Civic and Service Organizations Need Your Support

For most of the last century, civic and service organizations have been the lifeblood of communities like Pekin. At their core, service clubs are a way for residents to give back, but they also provide networking opportunities for business owners and social connections for people from all walks of life. Read More »

A Word from Mayor Mary - Public Engagement Matters

As I thought about what to write about this month, I was struck by the following mantra: Imagine. Believe. Achieve. The City of Pekin lacked vision and action for so long, but our current team of Council and staff is changing that. Read More »

Pekin Reviewing Solid Waste Services and Improving Recycling Efficiency

Over the past several weeks, many residents have expressed concerns regarding the recent change to an every-other-week recycling collection schedule. I want to speak directly to our community to clarify what this change means, why it was made, and what residents can expect moving forward Read More »

Kiwanis Club of Pekin

Spring grant applications are open!! From now until May 21, 2026, the Kiwanis Club of Pekin will be accepting applications for local grants from $100 to $1000. Read More »

PEKIN HOSPITAL LEAGUE PRESENTS ANNUAL DONATION

The members of the Pekin Hospital League are proud to announce that for 2025 we were able to donate $61,000 to the Trillium Place Young Minds Center. This center was opened in Peoria in 2024. Read More »

YWCA Pekin’s Coalition for Equality “Until Justice Just Is”

Mark your calendar and join the YWCA Pekin’s Coalition for Equality as it celebrates its annual “Until Justice Just Is” event to be held on Friday, April 24 at the Mineral Springs Park Pavilion from 6pm to 7pm. Read More »

Family Reading Fun in the Pool!

On February 19, 2026, the YWCA of Pekin’s Family Literacy and Aquatics programs welcomed more than 20 families to the pool for an evening of water fun and reading. Read More »

Enjoy a Swim at the YWCA of Pekin Pool

National Stress Awareness Month is observed every April to highlight the causes and cures for the modern stress epidemic. Read More »

Fundraiser Success for Y Reserves

The Y Reserves, the auxiliary organization for the YWCA Pekin, held another successful fundraiser on February 14. This annual “Hearts are Trump” card party/fundraiser set a record for attendance and money raised for the YWCA Pekin. Read More »

Coalition for Equality Honored Women’s History Month

In March, the Coalition for Equality honored Women’s History Month at Pekin Community High School. The program took place on Monday, March 23 Read More »

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media in Mental Health Awareness

Social media has become an integral part of everyday life. Most notably, it has transformed how society discusses mental health. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have made conversations about depression, anxiety, trauma, and therapy far more visible. Read More »

Ravenwing Emporium Announces Grand Opening of New Retail Art and Gift Shop in Pekin

Ravenwing Emporium is proud to announce their grand opening of a new art and gift shop located at 514 Court Street Suite B in Pekin. Their soft opening was in early February, but the official grand opening was Saturday, March 28th. Read More »

Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a national 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to provide wreaths for the graves of veterans. These fresh balsam wreaths are made in Maine and distributed to over 5,500 locations nationwide. Read More »

PEKIN WOMAN’S CLUB

The April meeting of the Pekin Woman’s Club will be held on Friday, April 10, at the First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court Street, Pekin, beginning at 12 noon. Read More »

IN SEARCH OF HISTORY… with Tazewell Co. Genealogical and Historical Society

Stephen was born 9 September 1804 in Chester County, Pennsylvania to James and Elizabeth Church Roney. He was married to Ann Wallace (1799-1865) about 1825 in Chester County. Ann was a daughter of Charles Wallace and Ann Truman. Their parents were Quakers and his grandfather served in the Revolution. Read More »

PEKIN LIONS CLUB

The Pekin Lions Club is sponsoring a Soup Supper Sampler on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church on Fourth Street in Pekin, Illinois. Read More »

Mamma Mia! Preview

Do you love music, drama, and supporting your community? Come see Pekin Community High School (PCHS) and their performance of Mamma Mia! The Musical April 16-18! Read More »

Tazewell County Retired Teachers’ Association

Tazewell County Retired Teachers’ Association will meet Monday, April 14, 2026, at the Pekin First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court St., Pekin Read More »

German Students Coming to PCHS

The German American Partnership Program (GAPP) Exchange is back! From April 8 – 17, students from Germany will join Pekin Community High School (PCHS). Read More »

TCRC Trivia Night Brings Community Together for a Great Cause

Community members are invited to put their knowledge to the test while supporting a meaningful cause at the upcoming TCRC Trivia Night. Read More »

Scout On In Central Illinois - A Tale of Yellow Cake, Dutch Ovens, and New Tricks

At one of the first non-Cub Scout campouts I went on, a young man named Zach, who was a few years older than my oldest son, baked a delicious, moist yellow cake in a piece of cookware called a Dutch oven. Read More »

S’Pekin Dragon Places at State

Pekin Community High School (PCHS) senior, Brooklynn Garcia, attended the state speech competition held at the Peoria Civic Center on February 20-21, 2026. Read More »

4-H Officer and Leader Training Strives to Grow Stronger 4-H clubs Through Shared Leadership

Positive youth development starts with providing a safe, welcoming environment. 4-H clubs led by caring volunteers are a key component of a successful 4-H program. The 4-H staff serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties led a day-long training to strengthen the local club experience. Read More »

Friends of the Pekin Public Library

At the heart of our community, the Pekin Public Library is a vibrant hub for learning, culture, and connection. Many might not realize that the library thrives largely thanks to the support of an essential group, the Friends of the Pekin Public Library. Read More »

The Dragon Pulse - Pekin High School Upcoming Dates

Spring has sprung! 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 »

Rotary - Where Friendships and Service Begin

With social media and the constant stream of news we consume, the world can sometimes feel stressful and divided. But when we step away from the screens and interact face to face — in small groups working toward a common goal — we’re reminded of something important: people are good. Read More »

What’s The Story, Pekin?

A visit with Greg and Seth Ranney about the life, work and inspiration of a wonderful lady devoted to the betterment of others. Read More »

FROM THE HISTORY ROOM - William E. Parker, Pioneer Pekin Attorney

In the summer of 2022, a group of vintage late-19th-century Pekin business advertising cards, featuring photographs of the downtown buildings where these businesses were located, was added to the Pekin Public Library’s Local History Room collection. Read More »

IN THE SPOTLIGHT - Pekin Shares Its Musical Legacy With the World

The road from Pekin to Los Osos, California, has had many twists and turns for Lynne Oliverius. But one thing has remained constant: Music. Read More »

Community Invited to Participate in Dirksen Oral History Project

“All the major decisions of my life were made here,” Everett Dirksen said of his beloved Pekin hometown. From meeting the love of his life, to entering public service on the City Council, to serving in national government, Pekin was at the center of his life. Read More »

Tazewell County Bicentennial - Recognizing Tazewell County Clerks – Part 9

This month we recognize Groveland’s Surgeon who served as Tazewell County Clerk, Dr. Flavel Shurtleff, 1877 – 1886, of the Democrat Political Party. Read More »

Is Your Mattress the Third Wheel in Your Relationship? The surprising signs your bed is quietly ruining your sleep.

Couples share a lot — a home, family, responsibilities, and usually a bed. But sometimes there’s an uninvited guest there as well: the mattress itself. If it’s sagging, uneven, or worn out, it can quietly cause problems every night. Read More »

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Community Prayer Breakfast Celebrating Local FAITH IN ACTION

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its annual Community Prayer Breakfast, bringing together community leaders, residents, and faith-based organizations to recognize the impact of ministries and individuals serving others throughout the Pekin area. Read More »