Thomas Griffiths, a biology professor at Illinois Central College, talks about bats on "Tarter Source" with the Journal Star's Steve Tarter. Griffiths talks about the devastating disease that has killed millions of bats across the country in the past 10 years. The professor, who notes that recent research efforts may find an answer to the white-nose syndrome striking bats, also talks about a prehistoric predator called the hell pig.

Patti Gratton, the executive director of Community Workshop and Training Center and Jim Runyon, a vice president with Easter Seals Central Illinois, discuss funding for the developmentally disabled in the Peoria area. An advisory referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot for Peoria County would increase the allocation to help the developmentally disabled and assistance to veterans that's presently under a penny (per $100) on the property tax bill.

Rick Stephenson spins the goodtime oldies in the early morning hours on WIRL 1290 in Peoria, but he's also the communications and public relations coordinator for Community Workshop and Training Center. Rick is an experienced radio personality who feels compelled to give back to the community through his work on behalf of the developmentally disabled.

From Stark County to Peoria High, Journal Star beat writers Aaron Ferguson and Stan Morris, and assistant sports editor Wes Huett discuss the high school football playoff pairings and the big matchups coming this weekend throughout central Illinois.

Shannon Szabados won Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014 as a goaltender on the Canadian women's hockey team. Among her many firsts, in 2014, Szabados became the first female goaltender to win an SPHL game. Now fighting for a spot on the Peoria Rivermen roster, Szabados talks about playing hockey as "one of the boys" and discusses some of her plans for the future.

Peoria Symphony Orchestra conductor George Stelluto joins us for this week's Tarter Source podcast with Journal Star writer Steve Tarter. Stelluto chats about upcoming concerts, including "Prodigies" featuring 11-year-old piano prodigy Harmony Zhu, and the state of classical music on the radio and in our educational system. He shares his thoughts on the value of classical music and its existence in modern society.

Brian Wardle's first basketball season at the BU helm was a difficult one as a freshman-dominated team struggled to a 5-27 record. But lessons were learned and a new culture was instilled that have led to an optimistic outlook for Year 2. Wardle took time out this week to discuss what he's discovering about his team, his coaching ability and his family's adjustment to Peoria in this Journal Star podcast.

Cyberterrorism is the topic on "Tarter Source" this week. Eric English, a security analyst with CIAN, an IT security company based in Peoria, is Steve Tarter's guest. English talks about an upcoming (and free) security seminar 8:30 a.m.on Thursday at the Packard Plaza in Downtown Peoria. He also points out that the number-one thing when it comes to computer security is to be prepared.

Roger Monroe, the host of "Roger and Friends," heard from 6-9 a.m. weekdays on WAZU-FM 90.7, is Steve Tarter's guest on "Tarter Source," podcast. Known for his partnership with the late comedian Royce Elliott, Monroe was part of the "Breakfast with Royce and Roger" that played on several Peoria radio stations in recent years. A former spokesman for Methodist Medical Center who served on the Peoria County Board for 20 years, Monroe weighs in with thoughts on radio, newspapers and politics.

Get to know our new high school beat reporter, who joined us on Sept. 7 and has been baptized with three great football games: Peoria High-Notre Dame, Washington-Metamora, and Canton's overtime upset of Metamora. In this week's podcast, he discusses his passion for sports, the lure of high school competition, his love for baseball and his goal to visit all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums.