Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Launches On-Demand Program: “Know the 10 Warning Signs of Dementia” Public Invited to Access Critical Resource During the Holidays, Weekly Gift Card Drawings for Participants

This holiday season, the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter invites the public to watch its on-demand educational program, Know the 10 Warning Signs of Dementia, available now through December 28, 2024. Read More »

Classical Dance Academy Empowers Young Dancers

Since its beginning in 2007 with just 21 students, Classical Dance Academy has grown into a local hub for dance. Now, with nearly 150 students, the studio has moved into a brand-new space in the Süd Building in downtown Pekin. Read More »

New Tazewell County Health Department Location In Pekin Now Open

Tazewell County Health Department (TCHD)'s much anticipated new location at 1800 Broadway Street in Pekin officially opened to the public for services the week of November 18. Read More »

Pekin Alliance for Literacy Success

The Problem: In 2023, 32.5 % of Pekin kindergarteners, 30.1% of first graders, 28.3% of second graders, and 23.8% of third graders missed 10% or more school days with or without a valid excuse. Read More »

Upgrade Your Furnace, Upgrade Your Home: Why a High-Efficiency Model Is Worth the Investment

As the seasons change in Pekin, Illinois, it’s time to ensure your home is prepared for both the chilly winters and sweltering summers. One of the most crucial components of your home’s comfort system is your furnace. Read More »

The Nutcracker Experience Comes to Pekin Public Library

One of the most popular holiday traditions is the story of “The Nutcracker.” This holiday classic has a rich and fascinating history that connects literature, music, and ballet. Read More »

St. Paul United Church of Christ is BUZZing With Kindness

On December 12, St. Paul United Church of Christ will celebrate 166 years of being present in the City of Us (Pekin). This fall, we have explored the book This is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are by Melody Warnick. Read More »

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce to Host the 27th Annual R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of the 27th Annual R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy, a transformative program aimed at fostering leadership and community engagement in honor of the late Mayor R. David Tebben. Read More »

Altrusa International of Pekin, IL

We did it Pekin! Altrusa International of Pekin, IL was awarded a grant for its After School Tutoring and Reading Program from Altrusa International Foundation, Inc. For more information, visit www.altrusa.org/foundation. Read More »

Pekin Rotary

Pekin Rotary is making a significant impact in our community by channeling funds raised through the Rotary Grill into transformative local projects. Read More »

Kiwanis Club of Pekin

In honor of Giving Day on December 3, Kiwanis Club of Pekin will grant local organizations funds to support programs serving the children of our region. We traditionally offer grants one to two times a year. Read More »

Pekin Lions Christmas Baskets

This is the 78th year of the Pekin Lions Christmas Basket project. In 2020 due to COVID restrictions, we migrated to a food voucher rather than actual distribution of food baskets. Read More »

“In the Hollow of My Hand” Memories of the Native Peoples of Pekin and Tazewell County

While Pekin traces its origin to the 1824 arrival of Jonathan Tharp from Ohio, the future site of Pekin and its environs were home to Native American tribes during the long centuries, even millennia, prior to the arrival of European explorers and settlers. Read More »

In The Spotlight – Pekin Entrepreneur Has Spent 30 Years in The Zone

The Zone is not your father’s comic book store. Or maybe it is. Owner Scott Au said he has been buying, selling, and trading comic books and memorabilia for 30 years, long enough for at least two generations of enthusiasts to be his customers. Read More »

The Voice of The Community

The Pekin Hometown Voice is now seven months old, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading the information we’ve gathered up to this point. I’ve met and told you about generous people who have spent their time and sweat making Pekin a special place to call home. Read More »

The Pekin Insurance Holiday Tournament: Coming to a Gym Near You

The annual Pekin Insurance Holiday Tournament is scheduled to commence on Thursday, December 26th to Saturday, December 28th at Pekin Community High School (PCHS). This year, there will be 16 teams entering the tournament. Read More »

In Search of History…

The next meeting of the Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society will be the Christmas party on Tuesday, December 10th at 6 PM for TCGHS members. Read More »

Scout On In Central Illinois – It’s Not Rocket Science, It’s Cub Scout Pinewood Derby

December was always a special month when I was serving as Cubmaster of Pack 85 in Morton. At our December pack meeting in the Jefferson School cafeteria, Santa Claus himself would visit with a bagful of neatly wrapped little packages, one for each of the delighted Cub Scouts. Read More »

Football & Family

The Pekin Football 2024 season ended on Friday, November 1st, as the Dragons lost to Lincoln-Way West. Pekin put up a strong fight from the beginning, working to stop the Warriors' powerful offense. Read More »

YWCA of Pekin

Thank you for volunteering, for spreading the word about the YWCA of Pekin and the services we offer in Tazewell County and for your financial support along the way. We appreciate our community! Read More »

Did You Receive Your Paper in the Mail?

When we started this publication, our goal was to direct mail to every household with a 61554 zip code. We knew this was going to be expensive but thought it was a worthy investment to be assured of everyone getting our new publication. Read More »

A Word from Mayor Mary – Court Street Nears Completion

First, I want to thank all of our residents, businesses, and visitors for their patience while the City has moved through the current phase of the Court Street reconstruction project. Read More »

Lucky To Have Him!

I have to admit that it was a great idea for me to write about and introduce city staff. It forces me out of the office. It allows me the opportunity to take time to meet with and get to know many of the employees and staff at the City of Pekin. Read More »

Santa Parker Brings Happiness Home for the Holidays

That Santa Claus you saw at a Peoria Chiefs game last July looks a lot like the one waving to the crowds in the Pekin Winter Wonderland Parade and Festival of Lights Parade. Read More »