Best Story Pekin Podcasts (2024)

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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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An Interview with Pekin Native Larry Kenney 26:37

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1M ago26:37

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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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

2M ago17:05

17:05

This week Gary shares the store of how the Pekin Park District was born.By Gary Gillis - Host

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

2M ago26:42

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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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

3M ago26:57

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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Pekin Alliance for Literacy Success - Len Ealey 14:27

3M ago14:27

14:27

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

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The 52nd Annual Pekin Marigold Festival Plans 21:37

3M ago21:37

21:37

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

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The Brotherton Museum 18:12

3M ago18:12

18:12

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

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

3M ago20:37

20:37

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

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

4M ago18:04

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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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The Veterans Memorial Arena Story 13:16

4M ago13:16

13:16

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

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July 6th Bicentennial Bash 10:31

4M ago10:31

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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Civil Rights Act of 1964 28:38

4M ago28:38

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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Economic Development in Pekin 19:10

5M ago19:10

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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Bicentennial Bytes - Scott Altman 1:24

5M ago1:24

1:24

Bicentennial Bytes - Scott AltmanBy Gary Gillis - Host

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Bicentennial Bytes - Broadmoor JH - Pioneers 1:37

5M ago1:37

1:37

Bicentennial Bytes - Broadmoor JH - PioneersBy Gary Gillis - Host

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

5M ago1:17

1:17

Bicentennial Bytes - CB Smith - Pekin's first JailBy Gary Gillis - Host

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Bicentennial Bytes - Dirksen School - Pekin Agreement 1:50

5M ago1:50

1:50

Bicentennial Bytes - Dirksen School - Pekin AgreementBy Gary Gillis - Host

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Bicentennial Bytes - Edison JH - First Mayor 1:38

5M ago1:38

1:38

Bicentennial Bytes - Edison JH - First MayorBy Gary Gillis - Host

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Bicentennial Bytes - Jefferson School - Lost Hotel 1:45

5M ago1:45

1:45

Bicentennial Bytes - Jefferson School - Lost HotelBy Gary Gillis - Host

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

5M ago1:44

1:44

Bicentennial Bytes - L E Stark School - KelloggsBy Gary Gillis - Host

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Bicentennial Bytes - Washington School - Town President 1:43

5M ago1:43

1:43

Bicentennial Bytes - Washington School - Town PresidentBy Gary Gillis - Host

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Bicentennial Bytes - Willow School - Hank Bruder 1:38

5M ago1:38

1:38

Bicentennial Bytes - Willow School - Hank BruderBy Gary Gillis - Host

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Bicentennial Bytes - Wilson School - Nance 1:39

5M ago1:39

1:39

Bicentennial Bytes - Wilson School - NanceBy Gary Gillis - Host

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What's in a Name? 33:49

5M ago33:49

33:49

Gary talks with Jarod Olar about names of Iconic places around Pekin to find out who they were named after and why.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Keth McKeever talks about the effort to Honor Veterans 16:39

5M ago16:39

16:39

Gary talks with Keith McKeever about efforts to honor Veterans at the June 15th Bicentennial Street Fair and Pekin's United Way.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Jarod Olar and Bailey Gambetti talk Downtown Building History 22:20

6M ago22:20

22:20

This week Gary talks with Bailey and Jarod about an exciting new idea that is taking shape downtown.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Bicentennial Project at Pekin Schools 14:47

6M ago14:47

14:47

This 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".By Gary Gillis - Host

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Downtown Development and Bicentennial Plans with Terri Gambetti 16:30

6M ago16:30

16:30

This week Gary talks with Terri Gambetti about some of the exciting events happening with the Downtown Development.By Gary Gillis - Host

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An Update on Pekin Roadway Projects 14:08

6M ago14:08

14:08

This 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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Susan Rynearson - Pekin Genealogical Society 21:11

7M ago21:11

21:11

Gary 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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Rich Hawkins talks Pekin Basketball! 19:39

7M ago19:39

19:39

This week Gary sits down with Rich Hawkins to talk about some of the most exciting times in Pekin High School Basketball.By Gary Gillis - Host

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The Pekin Story Pt. 2 17:36

8M ago17:36

17:36

Gary continues his discussion with Jared Olar about the beginning of Pekin.By Gary Gillis - Host

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In the beginning...the Pekin Story. 28:00

8M ago28:00

28:00

This week Gary talks with Jarod Olar about some fascinating history on how Pekin was developed and got its name.By Gary Gillis - Host

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The Story of Mayor Dave Tebben 25:53

9M ago25:53

25:53

This week Gary its down with Shannon Sandoval and Tiffany White who share stories about their father who served as the City's Mayor.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Update on the Union Mission 10:35

9M ago10:35

10:35

This week Gary checks in with Burt Dancy to talk about the Union Mission and the Construction projects going on.By Gary Gillis - Host

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The Chuck Dancy Story 20:16

9M ago20:16

20:16

This week, Gary sits down with Burt Dancey to talk about the incredible story and life of his Father, Chuck Dancy.By Gary Gillis - Host

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New Updates at Broadmoor Jr. High School 17:35

9M ago17:35

17:35

This 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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Interview with State Representative Travis Weaver 25:26

10M ago25:26

25:26

This 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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Bicentennial Plans with Heather Robertson 17:48

10M ago17:48

17:48

This 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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Preview of State of the City Address on Jan. 19th 10:49

10M ago10:49

10:49

Gary 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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Gary Gillis wrap up on the death of JFK 14:55

10M ago14:55

14:55

This 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!By Gary Gillis - Host

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Jim Deverman Pt. 3 21:55

11M ago21:55

21:55

Gary continues his conversation with Jim Deverman. On this Podcast, Jim talks about his family's history of coming to town and how it began.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Jim Deverman Pt. 2 21:05

11M ago21:05

21:05

Gary 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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Jim Deverman Interview-Serving at the Funeral Detail of JFK 24:21

12M ago24:21

24:21

A fascinating interview with Jim Deverman as he tells the story of being a part of the Funeral Detail while in the Coast Guard.By Gary Gillis - Host

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PCHS Athletic Director Cole Stoner Interview 16:40

1y ago16:40

16:40

This 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.By Gary Gillis - Host

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Good News with Pekin Mayor Mary Burress 16:14

1y ago16:14

16:14

This week Gart sits down with the Mayor to talk about Good News in Pekin. Mayor Burress talks about some exciting victories for the City, some new businesses coming to town, and some changes at City Hall.By Gary Gillis - Host

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An Interview with Dr. Phillis Dewitt, Author and Pekin resident. 17:09

1y ago17:09

17:09

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.By Gary Gillis - Host

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Story Pekin Podcasts

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