Petersburg IL

Courtney Blankenship is a Petersburg resident hosting an upcoming workshop at 1st and 3rd Boutique and Wine Bar on Saturday, June 22, entitled “There is Power in Asking for What You Want.” She spoke to Community Voices about her experience as a life coach, as well as her background in music business.

With the shrinking media landscape, many communities are underrepresented in the media. To hear from these communities, NPR Illinois hosts an event called LISTEN. The Petersburg, Ill. community was chosen for the March LISTEN event and with the help of Broadgauge, a local restaurant and event space, NPR Illinois spoke to several area residents and learned about the joys, challenges and media usage in the community. Community Voices co-hosts Vanessa Ferguson and Randy Eccles listen back to the event recording and provide analysis of the topics discussed. LISTEN in Petersburg was funded by a grant from the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln.

Mary Kate Smith is a local voice teacher, actress, singer and more. She also owns The Studio on the Square in Petersburg, Ill. where they offer a variety of lessons and classes. Mary Kate spoke to Community Voices about her journey with theatre and music, her experiences in Chicago and L.A. and the success of The Studio on the Square. She also talked about some of the most rewarding productions she's been a part of at the Springfield Muni Opera.

Emily Faucon is the co-owner of Mom + Pop’s in Petersburg, Ill. She spoke to Community Voices about how she and her husband Cory met, their love of made-from-scratch food, and what they are serving in their new restaurant.

Liz Carter and Maggie Adkins are two of four sisters, and they own the First and Third Boutique and Wine Bar in Petersburg, Ill. They spoke with Community Voices about their sisters-only trips which inspired their business. They also described their collection of wines and their weekly entertainment that make the location a social spot on the Petersburg square.

Liz Carter and Maggie Adkins are two of four sisters, and they own the First and Third Boutique and Wine Bar in Petersburg, Ill. They spoke with Community Voices about their sisters-only trips which inspired their business. They also described their collection of wines and their weekly entertainment that make the location a social spot on the Petersburg square.

A historic structure on the Petersburg square is being rehabilitated into an arts complex with restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and event space.

Rich Ford is an educator and gardener who breeds daylilies in Petersburg, Ill.