WTVP is reviving this important recognition program to honor those whose distinguished careers and legendary vision have had a profound impact across central Illinois. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire the rest of us who are living out our own legacies, each and every day.
On Thursday, November 4, 2026, A studio reception will honor the recipients and be televised on WTVP PBS and available on-demand.
Since 2013, Local Legends has spotlighted over 50 prominent local figures, including Sid and Flo Banwart, Wayne Baum, George Shadid and Glen Barton. The much-anticipated return of this vital program is sure to garner a great deal of excitement and attention.
The 2022 Local Legends reception in the WTVP Studio.
EXECUTIVE SPONSORSHIP INVESTMENT | $5,000
- Opportunity for sponsor to address the audience at event
- Sponsor logo in all print and digital publicity and advertising
- 20 guest tickets
- Sponsor mention on broadcast and streaming of the event
- Corporate Council Recognition
ASSOCIATE SPONSORSHIP INVESTMENT | $2,500
- Sponsor logo in all print and digital publicity and advertising
- 10 guest tickets
- Sponsor mention on broadcast and streaming of the event
2023 Local Legends
- Seshadri Guha & Meenakshy Aiyer, MD
- Deveraux Hubbard
- Lorene Ramsey
- Kevin & Lisa Schoeplein
- Honorable James Shadid
2022 Local Legends
- Monica Hendrickson – From Anonymous Administrator To Media Celebrity
- Chris Reynolds – Manning The Point, From Basketball Floor To NCAA Big
- Steve Thompson – ‘Children Deserve The Best’
- Doug and Vicky Stewart – The Whole Is Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts
- Dr. Rick Pearl – A Pearl Of A Person
2021 Local Legends
- Esther Cohen – Lifetime of Volunteerism
- Martha Herm and Tom McIntyre – A Trusted and Steady Presence
- Preston Jackson – Artist, Educator, Storyteller
2020 Local Legends
- Sid & Flo Banwart: Partners in Philanthropy
- Bob & Joan Ericksen: Connections to Nature
- Junior & Jackie Watkins: Paying It Forward
2019 Local Legends
- G. Raymond Becker: Builder of Modern Peoria
- Dr. Patrick Elwood: The Modest Neurosurgeon
- Hon. Joe Billy McDade: The Principled Judge
- Doug & Diane Oberhelman: The Ultimate Power Couple
2018 Local Legends
- Bruce Brown: U.S. Marine & Restaurateur
- Anne Fox: Optimistic Humanitarian
- George Manias: Hard-Working and Humble
- Donald Rager: Doctor, Teacher, Visionary
- Gerry Shaheen: Executive and Board Leader
2017 Local Legends
- Dr. Stephen & Patti Bash: Catalysts of Healthy Living
- Royal Coulter: Business Leader with Integrity
- Ken Hinton: A Caring and Compassionate Educator
- Norman V. Kelly: Patriot, Storyteller, Historian
- Joan Krupa: Public Servant & Health Advocate
2016 Local Legends
- Byron DeHaan: Communicator of Culture
- Jean Ann & Gordon Honegger: Sharing the Wealth
- Mike Landwirth: A Life of Development
- The Honorable David Leitch: A Tireless Workhorse
- Sally Snyder: Advocate for Health and Education
2015 Local Legends
- Wayne Baum: A Legacy of Servant Leadership
- Bob Gilmore: “Yellow-Blooded” Philanthropist
- James Polk: An Advocate for All
- Dave Ransburg: Businessman and Civic Leader
- George Shadid: The Principled Statesman
2014 Local Legends
- John Bearce: Entrepreneur and Adventurer
- Lowell “Bud” Grieves: Developer, Businessman and Conservationist
- Gene & Harriett Swager: A Partnership in Service
- Kathryn Timmes: Teacher and Counselor
- Jay Vonachen: Businessman and Community Leader
2013 Local Legends
- Glen Barton: Businessman & Visionary
- Congressman Bob Michel: Distinguished Public Servant
- Art & Judy Oakford: A Pair of Peoria Philanthropists
- Gerald D. Stephens: Entrepreneur & Businessman
- Pete Vonachen: Peoria’s Mr. Baseball