centers | Recreation

Local Interest | Restaurants | Hotels | Churches | Library | Major Employers

Industry | Clubs & Organizations | Services | Maps | Tourism

Magazine Ranks Livingston County 3rd in Top Ten Best Places to Live

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Chillicothe, Missouri - "A City in the Country"

Chillicothe, Missouri has all the advantages of being a "city in the country." This Northwest Missouri community offers its residents all the amenities and facilities of a larger city while maintaining the advantages of "country life". As big city residents and businesses have tired of big city problems and overcrowding in the past decade, more people and industries have begun to "return to the land," including relocation to Chillicothe. This is the heartland of America where the work ethic and quality of life are strong, and the labor force is the backbone of solid industrial growth.

Chillicothe's population is  approximately 9,000; however, as the business and energy hub of Northern Missouri, the city serves a trade area population of over 65,000. Chillicothe is conveniently located at the crossroads of U.S. Highways 65 and 36, less than 40 minutes from Interstate 35 and an hour from Interstates 70, 29 and 435. It is only a one-hour drive to St. Joseph, Missouri, 1 1/2 hours to downtown Kansas City, and 2 1/2 hours to the fun and recreation of Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. Global air transportation is easily accessible at Kansas City International Airport.

Chillicothe is a great place to do business. One reason is the recently developed full-service Chillicothe Area Industrial Park (CAIP). Utilities including water, sewer, natural gas and electricity, are installed in the park and are designed to provide adequate capacity now and in the future. Plus, industrial quality roads and railroad access are available. According to Ed Douglas, President, Citizens Bank and Trust, "The recent growth in industry tells us Chillicothe is on the move and is building momentum. Companies are relocating to Chillicothe because they see it as a great place." Just ask decision makers at the companies who have located here. Here's an example:

"The people of Chillicothe really made us feel welcome. The city appears to be very progressive. Chillicothe provides a very good location for business development in North Central Missouri, as well as the Greater Kansas City area." --MORT FOWLER, Vice President and Regional Manager, Jefferson Smurfit Corporation

"Chillicothe has a very nice quality of life; people who move here from other companies and from other areas won't want to leave." --TERRY BLANKS, North American president of Alfa-Laval Agri

"We desired to find a community that would welcome additional employment, with a labor pool of skills that could be used in our fabrication and assembly process, and good access to freight forwarding. I am pleased to be able to say to you that Chillicothe is a community that most definitely supports is industrial base.". --DON RITTGERS, Vice President and General Manager,  Engineered Products Division, SEMVO Air System

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SCHOOLS AND LEARNING CENTERS

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• Dewey Elementary School (Kindergarten - 1st Grade)

• Field School (2nd - 3rd Grade)

• Central School (4th - 5th Grade)

• Chillicothe Middle School (6h - 7th - 8th Grade)

• Chillicothe High School (9th - 12th)

• Grand River Technical School (HS - Post High)

• Bishop Hogan Memorial School (Daycare, Pre-School, & K-8)

• Chillicothe R-2 Alternative School

• Verelle Peniston State School

• GED/ABE Classes - Garrison School

• Litton Agri-Science Learning Center -- During the summer of 1988, the Chillicothe Future Farmers of America (FFA) rented a barn on the former Litton Charolais Ranch, to give the FFA members a place to care for and exhibit livestock. In 1990 the Chillicothe FFA Alumni and Ag Advisory Board began discussing the need for a permanent facility. In May 1991, the Chillicothe FFA Alumni received $1000 from the Bruce Zullig Memorial, to officially start the project. That same year, the Greed Hills RC&D wrote a grant proposal that was accepted and fully funded by the Jerry Litton Memorial Family Foundation. With this funding and private donations in excess of $150,000 the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center has become more than just a dream. Improvements and new projects are on-going, as more and more people in the Green Hills area become involved with this innovative learning center. It is located at the Grand River Technical School, 1200 Fair Street, Chillicothe, Missouri.

