Byers & Co. Interviews

Ashton Dukeman, Marketing Specialist, and Lonnie Williams, Volunteer, joined Byers & Co to talk about volunteer opportunities. Every year, hundreds of passionate volunteers help bring the conservation areas and historic sites to life. Whether you’re welcoming visitors, leading programs, or getting your hands dirty in the great outdoors, your contributions make a huge impact in Macon County. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerry Culp, Executive Director and Ashton Dukeman, Marketing Specialist join Byers & Co to talk about Marketing and Outreach. MCCD connects the community with its conservation mission through education, public relations, social media, newsletters, events and community partnerships. Outreach introduces residents to MCCD's natural areas, historic sites and programs while creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn, volunteer, participate and become stewards of the resources the District protects. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerry Culp, Executive Director and Jimmy Rade, Macon County Conservation District Board Trustee, joined Byers & Co to talk about the MCCD board. The Macon County Conservation District Board of Trustees is the governing body of MCCD. The five-member Board provides the leadership, oversight and long-term direction for the District and makes sure the organization is carrying out its mission to protect and preserve Macon County’s natural and cultural resources. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil Julius, Director of Operations and Executive Director, and Mitch Lovgren, Natural Resources Manager joined Byers & Co to talk about MCCD Natural Resources and Operations. MCCD currently manages more than 3,800 acres of natural areas, historic sites and recreational property in Macon County. Its mission is not simply to provide parks—it is to acquire, maintain, restore and permanently protect natural and cultural resources. That means every acre requires ongoing management decisions: what gets planted, what gets removed, where fire is used, how wildlife populations are managed, how trails are maintained and how public access is balanced with habitat protection. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerry Culp, Executive Director, and Robin Caceres, Macon County Conservation Foundation Board President, joined Byers and Co to talk about the Macon County Conservation Foundation History and board. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerry Culp, Executive Director, and Melody Arnold, Naturalist, joined Byers & Co to talk about the history of the Conservation District. MCCD began with a threat to the land. A proposed federal reservoir in the 1930s and 1960s threatened farmland and natural areas around the Sangamon River and Allerton Park. Local people decided they needed a voice in what happened to their land. Citizens from the Audubon Society, Historical Society, outdoor organizations, schools and other community groups came together. They built a conservation district from the ground up. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 4, 2026 - Tom Brinkoetter joined Byers & Co to talk about the stabilizing real estate market and to highlight a home with a lake view. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 4, 2026 - Alyssa Patrick joined Byers & Co to talk about her new role as the Director of Communications for Decatur Public Schools and her career in news. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 3, 2026 - Dr. Zak Standerfer, Grant Administrator and Work Study Program Coordinator, and Heather Ethell, Asst. Regional Superintendent, joined Byers & Co to talk about Building Inspections and Compliance and ROE's new Work Study Program. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 3, 2026 - Shane Brandel, Retired Decatur Police Chief and Regional Director of School Safety, and Jill Reedy, Regional Superintendent, joined Byers & Co to talk about school safety, support, and safety training in schools. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 3, 2026 - Holly Kelly, Director of Social Emotional Learning Hub, and Amy Jones, Social Emotional Learning Hub Coach, joined Byers & Co to talk about student mental health, behavior, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 3, 2026 - Sarah Smith, Professional Development Coordinator, and Nancy Brodbeck, Grant Administrator, joined Byers & Co to talk about professional development opportunities leveraged cross county, cross district, cross grade level collaborations to highlight cumulative professional knowledge. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 3, 2026 - Dee Williams, Licensure Specialist, and Mary Lynn Mann, Business Office and Admin Assistant, join Byers & Co to talk about ROE's work with Educator Licensure and bus driver training. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 3, 2026 - Katie O'Dell, IMPACT Coordinator, and Mariah Koehler, IMPACT Liaison, join Byers & Co to continue the conversation about Alternative Learning Opportunities Programs through ROE #39 and additional layers of support for students struggling with academics, attendance, behavior or social-emotional skills. