What’s The Story, Pekin?

Upcoming Podcasts hosted by Gary Gillis Read More »

YWCA Pekin’s Coalition for Equality

Asian-American, Pacific-Islander Heritage Month is celebrated in May, and the Coalition for Equality is proud to offer a program featuring local residents from diverse Asian cultures. Zoe Vo will speak about her Vietnamese heritage and her family’s trip to her father’s homeland. Alina Vang will discuss her parents’ places of origin — Laos — and her family’s Hmong ethnicity. And Ruhi Patel will address her family’s Indian heritage and her family’s trips back home. Read More »

IN THE SPOTLIGHT - Covenant Grows Its Business by Building Relationships

The name of the company seems straightforward enough: Covenant Heating and Air Conditioning. But general manager Chad Richmond said the Pekin-based company strives to be about more than selling and installing HVAC equipment, indoor air quality systems, and plumbing. Read More »

Pekin Farmers Market Seeking Vendors for 2026 Season

The Pekin Farmers Market Committee is now accepting vendor applications for the 6th Annual Pekin Farmers Market, set to begin Thursday, June 4, 2026. Read More »

PEKIN LIONS CLUB

The Pekin Lions Club is sponsoring a youth baseball team which plays in Shade Park. Read More »

Tazewell County Retired Teachers’ Association

Tazewell County Retired Teachers’ Association will meet Mon., May 11, 2026, at noon at the Morton Methodist Church, 420 N. Tennessee Ave., Morton. Read More »

Tazewell County Bicentennial - Recognizing Tazewell County Clerks – Part 10

This month we recognize the only Tazewell County Clerk born outside of the United States, Louis Schurman of Pekin, 1886 – 1890, of the Republican Political Party. Read More »

Rotary - Supporting Local Organizations

In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that meaningful change often starts right here at home. Through the generosity of our community and the dedication of our members, the Pekin Rotary Club is proud to support local organizations doing incredible work every day. Read More »

FROM THE HISTORY ROOM - McKinstry & McSkimin, a 19th-century Downtown Pekin Pharmacy

This month our series on the 19th-century downtown Pekin business cards turns to an ephemeral drug store that operated briefly on Court Street during the 1870s: the firm of McKinstry & McSkimin. Read More »

Teacher Appreciation Week 2026

National Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated from Monday, May 4, 2026 to Friday, May 8, 2026. This is a time to appreciate teachers who go above and beyond, playing a vital role in educating and preparing the next generation. Read More »

Unearth a Story at Your Pekin Public Library This Summer!

As the school year comes to a close, parents may have concerns about how to keep their children engaged and learning over the summer. One great option is to participate in the Pekin Public Library’s free Summer Adventure, a reading incentive program that can help children develop a love of books and improve their literacy skills. Read More »

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Meeting, Welcomes New Leadership

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its Annual Meeting, celebrating the accomplishments of the past year while ushering in new leadership and continuing its commitment to supporting the local business community. Read More »

Mayfest

Celebrate the arts in our schools and community at the Pekin Park Amphitheater on Tuesday, May 12th from 5:30pm–7:30pm. Students from the Pekin area schools will be showcasing their visual art, dance, and music. Admission is free. Read More »

The Dragon Pulse - Pekin High School Upcoming Dates

It’s hard to believe that another exciting year is coming to a close. 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’s Revolutionary War Veterans Dedication Event on May 30th

In celebration of America 250, the Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society has commissioned five new stone memorials that will be placed in the five historic Tazewell County cemeteries that are the burial locations of Tazewell County’s five Revolution War Veterans. Read More »

Mental Health Awareness

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when psychiatric and mental health providers have an important opportunity to promote conversations that too often remain in the shadows. Read More »

PCHS Class of 2026 Commencement

The class of 2026 commencement is on the horizon. This month, Pekin Community High School (PCHS) seniors will put on their caps and gowns and receive their diplomas. Depending on weather, the graduation ceremony will be held at Memorial Stadium on Friday, May 15th. Read More »

Bible, Academic, and Fine Arts Competition

Students from Faith Baptist Christian School in Pekin recently competed in the Illinois Association of Christian Schools statewide Bible, Academic, and Fine Arts Competition. Read More »

Travel the World of Music With the Pekin Civic Chorus

“We wanted to do something a little different this time,” said Debbie Mahoney, producer for the biennial production Pekin Civic Chorus, Vocalympics: The Whole World Sings. “People will be inundated with music from the time they arrive until the time they leave.” Read More »

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

Ehme was a blacksmith whose shop was on Margaret near Third street and likely did a lot of work for the Smith’s. The Rieken family home was on Catharine Street just west of Fourth. All three of his sons were employed as painters for the Smith enterprises. Read More »

Kiwanis Club of Pekin

Grants are given for direct services and programs that benefit the children of our community, with priority consideration given to organizations who did not receive a grant in our last cycle of funding. Read More »

PEKIN WOMAN’S CLUB

The next meeting of the Pekin Woman’s Club will be held Friday, May 8, at the First United Methodist Church, 1305 Court Street, Pekin. Read More »

Tazewell County Bicentennial Celebration

Tazewell County was formed from parts of Peoria County by the Illinois State Legislature on January 31st, 1827. Originally proposed to be named Mackinaw County, prominent Pekin businessman Gideon Rupert lobbied the legislature to have the new county named Tazewell County in honor of Virginia Governor Littleton Tazewell. Tazewell County as established in 1827 included all of current day Woodford County, over half of McLean County and Mason County, and smaller parts of Livingston County, Dewitt County, and Logan County. Read More »

Pekin Reviewing Solid Waste Services and Improving Recycling Efficiency

The investigation of a child’s death is among the most difficult responsibilities any law enforcement officer will ever face. These are the cases that stay with those who serve, often for a lifetime. They are complex, emotionally taxing, and demand a level of commitment that cannot be overstated. Read More »

A Word from Mayor Mary - National Recognition for Local Progress

Recently, the City of Pekin received national recognition that reflects the kind of progress our community has been working toward for several years. The redevelopment of the former East Court Village Mall site was named a CoStar Impact Award winner for Redevelopment of the Year, placing Pekin among communities across the country that are finding ways to revitalize important spaces. Read More »

Emergency Management Agency Helps Tazewell County Prepare and Respond

The Tazewell County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is an organization that most people hope they never encounter. Not because its services are not valuable or helpful. Just the opposite. Read More »