Galesburg In Focus

In this episode of Galesburg In Focus, WGIL's Jay Redfern is joined by Dr. Beau Shay, a 2000 Galesburg High School graduate who’s earned titles like all-stater, state runner-up, quarterback, point guard, and orthopedic surgeon. Later this year, he’ll add hall of famer to his impressive resume. Beau followed his brothers Jason and Zach to carve a stellar Silver Streaks career, earning seven varsity...

In a recent Galesburg In Focus interview, Denise Gerstenberger, executive director of Discovery Depot Children's Museum in Galesburg, previewed the museum’s 6th annual Purses to Inspire fundraiser, set for Thursday, Aug. 28 at the museum. This critical fundraiser kicks off the museum’s fundraising season, supporting its operations and mission to provide engaging programs and high-impact traveling...

In this Galesburg In Focus episode, WGIL’s Chris Postin interviews Dr. Nathaniel Baker, Managing Medical Director and ER Director at OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg. Dr. Baker details the creation of a new Community Garden behind the Galesburg Clinic, explaining its origins, development, and mission to promote community health through partnerships with local FFA chapters. The g...

In this Galesburg In Focus interview, WGIL's Chris Postin discussed a new OSF HealthCare and Meridian Health Plan of Illinois initiative with Kate Johnson, manager Women’s Services, Digital Care for OSF OnCall, and Dr. Rutu Ezhuthachan, Chief Medical Officer for Meridian Health Plan of Illinois. A $1.5 million-funded mobile unit will deliver prenatal and postpartum care to Medicaid-eligible mother...

In this episode of WGIL’s Galesburg In Focus, host Chris Postin sits down with Dr. Matt Weidman, a pediatrician, and Courtney Inness, an advanced practice registered nurse, from Graham Medical Group’s Center for Ambulatory Care and Imaging in Galesburg to discuss preparing kids for back-to-school. They cover the importance of school and sports physicals, nutrition, sleep routines, and behavioral h...

This week on Galesburg In Focus, WGIL's Chris Postin explores the innovative Nuance Audio Frames with guests from Kehoe Eyecare. Jan West, a patient, shares how these groundbreaking glasses, combining prescription lenses with hearing aid technology, have transformed her life by addressing mild to moderate hearing loss. Optical Manager Taylor Swanson discusses the seamless integration of these fram...

In this Galesburg In Focus episode, WGIL's Chris Postin interviews Paula Helle, director of the Spoon River Rascals Community Theater, along with cast members Xander Fields and Rob Janssen, about their "Guys & Dolls" performance on June 28–29, at the Ellisville Opera House. They discuss the youth troupe’s role in funding renovations like air conditioning and plumbing, and share personal experience...

In this Galesburg In Focus episode, Rita Farro, director of the Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire, Iowa, previews the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show on June 28–29, 2025, at Cody Elementary, featuring trick shots, horseback riding, and historical reenactments. She highlights the museum’s exhibits on Buffalo Bill Cody, the Lone Star Steamer, and LeClaire’s history, plus local attractions like Antique A...

Dr. Joshua Carpenter, hospitalist at OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center and U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, joins WGIL's Chris Postin on Galesburg In Focus during Men’s Health Month. Dr. Carpenter discusses critical health challenges for men, emphasizing early detection, healthy habits, and mental well-being to protect dads, grandfathers, and father-figures. Topics covered include: Men’s Health...

Gov. JB Pritzker delivered a commencement address focused on courage and humility to Knox College’s Class of 2025 on Sunday, June 8. Speaking for 23 minutes on the South Lawn of Old Main at the 10 a.m. ceremony, he told the more than 200 graduates and others in attendance Sunday, “I’m truly honored to be standing before you today at truly one of Illinois’ jewels of higher education.” WGIL carried...

In this Galesburg In Focus episode, Tracy Ann Drill, owner of Golden Tours Midwest, shares 2025 travel plans, offering multi-day trips with Galesburg pickups for seniors and solo travelers. From Colorado trains to Italy’s best, Drill’s curated experiences foster community and comfort, with local guides and inclusive activities. Learn more at goldentoursmidwest.com. Key topics: Galesburg pickups fo...

Join WGIL’s Galesburg In Focus as Jay Redfern talks with National Weather Service Central Illinois meteorologist Rebekka Copple about storm anxiety. Learn about triggers, coping strategies like weather education, and NWS tools to stay prepared. Rebekka shares her personal journey overcoming storm fears and offers practical advice for those facing spring tornadoes and winter storms. View the full p...

