What's the Story Pekin?

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.