The 618 Now

In this episode we talk about how artificial intelligence is helping fire service and communities, including OFallon/Shiloh. With Fire Prevention week coming up, we take a look at how local departments are funded and staffed. Shout out to our OFallon Fire and Rescue!! On the calendar: Sat, Oct 5 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Sat, Oct 5th 8am Honor Run   Sat, Oct 5th 9am-noon Scrap...

In this episode, we talk about the importance of healthcare in our communities and share how Nurse Practitioner, Jordan Kimler of PremiereU , is making a big difference in her patients' lives. On the calendar,  Fri, Sept 27 4-8pm Tip-A-Cop at Texas Roadhouse Sat, Sept 28 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Sat, Sept 28 Oktoberfest hosted by St Clare Parrish Sat, Oct 5 8am Honor Run at th...

In this episode, we talk about the impending dock workers' strike on the East Coast and how much that could affect local businesses as they gear up for the holiday season. It could have quite the impact.  On the calendar: Sat, Sept 21 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Sat, Sept 21 Chalk It Up to Art 8am-noon Art Gecko Tues, Sept 24 6-8pm Nite to Unite at Hesse Park sponsored by The OFa...

In today's episode, we spin The 618 Now gameboard wheel and discuss where you can host your company holiday party , a local company that helps seniors relocate, and the new interactive map of the enhancements happening at the Community Park! Some other resources include the Chamber's Restaurant Guide as well as the Chamber's meeting spaces and events guide .  Thank you to this week's podcast partn...

On today's episode, we share upcoming community events, including fangirling over OTHS Marching Panthers' field show debut during the Metro East Marching Classic on Sat. We also cover: Shiloh's Annual Picnic including fireworks tonight (9/6 @ 9pm) Sat, 9/7 11-2pm  June's Live music brunch   Sat, 9/7 10-12 Touch-A-Truck at Carriel Junior High Friday, 9/13 O'Fallon Police Dept's Torch Run Merchandis...

In this episode, we talk about two projects happening locally that have significant potential to bring a lot of new residents into our communities: the Air Task Force and the St. Clair Boeing drone manufacturing facility.  Thanks to our podcast partner, Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station! On the calendar: Sat, Aug 31 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Friday, Sept 6 & Sat Sept 7th...

We have a quick episode for listeners this week; it's focused mostly on the calendar.  Friday, Aug 23 and Sat Aug 24 is CityFest at the Family Sports Park Sat, Aug 24 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Wed, Thurs Friday and Sat live music at The Upright Pub & Music Parlor Hometown Heroes banner project is accepting applications for 2025.    Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit i...

[Part 2] In this episode, we walk listeners through the process of how businesses, developments and projects come to be in the city. You can find Part 1 here.   Also, local elections are coming up, but the process starts Aug 20th. Here's the Candidates' Guide to the 2025 Municipal Elections.   Thanks to this week's podcast partner, Serra Honda's Complimentary Valet Service !   On the calendar:  Sa...

It's the episode you've been wanting and waiting for... this week, we walk listeners through the process of how businesses, developments and projects come to be in the city.  On the one hand, it seems like a simple process- submit an application and go through 5 public meetings. But in reality, there are nuances that sometimes change the scope and vision of a project.  Promised links: A Project Re...

In this episode, we talk about groups within OFallon and Shiloh that are collecting W's! They're firing on all cylinders.    Thank you to this week's podcast partner, Serra Honda ! On the calendar: Sat Aug 3rd 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Thurs Aug 8th 7-9pm Auffenberg's Outdoor Summer Concert Series featuring The Funky Butt Brass Band Sat, Aug 10th 8am-noon The Watermelon Festiva...

In this episode, we talk about a really unique event coming to Shiloh that helps veterans tell their stories through music... Freedom Sings .  Thank you to this week's podcast partner, Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station ! On the calendar: Sat, July 27th 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Sat, July 27 noon-4pm A Wizard's birthday in the Downtown District Thurs, Aug 1 5-9pm District Nig...

In this episode, we talk about O'Fallon's bi-annual citizen survey and how community input helps drive decision making. Fun Fact: the library currently ranks as the highest rated amenity within the city (earning a 94% "excellent" or "good" rating).  Promised links: The O'Fallon Public Library's " Library of things. " The O'Fallon Police Department's Citizen Police Academy is accepting applications...

