Regional Media Podcast Network: Recent Episodes
Regional Media
Local News, Local Events, Local Everything from across the state of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, New Jersey and More! We discuss local events with local leaders!
The Pastor and Andy talked about the Farm Heritage Festival coming up at East Jordan United Methodist Church
Brad discussed legislation he's presented that is now signed into law, plus community events he's attended throughout the area.
Ana talked about the Free Tutoring Program at Sauk Valley Community College, Project Vital.
Dr. Heather Wakefield joined Tom Katz for the Hammond-Henry "Here's to Your Health" addition to discuss her new role as a general surgeon. Dr. Wakefield brings 14 years of experience, most recently at CGH in Sterling, and will work alongside Dr. James Schreier. Her services include hernia, gallbladder, colon, breast, wound care, and thyroid procedures, including ultrasound-guided biopsies. She says the goal is to help patients receive more specialized care locally, without traveling to the Quad Cities. Beginning September 1st, Dr. Wakefield will hold clinic Mondays in Geneseo, operate Tuesdays and Thursdays, and host a Wednesday outreach clinic in Kewanee. A meet-and-greet is set for August 27th from 2 to 4 PM in the hospital dining room.
The surgical team will continue to provide a full range of general surgery services, including colonoscopies, gastrointestinal procedures, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, appendicitis treatment, thyroid surgery and biopsies, breast surgery and biopsies, port placements, and burn and wound care. Dr. Wakefield has a special interest in breast surgery, wound care, and thyroid procedures and plans to expand those services at Hammond-Henry Hospital.
Prospective patients in the Geneseo area now have direct access to care through Dr. Wakefield’s office at the Specialty Clinic inside Hammond-Henry Hospital at 309-944-1595. Patients may self-refer for an appointment, unless their insurance provider requires a referral from another physician. The office is located on the first floor of the hospital, making it easy to find for those coming in for specialty services. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Anyone interested in scheduling a visit is encouraged to check their insurance requirements before making an appointment.
The Kewanee Schools Foundation is highlighting its ongoing support for students and teachers across the district. Executive Director Dr. Jeff Johnson says the foundation, founded in 1990, focuses on “enhancing education through giving.” This year, it helped administer 73 scholarships, with more than $150,000 awarded to graduating seniors. The foundation also funds the Care Closet, providing quick help for students needing clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, or hygiene items. Upcoming efforts include support for health science career training, teacher advancement grants, and the August 24th dedication of the David L. Sprague Tennis Center and Outdoor Fitness Court at 3 PM. Retired teacher Sue Blake painted the mural on the outdoor fitness center. The foundation is also supporting career-track programs, dual-credit tuition, and new professional advancement grants for teachers.
The Kewanee Schools Foundation is preparing for its Athletic Hall of Fame banquet on September 19th at the high school, with about 150 people expected to attend. Executive Director Dr. Jeff Johnson says the event, held every other year, is part of the foundation’s ongoing work to enhance education and reconnect with alumni. Johnson says class reunion tours have become a growing way to bring graduates back into the schools and rebuild relationships. Those interested in supporting the foundation can visit KewaneeSchoolsFoundation.org, follow their "Facebook" page, or contact the foundation office. Johnson says the mission is simple: build relationships that lead to continued growth.
New leadership is in place at the Kewanee Food Pantry, where Sarah Titlow has been named director. Titlow, a retired Kewanee High School special education teacher, says the pantry now serves more than 400 families each month, with demand rising due to higher food costs and changes to SNAP benefits. She says shelves are especially low near month’s end, with needs including protein, fruits, vegetables, cereal, hygiene products, and easy-open foods for people without access to cooking. Donations can be made at kewaneefoodpantry.org, by mail to P.O. Box 492 in Kewanee, or during pantry hours.
The Kewanee Food Pantry is located at 924 Rose Street and is open on Tuesdays from 10 AM to 2 PM and Thursdays from 3 to 6 PM.
Kewanee Food Pantry continues to make a major impact for local families facing food insecurity. The nonprofit serves eligible Kewanee residents, assisting about 475 households each month and distributing roughly one million pounds of food every year. In 2025, the pantry handed out nearly 5,700 food boxes, helping approximately 19,500 people.
Food and supplies come from wholesalers, distributors, area food banks, local stores, and commodity items from the State of Illinois. Public donations, along with support from area groups and businesses, also play a vital role.
The pantry’s “Backpacks for Kids” program remains another key effort, providing 3,760 backpacks to local children during the 2025 school year.
Janna talked about the 1st Sterling Street Fest success and the upcoming Hot Dog Day in Sterling.
The Clinton Area Rod Club invites one and all to the 38th Annual “Fun in the Sun Car Show” Sunday, August 16, 2026 at: 251 Ball Park Drive, Clinton Iowa (Down by Riverfront Drive). Registration on the day of the show is $15 from 9am until noon. There are no classes – all vehicles are welcome to enter.
Scott discussed the previous city council meeting agenda and some projects being completed before summer runs out.
Keri talked about another successful Let's Feed Our Children summer program, and a few events down the calendar coming up.
Sheriff Booker had no crimestoppers incidents to share or crime of the month. Conversation then went to community safety and some upcoming events.
RaeAnn joined Ken Peel on Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss National Minority Mental Health Awareness, reproductive health services, school physicals, and insurance navigators. Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare Clinics are reminding residents about several summer health services. Family planning and reproductive care are available in Kewanee and Toulon, including exams, pregnancy testing, contraceptive options, and free condoms, with some patients qualifying for free or reduced-cost care. The clinics are also offering $50 cash school and sports physicals through summer 2026, along with immunizations and lead screenings. July’s National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is also being recognized, with counseling and therapy available for new patients. Health insurance navigators will visit several local sites this summer. Call 309-852-5272 for details.
Samantha Rux joined Ken Peel on Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss cyclosporiasis, blood drive, and National Night Out. OSF St. Luke Medical Center is urging residents to take precautions amid a Midwest spike in cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness caused by a parasite often linked to contaminated produce. Samantha Rux says symptoms can include diarrhea, appetite loss, weight loss, cramping, bloating, and dehydration, with illness appearing anywhere from two days to two weeks after exposure. Health officials recommend washing produce, choosing whole-head lettuce over pre-chopped kits, discarding outer leaves, and cleaning hands, utensils, and prep surfaces. OSF will also take part in National Night Out at Northeast Park on August 4th and will host an Impact Life blood drive on August 6th.
An ImpactLife blood drive is coming up Thursday, August 6th, at OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center, offering local donors a chance to help save lives with a simple appointment. The drive runs from 7 AM to 5 PM in the East/West Conference Room. Organizers say blood donations remain vital for hospitals and patients who rely on a steady supply for emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments, and other medical needs. Donors are encouraged to schedule ahead and arrive prepared with identification, a good meal, and plenty of water. Appointments and details are available online or by calling 309-852-7810.
Kewanee National Night Out 2026 brings free family fun and a movie in the parkThe Kewanee Police Department will host National Night Out 2026 on Tuesday, August 4th, from 4:30-7:30 PM at Northeast Park. The free community event is designed to bring neighbors, families, and first responders together for an evening of fun and community engagement.
The event also includes a Nintendo Switch 2 raffle, with $5 tickets available. The winning ticket will be drawn on August 5 at 10 AM. You can purchase tickets at www.zeffy.com or at the event on August 4th.
Activities and attractions include:
- Free swimming at the Oasis Pool
- Free hot dogs, chips, water, and juice boxes (while supplies last)
- Cruise-in featuring classic and custom vehicles
- Emergency vehicles and public safety demonstrations
- Local displays and community organizations
- Pony rides for children by TriCo Equestrian Center LLC (4:30-6:30 PM), sponsored by the Kiwanis Club
- Movie in the Park featuring Disney's Lilo & Stitch beginning at 8 PM between the north and south pool baseball fields. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs
- Nintendo Switch 2 raffle with $5 tickets and the winner drawn August 5 at 10 AM
The event is made possible through the support of numerous local sponsors and donors, including People's National Bank, State Bank of Toulon, Union Federal, Community State Bank, US Foods, Doghouse, Great Dane, Finish Well Ministry, First Baptist Church, Kiwanis Club, Happy Joe's, Pizza Hut, La Gondola, G&M Distributors, Moore Tire, Sullivan Foods, Ed Morse Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, D's Freeze/The Snack Shack, Kewanee Park District, and others.
National Night Out is free and open to everyone, offering an opportunity for the community to meet local law enforcement, enjoy family-friendly activities, and strengthen neighborhood connections.
Cambridge is closing out summer with a busy community calendar. The final concert in the park is set for Thursday, July 30th, at 6:30 PM in College Square Park, featuring two bands and free music. Saturday brings the Rotary Car Show downtown, with registration from 8 to 10:30 AM, trophies, food, and a 50-50 raffle. The FFA drawdown follows at 5 PM, with a street dance at The Combine from 8 to 11 PM. Looking ahead, the Cambridge Historical Museum marks its second anniversary on August 8th, and iCash with Senator Anderson comes to the Village Office on August 25th.
Get no-cost, confidential guidance for starting, growing, and improving your business in the Sauk Valley, Illinois region. Whether you are developing an idea, preparing to launch, seeking funding, strengthening your marketing, or planning for growth, the Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College provides practical support at every stage.
State Senator Mike Halpin says Illinois’ new budget includes added support for school lunch programs and a three-month food assistance bridge for families losing federal benefits. Speaking on Wake Up Tri-Counties, Halpin also defended new taxes on digital advertising and social media platforms, saying the revenue could help fund services including mental health care. He said higher education funding remains a top priority, especially for rural students and schools like Western Illinois University. Halpin also discussed efforts to recover back wages, ease substitute teacher shortages, limit eminent domain for CO₂ pipelines, and protect vulnerable adults under guardianship.
State Senator Mike Halpin praised three newly signed Illinois laws that strengthen support for military service members and veterans. The legislation aims to boost Illinois National Guard recruitment, help student service members return to college after military leave, and expand access to innovative mental health treatments for veterans.
Halpin highlighted Senate Bill 3926, which moves the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council to the Illinois Department of Public Health, where it will help expand access to emerging therapies, improve provider training, enhance patient safety, and promote public awareness.
He also applauded Senate Bill 3737, requiring colleges and universities to promptly readmit students returning from military service, and Senate Bill 3818, which encourages Illinois National Guard recruitment through a peer referral incentive program.
All three laws take effect January 1, 2027.
His office can be reached at 309-558-3612.
Mike Halpin serves as Illinois State Senator for the 36th District, representing most of Rock Island County and portions of Mercer, Henry, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties. An attorney and former State Representative, Halpin previously worked for Congressman Lane Evans, assisting constituents and helping veterans secure military honors. He later earned his law degree from the University of Illinois and became a partner at McCarthy, Callas, & Feeney, P.C., where he focuses on labor and municipal law.
Halpin continues to advocate for veterans through his work with Bridging the Gap: Stand Down for Homeless Veterans, providing legal assistance to those in need. During his time in the Illinois House, he supported balanced budgets and sponsored legislation allowing schools to stock undesignated glucagon to help save children's lives.
Republican nominee for Illinois Secretary of State Diane Harris joined Wake Up Tri-Counties with Ken Peel to discuss her campaign priorities. Harris, a Joliet native, retired ComEd employee, small business owner, library trustee, substitute teacher, and Joliet Junior College trustee, says DMV access is a major concern. She criticized appointment-only systems and called for walk-in service, kiosks in libraries or grocery stores, and expanded mobile options. Harris also emphasized election integrity, saying voter registration tied to driver’s licenses should include stronger cross-checks with government agencies. She also pledged cooperation with federal officials on CDL licensing records. Her campaign website is www.harrisforsos.com.
Diane Harris is a conservative Republican candidate for Illinois Secretary of State who says her Midwestern upbringing instilled values of integrity, hard work, and public service. A retired ComEd employee with 32 years in the electric utility industry, Harris has also worked as an entrepreneur, insurance agent, notary signing agent, and substitute teacher.
Harris has held several public service and Republican leadership roles, including Joliet Junior College Trustee, Joliet Public Library Trustee, Precinct Committeeman, and Secretary of the Joliet Township Republicans. She is also active in community, business, and faith-based organizations.
If elected, Harris says she would modernize Secretary of State services by expanding DMV kiosks into underserved areas, improving online and in-person customer service, strengthening cybersecurity, and updating outdated technology. She also supports reducing vehicle registration fees for seniors and veterans, promoting election integrity, advocating for safer roads, and creating a more efficient, customer-focused Secretary of State's office. Harris is asking voters for their support in the November 3, 2026, election, pledging "faster, fairer" government for all Illinoisans.
Henry County Farm Bureau is wrapping up a busy summer and preparing for August events. Katie Laleman says the county fair brought strong member turnout, new sign-ups, and a successful pedal pull despite weather challenges. Membership is available for both farmers and associate members, with benefits ranging from legislative advocacy to travel and retail discounts. Coming up, the Farm Bureau Foundation’s Golf Fun Day is set for Friday, August 14th, at Baker Park in Kewanee, supporting scholarships and Ag in the Classroom. The foundation awarded $61,000 in scholarships this year. Young Leader Discussion Meet activities are also planned for August 12th.
Membership information and event details are available at henrycofarmbureau.org or through the Farm Bureau office in Cambridge.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the "12 Communities in 12 Months" outreach event, prevention efforts to avoid mosquito bites and West Nile Virus, upcoming insurance navigator events, food inspections, school physicals, and free blood pressure checks on kiosks in Kewanee and Toulon. Henry and Stark County health officials are taking services on the road this month. Their “12 Communities in 12 Months” outreach stop is set for Friday, July 24th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Stark County Junior Fair in Wyoming, with medication disposal, free blood pressure checks, health information, giveaways, and insurance navigator help. Residents are also urged to fight West Nile Virus by dumping standing water where mosquitoes breed. Free blood pressure kiosks are available weekdays at First Choice clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. Families can also schedule school and sports physicals this summer for $50 cash. Call 309-852-0197 for details.
OSF St. Luke Medical Center is bringing health care directly to rural communities through the OSF OnCall King Caravan. Samantha Rux says the mobile unit includes two exam rooms and can offer screenings such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, with some visits including an onboard provider. The caravan serves Bureau, Henry, LaSalle, and Putnam counties, including a monthly stop at the Kewanee YMCA on the fourth Thursday from 11 AM to 1 PM. It may also return for Hog Days and the Stampede. Event organizers can request a mobile health unit through www.osfoncall.org.
Alejandro Alvarez joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming golf outing and preschool screenings. AbilitiesPlus is highlighting programs and upcoming events serving Henry County residents. Director of Development Alejandro Alvarez says the nonprofit, founded in 1959, supports people with disabilities through residential services, day programs, work services, public transportation, and its Preschool for All, which is open to children ages three to five with or without disabilities.
AbilitiesPlus is also preparing for its 35th annual golf outing on Monday, August 3rd, at Midland Golf Club, with registration at 11 AM and a shotgun start at noon. Sponsors and teams can email golf@abilitiesplus.org or call 309-852-4626. Preschool screenings are set for July 28th and 29th.
Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the dangers of e-bikes and electric scooters and provide safety tips for use. OSF St. Luke Medical Center is urging families to treat e-bikes and electric scooters as motor vehicles, not toys. Samantha Rux says emergency and trauma teams are seeing more child injuries linked to speed, lack of control, and limited understanding of traffic rules. Medical experts recommend helmets every ride, and some devices may call for face shields. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises riders be 16 or older for many of these devices.
Doctors at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria are warning families about a surge in severe e-bike and e-scooter injuries among children, especially ages 10 to 15. Pediatric trauma leaders say high-speed models can behave more like motorcycles than bicycles, raising the risk of broken bones, brain injuries, and spinal trauma. They point to the added battery weight as another danger, with crashes causing serious leg fractures and trapping riders. Physicians urge helmets, visibility, no headphones, and age-appropriate use. They’re also warning families to charge batteries safely, using manufacturer-approved cords and stopping immediately if overheating, smoke, or odd smells occur.
With school approaching, OSF HealthCare also reminds parents to review walking and biking safety and schedule school or sports physicals early through OSF MyChart or by calling 309-852-7700.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss food safety during a power outage, outreach events in Wyoming, mental health services, home food safety and licensing, and insurance navigators. During power outages, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed; refrigerated perishables may be unsafe after four hours, while a full unopened freezer can last up to two days. Residents are also urged to check food carefully once power returns.
The department’s “12 Communities, 12 Months” outreach visits the Stark County Junior Fair in Wyoming on July 24th, with medication disposal, blood pressure checks, health information, giveaways, and insurance navigator help. Mental health services are also accepting new patients through First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee. Call 309-852-0197 or visit henrystarkhealth.com.
The Dyer Davis Band joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about their group, the 2026 "Stay With Me" summer tour, and perform live from the Sav-A-Lot studio. The Dyer Davis Band is a blues-rock powerhouse known for electrifying live performances that blend modern blues with Southern rock and classic rock influences. Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Dyer Davis, the band delivers soaring guitar solos, gritty vocals, and a high-energy stage presence that has earned them a growing following across the United States.
A live blues-rock show is headed to Cambridge, Illinois, as Dyer Davis and his band perform Thursday, July 16th, at Cà d’Zan House Concerts. The evening begins with a potluck and social hour at 6 PM, followed by the show at 7. A suggested donation of $20-$30 will be accepted, and the event is all-ages and family-friendly. In case of rain, the concert moves to Bishop Hill Creative Commons. Davis is known for powerful Southern blues-rock performances, with his debut album “Dog Bites Back” reaching number six on the Billboard Blues Charts.
The group's sound combines traditional blues roots with contemporary rock, drawing inspiration from legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and The Allman Brothers Band while creating a style that is distinctly their own. Their performances feature a mix of original music and crowd-pleasing blues-rock favorites, making them a popular act at music festivals, theaters, and live music venues.
Whether performing intimate club shows or festival stages, the Dyer Davis Band is known for its musicianship, dynamic improvisation, and passionate performances that appeal to both longtime blues fans and new audiences alike.
Dyer Davis is on guitar and lead vocals, Warren Beck is on the keyboard, Will Weiner is on bass, and David Weatherspoon is on the drums.
Find more details about the Cà d’Zan House Concerts on their "Facebook" page. Stay up-to-date with the Dyer Davis Band on their "Facebook" page and website.
Downtown Kewanee will be filled with art, music, shopping, and family fun during the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival on Friday and Saturday, July 17–18, 2026. Festival activities include chalk art, an art show, food vendors, a flea market, live entertainment, children's activities, museum tours, and local shopping. The celebration also features a Shop Small Business Crawl running July 9–18 and student artwork displayed in downtown storefronts July 13–20.
Friday's events include a Sneak Peek Art Show from 5–7 PM at the Hog Capital Building and the Santa's Jingle & Mingle dance party from 7–9 PM in the Rotary Tent.
Saturday begins with the Guns & Hoses Breakfast, followed by the Farmers Market, free family activities in Berrien Park, food vendors, live music, puppet shows, the Tiny Chicken Scavenger Hunt, and the announcement of festival winners at 4 PM.
The festival is also hosting several special events, including a Chalk Art Competition with professional, amateur, and youth divisions; an Art Show & Competition featuring local artists; vendor opportunities for crafters and flea market sellers; volunteer service hour opportunities; and family-friendly activities throughout downtown.
For schedules, registration information, and updates, follow the "Prairie Chicken Arts Festival" on Facebook.
Drew Herridge with the Marshall-Putnam County Fair Board joined Ken Peel on Wake Up Tri-Counties to give an update for the 2026 Marshall-Putnam Fair. The Marshall-Putnam County Fair is celebrating 105 years with a packed schedule in Henry, running July 15th through 19th, with pageant activities beginning July 12th. Drew Herridge, Director and Chairman of Events, says the fair remains free to enter with free parking every day. Highlights include Wednesday’s kickoff dinner and wine tasting, Kids Fun Day on Thursday, the demolition derby on Friday, and America’s PPL pull on Saturday. The biggest draw is Thursday night’s concert featuring Scotty McCreery, with Taylor Bruninga and Cody Calkins opening. Fair details and tickets are available at marshallputnamfair.org and on Facebook.
Scotty McCreery has been a household name for nearly half of his life, making history in 2011 as the first country artist and the youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified Clear as Day, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. The 31-year-old has sold over 4 million albums and achieved 6 No. 1 hits: the recent “Cab in a Solo,” the RIAA Platinum-certified “Damn Strait,” the RIAA Gold-certified “You Time,” the RIAA Gold-certified “In Between,” the RIAA Platinum-certified “This is It,” and the RIAA Triple Platinum-certified “Five More Minutes.” His latest album is Rise & Fall, and his current EP is Scooter & Friends, which features the smash hit “Bottle Rockets” with Hootie & The Blowfish.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss heat safety, firework safety, CPR classes, holiday hours, free radon test kits, and insurance navigators. Henry and Stark County health officials are highlighting several July services for residents. Free radon home test kits are available while supplies last at the Kewanee office, 110 North Burr Boulevard, with no holds. The departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics will also be at the Stark County Junior Fair in Wyoming on July 24th from 10 to 2, offering medication disposal, blood pressure checks, giveaways, and health information. Officials are also urging heat safety as temperatures climb above 90 degrees. Residents should stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and check on neighbors and pets. Details: henrystarkhealth.com or 309-852-0197.
The Kewanee Chess Association is opening the board to players of all ages and skill levels. Founder Obrey Blumenshine says the group began from his lifelong love of chess and a desire to create a free, social place for the community to play, learn, and connect. Obrey says the association is now affiliated with the Illinois Chess Association and U.S. Chess Federation, with plans for rated tournaments in Kewanee.
Chess players in Kewanee have a standing invitation to gather each week for friendly competition and conversation. The Kewanee Chess Association is hosting free open playing sessions every Thursday from 1 to 2:30 PM at the Henry County Senior Center. Organizers say the sessions are open to all ages and all skill levels, from beginners learning the basics to experienced players looking for a challenge. The weekly meetups offer a chance to sharpen strategy, enjoy a classic game, and connect with others in the community. No registration is required—just bring your interest in chess and be ready to play.
To join, visit the "Kewanee Chess Association" on Facebook or email kiwanichessassociation@outlook.com.
Mayor Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the carbon capture moratorium, playground equipment, a new police vehicle, and reelection. Galva Mayor Rich Volkert says the City of Galva is moving ahead on several major priorities following a packed council meeting. Council members approved an appropriation ordinance for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and unanimously backed Henry County’s moratorium on carbon sequestration projects, citing safety questions and the need for more information. Volkert also addressed ambulance response concerns, police vehicle replacement, and more than 100 local ordinance violations. On growth, he pointed to business retention, a planned housing development east of the park district, new playground equipment, solar projects, and efforts to brand Galva as “Where Music Lives” and “Small Town, Big Sound.”
Jon Looney, Kevin Lucas, and Steve Franklin joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about "Stuff the Bus" on Friday, Rotary Free Swim, First Christian Church Food Pantry, and the joint Rotary and First Christian Church clothing and backpack giveaway. Kewanee Rotary, the Salvation Army, and First Christian Church are teaming up for another Community Day at the Pool on Saturday, July 25th. Backpack and school supply distribution begins at 11 AM, with the pool opening at noon. Organizers say last year’s event handed out 429 backpacks, and they hope to reach 500 this year. Free children’s clothing will also be available, along with information about food blessing boxes at First Christian Church. Donations are still welcome. Salvation Army’s “Stuff the Bus” event is set for Friday, July 10th, from noon to 4 PM at Walmart.
The Minions band together to save the day after unleashing monsters upon an unsuspecting world.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss fireworks safety, food safety, Men's Health Month, the 12 in 12 Outreach Event in Stark County, school physicals, and insurance navigators. Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics will be closed Friday, July 3rd, for the Independence Day holiday, with limited home services continuing. RaeAnn Tucker says residents should keep safety in mind for the Fourth, from fireworks to cookouts. Officials urge adults to supervise fireworks, keep sparklers away from children, and never relight duds. Food safety reminders include keeping meat cold, avoiding cross-contamination, and discarding questionable leftovers. First Choice is also offering summer school and sports physicals in Kewanee and Toulon. The next “12 Communities, 12 Months” event is July 24th at the Stark County Junior Fair in Wyoming. More safety information is available at henrystarkhealth.com and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is reminding Tri-Counties families to prepare for summer heat and the upcoming school year. Samantha Rux and family medicine provider Kate McGough joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss heat safety, school and sports physicals, and expanded lactation support. McGough has earned certification as an internationally board-certified lactation consultant, offering guidance for new and expectant mothers, including breastfeeding challenges and returning to work. OSF Healthcare is also encouraging parents to schedule physicals through OSF MyChart or by calling 309-852-7700. With extreme heat expected, residents are urged to limit afternoon outdoor activity, hydrate, check on vulnerable neighbors, and take breaks in air conditioning or shade. Find more information at https://www.osfhealthcare.org/ or on the "OSF Healthcare Saint Luke" Facebook page.
Connie Johnson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for the May edition of "Cambridge Happenings" to talk about upcoming events in July 2026. Cambridge has a busy July ahead, with community events centered around College Square Park. The summer concert series continues Thursday evenings, with a special July 9th concert sponsored by Ridgewood Pharmacy in celebration of its fifth anniversary. Cambridge Car Cruisin’ rolls in on July 16th from 5 to 7 PM, welcoming hot rods, cars, golf carts, trucks, and motorcycles. The Cambridge Masons blood drive is July 15 from 7 to 10:30 at the Community Youth Center; appointments can be made at 309-945-7499. The food pantry opens July 19th from 3 to 5 PM at 123 West Exchange Street. Street. A Gray Matters volleyball fundraiser follows July 25.
Check the village website at https://www.cambridgeil.org/ and the "Village of Cambridge" Facebook page for full schedules and updates.
OSF HealthCare is offering hands-on STEAM learning opportunities for students interested in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Samantha Rux of OSF Saint Luke Medical Center says families can explore take-home labs, including a squid dissection kit, virtual shark lessons, activity books, and augmented-reality tools featuring 3D models of organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs. One featured kit lets students dissect a squid while learning about ocean life. OSF also offers virtual labs, mobile learning tools, and visits from innovation team members for schools and events. Recent STEAM camps served students in several Illinois communities, with possible future programs in Kewanee. More information is available at steam.osfhealthcare.org.
Dustin Williams has announced plans to run for mayor of Galva during an interview on Wake Up Tri-Counties with Ken Peel and Jennifer Russell. Speaking with Ken Peel on Wake Up Tri-Counties, Williams said his involvement in local CO₂ project discussions helped shape his decision, emphasizing the need for residents to stay informed and heard. Williams says his campaign will focus on transparency, community engagement, and preserving Galva’s small-town character. Williams plans to connect with residents through Facebook, at his automotive shop in Galva (Williams Collision and Restoration, 215 SE 8th Avenue), and eventually through a dedicated campaign page.
He pointed to his involvement in local discussions surrounding the CO₂ project as part of what motivated him to seek office. Williams says residents deserve clear information, including data on air quality and the potential impact of carbon sequestration tied to ethanol production.
He encourages residents to contact him through "Facebook" or stop by his shop in Galva to share concerns and ideas.
Sheldon Miller joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the 50th anniversary of Hooppole Fun Day. Hooppole Fun Day is marking a major milestone in 2026, celebrating 50 years alongside America 250. The big day is set for Saturday, June 27th, beginning with pie judging at 9:15 at the fire station, followed by the parade at 10. The schedule is packed with family favorites, including the kids’ pedal pull, penny scramble, frog races, mud volleyball, bingo, Rolle Bolle, bags, carnival games, and the Lil Mr. and Miss Hooppole presentation at 5:30. The Dani Lynn Howe Band plays from 7 to 11, with America 250-themed fireworks at dusk. Details are on Facebook at "Hooppole Fun Day."
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss West Nile Virus, Men's Health Week and Month, the WIC Program, radon test kits, and the Henry County Fair. Henry and Stark County health officials are highlighting several summer health reminders. During National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, residents are urged to reduce standing water, use EPA-approved repellents, and report stagnant water to help prevent West Nile virus. Free rapid HIV testing will be offered on June 26th at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. June is also National Safety Month, and radon test kits are available for $15, with elevated levels found in many local homes. Families can also apply for WIC assistance in person or online. For details, call 309-852-0197 or visit henrystarkhealth.com.
Regional Media Film Critic Sean Kernan reviews Toy Story 5.
With their latest kid, Bonnie, receiving her first tech toy, Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee, our favorite toys find themselves once again on the verge of being shelved. But plucky Jessie (Joan Cusack) won't go down without a fight. With her trusty horse, she follows Bonnie to a sleepover but things go awry and Jessie ends up at a familiar looking farm where she's forced to rely on an outdated tech product to help her get back to Bonnie and, perhaps, help Bonnie make a new friend.
Juneteenth takes center stage this week on Wake Up Tri-Counties, as Ken Peel welcomed Etta LaFlora and Lovondi Jordan to discuss the holiday’s history and meaning. Juneteenth commemorates June 19th, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing freedom for enslaved people—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The guests emphasized that Juneteenth is more than a day off; it is a time to remember, reflect, and teach younger generations about freedom, resilience, faith, and hope. They also highlighted Dr. Opal Lee’s efforts to make Juneteenth a national holiday, signed into law in 2021.
Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history — the day freedom finally reached enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, on June 19th, 1865. That announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The first celebrations began in Texas the following year, with prayer, music, family gatherings, and community events. Texas officially recognized Juneteenth in 1980, and in 2021 it became a federal holiday. Today, Juneteenth is both a celebration of African American freedom, culture, and achievement—and a reminder of the continuing pursuit of equality and justice across the nation.
June is National Men’s Health Month, and OSF St. Luke’s is urging men across the Tri-Counties to stop putting off routine care. Samantha Rucks told Wake Up Tri-Counties that many men wait until pain or symptoms become serious before seeing a provider, which can make treatment harder. She says annual physicals, lab work, and age-appropriate screenings for prostate cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol can catch problems early. Rucks says men should build a relationship with a primary care provider before health issues arise. To connect with OSF in Kewanee, call 309-852-7700.
Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to remind listeners that vacation time is more than a luxury — it can support better mental and physical health. Samantha Rux says time away, whether it’s a trip, a staycation, or a long weekend, can improve mood, sleep, and productivity, with benefits lasting up to six weeks. She emphasized the importance of truly disconnecting from work by using out-of-office messages and relying on coworkers for support. Health experts suggest taking two vacations a year when possible. More health resources are available through the OSF Newsroom and at osfhealthcare.org.
Raeann Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Juneteenth Holiday Closure, IDOT Exams, Sun Safety, and School Physicals. Offices and First Choice Healthcare Clinics will be closed Friday, June 19th, for Juneteenth, with limited home services still available. The departments will also host a “12 Communities, 12 Months” outreach event at the Henry County Fair in Cambridge on June 17th and 18th from 2 to 4 PM, offering medication disposal, blood pressure checks, health information, and insurance navigator help. First Choice is also offering DOT physicals in Kewanee and Toulon by appointment. Health officials are urging summer sun safety, especially for children.
Henry County Farm Bureau is gearing up for a busy summer, starting with next week’s Henry County Fair. Manager Katie Lalleman says Farm Bureau will have a booth in the Merchants Building, offering members discounted tickets for the pork producers' stand and sharing information with non-member agriculture education, landowner rights, legislative priorities, and member discounts. Upcoming events include a Market Outlook seminar on June 30th at Lavender Crest, Safety Starts With You on July 8th in Geneseo, and the Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Fun Day on August 14th at Baker Park in Kewanee. Proceeds support Ag in the Classroom programming.
The 167th Henry County Fair returns June 16th through the 21st in Cambridge, bringing a full week of livestock shows, fair food, carnival rides, and grandstand events. Jennifer West says this year’s highlights include a new school bus demolition derby on Saturday night, two truck and tractor pulls, a rodeo, and free family activities on Wednesday. Kids can enjoy pedal pulls, sack races, chicken scrambles, and pig scrambles, with an adult pig scramble also planned. Admission is $5 per day, while an $80 ultimate pass covers the full week and grandstand access. Fairgoers can also enjoy livestock shows, art hall exhibits, carnival rides, and favorites like Malone’s taffy and pork chop sandwiches. Fair organizers are also seeking volunteers, with details available through the Henry County Fair website and Facebook page.
Stay tuned to the Henry County Fair website for updates to the daily schedule.
Todd DeDecker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Doodle Folk Music Festival, the 17th Annual Honor Flight Benefit, and upcoming events in Bishop Hill. Bishop Hill is tuning up for a full day of community celebration today as the Doodle Folk Music Festival marks America’s 250th birthday with free concerts in the historic village park. Barry Cloyd opens at 10, followed by the Taproot Wranglers, the Bucktown Americana Music Show, and Lee Murdock at 3.
Meanwhile, The Filling Station Restaurant hosts its 17th annual Honor Flight Benefit from 7 to 2, supporting Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. Guests can enjoy pay-what-you-can breakfast and lunch, a brown bag raffle, live auction, and music—all helping regional veterans.
The Doodle Folk Music Festival returns with support from the Illinois Arts Council, the Minneapolis Foundation, and Regional Media as its media sponsor. Music lovers can enjoy a diverse lineup and regional acts. For more festival details, reach out by phone at 309-927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net. Event schedules and updates are available online at www.bishophillheritage.org and on the Bishop Hill Heritage Association’s “Facebook page.” This community celebration promises an unforgettable experience for fans of folk music and local culture alike.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the Better Birth Outcomes Program, PrEP and HIV Prevention Programs, Family Health and Fitness Day, National Community Health Improvement Week, Men's Health Month, and Insurance Navigators at the Henry County Fair. Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare are spotlighting several June health programs. Expecting parents and families with babies under six months can enroll in the free Better Birth Outcomes program for nurse-guided pregnancy and newborn support. June also brings Pride Month HIV prevention services, including confidential testing, counseling, and access to PrEP or PEP. Men’s Health Month lab discounts include thyroid, prostate, and colon cancer screenings. Insurance navigators will also be at the Henry County Fairgrounds in Cambridge June 17th through 19th. For clinic appointments, call Kewanee at 309-852-5272 or Toulon at 309-852-3115.
Mayor Gary Moore and City Manager Kasey Mitchell joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the city-wide cleanup on June 6th, upcoming road construction, the sidewalk reimbursement program, and Hog Days. Kewanee residents are encouraged to take part in city-wide Cleanup Day, which will take place on Saturday, June 6th, from 7 AM until noon. Participants should ensure all items are bagged or boxed for quick unloading, helping keep the area clean and efficient. Proof of an address within Kewanee is required. Volunteers are needed to assist with unloading vehicles and placing materials into large dumpsters. Extra hands are necessary to help the process move smoothly for everyone involved. Anyone interested in volunteering should show up Saturday morning. Join the effort to keep the city looking its best and make a difference in your community.
If the event is postponed due to rain, the backup date is next Saturday. Restrictions include no electronics, toner, or liquids such as paint. The city is also promoting involvement in upcoming events, including Hog Days, and highlighting summer construction projects and a sidewalk reimbursement program.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss food safety, monthly CPR classes, free gun locks, the monthly outreach event at the Henry County Fair, ticks, safe sharps disposal, and insurance navigators. June is National Safety Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, are offering free gun locks at clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon to help reduce gun-related injuries and deaths. Residents are encouraged to pick up locks weekdays between 8 AM and 4 PM. Firearm suicide claims 64 American lives daily, and keeping both guns and ammunition locked can sharply reduce these risks. Free gun locks are also available via the Veterans Crisis Line—call 988 and press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net, or text 838255. For more safety news, the departments are hosting free blood pressure checks, sharps disposal, and insurance help at the Henry County Fair on June 17th and 18th. The departments also offer Lyme disease screening and tick testing and are expanding access to safe disposal kiosks for used medical sharps at six locations. Monthly CPR classes and food safety guidance for local vendors round out the health focus. More details at henrystarkhealth.com.
Sara Billiet joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Summer reading program, getting a library card, magician Zach Purcell, and author Becca Kinzer. Summer is officially underway at the Kewanee Public Library, where the annual summer reading program has just kicked off and welcomes participants of all ages. Youth Services Manager Sarah Billiott highlights the annual program, which runs through July 18th and welcomes new participants anytime before it ends. Both children and adults can track their reading in the Beanstack app or with traditional paper logs and earn prizes just for reading. Signing up for the summer reading program is simple—just bring a photo ID and proof of address to the service desk. The library card is free, and district boundaries stretch into Stark County and beyond Kewanee. Special events this summer include magician Zach Purcell on June 8th at 10:30 AM and author Becca Kinzer, appearing June 11th from 2 to 4 PM. All events and participation are free. Find details at kewaneelibrary.org, on "Facebook," or visit the library in person.
Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the patient transportation program. OSF HealthCare St. Luke’s continues to address barriers to local healthcare through its patient transportation program. Launched after a 2019 community health assessment revealed transportation as a major barrier, the hospital’s van service shuttles patients to and from medical appointments free of charge. Funded entirely through donations and events like today's annual golf outing at Midland Golf Club, the program has improved outcomes by ensuring patients can attend regular appointments, which is especially vital for those with injuries or no other means of transportation. For more details, patients can contact their healthcare provider or check with the scheduling team when scheduling an appointment. The hospital also hosts bi-monthly local blood drives. The next blood drive is on June 4, 2026, from 7 AM to 5 PM—find details at bloodcenter.org. To find more blood drives in the area, visit bloodcenter.org and search zip code 61443.
On Wake Up Tri-Counties, Deputy Assistant Police Chief Mike Minks joined Ken Peel and Jennifer Russell to share insights on the DAART program, which supports individuals battling addiction in Kewanee, Golf Outing, and National Night Out.
The DAART program, revived through nearly $100,000 in grant funding, provides transportation for those seeking rehab and now includes neurofeedback therapy via licensed therapists. Kewanee’s DAART program is making a significant impact in the community, helping residents struggling with addiction access vital resources and support. Deputy Chief Mike Minx, who’s been with the Kewanee Police Department since 2007, shared how federal and local grant funding has revived the initiative, providing transportation to rehab and launching a neurofeedback program in partnership with licensed therapist Johanna Hager. Since January, more than a dozen participants have continued therapy on their own, thanks to successful early intervention. The program’s collaborative approach, uniting police, mental health agencies, and probation, is strengthening Kewanee by breaking barriers and building supportive networks for recovery. For more information or to donate, residents can contact Deputy Chief Mike Minx at the Kewanee Police Department at 309-853-1911.
Golf enthusiasts and beginners alike are invited to test their skills at the upcoming Kewanee Police Department FOP Lodge 233 charity golf outing. Taking place July 11th with a 10 a.m. shotgun start at Midland Golf Course, this annual event raises funds for local community causes, with previous donations supporting Amber Patch’s Toy Drive and Brave Heart. Entry is $80 per person, with teams of four at $320, and single players will be paired up. The outing includes dinner, raffles, and a 50-50 drawing. For registration or sponsorships, contact Eric Peed at epeed@cityofkewanee.net.
National Night Out returns to Northeast Park on Tuesday, August 4th, bringing the community together for an evening of connection and fun. Expect open swim at the pool, local vendors, and a vehicle showcase featuring fire trucks and tow trucks. The popular car show drive-in welcomes anyone with a classic or unique vehicle eager to inspire the next generation of enthusiasts. Enjoy free hot dogs and help support the event by donating juice boxes—Operation Juice Box is in full swing, aiming to provide drinks for local kids. To get involved or donate, contact Deputy Chief Mike Minks at mminx@cityofkeewaunee.net or 309-853-1911.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Blood Pressure Awareness Month, Osteoporosis Awareness Month, No Tobacco Day, school and sports physicals, and insurance navigators. With summer underway, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind families that school and sports physicals are available all season at Kewanee and Toulon clinics. Students entering kindergarten, preschool, sixth grade, freshman year, and all junior or senior high athletes can schedule exams, with insurance accepted and physicals priced at $50. Parents should bring completed forms for a fast visit. May marks National Osteoporosis Month, highlighting the need for bone health checks. Free blood pressure kiosks are available at clinics in Kewanee, Toulon, and Colona for easy monitoring.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Mental Health Awareness Month, the 12 Communities in 12 Months Community Outreach Event in Galva, Blood Pressure Awareness Month, and Insurance Navigators. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day, with limited in-home services available. During May, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, residents are encouraged to “Show Your Green” in support of local mental health initiatives, with proceeds from t-shirt sales aiding behavioral health patients. Free blood pressure checks, health info, and giveaways will be offered at the “12 Communities in 12 Months” outreach event on May 22 at Special Kneads Bakery in Galva. Insurance Navigators are also hosting free enrollment events throughout the month. For updates, visit henrystarkhealth.com.
Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss upcoming events, road safety during the planting season, the Henry County Fair, and Mental Health Awareness Month. Planting season is underway in Henry County, though recent wet and cold weather has left some farmers feeling behind. Safety is top of mind, as farm equipment remains on the roads—drivers are urged to slow down and watch for large machinery. The Farm Bureau encourages residents to support educational initiatives through "Birdies for Charity" and to register for the Foundation’s Golf Fun Day on August 14th at Baker Park. The Henry County Fair arrives June 16–21, with the annual Pedal Pull moving to Wednesday at the grandstand stage. May is also recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Abilities Plus Director of Development Alejandro Alvarez joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the second annual Community Resource Fair on May 21, 2026. Abilities Plus is inviting the Kewanee community to its second annual Community Resource Fair on May 21st, from 4:30 to 6 PM at 1100 North East Street. The fair will feature over 26 organizations, including the Henry Stark County Health Department, Kewanee Public Library, and local law enforcement, plus representatives from education, health, and youth services. Attendees can discover a wide range of free support and resources, from early childhood programs to public transportation and disability services. The event is open to everyone and offers an excellent chance to connect, collaborate, and learn about services available in the tri-counties area.
Felisha Rogers joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the services provided by Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center (CAC), child abuse, child trafficking, and donations. At Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center, a dedicated team is making a real difference for children and teens facing trauma from abuse or witnessing crimes. Previously, victims endured the pain of recounting their story to multiple agencies. Today, Braveheart brings together experts from law enforcement, child services, and the court system, so young people need only speak once in a safe setting. The conversation is recorded to ensure accuracy and spare the child further emotional strain. Since opening in 1999, Braveheart has expanded its caring approach across several Illinois counties, guiding families with advocacy, education, and unwavering support throughout the investigative process. Braveheart's mission: "Our mission is to strengthen our community's response to child abuse through prevention, intervention and advocacy."
Braveheart CAC relies on donations and grants to provide vital services to children of physical and sexual abuse. Visit "Donate to Braveheart" to contribute.
Donations needed to support children and families during the difficult processThe Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center is in need of donations to support children and families navigating difficult situations. Staff encourages donations of individually wrapped snacks, juice boxes, fruit snacks, and bottled water, which can bring comfort to young clients. Gas cards—with a preference for $10 amounts from Casey’s—can be crucial in helping families access therapy and specialized medical care. Everyday essentials such as cleaning supplies, toilet paper, printer paper, and Forever Stamps are also sought, as grants do not cover these needs. Donations must be new and unopened. To coordinate a donation, email jackie@braveheartcac.org or deliver it directly to 292 South East Road in Cambridge.
Individually wrapped, multi-packaged food items, such as:
Juice Boxes
Bottled Water
Variety boxes of chips, popcorn, etc
Crackers like Cheez-It's or Goldfish
Fruit Snacks
Granola Bars
K-Cups (Hot Chocolate, or Coffee: Regular & Decaf) - for parents/guardians as they wait in our building
$10.00 cards from Casey’s (Casey's is conveniently located in most towns across our five counties)
Becks and Shell are also in many areas for secondary options
Cleaning supplies—This need ranges from disinfectant wipes to bathroom cleaning products to dusting pads
Toilet paper and Kleenex
Printer paper
Forever Stamps
Diana Johnson joined Tom Katz on Wake Up Tri-Counties for the "Here's to Your Health" series, discussing services at Hammond-Henry Hospital. Spotlighting local healthcare, Diana Johnson, a respiratory therapist with nearly two decades at Hammond Henry Hospital, discussed her pivotal role in the pulmonary function department. She performs pulmonary function tests, which help diagnose breathing issues like asthma, COPD, and chronic coughs, on patients ranging from age six to 100. Symptoms prompting referral include persistent shortness of breath or unexplained coughing, especially active during allergy season and for student athletes. The testing process is thorough, and results are reviewed promptly by a pulmonologist to guide further care. More about these services can be found at hammondhenry.com.
Samantha Rux and Blaine Clarke joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upgrades at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, making OSF HealthCare a medical "destination," and the upcoming Golf Classic to support the OSF Saint Luke public transportation system. OSF HealthCare is wrapping up a week of celebrations honoring nurses and healthcare workers, marked by special events including theme days, food trucks, and the annual Daisy and Sunflower Awards. The focus shifts now to investments in technology and local care access through the Destination OSF initiative. Recent upgrades include a new MRI and DEXA machine at St. Luke’s, quicker lab services, and advanced breast imaging in Galesburg. General surgical services have expanded locally, reducing the need to travel for procedures. OSF encourages residents to explore care options closer to home as community hospitals grow their capabilities.
Lorna Brown joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the annual Quilt Show in Bishop Hill. Bishop Hill welcomes visitors this weekend for its annual Quilt Show, a highlight of Civil War Days. Hosted by the Prairie Queen Quilt Club, the event features nearly 100 quilts on display at the Colony School from makers across Henry County. Quilts aren’t for sale, but guests can browse the popular “trash and treasures” room for fabric, notions, and creative finds. Admission remains just $5, continuing a tradition that began 36 years ago. Club members also create charity quilts for local organizations throughout the year. The show runs from 9 AM to 4 PM on Friday and Saturday.
“Quilting an American Legacy” is this year’s theme, nodding to both tradition and the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States. Proceeds and club initiatives will benefit local charities in Kewanee this year. To join the club or for more details, visit the "Prairie Queen Quilt Club" Facebook page or sign up during the event. Membership is $10 a year.
Todd DeDecker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming Civil War programs in Bishop Hill. History will come alive in Bishop Hill as the Heritage Association presents a full day of Civil War programs on May 16, 2026, celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The village park will be transformed with authentic Union and Confederate camps, military drills, and a parade. Highlights include a midday speech from Union General John Logan, a Civil War music concert, an artillery demonstration, and a reenacted battle. The day concludes with a spirited evening ball. Visitors can also enjoy the annual Quilt Show and children’s activities.
Visitors can explore authentic Union and Confederate encampments, witness military drills, enjoy Civil War-era music from the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band, and watch artillery and medical demonstrations. Brian Fox Ellis will portray General John Logan, and attendees are invited to experience a traditional Civil War ball, open to the public with no dance experience required. Family-friendly activities, museum exhibits, and a period-authentic quilt show round out the program, with most events free of charge.
Details can be found at bishophillheritage.org or by calling 309-927-3899.
Saturday, May 16: Civil War Program Schedule* Soldiers encamped all day in the village park; Sutlers and civilians Encampment by Steeple Building Museum * 9:30 AM: Drill at Coopers’ Field * 11:00 AM: Parade from Coopers’ Field to Steeple Building Museum * 11:30 AM: Roll Call/Ration Issue in the park * Noon: General Logan’s speech in the park * 1:30 PM: Concert by the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band in the park * 2:30 PM: Artillery Demonstration at Coopers’ Field * 3:30 PM: Battle at Coopers’ Field, followed by a medical demonstration in the park * 6-8 PM: Civil War Ball at Bishop Hill Creative Commons
Connie Johnson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for the May edition of "Cambridge Happenings" to talk about upcoming events in May and June 2025. Cambridge is packed with activities this month, kicking off with the Cruise-In at College Square Park tomorrow, inviting all vehicle enthusiasts from 5 to 7 for cars, conversation, and food. The community-wide cleanup follows on May 15th—residents are reminded to have items out by 5 a.m. The Fireman's Breakfast takes place on May 17th, offering pancakes and more to support local first responders, with a high school graduation and the food pantry later that day. Spectrum Fest hits Memorial Day weekend with bands, tournaments, and kid-friendly activities. The summer concert series launches May 27th, promising music-filled Thursday nights at the band shell.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about National Women's Health Week, Children's Mental Health Week, Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, Toulon Telepharmacy, and Insurance Navigators. National Women’s Health Week runs from May 10th to 16th, spotlighting prevention, innovation, and impact in women’s wellness. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon, are urging women to schedule annual exams, receive immunizations, and maintain mental well-being. Children’s Mental Health Week, May 9th to 15th, emphasizes early intervention, with counseling available starting at age five. A special promotion offers residents a free General Health Blood Panel, worth $50, when transferring prescriptions to Toulon Telepharmacy. Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month brings a focus on accessible reproductive care for adolescents. Insurance Navigators will offer in-person help at upcoming community events. Details and appointment info are available at henrystarkhealth.com.
Erica Huffer, clinical educator at Hammond Henry Hospital, joined the Wake Up Tri-Counties morning show to discuss her new role and a promising initiative called SPARK. SPARK stands for Supporting Professionals Accountability Through Resources and Knowledge, aiming to enhance staff development and professional standards across the hospital. Since taking on her clinical educator position just before Thanksgiving, Erica has focused on empowering healthcare workers with accessible training, mentorship, and educational tools. The initiative hopes to create a culture of continuous learning and support for hospital staff.
This new initiative offers full tuition coverage, paid clinical hours, and a guaranteed job after graduation for future nurses, lab staff, and athletic trainers. In exchange, participants pledge to work at the hospital for four years post-licensure. The program seeks applicants at least 18 years old, committed to improving community health, and capable of maintaining a 2.75 GPA. SPARK removes the burden of student debt while providing valuable hands-on experience.
Funded by the Hammond Henry Hospital Foundation, the program welcomes applications through May 30 for the fall 2026 cycle. More details are available at hammondhenry.com.
Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about health care designations during May and the Silver Cloud Mental Health services through OSF HealthCare. Health care workers are being celebrated across the tri-counties as OSF HealthCare marks both Nurses Week and Healthcare Week, spotlighting the tireless contributions of all mission partners, not just those in hospital settings. Community members are invited to join in festivities like food trucks, with the full schedule set to be announced soon. In addition, May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a reminder of the importance of caring for mental well-being. OSF HealthCare is highlighting its SilverCloud program, a free, confidential online resource offering personalized mental health support and modules for adults. For details, visit osf.silvercloudhealth.com or the myOSF app.
The Sheep Detectives stars Hugh Jackman, Emma Thompson, and the voices of Julia Louis Dreyfuss and Chris O’Dowd in the story of a beloved shepherd (Jackman) who spends time reading detective stories aloud for his flock of sheep. When the shepherd is murdered, the sheep take it upon themselves to solve the crime.
Listen to Sean’s review from today’s Back Road Lunch on the Hog Country Radio Network.
Dr. David Cook, MD, from the Hammond-Henry Colona Clinic, joined Tom Katz for "Here's to Your Health" on Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss his expertise in family practice to address pressing health questions and share wellness tips. Dr. Cook, specializing in family medicine, shares insights on managing chronic diseases, preventative care, and in-office procedures such as skin biopsies and joint injections. The segment aims to offer listeners practical health tips and updates on clinic services. Dr. Cook is accepting waitlist appointments now, with patient services starting November 3, 2025, at the Hammond-Henry Colona Walk-In Clinic. For appointment information, call 309-949-2999 or visit the clinic during walk-in hours Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 7 PM, and on Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM, on Cleveland Road in Colona. Those interested in learning about his services or booking a slot can reach out directly to Colona Clinic. This new segment promises timely medical advice and valuable health updates for the community. Stay tuned for the latest information.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Mental Health Week, Lung Health Month, Insurance Navigators, Flu Shots, and COSSUP Services in Stark County. Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 5th to 11th, and local agencies are urging Tri-Counties residents to seek help when facing emotional or psychological challenges. First Choice Healthcare and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are spotlighting community support as essential, noting that dedicated professionals offer a range of mental health services. Residents looking for assistance can reach out to their Kewanee office at 309-852-5272. In health news, a drive-thru adult flu shot clinic is scheduled for October 17th from 10 AM to 1 PM at 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee, delivering vital protection this season.
Louise Harrison joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming Barkin for Bingo fundraiser for the Kewanee Animal Shelter and the Saint Francis of Assisi "Blessing of Pets." Animal enthusiasts are gearing up for Barkin’ for Bingo, a community fundraiser set for October 12th at the Flemish American Club in Kewanee. Supporters can dive into several bingo games from 1 to 3 PM, with entry priced at $15 and a range of prizes up for grabs. Organized by the Henry County Humane Society – Kewanee, the event aims to boost funding for cats and dogs under shelter care. Lunch, prepared by Mark Eilers, is available starting at 11 AM until supplies run out. All proceeds benefit local pets, bringing hope for happier futures and new homes.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee is inviting animal lovers to their annual "Blessing of Pets" event on October 8th. Festivities begin at 11 AM and wrap up at 1 PM, with the formal blessing scheduled for 12:30. The Henry County Humane Society - Kewanee will be present, showcasing adoptable animals and accepting donations. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own pets—dogs must be leashed and cats securely in carriers, as previous years have seen some furry escape artists make a dash for freedom. The event aims to celebrate pets in the community while supporting animals in need. All are welcome to attend.
The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi is on October 4th and is widely revered as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Across communities worldwide, people are holding special blessings for pets and wildlife, reflecting St. Francis’s devotion to all creatures, great and small. OSF HealthCare Medical Centers are hosting gatherings, inviting families to bring their pets for a blessing ceremony. The feast day serves as a reminder of compassion and stewardship toward animals, encouraging acts of kindness such as volunteering at shelters or supporting wildlife causes. St. Francis’s legacy inspires many to consider the welfare of animals in everyday life. The Blessing of Pets is scheduled for October 8th from 11 AM to 1 PM at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee. The Blessing of the Pets is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., following the 12 PM Mass. The Celebration for Saint Luke is on October 18th but will be celebrated on Monday, October 22nd.
OSF HealthCare is opening new doors for job seekers across the Tri-Counties. Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to highlight a range of positions now available within the expanding healthcare system, from clinical roles to administrative support. Interested individuals can sign up for the OSF Talent Network, a platform designed to keep potential applicants informed about upcoming job opportunities that match their skills and interests. Rux emphasizes the organization’s commitment to professional growth and community well-being, making OSF HealthCare a strong choice for those seeking meaningful careers in the health sector. More details are available on the OSF HealthCare website.
This Halloween, ‘Svengoolie’s BOO-Nanza’ is back on MeTV for its fourth haunting season, scaring up a month-long celebration of fright-filled, spooky and kooky classic horror and TV fun for the entire family. Every Saturday night, fans will be treated to back-to-back horror movies as part of the Svengoolie and House of Svengoolie double features. All-new additions to MeTV’s Svengoolie movie schedule include Young Frankenstein, Arachnophobia, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, The Fly and Return of the Fly.
Kewanee Park District Director Andy Dwyer joined Wake Up Tri-Counties from the new pavilion in Baker Park. Andy talked about Bakersville, which is this Saturday, October 4th; plans for an expansion to the Baker Park Clubhouse; recovering from damage from multiple severe storms over the last few years; the function of the Kewanee Park District; and plans for other Kewanee Park District parks. The Kewanee Park District is its own taxing body, with its own board of commissioners and its own parks. While the City of Kewanee collects taxes and maintains city parks, the Kewanee Park District is a separate entity that relies on tax revenue and revenue collected through Baker Park Golf Course, Windmont, Chautauqua, Liberty, and Northeast Parks. Technically, Liberty Park doesn't generate revenue, but it now houses the long-awaited splash pad. The park district has almost paid off two bonds and will issue new bonds to fund the clubhouse expansion in Baker Park. The expansion will add a banquet room for event rental, expand the 19th Hole Restaurant, allowing the restaurant to remain open year-round, and add a golf pro shop. The clubhouse expansion is part of the park district's long-term plan and has been in the early planning phase for a couple of years. Upgrades to the shelter houses in Chautauqua and Windmont Parks are planned after the clubhouse expansion. The pool at Northeast Park is in the long-term plan, but it runs at a large loss each year and will require millions of dollars to replace.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming events in October at the Kewanee Public Library. The Kewanee Public Library is hosting a month packed with creative events this October. Kids can pick up Mummy Action Figure Grab & Go Kits starting October 1, while puzzle fans of all ages can swap puzzles on October 7. October 8 features an art show unveiling local talent and a Kids’ Art Gallery, celebrating both creativity and the library’s 150th anniversary. Throughout the month, families are invited to craft glowing window eyes, decorate pumpkins inspired by book characters, and trade favorite snack recipes at a Recipe Round-Up. The month wraps up with spooky jewelry-making, book club discussions, and a Halloween Open House for all ages.
Samantha and Bennett Riber joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the 2025 Buddy Walk on October 4, 2025, at Windmont Park in Kewanee. Organized by Kewanee’s Best Advocates, this event raises awareness for Down syndrome and funds for local support programs. Participants are encouraged to form teams and register in advance with a $5 fee, which directly supports these vital initiatives. The day will begin at 9 AM with check-in, followed by a range of activities including a grass volleyball tournament, food vendors, games, and hands-on booths. An opening ceremony and unified lap will begin at 10 AM. The Buddy Walk emphasizes inclusion, transforming the park into a vibrant hub, uniting families, friends, and advocates for a meaningful cause. Registration details are available at charity.pledgeit.org/Kewanee.
The event promises a day full of family-friendly activities, including vendors, raffles, bounce houses, a foam pit, and bubbles, running until 2 PM. Organizers are inviting more teams to join the grass volleyball tournament—interested players can text Bennett at 309-264-0965. With over $6,300 already raised toward a $10,000 goal, every attendee, donation, and share brings the community closer to supporting those with Down syndrome.
Supporters of the Buddy Walk in Kewanee can now show their pride with this year’s “Medical Marvels” shirts, just released at Ahearn & Associates Medical Center. Shirts come in a variety of sizes, from youth XL through adult 3XL, and are priced at $25 or $30, depending on size. For every shirt sold, $5 goes directly to benefit the Buddy Walk. The community is invited to join the event on October 4th at 10 AM, but those unable to attend can still make an impact by donating online at the event’s pledge site.
Kewanee’s Best Advocates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is set to host the Buddy Walk®, a vibrant community event uplifting individuals with Down syndrome. Created by the National Down Syndrome Society, the Buddy Walk® has become a leading movement for advocacy and public awareness. All proceeds benefit local efforts supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The event promises unity, inclusion, and joyful community spirit.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about National Preparedness Month, Fall Health Clinics, Insurance Navigators, and National Food Safety Education Month. September is National Preparedness Month, aligning with the 24th anniversary of 9/11, and this year’s focus is “Preparedness Starts at Home.” The Henry & Stark County Health Departments urge residents to assess local risks, create emergency plans, and assemble supply kits. Resources are available at henrystarkhealth.com and ready.gov. In health updates, free flu shot clinics will be held on October 22nd at the Kewanee Public Library and on October 23rd at the Geneseo Public Library—insurance, Medicare, or $60 cash accepted. These clinics also offer complimentary blood pressure and glucose checks, along with health information and giveaways for attendees. September is National Food Safety Education Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are spotlighting crucial steps everyone can take to avoid foodborne illness. Changing industry standards mean it’s essential to purchase food from licensed, reputable sources—now easier with online inspection records. Remember the four key practices: clean, separate, cook, and chill. These simple habits can help prevent the nearly 48 million foodborne illnesses suffered annually in the U.S. More details are at henrystarkhealth.com or by calling 309-852-0197. Stay up to date by following the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice HealthCare Clinics on social media.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed an executive order directing state agencies to identify up to 4% in potential budget reductions and to limit hiring and non-essential spending for the coming fiscal year. Pritzker attributes the measure to economic conditions he links to former President Donald Trump’s policies. However, state Republicans, including House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, sharply criticized the move, calling it politically motivated. McCombie also raised concerns about possible tax hikes and pointed to alleged mismanagement in the state’s SNAP program, saying it is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions. The budget debate continues, with both sides voicing strong opinions.
"This is, in my opinion, just another attempt to poke the Trump bear," Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie said.
Come out and support the Kewanee Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday, September 27th. The festivities will run from 4 to 11 PM at the Kewanee American Legion, located at 116 East 3rd Street. Hosted by the Kewanee Commission on Human Relations, the celebration promises an evening of live music, delicious food, and local vendors, highlighting the rich cultural traditions of the Hispanic community. Organizers invite residents to enjoy the festivities and support the ongoing efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and cultural appreciation throughout the Kewanee area.
Daniela Garcia-Lozano, Dulce Contreras, America Gobellan, Sayde Tapia, and Jessica Fornander joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to give you a rundown of the festivities and a hint about the first-ever award winner, a person who has had an impact on the community, the Orgullo Hispano Award. The Kewanee community is eagerly anticipating the announcement of this year’s Orgullo Hispano honoree, a distinction given to a local individual who has made significant contributions. Organizers will reveal the winner on Friday evening, and attendees have the chance to guess the honoree’s identity for a prize at Saturday’s celebration. The clues point to a notable medical professional: a La Salle Medical School graduate who completed residency in Davenport, Iowa, advocated for LPNs to work in clinics, and participated in medical missions across Central America and Africa. Community members are abuzz, speculating who will receive this honor.
Attendees can enjoy a vibrant lineup: recognition awards kick off festivities, followed by traditional dance and live musical performances. The winners of the student art contest will be announced during the opening ceremony at 5 PM. DJ Tony Beats and Tamborazo De Oro will take the stage, ensuring energy remains high throughout the celebration. Food vendors promise a range of delicious options, and a photo booth will capture lasting memories. The event spotlights cultural pride while uniting the community through music, dance, and flavors from across the Hispanic world. Doors open to all interested in joining the celebration.
With fall harvest underway, agricultural workers face increased risks, as the sector remains the most dangerous in the United States, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To raise awareness, the third week of September has been designated National Farm Safety and Health Week—a tradition dating back to 1944. During this observance, leaders like Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie underscore the dedication of farmers, calling them the backbone of rural communities and the economy. Safety advocates urge extra caution in the fields, emphasizing injury prevention for those working to bring in this year’s harvest.
Todd DeDecker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the 53rd annual Jordbruksdagarna harvest festival, which arrives in Bishop Hill on September 27th and 28th, promising a weekend brimming with heritage and community spirit. The village will transform into a lively hub, featuring traditional craft demonstrations, a range of food vendors, live music, and engaging activities tailored for children. Visitors can also explore historic exhibits scattered throughout Bishop Hill. Every demonstration and display comes at no cost, ensuring the festival remains accessible for all. Organizers invite families, history enthusiasts, and curious newcomers to experience a celebration deeply rooted in agricultural tradition and local culture.
Jordbruksdagarna, Bishop Hill’s annual harvest celebration, returns this year with a rich lineup of activities for all ages. Organized by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, this family-friendly event highlights Swedish traditions, historic demonstrations, and local crafts. Support comes from community organizations such as the Bishop Hill Agricultural Association, VASA National Archives, and sponsors including the Illinois Arts Council and Nature’s Creations. The event’s success relies on dedicated volunteers, with special help from the Cambridge and Galva FFA chapters and the Galva Boy Scouts. Major media support is proudly provided by Regional Media. Details can be found at www.visitbishophill.com.
Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to thank the Kewanee Police, Kewanee Fire, and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management for their participation in the first full-scale drill at OSF Saint Luke on Friday. In honor of National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sam talked about free access to Silver Cloud from OSF HealthCare. Residents in OSF HealthCare-served areas now have free access to SilverCloud, an online mental health platform designed to help adults manage depression, anxiety, and stress. SilverCloud offers up to seven interactive modules featuring mindfulness exercises, journaling, and lifestyle tracking, accessible by phone, tablet, or computer. Programs are tailored for specific needs, including stress reduction, anxiety management, and addressing depression or the combination of depression and anxiety. In response to the ongoing pandemic, a special “Challenging Times” program supports those facing COVID-19-related emotional struggles. Enrollment is open to anyone 18 or older; simply register and request a program online. As fall draws near, health officials are reminding the public that timely vaccinations are key to preventing illness. Families should arrange vaccine appointments for their children, as school-based flu clinics in Kewanee will not be held this year. Adults are also encouraged to keep current with vaccines such as the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and others like hepatitis B and shingles. These shots offer vital protection, especially for older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying health issues. Talk to your provider about updating immunizations to keep yourself and your community healthy. The flu vaccine is available at OSF Medical Centers, so make an appointment by calling your medical provider or through the OSF MyHealth App. Find more information about seasonal vaccines here.
Patients using OSF HealthCare now have a new tool for managing their medical needs. The My OSF app combines a range of resources, enabling easy access to locations, appointment scheduling, bill payment, and OSF MyChart records, all from a single device. Designed to streamline the health care journey, the platform places essential information just a tap away, aiming to simplify routine tasks like checking test results or planning upcoming visits. The My OSF app is available for download, offering a more efficient, user-friendly way for patients to stay connected to their health care providers and services.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss National Lung Day, the Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic, World Contraception Day, Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, and Insurance Navigators. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are encouraging community participation in several vital health initiatives. On October 17th, adults can receive the seasonal trivalent flu vaccine through a drive-thru clinic at 110 N. Burr Blvd in Kewanee, from 10 AM to 1 PM. Attendees should bring their Medicare or insurance card, or $60 in cash or check. Meanwhile, World Contraception Day, observed on September 26th, highlights the availability of accessible, confidential reproductive health services at First Choice Healthcare locations. September also marks Suicide Prevention Month, with local providers promoting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and offering mental health support for all residents. Call 309-852-5272 for more information.
National Farm Safety and Health Week kicks off September 22nd, emphasizing this year’s theme: “Safety First, Avoid the Worst.” With the harvest in full swing, local roads will see more slow-moving farm equipment, such as combines and grain haulers. Drivers are urged to stay patient, watch for blind spots, and maintain safe following distances. On Tuesday, Henry County Fairgrounds will host the annual Share the Road event, featuring hands-on stations for over 150 high school driver's ed students. Highlights include simulation experiences, equipment tours, and sessions on rail and roadway safety, along with a new focus on teen mental health.
Teen mental health will take center stage at this year’s Drivers Education Share the Road program, thanks to a newly added session led by AgriAbility. Organizers stress the growing pressures faced by teens—balancing academic demands, social challenges, and learning to drive, particularly on unpredictable rural roads. The upcoming event aims to address both physical and mental well-being, providing students with strategies for safer driving and stronger mental health resilience. Farm Bureau advocates say that if just one student leaves the event better equipped to handle stress or make safer choices behind the wheel, the effort has been a success.
The Farm Bureau young leaders are gearing up for their annual “Cram the Cab” food drive this Saturday, November 8th, from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Fairway in Geneseo. Community members are encouraged to stop by, receive a list of needed pantry items, and help fill the cab of a tractor with food donations. The event welcomes both food and cash contributions, with organizers aiming to support local food pantries as the holiday season approaches. Rain, shine, or even snow—volunteers promise to be on site, showing dedication to the cause no matter the weather.
