WTVP
Maj. Robert Henry Lawrence Jr.
- Title
- Maj. Robert Henry Lawrence Jr.
- Runtime
- 10:30
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Discover the life and legacy of Maj. Robert Henry Lawrence Jr., a Bradley University alumnus recognized as America’s first Black astronaut. Learn how his achievements as a chemist, pilot and space pioneer influenced future missions, and see the Bradley statue honoring a life devoted to serving others.
- Title
- Living It Up: Central Illinois Weekend Fun Guide | Aug 22–24 Events Roundup!
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- 🎉 Get ready to live it up in Central Illinois! 🎭 From Broadway hits like Wicked to Irish Fest fun, roller derby action, rodeo thrills, and sweet corn celebrations — we’ve got your weekend plans covered! 🌽🍀 Don’t miss this exciting roundup of events happening August 22–24 across Peoria and Bloomington-Normal.
- Title
- Kenny & Stephanie Schwengel | No Bad Days Farm | A Shot of AG | ep 605
- Runtime
- 26:53
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Schwengel family founded “No Bad Days Farm” in memory of their son Tucker, whose motto was a powerful reminder to cherish each day. What began as a Christmas tree farm has grown to include Babydoll sheep, bees, and even a Grain Bin Airbnb. Each holiday season, they open their hearts and farm to others grieving a loss, offering a warm Christmas dinner and a sense of community.
- Title
- Central Illinois Weekend Fun Guide: Events You Can’t Miss (Aug 15–17)
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- 🎉 Looking for weekend plans in central Illinois? From disc golf and drone shows to music fests, India Fest, antiques, and more—this guide covers the best events happening Aug 15–17! Whether you're into sports, history, food, or family fun, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss out—watch now and plan your perfect weekend! 🌟
- Title
- Ray Whitehead | Consider This with Christine Zak-Edmonds | 541
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- His ideas are out of this world! And he backs those up with his company’s innovations. Jupiter Machine Tool & Pegasus Manufacturing Founder & CEO makes what seems to be the impossible…possible! With laser focus and laser powered 3-D printing, Ray Whitehead has produced parts for company’s like SpaceX and Apple. His hybrid approach reduces costs and may transform Galesburg into the next Silicon Valley!
- Title
- Living It Up: Top Events in Central Illinois | August 8–10 Weekend Guide
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- 🎉 Living It Up: Central Illinois Weekend Guide | August 8–10 🎉
Mark Welp shares the best things to do across central Illinois this weekend! Check out these highlights:
🎡 Illinois State Fair – Rides, concerts, competitions & fair food
🌿 Kickapoo Creek Festival – Camp, canoe, fish & explore nature in Edwards
🎶 Jammsammich Final Concert – Party band’s farewell at the Peoria Riverfront
👻 Beetlejuice Jr. – Youth theater fun at Peoria Players Theatre
🎨 Ignite Peoria – Free arts & innovation showcase at the Civic Center
🧙♀️ Illinois OZ Festival – Costumes, characters & magic in Mapleton
🐢 Wild Encounters with Turtles – Animal fun & crafts at Peoria Playhouse
🎸 Ozark Mountain Daredevils Farewell Tour – Live in Bloomington
🛍️ Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales – Shop local in Downtown Bloomington
LivingItUp #CentralIllinoisEvents #WeekendGuide #PeoriaIL #Fa...
- Title
- Can Solar Farms and Farmland Share the Same Ground?
- Runtime
- 27:47
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Mark Welp explores agrivoltaics at the University of Illinois, where researchers are studying how crops can grow around solar panels. The episode also marks 25 years of restoration at the Emiquon Preserve along the Illinois River and introduces Recycle Coach, an app designed to make local recycling rules easier to understand.
- Title
- Chris Horan: Making Peoria Safer for People With Food Allergies
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Christine Zak-Edmonds talks with Chris Horan of Red Sneakers for Oakley about food allergy awareness and safety. Horan explains anaphylaxis, the importance of epinephrine and the lessons his family learned after a child's diagnosis, along with local efforts to educate schools, restaurants and families about potentially life-threatening reactions.
- Title
- Defunding Public Media | At Issue with Mark Welp | Episode 305
- Runtime
- 26:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Trump administration has rescinded 1.1 billion dollars in federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the organization that distributes money to PBS and National Public Radio. We’re looking at what this means for our TV and radio stations in central Illinois.