• North Central Missouri College - Trenton, Missouri

Chillicothe residents regard education as a top priority.  The Chillicothe R-II School District, recognized as a leader in innovative and progressive programs, has earned "A+ School" status by the State of Missouri.  Qualified graduates of the Chillicothe School District receive free tuition to any community college or vocation school in the state. The Grand River Technical School is one of the top vocational facilities in the state.

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Recreational opportunities abound in Chillicothe, recognized as the family recreational headquarters of Northern Missouri. It is home to six city parks totaling 90 acres which include five baseball diamonds, including an NCAA regulation baseball facility, six lighted tennis courts and four lighted sand volleyball courts. Shaffer Memorial Park is home to the Chillicothe Mudcats, a collegiate baseball team which plays here each summer. For golfing fans, the beautiful new Green Hills Golf Course offers 18 championship holes to the public. An additional nine holes are available at the Chillicothe Country Club. The Club also offers tennis, swimming pool and full-service dining facilities. For those into water recreations, the Aquatic Center offers something for everyone. The Center has a zero-depth entrance, toddler's wading pool, diving area and two water slides. For complete family health, fitness and fun, the Grand River Area Family YMCA has it all.  Opened in 1992, it has become the fourth largest YMCA in Missouri. The YMCA facilities include an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, gymnasium, racquetball courts, athletic field, indoor track and shuffleboard courts. The Grand Six Theatre features six movie theatres and is located next to the area where our new Recreation Center (Chillicothe Rec Plex) will be built during the summer of 2005. This new center will be 30,000 square feet and will provide recreation for families of all ages in north Missouri. The estimated $2.7 million project will include 24 lanes of bowling, laser tag, an arcade, and outdoor sand lot volleyball. A restaurant will be located inside the center with a sports bar, pro shop, and meeting rooms.

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LOCAL INTERESTS IN CHILLICOTHE

There's lots to do that's close to Chillicothe.  Looking for additional fun and interesting things to do?  It's not far away!  For example, a visit to Jamesport, Missouri, located 20 minutes from Chillicothe, is a "step back in time."  Established in 1830, Jamesport and other neighboring towns offer a glimpse into 19th century America. It is now home to the largest Amish settlement in Missouri. Visitors can shop in dozens of antique, craft and specialty shops.

Nearby recreational facilities include Poosey State Forest (13 miles), Pershing State Park (18 miles), and Crowder State Park (27 miles).  Visitors can boat, fish, swim and relax.

Other natural areas to explore include Fountain Grove and Swan Lake Migratory -- water fowl area reserves located southeast of Chillicothe.  Swan Lake, a federal-owned reserve of 11,000 acres for wild geese and ducks, is one of the largest in the world.

Kansas City, only 78 miles away, offers exciting attractions for everyone year-round.  Sports fans can check out Kansas City Chief's Football and Kansas City Royals baseball, plus professional hockey, soccer and tennis. Kansas City is also the site of the annual American Royal Livestock, Horse Show and Rodeo. The Country Club Plaza, Crown Center, the Historic Westport area and River Market offer great shopping and restaurant experiences. Other attractions include the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Harry S. Truman Library, the Kansas City Zoo, Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun and five riverboat casinos.

Chillicothe is a new way of life full of old-fashioned friendliness. If you want to get away from many of life's hassles, come to Chillicothe. Family life is definitely encouraged.  There are no commuter trains to rush to meet. There is no bumper-to-bumper cloverleaf traffic on the way home at night. There are spectacular sunsets that you might just have time to enjoy. It's all part of a relaxed and yet invigorating lifestyle for people and business in Chillicothe, truly a city in the country.

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RESTAURANTS

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HOTELS

Chillicothe's hotels and motels provide "hometown hospitality" for you and your guests traveling for either business or pleasure.  A total of 300 rooms are available throughout the city. We have four hotels and motels and two Campgrounds and RV Parks in the Chillicothe area.

