Galesburg's Morning News

The Silver Streaks opened the 2025-26 season Wednesday, Nov. 26, with an 86-60 thrashing of Limestone — a performance that left even veteran broadcaster Brad Bennewitz searching the record books. For the first time in at least 33 years, three Streaks scored 20+ points in the same game. Hall-of-Fame voice Brad Bennewitz (29th season) and color analyst Jason Wessels (former player and 4th-year broadcaster) join the podcast to discuss: Why this year’s team already feels “different” — especially on defense The emotional evening for new head coach Taylor Thiel and his son Stone How rare the three 20-point scorers performance truly was The three absolute musts for sustained success: balanced scoring, rebounding, and defensive effort Their thoughts on the coming shot-clock era (one loves it, one’s old-school) Broadcast-booth stories, pre-game rituals, and the best road-trip food in the Western Big 6 [caption id="attachment_690025" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Brad Bennewitz, Coach Taylor Thiel, and Jason Wessels break down the Silver Streaks’ season-opening win Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at John Thiel Gym. (WGIL)[/caption]

The Abingdon-Avon Tornadoes are 3-0 after surviving three nail-biters to open the 2025-26 season, including a dramatic 51-49 comeback win over Illini West and a 46-41 victory over Macomb. Coach Link talks about the “fight, poise, and grit” his team has already shown, the luxury of balanced scoring (a different leading scorer in every game), the senior-driven leadership, the two sophomore starters who aren’t playing like sophomores, and why these early tests are exactly what this group needed. Plus, a look ahead to a loaded Bushnell tournament this weekend and the upcoming trip to the Eastland Shootout.

National Weather Service-Lincoln meteorologist Mike Albano joined Galesburg's Morning News to discuss the “slam-dunk” historic storm hitting west-central Illinois this weekend — timeline, two-phase snow, 40 mph winds, and single-digit cold to follow. Full breakdown: When it starts: Snow spreads in from Iowa after midnight tonight (Friday night into Saturday morning) Worst window: 3 a.m.–noon Saturday — heaviest rates over 1" per hour for several hours Snow type: Starts light & fluffy (major blowing/drifting) → turns heavy, wet, and sloppy Saturday afternoon Expected totals: 8–14 inches widespread across Galesburg, Knox County, Peoria, Quad Cities, and most of Chicagoland Winds: Gusts nearing 40 mph Saturday evening → high risk of downed trees, power lines, and widespread outages Travel: NWS is strongly discouraging all travel — roads will be dangerous to impassable Saturday After the storm: Canadian cold blast + fresh snow = single-digit lows Sunday night (6–18°) and Monday night (9–20°) with wind chills near 0° Early next week: Another quick 1–2" possible late Monday–Tuesday; cold pattern continues into December Rarity: Once-every-20-year event for central/southeast Illinois (last comparable storm: weekend after Thanksgiving 2019) Mike Albano’s bottom line: “Confidence is about as high as it gets — this one’s a slam dunk.” Winter Storm Warnings are in effect. What you should do TODAY (Friday): Charge every device Stock food, water, batteries, flashlights Fill your gas tank Plan to stay home from late tonight through Saturday night [caption id="attachment_690015" align="aligncenter" width="800"] NWS Lincoln 6:51 AM Friday update: Heavy snow arrives tonight into Saturday (100% chance north of I-70), followed by a blizzard-like day and a plunge into single-digit lows Sunday and Monday nights. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect – prepare now.[/caption]

Todd Decker from the Bishop Hill Heritage Association stops by Galesburg’s Morning News with the full preview of Julmarknad 2025 – the Swedish Christmas market that turns the entire 1850s village into a living, breathing holiday tradition. No chain stores, no mall vibes – just handcrafted gifts, roaming Tomten (Christmas elves), the prank-loving Julbock goat, daily nyckelharpa concerts, cookie & chocolate walks, Dala horse painting, and a visiting Swedish vocal ensemble (Kongero) on Dec 6. Dates & Hours: Nov 28–30 (Fri–Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 11am–4pm) Dec 6–7 (Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 11am–4pm) Plus a sneak peek at Lucia Nights (Dec 12–13) when the whole town glows with candles and luminaries. Full schedule & details at visitbishophill.com