- Title
- Mark’s Furry Friends: Candy Necklace, Bubba, and Bach
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Candy Necklace has the softest fur you'll ever feel! She is a domestic medium-haired, three-month-old kitten. Bubba is a Labrador mix. This two-year-old loves to play fetch! Bach is a beautiful, brown Husky. He is two-years-old. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- Mark's Furry Friends - EXTRA: Fun Dip, Satellite Wafer, and Ritz
- Runtime
- 1:14
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Meet Fun Dip, Satellite Wafer, and Ritz! Consider adopting one of Mark's furry friends at TAPS No Kill Animal Shelter in Pekin, IL.
- Title
- 🎉Living It Up: Your Central Illinois Weekend Guide (August 1-3) 🎉
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Get out and enjoy the best of central Illinois with this snapshot of fun things to do in central Illinois this weekend! Events include:
🎶 Gospel & Soul on the Peoria Riverfront
🎪 Logan County Fair – Carnival rides, live music & more
🦌 Firefly Nights Summer Festival – Reindeer encounters, kids’ games, music
🎸 Live Music, Food & Drinks in Peoria Heights
🎤 Tribute Concerts – CCR & The Eagles at Five Points Washington
🚗 Cars & Coffee at Bass Pro Shops, East Peoria
🏆 Bags Tournament near the McLean County Museum of History
🏖️ Beach Party with live music on East Beaufort Street, Uptown Normal
🐶 Comedic Dog Stunts at Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
📍 Whether you're into music, food, family fun, or classic cars—there’s something for everyone!
🔗 More events & details:
👉 Discover Peoria
👉 Visit BN
👍 Don’t forget to li...
- Title
- Meet Mark's Furry Friends 🐾: Adorable Pets: Justin, Molly Holly and Bentley
- Runtime
- 1:39
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Justin, Molly Holly and Bentley.
Justin is a four-month-old domestic shorthair kitten. His foster mother says he is very social. Molly Holly is a large Terrier mix. She is two-years-old and loves to shake her butt! Bentley is a two-month-old Shepherd mix with a lot of energy. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- Sharon Pferschy | Garlic Breath Farm | A Shot of AG | ep 604
- Runtime
- 26:53
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Sharon Pferschy, from Elburn, IL, never planned to be a farmer—but when searching for a home that welcomed her pet pig, she unexpectedly found her calling. Today, she grows organic garlic and helps others begin their own farming journeys. Alongside her husband, a disabled veteran, they use “Farm Therapy” to help fellow veterans transition back to civilian life.
- Title
- Jade Reddick: Thinking Pink and Building Community Through Thrift
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Christine Zak-Edmonds talks with Pink Blossom Thrift owner Jade Reddick about turning a lifelong love of thrifting into a Peoria business. Reddick explains how her background in sociology and psychology shapes a store that offers affordable goods along with free computer access, printing and job-application assistance.
- Title
- WTVP Now ep201 | We Believe in WTVP
- Runtime
- 25:23
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The loss of historic federal funding for PBS leaves WTVP with a funding gap. But WTVP is well-positioned to not only survive but thrive through a generous matching grant, exciting plans for the future and the powerful support of the central Illinois community. WTVP CEO Jenn Gordon and Board Chairman John Wieland discuss the We Believe in WTVP campaign.
- Title
- Fully Free | At Issue with Mark Welp | Episode 304
- Runtime
- 25:56
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- There are hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans who can’t get jobs. Not because they aren’t willing or qualified, but because they have criminal records. We’ll talk with one of the organizers of Fully Free and find out how they are empowering people and working towards a change in the criminal records system.
- Title
- Central Illinois' Adorable Pets 🐾 Adopt Yoyo, Ken and Muenster
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Yoyo, Ken and Muenster.
Yoyo and Ken are brothers! They are three-month-old domestic shorthair kittens. Muenster is a sweet mixed breed dog. She is two-months-old and has a sister at TAPS named Brie. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- Communication Junction
- Runtime
- 5:07
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Visit Communication Junction, where families learn American Sign Language vocabulary through music, movement and play. See how signing can reduce frustration, support spoken-language development and give parents practical tools for communicating with young children while building a welcoming community.
- Title
- River Pirate Percussion
- Runtime
- 5:55
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Meet the artist behind River Pirate Percussion, whose childhood fascination with the djembe grew into a business repairing, importing and handcrafting drums. See how wood, sound and creativity come together while his work honors the West African traditions at the heart of the instrument.
