Shows
What's the Story Pekin?Park Cast #60 Rebroadcast- Gary Gillis, Pekin Park District - Part 2Pekin 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.
2025-11-1015 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Park Cast #59 Rebroadcast with Guest Gary GillisPekin Park District Commissioner Gary Gillis discusses his podcast "What's the Story Pekin?" with IAPD's Director of Communication and Digital Content Wayne Utterback.
2025-11-0319 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Running Marathons across the GlobeGary 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.
2025-05-0516 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Pekin's Speech TeamPekin'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.
2025-04-2817 minWhat's the Story Pekin?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.
2025-04-2225 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Pekin High School - Special NeedsThis week Gary talks with Kristen Walraven and Kyle Cain about all the Pekin High School does for students with special needs.
2025-04-1417 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Gypsy Rising Yoga StudioGary visits with Amanda Waltmyer, owner of the new Gypsy Rising Yoga Studio in Pekin.
2025-04-0717 minWhat's the Story Pekin?The Mary Haynes StoryThis week Gary talks with Mary Haynes about her journey from the Country Nook, to Maddie Mae's and now Mauries.
2025-03-3115 minWhat's the Story Pekin?The Center for Prevention of Abuse - Carol MernaThis 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.
2025-03-2423 minWhat's the Story Pekin?A City Update with Mayor Mary BurressThis week Gary talks with the Mayor about several new exciting projects in the city including some new businesses coming to the City.
2025-03-1722 minWhat's the Story Pekin?The Veterans Drive ProjectThis 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.
2025-03-0513 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Positive on Pekin - A perspective from Mary Ann LadendorfToday, 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.
2025-02-1721 minWhat's the Story Pekin?#AttendanceMatters - PCHS tackles the attendance issue post CovidThis 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.
2025-02-1020 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Wrap up of the Bicentennial CelebrationThis week Gary and Terri Gambetti talk about the successful Pekin Bicentennial Celebration and all of the events that were planned monthly.
2025-01-2726 minWhat's the Story Pekin?"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.
2025-01-2019 minWhat's the Story Pekin?"Attacking the Myth"Gary talks with John Ackerman who gives some perspective on Pekin's supposedly past racist reputation.
2025-01-0622 minWhat's the Story Pekin?"I.T. Workforce Accelerator" What is it?This week Gary interviews Carolyn Cracraft-Coordinator for this free, grant supported I.T. training program.
2024-12-2319 minWhat's the Story Pekin?A Time WWII POW's Visited PekinThis week Gary and Jared Olar talk about a visit to Pekin Schools by WWII POW's.
2024-12-0616 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Bicentennial Stories about Pekin Business and IndustryThis week Gary and Jared Olar talk about the history of Pekin's Business and Industry.
2024-11-2124 minWhat's the Story Pekin?The Next Phase of Pekin's StreetscapeGary talks with Pekin City Engineer, Josie Esker about the next phase of the Court Street Project.
2024-11-0616 minWhat's the Story Pekin?A Nostalgic Look Back at the Pekin MallThis week Gary discusses with Gary Cassidy about a place he grew up at, the Pekin Mall.
2024-11-0620 minWhat's the Story Pekin?WMBD Radio Greg BattonGreg 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.
2024-10-1823 minWhat's the Story Pekin?An Interview with Pekin Native Larry KenneyThis 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.
2024-10-0126 minWhat's the Story Pekin?In the Beginning- the Pekin Park District StoryThis week Gary shares the store of how the Pekin Park District was born.
2024-09-1817 minWhat's the Story Pekin?A Look Back in Time - Ray Bianchi & Joyce JohnsonGary 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.
2024-09-1126 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Jared Olar and the History of Schools in PekinThis week Gary and Jared go way back and discuss the history of Pekin Schools including the very first school house in Pekin.
2024-08-2626 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Pekin Alliance for Literacy Success - Len EaleyThis week Gary talks with Superintendent of District 108 about the new Pekin Alliance for Literacy Success program.
