Heartland Highways Have you ever heard of burgoo? Wondered where the Heath Toffee Bar originated or found yourself asking, “Where can I find the perfect antler chandelier for my living room?” The sixth season of Heartland Highways promises to answer those burning questions and more while bringing RFD-TV viewers new faces and new places. Host Lori Casey and new co-host Kate Pleasant visit locations throughout Illinois, Indiana and Missouri in 13 new episodes. Kate, one of the show’s “new faces” this year, is an East Central Illinois native and Eastern Illinois University graduate who says the show is a perfect fit for her. “I grew up in a small town not far down the road from Charleston so all the stories we do with a rural interest really hit home for me,” she says. “I’ve always taken an interest in out-of-the-way places most people don’t know about so its fun to go out on our Heartland Highways stories not only to find new places, but to meet some great new people too!” And even though it’s her rookie year, Kate jumped in with both feet for Season 6. “I was really excited to get started,” she says. “I remember the first story I went along on was the Blue Star Markers story and I just couldn’t wait to see what it was all about.” For Lori, a veteran at the Heartland Highways game, the start of the sixth season meant the start of yet another exciting year. “I love getting out there to meet a whole new group of people for the show and to see places I’ve never been to before,” says Lori. Lori and Kate burn up the highways from May to November shooting stories. Based out of Charleston, Illinois, at WEIU-TV, the production team consists of only the two women. They shoot, write and edit all stories for each of the 13 episodes. According to Lori, “It’s a lot of work, but it’s all worth it when our viewers e-mail or call us with their comments on the show and how much they like what we are doing.” As the temperature on the thermometer goes down, the team’s travel action also winds down as they begin writing and editing stories over the winter. Production usually wraps up in March, leaving the team just enough time to take a break before staring all over again. This season will feature stories about interesting places like the historic Ariston Café in Litchfield, Illinois, which is possibly the first restaurant established along Route 66, Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois’ largest state park and The American Superheroes Museum in Indianapolis. We’ll also meet some interesting people like the Gilles Brothers who have an unbelievable example of a conservation farm, the author of “Dear Old Illinois” and the Vrinios family who make homemade candy canes. Other highlights include Williams Street Rods, where the ladies got a special look at a 1932 Ford Bus made into a hot rod, Taylor Studios, where they create displays for museums and a special look at the Advent Evensong, an Austrian tradition performed in a small community of Wendelin, Illinois every December. These stories just scratch the tip of the iceberg for another fantastic season of Heartland Highways. Viewers will also get a look at Blue Spring Caverns in Indiana, where the crew spent a day underground touring the Mystery River. And don’t forget the practice of dousing or witching. Lori learns about this ancient craft from John Heider and even takes a shot at it herself! Of course there are many other new faces and new places to check out so don’t miss an episode of Heartland Highways! Those who want more information about the upcoming season or stories they’ve seen in the past can log onto www.weiu.net. Heartland Highways online added a new feature this year too. Log on and take a peek behind the scenes of Heartland Highways with the new “Sunflower Seeds” travel blog. Lori and Kate take viewers into their world with updates about their travels, editing and other happenings on the Heartland Highways scene. The website also features a section with contact information for each of the new stories in Season 6, plus each episode can be viewed online as well. Heartland Highways is proud to be part of the RFD-TV programming schedule. Their nationwide presence, which continually grows every year, helps bring the show to new faces and new places all the time. Thanks RFD-TV and thank you viewers for your continued support! Heartland Highways is funded in part by Consolidated Communications and Monsanto. For more information about Heartland Highways: WEIU-TV Lori Casey 600 Lincoln Ave. Charleston, IL 61920 1-877-PBS-WEIU www.weiu.net heartlandhighways@weiu.net   On Now   Johnnie High Country Music Revue Up Next   Equestrian Nation Followed By   Horse Babies