- Title
- Central Illinois Ballet and Cornerstone Academy
- Runtime
- 5:34
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Step inside Central Illinois Ballet and Cornerstone Academy, where professional dancers share the beauty of movement and students of all ages explore ballet and other dance styles. See how performance, discipline and storytelling create opportunities for artists and audiences throughout the community.
- Title
- Adult Literacy Program
- Runtime
- 4:53
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Discover the Regional Office of Education’s adult literacy program, which matches learners with volunteer tutors for free, one-on-one instruction. See how stronger reading and English skills help adults navigate work, education and family life while creating new opportunities for themselves and their community.
- Title
- Top Things to Do in Central Illinois This Weekend! 🎉 July 25–27 Events Guide
- Runtime
- 1:58
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- 🎉 Living It Up: Your Central Illinois Weekend Guide (July 25–27) 🎉
Looking for fun things to do in Central Illinois this weekend? We've got you covered! From fireworks at the Peoria Chiefs game to a Taylor Swift tribute concert in Pekin, there's something for everyone. Here's a quick look at what’s happening:
✨ Peoria Chiefs vs. West Michigan Whitecaps – Fireworks & Kids Day
🎶 Disney-themed concert by the Peoria Municipal Band
🐎 Bull riding, barrel racing & more at the McLean County Fair
🎸 Live music, pro wrestling & car cruise at Spoon River Days
🎤 Taylor Swift tribute show “Burning Red” in Pekin
🚗 Pekin Downtown Super Cruise – Classic cars, DJ, and family fun
🎅 Christmas in July in Uptown Normal
🏳️🌈 Bloomington-Normal PrideFest with Leah Marlene
🎷 Free jazz concert by the Heartland Jazz Orchestra
🔗 More events and details:
Discover Peoria...
- Title
- Central Illinois' Adorable Pets 🐾 Adopt, Support, and Make a Difference
- Runtime
- 1:38
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Miss Booboo, Goldie and Mango.
Miss Booboo and her sister Goldie are domestic shorthair cats. They were brought to TAPS because their owner had too many cats. Both girls are a little nervous, but nice. Mango is an adorable mixed breed dog. She is two-months-old. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- Rhett Ellis | Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor | A Shot of AG | ep 604
- Runtime
- 26:48
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Rhett Ellis, an Ag Teacher and FFA advisor in Sesser, IL has a love of ag from time spent on the family farm in Southern IL. He was inspired by strong mentors in High School FFA and now he's paying it forward--planting seeds of knowledge, offering opportunities, and guiding students towards meaningful jobs within the ag community.
- Title
- Becky Schotthofer: 55 Years of Reinventing the Hayloft Shops
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Christine Zak-Edmonds talks with Becky Schotthofer about more than five decades at the Hayloft Shops. Schotthofer recalls the shop's beginnings in a family barn, moving the historic structure, operating a tea room and continually reinventing the business through antiques, clothing, gifts and finds from around the world.
- Title
- Dan Legner | Farm Appraiser | A Shot of AG | ep 603
- Runtime
- 26:48
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Growing up on the family farm in rural Princeton, IL, Dan was involved in 4-H and helping on the farm. He is involved in Ag leadership in his community and works as a Certified General Appraiser at Compeer Financial.
- Title
- Finding Connection Through Movement, Language and Music
- Runtime
- 24:06
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Explore movement, language and music across Central Illinois. Meet the professional dancers of Central Illinois Ballet, see how volunteer tutors help adults strengthen literacy skills, discover the craftsmanship behind River Pirate Percussion and visit Communication Junction, where signing helps young children communicate with their families.
- Title
- Emiquon Anniversary | At Issue with Mark Welp | Episode 303
- Runtime
- 27:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- It’s been called one of the Midwest’s most remarkable ecological success stories. The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon preserve in Fulton County turns 25 years old and we’re looking at the history of the floodplain wetland restoration project.
- Title
- Meet Mark's Furry Friends 🐾: Adorable Pets Ready for Loving Homes
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Beetlejuice, Dalton and Derek.
