What's the Story Pekin?

The Next Phase of Pekin's Streetscape 06.11.2024 16:55 ↓

Gary talks with Pekin City Engineer, Josie Esker about the next phase of the Court Street Project. 

A Nostalgic Look Back at the Pekin Mall 06.11.2024 20:12 ↓

This week Gary discusses with Gary Cassidy about a place he grew up at, the Pekin Mall. 

WMBD Radio Greg Batton 18.10.2024 23:52 ↓

Greg Batton is a familiar voice in the Peoria area and has been co-hosting The Greg and Dan Show on WMBD Radio since 2005 with partner Dan Diorio. This week, Gary sits down and talks with Gary about his upbringing in Pekin. 

An Interview with Pekin Native Larry Kenney 01.10.2024 26:37 ↓

This week Gary talks with Larry Kenney who is a graduate of Pekin Hight School and has been in radio broadcasting in several markets including Peoria, and a famous voice in many Cartoons, and other shows.  Don't miss this fascinating podcast. 

In the Beginning- the Pekin Park District Story 18.09.2024 17:05 ↓

This week Gary shares the store of how the Pekin Park District was born. 

A Look Back in Time - Ray Bianchi & Joyce Johnson 11.09.2024 26:42 ↓

Gary talks with Ray and Joyce about what Pekin looked like when they were younger. Ray & Joyce talk about the popular places in town they would visit that are no longer there. 

Jared Olar and the History of Schools in Pekin 26.08.2024 26:57 ↓

This week Gary and Jared go way back and discuss the history of Pekin Schools including the very first school house in Pekin. 

Pekin Alliance for Literacy Success - Len Ealey 19.08.2024 14:27 ↓

This week Gary talks with Superintendent of District 108 about the new  Pekin Alliance for Literacy Success program. 

The 52nd Annual Pekin Marigold Festival Plans 14.08.2024 21:37 ↓

This week Bailey Gambetti and Amy McCoy join Gary to talk about new additions to the Festival this year and more!

The Brotherton Museum 05.08.2024 18:12 ↓

This week is a visit with the curator of Pekin's great museum facility in the old Franklin School, Roger Brotherton. 

Dave Molleck - Editor of the "Hometown Voice" newspaper 29.07.2024 20:37 ↓

This week Gary talks with Dave Molleck, the Editor of Pekin's new "Hometown Voice" monthly newpaper. 

"The Good Old Days" with Dick Schermer 24.07.2024 18:04 ↓

This week Gary is joined by Dick Schermer - member of the PCHS Class of 1962 who looks back at the City from years ago. 

The Veterans Memorial Arena Story 16.07.2024 13:16 ↓

This week Gary talks again with Shawn Powers about the History and interesting facts about the Veterans Memorial Arena. 

July 6th Bicentennial Bash 02.07.2024 10:31 ↓

This week Gary talks with Shawn Powers, Superintendent of Recreation for the Pekin Park District. They discuss the upcoming July 6th Bicentennial Bash held at the Pekin Park.  

Civil Rights Act of 1964 02.07.2024 28:38 ↓

Tiffany White of the Dirksen Center and Gary visit on the importance and challenges surrounding the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 

Economic Development in Pekin 14.06.2024 19:10 ↓

Gary talks with Josh Wray, Director of Economic Development for the City of Pekin. Gary and Josh talk about what it takes to bring new business to the City as well as some current projects in the works. 

Bicentennial Bytes - Scott Altman 05.06.2024 1:24 ↓

Bicentennial Bytes - Scott Altman

Bicentennial Bytes - Broadmoor JH - Pioneers 05.06.2024 1:37 ↓

Bicentennial Bytes - Broadmoor JH - Pioneers

Bicentennial Bytes - CB Smith - Pekin's first Jail 05.06.2024 1:17 ↓

Bicentennial Bytes - CB Smith - Pekin's first Jail

Bicentennial Bytes - Dirksen School - Pekin Agreement 05.06.2024 1:50 ↓

Bicentennial Bytes - Dirksen School - Pekin Agreement

Bicentennial Bytes - Edison JH - First Mayor 05.06.2024 1:38 ↓

Bicentennial Bytes - Edison JH - First Mayor

Bicentennial Bytes - Jefferson School - Lost Hotel 05.06.2024 1:45 ↓

Bicentennial Bytes - Jefferson School - Lost Hotel

Bicentennial Bytes - L E Stark School - Kelloggs 05.06.2024 1:44 ↓

Bicentennial Bytes - L E Stark School - Kelloggs

Bicentennial Bytes - Washington School - Town President 05.06.2024 1:43 ↓

Bicentennial Bytes - Washington School - Town President

Bicentennial Bytes - Willow School - Hank Bruder 05.06.2024 1:38 ↓

Bicentennial Bytes - Willow School - Hank Bruder