Farm Bureau is gearing up for its next major event, the Market Outlook Seminar featuring Naomi Bloom, scheduled for November 13. Organizers encourage everyone to mark their calendars, as the seminar promises industry insights amidst ongoing harvest activities and various local programs. Membership in Farm Bureau extends well beyond agriculture, with a host of benefits—over 300,000—that cater to travelers, lodging, and much more. Interested individuals are invited to visit the organization’s website or contact the Cambridge office directly for personalized assistance. Farm Bureau’s inclusive approach means you don’t need to be a farmer to join and enjoy these perks.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Health Care Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss health news and designations for September. September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are spotlighting a range of vital resources at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. Residents can access confidential STD testing, treatment, free condoms, contraceptives, and preventive immunizations for Hepatitis B and HPV. Counseling and partner treatment services are also available, with an emphasis on reducing stigma and empowering informed choices. For flu season, clinics are offering quadrivalent shots with no out-of-pocket costs for those with insurance or Medicare, or $60 cash for others. More information is available by calling each location or visiting henrystarkhealth.com.
Peg Gray and Connie Osborne joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the 2025 Stark County Fall Festival this weekend. Excitement is building as the Stark County Fall Festival returns to Thomas Park in Wyoming on September 20th and 21st. Attendees can look forward to delicious food, including the beloved Wyoming Lions Club Pancake & Sausage Breakfast on Saturday morning from 7 AM until noon. On Sunday, enjoy a breakfast of biscuits and gravy and eggs from 7 to 11 AM, served by Cozzi Ranch, and don't miss the community church service at 10:30 AM. Family fun takes center stage with face painting, a petting zoo, games, karaoke, and a variety of kid-friendly activities. Shoppers will appreciate an impressive array of vendors, ranging from jewelry and baked goods to unique gifts and crafts. Organizers encourage new vendors to join early for smoother planning, though spots remain open up to event time. For details or to reserve a space, contact Peggy Gray at 309-695-6575. There's something for everyone at this community tradition established in 2000. Mark your calendars for a weekend of unforgettable fun.
Kurt Gustafson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties from the future expansion of Gustafson Ford in Kewanee. Gustafson Ford has been a family business for 75 years, with Kurt heading the family business for 40 years. Kurt talks about how he got started in the automotive business as a kid and a new apprenticeship program with Kewanee High School as a way to give back to the community. A local car dealership in Kewanee is making big strides in developing future automotive technicians right in their hometown. Gustafson Ford is undergoing a major expansion, converting a neighboring property into a state-of-the-art technology center. The dealership has teamed up with Kewanee High School and Ford Motor Company to create a pipeline for young talent, offering students hands-on training, Ford certification, and an apprenticeship rotation with Parkland College. This effort means students can graduate high school with valuable credentials and a head start on a career—while also supporting local businesses and strengthening the community. With an expanding facility and a dedicated effort to train young, local talent, the program aims to benefit not only the dealership but also the wider business community needing skilled technicians.
Ford Motor Company has brought recognition to the small town of Kewanee, celebrating hometown talent and dedication. Courtney Conley has been honored as a Senior Master Technician, a significant achievement reflecting years of commitment and expertise. Longtime employee Wayne received a special award as he approached retirement, marking the end of his distinguished tenure with the company. These accolades highlight the value Ford places on its employees, especially in tight-knit communities. Residents express a sense of pride and gratitude, feeling fortunate to see local professionals acknowledged on a larger stage for their hard work and loyalty.
Cambridge is gearing up for a packed fall season, featuring the Backyard Barbecue Fest at College Square Park on September 20th. Attendees can expect live music from three bands, a barbecue cook-off featuring ribs and chicken, a car cruise-in, tournaments, and family-friendly activities. Cambridge residents in need of food assistance should mark their calendars for September 21st. Between 3 and 5 p.m., the Cambridge Food Pantry will welcome community members at 123 West Exchange Street. September 28th brings a fishing derby for the kids at Valley View Country Club. Homecoming festivities are scheduled for October 4th, including a parade and pork chop dinners. Don’t miss the 35th Annual Fall Review on October 11th at the United Methodist Church, offering crafts, homemade treats, and more. Cambridge officials have confirmed this year’s trick-or-treat festivities, inviting families to mark their calendars for Friday, October 31st. Residents can prepare costumes and candy as neighborhoods welcome children from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.
Sam Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about National Preparedness Month and how the OSF HealthCare system prepares its staff, and how you can prepare at home. September marks National Preparedness Month, a time to focus on getting ready for emergencies before disaster strikes. This year’s theme from FEMA’s Ready Campaign, “Preparedness Starts at Home,” spotlights essential steps: know your risks, make a family emergency plan, build an emergency supply kit, and get involved in your community.
With active threats inside hospitals often unfolding within eight minutes, OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee is taking action to safeguard staff and patients. Since 2016, the 25-bed facility has implemented a series of security upgrades, including increased protection for night-shift employees and training for 43 staff members in de-escalating aggressive behavior. The hospital introduced a workplace violence debrief tool, expanded departmental education, and prioritized thorough documentation of incidents. Backed by a $120,000 investment, these efforts aim to boost preparedness, enhance collaboration with local law enforcement, and foster a safer environment for the community. OSF Medical Centers conduct random drills to keep staff up-to-date on emergency procedures and practices.
Taking a few moments now to pack a go-bag or review Ready.gov’s low-cost preparation tips can pay off when every second counts. Classes in first aid, disaster response, and CPR are also available to help you protect yourself and others. Start today, and help ensure your family and community are prepared. Visit https://www.ready.gov/ for more information and safety tips.
September 15 through 21 is Farm Safety Week in Illinois, highlighting the urgent need for caution in one of the nation’s most hazardous professions. With more than 500 farming-related fatalities occurring annually across the U.S., tractor accidents top the list, alongside grain bin incidents and chemical exposures. Farmers routinely work in challenging environments and face unique risks from machinery, animals, and weather. Public awareness is equally important, as motorists often encounter slow-moving farm vehicles with limited visibility on local roads. The Governor’s proclamation encourages conversations about equipment operation, health practices, and safe behaviors to avert tragedies both on and off the farm. Illinois Representative Dan Swanson, who is also a farmer, talks about farm safety week.
Galva Mayor Rich Volker provided key updates following Monday’s rescheduled city council meeting. Progress continues removing old lead water lines, with only 19 left to replace and two hydrants yet to be updated this year. Mayor Volker addressed growing safety concerns about electric bikes and scooters, emphasizing the need for parental awareness and adherence to existing sidewalk regulations. Residents are reminded that the city’s fall cleanup week runs September 24th through 27th, with item pickup scheduled for the 24th and drop-offs allowed at the maintenance building. Cemetery cleanup follows from October 20th to 24th, with removal deadlines highlighted for families.
A festive atmosphere filled the streets as the 2025 Kewanee Hog Days Parade showcased 84 vibrant entries. Clear skies contributed to the jubilant mood, enhancing the experience for attendees and participants alike. Judges announced Peoples National Bank as the Ambassadors Club winner, while the State Bank of Toulon claimed the coveted Sweepstakes title. Cookies Gaming took top honors in the Commercial category, demonstrating creative flair. Kewanee Hispanic Heritage was recognized among not-for-profits, and Sullivans Foods stood out for originality. With colorful floats and community spirit on display, this year's parade lived up to its reputation, delighting all who attended.
Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about flu vaccines and future flu clinics. As fall draws near, health officials are reminding the public that timely vaccinations are key to preventing illness. Families should arrange vaccine appointments for their children, as school-based flu clinics in Kewanee will not be held this year. Adults are also encouraged to keep current with vaccines such as the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and others like hepatitis B and shingles. These shots offer vital protection, especially for older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying health issues. Talk to your provider about updating immunizations to keep yourself and your community healthy.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Suicide Prevention Month and 988 Day, PSA and blood panel specials during Cholesterol Awareness Month, insurance navigator events, and sharps collection locations. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Department, along with First Choice Healthcare, is highlighting the vital 988 Lifeline with their first annual 988 Day on September 8, 2025. Anyone facing mental health or substance use struggles can call, text, or visit 988lifeline.org for support. Residents seeking health insurance can attend upcoming navigator events, while those focusing on heart health can access fall blood panel specials at local First Choice Healthcare Clinics. Safe sharps disposal is available at six regional kiosks. For more details, call (309) 852-0197 or visit henrystarkhealth.com.
Amron Buchanan joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to highlight the annual Good Fellows Tag Days fundraiser, set for September 13th and 14th in Kewanee. The event rallies support for Christmas meal distributions to families in the Kewanee and Neponset areas. This year, students from the Kewanee and Wethersfield Key Club and K-Kids will be stationed at local businesses, including both entrances of Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Sullivans Foods, and Sav-a-Lot. Community members are encouraged to make contributions, helping ensure that neighbors enjoy a holiday meal. This marks a crucial weekend for Good Fellows’ efforts to support local families. You can donate by PayPal and Venmo if you are from out of the area, or mail a donation to Good Fellows Christmas Baskets at PO Box 5, Kewanee, IL 61443.
Chief Steve Kijanowski and Deputy Chief Mike Minx joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about a grant that will provide neurofeedback therapy through the DAART program for residents who need help with mental health and substance abuse problems. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority has awarded a $75,000 grant to boost local efforts tackling mental health and substance abuse challenges. This funding will enhance the DAART program by supplementing officer salaries and bringing neurofeedback specialist Johanna Hager on board. Hager, a Licensed Clinical Professional, will introduce neurofeedback—a therapeutic technique aimed at reducing risk factors linked to trauma and addiction. Equipment for these interventions will also be funded. The goal is to provide earlier and more effective support to individuals and families facing crisis, helping young people thrive while advancing overall community well-being.
Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to praise the volunteers at OSF Saint Luke and talk about volunteer opportunities at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee. Looking to make a meaningful impact in your community? OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is inviting new volunteers to join its dedicated team. Opportunities range from greeting guests and assisting visitors at the information desk to escorting patients as a transporter or helping out in the Alcove Gift Shop. Volunteers play a vital role, ensuring a warm welcome and supporting both patients and staff with various tasks. Whether you have a knack for customer service or enjoy lending a hand, there's a role for everyone. Applications and background checks are required. To get started, call 309-852-7822 or apply online today.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, CPR classes, DOT physicals, and insurance navigators. September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon are offering a $10 PSA test for eligible men. Appointments are required for this cash-only screening, available to those ages 50 to 64, or younger with a family history. Health Insurance Navigators will be present at local events next week, assisting residents with coverage options and financial help. Meanwhile, CPR certification classes are happening on the fourth Tuesday of each month in Kewanee, and DOT physicals are available for local drivers at Kewanee and Toulon clinics. More information is posted at henrystarkhealth.com.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about National Water Week, Labor Day closures, insurance navigators around Henry County, gun locks, and bats. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments will close offices and clinics on Monday, September 1st, for Labor Day, although some home services remain available. Residents can reach local clinics or visit henrystarkhealth.com for details. As World Water Week approaches in August 2025, officials urge annual well checkups and safe chemical storage to protect local water supplies. Free in-person health insurance navigator help is available at several county locations, guiding residents through coverage options and applications. Additionally, officials promote free gun locks to prevent accidental injuries and advise vigilance against bats, which can transmit rabies—report any indoor bat sightings to animal control immediately.
Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about OSF HealthCare running/walking in the 2025 Hog Days Stampede and Parade on Saturday, August 30th. Samantha Rux of OSF HealthCare shared exciting plans for the 2025 Hog Days Stampede and Parade, happening Saturday, August 30th. OSF HealthCare is encouraging community participation in the annual run and walk, promoting both fitness and togetherness. The OSF On Call King-Care-A-Van will greet participants at the finish line, providing health information, resources, and support. Rux noted that the event is a great opportunity for families and friends to get active while connecting with local healthcare professionals.
Johanna Hager, DCFC, LCPC, FAPA, DCFI, CCFIT, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Othmer Method Neurofeedback therapy and the equipment used to assist with talk therapy. About 25 years ago, Sue Othmer, a pioneer in neurofeedback, diverged from the standard practice by allowing the brain to guide its own process, rather than relying on statistical norms. Her approach, now known as the Othmer method, involves adjusting the ‘reward’ frequencies based on individual client responses—tracking symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or improvement. This real-time feedback eliminates the need for expensive brain maps and often produces quicker, more comprehensive results. While many found success with this method, it hasn’t gained universal acceptance, as most practitioners continue to use traditional neurofeedback assessment strategies.
Interest in brain waves has dramatically grown since Hans Berger discovered electrical brain activity in the 1920s. Researchers now focus on how different mental states and brain diseases correlate with these electrical signals. Neurofeedback, an emerging area of biofeedback, allows individuals to target and modify their brain waves directly. By monitoring brain activity through sensors, users receive real-time feedback—often in the form of sounds or visual cues—to train their minds toward healthier patterns. This approach is being investigated as a potential treatment for disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, and epilepsy, offering new hope for non-invasive interventions.
A pioneering shift in neurofeedback therapy is drawing attention as researchers embrace infra-low frequency (ILF) techniques. Originating around 12 years ago, Carl Shames and Sue Othmer were at the forefront, experimenting with frequencies lower than ever before, measured in millihertz rather than hertz. Contrary to expectations, these ultra-low frequencies produced quicker and more widespread benefits, with patients often noticing effects immediately after their first session. The Othmer Institute has reported a dramatic reduction in the average number of required sessions. The ILF approach is making neurofeedback more effective and increasingly accessible, offering hope for those seeking affordable brain training options.
Researchers at the Othmer Institute have achieved remarkable breakthroughs using ultra-low frequency brain training. By working at frequencies measured in millihertz, between 0.01 and 0.1 Hz, participants reported rapid improvements in just their first session, feeling calm or tired almost immediately. Follow-up accounts after a second session included notable behavioral and cognitive changes. The overall number of sessions required has dropped dramatically, with many individuals experiencing core benefits in just 6-8 visits. This development has not only made neurofeedback faster and more effective but also far more affordable, paving the way for broader, more accessible mental health support.
Johanna Hager is a member of the American Psychological Association and a certified trauma specialist. She recently moved into private practice and is working to get her new office fully established. The equipment and software are available at Bee Medic. Find more information on the equipment and software for ILF Neurofeedback here. There are webinars available if you would like to learn more about neurofeedback from Bee Medic. Johanna has been a therapist for about 35 years and has treated people of all ages and psychological needs. Johanna has experienced great success using neurofeedback. Neurofeedback is a tool used in conjunction with talk therapy, which allows the brain to slow down and relax, helping the patient break down the walls to heal.
You can call or text 309-489-2195 with any questions or to ask what she still needs for her office. To make an appointment with Johanna Hager, call 309-489-2195 or book online. She has in-person and telehealth appointments, and most insurance is accepted through Alberto Minzer & Associates.
Johanna Hager stands out as a leader in psychotherapy, providing hope and healing to those confronting trauma, mood disorders, chronic illness, and significant life changes. With more than three decades of practice, she personalizes every session, ensuring clients feel genuinely understood in a safe, supportive environment. Johanna employs innovative therapies, such as neurofeedback and EMDR, guiding individuals through recovery with empathy and expertise. Beyond the therapy room, she conducted forensic interviews and served as an expert witness, educating courts on trauma’s impact throughout the area. Her commitment extends to mental health advocacy and community outreach, reflecting her dedication to nurturing strength and resilience in every client she meets.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee has secured a prestigious five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This accolade places the hospital among an elite group recognized nationally for superior healthcare delivery. Evaluations covered key areas including patient safety, overall patient experience, and the effectiveness of medical treatments. Hospital administrators attribute this achievement to the dedication and expertise of their medical staff, as well as a continued focus on quality improvement. President Jackie Kernan and Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about what the award means to OSF Saint Luke.
“This recognition is a powerful testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of our team,” said Jackie Kernan, president of OSF Saint Luke. “Our caregivers are unwavering in their commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. Their efforts ensure that our patients have access to health care locally, and this honor reflects our continued promise to improve the health and well-being of the community we serve.”
The recognition not only boosts community confidence but also cements OSF Saint Luke’s reputation as a leader in compassionate and effective care in the region.
Nichelle Morey joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the 2025 Henry and Stark Counties Relay for Life. Hope and community spirit take center stage as Relay For Life marks its 40th anniversary at Windmont Park in Kewanee, Illinois, on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Scheduled from 6 to 10 PM, this annual event pays tribute to all those touched by cancer, shining a light on survivors at every stage. An opening ceremony is at 6 PM, and the highlight of the evening is the Survivor Lap at 6:30, symbolizing collective strength and determination. The open walk is from 7 to 9 PM, followed by the luminary ceremony at 9. The silent auction is from 5 to 9 PM inside the shelter house. Participants can find support for registration and get involved by visiting the event’s official website or connecting via the Relay for Life of Henry and Stark Counties Facebook page.
The event features an inspiring Survivors Lap, an open walk for all participants, and the moving Luminary Ceremony to honor those affected by cancer. Supporters can purchase fundraising luminary bags for $10, floating luminaries for $25, or torch luminaries for $50, which will be displayed throughout the evening. To learn more or to get involved, head to relayforlife.org/henrystarkil. Join neighbors and friends in the fight against cancer and light up the night in support.
A remarkable milestone for the Henry & Stark Counties Relay For Life, as the event has now raised over one million dollars since its first walk in 1999. Organizers and supporters recently celebrated by unveiling a commemorative banner. Leading the local effort are co-chairmen Amy Sternes and Amanda Bickett, joined by American Cancer Society representative Annie Hogan. Proceeds from the relay support cancer research, patient resources, and awareness campaigns. Organizers credit the achievement to years of community participation and steady commitment to the fight against cancer, emphasizing that every donation makes a difference in local and national efforts.
Over 40 years ago, Dr. Gordy Klatt started a movement by circling a Tacoma track for 24 hours, raising $27,000 for cancer research and support. From that personal undertaking, Relay For Life has evolved into a worldwide effort, uniting communities in the fight against cancer. Since 1985, participants and volunteers have raised over $6.9 billion, fueling advances in advocacy, research, and patient care across more than 35 countries. The Relay For Life Hall of Fame now honors those whose dedication and leadership continue to inspire hope, support survivors, and honor the memory of loved ones lost to cancer. Dr. Gordon “Gordy” Klatt was inducted in 1997. He previously battled stomach cancer and passed away from heart failure on August 3, 2014, at the age of 71.
Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the second annual Children's Expo, scholarships, the golf playday fundraiser, land assessment seminars, and Young Leader Kate Huffman. Katie Laleman shared highlights of the second annual Children’s Safety Expo. The event brings families together for demonstrations, giveaways, and learning resources, with support from Senator Neil Anderson and Representative Travis Weaver. Laleman also discussed scholarships for local students, updates on the popular golf playday fundraiser, and upcoming land assessment seminars. In Farm Bureau news, Young Leader Kate Huffman will represent Illinois in the American Farm Bureau competition in January. Community members are encouraged to attend, learn, and celebrate local achievements.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about National Immunization Awareness Month, insurance navigators, reproductive services, mosquitoes, and birth and death certificates. August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding families to keep all vaccinations current, especially as students prepare to return to school. First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon are offering immunizations for both children and adults by appointment. The health departments are also stepping up West Nile virus prevention efforts after positive samples in the area—residents can help by reducing standing water, using repellents, and reporting mosquito breeding sites. Certified birth and death certificates, reproductive services, and free insurance navigation assistance are also available. Visit henrystarkhealth.com for more information.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming events at the Kewanee Public Library. Celebrating 25 years of dedication, Sara Billiet continues to bring excitement to the Kewanee Public Library’s youth programs. Upcoming highlights include a community yoga session with Deb Lindbeck on August 19th, offering a moment of wellness for all skill levels in the 2nd Floor Community Room. Book lovers won’t want to miss the Friends of the Library Hog Days Book Sale on August 30th outside Johnson’s Appliance. Families can embark on a pig-themed scavenger hunt starting August 18th, while crafters are invited to sew a pig mascot on August 21st. Don’t forget the Honey and Health presentation on September 11th, featuring valuable wellness tips.
Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming blood drive at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center on August 21, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM. OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is hosting a community blood drive on August 21, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Walk-ins are welcome, but those interested are encouraged to schedule an appointment online for convenience. The medical center recently earned a four-star rating from the National Rural Honor Roll, highlighting its commitment to quality care. However, reaching a five-star status requires 100 completed inpatient surveys from patients—a goal they’re still working towards. Community participation, both in the blood drive and by returning patient surveys, plays an essential role in helping Saint Luke achieve this prestigious recognition.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss National Health Center Week, school physicals, WIC, Insurance Navigators, and Medicare Wellness visits. August 3-9, 2025, marks National Health Center Week, with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joining First Choice Healthcare Clinics to highlight the importance of accessible community health. This year’s theme, “We Are Healthcare,” emphasizes the full spectrum of services available at clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, including family planning, chronic disease management, mental health support, and convenient walk-in care. The launch of the Illinois WIC EBT Card streamlines grocery benefits for eligible families. Medicare recipients are reminded that annual wellness visits are fully covered and help maintain long-term health. Clinic contact details are available at henrystarkhealth.com.
Four titleholders from the 2025 Miss World Festival Queen Pageant—Mini Miss Talia DeReu, Little Miss Charley Chandler, Junior Miss Sophia Sebben, and Miss Eva Ceja—joined Wake Up Tri-Counties. Sharing insights into pageant life, they spoke about their aspirations and the community service they plan to complete during their reigning year. Each expressed gratitude to Jeanna Moore, Stephanie Smith, and other organizers, calling them instrumental in building a strong, supportive pageant family. The girls highlighted friendship, confidence, and a commitment to making a difference as key takeaways from their experiences so far.
Dave Clarke and Ray Cruse joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about an upcoming fundraiser by the Wethersfield Alumni Association. The Wethersfield Alumni Association is inviting community members to a unique fundraiser on August 17, 2025. Held from 11 AM to 3 PM in the Wethersfield High School gym, the event features a trophy sale where supporters can select trophies for a donation of their choosing. Nearly 500 awards, spanning from 1960 to 2007, will be on display and available for adoption in exchange for a donation to support scholarships and annual events. Attendees can browse former team trophies, plaques from sports, band, and Academic Bowl, and even take home a piece of local history. None are from state or regional championships. All proceeds benefit the association’s class reunion activities and scholarships for graduating students. This special day also pays tribute to the classes of 1945 and 1975 during the annual reunion. Organizers Dave Clarke and Ray Cruse encourage alumni and residents to participate and help support future generations of Wethersfield graduates.
Illinois is taking a major step to address youth mental health with a new law, Senate Bill 1560, championed by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz. The law mandates universal mental health screenings for students in grades three through twelve once the state provides screening tools at no cost to schools. The goal is early identification of issues such as sadness, hopelessness, and academic struggles. Parents retain the choice to opt their children out. Support will be available through the BEACON portal, a centralized resource to connect families with appropriate behavioral health services. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the Monday, August 4th, Galva City Council Meeting. Mayor Rich Volkert shared updates from the most recent City Council meeting. The council reviewed the appraisal for the Old Chevy building, discussing potential redevelopment opportunities. Members also gave the green light for the Park District’s application to the OSLAD Grant, which could bring significant improvements to local recreational facilities if awarded. Additionally, the council initiated discussions on revising zoning ordinances to accommodate future growth and address community needs. Mayor Volkert emphasized that transparency and community input remain key components as these projects and discussions move forward in Galva. The September city council meeting has been rescheduled to September 8th due to the Labor Day holiday on September 1st.
Todd DeDecker with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to reveal the festivities scheduled for the 2025 Bishop Hill Chautauqua Celebration on Saturday, August 9th, beginning at 9 AM. The Bishop Hill Chautauqua will spotlight Henry County’s 200th anniversary on Saturday at the Bishop Hill Town Square. The celebration unites local groups, highlighting the richness of regional heritage through reenactments and live storytelling. Attendees can meet local legends brought to life, from Native American figures to Underground Railroad heroes and early settlers. Storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis leads the morning walking tour, followed by Jimmy Lakota Edwards’ music and tales. The event wraps up with Fika—an afternoon of cookies, coffee, and conversations. Admission is free, inviting the entire community to celebrate Henry County’s storied past.
The festivities kick off at 9 AM with a walking tour led by storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis, who will guide guests through the town’s origins and its place in Henry County’s story. At 10:30, Jimmy Lakota Edwards shares tales and music reflecting the region’s Native American past. The afternoon lineup includes Ellis channeling early Illinois entomologist Benjamin Dann Walsh, followed by historical portrayals from Angie Snook and singer-songwriter Barry Cloyd as Carl Sandburg. The day concludes with Fika—cookies, coffee, and lively conversation with the cast.
Local organizations sponsor the event and welcome the public to enjoy Bishop Hill’s museums, shops, and restaurants.
Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the King Care-A-Van program. The OSF King Care-A-Van continues its mission of bringing essential healthcare services directly to rural communities throughout Bureau, Henry, LaSalle, and Putnam Counties. The King Care-A-Van program is now operating under OSF OnCall. Launched in 2019 and named after major donors Don and Val King, this mobile health center offers screenings, immunizations, and health education. Staffed by OSF HealthCare professionals in partnership with local health departments, the Care-A-Van breaks down barriers to care by reaching residents who might otherwise face transportation challenges. Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare emphasized the importance of the program in promoting wellness and preventative care for underserved populations across the region. The King Care-A-Van will be at the finish line of the Kewanee Hog Days Stampede again this year. If you have an upcoming event and would like the OSF King Care-A-Van to attend, follow the link below to request a visit.
OSF OnCall, a division of OSF HealthCare, is celebrating over a decade of providing custom digital health solutions. This platform brings together industry innovation and clinical expertise to help people manage their health and wellness, all from the comfort of their chosen environment. OSF OnCall’s approach combines advanced technology with the critical human touch, ensuring high-quality care tailored to each individual's needs. With flexible access to care teams and a robust digital platform, OSF OnCall continues to change how individuals engage with their health, making it easier than ever to receive support at any time and in any place.
Visit here to request a visit from the King Care-A-Van.
Click here for the current schedule for the King Care-A-Van.
Sleep expert Katie Sowder, APRN, from Hammond-Henry Hospital, joined Tom Katz on “Here’s to Your Health” to explore the often-overlooked world of sleep apnea. Sowder explained how undiagnosed sleep disorders can have profound effects on daily life, including fatigue, concentration problems, and long-term health risks. Listeners learned to recognize warning signs, such as loud snoring and frequent nighttime awakenings. The discussion highlighted sleep studies as an essential step in diagnosis, with Hammond-Henry Hospital clinics offering advanced testing and support. Sowder emphasized the importance of seeking help and sharing the latest treatment options to improve sleep and overall well-being.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, Radon Testing for Lung Cancer Day, swimming safety, CPR classes, and insurance navigators in Galva and Geneseo. August marks Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments—together with First Choice Healthcare—highlight programs supporting local families. WIC agencies and peer counselors stress breastfeeding’s health, nutritional, and environmental benefits, offering guidance at 309-852-5272 and online. With World Lung Cancer Day on August 1, officials urge residents to test homes for radon, a leading cancer risk; radon kits are available at health department offices. Meanwhile, summer safety reminders emphasize swimming supervision and CPR skills, with certification classes offered monthly. Health insurance navigators will assist residents at multiple county events, and back-to-school physicals are available by appointment at local clinics.
Several key ordinances and resolutions were addressed in the latest Kewanee City Council session. Council members approved a Tax Increment Financing redevelopment agreement between the city and KTown Real Estate, aiming to boost local investment. Meanwhile, the demolition contract for 500 Fifth Ave was awarded to the lowest bidder, moving forward with city revitalization efforts. In addition, city officials were authorized to convey certain real estate interests and easements to the Illinois Department of Transportation for planned highway projects. The council also approved compliance measures at the city’s solid waste transfer station and announced intentions to purchase the mortgage note for Kewanee Mobile Home Parks from First Secure Community Bank. Kewanee City Council meetings are streamed live on Facebook and posted on our YouTube page.
The Kewanee City Council addressed several key measures in its latest session. Approval was granted for a variance, allowing Brian Rowlison to exceed accessory structure height limits on Simpson Avenue. A Special Use Permit was also issued to Tracy Glasgo for property on North East Street. Budget decisions for the next fiscal year were postponed, as was the Sidewalk & Scooter Ordinance. Maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code received a green light, along with an agreement for Hutchison Engineering to promote South Street transportation improvements. Council members also discussed sidewalk reimbursement policies and potential regulations for outside eating areas but took no formal action. Kewanee City Council meetings are streamed live on Facebook and posted on our YouTube page.
Dylan Turner from The Parker Barrow Band joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about their live performance in Galva this Sunday and their new album. Southern rock fans are in for a treat as Nashville’s Parker Barrow closes out the Levitt AMP Galva Music Series at Wiley Park this Sunday, August 3rd. The band, fronted by powerhouse duo Megan Kane and Dylan Turner, has just returned from a whirlwind European tour and is riding the momentum from the release of their new single, “Novocaine.” Known for dynamic performances steeped in bluesy southern vibes, Parker Barrow will share the stage with Zydeco Voodoo. Admission is free, and music begins at 6 pm. Attendees can expect a sneak peek of new tracks from the group’s upcoming album, due in November.
A new chapter in specialized education is unfolding in the Henry and Stark Counties area, as renovation begins on Wings Academy, designed for students needing intensive academic, behavioral, or communicative support. This unique school will cater to students with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and other low-incidence conditions, emphasizing individualized instruction with input from special education professionals. The converted American Legion building will feature calming classrooms, sensory rooms, and a custom outdoor playground. The project, set to open by August 2026, means children will no longer endure long commutes for suitable support, offering them a chance to thrive close to home.
The purpose-built school will serve students with intensive behavioral and communication needs, including autism and other low-incidence conditions. Instead of lengthy bus rides to distant facilities, students will now find support close to home, guided by a team of local experts. The academy features calming classrooms, specialized sensory rooms, and accessible outdoor spaces. Inspired by its bumblebee mascot, Wings Academy aims to help every student soar, turning challenges into opportunities and honoring the belief that every voice matters.
Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about school safety and school physicals as a new school year is about to begin. As students prepare for the new school year, parents are being reminded not to overlook important health essentials. Along with backpacks, new shoes, and school supplies, making sure your child’s physical exams and vaccines are current is vital. Schools often require up-to-date immunizations and sports physicals, ensuring a healthy start and participation in activities. Don’t wait until the last minute—schedule appointments now to avoid last-minute rushes. Road safety is very important to keep people, especially children, safe while crossing the road or riding a bike or scooter. For a full checklist of school health requirements, visit the OSF Healthcare website for guidance and resources to keep your student on track for a safe and successful return to class.
Kunes Auto Group of Macomb is hosting First Responders Day this Saturday, June 21st, from 10 AM until 1 PM. The dealership at 3200 E Jackson Street welcomes everyone to celebrate the community’s first responders. Andy Leverdiere joined What's Happening Western Illinois to talk about a special event on Saturday to honor the heroes of our community. Attendees can explore emergency vehicles and equipment up close and interact with local heroes—including the Macomb Police Department, Illinois State Police, Office of Public Safety, Macomb Fire Department, Lifeguard Ambulance Service, Air Evac Helicopter Service, and the Illinois National Guard. Recent graduates looking for rewarding careers are invited to a special event spotlighting opportunities in police, fire, medical, and military fields. Organizers are focusing on connecting community members with representatives from each sector, offering insight into various roles and requirements. The event is open to all at no cost and welcomes families, creating a comfortable atmosphere to ask questions and learn more about public service careers. By encouraging participation from both job seekers and area residents, the event aims to foster stronger community partnerships with first responders and service members who work tirelessly to keep neighborhoods safe.
"At Kunes Auto Group of Macomb, we believe in the power of community — and in honoring the everyday heroes who keep us safe. That’s why we’re thrilled to host our very first First Responders Day!"
Connie joined Jennifer on the phone for the monthly edition of "Cambridge Happenings" on Wake Up Tri-Counties to cover events at the end of June and through July 2025. Don't miss out on the Henry County Fair running through Sunday, June 22, 2025. The Henry County Fair continues to honor traditions with a community worship service this Sunday at the Midway Entertainment Tent. Local churches will lead the event, emphasizing unity and inclusivity, and all residents are encouraged to bring friends and family for a reflective gathering. Car lovers can gear up for the 2025 Car Cruise'n in Cambridge, with dates set for July 17th and August 14th at College Square Park, plus a special BBQ festival cruise on September 20th. Meanwhile, Valley View Club hosts monthly Steak Nights on the last Friday of each month, requiring reservations by the preceding Monday due to expected demand.
Russ Hughes and Jerry Salisbury joined Jennifer Russell in the Sav-A-Lot Studio for the June 20, 2025, edition of The Boiler Shop on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Kewanee Boiler Nation sports.
Etta LaFlora and Lovondi Jordan joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Juneteenth and the meaning of Juneteenth, the history, and the importance of the Juneteenth Holiday. Across the country, communities are gathering to honor Juneteenth, commemorating the liberation of the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865. Observances focus on both celebration and reflection, highlighting the date’s transformation from a Texas holiday in 1980 to national recognition in 2021. Events include parades, educational forums, and cultural performances, all centered on themes of freedom and equality.
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved Black Americans in Texas were finally told they were free, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The announcement came as Union soldiers, led by General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston with life-changing news and the promise of a new beginning. Today, Juneteenth stands as a celebration of Black resilience, freedom, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. Communities gather for music, food, and reflection, honoring the struggles and dreams of those who endured enslavement. Juneteenth reminds us all to reflect, remember, and keep working toward equality for everyone.
Todd DeDecker from the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming Midsommar Music Festival. Bishop Hill prepares to welcome visitors to its annual Midsommar Music Festival on June 21, 2025. This free event pays tribute to the town’s Swedish roots, featuring performances from groups like Black Hawk Pipes & Drums, Chloe Finch, Orion Community Band, and Norwegian Bachelor Farmers, all at the park gazebo beginning at 10 AM. Activities include Maypole decorating, a lively procession to the Colony School, and traditional Maypole dancing. Attendees can meet author Jannifer Stevens Powelson at Prairie Arts Center and enjoy refreshments, with the festivities concluding at The Colony Inn with live country music.
Music will fill the village park gazebo starting at 10 AM as the summer concert series kicks off, featuring performances from Black Hawk Pipes and Drums, Chloe Finch, the Orion Community Band, and the Norwegian Bachelor Farmers. After the music winds down at 4 PM, everyone is invited to join in decorating the Maypole and participating in a festive procession to the Colony School. There, guests can dance around the Maypole and enjoy refreshments from the Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge—no experience needed. Don’t miss the Midsummer Respite at the Vasa National Archives or a book signing by Jannifer Stevens Powelson at the Prairie Arts Center. The day wraps up with live country music by Ryan Bizarri at The Colony Inn from 7 to 11 PM. For directions or more information, visit www.visitbishophill.com or call 309-927-3899.
Kiran Ahluwalia (pronounced KIR-un all-oo-WAHL-iya) is making waves with her innovative sound, melding Indian vocal traditions with influences as varied as Malian blues, rock, and jazz. Kiran Ahluwalia joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about her music and upcoming performance at the Levitt Amp Galva Music Festival on June 22, 2025. Raised in Canada, Ahluwalia leads a dynamic six-piece band, consisting of electric guitar, accordion, organ, tabla, bass, and drum kit, that brings her artistic vision to life. Her latest album, titled "Comfort Food," doesn’t just explore musical boundaries—it dives into pressing social issues, earning widespread praise from critics. As a two-time Juno Award winner, Ahluwalia continues to expand her global reach, inviting listeners into a rich tapestry of sounds and stories rooted in her diverse musical journey. Ahluwalia and her band will take the stage at 7:15 PM.
Kiran Ahluwalia stands as an influential force in the world of contemporary global music. Drawing from Sufi, Qawalli, Ghazal, and Punjabi folk traditions, she crafts a vibrant and boundary-crossing sound, blending Indian classical roots with elements of blues, jazz, and R&B. Her 6-piece ensemble features electric guitar, accordion, tabla, and more, offering a rich, dynamic backdrop to reflective and socially conscious songs. Ahluwalia’s latest album, "Comfort Food," includes collaborations with international artists and challenges rising Hindu fundamentalism and nationalism. Her achievements include two Juno Awards and the recent Canadian Folk Music Award for ‘Pushing Boundaries.’
“When I was growing up in India, there were concerts that people from all over would crowd into. These concerts featured a repertoire, language and content that was both demanding and beyond the experience of a child. I was, however, entranced by the sound and feel of the music, even from an early age. My father would play tapes of Indian music for me and we would also listen to Bollywood on the radio,” Ahluwalia recalls. “So when a song came on that I wanted to learn, my mother would quickly write down the lyrics for me and I would sing along to learn the melody."
Katie Laleman joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming events for the Henry County Farm Bureau. Youngsters are gearing up for the Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull at the fairgrounds this Friday, June 20th. Registration starts at 3 PM, with competition kicking off at 3:30. Kids can climb aboard miniature tractors and race each other for fun and friendly bragging rights. Entry is free, and families are encouraged to come out and cheer, creating an energetic atmosphere full of community spirit. Later this summer, families can also enjoy a free safety-focused event on July 9th at the Central Bank Pavilion in Geneseo, featuring demonstrations and giveaways. Both events promise fun, learning, and plenty of excitement for all ages. Agricultural producers have an upcoming opportunity to deepen their market knowledge. Chip Nellinger of Blue Reef Agri-Marketing will host a Market Outlook Seminar Series at Lavender Crest Winery in Colona, Illinois, scheduled for July 1st. Topics are expected to include commodity trends, risk management, and agri-marketing strategies. Registration for this educational event closes on June 24th. Save the date for the annual golf outing on August 8th at Baker Park in Kewanee.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about what is coming up for the Henry County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare at the end of June. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments have announced temporary office and clinic closures on June 19th in honor of Juneteenth Freedom Day. Essential in-home services will still be available for those in need. Meanwhile, recent West Nile Virus detections in local mosquito populations have prompted health officials to urge residents to eliminate standing water, use insect repellent, and report stagnant sites. Free blood pressure checks and health information will be offered at the Henry County Fair on June 18th and 20th. Health insurance navigation and DOT physicals are also available at designated clinics. Details at henrystarkhealth.com.
Russ Hughes and Jerry Salisbury joined Jennifer Russell in the Sav-A-Lot Studio for the June 13, 2025, edition of The Boiler Shop on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about baseball, softball, and track.
Dr. Jeffrey Johnson from the Kewanee Schools Foundation joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about 2025 scholarships, the Great Gatsby fundraiser in April, the outdoor fitness court, new band instruments, Wall of Honor updates, the alumni newsletter, and tennis courts. The Kewanee Schools Foundation recently awarded $155,000 in scholarships to 52 students from the 127 graduates of the Class of 2025, acknowledging nearly 4,000 collective service hours. Five new scholarships, including those honoring local families and first responders, were introduced. “An Evening with the Great Gatsby” fundraiser brought in $25,000 toward an outdoor fitness court, which, despite delays, remains slated for completion this year.
Five new scholarships were awarded this year, including the John Headlund, John Spets Family Memorial, Kyle and May Kay DeJaeger, James Mock Memorial (Kewanee First Responders), and Margo Eastman Barry Memorial Scholarships.
The Wall of Honor outside the Peterson Auditorium will have updated plaques soon. Over 7,000 newsletters will be mailed to registered alumni at the end of the month. The future tennis courts may include a Marjabelle Stewart Memorial Butterfly Garden in honor of Marjabelle Stewart and match the mural on the outdoor fitness court. If you would like to register for the newsletter or read back newsletters, visit the Kewanee Schools Foundation website.
For more details or to contribute, visit their website or Facebook page, call the foundation at 309-856-8702, or their office at 1001 N. Main Street, Kewanee, IL 61443.
Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to give tips on keeping safe while grilling this summer. Grilling season is here, but safety should be on the menu alongside your favorite burgers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that both charcoal and gas grills come with hidden dangers, including fatal carbon monoxide poisoning and gas explosions. To reduce risk, never use charcoal indoors or store a grill with smoldering coals inside. For gas grills, always check for leaks every time you reconnect the propane tank, and keep all components in top condition. Use grills outdoors, away from buildings, and remember—never start a gas grill with the lid closed. Following these tips can help ensure your backyard barbecue stays safe and fun. Visit https://healthlibrary.osfhealthcare.org/ for more grill safety tips.
ImpactLife is calling on community members to roll up their sleeves and help save lives during an upcoming blood drive on June 19th. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment and make a vital contribution that could change the course of a patient’s recovery. Just one donation can make a difference for those in urgent need. Participants can sign up easily online at osf.care/Lbha50VZaUr. Every pint counts, especially as summer months often see shortages. ImpactLife invites everyone eligible to join this life-saving effort and make an impact in just a few minutes.
OSF MyChart is introducing two-factor authentication to enhance the security of your personal health information. Soon, users will need to confirm their identity with a code sent to their phone or email, providing additional protection against unauthorized access. This process is similar to the security steps used by many banking and secure applications. Step-by-step instructions are available online to guide users through the setup. These changes are aimed at ensuring both ease of use and increased privacy for all patients. To get started or for more information, visit the OSF MyChart website and follow the detailed directions provided.
Organizers are calling for volunteers to join a lively community event with music, games, and contests at the Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Northeast Park tennis courts. The event runs from 1 to 3 PM, or until everyone is done socializing. Elvis fans are in for a treat, as he’ll be performing a few songs, with guests encouraged to snap photos. The first 175 attendees get a free kazoo—six colors to choose from—and everyone’s invited to join a musical sing-along, featuring kazoos, ukuleles, or any quirky instrument. Fun competitions include a Kitty Superstar “meow" singing challenge and creative obstacle courses. If you have a chess set you can loan out for a few hours, bring it to the event, or contact Brad Ahrens for a fun twist on chess. While sales tables are out, art displays are encouraged. Volunteers of all ages and talents are welcome to participate. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 12:30.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about what's happening at the health departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in partnership with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are spotlighting men’s preventative health through June with discounted lab screenings for area men. Special rates are available for general health tests and prostate and colon cancer screenings; tests are offered on a cash basis, with some requiring fasting. The clinics also provide primary care, walk-in, mental health, and community health services, further expanding local healthcare access. In addition, free insurance assistance will be available at the Henry County Fairgrounds on June 18th and 20th. For appointments or information, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call your local clinic.
Kewanee Parks District Director Andy Dwyer and intern and University of Illinois baseball player Coltin Quagliano joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the splash pad, dog park, Northeast Pool, baseball clinic with Coltin, and golf league. The splash pad and dog park are weeks away from completion, depending on the weather. Andy talked about opening the pool in Northeast Park and what is required to open the pool. The temperatures prevented the pool from opening by Memorial Day this year, but the Oasis swimming pool officially opened on Saturday, May 31st. Once the pool opens, staff are needed to maintain the pool and pool house, lifeguards need to be on duty when the pool is open, and supplies are needed to keep the pool water safe.
Coltin Quagliano plays baseball for the University of Illinois. Coltin graduated from Wethersfield High School in 2021 and started his college baseball career at Illinois Central College in East Peoria. Coltin is a senior and in his third year playing baseball for the University of Illinois. Coltin is an intern this summer for the Kewanee Park District. He will provide one-on-one instruction in baseball and softball, as well as organize and conduct a two-day baseball clinic over the summer. Coltin has held baseball clinics in Kewanee in past years, but this year he will be hosting the clinic in partnership with the Kewanee Park District. Stay tuned to the Kewanee Park District Facebook page for information as it becomes available.
Russ Hughes joined Jennifer Russell in the Sav-A-Lot Studio for the June 6, 2025, edition of The Boiler Shop on Wake Up Tri-Counties. Russ talked about baseball, softball, and track.
Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to recap the June 2, 2025, Galva City Council Meeting. The water department expects a new truck by July, improving local service. Chief Townsend issued a reminder: burn days remain Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with only yard waste permitted. Large item pickup can be arranged through City Hall or Eagle Enterprises. Hydrant flushing has wrapped up for the season, and two faulty hydrants have been repaired. A grassy lot between Market Street’s former vet office and the dentist will soon be offered for sale, with a minimum bid set at $775. Mayor Volkert said, "It would make a good parking space for a business." June 13th marks the next car cruise-in event, starting at 5 PM, with free food available while supplies last.
Galva residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming clean-up week, running from June 16th to June 21st. It’s crucial to bring proof of residency when dropping off most items at the city’s maintenance yard, located between Preferred Home Health Care and Mary’s Family Dining and Lounge. Please note that hazardous waste and yard waste are not accepted, and fees apply for tires and electronics. Elderly and handicapped residents unable to transport items should call City Hall to schedule a single curbside pickup. All items should be on the curb by 7 AM on June 16th for pickup, but please don’t place items on the curb more than two days before. Staff will not retrieve items from backyards or inside structures. Contact Galva City Hall at 309-932-2555 for details.
Shingles, antifreeze, LP tanks, yard waste, paint, or any hazardous material will not be accepted. Televisions and electronic components will be accepted for a fee at Eagle Enterprises during their normal business hours. Call Eagle Enterprises at 932-2936 if you have any questions.
The maintenance yard will have extended hours from June 16th to 19th, from 7 AM to 5 PM, to allow for better convenience for residents. On June 20th, the yard will be open until 3 PM, and on June 21st, the yard will be open from 7 AM to noon.
Samanta Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about skin safety in the summer sun and school physicals. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, common in sunlight and some artificial lights, poses significant health risks. Three types of UV rays—UVA, UVB, and UVC—each affect the body differently. UVA rays penetrate deeply, promoting premature skin aging and increasing cancer risk, while UVB rays are mainly responsible for sunburn and are strongly linked to most skin cancers. Although UVC rays are the most dangerous, our ozone layer shields us from them. Repeated exposure to UV radiation can cause not only skin cancer but also premature aging and eye issues such as cataracts. Experts recommend protective measures like sunscreen, sunglasses, and limiting sun exposure. For more information, visit OSF Healthcare at osfhealthcare.org.
Parents are encouraged to take advantage of summer by planning for the next school year. Scheduling a well-child visit with your child’s pediatrician can cover both routine check-ups and required school or sports physicals in one appointment. Health experts advise that appointment slots tend to book quickly during the summer months, so it’s wise to secure a spot soon. Early planning helps ensure children meet all health requirements before classes resume. For those needing to make an appointment, visit osf.care/gynL50W171Q for more information and to access the scheduling portal. Taking steps now can help ease the back-to-school rush.
Illinois lawmakers have moved a step closer to legalizing physician-assisted end-of-life options. The House approved the measure late Thursday, with 63 votes in favor and 42 opposed. Eleven members did not cast a vote, and two voted present. Representative Travis Weaver of Edwards County spoke out strongly against the proposal before the final vote. Earlier attempts to pass similar bills stalled this year, but sponsors revived the measure by attaching its language to Senate Bill 1950. Now, the amended bill returns to the Senate. If senators agree, Illinois will become the twelfth state to authorize medical aid in dying.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus, gun locks, and sharps disposal. Health officials in Henry and Stark counties are urging residents to take extra precautions as the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and mosquito-borne West Nile Virus rises with summer activity. The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, with the support of partner organizations, now offer Lyme disease screenings at clinic locations in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon—most insurance accepted. Mosquito surveillance has detected the season’s first positive West Nile pools locally, prompting advice to reduce standing water, use repellents, and check for ticks after spending time outdoors. Free gun safety locks and sharps disposal drop-offs are also available to protect families. For more information, visit www.henrystarkhealth.org or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Russ Hughes and Jennifer Russell brought energy to the Sav-A-Lot Studio on May 30th for The Boiler Shop segment on Wake Up Tri-Counties. Together, they recapped outstanding moments from local baseball, softball, and track teams. Good luck at State, Kewanee High School Boilermakers.
At the Illinois House of Representatives’ annual Memorial Day tribute, lawmakers solemnly honored state soldiers who died in the past year. State Representative Dan Swanson spoke about the significance of Memorial Day, reflecting on the deep impact these losses have on Gold Star families. Swanson also criticized the Chicago Sky WNBA team for remaining in the locker room during the National Anthem, suggesting their actions failed to honor fallen service members. After facing backlash online, the Sky published a Memorial Day message, but further controversy erupted when fans pointed out the team appeared to confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day in their tribute.
Illinois is gearing up for a historic celebration. The state House has adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, led by Representative Dennis Tipsword, officially declaring 2026 as the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Year. The resolution encourages communities, historical societies, and state agencies to plan commemorative events and educational programs throughout the year. The intention is to honor and raise awareness about the rich cultural legacy of the "Mother Road," which played a significant role in both local and national history. Organizers hope the centennial will inspire renewed appreciation for Route 66 and boost tourism across Illinois.
Lyme Disease Awareness is getting extra attention in Illinois. State Representative Dan Swanson’s yearly resolution has been adopted in the House, urging Congress to increase funding for Lyme disease research and a cure. With House Resolution 32, May 2025 will be officially recognized as Lyme Disease Awareness Month across the state. The resolution also encourages the Illinois State Board of Education to implement health education programs, targeting children who are at the greatest risk for tick-borne illnesses. Swanson emphasized the importance of early prevention as cases continue to rise in the region. Lawmakers hope these efforts can help protect families statewide.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about summer programs, online services, take-home craft projects, chalk art, and mini libraries in Kewanee Parks. The Kewanee Public Library is bustling with summer activities for all ages. Story Times kick off May 27th, offering interactive sessions for babies through preschoolers every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:15 AM, followed by bubbles, chalk art, and popsicles outside. For those who prefer gentle movement, Chair Yoga with Christy DeSmit is scheduled for Friday, May 30th, at 1 PM—no experience needed. Teens can create a Summer Vision Board on May 30th at 4:15 PM, and homeschoolers are invited to showcase their passions on May 29th. The library’s summer reading program begins May 27th, providing prizes and engaging activities for everyone.
Music lovers, mark your calendars for Saturday, May 31, 2025, as the Doodle Folk Music Festival returns to Bishop Hill, Illinois. The village park will be alive with folk sounds from some of the state’s most celebrated artists, including Barry Cloyd, Buck Halker, Chris Vallillo, and the Bucktown Americana Music Show. A special exhibit on Bishop Hill's own Jonas "Doodle" Danielson will be featured in the park gazebo. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Evening festivities continue at P.L. Johnson’s with a dinner party, available by reservation. More information can be found at bishophillheritage.org.
P.L. Johnson’s is hosting a special dinner party this evening, open exclusively to guests with reservations from 4 to 8 PM. Highlights from the menu include hearty beef bourguignon, flavorful Swedish meatballs, cheese tortellini, and Oskar chicken. Dessert options are sure to tempt guests with choices like pavlova and rich chocolate lava cake. Those interested in securing a table are encouraged to call 309-927-3885 to reserve a spot. With a menu offering a variety of savory and sweet dishes, this event promises an indulgent experience for diners in the area tonight.
The event kicks off at 10 AM with Barry Cloyd performing songs from his ten albums. At 11:30, Buck Halker brings American Coal Miner songs to the stage, covering more than seven decades of music history. After lunch, Chris Vallillo’s afternoon set promises a blend of Midwest tales and masterful bottleneck slide guitar. At 3 PM, the Bucktown Americana Music Show closes out the festival, offering a lively mix of bluegrass, folk, and more.
This free event is funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council, Illinois Humanities Council, Galesburg Community Foundation, and the Geneseo Foundation. For more details, you can call 309-927-3899 or email bhha@mymctc.net. Information about this festival is also posted on www.bishophillheritage.org and the Bishop Hill Heritage Association Facebook page.
State Senator Willie Preston has advanced new legislation aiming to address maternal health disparities among marginalized communities in Illinois. House Bill 2517, which has passed the Senate, seeks to expand implicit bias training for health care workers, with a focus on risk factors affecting Black women, who face a pregnancy-related mortality rate three times higher than white women. The training will cover current death statistics, identify specific risk factors for marginalized groups, and discuss effective medical care plans shown to reduce maternal mortality. The bill now moves forward for further consideration, marking a significant push for equity in maternal health care.
“I am proud to lead the charge in implementing essential implicit bias training in health care surrounding maternal health risks associated with marginalized communities in particular Black communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related cause of deaths than white women. I will always advocate for every woman in Illinois to receive adequate, respectful, and dignified health care regardless of their background.”
“This bill is the first step in taking collective action to ensure that we support the future of our daughters and their daughters,” said Preston. “Protecting maternal health care is about simple human rights – and we must protect the rights of all mothers.”
Illinois lawmakers are focusing on gun safety with new legislation led by State Senator Laura Ellman. At a Tuesday press conference, Ellman and advocates highlighted the dangers posed by unsecured firearms, particularly to children and teens. Citing research that links unlocked guns to suicides, accidental shootings, and increased crime, Ellman stressed the need for preventive action. Senate Bill 8 seeks to expand existing laws, currently limited to children under 14, to require safe storage of firearms when any minor could access them. Supporters argue that these changes could save lives and enhance community safety. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
“Unsecured firearms in homes pose serious risks, including unintentional shootings and suicides,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Illinois has seen climbing numbers of firearm-related tragedies involving youth accessing unsecure guns, and our state has a clear need to prioritize preventive efforts.”
“Illinois has an opportunity to take a significant step forward to protect residents and prevent more families from losing their child to unnecessary violence – a tragedy no parent should ever experience,” said Ellman. “This measure is meant to save lives and help communities feel safe.”
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss May designations and school physicals for your kids. Local schools may be out for summer, but it’s time to think ahead about next year’s school and sports physicals. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are now booking affordable physicals at their Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon locations—$40 cash, or bring your insurance information. Immunizations and screenings are also available. This month also spotlights important health themes: free blood pressure checks thanks to an American Heart Association grant, osteoporosis awareness, and the upcoming No Tobacco Day on May 31st. For appointments or information, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call your local clinic.
Excitement filled the Sav-A-Lot Studio as Seth Parlier and Jeremy Peart delivered the latest Boiler Shop segment on Wake Up Tri-Counties. The spotlight was on Alejandro "Alex" Duarte, honored as the Regional Media Athlete of the Year Scholarship recipient. Seth presented Alex with the scholarship during the senior assembly, marking a proud moment for the community. The segment also recapped recent victories for regional baseball, softball, and track teams. Jeremy and Seth shared energetic play-by-play recaps, emphasizing close finishes and highlighting athletes whose outstanding performances shaped an unforgettable season for Tri-Counties sports fans.
A 37-year-old Woodford County man faces 21 counts of possessing child pornography following an extensive investigation and a search of his home. After the state’s attorney requested to deny pre-trial release, a judge, citing the Pretrial Fairness Act, ruled the defendant could not be detained but imposed strict conditions, including no internet access and no contact with minors. On the House floor in Springfield, Representative Dennis Tipsword criticized the system, questioning who would enforce these restrictions. Tipsword argued that blame lies with lawmakers themselves, not with police, attorneys, or judges, pointing to legislative responsibility for the outcomes.
Today on the House floor in Springfield, State Representative Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora) asked “Who is going to enforce these ridiculous conditions?” He went on to say that it is not the police officers’ fault, it’s not the state’s attorney’s fault, and it’s not the judge’s fault. He said, “Look around this chamber…it is our fault.”
Illinois continues to see a troubling trend: a significant population decline, especially among young adults and families. Since April 2020, the state’s population under 18 has dropped by 6.1%, outpacing the national decline. Wealthy millennials and young professionals are also leaving, citing difficult public policies. State Representative Dan Swanson is proposing HB1501, a bill targeting one major barrier for young Illinoisans: access to farmland. The legislation would offer tax credits to those selling or renting agricultural assets to beginner farmers. Swanson says soaring land prices—now exceeding $20,000 an acre—make farming unattainable without family inheritance.
Tres Café in Kewanee is hosting a special fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association on June 7th from 4 to 8 PM. For just $10, attendees can enjoy a chicken and noodles dinner, with both dine-in and carry-out options available. The event also features a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing, promising excitement alongside the opportunity to help an important cause. Every dollar raised will go directly to support individuals living with dementia and provide resources for their caregivers. Organizers invite the community to participate, emphasizing that their support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families affected by Alzheimer’s and related conditions. Call 309-761-8088 for carry-out.
A new era in Alzheimer’s detection is unfolding as the FDA has approved a groundbreaking blood test to help diagnose the disease. The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio requires only a simple blood draw, offering a less invasive and more accessible alternative to current PET scans or spinal taps. Designed for adults 55 and older with signs of cognitive decline, the test detects amyloid plaques closely associated with Alzheimer’s. In clinical studies, the test demonstrated strong accuracy in predicting plaque presence, though it’s intended for use alongside other diagnostic evaluations rather than as a stand-alone screening tool. According to a study, four in five Americans said they would want to know if they had Alzheimer's before symptoms started, and 92% of Americans would want a medication to slow the progression of the disease.
Message Amber Bowcott on Facebook for information on local resources on Alzheimer's and dementia. If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s or another dementia, you or your loved one are not alone. Join our free online community, ALZConnected, to share questions, experiences, and practical tips on message boards and in live chat rooms. For more information on Alzheimer's, visit https://www.alz.org/ or call 1-800-272-3900.
OSF HealthCare is implementing a new regional model to better serve patients across multiple local medical centers. Vice presidents will now be stationed at each facility to ensure a strong leadership presence and foster community relationships. The aim is to offer more medical services at centers like OSF Saint Luke while reserving specialized treatments for facilities such as OSF Saint Mary. This approach is designed to ease congestion at larger hospitals like OSF Saint Francis. Patients are encouraged to seek initial care at local centers, where staff will assess if transport is needed for advanced treatment elsewhere. Kory Tinkham oversees this initiative across multiple sites but is predominantly stationed in Kewanee.
Kory Tinkham is the Vice President of Operations and Special Projects at OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee, OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, and OSF HealthCare Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth.
Katie Laleman joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about crop planting and Mental Health Month. The USDA Ag Statistics reports that statewide, as of May 11th, about 54% of corn has been planted and 51% of soybeans have been planted, which is further along than we were last year at this time. A golf outing fundraiser is scheduled for August 8, 2025, at Baker Park in Kewanee. Call the Henry County Farm Bureau office at 309-937-2411 to book your team. The money raised will support the Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom. If you are a Farm Bureau member, coming soon, you can purchase passes for the Henry County Fair at a discount. If you aren't a Farm Bureau member, you can join today by calling or stopping by the Henry County Farm Bureau office. There will be a kids' tractor pedal pull before the truck and tractor pull on Friday night. It's a blast for the kids! There will be prizes at the Farm Bureau booth during the Henry County Fair. For more information, visit the Farm Bureau Facebook page or website.
Rural communities across the region are joining forces to address the unique mental health challenges faced by farmers and their families. Community leaders emphasize that mental well-being is just as vital as physical health in the demanding world of agriculture. Local organizations are launching support groups and helplines, encouraging open conversations and peer support. The message is clear: no one should face these pressures alone. By breaking the stigma around mental health, rural communities aim to foster a stronger, more connected environment where reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s message is all about turning awareness into action. The Henry and Stark County Health Department, alongside First Choice Healthcare, is highlighting that one in five adults struggle with mental health every year—with many not seeking help. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Paige Humphrey encourages everyone to protect their mental health, noting that resources are readily available for support. Meanwhile, the departments are also promoting regular blood pressure checks during High Blood Pressure Awareness Month and reminding event organizers of new food safety regulations. More information can be found on the health department’s website and social media.
Russ Hughes and Seth Parlier brought excitement to the Sav-A-Lot Studio during the latest Boiler Shop segment of Wake Up Tri-Counties. Their conversation spotlighted the recent victories and standout moments from the region’s baseball, softball, and track teams. Russ and Seth shared play-by-play details of thrilling games and close finishes and highlighted several athletes whose performances made a significant impact.
The Illinois Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 25, sponsored by Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia), declaring May 2025 as Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) Awareness Month.
The resolution was introduced following a member initiative request from Chris and Amy Avart of Mason City, whose young daughter, Esme, lives with PWS — a rare genetic disorder that causes constant hunger, developmental challenges, and requires 24/7 care. The Avarts shared their story earlier this year before the Senate Public Health Committee, urging lawmakers to bring greater attention to the condition.
“Each day, Chris and Amy wake up with an unwavering commitment to caring for Esme,” said Senator Anderson. “Their courage and determination brought this issue to our attention, and through this resolution, we hope to raise more awareness and give the PWS community a stronger voice in their advocacy efforts.”
PWS affects about 1 in 15,000 children and is caused by a defect on the 15th chromosome. The condition leads to significant neurological, metabolic, and behavioral challenges, including a constant, unrelenting sensation of hunger due to impaired communication between the brain and stomach.
By declaring May as Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month, Senator Anderson hopes to promote public understanding of the condition and encourage future efforts to formally recognize PWS as a disability in Illinois.
Lorna Brown joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming 35th Anniversary Quilt Show in Bishop Hill this weekend. Quilters and art enthusiasts can now explore the 2025 Bishop Hill Quilt Show at the Bishop Hill Colony School in Bishop Hill. The event celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Bishop Hill Quilt Show, which takes place May 16th through 18th. The main display, featuring a diverse array of quilts, will be at the Colony School. Admission to Colony School is $5, with doors open Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. On Friday, attendees will select the winners from five categories. Each year, the Prairie Queen Quilt Club members select a charity to support by providing homemade quilts and part of the proceeds from the quilt show. This year, the group is supporting GROW Ministries in Cambridge, which provides shelter for women who are homeless or abused.
This special exhibit is free to the public, though donations are appreciated, and will remain open throughout the month during regular hours at the Steeple Building Museum, located at 103 North Bishop Hill Street. The quilt show was started 35 years ago by Betty Robertson and Marilyn Nelson, who both owned and operated quilt shops in Bishop Hill in the mid-1980s. The Bishop Art Council helped sponsor the event until 1990, when the Prairie Queen Quilt Club branched out on its own.
Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss "Healthcare Week" at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee and digital options available to patients through OSF HealthCare. OSF HealthCare is rolling out a week of appreciation and celebration for its dedicated staff. The festivities kick off with OSF Proud Day, encouraging everyone to sport their logo gear, alongside the DAISY and Sunflower Awards ceremony and a free cookout. Rock ‘n’ Roll Day follows, inviting team members to get creative with musical outfits. Wednesday brings sports-themed attire, a Blessing of the Hands, popcorn treats, and an outdoor barbecue. Thursday gets colorful with pastel outfits and a potato bar lunch. The week wraps up Friday with a vacation-themed jeans day. Staff are invited to join in and share their festive moments on their Facebook page.
OSF MyChart is making health care management more accessible and convenient. This secure online platform allows patients to view portions of their electronic medical record, manage appointments, and even access family health records at any time of day. Secure messaging with your care team and telemedicine options, like video visits, saves time previously spent on calls or in-person visits. Patients can also review medications, lab results, and summaries of hospital visits, all from one place. The MyChart app, available for Apple and Android devices, ensures your health information is right at your fingertips whenever you need it.
May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon are spotlighting resources to support informed family planning. Women can access annual exams, Pap smears, contraceptive counseling, and pregnancy testing, with many services offered on a sliding fee scale or at no cost based on income. This aligns with National Women’s Health Week, which kicks off on Mother’s Day, urging women to prioritize preventive care and healthy habits. For appointments or more information, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call your local clinic. These initiatives empower women and promote lifelong health in the community.
House Republicans voiced concerns today following the passage of Senate Bill 42 out of the Judiciary–Criminal Committee. The proposal would eliminate the requirement for cannabis to be kept in odor-proof containers inside vehicles. Additionally, police would no longer be permitted to stop, search, or detain drivers and passengers over the age of 21 solely based on the smell of cannabis. Representative Dennis Tipsword, a veteran of 30 years in law enforcement, argued that this change would create new obstacles for police. The bill narrowly passed, 8-6, and will return to committee for amendments before advancing to the full House.
Russ Hughes and Jennifer Russell energized the Sav-A-Lot Studio on May 9th during the Boiler Shop segment of Wake Up Tri-Counties. Their lively discussion focused on recent triumphs from local baseball, softball, and track teams. Highlights included detailed accounts of impressive plays, close game results, and athletes whose outstanding performances turned heads.
As temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, it’s important to remain vigilant about the risk of Lyme disease. The black-legged tick, commonly known as the deer tick, is behind most Lyme disease cases in Illinois, where infections have been steadily increasing. Symptoms can range from fever and joint pain to more severe neurological issues. Many cases remain unreported or misdiagnosed due to their similarity to other illnesses. Each spring, State Representative Dan Swanson champions a resolution to mark May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month, urging for increased federal funding and expanded prevention education, especially for children, Illinois’ most at-risk group. The measure now moves to the full House for approval.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is raising alarms over Illinois’s sanctuary state policies after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Springfield today. McCombie claims these policies embolden criminals, put families at risk, and squander taxpayer funds. She criticized Governor Pritzker for focusing on future election ambitions instead of public safety, accusing him of reckless disregard for federal government directives. McCombie argues this approach leaves Illinois families to deal with the consequences. Her comments were delivered both on the House floor and before Wednesday’s legislative session, as the debate over sanctuary policies continues to intensify at the Capitol.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is raising alarms over Illinois’s sanctuary state policies after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Springfield today. McCombie claims these policies embolden criminals, put families at risk, and squander taxpayer funds. She criticized Governor Pritzker for focusing on future election ambitions instead of public safety, accusing him of reckless disregard for federal government directives. McCombie argues this approach leaves Illinois families to deal with the consequences. Her comments were delivered both on the House floor and before Wednesday’s legislative session, as the debate over sanctuary policies continues to intensify at the Capitol.
Illinois lawmakers are set to make it easier for seniors to renew their driver’s licenses. State Senator Ram Villivalam, working with the Illinois Secretary of State and AARP, is championing legislation that would raise the age for mandatory, in-person license renewals from 75 to 79. Under the plan, a road test would only be required at 87 instead of 79, unless the senior has a commercial license. Immediate family members would also be allowed to report medical concerns affecting a driver's abilities. Supporters say this move recognizes seniors as some of the state’s safest drivers and streamlines the process for them.
Farmers across Illinois may soon see relief from increasing wildlife-related crop damage. Legislation sponsored by Senator Neil Anderson, Senate Bill 710, cleared the State Senate unanimously and now moves to the House for review. The bill aims to help manage deer overpopulation, a persistent issue causing both agricultural losses and vehicle accidents. Key measures include automatic issuance of extra hunting permits for qualifying landowners, expanded free permits for those with at least 40 acres, and new guest permit options. The initiative was developed with input from local farm bureaus and state officials, underscoring the push for practical, bipartisan solutions.
“Agriculture is Illinois’ leading industry, and when experts in the field raise concerns, it’s our responsibility as lawmakers to find real solutions,” said Senator Anderson. “This is a bipartisan issue, and I’m grateful my colleagues recognized the significant impact deer overpopulation has on both agriculture and public safety.”
“This bill is a result of collaboration with local farm bureaus, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the Illinois Farm Bureau,” Senator Anderson added. “It’s a strong first step, and I’m committed to continuing our conversations further based on continued feedback from our agricultural community.”
Anderson also stressed the public safety benefits of the legislation regarding deer-related vehicle accidents. Reducing deer populations near roadways is a crucial part of protecting drivers, especially in rural areas where these collisions are most frequent.
“This bill supports our farmers, but it also looks out for everyday Illinoisans who drive our roads,” said Senator Anderson. “It’s about protecting crops, ensuring road safety, and managing wildlife in a responsible, effective way.”
Galva Mayor Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to recap the Monday City Council meeting. Galva’s City Council welcomed three members following April’s election—John Wirth joins for Ward 2, while Doug Anderson and Jayme Hopping continue serving their wards. The American Legion begins poppy sales for Memorial Day and invites volunteers to place flags at Galva Cemetery on May 11, 2025, meeting at 7 AM. Citywide cleanup runs June 16–21, with pickup available on June 16th; contact Galva City Hall at 309-932-2555 for details, especially regarding tire disposal fees. Galva acquired 44 acres near the park district, and the park district is looking to expand recreational areas. The park district intends to use the five acres to add a parking area, soccer field, and ball diamond.