BEST WESTERN INN & Suites
1020 South Washington, Junction U.S. Highway 36 & 65
660-646-0572  Fax: 660-646-1274
Toll-Free: 1-800-990-9150

• King Jacuzzi suites
• 60 Units
• Refrigerators in every guest room
• Coffee maker in every guest room
• Complimentary USA Today
• Cable TV with free HBO.
• Laundry facilities on site.
• Free High Speed Internet
• Free continental breakfast
• A beautiful courtyard pool with bubbling fountain.
• A conference suite featuring a large living room/conference area with big screen TV and VCR, conference table to seat eight, microwave and bar area, plus two bedrooms and a full bath.

Web Site | Golf/Hotel Package

GRAND RIVER INN & RESTAURANT
U.S. Hwy 36 & 65
660-646-6590  Toll-Free: 1-888-317-8290
Email stay@grandriverinn.com

• Premier in-room movies.
• In-room Airdyne exercise bike.
• Cable TV with free HBO and ESPN.
• Facilities to handle meetings and events for up to 300 people.
• Restaurant and lounge.
• Heated pool, sauna and hot tub.

Web Site | Golf/Hotel Package

SUPER 8 Motel
Old Highway 36 East
(1/2 mile east of Hwy 65)
660-646-7888  Fax: 660-646-2531
Toll-Free: 1-800-800-8000

• C55 Units
• Complimentary Continental Breakfast.
• Interior Corridors
• Remote Control CATV
• Free Local Calls
• Fax & Copy Service
• Suites - Meeting Room (accommodating 30 people)
• Truck Parking
• Complimentary popcorn and coffee in the evening.
• Free cable TV and HBO.
• Children 12 & Under Free

Web Site | Golf/Hotel Package

Campgrounds/RV Parks
(Chillicothe area)

Overton Motor Sales
Don and Sharon Overton
1318 Washington
660-646-3188

Shady Valley RV Park
Full hookups, 30 and 50 amps
315 E. Polk Street (Route V)
Larry Kinsella
660-646-7801

For a complete list, please call toll-free 1-877-224-4554 or visit the City of Chillicothe's web site at www.chillicothecity.org.

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CHURCHES

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LIBRARY SERVICES

Livingston County Library -- Library services are free to all residents of Livingston County.  Proof of residency is required.  Out-of-county residents may purchase a 12-month card or a 12-week card, which entitles them to full library privileges.  The Livingston County Library was established in 1921.

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MAJOR EMPLOYERS

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INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS

The Chillicothe Area Industrial Park (CAIP) is a fully developed, full-service industrial park. Utilities including water, sewer, natural gas and electricity, are installed in the park and are designed to provide adequate capacity now and in the future. Plus, industrial quality roads and railroad access are available.

Chillicothe, Missouri, has all the advantages of being a "city in the country." This Northwest Missouri community offers its residents all the amenities and facilities of a larger city while maintaining the advantages of "country life". As big city residents and businesses have tired of big city problems and overcrowding in the past decade, more people and industries have begun to "return to the land," including relocation to Chillicothe. This is the heartland of America where the work ethic and quality of life are strong, and the labor force is the backbone of solid industrial growth.

The CAIP is home to:

• WireCo WorldGroup, the largest manufacturer of wire rope and strand products in the United States.  The company, which also houses a 300,000-square-foot plant, has facilities throughout America and in China.  The Chillicothe plant, which includes the high carbon wire and strand divisions, employs approximately 120 people.
• Hudson Valley Polymers (Alfa-Laval, Inc.), a Sweden-based company, is the largest manufacturer of animal husbandry products in the world.  The company relocated from New York to Chillicothe.
• Jefferson Smurfit Corporation's distribution center for corrugated containers. The company is the largest recycler in the world.

The FEC Companies Energy Division, part of the electric cooperative system, provides electricity for the park. The FEC Companies is managed locally and dedicated to providing its customers with service and assistance needed to help them expand or locate in the Chillicothe area. The utility enjoys a 99.9 percent reliability factor. There is no franchise fee.  Electric services may be provided directly to a building at no cost to the company and with no facilities charge. Rates are as low as two cents per kWh with no demand charge.