NOTE: This event has been rescheduled to Sunday, Dec. 14 because of weather. Pippi Ardennia, Daniel Leahy, Bobby Dillard, Lora Wright and Becky Fleischer join Galesburg’s Morning News to preview the now Sunday, Dec. 14 FREE holiday concert inside Lindstrom’s (Main & Seminary) celebrating the store’s 100th anniversary. The Experience All-Star Band lineup: Pippi Ardennia – vocals • Daniel Leahy – piano/keyboards • Bobby Dillard – vocals • Becky Fleischer – vocals • Carol Maloney – vocals • Lora Wright – vocals/harmony arranger • Dave Plunk – bass • David “Stix” Sherrard – drums • Scott Grulke – percussion • Special guest Michael Leahy First hour: a live “old-time radio show” tribute to Lindstrom’s history (Dick Lindstrom joins them on stage!) Second hour: all your favorite Christmas classics Big news: Ascent Church becomes the permanent home and 501(c)3 hub for PD C.A.R.E.S. starting January 1 Come early for a seat – Sunday, Dec. 14, 3-5 p.m. downtown Galesburg. The perfect way to kick off the holidays and celebrate a century of Lindstrom’s! [caption id="attachment_689906" align="aligncenter" width="800"] L-R: Lora Wright, Daniel Leahy, Pippi Ardennia, Bobby Dillard, and Becky Fleischer in the WGIL studios this morning – getting us ready for Sunday’s FREE PD C.A.R.E.S. Holiday Concert celebrating Lindstrom’s 100th anniversary. (WGIL)[/caption]

The Taylor Thiel Era Begins ⚫⚪ The new head coach of the Galesburg Silver Streaks, Taylor Thiel, talks family legacy, coaching his own son Stone, and the mission to bring the program back to prominence in the John Thiel Gym named after his grandfather. We cover: The weight (and pride) of the Thiel name in Galesburg basketball Why this senior-heavy group is hungry and buying into the culture change Breakdown of the 2025-26 roster – 8 seniors, athleticism everywhere Uptempo offense + full-court pressure defense philosophy Joey Range volunteering on staff and the 1998 state runner-up influence Keys to the season: handling adversity and playing unselfish The loaded Western Big 6 – Rock Island, United Township, Moline, Quincy Coming home from Texas: “Galesburg still feels like home” Opening night vs Limestone in the Thanksgiving Tournament is right around the corner — let’s go Streaks! 🏀🤍🖤 Timestamps (video version) 00:00 – Intro & opening night in John Thiel Gym 00:45 – Thiel family legacy 02:10 – Pressure or privilege? 03:20 – Changing the culture 06:15 – 2025-26 roster breakdown 08:10 – Uptempo + pressure defense 09:30 – Committee team this year 10:20 – Joey Range + support circle 11:10 – Keys to success 11:50 – Western Big 6 outlook 12:30 – DeKalb tournament + coming home 13:20 – Final thoughts Full video episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrGA4xKjNNU [widget id="custom_html-257"]

Eric Johnson, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Carl Sandburg College, joins Galesburg’s Morning News to discuss the college’s biggest-ever Giving Tuesday campaign. The Sandburg Foundation has set an ambitious goal of $350,000 by December 15 — all to remove barriers for local students through scholarships, emergency grants, food pantries, and more. In this episode you’ll learn: Giving Tuesday falls on December 2, 2025 (campaign runs through Dec. 15) How every gift — even $30 — makes an immediate difference Details on the employee Giving Tuesday breakfast kickoff Why 75% of Sandburg grads stay and work right here in western Illinois Stories from the recent Scholarship Reception that connect donors directly with students   Donate now (tax-deductible for 2025): sandburg.edu/giving [caption id="attachment_689752" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Eric Johnson, VP of Institutional Advancement at Carl Sandburg College, visits the WGIL studio to discuss Giving Tuesday 2025. (WGIL)[/caption]

