Breanna Rittman

Central

Freelance Contributor at Freelance

Featured in: Favicon

centralillinoisproud.com Favicon

newsbreak.com Favicon

tristatehomepage.com Favicon

mystateline.com Favicon

wcia.com

ourquadcities.com Favicon

mywabashvalley.com Favicon

fox2now.com Favicon

wgntv.com

wgnradio.com + 2 more

Articles

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Vivian Kong Doctora uses food to spark conversations

1 month ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Breanna Rittman

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Vivian Kong Doctora stopped by the WMBD/WYZZ news station to share more about her experience as a food industry entrepreneur. Kong Doctora said she left a Fortune 50 company after 21 years in order to start her own business, and she shared how it can be hard and how she manages owning three businesses. “It can be challenging, I am currently new to being an entrepreneur. I used to work for a Fortune 50 company,” she said. “I try to balance it all.
Former students share success stories at Workforce Equity Initiative

1 month ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Breanna Rittman

by: Breanna Rittman Posted: May 22, 2025 / 10:19 PM CDT Updated: May 22, 2025 / 10:19 PM CDT NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — On Thursday, an open house was hosted at Heartland Community College for the Workforce Equity Initiative. Prospective students met with staff to learn about the admissions process and certificate programs.
Peoria Humane Society hosts 11th annual Wine and Whiskers event

2 months ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Breanna Rittman

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Peoria Humane Society hosted its eleventh Wine and Whiskers event on Friday, its springtime cat-themed fundraiser. At the event, there were cats available for adoption, wine tasting, and silent auctions. Guests even had the opportunity to purchase kitten art, or art made from the painted footprints of cats. New this year is Scoop for Sparkles, a glittered box where people dig for prizes.
Peoria County Board awards $625K in settlement to Heidelberg family

2 months ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Breanna Rittman

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A family received the second portion of a settlement after the Peoria County Board voted to award the family and estate of Cleve Heidelberg $625,000 on Thursday. This comes after Peoria City Council voted on Tuesday to award its portion of the settlement. The entire settlement was $1.2 million. Both the city and county are responsible for $625,000. Heidelberg was convicted and sentenced for the murder of Peoria County Sergeant Ray Espinoza in 1970.
ICC board claim to have been ‘blind sided’ by housing decision

2 months ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Breanna Rittman

Your Opt Out Preference Signal is HonoredYour PrivacyWhen you visit our website, we store cookies on your browser to collect information. The information collected might relate to you, your preferences or your device, and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to and to provide a more personalized web experience. However, you can choose not to allow certain types of cookies, which may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
ICC board claim to have been ‘blind sided’ by housing decision

2 months ago | yahoo.com | Breanna Rittman

EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Illinois Central College Board of Trustees held a special meeting Thursday to clear up their stance on the housing situation. In essence, the board says they didn’t know the community college was getting rid of its housing for students until it happened. And during the meeting, board members made it clear to the public: they did not participate in the decision-making to shutter student housing.
World War II soldier’s remains welcomed home after 81 years

2 months ago | ourquadcities.com | Breanna Rittman

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — On Thursday after 81 years the remains of Private First Class Robert L. Bryant were brought home. “It’s been an exciting day,” said Julie Bryant, Bryant’s niece. “I always remembered my mom telling us about my Uncle Bob. That he had died in the war but we had nobody. We just always had stories because we were not even thought of.”Bryant was killed in action in September 1943 during World War II. “I do our family tree and genealogy.
Mid-Central Community Action receives donations of beauty supplies

2 months ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Breanna Rittman

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Shelters for survivors of domestic violence usually receive donations of clothes but there are some other helpful items that people may not consider. “Our shelter goes off donations. So, a lot of times people aren’t thinking about all the survivors we provide service to,” said Rachel Sizemore, program manager for the Countering Domestic Violence Program from Mid-Central Community Action. The Neville House is a shelter for those escaping domestic violence.
WWII Hero Robert L. Bryant's Remains Brought Home

2 months ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Breanna Rittman

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — On Thursday after 81 years the remains of Private First Class Robert L. Bryant were brought home. “It’s been an exciting day,” said Julie Bryant, Bryant’s niece. “I always remembered my mom telling us about my Uncle Bob. That he had died in the war but we had nobody. We just always had stories because we were not even thought of.”Bryant was killed in action in September 1943 during World War II. “I do our family tree and genealogy.
Dan Brady wins Bloomington mayoral seat, sets transition plans

2 months ago | centralillinoisproud.com | Breanna Rittman

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — On Tuesday, longtime public servant Dan Brady won the Bloomington mayoral seat, beating out incumbent Mboka Mwilambwe and Ward 6 Alderman Cody Hendricks. He said he his honored at the opportunity to serve his hometown. Brady wants his transition into office to be as smooth as possible. The former state representative is eager to have discussions and implement measures to ensure public safety.