The city is still installing the solar arrays, and when completed, residents will have the option to purchase electricity from the solar array. Mayor Volkert said the city will never ask you for financial information. If you have questions regarding individuals going door-to-door selling electricity, contact City Hall. The city has demolished some dilapidated buildings, and they have one building left. Anyone interested in opening a business in the final building or building on the land from demolished buildings should contact Galva City Hall for more information. The park district taxing boundaries need to match the city boundaries, so land around the ethanol plant has been annexed into the city, allowing for a larger tax base for the Galva Park District. Galva added a couple of trinkets and pictures to the Henry County time capsule, which will be opened far into the future.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about health designations as we begin the month of May. Child Mental Health Week is celebrated from May 5th to 11th, 2025, and Nurses Week is celebrated from May 6th to 12th, 2025. Health advocates in Henry and Stark counties are spotlighting children's mental health as part of a national awareness week from May 5th to 11th, underscoring that one in six youth nationwide faces mental illness annually. Limited resources leave many without critical care, so families are urged to seek help early. Alongside this, National Nurses Week runs from May 6th to 12th, honoring nurses' critical roles—from bedside support to community leadership. Meanwhile, Clean Air Month brings a warning about radon dangers, with local data revealing high levels in most Stark County homes. Affordable radon test kits are available for $15 at Health Department offices in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon.
Today marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon, a pivotal moment that ended two decades of conflict in Vietnam. The war left a heavy toll, with Vietnamese casualties estimated in the millions and thousands more lives lost throughout Cambodia and Laos. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., stands as a solemn reminder, bearing over 58,300 names of U.S. service members who died or remain missing. In Springfield, a commemorative press conference was held at the Capitol, where State Representative Dan Swanson, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the Illinois National Guard, reflected on the sacrifices made and the enduring legacy of those who served.
Illinois is moving closer to a cleaner environment as Senate Bill 1531, spearheaded by State Senator Laura Fine, advances in the state legislature. The measure aims to prohibit the sale and distribution of food containers made from polystyrene foam—commonly known as Styrofoam—across Illinois starting January 1, 2030. Fine highlighted that while these containers are used briefly, they persist in the environment for decades, polluting waterways and threatening wildlife. Polystyrene contains styrene, a chemical linked to multiple health risks, including cancer and nervous system damage. The bill passed the Senate on Wednesday and now awaits consideration in the House.
State Senator Celina Villanueva is championing Senate Bill 1617, aiming to boost wages for Illinois Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who care for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The legislation would require the Illinois Department of Human Services to increase reimbursement rates for agencies employing DSPs, supporting a proposed $2 per hour wage hike by July 2025, pending federal approval. Advocates highlight that nearly half of DSPs currently rely on public assistance due to low pay. The bill, now with the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee, seeks to ensure DSP compensation aligns with the vital nature of their work.
Marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War and the fall of Saigon, State Senator Mark Walker reflected on his service during a press conference at the Illinois Capitol. Senator Walker emphasized that he and his fellow soldiers fought for fundamental freedoms shared by Americans and South Vietnamese alike. Representatives Hoan Huynh, Stephanie Kifowit, Dan Swanson, and Wayne Rosenthal also expressed gratitude to over 2.7 million American service members and 800,000 South Vietnamese allies. Walker highlighted the enduring message of America as a land of opportunity and refuge for those fleeing conflict, underscoring the nation’s tradition of welcoming those in need.
Russ Hughes and Jennifer Russell brought energy to the Sav-A-Lot Studio on May 2nd for The Boiler Shop segment on Wake Up Tri-Counties. Together, they recapped outstanding moments from local baseball, softball, and track teams. Listeners heard about recent game results, standout athletes, and notable plays that made a difference on the fields. Their coverage provided fans with all the essential highlights, ensuring that everyone stays connected to the progress and spirit of local sports at Kewanee High School.
State Senator Mike Halpin has introduced a measure aimed at strengthening the fight against human trafficking by empowering local authorities. Under Senate Bill 1422, municipalities would gain the power to enforce compliance with human trafficking recognition training at hotels, restaurants, and truck stops, with fines of up to $1,500 per violation. The bill highlights Illinois’ struggle with under-reported trafficking cases, as the Human Trafficking Hotline fielded over 760 signals from the state last year. Advocates and lawmakers emphasize the critical role of hospitality workers in spotting exploitation and supporting prevention efforts. The measure awaits a vote in the House.
Neuro Sleep Center Coordinator Karri Herberg from Hammond-Henry Hospital joined Tom Katz for “Here’s to Your Health” on Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss sleep disorders like sleep apnea. People struggling with sleepless nights may find hope at the Sleep Disorder Center within Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo, Illinois. The center prioritizes comfort, offering patients queen-size beds, fans, and televisions to create a home-like setting. Staff greet patients personally, aiming to ease nerves during sleep studies. The facility employs state-of-the-art monitoring to assess brain activity, breathing, and other vital sleep indicators. Treatments like CPAP therapy can profoundly impact conditions such as sleep apnea. The center’s staff and Dr. Akshay Mahadevia are dedicated to personalized testing and diagnosis. For details, visit the hospital’s website or call 309-944-9290.
Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss upcoming OSF HealthCare events. OSF HealthCare Saint Luke is seeking volunteers to support hospital operations, with roles ranging from front desk assistance to patient transport. To get involved, call 309-852-7500 or visit their website for online applications. In partnership with the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network, OSF Saint Clare is co-hosting a two-day LivingWorks ASIST suicide intervention training on May 8th and 9th, 2025. This workshop is designed to equip participants with vital suicide first-aid skills. Visit here for more information or contact Stefanie Morris at stefanie.morris@osfhealthcare.org. Additionally, OSF Saint Luke and Saint Clare are accepting scholarship applications until May 1, 2025. Students can apply in person or online, taking an important step toward their educational ambitions. To apply for the OSF HealthCare scholarship at OSF Saint Clare, visit here. To apply for the scholarship at OSF Saint Luke, visit here.
Interested students can pick up an application at OSF Saint Luke or request an electronic copy via email from Samantha Rux at samantha.l.harkerrux@osfhealthcare.org. Completed applications must be returned to Samantha Rux via email or mailed to OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center, 1051 W. South St., Kewanee, IL 61443, by May 1st.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about April events and designations as we close out the month. As April draws to a close, the Henry and Stark County Health Department is highlighting important programs supporting local families. This month is Global Child Nutrition Month, and the WIC Supplemental Food Program is in the spotlight, offering free groceries and nutrition guidance to mothers and children. With the new Illinois WIC EBT Card and expanded clinic hours, access is easier than ever for working families in Henry, Stark, Marshall, and Putnam counties. Health officials are also marking Child Abuse Prevention Month, donning blue and urging community action with the theme “It Takes a Village” to help end child abuse and promote healthier futures for children.
Russ Hughes teamed up with Jennifer Russell in the Sav-A-Lot Studio for the April 25th edition of The Boiler Shop on Wake Up Tri-Counties. The duo touched on highlights from local baseball, softball, and track teams, sharing updates and key performances from the field. Music lovers are in for a treat as the Kewanee Area Community Choir prepares to deliver its highly anticipated spring concert. Performances are scheduled for Sunday, April 27th, at 2 PM, at First United Methodist Church and again on Tuesday, April 29th, at 5:30 PM, at the Kewanee Senior Center. Audiences can expect an engaging variety of hits from beloved musicals, including Annie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Pocahontas, and Gypsy. Whether you’re a Broadway fan or new to musical theater, these concerts promise uplifting melodies and community spirit.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about events happening at the Kewanee Public Library in May. This May, the Kewanee Public Library is buzzing with activity for all ages. Cinema at the Carnegie features “Wicked” with screenings on April 29th, complete with refreshments and an intermission. Readers of all ages can gear up for the 2025 Summer Reading Program—“Level Up at Your Library!”—which offers prizes and special events. Homeschoolers can enjoy a hands-on project with The Garden Club on May 15th, and young adult homeschoolers are invited to share their hobbies at the Hobby Hangout on April 29th. Don’t miss the library’s 150th Birthday Celebration Block Party on May 17th, packed with music, crafts, treats, and family fun.
Elder financial fraud cost victims more than $3.4 billion in 2023, according to the FBI. State Senator Steve Stadelman is pushing for tougher safeguards to protect older adults from financial exploitation. Senate Bill 1551, which passed the Senate on April 10th, would empower financial advisors to pause transactions they suspect may involve elder fraud. The proposed law also requires these professionals to report suspected cases to state authorities and grants them legal protection when acting in good faith. Stadelman emphasizes that these new tools are vital, as most seniors never recover lost savings after being targeted by scammers.
“Fewer than 5% of elder financial abuse victims recover their lost savings,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Allowing financial professionals the ability to pause suspicious transactions can be a big safeguard, protecting seniors and their life savings while concerns are being looked into.”
“This bill gives trusted professionals the tools and responsibility to speak up when something seems off,” said Stadelman. “We need to protect our most at-risk residents from bad actors, especially when it comes to their financial situation.”
Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss upcoming OSF HealthCare events. OSF HealthCare Saint Luke is spotlighting its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, recognizing their invaluable service throughout the hospital. Opportunities to volunteer range from assisting at the front desk to helping as transporters, with recruits always welcome. Those interested can call 309-852-7500 or visit the hospital’s website to apply online. In addition, OSF Saint Luke will host a flag-raising ceremony at 9 AM on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to honor blood and tissue donors as part of Organ Donor Awareness Month. The community is invited to participate and show support for donors who save lives.
Raeann Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments to discuss what is happening in April at the health departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are spearheading efforts for healthier communities in alignment with National Public Health Week. Throughout April, affordable General Health/Thyroid Panel Blood Tests, featuring a complete cholesterol panel, are available for $50. Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon operate on a first-come, first-served basis, encouraging residents to make appointments. Additionally, National Infant Immunization Week highlights the critical role of vaccines in protecting children under two from preventable diseases. Vaccines have significantly reduced infant mortality, with the measles vaccine alone saving nearly 94 million lives since 1974.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Seth on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about food safety over the Thanksgiving Holiday. RaeAnn talks about the difference between food poisoning and flu bug.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about tick safety as hunting season begins and Diabetes Awareness Month in November. In response to rising health concerns, First Choice Healthcare’s Kewanee Clinic is now welcoming walk-ins for prompt care services. Available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, the clinic is ready to assist individuals who are feeling under the weather. For added convenience, the Colona Clinic at 309-792-4011 and the Toulon Clinic at 309-852-3115 are also readily accepting calls to check for appointment availability. This initiative aims to provide immediate and accessible healthcare options to the community, ensuring timely medical attention when needed.
Wethersfield Third Grade students, Julia Burrows, Rachel Dana, and Rose Giesenhagen, joined Jennifer in the studio to bring the "Good News" about Veterans Day and the Veterans Day Service at Wethersfield High School on Monday, November 11th.
The Salvation Army in Kewanee has scheduled its Christmas campaign, starting with a media kickoff on November 15th. Eddie Toliver joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming events for the Kewanee Salvation Army. Highlights include the Bear versus Packers event on November 16th and the Santa versus Grinch event on November 30th, from 12 to 3 PM. The campaign will feature a Christmas concert on December 15th at the First Congregational Church, with proceeds supporting local initiatives. Additionally, the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs will participate on December 14th and December 21st, respectively. Angel Tree gift tags are up at Walmart in Kewanee, and pickups are set for December 19th and December 20th at the 360 Life Center.
Today, at the start of the General Assembly's fall veto session, State Representative Dan Swanson took a moment to pay tribute to veterans past and present. Following Veterans Day, Swanson presented House Resolution 878, honoring the valiant soldiers from Galesburg who served in the Civil War. These men were part of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, an instrumental unit in the fight to end slavery in the United States. Swanson's recognition serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and equality in one of the nation's darkest times.
Tami Harker and Keri Bloom joined Samantha Rux on Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Diabetes Awareness. November is Diabetes Awareness Month and November 14th is World Diabetes Day.
In Illinois, a significant initiative spearheaded by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is set to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the Underground Railroad's historical impact. The newly recommended Illinois Freedom Trails Commission aims to integrate and expand educational and tourism projects connected to this pivotal period in American history. This plan, developed by the Underground Railroad Task Force, envisions a connected network of sites celebrating the journeys of those who sought freedom from slavery. By collaborating with various organizations and neighboring states, the commission seeks to ensure that the brave legacies of freedom seekers and those who assisted them are honored and remembered. Senator Koehler emphasizes that this effort is crucial for moving forward while fully acknowledging the past.
To support families during the holiday season, State Representative Ryan Spain is spearheading his annual Holiday Diaper Drive. Spain emphasizes the critical need for diapers, wipes, and diaper cream, items not covered by programs like WIC and SNAP. With nearly half of U.S. families struggling to afford diapers, the drive aims to alleviate some pressure from local food pantries, which often face shortages of these essential items. Community members can contribute to the drive by delivering donations to Spain's Peoria office or sending items through an Amazon wish list until December 11. This initiative provides much-needed relief to families, ensuring they too can enjoy the holiday cheer.
Donations may be delivered in person or shipped directly to Rep. Spain’s Peoria office. Donations may also be made using the Amazon wish list. www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2VE8NAZEOWJR7?ref_=wl_share.
Steven Franklin and Paula Gradert joined Wake U Tri-Counties to talk about the Ministry Matthew 5:42 and the generous donation they received from an anonymous donor. Matthew 5:42, a local ministry, recently celebrated its five-year anniversary, marking the occasion by receiving a generous donation from an anonymous benefactor: a truck and trailer. Over the past half-decade, founders, alongside dedicated volunteers like Briar Sargeant and Max Christman, have significantly impacted their community, aiding countless individuals through donations, furniture drop-offs, and spiritual support. The recent gift will enhance their ability to collect and distribute essentials to those in need, further establishing Matthew 5:42’s crucial role in local charitable efforts. The ministry continues to grow, driven by community support and the profound dedication of its leaders and volunteers.
Wethersfield Third Grade Students Abby Peterson, Caycen Brandmeyer, and Arian Johnson joined Jennifer in the studio to talk about Halloween for this week's Good News Segment.
Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to recap the Monday, November 4, 2024, City Council Meeting. The meeting was brief so election officials could set up for Election Day on Tuesday, November 5th. The meeting started with a presentation from Kim Hoffman regarding the audit of the City of Galva's finances. The city has a new system for handling cash, which was the main concern of the auditor. The new accounting system allows more transparency in city finances. Mid-Century Fiber presented the City of Galva with plaques for being an up-to-date, 21st Century City.
The Save-A-Lot studio was joined this morning by Dr. Carlos from the Hammond Henry Clinic here in Kewanee!
The Save-A-Lot studio was joined this morning by RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry & Stark County Health Department!
The Save-A-Lot studios was joined this morning by Henry County Farm Bureau's very own Katie Laleman!
Kewanee School District Superintendent, Mrs. Rebecca Baney, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to recap the October 21st Kewanee School Board Meeting. Mrs. Baney talked about the estimates for Central School and Kewanee High School roofs damaged in the July storms. The board approved a new digital scoreboard for Brockman Gym and a new outside Fitness Court that will be by the soccer fields. The board approved issuing bonds to pay for the new HVAC system for the Central Cafeteria/Kitchen.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the October 15, 2024, city council meeting. The Kewanee Police Department swore in a new Sergeant among their ranks at the beginning of the meeting. Kellen Daniels was promoted to Sergeant Daniels after years of dedication to the Kewanee Police Department and the Black Hawk Area Task Force. Congratulations, Sergeant Daniels. Sergeant Daniels was 21 years old when he was sworn into the Kewanee Police Department in 2019 and was previously an officer in the Galva Police Department. The council approved all agenda items. Chenoweth Construction was approved to complete the construction of a new shelter house and pavilion at Francis Park. The council indicated to City Manager Gary Bradley that they prefer the name of the industrial park on Kentville Road to be "Kewanee Industrial Park" and the street to be named after Benny Kuster. FEMA and the Small Business Administration gave a presentation to the city council regarding the services they provide to survivors of areas declared disaster areas. The council discussed at length how to approach the issue of the almost $200,000 water bill that is owed to the City of Kewanee for the three trailer parks in Kewanee. The mayor and council members indicated they don't think the taxpayers should pay any entity's water bill. City Manager Gary Bradley said the only reason they haven't shut off the water supply is because there are residents living in the trailer parks who are paying rent, water, and trash. There will be a discussion item on the agenda for the first meeting of each month to discuss options for the trailer parks. The city has legal options to clean up the properties and foreclose on those properties if necessary to help the residents living in limbo while the properties continuously change hands.
Last Friday, it was another dance with Summer and 80 degrees. The beginning of this week is a reminder colder days are coming. Cops for Coats, the 4th annual collection drive, with The Sterling Police Department and Sterling PD Detectives was a great success. Thanks to community contributions of hats, coats, scarves and gloves, and even monetary donation, many without good winter clothing will be warm when it gets here.
Dave Clarke joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for the Way Back Wednesday Edition of Kewanee Back When to talk about the history of Kewanee over 100 years on this day, October 16th. Kewanee made the Chicago Tribune one year for Farm Meets the City at the Kewanee Fair Grounds. Yes, Kewanee had its own fairgrounds where Kewanee High School is now. Don't miss this historical edition of Kewanee's history of over 100 years.
The Save-A-Lot Studio was joined by Henry & Stark County Health Departments very own RaeAnn Tucker!
Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the October 7, 2024, Galva City Council Meeting. Dixline was honored at the meeting for their 100 years of service in Galva. Dixline is a fourth-generation run business. They were presented a plaque and a key to the city. They passed an electrical code ordinance for new construction in the city. They will be raising cemetery fees on May 1, 2025. The city has lost approximately $400,000. The fees were last raised in 2008. You have time to purchase a cemetery lot before the price increases, but the law doesn't allow the sale of the plot for more than the purchase price. The council couldn't agree on amending the water fees, so they will add that to the next council meeting to discuss. The city will conduct the required fire hydrant flushing in late October. The city will issue a notice to residents with the date and time. Hydrant flushing can cause a decrease in water pressure and/or discolored water. Zack Thompson won the bid for a plot of city property to build a crematorium in Galva. Police Chief Kraig Townsend was awarded a grant for Tasers. The Galva Police Department was given radios as well, which helps the department's budget. Halloween will be on Thursday, October 31st, from 5 to 7 PM.
Samantha Rux from OS Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the new extended hours for the Primary Care Clinic at OSF St. Luke Medical Center. This is the last week for the flu shots at Kewanee and Wethersfield School Districts. There will be a make up day in November for any children that were absent on flu clinic day.
Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Feast of Saint Francis on October 2, 2024, school flu clinics beginning this week, and the OSF Scholarship deadline of October 1st.
The Save-A-Lot studio was joined this morning by Henry & Stark County Health Departments very own, RaeAnn Tucker!
The Save-A-Lot studio was joined this morning by Henry County Senior Citizens very own Casandra Schmoll!
Clay Coyne joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about exciting changes to GMC and Buick vehicles. Clay also talks about the changes to the 2025 Chevy Equinox.
The Save-A-Lot studio was joined by Russel Hughes to bring you Week 5 of The Boiler-Shop!
Todd DeDecker with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Jordbruksdagarna (Ag Days) celebration this weekend, September 28th and 29th, 2024, in Bishop Hill.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the September 23, 2024, city council meeting. Mayor Moore talked about the 2024 road plan, the two water towers, rescinding an ordinance for a TIF agreement, the digital sign, and the demolition of 1105 Roseview Street.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to recap the Kewanee City Council meeting on September 9, 2024. Mayor Moore presented a proclamation to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is from September 15th to October 15th yearly. Mayor Moore talks about the agenda items from the meeting and goes into detail about each resolution or ordinance amendment.
Samantha Rux and Cathy Foes joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Bushels for Hope. The OSF HealthCare Foundation can receive donations of Grain from farmers to help OSF St. Luke and OSF St. Clair Medical Centers in Kewanee and Princeton.
Adriana and Dulce joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Celebration on September 28, 2024. This the second year for the Celebration to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and it's full of family-friendly activities.
Wake-Up Tri-Counties was joined by RaeAnn Tucker to discuss new and upcoming events within the Henry & Stark County health department.
Katie Laleman joined the Save-A-Lot studio this morning to discuss some of the new events coming to the Henry County Farm Bureau.
The Stone Cold Cowboys perform live on the main stage for night one of Kewanee Hog Days at 7 PM!
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about safety over Labor Day Weekend, flu vaccinations have arrived at the three clinics, an update on the arrival of the new COVID vaccine, bat safety, and CPR classes.
Clay Coyne is a vehicle sales specialist with Yemm Auto in Galesburg. Clay joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to tell us about himself and talk about vehicle sales at Yemm Auto Group in Galesburg.
Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Kewanee City Council meeting on August 26, 2024. Road work was the big topic of the night.
Department Manager Katy Loibl joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Home Healthcare services offered by Hammond-Henry Hospital. Home Health begins with a call to your provider. Should your provider prescribe homecare to you or someone you care for, please call our office at 309-944-4853. We will then move into a customized plan for the patient’s healthcare needs.
OSF Saint Luke will be hosting a giveaway on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the former MACenter building, located at 716 Elliott Street, from noon to 4 PM. The event is open to the public, and items in the building on September 6th will be available for free (limitations apply). You are encouraged to arrive early, as items are on a first-come, first-served basis. You are encouraged to bring a truck and/or trailer to haul away your items. Items will not be held for pickup later. A wide variety of items are available, including furniture, medical and office equipment, folding tables and chairs, artwork, holiday items, and much more.
Visit facebook.com/OSFSaintLuke to browse pictures of the items and prepare for the event.
Connie Johnson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about What is Happening in Cambridge. There is a movie in the park this Friday, August 23rd, at at dusk.
Dave Clarke joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about some Hog Days history. Dave talks about famous drummer Louie Bellson and his connection to Kewanee, and his connection to Kewanee.
Kewanee School District Superintendent Rebecca Baney joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Back to School Professional Development, sports enrollment, Evidence Based Funding, and the damage to the KHS roof when storms pulled the solar panels off the roof.
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about immunizations, WIC, and a proper diet. August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases. By staying up-to-date on the recommended vaccines, individuals can protect themselves, their families. friends and their communities.
State Representative Dan Swanson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the "How to Avoid Being Scammed" Seminar that he organized in Alpha on August 20, 2024, at 9 AM.
Todd DeDecker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Chautauqua celebration in Bishop Hill on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
The 2024 Miss World Festival Queens and Jeanna Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss why they joined the pageant and charity work. The Teddy Bear and Toy fundraiser is right around the corner, and the Miss World Festival Pageant wants to raise $10,000 for toys for the kids at the Children's Hospital in Peoria. The pageant raised $8,000 for toys last year and wants this year to be even bigger. Help Miss World Festival Marissa Nelson, Junior Miss World Festival Mollie Parr, Little Miss World Festival Breckyn Granell, and Mini Miss World Festival Hensley Powell raise $10,000 to get toys and teddy bears for the children in a hospital over the holiday season.
Cassandra Schmoll joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the meal delivery program, Bingo, Chair Yoga, noon lunch on weekdays, Tuesday dinner, and Friday morning cinnamon rolls. The Labor Day breakfast is the second biggest fundraiser. The golf outing raised $6,000 for the meal delivery program.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties with RaeAnn Tucker to talk about student immunizations and physicals, the upcoming flu season, and mosquitoes.
Katie Laleman joins Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming events for the Henry County Farm Bureau.
Senator Neil Anderson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the 2024 Children's Safety Expo this weekend in Kewanee. Senator Neil Anderson and Representative Travis Weaver are hosting the 2024 Children's Safety Expo on August 17, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, at the Black Hawk College Educational Center on East 3rd Street in Kewanee.
Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Kewanee City Council Meeting from August 12th. Mayor Moore recaps the actions taken for the demolitions, rezoning requests, ordinance change, intergovernmental agreement with the Henry County Housing Authority, the ITEP Grant, TIF Request, and upcoming events.
Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Kewanee City Council Meeting from August 12th. Mayor Moore recaps the actions taken for the demolitions, rezoning requests, ordinance change, intergovernmental agreement with the Henry County Housing Authority, the ITEP Grant, TIF Request, and upcoming events.
Samantha Rux and Sara Umphfleet joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the importance of a proper childhood diet.
Samantha Rux and Emma Corkill OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about athletic training for students and how to avoid injuries for students and adults.
Dr. Brooks joins Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the school board meeting on Thursday, August 8, 2024
Since July 1, the national blood supply has fallen by more than 25%.
Jayce Eustice (EW-stice), Regional Communication Manager for the Red Cross, says the Red Cross is short by about 19 thousand donations.
According to Eustice (EW-stice), the Red Cross needs type O blood donations.
Because Type O blood inventory is so low, distributions of the blood type are reduced compared to what hospitals count on.
For those wishing to make a donation, visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Wake Up Tri-Counties Information for new Trash, Recycling, and Yard Waste Collection in Kewanee. Beginning September 1, 2024 LRS takes over trash, recycling, and yard waste collection. I give you a description of the services that LRS provides.
Wake Up Tri-Counties with RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments talks about upcoming events and walk in school physicals at First Choice Healthcare locations on August 12th
Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the King Care-A-Van program.
Deputy Chief Mike Minx joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about National Night Out on August 6th
Donna Meredith met with Congressman Darin LaHood at one of her family pharmacies in Cambridge on Thursday to discuss the necessary reform for independent pharmacies, like Ridgewood Pharmacy, to keep the doors open. Donna Meredith joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the future of her pharmacies in Cambridge and Alpha if no help comes from the federal government to provide equality with the three big PBMs.
Wake Up Tri-Counties with RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark Health Department to discuss Heart and Mental Health Events in August
Wake Up Tri-Counties with RaeAnn Tucker and New Toulon Clinic Grand Opening on August 2nd.
A group of students from Wethersfield High School returned from a mission with the First Christian Church and started a group to help people in the community. They formed New Generation for Christ after how impressed they were with the students they met during the mission in Wyoming.
Sara Billiet joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the events happening July 25th at the Kewanee Public Library
Mayor Moore talks about the actions taken from the Kewanee City Council Meeting on July 22, 2024
Wake Up Tri-Counties Henry County Senior Citizens Center Golf Play Day with Cassandra Schmoll
Junior High students attended the one week program at OSF Healthcare St. Luke Medical Center Camp Med Program.
Sparks is joined by Kaylee Ussery from the Hancock County Fair Association and 2023 Hancock County Fair Queen Tessa Sargeant to talk about this year's Hancock County Fair, going on July 13th to 20th.
This year's fair promises some fun new attractions including the Inflatable Bounce City, JEEP/Side-by-Side Off-Road Rally, a rach sorting event, and a musical entertainment provided by Blacktop South.
Tessa also talks about her experiences as the Hancock County Fair and provides some useful advice for aspiring fair queens.
For more information about the Hancock County Fair, visit the Hancock County Fair Association Facebook page or hancockfair.org.
There are many myths that have built up around serial killer Ted Bundy. The public imagination indicates that he was handsome and charming, a supposed ladies man. The reality is far different. He was a loser. Consistently, Ted Bundy wasn't charming. His murders were brutal and never the result of seduction or charm. He was violent and ruthless. He's been played by superstar actors in movies which lends him a persona of glamour. But author Kathy Rubin Rubin Kleiner is dispelling the myths and legends of popular culture. Her book, A Light in the Dark, is about the victims of Ted Bundy and their stories are not about his charm, his charisma, or his good looks. They are stories of a brutal, violent, and desperate creep. And Kathy Rubin Kleiner knows this first hand. Kathy herself, survived being attacked by Ted Bundy. Kathy Kleiner joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week.
In Princeton and Kewanee, Illinois, OSF HealthCare is calling upon local residents to engage in a community health needs survey to address and prioritize local health concerns. Available in both English and Spanish, the survey can be completed online or through a paper form at OSF Saint Clare in Princeton or OSF Saint Luke in Kewanee. This initiative is part of a broader effort to tailor health services to the unique needs of each community. Jackie Kernan, President of OSF Saint Clare, emphasized the importance of community input in identifying key health challenges. Results from these surveys guide the development of targeted health programs. Residents have until August 31 to participate. More details can be found on osfhealthcare.org. Samantha Rux and Connie Wessells talked about the Community Health Needs Assessment on Wake Up Tri-Counties this week.
The Mayor of Kewanee, Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to wrap up Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. Among the items on the agenda was the purchase of new lawnmowers. The City of Kewanee put out for bids to get new lawnmowers and accepted a bid on Monday night that will allow for the City to purchase the mowers which will be used in cemeteries and on City owned properties. The Mayor also discussed Francis Park and the Woodland Palace. The Mayor attended Tuesday's meeting regarding the future of the Fred Francis home and the formation of a new Friends of Francis Park.
The Mayor of Galva, Rich Volkert was a guest this week on Wake Up Tri-Counties. The Mayor of Galva joined us to talk about Monday's Galva City Council Meeting. At the meeting the topics of mental health aid and help for children in distress were discussed with a concerned citizen helping the city. Galva has become a Blue Star City meaning that residents can get a Blue Star to put up outside their home. If you have the Blue Star it's a sign for children to know that your home is a place they can go to ask for help if they are lost or are in distress. We discussed the Blue Star with the Mayor of Galva on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Abilities Plus has announced Preschool for All in Kewanee. Preparations are underway for the upcoming school year, promising an enriching experience for all preschool-aged children. The Abilities Plus PreSchool for All program has been officially licensed by the Illinois State Board of Education and welcomes both special needs and typically developing children, with no attendance fees. The preschool features diverse fun centers and is staffed by both a licensed early childhood teacher and a paraprofessional. Children aged 3 or 4 by September 1, 2024, are eligible for enrollment. For more information or to schedule a screening, parents can contact the school at (309) 852-4626. Also, the Abilities Plus Golf Outing is right around the corner, one of Abilities Plus' biggest fundraisers of the year. Lauren Dynes Gillespie from Abilities Plus joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday to talk about it and invite everyone to Golf with a donation to Abilities Plus.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and OSF Saint Clare Medical Center are conducting a new round of their Community Health Needs Assessment. Every three years the hospital operates this assessment as a way of determining what the communities OSF Healthcare serves see as the greatest health needs in the community. Connie Wessels with OSF Healthcare is among those who are organizing and analyzing this year's assessment and she joined Samantha Rux on Wake Up Tri-Counties to encourage listeners to take part in this year's Community Health Needs Assessment.
Legendary Jazz drummer Louie Bellson has a few connections to Kewanee. First of all, his father, Louie Bellson Sr. owned a music shop in Kewanee in the 1930s and 40s. Also, Louie Bellson's little sister moved to Kewanee in the 1950s and spent the rest of her life in Kewanee. But the question that our friend Dave Clarke tried to answer on this edition of Kewanee Back When was whether or not Louie Bellson ever played a show in Kewanee? We know he played several shows in Rock Falls, where he was born, and in Moline where he grew up. But did he ever play a show in Kewanee? Dave has the answer in this edition of Kewanee Back When.
Today is Juneteenth, June 19th, 2024 and on Wake Up Tri-Counties we were joined by members of the Kewanee Committee on Human Relations, Etta La Flora and Lakeshia Jones. They joined us for a history lesson on the origin of Juneteenth, the meaning behind the celebration, and the recent Juneteenth celebration that took place here in Kewanee over the weekend at the First Presbyterian Church in Kewanee. The Kewanee Commission on Human Relations is already planning for next year's Juneteenth Celebration as Juneteenth continues to grow as a recognized holiday.
Dr. Chris Sullens oversaw his last Kewanee School Board Meeting on Monday, June 17th. On Tuesday, Dr. Sullens joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the meeting, the Honors for Kewanee FFA at the FFA State meeting in Springfield last week and three Kewanee Track Athletes who made it to State this year. Later in the interview, Dr. Sullens reflected on his time as Kewanee School District Superintendent and offered a little advice to the new Superintendent Rebecca Baney. Dr. Chris Sullens joined us for the final time as Kewanee Superintendent on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday.
Mayor Inman returns to the K100 Studios to talk about City of Macomb business surrounding Chandler Park, including last Wednesday evening's Chandler Park Master Plan Public Survey meeting, as well as a look at the upcoming Heritage Days Festival and a special announcement of an event to celebrate Reverend Dr. C.T. Vivian's 100th birthday on Tuesday, July 30th.
To submit your ideas or concerns regarding improvements for Chandler Park and the Master Plan, take the Chandler Park Master Plan survey. To stay up-to-date on City of Macomb Business, visit the City of Macomb Facebook page or cityofmacomb.com.
OSF On Call is always there when you need it. If you are having symptoms but you don't think you need to go to the emergency room, you can go to OSF On Call online and talk to a provider about your symptoms. Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and OSF Saint Clare Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday to talk about the many, many ways that OSF Healthcare has expanded the available services via the OSF On Call brand. OSF On Call is available 24 hours a day, 7 days week online via the OSF Healthcare website. It's a great tool for when you have an illness that is not serious enough for an emergency room visit but serious enough that you'd like to speak to a provider immediately.
Wethersfield School District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Brooks joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday to talk about last Thursday's Wethersfield School Board Meeting. Dr. Brooks talked about the items on the agenda, updates on construction projects and so on. And then we discussed the TIF request made by Wethersfield School District to the City of Kewanee and HVN Capital LLC, the company that will be operating the dispensary at the former location of The Broken Chimney restaurant. Dr. Brooks tells Wake Up Tri-Counties that the request is for TIF Funds to address gaps in school security including fence upgrades and security cameras.
The Henry County Farm Bureau is going to the Henry County Fair this week. The Farm Bureau, always a popular presence at the Henry County Fair, will be buzzing with activity all week as they set up shop with a series of informational offerings and a great deal of fun activities. Katie Laleman with the Henry County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, June 14th, with a preview of all that the Farm Bureau will have on offer at this year's Henry County Fair. And yes, of course, this includes the annual Peddle Pull for all the little, little kids, is back for another year. Henry County Farm Bureau members can get discount tickets for Fair events by contacting the Henry County Farm Bureau this week.
Bishop Hill gears up for a heartwarming weekend as the 15th annual Honor Flight Benefit kicks off with engaging activities all around town. Starting on June 14, H.WYATT invites the community to a unique pay-what-you-can treat, matching donations up to $300. Similarly, Krans Cafe and The Filling Station are following suit, offering special Honor Flight-themed eats with donation matches.
The main event unfolds on June 15 at the Colony School, with a pulled pork lunch, live bluegrass music, and a promising auction all set to raise funds for the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. This initiative has heroically garnered over $160,000 to date, providing veterans a memorable journey to Washington, D.C. to honor their service. Don't forget to bring items to donate at Prairie Arts Center for the live auction. For more details or to make a donation, contact the organizers directly.
Who is Shanna in a Dress? She's a delightful open book who doesn't mind genre labels and writes music as quickly as she can think of it. Shanna, whose name you will understand when you hear the story she tells in concert, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to talk about music, sharing herself with the world, writing music and her love for live performance. It's a fun and funny conversation which is very similar to her live shows where Shanna loves talking about her life with the crowd and singing the songs she's written about her experiences in the world. Shanna in a Dress was a wonderful guest this morning on Wake Up Tri-Counties and you don't want to miss hearing her play live this Sunday, June 16th in Wiley Park in Galva at the Levitt Amp Music Series.
The City of Kewanee has passed its newest fiscal year budget. After holding a final budget meeting last week, the City Council voted on Monday night to pass the final budget which includes more manpower for the Streets Department and some tough but necessary cuts. The Mayor also talked about a presentation from Crossroads Cultural Connections, the team helps bring so much live music to the area. Crossroads is eager for the chance to expand into Kewanee and they're partnering with the team that is hoping to bring a bandshell to Kewanee. And the Mayor discussed six more demolitions of dilapidated properties in Kewanee and a special use permit for a local business on this edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Sparks is joined by Lars Gossel of Gossel's Dog House to talk about weekly volunteering opportunities for people in community to take shelter dogs on walks at the shelter or in the community.
The Humane Society of McDonough County dog walker volunteer group meets at the McDonough County Animal Shelter on Saturdays starting at 9AM, and anyone interested in participating should contact the shelter employees to get more information and sign release forms.
Recently, lifestyle influencers on social media sites like Instagram and TikTok have been extolling the supposed virtues of the humble pickle. And, while the pickle can be a tasty treat, it's health benefits may be getting a bit of an exaggeration. Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke and OSF Saint Clare Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday to talk about lifestyle influencers and bad information, specifically when it comes to fake experts claiming something has health benefits that it doesn't really have. Pickles aren't bad for you but too many pickles or the practice of drinking pickle juice have become one such source of health misinformation gaining traction on social media.
In Kewanee, the United Way has rolled out the Shoes for Kids program, aiming to equip local students with new footwear for the upcoming school year. Families within the 2023 Federal Poverty Level guidelines qualify for this initiative, benefiting up to three children per household. Today's registration event is hosted at the Elks Lodge on North Tremont Street. Applicants can receive further assistance directly from the Kewanay Area United Way representatives. The shoes, sourced from Breedloves Sporting Goods, will be distributed in August, ensuring that children step into the new school term on the right foot.
Members of the Galva Rotary have partnered with the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a public private partnership to repair the historic fence surrounding Bishop Hill Park. On Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday, June 5th, Rotary Club members, Tim Black and Mike Massie joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the project, how it started, and how they are raising funds to complete this historic renovation. There is currently a GoFundMe campaign, linked here, and there will be a Trivia Night Fundraiser on June 22nd at the Kewanee Elks Club. Doors open at 6 PM and the cost is $100 per team. A silent auction and 50/50 drawing will be held that night as well. All money raised will go toward the building materials for the fence. You can make reservations for the fundraiser by calling Rachel at 309-337-4849 or email rachel@Massielaw.net.
It's been a few months since the conclusion of the City of Macomb's Small Business Competition Business Pitch Event, and second place finisher Anne Ingersoll is in the studio to talk about her experience in the SBC and provide an update on how her business, Bloom Macomb, is developing.
Bloom Macomb is a flower and plant shop that will be joining the Macomb business community soon; providing arrangements, plants, as well as a community space and giving opportunities for college students to take part in job shadows and internships.
To stay up to date on Bloom Macomb's progress, visit their Facebook page.
In a significant transition for Kewanee School District, Superintendent Dr. Chris Sullens is set to retire after 19 years of leadership. The district plans to celebrate his tenure and contributions with a retirement party on January 15th, from 2 PM to 6 PM at Cerno's Bar and Grill. Instead of traditional gifts, Dr. Sullens has requested donations for the Kewanee Care Closet. This initiative supports low-income students by providing essential items to enhance their school experience. The community is encouraged to contribute to this cause in honor of Dr. Sullens' dedication to education and student welfare.
The Kewanee City Wide Clean Up is set to take place this Saturday in Kewanee. You must have proof of Kewanee residence to participate. Keith Edwards, Kewanee's Director of Community Development joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to talk about the items you can and cannot bring to the Kewanee City Wide Clean Up this Saturday. Hours for the City Wide Clean Up are 7 Am to 12 Noon. Show up any time if you'd like to volunteer to help unload vehicles, be sure to bring gloves. Otherwise, if you are dropping off items, be sure your vehicle is hand unloadable. The Kewanee City Wide Clean Up takes place at the former site of Kewanee Hospital on Elliott Street and Division in Kewanee.
When Terrance Banks was young, he took up poetry as a coping mechanism for a difficult childhood. That poetry eventually became song lyrics and when combined with his love for old school soul music, Soultru was born. SoulTru comes from Terrance Banks' soul, his love of poetry and his dedication to the soul music that inspired him to become a musician. This weekend SoulTru is coming to the Levitt Amp Galva Music Series with his incredible brand of soul and poetry. We were lucky to have a chance to talk music, poetry and DoorDash with Terrance Banks, AKA, SoulTru on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, May 24th. See Terrance in Galva on Sunday night.
Parents and kids, take part in the Kewanee Library Summer Reading Program. Download the Beanstack App, in the App Store or on Google Play, on your Smartphone and you can track your Summer Reading along with your kids. Parents and kids are encouraged to participate together as a family for this year's Summer Reading Program. Meanwhile, the Kewanee Public Library has some events coming up including, on Tuesday, May 28th, an Ice Cream Social and meet and greet with the new Kewanee Public Library Director, Cynthia Maxwell. The event is a chance to get to know the new library director while you enjoy a sweet treat from 4 Pm to 6 Pm at the Kewanee Public LIbrary.
Dr. Chris Sullens joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to reflect on Monday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. Dr. Sullens talked about the incredible achievements of Kewanee's band, IHSA Music Sweepstakes State Champions, and the recent celebration of 100 Years of the Kewanee High School Band. Dr. Sullens also honored members of the FFA and the Kewanee Softball team. And, Dr. Sullens offered words of praise for Kewanee High School Athletic Director, Tim Atwell, recently named 1A/2A Athletic Director of the year. Finally, near the end of our interview, Dr. Sullens looked back on the class of 2024, freshman who arrived just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and now graduates of Kewanee High School.
Last week, in ceremonies in Princeton and Kewanee, OSF Saint Clare Medical Center and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, honored the recipients of the Daisy and Sunflower Awards. Daisy Awards are handed out to members of the nursing staff as nominated by the patients that they cared for. Sunflower Awards are given out to members of the Support Staff at OSF Healthcare for their work in helping patients find their way around Saint Clare and Saint Luke Medical centers. Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to share the stories behind the recipients of the Daisy and Sunflower Awards.
It was a week of celebration at OSF Healthcare locations in Princeton and Kewanee. OSF Healthcare celebrated Healthcare Week with a series of events each day last week to honor hardworking mission partners who help make OSF Healthcare what it is today, one of the leading hospital groups in the state of Illinois. Jackie Kernan, President of OSF Saint Clare Medical Center and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, May 17th, to talk about Hospital Week and the awarding of the Daisy and Sunflower Awards which were handed out during events at Saint Clare in Princeton last Thursday and at Saint Luke in Kewanee on Friday.
The new season for the Kewanee Farmers Market begins this Saturday in Barrien Park. Diane DeMay, one of the organizers of the Kewanee Farmers Market, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to remind everyone of the incredible baked goods, fresh from the garden items, and crafts that are part of the Kewanee Farmers Market. Diane also tells us that there is still room for more vendors at the Farmers Market. If you make something that you think could be something people want to buy, consider getting vendor space at the Farmers Market. But, remember, items must be hand made, that is made by you. This is not a flea market. The Kewanee Farmers Market is for the DIY'ers out there with a talent for making things. The new season of the Kewanee Farmers Market starts May 18th from 8 AM until 12 Noon and will run every Saturday and Wednesday into October.
The month of May has a number of designations and one of them is Blood Pressure Awareness Month. Heart Disease is among the leading causes of death and it's also one that can be prevented. If more people paid attention to their blood pressure, many lives could be saved. That's why the Henry and Stark County Health Department is touting Blood Pressure Awareness Month. There are really no symptoms to tell you that you have high blood pressure. Only a blood pressure test can tell you for sure. Thus, getting your blood pressure checked frequently is the best advice for battling high blood pressure. The higher your blood pressure, the harder your heart has to work to pump your blood. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department spoke about Blood Pressure Awareness Month on Wake Up Tri-Counties this week.
May is National Radio Month and each year during National Radio Month, our friend Dave Clarke likes to delve into the history of Kewanee radio. This month, Dave takes us back to 1966 and the sign on of WKEI FM which would, in 1974, become WJRE. The first song to play in the history of WJRE, after leaving behind the big bands and crooners in 1974, was none other than California Girls by The Beach Boys touching off years of the Hit Parade on WJRE. It would not become the WJRE we know today until the 1990s when the boom of the country music scene caused another seismic shift in the local radio market. But that's a story for another day. On this edition of Kewanee Back When it's 1966 to 1974, WKEI FM becomes WJRE.
The Bishop Hill Quilt Show is set to charm visitors once again from May 17th to 19th at the Colony School. This vibrant affair will showcase hundreds of quilts embracing this year's theme, "Rainbows, Rick Rack, and Roses." Attendees can explore a variety of quilting styles, including antique, miniature, patchwork, and appliqué. Admission is priced at $5.00. The Prairie Queen Quilt Club, with assistance from the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, also presents challenge quilts at the Steeple Building Museum. The Colony School opens its doors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until 3 p.m. on Sunday. Lorna Brown is one of the organizers of the event and she joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday with all the information about the Bishop Hill Quilt Show.
The Mayor of Kewanee, Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday morning to follow up on Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. In our conversation, the Mayor addresses the contentious topic of the approval of a permit for the new marijuana dispensary coming to Kewanee at the former location of the Broken Chimney restaurant. Last night, members of the public spoke about concerns they had about the dispensary being just over 250 feet away from Wethersfield School. Other members of the community spoke in favor of the dispensary, including former Kewanee Police Chief Nick Welgat. We asked the Mayor about the divisive 3 to 2 vote of the council in favor of the dispensary and the concerns raised by citizens at Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting.
Actor Peter Macon is an Emmy Award winning voice actor who has had a slow rise to fame. That rise will no doubt be accelerated by his terrific work as Raka in the blockbuster hit, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. In Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Raka is the keeper of legends, doing his best to maintain the legend of Caesar, the first Ape leader, and the subject of the previous three Apes movies. Raka stands in defiance of those who corrupt Caesar's legend and try to twist his teaching to fit their narrative of ape domination. Raka is also a friend and ally to Noa, the film's protagonist, providing a listening ear and wise guidance to the young, headstrong, Noa. Peter Macon is awesome in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and it was our pleasure to have him on Wake Up Tri-Counties this week.
Mayor Inman returns to the K100 Studio to talk about the past, present, and near future in Macomb, including the Macombopoly Dedication Ceremony on May 9th, the currently ongoing Citywide Spring Cleanup, and the road improvement projects occurring on South Johnson and South Adams Streets during the summer months.
To stay up to date on City of Macomb business, visit the City of Macomb website.
The Kewanee Public Library is eager to get kids and parents involved in Summer Reading. The Summer Reading Program is getting underway soon at the Kewanee Public Library and kids and parents can take part and earn prizes for their Summer Reading. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday to invite kids and parents to download the BeanStack App on their Smartphone and to start tracking your reading for the Summer Reading Program. Sara also talked about the upcoming meeting of the Science Book Club and an upcoming welcome open house for the new Kewanee Public Library Director happening on September 29th at the Library.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and one place where there is increasing attention being paid to better mental health is in our schools. Recently, local schools have been seeking grants that will help the schools place mental health professionals in the schools and available to help kids in need. RaeAnn Tucker with the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the role the Health Department is playing in help schools explore bringing in Mental Health professionals. RaeAnn also talked about the ongoing effort at the Health Department to hand out free Gun Locks courtesy of the Illinois Department of Health.
On Tuesday, Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties. Katie gave us an update about planting season and the slow progress this Spring planting thus far, by the numbers. Katie then talked about upcoming events and initiatives from the Henry County Farm Bureau including preparation and planning for the upcoming Henry County Fair. The Henry County Farm Bureau has a long standing and mutually beneficial relationship with the Henry County Fair and that will continue in 2024. And, of course, the Peddle Tractor Pull will be back for another year at the Henry County Fair with the support of the Henry County Farm Bureau.
Wednesday was National School Nurses Day and one of our local Kewanee 3rd Graders joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to pay tribute to our heroic school nurses.
On Saturday night at 7 PM, the Kewanee High School Band will perform at the Petersen Auditorium as part of a celebration of 100 years of the Kewanee High School Band. Founded in 1924, the Kewanee High School Band has persisted for a century of molding young performers into serious musicians. Just last year, the Kewanee Marching Band were state champions under the guidance of Alex Binek. In celebration of 100 years of the Kewanee High School Band, there will be surprises, special guests, returning legends, and of course, a remarkable group of current band members who themselves are a tribute to 100 years of band excellence. Alex Binek and the President of the Kewanee School District Foundation, Jeff Johnson, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to invite everyone to celebrate 100 years of the Kewanee High School Band. Showtime is 7 PM and tickets are $5.00 each with proceeds going to purchase a new portable P.A system for the Kewanee High School Marching Band.
Macomb Police Chief Jeff Hamer returns to the studio to chat about some safety initiatives that the Macomb PD will be focusing on this upcoming summer, including making sure drivers are wearing seatbelts and keeping an eye on distracted driving.
Hamer also talks about the MPD's patrols visiting lemonade stands in the community this summer, "Cops With Freeze Pops", and the second annual National Night Out.
To stay up to date on MPD events, visit their Facebook page.
Today on Wake Up Tri-Counties OSF Healthcare announced plans to hold a Senior Health Fair in both Kewanee and in Princeton. The Senior Health Fair is being held in conjunction with the Henry County and Bureau County Senior Centers and will be held in June. The Senior Centers will play host to the Senior Health Fair which will feature various different vendors in a wide array of Senior Health and Wellness fields providing information on services available seniors in Bureau and Henry County. Services include everything from Mental Health Services, Diet and Exercise, Retirement Homes, Assisted Living Facilities and even life planning services. We spoke with Brenda Streit and Samantha Rux this morning on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Friend of the community and friend of WKEI radio, Brock Tumbleson, passed away over the weekend. Brock, a former Kewanee Citizen of the Year, has been a major part of the Kewanee community for most of his life. Whether it was working with Kiwanis or the Chamber of Commerce or his beloved Salvation Army, Brock was a consummate volunteer, dedicating endless hours, money, and effort to raising the profile of the Kewanee Salvation Army. The annual Salvation Army concert is a highlight of the holiday season and much of that is thanks to Brock's effort. This morning on WKEI, Brock's long time friend, Russ Hughes, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to remember Brock Tumbleson.
Wednesday was National Principal Day, the day we honor school Principals for their dedication and leadership. Local 3rd Grader Nolan gave us The Good News about School Principals.
The Stark County Farm Bureau is celebrating their work on Ag in the Classrooms. Karen Scott with the Stark County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to talk about helping students learn about the importance of Agriculture in most aspects of their lives. The month of April was pizza month and the Farm Bureau took students through how the work of farmers results in their favorite kinds of pizza. The month of May is Dairy Month and the Stark County Farm Bureau will be in Stark County classrooms stressing the importance of famers and farming in getting milk on to their table. The Stark County Farm Bureau is also excited to announce soon, $8000.00 worth of scholarships for Stark County students. Hear all about it in this Wake Up Tri-Counties interview with Karen Scott from the Stark County Farm Bureau.
Next week, beginning May 6th, OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and OSF Saint Clare Medical Center will be celebrating Nurses Week. Lisa Garcia joined Samantha Rux on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the many ways OSF will be celebrating nurses across numerous departments and specialties. Among the the celebrations will be the collecting of nominations for the Daisy Award, an award given to Nurses who go above and beyond to help patients. The nurses are nominated by their patients who submit stories about the nurses who helped them get through their time at OSF Hospitals. The winner or winners of the Daisy Award will be announced next month.
Week 7 of our Spring Sports show, The Boiler Shop, featuring the voice of the Kewanee Boilermakers Russ Hughes. This week, Russ and Sean recapped the week's worth of Baseball and Softball action. We looked at the latest results from Kewanee boys and girls track. And, this week, Russ traveled to Chicago to attend the Chicago Bears draft party where he celebrated the Bears' number one overall draft pick Caleb Williams. Speaking of the NFL Draft, over the weekend former Orion Football star Logan Lee was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before we knew where Logan was headed, Russ reflected on getting to see Logan play for the Orion Chargers on his way to the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Today on Wake Up Tri-Counties Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined us and addressed Wednesday's Kewanee Planning Commission Meeting where the commission voted to approve a permit for a Marijuana Dispensary to go in at the former Broken Chimney location. Wethersfield Superintendent Dr. Andrew Brooks criticized the idea of dispensary being 250 feet from the school. Representatives from Bridgeway also spoke about the dispensary being so close to their treatment center. Mayor Moore addressed these concerns and stated that he supported the dispensary though if most Kewanee residents were to express opposition to the dispensary, the Mayor made it clear that he would vote for what people want as a representative of the people. The Mayor also discussed Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department are honoring Infant Immunization Week. The goal is to convince parents to get needed immunizations to prevent such things as Measles and other illnesses that have long been dormant thanks to immunization. Unfortunately, misinformation during the pandemic caused some to skip needed immunizations. This has made it a necessity for the Health Department to underline the importance of getting vaccinated. It's urgent for kids to get immunized against Measles, among other illnesses to prevent these illnesses from making a full comeback.
Linda Pont from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to invite everyone to come and meet author, Becca Kinzer, a Kewanee native who is celebrating the release of her new book, Love in Tandem, a romantic comedy. Becca will talk about her book and sign copies at the Kewanee Public Library on Saturday afternoon at 2PM. It's a great chance to meet and pick the brain of an author with ties to Kewanee and who has experienced incredible success in the publishing world. Linda talked to WKEI about what went in to bringing Becca back to Kewanee for this event and about The Friends of the Library and what they do for the Kewanee Public Library.
Amy Meyer, a Licensed Clinical Therapist from the CGH Behavioral Health Unit. Amy was here to talk about how the CGH Behavioral Health Unit helps those suffering from mental health conditions and Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
Today one of our Irving Third graders, Hazel, dropped by WKEI this morning with The Good News about Administrative Professionals Day and a special shout out to Irving School's very own Administrative Professional, Ms. Johnson.
Galva Mayor Rich Volkert was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday. The mayor joined us to talk about finally settling a dispute over parking regulations in Galva. A nine month discussion among Galva citizens and the City of Galva closed on Monday with a compromise that appears to have settled the matter. The Mayor addresses the parking kerfuffle and then goes on to cover other important aspects of Monday's Galva City Council Meeting. The next Galva City Council Meeting will be earlier next month. Mayor Volkert explained that with Memorial Day falling on Monday, May 26th, the City needed to move the date for next month's meeting to the previous week.
Ruth Kapacinskas with the Kewanee Education Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday morning. Leadership elections are going on into the month of May for the Kewanee Education Association and as the recent new contract between the KEA and the Kewanee School District demonstrated, choosing the right leaders is incredibly important. Ruth spoke to WKEI RegionalMediaNews.com about the positions that will be voted on and how the leadership and structure of the Kewanee Education Association works. The results of the leadership election will be announced next month.
The Radiology Department at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center has new equipment that is expanding their services and giving more patients the chance to get treatment closer to home. Josh Bainbridge and Shelly Naftzger with the Radiology and Imaging Department at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about new technology, the difference between a CT and an MRI, and what it means to get to help patients stay closer to home. Josh and Shelly, along with Samantha Rux were our guests this week on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Sparks is joined by Sarah Baca & Destiny Dunnigan from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley to talk about the organization, as well as their upcoming 35th Annual Plant Sale at the Fortress Bank location on East Jackson Street in Macomb from May 8th to the 11th.
There'll plenty hundreds of hanging baskets, displays, and annuals available for sale starting at 8 a.m. with all of the proceeds going to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters, which helps pair underage youth with mentors in the community.
BBBS is also looking for volunteers to work the Plant Sale.
For more information about volunteering for the Plant Sale or to become a Big or Little, contact Sarah Baca at (309) 837-5437 or visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley Facebook page.
On this week's edition of The Boiler Shop Russ Hughes reacts to the news that Dayton Ince has been chosen as the new Head Coach of the Kewanee Boilermakers. Ince goes back a long way with the Kewanee Basketball program and Russ has known the man for years. We also talked about Kyle Galli being named as the new Head Basketball Coach at Wethersfield, and, as usual, we run down the week that was in Spring sports with Kewanee Baseball, Softball, and Boys and Girls Track. It's all part of Week Six of The Boiler Shop.
Dog the Bounty Hunter, aka Duane Chapman, is revealing his most intimate stories in Nine Lives and Counting: A Bounty Hunter’s Journey to Faith, Hope, and Redemption (Nelson Book, HarperCollins Christian Publishing) a gripping memoir, releasing April 16, 2024. With a career that reads like a series of high-octane novels, Dog now invites readers into his real-life drama.
In January of this year, Paula's Design Team celebrated 50 years in business. The story began in Galva but Paula and Jim have spent most of the last 50 years in business in Kewanee. Dave Clark and Sean talked with Paula and Jim about how the business has evolved over the years, taking on new challenges in expanded services while staying on the cutting edge of the latest trends in hair. It's a constantly evolving industry with new things to learn every year. Paula, Jim and Dave also take time to reminisce about one of Dave's famous stories about the time that Paula helped a local woman recreate the incredible Bo Derek braids from the 1980 movie 10. 50 years in business at Paula's Design Team is the subject of this month's Kewanee Back When.
Kewanee School District Superintendent Dr. Chris Sullens joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Monday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. Much of that meeting was taken up with honoring invited guests, specifically students who have had notable accomplishments over the last month. Members of the Group Interpretation Team, Key Club and Kewanee sports stars were on hand on Monday night to be recognized by the Kewanee School Board for their remarkable accomplishments. Also on Monday night, the school board approved the hiring of a new Kewanee High School basketball coach, Dayton Ince, and Dr. Sullens updated the board and us about ongoing projects at Kewanee Schools.
Kewanee Police Chief Stephen Kijanowski and Deputy Chief Michael Minx joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to talk about LPR's or License Plate Readers. Several License Plate Readers have been set up in Kewanee. These License Plate Readers are intended as investigative tools and not as tools for enforcing traffic laws. Misconceptions about the use of the cameras have some people questioning why they are being used by Kewanee Police. The Chief and Deputy Chief assure the public that the LPR's are simply in place for the purpose of tracking stolen vehicles, fleeing suspects, or determining if a dangerous or wanted suspect has passed by one of these License Plate Readers. The cameras can be used to create investigative timelines determining if a suspect vehicle passed an LPR at a particular time of day. You can hear the Chief and Deputy Chief explain the use of and the value of License Plate Readers in this Wake Up Tri-Counties interview.
On Monday, Brenda Streit, Courtney Cinnamon, and Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about volunteers at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Volunteer Services is always looking for new volunteers to help out in various places throughout the hospital. It's a chance for retired people or young people looking to log volunteer hours. It's a chance to work with the public and be part of the team at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center that helps to care for the community. If you have interest in becoming a volunteer at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, get in touch with Brenda Streit, Volunteer Coordinator at OSF at (815) 876-2254.
Mayor Inman returns to the K100 studios for an extra-length discussion about some updates regarding projects happening in Macomb.
Today's topics include: updates on the upcoming Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment facilities, the solar farms that have been popping up around the community, Downtown Macomb Park N' Cruise, and a deep dive about the Fall 2024 Special Census in Macomb and the need for applicants for the temporary Field Representative positions during this census collection period.
For more information or to apply for the Field Representative positions, visit one of the links below:
Direct USAJOBS link: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/752213900Field Representative Information Page: https://www.census.gov/.../regional-community/community.html
The Boiler Shop with Russ Hughes and Sean talking about this week's results from Baseball, Softball and track.
Third Grade student Mia Padilla gives us The Good News about National Cinnamon Crescent Day. Yum!
The Henry County Farm Bureau will soon announce winners of Farm Bureau Scholarships. Henry County Farm Bureau's Katie Laleman joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Scholarships and encourage students to continue looking into Farm Bureau scholarships. Among those that the Farm Bureau is hoping to attract interest for is a Veterinary Scholarship, one encouraging people to enter the veterinary field, especially those interested in becoming a large animal Veterinarians. Katie also talked about upcoming events with the Farm Bureau including the Henry County Farm Bureau Golf Funday happening in August.
The Mayor of Kewanee, Gary Moore, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to talk about Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. The Mayor discussed issues related to Mill Creek and a potentially expensive fix of compliance with EPA standards related to Chloride Volumes. The Mayor says that the State of Illinois insists that Mill Creek is a navigable waterway and because of that, EPA standards require the City of Kewanee to enact potentially expensive fixes to repair the issue. That said, the Mayor tells WKEI that the plan is to pursue grants and other state funding to alleviate some of the cost from this fix. The Mayor also talked about several nuisance properties that are now set to be torn down.
Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the first patient to undergo Proton Therapy at the OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria. The first patient was a man from Princeton who traveled to Peoria to undergo this extraordinary new treatment that more directly attacks cancer cells with proton therapy as a opposed to traditional radiation which can't specifically target cancer cells. This innovation can't treat all cancers but it is proving to be innovative and effective on most types of cancer. Samantha Rux talked about Proton Therapy on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Sparks is joined by Savannah Ballard, the City of Macomb Marketing and Downtown Development Director, and Royce & Kiley Lee, the owners of Eras Vintage Resale and Rentals and first-place winners of the Macomb Small Business Competition.
Royce and Kiley talk about their experiences in the SBC, the process of renovating their bright green building on West Jackson, and plans for their business in the near future -- including a tentative opening month.
Keep up to date on their progress by following Eras Vintage Resale and Rentals on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
Week four of our Spring Sports Spectacular, The Boiler Shop with Sean Kernan and the voice of the Kewanee Boilermakers, Russ Hughes. This week we are talking about how weather has played havoc with the baseball, softball and track schedule for Kewanee this Spring. The few results we do have include the ever improving Kewanee Softball team starting to win, Kewanee baseball struggling, and stars emerging on the Kewanee Boys Track team. The Boiler Shop airs weekly, each Friday morning at 8:40 on RegionalMediaNews.com WKEI.
Braveheart CAC will host their 2nd Annual Superhero 5k run/walk on April 27th at Baker Park, Kewanee. The event starts at 10:00am. Kids too can join in on the fun at the complimentary superhero run at 11am, complete with goody bags. Attractions range from a bounce house to face painting, alongside local exhibitor booths sharing resources. Several categories from under 9's to 70's and above have the chance to bag awards. Join in for a cause, dress as your favorite superhero, and enjoy an action-packed day, April 27th, 2024.
Linda Blair from the Kewanee Area United Way was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday to talk about their Shoes for Kids initiative. The Kewanee Area United Way is teaming up with several local businesses to make sure local kids have shoes to wear to school. The need is greater than you think with the United Way setting a goal of filling 200 applications for new shoes, more than 200 pairs of shoes are being purchased. The Kewanee Area United Way has committed a substantial funding, pledging to match up to $6000 in donations. The program aims to distribute 200 pairs of shoes initially, with plans for expansion. Donations are welcomed at KAUW.org or by dropping by the United Way office at the Henry County Senior Center.
This week on The Good News, 3rd Grader Adi Guerrero taught us about National Inspiring Joy Day.
Join the 22Mohawks Illinois chapter for their annual 5K Run/Ruck/Walk, Saturday, May 4th, supporting veteran and first responder suicide prevention. The event, located at the Sterling Township building, promises face painting, food, games and more. All proceeds will support the ongoing mission of helping veterans, first responders, and their families within the Illinois community.
The new Executive Director of the Kewanee Schools Foundation, Jeff Johnson, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to talk about upcoming events with the Kewanee Schools Foundation. Johnson, who took over from Liz Breedlove earlier this year, talked about the Foundation and it's mission and members and promoted the fact that graduation is around the corner and the Foundation has raised funds for a number of scholarships now available to Seniors at Kewanee High School. He also talked about the upcoming 100th Anniversary Concert for the Kewanee band, taking place on May 11th and other fundraising efforts on the part of the Kewanee Schools Foundation.
Kara Sahagian from the Macomb Park District returns to the K100 Studios to talk about some upcoming events for the Park District, including their Foos For Families event on Sunday, April 7th at the WIU Rec Center from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
It'll be a fun day where teams will have the opportunity to compete in a human foosball tournament until a winning team is crowned and their names are etched onto the trophy. Registration is $30 for a team of 6-8, with 100% of proceeds benefitting the children and families served at The Center for Youth and Family Solutions.
Registration is open today until Thursday, and you can get your team registered at https://macombparkdistrict.activityreg.com/ClientPage_t2.wcs or by calling (309) 833-4562.
For more information about this or other Macomb Park District events, visit their Facebook page or macombparkdistrict.com.
Who was the first Chicago Cubs player to hit a home run? How about the first to pitch a no-hitter? Too easy? How about the first Chicago Cub to get a hit during a night game at Wrigley Field? Or the first to win a Gold Glove? The first Cubs MVP winner? If you don't know the answer to these questions, fear not, author Al Yellon is here to help. He's compiled a brand new book called "Cubs Firsts" with a bar-bet winning list of the first Chicago Cubs to achieve baseball milestones, both well-known and obscure, like the first Chicago Cub to steal home plate or the first Chicago Cub to get a bunt single. Al Yellon was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Recently the Kewanee Education Association traveled to Springfield to help set the legislative agenda for Illinois Educators. The annual meeting of the Illinois Education Association is an opportunity for district representatives from around the State of Illinois to have have a voice in setting policy priorities for the Illinois Education Association. Ruth Kapacinskas of the Kewanee Education Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties recently to talk about the IEA Annual Meeting and the priorities set forth on behalf of Illinois educators.
Welcome to The Boiler Shop, our weekly update on Kewanee Sports. This week, Sean and Russ Hughes catch up on Kewanee Track Results, Kewanee Baseball and Softball results, and Russ takes a few minutes to reflect on our recent Kewanee Back When look back at the 1971 Kewanee Boilermakers. Russ recalled not just the heroes of 1971 but also several other notable Kewanee sports heroes from the 90s and early 2000's Kewanee Boilermakers teams.
If you enjoy using real eggs as Easter Eggs for an Easter Egg Hunt, the Henry and Stark County Health Department has a few tips for you to enjoy your eggs safely. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department gave us tips on Egg safety and talked about upcoming initiatives at the Health Department including national public health week, starting next week, and an upcoming special on Lab Work through First Choice Healthcare Clinic. The Lab Work special is a way to encourage more people to get lab work done as part of preventative care.
On Sunday, OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and OSF Saint Clare Medical Center began celebrating Doctors Week. All this week on social media and at each hospital, OSF Healthcare will be celebrating doctors. From your general surgeons to your family practice doctors to those who give their time to be a tele-hospitalist, this week is dedicated to those who have worked hard to become healers. Doctors Week at OSF Healthcare will celebrate all doctors and give you the chance to celebrate your favorite doc on social media. Keep an eye out for your doctor to be featured on OSF Saint Luke and OSF Saint Clare's social media.
Kewanee Kiwanis Pancake Day is set for April 6th at the Kewanee United Methodist. Kiwanis Pancake Day is a tradition over 70 years and it continues to be the most important fundraiser of the year for Kewanee Kiwanis. Jolene Efnor and Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this morning to talk about Pancake Day, what it means for the community, and how it helps kids learn about serving their community. This year, for $10.00, you can pick up, dine in, or drive thru for your Pancake Day breakfast, starting at 7 AM.
The Boiler Shop is our brand new Kewanee sports show featuring the voice of the Kewanee Boilermakers, Russ Hughes. This week, Russ and Sean are talking about a historic moment in local basketball with both, Kewanee and Wethersfield seeking a new Head Basketball Coach. Recently Coach Matt Clark and Coach Tom McGunnigall, stepped down, resigning their positions as Coach of Kewanee and Wethersfield Head Basketball Coaches. Then Russ recounted the week that was in Kewanee Baseball, Softball, and Track. It's all part of The Boiler Shop every Friday at 8:40 AM on WKEI.