2024-08-1914 minWhat's the Story Pekin?The 52nd Annual Pekin Marigold Festival PlansThis week Bailey Gambetti and Amy McCoy join Gary to talk about new additions to the Festival this year and more!
2024-08-1421 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Dave Molleck - Editor of the "Hometown Voice" newspaperThis week Gary talks with Dave Molleck, the Editor of Pekin's new "Hometown Voice" monthly newpaper.
2024-07-2920 minWhat's the Story Pekin?"The Good Old Days" with Dick SchermerThis week Gary is joined by Dick Schermer - member of the PCHS Class of 1962 who looks back at the City from years ago.
2024-07-2418 minWhat's the Story Pekin?The Veterans Memorial Arena StoryThis week Gary talks again with Shawn Powers about the History and interesting facts about the Veterans Memorial Arena.
2024-07-1613 minWhat's the Story Pekin?July 6th Bicentennial BashThis 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.
2024-07-0210 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Civil Rights Act of 1964Tiffany White of the Dirksen Center and Gary visit on the importance and challenges surrounding the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
2024-07-0228 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Economic Development in PekinGary 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.
2024-06-1419 minWhat's the Story Pekin?What's in a Name?Gary talks with Jarod Olar about names of Iconic places around Pekin to find out who they were named after and why.
2024-06-0333 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Keth McKeever talks about the effort to Honor VeteransGary talks with Keith McKeever about efforts to honor Veterans at the June 15th Bicentennial Street Fair and Pekin's United Way.
2024-05-3116 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Jarod Olar and Bailey Gambetti talk Downtown Building HistoryThis week Gary talks with Bailey and Jarod about an exciting new idea that is taking shape downtown.
2024-05-2722 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Bicentennial Project at Pekin SchoolsThis week Gary speaks with Joanna Carrol, Facilitator of Media Services for Pekin School Dist. 108, and Laura Bieller, Classroom Tech at Edison Jr. High about upcoming "Bicentennial Bytes".
2024-05-1714 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Downtown Development and Bicentennial Plans with Terri GambettiThis week Gary talks with Terri Gambetti about some of the exciting events happening with the Downtown Development.
2024-05-0716 minWhat's the Story Pekin?An Update on Pekin Roadway ProjectsThis week Gary talks with the City of Pekin Engineer Josie Esker. Josie gives updates on the Court Street Project as well as the Derby Street Projects.
2024-04-3014 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Susan Rynearson - Pekin Genealogical SocietyGary has a fascinating conversation with Susan Rynearson from the Pekin Genealogical Society about all that is available and the family history that can be found.
2024-04-1521 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Rich Hawkins talks Pekin Basketball!This week Gary sits down with Rich Hawkins to talk about some of the most exciting times in Pekin High School Basketball.
2024-04-0119 minWhat's the Story Pekin?The Pekin Story Pt. 2Gary continues his discussion with Jared Olar about the beginning of Pekin.
2024-03-2517 minWhat's the Story Pekin?In the beginning...the Pekin Story.This week Gary talks with Jarod Olar about some fascinating history on how Pekin was developed and got its name.
2024-03-1128 minWhat's the Story Pekin?The Story of Mayor Dave TebbenThis week Gary its down with Shannon Sandoval and Tiffany White who share stories about their father who served as the City's Mayor.
2024-02-2625 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Update on the Union MissionThis week Gary checks in with Burt Dancy to talk about the Union Mission and the Construction projects going on.
2024-02-1910 minWhat's the Story Pekin?The Chuck Dancy StoryThis week, Gary sits down with Burt Dancey to talk about the incredible story and life of his Father, Chuck Dancy.
2024-02-1120 minWhat's the Story Pekin?New Updates at Broadmoor Jr. High SchoolThis week Gary talks with Leonard Ealey, Superintendent of Pekin School District 108. Mr. Ealey talks about a big improvement project taking place at Broadmoor Jr. High School.
2024-02-0517 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with State Representative Travis WeaverThis week, Gary sits down with the 93rd District State Rep, Travis Weaver. Travis gives some insight on some inner working of Politics in Springfield that you may not know, as well as shares more about his background and how he got involved in Public Service.
