(Fun)draising at PCHS

Pekin Community High School (PCHS) organizes numerous fundraisers for the community. The school does this year-round for various reasons; for example, PCHS raises money for things like sports, extracurricular activities, and more. PCHS also raises money for EasterSeals, a nonprofit organization. Read More »

How to Replace Your Mattress Without Overpaying

Most people hate mattress shopping. It’s often delayed for years because better sleep feels like it comes with a huge price tag. The truth is, overpaying isn’t necessary when you know what to look for and how to shop smarter. Read More »

Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Office Receives Award for “Veterans Honor Rewards Business Partnership”

During a reception hosted by Fidlar Technologies of Davenport, Iowa, the Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds Office received an award for "Veterans Honor Rewards Business Partnership". Read More »

Pekin Community High School Fall 2025 Honor Roll

At the conclusion of each semester, PCHS celebrates the academic achievements of our students through the publication of Honor Roll and High Honor Roll awards. High Honors is achieved by those students whose grade-point average is 3.70 or higher. Read More »

PCHS Welcomes the Class of 2030

As another Spring season approaches, so does the end of a school year and the exciting beginning of a new one. This fall, Pekin Community High School (PCHS) will welcome the Class of 2030. Read More »

Behind the Ballot: The Role of an Election Judge

An election judge is a trained official who oversees voting at a precinct’s polling place on Election Day. They serve as the backbone of the electoral process, acting as the primary point of contact for voters and ensuring that elections run smoothly from the moment the polls open until all ballots are securely processed and counted. Read More »

Pekin Woman's Club

The Pekin Woman's Club is on their winter hiatus, however, that does not mean they are not working behind the scenes. Each year, they award a $500 scholarship for a Pekin Community High School senior girl. The application for this scholarship is now available on the PCHS website under the Scholarship tab. Read More »

Kiwanis Club of Pekin

We love to have fun and raise funds for the children of the world (especially the ones in Pekin and surrounding areas!) Every year, we start fresh with our Chili Cook-off. A special thanks to our local Pekin firefighters who serve our community with such passion and still find time to update us on their great work while judging our chili submissions. Read More »

The Pekin Lions Club

The Pekin Lions Club is having a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on Sat., March 28, from 7-11am.at the VFW located at 1232 Veterans Dr, Pekin, IL 61554. Read More »

Where Skills Meet Service, Pekin Benefits – Using Your Vocation to Strengthen the Community Through Rotary

Your vocation is more than a job — it’s the skills, experience, and values you bring to your work every day. Rotary believes those same talents can also strengthen a community. January was Vocational Service Month for Rotary International. While the term may sound formal, the idea is simple: use what you know to do good. Read More »

The Dragon Pulse

February 2026 We love our Dragons! 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 »

Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Teacher Sorority Offers Scholarships

The Alpha Delta Kappa, International Honorary Sorority for women educators, will award both the Alpha Theta and the Pauline Phelps Memorial Scholarship this year each for $500. The Pauline Phelps scholarship was established by her family in her memory. Read More »

From the History Room – Presidential Family Ties

With the celebration of George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday this month — and in keeping with a U.S. Semiquincentennial theme — this month at “From the History Room” we will take a look at one of the volumes in the Pekin Public Library’s Local History Room collection. Read More »

Why Children’s Mental Health Matters

February is recognized as Children’s Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the emotional, behavioral, and psychological well-being of the youngest members of our community. Read More »

Land Fitness Instructor Highlights!

Joy — Joy grew up in Peoria, involved in dance and tumbling at an early age, eventually focusing on athletics in middle school. She continued playing softball for a short-time while attending Millikin University. Read More »

Scout On In Central Illinois – It’s Time to Consider Some Additions to the Scout Law

The Scout Law is a code of conduct for life. I’ve listed the 12 points of the Scout Law before, but as a refresher, they are — A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. I will excuse you if you did not stand and raise the Scout sign as you recited the Scout Law. Extra credit if you did! Read More »

Pekin Restaurant Week Spotlights Local Flavor

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents and visitors alike to pull up a chair and experience the best of Pekin’s dining scene with the return of Pekin Restaurant Week — February 9-13. This community-wide celebration was designed to encourage eating local while attracting visitors from across the region. 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 on Tuesday, February 10th at 7 PM. The program will be about the American Revolutionary War Soldiers that lived in Tazewell county. Read More »

In the Spotlight – Paco’s Taco Express Parks It on Derby Street

A food truck is often a brick-and-mortar restaurant’s way of taking its best offerings to a wider audience. The origin story of Paco’s Taco Express, 312 Derby St., is just the opposite. After nearly 15 years of dishing up authentic Mexican favorites from a food truck, owner Dena Fuller decided it was time to put down some roots. Read More »

What's the Story, Pekin?

February 2nd: “Pekin Moose 916 Story” Gary visits with Dayna Strenz, Administrator of our local Moose February 9th: “Pekin and the Spanish American War” Jared Olar talks about Pekin’s participation in the Spanish-American War Read More »

Promoting Healthy Smiles at the YWCA Early Learning Center

Our preschool classrooms at the YWCA Early Learning Center welcomed a special visitor from Just Kids Dentistry, a local pediatric dental practice. The visit was part of our ongoing partnership with the dental group, which supports our commitment to fostering healthy habits from an early age. Read More »

Recipe of the Month – Quick Homecooked Chili

Prep time: 10 minutes • Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 6 1 pound ground beef 1 onion, chopped 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce Read More »

Tazewell County Bicentennial Recognizing Tazewell County Clerks – Part 7

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 »

A Word from Mayor Mary – Pekin’s Breakout Year

This time last year, I wrote to you all about the progress we made in 2024. We initiated a lot of projects and set the City up for success by filling key staff positions, correcting financial issues, and strengthening partnerships. One year later, I am proud of the year we had in 2025 or, as I like to call it, our breakout year. Read More »

Scott Altman’s Ambitions First Took Flight in Pekin

Scott Altman missed going to the United States Air Force Academy by an inch and a half. But he didn’t give up. He dreamed of flying since he was a young boy growing up in Pekin and he wasn’t about to let a few inches ground him. He knew he would just have to find another way. Read More »