The Director of the Kewanee Park District, Andrew Dwyer, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming events with the Kewanee Park District. These include weekend events for Easter and the upcoming sign up for Baseball. Last season, more than 350 kids played baseball with the Kewanee Park District and more are expected to play this year. Then, we closed our conversation with the Director of Kewanee Parks by talking about the long term strategic plan for the Kewanee Park District which includes several improvements coming this year and several long term goals going beyond this year. Hear all about it in this conversation on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
On Wednesday, March 20th, Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI in primetime to deliver the State of the City speech.
The Kewanee Boilermakers went to the state playoffs in 1971 at a time when there weren't four different classes. The tournament encompassed the whole state and small teams played big teams in a time before the big teams became too big to compete with anything other than other big teams. The 1971 Kewanee Boilermakers played one exciting game after another, all broadcast on WKEI. Thanks to Kewanee Radio Legend, Larry Flannery, clips from those 1971 Kewanee basketball playoff run have been provided and are part of this edition of Kewanee Back When, our very own March Madness, Kewanee's 1971 Basketball Playoff Run.
The Kewanee School Board met on Monday evening at Kewanee High School. During the meeting, the School District honored athletes and actors alike as the School District shined a light on the ongoing accomplishments of the Group Interpretation team that has earned a trip to State Competition this weekend and honored fall athletes who accomplished so much through the end of last year and the start of this year. Special attention was given to Brady Clark, outstanding Kewanee basketball star who could not attend Monday's meeting as he was busy representing Kewanee at the Iowa-Illinois Shootout at Augustana. Meanwhile, the news came out this week that Coach Matt Clark had resigned his position as Head Boys Basketball Coach. We asked Dr. Sullens about losing a very good Coach and searching for the next one.
Sparks is joined by Nan Crossman, the Executive Director for the Macomb Arts Center to talk about some of their upcoming events including:
-
MHS Jazz on the Square
- Sat, March 23 - 2 p.m.
- Intro to Improvisation Classes
- March 24 - May 4
- Kids Battle of the Brushes
- April 7 - 2 p.m.
- Rocky Rally: Kids' Rocky Design Vote
- April 13 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- MAC Bingo Bash
- April 13 - 7 p.m.
For more information about these events or to preorder your tickets, visit the Macomb Arts Center website or email info@macombartscenter.org.
More than 1.4 million Illinois residents suffer from some kind of Kidney Disease. March is Kidney Disease Awareness Month and Samantha Rux brought Award-Winning Dietitian Sara Umphleet to Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, March 18th, to talk about Kidney Disease. Kidney Disease has two primary causes, Diabetes and Stress. A poor diet can exacerbate these conditions and put more pressure on your kidneys, doing more damage. Your best bet is a better diet, one that a dietitian can help you set up. Sara takes appointments at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and once you have been diagnosed with a Kidney Disease, you will need to see her to learn about the kinds of foods that can help you manage your particular kind of Kidney Disorder. That said, if you're interested in preventing Kidney Disease, your first bet is to stay up to date on your blood tests and other labs. The second would be contacting Sara and discussing a diet that can help prevent Kidney Disorders. Sara explains far more in our Wake Up Tri-Counties conversation.
Ryan Montgomery is a country superstar on the rise. His new single and music video, Whiskey and Smoke, have been streamed and viewed on YouTube, millions of times. Whiskey and Smoke is a love song but the video adds another dimension, a chance for Ryan to honor a family legacy in firefighting. The video gives Ryan the chance to pay tribute to first responders while also expressing his soulful, romantic side in the lyrics. It's a great song and fans cannot get enough. We were lucky to get a chance to talk with Ryan Montgomery on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, March 15th, 2024.
The Boiler Shop debuted on Friday, March 15th, 2024. Russ Hughes and Sean Kernan will be talking Boilermakers Spring Sports every Friday at 8:40 AM. This week, Russ runs us through the recent Kewanee Track results. We talk briefly about the early season results for Kewanee Baseball and Softball. Plus, Sean promoted a special upcoming edition of Kewanee Back When that will feature some incredible Kewanee Sports history.
Cynthia Maxwell is the new Director of the Kewanee Public Library. Maxwell, the soon to be former director of the Streator Public Library, comes to the Kewanee Public Library with years of experience. We will be talking with Maxwell soon on WKEI. Meanwhile, the acting director of the Kewanee Public Library, our friend Sara Billiet, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday to announce the appointment of a new director and talk about upcoming book clubs including the Adult Book Club and the return of the of Science Book Club coming later this month.
Judge Joe McGraw is running for Congress in the Illinois 17th District. Judge McGraw is on the ballot on Tuesday, March 19th, running opposite Scott Crowl for the Republican nomination. The winner between McGraw and Crowl will face off against Congressman Eric Sorensen in November. Judge McGraw joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, March 15th, 2024, to talk about his trips to the southern border, his endorsements by members of law enforcement, and what he would like to see happen if he were elected to Congress in the 17th District.
Mental health is the subject of an Henry County Farm Bureau event happening on Thursday, March 16th. Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to talk about the event and remind everyone that mental health is a concern in any walk of life, including on the farm. Katie also discussed the March 16th Henry County Farm Bureau Seminar at Lavender Creek Winery featuring Ag Weather expert from Freeze-Notis Weather, Paul Otto, and many more events and initiatives coming up from the Henry County Farm Bureau.
Remi joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday with The Good News about Opening Umbrellas Indoors Day.
The City of Kewanee has signed a 5 year contract with Lakeshore Recycling Service to provide trash services to the City of Kewanee. In a tie vote broken by the Mayor himself, the contract was approved 3 to 2. Mayor Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, March 12th, to discuss the difficult choice he made in casting the deciding vote in approving the privatization of trash services. The Mayor also took time to address Air B N' B's in Kewanee, and newly reformed license fees. And, while the Mayor was with WKEI we announced that the Mayor will deliver his State of the City speech live on WKEI at 7 PM, on Wednesday, March 20th.
Tonight at Kewanee High School the Group Interpretation Team will perform Barbie in the Brockman Gymnasium as a precursor to their performance this weekend on the road in competition. And the team would love it if you turned out in support. The event gets underway at 6 PM in the gym and then you can shift over the Petersen Auditorium for another competitive performance from the talented teens at Kewanee High School. This morning on Wake Up Tri-Counties, stand out members of the Group Interpretation Team including Cooper Bates, Isaac Lynes, Laryn Conley, and Barbie herself, Bethany VanWassenhove joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to invite you to see Barbie performed by the Group Interpretation team for Free tonight at 6 PM.
It's a full studio today as Sparks is joined by both Macomb Mayor Mike Inman and Savannah Ballard from the City of Macomb Marketing and Downtown Development Office to talk about the Small Business Competition Big Pitch event on Thursday, March 21st at Park Place in Macomb starting at 6:00 p.m.
It's all been building to this as the prospective business owners have been hard at work after attending the workshops, and now they'll making their pitches to a panel of experienced judges who will determine the three prize winners.
For more information about the Small Business Competition, contact Savannah at sballard@cityofmacomb.com or call her at (309) 575-3015.
It's National Athletic Trainers Month and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is celebrating one of their own in Emma Corkill, who joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, along with Samantha Rux, to talk about what an Athletic Trainer does and the role she plays at Kewanee High School in the sports department. Emma partners with Coaches and staff to teach student athletes about weight training, injury prevention, and, after an injury, how to train safely for a return to the field. Emma works year round with numerous student athletes and she talked about her experience this morning with Wake Up Tri-Counties.
The new movie Imaginary is in theaters nationwide this weekend. The film follows a woman, played by DeWanda Wise, and her new family who move to New Orleans to live in her childhood home. There, she finds a teddy bear from her childhood and gives it to her new stepdaughter. What the woman doesn't know is that the Teddy Bear is imbued with an angry spirit, eager to take revenge on his former owner by harming the little girl. Tom Payne co-stars in Imaginary as the new husband of DeWanda's Jessica, and he joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, March 8th, 2024, opening day in theaters for Imaginary, to talk about the movie, the horror genre, his time as Jesus on The Walking Dead, and his time working in theater.
Carrie and Danielle dropped by Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to promote Quarter Madness this Friday night. Doors open at 5:30 at the Kewanee Elks Lodge and the fun and excitement of Quarter Madness begins at 6:30 PM. You can buy Gold and Platinum Paddles which will get you in on every auction throughout the evening or get a white paddle and use your quarters to place your bid on the stuff you really want at Quarter Madness. Carrie and Danielle gave us a rundown of the awesome lineup of items up for grabs on Friday night in our Wake Up Tri-Counties conversation but you find out more about the items and where to get your paddles, Platinum or Gold, in our interview from Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Our young friend Remy joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday with The Good News about National Oreo Cookie Day.
It's been a little while, but Jock Hedblade from Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia is back in the studio to talk about the highly-anticipated unveiling as the Downtown Macomb Square turns into the "World's Largest Monopoly Game" on May 9th, 2024.
It'll be a fun day as the brand-new Monopoly-styled game piece statues are revealed and the new Macombopoly app is launched, allowing everyone to play the game and learn about the popular game and it's inventor, Macomb native Lizzie Magie.
Jock also dishes some early details about this year's Heritage Days, including the musical acts that will be performing during the celebration.
For more information about or how to get involved with the Macombopoly project, call the Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (309) 833-1315 or check out their website - visitforgottonia.com.
The planning stage is well underway for the important summer program, Let's Feed Our Children.
Available now wherever you stream or rent movies is the new documentary Runaway Radio. This is a fascinating look at the radio business of the 70s and 80s, a wild west time period where big personalities and big promotional budgets were the norm. And there is no better microcosm of radio in the 70s and 80s than Houston, Texas, home to the legendary station, KLOL, an outlaw station that slowly went mainstream but not before it became an iconic part of the Houston community. Through remarkable archive footage and interviews with the people who were part of the history as it was made, director Mike McGuff has opened a time capsule of the 70s and 80s unlike any other. Mike McGuff talked about Runaway Radio with Wake Up Tri-Counties last week.
The folks at Galva Ready to Grow demonstrated the power of their fundraising ability at the most recent Galva City Council Meeting. The community group raised $4000 dollars that was delivered to the City of Galva this week. The money raised will go toward the placing of a Handicap Swing at Wiley Park in Galva. The money raised is just the start the for the Handicap Swing plan which the Mayor says may not get done this year but is a project that is in the works. The Mayor then took us through the rest of Monday's Galva City Council Meeting and you can hear all about it in our Wake Up Tri-Counties conversation.
The big topic coming out of Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting was the decision to table a vote over whether or not to outsource trash collection in the City of Kewanee to a private company. The company was not present at the meeting to answer questions regarding a potential contract. This led to the proposal being tabled until representatives appeared at the meeting. Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss why the City of Kewanee is considering contracting for trash collection service to a private company. The Mayor also addressed concerns regarding current sanitation department employees. According to the Mayor, any deal that would contract out the trash collection service would also guarantee that current sanitation workers would be transferred to new jobs within the Public Works Department. The Mayor also addressed concerns about the Transfer Station and stated that the Transfer Station would remain open and operational.
It's a Leap Year and our friend Raegan from Irving School Third Grade joined us with The Good News about Leap Day, February 29th, 2024.
Bailey Fergison NWMSU Dance Coach is the former special events and marketing manager for Maryville Parks and Rec. We talked about her transition to the University, her full ownership of Bearcat Boogie Dance Studio and her plans for the future of the NWMSU dance squad.
Coach Webb talks about the Hounds 50-0 victory over Chillicothe and this Fridays Game with St. Pius X in the Hound Pound. Broadcast on KVVL With Video on the stations FB Page.
Sparks is joined by Dave King, the Executive Director for the Prairie Land Conservancy to talk about the history of the PLC, their efforts to conserve the wilderness areas in Western Illinois, and their upcoming 7th Annual Extending the Prairie Table Fundraising Dinner.
The event will take place on September 30th at the Macomb Field House at 254 South Collins Ave starting at 5:00 p.m. There'll be hors d'oeuvres, drinks, live music provided by Dick and Joe Marcott, and a Silent Auction featuring items from local artists and craftspeople. Tickets are $75 per person, including drink tickets and a year membership to the Prairie Land Conservancy. All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Wigwam Hollow Bird Sanctuary Public Access Project.
For more information about the Extending the Table Fundraiser Dinner, call (309) 833-4747 or visit www.prairielandconservancy.org.
The Stark County Fall Festival is on September 16th and 17th at Thomas Park in Wyoming, Illinois
The Great Northwest Wine Fest is a yearly fundraising event for Northwest Enterprise Fisilation, an organization which helps local small business. This is a huge event showcasing local wine and liquor producers. The event has many local venders including food, crafts and so much more. This event also has day loong musical entertainment with local bands and solo performers.
Northwest Tech School offers a ton of personal enrichment classes. Everything from Beekeeping 101 to EMT training. Go back to school for career advancement or take a personal enrichment class to learn a new hobby. Remember, if you're not learning you're not living!
Illinois State Representative Brad Fritts was in early this morning to give an update on all his summer ventures into the communities' he serves.
The A & W Titans defeated Rushville-Industry 29 to 20. Tom McGunnigal and Tyler Nichols with the Titans Postgame Podcast.
Kewanee wins 41 to 0. Russ Hughes talks to players and coaches about the Kewanee victory.
Dallas Knack and Kevin Larsen were in to talk about Sauk Valley Community College hosting an Ag Career Fair and Expo on Thursday, September 14th. The expo will take place in the West and Dillon Malls from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Trista Grossnickle, ARNP, PMHNP-BC talks about Suicide Awareness and Prevention and talks about the many options for care at Clarinda Regional Health Center
Janna stopped in today to chat about some great upcoming fall events, and a short review of the summer.
With Summer winding down, the Fall Festivals are ramping up. The Burlington Junction Farmers Fall Festival is Friday and Saturday September 8th and 9th in burlington Junction Missouri.
After a 41-14 loss to Blair Oaks to open the season, the Maryville Spoofhounds come back strong against Harrison with a 50-12 victory over Harrisonville. Here is the Coaches Take on the victory.
Kewanee City Councilman Steve Faber is recovering from a remarkable surgery. Earlier this year, Steve Faber went into the hospital for a rare Double Lung Transplant, a costly and life altering surgery. Steve has thus far survived and is now working toward coming home. But, he is also still looking at a remarkable financial toll. That's why his friends have put together a benefit which will take place on Saturday, September 9th, at The Flemish American Club. The benefit will feature an auction, a pie auction, and a raffle for many different prizes and prize baskets. One of the big highlights is a chance to get a Tim Bryner carved Owl, a gorgeous piece that will be much sought after. Kathy Hand is one of the organizers of the event and she joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this morning on WKEI.
The first in what is hoped to become an annual event, the Kewanee Hispanic Heritage Celebration is set to take place on Saturday, September 23rd, at The End Zone Sports Bar on 3rd Street in Kewanee. Jessica Fornander and Juana Ponce joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to promote the event. They tell us that there will be live music as well as a D.J, incredible food and vendors. If you're someone who would like to be a vendor you can contact the Kewanee Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Facebook to be part of the event on September 23rd.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is now providing services for Eyecare patients in Kewanee. Dr. Stephen Eyler joined Samantha Rux on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the kinds of Eye Surgery that will now be available in Kewanee. This includes Cataract Surgery and Dr. Eyler took some time to talk to WKEI about Cataract Surgery, what causes Cataracts, what is the treatment, and what other kinds of surgeries are available to patients in need of Eye Care beyond the usual vision tests or whether or not you need glasses.
We support 23 local nonprofits and handle the fun stuff like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and the not-so-fun things
Hospice and April House. 1 out of every 3 people in Whiteside County are impacted by the programs we support.
The A & W Titans came up just short in a tough fight against the Stark County Rebels on Friday night. The game hinged one big decision by Coach Tony Gripp. With just over 2 minutes to go, the Titans scored a touchdown to bring the score to 21 to 20 in favor of Stark County. Coach Gripp made the bold decision to go for two but it did not go the way the Titans had hoped. Stark County's defense stacked up the Titans at the goal line and kept a 1 point lead. The Rebels defense then held off one more late charge by the Titans to win the game 21 to 20. After the game, Bob McKee and Tim Carstens talked about a close but tough loss for the Titans who fall to 1 and 1 on the season. Stark County moves to 2 and 0 on the year with the win.
The Kewanee Boilermakers defeated Erie Prophetstown 28 to 0 on Friday, September 1st, 2023. Following the game, Russ Hughes and Jeremy Peart ran down the stats, the upcoming schedule for the Boilermakers, and had to chance to chat with stars of the game Alex Duarte and Brady Clark as well as Coach Matt Taylor about moving to 2 and 0 on the season.
The I.R.S is more than just the people who handle your tax issues, they also work diligently to keep you safe from scam artists. They do this by staying on top of what scams are out there and warning you not to get caught up in them. Lauren Winebrenner from the I.R.S spoke to Wake Up Tri-Counties about the latest scams that criminals are using to try and take your money or your identity and how you can avoid them. We also talked to Lauren about special tax rebates specifically for educators who are going above and beyond in the classrooms. Teachers who are buying supplies for students are eligible for a $300.00 tax rebate and Lauren explains how to make sure teachers can take advantage of this tax incentive. Finally, don't forget, for those who filed for an extension on filing their taxes in 2023, the next tax deadline is October 15th, 2023.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department Environmental Services Department will be meeting with vendors leading up to Kewanee Hog Days this weekend. The goal is to certify that the vendors you are buying from this weekend are meeting the standards set forth in code at the Health Department. You can be assured that if a vendor is open at Hog Days they have been cleared by the Health Department as providing a safe product. In other news, it's official, The Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare are coming to Toulon. The Health Department will be opening a clinic location to server residents of Stark County. The new location is in progress though no opening date has been set as yet.
Buddy Walk, a nationwide charity that supports people with Down Syndrome, is now being brought to Kewanee for an event this October. Kali Stoops is one of the organizers of Buddy Walk Kewanee and she joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, August 31st to explain the concept behind Buddy Walk and her personal connection via her daughter, Lottie, the inspiration for bringing Buddy Walk to Kewanee. You can take part and help support those with Down Syndrome by going to the Buddy Walk Kewanee Facebook page and getting registered to participate. They're also accepting volunteers as well. Buddy Walk Kewanee is set for October 14th, in Windmont Park.
Greg talks about the phase 1 of the South Main project, bids for phase 2, and the ribbon cutting ceremony
Mayor Inman returns to the studio to talk about City of Macomb business including the Community Development Block Grant; updates on the renovations and upgrades occurring in the Public Works Department, namely the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Water Treatment Plant, as well updates on the road resurfacing projects.
Mayor Inman also discusses the success of the Downtown Block Party that took place on August 25th, and looks forward to the upcoming Community Walkthrough with the WIU students.
To stay up to date on events happening in Macomb, visit the City of Macomb and Downtown Macomb Facebook pages.
Coach Webb Looks at Last Fridays game with Blair Oaks, and talks about this weeks game with Harrisonville
The Galva City Council met on Monday evening and Mayor Rich Volkert joined WKEI on Wednesday morning to talk about the meeting. A vigorous disagreement emerged during Monday's meeting over a proposal regarding regulating what and where parking and storage can be done on residential property. More than 100 residents signed a petition opposing the regulation which to this point was only a discussion item. The Mayor also talked about ongoing projects, the huge success of The Back Road Music Festival and upcoming events in the City of Galva.
The Kewanee City Council met on Monday night and on Tuesday, Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Monday's meeting. In our conversation, the Mayor welcomed a new member to our Kewanee Police Department. Lauren Roof was sworn in on Monday evening during the Kewanee City Council Meeting. In new business, the Mayor discussed needed repairs at the North Water Treatment, as well as bids for sidewalk repair in the City, and new vehicles for both the Kewanee Police Department and the Kewanee Fire Department.
Late fees are waived and teams can now sign up to play in Mr. T's 3 on 3 Hoop Jam on Saturday, September 2nd, all the way up to tip off. Harry Russell, one of the organizers of the Mr T's 3 on 3 Hoop Jam, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday morning to get the word out that you can still get your team into the three on three. Kids teams are especially urged to sign up and help fill the brackets this weekend. Harry Russell talked to WKEI about organizing the tournament and paying tribute to Hoopla, the three on three tournament that used to be held in Kewanee years ago. Sign up is open right up until tip off Saturday morning in Northeast Park. Details are available on the Mr T's Three on Three Hoop Jam Facebook page.
Macomb Police Chief Jeff Hamer returns to the studio to talk about some helpful extreme heat tips, as well as advice for new and returning WIU students.
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be escorted into Rock Falls starting at approximately 10 am. The public is encouraged to line up along 1st Avenue in Rock Falls for the procession of the Wall. Veterans who would like to be in the procession are encouraged to contact Rock Falls Tourism for more details at 815-622- 1106.
Visitors may view the Wall at the RB&W District (201 East 2nd Street, Rock Falls) 24 hours a day beginning at approximately 2 pm on Thursday, August 31st through Monday, September 4th at 8 am.
Jared Luke and Kate Harrison from Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing in Maryville talk about all the benefits of working for Kawasaki in Maryville. We discussed the starting wage and the overnight shift differential which is over four dollars an hour, benefits including company picnic's and appreciation dinners to name a few!
The Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association is coming to Kewanee on September 8th for an unusual fundraiser. Ryan Arch with the IL Land Improvement Contractors Association spoke with Sean Kernan on Friday, August 25th, about the Area 3 - Trap Shoot & Golf Outing taking place at Baker Park on September 8th, 2023. On the show, Ryan walked us through what the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association does and what he does for the organization as someone who works to promote the ideas and causes supported by members of the IL Land Improvement Contractors.
The event kicks off with a morning trap shoot (50 clays) at the Izaak Walton League Trap-Skeet Grounds, followed by lunch at Baker Park Golf Course. At noon, the 18-hole golf outing kicks off with a chance to win door prizes, cash hole prizes, and a 50/50 raffle. After golf, the event wraps up at the clubhouse with awards announcements and a grill-your-own dinner (steak, chicken or porkchop options available). Anyone can participate; ILICA membership not required. Full event registration includes trap shoot, lunch, golf, and dinner for only $105! Partial registration options are available, as well.
For more information, please visit www.illica.net/events or call Illinois LICA at (309) 932-1230.
Louise Palanker is a visionary in the history and evolution of podcasting as a business. She founded the Premiere Radio Network which then became part of the I-Heart-Radio Network. She has since then used her clout and talent to create what she wanted whether it was a documentary on the 1960s band, The Cowsills or pursuing her love of classic television via a wildly popular podcast called Media Path which has allowed her to pursue numerous passions including interviewing some of the most famous and fascinating figures in pop culture history. Louise Palanker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday with tips for aspiring podcasters and for updates on her projects and various fascinations.
There has been an increase in the number of reported COVID-19 cases in the Henry and Stark County area recently and the Henry and Stark County Healthy Department is monitoring the numbers. That said, there are no new mandates coming. RaeAnn Tucker with the Henry and Stark County Health Department tells WKEI that they want people to be aware of the uptick in cases so that they can make informed decisions on their own. It's recommended that people with immune deficiencies take extra precautions if they plan to be out in large groups of people but there is no mask mandate. Meanwhile, Flu season is around the corner and the Henry and Stark County Health Department will be announcing drive thru Flu Shot Clinics in the next few weeks.
The New Nodaway Humane Society recently received a large sum of money for their operation. Wendy Combs talks about where the money came from and how it will be put to use at the shelter.
The Kewanee Public Library has big plans for the upcoming Hog Days Weekend. Even before Hog Days begins, there will be a celebration of the history of the Pig in America. Illinois Road Scholar Cynthia A. Clampett will be at the Kewanee Public Library on Wednesday, August 30th at 6 PM for a presentation called "Wild Boar to Baconfest: Pigs in History and Pop Culture." It's a free presentation for anyone who'd like to take part and learn more about the history and popularity of Pigs ahead of Hog Days weekend. The library will be closed from Saturday through Monday of Kewanee Hog Days. Part of the reason why is that the Library will have a float in the 2023 Kewanee Hog Days Parade for the first time since before the Pandemic. And, of course, one of the highlights of EVERY Hog Days Weekend, the Friends of the Kewanee Public Library Book Sale is back for 2023. Sara Billiet tells us that it will once again run from 7 AM to 11 AM on Saturday, September 2nd in the parking lot of Johnson Appliance. Here all of that and more in our interview with Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library.
Tabby Whitebread, BSN, RN, Assistant Nurse Manager of Primary Care at CGH Medical Center Clinics. She talked about the New & Expanded Services at CGH Ready Care to better serve you!
Coach Webb will visit the Breakfast Club Wednesday Mornings at 7 am through the high school football season to give his take on the previous Friday Night Game, along with his views on that weeks game.
In March of this year, it was announced that Matt Taylor would be the new Head Football Coach of the Kewanee Boilermakers. Since that day, Coach Taylor has worked tirelessly to get his team ready for their first season under his leadership. That hard work culminates this Friday night at Sherrard High School with the kick off of the 2023 Football season. Every Kewanee Football game in 2023 will be carried live on WKEI RegionalMediaNews.com 1450 AM and 100.1 FM and our announcer via Kewanee High School is Russ Hughes. Russ was kind enough to sit down with Coach Taylor for a conversation about the upcoming season that was featured on the Wednesday, August 23rd edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI.
Nan Crossman returns to the studios to chat with Sparks about the upcoming Macomb Arts Center (MAC) Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 26 at 7:00 p.m.
The MAC is celebrating two anniversaries this year -- the 20th anniversary since the incorporation of the Regional Arts Center Initiative (later West Central Illinois Art Center), as well as the 15th anniversary of the property at 25 East Side Square, now known as the Macomb Arts Center.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and a presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. detailing the past, present, and future for the MAC. This event is free and open to the public, with hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a cash bar.
For more information, visit the Macomb Arts Center Facebook page or give them a call at (309) 836-2782.
The Kewanee School Board met on Monday evening at Kewanee High School's Petersen Auditorium. Dr. Chris Sullens, Kewanee School District Superintendent, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023, to discuss the events of Monday's meeting including updates on the start of the school year, a discussion of the start of Fall Sports, and a discussion of the ongoing mediation between the Kewanee School District and the Kewanee Education Association, representing Kewanee Teachers. Teachers in Kewanee are currently working without a contract while awaiting mediation which the Kewanee School District called for last week. We asked Dr. Sullens about the stand off between Teachers and the School Board this morning.
The Kewanee Park District is holding a Special Meeting on Friday, August 25th, 2023, at 2 PM. At that meeting there will be a discussion of plans to for an upcoming OSLAD Grant. The plan includes plans for a Splash Pad at Liberty Park and that will be discussed during that meeting. Andrew Dwyer Director of the Kewanee Park District joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023, to talk about the plans and design for a potential Splash Pad in Kewanee. It's a busy month for the Parks Department and we also discussed the many events now happening at Kewanee Parks.
The month of August is Kids Eat Right Month. Just in time for Back to School, it's the best time for Kids Eat Right Month, a month dedicated to helping parents and kids make healthy food choices. Sara Umphleet, Dietitian at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, along with Samantha Rux, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties with tips for parents and kids on making sure you are aiding your child's brain health with a healthy diet. Among the things to know, Breakfast for kids is urgently important. Getting a range of nutrition and a full stomach before school is key to helping your child be focused and learn more while in school. These tips and more as part of Kids Eat Right Month, are part of our Wake Up Tri-Counties conversation with OSF Saint Luke Medical Center.
The Bishop Hill Chatauqua is set to take place Saturday and Sunday, August 26th and 27th, in Bishop Hill. The annual Chatauqua features re-enactors playing the role of historic figures and telling researched histories of their lives while also answering questions in character. Todd Dedecker with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about this weekend's events and the incredible performers who will be part of this weekend's events including Brian Fox Ellis as Meriweather Lewis, of Lewis and Clark fame, Fritz Klein as President Abraham Lincoln, and Paula Vankuen singing and performing as Swedish legend, Jenny Lind. The events on Saturday and Sunday are free aside from a special performance on Saturday evening. Details in our interview with Todd Dedecker from the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.
Relay for Life is taking place on Saturday night from 6 PM to 10 PM. The entire community is invited to come and walk with survivors and families affected by cancer while help raising funds for the American Cancer Society. There will be a Survivor's Lap and, of course, the annual Luminaria will be lit in honor of those who have passed away from Cancer. You can purchase a Luminaria at the Relay for Life or by contacting Relay for Life of Henry County on Facebook. Nichelle Morey is one of the organizers of Relay for Life and she joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to invite everyone to come and help raise funds in the fight against Cancer.
What do you do if you find a bat inside your home? Your instinct might be to catch it and release it or even try to kill it. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department however advises against each of those options. Instead, you should contact a professional animal control officer to take the bat in case it needs to be tested for rabies. The chance of you getting rabies from a bat is remarkably slim but it can happen. Without the bat that bit you however, determining if you need rabies treatment could be delayed and cost you important time. Contact someone who knows how to take in a bat. Make sure that if the bat did bite you that the living bat is available to be tested immediately. These are important steps in preventing the very unlikely chance that you or someone you care about gets rabies.
The latest edition of the Cambridge News with Connie Johnson from the Village of Cambridge!
Bailey Ferguson is leaving Maryville Parks and Rec. The Breakfast Club talks with Bailey on the day before she leaves for greener pastures.
Frank H. Craig touched a lot of lives when he was at Wethersfield. Having been there from the earliest days of the start of the school, Mr. Craig fostered generations of Wethersfield students even after his retirement and through his passing in 1945. Part of Mr. Craig's legacy are what have come to be called the Craig Alumni, a class reunion that was first centered upon those who had graduated under the guidance of Mr. Craig. After a time, the Craig Alumni became a very special reunion aimed at people who had reached 50 years since their graduation from Wethersfield. Each year, aside from the COVID years, the Craig Alumni would gather to welcome another batch of 50 year grads of Wethersfield and in 2023 the Wethersfield Class of 1973 will be the latest to join their ranks. On this edition of Kewanee Back When our friend Dave Clarke remembers Frank H. Craig and the people who carried on his legacy of education and generosity.
Tony stopped by for a short visit to talk about Kunes Auto Group on being The Presenting Sponsor for Chicago Bears Football on WSDR.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, August 15th, 2023. Mayor Moore joined WKEI to discuss Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. At the meeting, the City of Kewanee heard a presentation from Kewanee Chamber of Commerce Director Mark Mikenas that celebrated the fact that Kewanee Retail Sales Numbers have reached record numbers and have gone up each of the last three years. Also on Monday night, the Kewanee City Council approved plans for a new rooftop unit for Kewanee City Hall and approved the purchase of an Excavator. There was a great deal of discussion regarding the Excavator but the council ended up approving the purchase based on the potential time and money savings that could come from the purchase. As Mayor Moore states in our interview, the cost of renting the equipment or hiring an outside company to do the work outpaces the amount that the City will spend long term having it's own excavator. There is also a time saving element as not having to wait for equipment to be available or having to wait for an outside company, work can get done much quicker having the equipment already on hand.
Sparks chats with Savannah Ballard, the Marketing and Downtown Development Director for the City of Macomb about her time in her position with the city as well as the upcoming Downtown Macomb Block Party on Friday, August 25th from 4:30 to 6:30 in Chandler Park.
For more information about the Block Party or to request a vender booth, contact Lauren Merritt at the Macomb Chamber of Commerce at (309) 575-3092 or by email at info@macombareachamber.com.
For more information about events in Downtown Macomb, contact Savannah Ballard at sballard@cityofmacomb.com or call (309) 575-3015.
It's back to school time and kids have new backpacks that they are filling up for the first and not the last time. Brea Cinnamon with OSF Saint Luke Medical Center wants parents to take a closer look at your child's backpacks to make sure they are packed safely. Over packing, too much weight or incorrect weight distribution can cause long term health issues, everything from bad posture to back pain down the road can come from carrying a too heavy backpack earlier in life. Brea joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about backpack safety and back to school health.
The organization 22 Mohawks is raising awareness of Suicide Prevention among veterans. But they are doing far more than that, they are looking to reduce the number of Veteran Suicides through a more direct and wonderful intervention. 22 Mohawks is dedicated to helping give back purpose to the lives of veterans through Dogs. 22 Mohawks sets veterans up with a new best friend and it has proven to be the most incredible lifeline for Veterans suffering from PTSD or those lost in the despair of depression or loneliness in the wake of leaving the military. Dave and Stacey from 22 Mohawks are helping to save lives, bottom line, and they are bringing that life saving message to Sterling on Saturday, August 12th by participating in a 5K with Sterling Veteran and organizer Sgt Floyd Dunn. The 22 Mohawks Illinois 5K Running for Veteran SuicideAwareness will step off from New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling at 8 AM on Saturday, August 12th, and you can still register to participate all the way up to 15 minutes before things get underway. Proceeds from the event go to support the work of 22 Mohawks in uniting veterans with dogs as well as parachuting trips that help improve their mental health and raise awareness of suicide prevention. In fact, on September 3rd, Sgt. Floyd Dunn is organizing a tandem parachuting event for Sterling to further awareness of veteran suicide prevention. Why is the organization called 22 Mohawks? Dave tells the story in our interview on WSDR. If you'd like to show the depths of your support for Veterans you can run in the 5K and take it even further by getting your very own Mohawk haircut right before the 5K in Sterling on Saturday.
Wethersfield School District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Brooks was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday morning. Dr. Brooks joined WKEI to discuss Thursday's Wethersfield School Board Meeting which included a tour of the ongoing improvements at Wethersfield Elementary and High School. Dr. Brooks discussed the long term planning for the upgrades at Wethersfield and about the new meeting room at the school for the Wethersfield School Board. Dr. Brooks also talked about this year marking the 120th anniversary of the Blish Building and upgrades that are taking place at the Blish Building as well.
The Henry County Farm Bureau is preparing for a series of Farmland Assessment Seminars alongside State Representative Dan Swanson. Events in Macomb, Monmouth, Galesburg, and the Henry County Farm Bureau's own event at Lavender Crest Winery in Colona on August 22nd, will provide farmland owners or farm managers information to better understand how farmland assessments are calculated and the long-term impact of those values. Brenda Matherly, Director of Local Government Affairs with the Illinois Farm Bureau will be on hand doing a presentation and answering questions about Farmland Assessments. Contact the Henry County Farm Bureau if you'd like to attend.
The Kewanee Public Library will play host to historian Dean Karau tonight for a conversation about George Randall Parrish, famed Kewanee Author and a man with a checkered criminal past that has only recently come to light. Dean will talk about Parrish's unique history as a famous and respected author and as a man who ran a complicated check cashing scam prior to becoming famous. The event is happening tonight at 6 PM. Sara Billiet joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday to promote this event as well as more events coming to the Kewanee Public Library in August.
Dean Karau is a beloved local historian whose love for Kewanee is found in his rich and insightful writing on the history of the town. Dean is back in Kewanee this weekend, from August 10th to August 12th and doing presentations on Kewanee History each day he's here. Tonight, Thursday, August 12th, Dean is talking about the fascinating life story of local Kewanee legend, writer George Randall. Dean will be at the Library starting at 6 PM to talk about whether Randall's criminal past before becoming a famed writer, is something that should get him 'Cancelled.' On Friday, Dean is heading to Northeast Park where he will talk about Kewanee's history with Baseball. Dean's talk will start at 12:30 with lunch served at 12 Noon in the Northeast Park Shelter House. And then, on Saturday, Dean has a new Kewanee legend to talk about. Dean will be at the Kewanee Historical Society at 1 PM on Saturday to spread the legend of Kewanee's own Russell Trall Neville, one of the great Cave Photographers and historians in the country.
Dr. Lightfoot, Maryville School Superintendent talks about the start of the new school year, HS Sports and building improvements.
Farmers Market Wed & Sat 7-1pm. New vendors each day. Herbs, fresh vegetables, canes, fresh fruits, cotton candy, plants, honey, and more
Aug 26th. BIG DAY TO SHARE THE LOVE AND SHOP LOCAL! 9-1pm. 400 W 2nd street – Rock Falls. Lemonade, cookies, jewelry, salts, herbs, crocheted items, car freshies and sprays, honey, jigsaw puzzles and more. From 10-1pm we have a touch a truck! We will be joined by Johnsons Trucking with a sweet Semi, AM Disposal and American Quality Windows. Stop by the Rock Falls Farmers Market Local Fest and help us celebrate the amazing local business, farmers, crafters and more!!
Share the love again. Our Chamber Ambassadors are raising money for local families on Aug 29th. Our team will be at the Rock Falls Culvers from 5-8p helping serve up delicious food. A percentagte of the proceeds from 5-8 will go towards providing Christmas gifts this holiday season. The more money our ambassadors raise, the more local children, families and elderly people we help this holiday season. Aug 29th – 5-8, come have dinner with our team.
Sept 6th – you do not want to miss. This is going to be the BIG ONE!! Last MMM of the year. And there will be a lucky winner who takes it all. This is the final opportunity to enter our Biz boo sponsorship giveaway. The more people from your team who stop in, the more chances you have to win that $250 sponsorship, plus a $25 gift card! This will get your business on the Biz boo trick or treat fliers, recognized as an event sponsor on all of our social media, on our website and on poster hung in local businesses. Stop into the Rock Falls Community building Sept 6th from 11-1pm. We are at 601 W 10th St- Rock Falls. We will have lots of delicious food and we will be joined by our wonderful hosts.
Garage Sale Set 22-24. Reg is only $10, available online and RF Library now. Get on the map with 80+ others. Gain customers to your sale and clear your clutter! This event is hosted by a nonprofit so all proceeds go back into our community.
Detective Sgt. Brian Haars is the cold case detective for the Henry County Sheriff's Office. In his time with the Henry County Sheriff's Office he has become the lead investigator of the murder of Sandra Brown which occurred 45 years ago this week, August 8th, 1978. In that time, Detective Sgt. Haars has revisited witness statements, photos from the scene, aerial photos, and has sent several items to be tested for any potential DNA evidence. Sadly, these efforts have yet to reveal a suspect that can be definitively named as the person investigators believe, murdered Sandra Brown 45 years ago. Detective Sgt. Haars was kind enough to talk with Wake Up Tri-Counties about the Sandra Brown case and 45 years worth of evidence and unsuccessful leads. Among the details in our conversation with Brian Haars is the fact that famed FBI Profiler John E. Douglas was contacted by investigators in 1978 and provided a profile of the killer. Investigators are also known to have investigated the murder as potentially the work of a serial killer. Well known is the fact that Henry Lee Lucas was interviewed by Kewanee detectives about Sandra Brown. What you may not know is that Detective Sgt. Haars also investigated a potential link to another well known killer. The lead sadly did not lead anywhere but you can hear about this and more in our conversation from Wednesday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Rock Falls Rotary President Bob Sondgeroth and Sterling Noon President Nick Lareau to summarize the Broil and Boil fundraiser.
Sparks is joined by Todd Rodeffer and James Johnson of Youth For Christ to chat about Youth For Christ, the history of their organization, and their upcoming Ice Cream Social.
The Ice Cream Social will take place on August 11th from 6 to 9pm at their location in 1224 Maple Ave in Macomb. This event is open to the public, with regular and non-dairy ice creams available with a wide selection of toppings. Donations will be accepted, and all funds raised will go towards supporting teenagers involved with Youth For Christ in Macomb.
For more information on this event or Youth For Christ, call (309) 833-3026 or email them at contactyfcwi@gmail.com.
Samantha Rux and Melinda Shimmin were our guests on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, August 7th. Both were on hand to promote School and Sports Physicals at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. School is starting soon across the area and before your kids can go back, many will need to have a school physical. You can set up a school physical with your primary care provider or by contacting OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. Just as important as School Physicals, Sports Physicals are also available through OSF. If you have a member of your family competing in High School Sports, a sports physical is required before they can take part in school organized sports.
The charity organization P.C's for People is helping bridge the digital divide across the State of Illinois. For the past 20 years, P.C's for People has refurbished computers, laptops, and other internet capable devices and given them out to people in need. They've also been pivotal in finding low cost internet service options for people who have struggled to get connected. Now, P.C's for People is expanding operations across the State and they are coming to Kewanee for an event this month. Americorp Volunteer, Grace Clucas, working with the City of Kewnee, Black Hawk College, and the Kewanee Public Library, has helped to organize this event with P.C's for People and she joined WKEI on Monday morning, August 7th, to invite people to see if they qualify for a free refurbished P.C or if they might qualify for low cost or no cost internet service. The event is on August 22nd and you will need to qualify. You can make an appointment and check to see if you qualify by contacting Grace Clucas at graceclucas@gmail.com. And you can go to this link, via Black Hawk College, to register for the event.
Autumn Quimby visited The Breakfast Club to talk about the market, This weeks venders and how the market has grown since moving to downtown.
Kaylee Messner ARNP Family Medicine at Bedford Family Health visited to talk about rural health care and how CRHC provides that service
If the name Amy Redford sounds familiar that is because she is the daughter of famed actor, activist, and filmmaker Robert Redford. That aside, Amy is cutting her own path as a filmmaker in Hollywood. The latest steps on that path include a thrilling new drama called What Comes Around. The film stars Kyle Gallner, Summer Phoenix, and Grace Van Dien and it tells the story of a deeply inappropriate relationship between a 28 year old man and a young woman who just turned 17. That however, is only the beginning of what makes this romance problematic. What Comes Around is bracing and divisive and filled with contradictions that you really cannot tear yourself away from as you watch it. I highly recommend What Comes Around and I was very excited for the chance to talk to director Amy Redford about the inspiration for this terrific movie.
The month of August is Breastfeedling Awareness Month and the Henry and Stark County Health Department is making the public aware of Breastfeeding help that is available through the Health Department. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department spoke to Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, August 3rd, about the many health benefits of Breastfeeding for mothers and for babies, and about services through the health department that are available to new mothers with questions and concerns regarding breastfeeding.
Two big fundraising events for the Henry County Senior Center are happening next month. First up, on Labor Day Weekend, Hog Days Weekend, it's the annual Henry County Senior Center breakfast, Saturday, September 2nd at the Senior Center in Kewanee. That fundraiser will be followed one week later by the other biggest fundraiser of the year for the Henry County Senior Center, the annual Henry County Senior Center Golf Playday on September 9th at Midland Golf Course. Registration for the Golf Playday is open now and you can get signed up with your team to play by stopping by the Henry County Senior Center during regular business hours. There is also a need for Hole Sponsors for the Golf Playday. Contact the Senior Center if you'd like to have your business support the Senior Center. Proceeds from the fundraisers go to support the incredible Home Delivered Meal Program. Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, August 3rd to talk about the fundraising efforts for the Henry County Senior Center.
Maryville City Manager Greg McDanel talks about the various projects the city is involved in.
Dreamin' Wild was the name of a failed and forgotten record from a pair of brothers named Donnie and Joe Emerson. The self produced album, created in a makeshift studio built by their father on their vast family farm, briefly did find some traction in the music industry. It appeared, for a moment at least, that Donnie would have the chance to make it big. That never happened. Then, in 2008, a miracle happened. A man found the record and listened to it and immediately fell in love with it. He became an evangelist for this obscure, late 70s rock record and band. He helped get the record in front of studio executives who were equally enthusiastic about this incredibly obscure record. The record company tracked down Donnie and Joe and after decades of heartbreak over the failure of their record and Donnie's failed dream of being a recording artist, the Emerson Brothers were given the chance to do it all over again. That's the backstory of the new movie, based on the true story, written and directed by Bill Pohlad, the director of another music business masterpiece, Love & Mercy. I was lucky to chat with Bill Pohlad about Dreamin' Wild and getting to the heart of the crossroads between movies and music. Dreamin' Wild will be in limited theatrical release on August 4th and should soon after become available on many streaming rental platforms.
Tonight is National Night Out and, for the first time, this outreach event from Police to the general public, is being celebrated in Kewanee. Kewanee Police Department Deputy Chief Stephen Kijanowski joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, August 1st, to talk about what attendees can expect if they come to the National Night Out event tonight in Northeast Park, starting at 5 PM. For one thing, there will be a free swim in the pool at Northeast Park beginning at 6 PM. There will also be a demonstration by Kewanee Police K9 Officer Maverick and his handler. The Kewanee Police Department and the Henry County Sheriff's Office will each have their Drones at the event for a demonstration and hot dogs will be served as well.
OSF Prompt Care is available in Princeton at OSF Saint Clare Medical Center, directly across the street from the Saint Clare Emergency Room. Urgent Care is an important service for local hospitals. It serves as a needed way station between patients who are sick but aren't sure if things are so bad that they need to go to the Emergency Room. Getting people to go to Urgent Care instead of the Emergency Room helps to make sure that the E.R is only treating emergencies rather than serving the needs of patients who could wait to see doctor. Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, July 31st, to talk about the benefits of OSF Urgent Care, Prompt Care, and OSF Online Virtual Care services.
The first of what is hoped to become an annual event, the Mister T's 3 on 3 Hoop Jam is scheduled to take place on September 2nd at Northeast Park. Harry Russell is one of the organizers of the event and he joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday to invite people to register their teams. Multiple divisions will be open for Boys 1st grade the High School, Girls 5th Grade through High School, Adults 18 to 23, and Open ages for a mens 3 on 3. If you'd like to take part in Mister T's 3 on 3 Hoop Jam contact Harry Russell at 309-540-9640 or email yrrah80@yahoo.com. Early registration is $75.00 per team. After August 5th, it is $100.00 per team. Harry Russell was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, July 31st.
The Kewanee Salvation Army is holding a basement sale this weekend. It started on Friday and will continue on Saturday, July 29th with the basement at the Salvation Army opening at 10 AM. The basement sales don't usual occur on Saturday's so everyone is encouraged to take advantage of some terrific sale items at the Salvation Army this weekend. Meanwhile, Eddie tells WKEI that there is now grant money available to people in need of help with their rent. If you or someone you know is coming up short on paying their rent, contact the Salvation Army, they may be able to help with a direct payment to your landlord to help cover your rent. Some restrictions apply so contact the Salvation Army to see if you are eligible. Eddie Tolliver discussed the rental assistance grant on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday.
The Mayor of Galva, Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday to wrap-up Monday's Galva City Council Meeting. At the meeting, the City of Galva recognized Al and Shelly DeCrane for their dedication to Conservation. Recently Shelly was honored as Conservation Woman of the Year while Al received the Conservation Director of the Year Award. Also on Monday, it was announced that Bishop Hill had found someone to care for the Bishop Hill Cemetery. The City of Galva was planning to vote on an agreement to help the Bishop Hill Cemetery with the aid of the Galva Sexton's Office. But that was taken off the table with the announcement that Bishop Hill had made a separate, new agreement. Mayor Rich Volkert discussed these items and the many events coming up in Galva in August on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday.
The Kewanee Public Library and Freedom House are teaming up for a fun learning event for kids aged 9 to 11 years old. The Social Emotional Learning Escape Room will take place at the Kewanee Public Library, hosted by Freedom House, on Wednesday, August 2nd from 12 Noon to 2 PM. The social and emotional learning escape room will feature clues that will give participants the chance to employ social and emotional learning skills to solve clues that lead to escape. The event will also teach kids about conflict resolution as they learn to work together in a group to solve clues. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library talked about the Social Emotional Learning Escape Room and several other upcoming events at the Kewanee Public Library.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department will be at the Stark County Junior Fair today, Friday, July 28th, 2023. The appearance is part of the Health Department's 12 communities in 12 months program that is taking Health Department representatives to community events all year long as an outreach effort. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to promote the appearances by the Health Department at various events this year. RaeAnn also talked about the excessive heat and ways that people can stay safe from the excessive heat.
Kewanee has two unsolved murders. One of those, as yet unsolved murders is Sandra Brown, a case that we brought you earlier this year with the hope of bringing new attention to this soon to be 45 year old unsolved crime. The other unsolved murder in Kewanee dates back to the 1930s. Dave Clark joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday, July 26th, 2023, to talk about this little known, little remembered unsolved murder. Charles Wooden was working at Pinkies late one night when someone came in and killed him. No one knows why or who might have killed Charles Wooden.
The Mayor of Kewanee, Gary Moore, was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday. The Mayor joined WKEI to discuss Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. In our conversation the Mayor praised the ongoing work of the Kewanee Council on Human Relations who announced during Monday's meetings plans for a celebration of Mexican heritage in September. The Mayor also discussed procurement of Starcomm Radios for the Kewanee Fire Department and the City of Kewanee renewing MABAS, a mutual assistance agreement between cities regarding First Responder access. MABAS ensures that First Responders from surrounding cities can be called upon as needed for mutual aid during a serious fire or natural disaster. Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Unused or out of date medications used to be disposed of in the trash or by being flushed down the toilet. But that was a long time ago. Now, we know that these are not the safest ways to dispose of medications. So, how should unused or out of date medications be disposed of? The federal Drug Enforcement Agency and OSF Healthcare have a solution. You can now find a prescription medicine receptacle at all OSF locations in Illinois. The receptacles, reminiscent of a mailbox, are located in the lobbies of OSF Medical Centers across the state of Illinois. Ron Hartman, OSF Healthcare Director of Pharmaceutical Services joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday to talk about partnering with the DEA, safe disposal of medications and more.
Multi-Instrumentalist and songwriter, Mean Mary is bringing her brand of Americana to the stage in Galva on Sunday, July 23rd. Mean Mary, aka Mary James, could not be any nicer in person as she joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about music and play a couple songs on her remarkable banjo. As the youngest of six kids in a family that moved from the deep south to Minnesota as a kid, you can imagine that music became a way of finding consistency in a strange life filled with travel. You can hear both southern and upper Midwestern influences in Mary's work on her numerous records, the newest of which is called Portrait of a Woman Pt. 1.
Dr. Tatum visited the Breakfast Club to W/ Don and Holly. We talked about what it's like to move to a small town in the midwest, the slower pace, friendly people, and way of life. We also talked a little about the process of being chosen as president.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is promoting mental health services to minority communities as part of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and the First Choice Healthcare Clinic is reminding people about the affordable availability of Mental Health Services at their clinic at the Henry and Stark County Health Department. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday to talk about this and promote the next 12 Communities in 12 Months event happening on Friday, July 28th in Wyoming.
The Village of Cambridge has a number of events coming up in the rest of July and into the month of August. Each month, Connie Johnson with the Village of Cambridge joins Wake Up Tri-Counties to give us our update on The Cambridge News.
The Kewanee School Foundation fundraiser, Escape to Margaritaville is getting closer. It's taking place on August 26th with a bus trip to Circa 21 to see Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville, a Broadway production, coming to the stage at Circa. Registration is open now at a cost of $145.00 if you register by Friday, July 21st. The cost includes a bus ride to Circa 21, your ticket to the show, and a concert before the show. Appetizers and Drink, a Silent Auction, Dinner, and your choice of Dessert are all included. Proceeds go to benefit the Kewanee Schools Foundation and supporting the Performing Arts Department in upgrading performing arts technology. Your donation will help bring numerous new opportunities for students in the arts to learn about newly available technology while also engaging in the performing arts and improving presentations of plays and concerts. Liz Breedlove from the Kewanee Schools Foundation talked about Escape to Margaritaville and how it will benefit Kewanee Performing Arts on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday, July 19th.
Part four of our profile of the Kewanee Prairie Chicken Festival wraps up our preview coverage with one final look at the events happening starting on Friday, July 21st at 8 AM and concluding on Saturday night, July 22nd. Events include the Chalk Art, the Art Show, the downtown kids art display inside our local downtown businesses, and the Murals Come to Life Program being put on by our local High School and Junior High performers. That just scratches the surface of the events however which include food, live music, a flea market, chainsaw art and more. Dianne Packee and Dierdre Scott, two of the organizers of The Prairie Chicken Festival were our guests on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday with one last preview of the weekend's events.
This year the Sidney Iowa Rodeo celebrates 100 Years of bustin broncs and riding bulls and celebrating the cowboy life. In 1923 the Tackett brothers returned from Wyoming and decided to entertain visitors attending the Old Soldiers Reunion in Sidney. To show them some real western action, a circle was formed with Model T cars and makeshift fencing and Henry and Earl Tackett were up and away on the fastest bad horses they could find. They received the sum of $50 and more bruises than they could count. Thus giving birth to the Sidney Iowa Rodeo!
Sparks chats with Macomb Police Chief Jeff Hamer about the upcoming Macomb Police Department's "National Night Out," a fun and interactive way to get to know police officers, first responders, see police equipment, and meet social service agencies.
The event is free and will take place August 1st from 5pm to 7pm at the Macomb Police Department in the 100 block of South McArthur Street.
Sgt. Floyd Dunn was with us with information on a %K coming up to combat veteran suicide through an organization now in Illinois called 22Mohawks.
National Night Out will be celebrated in Kewanee on August 1st, 2023. The National Night Out is a night for members of law enforcement to reach out to the community and carry on a dialogue between Police and citizen. National Night Out will be held at Northeast Park beginning at 5:30 PM. It will feature live music, food, and the pool will be open from 6 PM to 8 PM. Presentations from the Kewanee Police Department will also be part of the evening event. Kewanee Police Department Deputy Chief Stephen Kijanowski joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about National Night Out and what the Kewanee Police hopes to achieve via this out-reach event.
Our friend, Father Jerry Rafalko passed away over the weekend, he was 68 years old. Father Rafalko was a beloved figure in our community as the lead grief counselor for OSF Hospice and Pastor of the Holy Trinity Parish PNCC. Father Jerry made numerous appearances on WKEI, first with Bob McKee and then with Sean Kernan before he stepped down from his position as OSF Hospice Grief Counselor in 2016. He made several more appearances in the following years, including one final appearance in 2020 when Father Jerry introduced the community to the new Pastor of Holy Trinity PNCC. In tribute to Father Jerry, WKEI re-aired his final interview on Monday, July 17th as part of Wake Up Tri-Counties. God Bless and Keep You Father Jerry.
Chris Lantz is an extreme Chainsaw Sculptor who travels the United States appearing at county fairs and festivals and at the 2023 Nodaway County Fair. Chris does live shows where he carves beautiful creations like owls, bears, and wolves. His other creations include benches and large sculptures such as an 8 foot bear he displays at his appearances. All of Chris's creations are also for sale.
The Kewanee Prairie Chicken Arts Festival is one week away. Friday, July 21st and Saturday, July 22nd, downtown Kewanee will be filled with art and family friendly events. Dianne Packee and Dierdre Scott joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, July 14th, 2023. Friday will feature Chainsaw Artist Tim Bryner will do a demonstration at 5 PM in Berrian Park. Berrian Park will also be home to the Flea Market which is still accepting vendors. Contact Brenda at 309-853-9419. Also taking place is the Art Show which will accept entries through next Thursday. Contact the Prairie Chicken Festival at 309-852-2339. And, of course, the Chalk Art will be a huge part of the event. Contact Dierdre Scott at 309-525-1271 for more information on the Chalk Art portion of the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival.
Cory joined us by phone this morning with emergency preparedness information, specific to severe weather, then Rian was in studio talking about summer grilling tips.
The Sheriff was in this morning to give us an update on Crime Stoppers, Crime of The Month and other law enforcement activity in the county.
Sparks chats with Kaylee & Eli Ussery from the Hancock County Fair Association about the Hancock County Fair, which takes place in Augusta, IL which kicks off with the Mud Drags on Saturday, July 15th, and gets into full swing on Wednesday, July 19th.
For admission information or to see the schedule of events, visit the Hancock County Facebook page or visit their website.
It's book club time once again at the Kewanee Public Library. The Library is hosting the adult book club on Monday, July 17th with meetings at 2 PM and 6 PM. The book this month is "The Reading List" a novel by Sara Nisha Adams. You can get a copy of the book at the front desk of the Kewanee Public Library and you are welcome to attend either the 2 PM or 6 PM Book Club Meeting on Monday, July 17th. Sara Billiet also joined us to invite everyone to a presentation on July 25th, in the Community Room at the Library. "True Crime: Forensics" is a presentation and Q & A with Illinois State Police Forensics expert Jason List. Seating is first come first, first choice. The event takes place at 6 PM on July 25th.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is giving away free gun locks at the Health Department in Kewanee. Gun locks save lives by preventing accidental shootings in the home. Gun locks are a great way to keep children safe from accidents involving guns. A gun lock has also been known to provide protection when tempers flare in the heat of a moment, preventing someone, if only for a few moments, from making a rash decision involving a deadly weapon. Gun locks also aid with suicide prevention in homes where gun owners live with someone who may have a mental health issue leading to suicidal ideation. Get your free gun lock at the Henry and Stark County Health Department. RaeAnn Tucker with the Henry and Stark County Health Dept discussed the many safety benefits of Gun Locks on today's Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI.
Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday. Katie joined us to promote a farm safety event which was held in Geneseo on Wednesday night. Also, we talked about CPR Training. The Henry County Farm Bureau is holding an event on Thursday, July 27th, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the office of the Henry County Farm Bureau. Instructor Melissa Olson with the American Heart Association will be on hand to teach CPR. The event is free unless you would like to receive a CPR Certification Card, a card certifying you as CPR trained for 2 years. That will cost $20.00. Otherwise, it's a free event. Make a reservation to receive CPR training by calling 309-937-2411.
Jeremy Walker from the Nodaway County Fair Board talks about the process of organizing the fair and how they go about finding the talent for the fair entertainment.
Macomb Mayor Mike Inman returns to the studio to chat with Sparks about the success of Heritage Days 2023, in addition to the impact, clean-up, and still ongoing recovery from the derecho that swept across western Illinois on June 29th.
Time for part two of our three part profile of this year's Kewanee Prairie Chicken Arts Festival. In this profile of the 2023 festival, we spoke with Heather Olalde and Sue Blake about a big feature event this year, student re-enactments of the Kewanee Murals. As part of the original Prairie Chicken Arts Festival, students performed in skits enacting the actions depicted in the Kewanee Murals. This year, the organizers of the Prairie Chicken Festival have asked Heather Olalde and a whole new group of students to do it all over again in tribute to the incredible Kewanee Mural Project. Mural Re-Enactments will take place on Saturday Afternoon, July 22nd in the tent in downtown Kewanee. Meanwhile, Sue Blake talked about the more than 1000 art pieces submitted by kids from across our local school districts which will be going on display beginning July 17th and continuing through the end of the Kewanee Prairie Chicken Festival on Saturday, July 22nd, in downtown Kewanee.
Is there progress towards a clean up and new life at the former Boiler Shop Property? Yes, Mayor Gary Moore tells WKEI that following last night's unanimous approval of a Special Use Permit for Enpower Solutions, it appears that a new solar project on the former Boiler Shop location will include a project to clean up the area, remove old buildings, and cap an open well on the property. Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore spoke to Wake Up Tri-Counties about the Special Use Permit, and other items that were on the agenda for Monday evening's Kewanee City Council Meeting.
Sam was with us this morning to talk about the Monthly Member Meet Up and Rock Falls Farmers Market coming up tomorrow, (Wednesday) and a few others events in the planning stages.
Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about some changes on the Princeton campus of OSF Saint Clare Medical Center. A few offices are changing places but it won't be much of a major change for most patients. Meanwhile, OSF Healthcare is ramping up care in the Peru area where St. Margaret's Hospital closed earlier this year. OSF Healthcare is expanding to fill the need for care in the area while also promoting OSF Saint Clare in Princeton as a place where people can go if in need of specialized care in the area.
Brad joined by phone this morning from a multi state agriculture conference he's attending in Detroit. We talked about the get together, plus a few other items he has been involved with.
Joe Bright and Dallas Knack joined us to talk about events coming up through the college as well as, yes, fall registration.
Bailey Clubb is the Manager of Volunteer Services & Committees at Clarinda Regional Health Center. She joined the Breakfast Club to chat about her job and the good things going on at CRHC.
Sparks chats with Terri Hare, the Treasurer for the McDonough County Humane Society about the efforts currently taking place to raise funds for the construction of a new McDonough County Animal Shelter, including a $10,000 donation-match pledge by HSMC members Allen and Patti Nemec as well as the upcoming Kris Moore Memorial Golf Outing taking place on July 16th.
For more information about these events or the Humane Society of McDonough County, visit their website at https://hsmcil.org or their Facebook page.
In the first of a three part series profiling the events of this year's Kewanee Prairie Chicken Arts Festival, WKEI spoke with Becky Giese and Diane DeMay about two aspects of this year's festival. First, Becky Giese talked about the art of the Arts Festival, the art competition being hosted at New View Furniture in Kewanee. Competitions featuring Photography, Painting, Graphic Design and more. Entries are being accepted through Thursday, July 20th. Contact the Prairie Chicken Festival on Facebook. Diane DeMay then took us through a number of other attractions that will be part of the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival's 10 year celebration, July 21st and 22nd, in Downtown Kewanee.
Janna joined us this morning to talk about some great events coming up this week and a few down the calendar.
The Mayor and Scott were in to talk about a few points from the city council meeting, and an update on some ongoing projects throughout the city.
Award winning dietitian Sara Umphleet from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, July 3rd with tips on how you can shop healthy this Summer. This beautiful time of year brings people back outside and leads many to think about how they would like to lose weight. In our conversation today, Sara offers several great tips for shopping and eating healthy this summer, including grilling healthy and how to make healthy food even tastier. Sara Umphleet was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI on Monday, July 3rd, 2023.
Princeville's very own, 92 year old wonder, Dean Troutman is in the final leg of a trip back home to Princeville. But this isn't any other journey, this is a 350 mile walk from Princeville to Monroe, Wisconsin, and now back to Princeville by way of Kewanee, among other stops. In Kewanee on Thursday, June 29th, Dean Troutman collected donations for St. Jude's Children's Hospital and was kind enough to stop by our studio in Kewanee to talk about raising nearly $20,000 for St. Judes in what is his fifth charity walk of at least 350 miles. You can donate to Dean Troutman anywhere you see him and his friends walking. You can catch him tonight at the AmericInn in Kewanee and make a donation there. And, he's headed to Wyoming for holiday celebrations on Monday, July 3rd, before making the final miles walk back to Princeville.
The Mayor of Galva Rich Volkert was our guest on Wednesday morning on WKEI to discuss this week's Galva City Council Meeting. On the agenda, the City of Galva has finally closed a little used railroad crossing following a study that showed it was hardly ever used. It's been a two year effort by the City of Galva to close the crossing. Hometown Consulting gave a presentation to the City of Galva on Monday night. The company is consulting with the City of Galva on downtown re-development programs and offered several ideas that they have gleaned from speaking with residents and assessing Galva's downtown area. And the Mayor addressed the change of the fireworks date from the traditional July 4th date to July 8th. The decision was based on the staffing shortage at the company that provides the fireworks. They were not available on the 4th of July and so the new date for Galva fireworks is July 8th at dusk.
Sparks is joined by Western Illinois University Football Coach Myers Hendrickson to talk about the upcoming season, takeaways from the Craddock Spring Game, and the team's Hanson Heroes projects around the community.
The Kewanee City Council met on Monday night and held a relatively short meeting. During the meeting, the three members of the City Council on hand were enough to approve several items on the agenda including a new fiscal year budget. Budget meetings had occurred for the past several weeks and thus there were no issues in pressing forward, even without Mayor Gary Moore and Councilman Chris Colomer, each of whom was unable to attend Monday's meeting. Councilman Komnick also detailed a new ordinance that limits the number of times Kewanee residents can host yard sales. The goal of the legislation is to prevent residences from turning their lawn into a season long store. Under the new law, homeowners may only host 3 Yard Sales in a year.
The Internal Revenue Service wants business owners to beware of companies using aggressive tactics while promising access to grant funds related to COVID-19 relief. Lauren Winebrenner with the IRS spoke to Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to talk about how not all businesses qualify for the grants being pushed by these aggressive companies that make promises about eligibility. The reality is, you can go directly to IRS.gov and find out about your businesses grant eligibility and you can do so without having to pay an outside company to help you. Thus, if your business does qualify for a grant, you won't have to spend part of it on some unnecessary third party. Lauren Winebrenner talked about this topic and several others from the annual IRS Dirty Dozen tax scams and how to avoid them.
The OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Innovation Hub is up and running and officials at OSF say that the hub is already beginning to pay off. The OSF Innovation Hub has honored the first big approved project brought forward by the Innovation Hub. Brenda Streit from OSF has received the Trail Blazer Award for her idea for bringing High School kids into the Innovation Hub to learn about the job possibilities within OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. As Brenda Streit and Lori Christenson from OSF explained the project they are working on and the several runner-up projects that will also be part of the Innovation Hub in the future.
Garry Peterson is a founding member of the legendary rock band, The Guess Who. Best known for hits like These Eyes, No Sugar Tonight, and the iconic American Woman, The Guess Who are still around today, still touring and still recording new music. The newest The Guess Who record is called Plein D'Amour, and the band is hitting the road starting this week, Wednesday, Jnue 28th, 2023. Garry Peterson tells RegionalMediaNews.com all about the new record, reflects on the iconic history of the band, and talks about being back on the road again.
Every Friday in June leading up to Heritage Days, K-100 is showcasing the bands performing on the Pepsi Main Stage and giving you the chance to preview their music before showtime.
This week Sparks chats with Naomi Ashley and Ralph Baumel of Real Pretenders, who will playing the Heritage Days Pepsi Main Stage on Saturday, June 24th from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m.
From their band description:
Real Pretenders are four Chicago music scene veterans with a passion for the hard-driving rhythms, catchy melodic hooks, soul-tortured lyrics, and back alley sex appeal that characterize the music of Chrissie Hyde & the Pretenders. They aren’t a costume act; they don’t play the original members of the band as characters. Instead, these established players, with audiences of their own, have come together to thread the musical needle between faithfully rendering the Pretender’s sound and joyfully harnessing these timeless and lustful pop rock gems as a means to expressing their own musical identity. Not only do they take on both the band’s classics and deep cuts, they also offer a new take on songs covered by the Pretenders, as well as those that perhaps might have been. Real Pretenders aren’t simply a tribute to the music of the Pretenders, they are a tribute to their essential spirit.
Kewanee City Councilman Steve Faber is in the fight of his life. Next week, following Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting, a meeting he will lead in place of Mayor Gary Moore, Councilman Faber will travel to Northwestern Medical Center where he will undergo a double lung transplant. It's a rare and complicated procedure. It may also include a heart transplant if issues with Mr. Faber's heart emerge in the process of replacing his lungs. Regardless of these challenges however, Councilman Faber is putting his best foot forward. He wants Kewanee to know that you can still call on him as a Councilman and ask for his help. He's only planning to miss two Kewanee City Council Meetings while recovering from surgery and plans to return via Zoom as soon as doctors allow. The bottom line, he's not planning on going anywhere as a City Leader. If you'd like to help Councilman Faber with what will be a large amount of bills following his surgery, his friends have started a GoFundMe campaign on his behalf. Councilman Faber talked all about his challenges on Thursday's Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, June 22nd. Sara joined WKEI to talk about the ongoing success of the Summer Reading Program and how you can still get involved. Sara also discussed several upcoming events at the Kewanee Public Library heading into the month of July. Events on Mindfulness as well as Yoga for Parents and Kids are part of the upcoming schedule at the Kewanee Public Library. You can hear all about it in our conversation with Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library.
Greg talks about how the South Main Corridor project, Trail Project, and other city projects in the near and not so near future. Listen to the interview here!
Carolyn Spencer, Campaign Coordinator, Northern Illinois Cancer Treatment Center, to talk about “Renewing Hope for Tomorrow” Northern Illinois Cancer Treatment Center Campaign to Advance Local Cancer Care.
For more information on Renewing Hope For Tomorrow visit nicancer.com/renewinghope
To make a donation, please send a check to Northern Illinois Cancer Treatment Center, 327 IL-2, Dixon, IL 61021 or call us at 815.284-1111.
