On Deck

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Friday, December 3. Our top story is about booster shots for Peorians who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. You’ll also hear about Blanks Evergreen Acres, a Christmas tree farm in Creve Coeur. WCBU’s Jody Holtz interviews Mike Blanks about how the family-owned tree farm bounced back this season after closing in 2020 due to COVID-19. On Deck is produced by WCBU student intern Holden Kellogg.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Thursday, December 2. Our top story is about what local health experts have to say regarding the new COVID-19 Omicron variant. You’ll also hear from Bradley University’s first vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. WCBU’s Tim Shelley interviews Dr. Warren Anderson about his past experience and his ideas for the new position.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, December 1. Our top story is the return of Greater Peoria Farm show – the state’s largest indoor agriculture trade show. You’ll also hear about Peoria Ag Lab scientists developing a new jet biofuel from soybean oil. WCBU’s Tim Shelley interviews scientists Ken Doll and Bryan Moser about the research.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Monday, November 30. Our top story is about flu rates rising as the weather turns colder. You’ll also hear about a lifelong Peorian’s journey to find the city’s namesake Native American tribe. WCBU’s Hannah Alani interviews Jo Lakota about meeting modern-day Peorian Indians in Oklahoma.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Monday, November 29. Our top story is about the South Side Community Center’s mission to connect, grow and serve South Peorians. You’ll also hear about East Peoria’s nationally acclaimed Festival of Lights. WCBU’s Jody Holtz talks with East Peoria’s Director of Tourism and Special Events Doug McCarty about all the festival has to offer.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Wednesday, November 24. Our top story is about how trends in gas prices may affect holiday travel. You’ll also hear tips on how to manage COVID-19 safety expectations when gathering with family this holiday season. WGLT’s Ryan Denham interviews Erin Osborn, social service coordinator at UnityPoint's behavioral health service line, on navigating family vaccine etiquette when relatives disagree.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Tuesday, November 23. Our top story is about the most prolific scorer in Bradley basketball history becoming a member of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. You’ll also hear about the annual Santa Claus parade organized by the Peoria Area Community Events board. WCBU’s Jody Holtz interviews parade co-chair Susie Stockman, who says Peoria’s Santa Claus parade is the oldest in the nation.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Monday, November 22. Our top story is about local efforts to vaccinate children against COVID-19. You’ll also hear about how a local turkey farm is seeing a record number of pre-orders this year and why you should act quickly if you haven’t already secured your holiday meal bird. Christine Yordy, co-owner of Yordy's Turkey Farm in Morton, talks with WCBU’s Jody Holtz about how supply chain issues and labor shortages are affecting the farm this season.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Friday, November 19. Our top story is about the struggles of Midwest Food Bank and other local service agencies as inflation drives up the cost of food. You’ll also hear about the Peoria Train Fair returning to Peoria this Sunday. WCBU’s Joe Deacon interviews Rick Stephenson of the River City Model Railroad Club about the appeal of model railroading hobby and trains in general.

WCBU's On Deck has everything you need to know to start your day for Thursday, November 18. Our top story delves into winter weather safety and the ins and outs of operating a snowplow. You’ll also hear about efforts to attract and expand the biomanufacturing and biotechnology industries in the Peoria area. WCBU’s Tim Shelley interviews Peoria BioMade's new executive director Vivian Standifird.