• The FEC Companies offer loan programs of $400,000 zero-percent interest for ten years. The FEC Companies has available a $750,000 link deposit to buy interest down. Customized incentive packages are available for loans, training and moving expenses.
• The city of Chillicothe offers revolving loan programs.
• Chillicothe Municipal Utilities can provide link deposits to keep interest down.
• The Chillicothe Industrial Development Corporation (CIDC) provides loans to businesses.
• Green Hills Rural Development offers low-cost interest loans.
• The Chillicothe Industrial Development Authority (IDA) offers revenue bonds.

BANKS

The Chillicothe financial community works with new and existing businesses in creating a vibrant business climate. We have four strong, locally-owned banks and savings and loans with facilities across northwest Missouri (see our member pages).

• BTC Bank
• Bank Midwest (Dickinson Financial)
• Citizens Bank & Trust
• Chillicothe State Bank
• Investors Federal Bank

ENTERPRISE ZONE

The Enterprise Zone offers tax abatement of buildings, and tax credits for hiring and investment -- often enough credits to pay for the cost of the building.

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CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

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SERVICES

Chillicothe is a regional hub for several communications, utilities, and transportation companies, and our community is very service oriented.

COMMUNICATIONS

• Regional distribution center for the U.S. Post Office.
• District terminal for UPS.
• District Federal Express Center.
• District office for Southwestern Bell (full fiber and digital switching capabilities).

TRANSPORTATION

• Municipal airport (lighted runways with corporate jet capabilities).
• Rail services: Iowa, Chicago, and Eastern RR and Missouri North Central Railroad (city-owned shortline)
• Barge capabilities from Missouri River.  Pick up from barge in Brunswick, and ship to Chillicothe by short-line railroad.

LOCAL MEDIA

• Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune - published daily.
• KCHI AM/FM - 24-hour radio broadcast.
• The Ad Pages

We have a daily newspaper, weekly newspaper, radio stations and cable TV.

HEALTH CARE

Grand River Health System is a corporation whose sole legal member is Saint Luke's Health System. Grand River Health System has leased Hedrick Medical Center since 1996 when it was created as a partnership between two area health systems. Saint Luke's Health System assumed responsibility for Grand River Health System in August 2003 and holds the current lease which expires in July 2008.

The Board of Directors of Grand River Health System is comprised of 12 individuals, including five community members, five physicians, and two Saint Luke's Health System representatives.

Hedrick Medical Center
100 Central
Chillicothe, MO
660-646-1480
(pictured above)

Livingston County Health Center
800 Adam Drive
Chillicothe, MO
660-646-5506

Hedrick offers a variety of services in various settings. Many of our services are listed below.

Inpatient Services

• General Surgery
• Intensive Care Unit/Progressive Care Unit
• Medical/Surgical nursing
• New Life Center (obstetrics unit)
• Swing bed services (post acute care)

Hospital-based Specialty Services

• 24-hour emergency department
• Radiology services including diagnostic radiology, computed tomography (CT), mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine)
• Laboratory services
• Pharmacy services
• Dietary services staffed by a registered dietitian
• Outpatient Surgery and GI Lab
• Diabetes Education Center
• Outpatient Specialty Clinics
• Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services

Primary Care Services

• Chillicothe OB/GYN Associates
• Chillicothe Medical Clinic
• Chillicothe Medical Clinic – Hale Clinics

Non-hospital-based Services

• Rehabilitation services including physical, occupational and speech therapies. Rehabilitation Therapy is provided in Chillicothe and Braymer.
• Home Care Services including home health, private duty nursing, and hospice services
• Community Wellness programs
• Occupational Medicine program for local businesses

In addition to the active medical staff, HMC’s Specialty Clinics host more than 30 visiting specialists each month who conduct clinics in a variety of specialties including: cardiology, chemotherapy, diabetes, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, nuclear medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pain management, physical medicine, podiatry, radiology, urology, and wound care.

