WBGL Community Matters

WBGL Community Matters episodes:

• 04.17.2024

  Crime Stoppers: Your Information Could Lead To An Arrest

  John Hecker, President of Champaign County Crime Stoppers is back with us today.  He'll share stories of how tips have led to the apprehension of criminals and discuss the importance of Crime Stoppers in our communities.  

  
• 04.10.2024

  Crime Stoppers: Anonymous Tips and Safe Communities

  John Hecker, President of the Champaign County Crime Stoppers Association discusses how folks can anonymously report criminal activity, which can be funneled to law enforcement, possibly leading to the arrest of a suspect.  These individuals who share anonymous tips can...

  
• 03.28.2024

  All Things Weather: Insights From A Chief Meteorologist

  Join us as we delve into the world of meteorology with WBGL and WCIA TV Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lighty, as he shares his expertise on storms and weather conditions. 

  
• 03.21.2024

  Guarding Your Finances and Identity: Navigating Tax Season Fraud

  Join us for an insightful conversation with Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza as we delve into the intricacies of fraud awareness, particularly during tax season. 

  
• 03.06.2024

  Deeper Still: Find Healing and Hope

  Many women and men suffer from the pain of abortion.  Laurie Haynes is the Director of Post Abortion Support at Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center.  She shares some of her personal journey and the freedom she discovered through caring community. ...

  
• 02.28.2024

  Struggling To Hire Employees

  Cassandra Happe, analyst and communications manager with Wallet Hub, delves into the recent report uncovering the states where employers are facing the toughest challenges in hiring.  She highlights key occupations in need of employees and provides exclusive insights into the...

  
• 02.23.2024

  Mental Health: Help For Our Teens

  In recent years there has been a downward spiral of mental health, specifically in teens and around 49.5 percent have been affected.  How do we identify this in our home?  How do we help them and get the resources we...

  
• 02.14.2024

  College Countdown: Essential Tips for Parents and Students

  Abby Rexine, Admission Counselor with the University of Northwestern - St. Paul, talks with parents and students about preparing for college. From opportunities for financial aid to campus visits, today's conversation hopes to encourage high school students who are thinking...

  
• 02.07.2024

  A Wealth Mindset: Dodging Financial Pitfalls and Building Prosperity

  Wes Rowlands is a recognized and successful author, businessman, speaker and entrepreneur.  He shares his story of being raised by a single mother and the great gifts she gave to him as a single, lower income parent. Wes gives insight...

  
• 01.31.2024

  Finding Forever Homes For Furry Friends

  Today we welcome back Mary Tiefenbrunn, Executive Director of the Champaign County Humane Society.  In this episode, we shine a light on what Humane Societies are facing currently, with many being at full capacity for dogs.  We explore the reasons...

  
• 01.25.2024

  Keeping Our Roads Clear

  We're thankful for the men and women of the Illinois Department of Transportation, who work many hours, clearing our roads of ice and snow.  Paul Wappel, a Public Information Officer with IDOT shares how we can make their job easier...

  
• 01.11.2024

  Rebuilding Lives: A Transformative Journey of Homelessness to Hope

  Melissa Courtwright and Cedar King discuss the important work of C-U at Home, as they equip people who have little to no support to find success and a new beginning.  They also share about the exciting oppurtinity ahead to raise...

  
• 12.15.2023

  Hope and Healing: Merci's Refuge

  In this episode, we talk with Emily Gulliford, Program Director for Merci's Refuge.  We explore the journey of resilience that women find through healing, counselling care and supportive community, centered in God's Word.  Listen as we uncover the strength that...

  
• 11.30.2023

  Christmas Tree Selection And Maintenance

  In this festive episode, join Morton Arboretum's Plant Manager, Spencer Campbell as he shares expert insights on selecting the best Christmas tree and essential tips for maintaining its freshness throughout the holiday season. 

  
• 11.17.2023

  Thinking About Safety

  Scott Clarkson has served in the Marines and has also operated a safety company.  He shares practical ways we can think through our personal safety, from walking out into dark parking lots to climbing ladders to hang Christmas lights.  He...

  
• 11.09.2023

  Love Beyond Through The Salvation Army

  Kyle Karsten, Development Director with the Salvation Army of Decatur, Illinois talks about their mission, to Love Beyond.  This is an important time of the year as friends, organizations, churches and ministries come together to support the work of the...

  
• 11.02.2023

  Smoke Detectors Save Lives

  Mara Thompson is today's guest.  She's the Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross of Illinois.  She talks about the importance of having working smoke detectors in your living space, and how these devices save lives.  She encourages maintenance...

