50 Candles for WTVP

Rob “The Shark Farmer” Sharkey, a Bradford, IL, farmer, nationally known podcaster and digital media personality, brings his no-nonsense take on farming, farm life and the rural/ urban divide to Central Illinois. This is not your typical ag show. A Shot of Ag is part of the WTVP Business Block.
This six-part series sheds light on different aspects of leadership as seen through the eyes of more than a dozen local leaders in business, education, government and the nonprofit sector. The host and moderator is Amy Burkett, author of The 7 D’s to Your Destiny, John Maxwell leadership trainer and general manager at WTVI-PBS in Charlotte, NC.
Host Amy Burkett leads the conversation on recognizing your leadership abilities with Brett Elliot, Stark County School District Superintendent, Tony Morstatter from Boys and Girls Club of McLean County, and Lesley Matuszak, President and CEO of WTVP.
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Failure is almost always a step to success. Join Jim Scherer, owner of Scherer Lincoln Volvo Mazda; Angela Moriarity, vice president for human resources for Advanced Correctional Healthcare and Rev. Marvin Hightower, president of the Peoria NAACP, for a conversation on how to turn failure into a force for growth.
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Learn how local leaders have had the courage to succeed, with Katie Kim, CEO of The Kim Group; Paul Ritter, co-founder of Celebrating High School Innovators; John Morris, president and CEO of Peoria Riverfront Museum and Patrick Kirchofer, Peoria County Farm Bureau Manager.
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Both have their place, but there are important differences between a boss and a leader. Learn from the experience of Sid Ruckriegel, Peoria City Council member; Theresa Murphy, strategic philanthropy officer for OSF Healthcare and Doug Fouts, vice president for marketing for Pearl Companies.
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What does it mean to hold yourself and others accountable? Hear what Kelly Schneider, program manager at CEO Council; Adam White, owner of RC Outfitters and Eric Larson, senior manager of operations for Illinois American Water have to say on this critical leadership concept.
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We can all learn from the leadership examples of our presidents. We brought together three local leaders for a conversation: Dr. Jamel Wright, president of Eureka College; Tim Erickson, president of CORE Construction and Jessica Young, president of Advanced Correctional Healthcare.
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Beginning in July, Consider This has a new host — former WEEK news anchor, long-time Peorian and family advocate Christine Zak-Edmonds. She will apply her considerable interviewing skill and experience to conversations with some of the most interesting and influential people in our area.
Who knew nearly a quarter of a million children, some orphans, some homeless for various reasons, were sent hundreds of miles from the East Coast on so-called Orphan Trains to find homes. Kidder Music’s Jim Kidder learned from his cousin that their Grandma was one of them. They share her journey of struggle and placement and the happiness and love she found in the Midwest.
* This episode aired in May 2021 [Watch Episode]
Now a community leader extraordinaire, and once known as the Price Leader, John Bearce has done more than just sell cars, including the Marines, racing and pre-Olympic sports medicine. He shares some of his adventures with us and speaks to the med-tech possibilities in Central Illinois, while his faith, family and friendships propel him.
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WTVP begins an ag special with Rob Sharkey, a Bradford farmer, outfitter, podcaster and all-around honest-to-the-bone humorous young man. We get to know the man, the myth and the legend all rolled into one. His “Sharkasm” goes a long way!
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The links at Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club in Cuba, Illinois, the ONLY golf course in Fulton County were about to be shuttered. But a positive campaign emphasizing the pluses led shareholders to take a Mulligan to keep the course viable.
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We have all put our spare change in the McDonald’s drive-through window slot or the countertop buckets. Did you ever wonder exactly where that money went and how it was used? On Consider This, we get the full story of how Peoria gained a Ronald McDonald House from Julie Locke Moore, who had personal experience and the know-how to get it done!
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The Barn III Dinner Theatre has had many incarnations. Most recently, the sturdy old Barn took a direct hit in a perfect storm. It had to be razed- as in torn down, To be raised as in rebuilt, and is now also an Event Center! Because they know the Show Must Go On, On Consider This, Mary Simon shares the history and Abby Reel, tells us all about its present and future!
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From the producers of Illinois Adventure, Backyard Journeys brings adventure home to you. Embark on weekly excursions to experience the people, places, food, history, music, art, outdoor recreation and unique character of Central Illinois. Fun and adventure await you right here in our own backyard. You may even see local celebrities like Phil Luciano.
WTVP is collaborating with the Peoria Historical Society to create a series of short, informative features on objects that tell a rich history. You’ll gain a greater appreciation of our fascinating heritage and the things that connect us all.
Impress your friends, co-workers and teachers while expanding your vocabulary with the sometimes weird but always wonderful words on Word of the Week. There’s a new word every week, so the learning never stops!
From the Horse’s Mouth reveals the colorful origins and meaning of everyday phrases and words. Facts and falsehoods all shed light on the idioms that add life to our language.
You never know when you’ll have to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew, hang a picture using a fork or slice a watermelon without a knife. These tips, tricks and “life hacks” are all Good to Know in a pinch, or in everyday life.
This month WTVP ventured out to Galesburg and Bloomington to record the stories and comments of WTVPeople. Watch for us to explore more towns soon featuring your friends, neighbors and community leaders.