WIUM NewsRoom

Challenges Ahead for Former IAAP Workers

Burlington, IA (2009-11-20) Many factors can affect a person's health: diet, exercise, family history and even occupation. Former workers at a weapons manufacturing plant in Southeast Iowa are well aware of that last point.

Many continue to look for help in dealing with health problems likely caused by their decision to show up for work each day. But the process for receiving help is not an easy one.

Hope Springs Eternal at Vishnu Springs

Vishnu Springs, IL (2009-10-23) Are people still interested in an old health resort that was abandoned decades ago? Based on the turnout during an open house at Vishnu Springs, the answer is an emphatic "Yes!"

Keokuk Pushing Recycling

Keokuk, IA (2009-09-30) The "Go Green" movement has picked up a lot of steam in recent years over concerns about the environment, the planet, and climate change. Recycling is a popular way anyone can be part of that effort.

One Southeast Iowa community is not seeing that happen. Keokuk plans to get more people to separate those aluminum cans, glass bottles, and newspapers.

Taking Action to Protect Rivers

Macomb, IL (2009-09-20) Aristotle said "Boundaries don't protect rivers - people do." A few dozen people put that theory to test in Macomb on September 19. Their work was part of a larger river clean-up project in Illinois.

Agriculture Education in Iowa

Lee County, IA (2009-08-31) Teachers used to stress the importance of the three R's: Reading, Writing, & Arithmetic.

The focus, now, is on a core curriculum. That is basically the three R's and a couple of S's: Science and Social Studies.

For some students, it is the elective classes that really prepare them for the rest of their lives especially those interested in agriculture.

School Budgets: An Uncertain Future

Western Illinois (2009-08-28) Typically you have an idea of how much money to expect on pay day. But imagine what it would be like living week-to-week not knowing how much money is coming in and whether there will be enough to pay the bills. Those who work in education in Illinois are going through just that. The state's financial problems are forcing superintendents to deal with an uncertain future.

RAGBRAI: Dip It Down in B-town

Burlington, IA (2009-07-26) The Mississippi River is known by many names. They include The Mighty Mississippi, The Great River, and The Big River. On July 25 it was known by another name: The Finish Line.

"County Seats" Unveiled At New Burlington Art Center

Burlington, IA (2009-07-20) You can find works of art everywhere in life.

They can be as obvious as a watercolor painting or a marble statue. They can be as subtle as a group of fluffy white clouds or a reflection in a crystal clear blue lake.

For someone in Burlington, a work of art could be right under their own backside, thanks to the County Seat project. The project is just the start of an art movement in the downtown district.

Pageant Attracts Thousands and Boosts Business

Nauvoo, IL (2009-07-10) For the 5th consecutive summer, tens of thousands of people will flock to western Illinois for "The Nauvoo Pageant."

The Volunteers Behind Cornerstone

Bushnell, IL (2009-07-06) Music lovers from all over the world descend on western Illinois every year for a week-long Christian music festival. Cornerstone draws thousands of people to the Bushnell area.

Fairfield Working For Sustainability

Fairfield, IA (2009-06-24) There are plenty of ways to live a more sustainable life. You can walk or bike to work, grow a backyard garden, or add insulation or energy-efficient light bulbs to a home.

One Southeast Iowa town believes it has the answer to creating a sustainable community.

Horns In The Heartland

Macomb, IL (2009-06-12) The annual International Horn Symposium has been held in places such as Beijing, Cape Town, and Valencia in past years. This year, it took place in Macomb.

Cars, Yarn & Photos - Hobbies As A Passion

Macomb, IL (2009-06-07) Just about everyone has a hobby. For some people, that hobby turns into a passion.

Trying to Rebuild

Gulfport, IL (2009-06-02) It's peaceful on the banks of the Mississippi River at Gulfport. The birds are chirping and the water is slowly splashing against the bank. In fact, it's so peaceful, you might not realize that one year ago, the scene was not so serene.

Live Music Kicks Off Summer In Keokuk

Keokuk, IA (2009-05-29) Keokuk kicked off the unofficial start to summer with a few hours of live music.

Opportunities Out There For Displaced Workers

Burlington, IA (2009-05-22) The stories continue to make headlines: Plant "X" has fired 30 workers while Company "Y is cutting a quarter of its workforce. For the most part, it's the numbers making headlines, not the actual workers who face an unknown future. There are opportunities in Southeast Iowa for workers who have lost their jobs during these difficult economic times.

Digging in the Dirt

Colchester, IL (2009-05-16) Hundreds of new trees are now in the ground at Argyle Lake State Park. Tri States Public Radio listeners had a hand in making it happen.

Class Yields Special Art Works

Macomb, IL (2009-05-17) Most art galleries show works from a variety of artists over the course of time. But the operator of one gallery in Macomb believes the appreciation shown by the artists on display during May will be tough to match.

Sticker Shock for Broadcasting Students

Macomb, IL (2009-05-15) Higher education comes at a high cost. But how much is too much? A new requirement at Western Illinois University is sparking some debate about the issue.

Letters from a Civil War Soldier

Macomb, IL (2009-04-23) The Western Illinois Museum presented a reading of original letters written by Union soldier Charles Taylor. The one-night only performance took place at the museum on April 23.