Smart Start Small Business Conference

Local small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to attend the 2nd Annual SmartStart Small Business Conference, a one-day event designed to help business owners focus on growth, strategy, and connection. This year’s conference will take place on June 9th at the Pekin Community High School. Read More »

Summer Heats Up in Pekin with Concerts, Balloons, and Community Fun

Summer in Pekin is shaping up to be one to remember! The city is rolling out a lineup of exciting events guaranteed to bring music, magic, and memories to residents and visitors alike. From live music under the stars to breathtaking balloon launches, Discover Pekin invites you to mark your calendars and join in the fun. Read More »

Traditional Karate In Our Modern World: Part 2

An excellent Pekin-area karate class begins at the Boys & Girls Club of Pekin on April 29! Central Illinois Shotokan Karate instructors have offered fall and spring introductory Karate classes for many years. Read More »

Grow Your Business and Strengthen Your Community: Join the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Today!

Are you a local business owner looking to expand your reach, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and make a lasting impact on the Pekin community? The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help you thrive! Read More »

Level Up at Your Pekin Public Library This Summer!

As the school year comes to a close, parents may have concerns about how to keep their children engaged and learning during the summer months. One great option is to participate in the Pekin Public Library’s free Summer Adventure, a reading incentive program that can help children develop a love of books and improve their literacy skills. Read More »

In Search of History… with Tazewell Co. Genealogical and Historical Society

The next meeting of the Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society will be Tuesday, May 13th at 7pm. Katelynn Bouslog and Megan Nguyen of the Peoria Riverfront Museum will share plans regarding “America 250.” Read More »

Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder of Deeds Office Recognized for Excellence in Election Administration

The Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Office announced they were recognized for excellence in election administration with a national Clearinghouse Award for “Security: Innovations and New Tools in Election Security and Technology”. Read More »

PCHS Class of 2025 Says Goodbye

The Senior Class at Pekin Community High School (PCHS) graduates on May 16, 2025 at 7 pm on the football field. If it rains on this date, graduation will be hosted in the Hawkins gym. Read More »

Masonic Lodge Honoring Our Future

The Empire Masonic Lodge recently honored the Pekin Community High School Scholastic Bowl team Read More »

Pekin, IL Altrusa

It’s that time of the year again for Pekin Altrusa to award high school students scholarships to help pay college tuition or other college expenses. Pekin Altrusa has awarded students at Pekin Community High School scholarships for over 20 years. Read More »

Kiwanis Club of Pekin

Our Spring Kiwanis Grant Cycle is OPEN! We invite all non-profit organizations investing in kids to apply! We are here to support kids in our community and we are excited to do so in a variety of ways. Read More »

Bowen Gill Shines at Special Olympics Illinois Regional Qualifier

On Saturday, April 5th, Bowen Gill, a dedicated YWCA Special Olympics Sirens athlete, made waves at the Special Olympics Illinois Regional Qualifier held at the University of Illinois Activities and Recreation Center (ARC). Read More »

Pekin Rotary Supports Literacy With Grants and Bicentennial Books

The Pekin Rotary Club continues its strong commitment to literacy by awarding $3,000 in literacy grants to local area school districts, including Rankin, South Pekin, North Pekin, and Spring Lake, as well as private schools St. Joseph’s and Good Shepherd. Read More »

Stay Cool and Informed: The Latest on AC Refrigerants

At Mucciante Heating & Cooling, we want to keep you informed about changes in the air conditioning industry without causing any undue concern. You may have heard about a shift in refrigerants for new air conditioning and heat pump systems, and we want to assure you that this doesn’t mean your existing system is suddenly obsolete or will be difficult to maintain. Read More »

Get Ready for Summer Fun at Mineral Springs Park!

Mark your calendars, Pekin! The excitement is building as the beloved summer facilities at Mineral Springs Park gear up to open daily starting Friday, May 24th! Get ready to dive into a world of aquatic thrills, conquer challenging mini golf holes, and enjoy peaceful paddles on the water. Read More »

Ketcham ‘Cap’ Conklin, Civil War Veteran and Pekin Lumberman

One of Pekin’s successful and prominent businessmen from about 150 years ago was a Civil War veteran named Ketcham Stanley Conklin (1840-1918), known in town as “Cap” Conklin in honor of his service in the Union Army and Illinois State Militia during the war. Read More »

In The Spotlight – Residents Are all Part of the Family at Charter Senior Living

“When residents move in, they become part of the family,” says Kim Swise, Sales and Marketing Director for Charter Senior Living in Pekin. And they remain a vital part of that family as long as they are a member of the independent/assisted living community on South 14th Street. Read More »

Work Based Learning Program “Works” for PCHS

Pekin Community High School (PCHS) offers a wide variety of classes, programs, and extracurricular activities. One of the many opportunities they take pride in is their Work-Based Learning (WBL) program. Read More »

Veterans Drive: The Road to Nowhere Opportunity

The most debated subject in town this moment is the City’s plan to purchase Lutticken property and the plan to finally finish Veterans Drive. Some have chimed in that this is the road to nowhere. Read More »

A Word from Mayor Mary – ADA Transition Plan: Award and Update

In 2018, a group of Pekin residents filed a federal lawsuit complaining that the City’s pedestrian infrastructure is largely inaccessible to people with mobility issues. Read More »

Pekin Custom Car Builder Brings Home Top Prize

Add the Bresnahan family to the list of people and things that have put Pekin on the map. In March, Tom, Christy, and Josh Bresnahan brought renown to themselves and their hometown when they won the Ridler Award, the most prestigious prize in the custom car building world. Read More »