2024-01-2625 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Bicentennial Plans with Heather RobertsonThis week Gary talks with Heather Robertson who is on the Pekin Bi-Centennial Celebration Committee. Gary and Heather talk about upcoming events and special things plans to celebrate.
2024-01-1917 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Preview of State of the City Address on Jan. 19thGary talks about the upcoming State of the City address coming up with Amy McCoy, Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Burress and John Dossey will be presenting information at the event.
2024-01-1210 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Gary Gillis wrap up on the death of JFKThis week, Gary shares some very interesting facts about JFK, to wrap up the last miniseries where he spoke with Jim Deverman. Join us for some facts that you may not have known!
2024-01-0114 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Jim Deverman Pt. 3Gary continues his conversation with Jim Deverman. On this Podcast, Jim talks about his family's history of coming to town and how it began.
2023-12-2521 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Jim Deverman Pt. 2Gary sits down with Pekin's own Jim Deverman to talk about the JFK assassination. Gary and Jim talk about the video that was captured, and how that video was obtained by a local Pekin man.
2023-12-1121 minWhat's the Story Pekin?PCHS Athletic Director Cole Stoner InterviewThis week Gary talks with Cole about his role as the Athletic Director, exciting sports opportunities, and his vision for the sports program at Pekin High School.
2023-10-1616 minWhat's the Story Pekin?An Interview with Dr. Phillis Dewitt, Author and Pekin resident.This week Gary talks with Dr. Phillis Dewitt about some life stories, the book she wrote about those experiences, and the Journey she has been on over the years. You will not want to miss this uplifting interview.
2023-09-1817 minWhat's the Story Pekin?An Interview with Miss Marigold 2023!Miss Marigold 2023, Zoe Nizzia sits down with Gary this week to talk about her experience with the Miss Marigold Pageant and some of her ideas and goals for the future.
2023-09-0417 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Pekin Marigold Festival 2023 ChairmanThis week Gary talks with the Chairman of this years Festival, Charles Robertson. Gary and Charles talk about the theme and some exciting additions to the Festival this year!
2023-08-2820 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Park District Strategic Plan updateThis week Gary talks with Executive Director of the Park District, Cameron Bettin about updates to the Park roads and their Stategic Plan moving forward.
2023-08-1426 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Alisha Dault shares the Miller Center and their Farmer's Market StoryThis week, Gary talks with Alisha Dault who is the Administrator of the Miller Center in Pekin. Alisha talks about many of the programs and opportunities at the Cetner as well as the Farmer's Market
2023-07-3119 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Amy McCoy shares the story of the St. Jude RunsJoin Gary and Amy McCoy as they talk about the St Jude Runs, the history as well as some fun "inside" stories!
2023-07-1914 minWhat's the Story Pekin?What is CASA?CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. This week Gary has a fascinating conversation with the Director of Recruitment, Marketing, and Compliance, Ryan Lacerna. Gary and Ryan talk about the purpose and history of CASA.
2023-07-0318 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Lakeside Cemetery MemoriesThis week Gary sits down with Jared Olar to talk about the history of the Lakeside Cemetery and also talks about tours that Jared hosts at the location.
2023-06-2023 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Gary and Mike talk about lessons learnedGary talks with Audio Engineer Mike Eeten about documenting lessons learned in life along with some favorite life quotes.
2023-06-0519 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Pekin's 2023 Juneteenth ObservationGary talks with John Ackerman about the upcoming 2023 Juneteenth Observation honoring Nance Legins Costley and William Costley, June 17th.
2023-05-2325 minWhat's the Story Pekin?What's the story with ICC Pekin?Our guest this week is Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, the President of Illinois Central College. This is an interested conversation you will not want to miss as Gary and Sheila talk about the Pekin Campus and some exciting changes coming!
