Galesburg's Morning News

The Galesburg Community Chorus celebrates its 80th anniversary with "An American Tapestry," a fall concert featuring Randall Thompson’s Frostiana and Alex Berko’s Sacred Place, performed with chamber orchestra, violin, cello, and piano. Poetry by Robert Frost comes alive alongside a new work by Monmouth College’s David Wright, introduced live with projected art by singer Basia Krol. The November 1...

John Siebken (Mr. Stanley), Ross McIntire (Sheridan Whiteside), and Production Manager Colleen Culbertson join Galesburg's Morning News to discuss Prairie Players Civic Theatre’s production of the 1939 Kaufman and Hart comedy "The Man Who Came to Dinner." They cover the chaotic plot, standout cameo characters, and the show’s first use of newly installed audience risers at 160 S. Seminary Street. P...

Join Tori Tebbitt from ImpactLife with Galesburg Lions Club President Laun Dunn and Secretary Ron Beebe on Galesburg’s Morning News! With holidays approaching, blood need spikes while donations drop—only 3% of eligible Americans give. One hour of your time can save THREE lives. This Wednesday, Nov 12 (11:30am–2:30pm) at Galesburg Public Library: - Lions vs Rotary Club donor showdown (credit your c...

On Galesburg’s Morning News, Bram Wayman, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Knox College, joins host Jay Redfern to preview the Knox College Choir’s fall concert, “The Storm is Passing Over.” Bram shares what makes this performance special: a program of choral favorites exploring themes of voyaging, resilience, and weathering life’s storms, featuring guest artists o...

Tuesday Çetin, Executive Director of the Galesburg Community Arts Center, joins Galesburg’s Morning News to preview the 17th annual Great, Great, GREAT Bowls of Soup fundraiser—back in full in-person glory on Thursday, November 13th! 🎨🍲 After years of to-go and hybrid formats, this beloved tradition returns with soup tastings across three floors, charcuterie, desserts from nearly 10 local restau...

Join Katherine Seguino, Executive Director of the FISH of Galesburg Food Pantry, on Galesburg’s Morning News as she reveals the urgent reality of food insecurity in Knox County. With a 20-30% surge in demand over the past two months, FISH is now serving over 900 families—more than 2,200 individuals—every month. Hear why economic challenges, SNAP benefit changes, and growing households are pushing...

Rick Yemm, one of just 47 dealers nationwide nominated for the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year Award, joins Jay Redfern and Tyler Gumm with his daughter Sara Yemm Witherell, General Manager of Yemm Automotive. From Dick Yemm’s legendary ability to recall every car a customer—or their parents—ever bought, to Sara now running 75% of daily operations, this is the story of a third-generation Galesburg de...

🇵🇭 UFAAGCI Fundraiser: Nov 8 at Trace Cafe Galesburg's Morning News – WGIL Radio Julian Inniss, Secretary of the United Filipino American Association of Galesburg & Central Illinois (UFAAGCI), joins Galesburg's Morning News to preview the Saturday, Nov. 8 fundraiser — all proceeds fund a $500 college scholarship for local high school seniors committed to community service. From his Bahamian roots...

🎖️ Galesburg Veterans Day Parade: 2025 Briefing Galesburg's Morning News – WGIL Radio Ryan Hummel, 22-year Army National Guard vet and parade organizer, joins Galesburg's Morning News to preview the 25th Annual Veterans Day Parade — Sunday, Nov 9 at 2 p.m. downtown.   Key Details Grand Marshal: 30-year Navy veteran Theodore Yette New This Year: Free “Pop-Up Pancakes” 12–2 p.m. at the Post Office l...

🥞 Carl Nixon, Faye Schulz, and Andrew Thomas from Kiwanis Club of Galesburg joined Galesburg's Morning News to provide the details on Pancake Day 2025—Friday, Nov. 7 at Hy-Vee East Main (2030 E. Main St.). Highlights: Two seatings: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. & 4:30–6:30 p.m. (carryout available) $10 = all-you-can-eat pancakes + sausage Staffed by 10–12 Kiwanis + high-energy Key Club teens Proceeds fund “Shop...

On this episode of Galesburg's Morning News, we go ringside with the Galesburg Youth Athletic Club—a 75-year Duncan family legacy that’s more than just boxing. Guests: Rich Norton, President Jordan Mack, Head Coach (GYAC since age 5) Shirley Chu, Owner of Tres Cafe & host of Carlos Duncan Day Highlights: Carlos Duncan Day Fundraiser – Saturday, Nov. 15, 4–8 p.m. at Tres Cafe (1135 Lincoln St.): $1...

City Manager Eric Hanson joined Galesburg's Morning News to preview the Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, Galesburg City Council meeting — here’s what’s on the table: Property Taxes (1st Reading): The city wants $10.87 million in 2025 taxes — that’s 4% more total dollars than last year, but thanks to rising property values, the city’s tax rate drops to ~$2.35 per $100 (lowest since 2008). Most goes to police/...

