WSIU InFocus

WSIU InFocus 318 Air Date: Friday, May 9th at 9 PM Illinois Lawmakers, Part 1; Tomato Transplanting; McLeod Summer Playhouse Repeats: Sun, May 11th at 12:30 PM and Fri, May 16th at 5 PM   At the State Capitol Building in Springfield, WSIU producer Jak Tichenor, who is also the statehouse correspondent and host for the public television series Illinois Lawmakers, talks with state legislators about key issues topping this spring’s legislative agenda. This is the first of several reports Tichenor will file from Springfield this May. WSIU producer Jak Tichenor at the Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield. Photo: Monica Tichenor.   --- Top of this Episode ---     Horticulturalist and SIUC professor John Preece demonstrates how to transplant and grow healthy vine-ripened tomatoes that will add great color and taste to your summer dinner table. He explains that each tomato plant should be approximately 6 x 6 inches in size before transplanting. First, you should remove the limbs closest to the roots, then dig a hole or trench that will accommodate each plant’s size. Second, you should break up the roots before planting them, so they have room to spread. After the transplant is complete, each plant should be watered and fertilized with organic or inorganic water-soluble fertilizer. Trimming low branches on tomato plants allows them room to spread when planted. Photo: www.reneesgarden.com.   --- Top of this Episode ---     Tim Fink and Mark Varns of the SIUC Theater Department give Jak Tichenor a preview of the outstanding lineup of professional entertainers, actors, singers, and musicians coming to the McLeod Theater for this year’s Summer Playhouse Series. The McLeod Summer Playhouse dates back to the 1970s when it was a joint production of the Theater Department and the School of Music. This year’s event kicks off on May 16 with the popular Singing With the Stars evening showcasing talented local performers (hint: last year SIU President Glenn Poshard appeared as Elvis!). This year’s schedule will also feature Always, Patsy Cline; Almost Maine; The Producers; and Little Women: The All Southern Illinois High School Show. To learn more about the shows, go online at www.siu.edu/~msp. For ticket information, call (618) 453-3001. The Producers is one of five shows featured in this year's McLeod Summer Playhouse series. Photo: www.siu.edu/~msp.   --- Top of this Episode ---