Phil and Johanna Hennenfent from Altona’s Henn House BBQ joined us exactly six days before Thanksgiving 2025 armed with pro-level tips to save your holiday dinner 🦃🔥. They break down why high-heat smoked (or fried) turkey with a butter injection beats the traditional dry oven bird every time, reveal the three biggest “turkey crimes” home cooks commit, and share a stupid-easy rub recipe you can still make this weekend. We dive into the brisket-is-taking-over-Thanksgiving trend, why spiral-cut hams dry out fast, the one grocery item you’ll forget (and regret), and the absolute best way to reheat smoked meats without turning them into jerky. This year Henn House smoked 30 turkeys and over 100 pounds of their famous mac & cheese — their biggest Thanksgiving ever. They also talk catering growth, getting their sauces into more stores, and what’s actually hitting the Hennenfent family table next Thursday. The lightning round includes: Team Can-Ridge cranberry forever, stuffing belongs OUT of the bird, pumpkin pie debate, and the most underrated side nobody talks about. Plus the wildest Butterball hotline stories you’ll hear all year (yes, someone really asked about chainsaw carving). WATCH ON WGIL YOU TUBE: [widget id="custom_html-256"]

The ROWVA FFA chapter set out to provide 10 Thanksgiving meals for local families in need — and the community responded in a big way. Thanks to an outpouring of donations (cash, canned goods, turkeys, hams, and even boxes and tape), the students have now assembled at least 20 complete baskets, with more possible before Monday’s deadline. Chapter President Alivia Jones, along with sophomores Sophia Courtright and Peighton Higgerson, stopped by Galesburg’s Morning News to talk leadership, the joy of giving back, and why FFA is about a lot more than just farming. Baskets will be delivered Tuesday, November 25th. [caption id="attachment_689596" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Left to right: Peighton Higgerson, Alivia Jones (ROWVA FFA Chapter President), and Sophia Courtright in the WGIL studio talking about their hugely successful Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive that doubled from 10 to at least 20 baskets thanks to incredible community support. (WGIL)[/caption]

Galesburg author Tom Colclasure joins Galesburg’s Morning News for a in-studio interview about his new book Spokes of the Wheel — a 25-year labor of love that began in the summer of 1998 when he sat down to record the World War II stories of his grandfather, Henry Raymond Colclasure, a decorated paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. After Henry passed away that November, Tom kept going: tracking down the men who jumped with him, walking their battlefields in Europe in 2023, and discovering dozens of astonishing WWII stories that all connect right back to our community. In this conversation, Tom shares: Why Galesburg is the “hub” and the veterans and civilians touched by the war are the “spokes” The Pearl Harbor survivor who lived here The German soldier from Stalingrad who spent years in a Soviet gulag — then settled in Galesburg The Knox College professor sent to an American internment camp The Red Ball Express driver racing supplies across France Finding an unmarked hill in Holland where a Galesburg paratrooper fought for his life Spokes of the Wheel is available now at Wordsmith Bookshoppe — 225 E. Main St., Galesburg Amazon Upcoming events with the author: Book signing — Saturday, Nov. 22, 4:30-7 p.m. at Budde’s Pizza & Spirits, 425 E. Main St., Galesburg Presentation and slideshow — Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. at Galesburg Public Library, 264 W. Main St. Local Author Book Fair — Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the library [caption id="attachment_689440" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Galesburg author Tom Colclasure in the WGIL studios holding his new book Spokes of the Wheel — the 25-year story of his 82nd Airborne grandfather Henry Raymond Colclasure and the remarkable WWII lives that all connect back to our community. (WGIL)[/caption]

