June 2026 Issue

Read the June 2026 edition of The Pekin Hometown Voice Newspaper. Read More »

The 99-Year Story of George Sipka: Veteran, Husband, Father, Friend

Just when you think you have heard everything there is to know about George Sipka’s life, he comes up with another story. Read More »

A Word from Mayor Mary - National Recognition for Local Progress

A few weeks ago, members of the City’s leadership team traveled to Springfield for the Illinois Municipal League’s Lobby Day to meet with State leaders and advocate for issues that matter to Pekin’s future. Read More »

Steady Progress Across Pekin

If you have traveled through Pekin recently, you have likely noticed a significant amount of work underway across the community. Read More »

Redefining Strength: Ending the Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health

For generations, men have been taught to hide emotion, “stay strong,” and carry life’s burdens without complaint. Read More »

Exciting Summer Activities Await at the Pekin Public Library!

As summer approaches, the Pekin Public Library is gearing up to provide an array of engaging activities and programs designed for all ages. Whether you’re a bookworm, a craft enthusiast, or someone looking to learn something new, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the library this summer! Read More »

Two Bands, One Mission: Bringing Joy Through Music

For nearly six decades, the Peoria Area Senior Citizens Band has been bringing the joy of live music to audiences across Central Illinois. Now in its 58th season, the volunteer ensemble features 35 to 40 retired musicians representing approximately 19 communities throughout the region. Read More »

Siann Hillyer 2026 English Department Award Winner

The department awards recognize a single student who excelled in that specific area. The 2026 English Department award recipient is Siann Hillyer. 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, June 9th at 7 PM. Kristin Lear and Michael Hall of the Illinois State Archives will present the program. Read More »

PEKIN LIONS CLUB

The Pekin Lions Club has elected its officers for the 2026-2027 Lions year. Read More »

Kiwanis Club of Pekin

Our local Kiwanis team got together recently to roll up our sleeves and stuffed backpacks for students heading back to school this fall. There is nothing quite like the energy of coming together to ensure every child in our community starts their first day with the tools they need to succeed. Read More »

FINANCIAL FOCUS® Stress-Test Your Retirement Portfolio in Volatile Markets

If you’re planning to retire within the next few years — or you’ve recently retired — market volatility may feel especially unsettling. After years of saving and planning, you’re now entering a stage where your portfolio may shift from growth to providing income. Read More »

YWCA - 44th Annual Women’s Recognition Day

On May 7th, the YWCA of Pekin hosted their 44th Annual Women’s Recognition Day! For over four decades this event has been celebrating the AMAZING women and young women in the Tazewell County area. Please help us congratulate each of this year’s recipients. Read More »

Two S’Pekin Dragons are Headed to Nationals!

Two ladies from Pekin Community High School’s (PCHS) S’Pekin Dragons team, Theresa Wiley and Mia Vansaghi, qualified to compete in the 2026 National Speech and Debate Tournament in Richmond, Virginia from June 14-19, 2026. Read More »

TCRC ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

TCRC’s largest fundraising event of the year takes place at Lick Creek Golf Course in Pekin on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. TCRC is looking for golfers to participate and business partners to sponsor this fun round of golf. Read More »

IN THE SPOTLIGHT - Faith Baptist Christian School Plans 50th Anniversary Reunion

Faith Baptist Christian School (FBCS) has been partnering with families and training leaders for 50 years. In recognition of this milestone, the school is inviting former students, staff, faculty, supporters, and anyone else associated with the school to celebrate the past and look to the future at a special reunion weekend June 6 – 7. The faculty, staff, and administration are planning events to reconnect and share memories with others who have called FBCS home. Read More »

FROM THE HISTORY ROOM - Reuling’s Dry Goods Store Was Downtown Pekin Landmark

Continuing with our series on Pekin’s downtown businesses featured in the group of 19th-century business cards that we’ve been examining in recent months, this time we will recall the history of a business that once was a landmark of Pekin’s downtown: Reuling’s Dry Goods. Read More »

What’s The Story, Pekin?

What’s The Story, Pekin? Read More »

Tazewell County Bicentennial Recognizing Tazewell County Clerks – Part 11

This month we recognize lifelong Pekin Civic Leader Adolph Fehrman, 1890 – 1898, of the Republican Political Party. Read More »

Rotary - A Heart for Service

For Anna Green, Pekin Rotary’s incoming president, service is not simply an obligation — it is a calling. What began as attending a Rotary meeting on behalf of the YWCA of Pekin soon became a deeply personal commitment to leadership, literacy, and lasting community impact. Read More »

Pekin Community Nears Finish Line in Fundraising for Steven D. Skinner Performing Arts Venue

The Pekin community is being called on once more to help bring a transformative local project across the finish line. The Steven D. Skinner Performing Arts Venue—an initiative funded entirely through private donations to the Pekin Park Foundation—is now in its final phase, with fundraising efforts just under $200,000 short of total project costs. Read More »

Tazewell County Retired Teachers Association

The Tazewell County Retired Teachers Association (TCRTA) recently held its monthly meeting (picture from our April meeting). We invite any retired teachers, administrators, librarians, nurses, or professionals from public or private schools and colleges to join us at our meeting of information, fellowship, and a complete dinner. Read More »

Honor America Celebration Set for July 4th in Pekin

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate Independence Day at the 78th annual Honor America Celebration on Saturday, July 4th. Read More »

Congratulations Pekin Community High School Class of 2026

Congratulations Pekin Community High School Class of 2026 Read More »

River & Rails Fest: Set to Bring National Music Artists, Classic Autos, & Economic Impact to Chillicothe: July 23-25, 2026

This summer, Central Illinois will welcome a brand-new destination event as River & Rails Fest takes over Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe for a multi-day celebration of live music, entertainment, carnival fun, food, and community spirit. Read More »