• Empire District Gas operates the local natural gas distribution network. Founded in October 1909 as a part of Cities Services Company, The Empire District Electric Company is an investor-owned, regulated utility company, based in Joplin, Missouri, that provides electricity, natural gas (through its wholly owned subsidiary, The Empire District Gas Company), and water service, with approximately 215,000 customers in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

ELECTRICITY

• Electricity in Chillicothe is provided by Chillicothe Municipal Utilities and powered by the Keith D. Beardmore Energy Center. The FEC Companies Energy Division provides electricity in the Industrial Park and areas surrounding the city at one of the lowest electric rates in Missouri, and in the United States. No franchise fees are charged to industrial businesses for electric utilities.

WATER/SEWER

• The Chillicothe Water Department is owned by the City of Chillicothe with available water plant capacity that exceeds 3,000,000 gallons per day. Available waste treatment plant capacity exceeds 4.6 gallons per day.

TELEPHONE SERVICE

• Our local telephone service is provided by Southwestern Bell. Chillicothe is served by a DMS 100 switch, a state-of-the art digital switch providing the city with the latest telecommunications service. With regard to fiber optic capabilities, Southwestern Bell is able to provide two-way audio/video communications to your facility. Southwestern Bell has both an installation/repair crew and a network maintenance crew located in and serving the Chillicothe area.

LOCAL INTERNET ACCESS

• Local Internet dial-up access is available through Chillicothe Municipal Utilities or Green Hills Telephone Corporation of Breckenridge.

UTILITY TAXES

• All utilities are available to industry free of city franchise taxes.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

• The city of Chillicothe has a fully staffed, professionally trained police department consisting of 14 full-time officers, three reserve officers and five civilian officers.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

• The city also provides a professionally trained fire department of 18 full-time and part-time firefighters.  The department is unique for a community of its size in that the firefighters are cross-trained as either Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) or Paramedics.
• Chillicothe Rural Fire Protection is a membership required non-profit organization for rural citizens.

HUNTING CHECK STATIONS

• MITCHELL 66
  720 South Washington, Chillicothe, MO, 660-646-1622

• MEDICINE CREEK TRADING COMPANY
  801 Elm Street, Chillicothe, MO, 660-646-0155

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MAPS AND MILEAGE TO MAJOR CITIES

Maps | Map of the Chillicothe Schools

General Location Map (to see where Chillicothe is located)

• Kansas City, MO - 90 miles
• St. Joseph, MO - 70 miles
• Columbia, MO - 120 miles
• Des Moines, IA - 135 miles
• Omaha, NE - 200 miles
• Springfield, MO - 210 miles
• St. Louis, MO - 245 miles
• Wichita, KS - 280 miles

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TOURISM

Chillicothe was originally spelled Chil-li-co-a-thee, named for an old Shawnee Indian village and signified "our big town." Chillicothe sprang up in 1837, but was not designated as the county seat of Livingston County until 1839 and became a city, by an act of the legislature, in 1855.

Located 90 miles northeast of Kansas City and at the intersection of U.S. Highways 36 & 65, Chillicothe lies in the heart of a rich agricultural section of the state and is the largest community in north central Missouri. We have Antique and Specialty shops, Florists, and eating establishments to meet your shopping and dining needs. Visit our Online Directory for more details.

We hope you'll stop by the wonderful facilities we've listed below while you are here. For more information, visit the City of Chillicothe's web site or call the Grand River Area Visitors Bureau toll-free at 1-877-224-4554.

Order a Visitor's Guide!

CHILLICOTHE PARKS
Visit the Chillicothe Parks & Rec Web Site

• Danner Memorial Park - Trenton Road northeast of hospital. This park, opened inMay 1995, is a recreational dream. The park contains four baseball/softball diamonds, including one NCAA championship diamond. There are also lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, and playground   areas. Feel like exercising? Then you'll love the paved, lighted walking trail.
• Gravesville Park - Cowgill & Ryan Lane, Chillicothe
• Mills Park - West Clay Street & Boehner Place, Chillicothe
• Shaffer Memorial Park - Linn & Mack
• Simpson Park - 65 Highway North
  Perhaps one of the city's oldest landmarks, Simpson Park is a beautiful, well-shaded park containing a ball park, tennis courts, horseshoes, croquet, sand volleyball court, several shelter houses and picnic areas, and the Chillicothe Aquatic Center. The park also has a walking path. What a perfect place for a family outing. Be sure to attend "Chautauqua in the Park,"  a two-day, annual event held here in September, featuring crafts, live entertainment, food, clowns, farmers' market and a petting zoo. Take a look back at scenes from years past.
• Downtown Park - West Clay Street & Highland Avenue