The Orpheum Theatre’s highly anticipated ‘Even More’ 2026 season went on sale this morning at 10 a.m., and Executive Director Andrew Driscoll joined Galesburg's Morning News before after the launch to go behind the scenes of Galesburg’s most diverse lineup yet. In this in-depth interview, Driscoll walks through the Winter/Spring 2026 schedule: the return of the surprise-hit 80s tribute Decade of Decadence, the Michael Jackson spectacle MJ The Illusion, the Taylor Swift tribute Are You Ready For It?, a rare U.S. appearance by Louise Dearman (the only actress ever to play both Glinda and Elphaba in Wicked), the Olivier Award-winning family show Dinosaur World Live with its 20-foot T-Rex, plus tributes to Carole King and Selena, Motown celebration Uptown, PBS star Chris Ruggiero, Grammy-winner Suzy Bogguss (an Aledo native), and more. He also discusses the structural crisis that threatened to collapse the roof and close the theater for up to a year, the emergency state funding that saved the building, and the pending grant that would finally bring the Orpheum’s lighting and sound systems to modern touring standards. Plus a full rundown of December’s holiday programming: Choral Dynamics, The Grand Ol’ Christmas Show, Polar Express pajama matinee, The Nutcracker, and the original live old-time radio Christmas special. Tickets and customizable Holiday Flex 4-Packs are on sale now at GalesburgOrpheum.org or by calling (309) 342-2299. [caption id="attachment_689369" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Andrew Driscoll, executive director of the Orpheum Theatre. (WGIL[/caption]

The 2025-26 Galesburg Silver Streaks girls basketball season tips off tonight, and second-year head coach Lexi Demott stopped by Galesburg’s Morning News to give fans the complete inside scoop. She told us the team has one big focus word this year: “That’s kind of been our big word right now is to be disciplined – whether it’s in our press, in our half-court man-to-man defense, or on offense being disciplined and patient and really getting what we want and not feeling like we have to rush into things.” – Coach Lexi Demott In this episode you’ll also hear: What surprised her most in year one (and what she’s doing differently now) How the Streaks spent the entire offseason raising their basketball IQ Why the Western Big 6 has “no cupcakes” and the non-conference schedule is one of the toughest in the state Tonight’s opener vs. Camp Point Central under a brand-new coach The re-formatted Thanksgiving Shootout and what those four games in a week will tell us If you are a Streaks basketball fan, this is your official 2025-26 season preview. Tip-off tonight at 7 p.m. (6:45 p.m. pregame) – every Streaks game all season long on WGIL with Mitch McVey and Jason Wessels! 🏀 Related: Streaks Girls Basketball: Looking for Another Great Year in 2025-26

For 25 years the Children’s Grief Camp has given grieving kids and teens (ages 5-18) a safe, completely free day to heal – and it’s back this Saturday, November 22 at Carl Sandburg College. Camp Director Doug Gibb joins Tyler Gumm and Jay Redfern on Galesburg's Morning News to explain: Why kids grieve differently than adults (and why the holidays can make it “especially heavy”) How the day works: memory boxes, heart pillows made from loved ones’ clothing, art & music therapy, yoga, pet therapy, Santa visit, and the emotional balloon launch by the lake Why former campers now come back as adult volunteers Advice for parents: what to say (and what NOT to say) to a grieving child How the camp stays 100% donor-funded and never turns anyone away Event Details 📅 Saturday, November 22 🕘 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 📍 Carl Sandburg College – Building B, Galesburg 🎂 Ages 5–18 · 💯 Completely free 📞 Call Doug Gibb 309-368-3563 or visit www.childrensgriefcamp.org If you know a child who’s lost a parent, grandparent, sibling or friend – this camp has been a lifeline for hundreds of local families.

