Gary Gillis - Host

What's the Story Pekin?

Business EN ↓ 169 episodes

What’s the Story, Pekin?-a podcast where we share stories of what’s happening in Pekin as told by their authors. We will discuss the community’s profile and personalities, attempting to be an objective source of information on topics of interest to many of us. In the process, we hope to discover the power of possibilities and find reasons for much needed optimism.

Author

Gary Gillis - Host

Episodes

City of Pekin’s Strategic Plan Update 06.07.2026 27:19

Gary sits down with Mayor Mary Burress to talk about the city’s plans going forward.

"So Long to a Friend" 29.06.2026 22:43

Gary recognizes Mike Eeten for his four years of hard work as the sound engineer with "What's the Story Pekin" as he and his wide relocate permanently to Florida. And....the show will go on!!

Portrait of a Patriot 22.06.2026 30:51

Gary discusses Veterans of the American Revolutionary War buried in our area with local Historian Jared Olar.

Kouri's Bar and Grill 15.06.2026 23:18

This week Gary talks with Jim Kouri of Kouri's Pub. Jim talks about their Journey to Pekin and how the restaurant started so many years ago and is still going strong.

History, Dirksen, and America 250 08.06.2026 16:58

Gary concludes his visits with Ray LaHood as they discuss the impact of Everett Dirksen and of the importance of observing "America 250".

"Bipartisanship" 01.06.2026 15:23

Gary talks with Ray LaHood about his book and its focus on his efforts to foster discussion and healthy debate during his public life.

The Ray LaHood Story 26.05.2026 23:05

Gary sits down with a local historic icon to tell his story and experiences.

Career Readiness 18.05.2026 23:09

Gary visits with Joel Steger and Jennifer Anderson of Pekin Community High School discussing the school's focus on the future for all students.

Some Everett Dirksen Stories You May Not Know 11.05.2026 26:29

Chris Kaergard of the Dirksen Center does some Dirksen Storytelling.

The Jeanette Rankin Story 04.05.2026 28:09

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

Tazewell County Genealogical and Historical Society Update 27.04.2026 18:50

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

The Pekin Park District's IRVSRA Story 20.04.2026 17:24

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

What's the Story with the New Solar Field on Broadway? 13.04.2026 26:17

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.

Pekin Park Foundation's Learning Garden 06.04.2026 18:10

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

A Tribute to Gloria Ranney 30.03.2026 18:16

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

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? 23.03.2026 15:39

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

What's Happening in Home Improvement? 16.03.2026 19:10

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

Pekin's Phantom Suburb of Hong Kong 09.03.2026 21:33

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

What Happens When a City Steps in - The Pekin Motel 6 Story 02.03.2026 22:06

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.

Bits of History and a Plea for Your Story 23.02.2026 20:45

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

The Pekin Agreement 16.02.2026 12:45

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

Pekin and the Spanish American War 09.02.2026 25:46

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

Pekin Moose 916 Story 02.02.2026 10:41

Gary visit with Dayna Strenz, Administrator of our local Moose

The Shipman Family Story 26.01.2026 25:35

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.

Area Plans around “America 250” 19.01.2026 22:18

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