WBGL Community Matters

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 about the pathway to higher education.

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 on how to create a path to avoid "wealth killers" while also making good decisions that help one to move forward financially.

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 behind this, the challenges that come with this issue and the great opportunities for those who may be looking to adopt a dog or cat.

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 and less stressful.

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 support for their important work through One Winter Night - an evening which will provide greater empathy and awareness for the needs in our communities.

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 arises from vulnerability and the empowering embrace of God's love through Merci's Refuge.

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.

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 offers ideas to get us thinking more about how we can slow down, think through the process and better insure our personal safety and the safety of others we care for.

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 Salvation Army. Find out how to serve with the red kettle drive and hear about exciting events happening through the Salvation Army.

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 and battery changing to be done around the Daylight Savings time change and encourages listeners to reach out to the Red Cross if they have questions or are in need of a smoke detector.