Check Out the YWCA for Your 2026 Exercise Goals

Feeling the chill during these cold months? Unable to get your favorite workout because of the rain and snow? Come on down to the YWCA of Pekin! We offer plenty of exercise classes for you to choose from. Read More »

Angie Sepich Named 2025 Ambassador of the Year

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Angie Sepich as its 2025 Ambassador of the Year. This honor recognizes Angie’s outstanding dedication, leadership, and service to the Chamber and the Pekin community. Read More »

Dragon Media: The Star of the Show at PCHS

Dragon Media is a club, activity, and potential job preparation opportunity open to all students here at Pekin Community High School (PCHS). Read More »

Pekin Musicians End 2025 on a High Note

During this past fall, 23,000 students from elementary, junior high and high schools around Illinois participated in a virtual audition process and of those auditions, more than 7,000 students were selected to participate in district festivals celebrating student musicians in bands, orchestras, choruses, and jazz ensembles. 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 Annual Show & Tell on Tuesday, January 13th at 7pm. This is often one of the most interesting meetings of the year as one never knows what will turn up. Read More »

Faith Music Academy Offers Early Childhood Music and Movement Classes

The Faith Music Academy is a new initiative at Faith Baptist Christian School. Included with this launch is another session of its new Early Childhood Music and Movement classes, set to begin on February 2, 2026. Read More »

Stop Tossing and Turning: Five Central Illinois Fixes for Better Sleep Tonight

Nights in Central Illinois should end with peace and a pillow, not staring at the ceiling at 2am. A good night’s rest isn’t complicated — it’s something everyone deserves. It comes down to support, routine, airflow, and the right equipment. Read More »

Kiwanis Club of Pekin

Happy 2026 from the Kiwanis Club of Pekin! As you envision your year ahead, consider joining an amazing group of your friends and neighbors as we serve the children of the world. We are waiting for you on Tuesdays at 11:30 am at the Miller Center of Pekin. Read More »

What's the Story, Pekin?

December 18: “Christmas on Court in Days Gone By” A nostalgic look back with Terri Gambetti on Christmas in Downtown Pekin in the 1960s and beyond. December 22: “The New United Way of Pekin” Gary visits with Keith McKeever, Executive Director of Pekin’s United Way, about their current focus and new initiatives to better meet our area needs. Read More »

The Pekin Lions Club

The Pekin Lions Club completed another successful Christmas Voucher program. About 200-250 residents were the recipients of the baskets. Read More »

Pekin Rotary: Serving Our Community With Purpose

For more than a century, Rotary has united neighbors, leaders, and problem-solvers around one simple motto: “Service Above Self.” The Pekin Rotary Club proudly carries that mission forward, combining local service with Rotary International’s seven core causes — the areas of focus that guide Rotarians around the world. Read More »

Dragon Dates to Remember January 2026

As always, Dragons keep pretty busy, and this January is no exception! Mark your calendars for these important dates, and be sure to follow us on social media to get more up-to-the-minute information. Read More »

Tazewell County Bicentennial Recognizing Tazewell County Clerks – Part 6

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 »

For the Students, By the Students: PCHS Dragon’s Closet Builds a Culture of Care

Tucked inside Pekin Community High School is a small but mighty room called Dragon’s Closet — a space dedicated to helping students who are experiencing financial hardship for any reason. Read More »

A “Little” Idea With a “BIG” Impact

Pekin Community High School has long been home to one of the largest, most comprehensive Career and Technical Education programs in the state. One of the pathways in this department is our Early Childhood and Childcare education program. Read More »

In the Spotlight – Ladendorf & Gambetti See a Bright Future for Pekin

Home ownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream. In Pekin and surrounding communities, Mary Ann Ladendorf and Baylee Gambetti are helping families make that dream come true. Since 2012, the team at Ladendorf and Gambetti REMAX Traders Unlimited has been matching people with homes and extolling the virtues of the town they call home. Read More »

Finding Balance and Purpose Through Volunteering

Life can feel like a lot sometimes. Between family, health, work, and finances, it’s no wonder so many of us feel stretched thin. Our free time is precious, and the thought of adding one more thing can feel overwhelming. Finding balance seems harder than ever. Read More »

From the History Room: Library Plans “America 250” History Programs in 2026

In recognition of the United States of America turning 250 years old in A.D. 2026, the Pekin Public Library will offer its own America 250 series of 11 programs that will put a local spin on the nation’s history. Read More »

New Mental Health Practice in Pekin

I am proud to introduce the opening of our new mental health practice, Ensight Mental Health & Wellness, to our community. Ensight was founded with a clear purpose: to create a place where individuals and families feel seen, heard, and genuinely supported in their mental health journey. Read More »

A Message to the Citizens of Pekin: Progress, Momentum, and a Bright Road Ahead

As we close the chapter on another year and look forward to 2026, I want to take a moment—on behalf of the City Council and our entire City team—to extend my sincere thanks to the residents of Pekin. Local government works best when it partners with its community, and this past year, Pekin has continued to make steady progress because of that collaboration. Read More »

A Word from Mayor Mary – A Year of Progress, Resilience, and Community

As 2025 closes, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have accomplished together and to thank each of you for the role you play in making our community such a special place to call home. Read More »

Women Can Take “The Next Step” at the Pregnancy Resource Center

“We’re your next step” is the tagline of the Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC), 3223 Griffin Ave. in Pekin. For 12 years, the faith-based nonprofit has been a critical first step in the pregnancy journey of women in Pekin and throughout Tazewell County. Read More »