Beetlejuice is a beautiful black tabby. He is a one-year-old domestic shorthair cat. Dalton is a labradoodle. This affectionate guy is six-months-old. Dalton's brother Derek also loves attention. He walks well on a leash. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- 🎉 Central Illinois Weekend Fun Guide | Fairs, Festivals & Live Shows | July 18–20, 2025
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- 🎡 Living It Up: Central Illinois Weekend Guide | July 18–20, 2025 🎶
Get ready to live it up across Central Illinois! Mark Welp brings you the best events happening this weekend—from thrilling fairs and family fun to live music and theater performances. Whether you're into demolition derbies, sweet corn, jazz, or SpongeBob, there's something for everyone!
✨ Highlights include:
Heart of Illinois Fair in Peoria 🎪
Marshall-Putnam Fair in Henry 🚗
Livingston County Fair in Pontiac 🪓
DeWitt County Fair in Farmer City 🏁
Sweet Corn Festival in Chillicothe 🌽
Mack-A-Fest in Mackinaw 🎣
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy live in Peoria 🎷
SpongeBob Musical in Bloomington 🍍
Straight No Chaser’s 90s Tour 🎤
📍 Find more events at:
Discover Peoria
Visit BN
👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for your weekly dose of fun in Central Illinois!
- Title
- Kathy Carey | Teacher/Entrepreneur | A Shot of AG | ep 602
- Runtime
- 26:53
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Kathy Carey from El Paso, IL, turned her childhood anxiety into purpose. A 7th grade literature teacher, she creates a safe space for students to thrive. After journaling and prayer, she felt called to launch “KC Lids,” designing custom hats for weddings, events, and more—blending creativity, faith, and heart.
- Title
- Saving Abigail Grace: Layla Slater's Story of Survival and Purpose
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Christine Zak-Edmonds talks with Layla Slater about the semi-truck crash that nearly took her life while she was pregnant with her daughter, Abigail. Slater shares the long medical journey that followed, how her family endured the unexpected and why she decided to tell their story in her book, Saving Abigail Grace.
- Title
- Meet Mark's Furry Friends 🐾: Adorable Pets Ready for Loving Homes
- Runtime
- 1:26
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Meet lovable pets seeking their forever families. Get to know Doc, the spirited feline; Tutu, the affectionate terrier; and Addie, the energetic puggle-pit bull mix. Discover their temperaments and care requirements. Learn how you can adopt and help change their lives. Visit your nearby shelter to provide these animals with a permanent home!
- Title
- Central Illinois' Adorable Pets 🐾: Meet Milo, Rory, & Davia — Adopt, Support, and Make a Difference
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Explore charming animals seeking caring families in Central Illinois. Introduce yourself to Milo, Rory, and Davia—loving pets ready to find their forever homes. Discover their unique personalities and learn how you can adopt. Support your local shelter and make a positive impact. Watch, share, and assist these wonderful animals in finding joy and a new beginning!
- Title
- Honor Flight | At Issue with Mark Welp | Episode 302
- Runtime
- 27:47
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization that transports veterans to visit memorials in Washington, DC. We’ll go behind the scenes of their Peoria hub, one of 128 across the US.
- Title
- 🎉 Central Illinois Weekend Fun: Fairs, Concerts, Theater & More! | July 11–13 Events Guide
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- 🎉 Looking for fun in Central Illinois this weekend? We've got your guide to the best events happening July 11–13! From the Knox County Fair and Shrek the Musical to Peoria Chiefs baseball, live music, flea markets, garden tours, and even Star Wars Night at the Corn Crib—there’s something for everyone!
📍 Featured Events:
Knox County Fair 🎡
Shrek the Musical at Peoria Players 🎭
Peoria Chiefs vs. Cedar Rapids ⚾
Wildlife Prairie Park Concert Series 🎶
Havana Riverfront Concert Series 🎸
Central Illinois Flea Market 🛍️
Glorious Garden Festival 🌸
Illinois Shakespeare Festival 🎬
👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for your weekly dose of local fun!
00:00 Opening
00:11 Knox County Fair
00:20 Shrek the Musical at Peoria Players
00:28 Peoria Chiefs vs. Cedar Rapids
00:37 Wildlife Prairie Park Concert Series
00:46 Havana Riv...
- Title
- 07/03/2025 | Lightning McQueen, Mater and Debbie | Mark's Furry Friends Extra
- Runtime
- 1:27
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Lightning McQueen, Mater and Debbie.