On the 4th of July, 2023, a Kewanee tradition will resume. The tractor show at a Francis Park in Kewanee is back and part of it will include a tractor drive through Kewanee organized by FFA Alumni members, Brett Bennett and Mark Rose. With that in mind, Dave Clarke came up with the idea to take a look back at Tractor collecting with a man who has a lengthy and deep knowledge of the subject. For more than a few decades, Dr. Marshall Martin, a Professor at Purdue University, who grew up not far from Kewanee, not far from Dave Clarke in fact, has collected and restored tractors. He's been part of numerous tractor shows over the years with plans to soon be in Rantoul, Illinois for one of the biggest tractor shows in the state of Illinois. Dr. Marshall Martin reflects on the history of collecting tractors on this edition of Kewanee Back When...
Last week, June 13th to the 15th, Kewanee FFA students attended the 95th Annual Illinois State FFA Convention in Springfield. The event brings together student FFA organizations from across the state of Illinois and there, teams compete in various speaking competitions while learning more about ag and what it means to be a member of the FFA. Kindra Callahan is the Agriculture Teacher at Kewanee High School and an FFA advisor. She traveled with her incredible group of Kewanee High School FFA participants and cheered along as members competed in individual events, earning individual honors, and the Kewanee High School FFA itself was honored by becoming a National Finalist for the National Chapter Award. We talked with Kindra Callahan about the incredible performance of her students the 95th Annual Illinois FFA Convention on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday.
Mayor Inman is in the studio to chat about the highly anticipated return of Heritage Days, as well as to provide a bit of behind the scenes look at how the City of Macomb is preparing for the event.
Visit the Heritage Days Facebook page to see a full schedule and list of vendors.
Total announced at event: $70,832.36. (Goal was $70,000. ). Great job to all - the sponsors, the teams, the donors of any and all amounts. ACS year ends on August 15, so any further donations may be submitted through our Sauk Valley Accounting Chair, Pam Martinez. You may contact her to set up a time to meet on her cell at 815/441-9873.
Kimberly Mildward-Economic Development Planner with the Northwest Missouri Regional Counsil of Governments visits the Breakfast Club to talk about the program to expand broadband internet to rural Northwest Missouri.
June 19th is Juneteenth, a federal holiday marking the day that word on Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation reached the state of Texas, the last state in the nation to receive word of the end of slavery. Etta La Flora and Lakeshia Jones from the Kewanee Commission on Human Relations joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on this Juneteenth to talk about the history of Juneteenth, why and how it became a national holiday, and what we can do to mark the occasion. The Kewanee Commission on Human Relations is planning events for the day in the future. For today, the remembrance was spent with WKEI as Lakeshia Jones shared a lovely Juneteenth Poem and Etta La Flora shared the history that inspired that poem, on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Every Friday in June leading up to Heritage Days, K-100 is showcasing the bands performing on the Pepsi Main Stage and giving you the chance to preview their music before showtime.
This week Sparks chats with Isaiah Evans of The 40 Acre Mule, who will playing the Heritage Days Pepsi Main Stage on Saturday, June 24th from 9:15 to 10:30 p.m.
From their band description:
Since forming in Dallas, Texas in 2015, The 40 Acre Mule has built a loyal following the old-fashioned way, they earned it! Playing countless bars and packed clubs, they watched crowds grow mainly by word of mouth. As the crowds caught on, so did the likes of legendary promoter Scott Beggs and Jim Heath (The Reverend Horton Heat) who gave The 40 Acre Mule their first break with an opening slot at a SOLD-OUT show at Dallas’ legendary Bomb Factory. From there, opportunities to open for more superstars of roots music came along helping The 40 Acre Mule spread their brand of Rhythm & Blues music.
Big Fish 42 was a resounding success! Here is the interview with the winners Joan Justus and Herb Emery!
When he's not busy as our Kewanee Police Chief, Nick Welgat is laser focused on his favorite pasttime, Baseball. This is the time of the year when the Chief really gets to indulge his passion for the game as the Tournament Director for the annual Nolan Keane Baseball Tournament in Kewanee. 69 teams, more than 700 players, and their families, are coming to Kewanee on Friday, June 16th, Saturday June17th, and Sunday June 18th for a baseball tournament. We talked with Kewanee Police Chief and Nolan Keane Tournament Director Nick Welgat about what goes into organizing Nolan Keane and why it remain so special to him 9 years after the tournament's inception.
Macomb Police Chief Jeff Hamer returns to the K-100 studio to provide some helpful safety tips that'll help keep you, your family, and your home safe this summer including keeping your doors locked and requesting to have your home added to the Macomb PD House Watch program.
For more information on the House Watch program, contact the Macomb Police Department at (309) 833-4505.
Have you downloaded OSF My Chart? It's an app where you can access your medical information as you need it via your Smartphone. Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, June 12th, to talk about the many benefits of OSF My Chart, tracking your medical care, medications, and your family's medical care via the My Chart App. You can schedule your doctor visits, manage medications, and stay in contact with your care team via private direct messages in the My Chart App.
SAL Early Head Start is a service available to parents of children before they go into typical Head Start and Kindergarten. Angela Casteel with SAL Community Services in Moline joined Wake Up TriCounties to talk about the benefits of Early Head Start for soon to be mothers, new mothers and kids through the ages of 3 and 4 years old about to enter into Head Start and Kindergarten. Early Head Start helps with Health, Development, Education, Nutritional Services, and Social Services on a needs assessed basis.
Every Friday in June leading up to Heritage Days, K-100 is showcasing the bands performing on the Pepsi Main Stage and giving you the chance to preview their music before showtime.
This week Sparks chats with Freddie Dobbs and Dick Reck, of Heartsfield, who will playing the Heritage Days Pepsi Main Stage on Friday, June 23rd from 9:15 to 10:30 p.m.
From their band description:
Heartsfield are known for their vocal harmonies and layers of rootsy instrumentation (characterized by accents of pedal steel, dobro, banjo, mandolin, dobro, etc.) and have been credited with influencing such monster '90s acts as The Dave Matthews Band and Phish. The group was also known for their grueling, Grateful Dead-like touring ethic, which saw them playing 300 shows a year throughout the '70s with the likes of Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, Steve Miller, Pure Prairie League, Joe Walsh, Willie Nelson among literally dozens more. Over their decades of touring, the early years found them playing Macomb and Forgottonia on several occasions.
Bridget Hinchee is in the studio to chat about some of the wonderful programs coming up at Argyle Lake State Park in June including:
- Lake Exploration Pontoon Programs
- MOST Fridays, June 9 - Nov 10, 2023
- IDNR Free Fishing Days
- June 16 - June 19, 2023
- Youth Fishing Derby
- Saturday, June 17 - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Stargazing at the Park
- Friday, June 23 - 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- "Arts In Nature" Painting Classes
- Saturday, June 24 - 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- $20 program free
- Materials will be provided
- Registration limited to first 20 people
For more information on these or upcoming programs at Argyle Lake State Park, email Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov or call the park office at (309) 776-3422.
True Crime is coming to the Kewanee Public Library as Dave Clarke is joined by WKEi's very own Sean Kernan for Murder We Wrote, a presentation on Kewanee's True Crime cases. Dave and Sean presented Murder We Wrote on the Regional Media Podcast, Kewanee Back When earlier this year. Now, on June 20th, at 6 PM, Dave and Sean will take another look at the cases featured on Kewanee Back When including Sean's research into the still unsolved murder of Sandra Brown from August of 1978. That's one of many things the Kewanee Public Library has planned for the month of June. Plans that include continuing the Summer Reading Program and having a booth at this weekend's Pride Festival in Kewanee. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is going to be at the Henry County Fair from June 21st through June 23rd. The Health Department will have a table set up in the merchants building at the Fairgrounds in Cambridge as part of their celebration of 12 Communities in 12 Months program. There will be free COVID-19 testing kits to hand out and free blood pressure testing on site. It's part of a series of events for the Health Department which includes a booth at this weekend's Kewanee Pride Festival in Northeast Park this weekend. We talked with RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department about these topics and more on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning.
Maryville School Superintendent Dr. Logan Lightfoot visits the Breakfast Club for his monthly visit to discuss the goings on in the district!
Nan Crossman of the Macomb Arts Center returns to preview two upcoming concerts at the MAC:
- Songs & Stories: A Casual Evening with Jimmie, Hank and Johnny (Saturday, June 10th) - An musical celebration of country-western legends Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash, performed by local artist Bill Maakestad. Admission is free-will donation, with all proceeds benefiting the MAC. Doors open at 7, show at 7:30.
- John Byrne in Concert (Friday, June 16th) - Dublin-born singer/songwriter John Byrne returns to the MAC to share some traditional Irish music as well as songs from his catalog. Doors open at 6:30, show at 7. Tickets are $10
For more information on these shows or to buy your ticket online, visit the Macomb Arts Center website.
The summer Let's Feed Our Children program started last Wednesday. They could still use some help in the effort with donations and volunteers.
Kelsi stopped in to talk about the Men's Health/Mental Health month outreach event happening 6-3-23 at the Hanger Movie Theater
Every Friday in June leading up to Heritage Days, K-100 is showcasing the bands performing on the Pepsi Main Stage and giving you the chance to preview their music before showtime.
This week Sparks chats with Win Noll, of Win Noll & The Rockin' Souls, who will playing the Heritage Days Pepsi Main Stage on Saturday, June 24th from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
Using their home base as inspiration, Win Noll & The Rockin’ Souls belt out their own unique and captivating take on classic Chicago Blues and R&B. The band's varied repertoire take audiences on a musical voyage from Etta James to Adele, Chuck Berry to Lenny Kravitz, Susan Tedeschi to Amy Winehouse with a few powerful originals sprinkled throughout for good measure. Win Noll & The Rockin’ Souls recently won the Chicago Blues Challenge for the best group, which lead them to representing Chicago at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. This highly inventive six piece collectively of veteran musicians is a guaranteed foot stompin’ good time who command attention and consistently leaves audiences wanting more. Win Noll & The Rockin' Souls thoroughly entertain.
Kewanee Football Coach Matt Taylor is inviting fans to come and see Kewanee athletes Friday evening working out at the Kewanee Football Field. Athletes will be taking part in an athletic assessment this evening, beginning at 5 PM. The public is invited to watch from the stands and cheer on the athletes. Coach Taylor then talked about summer activities for Kewanee athletes in the Kewanee High School Weight Room. Two sessions per day are available to Kewanee High School Athletes overseen by Coach Taylor and trainer Emma Corkill. Finally, the Coach touted Summer Football Camps late this month for kids entering grade school and Junior High Football.
Mark and Nichelle from the State Bank of Toulon joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, June 2nd, to talk about the upcoming Business After Hours and Grand Re-Opening Open House at SBT's Kewanee Banking Center. Business After Hours with the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce will be at the State Bank of Toulon Kewanee Banking Center on Thursday, June 15th, 2023. The event for members of the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce will get underway at 5 PM. The following day, the State Bank of Toulon will celebrate 120 years with an open house showing off the renovations to the Kewanee Banking Center. We talked with Mark and Nichelle from the State Bank of Toulon about what visitors can expect at the open house and about the opportunities available to customers via SBT's online banking.
Dr. Gadbois has only been at Clarinda Regional Health Center for about six weeks. Dr. Gadbois is a Illinois transplant who has a very diverse background and was even a licensed Carpenter at one point in her life. Listen to her interview with the Breakfast Club here.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Environmental Services Department. It's summer and festivals are all over Henry and Stark County. The Health Department is reminding vendors to make sure they contact the Health Department for licensing and inspections at least 4 days before a planned event where food is set to be sold to the public. RaeAnn Tucker stated that as much as this is meant to protect the public, and that is the main goal, these licensing and inspections are also a benefit to businesses to help make sure they are fully aware of the regulations that they need to meet to be a public food seller.
Today on Wake Up Tri-Counties we welcomed Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center. Cassandra Schmoll joined us to talk about a new support group funded by the state of Illinois and held at the Henry County Senior Center. Stressbusters is a support group for caregivers for family members with Alzheimers and Dementia. If you are a caregiver, you can be part of the Stressbusters support group for a supportive place to talk, a place to get advice from people in the same position, and expert help from other caregivers. Contact the Henry County Senior Center for details on the Stressbusters Support Group.
Beth Sterk, new Dementia Navigator at CGH Medical Center, and Lyndi LeMay, Speech Pathologist at CGH Rehab Services, talking about the June 7th “Dementia Therapies” Program.
Wendy Combs With the New Nodaway Humane Society, stopped in to talk with the Breakfast Club. She brought her assistant Mgr Kayce Fish and Kayce's "Good Boy" Boxer Sparky! The no kill shelter is full, so adopt a new family member today.
Sparks chats with Emma Whitaker, the 2022 Hancock County Fair Queen about her experience with the Miss Hancock County Illinois Fair Queen Pageant. as well as how her position as Fair Queen has helped her grow and make new connections with businesses and citizens in Hancock County.
This directors of this year's Fair Queen Pageant have announced that they'll be opening registration to residents of McDonough County.
For more information on how to register to compete in the pageant, visit the Hancock County Fair Queen Pageant page on Facebook or Instagram.
The Swedish-American combo, 7000Apart are heading to Galva for the Levitt Amp Galva Music Series this Sunday. Amelie and Jon met in High School and survived a long distance relationship, Green Bay to Sweden, to end up getting married and forming their band. They also survived the pandemic which slowed their momentum a little but also taught them about how to navigate the new world of the music industry. Their music is incredible, described by them as the kind of music you're invited to sing along with. 7000Apart will in Wiley Park this Sunday, May 28th, at the Levitt Amp Galva Music Series and we were happy to chat with them on WKEI today.
Elizabeth stopped in to talk about the Summer Reading Program at the Maryville Public Library.
Rock Falls Tourism presents a 3rd year of Jammin’ on the Rock the first Thursdays of June, July and August. We have a wonderful variety of talented musicians lined up for you to enjoy this summer.
The first Jammin’ On The Rock will be Thursday, June 1st, at the RB&W District (201 E. 2nd St., Rock Falls). Our talented musicians will take the stage starting at 5pm and will include Angelina Chavez, Barn Ratz, Eli Traum, and Jenn DeSantis.
Food vendors and vendors will be available from 5-8pm. Food vendors include Brother Daryl’s, Brito’s Grill, Sundae Funday, Kona Ice of Sauk Valley, Main Squeeze, and Sweet Butts Cotton Candy. Many other vendors will be setup to showcase their business.
Arguably the most important and least remembered space mission in world history launched in 1977 and it continues to this day. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 began their journey through the stars in 1977 and has since returned images and information that have shaped the way we see the universe. It was the Voyager mission that showed us Mars, Neptune, and Uranus up close and for the very first time. If you've seen images of these planets or know things about these planets, that is because of Voyager. But Voyager didn't end with the first images and data up close from Neptune. The mission continued into Interstellar space and the mission continues to make incredible discoveries. Sadly, Voyager will end one day, within the next few years. Thankfully, director Billy Miossi's new documentary, It's Quieter in the Twilight, has provided us with a historic record of the mission and the people behind this history making effort.
The Mayor of Kewanee, Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday, May 24th, to follow up on Tuesday evening's Kewanee City Council Meeting. In our conversation we talk about progress on a new City of Kewanee Budget, the success of the recent Citywide Clean Up, and the items on Tuesday's agenda which included selling off excess equipment, among other matters. All things on the agenda passed without objection, though two Council members were absent on Tuesday. Towards the end of our conversation, Mayor Moore addressed questions regarding the health of his wife, Jeanna Moore, a beloved figure in the area. The Mayor said that her recovery is going well and provided an optimistic outlook.
The Levitt Amp Galva Music Series returns this weekend with a pair of terrific bands on the main stage in Galva. Mindi Perkins is the Fundraising Chair for the music series and she joined us on Wednesday, May 24th, to take us behind the scenes on what goes into making Levitt Amp a reality. Fundraising for the event, now that it is established as a staple of the summer in the area, has gotten much easier but there is plenty more to know about the behind the scenes happenings at the Levitt Amp Galva Music Series and Mindi offers some unique insight.
Kool Kats is a small Burger restaurant in Maryville, featuring shaved ice. Owner David Ackman and co-owner Aaron Valentine decided to send Valentine to the go through the audition process to hopefully represent Kool Kats on the show. Aaron made the cut and will appear on the show “Food Stars,” Hosted by Gordon Ramsay on FOX. Wednesday May 24th. Listen to the interview and the story behind the how he got there. Due to technical issues the recording starts about :60 in to the interview with Don and Holly.
Lauren Winebrenner from the IRS joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to remind everyone to make an emergency plan for your important documents. You should have an emergency plan in place for your family and your home but don't neglect your important tax documents. Even if you save them in the cloud, it's always a good idea to have a copy you can access in an emergency. Lauren recommends copying important documents and storing them in a waterproof storage. Put them on a flashdrive that you keep with you or at a separate secure location. The IRS can help you if you lose important documents in a disaster but you can protect yourself before a disaster happens if you secure your documents. We talked with Lauren about this topic and more on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Dr. Haley Ralph and one of her patients, Danielle Williams, along with Samantha Rux, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, May 22nd, 2023. The topic of conversation was prenatal care and the urgent importance of prenatal care that you can get at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. Dr. Ralph talked about the care she provides to soon to be mothers, new mothers, and their babies. Danielle Williams, a new mom who was under the care of Dr. Ralph and her team at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, gave us some insight into the kind of care you can get at OSF. Not only was Dr. Ralph there for Danielle but care for patients extended to virtual care via providers in Peoria who've been stepping up to fill in gaps, especially in rural areas.
Andrew Dwyer with the Kewanee Parks Department was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, May 19th, 2023. Andrew Dwyer is getting the word out about Summer Baseball leagues at Kewanee Parks. The baseball season starts soon and kids and parents have this week to get signed up for several age based classes of baseball or softball. Contact the Kewanee Parks Department for more information or to sign up your child. Andrew Dwyer also talked about planting trees in Kewanee Parks, the new play equipment at Chatauqua Park, and the work nearly being complete on repairs and clean-up from the storm that hit late March and closed a portion of the parks.
Macomb Police Chief Hamer returns to talk about the Macomb Police Department's participation in the "30x30 Initiative", a program taking place in police departments across the nation that aims to advance the representation and experiences of women in policing agencies across the United States.
To learn more about the 30x30 Initiative, visit https://30x30initiative.org.
Wethersfield Third Grade students were in our studio for the last time this school year for The Good News on Wake Up Tri-Counties. Today, three of our Kewanee 3rd Graders gave us The Good News about the FFA Petting Zoo at Wethersfield last week.
May is Mental Health Month: It was first designated in America in 1949 by Mental Health in America. This is the 74th year we have celebrated Mental Health Month.
It’s a month dedicated to two things mainly: 1. Recognizing that we ALL have a level of mental wellness just like we all have a level of physical wellness, and that mental wellness is linked to all other kinds of health and wellness. 2. It’s also a chance to have conversations about how mental illnesses are real just like other chronic physical illnesses, and that they can be treated effectively. Like chronic illnesses, diagnosing them and treating them as early as possible can prevent or lessen symptoms. We often focus on just physical health and ignore our mental wellness, for instance getting plenty of rest and exercise but still living a stressful lifestyle when there are some things we also could do to eliminate or reduce that stress. • Wellness is essential to living a full and productive life • Stress affects our wellness and is something we all experience but there are ways to either better deal with stress or reduce it in our lives. • Anxiety disorders affect around 40 million Americans annually • Major depression affects around 15 million Americans annually • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder affects around 11 million Americans annually • Bipolar Disorder affects around 6 million Americans annually • It is common for mental illnesses to co-occur with substance use disorders and other diseases like diabetes, heart disease, etc.
Go to Mental Health In America’s website (www.mentalhealthamerica.net) for more information about Mental Health Month and mental wellness and to take a free, confidential, online screening for yourself or someone you are concerned about. For an extensive list of links on mental health go to www.sinnissippi.org and click on LINKS at the top of the page. The link to the screenings is also there at the top of the page.
The Kewanee Salvation Army is ready for the summer with the announcement of their annual summer camps in a brand new location. Camp Wonderland in Salem Wisconsin is the new home of the Kewanee Salvation Army Summer Camps. We talked to Eddie Tolliver about the new location and he thanked the Kewanee Rotary for making it possible to transport campers to the incredible new camp this Summer. Kewanee Salvation Army Summer Camps, aside from one for the entire family, are free and they are free thanks to the generosity of Kewanee Rotary.
The school year is ending for Kewanee Schools and we caught up with Superintendent Dr. Chris Sullens to recap the final school board meeting before the official end of the 2022-2023 School Year. Dr. Sullens spoke to WKEI about ongoing construction projects, the beginning of the next budget cycle, and several highly accomplished students and student organizations, and athletes who were honored during Monday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. Graduation for Kewanee High School Seniors is this Sunday at 1 PM. For those who cannot be there in person it will be live on the School YouTube Channel and WKEI will share the broadcast here on RegionalMediaNews.com as well, starting at 1 PM.
Most people know Randall Parrish from his inclusion in Kewanee's Author's Mural. He's there because he wrote a series of very popular novels in his lifetime. But Randall Parrish had a secret life, one not well known to his friends and fans in his hometown, Kewanee. Before 1900, Parrish was a small time crime, passing himself off as a Pastor and using the cloak of the clergy, Parrish created a life of crime via a complicated check scam. For years, no one knew this about Randall Parrish. It wasn't until historian and author Dean Karau began looking into the life of Randall Parrish that he uncovered this little known aspect of the famed author's life. Dean joined Dave Clarke and Sean Kernan on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about this incredible story.
Nicci joined us this morning to talk about Nursing Week at RRHH, and a few of the fundraisers coming up.
Coping with a terminal illness in your family is one of life’s most challenging times, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. As an area advocate for quality hospice care, Rock River Hospice & Home (RRHH) has been providing expert end of life care for patients in the final months of life – and support for their families – for over 40 years. Putting the needs of our patients and their families first … that is our commitment to you.
Legendary rock drummer, Carmine Appice, beloved for his work as the drummer for Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, and Rod Stewart, is back with a brand new record. Running Up that Hill is a collaboration with guitarist Fernando Perdomo, is an instrumental rock record inspired by the success of Kate Bush's legendary song, Running Up that Hill. Seeing that songs resurgent popularity last year, Perdomo and Appice decided to try their own, instrumental take on the song. That take is now the lead single from The Appice-Perdomo Project. WKEI was lucky to catch up with the legendary rocker on Tuesday, prior to his first concert in support of the record in New York City. You can watch tonight's concert and the debut of Carmine's new record, Running Up that Hill at Meathook.Live.
The Red White and Blue Bishop Hill Quilt Show will take place in Bishop Hill this weekend, May 19th, 20th and 21st at the Colony School. Hours are 10 AM to 4 PM on Friday and Saturday and 10 AM to 3 PM on Sunday. The event is being hosted by the Prairie Queen Quilt Club and will feature displays of Quilts, both handmade and machine made, and the chance for you to purchase quilts. There will also be raffle baskets up for grabs that visitors can sign up and try to win. Lorna Brown, a member of the Prairie Queen Quilt Club was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday with details about what makes the Bishop Hill Quilt Show so special.
Jordan Greenhaw is the Executive Director of Mozingo Lake Recreation Park. Jordon worked her way to the position, First as the Director of the Maryville Chamber of Commerce, then she took a position with Maryville Parks and Rec. and was then named Executive Director. Today we talked about improvements made to the park in recent years, Big Fish, which is a KNIM/KVVL yearly free fishing tournament. Listen to the Interview here!
Representative Spain phoned in this morning from Springfield to give us a session update. We also talked about some ethics, specifically with the ongoing ComEd investigations. Also what to expect as budget talks and review get going this week.
Event details when , where, how – not too late to still sign up to participate relayforlife.org/saukvalley il or 1 – 800 – ACS – 2345. Event is just 3 weeks away – June 3rd at Westwood Building 3 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Luminaria – are the bags in memory of a loved one – a survivor of cancer or a loved one lost to the disease which is the purpose to remember all who had heard the three words : You have cancer- This Luminaria ceremony takes place at 8 p.m.
Mother's Day was Sunday and on Friday, our Wethersfield 3rd Graders came to our Regional Media Studios to give us The Good News about Mother's Day. It wasn't just Mother's Day however, last week was Nurses Week and on May 10th, School Nurses were in the spotlight. A pair of our Wethersfield 3rd Graders took that day to show their appreciation for Wethersfield School Nurse, Mrs. DeClercq.
The annual OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Golf Outing is set for Monday, June 5th, at 10:30 AM at Midland Golf Course. Proceeds from the event benefit the OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Transportation Program which helps patients in need get to needed medical care and check ups at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. You can support the OSF Saint Luke Transportation Program by signing up to play some golf. There are going to prizes on the lines in various competitions on the course and lunch will be provided. Sign up at this link to the OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Foundation and listen to our interview with Kathy Foes with the OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Foundation and Samantha Rux from this morning's Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday. Sara joined us to promote the start of the Summer Reading Program at the library, open to kids and parents. This year, you can track your Summer Reading via the Beanstack app or, for those less than tech friendly, you can get a paper log. As part of kicking off the Summer Reading Program, the Library will feature a visit from the man known as the Master Facilitator of Fun, Mr. Steve. Mr. Steve will perform May 30th at 11 AM to help kick off Summer programs at the library.
May is mental health awareness month. Lisa stopped in to talk about the services available at The Whiteside County Community Health Clinic.
Thursday, May 11th, 2023, is officially Public Health Heroes Day. Governor J.B Pritzker made the proclamation official on Thursday, May 11th, the same day as the official end of the Federal COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency Proclamation. Going forward, May 11th in Illinois will be set aside to honor the heroic public health workers who put their lives on the line during the pandemic to care for and educate the public about COVID-19. From getting needed information out to mask mandate updates, to providing vaccinations, to being directly on the frontline fighting the virus, Public Health Heroes more than deserve the honor of their very own day. We talked with RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department on Thursday about Public Health Heroes Day and what the fight against COVID-19 looks like going forward.
Sparks is joined by Amy Fansler Milas, the Circus Director for the YMCA of McDonough County, to talk about the YMCA Circus Academy's Broadway Circus Show on Friday and Saturday, May 20th and 21st beginning at 3:00 p.m.
This year's show will feature the performers showing their aerial and floor skills set to showtunes from classic Broadway shows including Cats and West Side Story.
These shows are open to the public, and admission is $2 for adults. For more information, visit the YCMA of McDonough County and YMCA Circus Academy Facebook pages
The Spring planting season has gone very well so far based on the data culled by the Henry County Farm Bureau. Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to update everyone on planting season and to talk about the huge amount of scholarship dollars that the Farm Bureau was able to hand out due to the generosity of the Henry County community. They are hoping for similar generosity this year with a pair of upcoming, Golf related fundraisers, two of the biggest of the year: The Henry County Farm Bureau Golf Outing at Baker Park and Birdies for Charity.
This Saturday, May 13th, the Kewanee Farmer's Market is back! Diane DeMay and Katie Yaklich joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to invite everyone to welcome the Farmer's Market back for another year this Saturday on the corner of Tremont and Third, near the Kewanee Train Depot. Vendors with fresh veggies, baked goods, and crafts will be on hand with stuff for sale at the Kewanee Farmer's Market and its a great chance to support local gardeners, farmers and crafters. Hours are 8 AM to 12 Noon Saturdays and Wednesdays. Listen to our conversation with Diane and Katie for more on the Kewanee Farmer's Market and how you can become a vendor.
Mary Jean Derreberry, CGH Director of Nursing Professional Development and Stephanie Waller, RN, CGH Digestive Health Services and DAISY Award Coordinator talk about the wonderful nurses at CGH during Nurses Week.
To nominate your nurse (RN, LPN, Nurse Practitioner) for a Daisy Award, please go to cghmc.com/daisy to fill out an online nomination form.
In our final Good News Segment of the school year with our Kewanee third grade students, we were told a story about being fully prepared for a camping trip. Thank you to Averie Taylor and Victoria Weber for reminding us all to be prepared for our summer camping trips in today's Good News Spotlight.
This Saturday, May 13th, 2023, the City of Kewanee will host the Kewanee Citywide Cleanup. The event will take place from 7 AM to 11 AM on Saturday at the former Kewanee Hospital site on Elliott Street in Kewanee. Anyone participating in the Kewanee Citywide Clean-Up must be a Kewanee resident and have a proof of residency, an ID and a Utility Bill that shows you reside in Kewanee. All vehicles must be hand unloadable. This means that your items can be moved easily and quickly from your vehicle to the dumpsters on site. No electronic waste, no toxic materials, no wet paint or motor oil will be accepted during the Clean-Up. Construction waste will also not be accepted though some items will be accepted, large amounts of construction waste will be turned away from the Clean-Up area. Volunteers are needed to help move the crowd through the area of the Clean-Up as quickly as possible.
The Kewanee Salvation Army will play host to an Epilepsy Support Group on Wednesday, May 10th at 5 PM. Eddie Tolliver with the Kewanee Salvation Army and Stephanie Harcharik joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to invite the community to the Epilepsy Support Group. If you are someone dealing with Epilepsy or someone who cares for someone with Epilepsy, you are welcome to be part of Wednesday evening's meeting. There you will find a supportive group and here about the various kinds of support available for people with Epilepsy and their caregivers. This is free to the public.
Sparks chats with Chris Adams from the McDonough County Health Department about National Drinking Water Week, which runs May 7th through May 13th and seeks to bring attention to the quality of rural and municipal drinking water quality.
During this week, the McDonough County Groundwater Protection Education Committee (MCGPEC) will be distributing free water testing kits at the Farm King in Macomb on Monday from 8a to 12p, Tuesday from 12p to 4p, and Wednesday from 8p to 12p. Kits will also be available at the McDonough County Health Department Monday through Wednesday from 7:30a to 12p.
For more information about water well testing, call the McDonough County Health Department at (309) 837-9951.
What happens when a utility pole needs to be replaced? Brian Bretsch from Ameren Illinois joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to answer some questions about what Ameren does with utility poles that are damaged, broken, or simply aged out of safe use. If you've ever wondered what Ameren does with Utility Poles or where Poles come from, what kind of wood are they made from, and how many poles are made and recycled each year.
Representative Fritts stopped by this morning on his way to Springfield. We talked about the budget session stating today, the ComEd outcome, and the announcement of The Summer Tour.
The annual Letter Carrier Food Drive is set for Saturday, May 13th, 2023. That day, if you'd like to donate money to the Kewanee Food Pantry, all you need to do is leave a bag or box of non-perishable food items outside along with your mail that Saturday. Letter carriers and their assistants will be picked up and taken directly to the Kewanee Food Pantry. Lisa Janey from the Kewanee Food Pantry joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday to talk about the Letter Carriers Food Drive and to share a brief thank you and remembrance of Bud Johnson, the late Wanee Cinemas owner who made donating to the Food Pantry a central focus of his charitable efforts during the pandemic.
Dr. Ian Smith has a new book all about the Met-Flex Diet. Metabolic Flexibility is a key component of weight loss at any age. Dr. Ian Smith has a new diet that he calls The Met-Flex Diet that is aiming to aid Metabolic Flexibility. Dr. Ian believes, and has research to back up his claim, that Metabolic Inflexibility is why so many people struggle to lose weight. If you could get your metabolism working, losing weight gets a little easier. However, if you have developed inflexibility in your metabolism, you will struggle to lose weight. A diet that aims to fire up your metabolism, moving it from inflexible to flexible, is at the heart of the Met-Flex Diet. Dr. Ian Smith was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday.
Celina Benson, ECE Advisor and Outreach Coordinator, joined us to talk about SVCC's Early Childhood Education.
Dallas Knack gave us an update on fast approaching summer hours, and the child fair not to far away, plus a few other things going on.
This morning we heard about the Cinco de Mayo Festival coming up at the YWCA later today.
Stop by 412 First Ave Sterling this afternoon, Friday, May 5th for YWCA's Wellness Festival, from 5 to 8pm.
There will be music and karaoke by DJ Kiké Carlos' Taco Truck will be available to purchase tacos, super burritos, tostadas, walking tacos, rice and beans. El Vaquero will be selling chips, salsa, elotes, and drinks.
Becky Albrecht stopped by the Breakfast Club this morning to talk about yesterday's meeting with representatives from local nonprofits. Becky also talked about upcoming chamber events to promote local businesses and the lunch local program, one of many chamber initiatives encouraging patronage of local eateries in Maryville.
The Kewanee Area United Way will be holding United Way Trivia Night on Friday, February 17th at the Kewanee Elks Club. Buy a table of 10 for $100.00 or you can pay $10.00 and be added to a team table at the event. Movie Trivia will be one of the themes of the night's questions. All proceeds from the event will go to support the agencies supported by the Kewanee Area United Way. A 50/50 raffle will be held at the event as well. Support the United Way on February 17th at the Kewanee Elks Club. Doors open at 5:30 Pm and trivia gets underway 6 Pm. Team captains can pay for their table at the door. If you'd like more information contact Kewanee Area United Way Treasurer Nancy Sutton at 309-854-1084.
On Thursday night, the Henry County Board approved a resolution opposing House Bill 5471, the assault weapons ban that passed the Illinois House and Senate early this month and was signed by Governor J.B Pritzker on January 10th, 2023. This move by the Henry County Board follows up on a letter published by Henry County Sheriff Joshua Verscheure earlier this month stating that he would not enforce HB 5471. The law is currently on hold pending a court challenge. Henry County Board Chair Kippy Breeden did not elaborate on the resolution, rather she only announced its passing in our interview on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday morning. The Henry County Board Chair did say that the County would offer more information soon via a press release. Kippy Breeden was joined on Wake Up Tri-Counties by Henry County Economic Development Director Jim Kelly who talked about the Rural Revolving Loan Fund. New loans were approved at Thursday's meeting and there is more money in the fund for those seeking help in improving an existing business or starting a new business.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department has received a grant that will allow the Health Department to provide a new PrEP/HIV Prevention program & services. Mary Fuller, Nurse Practitioner at First Choice Healthcare and the Health Department joined RaeAnn Tucker on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday to talk about the grant, what the new services and programs are all about and how this benefits communities served by the Henry and Stark County Health Department.
Kewanee School District Superintendent Dr. Chris Sullens joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday to talk about this past week's Kewanee School Board Meeting. At the meeting the Superintendent and members of the Board took time praise the recent production of Anastasia put on by the Kewanee Theater Department. Also, the Superintendent gave us an update on construction projects at Belle Elementary, at Kewanee High School and in Neponset, each of which has benefited from relatively good weather while working through supply chain troubles.
Wyatt and Julia from Northstar Advocacy were on the Breakfast Club to let people know they now have a Trauma Support Group. PTS Coach Lori Haas has joined forces with North Star to offer victims of abuse a place to talk with others who have experienced similar events in their relationship.
On the latest edition of Kewanee Back When, Dave and Sean start out on a short series of true crime episodes from Kewanee's history. Today we began with the shocking and still unsolved murder of Kewanee resident Sandra Brown. Early in the morning on August 8th, 1978, Sandra Brown took her dog for a walk and never came home. On August 10th, her body was found in a ravine, about a quarter of a mile outside of Kewanee, on IL-78. A coroner's inquest in October of that year revealed that Brown had nearly been decapitated. Investigators could find no motive for someone wanting to kill Brown who had only moved to Kewanee one year prior to her death. Despite a thorough and methodical investigation, Kewanee and Henry County investigators were unable to solve the crime. 45 years later Dave and Sean dig through what is known about the case and hopefully shed some new light on one of the few unsolved murders in the history of Kewanee. RegionalMediaNews.com is seeking to go even deeper into this case for a feature story. If you remember Sandra Brown or stories regarding her murder, share your story with us by emailing Sean at skernan@regionalmedianews.com.
The new movie, All Gone Wrong is set in Kewanee and is based on a real story of a real undercover police officer. That said, rumors that the movie was based on the death of a Kewanee Police Officer were not true. Director Brad Guffey cleared up any confusion about the movie and discussed his inspiration for All Gone Wrong in this conversation with Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI on Tuesday. All Gone Wrong debuts on On-Demand rental services on January 27th, 2023.
Lisa Garcia has been a valued and beloved Mission Partner at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center since 2005. In that time, she's proven to be an asset to each department she's worked with. This is reflected now in her elevation to the role of Chief Nursing Officer at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and OSF Saint Clare Medical Center. In her new role, Lisa aims to make sure that OSF nurses feel heard and truly listened to. She hopes to foster good communication and build the team even stronger than it already is. Lisa Garcia spoke to WKEI about becoming the new Chief Nursing Officer at two OSF locations on Monday morning. Samantha Rux also joined the show to remind participants in Commit 2 Fit that it is week 2 so be sure to check the Facebook page for this week's challenge.
With a vote to legalize recreational Marijuana here in Missouri, local municipalities are rushing to capitalize on this new potential revenue. The City of Maryville wants to levy a 3% sales tax on the sale of recreational weed. The question will be on the the ballot for the April 4th election.
This Sunday, January 15th, the Critics Choice Awards will air live on The CW Network. Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Banshees of Inisherin, and The Fabelmans, top the nominations for the Best Movies of 2022 while Top Gun Maverick, Avatar The Way of Water, and Glass Onion A Knives Out Mystery, are also in the running. Huge stars from those huge movies will all be in attendance for a show that is the biggest precursor to the Academy Awards. Beloved Entertainment Reporter Sam Rubin will host the Red Carpet show leading up to the Critics Choice Awards beginning at 6 Pm on The CW Network. Sam spoke with our Sean Kernan, also a member of the Critics Choice Association, about what you can look forward to on Sunday night at the Critics Choice Awards.
The City of LaSalle held a press conference on Thursday afternoon to update the media and the public regarding yesterday's fire at the Carus chemical plant located 1500 8th Street in Lasalle. Brent Bader with the City of Lasalle addressed the Shelter at Home recommendation that was issued by the City for the 3rd and 4th ward areas that surround the Carus plant stating that the length of the Shelter at Home order was out of an abundance of caution as multiple sources of information were being brought together to give the best care and advice to residents affected. Robert Kondreck with the Illinois EPA gave a statement indicating that they are continuing to monitor air quality but noting that thus far there have been "no detections above our action levels." The Illinois EPA also addressed questions regarding the clean up of the 'purple substance that had been seen in the immediate aftermath of the explosion and fire. According to the EPA, and reiterated by Carus representative, Allen Gibbs, the substance can easily be washed away with water. Pet owners should limit exposure by washing the substance away from areas where pets may eat or drink and by washing pets that may have been outside during the event.
The new movie The Devil Conspiracy is a wild ride of an action movie. Centered on a group who steal the Shroud of Turin to clone Jesus as a way of bringing Lucifer out of Hell, you can rightly say that the movie has a lot going. Joe Anderson is one of the stars of The Devil Conspiracy where he has the daunting task of playing Lucifer, Satan himself, the Devil. It's a big role and our Sean Kernan talked with Joe about the challenges he faced in his role in The Devil Conspiracy. The Devil Conspiracy is in theaters this weekend with plans to expand to more theaters in the near future.
The Kewanee Public Library will play host to a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 16th, 2023. The event is sponsored by Americorp Volunteers and will take place from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon. The event will include activities kids can take home along with books and games related to Martin Luther King Jr. Most importantly, kids will have a chance to learn about the values of Dr. King, Courage, Truth, and Justice. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning with more on their MLK Day Celebration, the upcoming Arts and Crafts Therapy Night on January 24th, and Sara announced the very first Golden Girls Trivia night dedicated to the popular television series. That event will be celebrated on January 31st in honor of the birthday of Golden Girl star and beloved icon, Betty White.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is getting back to normally scheduled public programs for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Health Department has launched what they are calling 12 Communities in 12 Months. The effort is to hold Public Health events in 12 communities, one every month, in 2023. The first event is set to take place at Peoples National Bank on Thursday, January 26th, from 9 Am until 11 Am. At the event, the Health Department will have Radon Test Kits for sale for only $10.00, plus free COVID-19 testing kits, Health Information, and giveaway items. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department spoke to WKEI about 12 Communities, 12 Months on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
The Henry County Farm Bureau is ready to hand out some big time scholarship. More than $42,000 worth of scholarships are set to be awarded to students in the agricultural community in Henry County. Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau was our guest on Wednesday's Kewanee Back When to talk about the scholarship opportunities, one of which is brand new this year. Katie also updated us on Bushels for Hunger which is set to wrap up soon, and a open registration for a women in agriculture meeting centering on mental health.
Marissa Jones, the host of The Vanished Podcast joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to talk about the case of Clint Washburn, a Kewanee High School graduate and former Kewanee resident. In 2003 Clint Washburn allegedly sent his family a letter. That letter indicated that he was cutting ties with the family, getting married to a rich woman, and taking her name. After that, he was never heard from again. In 2018, Clint Washburn's father died and when his mother, Margi, did not hear from him, she began to look for him. She began a Facebook page and a blog and collected whatever information she could. She approached law enforcement and has shared information. And a new avenue that Margi explored was a podcast dedicated to missing persons cases. The Vanished Podcast is a popular podcast dedicated to highlighting missing persons cases. Margi's appearance on the podcast is giving new life to her son's story with the hope that something of his fate may be uncovered. RegionalMediaNews.com WKEI spoke with Marissa Jones, host of The Vanished Podcast on Wednesday.
Sparks talks with Chelsea Teel about details surrounding the Sunday disappearance of Eric Fischer of Macomb
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday. The Mayor of Kewanee was on hand to talk about Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. In our conversation, the Mayor discusses good news delivered by the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce as well as a presentation about the potential for even more new businesses at Midland Plaza. The Mayor also addressed the decision to Table a Facade grant for a local business that applied for the grant after the business had already done its facade improvements. Instead, the Council will propose a different way to provide help to the business owner that follows the guidelines for grant money. Mayor Gary Moore on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
This weekend Kewanee High School will present the musical. Anastasia on stage in the Brockman Auditorium at Kewanee High School. Showtimes are Saturday, January 14th at 7 Pm and Sunday, January 15th at 2 Pm. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for students. Today, Tuesday, January 10th, 2023, members of the Kewanee High School cast of Anastasia, along with their teacher and director, Heather Olalde, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the production and take you behind the scenes of preparation for Anastasia to take the stage this weekend. Joining us this morning were Cooper Bates as Dmitri, Bethany Olalde as Anya or Anastasia, Kiersten Yordy as Zareena, and Nathan Roller as Vlad.
Last week, representatives of Government Employees, those working at Thomson Prison, in Thomson, Illinois, released a statement asking that the Warden of Thomson Prison, Thomas Bergami, be removed from his position. AFGE. the American Federation of Government Employees, the union representing staff at Thomson, allege that Bertrami's poor leadership and decisions as Warden have lead to more than 300 incidents of Sexual Misconduct by inmates against members of Thomson Staff. John Zuhmker is the President of AFGE Local 4070, representing Thomson Prison employees, guards and staff, and he joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday to discuss why the union feels strongly that Warden Bergami should be removed. RegionalMediaNews.com reached out to Thomson Prison for a statement regarding the Union's accusations. You can find the response from Representatives from Thomson Prison and the Bureau of Prisons, linked here.
Weigh ins are underway for Commit 2 Fit Kewanee, 2023. Stop by the YMCA of Kewanee by Monday, January 16th to get weighed in. Just check in at the front desk and tell them you are there to weigh in for Commit 2 Fit. If you haven't signed up yet, there are forms at the YMCA of Kewanee. Or you can find a link on the Commit 2 Fit Kewanee Facebook page where you can enter weekly challenges for prizes and find tips and support from a community of people taking part in Commit 2 Fit Kewanee. Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center talked about Commit 2 Fit on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday morning.
Kewanee Police Chief Nick Welgat was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, January 6th, 2023. On the show, the Kewanee Police Chief addressed concerns from citizens regarding the SAFE-T Act. One provision of the SAFE-T Act that had citizens very concerned was part that seemed prevent Police from arresting people who were trespassing on private property. The law, as initially written, did indicate that such trespassing would not be an arrest offense. Subsequent to that however, revisions to the SAFE-T Act did fix the issue and created scenarios wherein Police can arrest people for trespassing based on certain criteria. The Police Chief also discussed the issue of eliminating Cash Bail, a provision of the Act that is currently the subject of a Supreme Court injunction, meaning it is not currently enacted as law.
The Henry County Senior Center has three big bus trips planned for 2022. Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center made her monthly appearance on WKEI on Thursday, January 5th, 2022, to announce three bus trips that the Senior Center is now accepting reservations for. The trips are to Washington D. C, Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and a return to Branson, Missouri set for the Christmas showcase in Branson. To reserve a space on one or all three bus trips, the cost is $75.00 for each trip. $75.00 is the cost of reserving a seat. The total cost of each trip ranges from $885 for Washington D.C, $765.00 for the 4 day trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and $775.00 for the Branson Show Extravaganza 5 days and 4 nights in November of 2023.
Joshua Verscheure is the new Sheriff of Henry County. He was elected to the position in November and took over from Sheriff Kerry Loncka late last year. Today, Sheriff Verscheure joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about his background, his approach to being the new Sheriff of Henry County and to discuss the SAFE-T act which Henry, Rock Island and Bureau County have joined together to prevent from going into effect via an injunction filed by the Henry County State's Attorney. The three counties joined 63 other Illinois Counties that have sued the State of Illinois to prevent the SAFE-T Act, specifically a provision of the act related to Cash Bail, from going into effect. The Sheriff also discussed his opposition to another piece of legislation currently in front of lawmakers in Springfield. According to the Sheriff, he opposes the proposed ban on Assault Weapons because he feels the ban would be unconstitutional. The Sheriff and the Henry County Board are exploring legal options if the Assault Weapons Ban Bill does get passed during the current lame duck session of the Illinois General Assembly.
Maryville Hy-Vee store manager Nate Jaster on the Best of Local Brands Summit coming up in March
Irene's Entropy is coming to Bishop Hill at the Creative Commons on Sunday, January 8th. The Potluck prior to the concert begins at 5 Pm to accommodate an earlier than usual start time for the concert at 6 Pm. Irene's story is fascinating. At 21 years old she escaped from a cult, She went on to college, earned a degree in Astrophysics and wrote songs about her remarkable experience escaping from a religious cult, leaving behind family in order to cut her own path in life. It's an incredible story and one you can experience for yourself when you see Irene's Entropy on Sunday in Bishop Hill. The cost to attend is only a suggested donation of $15.00 to $25.00.
Local business owners Adam Marriott and Doug Meyers visited the Breakfast Club on KNIM to announce their new venture in Maryville. They recently acquired the "Pub". They talk about how they got together and what they plan to do when they take over after the first of the year.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department released new COVID-19 numbers on Wednesday and the numbers remained about the same as last week with 117 new confirmed cases in Henry County and 11 new confirmed cases in Stark County. Meanwhile. as the severe weather rolls over the area the Health Department is advising people to stay safe in the extreme cold with tips available on the Henry and Stark County Health Department facebook page. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, December 22nd, 2022.
Many folks in Kewanee remember when there was a Christmas tree put up at Tremont and 2nd Street. It was a tradition for many years, though a troubled one as several accidents occurred that eventually led to the discontinuing of the tradition. Dave Clarke has reflected on the downtown Christmas tree before on Kewanee Back When but then a photo posted to Kewanee Nostalgia in 2021, caught Dave's eye when it popped up again recently. In the background, as the tree is being secured into place, you can see a sign for WKEI. This solved a little mystery as to when this sign, which is now fully refurbished and on display at the Kewanee Historical Society, was actually in use promoting WKEI and placing the location of WKEI's studios in 1954 at 2nd and Tremont. Dave reflected on this photo and the Kewanee Christmas Tree on the latest edition of Kewanee Back When.
The Galva City Council met on Monday night and there was some good news regarding the City's EAV as Galva residents will see a slight decrease in property taxes due to the latest Equalized Assessed Value or EAV. The Mayor also updated everyone on the latest. Galva has signed a new solar contract that will bring more solar arrays to the community and more energy options to the City of Galva in the future. Plus, news about an excess vehicle sale and a move demolish decrepit buildings in the city was made on Monday as well. Mayor Rich Volkert was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday morning.
The Kewanee School Board met on Monday night and among the topics was the latest Equalized Assessed Value or EAV for the Kewanee School District Community. The latest EAV saw an increase in assessed value in the community which is good for the Kewanee School District. It does not mean that taxes were increased for the community, as Dr. Sullens explains, only that there was more assessed property value across the community which benefits the school district. Dr. Sullens also gave WKEI an update on the ongoing construction projects in the district ahead of the harsh winter weather arriving this holiday weekend.
Commit 2 Fit Kewanee is back for another go around in 2023. Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and Amanda Powe from the YMCA of Kewanee joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the launch of Commit 2 Fit sign up, which is underway now, and the upcoming weigh-in on January 9th at the YMCA of Kewanee. Be sure to join the Commit 2 Fit Facebook page for support in your fitness journey along with helpful weight loss tips for diet, exercise, sleep and other aspects of life that effect your ability to lose weight.
The Kewanee Park Board met on Thursday, December 15th, in a meeting that was broadcast live on the WKEI Facebook. During the meeting, the Park Board passed their annual tax levy and it was announced that software has been purchased and will be implemented to allow for online sign-up for Parks activities. The goal is to have the online sign up ready to go for Soccer season, 2023. As for what's left of 2022, Andrew Dwyer Director of the Kewanee Parks Department, spoke to WKEI about the beauty of the lights in Windmont and Northeast Park and praised generosity of those who lended their time to put up the lights and displays in each park. All that and more in our conversation with Kewanee Parks Director, Andrew Dwyer.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department announced the latest COVID-19 numbers on Wednesday. Numbers were up in Henry County but down in Stark County for the seven day period ending this past Tuesday. COVID-19 numbers nationwide have been rising in general and that's a good reason to make sure you have gotten your Bivalent COVID-19 Booster which you can get at the Henry and Stark County Health Department. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday,
The Henry County Farm Bureau are celebrating several awards received at the annual meet of Illinois County Farm Bureau's in Chicago last week. Katie Laleman with the Henry County Farm Bureau was our guest on WKEI's Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to talk about the honors received by Henry County Farm Bureau and the Young Leaders of Henry County Farm Bureau. Katie also talked about the continuing effort of promoting Bushels for Hunger, and she took time to mention that a Farm Bureau Membership makes a good Christmas present as well.
Greg McDanel, Maryville City Manager spent some time on the Breakfast Club on KNIM Country to update everyone on the developments with the water treatment plant, the South Main Cooradore project and conjunction with Northwest Missouri State University received a 3.7 M Grant to improve storm water drainage in SW Maryville including Judah Park. Listen to all the details in today's interview.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday morning. The Mayor was on hand to follow up on Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting where the City Council moved forward a tax abatement necessary for maintaining lower property taxes across the City of Kewanee. The Mayor also addressed questions regarding Air B n B regulations in the City. An operator of an Air B n B in Kewanee spoke to the Council on Monday to state they were unaware that they needed to pay the Hotel-Motel Tax in order to operate an Air B n B in the City. Indeed, a 5% tax is required of Air B n B operators under the Kewanee ordinance. Finally, the Mayor discussed the latest Kewanee Police Department crime numbers which were down from month to month significantly from October to November.
The annual OSF Saint Clare Medical Center Tree of Life is now up in the lobby at OSF Saint Clare medical Center. The tree is filled with names of people who are being remembered by family members with donations to OSF Saint Clare Medical Center that will go toward saving lives in the future. The Tree of Life pre-dates OSF Saint Clare Medical Center, all the way back to the early 1990s. It's a fundraiser that provides needed life saving equipment to the hospital while giving the Princeton community a place to honor and remember loved ones. Samantha Rux, Cathy Foes, and Tree of Life Chairperson Deb Kirley talked about the Tree of Life and the lifesaving equipment it helps to pay for on the latest edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties.
The Wethersfield School Board met on Thursday evening at the Blish Building. In the meeting, the School Board approved an annual tax levy that will not increase taxes for Wethersfield District residents. Wethersfield School District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Brooks talked with WKEI radio on Friday morning to recap the decision regarding the Tax Levy, discussing the open discussion of fund balances as part of an effort at transparency, and to recap the recent success of the Wethersfield Christmas Celebration overseen by the Wethersfield Student Council.
The latest COVID-19 numbers for the 7 day period, ending Tuesday, December 6th, and the first numbers released since the Thanksgiving Holiday, are up higher than we'd hoped. RaeAnn Tucker with the Henry and Stark County Health Department tells RegionalMediaNews.com that in the previous 7 days there 95 new, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Henry County and 48 new cases in Stark County. That is nearly 100 new cases confirmed from the previous 7 day period. The spike in cases has led to Stark County being placed in the medium risk category by state standards and may place Henry County in the medium risk category when that status is updated on Friday. Medium risk simply means there is a higher rate of COVID-19 transmission. It's a potentially higher possibility of the spread of COVID-19. Residents can mitigate this by choosing to wear a mask in congregate settings, keeping social distance, handwashing and so on. If you are vaccinated and boosted, you are less likely to get infected than those who are not. If you do get infected, the illness is unlikely to be as severe as it potentially could be to those who are not vaccinated. RaeAnn Tucker discussed this topic on Wake Up TriCounties on Thursday.
Elizabeth Argo is the Youth Services Coordinator at the Maryville Public Library. She came in today (12-8-22) to talk about a wonderful program for young entrepreneurs called the Children’s Business Fair.The Maryville Public Library invites all youth ages eight through high school, who might be interested in creating a product or service and earning a profit, to attend our informational meeting December 15, at 5:30 pm in the library’s basement.
The Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Program exists to make sure that no one goes without heating and cooling due to an inability to pay your bill. The program, in partnership with Ameren Illinois, raises funds via Ameren customers who can choose to donate small amounts via their electric bill. That money is then used to help people who make too much money to qualify for LIHeap, low income help for those in need, but still find themselves coming up short of being able to cover their electric bill. Susan Sams with Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends, joined WKEI to talk about the program and invite those in need to ask for help.
The Kewanee Community Choir is stepping up to help the Kewanee Salvation Army. The Kewanee Community Choir will hold their first post-COVID-19 pandemic performance at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 10th, 2022 at 7Pm. All proceeds donated at the concert will go toward the Kewanee Salvation Army. Eddie Tolliver tells WKEI that the Salvation Army is struggling this season and is behind their goal. Thus. this concert is an important fundraiser for the Salvation Army. Sue Sagmoen with the Kewanee Community Choir joined Eddie Tolliver on WKEI on Wednesday to invite everyone to Saturday night's concert.
Henry County Circuit Court Judge Dana McReynolds announced his retirement last week with a letter to the judiciary and to RegionalMediaNews.com. In the letter he thanked the people of Henry County and praised the man people he has worked with at the Henry County Courthouse as well as those he worked with in court proceedings in Kewanee. Judge McReynolds had been appointed to the Circuit Court in 2020 to fill a vacancy and had planned his retirement prior to the announcement last week after deciding not to run to be elected. Judge McReynolds spoke to WKEI about his retirement, the state of the Henry County Court System today, and the advice he gives for those entering work in the Henry County Courts in the future. The retiring Judge also spoke critically of the newly amended SAFE-T Act, specifically the Cash Bail aspect of the bill. In our conversation Judge McReynolds was critical of the bill for not including the input of Judges and Prosecutors though he also stated that with his retirement approaching, he'd not studied the changes coming via the SAFE-T Act, closely as he will leave office before the changes are implemented.
Lucia Nights is the final festival of a busy holiday season in Bishop Hill. Featuring the famed Lucia Girls and their candle hats, Lucia Nights from 6 Pm to 9 Pm with candles in the windows of local businesses, shops, museums and historic sites, to light the way of visitors seeking a Swedish tradition as part of their holiday celebration. Todd Dedecker with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to talk about the history and traditions of Lucia Nights and tout the incredible Christmas Shopping opportunities as part of this family friendly holiday celebration in Historic Bishop Hill...
It's National Handwashing Week and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is highlighting how the simple act of regularly washing your hands can keep you healthy. Samantha Rux and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Infection Control Expert Kathy Blanford, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday to discuss Handwashing Week as well as the role that infection control plays inside the hospital. Kathy takes us through her job in provide education, support, and research regarding infection control and how that plays into patient experiences as OSF Saint Luke Medical Center.
Bradley Constant plays the teenage version of Dwayne The Rock Johnson on the autobiographical comedy, Young Rock on NBC. We talked with Bradley Constant on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday about the challenge of living up to the legend of the most well known and arguably most beloved movie star on the planet. We also talked about the amazing supporting cast on Young Rock and the excellent guest stars like The Rock's fellow WWE champion, Becky Lynch. Bradley talks about the advice The Rock has given him and how incredibly fun it has been behind the scenes on Young Rock.
Officers Kyle Hoyt from Campus police and Officer Ian Myers from Maryville Public Safety visited the Breakfast Club with Don and Holly this morning (12-2-22)to talk about Santa Cops for Kids.
Kerry Loncka, the now former Henry County Sheriff. joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to reflect on his career, discuss his retirement as Sheriff, and the advice that he offered to the newly elected Henry County Sheriff Josh Verscheure when the new Sheriff took office. When Sheriff Loncka's staff was asked about the retiring Sheriff, the term that was used most often was respect. Sheriff Kerry Loncka's legacy is one of being respected by those he worked with. That includes the staff of the Henry County Jail, the Sheriff's Office, all fellow law enforcement members, and the Henry County Board.
DeAnn Davidson is Maryville's Tourism Director and the Executive Director of Downtown Maryville. The two agencies headed by DeAnn (one Person) creates a cinergy which is hard to deny. DeAnne organizes city wide events to promote local small businesses like Downtown Turkey Trot fun run/walk, A Very Maryville Christmas, The Christmas Parade Downtown, and the Holiday Shop Hop! She then promotes the city as a holiday tourism destination to municipalities throughout Missouri.
Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, December 1st. The Henry County Senior Center has their Christmas Cookie Kits for sale. The Christmas Cookie Kits are a fundraiser for the Senior Center where they sell cookies along with all the fixings to make them Christmas Cookies! You can place your order now and you can pick up your Christmas Cookie Kits as of December 19th at the Henry County Senior Center. Also this Holiday season, if you are looking for a gift for a senior family member, consider making a donation to the Home Delivered Meal Program. You can make a suggested donation of one month's worth of the Home Delivered Meal Program in the name of your Senior Family Member. It supports the Henry County Senior Center to continue to provide the Home Delivered Meal Program to continue delivering meals to the Seniors in your family and the Henry County area. More details in our conversation on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
The latest week to week COVID-19 numbers were down from the previous 7 day period in Henry and Stark County. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties and explained that though numbers were down this also reflects fewer tests being taken due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. Numbers are very likely to increase following the holiday due to increased testing and the number of large holiday gatherings.
Lauren Dynes Gillespie from Abilities Plus joined Wake Up TriCounties on Wednesday to talk about the Abilities Plus Holiday Open House taking place on Sunday, December 4th, 2022. The event for which everyone is invited, is a fundraiser for Abilities Plus and will include refreshments, a tour of Abilities Plus, and the chance to purchase your very own Abilities Plus Wreaths and Gnomes, each created by the clients of Abilities Plus. The Abilities Plus Holiday Open House is Sunday, December 4th, from 1 PM to 3 PM at Abilities Plus located at 1100 North East Street in Kewanee.
The Mayor of Kewanee, Gary Moore, was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, November 29th. The Mayor was on hand to wrap up Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. It was a brief meeting where the fate of the long discussed Nelson Avenue was finalized with the City deciding not to move forward with any changes to the little used one way road. The Mayor also discussed three more dilapidated buildings to be torn down across the City of Kewanee and about the presentation by the Kewanee Economic Development Corporation at last night's meeting. Finally, the Mayor addressed the Boiler Shop property but stated that he does not know the new owner of the property or what that owners plan for the property is.
Sparks chats with Cheryl McGowan of the St. Paul Women's Guild about the upcoming Cookie Walk, taking place Dec 2nd and 3rd in the Macomb City Hall Conference Room
The Christmas Holiday is fast approaching! As Decorations are being drug out of storage and placed perfectly around the house, you think, "I wish everyone could enjoy this". Seven years ago, Steve and Donella Sherry of Under the Son Ministries started the Christmas Home Tour". For one day, four preselected homes in Maryville are opened to the those who purchase a ticket. One ticket covers all four homes. The tickets are 20 dollars each and the proceeds go towards their ministries outreach programs while spreading Christmas spirit and providing Christmas decorating ideas to those who take the tour.
Samantha Rux and Cathy Foes from the OSF Healthcare Foundation joined WKEI on Monday, November 28th, 2022 edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties. According to Samantha, masking remains required at OSF locations for the time being. Though community spread of COVID-19 is down again week to week, and beds are once again opening up at OSF, the masking precaution will remain in effect for another week. This could change next Monday, but for now, masks remain required at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee. Samantha was joined on the show by Cathy Foes with the OSF Healthcare Foundation. Cathy was on hand to talk about Giving Tuesday, Tuesday November 29th, 2022. The OSF Healthcare Foundation has a number of options for you to donate to on Giving Tuesday but what you give is up to you. Whether you make a financial donation or give of your time as a volunteer at OSF Healthcare, you are helping, and you are part of Giving Tuesday.
The Director of the Maryville Chamber of Commerce sat down with Don and Holly this morning on the KNIM Breakfast Club. We talked about the chamber events that are upcoming this holiday season. Listen to the interview for all the details.
Kewanee School District Superintendent Dr. Chris Sullens joined WKEI on Tuesday morning to talk about Monday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. In our conversation, Dr. Chris Sullens talks about honoring the Kewanee High School FFA which earned a huge honor at the National FFA Conference in Indianapolis last month, Dr, Sullens also updated listeners about the ongoing construction projects across the district and ended on a conversation about taxes. Hear our conversation with Dr. Chris Sullens from Wake Up Tri-Counties below...
Julmarknad starts this weekend, Friday and Saturday from 10 Am to 4 Pm. It's the first of two weekends for the Christmas Market. Kim Thrush with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to talk about Julmarknad and the many, many exciting things happening as part of Julmarknad and the incredible items and experiences that will be available at the annual Christmas Market this weekend and next weekend.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is always innovating and looking for better ways to serve patients. As part of that mission, they are opening the new OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Innovation Hub. The innovation Hub will collect ideas throughout the hospital via Mission Partners and seek new ideas that will help patients as well as increase efficiency. The innovation Hub will also have a strong educational component that focuses on medicine and STEM and will help educate kids about hospitals, health, and more via innovation. We talked with our friends from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center on te Monday edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI.
The Kewanee Salvation Army has set a goal to raise more than $46,000 for people in need in our community this holiday season. Eddie Tolliver with the Kewanee Salvation Army joined WKEI on Monday morning, along with Amber Patch Troxell, to reveal this years fundraising goal and to invite folks to volunteer to ring bells for the Salvation Army to help get to that lofty fundraising goal. Meanwhile, Amber was on hand to announce the return of the Angel Tree for 2022. You can still sign up for your kids to receive gifts from the Angel Tree by contacting Amber or the Kewanee Salvation Army. The Angel Tree is going up at Wal Mart in Kewanee this week which means you can start grabbing Angels off of the tree on Black Friday and add a child in need to your Christmas Shopping this year.
November 29th is Ladies Night at Kewanee Care Home and Courtyard Communities in Kewanee. From 5 Pm to 8 Pm on November29th ladies are invited to come to Courtyard Village at 860 Sunset Drive and shop numerous vendors who will be on hand with a wide array of products for Christmas Presents, Birthday Presents, or just a little something for yourself. There is no cost to attend and if you are a vendor, there is still room for your table at Ladies Night. Contact Jeanna Moore at Courtyard Communities at 309-540-8588 for more information on becoming a vendor or for any other information you'd like regarding Ladies Night. Jeanna was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Ladies Night.
The Henry County Board met on Thursday, November 17th at the Henry County Courthouse. Henry County Administrator Erin Knackstedt and Henry County Board Chair Kippy Breeden joined WKEI on Friday morning on Wake Up Tri-Counties to wrap up the meeting and let everyone know that Henry County is hiring. There is currently a need for lawyers in the office of the State's Attorney in Henry County among other open positions in administration, in various departments and in the Henry County Jail. That plus a discussion of ongoing rehab and construction in the historic Henry Courthouse are part of our Wake Up Tri-Counties interview.
Andy Jackson from Sinnissippi Centers- Taking The Stress Out of The Holidays by Regional Media
Sparks chats with Jeanne Biswell from the Plymouth Circle Community Center about their Bazaar Fundraiser on November 19th
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on Thursday morning on Wake Up Tri-Counties. The latest weekly COVID-19 numbers are up slightly from last week. By the numbers, Henry County has 65 new COVID-19 cases ad Stark County announced 7 new cases last. Meanwhile, it is one week from Thanksgiving and we talked to RaeAnn Tucker about Food Safety and healthy food preparation ahead of your Thanksgiving celebration.
Having won the District Championship with a win over their district rival The Savannah Savages in a last second nail biter. The Maryville Spoofhounds Embark on the road to a state championship this Saturday at 1pm (11-19-22) In the Hound Pound against the Pleasant Hill Roosters. Coach Webb talks about the Friday night game with Savannah and the upcoming game with the Pleasant Hill Roosters.
11 Kewanee men lost their life in the War in Vietnam. Today on Kewanee Back When, Dave Clarke shared their names and talked about their memory in Kewanee. It's a story of heroes and tragedies, of those who've been celebrated and those whose history has faded. Dave Clark throws a spotlight on each of the Kewanee 11 in today's Kewanee Back When.
KEWANEE:
SP4 ALLAN CAMERON BENSON
PFC DAN E BRYAN
1LT ALAN CHARLES DE CRAENE
CPL DONALD EUGENE JONES
PFC CHARLES IRVIN MITCHELL
CPT WARREN ROBERT ORR Jr
1LT WILLIAM MARSHALL PRICE
SGT MARTIN JOSEPH RAPCZAK
HN RODNEY ROBERT ROGERS
LCPL JAMES LAYMAN VERHELST
LCPL JAMES EDWARD WERDERMAN
Stephany Yout took time out of her busy day to talk with Don and Holly on the KNIM Breakfast Club. Stephani discussed the parade and the change of the rout, plus other great events in Maryville over the holidays.
A new documentary is bringing a lost yet influential music star back into the spotlight. In the early 1970s singer-songwriter Judee Sill overcame drug addiction, time in prison, and the absence of her family, to become a pop recording artist. Signed to David Geffen's influential record label, Sill was all set for stardom but it never fully arrived. Though her music was loved by a large core of fans and especially by fellow musicians, she never found chart success and fell into obscurity before dying tragically young in 1979. Documentarians Andy Brown and Brian Lindstrom found Judee's music and have spent the past decade working on bringing her legend back to life. They've done that with the new brilliant documentary Lost Angel: The Genius of Judee Sill. Brian and Andy spoke with Wake Up Tri-Counties about the documentary on Tuesday morning.
Kewanee City Councilman Steve Faber spoke with Wake Up Tri-Counties about Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. In the interview, Councilman Faber discussed the items on the agenda, each of which passed on a unanimous vote. Also at the meeting there was a discussion of Nelson Avenue in Kewanee and whether it should become a one way street, and Councilman Faber touted the upcoming budget meetings in the City and stated that he would push for more funding for street repairs in Kewanee. All of that in more in our Wake Up Tri-Counties conversation with Councilman Steve Faber.
