New Holiday Titles and Events at the Pekin Public Library

As the holidays approach, the Pekin Public Library is welcoming the season with new books and DVDs for both children and adults, as well as a variety of fun programs. This year, a plethora of new titles promises to entertain, educate, and inspire, making them perfect for families looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. Read More »

A Season of Thanks

As we reflect on the Thanksgiving season, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of our members for your continued support of the YWCA of Pekin. This year, we made a monumental improvement to our facility. Read More »

Merry “Thrift”mas! Celebrate the Season the Eco-Friendly and Budget-Friendly Way in Pekin

The holidays are all about joy, generosity, and creativity—and what better way to embrace the spirit of the season than by giving gifts and decorating your home in a way that’s both fun and sustainable? Read More »

Volley For the Cure 2025 Raised $45,452.00: A National Record

Pekin Community High School’s (PCHS) volleyball team hosted the annual Volley For the Cure event on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The event was a major success as PCHS set a new national record of funds raised, collecting more than $45,452. Read More »

Discover the Holidays in Pekin

The holiday season in Pekin is a time filled with joy, community spirit, and beloved traditions that bring people together year after year. From the twinkling lights of downtown to the sounds of holiday music and basketball cheers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 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 the members Annual Christmas party Tuesday, December 9th at 6 PM. Read More »

Pekin Lions Club

The Pekin Lions Club is indeed conducting its annual Christmas Voucher Project. Funds have been slow to come in this year. In the past, the people of the Pekin area have been most generous in supporting the project. The club appreciates your generosity. Read More »

“May Peace Be With You” St. Paul United Church of Christ

Our journey to Christmas begins on Sunday, November 30 at 9:30 am. With a theme of May Peace Be Within You, we are looking forward to gathering each Sunday morning to explore the themes of finding peace within, no matter what challenges and circumstances surround us. Read More »

Pekin Woman's Club Established 1893

The Pekin Woman's Club met on Friday, November 14, at the First Methodist Church. The program for the meeting was presented by Katrina Sotomayor entitled "Songs of Christmas Past." The program consisted of slides from the DAR museum along with the history of several popular Christmas songs. Members sang along during the presentation. Read More »

Pekin Rotary Grant Applications Extended to December 15, 2025

The Pekin Rotary Club is pleased to announce that the deadline for our annual community grant program has been extended to December 15, 2025. (The previously published deadline of November 15 has been updated to allow more organizations time to apply.) Read More »

Kiwanis Club of Pekin

The Kiwanis Club of Pekin will award grants to local organizations creating positive impact in the lives of children in Pekin and beyond on Tuesday, December 2 during our lunch meeting at the Miller Center of Pekin. You may be wondering where Kiwanis gets the funding to be able to help our local kids. Read More »

Tazewell County Bicentennial Recognizing Tazewell County Clerk – Part 5

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 »

PCHS Gives

Twenty-five percent – or one out of four Americans – state they have forgone or considered skipping Thanksgiving and other holidays due to the financial burden on their families. Pekin Community High School (PCHS), along with Read More »

In The Spotlight – 37 Years of Service, Trust, and the Greg Ladendorf State Farm Insurance Agency

Ask Greg Ladendorf what it takes to succeed as a State Farm Insurance agent in Pekin, and he is likely to give a one-word answer: Trust. Read More »

A Visit From Pekin’s Ghost of Christmas Past...

If you’ve ever wondered what Christmas celebrations were like in Pekin way back when, an old handbill from 1879 in the Pekin Public Library’s Local History Room Collection can be a way to summon a visit from Pekin’s Ghost of Christmas Past. Read More »

What's the Story Pekin?

November 17: Hamm’s Furniture at 50. Gary visits with Russ Hamm to look back at this downtown business at it celebrates 50 years of service in Pekin November 24: A Visit With A Psychologist. Gary sits down with Dr. Regina Brian, owner of Be Integrative Psychology, about her practice. Read More »

Staying the Course: Building Lasting Cultural Change in Pekin

Real progress in local government rarely happens overnight. It is achieved through steady leadership, clear priorities, and the discipline to stay the course even when challenges arise. Over the past three years, this approach has been central to reshaping the organizational culture of the City of Pekin. Read More »

A Word from Mayor Mary – The Heart of Our Business Community

By the time you are reading this, the City would have already celebrated Small Business Saturday on November 29. This tradition takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to shop locally as the gift-giving seasons kicks-off. Read More »

Sounds of the Holidays Concert Schedule

Celebrate the magic of the holidays through music! Enjoy live performances by the youth from the surrounding area. Read More »

Pekin Friends in Harmony Continue a 20-Year Holiday Tradition

Music is a universal holiday tradition. In Pekin, that tradition includes the annual Christmastime performance of the Pekin Friends in Harmony. For 20 years, this homegrown musical ensemble has enriched the season for thousands, while making a financial impact on local charities and inspiring the next generation of musicians. Read More »