What's the Story Pekin?

Chris Kaergard of the Dirksen Center does some Dirksen Storytelling.

Gary visits with Tiffany White about the first Woman to serve in Congress

Gary visits with Susan Rynerson about the many things happening at their Center. 

Gary sits down with Shawna Burnice, Superintendent of the Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Association. 

Gary talks with Keith Knox of Parkside Fitness about the Park District's new solar field in the area east of the old train depot. 

Gary visits with Jason Vogel about the Pekin Park Foundation's new Learning Garden near the historic old train depot. 

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

Gary talks with psychologist Dr. Regina Brian about depression driven by seasonally reduced sunlight. 

A discussion with Austin Kleiber of Kleiber Construction & Improvement about what is proper in home improvement and remodeling projects. 

Gary sits down with regular guest Jared Olar about the legend of Pekin's name and a so-called suburb. 

Gary visits with City Manager John Dossey and Byron Chapman, Senior Executive at Dean Commercial Inc. Hospitality Experts about their plans for the vacated Motel 6 property at Court and Valle Vista, and the City's role in it. 

Gary visits with Mike as they close in on 4 years of podcasts talking about history and preserving your history.

A continued history lesson from Jared Olar about an important mid-19th century event that occurred here.

Jared Olar talks about Pekin’s participation in the Spanish American War

Gary visit with Dayna Strenz, Administrator of our local Moose

John Ackerman shares an inspiring story of an emancipated slave family who settled in our area; were kidnapped by Slave Hunters; then rescued by their white neighbors.

Gary visits with John Ackerman about their current focus on developing ways that we’ll celebrate the 250th birthday of the USA.

Historian Jared Olar shares the rich history around Pekin Fire Stations.

Gary visits with Keith McKeever, Executive Director of Pekin’s United Way about their current focus and new initiatives to better meet our area needs.

This week Gary talks with Terri Gambetti about her fond memories of the Christmas Celebrations and shopping downtown Pekin. 

Denny Keif Shares the story of how Pekin FCI came to be. 

Gary visits with Brooklyn Ballard on her effort to establish a local chapter in our community.   

A visit with Brian Dennison discussing Electric Vehicles. 

Gary sits down with Dr. Regina Brian, owner of Be Integrative Psychology about her Practice. 

Gary visits with Russ Hamm to look back at this downtown business as it celebrates 50 years of service in Pekin. 

Pekin Park District Commissioner Gary Gillis sits down with IAPD's Director of Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives Maura Freeman to talk about how park districts can preserve historical locations.

Pekin Park District Commissioner Gary Gillis discusses his podcast "What's the Story Pekin?" with IAPD's Director of Communication and Digital Content Wayne Utterback.

Jared Olar is Gary's guest as he shares the story of the days before refrigeration when Pekin was home to a number of Ice Houses. 

This week Gary talks with Dr. Danielle Owens, Superintendent of PCHS Dist 303 talks about all of the physical and academic changes to the school.

This week Gary sits down with Mayor Mary Burress and City Manager John Dossey to talk about business development on the east side of the city, as well as "Home Rule" for the City of Pekin and what advantages it provides the city and its residents. 

Gary visits with Supt. Chip Herbert and School Board member and alumni Cindy Gress. 

Gary visits with Rich Kriegsman, a leader in the creation of Pekin Park District's Performing Arts Venue sharing how it was named. 

Gary shares some of the facts and history of this popular Marigold Festival Event. 

Gary visits with the owners of one of Pekin's newer stores dedicated to dog training, boarding and grooming. Dog lovers won't want to miss this episode!

Tiffany White talks about the Dirksen Centers 50th Birthday; its early years; its impact and its future. 

This week, a visit about the City's largest undertaking in decades with Mayor Mary Burress, City Manager John Dossey, and Director of Economic Development Josh Wray. 

Gary visits with Bruce Huber who is part of a service that has been training new drivers in defensive driving for many years. It's a great group with a proven track record of creating better, safer, and road conditions-aware young drivers. 

This week, a visit with Val Springborn, Chairperson of this year's festival; and Maureen Naughtin, this year's Grand Marshal. 

Gary visits with Sophia Vansaghi about her past year as Pekin Marigold Festival's 2024 Miss Marigold. 

A visit with District 108's Superintendent Leonard Ealey. 

Keith Knox, Manager of Parkside Fitness talks about the start and history of this storied fitness facility. 

Gary visits with Harland Shields, the husband of the late community leader and icon Carol Shields. 

Pekin Resident Heather Fitzanko talks about RAGBRAI, the oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in America, and how she is preparing for it. 

Gary visits with John Ackerman about the USS Tazewell, how Tazewell County got its name, and next year's "USA 250" Celebration. 

John Ackerman talks about the underground Railroad in Tazewell County and this year's Juneteenth Celebration. 

This week Gary talks with Co-owner Shaun Schlosser of the Pekin Country Club. They talk about the transition as well as plans for the Country Club. 

This week Gary talks to the newest Executive Director of Taps, Tori Menke. They discuss exciting changes and an upcoming project at their facility. 

This week, Gary talks with Dale and Lela Sandrock about their vison and execution of the new Outdoor Sports Complex that was built and donated to the Village of North Pekin. 

Gary visits with Chief Ranney about the May 14th events and the local homeless situation. 

Gary visits with local fitness guru Kelly Fults who shares the story of her quest for the "Six Star Medal" signifying her competing the world's six original major marathons.