For Stroke Awareness Month, Galesburg In Focus spoke with Janet Wehrly, RN/Cardiac Rehab, and Shelly Heimann, Physical Therapist, from OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center. They highlighted key information about stroke and resources available locally. A major focus was the "Go-Getters" stroke support group, open and free for stroke survivors and their caregivers at any stage of recovery. The gro...

Denise Gerstengerber, executive director of Discovery Depot Children’s Museum, joins Galesburg In Focus to preview the Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails traveling exhibit. The STEM-focused display, with interactive challenges featuring Thomas and Percy, opens noon Sunday, May 18, 2025, on the museum’s second floor and runs through Labor Day. Gerstengerber also highlights the museum’s Summer Camp...

The latest episode of Galesburg in Focus introduces Dwayne Bayer, the new owner of Bates Collision Center. Dwayne takes over from Steve and Patsy Bates, who built the business and its great reputation. Bayer is excited to continue the legacy and the small-town, mom-and-pop feel of the business, which is centered around taking care of employees and customers. He emphasizes that the relationships ar...

A familiar face and certainly a name synonymous with Silver Streaks sports is the new coach of the Galesburg High School basketball program. Taylor Thiel, a member of the 1998 state runner-up team and of course part of the legendary family that saw his grandfather John, father Zack, and uncle Mark all make their marks on the program, will officially become Galesburg’s new coach on May 12, pending...

This episode of Galesburg In Focus features Dr. Jeremiah Bushmaker, a podiatrist and surgeon from Podiatrist and Surgeon from OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg and Holy Family Medical in Monmouth. [caption id="attachment_678163" align="alignleft" width="200"] Dr. Jeremiah Bushmaker[/caption] April is Foot Health Awareness Month, and the discussion centers around various common fo...

In this episode of WGIL's Galesburg In Focus, Chris Postin talks with Jim Anderson of North-And Company, a Galva-based crop insurance and commodities brokerage firm, and Lance Tarochione, a technical agronomist with DEKALB and Asgrow under Bayer Cropscience. Both Jim and Lance—who are also local farmers and University of Illinois alumni— share insights on the impact of Trump tariffs on national an...

In this episode of Galesburg In Focus, Chris Postin talks with Rebecca Mowers Nelson, a full-time mom and a psychotherapist specializing in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Trauma, and Sensory Issues. She is also the founder and Designer of Abby & Noah Company, a local, family-owned business developing sensory products for adults and children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD and m...

On this episode of WGIL's Galesburg in Focus, Chris Postin talks with Susie Melvin, Director of Perioperative Services for OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center (Galesburg) and OSF HealthCare Holy Family Medical Center (Monmouth). [caption id="attachment_672441" align="alignleft" width="200"] Susie Melvin[/caption] Melvin provides insights into the recent updates to surgical services at both faci...

Addressing a critical gap in rural healthcare, the Knox County Health Center is expanding its services and offering much-needed mental health support and affordable care to the Galesburg community and beyond through initiatives like a sliding fee scale. Ben Clark, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and Staci Simpson, Director of Operations, join WGIL's Chris Postin on Galesburg In Focus to shed light...

This week's Galesburg In Focus features Dr. Rozana Dwyer, a surgeon and medical director, and Abby Putman, a nurse practitioner, both affiliated with Graham Medical Group. In observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, they highlight the significance of early detection through regular colonoscopy screenings. The conversation emphasizes the availability of endoscopy services at their...

In this episode of Galesburg In Focus, WGIL’s Jay Redfern sits down with veteran sports official Dave Hasley, who is wrapping up an impressive 49-year career in basketball officiating. An Abingdon native, Hasley reflects on the evolution of the game, discussing significant changes such as the introduction of the 3-point shot and the upcoming shot clock. With nearly 9,000 games officiated across va...

A Galesburg native is among 12 of the best and brightest African American male college students in the country selected for a prestigious two-summer program in Washington D.C. Jon Sibley III, a 2023 graduate of Galesburg High School and now a second-year student studying political science at Boston University, recently was chosen to participate in the Institute for Responsible Citizenship’s Washin...

In this episode of Galesburg In Focus, host Chris Postin interviews Becky Mowers, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of Crossroads Counseling and Life Coaching. In celebration of National Marriage Week, Becky shares valuable insights and practical tips for strengthening relationships. She discusses the current divorce rates in America, explores the concept of the five love languages,...