Tazewell County Bicentennial – Recognizing Tazewell County Clerk – Part 3

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 22 community leaders to have held this position. Read More »

Welcome to Homecoming Week at PCHS!

Pekin Community High School (PCHS) will be holding their Homecoming Dance on Oct. 11 at the school. During Homecoming week, October 6-11, there are several events that lead up to the dance. Read More »

Duct Cleanings: A Clear System Is a Healthy System

It's easy to overlook what you can't see, and your home's air ducts are a perfect example. Hidden behind walls and ceilings, these intricate pathways are the circulatory system of your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, distributing warm or cool air throughout your home. Read More »

In The Spotlight – Pekin’s Queen of Route 66

Pekin, Illinois may not sit directly on Route 66, but it’s home to one of the highway’s biggest champions—Jessica Anderson. In 2024, Anderson became the first woman from her hometown and her state to win a national Route 66 beauty title. 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, October 14th, at 7 PM. John Stromberger of Washington Historical Society will tell us about the History of Washington. Read More »

Pekin Woman’s Club

The Pekin Woman’s Club held its September meeting on Friday, September 12, at the First Methodist Church in Pekin. Read More »

Pekin Lions Club

The Pekin Lions Club was chartered in October 1940; thus, we are celebrating our 85th anniversary. Our celebration will be held on October 18th from 1pm–5pm at the Eagle’s Lodge on Derby Street. Read More »

Kiwanis Club of Pekin

The Kiwanis Club of Pekin had a record-breaking effort at this year’s Marigold Festival thanks to YOU! With a new menu item of caramel mixed with cheddar popcorn, the impact felt in our community is more than ever before. Read More »

Quite Possibly the Greatest Public Health Campaign in History

On September 29, 1979, in Makati, Philippines, Rotarians and the country’s Ministry of Health launched an ambitious campaign to immunize children against polio. Read More »

50th Anniversary Celebration Carnival

Faith Baptist Christian School in Pekin, IL has been partnering with families in the Pekin Community for 50 years… Read More »

PCHS Distinguished Alumni 2025

The Pekin Community High School District No. 303 Board of Education has established the Distinguished Alumni Award to recognize individuals who were educated and inspired by our school system. Read More »

Pekin Community Invites Volunteers to Make a Difference

Pekin is a community built on generosity, dedication, and neighborly spirit—and volunteers are at the heart of it all. Whether it’s lending a hand at local events, supporting food pantries, or mentoring youth, volunteers make a lasting difference in the lives of those around them. Read More »

YWCA of Pekin Welcomes a Splash of Magic with Sunset MerCon 2025

A wave of enchantment is set to wash over East Peoria and Pekin as the Illinois Merpod hosts its annual Sunset MerCon 2025 from October 3rd to October 5th. This three-day convention, a “MerCon,” brings together a community of merfolk enthusiasts, professional mermaids, and lovers of all things aquatic for a weekend of workshops, performances, and networking. Read More »

Little’s Near-Death Experience

Reading through the microfilms of the Pekin Daily Times on file in the Pekin Public Library’s Local History Room will provide a researcher with a wealth of information about the history of Pekin and Tazewell County. Read More »

Pekin Swimmer Strikes Gold at Special Olympics Illinois

The YWCA of Pekin made a splash at the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games this June, with athlete Bowen Gill and Head Coach Kylie Schimmelpfenning proudly representing YWCA of Pekin and our hometown community in inspiring fashion. Read More »

Why Communities Should Value Their Home Rule Status – Part 1

In many Illinois municipalities, the question of whether to keep or eliminate home rule status arises from time to time. While the term might sound abstract, the consequences of losing it are very real. Home rule is not about giving more power to government rather, it is about shifting power and flexibility to the local community and away from the State of Illinois. Read More »

A Word from Mayor Mary – Moving Things Forward

Just over six months ago, the City announced our sale of land in the Riverway Business Park to Epic Medical for their development of a manufacturing plant that aims to bring 100 new jobs and $25 million of investment to Pekin. Read More »

The HOPE Chest Fills Physical and Emotional Needs in the Community

Becky Shuler believes, “There are some very giving people out there.” She should know. As the Food Pantry Coordinator for Pekin HOPE Chest, she sees the impact of giving on the lives of area residents every day. Read More »