Nodaway County Economic Development Director Josh McKim visited the Breakfast Club. Holly and I talked with Josh about the Makers Monday...a day to shop local instead of a Cyber Monday to help support local business. NCED is also involved in other programs this fall through winter. Listen to the interview here!
The Kewanee Public Library is now lending out internet hot spots. If you need a hot spot for any reason you can now go to the Kewanee Public Library and take out a hot spot to keep you connected in places where your internet connection may not be that strong. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined WKEI on Monday to talk about wi-fi hotspots, the special Thanksgiving Week hours at the Kewanee Public Library and plans for Story Time following Thanksgiving week.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. There are many misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding what causes diabetes and what you can eat if you have Diabetes. OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Registered Dietitian Sara Umphleet, along with Samantha Rux, joined Wake Up Tri Counties on Monday, November 14th, to talk about food and diabetes and what you need to know about what your diet should look like after you've been diagnosed with Diabetes or if you are someone who has a high risk for developing Diabetes.
OSF Healthcare is celebrating Diabetes Awareness Month in November. It's an effort to get people to know more about Diabetes, how to avoid it and how to manage it if you are diagnosed. There are many things to know about Diabetes and we were lucky to have members of the Diabetes Care Team at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center as our guests this week to discuss Diabetes, Diabetes Awareness Month, and answer your questions about what you need to know about Diabetes.
Kimberly Good and Izzy Espinoza with Whiteside County Community Health Clinic by Regional Media
George Luz JR was on the Breakfast Club on KNIM Country this morning. His Father George Luz Sr. was one of the soldiers in the actual Band of Brothers (Easy Company) of the 101st Airborne out of Fort Campbell KY. Holly and I were honored to have George in the studio to talk about his dad this morning 11-9-22.
With a by week and one victory in this years post season, coach Matt Webb discussed last weeks game and how he will approach for this weeks game with the Savannah Savages. The Hounds defeated Savannah in mid october and are hoping to do the same Friday 11-11-22
Medicaid Open Enrollment season is back and the Henry County Senior Center is here to help. if you are aged 65 or older, you can contact the Henry County Senior Center and they will help you navigate Open Enrollment to get the best medication prices available. There is no requirement to change providers and you can decide you don't want to change even after consulting with the Senior Center staff. There are no obligations. Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center spoke with WKEI to discuss open enrollment, along with the start of Chair Yoga at the Senior Center beginning Tuesday, November 15th, 2022. And, Christmas Cookie Kits are now available at the Henry County Senior Center. Cookies and the additional ingredients to make them Christmas Cookies will ready to be picked up in MId-December.
The documentary Bad Axe is nominated for several Critics Choice Documentary Awards. Director David Siev joined WKEI on Monday to talk about the documentary that follows his family, owners of a restaurant in Bad Axe, Michigan, during the pandemic, the George Floyd protests, the 2020 election and a struggling economy. David's father was a survivor of the killing fields of Cambodia and the documentary began life as a story about the American dream his father had achieved in surviving, coming to America, and life since them. The pandemic and politics changed everything and turned the Siev family into a remarkable microcosm of a tumultuous time in American history. Bad Axe is currently on the festival circuit and will hopefully be streaming early next year. You can follow along on Facebook for information on how you can see Bad Axe.
Bailey Fergison Special Events and Marketing Manager at Maryville Parks and Rec. Visited the Breakfast Club today (11-7-22) to discuss the upcoming Events.
Democrat Candidate for Congress in the 17th District, Eric Sorensen is making a final campaign push ahead of Tuesday's election. Sorensen, well known as a weather forecaster in the Quad Cities for 20 years, talked to Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday about the latest from the campaign trail, whether or not he'd be a rubber stamp for the Democrat agenda in Congress, and his dedication to working on Climate Change via new technology and job creation if elected to Congress.
The Republican candidate for Congress in the 17th District in Illinois, Esther Joy King, is on the campaign trail. On this Friday, King is in Macomb and on Sunday, King will be in Kewanee for a rally at Cerno's. King will be holding a get out the vote rally in Kewanee beginning at 7 PM at Cerno's. We spoke to King on Friday on Wake Up Tri-Counties where she talked about her recent and upcoming campaign stops, her background, which has been the subject of political attack, and how she might reach across the aisle if elected to Congress.
Adam Marriott, owner and operator of A & M Amusements in Maryville and St. Joe was our guest on the Breakfast Club this morning. Adam talked about about a few changes coming up concerning the snowie shaved ice which he offers at events, the large number of attractions the business has and some changes which he hopes to implement in the future.
While working as a teacher in Florida, Maribeth Grafelman met a teacher's assistant named Suree. The two became friends and when Maribeth learned that her friend was traveling back and forth to Thailand to help a school there, she wanted to pitch in. Now retired and living in Kewanee, Maribeth and Suree continue to work together to support the Maesuk School. That support created a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for supplies, construction and chickens that the kids themselves tend to at the school. It's an act of generosity and a teachable moment about charity from a former teacher. Because of that, and the good deed it entails, WKEI wanted to throw a little spotlight on Maribeth and the Maesuk School and see if we can help their fundraising effort.
Jessica Vest from the Nodaway County Historical Society Stopped in today (11-1-22) to talk about this weekends event and guest, Author reading with Ilene Devlin on her WWII memoir Emma's World. This inspiring story shows one young American woman’s resilience in achieving her dreams by overcoming life’s obstacles.The book traces Emma’s life in Nodaway Co. Missouri in the 1930s through the end of World War II
Downtown Trick or Treat went off without a hitch Friday evening in downtown Maryville. It's estimated there were 3 thousand kids begging for the haunted holiday treats. Kathy Rice, is the organiser of the event which is now 27 years old. Listen to the interview here:
October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a good reminder that Mammograms are readily available at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee. On Wake Up Tri-Counties we welcomed members of the Radiology Department, along with Samantha Rux, to talk about Mammograms, Breast Cancer Awareness, and to offer a thank you the recently retired Connie Weston who was a leader and an inspiration in the Radiology Department for so many years. All of that in this weeks OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Monday.
Reporter and Author Michael Starr has a new book out. It's a biography of legendary insult comic, Don Rickles. The book is called Don Rickles: The Merchant of Venom and Author Michael Starr was our guest on WKEI on Monday, October 31st. In talking about the book Michael discusses the public and private Don Rickles, his historic first encounter with his friend, Frank Sinatra, and Don Rickles' late in life celebrity following his successful role as Mr. Potatohead in in the Toy Story movies.
It's now officially Good Fellows Basket Season in Kewanee. The annual effort to make sure that those in need have food for the holidays is back and raising funds for the delivery of Food Baskets just before Christmas. Amron Buchanan and Ken Knowlan were our guests on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday to kick off the fundraising season with Good Fellows Tag Days. Two Tag Days happening in November will serve as two of the biggest Goodfellows efforts this season. Students from Kewanee and Wethersfield Key Clubs will be out across the City of Kewanee gathering donations for the purchase of foods to put in Good Fellows baskets. Watch for the students and your chance to help Good Fellows on November 5th and again on November 8th from 9 Am to 7 Pm at Wal Mart and Save A Lot among other areas in Kewanee. If you'd prefer to mail a donation you can mail a check to P.O Box 5 Kewanee, IL, 61443, C/O Good Fellow's.
Kris and Kyle dropped by the Breakfast Club on KNIM Country to discuss the new hunter safety video game that was implemented recently to aid in hunter safety education. Holly Cronk and I also talked to to the agents about what they've seen as far as numbers of deer with chronic wasting disease and other illness deer can get along with the current deer populations going into hunting season.
Our friend Sargent Shane Hux from the Missouri State Highway Patrol payed us a visit at KNIM Country to tell our listeners about the hazards on Northwest Missouri roads this fall. This time of year we have the harvest which means farm equipment on the roads along with increased grain truck traffic, Deer in the roadway due to the harvest, and hunting season, and the impending cold weather which creates icy and snowy conditions on our roadways.
With the final game of the regular season last Friday (10-21-22) a 49-14 victory over Lafayette gave the Hounds the first place finish in districts and earned them a by week to start the playoffs. This season the hounds averaged about 42.7 PPG, while giving up an average of 22.7 PPG. Coach Webb talks about last weeks win over Lafayette and how he approaches the playoffs.
The Kewanee Public Library will host a Halloween Open House from 9 Am to 12:45 Pm on Saturday, October 29th, 2022. Families are invited to come and Trick R'Treat on all three floors of the library. There will also be make and take crafts and it's a good chance to break in your child's Halloween costume before Halloween arrives. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday to talk about the Halloween Open House as well as the Kewanee Public Library Lego Club, and the return of the the Recipe Club at the library next month.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department announced that COVID-19 weekly numbers have declined in both Counties. By the numbers, Henry County had 31 new cases in the seven days previous to Tuesday, October 25th, 2022. In Stark County there were 3 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Henry and Stark County Health Department had more than 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19 last week. RaeAnn Tucker with the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the latest numbers and other things being discussed at the Health Department.
The Kewanee City Council met on Monday, October 24th, 2022. Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI on Wednesday, October 26th to talk about the meeting. Among the topics for discussion was the approved increase in Water, Sewer, and Trash collection rates in the City of Kewanee. Mayor Gary Moore stated that the increases were necessary due to several factors including the need for new equipment and the continuing project to remove lead lines from the water system in Kewanee. The Mayor also discussed the demolition contracts that were approved on Monday night, and the Mayor reminded Kewanee residents to be mindful of kids and trick or treating for Halloween this weekend.
Due to Covid the New Nodaway Humane Society hasn't been able to hold a fundraiser since 2020, so the free will donation spaghetti dinner tomorrow (10-25-22)at the First Methodist Church at 102 N. Main in Maryville is highly anticipated. As the economy worsens donations decrease, and for an organisation which depends on donations for a large part of their overall income...times are tough and getting tougher every day so please participate or just donate.
Matt Wright is the star of a new Netflix reality show called Wild Croc Territory. Matt talked about this unique show on the WKEI Morning Show on Monday, October 24th, 2022. Matt tells WKEI about life in Wild Croc Territory, his family being featured on the show and the many close calls throughout his adventurous time helping rescue crocs and get them to a safe location while also protecting the public from Crocs who have seen their habitats encroached upon in recent years. Matt tells us that his efforts, and the efforts of people like him have rescued the species from near extinction in Australia.
The Enchanted Pumpkin Festival is taking place this weekend in Kewanee. it's happening in downtown Kewanee from 10 Am to 7 Pm. The event will feature pumpkin painting, vendors, food and live music. And, a trunk or treat will close out the day in the Good's Parking Lot. Jeanna Moore and Tiffany Bockewitz, organizers behind the Enchanted Pumpkin Festival joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to talk about the event, organizing the event for the first time and already having plans for next year's event.
The Henry County Board met on Thursday evening at the Henry County Courthouse. Shawn Kendall and Henry County Administrator Erin Knackstedt joined WKEI on Friday to talk about the meeting including AdHoc grants handed out to local non-profits hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Area organizations including Henry County Senior Center, Bishop Hill Heritage Association, Colona Public Library, Freedom House, and the Orion American Legion were among those who pleaded their case to receive a grant and among the 15 grants that were handed out.
With one more game left in the regular season, Coach Webb talked about last week's win over Savannah and this week's game with Lafayette.
50 years ago, 1972, the American Legion building was built and came to the home of American Legion members in Kewanee. But, the history of the American Legion goes back more than 50 year to well nearly 100 years. Formed in the wake of World War 1, American Legion posts were popping up all over the country when hundreds of World War 1 veterans working in the various factories in Kewanee were called to join the American Legion. The Legion found their home in various meeting spaces over the years until 1971 when plans began for the Legion to build their own building. It got off to a rocky start on construction, as our friend Dave Clark explains on the latest edition of Kewanee Back When, but today, the Kewanee American Legion Post 31, is a staple of the Kewanee community. On the newest edition of Kewanee Back When, Dave Clark discusses the history of The American Legion in Kewanee.
In 2019 the indie band YACHT set out to challenge themselves artistically and technologically. After meeting with developers at Google, the band launched an attempt create a record using artificial intelligence. The effort would require the band to use music and lyrics generated by A.I and reproduced by the band as actual songs. The result is a groundbreaking and extraordinary record called Chain Tripping. Three years later, a documentary about the remarkable making of Chain Tripping, called The Computer Accent, is being rolled out in limited release in theaters. I was very lucky to get the chance to talk with the directors of The Computer Accent, Sebastian Pardo and Riel Roch Decter about the documentary, the band, the record, and the intersection of art and technology.
The Nodaway County Sheriff's Department is increasing their presents at not only the Nodaway RII school district but also all other districts in nodaway county. Nodaway County Sheriff Randy Strong visited the Breakfast Club today to discuss why, and to talk about the benefits of added security and community outreach.
Kewanee School District Superintendent Dr. Chris Sullens joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to talk about Monday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. Dr. Sullens discussed the approval of Kewanee's most recent audit, the approval for Kewanee Cheerleaders to become a competitive Cheer Squad, and updates on ongoing construction projects across the Kewanee School District. Dr. Sullens also talked about Senior Night for Fall Sports taking place on Friday, October 21st. Dr. Sullens says that the Kewanee High School Band will perform at 5:30 Pm on the Football field to celebrate Senior Band Members and in hopes of getting people to turn out to support the band, there will be prize giveaways and the Pork Chop Sandwiches will be on sale early for those who turn out for the Kewanee High School Band on Senior Night.
The OSF Healthcare Community Health Needs Assessment is a yearly effort by OSF Healthcare to determine services that people see as needed in the community. The results clearly show a desire for Mental Health Services in the area but also ideas for addressing nutrition health and how to encourage healthy eating and eating habits in the community and what role OSF Healthcare can play in that. Samantha Rux talked about the Community Health Needs Assessment on Monday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties. Samantha also reminds everyone that there will be a blood drive at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center on Tuesday, October 18th. Contact BloodCenter.org to make your appointment to donate. The blood supply across the country is at a critical point so anyone available to donate is encouraged to do so to help save lives.
When Lisa Haderlein saw that Congressman Darin LaHood did not have an opponent in the 16th District Congressional race in Illinois, she wondered why? So, she contacted local Democratic party officials in the district and volunteered to be the candidate. A city council member in Harvard, Illinois, located in McHenry County. Lisa's background is in conservation where she has run a small non-profit organization dedicated to conservation. Naturally, one of the issues that drove her to run for Congress is the environment. In a conversation with WKEI however, Lisa stated that the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade was also a deciding factor in her decision to run for office. You can find out about 16th District Congressional candidate, Democrat Lisa Haderlein in this Wake Up Tri-Counties conversation.
The annual Kewanee Public Library Pumpkin Decorating contest is now open for submissions. Pumpkins decorated to look like storybook characters will be on display from Monday, October 17th through Halloween. No carved pumpkins, just decorated pumpkins will be on display. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated pumpkin and a prize handed out for just entering the contest will also be up for grabs. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined WKEI to invite families to begin bringing decorated pumpkins to display at the Library on Monday, October 17th. Sara also invited everyone to a Friends of the Library get together on Tuesday, October 18th. Central School Teacher Marc Nelson will be speaking to the Friends of the Kewanee Library about a project his students did while learning about The Tuskegee Airmen.
The New Maryville School Superintendent Dr. Logan Lightfoot Stopped by for the first of many visits to discuss his views on the Maryville RII School District and areas of focus for the future.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Wednesday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties. The Kewanee City Council Meeting was held on Tuesday due to Monday being a holiday. A light agenda featured a tabled vote on whether to change Nelson Avenue in Kewanee into a one way street. The issue will be taken up again at the next Kewanee City Council Meeting. Mayor Moore also discussed the situation involving a woman who spoke to the Council about a local business that she feels is a nuisance in her neighborhood. The Council and Kewanee Police are looking into the complaints as Mayor Moore explained in our conversation on Wednesday.
Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to talk about the current progress in the Illinois harvest. According to the latest numbers, the 2022 harvest season is behind the 5 year average but not so far behind as to cause a great concern. Katie Laleman also talked about upcoming Henry County Farm Bureau events including the Young Leaders next Fill a Ford Fundraiser next month in Geneseo and the the next Market Outlook Meeting also in November. Finally, Katie tells us that Bushels for Hunger is kicking off this month. Soon, Farmers can donate portions of the grain they bring in to Bushels for Hunger. It will be sold with the proceeds donated to Bushels for Hunger which will use the money as a donation to the Riverbend Food Bank.
The Kewanee Citywide Clean Up is set for this Saturday at the former Hospital Site on Elliott Street. Beginning at 7 Am and going until Noon, Kewanee residents are invited to come to the site to drop off items to be discarded such as mattresses, furniture, yard furniture, water heaters, appliances, metal junk items, scrap wood, paint with lids removed and dried out with cat litter, carpet, toilets, and other miscellaneous junk and trash items. Your vehicle MUST be hand unloadable. If you have any questions regarding what can and cannot be disposed of at the Kewanee Citywide Clean Up, contact Kewanee City Hall at 309-852-2611.
The Beta Sigma Phi Craft Show is back to normal size for the first time since before the pandemic. The annual craft show that occurs at the Galva High School will have more than 40 vendors on Saturday, October 15th, 2022, from 9 Am to 3 Pm. Admission is $2.00 and organizers ask that visitors not bring dogs or strollers as space is limited. Kay Downs with the Beta Sigma Phi Craft Show was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday morning to celebrate the full size return of the Beta Sigma Phi Craft Show.
After a one point loss last Saturday against the powerhouse Lutheran North team, the Maryville Spoofhounds get ready for this weeks game with their 71 Highway rivals the Savannah Savages
Maryville City Manager Greg McDanial stopped by to discuss the progression of the main street construction project. We talked about which phase the project is in along with how he thinks the winter will go along with where the new intersection will be.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is ready with your COVID-19 Booster Shot and your flu shot. Brittany Boston with OSF Saint Luke Medical Center's Clinic joined Samantha Rux as a guest on Monday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties to invite residents of the surrounding area to make an appointment that OSF Saint Luke Medical Center clinic to get your Flu Shot and or your COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Shot. Brittany reminds everyone that it is perfectly safe to get both the COVID-19 Booster and the Flu Shot at the same time without worry of a bad reaction. Make an appointment for your Flu Shot and or COVID-19 Booster shot via OSF MyChart.
Congressman Darin LaHood is running for re-election in the newly redrawn 16th Congressional District. Congressman LaHood last week brought his campaign to Annawan and Kewanee and stopped by WKEI for a conversation about OPEC and that group's decision to cut oil production by two million barrels per day. LaHood called the move by OPEC a slap in the face to the Biden administration which had worked on cultivating relationships in the middle east only to have the same Middle Eastern leaders cut oil production at a key moment for the global market. LaHood also discussed farm policy and the newly redrawn 16th district and what he's hearing from constituents new and old.
The Northwest Missouri Moon Festival is Saturday here in Maryville and Holly Cronk brought in a couple guys who are on the committee to talk about how the festival came to be and how they hope to develop it moving forward.
October offers the chance for Seniors to check and see if they can get a better deal on their medications. Open Enrollment begins on October 15th and you can contact the Henry County Senior Center to find out if there is a better, more cost effective plan for getting your needed medications. Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Open Enrollment and tell seniors to get in touch if they have any questions regarding Open Enrollment. Cassandra also touted Friday morning cinnamon rolls and the Home Delivered Meal Program with the Henry County Senior Center.
Today on Wake Up Tri-Counties RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI to discuss the lowest number of new test confirmed cases of COVID-19 since April of 2022. Between Henry and Stark County there were a total of 20 test confirmed cases of COVID-19 over the seven days prior to Tuesday, October 4th. This is good news but there is still more to be done as we head into the Winter season. The Henry and Stark County Health Department are set to hold a series of clinics in Henry and Stark County delivering the COVID-19 Bivalent Booster from Moderna for patients 18 and older. And, at the same clinic, people can get their annual flu shot.
Maryville Spoofhound Head Coach Matt Webb came by for his weekly visit and discussed last weeks game and took a look ahead to this weeks contest with Lutheran North saturday at 1. I also asked him about the Ref shortage in the league.
Linda Blair with the Kewanee Area United Way was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday. The Kewanee Area United Way campaign is underway and throughout the month of October, WKEI will be profiling the non-profit agencies that are aided by donations to the Kewanee Area United Way. The Kewanee Area United Way Halloween Hustle was also discussed on the show. The Halloween Hustle is set for Saturday morning at 10 Am. Find details on the Kewanee Area United Way Facebook page or contact the Kewanee Area United Way.
Jeff Goard from Bishop Hill was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday. Jeff was on hand to talk about this Weekend's Bishop Hill Pottery Festival. Saturday October 8th from 10 Am to 5 Pm. It's more than just Pottery as there are going to be displays of many different types of artisan products demonstrated and sold including Basketry, woodworking items, stained glass making, and quilting among others. Jeff joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the event and how pottery reflects world history and the history in your own back yard.
Maryville Mayor Tye Parsons stopped by the Breakfast Club to fill in the blanks on the two year Water and Sewer service increase.
Natalie Ince is now practicing at the Sheffield Clinic of OSF Healthcare. In a further expansion of healthcare access, OSF Healthcare have added Natalie Ince to the team in Sheffield. Having Natalie on board will allow the Clinic to make more appointments, welcome new patients, and provide care for people unable to travel to far. Natalie was born and raised in Kewanee, attended Wethersfield before going to college and getting a job at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. She eventually accepted a position in Galesburg. The job at the Sheffield Clinic allows Natalie to work a little closer to home. Patients in Sheffield and surrounding communities can start booking appointments at the Sheffield Clinic of OSF Healthcare immediately.
The IRS is warning people about a new scam going around. It's nicknamed SMISHING after SMS Text Messages. The scam involves sending texts to random people with links in the text. The official looking text asks you to click a link and when you do it installs Malware on your phone. It's also used to steal information stored on your phone. We talked about this scam with IRS Agent Clay Sanford on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday. Clay also talked about the upcoming October 15th deadline for those who filed for a tax extension in April of this year.
After some very hard work and a lot of volunteer dedication, the Stark County Historical Society is ready for a major Grand Opening Celebration on October 8th, from 9 Am to 1 Pm. Jeanne Ryan with the Historical Society spoke with Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning. Guided tours of the expanded Historical Society, live music, food, and so much more will be part of the Grand Opening. But it's all about the history of Stark County and Jeanne tells WKEI that the discoveries they've made in the process of this expansion have been remarkable. It's an event the whole family will enjoy.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department announced new COVID-19 infection numbers on Wednesday and those numbers show a significant downward trend. In all, over the previous seven days prior to Wednesday, there were 37 new, test confirmed, cases of COVID-19 between the two Counties. That's the lowest number of new cases in several months since the Health Department changed their reporting to record only new Test-Confirmed cases of COVID-19. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department talked about the latest numbers as well as upcoming flu and COVID-19 Booster clinics and honoring our Office of Emergency Management during September, Emergency Preparedness Month.
Maryville Spoofhound Head Coach Webb stopped by for his weekly recap of last Fridays game with Cameron, and a look forward to this week's contest with Benton.
The Northwest Missouri Moon Festival is Saturday October 8th. It's a day long music and vender Festival featuring a variety of local and regional acts.
Much of the talk coming out of Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting centered on the forming of a Neighborhood Watch Program. Kewanee Police Chief Nick Welgat and Deputy Chief Stephen Kijanowski joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to talk about Neighborhood Watch and encourage people to contact Deputy Chief Kijanowski regarding setting up a Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood. Chief Welgat also took time to address Kewanee's crime statistics and reiterated the need for a drug treatment center in Kewanee.
Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined WKEI to talk about Monday's Galva City Council Meeting. It was a crowded meeting as many Galva residents turned out to hear more about the new TIF District that is coming together in Galva. The Mayor also reminded residents that the upcoming Galva Cemetery clean up will require residents to remove any decorations from graves that they would like to keep. The Mayor then discussed lead pipe removal in town and how residents can report lead pipes that need to be remediated and there are no cost to residents as the state is aiding in the lead pipe removal.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday morning. The Mayor of Kewanee was on hand to recap last night's Kewanee City Council Meeting with a focus on a discussion of Crime in Kewanee and what the average citizen can do to help. The central idea is the training and formation of a Neighborhood Watch Program. Also at last night's meeting, the City Council settled the issue of Backyard Chickens in Kewanee. The Mayor provided the deciding vote against a new ordinance that would allow for Backyard Chickens in Kewanee.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday morning. The Mayor of Kewanee was on hand to recap last night's Kewanee City Council Meeting with a focus on a discussion of Crime in Kewanee and what the average citizen can do to help. The central idea is the training and formation of a Neighborhood Watch Program. Also at last night's meeting, the City Council settled the issue of Backyard Chickens in Kewanee. The Mayor provided the deciding vote against a new ordinance that would allow for Backyard Chickens in Kewanee.
Bakersville is back! The annual Halloween celebration in Kewanee returns in October with skits and hayrack rides for the whole Halloween loving family. Andrew Dwyer, Kewanee Parks Director, along with the organizers of Bakersville 2022, Kelsey Neels and Cassandra Swearingen, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to promote the return of Bakersville and urge everyone to get their tickets early as the event is expected to completely sell out. Bakersville returns to Baker Park in Kewanee on October 15th. Contact Cassandra Swearingen with the Kewanee Parks Department to get your tickets or stop by Cerno's Bar and Grill. Full ticket details in our interview.
Senior Behavior Health and Mental Health Services is not a new field but it is a growing field. As more seniors begin to take their mental health seriously, Behavioral Health Services specifically for Seniors has become a necessity. OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton now has Behavioral Health Services specifically for the 65 and up population. Whether you are seeking help with signs of depression or looking for the support of a group therapy, you can contact OSF Saint Clare Medical Center and get in touch with their team so they can get you started. We spoke with members of the Behavioral Health Services team at OSF Saint Clare Medical Center on today's Wake Up Tri-Counties.
For the second time, Esther Joy King is running for Congress in the 17th District in Illinois. King, who came up short in her bid to unseat Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, is now up against Democrat political newcomer and well known Quad Cities weatherman, Eric Sorenson. King was in Henry County on Friday, September 23rd for a meeting in Annawan and she was kind enough to stop by Regional Media for a conversation about the Congressional campaign in the 17th District.
The Kewanee City Council wants you to turn out for tonight's Kewanee City Council Meeting. Council member Steve Faber put out the call for Kewanee residents to come to the Meeting of the City Council tonight at 7 Pm to show that you want to know more about the fight against crime. Kewanee Police Chief Nick Welgat is set to lead a discussion of crime at the meeting while highlighting the latest crime stats which you can find in the Kewanee City Council packet. The more people who come to tonight's Council Meeting, the more it demonstrates the need for a citywide meeting regarding crime and get the attention of lawmakers in Springfield to start the ball rolling on perhaps more crimefighting resources.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department have announced a series of Flu Shot Clinics in the month of October. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department talked about the Flu Shot Clinics on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning. RaeAnn stated that not only will flu shots be available but, for those over the age of 18 and who have already had their original two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Shot from Moderna will also be available during these clinics. It's perfectly safe to get both the Flu Shot and the COVID-19 Booster at the same time. The dates for the Flu Shot Clinics in Henry and Stark County are below...
The Henry and Stark County Health Department have announced a series of Flu Shot Clinics in the month of October. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department talked about the Flu Shot Clinics on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning. RaeAnn stated that not only will flu shots be available but, for those over the age of 18 and who have already had their original two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Shot from Moderna will also be available during these clinics. It's perfectly safe to get both the Flu Shot and the COVID-19 Booster at the same time. The dates for the Flu Shot Clinics in Henry and Stark County are below...
Kewanee
Monday October 10th Central School Gym 9 Am to 10:30 Am
Wednesday October 19th Kewanee Library 9:30 Am to 10:30 Am
Geneseo
Tuesday October 11th at the Geneseo Moose Lodge 9 Am to 10 Am
Tuesday October 18th at the Geneseo Library 9 Am to 10 Am
Cambridge October 11th at the United Methodist Church 11 Am to 12 Noon
Toulon
Wednesday October 12th at the State Bank of Toulon 9 Am to 10 Am
Wyoming
Wednesday October 12th at the Church of the Nazarene 11 Am to 12 Noon
Galva
Thursday October 13th First United Methodist Church 9 Am to 10 Am
Woodhull
Thursday October 13th at the United Church of Woodhull 11 Am to 12 Noon
Orion
Friday, October 14th at the United Methodist Church 9 Am to 10 Am
Andover
Friday October 14th at the Augustana Lutheran Church from 11 Am to 12 Noon
Bradford
Monday October 17th at the Carmody Center 9 Am to 10 Am
Atkinson
Tuesday October 18th at the Atkinson Public Library 11 Am to 12 Noon
The legendary macabre author, Edgar Allen Poe is being resurrected at the Kewanee Public Library on September 27th, 2022. Historian Brian Fox Ellis will portray the dark and brooding author of The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart as part of a program beginning at 6:30 in the Community Room at the Kewanee Public Library. Learn about the author's life, his writing and his legend with Brian Fox Ellis on September 27th. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library discussed the Edgar Allen Poe event, among many upcoming programs at the Kewanee Public Library on today's edition Wake Up TriCounties.
Coach stopped in for his weekly update on last Fridays game @ St. Pixus and talked about what he expects this week against Cameron.
Was Kewanee once the home of the World's Largest Horse? Dave Clarke's research indicates it just might be true. Back in the 1920s, Sully Francis, the brother of the man who would give Francis Park to Kewanee, Frederick Francis, was a famed horse breeder. A story in a 1920s edition of the Star Courier claims that Sully Francis owned a horse named Jumbo was more than 3300 pounds in weight. Word of the massive horse traveled around the globe with the biggest paper in Germany at the time proclaiming that Sully Francis of Kewanee, Illinois was indeed, the owner of the World's Biggest Horse. The story is further corroborated by Sully's dealings with the Ringling Brothers Circus which is believed to have taken Jumbo out on tour under a different name due to them already having a world famous Elephant named Jumbo. Dave Clarke lays out the story of Sully Francis and Kewanee's World Largest Horse claim on this edition of Kewanee Back When.
Do you or someone you know have epilepsy? Epilepsy is a disorder often associated with seizures. It can make the lives of those living with it quite difficult as it alters brain activity and can make some normal tasks appear impossible due to abnormal brain activity caused by the disorder. Epilepsy requires support and understanding and with that in mind, the Kewanee Salvation Army has announced that it will host a series of monthly Epilepsy Support Groups, hosted by Stephanie Harcharik with Streator Unlimited who has created a nationally accredited program that helps people with Epilepsy find support and even find work, something that can be great challenge for those with Epilepsy. The first Epilepsy Support Group at the Kewanee Salvation Army will take place on Thursday, September 22nd, at 6 Pm.
For many years those people in the Kewanee area had to travel a great distance for Wound Care. Now, OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton is going to provide a more convenient location for those in need of regular wound care. Samantha Rux, spokesperson for OSF Healthcare, and Wound Care Specialist, Alyssa Smolen talked about the necessity of proper wound care and how OSF Saint Clare Medical Center will be offering a closer option for those in need two days a week with Alyssa herself at the forefront. Find out more in our Wake Up Tri-Counties Podcast.
Jill Gockel explains the what Mom Mastery University does and how they help not only new moms but also moms who are at their wits end with managing kids and life being a mom.
A new version of the COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna is now available for those seeking a booster shot to combat the latest COVID-19 variation. The Henry and Stark County Health Department will be holding a COVID-19 Booster Clinic from 4 Pm to 7 Pm this evening at Kewanee High School. No appointment is necessary. The only requirements are that you are 12 years old or older and that you have received your first two doses of COVID-19, the original two shot sequence. You cannot get the new booster unless you've had both of your COVID-19 shots and that your most recent booster shot was more than 2 months ago. The Omicron strain of COVID-19 is now the most dominant strain in the country and variations of the Omicron strain have led to the need to create a new version of the booster vaccine. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department talked about tonight's Booster Clinic and talked about how the most recent COVID-19 numbers are down slightly. Both Henry and Stark County moved back to the low risk for transmission status of last Friday, September 9th, 2022.
This weekend and next weekend, theaters across the country will be alive with the music of David Bowie. The documentary Moonage Daydream from director Brett Morgen is the first documentary made with the cooperation of the David Bowie estate. This gave Brett Morgen access to David Bowie materials that even the most diehard of Bowie fans have never heard before. In the archives of the David Bowie estate were at least one fully produced unreleased concert film from 1978 and endless numbers of little seen interviews that make up the unusual narration of the movie, in Bowie's own words. Moonage Daydream has been made specifically for IMAX presentation. The sound and the sights have been created with the large IMAX screen in mind and the wrap around, booming sound of the IMAX. We were lucky to speak with filmmaker Brett Morgen about Moonage Daydream on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Coach Webb's weekly review of last week's game against Chillicothe and a look forward to this week's contest in Kansas City with St. Pixus
The Stark County Fall Festival is set for Saturday September 17th and Sunday, September 18th at Thomas Park in Wyoming, IL. Peg Gary with the Stark County Fall Festival joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI on Wednesday morning with the exciting news that the Fall Festival is now back at full strength after two years of restrictions related to COVID-19. This year more than 40 vendors, dozens of children's activities, and two breakfasts, one each day of the festival are set to occur. For the first time in the Fall Festival history, The Lions Club Breakfast will be on Saturday starting at 7 Am. Then on Sunday, the Wyoming Fire Department will provide a breakfast of Biscuits and Gravy beginning at 7 Am. That's just the start of the day. Saturday features a 5K Run, the announcement of the Little Miss and Little Mr. Stark County Fall Festival, the Pedal Tractor Pull for kids AND adults, and live music. Sunday features a church service followed by Live Music and the Doggy Pageant where you and your best friend can win numerous prizes. Peg Gray with the Stark County Fall Festival was our guest on WKEI on Wednesday.
Ag Health and Safety Week is next week in Henry County and the Henry County Farm Bureau is ready for it. The Henry County Farm Bureau will spend the next week promoting safety and health initiatives all building toward an event for school kids at the Henry County Fairgrounds. Kids from local schools will be bussed to the Henry County Fairgrounds and have the chance to explore topics related to Farming, Farm Safety, Health, and Road Safety. Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau spoke to WKEI Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday morning.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, September 13th, 2022, The Mayor of Kewanee joined WKEI to talk about the decision to hire a new Kewanee City Clerk, Kasey Mitchell, and part ways with the now former City Manager Rebecka ones. No firm reason was given as to why Jones parted ways with the City of Kewanee. The Mayor also discussed the decision to table a vote on a new ordinance regarding backyard chickens. The reason for the choice to table the ordinance, Kewanee City Council Member Tyrone Baker was not at the meeting and their was a distinct feeling that the remaining Council was going to end in a tie.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center has a program specifically designed to make it as easy as possible for OSF mission partners to make regular one dollar or more donations to the local Kewanee Area United Way. Darcy James with OSF is also the Board President of the Kewanee Area United Way and she has designed a workplace program that the United Way can help you set up at your own business to make it as quick and easy as possible for your business to support the Kewanee Area United Way. We discussed the OSF Workplace Program and how it benefits the Kewanee Area United Way today on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
The Wethersfield School Board held their monthly school board meeting on Thursday, September 8th. At the meeting it was announced that Wethersfield student, Yuki Li, had received the National/Rural Small Town Award, an award handed out by the National College Board honoring academic achievement. Also at the meeting the Fiscal Year Budget was discussed and approved. And the schedule has been set for this year's Homecoming Celebration week at Wethersfield.
Prairie Flowers and Owen Lovejoy provided the inspiration for an incredible mural that is being completed this weekend as Princeton celebrates the annual Homestead Festival. Karen Cling with the Princeton Area Arts Commission spoke with WZOE about the dual inspiration for the mural, the artist Chuck Major who came up with the design, and the volunteers and members of the Public Arts Commission who have dedicated their time and effort to bringing this lovely mural to life.
Matt Stopped in to talk about last weeks game with Harrisonville and this weeks game against Chillicothe
A new version of the COVID-19 vaccine aimed specifically at combating the newest dominant strains of the virus, is arriving soon at the Henry and Stark County Health Department. This new booster will be made available to anyone who has already gone through their first two shots and a booster. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department tells WKEI that plans are in the works for a series of Booster clinics for the COVID-19 Booster which is aimed at combating new variants of the Omincron strain of COVID-19.
The new movie Jane starring Riverdale's Madelaine Petsch, tackles tough topics such as toxic friendships, depression and suicide through the lens of a pair of teenage girls dealing with the suicide death of their closest friend, Jane. The director of Jane is Sabrina Jaglom and she spoke with our Sean Kernan and about the tough themes of Jane, the ways film technique can enhance our understanding of these difficult topics, and the incredible young cast that helped her to bring the story of Jane to the big screen.
The Kewanee Boilermakers defeated the Morrison Mustangs in a barnburner on Friday, September 2nd, 16 to 14. The back and forth battle found Kewanee trailing early 8 to 0. Then the Boilermakers got back on the board to make it 7 to 0 and three turnovers by Morrison in the first half turned the tide to get Kewanee another touchdown and a long field goal right before halftime for a 16 to 7 Kewanee lead at the half. In the second half, the Boilermakers defense did the trick. Despite giving up a 50 yard touchdown pass, the defense got the big stops when they needed them to maintain the lead and win the ball game. After the game, Coach Bradley Swanson spoke with Russ Hughes about winning the home opener on the new turf at Kewanee High School.
Henry and Stark County Health Department representative RaeAnn Tucker joined WKEI on Thursday with the latest on COVID-19. Numbers are up slightly in both Henry and Stark County with both Counties considered to be at Medium risk level for transmission of COVID-19. The Health Department is reminding everyone to consider taking precautions such as wearing masks if you are going to be in areas where there are a large number of people and, for those riding the rides at Hog Days this weekend, make sure to have some hand sanitizer before and after your ride to keep you and the next person to ride the ride safe. Next week, we will know more on next round of COVID-19 booster shots aimed at increasing immunity to the newest COVID-19 variants.
Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to promote the Senior Center Hog Days Breakfast on Saturday, September 3rd starting at 7 Am. 7 Dollars gets you a complete breakfast from the Senior Center and you do not have to be a Senior to attend, bring the entire family. All proceeds from the Senior Center Hog Days Breakfast go to support the Home Delivered Meal Program in Henry County which serves more than 200 local Seniors, making sure that those in need always have a least one hot meal everyday. Support the Senior Center at the Henry County Senior Center Hog Days Breakfast Saturday morning starting at 7 Am. The Henry County Senior Center is located across the street from Wal Mart at 200 East South Street.
Diane Demay and Katie Yaklich with the Kewanee Farmer's Market joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to talk about the Kewnee Farmer's Market being at Kewanee Hog Days this Saturday. Vendors with fresh veggies and crafts that you can only get at the Kewanee Farmer's Market will be part of Kewanee Hog Days outside of the usual Farmer's Market location. For Hog Days weekend, the Farmer's Market will be located next to the Flea Market at Kewanee Hog Days. There are still two months left in Farmer's Market season so get in touch with Diane and Katie to get a space of your own as a vendor with the Kewanee Farmer's Market.
Maryville Spoofhound Head Coach Matt Webb came by the KNIM Studio for his weekly chat. This Week The Stations Sports Play by play guy Derek Campbell, visited the Morning show to ask coach Webb a few questions.
Sparks sits down with Brandon DeWeese of Pro Edge Property Services to talk about getting your lawn ready for fall and the services that Pro Edge offers
OSF Healthcare has new care options for people on Medicaid as well as for new mothers. Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined WKEI on Monday to discuss OSF On Call and a new partnership that helps Medicaid patients with receiving virtual care via OSF On Call. It's an opportunity to get needed care that doesn't require a visit to your provider in person via your medicaid. Meanwhile, new parents, women in need of pre-natal care will also have new online options via OSF On Call. Find out more in our interview with Samantha Rux from OSF on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Thistle and Lace is a Husband and wife group who perform around the country for corporate events, festivals, fairs, clubs and just about any family friendly event around. Their music is a mix of almost every genre but you can bet you will know about every tune they do. This duo has great harmony's and an energy that is non stop on stage. Also be sure to bring your dancing shoes because you will be out of your seat and on your feet most of the night.
Todays discussion was on the Community Alliance Program along with road way safety and back to school safety.
Maryville Spoofhounds Football 2022 Starts Friday against Blair Oaks. Head Coach Matt Webb was in this morning to talk about the start of the season.
Curtis Wane Stroud is a local area musician who entertains in the Clubs and Pubs around Maryville Eastern Kansas and Nebraska and South West Iowa. Along with being a Teacher in Kansas and his musical endeavors he also plays in a worship band at his church. Curtis Stopped in the Studio to talk about his upcoming performance at the Graham Street Fair.
Holly and Autumn from Make it Maryville dropped by the KNIM studio to talk about this weeks Maryville Market and some other upcoming events.
The subject of August's edition of Kewanee Back When is the history of Midland Plaza. The shopping area now home to Arby's and anchored by the ever popular Menards came life in the late 1960's and early 70's with the move of the Kroger's Grocery Store from Main Street in Kewanee, where B & B Printing now stands, to Midland where Rent A Center and Goodwill are now located. Back then, the space was also anchored by W.T Grant before K-Mart came to Kewanee for a relatively short amount of time. The history of Midland Shopping Center on Kewanee Back When on WKEI.
Dr. Chris Sullens was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday morning. Dr. Sullens joined the show to recap Monday's Kewanee School Board Meeting and discuss the continued progress on various construction projects at Kewanee Schools, specifically the progress on the new Ag Learning room and progress on the Kewanee Football Field which is being completed this week. Dr. Sullens also took the time to tell WKEI that the Kewanee School District will be opting out of the new State of Illinois Sex Education standards.
Certified Athletic Trainer Ian Swindler and Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri Counties on Monday morning to talk about concussions. The High School sports season is getting underway again and the questions that surround concussion protocols for High School Sports are once again at the forefront for concerned parents. Ian Swindler, who works the sidelines at local football games with an eye toward monitoring for potential concussion issues, spoke to WKEI about the ways people like him as well as coaches and the IHSA are working to make things as safe as they can when it comes to preventing and treating head injuries in High School Sports.
The Wethersfield School District met on Thursday night for their monthly School Board Meeting. At the meeting it was made official that Retired Kewanee Police Officer Chris Woods would take on the job of School Resource Office for the Wethersfield School District. Woods' hire was made official last night in an Executive Session. Meanwhile, Superintendent Brooks told WKEI that the Wethersfield School District is opting out of statewide sex education standards set forth in a bill in Springfield. Dr. Brooks said most schools he is aware of are not accepting the new sex education standards and that he's looking for further clarification of the standards before they would possibly be implemented in the Wethersfield School District.
Shawn Parr, who's show you hear each weekday afternoon on Hog Country 102.5 WJRE is coming to The Back Road Music Festival in Galva on Saturday, August 13th. Shawn will be our M.C for the event, introducing the incredible acts playing at this year's Back Road Music Festival including Callista Clark, Jerrod Niemann, Jameson Rodgers, and Kip Moore. Shawn joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday morning to preview the fun and excitement coming to Galva this weekend.
Scott Mann is the director behind the new movie Fall. The film is about two women who climb the tallest out of commission television tower in the country and wind up getting stuck when the ladder of the rusty tower fails. The two women are trapped 2000 feet in the air on a very small platform and have to figure out a way to get help. The technique that Scott Mann and his team used to get the women to 2000 feet in the air are incredibly effective and the movie is terrifying. I saw it and came away with a newfound fear of heights, that's how effective Fall is. it's a terrific movie and I had a very fun conversation with the director of Fall, Scott Mann.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest today on Wake Up Tri-Counties. Sara joined us to talk about Billy Sunday, the revival preacher whose stops in Kewanee in the early 1900s brought in some of the largest crowds ever gathered in the City's history. Billy Sunday will be the subject of a presentation by Historian Craig Bishop at 2 Pm on August 26th in the Community Room at the Library. Sara also wanted to remind everyone of the Hog Days Book Sale which is hosted by the Friends of the Kewanee Public Library. The Book Sale will run from 7 Am to 11 Am on Saturday, September 3rd, Hog Days Weekend, in the parking lot of Johnson Appliance located at 114 North Chestnut Street.
The Henry County Farm Bureau Golf Fun Day is taking place on Friday, August 12th at Baker Park in Kewanee. It's the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Henry County Farm Bureau and there is still time for you to take part and show your support to the Henry County Farm Bureau. If you'd like to enter a foursome to play on Friday, call the Henry County Farm Bureau at 309-937-2411, Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to invite people to play golf on Friday and talk about what the money raised does for the Henry County Farm Bureau and the community at large.
Gary Boyle is known as The Back Yard Astronomer. On Wednesday, Gary joined Wake Up Tri-Counties because tonight, August 10th, and tomorrow, August 11th, people across the northern hemisphere will have their best and brighest look at the Perseid Meteor Show. Perseid and the Earth crossed paths beginning in late July and we will be sharing space Perseid in orbit through early September, but the best time to see the incredible shower of meteors passing by the Earth comes with tonight's full moon and tomorrow's mostly fuil moon. In this interview, Gary Boyle talks about the best ways and the best time to get the best look at the remarkable Perseid Meteor Shower.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, August 9th, 2022. The Mayor joined WKEI to discuss Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting. At the meeting, the Council approved a road closure for Courtyard Estates for an event they are holding on August 28th. The Council then made the final decision regarding North Cottage between 5th and 6th Streets. The council voted 5 to 0 in favor of not upgrading the empty road to a street and will not try to qualify the space as an alley as some had suggested. The Mayor also discussed the long term savings that should come from a pair of upgrades set to occur on Kewanee's water treatment plant and water treatment infrastructure. Finally, there was a tabled vote regarding reimbursing a portion of cell phone use for top level City Hall employees. The Council has requested more information on the plan for the next Kewanee City Council Meeting.
Sometimes, all it takes is the passion of one dedicated individual. In the case of an Ohio Lemonade Stand, an 8 year old girl's passion has become a non-profit sensation. After being hospitalized at an early age, Payton received a Teddy Bear in the hospital and it meant the world to her. This inspired her to raise money to make sure kids her age always received Teddy Bears for comfort while in the hospital. In the first year, Payton raised $800.00. Then her cause went viral and since then, Payton's Lemonade Stand became a vibrant and thriving example of what a passion project truly looks like. Kathy Foes from the OSF Healthcare Foundation talked about the passion to want to help people and how that drives fundraising activities. Payton's example is that one person can make a major difference when they have a cause. The OSF Healthcare Foundation has a passion for causes that has led to strides in local healthcare.
Henry and Stark County are at Medium Risk for COVID-19 transmission. That from the latest IDPH data. On Thursday, WKEI spoke with RaeAnn Tucker about the latest COVID-19 numbers including 112 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 between Henry and Stark County. The transmissibility of the latest COVID-19 variant is proving to be a challenge, especially among the unvaccinated who are being hit the hardest by COVID-19 infections. RaeAnn Tucker also talked about upcoming pop COVID-19 booster clinics for all eligible age groups and Breastfeeding Awareness Month, an effort to let new moms know that there is help available for those who a struggling with breastfeeding.
What started as a story about the concerns over the breeding of pigs for pets, under the misleading name Teacup Pigs, turned into a fascinating conversation about the dangerous growth of factory farms across the country. On Friday, WKEI talked with reporter and TV Host Jane Velez Mitchell about a new Unchained TV reality series about cute pigs called "Pig Little Lies" and came from that was an eye opening conversation about the American food industry and the ways factory farms are harming the environment and independent, non-factory farmers across the country. You can find Pig Little Lies on Unchained TV available in the App Store of your favorite Smart TV, SmartPhone or Tablet.
Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center was our guest this week on Wake Up Tri-Counties. Cassandra tells WKEI that the recent Henry County Senior Center Golf Outing at Midland Golf Course was a huge success. So many generous people played and donated money and are now helping the Henry County Senior Center's Home Delivered Meal Program to be able to keep delivering hot meals to Seniors across Henry County. Cassandra reminds any senior interested in receiving a Home Delivered Meal can contact the Senior Center to get signed up. The Senior Center does ask for a minimum donation for Home Delivered Meals but no one will be kept off the list or denied a meal if they decide not to make a donation.
Author Gary E. Kerr is coming to the Kewanee Public Library on Saturday August 6th for a book signing. Mr. Kerr, a well known lawyer in the Peoria area, authored a book about his father, Roy Kerr, from Kewanee, Illinois was a veteran of War War 2. Late in his life, his son, Gary, had him record his World War 2 stories and those stories, along with stories from Roy's life before and after the war, back in Kewanee, comprise the book "World War 2 My Father's Journey: Friendship War Romance." Gary E. Kerr will be signing copies of his book on Saturday, August 6th beginning at 10:30 Am.
NAMI is coming to Kewanee with a pair of opportunities for people to learn about Mental Health and Mental Health Services. NAMI's Laurie Edge was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to talk about the NAMI Family and Friends Seminar on August 18th at the Black Hawk College Community Education Center in Kewanee. This is a free 90-minute seminar that informs people who have loved ones with a mental health condition how to best support them. This will be followed in September by NAMI Family to Family Mental Health Education, an 8-session education course for family members, caregivers and friends of an adult loved one living with a mental health condition. This course will also take place at the Black Hawk College Community Education Center beginning on September 15th,
How can we address violence and despair in our communities? Author Dothula Baron feels that one way is to start with kids. Teaching children meditation and de-escalation techniques at an early age and encouraging kids to look inside themsevles at an early age can begin the process of reversing the growing discontent in communities across the country. Dothula's book Walking In Light, Living In Love is available now with more conflict resolution and tips on being more thoughtful, empathetic and open.
Samantha Rux with OSF Healthcare was our guest on Monday on Wake Up Tri-Counties. Sam tells us that the 1 year anniversary of OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton will be celebrated this coming Thursday, August 4th, from 4:30 Pm to 7:30 Pm. There will be live music from Steve Sharp, refreshments and a celebration of the awesome first year of OSF Saint Clare in Princeton. Everyone is invited to attend the festivities. Samantha Rux also talked about the further integration of OSF Saint Clare Medical Center with the recent introduction to OSF My Chart for residents eager to take a more active role in their health care. My Chart allows you to schedule your own screenings and check up with your doctor. You can also find test results and your medical records via the app. Find out more with Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare...
Wayne Pierson and Bob Westfall stopped by the KNIM Studio this morning to talk about the progress as we get closer to Fridays golf tournament fund raiser for the Cameron Veterans home which serves all of Northwest Missouri.
Leslie Vano is the new director of the Kewanee Public Library. Leslie has officially taken over for the retiring Barbara Love after a 30 day period of training. Leslie, former of the Rockford Library, says she's had a great experience thus far and she's excited about the future of the Library. Leslie and Sara Billiet were our guests on Wake Up Tri-Counties in order to introduce Leslie to the community and to invite everyone to drop by the Library and meet the new Library Director who says to please call her Leslie. Meet Leslie Vano in our interview on Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI.
Lyle and Jan Tackett came all the way down from Sidney Iowa to talk about the 99th Annual Sidney Iowa Rodeo.
Did you know that just digging a spike in the ground requires a call to 811? It's true, even something as simple as pitching a tent in a residential neighborhood could risk hitting a line or damaging something below the surface. That's why Ameren Illinois wants everyone to remember JULIE and call 811 before any, and they mean, ANY digging project. Before you put anything into the ground call 811 and within 48 hours someone will be on sight to make sure that your digging project doesn't endanger you or disrupt anything underground. Brian Bretsch from Ameren Illinois talked about JULIE 811 with WKEI on Wednesday.
Courtyard Estates will celebrate 20 years in Kewanee in August. Heather Swanson from Courtyard Estates joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the big celebration for both the community and the families of the residents of Courtyard Estates, all of whom can take part in the 20th Anniversary festivities on August 28th from 2 Pm until 5 Pm. Part of the fun includes Horse Drawn Carriage Rides. Courtyard Estates in Kewanee also recently celebrated upgrades and construction to update their facilities as Heather Swanson told WKEI in this interview. All of it was with the goal of making sure residents get the best care possible at Courtyard Estates in Kewanee.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to talk about Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting. On the agenda was the continuing discussion of McClure Street. A recently conducted test in the area indicated that the street does not meet the standard of a dangerous street by state standards. Thus, if the City of Kewanee wanted to add a stop sign or make other safety improvements to the street it would come at a steep cost to the City of Kewanee. Elsewhere on the agenda, the Council decided to table a vote regarding Cottage Street. The question is whether to make the street into an alley.
Lynette Harben, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nodaway County came in to talk about their up coming 5K Run Walk Saturday September 10th. Lynette also talked about the constant need for Bigs who have the desire to help area kids and more specifically those in the smaller towns surrounding Maryville.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Community Health Education Director Connie Wessells was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, July 25th. Following a weekend that saw triple digit temps on Saturday, Connie joined WKEI with some summer safety tips. Be aware of your Sun exposure. Too much time in the hot sun can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Avoid being outside, if you can, for a lenghty period of time when the sun is at its peak, 10 Am to 2 Pm. Drink plenty of water and watch out for the signs of sun related distress. Be sure to wear sunscreen, 30 SPF or higher. We also discussed safe grilling and water safety, specifically related to your backyard swimming pools.
IRS Agent Michael Devine joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday morning to talk taxes. Those who filed a 6 month extension back in April are reminded that there is no need to wait until the last minute to get filed. If you've gathered your tax information and are ready to file you don't have to wait until the second deadline arrives in October. Get your taxes filed immediately to avoid any possibility of missing that second deadline and incurring any fees. Meanwhile, if you are someone who filed on time and has even received a refund or a tax bill, now is a good time to start thinking of next years. Visit IRS.gov and check out the withholding calculator. It's the best way to determine if you are having enough withheld from your paycheck to get a refund next year. Michael Devine from the IRS joins WKEI each month with Tax advice and information.
The Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District is holding their next Volunteer Day on August 5th, at the McCune Sand Prairie. Volunteers will need to bring gloves to help with the removal of the invasive species called Mullein. Mullein can overgrow and spread rapidly causing issues for less pervasive plants as well as for the beauty of the Sand Prairie in general. Volunteers are needed from 9 Am until 1 Pm on Friday, August 5th. Contact the Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District to let them know that you would like to become a volunteer.
A coffee shop debate that has raged on for years in Kewanee has now been definitively settled. The question: Was there more than one Sandy's location in Kewanee? Our intrepid co-host Dave Clark decided to tackle this question for the latest edition of Kewanee Back When and what he found was enlightening, especially for Dave who finds himself eating his own words in this debate. And wait till you hear just who settled the debate with their own evidence. It's a terrifically fun topic, the history of Sandy's in Kewanee on Today's Kewanee Back When.
Kewanee First United Methodist Church is giving away School Supplies as part of their Back to School Bash on Saturday, July 23rd, at the church, located at 108 East Central Boulevard. But it's more than just school supplies that will be part of the Back to School Bash. Eddie Tolliver, along with Pastor John Hauk, Donna Boardman, and Youth Ministers Chris and Carrie Gillespie, spoke with WKEI about the day's worth of fun to be had on Saturday. Games and activities, Free Student Haircuts, limited supply of those, Food, a visit from The Beast from WQAD, the Kewanee Police Department Drone, and the the Kewanee Fire Department Fire House will all be part of the celebration. Back to School Bash will run from 11 AM to 2 Pm at First United Methodist Churh on Saturday, July 23rd, 2022.
Dr. Chris Sullens, Superintendent of Kewanee School District was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to look back on Monday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. Last night and this morning in our interview, Superintendent Sullens gave updates on the latest construction projects at Kewanee School District. The one most people want to know about is the Football field. Will the field be ready for the kick off of the season this fall? Dr. Sullens says yes, it will be ready. More updates on projects and discussion of the new Principal at Kewanee High School, Rebecca Baney, are part of our conversation with Dr. Chris Sullens on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Clare Medical Center and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to invite the public to celebrate 1 year since the merger of OSF Healthcare and the former Perry Memorial Hospital. Just over one year ago, the sale was completed and the building was blessed and recognized as the new OSF Saint Clare Medical Center. The one year anniversary celebration will be held in the evening on August 4th, 2022. It will feature kids games, health presentations, and so much more as the community celebrates one Year of OSF Saint Claire Medical Center.
School safety is at the forefront of our modern discourse given what occurred weeks ago in Uvalde, Texas. Many parents across the country want to know what their school is doing to make sure their children are protected. The Kewanee Police Department, of course, is part of that conversation. At the most recent Wethersfield School Board Meeting, Police Chief Nick Welgat and Deputy Chief Steven Kijanowski spoke to the school board regarding School Resource Officers and the Police Department recommended that the District partner with the Kewanee Police to hire a trained Police Officer as the new SRO. Chief Welgat and Deputy Chief Kijanowski's idea was met with favorable reaction from many parents and the two men dropped by Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday to talk more about why this plan would be of good use to the Wethersfield School District.
Three Stark County residents have died from COVID-19 in just the last month. That's the word from the Henry and Stark County Health Department. It's a reminder that though the pandemic has peaked and is in decline in many ways, the virus still can be dangerous. That said, both Henry and Stark County remain at a low level for the number of infections and for the number of hospital beds needed for the care of COVID-19 patients. There is a new variant of the Omicron variation of COVID-19 but RaeAnn Tucker tells WKEI that the new variant, though highly transmissible, does not require any new warnings. Rather, the same ways of avoiding getting COVID-19 still apply. If you're concerned about catching COVID-19 you should avoid congregate indoor spaces, large outdoor crowds or you should consider wearing a mask in these situations. The best advice however, remains getting vaccinated. Vaccination is the one way you can avoid the worst of the dangers of COVID-19.
Holly Cronk is a member of the Nodaway County Fair Board. Holly joined me this morning to talk about what folks can expect at this years Nodaway County Fair!
Long time Kewanee Library Director Barbara Love has announced her retirement. Barbara will be stepping away at the end of July following a terrific tenure at the head of the library. In her time, Barbara led the way to modernizing the library, embracing social media, and creating as much community engagement as possible via various library programs. Her leadership at the library and as a volunteer with various other community projects has been invaluable to the entire community. On Wednesday, July 20th, at 2 Pm, the public is invited to wish Barbara Love well on her retirement and indulge in her love of outer space exploration. The Popular Astronomy Club of the Quad Cities will be on hand for a presentation that will include a solar filtered telescope and lessons on Solar Flares, Meteors and more. It's a favorite topic of Barbara's and following the presentation from 3 Pm to 6 Pm you can stay and mingle and thank Barbara while enjoying refreshments and taking part in space activities and crafts.
The Henry County Farm Bureau Safety Committee will host Safety Starts on Your Farm event on July 21st, 2022. This free community event is focused on Safety. The event will be held in the parking lot of the Geneseo Brewing Company from 5 Pm to 7 Pm. The event will include several vendors and stations for Grain Bin Safety information, Groundwater Protection, ATV and Bicycle Safety, and the Ag Equipment Driving Simulator which allows users to experience what it is like to drive large farm equipment on the road. All are welcome to attend and the whole event is free of charge. Katie Laleman and Kate Huffman with the Henry County Farm Bureau were our guests on Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI.
Samantha Rux and Kathy Foes with OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week. Kathy, with the OSF Foundation, wants you to know that you can help the OSF Healthcare Children's Hospital of Illinois. Contact the OSF Foundation if you'd like to set up a fundraiser to support the work of The Children's Hospital of Illinois. The OSF Healthcare Foundation has tips and help for you in setting up fundraisers to help OSF care for children at the Children's Hospital of Illinois. More on setting up fundraisers to support healthcare for children in our conversation with Samantha Rux and Kathy Foes.
Country music superstar Kip Moore is set to headline The Back Road Music Festival in Galva on August 13th. Moore leads a terrific lineup that includes rising stars Callista Clark and Jameson Rodgers and veteran country music star Jerrod Niemann. Kip Moore talked with Wake Up Tri-Counties this week about his remarkable career, his approach to writing songs, the remarkable diversity of his music and his incredibly loyal fanbase who never fail to turn out wherever Kip Moore is performing. Get your tickets for The back Road Music Festival online by going to TheBackRoadMusicFestival.com.
Chickens were on the menu... or rather, the agenda, for the Kewanee City Council on Monday, July 11th, 2022. There were only two items, both discussion only topics at the meeting and the one everyone is talking about today is Chickens and whether or not the City of Kewanee should allow for backyard Chickens in the City of Kewanee. 20 people, each claiming to be in favor of allowing backyard chickens in the City of Kewanee came to Monday night's meeting and called on the City Council to make raising chickens legal in the Kewanee City Limits. Also on the agenda was a discussion regarding a potential partnership between the City of Kewanee and Henry County regarding addressing the issues at the so called Boiler Property in Kewanee. Listen to our conversation with the Mayor of Kewanee on Tuesday's Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Jeanette co owner of Herbs N Whey (a privately owned natural supplement retail outlet in Maryville) stopped in to talk about their 25th Anniversary and the events at the store to celebrate it.
Holly Cronk and Autumn talk about this weeks and future weeks Maryville Market at the Hanger in Maryville...Fun for adults and kids alike plus a vender for just about any interest.
We chatted about the upcoming summer reading program, and the importance of keeping kids in active reading mode through their time off during the summer.
Kim Mildward with Missouri Career Center stopped in and discussed the progress on bringing broadband internet to rural NW Missouri. During Covid, the lack of broadband service was highlighted because of remote learning.
The Henry County Senior Center Golf Playday is set to take place at Midland Golf Course on Saturday July 16th. Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to invite anyone and everyone to the Golf Playday to help raise funds to support the Henry County Senior Center's Home Delivered Meal Program. The cost is $60.00 per player and includes a Ribeye Steak Dinner after the round. For more on the Henry County Senior Center Golf Playday listen to our interview with Cassandra Schmoll...
The Henry and Stark County Healthcare First Choice Medical Clinic will host a pair of COVID-19 Pop Up Clinics in the month of July. RaeAnn Tucker from the Health Department tells RegionalMediaNews.com that the Pop Up Clinics are for anyone 6 months old or older who need their first, Second, or Booster Dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, it is the season for Mosquitos and the West Nile Virus. RaeAnn Tucker from the Health Department gave us tips for avoiding those nasty mosquito bites in this interview on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday Morning.
The staff at OSF St. Luke Medical Center's Swing Bed program, the final step before a patient goes back home following a serious illness or surgery, has worked incredibly hard on what the call Fall Prevention. In fact, it's been more than a year since a patient in Lisa Garcia's program has fallen, a record that Lisa, along with Samantha Rux, came to WKEI and Wake Up Tri-Counties to celebrate. Well done Swing Bed crew on keeping patients safe from falls and helping get people back to their homes.
The Kewanee Prairie Chicken Arts Festival gets underway on Friday, July 8th and runs through the weekend. Those attending will have plenty to enjoy including live music, food, and the amazing chalk art on the go cart track near Cerno's and The Station Restaurant. Across the downtown area, art will be everywhere all weekend as students from Wethersfield and Kewanee School Districts donated more than 900 pieces made by students to be displayed in the windows of downtown businesses. Kids entertainment, art contests, and so much more are on tap for this weekend in Kewanee and that's why we had special double sized interview with Festival organizers, Dianne Packee, Diane DeMay, and Becky.
On Monday night the Galva City Council met with a relatively small agenda. Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to discuss Monday night's meeting. At the meeting, the Council began a discussion regarding ATV's being driven on the roads in Galva and whether our not ATV's should need to be licensed on a yearly basis or remain as a one time registration. Also on Monday night, the City Council talked about the Galva Citywide Clean-Up and the success the City had helping those in need get rid of unwanted items.
Dr. Christianson from The Good Shepherd Foundation of Henry County joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday morning to talk about the services available at The Good Shepherd Foundation. The Good Shepherd Foundation, located in Geneseo, offers services and support for people dealing with alcoholism and or drug addiction. Out-patient services at The Good Shepherd Foundation are usually court mandated but are also available to Henry County residents who simply need help with alcoholism or drug addiction. And, no one gets turned away over their ability to pay for services.
The Kewanee City Council met on Monday night and passed each of the items on the agenda. This included the approval of the first short term rental application in the City of Kewanee. The council also heard good news regarding the local economy from Mark Mikenas from the Kewnee Chamber of Commerce. And the City Council held a discussion of what can be done regarding the issues with McClure and Dwight Street. Finally, there was also a conversation about pothole filling in the City of Kewanee. Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Tuesday morning on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Kim Mildward discusses How Missouri Career Center is involved in bringing Broadband internet to rural NW Missouri
Chef Antonia Lofaso has become a Food Network star. She's appeared on numerous shows, won Food Network competitions, and become a popular judge on several competition shows. Now, for the first time, Chef Antonia has stepped into the hosting spotlight as the M.C for a brand new competition show. Beachside Brawl has a unique concept: pitting East Coast Chefs vs West Coast Chefs in a battle to see which Beachside is the best when it comes to four star cuisine. Chef Antonia Lofaso talked about the show and her rising stardom in the Food Network pantheon on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, June, 27th, 2022.
June is Men's Health Month and Dr. Andy Peterson from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to share some statistics about Men's Health in the State of Illinois. Dr. Peterson discussed encouraging people to quit smoking, trying to get men to eat better and convincing men to take their mental health more seriously. All of these elements can help save lives and prevent families from losing fathers, brothers, uncles and cousins, well before their time.
The Midsommar Music Festival is taking place on Saturday, June 25th in Bishop Hill. It will be a day filled with music, dancing, the Maypole, great food and so much more in lovely Bishop Hill. Todd Dedecker from the Bishop Hill Heritage Association talked about Midsommar, it's terrific line up of bands, and the long and storied Swedish history of the festival on Wake Up Tri-Counties earlier this week.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department have announced a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic for children ages 6 months to 5 years old. The pediatric Pop-Up Clinic will be held on Wednesday, June 29th from 10 Am to 3 Pm. It's a walk-in clinic so no appointment is needed to get the vaccination. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department was our guest this week on Wake Up Tri-Counties and discussed the Pop-Up Clinics and more news from the Henry and Stark County Health Department.
Dr, Chris Sullens joined Wake Up Tri-Counties earlier this week to talk about the progress of several projects going on this Summer at Kewanee High School and to follow up on other items covered at Monday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. In our conversation we talked about the excellent progress on the new turf for the Football Field. We also discussed progress on the new Ag Building which is getting a little help from dirt taken from the Football Field. We also discussed projects at Belle Alexander and in Neponset as well. Dr. Sullens also touched on the announcement that current Teacher and Athletic Director, Tim Atwell has set a retirement date for 5 years from now. This interview was done on Tuesday, June 21st, one day before the announcement that Kewanee High School Principal, Jamie Bryan, would be resigning to become the Superintendent of the Annawan School District.
On the latest edition of Kewanee Back When Dave Clark and Sean Kernan talked with author and historian, Dean Karau about his new book "A Brief History of the First Years of Kewanee Parks." The book details the historic beginnings of Kewanee Parks including those that no longer exist and those that have stood the test of time. It's a story filled with detail and characters, the men and women who made it possible for our parks to grow and thrive. People like, of course, E.E Baker and lesser known but still important figures in founding our parks. Dean's book is available for sale at the Kewanee Historical Society or on Amazon via this link.
Singer Carrie Welling credits her father for getting her into music as a child. As a performer she's found many other inspirations while spending the past 8 years writing music in Nashville, recording records, and playing for crowds across the country. Tonight at 6 Pm, Carrie Welling will be performing at Ca d’Zan House Concerts in Cambridge. The evening begins with a potluck at 6 Pm and the concert follows at 7 Pm. A donation of $10 to $20 is suggested. You can support Carrie and her music by going to the show and by joining her Patreon where she is cultivating a supportive and vast fan community.