In this WGIL Galesburg's Morning News interview, Dr. Andrew Brooks—Knoxville District 202’s incoming superintendent—discusses his July 1, 2026 start, immediate priorities, and long-term goals. A former science teacher at Knoxville High School (1998–2001), Brooks returns after serving 19 years as superintendent in South Pekin, Delavan, and currently at Kewanee Wethersfield. He cites community pride...

Jantz Spalding (Director of Development) and Lisa Hughs (Director of Community Day Services) joined Galesburg’s Morning News to discuss Thrive Community Service’s nearly 70-year legacy empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Key Highlights: • Serving 300+ individuals across Knox County with day programs, employment services, SOAR respite, and the Gordon Behrents Se...

Junior Miss Illinois 2025 Lia Barraza Sloan, Sabrina Barraza Sloan Sabrina’s Bridal & Prom, and Rainbow Riders Executive Director Krista Bushmaker join Galesburg’s Morning News to preview the preview the 2025 Falling in Love Bridal & Prom Show from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov 2 at the Knights of Columbus, 1556 E. Fremont St. in Galesburg. The event features a fashion show, silent auction, and vendors—all...

In this special episode of Galesburg's Morning news, Doug Hankes, Galesburg native and chief operating officer of Western Smokehouse Partners, revealed how the world’s largest producer of better-for-you meat snacks is transforming two local landmarks into high-tech production hubs—creating 200–230 new jobs and investing $72 million in our community. Key Highlights from the Interview: Monmouth Blvd...

In this episode of Galesburg's Morning News we're joined by Kelly Price, executive director of CASA of West Central Illinois, as we dive into CASA’s expansion into Fulton County (now serving 110 more kids in foster care), the life-changing role of CASA volunteers (just 5 hours/month to be a child’s voice in court), and their upcoming Lip Sync Battle on Nov 6. at Cedar Creek Hall. 🎤 Theme: Lights,...

This episode of Galesburg's Morning News features Galesburg Community Chorus as they launch their 80th anniversary season with the monumental Festival of Voices — a free, all-ages choral event featuring over 230 singers from six local choirs, including middle schoolers, college ensembles, and lifelong community voices. In this episode, Dr. Tim Pahel (25 years as Artistic Director) and Will Culbert...

Noelle Thompson, Galesburg Public Library Director, joined this morning’s show to discuss Treat Street 2025. The family-friendly trick-or-treat event, hosted by the Downtown Community Partnership, is set for Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Main Street will be closed for safe, festive fun. Maps and goodie bags will be available at Main & Cherry and Main & Seminary. Noelle shared ways to g...

On this episode of Galesburg's Morning News on WGIL Radio, we talked with Aaron Furrow, President of the Galesburg Athletic Booster Club, and Mindi Ritchie, District 205 Assistant Superintendent, detailing the Booster Club’s inaugural Draw Down fundraiser. Set for Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at Cedar Creek Hall, 571 E. North St., Galesburg, the event runs from a social hour with food trucks at 6- 7 p....

Listen to the latest episode of Galesburg’s Morning News as we explore the 2nd Annual "Run For Your Life" 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk, set for 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24  at Hope Cemetery. Jack Templeton, board member of the Hope Cemetery Association, details this family-friendly fundraiser, welcoming runners, walkers, and costumed participants for a relaxed, scenic course led by a hearse. Funds support th...

Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson joins Galesburg's Morning News to preview the Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, City Council meeting. Hanson details a $1.24 million StarCom21 radio upgrade for police and fire to improve communication with state and county agencies, ensuring better 911 responses by late 2026. A $435,000 Motorola Solutions contract will replace outdated body and in-car cameras to boost tran...

Dive into the thrilling world of Cirque Mechanics: Tilt! with our interview with founder and creative director Chris Lashua, recorded on Oct. 14, 2025, on Galesburg’s Morning News. In this 15-minute conversation, Chris takes us behind the scenes of Tilt!, a high-flying circus spectacle set in a nostalgic 1980s amusement park, featuring a stunning 18-foot, man-powered Ferris Wheel. He shares how hi...

In this WGIL Morning News interview, Director Adam Seaney discusses Galesburg Area Vocational Center’s hands-on programs like welding, CNA, automotive, culinary arts, and law enforcement, serving 440 students from 10 districts. He highlights partnerships with Kunis Toyota, Dave's Auto Body, Habitat for Humanity, and Pegasus Mfg., recruitment visits to area schools, and potential new programs like...

On WGIL Galesburg’s Morning News, local historian Rex Cherrington shared the vibrant history of Lombard College, a Universalist-founded institution that shaped Galesburg until its closure in 1930. Unlike Knox College, founded by Presbyterians and Congregationalists like Rev. George Washington Gale, Lombard pioneered co-education, admitting men and women to the same classes. Rex highlighted key fig...