A Word from Mayor Mary – Stay Safe and Have Fun this Summer!

Just like last year, I want to remind the community to be safe around town this summer. With school letting out, there are more (and younger) drivers on the road, and the City’s final phase of Court Street reconstruction is underway, so I and the entire City ask that everyone please be especially careful during the heaviest part of our construction season. Read More »

Building for the Future

School may be out for the summer, but the work never stops at Pekin Community High School. After the completion of some major renovations to the campus in 2023 including the office areas, main entrance, and the gym, cardio balcony, and weight room, we are once again spending some time both refreshing some areas of campus and bringing others into the 21st century. Read More »

Got Cottonwood and Dirt Build up? Let’s Get You Clean

Pekin residents, do not let cottonwood and dirt be the breaking point of your air conditioner. Let us get it under control beforehand, with maintenance cleaning! How are maintenance cleanings beneficial, you may ask? Maintaining your air conditioner, especially concerning cottonwood and dirt buildup, is essential for efficiency, longevity, and your wallet. Read More »

FIRST MOSQUITO POOL OF 2025 TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS IN TAZEWELL COUNTY

Tazewell County officials have confirmed that a mosquito pool collected in Tazewell County has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The mosquito pool was collected on Tuesday, June 10 in Morton before being tested the following day at Tazewell County Health Department (TCHD). Read More »

The Fun Never Stops at the Avanti’s Event Center (aka ‘Dome’)

Since the last issue, we have had a few great public events, including our May Murder-Mystery Dinner & the St. Joseph’s Church Spring Festival Fundraiser. The Murder-Mystery Dinner was titled “Mother Dearest” and had a Mother of the Year theme. One of the reviews from a first time attendee: “This was better than expected. Read More »

Scout On In Central Illinois Partner With Scouting to Help Clean Up America’s Waterways

Earlier this year, Scouting America announced a new nationwide service initiative that could have a tremendous impact here in Central Illinois. All it will take is community awareness and a few organizations willing to put the power of Scouting service to work to benefit everyone. Keep reading to find out how. Read More »

What’s Happening?

Celebrate Your Business With a Ribbon Cutting from the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce invites local businesses and organizations to mark their milestones with a ribbon-cutting ceremony — a memorable way to celebrate grand openings, anniversaries, relocations, or major renovations. 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, July 8th at 7 PM. Author Greg Laun will discuss his new book “Road to Fort Clark,” which is volume one of a series on the historic Springfield to Peoria road. Meetings are free and open to the public. Read More »

WORLD PREMIERE! “Living Legacy” Composed by Robert Sheldon Performed by the Pekin Park Concert Band Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM The Steven D. Skinner Performing Arts Venue, Mineral Springs Park 1701 Court Street in Pekin

On July 27th, Fogelberg Foundation of Peoria invites you to join us as we honor the late Lawrence P. Fogelberg, better known to Dan Fogelberg fans around the world as The Leader of the Band. For many years, our organization has been searching for a unique and meaningful way to honor Dan's father in his role as a band director. Read More »

Pekin Altrusa

“It takes a village to raise a child,” is a saying that conveys the idea that community support and involvement are required in the healthy development and upbringing of a child. This is an idea our community should explore in a way that supports children’s education by helping families overcome everyday challenges that make it difficult for children to excel in education. Read More »

Kiwanis Club of Pekin

Your local Kiwanis Club of Pekin had a very busy June! We exist to serve the children of the world and feel fortunate to serve the children of Pekin. In the beginning of June, we invested in the lives of children in our community by awarding grants to local organizations serving in a variety of ways. Read More »

Community Invited to Hope for Holly Benefit on July 12

Holly has been living with brain cancer since 2017, meeting every challenge with courage, grace, and an infectious sense of humor. A Pekin native known for her joyful spirit, generous heart, and amazing baking skills; Holly (Lowe) Quarles is the kind of person who shows up for others. Now, it’s our turn to show up for her. Read More »

Family Fun on the Road: Embracing eBooks and Audiobooks for Your Next Road Trip

It’s that time of year when families are hitting the open road – taking vacations, traveling for youth sporting events, or visiting friends and family out of state. Road trips with family can be one of the most rewarding experiences, filled with laughter, exploration, and shared memories. However, long hours in the car can sometimes lead to restlessness and boredom, especially for younger passengers. Read More »

Remembering Jonathan Tharp’s Cabin

The seed from which Pekin grew was the log cabin that pioneer settler Jonathan Tharp (1794-1844) built for his family in 1824 at what is now the foot of Broadway. The year after his arrival, Tharp was joined by his father Jacob and other family members, with several other pioneer families arriving here over the next few years, culminating in the formal surveying, platting, and naming of the town of Pekin on January 19, 1830. Read More »

Cherish Your Child, Cherish Your Childhood at Olivia’s Playhouse

Most of us have childhood dreams. While many of them may not come true or some may not even be realistic, when a childhood dream is actually realized, there is no other feeling like it. Read More »

Run, Pass, Slam, Slice, or Pull Your Way into Dragon Athletics This Fall

While it feels like summer has just begun, it’s already time to start thinking about fall athletics. Pekin Community High School is proud of the number of athletics and club opportunities we offer our students and are especially proud of our student athletes who represent us so well on—and off the field. Read More »

PEKIN — WE ARE MOVING FORWARD

Recently, the Mayor received a thoughtful letter from a lifelong Pekin resident expressing concern about the City’s purchase of the Lutticken property. The letter voiced worries about rising taxes, the pace of change, and whether Pekin is truly ready for growth. Read More »

Big Kids Helping Little Kids Grow Up The Annual Jeep Creep for St. Jude at Uftring Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

It has been said that some kids never grow up; the size of the cars they play with just get bigger. Ian Lott and his staff at Uftring Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Pekin might be some of those kids. Read More »