Sparks is joined by Ellie Zoerink from Samaritan Well and Cheryl McGowan of the Bliven Run Planning Committee to talk about the upcoming John Bliven Memorial Walk/Run, a fundraiser to help support the Samaritan Well and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, which is to be held during Macomb's Heritage Days Celebration on Saturday, June 25th
In our weekly conversation with our friends from OSF Healthcare, we spoke with Samantha Rux and Stephanie Eddins from the Behavioral Health Department at OSF Saint Clare Medical Center. Stephanie was on hand specifically to discuss behavioral health services for Seniors. OSF Saint Clare has support groups, therapy, and other services to aid Seniors in need of grief counseling, anxiety, depression or other behavioral health needs. Check out this conversation with Stephanie Eddins on Behavioral Health, plus important announcements from our weekly guest, Samantha Rux, from today's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Lakeisha Jones and Etta LaFlora from the newly formed Kewanee Committee on Human Relations, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday morning. Junetheenth is this weekend, June 19th, and Etta and Lakeisha were on hand to give us the history of Juneteenth and why it is now a federal holiday. The rich history of the celebration of the end of slavery is one that has long been celebrated in black communities but has only recently been adopted as a National Holiday.
Mollie Bennett of Cambridge is your new Henry County Fair Queen for 2022. Mollie, who will soon be off to college in Wisconsin, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about winning the Crown, her fellow Queen competitors and how fun and supportive they all were, and the excitement of the little kids when they see the Queen at the Fair. Mollie is a wonderfully genuine and smart young who will undoubtedly represent Henry County wonderfully at the Miss Illinois Pageant which she qualified for with her win in Henry County. Queen Mollie Bennett was our guest on Friday on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Henry and Stark County experienced another slight uptick in COVID-19 cases for the previous 7 days, ending Tuesday, June 14th, 2022. In Henry County there were 122 new confirmed COVID-19 cases. In Stark County there were 22 news confirmed cases. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to go over the latest numbers, talk about the guidance for parents of kids under 6 years old now that smaller doses of the vaccine are ready to distribute, Finally, RaeAnn talked about how the Henry and Stark County Health Department is at the Henry County Fair, in the pavilion all week.
Katie Noyd has reigned has Henry County Fair Queen for one full year. Now, with the start of the 2022 Henry County Fair, Katie is ready to pass along her knowledge, her advice, and her crown to the next Henry County Fair Queen. Katie Noyd joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to talk about the Henry County Fair Pageant which gets underway on Wednesday evening at 5:30 Pm with the Little Miss Pageant, followed by the Junior Pageant, and finally, The Henry County Fair Queen Pageant. Katie is hosting each of the pageants this evening.
Bestselling Author and sportswriter, Howard Bryant needed a break from writing about huge subjects like race in sports and other such topics. Wanting to get back to what he loved about sports, specifically baseball, Howard reconnected with the part of himself that came of age loving baseball and the player who was mostly responsible for his love of Baseball, Oakland A's superstar, Rickey Henderson. In his new book, Rickey: The Life and Legend of an American Orginal, Howard Bryant tracks the career and accomplishments, anecdotes and legends surrounding one of the greatest players in baseball history. The book also serves as a way of getting Rickey Henderson back into the conversation regarding the greatest players of all time, a conversation he most assuredly belongs in.
Family and friends of a 14 year old boy who was hit by a car while riding his bike in the area of McClure Street in Kewanee turned out at the Kewanee City Council Meeting on Monday. The family and friends were on hand to ask the City of Kewanee to do more to create safer conditions for kids to ride bikes on McClure Street and similar, nearby streets. The Council indicated that they will be doing a traffic study in the area at the start of the next school year as part of determining what could be done to increase safety in the area. Council Member Steve Faber discussed this issue on Tuesday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI. Councilman Faber also addressed the situation with the former Kewanee Boiler site, which has been a subject once again in the wake of illegal dumping in the area. Councilman Faber stated that Henry County now owns the property and that getting it cleaned up is a County responsibility. Currently, the City of Kewanee does not have the ability to clean up the site as the City does not own the property.
The Henry County Fair in Cambridge at the Henry County Fairgrounds starts on Wednesday, June 15th and will run through the weekend. The Fair is moved up by a year and this year it starts on a Wednesday with the Queen's Pageant on Wednesday night. Carnival rides, food, games, the whole midway experience will begin on Wednesday with gates opening at 7 Am. Ag displays, vendors, and more will be part of this year's Henry County Fair and then on Friday night, headlining the grandstand is the superstar country music band, Parmalee. $50.00 gets you a pass for the full length of the Fair including the grandstand shows. Todd VerHeecke, Vice President of the Henry County Fair Board joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to preview the events of the Henry County Fair.
The Celebration and Success of The Relay for Life of The Sauk Valley 2022 by Regional Media
Cathy Foes with the OSF Foundation joined Samantha Rux on Wake Up Tri-Counties to recap last Monday's OSF Foundation Golf Outing the generous donors who made it such a special day to support the OSF Transportation program. Cathy then spoke about the ways OSF Healthcare is creating ways for people to get the care they need closer to home. OSF Healthcare is across the state of Illinois and if there is something you can't get at one location, you may be able to get it at another location nearby. Get more information on services, access ands services coming soon at OSFHealthcareFoundation.org.
Thursday night was the final School Board Meeting for Wethersfield School District Superintendent, Shane Kazubowski. Earlier this year, Shane announced that he'd be retiring at the end of this school year following a distinguished 16 year career. Today on Wake Up Tri-Counties, Shane reflected on 16 years as Superintendent and more than 20 years in education where he began his career as a teacher at Wethersfield. Shane takes time to thank the community, the Flock, and the many school board members he's worked with over the past 16 years in our conversation and we thank him for all of his work improving the Wethersfield School District.
Kewanee Public Library celebrated with Mr Steve at Windmont Park this week and Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to thank everyone who braved the weather to enjoy the show. Sara then talked about upcoming events at the Library including a new movie presentation. The Channing Tatum movie, Dog, will be show at the Kewanee Public Library on June 14th at 2 Pm in the Community Room. Also, Sara wants fans of True Crime to know that on Wednesday, June 29th, there will be a Zoom presentation on True Crime stories at the Kewanee Public Library. You are invited to attend in person and chat with fellow True Crime lovers or join via Zoom to enjoy the presentation. The Zoom link will be posted on the Kewanee Public Library website prior the event on the 29th.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the latest COVID-19 numbers. There were more than 100 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 between the two counties in the 7 days ending June 7th, 2022. That's up slightly over the previous 7 day period. RaeAnn Tucker also discussed Community Health Improvement Week which took place from June 5th through 11th. CPR Classes are back at the Health Department as well. Get CPR certified by contacting the Henry and Stark County Health Department.
Aletta Danekas and Sam Parks from The Whiteside County Health Department by Regional Media
Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau tells WKEI that the Farm Bureau is ready for the Henry County Fair. Katie and other members of the Farm Bureau will be at the Fair with Ag information and taking part in various ag related activities at the fair. And, as usual, the Henry County Farm Bureau will be part of the Kiddie Tractor Pull as they've been for the past several fairs. Katie Laleman also talked with WKEI about the Farm Bureau's next Market Outlook Seminar in July and Ag Safety week which is just around the corner.
Bethany Bland from The Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce was on WSDR discussing Summer Splash by Regional Media
Businessman Bret Nicklaus is challenging State Senator Win Stoller for the Republican nomination for State Senate from District 37. Mr. Nicklaus joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to talk about being driven by his faith and social issues to run for State Senate. Mr. Nicklaus discussed his background and one of his biggest issues, his support for the 2nd Amendment. Mr. Nicklaus tells WKEI that the best way to curb gun violence is to address mental health concerns in Illinois and across the country.
The Kewanee Friends of the Animals are celebrating 10 years helping local pets. As part of their celebration they are paying off 10 veterinary bills as a thank you to the people of Kewanee. Kathy Werderman with the Friends of the Animals was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to talk about the celebration, the anniversary, and the fact that the Friends of the Animals were winners in The Best of Tri-Counties Voting including a Gold Medal as the favorite place for people to Volunteer.
Colby Hathaway and Lance Camp are in the running to become the next judge on the bench in Henry County. The two candidates participated in a forum with the Kewanee League of Women Voters. That forum aired live on WKEI on Wednesday, June 1st. On the agenda were questions about drug court in Henry County, the backgrounds of the candidates, and why the decide to get into the running to become a judge in Henry County.
Sauk Talk with Dallas Knack and Brenda Helms-News and Events from Sauk Valley Community College by Regional Media
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday. COVID-19 numbers in Henry and Stark Couinty were up slightly over the previous seven day span. 85 new confirmed cases were tallied between the two counties for the seven day period ending on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022. This may push Henry and Stark County into the Moderate Risk category for COVID-19 infections after having been in the low risk category last week. That determination by the Illinois Department of Public Health will be announced on Friday. The low, moderate and high risk designations each indicate the level of infection and recommended mitigation efforts recommended.
Holly Cronk and Autumn Quimby Stopped in to talk about the new Maryville Market starting Saturday Mornings from 8-1 in the parking lot of The Hanger.
Whether or not you need Boat Insurance is dependent upon the size of your boat. That's one of many things people might not know about Boat Insurance. Jolene Efnor from Country Financial joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday morning, June 1st, to talk about Boating, Boat Safety, and Boat Insurance. Jolene also took time to tell WKEI about the upcoming Rotary Club of Geneseo Maple City 4 Road Race taking place on June 18th, 2022. You can sign up via the Rotary Club of Geneseo Facebook page, linked here.
Marsha Williams is one of the several candidates for Congress among Democrats running to replace Cheri Bustos in the 17th Congressional District. Williams, who works in the trucking industry, helping people get placed in jobs, tells WKEI that she decided to run because of her background and desire to help more people find work. In this conversation we discuss Marsha's background, her thoughts on inflation, the environment, farming and education.
The pool at Northeast Park is now open. Andrew Dwyer, Kewanee Parks Director joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday morning and told WKEI about the decision to open the pool one week earlier than usual and just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend. Andrew also discussed the beginning of summer baseball with a large number of new ballplayers, including enough to field two Pony League teams for the first time in a couple seasons. All that and more with Andrew Dwyer from the Kewanee Parks Department on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
CGH About Your Health with Dr. Ed Hanlon Optometrist with the CGH Dixon Vision Center by Regional Media
Congressman Darrin LaHood is navigating a new district map. Having been redistricted into a brand new 16th District, after Illinois lost a Congressional representative in the census, LaHood is making a return to Kewanee and Henry County which were part of his district as a member of the State House of Representatives. Congressman LaHood spoke to WKEI about the troubled redistricting process, the sky high price of gas, Ukraine, and several other high profile topics on Wednesday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI.
Salvation Army Summer Camps are back! After a 2 year COVID-19 halt on Summer Camp activities for the Salvation Army, Eddie Tolliver tells WKEI that Salvation Army Summer Camps are returning next month with three separate camps for local kids. Teen Camp will run from June 6th to June 9th. Kids Camp is open from June 14th to the 16th. And finally, Music Camp June 18th to the 25th, For more information contact the Kewanee Salvation Army and they will be help get your child set up to attend a Salvation Army Summer Camp next month.
Galva Mayor Rich Volkert was our guest on the Wednesday, May 25th, edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties. The Mayor joined WKEI to wrap up Monday's Galva City Council Meeting. Among the topics were the approval to start work replacing lead pipes in the last part of the city where such pipes are still in use. It's part of a state and national project and should be getting underway in the near future. Mayor Volkert also promoted the upcoming Galva Citywide Clean-Up and the excitement surrounding the return of the Levitt Amp Galva Music Series this weekend.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, May 24th for a wrap up of Monday Night's Kewanee City Council Meeting. The City budget for the next fiscal year is complete. The Police and Fire Department have secured new equipment including much needed new radios and safety equipment and all within the City Budget. The Mayor also discussed several grants received and other possible grants available to the City of Kewanee. And, as usual, we talked about demolitions, another rundown home has been set for demolition as part of a record year for demolishing decrepit buildings in the City of Kewanee.
Rebuilding Together Henry County needs your help to help even more families in need in Henry County. And, you can help simply by playing some golf at Midland Golf Course. Rebuilding Together Henry County will host a golf outing on Friday, June 3rd with a twist. Not only will there be golf, there will be yoga and a wine tasting all in one fancy package. There are only a few foursomes left for the Golf Outing and all the proceeds go to help support Rebuilding Together Henry County as they help people repair their homes and install wheel chair ramps around Henry County. To play in the Rebuilding Together Henry County Golf Outing or for more information about Yoga and the Wine Tasting that same day, contact Sarah Snyder ssnyder@rebuildingtogether-hc.org. Sarah Snyder was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, May 24th, 2022.
In our ongoing series profiling the candidates in the 17th Congressional District in Illinois, we caught up with Eric Sorensen. Eric is a former WQAD Meteorologist, familiar to many homes for a number of years. Now, Eric Sorensen wants to represent Illinois in Congress. WKEI talked to Eric Sorensen about Climate Change, Inflation, Education and farming in a far ranging conversation. Eric Sorensen was our guest on Monday's Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and OSF Saint Clare Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, May 23rd, 2022. Among the topics were a look back at Hospital Week and the honors won by OSF Healthcare Mission Partners, the Daisy and Sunflower Awards were handed out recently, honoring the outstanding work of Mission Partners at OSF Healthcare. Also among the topics on Monday were a new helicopter hangar in Galesburg that will be home to the quick response helicopter team at OSF. Also the OSF Golf Outing at Midland Golf Course is coming up in the first week of June and teams and sponsorships are still available. You playing in the OSF Golf Outing helps raise money for the OSF Foundation which can go toward helping those in need.
Jonathan Logemann is one of 6 candidates on the Democratic side running to replace outgoing Congresswoman, Cheri Bustos. As we profile the candidates in that 17th District race we spoke with Jonathan about his background as a veteran and as a teacher. In this conversation we touch on how his time in the military shaped his approach to leadership, how his time as a teacher shaped his approach to education policy and other of the moment topics such as healthcare and inflation. Jonathan Logemann was our guest on Friday's Wake Up Tri-Counties,
There is a new member of the Henry County Board. Daniel Krippen was chosen by the respective parties and approved by the Henry County Board at the May 19th meeting of the Henry County Board. Mr. Krippen is replacing Ned Richardson who stepped down from the Henry County Board for unknown reasons last month. Henry County Board Chair Kippy Breeden and Henry County Administrator, Erin Knackstedt joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, May 20th to wrap up the Henry County Board Meeting on May 19th.
A popular local car show is returning this weekend under a new name. The for J.C Whitney Car Show is back but now called the Carparts.com Car Show. The family friendly car show with food and kids games will take place on Sunday, May 22nd at 761 Progress Pkwy, La Salle, IL 61301. Hours are 9 Am to 4 Pm. If you have a classic car or you just love classic cars, this show is for the whole family. RegionalMediaNews.com caught up with Event Coordinator Airik Guerrero for the Good News about the Carparts.com Car Show in LaSalle.
Travis Weaver is a candidate for the State House of Representatives in the 93rd District. Mr. Weave joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday to talk about why decided to run for office, his plans for education reform, the supply chain and, most pressingly, gas prices. Travis Weaver talked to WKEI about the way the gas tax is spent in Illinois and the tax relief possible with reforms to spending at the state capital. Travis Weaver is one of two candidates competing for the Republican nomination in the 93rd District.
In our latest profile of candidates for Congress in the 17th District in Illinois, we spoke with Angie Normoyle about her decision to run for Congress. Angie Normoyle tells WKEI that her background is in education and it's part of what made her want to run for Congress. We also discussed inflation, health care, Farming and several other topics that are on the minds of voters and how Angie Normoyle would address those topics if she were elected to replace Cheri Bustos in the 17t District.
It's National Radio Month and that is something special in Kewanee. It means that Dave Clark has some more stories to tell about his days at WKEI and some stories from before his time at the station. On this edition of Kewanee Back When, Dave Clark looks back on the many characters who got their 15 minutes of local fame by becoming regulars on WKEI. Dave also gives us the origin of the call letters for our station, WJRE and what he and his fellow reporters came up with for the call letters WKEI. You'll have to listen for the history lesson in this month's edition of Kewanee Back When...
Kewanee School District Superintendent Dr. Chris Sullens was our guest on Tuesday's Wake Up Tri-Counties. Dr. Sullens joined us to reflect on the class of 2022 and their graduation ceremony this past Sunday. With the of school year arriving there is progressing beginning and continuing on several long term projects in the district. And, Dr. Sullens covered each of the projects being worked on this summer in our conversation on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
It's Graduation Week at Wethersfield High School. The Graduation celebration will be Sunday, May 22nd. Superintendent Shane Kazubowski talked about Graduation week, plans for Sunday's ceremony, the young leaders who will be speaking that day and much more on Monday's Wake Up Tri-Counties, following up on last Thursday's Wethersfield School Board Meeting.
Beth Looney with OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and the Henry County Mental Health Alliance joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, May 16th, 2022. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. On Monday, May 23rd, the Henry County Mental Health Alliance will host a Mental Health Awareness Month Picnic at Windmont Park. The picnic gets uinderway at 11:30 and goes on until 1 Pm. Attendees are invited to bring a lunch, desserts will be available, and speakers will talk about their mental health journey. Beth Looney talked about the picnic and more with WKEI.
This week, Wake Up Tri-Counties are profiling Democrats in the 17th District Congressional Race. On Tuesday, we spoke with Jackie McGowan, a candidate who made her name as a lobbyist in the Cannabis industry. Born in Illinois, McGowan has worked on Wall Street, in the stock world in Chicago and California before transitioning into a lobbyist in the Cannabis industry. McGowan ran for Governor of California last September on a platform centered on Cannnabis. McGowan returned to Illinois following the California recall election and has now set her sights on the Congressional seat being vacated by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.
Eric Ellenberger of Motor City Chevrolet Buick and GMC joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about cars on Friday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties. The interview celebrated the fact that Motor City Chevrolet Buick GMC had received Two Gold Medals as voted by you, the customers, in The Best of Tri-Counties awards voting. Motor City Chevrolet Buick GMC picked up the Gold Medals for Best Auto Dealership New Vehicles and Best Auto Dealership Used Vehicles. Check out the winners at BestofTriCounties.com. Hear are conversation about Best of Tri-Counties and the present and future of cars sales in our interview with Eric Ellenberger.
Sparks joins Nicole Travis of C&N Farms at the Macomb Farmers Market to talk about all-natural, farm-to-table meats and Chick Fostering Program.
The Kewanee Public Library is ready for the Summer. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Thursday talking about Summer plans at the Kewanee Public Library which will include the summer reading program. The Kewanee Public Library is once again teaming up with the BeanStack App to help you and your kids keep track of what you're reading this Summer. If you have any trouble with the app, don't hesitate to stop and talk to the library staff, they are happy to help you out.
Sparks is joined by Cole Metcalf from the National Association of Letter Carriers to talk about their "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive, set to take place Saturday, May 14th.
If anyone could write a book about 'the power of conflict,' it's the host of TV's Bar Rescue, Jon Taffer. It's not that Jon Taffer goes looking for conflict but rather that he's not afraid of conflict when it is necessary. Indeed, conflict in everyday relationships is very common with most people avoiding it if they can. That's the problem according to Jon. Instead of avoiding conflicts, more people need to engage, take on the conflict and get to the root of it. Letting conflicts fester and linger only causes more pain and trouble in the long run. Think of addressing conflict like tearing off a band-aid, get it over with, out of the way and create an understanding. It may end unresolved but if both sides of a conflict feel heard, tension is resolved and future conflicts are likely to be less contentious and angry. That's a thumbnail sketch of Jon Taffer's brilliant new book The Power of Conflict. Jon Taffer was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday, May 11th, 2022.
It was a relatively quick meeting for the Kewanee City Council on Monday, May 9th. On Tuesday morning, Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the items that passed on Monday night's agenda including an ordinance that will allow for licensed proprietors to sell Fireworks in the Kewanee City Limits. Also passed last night was an agreement that will place solar panels on top of Kewanee City Hall in an effort toward long term savings on energy costs for the City of Kewanee. Several more buildings are soon to be torn down in Kewanee, they are currently under review under the guidelines of a grant the City of Kewanee received from the State of Illinois. The City of Kewanee continued an agreement with Carl Sandburg College regarding the training of EMT's and other first responders, and the Road Program in the City of Kewanee was up for discussion as well.
Henry County Crimestoppers Chili Supper fundraiser is being held on Saturday, May 21st from 4 Pm to 6:30 Pm. The Galva American Legion will play host to Crimestoppers for the biggest fundraiser of the year for Henry County Crimestoppers. There will be a bake sale going alongside the Chili Supper and all of the proceeds raised go to support the efforts of Henry County Crimestoppers. The rewards handed out by Crimestoppers are invaluable for getting information that can and has led to the arrests of criminals in Henry County. Anyone who submits a tip to Henry County Crimestoppers at 309-937-2324 will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000 dollars if their tip leads to an arrest. The Henry County Crimestoppers are also seeking new board members. If you'd like to join the Board of the Henry County Crimestoppers, contact Connie Thelein by sending a letter to P.O Box 75 Cambridge, IL 61238. Connie Thelein was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, May 10th, 2022.
The City of Kewanee is holding the Spring City Wide Cleanup on Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 7 AM to 12 PM (rain date May 21st), at the old hospital lot on W. Division St. To enter the site, take Prospect Street to Elliott Street and follow the cones west on Division Street. You must be a Kewanee resident to use the service, bring a utility bill with your address and form of identification. Once your identification has been verified, you will be directed to the dumpsters located in the lot. Your vehicle must be unloadable and be prepared to unload your own vehicle if there aren't enough volunteers at the time to help. If you have any questions or need assistance, call City Hall at 309-852-2611.
All of this week, OSF Healthcare is celebrating Hospital Week, a nationally recognized week that highlights the hardworking health care workers across the country. At OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Kewanee and Princeton respectively, the celebration will highlight individuals and health care teams working in every aspect of patient care. All week long on social media, OSF will be sharing images and stories from their lab to the emergency department to the surgical department, highlighting the team and what they do at the hospital. President Jackie Kernan and Samantha Rux with OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and OSF Saint Clare Medical Center were our guests on Monday morning on Wake Up Tri-Counties for Hospital Week.
Sparks is joined by Ace Whitman, LCPC, from Wildmoon Counseling in Macomb, who will be hosting a Trauma Recovery Basics workshop, where they will help therapists and community leaders learn how to help people who have experienced trauma.
Sparks is joined by Jock Hedblade from the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to talk about the upcoming Lizzie Magie Day Ceremony at the Unforgettable Forgottonia offices on May 9th, where they will reveal an important artifact from the Monopoly inventor's life.
Dianne Packee has been honored as the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce Ambassador's Club Citizen of the Year for 2022. The honor comes to Dianne for her remarkable charitable efforts in all corners of Kewanee. Whether it is helping organize the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival, volunteering at local non-profits, or pitching at Kewanee Rotary events, Dianne Packee has always been remarkably generous with her time. We were lucky to get to tell Dianne how much we appreciate her in person on Friday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties.
The cost of Medical Bills has soared in recent years and now a non-profit organization is hoping that new legislation, passed under the Trump administration, will finally force hospitals to be more transparent regarding costs and what patients are being billed for. David Silverstein leads the non-profit organization Broken Healthcare and he was our guest this week on Wake Up Tri-Counties. He says that a law passed under the Trump administration requires transparency on medical bills but only now, following a lawsuit in Colorado, are hospitals and healthcare organizations beginning to be held accountable to that law. Meanwhile, David points out that one area where costs have sky-rocketed is ambulance costs. Cities have been turning ambulance costs into a revenue stream nationwide leading to a remarkable increase in the cost of calling for an ambulance. This has led to many patients risking their life to take themselves to the emergency room or simply not going for needed care out of concern over the cost.
The Henry County Senior Center has a pair of bus trips for seniors taking place in June and in August. Seniors will be going to Branson for shows and a four night hotel stay in late June into early July. And in August, Ohio Island Hopping will include incredible shopping opportunities, museums and a wildlife adventure. Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center talked about these to incredible bus trips on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, May 5th.
The annual Letter Carrier Food Drive is taking place on Saturday May 14th. Soon your letter carrier will be dropping off a bag which you can fill with donated food items, specifically canned or non-perishable food items. Those bags will be picked up on May 14th and all donations will be given to local food banks. This, of course, includes the Kewanee Food Bank and Lisa Janey from the Kewanee Food Pantry spoke with WKEI's Wake Up Tri-Counties about the Food Drive and about the latest information about our Kewanee Food Pantry including the need for volunteers at the Kewanee Food Pantry.
This Morning Bailey Ferguson Stopped by the studio to talk about the summer events that are scheduled for the City this year.
Sparks talks with Jock Hedblade from the Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau about "Cinco De Pie-Yo", the upcoming pie and cake auction fundraiser for Macomb Heritage Days 40th Anniversary Celebration, set for May 5th.
Heart Disease is one of the leading killers in the world and yet, it's preventable if you take care to monitor your heart health regularly. Dr Fahmi Farah, a Fox News contributor, spoke to RegionalMediaNews.com about heart disease and heart health on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday Morning. Dr. Farah talked about obesity, alcoholism, and other preventable factors related to Heart Disease and how its important to get regular check ups so you can catch problems with heart health before it becomes too late.
Julia and Wyatt from North Star Advocacy Center have started a new support group Survivors of Domestic Assault or SODA.
Have you received a letter telling you that there is a problem with the way your American flag is being displayed? At least one Kewanee resident has received such a letter and it was a letter that by some appearances, looked as if it came from an organization operated by Jeanna Moore, the wife of Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore. However, the letter did not come from Jeanna Moore and no such organization as the Kewanee Flag Project Committee actually exists. We spoke with Jeanna Moore on Friday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties about this strange story that still has no resolution. Meanwhile, if you received a letter from an organization claiming you have improperly displayed a flag, contact RegionalDailyNews.com and Wake Up Tri-Counties, skernan@regionalmedia.info.
We are just over a month away from the Annual OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Golf Classic. This year's event will take place on June 6th at 11:15 Am at Midland Golf Club in Kewanee. Food will be served and tee time is set for 12 Noon. Sponsors are needed as part of the fundraising effort which benefits the OSF Healthcare transportation fund which gives rides to patients in need for routine medical check ups and other such appointments that OSF patients may not be able to travel to on their own. If you'd like to participate either by playing in the Golf Classic or becoming a sponsor, contact Lauren McBain at 309-566-5679. Samantha Rux and Cathy Foes with OSF were our guests to talk about the OSF Golf Classic on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, May 2nd, 2022.
Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal will be performing in Bishop Hill on Sunday, May 1st at 7 Pm. Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal are from Lincoln, Nebraska and we spoke with Josh about how a bunch of guys from Nebraska got into Soul Music. We also talked to Josh about his and the band's travels since touring started up again and before COVID-19 when the band became a very popular touring act. Showtime on Sunday at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons is 7 Pm with a 6 Pm Potluck Dinner. A suggested donation of $20 to $30 dollars is asked in order to pay the band.
The Galva TIF District is being retired and a new TIF District is being adopted that will benefit even more Galva businesses. Mayor Rich Volkert spoke to WKEI RegionalDailyNews.com on Wednesday's Wake Up Tri-Counties about the TIF changes and how they benefit the business community in Galva. The Mayor also talked about the Monday, Galva City Council Meeting and events that are upcoming in Galva this Summer. The Mayor also relayed his story about accompanying veterans on the most recent Honor Flight, a humbling and proud experience.
The first Wethersfield School Play post-COVID-19 and in front of a live crowd will take place this weekend, Saturday April 31st and Sunday May 1st, in the Wethersfield High School Gym. The play Once Upon a Crime: The Trial of Goldilocks is a play that combines famous fairy tale characters with a courtroom drama and has Goldilocks, played by Alivia Lempke, on trial for stealing porridge from The Three Bears. Katelyn Carmen plays Goldilocks' lawyer, Henny Penny, and Chayton Feltz portrays the prosecutor, Tom Thumb. The three actors along with show director Laura Evans were our guests for a preview of the play on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday.
State Senator Win Stoller was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties to offer his reaction to the recently signed Illinois budget. State Senator Stoller tells WKEI that the budget was delivered late at night and with little time for lawmakers to review the budget before having to vote on it. State Senator Stoller is proposing a bill that would require lawmakers get at least two weeks to review a budget bill before it can be voted on. State Senator Stoller also discussed elements of the recently passed Illinois budget which includes what is being billed as a reduction in the gas tax but what is in reality a delay in the raising of gas taxes by 2.6 cents per gallon. The rise in the gas tax will now occur six months later than it was first intended to go into effect.
The Kewanee City Council met on Monday, April 25th, 2022, in council chambers and broadcast live on the RegionalDailyNews.com WKEI Facebook page. On the agenda were several items including a discussion of allowing the sale of Fireworks in the City of Kewanee. Currently, the closest place to purchase Fireworks is in nearby Atkinson. A new ordinance would allow for businesses with specific permits to sell legal fireworks in the City Limits of Kewanee. Use of Fireworks in Kewanee City Limits remains greatly restricted by state law. Mayor Moore indicates that the City of Kewanee would benefit from taxing the sales of Fireworks in the City of Kewanee as well as from the permit costs. He did however, also state that use of Fireworks would be restricted to larger rural areas outside of the City of Kewanee and that the use of Fireworks remains under the restrictions posed by state law. The Mayor of Kewanee also discussed changes to the parking ordinance related to Payson Street in Kewanee, and the demolition of another decrepit property in the City of Kewanee on today's Wake Up Tri-Counties.
April 28th is Worker's Memorial Day in the State of Illinois and it will be celebrated in Marseilles, Illinois in a very special way. A plaque dedicated 21 people killed while protesting the use of Out of State workers on a Federal project in Marseilles in 1932 will be unveiled during an event beginning at 5 p.m. at the Illinois Valley Cellular Parking Lot, located at 200 Riverfront Dr, Marseilles, IL. Governor J.B Pritzker will be on hand for the dedication and rock star Tom Morello, from the band Rage Against the Machine, will be there to perform a live acoustic set in honor of Worker's Memorial Day. Mike Matejka
Vice-President, Illinois Labor History Society, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to preview the event and invite the public to Marseilles for the unveiling and the concert.
All this week, April 25th to the 29th, is Lab Week at OSF Healthcare. Lab week is aimed at highlighting the career opportunities in lab work throughout the OSF Healthcare Ministry. Renee Turczyn is the Laboratory Services Manager for OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee and OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton and she, along with Samantha Rux, talked with WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties about the career paths available in Laboratory Services with OSF.
The Bushnell VFW Auxiliary is hosting a Quarter Auction on April 21st at 5pm to help raise funds for the Bushnell Community Pool.
They'll also be having some raffles and will be selling chances to win a lottery basket, in advance!
Everyone is welcome to attend and bring friends. Help them save their pool and have loads of fun in the process!
For more information or to make a donation, visit the Bushnell Swimming Pool page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BushnellSwimmingPool
The April 2022 edition of Kewanee Back When with Dave Clark and Sean Kernan featured an extraordinary special guest. Kewanee's own Daytona Motorcycle racing Champion Bill Scott has had quite a life, one filled with stories. After being told he was too small for Sports, Bill set out to prove everyone wrong in the world of motor sports where at the age of 19 he won Daytona and became a fixture on the racing circuit. Years later, via his family, specifically his father-in-law, Bill developed a love of the Model T and became one of the driving forces behind the Annual Model T rally in Kewanee. Bill has compiled his stories into a new book celebrating his faith called God and Me and my Model T. We were honored to have Bill Scott join us for Kewanee Back When.
Vinyl Nation is a new documentary from director Kevin Smokler and it charts the resurgence of Vinyl as the dominant form of physical media in music. Record sales have skyrocketed in the past 15 years from a time when the medium seemed to be going away to today where Record sales are in the 10s of billions of dollars. Director Kevin Smokler spoke with WKEI on Tuesday about vinyl records, Record Store Day and the awesome return of Vinyl. Vinyl Nation debuts on streaming rental services on April 19th, 2022. Record Store Day will be celebrated nationwide on April 23rd.
As always, it seems dietary recommendations change on a daily basis. Everyday we hear that something that wasn't good is good or something that is good is no longer good, it's a seemingly constant cycle. A lot of that has to do with a for profit diet industry coming up with new diet plans everyday. Dr. Mark Sherwood joined WKEI on Tuesday morning to cut through some of the hype and talk about the truth about dieting. One truth is that Full Fat Dairy and Butter is actually good for you. It might seem hard to believe but full fat dairy and butter provide essential nutrients that many are lacking in their diet via the many diet trends in the market.
Jolene Efnor with Country Financial joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for a conversation about Car Insurance. There are three types of car insurance and Jolene walks us through an overview of all three and why it is good to get comprehensive coverage that includes all three types of car insurance. Country Financial has a driver's IQ plan that can help you save on your car insurance by observing your safe driving habits and if you are interested in saving on your car insurance you can contact Jolene Efnor at Country Financial, 309-944-4618.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center will host another virtual Healthy Workplace event on Thursday, April 28th, online via Zoom from 7:30 Am to 8:30 Am. The meeting is aimed at Business Owners and those in the Insurance industry who'd like to learn more about the benefits of creating a healthy workplace. The specific topic of the April 28th Healthy Workplace Event is OSF On-Call Virtual Urgent Care and the featured speaker will be Speakers: Kate Barth, VP of On Demand Services and Brandi Clark, VP of OSF OnCall Digital Care.
Wethersfield School District Superintendent Shane Kazubowski talked to WKEI about the end of the school year 2022. Recently, Wethersfield Seniors were in the community meeting with business owners and shadowing jobs that may interest them as they move on to college or into the working world. Shane also updated us on the upcoming Senior Picnic on the Wethersfield Football Field and plans for the Wethersfield Graduation ceremony taking place next month.
There were 16 new cases of COVID-19 in Henry County in the last 7 days and 0 new cases in Stark County. That's good news headed into a holiday weekend where families will be gathering and social gatherings will be occurring in many public space. The message from the Henry and Stark County Health Department is to test before your family gathering, especially if you have unvaccinated people or people with chronic health conditions planning to attend your gathering. Those with compromised immune systems and those who are unvaccinated are most at risk for COVID-19. This includes a new variant of the Omicron strain of COVID-19 which is causing an increase in cases in Europe and Asia. Thankfully, though the new variant appears to be highly transmissible, it is not causing severe illness the way the original, Delta or Omicron variants did. Still, the best defense against COVID-19 remains vaccination and for those over the age of 55 or those with compromised immune systems, a new booster shot of the vaccine is available now at Health Department locations in Kewanee and Colona.
The Henry County Farm Bureau wants to make sure you are aware of Grain Bin Safety. The Farm Bureau is using social media to call attention to Grain Bin Safety with a focus on educating people on the potential dangers of Grain Bins and how to prevent potential safety issues. Katie Laleman talked about Grain Bin Safety, among many other topics, on Wednesday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties. Katie also talked about Illinois Farm Bureau Scholarships available in fields related to trucking and veterinary services.
Henry County Crimestoppers is seeking new board members. Connie Thelein is with Henry County Crimestoppers and she spoke with WKEI on Tuesday to talk about how someone can get on the Board of the Henry County Crimestoppers and what they need to know about being a Board Member. All board members are anonymous, if they choose to be, and are involved in the planning and fundraising activities that fund the rewards paid to those who submit tips about crimes to Crimestoppers of Henry County. If you have a tip for Crimestoppers, call 309-937-2324. You can choose to remain anonymous and if your tip leads to an arrest you could be rewarded up to $1000.00. If you're interested in joining the Board of the Henry County Crimestoppers send a letter to
Henry County Crime Stoppers
P.O. Box 75
Cambridge, IL 61238
Author Kostya Kennedy is exploring the life of baseball legend Jackie Robinson through a unique book called True: The Four Seasons of Jackie Robison. The book examines the legend of Jackie Robinson at four specific points in his life before baseball, during his history making career, and what happened in the years following his career, to his death in 1972. 2022 marks 50 years since Jackie Robinson died and 75 years since he broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. True: The Four Seasons of Jackie Robinson is a must read for all baseball fans.
Actress Lucy Boynton is one of the stars of the new Britbox mystery series, Why Didn't They Ask Evans(?). The series co-stars Will Poulter and is based on a novel by Agatha Christie. The series follows Lucy and Will as friends who stumble upon a dying man whose intriguing last words provide the title of the show and its central mystery. The series is executive produced and co-stars Hugh Laurie, of House fame. Lucy tells WKEI that working with Hugh Laurie was a dream come true. Listen to our conversation with Lucy Boynton and watch Why Didn't They Ask Evans(?) on the Britbox streaming service.
This month, the OSF Healthcare Foundation is supporting Heart Health with their Annual Campaign at OSF Saint Clare in Princeton. You can make donations to support the purchase of equipment to aid in testing heart health OSF Saint Clare Medical Center by contacting the OSF Healthcare Foundation and asking for Cathy Foes. Cathy and Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare were our guest on Monday on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
On Monday, April 11th, organizers of the Levitt Amp Galva Concert Series announced the lineup for the popular series of concerts in the Galva Park District. John Taylor, one of the organizers of the Concert series, which kicks off on May 29th, 2022, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, April 11th to announce the line up.
Uncommon musician, Kray Van Kirk has taken an unusual path to the world of music. Formerly having earned a PHD and worked in the science of Fisheries, Kray was once a traveling musician living out of his van before he went to school, went into the adult world, and, after raising a child, gave up the adult world to live the life of a traveling troubadour. Kray Van Kirk is a guitarist, singer and songwriter who will bring his music to the Bishop Hill Creative Commons on Sunday, April 10th. Potluck Dinner at 6 Pm and showtime at 7 Pm. A suggested donation of $10 to $20.00 per attendee is welcome but you can donate any amount you want to enjoy the show.
Saturday, April 9th, for the first time in two years, Visitation School will hold their Spring Fling at Visitation School. The evening will include live music, silent auction, and a catered meal. Tickets are only $15.00 for the meal and live music by The Glory Days Band. There will also be a Draw Down Raffle for $20.00 with all proceeds going to support Visitation School Scholarships. Courtney and Teddy Grussing, a Visitation Mom and student, joined WKEI on Thursday to invite everyone to come and support Visitation School's Spring Fling on Saturday. Doors open at 5 Pm with live music and dinner at 6 Pm.
It's Public Health Week and the Henry and Stark County Health Department is highlighting what makes up Public Health, the various departments that provide services to the community, and how those departments are responsive and responsible for areas of everyday health in our community. RaeAnn Tucker from the Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday to talk about Public Health Week and to go over the latest COVID-19 numbers which continue to be low though COVID-19 remains a going concern. With that in mind, a second booster shot is now being offered for people 55 and old or those with health conditions that make them vulnerable to COVID-19. Wednesday's at the Health Department those seeking a second booster, more than 4 months passed since the first booster, can walk in and get the booster shot without an appointment at the Health Department office in Kewanee.
A new grant program through the Henry County Senior Center is aiming to provide aid to those who need help caring for a loved one at home. The Alzheimers-Dementa-and Related Disease Grant Program provides money to the Henry County Senior Center that the Center can then give to those in need for the purchase of items needed for the care of a loved one. If you have a family member or are the caregiver to someone with Alzheimers, Dementia, or a Related Disease, the Senior Center can assist with funds for the purchase of Lift Chairs, Incontinence Supplies, Beds and Bedding, Motion Sensing Technology, and ramp installations. Any one who believes they qualify for aid to purchase these items specific to the care of a loved one, can contact the Henry County Senior Center for more information at (309) 853-8831. Casandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center announced the grant and the eligibility requirements on Wake Up Tri-Counties. Casandra also announced an upcoming Bus Trip to Branson, Missouri for which tickets are on sale now and two more trips coming up later this year that you can find out more about by contacting the Henry County Senior Center today.
April is Community Banking Month at the State Bank of Toulon. Beginning this week, the State Bank of Toulon is celebrating the Community with giveaways and with drives to help local non-profits. April 4th to the 8th you can drop off a Book at the State Bank of Toulon to be donated to local libraries. Kids can also enter the State Bank of Toulon coloring pages contest. Week two, April 11th to the 15th will feature local businesses and encourage people to shop local. All that week State Bank of Toulon locations will be accepting donations for local food pantries across the area. April 18th to 23rd is Shred Week, State Bank of Toulon locations will have places for people to drop off documents to be shredded. The week will cap off with a Shred Truck at the Kewanee State Bank of Toulon location from 9 Am to 12 Noon on April 23rd. Also that week, State Bank of Toulon locations will accept donations for the local Humane Societies and organizations that help the animal population. And finally from April 25th to the 29th, the State Bank of Toulon will be accepting Toy Donations for Patchy's Toy Drive. Nichelle Morey from the State Bank of Toulon joined us to talk about April as Community Banking Month.
Liz Breedlove with the Kewanee Schools Foundation talked with WKEI and Wake Up Tri-Counites about the upcoming All Aboard for Education 30 Trips for 30 Years fundraiser at Midland Golf Course, April 23rd. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on trips that have been donated to the Kewanee Schools Foundation. Money raised will go to help the Kewanee Schools Foundation in their continuing effort to support Kewanee Schools. Liz Breedlove with the Kewanee Schools Foundation joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the remarkable trips that will be on the auction block.
What is Hospice? It's care for those at the end of life. OSF Hospice serves our community by providing expertise, compassion, emotional and physical care for those in need of end of life care. Deacon Michael Crummer is with OSF Hospice Pastoral Care and he spoke to Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, April 4th, about the many areas of care offered at OSF Hospice. While the patient themselves is front and center in terms of care, OSF Hospice also aims to help families and caregivers deal with the toll of end of life care for people they care about.
Amazon is headed towards a showdown with Amazon Delivery drivers. With gas prices continuing to hover over the four dollar mark, Amazon Delivery Drivers are asking for an increase in pay in order to be able to afford to keep driving for Amazon. The company has resisted pay increases while economists warn that increased pay for drivers will likely lead to increased prices for consumers. Fox News Business Expert Steven Pope spoke to WKEI and Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday about the growing stalemate between Amazon and Delivery Drivers and what it means for the consumer.
Just over a week ago Coach Jeff Parsons, the Hall of Fame Head Coach and Athletic Director at Wethersfield made the most difficult decision of his career, deciding to resign from Wethersfield at the end of the current school year. Coach Parsons has held this position since 2005 and leaves as the School's all time winningest Head Basketball Coach and a beloved leader in the Athletic Department. Coach Parsons is taking on the Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Position at Fulton High School beginning in the fall. Coach joined Sean on The Overtime on WKEI to reflect on his time at Wethersfield, his players, his love of Coaching and what comes next at Fulton.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, March 24th, 2022. RaeAnn spoke to WKEI regarding the continuing downward trend of COVID-19 numbers, including a milestone in Stark County where there were no new cases of COVID-19 over the last 7 days. There were a total of 17 new cases in Henry County over the last week but both numbers are a strong indication that COVID-19 is abating across the area. RaeAnn also spoke about Colorectal Cancer Awareness and the many innovations that are making it easier for people to get access to Colorectal Cancer screenings and preventative care.
Tucker Forrest has made his decision and will attend Lake Forest College in the fall. The standout defensive star for the A & W Titans made the choice official at a signing day on Friday, March 19th at Wethersfield. Then on Friday night, Tucker joined The Overtime on WKEI talk football and why he chose Lake Forest College over two other programs that had sought to bring him in to play football. Tucker talks about his future, his work ethic and how the praise of an opposing Coach got him thinking about continuing to play Football in college.
What is 'Lunchflation?' The concept explored by Financial Analyst and Fox News contributor, Mitch Kramer, focuses on inflation and how, with more people returning to the office, more people are being hit by the cost of rising inflation, the higher prices for goods and services. This includes that sandwich or salad that you're looking forward to at lunch, Prices are up everywhere and while inflation is expected to ease in the second quarter of 2022, we are currently in the midst of across the board increases in food prices. Mitch Kramer offers some insight into Lunchflation and the economic twists and turns of the pandemic era.
Dr Chris Sullens, Kewanee School District, Superintendent was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, March 22nd. Dr. Sullens was on hand to talk about Monday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. During the meeting and our interview Dr. Sullens updated the progress on several building plans across the district. Dr. Sullens explained that several of the projects are taking longer to complete than others do to lack of building supplies. That said, each project has remained active and on the road to completion. Dr. Sullens also took time to honor the Contest Play performers who finished 3rd at Sectionals last week and the Kewanee Group Interpretation Team which finished in 1st place and qualified for State. It's the 16th year in a row, outside of COVID-19, that the Group Interpretation Team has made it to the State Competition.
Andrew Dwyer, Kewanee Park District Executive Director, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022. Mr. Dwyer joined the show to discuss a new opening on the Park Board with the retirement of Jackie Verscha. The Kewanee Park District is asking people to reach out to Board Members and to Andrew Dwyer if they'd like to be considered for appointment to finish the remaining term of Jackie Verscha who announced recently that she was stepping down. Andrew Dwyer also announced the start of work on a new pollinator garden, made possible by a grant, and several grant applications that have gone out related to funds being made available by the American Rescue Plan. Finally, Andrew Dwyer spoke to WKEI about plans for the Park District to enter into an agreement for three Solar Arrays that will be part of the existing City of Kewanee Solar Project with Clean Energy Design Group.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is celebrating their diabetes care team. Tami Harker and Carrie Bloom joined Samantha Rux on Wake Up Tri-Counties with tips for learning about, managing, and understanding the topic of Diabetes. Diet, exercise, and misconceptions regarding Diabetes and so-called Pre-Diabetes were discussed on today's show as well as innovations in the diagnosis and management of Diabetes, especially the most common, Type 2 Diabetes.
Can your credit score effect your longevity? A new study indicates that there is at least a coincidental correlation between people with good credit living longer and people with poor credit, dying younger. Naturally, the causal relation is likely stress. When you have bad credit, your stress levels are higher leading to other signs of poor health. We talked about good credit, bad credit, and what you can do about it today on Wake Up Tri-Counties with 'America's Credit Repair Man' Paul Oster.
On April 2nd, local business owner Emma Fitzwater, owner of Line of Sight Studios, is putting on a very unique event. The Encouraging Dreams Runway Show is a chance for anyone whose ever wanted to try and walk on a runway like a real super-model to take their shot. From 4 PM to 5:30 PM inspiring speakers will deliver speeches about the dreams they've accomplished and the obstacles they've overcome. Alongside those speeches will be volunteers who will walk the runway in costume showing off their unique style while testing out their dream of being a model. This is not a fundraiser, it's an event happening simply to inspire and uplift. If you'd like to be part of the Encouraging Your Dreams Runway Show and walk the runway like a real model, you can contact Emma or Alexis at this link.
In another era someone said of Kewanee, Illinois that there were as many taverns as their were churches in the City. That is an almost true statement, at least for a short period of the early 1940s. We learned this from our friend Dave Clarke when he joined WKEI for a brand new edition of Kewanee Back When which discussed the history of Kewanee Churches, those that are still here and those that have closed or moved to new locations.
What is philanthropy? Here's a hint, it goes beyond just raising money or donating money to a cause. Philanthropy is a philosophy of helping, a dedication to causes for those in need. Cathy Foes with the OSF Healthcare Foundation joined Wake Up Tri-Counties alongside Samantha Rux to talk about what Philanthropy means to the OSF Healthcare Foundation and its team of dedicated professionals whose philanthropic efforts on behalf of OSF patients make a difference in the lives of those in need every day.
Have you ever wanted to dominate a trivia night? Austin Rogers is here to help. The former Multi-time Jeopardy Champion has spent his entire career dominating trivia nights when he wasn't the man leading those trivia nights as host. Now, he's written the definitive guide to Pub Trivia, guaranteed to help you stand out at the next Trivia night you attend. The book is called "The Ultimate Book of Pub Trivia by the Smartest Guy in the Bar." Austin Rogers was our guest on Wake Up TriCounties.
Musician and Singer Angela Meyer will be performing live at the Elks Lodge in Kewanee on Saturday night at 7 Pm. The concert, being put on by Heartland Connections, is a benefit for Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, a cause close to Angela's heart ever since she witnessed the generous giving to that cause at The Back Road Music Festival last year. Angela talked with Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday morning about Honor Flight, her music career, writing songs, and so much more. As for the Honor Flight fundraiser, doors at the Elks Club in Kewanee open at 6:00 Pm for a Potluck where you can bring and share a dish. The cost to enter is a donation of any amount with a suggested donation of $10.00 to $20.00. ALL proceeds from the concert go to Honor Flight.
The Henry County Farm Bureau Foundation has announced that applications are once again being accepted for several foundation scholarships. Henry County residents planning to go into an Agricultural field are encouraged to visit the Henry County Farm Bureau website and click on the Farm Bureau Foundation tab to find out more about what is available in terms of Farm Bureau Scholarships. Katie Laleman discussed the scholarship and the application criteria on Wake Up Tri-Counties this week. Katie also talked about the upcoming Women in Agriculture conference happening at the end of March in Rock Island.
Singer Angela Meyer is performing in Kewanee this weekend. Meyer, a country artist by trade, has been touring the country but is headed back to Kewanee this weekend to help raise money for a terrific cause. Jason Bates of Heartland Connections spoke with Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday about the concert which benefits Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. The concert starring Angela Meyer will take place on Saturday, March 12th, at the Elks Lodge in Kewanee. Doors open at 6 Pm for a potluck dinner and the show begins at 7 Pm. Feel free to bring a dish to share at the potluck. Entry is by donation with a suggested donation of $10 to $20 dollars but any amount donated will give you entry to the show. ALL proceeds are being donated to Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.
Quarter Madness is this Friday, March 1tth, at the Elks Lodge in Kewanee. Dianne Packee and Carrie Boelens joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to talk about what is up for auction and how you can bid and support local charities and events including The Prairie Chicken Arts Festival. Paddles are for sale now including $40.00 panels that give you a chance to win the whole night at Quarter Madness. Platinum paddles enter you to win all night long at Quarter Madness Friday night. $20.00 Gold Paddles and unlimited numbers of White Paddles are all for sale now at the Quarter Madness headquarters directly across from the Red Apple in Kewanee.
Tonight on Investigation Discovery its the series premiere of a brand new true crime investigation show, Crime Scene Confidential. Hosted by CSI and Forensics Expert Alina Burroughs, the show will take a look at some of the biggest crimes of recent memory through the lens of science, specifically forensics and crime scene investigation. The series debuts at 8 Pm ET 7Pm Central time on Investigation Discovery and will be streaming on the Discovery Plus streaming service.
March is National Nutrition Month and with that designation we were lucky to be joined in studio by Dietitian Sara Umphleet with OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. Sara, along with Samantha Rux, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to give you some tips on how to improve your nutrition that are still tasty and fun. Sara offered several tips for tasty foods that can provide a substitute for your less nutritious choices without losing the kind of taste you enjoy. Improved nutrition is good for all aspects of your health and it can taste great as well.
Jim Bohannon, whose show airs weeknights from 9 Pm to Midnight on WKEI joined Wake Up Tri-Counties recently to say hello to the Tri-County area and share his thoughts on the news of the day. We spoke with Jimbo about Ukraine and Russia and the conflict that is engulfing Eastern Europe with worldwide implications. We also asked Jim for his thoughts on the new Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson.
The Henry County Senior Center is offering a few new services via state grants. Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center spoke to WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday morning about new ways that the Senior Center can help seniors in need when it comes to dementia care or making sure you get your COVID vaccinations and booster. Of course, the home delivered meal program is up and running and accepting new people on each route. In-person meals are back with lunch at the Senior Center and dinner every Tuesday.
The Bishop Hill Virtual Chautauqua featuring storyteller Brian Fox Ellis will take place next week, March 7th, 8th, and 9th, at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons. The event will also be live streamed on Facebook via History in Person, a new page launched by storyteller Brian Fox Ellis to support history presentations. You can enjoy the Chautauqua in person next week beginning at 6 Pm each day or you can enjoy it by going to the History in Person Facebook page where the live performance, in character, Chautauqua will be beautifully captured and broadcast for only 7 days for subscribers to the History in Person YouTube page. Brian Fox Ellis joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk more about the Virtual Chautauqua on Friday, March 4th on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Duke Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski is ending his legendary run in College Basketball at the end of this 2021-2022 season. It's been a remarkable career filled with championships and incredible athletes under the guidance of Coach K. But the public persona hides a few secrets about the real Coach K. Author and Sports Journalist Ian O'Connor brings the real Coach Mike Krzyzewski to the forefront in his new book, Coach K and Ian spoke with LocalSportsNow.com and RegionalDailyNews.com earlier this week, ahead of Coach K's final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The Mayor of Galva, Rich Volkert, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to discuss Monday's Galva City Council Meeting. One big topic was road repair as the City of Galva looks to maintain roads now to save on repairs down the road. The Mayor also addressed another incident in which a train blocked a portion of the City while stopped. The Mayor says he's received complaints regarding stopped trains but he admits, there is not much that the City of Galva can do regarding the trains other than invite residents to contact the railroad owners directly with complaints regarding stopped trains. The Levitt Amp Galva Concert Series has opened their 2022 fundraising season to match the money provided by a grant from the Levitt Amp Galva Concert Series. And the Mayor discussed the upcoming cemetary clean up in Galva which will take place in the month of March. Mayor Volkert reminds everyone that if you have decorations up at a local cemetery that you would like to keep you should go to local Galva Cemeteries this week to recover the items. Otherwise, items left at grave stones will be removed by City employees.
Mark Mikenas, Director of the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to talk about the return of the annual K-Town Comedy Night at the Flemish American Club. After having to cancel due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, the K-Town Comedy Night is back to help raise funds to support the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce and provide a night of laughs from a pair of comedians just coming off of a residency in Las Vegas. The comics will be revealed soon but your tickets to K-Town Comedy Night at the Flemish American Club on Saturday, March 26th, are on sale now at the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce.
The Kewanee City Council met on Monday, February 28th, 2022. On the agenda where a pair of properties for demolition and the approval of the purchase of new Police vehicles. WKEI spoke with Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore about these topics and more on the Tuesday edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties. In our conversation the Mayor discussed the demolition projects, some minor hesitance he had about the type of vehicles being recommended for purchase for the Kewanee Police, and the latest on local Union contract negotiations.
The Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District have launched their Native Plant, Tree, and Fish Sale. Anyone looking for native plants or trees to plant on their property can get involved and buy their native plants or trees from the Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District and you don't have to be a resident of Stark County to participate. The fish sale is specifically for anyone seeking fish to stock a pond. Jannifer Powellson is with the Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Jolene Efnor from Country Financial joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, February 25th, 2022. Jolene joined us to remind people that when you have a major life change, that's a good time to make sure you are getting your best deal on your insurance. This applies to your home, car, and life insurance, all of which can be effected by things such as disasters, major renovations, new drivers in the family, or unexpected health events. Jolene also used the time to remind everyone that Kiwanis Pancake Day is coming soon and it will once again be a drive thru Pancake Day. Kiwanis Pancake Day is Saturday, March 26th, from 7 Am to 11 Am.
The Geneseo Art Walk is coming up on April 30th of 2022. Zach Sullivan Director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, February 25th, to discuss the idea behind the Geneseo Art Walk and to invite artists to get involved and show off their work as part of the Art Walk. If you are an artist who would like to participate in the Geneseo Art Walk on April 30th, contact the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at (309) 944-2686. Zach Sullivan also tells WKEI that Geneseo is launching a mural project later this Summer inspired by what the Walldogs brought to Kewanee.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, February 24th, to talk about events at the Library in the month of March. Among the highlights are a visit from an author. On March 1st, at 6 Pm, the Kewanee Public Library will host author Cyndee Schafer to discuss her book "Mollie's War." The event is free to attend as part of the Library's Tuesday's on Tremont Program. March at the library will also feature classes on 3D Printing, and the ongoing Higher Learning Book Club.
COVID-19 numbers in Henry and Stark County have continued a steady decline but there are still more infections than there should. In the latest release of weekly numbers for Henry and Stark County, there were still more than 110 new confirmed positive or probable cases of COVID-19 between the two counties. That's a downward trend of more than a month but there is still a ways to go before we can say COVID-19 is fully endemic. That's the word from RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department who joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday with the latest numbers, updates on COVID-19 tests and results, and mental health services via the Health Department.
The Kewanee School Board met on Tuesday, February 22nd at the Petersen Auditorium at Kewanee High School. The meeting, broadcast live on the RegionalDailyNews.com Facebook page, included the approval of a return to school program that recommends students and staff where masks but no longer requires masks to be worn in school. School Buses will have a mask requirement due to mass transit still being under a federal mask mandate. Superintendent Dr Chris Sullens explained the details regarding the return to school plan and talked about the approval to put down turn on the Kewanee Football Field, and took time to praise Kewanee athletes who've reached state competitions including bowler Mya Mirocha.
With questions having been raised regarding the budget, management, and decision-making at the Kewanee Park District and the Kewanee Park Board, Park District Director Andrew Dwyer joined WKEI to talk about transparency, raises for park district employees, and a new Park District budget that he claims is fully in the black despite accusations of mismanagement by members of the community. Mr. Dwyer also promoted upcoming Park District events including an Easter Egg Hunt at Windmont Park on April 9th, the start of Kewanee Park District Soccer leagues with practices beginning April 4th, and the annual Oldeen Fishing Rodeo at Windmont Park on June 4th.
February is Black History Month and on the latest edition of Kewanee Back When, Dave Clark joined Sean Kernan for a spotlight on Black History in Kewanee via Kewanee's Black Churches. Dave Clark throws a spotlight on the people who first brought Gospel and worship to the airwaves on WKEI while also talking about the stories of some of the famous and less famous black churches in Kewanee dating back several decades.
A new study claims that a mere 10 minutes of exercise a day is enough to make a significant positive impact on your overall health. Dr Mark Sherwood, a Fox News contributor, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, February 21st, 2022, to talk about the study and the kinds of 10 minute work outs that can be the most beneficial, especially among thos over the age of 40.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is celebrating the month of February as Heart Health Month. With that in mind, dietitian Sara Umphleet joined Samantha Rux on Monday's Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Heart Health and give Sean a Heart Health Quiz about everything from Low Fat Diets to coconut oil to why Margarine is better for your heart than butter.
The Kewanee School Board held a special meeting on Tuesday, February 15th in the Petersen Auditorium at Kewanee High School. The meeting was intended to address the mask mandate from Governor J.B Pritzker, an executive that is currently on hold while Governor Pritzker appeals to have it restored. On Tuesday night, rather than join other schools in lifting the mask mandate or making masking an option, the School Board took no action and kept the mask requirement for Kewanee students, staff and teachers in place while the court hearings play out. After last night's meeting, Kewanee School District Superintendent Dr Christ Sullens spoke to WKEI reporter Jennifer Russell about the decision to not vote.
Quarter Madness is back in Kewanee for the 10th Anniversary. Carrie Boelens and Dianne Packee, two of the driving forces behind the auction fundraiser, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday for a preview and a big announcement about the biggest auction prize in Quarter Madness history. Quarter Madness panels are on sale now across the street from Reiman's Harley Davidson, in the office of The Dent Guy where Dianne Packee is located regularly. You can also buy paddles by contacting the Rotary Club of Kewanee.
Eddie Tolliver from the Kewanee Salvation Army joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday with news of a new fundraising campaign for the Salvation Army. The all new Love Beyond Campaign is a campaign aimed at keeping up fundraising year round at the Salvation Army in order to help even more people in need. You can make a donation to the all new Love Beyond campaign at the Kewanee Salvation Army Store in Kewanee where there just happens to be a sale going on this week!
The Wethersfield School Board made official their choice of a new School Superintendent at Thursday's Wethersfield School Board Meeting. Dr Andrew Brooks has been hired to take over for the retiring Shane Kazubowski. The change over to the new Superintendent will happen on July 1st of 2022. Shane Kazubowski was our guest on Wake Up TriCounties on Friday, February 11th, to talk about the new Superintendent and go over the latest news from last Thursday's Wethersfield School Board Meeting.
Celebrate the birthday of one of the greatest storytellers in history, Wilhelm Grimm, at the Kewanee Public Library. Local historian and performer Brian Fox Ellis will bring the legendary co-author of Grimm's Faerie Tales to life on February 22nd, 2022 at the Kewanee Public Library. This free program will begin at 6:30 Pm at the Kewanee Public Library and you are invited. Brian Fox Ellis joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday to talk about his unique style of performance, partnering with the library and what it is like to bring history to life as he does.
On Thursday, the Henry and Stark County Health Department announced that two more Henry County residents have died from COVID-19. A man in his 60s and a man in his 70s died this week from COVID-19. That brings the total to 114 Henry County residents who have died from COVID-19. That unfortunate statistic aside, there is good news on the Omicron front. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department told Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning that it does appear that our area has reached and surpassed the peak number of Omicron variant cases of COVID-19. Weekly new infection numbers have declined each of the past three weeks.
Local Farm Bureau's in Henry, Rock Island, Bureau and Mercer County teamed up for the annual Bushels for Hunger Fundraiser for our local food banks. The effort paid off this week with total Bushels for Hunger donations of $22,515 dollars for local food banks. Katie Laleman shared the good news about remarkable number of donations on Wednesday's Wake Up Tri-Counties. Katie was also on hand to tout the upcoming Women in Agriculture conference. Registration is open now to attend the Women in Agriculture Conference on March 25th, 2022, at Bally's of the Quad Cities in Rock Island. Go to WomeninAgricultureConference.com to register today.
The Kewanee Friends of the Animals are holding their biggest fundraiser of the year on Saturday, February 12th, 2022. Kathy Werderman with the Friends of the Animals joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to talk about this weekend's Friends of the Animals Craft Show at the Kewanee American Legion. Hours are 9 Am to 2 Pm on Saturday, February 12th with Breakfast and Lunch available with the remarkable vendors, their incredible crafts and your chance to make a donation to support the Kewanee Friends of the Animals who use donations to help those in need with veterinary care for their pets.
The Kewanee Fire Department is looking to hire a new Firefighter. If you or someone you know has thought about becoming a firefighter, your opportunity is now. Go to CityofKewanee.com and fill out the application before 5 Pm on Friday, February 11th, 2022. Testing for the position with the Kewanee Fire Department begins the following week. Kewanee Fire Chief Stephen Welgat spoke to Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday about what he's looking for in a firefighter and the skills it takes to make it to the testing round.
Three families from Afghanistan are being resettled in Kewanee with the help of Kewanee Welcomes. Kewanee Welcomes is a new non-profit organization that has come together to aid those in need who are fleeing from the rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Working in partnership with the Samaritan's Purse Afghan Resettlement Program and the Federal government, Kewanee Welcomes is now laying the groundwork and creating a support network for three Afghan families who will be welcomed to Kewanee. Wake Up Tri-Counties spoke with Bobi Throneburg and John Taylor about how Kewanee Welcomes was founded and what you can do to support these families relocating to Kewanee.
Memorial Hospital in Carthage is working hard to change the perception some people have regarding Hospital Food. Brad Culpepper, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Memorial Hospital, spoke to MacombNewsNow this week about the effort his department is making to improve the food served for both patients and employees of Memorial Hospital. Improvements include a new restaurant style menu, new ideas from Memorial Hospital's Chef Jake, including a new teaching kitchen where Chef Jake can teach patients and Hospital employees about cooking. We talked with Brad Culpepper on Tuesday on MacombNewsNow.com.
Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, February 7th, to talk about recruiting new Mission Partners. OSF Healthcare is set to hold a series of Virtual Job Fairs where you can join via your computer and find out about positions available at OSF Healthcare facilities in Kewanee, Princeton and Monmouth. The virtual Job Fair is set for Thursday, February 10th, from Noon until 2 Pm.
Kewanee City Council member Mike Komnick is a proud member and leader with the Kewanee Kiwanis. Mike Komnick spoke to Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday about getting more people involved in Kiwanis and what Kiwanis does. The goal of Kiwanis is to help children that includes getting kids involved in Kiwanis through Key Club and other Kiwanis adjacent programs in local schools. While Mike Komnick was on the show we also asked him about the recently launched City of Kewanee Downtown Survey which is up at CityofKewanee.com.
Rodney Atkins and his wife Rose Falcon have released a new album together for the first time in each of their illustrious careers. Calling themselves Rod and Rose, the E.P Being Here, Being There is not the first time they've worked together but it is their first record together and their first time performing together regularly on stage. Rod and Rose talked to Regional Media about Rose's lengthy and celebrated career as a songwriter, what it is like for the two to write songs together and whether Rose will be joining Rodney later this year when he is the headline performer at the Marshall-Putnam County Fair on July 14th, 2022.
The Tax deadline in 2022 is three days later in 2022 due to a holiday only celebrated in Washington D.C. Michael Devine from the IRS tells WKEI that while April 15th is traditionally the tax filing deadline, it will be April 18th in 2022. This is because April 15th, 2022 falls on a day that Washington D.C, the District of Columbia, celebrates Emancipation Day. This means government offices will be closed on the 15th to honor the holiday and that includes the office of the Internal Revenue Service. That was one of several tax topics we covered with our friend Michael Devine from the Internal Revenue Service on Friday's Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Thursday, January 27th, 2022, on Wake Up Tri-Counties. Sara joined WKEI to talk about events at the Library happening in the month of February. Among the events coming up, a brand new iteration of the Adult NonFiction Book Club. This round of book club is called the Higher Learning Book Club and the first book for the club is Forensics by Val McDermid. Book Club meets February 15th at 6:30 Pm in the Community Room at the Kewanee Public Library.
On Thursday, January 27th, the Henry and Stark County Health Department announced three new COVID-19 deaths. According to the information from the Health Department, a woman in her 70s, a man in his 50s, and a man in his 80s, are the latest to pass away from COVID-19. In all, 107 Henry County residents have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department spoke to WKEI about the latest COVID-19 statistics on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday. The total number of new confirmed positive or probable cases of COVID-19 was down from the record high recorded last week but it is still far to early to determine if this means we've reached the peak of infections from the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The Health Department is still urging residents to get vaccinated as the best protection against COVID-19 and the Health Department has walk-in times available to get vaccinated on Tuesdays and Thursdays during regular business hours.
The new romantic adventure The King's Daughter is in theaters nationwide. It's the story of a girl born of a king but raised unaware of her royal heritage. When the girl is brought to the Kingdom, under the guise of a new court composer, she soon finds out who she really is, both as a secret member of the royal family and as an adventurer who finds herself falling in love with a ship's captain while they work together to save a real life mermaid. The King's Daughter is a lot of things but it is mostly very fun, romantic, and charming. Recently, I spoke with the director of The King's Daughter for a special edition of Sean at the Movies.
Lt Joe Kenda came to national prominence when the Discovery Channel featured his detective work on the series Homicide Hunter. That show took cues from Lt Kenda's own files on murders that he'd solved in his more than 20 year career as a Homicide Detective in Colorado. Joe Kenda's new series is now highlighting the work of other veteran detectives. The series is called American Detective and the second season of this widely praised series debuted today, January 26th, 2022, on the streaming service Discovery Plus.
The Galva City Council met on Monday, January 24th with several items on the agenda. Among the topics at the meeting was support for the Senior Center in Galva as the Council made a donation toward ADA compliance at the Senior Center. The Mayor also talked about plans to replace fire hydrants in the City and upcoming plans and projects in Galva. Galva Mayor Rich Volkert was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday, January 26th.
