August 2026 Issue

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

Blessings Abound at the Tara Beeney Blessing Room

There is no such thing as coincidence — certainly not at the Tara Beeney Blessing Room. Both this unassuming building at 515 South Third Street and those who run it have seen selfless acts that have transformed and uplifted the lives of others, events of miraculous timing, and answers to prayers. They have personally witnessed that all things happen for a reason. Read More »

A Word from Mayor Mary – Serving Pekin Through Strong Partnerships

One of the greatest strengths of local government is recognizing that we can accomplish more when we work together. While the City of Pekin is proud of the services we provide every day, many of our greatest successes are made possible through partnerships with neighboring communities, regional organizations, and state and federal agencies. Read More »

tops (Take off Pounds Sensibly)

Join TOPS! (Take off pounds sensibly). It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle, for a lifetime. It’s weight loss done right. Meetings are filled with ideas, support, and encouragement. Read More »

PEKIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT 108

The excitement of a new school year is beginning to build as Pekin Public School District 108 prepares to welcome students back for the start of the 2026-2027 school year. On Wednesday, August 19, classrooms across the district will once again come alive with the energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm that accompany a fresh beginning. Read More »

The Lifespan of Comfort: Knowing When to Repair or Replace Your HVAC

As a homeowner, few things bring quite as much dread as a sudden, strange noise coming from the basement furnace or the outdoor AC unit. Your immediate thought is usually, “How much is this going to cost me, and do I really need a whole new system?” Read More »

Dragons Finding Their Future Selves

Did you know that young people entering the workforce will change jobs, on average, twelve times throughout their working lifetime? Read More »

IN THE SPOTLIGHT – Preserving History at the Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society

Not one person on this earth exists without those who came before us. Our history helps shape us and our world. The Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society (TCGHS) exists to preserve the history of the area and to connect its people to those who helped shape the area into what it is. Read More »

Antique Tractor Preservation Day

On August 22 starting at 11am at the Pekin Memorial Arena, Tazewell County will host the Antique Tractor Preservation Day on behalf of the State of Illinois as part of the nation’s America 250 Celebration. Read More »

HELP WANTED

The YWCA of Pekin is on the hunt! We are looking for a part-time temporary (with possibility to expand to permanent) kitchen staff member. Read More »

Class of 1976 PCHS 50th Class Reunion September 4th, 5th & 6th

For our 50th Reunion, we have events planned for the 3-day weekend. Read More »

PEKIN WOMAN’S CLUB

The quilt raffle will go on as planned. Here is a picture of the beautiful quilt made by members Sandy Lutz and Jan Brown. Tickets for the quilt are $5 each or 5 for $20. Drawing for the quilt will be at our monthly meeting on October 9. Read More »

A Vision That Started With a Simple Question

A simple question has the power to change a community: “Why doesn’t someone do something about that?” For Dale Sandrock, that question sparked a vision that has benefited generations of local families. Read More »

FROM THE HISTORY ROOM Nicholas Garthoeffner, Immigrant Baker of Pekin

This month we recall a downtown bakery that was owned and operated by a German immigrant named Nicholas Garthoeffner (1821-1888), whose business was located on Court Street just east of Fourth. Read More »

CRC Music Event in August Brings Community Together for a Great Cause

If you love live rock and country music, TCRC is hosting its first “Amplify the Mission” show on Sunday, August 9th, from 1-5 p.m. at OZ’Z Bar & Grill in Creve Coeur. Read More »

FINANCIAL FOCUS® – Five Questions That Could Change How You See Retirement

Saving for retirement is important, but it’s only part of the picture. If you’re within five to 10 years of your target retirement date, it’s time to start thinking about what you actually want your retirement to look like. Read More »

Tazewell County Bicentennial Recognizing Tazewell County Clerks – Part 13

As Tazewell County approaches our Bicentennial in April of 2027, current Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds John C. Ackerman and former County Clerk Christie A. Webb will be honoring and recognizing the previous community leaders to hold this position. Read More »

Welcome Back! The 2026–2027 School Year Is Almost Here

Summer always seems to fly by, and before we know it, another exciting school year is upon us! We are looking forward to welcoming our students, staff, and families back to Pekin Public School District 108 for the 2026–2027 school year. Read More »

Tazewell County Retired Teachers Association

The next meeting of the Tazewell County Retired Teachers Association will be Monday, August 10 at St. John’s Lutheran Church (Sand Prairie). The program is ‘Senior Nutrition & Stretching Your Meals’ by Krindie Hopping, nutritionist, TCHD. Read More »

CENTRAL ILLINOIS COUNTY CLERKS & RECORDER OF DEEDS RELEASE AMERICA 250 VIDEO

Sixteen Central Illinois County Clerks & Recorder of Deeds released a joint America 250 Video featuring a reading of the Declaration of Independence against a backdrop of their various County Courthouses and historical community landmarks. Organized by Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Deeds John C. Ackerman, the video draws from the historical work of 2nd Continental Congress Clerk Timothy Matlack, who in his position was responsible for taking the notes and drafts of the Continental Congress and writing the finalized text of the Declaration of Independence we all view and cherish today. Read More »

Pekin Marigold Festival Celebrates Tradition, Entertainment, and Community Spirit

Every September, thousands of visitors make their way to Pekin for one of Central Illinois’ most beloved traditions—the Pekin Marigold Festival. Read More »

PEKIN LIONS CLUB

The Pekin Lions Club is busy making preparations for our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Donut Booth at the Marigold Festival. Read More »

What's The Story, Pekin?

August Podcasts 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 another Roadshow on Tuesday, August 11th at 7 PM. The meeting will be held in Groveland. Read More »

Dirksen Congressional Center

U.S. Sen. Everett Dirksen’s Pekin roots are being celebrated with the publication of two books in September — one for children, and another for adults — that will be available during the Pekin Marigold Festival. Read More »