WTVP is reviving this important recognition program to honor those whose distinguished careers and legendary vision have had a profound impact across central Illinois. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire the rest of us who are living out our own legacies, each and every day.
“Obviously, you can’t change everything, but I did my best to turn out a lot of good men and a lot of good women along the way.”
Learn more about Gerold M. Brookhart“God's not finished with me yet.”
Learn more about Sister Judith Ann Duvall
“I've always been a person who thought, if you reach certain levels of success on that ladder, as you go up, you don’t put your foot on somebody below you. You reach down and help them.”
Learn more about Ronald A. Gibens, Sr.“I happen to hit a niche and figure out how to make a living from doing it in something that's fun for me.”
Learn more about Kert Huber
2022 Local Legends
- Monica Hendrickson – From Anonymous Administrator To Media Celebrity
- Chris Reynolds – Manning The Point, From Basketball Floor To NCAA Big
- Steve Thompson – ‘Children Deserve The Best’
- Doug and Vicky Stewart – The Whole Is Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts
- Dr. Rick Pearl – A Pearl Of A Person
2021 Local Legends
- Esther Cohen – Lifetime of Volunteerism
- Martha Herm and Tom McIntyre – A Trusted and Steady Presence
- Preston Jackson – Artist, Educator, Storyteller
2020 Local Legends
- Sid & Flo Banwart: Partners in Philanthropy
- Bob & Joan Ericksen: Connections to Nature
- Junior & Jackie Watkins: Paying It Forward
2019 Local Legends
- G. Raymond Becker: Builder of Modern Peoria
- Dr. Patrick Elwood: The Modest Neurosurgeon
- Hon. Joe Billy McDade: The Principled Judge
- Doug & Diane Oberhelman: The Ultimate Power Couple
2018 Local Legends
- Bruce Brown: U.S. Marine & Restaurateur
- Anne Fox: Optimistic Humanitarian
- George Manias: Hard-Working and Humble
- Donald Rager: Doctor, Teacher, Visionary
- Gerry Shaheen: Executive and Board Leader
2017 Local Legends
- Dr. Stephen & Patti Bash: Catalysts of Healthy Living
- Royal Coulter: Business Leader with Integrity
- Ken Hinton: A Caring and Compassionate Educator
- Norman V. Kelly: Patriot, Storyteller, Historian
- Joan Krupa: Public Servant & Health Advocate
2016 Local Legends
- Byron DeHaan: Communicator of Culture
- Jean Ann & Gordon Honegger: Sharing the Wealth
- Mike Landwirth: A Life of Development
- The Honorable David Leitch: A Tireless Workhorse
- Sally Snyder: Advocate for Health and Education
2015 Local Legends
- Wayne Baum: A Legacy of Servant Leadership
- Bob Gilmore: “Yellow-Blooded” Philanthropist
- James Polk: An Advocate for All
- Dave Ransburg: Businessman and Civic Leader
- George Shadid: The Principled Statesman
2014 Local Legends
- John Bearce: Entrepreneur and Adventurer
- Lowell “Bud” Grieves: Developer, Businessman and Conservationist
- Gene & Harriett Swager: A Partnership in Service
- Kathryn Timmes: Teacher and Counselor
- Jay Vonachen: Businessman and Community Leader
2013 Local Legends
- Glen Barton: Businessman & Visionary
- Congressman Bob Michel: Distinguished Public Servant
- Art & Judy Oakford: A Pair of Peoria Philanthropists
- Gerald D. Stephens: Entrepreneur & Businessman
- Pete Vonachen: Peoria’s Mr. Baseball
The station you love is not going anywhere! But with historic federal funding gone, we are looking to the community to join us in the WE BELIEVE in WTVP campaign to fuel a strong future. When you increase your giving, become a member for the first time, or double your donation, your gift will be matched – up to $500,000! Thank you for helping us close the gap and keep our station strong!