Other activities include:
Also Visit the Annual Events page

• Chautauqua in the Park - This two-day, annual event is held in September in Simpson Park, featuring crafts, live entertainment, food, clowns, farmers' market and a petting zoo.  Click here for a look back at previous festivals and detailed information on becoming a vendor.
• Freedom Festival - This 4th of July celebration is held annually in Simpson Park with live, local entertainment and fireworks at dusk.
• Holiday Parade - The parade, held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, celebrates the enthusiasm of the approaching Christmas season, featuring bands and a number of floats.
• Chillicothe Area Arts Council - Each year this organization presents a season of diverse artistic events for Chillicothe and the surrounding area. Learn more about this active organization at www.chillicothemo.com/arts.htm
• Grand River Historical Society Museum - 1401 Forest Drive, 660-646-4323
  Open April thru October on Tuesday & Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Examine military memorabilia, view railroad items from days gone by, see the tools used by settlers to develop the West. Free admission. Donations welcome! Learn more at the city's Web site under Community Profile, Museums.
• Green Hills Golf Course & Pro Shop -
  500 Mohawk Road, 660-646-6669
  State-of-the-art public golf course featuring 18 championship holes, 35 bunkers, extensive mounding, a 17-acre lake and two ponds.  After golfing, relax in the 3,500 square foot clubhouse with full-service golf shop and snack bar. Hotel packages available also.
• Aquatic Center - Simpson Park, Hwy 65 North, 660-646-6107
  This aquatic facility is anything but typical.  Older children can enjoy the two water slides, while younger children can splash in the "beach entry" pool with a mushroom style fountain.  The facility also contains two diving boards and an Olympic size pool.
• Chillicothe Country Club Golf Course - Highway 65 North, 660-646-1721
  Nine-hole golf course open to visitors. Club also features tennis, swimming, and full-service dining.
• Grand 6 Movie Theater - 3100 Grand (Junction Hwy 65 & Route 190), 660-646-SHOW or visit their web page at www.bbtheatres.com. Open every day and features stadium seating with cup holders and family arcade. DTS sound in selected auditoriums.
• Grand River Area Family YMCA - 1725 Locust, 660-646-6677
  The YMCA facility boasts a number of activities, including an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, indoor walking track, weight training facility, air-conditioned gymnasiums for basketball & volleyball, ladies' and men's locker rooms, multi-purpose room, racquetball courts, pool tables, ping pong tables and an outdoor athletic field.  Find out the latest at their web site at www.grandriverymca.org. Daily passes available.
• Fast Lane Family Recreation Center - 2870 Grand Drive, Chillicothe, Missouri, 660-707-1700. Visit www.fastlanefun.com for full details. Offering league and cosmic bowling, LazerTag, restaurant, snack bar, and more!

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Major Renovation Coming to Railroad Depot
By LAURA SCHULER/C-T City Editor, Wednesday, May 31, 2006

CAPTION: The Chillicothe railroad depot, located at 1 Elm Street will be leased to Wabash BBQ, L.L.C. and a major renovation project is planned for the site, ending with the opening of the second Wabash BBQ restaurant there. City officials have been looking for ways to salvage the depot which has come to disrepair over the years. The city will lease the property to Wabash BBQ L.L.C. The city has also agreed to build a public parking lot at the site. The old freight house (pictured at left in the background), will be used as a smokehouse and for refrigeration. C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