City Manager Eric Hanson joins Jay Redfern and Tyler Gumm on Galesburg's Morning news for our regular pre-council preview as the Galesburg City Council meets tonight (Monday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.). In this 20-minute interview, Eric dives deep into an item everyone is asking about: Seminary Street demolition – Why the city is finally tearing down the four long-vacant, connected buildings at 224-240 S. Seminary (across from the Amtrak depot) after a decade of buying them piece by piece. Eric explains the $129,340 contract with local D&T Demolition, confirms Penn’s Furniture stays open, and lays out why this highly visible corner has to come down now. What’s a “downtown transfer hub”? Eric breaks it down simply: a single, modern bus stop where every city route meets, right across from Amtrak — making it easier to switch buses or hop straight on a train. The cleared Seminary Street site is the top choice in the new transit vision plan. Full story on WGIL: https://www.wgil.com/2025/11/17/galesburg-council-to-vote-on-demolishing-four-vacant-seminary-street-buildings/ Plus the rest of tonight’s agenda: New intercity bus lease with Jefferson Lines (replacing Burlington Trailways) Four transit contracts that give discounted passes to people who need them most — and actually save the city money on state funding Final vote on the 2025 property tax levy — the city’s lowest tax rate since 2008 Sale of surplus police firearms expected to bring $40,000 back to the police budget New two-year tourism agreement with the Galesburg Tourism & Visitors Bureau Eric also covers winter warming centers, the huge demand for free smoke/CO detectors, and why he believes 2026 could be a game-changer year: water plant solutions, Logistics Park movement, possible Hall of Fame groundbreaking, Lake Storey trail completion, and more. [widget id="custom_html-255"]

“25% state tax credit for donations to permanent local endowments — Josh Gibb explains how it works, who qualifies, and why the credits can run out before December 31.” Josh Gibb, President & CEO of the Galesburg Community Foundation, joins Galesburg’s Morning News to break down the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Program — one of the best giving incentives in the country. Key points from the interview: Donate to a permanent endowment at GCF → receive a 25% credit on your Illinois state income tax Example: Give $1,000 → the state effectively gives you $250 back Available to individuals, couples, corporations, trusts — anyone with an Illinois tax liability No minimum gift; individuals can give up to $400,000 (married couples $800,000) Credits are first-come, first-served and usually run out before December 31 Nearly 200 eligible endowment funds at GCF — from the Fish Food Pantry to the Orpheum Theatre Josh also shares how endowments work (“that organization gets revenue forever”), why GCF grew from $50 million to $56 million in assets this year, and the simple steps to claim the credit before it’s gone. Whether you’re planning year-end giving or just want to support Knox County causes more efficiently, this 15-minute conversation shows how Illinois is putting real money back in donors’ pockets to build permanent community wealth. To get started: Visit yourgcf.org/illinoisgives or call 309.344.8898 Listen now and give smarter this holiday season. Originally aired Friday, November 14 on Galesburg’s Morning News • WGIL 93.7 FM & 1400 AM

Galesburg native and Quincy Regional Director for the Better Business Bureau, Don O’Brien, joins Galesburg’s Morning News to help you shop smarter and safer this holiday season. With online shopping scams making up over 30% of all BBB complaints last year, Don shares the red flags to watch for: fake websites, social-media “too-good-to-be-true” deals, phony charity appeals, and risky pop-up stores. You’ll get a simple late-night-phone-shopping checklist (BBB seal, “https”, credit card only), plus exactly what to do if you’ve already been scammed. From hot toys to heart-tugging ads, Don explains how scammers are targeting Knox County shoppers in 2025 — and how to beat them. A must-listen before you click “buy” this Christmas. BBB Scam Tracker: Click here

