June Chamber Courier 2025 by Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Canton IL

JUNE JUNE

The Chamber Courier

cANTON aREA cHAMBER OF cOMMERCE

President: Chad Holloway - OSF HealthCare

Vice President: Maggie Connell - Edward Jones

Treasurer: Chad Murphy - Spoon River College

Secretary: Renee Lewis - Jim Maloof Realtor

Board of Directors Board of Directors

Tanaya Krulac - COOK Medical

Jay Valencia - Canton High School

Jason Gumbart - Apex Seed Co.

Lacey Neal - Rock Valley Physical Therapy

Diane Bell - Di’s Boutique

Alesia Shaw - Graham Health System

Jason Elwell - EATS

Jacque Nelson - MidAmerica National Bank

Emylee Bitner - Bank of Farmington

Owen Spahn - ‘24/’25 Student Representative

Executive Director Carla Bobell

THE TIME IS HERE!

The waiting is over, the planning complete, and the fun is about to begin! The Canton Illinois Bicentennial Celebration Week will begin June 20 and run through June 29 . There is something for every person, every age, every generation, so be sure to enjoy the activities that have been planned that are designed to celebrate our wonderful community turning 200! th th

As the Chamber Executive Director, it has been an honor to serve on the Bicentennial Planning Committee for the last four and a half years. Everyone on the planning team was appointed by Mayor Kent McDowell to plan and organize a time of celebration during 2025. The appointed members are Mike Walters, as president, Rick Klinedinst as treasurer, Carla Bobell as secretary, Carol Davis as organizer of details, Kevin Stephenson and Stacy Wise as marketing and promotions. What came out of that planning is nine days of activities, history, plays, music, food, parade, concerts, and so much more.

We kick off the celebration fun with the Bicentennial Pre-Mixer on June 5 at Official Time Out from 4:30 to 7:00 pm in the back parking lot. Be sure to see the details about this event inside this issue of the Chamber Courier. Then be sure to attend the Canton Cruise In on June 20 from 4 to 8 pm to enjoy over 200 vehicles in downtown Canton and the Opening Ceremony of the Bicentennial on the north side of the City of Canton building at 6:30 pm.

Begin the celebration week visiting a display tribute to several sesquicentennial farms at the Historic Train Depot, try your hand at games and activities all related to Canton’s history at Parlin-Ingersoll Library, head down to the Canton Area Heritage Center (museum) to watch, and learn, about people who shaped our community by attending the Greenwood Cemetery Revisited or see the reveal of the 1925 time capsule, tap your toes while enjoying music from the Dust Bowl era during a concert performed by the Spoon River College Community Chorus (tickets needed), Brown Bag It entertainment and food trucks will be in Jones Park during the weekdays, Doors concert, play games from the last 200 years, do some shopping downtown, 5K/Mile run/walk, parade of history, and the Birthday Bash with Clayton Shay. I cannot fit it all in!

As you can tell, there are SO many things to do during the Bicentennial Celebration Week. Everything was designed with you in mind to come and celebrate our wonderful 200 year old Canton Community! See you there!

To find out all the activities that will be happening, go to https://www.cantonillinois.org/canton-bicentennial-information/ or visit the Canton Illinois Bicentennial 2025 Facebook page.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT CARLE HEALTH

Residents of Canton and its surrounding areas may notice a friendly and familiar face next time they visit the doctor’s office at Carle Health located at 2076 N. Main Street in Canton.

John McCarthy, MD, is a primary care physician and Canton native – he recently moved his practice back to the area and now provides exceptional care with the Carle Health system for the community he calls home. “Canton is a great community and a wonderful place to raise a family – I have fond memories growing up here and it has always meant so much to me to stay close to home and my roots,” Dr. McCarthy said. Dr. John McCarthy, MD

Dr. McCarthy specializes in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Preventative Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Geriatrics and Chronic Medical Conditions. He obtained a Bachelor of Science at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana followed by medical school at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He completed his Internal Medicine / Pediatrics residency at the University of Illinois in Peoria.

Growing up in Canton, Dr. McCarthy attended Westview Elementary School, Ingersoll Junior High School and Canton High School, from which he graduated in 1993. “So many of the experiences I had as a kid in my community helped shape my aspiration to become a care provider,” Dr. McCarthy said. “I saw the work my friends and neighbors did each day to care for one another, and I wanted to devote my career to doing just that.” In his free time, Dr. McCarthy enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his family. He has five children – aged six to 21 – who keep him busy and active.

Canton residents looking for a provider can look to Dr. McCarthy for his professional, knowledgeable and compassionate care practices. “I’m excited to be back providing primary care in my hometown I hope to enrich people’s lives and inspire my community to live a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. McCarthy said.

BEFORE

Dr. McCarthy is now accepting patients – to schedule an appointment, call (309) 647-6090 or visit his provider page on Carle.org.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

PROGRESSIVE VISION CENTER

Since its founding in 1988, Progressive Vision Center has been a trusted name in eye care, proudly serving the communities of Canton, Farmington, Lewistown and Havana. With its flagship location in the heart of downtown Canton, the practice has become a pillar of comprehensive eye care in the area.

The practice began with Dr. Robert Bobell, a proud Canton native and graduate of Canton High School. After earning degrees from Spoon River College and Western University, Dr. Bobell went on to receive his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Optometry. Driven by a passion for community and a desire to give back, he returned home to start his own practice, where he could provide the highest quality of care to the town he grew up in.

