Did You Find a Painted Rock?

WTP Rocks is a kindness rock movement in Central Illinois. We paint rocks to hide all over the country, but was originated in Woodford, Tazewell, and Peoria (WTP) Counties to spread joy and brighten people’s day. Read More »

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held on March 27th — Providence Place of Pekin First UMC

ROCHouse is an extension of First United Methodist Church’s Reaching Our Community ministries. The vision of ROCHouse is to transform lives for Christ through a ministry with families in transition by providing housing, spiritual guidance, and other support as identified by each family together with the ministry team. Read More »

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce — April 2024

Annual Meeting: The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host the 2024 Annual Meeting on Monday, April 15 from 4:30–7:00 pm at the Avanti’s Event Center. Each year, the chamber gathers its members and celebrates the successes of the prior year and looks ahead to a new chamber year. Read More »

Scout On In Central Illinois — Let’s Hit the Scouting Trail!

Welcome to the first installment of a new column I’m calling Scout On in Central Illinois. In this space every month I hope to highlight what Scouts are doing throughout our region and shine a light on the positive outcomes of this long-standing and respected youth program. Read More »

Pekin Public Library Installs Light Board in Youth Services Department

The Pekin Public Library recently added a new attraction to the Youth Services Department! Everbright, a large light board, has been installed on the wall to the left of the department’s entrance. Read More »

Aging Gracefully Together

The Pekin Park District Miller Center has been serving the 50+ community for over 40 years offering over 60 programs, activities, and services. On average we see 1500 people in a month’s time, not including the transportation service. Read More »

Dragons Wrestle Off With History

Filled with determination and toughness, the Pekin Community High School wrestling team showcased their expertise on the mat this year. Read More »

From the History Room — How Did Pekin Get Its Name?

With Pekin’s celebration of 200 years of history well underway this year, it’s the right time to delve into the question of how and why our city got its name. Read More »

IN THE SPOTLIGHT — Touch of Glass, Jody Yerly

Jody Yerly and her husband, Rick, got fired up about the art of glass fusing during the depths of the COVID pandemic. Read More »

Central Illinois Individuals & Organizations Recognized By Illinois State Historical Society

Local Projects Recognized Are Legins-Costley Park in Pekin, Peoria Freedom & Remembrance Memorial, Pekin High School Website, Tazewell County World War II Initiative, and Tazewell County Clerk Digitization Project. Read More »

In Search of History…

The Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society is an award-winning 501c3, all volunteer organization that has been in continuous service to our members and the public for over 45 years. Read More »

The Pekin Lions Club

The Pekin Lions Club is having a Soup Sampler Supper on April 16, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 700 S. Fourth St. in Pekin from 5–7 p.m. Come enjoy a bargain. Read More »

A Word from Mayor Mary — What a Difference a Year Makes

The City is changing its image to be all Positive About Pekin, and that starts from the inside. The City had not had a full-time city manager since October 2022, and several department head positions were vacant for months. Read More »

Hello Pekin!

I am very excited to be a part of “The Pekin Hometown Voice.” When I first met with Ginny and Dave about what they produced I have to admit I was very impressed. Read More »

Letter From the Editor — April 2024

It seems that we live in a negative world, and it can be a bit daunting trying to look for positive news. There’s no question that life can be difficult at times, but in this publication, you’ll witness a group of people coming together to bring some local information to you FREE of charge and direct mailed to over 19,000 mailboxes. Read More »

Pekin’s Hometown Hero — Seth Ranney, Pekin Police Chief

Real-life heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and occupations. Here in Pekin, one of those heroes is Pekin Police Chief Seth Ranney. Read More »