The old train depot in Chillicothe will soon be the site of a major renovation project and the doors to a new barbeque restaurant with a railroad theme will open there when the work is complete. Mayor Todd Rodenberg announced today (Wednesday) that the 3,100 square-foot depot, located at 1 Elm Street, will be leased to Wabash BBQ, L.L.C., owned by Jim McCullough and Mitchell Dickey, of Wabash BBQ in Excelsior Springs, Mo. The restaurant, which will also be named Wabash BBQ, is slated to be open by September or October. The city has been looking for ways to rehabilitate the depot and preserve its historical significance over the past several years. The city acquired the property over two years ago from Green Hills Rural Development and since then only minor and necessary repairs have been made to the building. The depot is currently used for office space by Motive Rail Co., which has contracted with the city to conduct railroad operations. Motive Rail will now relocate to a new location, city officials say. “We had exhausted every possibility for grants (to restore the depot) and there's just nothing out there,” Rodenberg said today, adding that in it's current condition, the depot would likely last only a few more years before it would have to be razed.

• Central Missouri's Pecan Capital - Brunswick - Located approximately 40 miles southeast - Hwy 65 south to Hwy 24 east to Brunswick. Pecans have been around for a long time, growing naturally and harvested where they grow. You can buy yours from local growers.
• Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site - Approximately 20 miles east of Chillicothe, and one mile north of U.S. 36 on Hwy 5. 660-963-2525. Gen. John J. Pershing, the highest-ranking military officer in U.S. history (six-star general) and commanding general of American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, grew up in Laclede, Missouri. His boyhood home includes displays that relate to local history, as well as to Pershing's life and career. The one-room Prairie Mound School, where Pershing once taught, is also available for viewing. Guided tours of the house are available for a small fee.
• Hamilton - Birthplace of J.C. Penney - 25 miles west on Hwy 36. Visit the birthplace of the retail pioneer and the museum in his honor.
• Humphreys - Granny's Country Cottage Bed & Breakfast - Sit back, relax, and breath deeply the fresh country air in a quiet little country cottage. All tastefully decorated country style. Extravagant cooked country meals, including specialty fresh home-made pies, are delivered to your door, or you may choose to cook for yourself in the fully furnished kitchen. Just 30 minutes from Jamesport.
• Jamesport & Amish Country - Hwy 65 North to Hwy 190, 20 miles northwest on Hwy 190. The Amish people settled in the Jamesport area in 1953. This area features homemade crafts and antique shops, Amish and natural food stores and horse and buggy rides. Closed Thursdays and Sundays.
• Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site - 3 miles west of Laclede on Hwy 36 and 1 mile northeast on gravel road in Linn County, 660-963-2525. This bridge is the longest of the four surviving covered bridges in the state. The Howe-truss bridge was built in 1868, and visitors may approach the bridge by a one-quarter mile walk down a historic road.
• Sumner - "Wild Goose Capital of the World" - Hwy 36 east to 139 south. See Maxie, the largest goose statue in the world. Drive down beautiful Swan Lake Drive to Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
• Tour Marceline - Boyhood Home of Walt Disney - 40 miles east on Hwy 36, 660-376-2332. Visit the boyhood home of Walt Disney, stroll down Main Street USA, enjoy a movie in the Uptown Theater where two of Disney's premiers have been screened.