“Classical isn’t for old people — it’s for everybody.” The Knox-Galesburg Symphony presents A Celebration of Spirit — 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Orpheum Theatre — led by Wes Anderson, a musician who attended ROWVA schools His first live orchestra? KGS at age 12: “It felt like a rock show.” He studied with Louise Polay, Bruce Polay, Andy Crawford and Brian Daw — mentors who shaped his life and leadership. Now a sergeant in the 144th Army Band, a master’s student at Illinois State University and former ROWVA band director, Wes conducts with one rule: “Connection, not control.” This concert is a high-energy orchestral sampler — Nutcracker Suite, Carmen, In the Hall of the Mountain King — plus a work by the first American woman to write a symphony. New piece every 3 minutes. No dress code. Wear your favorite band tee. Wes calls Galesburg’s music scene “world-class” and wants every seat filled — especially by kids. Free tickets for all ROWVA students. School tours all week. Tickets: kgsymphony.org or Orpheum box office. [caption id="attachment_689172" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Wes Anderson in the WGIL studio ahead of his guest-conducting appearance with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony. (WGIL)[/caption]

Mark Thomas, Blake Benedict & Terry Bruns reveal how All American Ale has raised $12K+ to give every Knox County veteran free military honors. Tonight (Nov. 13) at 5:30 p.m., Reserve Artisan Ales in Galesburg releases the third annual All American Ale—a light, corn-based cream ale brewed exclusively to fund the Knox County Honor Guard. 🍺 In this 15-minute interview recorded live on Galesburg’s Morning News, you’ll hear: Mark Thomas (former Knox County Coroner & owner, Watson Thomas Funeral Home) share the origin story: why he refused to let grieving families pay a dime for military honors. Blake Benedict (owner/brewer, Reserve Artisan Ales) break down the recipe, local sourcing, and the zero-cost partnership that sends 100% of proceeds to the Honor Guard. Terry Bruns (Vietnam veteran & Honor Guard member) on how the money bought matching uniforms, better equipment—and ended donation requests forever. 🇺🇸🎖️ Impact so far: Over $12,000 raised in two years. 💰 Tonight’s goal: Another $5,000. 🎯 How you can help: Show up, grab a pint (or a 4-pack to-go), and shake hands with the veterans you’re supporting. Event: All American Ale Release Party When: TONIGHT – Thursday, Nov. 13, 5:30 p.m. 🕠 Where: Reserve Artisan Ales, Galesburg 📍 Beer stays on tap: 1-2 months or until it’s gone ⏳ Interested veterans: The Honor Guard needs younger members. Contact Mark Thomas or your local Amvets/Legion/VFW post. 📞 [caption id="attachment_689168" align="aligncenter" width="800"] L-R: Terry Bruns, Blake Benedict & Mark Thomas. (WGIL)[/caption]

Retired juvenile counselor David Gullstrand—longtime Rio, Illinois, resident—unpacks his short holiday tale The Christmas Quilt, written for his granddaughters and narrated through the quirky eyes of 8-year-old Stanley. Drawing from real family camping trips (think backseat squabbles en route to Yellowstone), a "nutty aunt" named Cookie, and secrets stitched into an heirloom quilt, Gullstrand explores rediscovering Christmas's true spirit while parents serve far from home. He shares writing tips for aspiring storytellers: listen to your elders and pass their wisdom on. Catch him at his book signing: Saturday, Nov. 15, 1–3 p.m. Wordsmith Bookshoppe 235 E. Main St., Galesburg, IL Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and soon on local shelves. [caption id="attachment_689143" align="aligncenter" width="800"] David Gullstrand, author of The Christmas Quilt. (WGIL)[/caption]

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 15 show at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church collects donations for FISH Food Pantry. President Will Culbertson and Artistic Director Dr. Tim Pahel share highlights from the sold-out October 25 choral festival—benefitting Blessings in a Backpack—and invite new singers to join spring rehearsals starting January 19 (7–9 p.m., no audition, $15 dues, students free). Spring brings a first-ever collaboration with Nova Singers in April. Tickets: $20 adults, $17 seniors, free for students, here, or at the door.