The 618 Now

Hosted by O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce

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100

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Dec 2025

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

December 5, 2025Episode 23810 min

The one where we say goodbye...

In this, our final episode, we recap nearly 5 years of podcasting on The 618 Now! We have thoroughly enjoyed being your go-to source for what's happening right now in OFallon and Shiloh! We feel so grateful to have had some of the most loyal listeners (Ryan, Becky, Leah, Dan, Linda, Judy and her boys! just to name a few) who contributed to the over 51,000 downloads. Thank you for being part of our efforts to contribute to all of the things that build up our communities. Take care yourselves, and each other. On the calendar: Dec 7 & 8th USAF Band of America Holiday Concert Dec 13 @ 8am Breakfast with Santa hosted by the OFallon Police Dept Dec 13 @ 9am Breakfast with Santa in Shiloh Dec 13 4-8pm Home for the Holidays Vine Street Market Dec 19th The Tye Dyed Iguana's Parents' Night Out

November 7, 2025Episode 2378 min

OFallons Economic Lifecycle

In this episode, we talk about the economic lifecycle in O'Fallon- how various sources of revenue impact property taxes and services offered within the city. All of this leading up to the kick off of the budget season in Q1 2026 (for a May 1, 2026 fiscal start). On the calendar: Tues, Nov 11 @ 11am Veterans' Day ceremony @ First Baptist Church Tues, Nov 11 @ 2pm VFW's Veterans' Day Parade Thurs Nov 27 11am-1:30pm OFallon Community Thanksgiving Meal (Free and welcome to ALL!) Sat Nov 29 @ 6pm Illuminated Holiday Parade Fri - Sunday Dec 5-7 OTHS Madrigal Feast Tues, Dec 9th @ 5-7pm Chamber's Annual Holiday Party Sat, Dec 13 @ 8am O'Fallon Police Dept's Breakfast with Santa Sat, Dec 13 4-8pm Home for the Holidays Vine Street Market

October 3, 2025Episode 2369 min

Who is the CEO of OFallon?

In this episode, we share about the CEO program that's already having a huge impact on OTHS students. Seventy percent of CEO graduates say they can see themselves remaining in their communities and making a difference. We talk about what the day in the life of a CEO student looks like! Plus, it's FALL! And the community calendar is PACKED and we couldn't love it anymore! On the calendar: Sat, Oct 4 8am Vine Street Market at OFallon Station Sat Oct 4 12-7pm June's Fall Festival @ June's Breakfast & Patio in Shiloh Sat Oct 4 5-9pm District Frights in the Downtown District Tues, Wed, Thursday October 7-9 6:30-8:30pm O'Fallon Fire Department's annual open house Oct 10 YMCA's Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat Oct 14 O'Fallon Police Dept's Night to Unite Oct 18 8am-noon final Vine Street Market of the season Oct 18 Chalk it up to Art Oct 18 9am-3pm Shiloh's Treasures in the park Oct 18 4pm Parks and Rec's Fall Festival at Rock Springs Rotary Park Oct 25 1-4pm Serra Honda's Trunk or Treat Nov 1-2 OTHS Band Booster's Annual Craft Fair Nov 22 Vine Street Market's Thanksgiving Market Enjoy Fire Pit Friday's at August the Mansion each Friday in October starting October 10th!

September 5, 2025Episode 2357 min

10,000 people in one day

In this episode, we share why there are 10,000 people coming into OFallon on Sept 13th- and it's not for sports! We also share about the Chamber's upcoming Learn Local class that's accepting applications. On the calendar: Friday, 9/5- Sat 9/6 Shiloh's Annual Homecoming Friday, 9/5 @ 6pm Movie in the Park Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Friday, 9/5 4-8pm Donation drop off for the OTHS Band Boosters Yard Sale Sat 9/6 8am-2pm OTHS Band Boosters Yard Sale Sat 9/6 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Sat 9/6 10am-noon Touch-A-Truck in the OFallon Community Park 9/13 10am Baconfest in the Downtown District

August 1, 2025Episode 2347 min

They're building WHAT? Where?

In today's episode, we review some of the developments going up around town. Part of that is driven by Scott AFB- here's a recent study about the Economic Impact of SAFB (commissioned by The Leadership Council of Southwestern IL). On the calendar: Sat, Aug 2 8am-noon Vine Street Market at OFallon Station Sat, Aug 9th 8am-noon Watermelon Festival at Vine Street Market Wed, August 13th- 6pm Music in the Park (Community Amphitheater) Aug 22-23 CityFest

July 11, 2025Episode 2338 min

The Science of distraction

In this episode, we talk about Unplug IL day- but more interestingly, how recent studies are suggesting that technology overuse may actually be affecting our individual identities and sense of self. This episode spurred our discussion and led us to believe that Unplug days are important! On the calendar: Sat, July 12 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Sat, July 12 8am Jenn Mueller I Run for Pancakes 5k/fun run Wed, July 23rd 7-830pm Shiloh's Music in the park Sat, July 26th noon-4pm A Wizard's Birthday in the Downtown District Sun, July 27 noon-4pm Brews & Bags noon-4pm

June 27, 2025Episode 2329 min

$108 million discussion

In this episode, we discuss the $108 million OFallon city budget which began May 1st, 2025. Fun fact- the city, county, state and Federal governments all have 4 different fiscal years- so that makes budgeting even more fun! On the calendar: Sat, June 28 8am-noon Vine Street Market at OFallon Station Sat, June 28 9am-noon US Citizenship Preparation Class at the OFallon Public Library Sat, June 28th 5-8pm Metro East Beer Festival at June's Breakfast + Patio in Shiloh. VIP tickets are SOLD out! But general entry is available (and free). Enjoy live music with Brad Jackson and pours for local breweries like Millpond and Stubborn German. Thurs, July 3 @ dusk- Fireworks over OFallon at the Family Sports Park Friday, July 4 @ 8:30am RIDE, White and Blue bike ride hosted by Bike Surgeon Sunday, July 6 5-8pm Little Cactus Line Dancing @ American Legion in downtown OFallon Wed, July 9 7-8:30pm Shiloh's Music in the Park featuring Waterloo German Band Thurs, July 10 5-9pm District Nights in the Downtown District

May 30, 2025Episode 2316 min

Business growth

In this episode, we talk about two markers of business growth within the community, licenses and building permits issued. We also share information about the upcoming Metro East Start Up Challenge where businesses can compete for up to $28,000 in cash and prizes. There's a Kick-Off event happening June 27th from 12-1pm at OFallon City Hall. Applications open June 15th. On the calendar: Sat, May 31 8am-noon Vine Street Market at OFallon Station Thurs June 5th 5-9pm District Nights in the Downtown District Friday, June 13th 5-9pm Community Park Grand Opening OFallon Parks and Rec Calendar is new and easier to use! Lots happening this summer!

May 16, 2025Episode 2307 min

On Scene: OFallon Shiloh EMS

In this episode, we share about OFallon-Shiloh EMS and their critical role within our community. You won't believe how many calls for service they respond to in a year! Their upcoming Open House is May 22 from 5-9pm.

May 2, 2025Episode 2297 min

Service Above Self for 100 years

One hundred years ago, a local newspaper owner invited a group of residents to get together and dedicate themselves to helping others in the community. That single act of service has impacted OFallon in unimaginable ways over the last century. Join us as we honor OFallon Rotary's 100th anniversary to "service above self." On the calendar: Sat, May 17th @ 5:30pm Rotary Club of OFallon's 100th Anniversary Celebration Tues, May 20th 5-7pm Chamber's Salute to Business Awards