Lightning McQueen and Mater are brothers! These domestic shorthair, orange and white kittens are two-months-old. Debbie is a black Labradoodle. She is very calm and likes her belly rubbed! Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- Avoiding Scams | At Issue with Mark Welp | episode 301
- Runtime
- 26:16
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- In 2024, U.S. consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to scams. The Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois tells us what to look out for and how avoid being a victim.
- Title
- 07/03/2025 | Trek, Copper and Winnie | Mark's Furry Friends
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Trek, Copper and Winnie.
Trek is a friendly, domestic shorthair cat. She is one-year-old. Copper is fun and active. He is a five-month-old mixed breed dog. Winnie is an 11-month-old Labradoodle. She is a very calm puppy! Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- Students Address Gun Violence with Art
- Runtime
- 2:03
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Drawn from local headlines, a colorful mural created by a Peoria High teacher and his students grapples with the impact of gun violence.
FILED UNDER:
WTVP-PBS
REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION
PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL
PEORIA ILLINOIS
- Title
- Mentor Arts Program | Annisa Eyres
- Runtime
- 1:09
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Peoria Art Guild’s Mentor Arts Program (MAP) gave Washington High School senior, Annisa Eyres, a way to dive deeper into the art she had grown to love. Beyond expanding her artistic skills, the program also offered new friendships and a way to process her feelings.
WTVP
Peoria Art Guild
- Title
- Mentor Arts Program | Evelyn Lough
- Runtime
- 1:08
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The eye-opening experience of Peoria Art Guild’s Mentor Arts Program introduced Evelyn Lough to art mediums she never knew existed. The Richwoods junior found inspiration through local artists and was amazed that such a program would be offered for free.
WTVP
Peoria Art Guild
- Title
- Mentor Arts Program | Finn Carroll
- Runtime
- 1:06
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Finn Carroll discovered that she was capable of more than she knew. The Mentor Arts Program through the Peoria Art Guild gave the Richwoods junior even more than access to local artists and lessons. It gave her a new creative process and taught her to trust herself.
WTVP
Peoria Art Guild
- Title
- Mentor Arts Program | Hadi Shaikh
- Runtime
- 1:09
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Meeting artistic students from other schools was a highlight of the Mentor Arts Program (MAP) for Hadi Shaikh. The Richwoods junior found it liberating to bounce ideas off of others with shared interests in this shared experience.
WTVP
Peoria Art Guild
- Title
- Mentor Arts Program | Megan Wolf
- Runtime
- 1:09
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- When Megan Wolf’s art teacher introduced her to the Mentor Arts Program, she was initially reluctant. But the collaboration with other students and the encouragement and wise correction of local artists won her over. The Metamora High School senior is grateful for this program that taught her how to make the most out of mistakes.
WTVP
Peoria Art Guild
- Title
- Mentor Arts Program | Five Stories
- Runtime
- 4:12
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Five local high school students talk about how the Peoria Art Guild’s Mentor Arts Program (MAP) has expanded their view of what’s possible. The free program introduces juniors and seniors to new mediums through weekly lessons from local artists. In the process, they are connected to new forms of expression, other artists and themselves.
- Title
- Central Illinois Weekend Guide | Parades and Fireworks (July 4-6, 2025)
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- On Friday, July 4, catch fireworks shows in Peoria, East Peoria, Bloomington, Normal, Heyworth, Chenoa, Eureka, Hopedale, Pekin, Chillicothe, Canton, Havana and Galesburg. Parades on the Fourth will march through Chenoa, Eureka, Henry, Hopedale and West Peoria. Keep the celebration going on July 5 with fireworks in Atlanta, Cuba, El Paso, Minonk, Ottawa, Pontiac and Utica.
- Title
- 06/26/2025 | Daniel, Kayla and Kim | Mark's Furry Friends Extra
- Runtime
- 1:33
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Daniel, Kayla and Kim.
Daniel is a large, domestic medium hair cat. He is two-years-old and loves attention. Kayla and Kim are sisters! The nearly identical Labrador mixes are two-months-old. Help us find good homes for these animals!
- Title
- 06/26/2025 | Dawson, Jefferson and Allison | Mark's Furry Friends
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Mark introduces us to Dawson, Jefferson and Allison.
Dawson and Jefferson are brothers, but don't look like it! They are two-month-old domestic shorthair kittens. Allison has a beautiful brindle coat. She is a six-month-old Beagle-Pug mix. Help us find good homes for these animals!
