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
118 episodes
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
A City Update with Mayor Mary Burress
This week Gary talks with the Mayor about several new exciting projects in the city including some new businesses coming to the City.
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22:06
The Veterans Drive Project
This week Gary talks with retired City Engineer and City Manager, Denny Kief. Denny talks about the history of the project, how it started, and the plans for the future.
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13:20
Bears Bites - A Spotlight on a Business new to Pekin
The owner of Bears Bites, Samm Hutchinson, talks about her business that has recently moved into 282 Derby St. Samm's company makes and sells Dog Food, Dog & Cat treats, and other items for your four-legged family member.
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16:18
Positive on Pekin - A perspective from Mary Ann Ladendorf
Today, Gary has guest Mary Ann Ladendorf behind the mic to talk about all that the City of Pekin has to offer her clients as they move into the city.
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21:22
#AttendanceMatters - PCHS tackles the attendance issue post Covid
This week, Gary talks with Shayla Ewing and Ashley Neal from Pekin Community High School about a clever program to encourage kids to have more regular attendance.
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20:32
Wrap up of the Bicentennial Celebration
This week Gary and Terri Gambetti talk about the successful Pekin Bicentennial Celebration and all of the events that were planned monthly.
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26:29
"How did it go on Election Day in Tazewell County?"
This week Gary talks with Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman about how things went locally in the past historic election. The upcoming local election on April 1st was also discussed.
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19:37
"Attacking the Myth"
Gary talks with John Ackerman who gives some perspective on Pekin's supposedly past racist reputation.
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22:42
"I.T. Workforce Accelerator" What is it?
This week Gary interviews Carolyn Cracraft-Coordinator for this free, grant supported I.T. training program.
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19:48
A Time WWII POW's Visited Pekin
This week Gary and Jared Olar talk about a visit to Pekin Schools by WWII POW's.
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16:10