Education Association of Pekin Stuff a Bus Campaign

We serve 3.100 students, 66% live in poverty, and many families cannot afford school supplies. This can negatively impact student academic performance, self-esteem, and overall school experience. Often times the staff ends up paying for student supplies Read More »

Pekin Marigold Festival Committee Names the 2025 Pekin Marigold Festival Grand Marshal: Maureen Naughtin

“It is our honor to celebrate a woman whose quiet strength, boundless compassion, and lifelong dedication have left a lasting impact on the Pekin community.” Maureen’s impact began in the classroom, where she inspired generations as a beloved English teacher at Pekin Community High School. Read More »

Unlock a Healthier Home: The Power of Dehumidification

That damp, sticky air so common in an Illinois summer isn't just about comfort—it's a sign of excess humidity that could be affecting your family's health and your home's integrity. While any home can suffer, properties with crawl spaces or basements are particularly vulnerable to the problems this airborne moisture can cause. Read More »

Tazewell County Bicentennial

As Tazewell County approaches our Bicentennial in April of 2027, current Tazewell County Clerk John C. Ackerman and former County Clerk Christie A. Webb will be honoring and recognizing the previous community leaders who held this position. Read More »

PCHS Welcomes New Athletic Director

Pekin Community High School is excited to welcome our new Athletic Director, Brandon Shaver. Mr. Shaver is returning to Pekin High, having served the Pekin community during the 2023-2024 school year as a Physical Education Teacher, Head Girls’ Cross Country Coach, and Assistant Boys’ Track and Field Coach. 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, August 12th at 7 PM. John Ackerman will present a program about Tazewell County Centennial Farms. Meetings are free and open to the public. Read More »

The Pekin Woman’s Club

The Pekin Woman’s Club was established in 1893 and is the oldest club in Pekin. Its members consist of women from Pekin and the surrounding communities. Read More »

Kiwanis Club of Pekin

The Kiwanis Club of Pekin has an exciting membership drive competition to welcome new people into the club! The competition is an exciting time to work together in teams to build momentum and make an even bigger impact for the children of the world, especially the ones who live right here in our hometown! Read More »

The Pekin Lions Club

The Pekin Lions Club is preparing for their big fundraiser of the year to be held at the Marigold Festival. Come and visit the doughnut booth. Read More »

Pekin Rotary Welcomes Seven New Members in a Year of Community Impact

As we wrap up the Rotary fiscal year, Pekin Rotary is proud to celebrate the addition of seven new members to our club—each one bringing fresh energy, ideas, and a shared passion for service above self. Read More »

50th Anniversary of the Dirksen Congressional Center

Fifty years ago this month, crowds turned out by the thousands to cheer as Pekin welcomed its second sitting president in just over two years. President Gerald Ford was in town for a singular purpose: To officially cut the ribbon and open the Dirksen Congressional Center. Read More »

Pekin Altrusa

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been through a lot in life. Whatever cards you were dealt, you did the best you could with what you were given. In the world we live in, there’s different levels to our situations and circumstances when it comes to socioeconomic status, household income, our neighborhood, city, culture and upbringing. Read More »

The Most Important School Supply: A Pekin Public Library Card

As students head back to school later this month, caregivers gather their lists of supplies—pencils, notebooks, folders, and calculators. However, one supply that often gets overlooked but holds immense value is a Pekin Public Library card. Read More »

Kingman’s Elephants From Baker’s Office

About 10 years ago, a piece of artwork with an interesting Pekin connection was donated to the Pekin Public Library’s collection. The artwork is a watercolor depicting a row of six seated circus elephants being directed by a trainer, with a second trainer or ringmaster standing in the background between the second and third elephant. Read More »

In the Spotlight – Invest in Your Health at Tranquil Balances in Massage

Few people understand just how far taking care of one’s health truly extends and how quickly one’s health status can change. Scott Douglas Shields, or Doug as people call him, understands both concepts on a very personal level. Read More »

A Word from Mayor Mary – The Buzz is On!

Summer 2025 has brought a lot of new buzz for Pekin. Let’s talk about it. First of all, I normally share a new business list at the State of the City each winter, but I wanted to give a mid-year update. Read More »

A Multi-Program Provider for the Community

In 1928, several women from the Pekin area gathered to discuss in what way they could better help their community. It was concluded their hometown would benefit greatly by being a home for the YWCA. Read More »