What's the Story Pekin?
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.
Episodes
128 episodes
Ridgeside K9
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!
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22:08
The Dirksen Center Celebrates 50 Years
Tiffany White talks about the Dirksen Centers 50th Birthday; its early years; its impact and its future.
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25:16
The Luttiken Project
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.
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24:52
Street Survival
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. ...
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22:49
The 2025 Pekin Marigold Festival
This week, a visit with Val Springborn, Chairperson of this year's festival; and Maureen Naughtin, this year's Grand Marshal.
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18:48
A Look Back as Miss Marigold
Gary visits with Sophia Vansaghi about her past year as Pekin Marigold Festival's 2024 Miss Marigold.
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22:06
Parkside Fitness at 50
Keith Knox, Manager of Parkside Fitness talks about the start and history of this storied fitness facility.
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19:34
The Carol Shields Story
Gary visits with Harland Shields, the husband of the late community leader and icon Carol Shields.
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18:05
RAGBRAI Bicycle Touring
Pekin Resident Heather Fitzanko talks about RAGBRAI, the oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in America, and how she is preparing for it.
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16:24
USS Tazewell
Gary visits with John Ackerman about the USS Tazewell, how Tazewell County got its name, and next year's "USA 250" Celebration.
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17:06
The Underground Railroad - Juneteenth Celebration
John Ackerman talks about the underground Railroad in Tazewell County and this year's Juneteenth Celebration.
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22:14
The new Owners of the Pekin Country Club....
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.
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14:15
Tori Menke - Executive Director of TAPS
This week Gary talks to the newest Executive Director of Taps, Tori Menke. They discuss exciting changes and an upcoming project at their facility.
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16:10
The Dale Sandrock Sports Complex
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.
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16:52
A Visit with Pekin Police Chief Seth Ranney
Gary visits with Chief Ranney about the May 14th events and the local homeless situation.
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31:02
Running Marathons across the Globe
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.
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16:40
Pekin's Speech Team
Pekin's Speech Team Phenom Alina Vang. Gary sits down with the PCHS Senior as she tells the story of her recent accomplishments in competitive extemporaneous public speaking.
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17:31
Our 100th Podcast!
What's the Story celebrates its 100th Episode. Gary sits down with Mark Luft who conceived of our Podcast and Mike Eeten who is on the other side of the mic as all of them take a look back.
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25:38
Pekin High School - Special Needs
This week Gary talks with Kristen Walraven and Kyle Cain about all the Pekin High School does for students with special needs.
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17:28
Gypsy Rising Yoga Studio
Gary visits with Amanda Waltmyer, owner of the new Gypsy Rising Yoga Studio in Pekin.
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17:01
The Mary Haynes Story
This week Gary talks with Mary Haynes about her journey from the Country Nook, to Maddie Mae's and now Mauries.
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15:53
The Center for Prevention of Abuse - Carol Merna
This week Gary welcomes Carol Merna, CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse. Carol talks about the many programs and services they have to offer, and a new building that will be constructed in Pekin.
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23:47