AREA PARKS

• Bunch Hollow Wildlife Management Area - Hwy 65 south to Route Z south. Access to area is three miles north of Coloma and two miles west on gravel road, 660-646-6122. Hunting, fishing, and primitive camping are permitted in designated areas under statewide regulations in this 3,294-acre wildlife management area.
• Crowder State Park - 4 miles west of Trenton on Hwy 146, 660-359-6473. The rolling hills of northern Missouri serve as a scenic memorial to Maj. Gen. Crowder, the Missourian who founded the Selective Service System in 1917. The 1,912-acre park includes a 20-acre stocked lake and several forest trails, including one that leads to the Thompson River. Visitors will also enjoy the lake's sand beach and the campground. There is also an organized group camp in the park, Camp Grand River.
• Fountain Grove Conservation Area - Hwy 36 east to Route W, 5 miles south on Route W, 660-646-6122 or 660-938-4124. Fountain Grove is 7,154 acres of diverse wetland, and it provides an excellent opportunity to observe year-round wetland wildlife, including river otters and migrating water fowl. The area also has an interpretive auto tour, a wildlife viewing blind, an active heron rookery, two lakes, and many small ponds.
• Long Branch State Park - 2 miles west of Junction U.S. 63 and U.S. 36 near Macon, Missouri, 660-773-5229. Located along the banks of Long Branch Lake, the park combines wooded areas and restored rolling prairie. The 1,834-acre park is well-suited for water recreation and includes boat-launching facilities and a sand beach for swimming. Camping and picnic areas are also available.
• Pershing State Park - 29277 Hwy 130, Laclede, MO (18 miles east of Chillicothe off U.S. Hwy 36) 660-963-2299. Established in honor of General John J. Pershing, the highest-ranking military officer in U.S. history and commanding general of American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The 3,143-acre park includes a 1.5 mile interpretive boardwalk access to a 1,000-acre wetland, a shady campground, archery range, swimming area, and four small fishing lakes.
• Poosey Conservation Area - Hwy 65 north to Hwy 190, west on 190 to Route A, north on Route A to Poosey Conservation Area, 660-646-6122. This area features almost 20 miles of interior roads that are open to mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. There are also two shooting ranges - one for firearms and one for archery.
• Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Hwy 36 east to Hwy 139 south. Main entrance is one mile south of Sumner. 660-856-3323. Established by Congress in 1937, the 10,670-acre refuge supports many species of wildlife - Canadian geese, bald eagles, coyotes, red fox, turkeys, and white-tailed deer.

AREA LAKES

• Long Branch lake - Long Branch State Park
• Thomas Hill Lake - South of Macon
• Jo Shelby Lake - Fountain Grove Conservation Area
• Ch-Ru Lake - Fountain Grove Conservation Area
• Pike's Lake - Poosey State Forest
• Indian Creek Community Lake - Poosey State Forest
• Crowder Lake - Crowder State Park

PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS

The Grand River is the largest stream system in north Missouri. It originates in Iowa and flows through northwest Missouri to its confluence with the Missouri River near Brunswick. Typical fish species are red shiner, speckled chub, smallmouth buffalo, common carp, shortnose gar, and channel catfish.

• Chillicothe - Grand River - Hwy 65 south 2 miles to Grand River
• Newman Memorial - Grand River - Hwy 65 north to Route 190 north to Route V
• Wabash Crossing Access - Grand River - Hwy 65 north to Route 190 north to Route 6 west
• Holmes Bend Access - Grand River - Hwy 36 west to Hwy 13 north
• Rocky Ford - Locust Creek - Hwy 36 east to Route 5 north

HUNTING CLUBS

Hi-Point Hunting Club - 11181 NE Hi Point Drive, Breckenridge, Missouri. Hwy 36 west 14 miles to Route A, 2 miles south to Hi Point Drive, 660-644-5708. Open October 1 to April 1. Licensed shooting club in business over 30 years. Upland game birds.

Pin Oak Hill Game Management Area, Inc. - Bogard, 660-745-3030. Shooting sports complex and hunting preserve. Sporting clay course, 5-Stand, FITASC and hundreds of acres of managed wildlife habitat. Visit their web site at www.pinoakhill.com or E-Mail them.

Setter Ridge Gun Club & Kennel - 6752 Highway U, Hwy 65 north to Route 190 north to Route U north, 2 1/4 miles to first gravel road on right, 660-772-3166. Hunt among the beautiful rolling hills of Northwest Missouri. Guided upland bird hunting packages. Hunts scheduled from September 1 through April 1. Family owned and operated. Visit their web site at www.setterridge.com.

For Tourism Information:

Amy Supple, Director
P.O. Box 407, 514 Washington Street, Chillicothe, MO 64601
660-646-4050 Fax: 660-646-3309
Toll-Free: 1-877-224-4554
E-Mail | Web Site

For more information about Chillicothe, Missouri,
visit these other city Web sites:

City of Chillicothe	Parks & Recreation	Public Golf Course

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