The Idea Store
Emily Stutzman, Mazie Gierat and Nazala Salauddin produced, directed and edited this overview of the store and its treasured place in Urbana-Champaign's creative…
Prairie Fire Masthead
Every third Thursday of the month
Prairie Fire is a newly reimagined take on WILL-TV's beloved magazine program from the mid-'90s. Rooted in storytelling, "Prairie Fire" brings you cinematic documentaries, profiles and performances from downstate Illinois.
Watch Prairie Fire on WILL TV every third Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM, or on demand on YouTube or PBS Online.
Prairie Fire: Season 2 - Episode 8 - May 2025
We turn the reins over to documentary students from the U of I for this episode of Prairie Fire. They bring you stories about The Idea Store and The Station Theater in Urbana, a K-Pop dance group, and a professor tackling the issue of food insecurity.
Prairie Fire Stories
The Station Theatre
In this short documentary, student producers Layli Nazarova, Sam Rink, Dwayne Banks Jr., and Emily Richie take us behind the scenes at the Station Theater in Urbana, an anchor…
Free Food Giveaway Professor
Meet U of I Clinical Assistant Professor Toni Gist in this short documentary by Anna Koh and Annisyn Krebs-Carr.
Truth and Beauty (K-Pop Dance Group)
Paige Gaines, Lindsey Bruneman and Adrien Reetz produced this short documentary about the history and campus-wide appeal of the Truth & Beauty dance troupe.
National Museum of Ship Models and Sea History
We visit a museum in Sadorus, Illinois with emphasis on the history of civilization and exploration of the world through ships and ship building, from prehistoric times…
The Art of Bob Chapman
He started in needlepoint and embroidery but nowadays, artist Bob Chapman loves experimenting with many mediums. His colorful, eye-catching works have won him awards…
Mrs. Emily
Meet a Central Illinois fashion designer who specializes in skirts that fit a wide range of sizes and shapes, designed for comfort and versatility, allowing women to feel…
The Art of Kevin Veara
Illinois artist Kevin Veara has built a celebrated career as a painter of birds from his remote studio on the banks of the Sangamon River.
Illinois Hip Hop Camp
Meet the young creatives at the Illinois Summer Youth Music Hip Hop Camp. Each summer, students spend a week building community with each other while learning from music…
Shannon Voss
We share the inspirational story of Chicago native Shannon Voss, and his remarkable journey of recovery and how he's using that journey to inspire others.
The Poetry of Michael Holloway
An introduction to the poetry of the late poet Michael C. Holloway. Host Sarah Edwards speaks with his wife of nearly 50 years about his work and his legacy.
Elena Negruţă at Fire Doll Studio
Singer Elena Negruţă sings two songs for us at Fire Doll Studio for a very special performance on this month's "Prairie Fire".
Fire Doll Studio
Take a break from the world and step into Fire Doll Studio, a woman-owned chandlery with a passion for health, sustainability, and the art of candle making.
Prairie Fire Glass
We visit Prairie Fire Glass in Monticello (no relation!), a glassworking studio and gallery owned and operated by artist Jim Downey that features beautiful and functional…
Japan House Tea Ceremony
We return to the Japan House on the U of I campus to experience a traditional tea ceremony and learn about the beauty of traditional Japanese arts and culture.
Scratch Brewing Company
The tiny Scratch Brewing Company, in the forest of Ava, Illinois – just five miles from the Shawnee National Forest – forages and grows their own ingredients for…
Lucas Dul: Typewriter Chicago
Remember typewriters? People still use them, you know! We'll meet a young guy in Downer's Grove who is one of Illinois' only typewriter repair professionals.
Leading Men Fiber Arts
Inspired by theatre, pop culture, and nature, Leading Men Fiber Arts celebrates color and creates one-of-a-kind works of art with every hand-dyed skein of yarn.
The Legacy of the Black Barbershop
The Black Barbershop has been a cornerstone of the black community for centuries. More than a place for a haircut, the barbershop has long been a place of refuge, resistance…
Leah Marlene performs “Prairie Fire”
Joining us live in the WILL-TV studio, Leah Marlene performs the "Prairie Fire" theme song.