  
• 10.04.2023

  Real Estate Wealth: A Roadmap To Financial Freedom

  Join us as we sit down with Erika Brown, a remarkable woman who embarked on a journey, along with her husband and kids, to be part of a new church plant in a city far away from home.  She shares...

  
• 09.21.2023

  Hope For Recovery From Addiction

  September is National Recovery Month.  In this heartfelt episode we sit down with Peer Recovery Specialist and Podcaster, Dan Pyles.  Dan shares his personal journey of addiction and recovery, providing a beacon of hope for those who may be facing...

  
• 09.13.2023

  Convoy Of Hope Responds To Recent Fires And Hurricanes

  Ethan Forhetz, VP of Public Engagement and Lead Spokesperson for Convoy of Hope, shares about their on-going work in response to the recent fires in Hawaii and earthquake Idalia in Florida.  Wherever disasters are taking place, you'll find the volunteers...

  
• 08.31.2023

  Providing Hope And Care To Victims Of Human Trafficking

  Join us once again this week as we delve into the incredible journey of a ministry and organization dedicated to combating the devastating cycle of human trafficking.  It's a heartfelt conversation with CEO and Co-Founder, Kara Doan who shares about...

  
• 08.23.2023

  Disrupting The Cycle Of Human Trafficking

  Join us as we delve into the incredible journey of a ministry and organization dedicated to combating the devastating cycle of human trafficking.  It's a heartfelt conversation with CEO and Co-Founder, Kara Doan who shares about the tireless efforts of...

  
• 08.16.2023

  Paws Of Compassion: Petting A Dog And Melting Away Stress

  Jennifer Dahn is back again this week.  She is the founder and director of Paw Print Ministries.  Jennifer shares about the incredible journey of this ministry, sharing heart touching stories of furry companions who are making a difference throughout central...

  
• 08.09.2023

  Paws Of Compassion: Healing Through Furry Hearts

  Jennifer Dahn is today's guest.  She is the founder and director of Paw Print Ministries.  Jennifer shares about the incredible journey of this ministry, sharing heart touching stories of furry companions who are making a difference throughout central Illinois.  She...

  
• 07.26.2023

  Children Learning To Homestead

  Emily Reichman who is the founder and director of Hope Lives Youth Ranch is back with us again on WBGL Community Matters.  This week she shares about the joy of seeing children learning about various aspects of Homesteading.  She discusses...

  
• 07.19.2023

  Horses Helping Kids

  Today we talk with Emily Reichman who is the founder and director of Hope Lives Youth Ranch.  It's their goal at the ranch to put a smile on every face that enters their barn doors.  It's remarkable how horses can...

  
• 07.14.2023

  Road Work And Safety Campaigns

  Paul Wappel is a public infomration officer with the Illinois Department of Transportation.  On today's show he talks about important road work projects in Illinois and the time frame for them to be completed.  He also shares about the current...

  
• 06.28.2023

  Serving Our Communities Together Part 2

  We continue our conversation with Kyle Karsten, Director of Development with the Salvation Army of Decatur, Illinois and Andrea Gerhard, Director of Campus and Community Engagement with St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Decatur, discussing efforts being made locally to partner...

  
• 06.22.2023

  Serving Our Communities Together

  Kyle Karsten, Director of Development with the Salvation Army of Decatur, Illinois and Andrea Gerhard, Director of Campus and Community Engagement with St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Decatur join the show in a two part conversation to discuss efforts being...

  
• 06.14.2023

  Every Child Needs A Hero

  Every child needs a hero. Daughters need to feel protected and loved.  Sons need to have someone to imitate.  Dad's have the unique opportunity of being a hero to their kids! Many father's work hard to provide love, care, safety,...

  
• 05.24.2023

  We Remember

  Memorial Day is coming up and with that in mind we're excited to air a conversation originally recorded in 2021 remembering our fallen heroes and sharing in meaningful conversation with Sgt. Major Paul Petry of WWII.

  
• 05.18.2023

  Advocating For Children

  This week we talk with several guests from Macon County Casa - Executive Director Blaine Smith, Recruitment and Retention Manager Lori McDaniel and Program Manager Casandra Blockton. They share about the increasing need for court appointed special advocates for children...

  
• 05.10.2023

  Ministry To Vulnerable Ukrainians

  Michael Johnson, President of Slavic Gospel Association shares about the work of SGA around the world as well as on-going efforts to minister to and through pastors and churches along the war torn border of Russia and Ukraine.  

