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Join Jessica Lotz and Jonathan Simmons Friday mornings for a snapshot of what’s happening in the O’Fallon and Shiloh (Illinois) area right now. We’ll give highlights of new developments and projects, details of upcoming events and report on good news happening in our community! Listen to The 618 Now to be in-the-know. This podcast is a production of the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce.
Episodes

Friday Mar 08, 2024
Aight, Imma head out!
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
- Park enhancements like outdoor fitness equipment, a new wider walking path, pickle ball courts and a new Bike Master Plan.
- Your feedback is wanted on where the city should focus on adding more shared-use and bike paths! Take the survey.
- Parks and Rec is hosting daytime summer camps this summer for kids- Mini camps, Ages 3-5, Kindergarten - age 12.
On the calendar:
- Thurs, March 14 Pub Table Historian @ 6pm at Gears inside The Bike Surgeon.
- Sun, March 17th 3rd annual St. Patrick's Day Grub Crawl in the Downtown District
- March 25, deadline to order Chef Prepared Easter Dinner from The Regency

Thursday Feb 29, 2024
The one about property taxes
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
- Nick's favorite topic- TAXES!
- Property tax postcards and what it means for people who own buildings and/or land.
- This week's podcast partner, Vine Street Market at OFallon Station!

Friday Feb 23, 2024
You DONUT wanna miss this
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
- Vine Street Micro markets coming!
- Building permits recently issued in the city.
- A special message of hope with Journey of Hope.
- Applications are being accepted for the Styx Lacrosse program.
- Boys 10, 12 and 14 U as well as girls ages 12 and 14 U have teams forming now.
- All equipment is available to borrow for the season and provided as part of the registration.
- For questions, please contact Natalie Durbin at (618) 410-4213 or 618styx@gmail.com

Thursday Feb 15, 2024
Police dogs and grant funding
Thursday Feb 15, 2024
Thursday Feb 15, 2024
- Big news out of both the Shiloh and OFallon Police Departments!
- The city new FAQ Fridays on Facebook.
- A special message of gratitude from our partner. Ray Farmer, past president of The Friends of the OFallon Public Library
- Applications are being accepted for the Styx Lacrosse program.
- Boys 10, 12 and 14 U as well as girls ages 12 and 14 U have teams forming now.
- All equipment is available to borrow for the season and provided as part of the registration.
- For questions, please contact Natalie Durbin at (618) 410-4213 or 618styx@gmail.com

Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Eat soup, help others
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
- The Empty Bowl Luncheon, on Feb 14, is one of O'Fallon's largest fundraisers to benefit the O'Fallon Food Pantry. Last year's event, sponsored by the O'Fallon Woman's Club, raised over $13,000 and had over 1,000 people in attendance over 3 hours. Purchase your tickets online or at Wolfersberger Funeral Home and Furchild.
- Empty Bowl accepts online orders for free delivery during the event... email ofallonwomansclub@gmail.com to order.
- Thanks to our podcast partner, Ray Farmer, Past President of The Friends of the OFallon Library for his message of gratitude.
On the calendar:
- Sat, Feb 10th 7am-noon Rummage sale at the OFallon Township Building. Donations and sales help support local charities.
- Sunday, March 3rd is the area's largest 5K race... Toolen's Top of the Morning 5k

Thursday Feb 01, 2024
The city's $140 million plan
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
- The city's $140 million capital improvement plan which outlines large expenses over the next 5 years within the city. Projects > $50,000 and vehicles/equipment > $15,000 are included. There's also an interactive map that shows where the investments are planned for throughout the city.
- You can sign up to receive the city's Inside OFallon newsletter here.
- Our podcast partner, Ray Farmer, Past President of The Friends of the O'Fallon Public Library with a special message of gratitude...
On the calendar,
- Feb 2 and 3rd is the Bank of OFallon Shoot Out, a premiere basketball showcase event that draws thousands of people to OTHS to watch unbelievable high school talent from across the region. WE covered the highlights of the Shoot Out in last week's episode so check that out if you haven't.
- Feb 3rd 1-5pm is the Inaugural Polar Pub Crawl in support of Special Olympics. Show up at the VFW at 1pm!
- Thurs, Feb 8th @ 6pm Pub Table Historian at Gears inside of The Bike Surgeon.
- Friday, Feb 9th @ 6pm The Sweetheart Dance at the Regency
- Superbowl Sunday is coming up- consider Gigi's Italian Market for sub sandwiches, pasta, lasagna and meatball trays!

Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Three months and 700 people....
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
- The Lead In class of 2024 has been selected, stay tuned for that to be announced.
- Brian Keller Day is tomorrow, Jan 27th from 1-5pm in the Downtown District. Join others for a trivia walk and photography expo in honor of O'Fallon's resident photographer and community historian.
- Tax prep services are now available at the O'Fallon Public Library free of charge. Over 700 people were helped in 2023 and appts will go quickly, so secure yours now if you're interested.
- Superbowl food options around town, including some delicious subs, pasta and lasagna from Gigi's Italian Market.
- Our podcast partner, SSM Health.
On the calendar,
- Friday, Jan 26th 5-7pm Cafe Biz 618 Open House
- Tues, Jan 30th 5-6:30pm Chamber's Business After Hours hosted by The Fairfield Inn. Network with others in a very social and laidback atmosphere.

Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Top talent is coming to town!
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Thursday Jan 18, 2024
- The Bank of OFallon Shoot Out basketball showcase is coming up on Feb 2-3rd. Cory Patton, Scott Seipp, Neil James, Brian Muniz and Rick Gibson have worked very hard to bring some of the region's best high school basketball talent into OFallon. Thousands of people attend; don't miss out! Purchase tickets here.
- This week's podcast partner, SSM Health.
On the calendar:
- Sat, Jan 27, 5-7pm Cafe Biz 618's Open House
- Tues, Jan 20th 5-6:30pm Business After Hours at Fairfield Inn & Suites
- Fri, Feb 9th 6pm Sweetheart's Dance at The Regency Conf Center

Thursday Jan 11, 2024
The podcast that helped build better relationships!
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
- Transportation options within the community and how that led to a listener to building better relationships with his banking clients
- Caritas Family Solutions, a local non-profit and their 2023 impact on our community!
- Our podcast partner, SSM Health!
On the calendar:
- Sat, Jan 13th 7am-noon Township Rummage sale
- Sat, Jan 27th Brian Keller day in the Downtown District
- Friday, Feb 2 and Sat, Feb 3rd Bank of OFallon Shootout
- Sat, Feb 3rd 1-6pm, Polar Pub Crawl in downtown OFallon to benefit Special Olympics. Register here!
- Sat, Feb 3rd 6pm Caritas' Heart and Soul Gala @ The Regency Conf Center

Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Was the city built during a card game?
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
- City planning! How residents and the public built a plan that'll drive our community over the next 20 years. You can view the plan here.
- Thanks to our podcast partner, The Violence Prevention Center.
- Jan 9th is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! Shout out to our OFallon and Shiloh Police Department for all of their work! You can find the third quarter Public Safety report here.
- Lead In application deadline is this Tues, Jan 9th. Apply here if you're age 21-40 and live or work in OFallon/Shiloh.
On the calendar,
- Jan 11th 11:30am, Chamber's Restaurant Roulette for Chamber members
- Sat, Feb 3rd 1-6pm is the Inagural Polar Pub Crawl in support of Special Olympics.