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 3, 2026 - Brian Plummer, Director of Futures and Milligan and Crystal Whetstone Asst. Director of Futures and Milligan and Director of Option 3, joined Byers & Co to talk about the regions alternative education options and its ultimate goal. Alternative education isn't about lowering expectations — it's about finding another path to the same goal: graduation and a successful future. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 3, 2026 - Attendance Specialists and Retired Decatur Police officers James Callaway and Charley Hendricks, joined Byers & Co to talk about why school attendance matters. ROE is to support schools—not simply enforce attendance. Attendance specialists help identify concerns early and understand why a student is missing school. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 3, 2026 - Jill Reedy, Regional Superintendent and Heather Ethell, Asst. Regional Superintendent, joined Byers & Co to talk about the role of ROE #39. The Regional Superintendent is a position that dates all the way back to 1865, when Illinois established the elected County Superintendent of Schools. Today, Regional Offices of Education serve as the bridge between the Illinois State Board of Education and our local school districts. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 2, 2026 - Beth Creighton of Millikin and student performers, Sarah Semon and Dylan Carlyon, joined Byers & Co to talk about the upcoming production of Ordinary Days in commemoration of 9/11 and connecting the show and Millikin University to the events of that day. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 2, 2026 - DMH CEO Tanya Andricks, Jill Andrews at Memorial Cancer Care in Decatur, and oncologist Dr. Harold Yoon, joined Byers & Co to talk about DMH Cares: Cruise-In for Cancer Car Show and advancements in prostate cancer care. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 2, 2026 - Clay Gerhard and Tracy Whitten of the Decatur Park District joined Byers & Co to talk about the Hispanic Heritage Festival, Hype for Hikes, Turkey Trot, Putt the Kids to Bed, and shows at the Devon. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 1, 2026 - Natalie Beck of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, Stacey LeFeber of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, and Shelith Hansbro joined Byers & Co to announce that Shelith was selected as the 2026 Diamond Honoree to be honored at the Girl Scouts' Lead Like a Girl event. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 1, 2026 - Jerry Stocks, Kris Lutt, and Dan Smallwood joined Byers & Co to talk about the the public meeting held to discuss the future of data centers in Macon County. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 31, 2026 - Mayor Julie Moore Wolfejoined Byers & Co with Kevin Breheny to talk about stories of former local politicians, the public meeting on data centers, workforce development, and a community survey on the future of the city. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 31, 2026 - Kim Ekena and Craig Huss joined Byers & Co with Kevin Breheny to talk about supporting the WSOY Community Food Drive. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 31, 2026 - Tom Brinkoetter joined Byers & Co with Kevin Breheny to talk about supporting the WSOY Community Food Drive personally and with Brinkoetter & Associates. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 31, 2026 - Bob and Kathy Wiesemann joined Byers & Co with Kevin Breheny to talk about their continued support of the WSOY Community Food Drive and causes in Decatur. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 31, 2026 - Kevin Breheny joined Byers & Co to talk about the WSOY Community Food Drive and serving on boards in retirement. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 28, 2026 - Nicole Bateman of the Economic Development Corporation joined Byers & Co to talk about the Data Center Advisory Council released report and the Site Selectors Guild visiting the area. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 28, 2026 - Angela Foulke joined Byers & Co to talk about football, women's professional baseball, smart glasses, and the upcoming Illini home opener. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 28, 2026 - MacArthur High School principal Cordell Ingram, and Eisenhower High School principal Dr. Mistie Rodriguez, joined Byers & Co to talk about the start of the school year and progress made at the high schools in Decatur. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 27, 2026 - Former mayor Paul Osborne joined Byers & Co to talk about the time Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner performed at Millikin University in Decatur, the upcoming public presentation on data centers in Macon County, Labor Day, and a new "e-bike" bill in Illinois. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 26, 2026 - Carmen Rivera of CHICO joined Byers & Co to talk about the return of the Hispanic Heritage Festival. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 26, 2026 - Bryan Diver and Dr. Cameron Jackson of Millikin University joined Byers & Co to talk about the 2026-2027 Season of Arts at Millikin University. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 26, 2026 - DMH CEO Tanya Andricks and pulmonologist, Dr. Shalini Chiravuri, joined Byers & Co to talk about the hospital's efforts to bring people back into the hospital for healthcare and Dr. Chiravuri's path to Memorial Specialty Care Pulmonology. