In Search of History…

The next meeting of the Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society will be Tuesday, March 11th at 7 PM. Author Rick Klinedinst of Canton will present “Camp Ellis: Once a City – Not Forgotten.” Read More »

Life Applications For Healing From Grief

Learning to Live Again sessions are being offered by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory After Care Consultant John Plunkett. Sessions begin March 6 in one of the banquet rooms at Avanti’s Ristorante, 3610 Kelly Avenue in Pekin. Read More »

Traditional Karate For Our Modern World

The YWCA of Pekin offers delightful community-oriented programs: Water Fitness and swimming, Land Fitness with yoga, fitness, and weight training, Karate and Self-Defense classes, with Adult Literacy, Early Learning Center, Coalition for Equality, and much more! Read More »

Beat the Heat (and High Bills!) With a Smart Thermostat

Pekin, are you tired of fiddling with your thermostat, trying to find the perfect temperature? Do you cringe when you see your energy bill? There’s a smarter way to manage your home’s comfort and your wallet: smart thermostats! Read More »

PCHS Welcomed Two New Assistant Principals For the 2024-2025 School Year

Two new assistant principals at Pekin Community High School (PCHS) have been working hard this 2024-2025 school year. Those new faces are Daniel Hiles and Janira Del Valle. Though they are new to the job, they have both worked at Pekin for some time. Read More »

Woodard’s End: A Pekin Hotel Succumbs to Fire in 1899

Among the many hotels that once served downtown Pekin’s visitors and residents was a grand edifice known as Woodard’s Hotel, which stood on the south side of Elizabeth Street near the former Tazewell County Courthouse. Read More »

Scout On In Central Illinois – Scout Patches Are More Than Canvas and Thread

OK, I admit it: I like patches. Not the kind a college English professor might have on the elbows of a tweed jacket, or that a parent might sew onto a kid’s jeans. I’m talking about the multi-colored embroidered patches that ornament Scout uniforms and tell the history of the wearer’s Scouting adventures. Read More »

Pekin, IL Altrusa

Huge thanks to our readers and donors. We appreciate your support! Email [email protected] for more information on how to get involved. Read More »

Pekin Rotary Awards Grants to Support Local Community Programs

The Pekin Rotary Club continues its mission of service by awarding four grants to local organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. Read More »

Special Olympics: Empowering Lives Through Sports

Special Olympics began in Illinois with the first games at Soldier Field in July 1968 thanks to Eunice Kennedy Shriver. There are now more than 6 million athletes and Unified partners in 170 countries. Read More »

Kiwanis Club of Pekin

Laughter is the best medicine and the best way to raise funds to support the children of our community! On March 1, Kiwanis Club of Pekin will host the Stand Up for Kiwanis event. Read More »

Pekin’s Learn to Skate Program Marks 50 Years of Figure Skating Excellence

As Pekin wraps up its bicentennial celebrations, the community is preparing for another significant milestone—50 years of figure skating showcases. The Pekin Park District’s Learn to Skate (LTS) Program will host its 50th annual Figure Skating Showcase on Saturday, March 8, at 11am at the Veterans Memorial Arena. Read More »

Pekin Council Candidate Forum March 13th

The Candidates for Pekin City Council will take part in a public forum on Thursday, March 13, from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. at the Pekin Public Library. Read More »

Square Dancing in Pekin! Clean, Healthy, Fun for All! Stay Young, DANCE!!!

The B&B Square Dance Club will begin a series of 12 classes on Sunday March 2, 2025 from 2-4 pm at Pekin Park Miller Senior Center located at 551 South 14th St. in Pekin. Read More »

In The Spotlight – A Full Continuum of Care at Liberty Village of Pekin

Since November 1, 1988, Liberty Village of Pekin has provided seniors with individualized care, helping them thrive at every stage of life. Read More »

Student Council Shines All Year Long

Every school has a student government and Pekin Community High School (PCHS) is no different. As the school year starts to slip away, PCHS’ student council (STUCO) is preparing to say goodbye to senior members, compete at state with Read More »

Recently Released Pekin Podcasts

“#Attendance Matters” a visit with Shayla Ewing and Ashley Neal from PCHS regarding the challenges of absenteeism.” Posted February 10th Read More »

Looking For Tazewell County Korean War Veterans

This summer will mark the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War. As such, the Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Office is preparing to recognize our Tazewell County Korean War Veterans. Read More »

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Candidate Forum for individuals running for Pekin City Council. This event provides an opportunity for the public to hear directly from the candidates about their platforms, priorities, and vision for the city. Read More »

Save Your Family Memories at the Pekin Public Library

Are you worried about the degradation of your old family videos that were recorded back in the Eighties and Nineties on a VHS camcorder? Do you have a decades-old collection of 8mm short films that you haven’t been able to view in a long time? Read More »

St. Paul United Church of Christ Illuminated Threads: The Ties That Bind During Lent

St. Paul United Church of Christ, 101 N. 8th Street in Pekin, will be focusing on Threads: The Ties That Bind this Lent. Starting Sunday, March 9 through Easter Sunday, April 20, each week will journey through Scripture reflecting on a tradition of quilting, which has Read More »

A Word from Mayor Mary – A Down Payment on Pekin’s Future

The plan for Pekin’s ring road connecting to I-474 is going on three generations. With the support of U.S. Representative Darin LaHood, we aim to turn that plan into roads and opportunity. Read More »

All Aboard For Good Friends and Great Food at Maquet’s Rail House

When Dustin Maquet told his friends he wanted to open a craft beer pub in Pekin, “they thought I was nuts.” After all, he already had a successful career at Caterpillar. Read More »