Pedal the Preserves
Host Sarah Edwards decides to "Pedal the Preserves," which is a 67-mile bike ride along the Kickapoo Rail Trail, making stops at the Homer Lake Forest Preserve and…
Fresh Press Paper
Fresh Press Paper turns agricultural waste into handmade, artisanal paper. We take you through the process, learn about sustainable practices, and discover the art of…
Jerry’s Hat Museum
We introduce you to Jerry Roth and his very unique hobby, and how he managed to turn that hobby into a museum that anyone can enjoy.
Prairie Fire nominated for seven Mid-America regional EMMYs
The first season reboot of the popular TV show was nominated for Best Magazine Program, as well as six other awards.
Prairie Fire Returns for New Season
The Prairie Fire team has season 2 well underway. Look for a wonderful piece from producer Taylor Plantan about the experiences of several high school students at the…
Rouley & Ruey: Morel Mushroom Hunt
Join us on a morel mushroom hunt in an undisclosed location with amateur enthusiasts and best friends Angie Rouley and Ruey Sandusky. They'll tell us what to look…
Previewing the 25th Anniversary of Ebertfest with Chaz Ebert
Join us in celebrating the 25th year of Ebertfest with Chaz as she shares a bit about this year's films and guests.
Remembering Mark Rubel
Mark Rubel was a music legend whose impact reached far and wide. His passing last week at the age of 65 was felt by many in the industry and beyond, and many of his former…
Flesor’s Candy Kitchen
After three generations of ownership, Flesor's Candy Kitchen is still going strong in the heart of downtown Tuscola. Flesor's has established itself as one of the…
Taylor Studios, Inc.
Have you ever wandered through a museum and wondered how an exhibit actually gets made? Taylor Studios is a leading exhibit design and fabrication firm right here in central…
The Underground Railroad in Illinois
Illinois, with its proximity to Missouri and Kentucky which were slave states, played a significant role in facilitating escapes through the Underground Railroad.
Candy Foster - Entertainer
Gerald "Candy" Foster knows a thing or two about how to keep a crowd happy. Foster, who was born and raised in Danville, is one of the most recognizable names…
Operation Wild Horse
Home to wild mustangs and burros, Operation Wild Horse pairs these magnificant creatures with U.S. military veterans, active duty service members, and their families for a…
Charles Dickens previews “A Christmas Carol”
Charles Dicken's returns to Praire Fire to give us a preview of a new Christmas story he has been working on.
U of I Black Chorus Performs in Collins Studio
The U of I Black Chorus, lead by Artistic Director and Conductor Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, performs some holiday songs in the Collins Studio at WILL-TV as part of the Praire Fire…
Haunted Illinois: The Avon Theater
Author and ghost story expert Troy Taylor gives us the grim history of the Avon Theater in Decatur, and tells us the story of a chilling encounter he had personally with one…
A House That Made History
First Lady of Illinois MK Pritzker gives the Prairie Fire team an exclusive walking tour of the newly redecorated Illinois Governor's Mansion, a project she documented in…
The Great Pumpkin Patch
Prairie Fire is on the road this month, and we visited The Great Pumpkin Patch to celebrate the harvest season and catch up with the owner Mac Condill.
Haunted Illinois: Alton & The Mineral Springs Hotel
Author, historian and renowned ghost story expert Troy Taylor tells us the story of how a small town in southern Illinois came to be one of the most small towns in America,…
Arcadia: America’s Playable Arcade Museum
We introduce you to John Yates, the owner and creator of the Arcadia, America’s Playable Arcade Museum. He’ll tell us how he combined his love of arcade and…
The Coonley Playhouse
Have you ever wanted to own a piece of history? How about a home designed by one of America’s most famous architects? Take a look at the Coonley Playhouse in Riverside,…
Charles Dickens on the Mississippi River
Well, we know Charles Dickens didn't like the Illinois prairie, but what did he think of the Mississippi River?
Los Texano’z
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Los Texano'z joins us in the studio to perform Tejano music, a blend of Mexican and US influences with German and Czech…
The Brown Bag
When Harlean Swing came into some money in the 1970s, she told her husband she wanted to kick back and live the easy life. Instead, she opened a deli and restaurant…
A Toast to…Kaighla Rises
Meet a local author and poet who has lived a lot of life in her short years. Learn about her life incredible journey across the world searching for purpose, and her…
Anthony Becker
Learn about the incredible journey of one central Illinois resident who, despite all odds, refused to give up his love of gardening.