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 26, 2026 - Clay Gerhard of the Decatur Park District and Jeff Ingle of the Beach House joined Byers & Co to talk about shows at the Devon and what makes the Beach House unique. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 26, 2026 - Kyle May of Fleet Feet joined Byers & Co to talk about riding his bike to the Illinois State Fair, upcoming local running events, updated products, their new events calendar, and cross country supplies for student runners. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 25, 2026 - Rikki Parker joined Byers & Co to talk about the CMofIL's partnership with Oshea Builders, their newest and upcoming projects, and how to become a member at the CMofIL. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 25, 2026 - David Lane, Assistant Director of Field Service for Greater St. Louis Area Scouting, joined Byers & Co to discussing STEM Twilights Camp and partnerships between Scouting and the Children’s Museum of Illinois. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 25, 2026 - Andrea Gerhard and Alyse Knust of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation joined Byers & Co to talk about the generous nature of the community and to highlight ways donors can set up funds with the Heart of Illinois. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 25, 2026 - Local educator and Board Member Sarah Brice and Melanie Bilbrey Snively joined Byers & Co to talk about the development of the curriculum for the Teach the Tutor program and the CMofIL education committee. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 26, 2026 - CMofIL volunteer Kathy Tschosik and Rikki Parker joined Byers & Co to talk about how Kathy originally connected with the Museum, her volunteerism, and why she supports the CMofIL. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 25, 2026 - Rikki Parker and RCC's Julie Melton joined Byers & Co to talk about the partnership between CM of IL and Richland to construct and operate a Teaching Kitchen inside of the Museum. With the help of partners like the Lumpkin Foundation, the Children’s Museum has constructed numerous outdoor spaces, including raised garden beds and a greenhouse. These spaces are utilized to grow food that will be used inside of the kitchen, teaching families about where their food comes from, nutrition, and opening their minds to new career pathways. Richland is invested not just in the construction phase of the project, but also in continued support for programming. Their commitment represents an almost $200,000 investment in the lives of central Illinois families. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 25, 2026 - Student Sophia Hargrove and Melanie Bilbrey-Snively join Byers & Co to talk about Sopia's experience as a graduate of ChemGirls and Girls Who Code. She has also served as a volunteer helper for CMofIL summer art camp. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 25, 2026 - CMofIL's Melanie Bilbrey-Snively and Kylie Spence join Byers & Co to talk about Kylie's journey at the Museum. Kylie has worked at the Museum for over three years and has transitioned into a leadership role within the Museum’s education team, thanks to a partnership with DCLI and Workforce Investment Solutions. She plans to enroll at Richland this year and will continue to grow in the Museum’s education department. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 25, 2026 - Executive Director Rikki Parker joined Byers & Co to talk about exciting updates at the Museum, including new camps and programs like Curious By Nature, SheBuilds, and Teach the Tutor, a partnership with the Simons Foundation, bringing six figure gifts into the community that will impact math literacy for local students in Decatur and the surrounding communities. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 25, 2026 - Rachel Moran, CMofIL Board member and incoming Board chair for 2027, and Rikki Parker, join Byers & Co to talk about Rachel's goals as Board president for 2027-2028, the Museum’s strategic plan, and how they impact central Illinois families. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 24, 2026 - Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe joined Byers & Co to talk about the upcoming public meeting on data centers, concerts, Lake Decatur recreation, the WSOY Community Food Drive, football in the fall, public art, and Washington DC attractions. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 24, 2026 - Michelle O'Bryan joined Byers & Co with Kevin Breheny to talk about the TS & Juanita Ballance Foundation's continued support of the WSOY Community Food Drive. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 24, 2026 - Mark McLeod joined Byers & Co with Kevin Breheny to talk about his family and McCleod Express' continued support of the WSOY Community Food Drive. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 24, 2026 - Kevin Breheny joined Byers & Co to talk about the busy weekend and the WSOY Community Food Drive. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 21, 2026 - Angela Foulke of the Decatur Family YMCA joined Byers & Co to talk about football and concerts. Listen to the podcast now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.