Did you know that local elections scheduled for April 1, 2025 actually start now? The process of running for school board, city council, village and more begins in August of the year prior to the election. In this episode, we cover how to run for an elected position and what it looks like for candidates who want to serve in public office. On the calendar: Sat, July 13 8am-noon Vine Street Market @...

This week, we're talking about the upcoming Unplug IL day (July 13th). This is a day that encourages ditching your devices and plugging into nature! There are a number of activities around town including meditations and sound baths plus a cardboard regatta at the city's Memorial Pool! On the calendar: Sat, July 5th 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Wed, July 10th 7-8:30pm Shiloh's Musi...

Get ready for big economic development updates! We're covering real estate sales for the first six months of the year, plus recapping much of the residential and commercial developments happening around O'Fallon . Fun fact: the avg sales price of a 62269 home is $323,000, up 9.8% over the same time period last year.   On the calendar: Sat, June 29th 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station fe...

In this episode, we discuss how local businesses are going to win $25,000 in cash prizes, just for existing! We're talking about the Metro East Start Up Challenge . On the calendar: Sat, June 22 8am-noon Vine Street Market at OFallon Station Friday, June 28 @ 8am Chamber's Business Over Breakfast Wed, July 3rd 8:30pm Fireworks over OFallon @ Family Sports Park Have an idea for a podcast topic? Sub...

In this episode, we highlight a Lead In graduate and former director of The Egg and I restaurant whose community legacy lives on despite her passing away. There's a fundraiser in her honor that helps provide scholarships for local youth and for Lead In members. Register for the Jenn Mueller Memorial 5k here .    On the calendar, Friday, June 14th  First Responder Night  at the Gateway Grizzlies, f...

In this episode, we talk about everyone’s favorite topic… taxes! Property tax statements were mailed this past week and we talk about how property taxes are calculated and what they fund. On the calendar: Friday, June 7 5:15-6:30 pm Family Fishing Derby in the south pond of the Family Sports Park - free to attend and fish! Sat, June 8th 8am-noon Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station Sat, June 8th 9...

Keeping up with what's happening in the community can be challenging. In this episode, we offer a few resources (other than our podcast!) for people who are interested in keeping up with details about developments, municipal happenings, etc.  Developments being build (map) Subscribe to receive the Inside OFallon Newsletter or to receive emails when agenda items are posted for City Council Keep up...

In this episode, we celebrate the 571 seniors from the Class of 2024 at OTHS! Collectively, they received approx $15.5 million in scholarship! Woohoo! We give some insights into what the world was like when they were growing up. On the calendar: Sat, May 25th 8am-noon, Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station 8am Yoga by Moonbird Yoga under the shade trees  9am Live music presented by Newbold Toyota a...

In this week's episode, we talk about how the Chamber shows up in more ways than hosting events and promoting business. From monthly Q&A workshops for people moving into our community to interviewing residents about what healthcare resources those suffering with dementia night need, we're boots on the ground in the community! We also honor outgoing Board Chair, Jeff Dossett and welcome incomin...

In this episode, we discuss education that's happening in OFallon to prepare students for the workforce.    On the calendar: Sat, May 11 8am-noon is Vine Street Market at O'Fallon Station! Free yoga from Moonbird yoga @ 8am, live music presented by Newbold Toyota and Newbold BMW starts at 9am.  Sunday, May 12 is Mother's Day! The Regency has just a few seats left at their 1pm seating for their bru...

In today's special episode, we honor retiring OTHS principal Mr. Rich Bickel. O'Fallon is known for exceptional schools and Mr. Bickel's leadership over the last 37 years contributed greatly to our educational reputation. From a grateful community, thank you Mr. Bickel!! 

In this episode, we celebrate Arbor Day and discuss the urban forestry management plan being implemented by the city to care for and maintain the 10,000+ city trees! Shout out to Roots , our favorite arborists and Downtown District members!  Thanks to this week's podcast partner, Vine Street Market @ OFallon Station! On the calendar: today - April 29th Annual Book Sale @ The OFallon Public Library...

In this episode, we discuss: OFallon by the numbers... budgets, grants, property values and more! City's proposed budget  ($135 million) Project funding Central Park and Hartman Lane construction is coming up! Stay up to date by visiting the city's construction page   Become a podcast partner! On the calendar,  Sat, April 20th VFW's 0.1k  Wed, April 24th 5pm Forward 50 Open House at City Hall Thur...