2023-05-1528 minWhat's the Story Pekin?What's the Pekin Soccer Story?This week Gary sits down with Pekin High School Girls Soccer Coach, Edgar Sandoval to talk about the success of the sport in Pekin.
2023-05-0120 minWhat's the Story Pekin?What's new with Pekin Park Recreations?Gary talks with the Superintendent of Recreation about some new and exciting things happening in the park this summer.
2023-04-1726 minWhat's the Story Pekin?The New Justice Center with Dave ZimmermanGary sits down with County Board Chairman David Zimmerman for a talk about a new proposed Justice Center Downtown Pekin.
2023-04-0721 minWhat's the Story Pekin?What's the story with the Pekin Park District Golf CoursesThis week Gary talks with Cory Proehl who is the Director of Golf with the Pekin Park District. Cory shares some exciting news about Lick Creek Golf Course and some other interesting facts about the two courses.
2023-03-2019 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Mayoral Candidate Mary BurressGary sits down with all three Mayor Candidates to learn more about them and their goals for Office as the Mayor of Pekin.
2023-03-1011 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Mayoral Candidate Dave NutterGary sits down with all three Mayor Candidates to learn more about them and their goals for Office as the Mayor of Pekin.
2023-03-1012 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Mayoral Candidate Becky CloydGary sits down with all three Mayor Candidates to learn more about them and their goals for Office as the Mayor of Pekin.
2023-03-1010 minWhat's the Story Pekin?The Story of Today's Real Estate Market in PekinThis week Gary is joined by Realtor Bailey Gambetti who talks about the Real Estate market in Pekin.
2023-03-0722 minWhat's the Story Pekin?A visit with the Pekin Chamber of Commerce Business & Community Recognition LuncheonThis week Gary sits down with the 2022 Best Business Honorees Terri Gambetti of Leo's Art Studio, and Jack Steger of Steger's Furniture.
2023-02-2821 minWhat's the Story Pekin?The Pekin Adult Literacy Program - Anna GreenThis week Gary talks with Anna Green, Director of Adult Literacy at the Pekin YWCA.
2023-02-1617 minWhat's the Story Pekin?What's the Story with the new Pekin Park Performance Stage (AKA The Band Shell)This week Gary's guest is Rich Kriegsman. They talk about the exciting fundraising project underway to build a new Performance stage in Mineral Springs Park.
2023-02-1616 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Exciting news from the Dirksen CenterTiffany White, Executive Director of the Dirksen Center, and Gary Gillis discuss some exciting news with the Center as well as some interesting facts about how the material is obtained.
2023-01-3026 minWhat's the Story Pekin?A Business Update, Celebrating Pekin's 2024 Bicentennial, and the Leadership AcademyThis week Gary sits down with Amy McCoy, the Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. Amy and Gary talk about Celebrating Pekin's 2024 Bicentennial, as well as the Annual Leadership academy which is underway.
2023-01-1817 minWhat's the Story Pekin?What's the Christmas Story?Gary sits down with Pastor Jim McMlarey with First United Methodist Church in Pekin for a fascinating conversation about Christmas and several facinating facts we bet you did not know! Don't miss this one!
2022-12-2121 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with TAPS Executive Director, Holly CrottyWe all LOVE animals! You will enjoy this conversation with Gary Gillis and Holly Crotty with TAPS. Holly talks about pet adoptions and the organization. Holly also talks about the process of adoption and why there is a screening process in place to adopt an animal from TAPS.
2022-12-2118 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Pekin Outreach Initiative & The Salvation ArmyThis week Gary speaks with Brandy Wright, the Social Ministries Manager for the Salvation Army. Gary also welcomes Greg Ranney with the Pekin Outreach Initiative. Both Brandy and Greg talk about their organizations and how they are making a difference in Pekin.
2022-12-2119 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Pekin United Way Director, Heather RobertsonGary invites the Director of the Pekin United Way to the podcast this week to talk about the Organization. Heather Robertson talks about fundraising for United Way, and all of the Organizations they help.
2022-12-0526 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Erik Reader about Pekin Downtown DevelopmentGary talks with Erik Reader this week about Pekin Downtown Development and Pekin Main Street.