  
• 05.03.2023

  A Devastating Tornado Hits Sullivan Indiana

  Recent tornadoes devastated parts of the midwest, including the town of Sullivan, Indiana.  Jason Kimak is the Senior Director for North American Ministries with Samaritans Purse.  On today's show Jason discusses the work he and his team were part of...

  
• 04.20.2023

  Walking Through Infertility

  Dr. Matthew Arbo is our guest on today's show.  He wrote a book called, "Walking Through Inftertility," after a time of caring and praying for close friends who were experiencing this.  We hope that today's show brings encouragment and hope.

  
• 04.13.2023

  Convoy Of Hope Responds To Recent Tornadoes

  Ethan Forhetz, Vice President of Public Engagement with Convoy of Hope talks about response to recent tornadoes in Mississippi, Arkansa, Indiana and Missouri and how Convoy has come alongside churches, individuals and businesses in these impacted communities, to provide assistance. ...

  
• 04.05.2023

  Taking Care Of Yourself As A Single Parent

  Rob Jackson is a Focus on the Family licensed counselor, who offers hope, encouragement and practical guidance to single parents and their children.  On this week's episode we talk about how to help your children thrive despite the circumstances, the...

  
• 03.29.2023

  Celebrating The True Meaning Of Easter With Kids

  For Christians, Easter is a sacred time to remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. For many children, however, the Easter story can be quite confusing. Days are spent decorating eggs and shopping for the perfect Easter outfit, but often only an hour on Sunday morning...

  
• 03.23.2023

  Farming Often Involves Family and Community

  Michael Evans is the President for the Jasper County Farm Bureau in Illinois.  He and his wife Tina also run a family farm.  Michael shares some of what farmers are doing right now as they're preparing for planting season and...

  
• 03.16.2023

  Her Response To A Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis.

  DeAnna Clark discovered she had Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 40.  A few years later she suffered a stroke.  She felt God had allowed these things in her life and asked Him what she should do to help others. ...

  
• 03.03.2023

  Opportunities For Youth In The U.S. Navy Sea Cadet Corps

  Today we talk with Lt. Michael Palumbo, Commanding Officer and Mid-Shipman Michael Palumbo Jr. about exciting opportunities for youth in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

  
• 02.22.2023

  Engaging Teens Regarding Movies Music And Streaming

  Adam Holz is a movie critic and director of Plugged In.  He shares ideas parents can keep in mind when helping their teens navigate through decisions regarding what they watch and listen to.  Adam talks about several movies the team...

  
• 02.16.2023

  Preborn - Helping Pregnancy Clinics

  Preborn is a ministry dedicated to helping life affirming Pregnancy Clinics all across the nation.  Joyce Im Bartholemew is the national spokesperson who shares about her personal journey that led her to have a passion for the work of Preborn. ...

  
• 02.01.2023

  Freedom Found In Prison

  Cliff and Sue Parrish are today's guests.  They founded and lead a ministry called, "Freedom From Within," which currently enrolls around 250 individuals in prisons throughout the state of Illinois.  

  
• 01.20.2023

  Is My Child Struggling With Seasonal Depression?

  Timothy Sanford, Clinical Director of Counseling Services at Focus on the Family, talks about how to discern whether or not our child is struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder.    

  
• 01.12.2023

  Keeping The Roads Clear This Winter Season

  Paule Wappel is our guest on today's show.  He's a Public Information Officer with the Illinois Department of Transportation.  We discuss the clearing of Illinois roadways during the winter months, general thoughts on safety while traveling in inclement weather and...

  
• 01.06.2023

  The Experience Of Donating Blood

  Have you ever been interested in donating blood and learning more about the experience?  January is National Blood Donor Month and Brian Williamsen from the American Red Cross discusses the reasons behind there being a great need for blood donors...

  
• 12.15.2022

  Coaches Need Encouragement Too

  Today we talk about the influence of coaching and discuss the importance of prayer and discipleship in the world of sports.  Our guest is Delandis Beck.  He's an Area Rep for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and also serves as a...

  
• 12.07.2022

  Remembering Our Fallen Soldiers

  Today we remember the fallen and honor those who gave their all at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.  We hope you are inspired by one of our favorite episodes orginally aired on Memorial Day 2021 with WWII Veteran, Paul...

  
• 11.30.2022

  Unexpected Pregnancy?

  Brandi Pierce shares about Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center and the work they are doing to provide information, support, mentorship and care for mothers and their babies.