As the practice grew, so did the need for expanded doctor coverage. In April 2010, Dr. Matthew Buczko joined the team. A native of nearby Havana, Dr. Buczko brought not only a deep understanding of local values but also a love for jazz music, often performing at community events throughout the area.

To better serve the continued growing patient base, Dr. Cassy Roat-Rhinehart came on board in July of 2024. Her addition to the team marked an exciting new chapter, and with three doctors now serving patients, space quickly became limited. Rather than relocate and risk losing their place in the heart of the Canton square, the decision was made to expand.

In April of 2025, Progressive Vision Center opened a second location at 213 Main Street in downtown Havana, reaffirming its commitment to accessible, high-quality eye care to surrounding communities. Dr. Roat-Rhinehart now sees patients at this new facility, which fulfills a childhood dream of hers, bringing compassionate eyecare to the Havana Main Street!

Progressive Vison Center takes the time to understand your unique eye care needs and provides personalized solutions. They are not just focused on your present needs; they are there to safeguard and enhance your vision for the future. Your vision is their priority, and the entire staff of Progressive Vision Center look forward to being your trusted partner in preserving and improving your eye health. Call 309-647-2020 to schedule your appointment for either the Canton or Havana location.

Dr. Bobell

Dr. Buczko

Dr. Cassy

CANTON CHAMBER GOLF OUTING 2025

Winning Team Progressive Vision Center

Jeremy Kauzlarich, Justin White, John Turgeon & Chad Murphy

CANTON CHAMBER GOLF OUTING 2025

CANTON CHAMBER GOLF

Town & Country Insurance

Kuzinar & Friends

Team Sharpshair

THANK

SPONSORS 2025

MAJOR SPONSORS

CART SPONSORS

TEE SPONSORS

American Family Insurance

Associates in Dentistry

Bank of Farmington

Barnhart, Tinsman, & Parrish, Ltd.

Country Financial - Lance Moring

Country Financial - Nick Wright

Crawford’s Home Furnishings

Davis Auto Center

Davis Ford

Digital Copy Systems

Edward Jones - Maggie Connell

G&M Distributors

Hocker, Fitzjarrald & Richardson

Holthaus Companies, Inc.

Ipava State Bank

Jack’s Bar

Jim Maloof Realtor

McCarthy & Jackson, LLC

MidAmerica National Bank

Mid Century Fiber

Monical’s Pizza in Canton

Official Time Out

Pizza Hut

Quality Roll Off

REMAX - Clint Peterson

SERVPRO - Peoria

Spoon River Home Health

State Farm - Chuck Taylor

State Farm - Tom Conklin

Stinauer Family Dentistry

Taco Bell of Canton

Town & Country Insurance

Vancil For Congress

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER GOLF OUTING PRIZE SPONSORS 2025

5th Avenue Car Wash

American Family Insurance

Art Hossler Auto Plaza

Billy’s Tap

Bistro 101

Black Maple Coffee & Espresso

Buckheart Solar

Camille’s of Canton

Canton Park District

Country Financial - Nick Wright

Country Line Bar & Grill

Crawford’s Home Furnishings

Cup of Canton

Davis Ford

Di’s Boutique

Don & Nancy’s Cafe EATS

Fuller’s Jewelry

Georgia Rae’s

Graham Health System

JC Custom Laser Creations

Joe’s Place in Norris

Just Teaz’n Hair & Nails

Keefer Financial, Inc.

Klinedinst Chiropractic

Monical’s Pizza

Official Time Out

OSF HealthCare

Peace of Mind Massage

Pizza Hut in Canton

Princess Creations Cakes

Progressive Vision Center

Super Wash in Canton

SPOON RIVER PARTNERSHIP FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SRPED Initiatives for Housing, Broadband, and Downtown Revitalization

By Michelle Spiva, Executive Director

Exciting progress is happening in our community, and SRPED is proud to be at the center of several major initiatives aimed at improving quality of life across Fulton County. We’re thrilled to announce our continued partnership with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) to support residential housing improvements. With community input now gathered through our recent survey, we’re ready to take the next step. A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the First Christian Church in Canton to share the results, discuss next steps, and answer questions. All residents are invited to attend, and

refreshments will be provided. This is a great opportunity for community members to get involved in shaping local housing initiatives!

SRPED is also collaborating with the Illinois Broadband Lab to develop a county-wide plan that will expand high-speed internet access to rural areas. Reliable broadband is essential for education, telehealth, remote work, and attracting new businesses. Your input and support will be crucial as we move this project forward.

In addition, we’re excited to announce we’ve received grant funding from the University of Illinois for a downtown beautification project. As part of this initiative, we’ll be installing largescale historical photos on unoccupied buildings around Canton’s square. Each image will include a QR code that links to information about its historical significance, helping to tell the story of our community’s past while enhancing the vibrancy of our downtown. SRPED remains committed to building a stronger, more connected community. These projects are just the beginning. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build a brighter future for Fulton County.

UPCOMING EVENTS BICENTENNIAL MERCHANDISE

NOW AVAILABLE AT THE CANTON CHAMBER

The Canton Area Chamber of Commerce office, located at 48 N. Main Street in downtown Canton now has Bicentennial Merchandise available for purchase.

Be sure to stay informed on what is happening during the Bicentennial Celebration Week June 20 - 29 by visiting the Canton Bicentennial website at cantonillinois.org/canton bicentennial or checking out the Canton Illinois Bicentennial 2025 Facebook page