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Inside O'Fallon
January 2026
| | Welcome to O'Fallon - home to over 30,000 residents and more than 1,100 successful businesses! | |
O'Fallon Planning Commission Chair Larry Sewell Receives Dwight F. Davis Award
O’Fallon, Illinois - The City of O’Fallon is pleased to announce that Planning Commission Chair Larry Sewell has been awarded the Dwight F. Davis Award by the St. Louis Metro Section of the American Planning Association (APA). The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and long-term commitment to the advancement of planning in the St. Louis metropolitan region.
The Dwight F. Davis Award is among the highest honors presented by the St. Louis Metro Section of the APA and is awarded to planning advocates whose service has had a meaningful and lasting impact on their communities. Sewell was recognized for his long-term dedication to sound planning principles and public service.
Sewell has served on the O’Fallon Planning Commission for 23 years, including his current role as Chair. The Planning Commission is a volunteer body whose members are appointed by the Mayor and serve as an advisory group to the City Council on matters related to land use and development. The commission reviews and makes recommendations on zoning ordinance amendments, special use permits, subdivision plats, and updates to the City’s comprehensive plan. The commission also conducts public hearings to gather community input and ensure development decisions align with the City’s long-term goals.
As Chair of the Planning Commission, Sewell guides discussions, reviews development applications, and helps manage the planning process for the City’s ongoing growth and development. The award reflects Sewell’s dedication to the City of O’Fallon and his ongoing contributions to thoughtful and effective community planning.
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Christmas Tree Pickup - Waste Management
Waste Management will accept Christmas trees for curbside pickup as yard waste through the second week of January. Please place trees at the curb on your regular collection day.
Contact Waste Management: wm.com | 1800-989-2783
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Winter Weather Preparedness
Provided by the O’Fallon Public Safety
As we move deeper into the winter season, the National Weather Service reminds everyone to stay informed and prepared. Winter conditions can change quickly, and being prepared makes all the difference. The National Weather Service provides helpful guidance on winter weather warnings, key terms like wind chill and sleet, and practical safety steps to take before, during, and after a winter storm. Use the information below to help keep your household safe this season.
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MLK Annual Community Breakfast
Monday, January 19 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Katy Cavins Community Center @309 E 5th Street
The O’Fallon NAACP invites the community to attend its Annual MLK Community Breakfast honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join neighbors, leaders, and families for an inspiring morning of reflection, unity, and celebration, featuring a keynote address by Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr., PhD., D.Min. The event will take place at the Katy Cavins Community Center and is open to the public.
Ticket purchase and more information at: https://aftontickets.com/event/buyticket/o69n75z3x3
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Taste of the District
Saturday, January 31 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Downtown O'Fallon, IL
Savor the flavors of O’Fallon’s vibrant Downtown District at Taste of the District! This unique culinary experience invites you to stroll through the heart of downtown while sampling signature small bites from standout local restaurants. Offered across two dates in 2026 (including January 31 and April 25), each tasting features a curated lineup of delicious dishes and a fun, guided walking tour of participating venues. It’s a great way to connect with neighbors, enjoy local flavors, and explore the charm of the district’s dining scene.
Ticket purchase and more information at: Taste of the District 2026
| | | | O'Fallon Store - Showcase your O'Fallon Pride! | | | | |
O’Fallon is full of vibrant community spirit—and now’s the perfect time to wear it proudly! We’ve recently added new winter apparel, with even more designs currently in the works. Stay tuned - there's will be more on the way!
Explore the latest pieces and find the style that speaks to you. Each item is more than just clothing or merch—it’s a celebration of O’Fallon and a great way to connect with fellow residents all season long.
Plus, every purchase helps support community events in the Downtown District, keeping O’Fallon lively, welcoming, and full of energy.
Bundle up, show your pride, and find your new favorite winter piece today!
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Meijer revises plans for O'Fallon property to allay traffic concerns. Here's how
by Lynn Venhaus
For the News-Democrat
December 26, 2025
A revised plan for The Shoppes at Pierce in O’Fallon is moving forward, after new owner Meijer changed the project to add a fuel center and convenience store and remove some buildings to ease traffic concerns.
The City Council’s Community Development Committee will review the project at its next meeting before it advances to the full council for action. The Planning Commission advanced the revised proposal following its Dec. 9 meeting.
Meijer acquired the 6.68-acre site from GBT Realty of Brentwood, Tennessee, this summer.
Read more at: Meijers revises plans for O'Fallon property to allay traffic concerns. Here's how
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Annual Kids and Cops Holiday Shopping Event puts big smiles on children's faces for 25 years
O'Fallon Weekly Editor
December 10, 2025
Last Sunday, around 50 second, third, and fourth grade elementary students from O’Fallon District #90 and Central District #104 were invited to the Walmart Supercenter for a complimentary Christmas shopping trip. The annual event is possible thanks to the partnership between the O’Fallon Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 198 and the O’Fallon Police Department (OFPD). In 2000, the department’s then union president Mark Berry started the shopping trip, and although it’s a quarter of a century old this year, the original goal of giving back to the community and strengthening the bonds between police officers and citizens remains the same.
“We try to get eight to 10 kids from each of the grade schools,” said Sergeant Brian Gimpel, the current union president and event organizer. “We shoot for second to fourth grade, that way they’re comfortable enough to go out with the officers themselves and kind of know a little bit about what they may need, like sizes and things like that. We also ask the parents to put together a little list of things they may need, like jeans and shirt sizes, so it’s easier for the officers to find that stuff when they’re out there shopping with them.”
Read more at: Annual Kids and Cops Holiday Shopping Event puts big smiles on children's faces for 25 years
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Upcoming Events/Meeting
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January 5 & 20 7 p.m. - City Council Meeting
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January 19 - City Offices Closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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January 19 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Annual MLK Community Breakfast at Katy Cavins Community Center
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January 31 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Taste of the District
View Full Calendar for Details and Updates
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The purpose of the Inside O'Fallon newsletter is to keep the community informed on what is happening in O'Fallon.
If you have any questions or comments about the newsletter, please email insideofallon@ofallon.org.
Sincerely,
Grant Litteken
Asst. City Administrator
City of O'Fallon
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