2022-11-2932 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with City of Pekin Engineer Josie EskerThis week Gary welcomes the City of Pekin Engineer, Josie Esker. Josie sits down to discuss the new snow ordinance which requires homeowners to remove the snow from the sidewalks in front of their homes.
2022-11-2121 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Gary Gillis and Mike Eeten talkThis week, Gary talks with Mike Eeten with CME Business Solutions. Gary and Mike share ways and ideas of how you can gather and write your family history, leaving future generations "Your Story".
2022-11-0715 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Pekin Insurance-Joel JacksonThis week, Gary sits down with the Chief Operating Officer of Pekin Insurance, Joel Jackson. Gary and Joel talk about the history of the company and some exciting news about company growth! Tune in to hear this fascinating interview.
2022-10-2428 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with return guest: Mayor Mark LuftThis week Gary talks with Mayor Mark Luft as he returns to the Podcast to talk about Development in Pekin, as well as a new Ordinance in Pekin and what that looks like for the citizens of Pekin.
2022-10-1733 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Director of Emergency Support Services - Unity Point Health PekinThis week, Gary talks with the on-site Administrator Tony Howard, who is the Director of Emergency Support Services for Unity Point Health Pekin. Gary and Tony talk about some upcoming changes as well as some exciting new technology at the Hospital.
2022-10-0320 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs in PekinThis week join Gary Gillis as he gets the story behind Pekin's oldest Service Clubs. Gary is joined by Sheila Coussens-Martin of Pekin Kiwanis, and Greg Cassidy of Pekin Rotary.
2022-09-1927 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Amy McCoy - Marigold Festival 2022Join Gary this week as he sits down with Executive Director of the Pekin Chamber of Commerce, Amy McCoy to talk about the upcoming Marigold Festival.
2022-09-0518 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Marigold Festival Chairman Brandon BurlingJoin Gary as he speaks with this year's Chairman of the Pekin Marigold Festival Brandon Burling. Brandon talks about the upcoming festival as we celebrate 50 years!
2022-08-2130 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Police Chief John DosseyThis week Gary sits down with Pekin Police Chief John Dossey to talk about the Department, goals, and accomplishments.
2022-08-0823 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Tiffany WhiteJoin Gary this week as he speaks with Tiffany White, Executive Director of the Dirksen Congressional Center. Tiffany talks about the Center and also the legacy of Mr. Dirksen.
2022-07-2533 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Jared Olar - Lincoln in PekinJoin Gary this week as he speaks with Jared Olar, the Local History Specialist at the Pekin Public Library. Join Gary and Jared as they discuss some of President Abraham Lincoln's days in Pekin Illinois.
2022-07-1133 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Jeff Brooks, Director of the Pekin Public LibraryJoin Gary this week as he sits down with Jeff Brooks, Director of the Pekin Public Library. The Pekin Library hours are:Monday - Thursday9:00 AM to 8:00 PMFriday9:00 AM to 6:00 PMSaturday9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
2022-06-2728 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Cameron Bettin, Executive Director of the Pekin Park DistrictThis week Gary welcomes Cameron Bettin who is the Executive Director of the Pekin Park District. Gary and Cameron talk about new exciting additions to the parks, as well as things to come!
2022-06-1339 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with LEONARD EALEY (recorded before the tragic events in Uvalde Texas)Join Gary as he sits down with Asst. Superintendent Leonard Ealey to talk about Pekin Public Schools Dist. 108. Programming note: This podcast was recorded before the tragic events in Uvalde Texas.
2022-05-3025 minWhat's the Story Pekin?Interview with Dr. Danielle OwensJoin us this week as Gary speaks with Superintendent of District 303 High School, Dr. Danielle Owens.
2022-05-1625 minWhat's the Story Pekin?What's the Story Pekin? Pilot PodcastThis week your host Gary Gillis talks about Pekin Illinois with Mayor Mark Luft and the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce Amy McCoy.
2022-04-2623 min