Past Favorites with Alison Davis
Former Producer and Host of the original Prairie FIre tells us about her favorite episodes and talks about her experience working on the long running magazine show started in…
Chris Vallillo
Singer/Songwriter and Roots Musician Chris Vallillo stops by the WILL studio to perform songs from his 2021 album "Forgotonia".
Preston Jackson
We visit with renowned Illinois artist and musician Preston Jackson in Peoria. Jackson's works documenting the Black experience appear all over the United States.
Cherry Blossoms at Japan House
The man who helped bring cherry blossom trees to the University of Illinois campus turned 100 this year. Tinisha Spain marks the milestone with a brief history of the trees…
High Cross Sound
We take you inside a very unique recording studio in Central Illinois, and introduce you to the owner whose journey led him make to his small town roots.
Charles Dickens Visits Illinois
One of the world's most beloved authors regales us with his less than flattering thoughts about the Prairie.
Stango Cuisine
Stango Cuisine brings us African-based cooking right here in Central Illinois.
Susannah Scaroni
In this inspiring story, follow the remarkable journey of Paralympian Susannah Scaroni, from her days growing up in Washington, to adapting the challenges of life in a…
Leah Marlene
She may have grown up in a town called Normal, but Leah Marlene is far from it. From an American Idol finalist to a hometown hero, she's keeping busy and looking to…
Gettin’ to It: The Jazz Life of Christian McBride
Brian Moline had a chance to sit down for an hour-long interview with Christian McBride during his visit to the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana campus in the spring of…
Prairie Fire Episodes
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Prairie Fire: Season 2 - Episode 8 - May 2025
We turn the reins over to documentary students from the U of I for this episode of Prairie Fire.… -
Prairie Fire: Season 2 - Episode 7 - April 2025
We sit down with Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson, explore artist Bob Chapman's local… -
Prairie Fire: Season 2 - Episode 6 - March 2025
We introduce you to a Central Illinois fashion designer who celebrates bodies of every shape… -
Prairie Fire: Season 2 - Episode 5 - February 2025
We share the inspirational story of Chicago native Shannon Voss, introduce you to the art of Kevin… -
Prairie Fire: Season 2 - Episode 4 - December 2024
We meet entrepreneur Kayla Brown, who combined her love of healthy living, music and candlemaking… -
Prairie Fire: Season 2 - Episode 3 - November 2024
We visit Scratch Brewing Company, located in Ava, Illinois, Prairie Fire Glass in Monticello, and… -
Prairie Fire: Season 2 - Episode 2 - October 2024
This month, meet a young guy in Downer's Grove who is one of Illinois' only typewriter… -
Prairie Fire: Season 2 - Episode 1 - September 2024
We kick off Season 2 with a visit to Fresh Press Paper in Urbana, Sarah takes us on a bike trip… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 12 - May 2024
Join us on a morel mushroom hunt and take a look behind-the-scenes in the creation of museum… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 11 - April 2024
In celebration of Earth Month, Prairie Fire presents "Cetacean (The Whale)," a one-hour… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 10 - March 2024
We take you to Taylor Studios in Rantoul, where they create and manufacture the actual exhibits you… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 9 - February 2024
In celebration of Black History Month, we sit down with Gerald "Candy" Foster, one of the… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 8 - December 2023
In this special holiday edition of Prairie Fire, we travel to Bull Valley, Illinois to introduce you… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 7 - November 2023
In November, we take a look back at three stories from this season that celebrate the Illinois great… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 6 - October 2023
We visit the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, get an personal tour of the Governor's mansion with… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 5 - September 2023
Meet a couple restoring a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Riverside Illinois. Get a tour of an old school… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 4 - August 2023
We visit a popular deli in Monticello that has been a favorite stop for close to 50 years. And we… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 3 - July 2023
This month, we introduce you to a local gardener with an incredible story, we sit down with a former… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 2 - June 2023
Prairie Fire introduces you to renowned artist and musian Preston Jackson, visits a unique central… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 1 - May 2023
Prairie Fire makes its return with stories about Paralympian Susannah Scaroni, restauranteur Mubanga… -
The Movement Revisited with Christian McBride
Jazz legend Christian McBride and his bandmates visited the University of Illinois campus last year…