The Memorial Hospital Foundation has a goal in 2022 of expanding the ways that Memorial Hospital supports their employees. Jennifer Garner is the Director of Development at Memorial Hospital Foundation and she spoke with MacombNewsNow.com about the 2022 Memorial Hospital Campaign and theme, the progress still being made in the You Are My Sunshine 2021 campaign and the myriad ways that the Memorial Hospital Foundation is working to support the staff of Memorial Hospital in Carthage.
The Kewanee City Council met on Monday night in a meeting you can still find on the WKEI Facebook page. Mayor Gary Moore followed Monday's Meeting with an appearance on Wake Up Tri-Counties. In this conversation, the Mayor addressed the decision to end the Civil Service Commission which had been in place to advise on the hiring of City employees. The Mayor called the Commission antiquated and unnecessary as well as unnecessarily costly to the City. The Mayor then talked about newly appointed Fire Chief Stephen Welgat and discussed the formation of the new Kewanee Citizens Advisory Council.
Congressman Rodney Davis is touring the newly created 15th Congressional District as he faces a primary election in April against fellow Republican Mary Miller. Rodney Davis spoke with MacombNewsNow.com and RegionalDailyNews.com about the issues he's been hearing about from his new 15th District constituency including the ongoing issues in the American supply chain. election security and his vehement opposition to President Biden's Build Back Better plan.
The Henry County Board met on Thursday, January 20th. At that meeting it was decided that there will be an expansion of Broadband in the County. Also approved was a $50.00 credit for Henry County residents on your electric bill. Henry County Board Chair Kippy Breeden, Henry County Administrator Erin Knackstedt and Henry County Economic Development Director Jim Kelly spoke with WKEI about Broadband expandsion, the Electricity Credit and all that came from Thursday's Henry County Board Meeting.
The new movie The Pink Cloud tells the story of two people forced to stay together in an apartment following a one night stand. A pink cloud has overtaken their home city, somewhere in Brazil, and it the cloud kills people who are exposed to it within minutes. No one is allowed to leave where they were when the cloud came. Time passes and we see these two people go through a lot all while sheltering together. It's notable that this movie was made prior to the COVID-19 pandemic even as it appears emblematic of the last two years. Writer-Director Iuli Gerbase speaks with Sean for this edition of Sean at the Movies.
In or around 1927 Kewanee's Peerless Theater, located at 115 North Chestnut Street at the time, played host to a roadshow of a new movie called Babe Comes Home. Babe Comes Home was the second feature film in the career of Baseball legend Babe Ruth. When Babe Comes Home played at the Peerless Theater it came with a large, 10 foot long, yellow banner with Babe's likeness and the name of the movie emblazoned upon it. Theater Manager of the Peerless, Eddie Lams of Kewanee, once the film had ended its roadshow run in town, snagged the banner for himself. According to Rich Mueller from Sports Collectors Daily, who broke the story regarding this banner, Eddie Lams is said to have taken the banner home, rolled it up and placed it in a closet where it stayed until it was uncovered by members of Eddie's family very recently. WKEI is attempting to reach out to the family but has yet to hear from them. We will maintain their anonymity unless they choose to talk about this remarkable find.
Christmas may have been a month ago but Dave Clarke and Sean Kernan still have some Christmas Cheer left over in the latest edition of Kewanee Back When. In this episode, Dave recalls the Kewanee Kiddie Christmas Riot of 1921. Riot is a bit of an overstatement, but it certainly was chaos when Kewanee put up its first Municipal Christmas Tree and invited Santa Claus himself to hand out candy to thousands of Kewanee kids with only a few adults and several boy scouts acting as Santa's security team.
Jolene Efnor from Country Financial spoke with WKEI today about the importance of Life Insurance and specifically getting life insurance early in life. Millennials for example would be smart to get life insurance as early in life as possible. They can get better rates, they are generally the healthier at a younger age and can benefit from developing a relationship with an insurance agent before such big life events as a marriage, a first child, or a change in job. Jolene Efnor laid out the advantages of getting Life Insurance started early on the Tuesday, January 18th edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Beth Looney and Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center were our guests on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday. Beth Looney works on behavioral health and she joined the show to talk about mental health and Seasonal Affective Disorder. Beth offers some terrific tips for dealing with mental health including support groups, available one on one therapy options and online options for aid in improving your mental health.
The Wethersfield School District is searching for a new Superintendent and the search is going strong. Current Wethersfield Superintendent, Shane Kazubowski joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the search for his replacement and to reminisce about his time with Wethersfield which dates back over 25 years including his time as a teacher before he became the Superintendent.
The City of Kewanee is launching a comprehensive survey in order to garner public input on future plans within the City of Kewanee. Katie Weber worked with the City of Kewanee on creating the Comprehensive Survey with a specific interest in downtown development. We spoke with Katie Weber on developing the questions, what goes into a comprehensive survey and what the City of Kewanee is hoping to get out of a Comprehensive Survey.
The Henry County Farm Bureau is in scholarship season. Several scholarships are available including at least one new scholarship added to the mix of long time scholarships offered by the Henry County Farm Bureau. Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau spoke to WKEI about the many scholarship opportunities on Wake Up Tri-Counties. Katie also reminded our farm community that Bushels for Hunger is still ongoing and donations are still being accepted through local grain elevators.
On the first edition of the new season of Sean at the Movies, professional film critic, Sean Kernan had the chance to sit down with Renata Pinheiro and Sergio Oliveira to talk about their unique and brilliant movie, King Car. King Car is about a boy who can talk to a car and where that friendship becomes a toxic presence in the boy's life as he grows up. The film has aspects of satire related to our worldwide obsession with cars but it also has things to say about relationships, the government, sexuality, art and life. King Car is unpredictable and weird and endlessly compelling.
COVID-19 numbers continue to go up in the region and it is straining the resources of hospitals across the state of Illinois including Memorial Hospital. Raigan Brown, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hospital in Carthage talked to MacombNewsNow.com about the rising number of cases, the availability of testing for COVID-19 at Memorial Hospital, and about vaccinations which are ready for patients whether they need the first, second or booster dose of the vaccine.
Monica Aldama is one of the most decorated cheerleading coaches in the country. Her Navarro College Cheerleaders are 14 time national champions and that success led to her team being featured on the Netflix documentary series Cheer which brought even more fame to the already beloved coach. Now, Monica Aldama has turned her coaching style into a book called "FULL OUT: Lessons in Life and Leadership from America’s Favorite Coach." Monica was a guest on Tuesday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties.
The City of Kewanee is back on time with the audit of the City finances. The most recent audit of the City of Kewanee, conducted by independent firm Clifton, Larson, Allen, was presented to the City Council at the Monday, January 10th, 2022 meeting of the Kewanee City Council. Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to say that the City of Kewanee is headed in a good direction with yearly audits now back on time. The news of the completion of the latest audit comes just as Randi Haley, an integral figure in getting the audit back on schedule and meeting the needed criteria for a good result, has announced that she is leaving her position. Mayor Moore credited Randi Haley with helping the City government get back on track and thanked her for her service. The City of Kewanee is actively seeking candidates for Finance Director as of last week. The Mayor also discussed some friction between the City of Kewanee and AFSCME over the creation of a new position overseeing the Public Works Department, a foreman. AFSCME filed a grievance with the City of Kewanee over the position and the Mayor says that he wants to hear exactly what the opposition to the position has to say.
It was just one year ago when Representative Cheri Bustos was on the floor at the Capitol Building in Washington D.C for the final verification of the 2020 election when a riot broke out and people stormed that same Capitol. Bustos and her Congressional colleagues were forced to flee for their lives to a secure room in the Capitol before returning to the House floor to complete the work of the 2020 election of President Joe Biden. Today, on WKEI Representative Cheri Bustos was live in Studio in Kewanee at WKEI and reflected on what it was like at the Capitol building on January 6th, 2021. Representative Bustos is once again touring the 17th District in Illinois and talking with child tax credits, rural broadband, and her work to prepare for the next Farm Bill which will arrive after she has left office. Representative Bustos is leaving congress after a full decade of service with her term ending in January of 2023.
Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, January 6th, 2022. Cassandra joined WKEI to talk about Home Delivered Meals. Anyone 60 years old or older qualifies for the Home Delivered Meal Program and the cost is only a suggested donation. Thus, if you are in need in Henry County don't hesitate to reach out and get signed up. Contact Cassandra Schmoll at 309-853-8831. And hear Cassandra talk about the Henry County Senior Center on today's show below...
Actress Joyce Bulifant was a frequent guest star on The Mary Tyler Moore Show where she became friends with the legendary and beloved Betty White. This week, Joyce has been kind enough to share memories of Betty White in the wake of Betty's passing just before her 100th Birthday. Bulifant says exactly what you might expect, that Betty White was as beloved behind the scenes as she was on screen. But that's not all, Joyce has some wonderful stories to tell about her friend in this conversation on Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI. Be sure to check out Joyce's book "My Four Hollywood Husbands" which is now available as an Audiobook on your favorite Audiobook sites.
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday. The State Treasurer joined WKEI to talk about grant opportunities for small nonprofit organizations through the Treasurer's Office. A nonprofit with a budget of less than $1 million dollars is eligible for grants through the Charitable Trust. The Treasurer also spoke to WKEI about unclaimed property and a heartwarming story about a man who had no family whose intention was to leave his fortune over more than $2 million dollars to charity. Unfortunately, the man died before he could put the donation into motion. Thankfully, thanks to the Treasurer's Office staff the money was secured and donated to Shriner's Children's Hospital, among other charities per the man's wishes. The Treasurer reminds everyone to check out unclaimed property through the Treasurer's Office as you never know what your family may have left behind.
Crossroads Cultural Connection is a new non-profit organization in the Henry County area that is working to bring even more live musical performances to Henry County. Tom Campbell and Carlin Follis are teaming up with Jason Bates and John Taylor, all frequent collaborators on the Levitt Amp Galva Concert Series, for a series of winter concerts that will take place each Sunday night at various venues in Henry County, specifically in Galva, Cambridge, and Bishop Hill. They are also looking for a regular venue in Kewanee in the future as the concert series rolls on. For now, the concerts, which also includes a pre-show potluck dinner beginning at 6 Pm, will emanate from the Bishop Hill Creative Commons with plans to take it on the road in the future. We spoke with Tom Campbell and Carlin Follis on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday.
Upcoming Concert Schedule:
January 16: Still Shine
January 23: Evan Bartels & Angela Meyer
January 30: Brother Moses
February 6: Killinger, Dahms, and Mikles
February 13: Pete Jive Music
February 20: Blame Not the Bard & Dylan Doyle
February 27: Logan Springer & The Wonderfully Wild
March 6: TBD
March 13: Harmonious Wail
March 20: Rye Davis Music
March 27: David Singley & Crys Matthews
*All above concerts will be at Bishop Hill Creative Commons.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is holding a Job Fair on Tuesday in Galesburg. Potential new mission partners looking for work in the Healthcare industry in Galesburg, Kewanee, Monmouth and Princeton are encouraged to attend the job fair at which interviews will be conducted and job offers may be extended. The job fair will be held at OSF St Mary Medical Center located at 3333 Seminary Street in Galesburg from 3 Pm to 7 Pm. Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare spoke to WKEI about the Job Fair on Monday morning before turning things over to Melinda Shimmin who spoke to WKEI about wellness check ups at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, December 30th. RaeAnn joined us to talk about the continuing uptick in COVID-19 cases this holiday season and the immense burden the new positive cases are placing on all Healthcare workers. RaeAnn also discussed changes are that are coming in the area of Contact Tracing and new guidelines from the CDC regarding those who are fully vaccinated and boosted and how long they may have to quarantine if exposed to COVID-19. Fully vaccinated individuals will have a shorter quarantine time than unvaccinated individuals under these guidelines.
While Hospitals are always on the look out for doctors and nurses, Nat Hall with Memorial Hospital in Carthage also wants people to know that there are a number of other jobs available at Memorial Hospital. From support staff to administration, positions are open now from entry level to those that require experience, the opportunities are available at Memorial Hospital and you are encouraged to go to MHTLC.org to take a look at the careers available at Memorial Hospital.
On the latest edition of Kewanee Back When, Sean Kernan and Dave Clarke welcome local author and historian, Larry Lock from the Kewanee Historical Society to discuss his book, Kewanee 1854 to 2000 which has been redesigned and re-released in a brand new form. Though initially created as part of a Henry County history project in 2000, and re-printed in full in a 2005 edition of the Star Courier, Larry's new version of Kewanee 1854 to 2000 is a stand alone piece, a remembrance of important people and moments in the history of Kewanee. On this edition of Kewanee Back When we reminisce about how the book came to be written and the many influential local historians who've helped to preserve Kewanee history through the years.
Kewanee Schools Superintendent Dr Chris Sullens was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, December 21st. Dr Sullens joined WKEI to recap Monday night's Kewanee School Board Meeting. At that meeting the annual Tax Levy was set, student athletes were honored for their accomplishments in Fall Sports, and recently completed and soon to begin construction projects at each Kewanee school were discussed by board members.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center has planned COVID-19 clinics for kids, ages 5 and up this week. Brittany Boston from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday to talk about the COVID-19 clinics for kids, the benefits of getting kids vaccinated and addressing the questions some parents still have regarding kids and the vaccine. Thursday, December 23rd from 8 AM to 4 Pm and Wednesday, December 29th, appointments can be made to get your child vaccinated. If it is a first shot, you will be scheduled for a second shot while you are at this appointment. Contact Brittany Boston at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center 309-852-7500, to register for one of the two COVID-19 clinics for kids 5 to 11.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department on Thursday announced that a man in his 80s has become the 86th Henry County resident to die of COVID-19. This news comes as COVID-19 cases in both Henry and Stark County have been rising. According to numbers released on Wednesday by the Henry and Stark County Health Department new infections of COVID-19 were up by 313 cases combined in the two counties. It is expected today that both Henry and Stark County will remain at the Orange Warning Level indicating the increased risk of COVID-19 infection.
Writer-Film Critic and industry cheerleader, Leonard Maltin spent his time during the pandemic locked away in his office working on his memoirs. Given the fact that he's been writing about movies since the 1960s, he's got a lot of stories to tell and a lot of famous friends who've given him remarkable experiences to share. Those stories are at the heart of Star Struck My Unlikely Road to Hollywood. Considered one of the nicest guys in Hollywood, Leonard Maltin is indeed a delight in this conversation on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
There are now more options for General Surgery at Memorial Hospital in Carthage. Dr. Peter Peril is now taking on more general surgery patients and spending more time at Memorial Hospital in Carthage with clinical hours at Memorial Medical Clinic in Colchester as well. Dr. Peril spoke to MacombNewsNow.com this week about spending more time in Carthage and Colchester, his surgical specialties, and what types of General Surgery will be more widely available at Memorial Hospital.
The Angel Tree is officially empty! Amber Patch Troxell with Patchy's Toy Drive and The Salvation Army Angel Tree tells WKEI that the last of the three Angels were purchased this morning, Wednesday, December 15th, following our conversation with Amber on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday morning. That means that all of the kids who were on the Angel Tree will be getting their toys and clothes for Christmas thanks to your generosity. Of course, they were always going to be taken care of via the donations to Patchy's Toy Drive and Amber herself but it's a wonderful testament to the generosity of our community that the Angels have been completely bought up in 2021. We talked to Amber about Angel Tree, Patchy's Toy Drive and more today on WKEI.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, December 14th, 2021. Mayor Moore joined WKEI to wrap up Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting which will be the last Kewanee City Council Meeting of 2021. The Mayor discussed bond issues which were mostly house cleaning for the City in preparation for the start of Budget talks. The Mayor also discussed the City of Kewanee plan for applying for grants for the downtown Kewanee area with the goal of cleaning up and strengthening infrastructure and beautification with the goal of attracting businesses to the area. Finally, the Mayor discussed demolitions of buildings in the City of Kewanee and how they are proceeding quickly to take down potentially dangerous or blighted buildings.
Dave & Darren discuss Nature's Treatment's online shopping and year end specials including their 12 Days of Christmas promotion with NTI's Brad Loveless.
Do you struggle with your heating bill? Do you make too much money to qualify for low income help through LIHEAP? There is still help available for you through the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends initiative from Ameren Illinois and the not for profit Energy Assistance Foundation. Susan Sams is with the Energy Assistance Foundation and she spoke with WKEI about how those in need of help year round with electric bills can get help from the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program.
Jackie Kernan is the President of OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton and OSF Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth. Jackie Kernan joined WKEI to talk about the progress made at OSF Saint Clare in Princeton since OSF took over back in July of this year. We also talked about the holidays and COVID-19, a tough subject as hospital beds at OSF Hospitals continue to be scarce with rising cases and hospitalizations due to COVID-19.
Congratulations to the Award Winning Henry County Farm Bureau. Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties fresh from the recent Illinois Farm Bureau Conference in Chicago where the Henry County Farm Bureau was among the County Farm Bureaus to be honored at the event for their hard work and charity efforts. Katie also tells WKEI about the new Henry County Farm Bureau President and the continuing Bushels for Hunger Fundraiser that continues into the new year on behalf of the Riverbend Food Bank.
The Kewanee Friends of the Animals will be at the Farm King in Kewanee on Saturday for Pet Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The cost is $10.00 to have your pet and your family pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the proceeds benefit the Kewanee Friends of the Animals who help those in need pay for veterinary bills. Kewanee City Councilman Steve Faber, a personal friend of Santa Claus, and Jennifer Russell, with the Friends of the Animals were our guests on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday.
After two weekends of Julmarknad, Bishop Hill isn't slowing down when it comes to celebrating the season. This weekend it's Lucia Nights in Bishop Hill with events on Friday and Saturday, December 10th and 11th, in the evening in Bishop Hill. Music and food and Lucia Girls with their candles in their crowns will be everywhere in Bishop Hill while the shops and restaurants offer a warm place to enjoy the atmosphere of Swedish celebration. Todd Dedecker with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday with more on Lucia Nights in Bishop Hill.
While news of a new variant of COVID-19 is making headlines nothing has changed as far as recommended efforts to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the continuing increase in COVID-19 cases in both Henry and Stark County and how people are still recommended to wear masks in public, maintain social distance, and keep up with regular hand washing as ways of keeping safe from COVID.
Kewanee Parks will be lit up this Sunday, December 5th as the annual Lighted Christmas Parade will lead revelers to Windmont Park where the bridge and path will be illuminated for the holidays. And as Windmont Park lights up, so will Northeast Park light up for folks to drive thru and enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas, many of which were crafted by the talented inmates at the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center. Andrew Dwyer, Kewanee Park District Director spoke to WKEI on Wednesday about lighting up the Parks for the holidays, vandals who tried to ruin the holiday fun at Northeast Park, and what is to come next year in Kewanee Parks.
Larry Lock with the Kewanee Historical Society has a new book out. Well, it's a new old book really. The book, Kewanee 1854 to 2000, was actually published as part of a project with the Henry County Genealogical Society back in 2000. He's since then been asked by friends and colleagues to publish the book on its own. Now, Larry has done just that and you can buy a copy of Kewanee 1854 to 2000 today at B & B Printing, Country Morning Coffee and this Saturday you can buy the book and get it signed at the Kewanee Historical Society from 10 Am to 12 Noon.
Carter Oosterhouse loves Christmas and he especially loves Christmas light displays. Thus it is no surprise that Carter is having the time of his life in the 10th season of the hit ABC reality competition, 'The Great Christmas Light Fight.' The season finale of The Great Christmas Light Fight is tonight on ABC television and the show will be streaming as of tomorrow on Hulu if you can't watch live. WKEI spoke with Carter Oosterhouse about The Great Christmas Light Fight on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021.
Sterling Sights and Sounds with Janna Groharing, from Sterling Main Street by Regional Media
Bestselling Author Patricia Cornwell wasn't sure if she'd ever revisit her famed character Kay Scarpetta again after seeming to have retired the character in 2016. Five years later and a whole of inspiration later, Scarpetta is back in a new novel called Autopsy. This time the adventure returns Scarpetta to Virginia where she's back at the Medical Examiners Office. But she's also close to Washington D.C where Scarpetta will be drawn into the most unlikely case of her career, aboard the International Space Station. Patricia Cornwell tells us that she was curious what it might take to investigate a murder in space and she set out in her research to find out, factually, how it could be done. Patricia Cornwell was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday.
You have until December 16th to nominate someone you know who needs a little help from Goodfellows. December 16th is the last day that you can call Kewanee High School and nominate a family or friend in need of a food basket. Amron Buchanan and Ken Knowles with Goodfellows joined WKEI on Tuesday to remind people to get those nominations in, even if you are nominating yourself, the Goodfellows want to help those who need it this Christmas. Delivery date will be December 21st and expectations are that more than 800 baskets will be delivered that day. If you would like to help out, make a donation by mailing a check to P.O Box 5 Kewanee, IL, 61443.
Manage appointments, make your co-pay, or view your medical records and test results, all of these are examples of things you can do with the OSF Healthcare MyChart app, now available for the first time to patients at OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton, the former Perry Memorial Hospital. MyChart is a phone app available to OSF Healthcare patients in all of their markets but it only recently became available to OSF Saint Clare patients following the change from Perry Memorial Hospital to OSF Saint Clare Medical Center. Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to remind some listeners and invite new listeners to get the MyChart App and streamline their healthcare experience.
Manage appointments, make your co-pay, or view your medical records and test results, all of these are examples of things you can do with the OSF Healthcare MyChart app, now available for the first time to patients at OSF Saint Clare Medical Center in Princeton, the former Perry Memorial Hospital. MyChart is a phone app available to OSF Healthcare patients in all of their markets but it only recently became available to OSF Saint Clare patients following the change from Perry Memorial Hospital to OSF Saint Clare Medical Center. Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to remind some listeners and invite new listeners to get the MyChart App and streamline their healthcare experience.
State Representative Dan Swanson is teaming up with several central Illinois Farm Bureaus, Knox, Rock Island, Bureau and Henry County Farm Bureaus, for a series of meetings on Farmland Assessment. If you want to know more about what the value of your farmland is going to be and why, these meetings being held on Monday, November 29th will provide key information on soil types and everything else that can effect your Farmland Assessed values.
Memorial Hospital is expanding services aimed at helping people recover quicker and get home faster. Chevie Lay, Occupational Therapist with Memorial Hospital spoke with MacombNewsNow.com this week about expanded therapy services at the hospital and the goal of aiding recovery for patients in an effort to return people home who can take care of themselves safely and effectively. Each patient recovering from various ailments needs a little something to make sure they can go home safely and that's where expanded therapy services at Memorial Hospital can play a key role in the process.
Todd Dedecker from the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, November 23rd, to talk about the Swedish Christmas celebration known as Julmarknad, The Christmas Market. The annual Julmarknad will take place in Bishop Hill over two weekends, Saturday and Sunday, November 27th and 28th, and December 4th and 5th. The entire Village of Bishop Hill will be teeming with traditions including Tomtes and make and take gifts. Plus the shops and museums of Bishop Hill will all be open with terrific traditional Christmas gifts for sale.
A mostly uneventful meeting of the Kewanee City Council was held on Monday evening, November 22nd, 2021. At this meeting the City of Kewanee heard from Skip-A-Long Daycare about a kids program that they are developing. The Council also did some house cleaning related to continuing a City Health Insurance contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as staying current with federal and state guidelines related to the Family Medical Leave Act. The City vacated an abandoned city street in order to allow a resident to move forward with a garage addition, and the City signed off on several contracts for the destruction of decrepit buildings in the City of Kewanee. All told, six contracts were approved for the take down of blighted properties. Mayor Gary Moore talked to Wake Up Tri-Counties about the events of Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting.
Most everyone loves Thanksgiving and some love it more than others. Sara Umphleet, Registered Dietitian at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, is a fan of Thanksgiving but not of the overeating that comes with the Holidays. Sara joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to remind everyone to eat in moderation in order to avoid packing on the pounds while you enjoy your feast. It's okay to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner but Sara has a few tips that will help you enjoy it while not coming away with those extra holiday party pounds.
The holidays are a busy time for the staff and clients of Abilities Plus. Not only are they making and selling spectacular Holiday Wreaths, they are also preparing to throw open the doors for the annu-al Abilities Plus Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 5th, from 1 Pm to 3 Pm. Baked Goods, Collectibles and Unique Gifts will be for sale while you tour the Abilities Plus facility, The Carol Blake Center located at 1100 North East Street. Holiday Wreaths are on sale now for $15.00 each and you can place your order now by calling 309-852-4626.
The 2021 Tax filing year is over. Those who received an extension from the usual yearly deadline, have now had that time to file run out. Now, it's time to start thinking about the end of the year and planning for the next tax filing season. Making sure to check on changes to tax law in the last year that might effect you. Be sure to check in with the IRS if you've moved, gotten married, had kids or even lost a family member. Life changes can affect your tax filing status and the amount of money you receive in a tax return or pay out in taxes owed.
On the latest edition of Kewanee Back When we reflect on the life and career of our friend, Dave Clarke. Dave's birthday is this month so it's the perfect time to look back on his 55 year career in journalism, the amazing stories, the stories that he loved to tell and the ones that others still like to tell. From his time at WKEI in the 60s and 70s to his time with the Star Courier, Dave has stories for days and we've got some of the best of them in this edition of Kewanee Back When.
The Kewanee Schools Foundation is celebrating 30 years of supporting Kewanee Schools with a huge fundraiser. All Aboard for Education: 30 Trips for 30 Years is a celebration of the Kewanee Schools Foundation and a chance to people taking part to make donations and come away with an incredible vacation package. Places such as Hawaii, Napa Valley, and Orlando will have vacation packages for people to bid on on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022. But, there is no need to wait and register. Liz Breedlove Executive Director of the Kewanee Schools Foundation tells WKEI that you can register to attend the fundraiser at Midland Golf Course in Kewanee starting today, Tuesday, November 16th, 2021. Get tickets by going to KewaneeSchoolsFoundation.org.
Illinois Lt Governor Juliana Stratton was in Kewanee today to visit the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center. The Center recently received a perfect score accreditation from nationally recognized auditors. The Lt Governor and the Pritzker administration are looking to make the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center a model for more Correctional Facilities in the state aimed at giving those who will be leaving incarceration the skills they need to navigate the outside world upon release. While in Kewanee the Lt Governor has plans to travel to local businesses and eat at Cerno's Bar and Grill.
Marcus Thompson II is an NBA writer in the Bay area and he's the author of a brand new book called Dynasties: 10 G.O.A.T That Changed The NBA Forever. From George Mikan and the Minneapolis Lakers to Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, Marcus tracks the history of the NBA through the teams that changed the game. Stories about greatness and villains and the superstars, it's a brilliantly comprehensive and entertaining story. Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Lebron James, each of them helped to create the NBA in their own image.
Iman Shumpert is a former NBA Star, a star of Reality TV, and a musician. Now, Iman is part of Dancing with the Stars where he's made it to the final weeks of the show and a serious the threat to win alongside his partner Daniella Keragach. Vote for Iman Shumpert by texting IMAN to 21523. Follow Iman Shumpert on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more on his Dancing with the Stars journey.
There were more than 100 new COVID-19 cases in Henry County over the last week and several more in Stark County. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department talked about the latest numbers and talked about new COVID-19 testing at the Health Department as well as COVID-19 shots for kids 5 to 11 years old, now approved and ready to be administered at the Health Department.
The Kewanee Public Library has another 3D Printing Class for kids 12 years old and up on November 23rd. It's the 3rd in a series of 3D Printing classes as part of the Tuesday's on Tremont schedule at the Library. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library talked about 3D Printing and another Tuesday's on Tremont event happening on Tuesday, December 7th. This program is for the History Buffs and it's all about the life and legacy of legendary Illinois politician Everett Dirksen. Tiffany White from the Dirksen Congressional Center will be the featured speaker and presenter at 6 Pm at the Kewanee Public Library.
Greta Wetzel is the Executive Director of the Memorial Hospital Foundation and she spoke to MacombNewsNow.com about the upcoming Carthage Christmas Open House on December 2nd, featuring the Lights of Joy Truck and Tractor Parade. The Parade is a celebration for the Carthage Community and a strong symbol of the partnership between the Carthage Community and Memorial Hospital.
Beau Wise lost both of his older brothers, Jeremy and Ben, in the war in Afghanistan. With that his commanding officer dropped to one knee in front of Beau's mother and vowed that Beau would not be going back into the War. The Lone Survivor designation is one that has not often been used but it allows for members of the military to remain in the military but removed from combat as the last living member of a family of soldiers. It was not exactly something that Beau welcomed, his Marine Corps guys were also his family, but Beau knew that his family at home needed him then more than ever. Since then, Beau has kept the heroic memories of his brothers alive and the latest tribute to them is the new book, Three Wise Men, with co-author Tom Sileo. In the book Beau details why he and his brothers all joined the military, the heroic efforts that earned both Ben and Jeremy the highest military honors, and so much more. On this Veteran's Day 2021, a story of family, heroism and sacrifice, Three Wise Men by Beau Wise.
Tessa Hobbs Curley, Family Health Educator with the University of Illinois Extension joined MacombNewsNow.com for a conversation about upcoming community programs. Among the programs that the U of I Extension are working on is another Mental Health First Aid Training Session taking place on December 10th, click here for more information, the Illinois Strong Couples Program, and the Take Charge of Your Health Program.
The Mayor of Kewanee was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to reflect on Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. In the interview, the Mayor of Kewanee addressed the protracted debate over a contract with Zen City. The Council voted on Monday night unanimously opposing a contract with Zen City for services related to providing data to the City Kewanee aggregated via public social media posts and private surveys. Also at Monday's meeting, was an adjustment to the recent TIF Agreement related to The End Zone, the approval of an in-home business, a discussion regarding North Cottage Street in Kewanee, between 5th and 6th Street.
Swing Bed Services at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center are now called 'Closer to Home.' This is the service that prepares long term patients to be able to safely and carefully return home. Swing Bed Services, now Closer To Home, are intended to provide needed preparation and guidance for those who spend time in the hospital on how to care for themselves at home alongside family, their at home support system. Lisa Garcia from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Samantha Rux on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about helping long term patients safely and effectively transferring home.
Taylor Hager from Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the United Way Annual Campaign and how the United Way benefits and partners with Braveheart to help kids. Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center deals with the most vulnerable children, often at the most troublesome times in their lives. Taylor Hager talks about how they train to help kids and how the services of Braveheart aim to create a safe place for kids in the midst of dire situations.
The Center for Youth and Family Services is one of the 16 non-profit agencies that benefits from your donation to the Kewanee Area United Way. The Center for Youth and Family Services deals with an array of services including Child Welfare, adoption, Youth Services, Behavioral Health Counseling, and operating the Guardian Angel Residential Home. Sarah Hott is a representative of The Center for Youth and Family Services and she joined Linda Blair from the Kewanee Area United Way on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Pregnant women should get vaccinated against COVID-19. That's the word from OB/GYN, Dr Christopher Jones at Memorial Hospital. Dr Jones spoke to MacombNewsNow.com in order to encourage pregnant women to get vaccinated. According to Dr Jones, the vaccine is safe for women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth and are nursing babies. Getting vaccinated is far safer and healthier for both mother and baby than the getting infected with COVID-19 and being unvaccinated.
Black Hawk College is celebrating 75 years since they college was founded with the Quad Cities campus. Jeff Hawes is with Black Hawk College and he joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to discuss the anniversary, the partnership with the Henry County Office of Emergency Management to use the campus to provide COVID-19 Booster Shots, and the activities at the Black Hawk College Community Education Center in Kewanee.
Eddie Tolliver from the Kewanee Salvation Army and Linda Blair from the Kewanee Area United Way joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to discuss the partnership between the Kewanee Area United Way and the Kewanee Salvation Army. Eddie then talked about what's coming up for the Salvation Army including the start of the Bell ringing season, just around the corner, and other holiday events that will also be fundraisers for the Salvation Army. Then, of course, there is the Toy Drive and the Angel Tree which will be going up very soon at Wal Mart in Kewanee.
Pastor Jim Reynolds with OSF Grief Support joined WKEI and Wake Up Tri-Counties for the last time on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021. Pastor Reynolds has moved into a new position at OSF Healthcare that will take him away from his work in the hospice and grief support. In this final conversation, Pastor Reynolds discussed ways to keep yourself healthy and sound while grieving during the holidays. The holidays can be challenging for those who have lost a loved one and Pastor Reynolds lays out some key advice for dealing with grief during the holiday season.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month and Tami Harker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties this week to talk about Diabetes Awareness and answer a few questions about Diabetes, how to treat it, how to avoid developing diabetes, what pre-diabetes is, and how diabetes is a manageable. Diabetes is serious business as developing diabetes makes someone more prone to other illnesses, with potentially dangerous outcomes. Bottom line, if you can make the lifestyle changes to avoid getting diabetes, you should make those changes. Talk to your doctor about diabetes, pre-diabetes and staying healthy to avoid diabetes.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is holding a series of COVID-19 Booster Clinics beginning Friday, October 29th, 2021 at Black Hawk College. The clinic will be open to anyone age 18 years or older from 9 Am to 3 Pm. The Moderna vaccine is what is being given out but if you received J & J or Pfizer you can still get a booster of Moderna. Other Booster Clinics at Black Hawk College are set for Tuesday, November 2nd; Thursday, November 4th; and Saturday, November 6th at Black Hawk College-East Campus, 26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva, IL.
Galva Mayor Rich Volkert was our guest on Friday morning on Wake Up Tri-Counties. The Mayor joined WKEI to talk about new signs posted at Railroad Crossings in Galva. The City of Galva has received numerous complaints from residents regarding trains stopped in the city for lengthy periods of time with the City also expressing concerns regarding getting emergency services quickly to locations when a train is stopped and blocking more than one train crossing. The new signs call upon residents to contact BNSF Railroad when a stopped train is stopped for an unusually long period of time. The hope is that if more people contact the railroad the more cognizant the railroad will be regarding blocking access around the City of Galva. The Mayor also wrapped up business from Monday's Galva City Council Meeting on this edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties.
The Kewanee Public Library will host a Halloween Open House on Saturday, October 30th from 9 Am to 1 Pm. Parents are encouraged to bring the kids, in costume if they'd like, to come to the Library and trick or treat at the desks. You can also see the remarkable Storybook Pumpkins on display, Pumpkins painted in the style of famous children's books have been created by local families and are on display at the library. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library also promoted several events planned for the Library in November on this edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties.
The Annual Kewanee Area United Way Campaign is underway and Linda Blair with KAUW joined Wake Up TriCounties to highlight one of the agencies that benefits from your donations to the Kewanee Area United Way. Bill Horrell is with Alternatives for Older Adults and he spoke to WKEI about the senior services offered by Alternatives which can range from connecting people over 60 with needed care and services to more involved help in preventing elder abuse and helping seniors manage their money. Go to AlternativesForYou.org to find out more and to donate to support non-profits like Alternatives for Older Adults make a donation to the Kewanee Area United Way at KAUW.org.
Memorial Hospital is celebrating 1 year of Focus Fitness. The hospital took over the Focus Fitness facility one year ago this week and are celebrating that one year anniversary. Ashlyn Housewright from Memorial Hospital joined MacombNewsNow.com recently to talk about the changes and the upgrades of the last year at Focus Fitness. Memorial Hospital’s Fitness Center, FOCUS Fitness, has plans to hold a health fair event in celebration of their first birthday on Wednesday, November 3rd, from 4 pm until 6 pm at FOCUS Fitness on 103 Randolph Street in Carthage.
The Henry County Board met on Thursday, October 22nd, 2021. On Tueday, Board Chair Kippy Breeden and Administrator Erin Knackstedt, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to wrap up everything the board talked about. This included a presentation by Henry and Stark County Health Department Administrator Duane Stephens on improving mental health services in Henry County, the approval of an all new and easier to navigate website for the Health Department, and final plans to hear the fiscal year 2022 budget in November, a budget that is said to be a balanced budget.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center will host a COVID-19 Booster shot clinic on November 6th, 2021. Samantha Rux and Brittany Boston from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about COVID-19 Booster Shots, what the rules are, what the need to know information is on getting a Booster Shot and when you can get a booster at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center.
Goodfellows Tag Days are taking place on October 29th and 30th, across Kewanee. Members of the High School Key Clubs at Kewanee and Wethersfield will be out around the community selling tags and raising funds for Goodfellows. It's the biggest fundraising effort of the season for Goodfellows which will use the money to assemble groceries and boxes to distribute to hundreds of Kewanee citizens in need over the holidays. We spoke with Amron Buchanan and Ken Knowles about Goodfellows and Tag Days on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Does working out really help you lose weight? A new study in the journal Current Biology has some questioning how much help working out gives you in losing weight. According to the study, working out actually can send the body into what may be akin to a battery saving mode, essentially preventing the burning of calories once your body reaches a particular plateau in working out. What does this mean? It means what you eat is far more important than how you work off what you eat. Dr Nathalie Beauchamp is a wellness expert and author and she discussed working out and weight loss on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
The annual Altrusa Holiday Bazaar is usually held later in the year and at Macomb High School. But, like many other events, COVID-19 concerns have led to a change in plans. Now, the annual Altrusa Holiday Bazaar, which raises money on behalf of childhood literacy programs, will be held this weekend, Saturday, October 23rd from 9 Am to 3 Pm at Veteran's Park in Macomb. Vendors and crafters from around the area will have amazing gifts for sale, food trucks will be on hand and numerous local businesses are supporting the event on Saturday. Brae Huston and Kelly Berry are the co-chairs of the Altrusa Holiday Ball and they joined MacombNewsNow.com to promote the event for this Saturday and talk about what Altrusa does for childhood literacy programs around the area. Don't forget, prizes will be given away and a 50/50 auction will be held as part of the annual Altrusa Holiday Bazaar in Veteran's Park, Saturday, October 23rd from 9 Am to 3 Pm.
At one time in Kewanee there were as many as 65 grocery stores in Kewanee. That comes from research done by our good friend, Dave Clark for the latest edition of Kewanee Back When. it seems everyone of a certain age in Kewanee has a memory about one of these stores from their childhood where the store and its proprietor weren't just a business, they were a big part of their neighborhood. On this edition of Kewanee Back When, Dave Clark and Sean Kernan run through the wide and varied histories of Kewanee and its grocery stores.
Wethersfield Schools Superintendent Shane Kazubowski joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to wrap up last Thursday's Wethersfield School Board Meeting. Shane talked about the successful completion of the audit of Wethersfield Schools among several other pressing matters from last week's school board meeting. This also including a conversation about updating the school's bullying policy to meet state requirements, and a lengthy discussion of Wethersfield's plans for Veteran's Day including a special drive by parade for Veteran's and the annual veterans slideshow featuring photos of local veterans cut into a video montage that will be available to watch on the Wethersfield Schools website, Geese230.com in time for Veteran's Day.
The Kewanee School Board met on Monday evening and on Tuesday morning, Superintendent Dr Chris Sullens spoke to WKEI about the meeting. Items including the recent budget audit and whole lot about the tremendous report that Kewanee Schools have received for the Kewanee Football team which remains undefeated at 8 and 0. Dr Sullens celebrated the accomplishments of the team and encouraged people to go to Sterling on Friday to watch the Boilers in action against Newman Central Catholic.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the sad truth is that during the pandemic many people chose to put off getting a breast exam out of fear over COVID-19. This lack of a mammogram could be the difference between catching breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat, and not catching it in time before it can grow and spread and become even more deadly. Connie Weston and Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up TriCounties on Monday morning to talk about Mammograms and to encourage women to get back to getting regular breast exams. Early detection is the key to saving lives from Breast Cancer.
The University of Illinois Extension is offering the chance for you to learn mental health first aid via a virtual presentation. Tessa Hobbs Curley, Family Life Educator for Illinois Extension, spoke to MacombNewsNow.com about Extension programs on Mental Health First Aid and how you can learn to recognize and help someone having a mental health crisis.
Bushels for Hunger is back for another year of raising funds for the Riverbend Food Bank. Local farmers can donate grain at their local grain bin with the price of the grain donated being the amount of funds donated to the Riverbend Food Bank. Farmers have until January of 2022 to make a donation for Bushels for Hunger. Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to promote Bushels for Hunger and invite you to register for the next Henry County Farm Bureau Market Outlook Seminar.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is not an easy topic for some to discuss. It involves incontinence, constipation, bowel issues, pelvic pain and some pregnancy related issues. Katie Roebush is a physical therapist at Memorial Hospital in Carthage who specializes in treating Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and she's encouraging those who are having issues with incontinence, bowel issues, constipation and other pelvic region issues to talk to her. These issues are not issues that arise from aging. Rather, they can be symptoms of other problems that could be treated and healed.
The Kewanee City Council met on Tuesday, October 12th. On the agenda was a presentation from Dwight Ford regarding Project Now and how Project Now helps people struggling with poverty. The Kewanee City Council also awarded a sidewalk contract to Ratliff Brothers, a contract for the construction of Aeration Tanks to Artesian of Pioneer and, for the 3rd consecutive meeting, the council tabled a contract with Zen City, a data company aiming to provide services to the City of Kewanee. The Mayor also discussed how the City Council does intend to get something done soon regarding Red Adams Road in Kewanee.
Counting calories as a means of losing weight doesn't work. That's the result of a recent study conducted by Kansas State University. It's a result that Healthy Living Specialist and New York Times Bestselling Author Jonathan Bailor was already well aware of. Jonathan has been saying for some time now that the most effective way to lose weight, the one that has proven time and again to be effective is a diet of nutrient rich foods. We talked to Jonathan about counting calories and effective weight loss dieting on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday.
Kewanee Parks Director Andrew Dwyer joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to talk about the golf cart sale that is ending this week. If you'd like to bid on a golf cart you need to get in touch with the Parks Department today or Wednesday to place a bid. The 19th Hole Restaurant closed for the season as of this Friday, and sadly, it's official, Bakersville will not take place this year. Organizers informed the Parks Department that they would not be going ahead with Bakersville 2021. Mr Dwyer says the Parks Department will be ready if Bakersville makes a comeback in 2022.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center will hold Flu Clinics on October 16th and October 30th. These Saturday clinics are intended to get those who can't make it during the regular work week to get a flu shot. On Monday's Wake Up Tri-Counties, Samantha Rux and Brittany Boston joined Sean Kernan to discuss flu shot clinics, myths about the flu shot, and how the flu vaccine works to protect you from influenza.
On October 16th, the Kewanee Friends of the Animals are saying thank you to the community with a pre-Halloween Halloween celebration in the parking of Regional Media in Kewanee, located at 101 West Central Boulevard. Families are encouraged to drive through or walk up and get candy from The Friends of the Animals. The volunteers on hand will be in costume as will their dogs who will be on hand for the celebration. Walk up or drive thru and get a thank you candy from the Kewanee Friends of the Animals on October 16th. Kathy Werderman and Councilman Steve Faber were on Wake Up TriCounties to invite everyone to stop by and remind you about the continuing mission of the Kewanee Friends of the Animals.
Memorial Hospital is beginning to administer COVID-19 Booster shots for those with pre-existing conditions that affect the immune system. If you were administered the Pfizer Vaccine more than 6 months ago and you have a pre-existing condition that affects your immune system, you can no contact Memorial Hospital regarding getting a COVID-19 booster show. Valerie Bostic and Stephanie Meyer from Memorial Hospital spoke to MacombNewsNow.com about COVID-19 Boosters.
On the newest edition of Sean at the Movies Professional Film Critic Sean Kernan talks with the Director of the new drama South of Heaven starring Jason Sudeikis, Aharon Keshales about why he chose Jason Sudeikis as the lead for this crime drama and his unique and daring approach to storytelling. And then, keep listening because Sean talks with the brilliant director of the new action drama Collection starring Alex Pettyfer, Marianna Palka who talks about keeping a good pace, directing action and her leading man, Alex Pettyfer.
The Mon-Rose Titans play Riverdale on Thursday, October 7th, and a win for the Titans makes them playoff eligible. Coach Jeremy Adolphson spoke to The Overtime and LocalSportsNow.com about last week's nail biting win against the Orion Chargers and how his team has shown toughness in close games throughout this season with leaders, QB Silas Braun, and running back Derek Chandler, among others stepping up in big situations.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department says that numbers of new COVID-19 infections are trending downward but we aren't out of the woods yet. Masks are still strongly encouraged, especially in enclosed spaces with large numbers of people, as are other mitigation efforts such as distancing, hand washing and regular cleaning of high touch surfaces. There is a great deal of talk about Booster Shots for COVID-19 and RaeAnn says that for now, if you are fully vaccinated and you don't have pre-existing conditions that compromise the immune system, there is no urgent need for a booster.
Tuesday night meals are back at the Henry County Senior Citizens Center in Kewanee. For the first time a year and a half, seniors can now attend Tuesday night meals at the Senior Center. Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Citizens Center tells WKEI that the Senior Center has worked very hard to provide a safe and clean environment in order to bring back this very popular, weekly event for Seniors. Cassandra also reminds everyone that Medicaid deadlines are approaching on October 15th. If seniors want to make sure they have the most cost effective plan for medications they can consult with the senior center by appointment.
Linda Blair from the Kewanee Area United Way joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to drum up support for the kick off of the Kewanee Area United Campaign kick off. An official launch of this year's United Way campaign will take place on October 14th from 5:30 Pm to 7:30 Pm. 16 non-profit agencies are under the United Way fundraising banner this year and you can support those agencies by supporting the United Way Annual Campaign.
Mike Wignall loves the Cambridge community and now that he's retired, he's giving back by volunteering to lead a big project for the Village. On Tuesday, October 5th, it was announced that Cambridge had received a grant of $10,000 and that the grant would be used to fund what the Village is calling the Cambridge Community Heart and Soul Project. For the next several weeks, Mike Wignall and fellow volunteers will be attending public events to gather information from Cambridge residents to find out what residents would like to see more of in Cambridge. The grant will then be used to bring some of those ideas to life. We talked about the Cambridge Community Heart and Soul Project with Mike Wignall on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday.
Henry County Board Chair Kippy Breeden, Board Administrator Erin Knackstedt, and Economic Development Director Jim Kelly, were our guests on Wake Up TriCounties. Among the topics discussed. the next Henry County Board Budget will be a balanced budget. An assessment of County Road 5 the Galva-Atkinson Blacktop suffered a collapse recently that requires an engineering study before repairs can begin. And Jim Kelly promoted the Back to Business Grant opportunities via the DCEO.
Samantha Rux and Amber Wood from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up TriCounties on Monday to discuss Tuesday's Virtual Healthy Workplace Event. The goal is to help employers with the latest information and regulations regarding keeping a healthy workplace. To sign up and take part, and learn more about creating a Healthy Workplace go to https://www.osfhealthcare.org/saint-luke/calendar/event/5637/ or contact Amber Wood at OSF Healthcare amber.l.wood@osfhealthcare.org or call (309) 345-9187.
The State Bank of Toulon wants you to be prepared in case you become the target of a scam. Chad Owen is the IT Specialist for the State Bank of Toulon and he joined Nichelle Morey and Doug Blunier to talk about ways to avoid getting scammed and how banks are battling back against threats to cyber security. Doug Blunier also spoke to WKEI about Illinois banks coming together to oppose new federal regulation that would require all banks to report any transaction of $600.00 or more, Doug says banks are opposing this legislation out of concerns over privacy and cyber security as such regulation would require large scale transfers of data on a daily basis from banks to the IRS. You can learn more about this proposed legislation at BankLocally.org/privacy.
The Mon-Rose Titans are riding a four game winning steak as they take on the Orion Chargers on Thursday night. A win makes the Titans playoff eligible this season but it means just as much historically. In the time that Mon-Rose has played against Orion, they've never beaten the Chargers. Thus tonight's game is a big one for the Titans and their high powered run game led by Running Back Derek Chandler and Quarterback Silas Braun. Coach Jeremy Adolphson previewed tonight's Mon-Rose vs Oregon match up in this interview for The Overtime on LocalSportsNow.com.
The obesity rate in America has climbed from 30% in the year 2000 to more than 40% of Americans in 2018. the last time a large scale study of obesity in America was conducted. Dr Robert Vasquez is a healthy living expert for Fox News Radio and he spoke to Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning about the obesity epidemic and had him share some tips for getting people off their butts and back into a healthier lifestyle.
The Henry County Mental Health Alliance are hosting One Incredible Day on Sunday, October 3rd at College Park in Cambridge. From 12 Noon until 4 Pm families are encouraged to come to College Park for music, food, games and more and you can hear the stories of mental health progress from people who are overcoming tough times. The music of The Glory Days Garage Band will be featured as well as Pork Chop Sandwiches at One Incredible Day. Beth Looney from the Henry County Mental Health Alliance explored the idea behind One Incredible Day on Wakeup Tri-Counties on Wednesday.
The City of Galva has acquired a pair of buildings with a lot of history but the question is can they be rehabbed or do they need to come down. Mayor Rich Volkert spoke to WKEI about these two buildings and the City of Galva plans for them that were discussed at Monday's Galva City Council Meeting. The Mayor of Galva also talked about the Fiber Internet that is still be installed in the City of Galva. The same company gave a proposal to the City of Kewanee this week and we asked the Mayor of Galva about Midcentury Fiber and the progress being made in Galva with the installation of fiber internet.
You're thinking about landsdcaping and perhaps you think a shrub or a large tree might be what is best for your property. But, what about power lines or sewer lines? That's when you need to call Julie. Brian Bretsch with Ameren Illinois joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about planting the right tree in the right spot and contacting JULIE ,Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators, before you dig. Planting trees is a great thing to do but Ameren wants to make sure you plant the right tree in the right spot and know where to dig safely.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday with a wrap up on Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. On the agenda was a closer look at Zen City, the group that presented a Zoom presentation to the City Council on Monday evening. The company is hoping to get a contract to provide the City a service that would offer a comprehensive look at what people are saying about the City on social media. The contract with Zen City was on the agenda for Monday night but was tabled due to a pair of Council Members not being at the meeting. Other items discussed included a vehicle leasing program for the Kewanee Police Department, a pair of Zoning Board recommendations, and a reminder regarding this Saturday's Citywide Clean Up in Kewanee.
No parent wants to yell at their child but sometimes it happens. Oftentimes a parent will regret being so loud and angry and that can can take a toll on both parent and child. There are ways however, to cope with anger and stress related to being a parent. Education Expert for Fox News Radio, Laura Linn Knight talked with WKEI about some techniques that she's developed as both an educator and a parent for dealing with stress, keeping the yelling to a minimum, and getting your child to listen.
Keith Edwards Community Development Director for the City of Kewanee was recently a guest on Wake Up TriCounties to talk about the next Kewanee Citywide Clean Up. The next Kewanee Citywide Clean Up is set to take place on the former hospital site on Elliott Street in Kewanee on Saturday, October 2nd, from 7 Am to 12 Noon. All vehicles delivering items to be disposed of must be hand unloadable and drivers must have proof of Kewanee residence to participate in the Clean Up.
Taking a detour in the realm of television in this edition of Sean at the Movies. Writer-Director Sharisse Zeroonian is the creator of a series currently available on Amazon Prime called One Plus One is Two. It's a story that takes mental health from the perspective of a father and daughter who are reconstructing the life of their wife and mother for a book and the many memories and revelations that arise from such an endeavor. I was lucky to have the chance to talk with Sharisse Zeroonian about this unique show and its equally unique and compelling birth as a creative project.
The Sherrard Tigers have started the season 0-4 but Coach Brandon Johnston has seen growth in his young team. It's that growth that he hopes will show when Sherrard plays Morrison in Sherrard's Homecoming Game. The Morrison Mustangs come into the game also 0-4 and searching for their first win. Coach Brandon Johnston talked with The Overtime and LocalSportsNow.com.
The A & W Titans bounced back from their first loss of the season with a Homecoming rout over RIdgewood. Coach Tony Gripp's team rushed for well over 400 yards and had the game over by halftime. The win was just the confidence builder that the Titans needed as they welcome undeated A-Town to Wethersfield Stadium on Friday night.
It's Homecoming week for the undefeated Kewanee Boilermakers and Coach Brad Swanson says his team is well prepared for their rivalry game against the Princeton Tigers. The Coach of the Boilermakers talked to The Overtime on LocalSportsNow.com about the match up, about last week's win against Bureau Valley and about Quarterback and Homecoming King, Will Bruno.
Ahead of a huge match up on the road against the Kewanee Boilermakers, Princeton Tigers Coach Ryan Pearson talked to The Overtime on LocalSportsNow.com about getting players back from last week's injury plagued match up against Mendota and what has been the key to the Tigers undefeated start to the 2021 season.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, September 23rd. Sara was on hand to promote the Kewanee Public Library Art Show which gets underway on September 30th and will run into early October. If you haven't submitted your artwork to display, contact the Library immediately for more information. Art will be on display on the main floor in the Library starting September 30th. Sara also talked about Facebook Storytime on the KPL Facebook page, and a pair of spooky October programs happening in October.
Henry and Stark County added 192 new cases of COVID-19 since last Wednesday. That's the latest number from the Henry and Stark County Health Department tally of confirmed positive or probable cases of COVID-19. Henry and Stark County are each in the Orange Warning for COVID-19 meaning the County has a high number of new infections and a smaller number of available ICU beds. Both of these metrics, used by the state to determine COVID-19 status, are further indications of the need to get more eligible people to get vaccinated.
Colleen Ewing, Outreach Coordinator for Memorial Hospital, spoke to MacombNewsNow.com about the restarting of Memorial Hospital's Dementia Caregivers Support Group. Meetings are for Caregivers only and the meetings take place on the first Thursday of every month, in the Board Room at Memorial Hospital in Carthage at 5:30 Pm. It's a chance for Caregivers to build the kind of support network that they need given the trials of being a caregiver to someone with dementia.
Todd Dedecker from the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday morning to chat about Ag Day, also known in Swedish as Jordbruksdagarna. The Ag Day Celebration runs on Saturday and Sunday, September 25th and 26th, with numerous free family activities across Bishop Hill. See how agriculture was done in the 19th century and enjoy the sights and sounds of Bishop Hill's 175th Anniversary with plenty of music and food to accompany the fun.
In the September 2021 edition of Kewanee Back When, Sean Kernan and Dave Clark travel back in time to discover the origin of a pair of school buildings in Kewanee. You may think you know who the Blish Building at Wethersfield is named for but you may just have the wrong Blish as Dave Clark explains. You may also know who Belle Alexander is but there are some mysteries still to uncover as Dave takes us on an audio journey through the life of Belle Alexander as part of Kewanee Back When on WKEI.
The Kewanee School Board met on Monday evening at Kewanee High School. The meeting began with discussion and passage of the latest budget. The school has seen surprisingly consistent payments from the state and federal grants have been a help to the school district as well. Upgrades on the schools are going well with air conditioning now installed and ready for use at the High School, in the Brockman Gym. It's homecoming week for Kewanee with the bonfire taking place on Wednesday night, a volleyball game on Thursday, and a titanic homecoming Football game against undefeated Princeton.
The YMCA of Kewanee and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center are teaming up once again for another Healthy Kids U event. Healthy Kids U is aimed at helping kids and parents learn about proper nutrition and workouts. An open house for participants is happening tonight, Monday, September 20th, at 6 Pm and each Healthy Kids U will take place on Monday evenings at 6 Pm for 8 weeks. During this time, families participating in Healthy Kids U can go to the YMCA for free. For more information visit KewaneeYMCA.org.
The Stark County Fall Festival is back in 2021 and bigger than ever. Peg Gray and Nicole Largent with the Stark County Fall Festival joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday morning to talk about the incredible lineup of events that will unfold over the weekend, Saturday, September 18th and Sunday, September 19th in Thomas Park in Wyoming. On Saturday, you have the chance to guess the weight of a giant Watermelon, a massive watermelon, and if you guess correctly, you win the giant watermelon. On Sunday, don't miss Ask an Old Coot, advice from your elders on the main stage in Thomas Park. Saturday, pet owners shine during the Doggie Beauty Pageant with multiple categories for multiple winners and, those who enter the pageant get a free 8 by 10 photo of them and their pup. Full details on the Stark County Fall Festival Facebook page.
Dr Johnny Parker adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins Medical School joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri Counties to talk about a new study that shows how exercise can help people dealing with anxiety. Now, exercise is not a cure for anxiety or other mental health problems, but for some, getting more exercise can have a very positive effect in battling anxiety and the various other aspects of health affected by anxiety. Dr Johnny Parker was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday.
Diabetes diagnoses among children have skyrocketed during the pandemic. Author and Health Expert Jonathan Bailor is a bestselling author and one of the driving forces behind a new documentary that is aiming to change the way you eat and keep more people from losing years of their life to diabetes. On Tuesday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties, Jonathan Bailor talked about why we are seeing a sudden spike in Diabetes cases during the pandemic and what can be done about it. Jonathan's documentary is called Better.
With two council members out due to illness, the agenda for Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting was limited to one agenda item with a special meeting and another item on the agenda, related to the purchase of Police vehicles, tabled until the full council can be present for the discussion and voting. Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Monday's Council Meeting as well as his thoughts on Kewanee Hog Days, the recent Mayor's Ball he and wife Jeanna held at The Stables and several other notable topics.
What is Mental Health First Aid? It's a chance to learn how to spot a mental health crisis before it reaches a crisis point. Lauren McGaughey and Mary Jane Clark from West Central Illinois Area Health Education Center spoke to MacombNewsNow.com recently about Mental Health First Aid, what it entails and how you can be trained to be someone who can help administer Mental Health First Aid.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is available for those in need of treatment for Arthritis or Carpal Tunnel Surgery as well as other more complex forms upper body extremity surgeries. Dr. Mary Rashid along with Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about treatments for hand and shoulder pain, with specific attention on what can be done for those who suffer from arthritis, carpal tunnel or other ailments of the hands and upper extremities.
Karissa Nash and Missy Jones from Courtyard Communities joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the exciting plans for Assisted Living Week September 13th through September 19th. Plans for everything from a family parade to a classic car parade and a pie eating contest are planned for Assisted Living Week and you can find Courtyard Estates of Kewanee on Facebook to follow along for terrific photos from all the fun events for Assisted Living Week.
Wethersfield Homecoming is this weekend and the school is eager to bring back elements of homecoming lost to COVID-19 protocols last year. Skit night returns on Thursday but will take place on the Football field. The Wethersfield Homecoming Parade will take place on Friday afternoon at 1:15 Pm and the route is back to normal says Wethersfield Superintendent Shane Kazubowski talked about the Homecoming plans in this conversation on Wake Up TriCounties.
Director Nick Scown takes a unique look back at September 11th via the lens of comedy. Like every other aspect of life, the world of Comedy was changed forever and in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, comedians had to navigate a new normal where comedy would seem nearly impossible. Director Nick Scown takes us through some of the most fascinating moments in the history of comedy from David Letterman being drafted to lead the comedy world back, The Onion creating their place in popular culture by capturing the cathartic zeitgeist of the moment and the years of war in the wake of September 11th and how Muslim comedians moved forward in a strange new world. Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11 debuted this week on Vice TV and is available to stream at ViceTV.com.
A & W Titans Head Football Coach Tony Gripp spoke to LocalSportsNow.com ahead of Friday night's game against Princeville. Coach Gripp talks about the performance of Quarterback Dillon Horrie, the tremendous play of the A and W offensive line, and the running game that has been outstanding thus far for the Titans. The A & W Titans play Princeville tonight on the Princes home field.
Coach Brad Swanson of the Kewanee Boilermakers talked to LocalSportsNow.com ahead of Friday night's game against St. Bede. Coach Swanson talked about the terrific play of Will Bruno, the timely play of the Boilermaker Defense and the importance of capitalizing on turnovers as the Boilermakers did last week in a win over Morrison. The Boilermakers play St Bede tonight in Kewanee and live on WJRE Hog Country 102.5 FM.
The Kewanee Public Library Art Show begins on September 30th with the deadline of September 21st and 22nd to submit your artwork for display during the show period. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Art Show and the new Kewanee Public Library Text List.
As part of our continuing efforts to keep you apprised on all of the fun activities we have going on here at the library, we’ve started a new text list. To sign up, all you have to do is text LIBRARY to 309-259-6646. Once you’ve received a confirmation text you will be set to start receiving texts about our upcoming programs.
Please note that this is a separate service from our Shoutbomb texting service and will not update you on the status of your library account or checked out items.
There was an increase of more than 180 new cases of COVID-19 between September 1st and September 8th releases of the latest Recovery Rate Data. Hospitals in the area are struggling to find open beds and Henry and Stark County remain on the Orange Warning list due to the increasing number of cases and the declining amount of hospital beds available for patients. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to once again call for me people to get vaccinated.
The Henry County Farm Bureau is making final preparations for their next Market Outlook Seminar. Attendees must make arrangements to attend the Market Outlook Seminar at Lavender Crest Winery by close of business on September 9th. The seminar will feature Economist Brian Basting and will take place on September 16th at 6:15 Pm. Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau talked about the last minute preparations for the seminar along with topics including Farm Safety Week later this month and in October the next Farm Bureau Frozen Meal Program.
The Kewanee Area United Way and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center are teaming to raise funds for the United Way. Darcy James is the President of the United Way and she along with Jessica Turnbull and Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined WKEI to talk about the partnership and fundraising efforts between OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and the Kewanee Area United Way. Among the fundraising plans a visit from Henhouse Barbecue on Wednesday, September 15th. The Henhouse Barbecue Food Truck will be at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center from 11 Am to 2 Pm. A portion of the sales that day will be donated to the Kewanee Area United Way.
Esther Joy King on Helping Americans out of Afghanistan and Running for Congress by Regional Media
The A & W Titans moved to 2 and 0 on Thursday night as they walloped West Hancock 40 to 0. Coach Tony Gripp is undefeated in his first two games as the head coach of a team that is lighting it up on offense with Darius Dickerson, Cole Troxell, and Sophomore QB Dillon Horrie and shutting teams down on defense, outscoring opponents 72 to 12 after two games. They are now preparing for week three at home against Princeville on September 10th, barring any last minute issues.
Sherrard had a rough first week in a tough luck loss against St Bede. Coach Brandon Johnston tells LocalSportsNow.com that while it did not go there way last Friday his young team is learning and growing and they don't have any quit in them. The challenges don't let up for Sherrard as this week they welcome a tough Bureau Valley team coming off an opening season win. Coach Brandon Johnston talks to LocalSportsNow about what his team needs to accomplish this week.
Saturday evening the Monmouth-Roseville Titans will be in action at home hosting the Hall Red Devils. Both teams are coming off opening season losses and hoping to bounce back this week. Mon-Rose struggled against the Kewanee Boilermakers last Friday but there were positives to take away including the play of Running Back Derek Chandler who rushed for 119 yards on 15 carries. On the defense, Aden and Ethan Davis each had six tackles each and were getting after it even as the game got away. Coach Jeremy Adolphson talked with LocalSportsNow.com about the tough loss to Kewanee and what they hope to accomplish against Hall on Saturday.
Following a blowout loss in their season opener against Farmington, Mercer County football is facing an even greater challenge with their season on pause over a positive COVID-19 test. Mercer County was set to take on the Knoxville Blue Bullets on Friday night but on Wednesday it became clear that the outbreak would be significant enough to cause the game to be forfeited to Knoxville as Mercer County cannot field a team. Knoxville Coach Ryan Hebard spoke to LocalSportsNow.com on Friday morning just as news of the cancellation was making its way to the media.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI with the latest on the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Henry and Stark County. Last week saw more than 180 new cases of COVID-19 between the two counties. The Delta Variant continues to be highly transmissible and the leading cause of the continuing spread. As you head to Hog Days this weekend do heed the call to wear a mask especially if you are in a crowded area. Your best bet is still to get vaccinated which you can do anytime during regular business hours at the Henry and Stark County Health Department First Choice Clinic in Kewanee.
Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning to invite the community to breakfast on Saturday morning, September 4th. $5.00 gets you a hearty breakfast for Hog Days morning beginning at 8:00 Am. Cassandra also tells WKEI that the Senior Center is open and offering congregate meals and helping seniors get their license plate discounts. And, the Home Delivered Meal Program is available for anyone aged 65 or older.
Ameren Illinois will send 150 staff members to Louisiana as part of their mutual aid agreement with other states. Hurricane Ida devastated southern Louisiana and has left a large number of residents without power. Ameren is sending lineman and other field personnel to aid in repairing the electric grid which was damaged all around the Southern United States in the wake of Hurricane Ida. Tucker Kennedy is a spokesman for Ameren Illinois and is among the 150 Ameren personnel headed to Louisiana today, September 1st, 2021. Another 150 Ameren personnel from Ameren Missouri are also making the trip making the commitment 300 people strong from Ameren to Louisiana for at least a two week, possibly longer. job.
September is National Disaster Preparedness Month across the country and the University of Illinois Extension are doing their part to raise awareness of being disaster ready. With Hurricane Ida the latest example of the unpredictable nature of disaster, the Extension is using its platform to remind you to be ready in case of a natural disaster, like a hurricane, or a more personal type of disaster like a house fire. Make sure you have a plan for where your family should go if a disaster strikes and make sure your family has the important things they need at the ready in case of emergency. Carrie McKillip with the University of Illinois Extension talks Disaster Preparedness with MacombNewsNow.com
Raigen Brown Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hospital in Carthage joined MacombNewsNow.com to talk about the latest information regarding COVID-19 statistics. Numbers in Hancock and surrounding counties are continuing to go up as the Delta Variant of COVID-19 continues to spread. Memorial Hospital is once again putting out the call to get more people vaccinated. With the number of COVID related hospitalizations on the rise, Memorial Hospital is continuing to make the COVID-19 vaccine as accessible as possible in hopes of combating the rising infection rate.
Everly Stoner is a bright eyed and lovable 4 year old who has spent much of her young life battling leukemia. Today, Everly is in remission but childhood cancers are notably unpredictable. All Everly's parents can do is hope for the best and raise as much awareness of childhood cancer as possible. As Everly's mom, Lora Stoner told Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, August 31st, awareness leads to funds and funds raised will lead the way to treatments and cures. On Saturday, September 4th you can help with awareness and funds by taking part in the Stoner family lemonade stand, Saturday at 616 Park Avenue in Kewanee. Because of the efforts of Lora Stoner, on behalf of Everly, and all other kids with Cancer, September in Kewanee is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Mayor Gary Moore made the proclamation this past Monday at Kewanee City Hall, a gesture of kindness and creating even more awareness.
Brooklyn 99 is in its final season and at a crossroads regarding its premise about a funny police precinct. Over the last year and a half the notion of making cops funny has become more than a little challenging. Brooklyn 99 has tried to thread a difficult needle between being critical of police brutality while staying true to the lovable characters the show created among a group of cops. John C McGinley, a brilliant comic supporting player joined the cast this season and provides a character who offers the chance to critique the negative aspects of Police while also being wildly funny. I was over the moon to have the chance to talk to one of my favorite actors about the incredible role he's playing in the final year of Brooklyn 99.
If you or someone you know is going to have a baby it's important to get started on pre-natal care in a timely fashion. In the past, residents of Kewanee and areas served by OSF Saint Luke Medical Center had to go out of the area to get such care but times have changed. Dr Hayley Ralph from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, along with Samantha Rux, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about pre-natal care, when it should start, what it entails and how it is now more widely available in our area.
The United Red Storm come storming into A & W's territory tonight to take on the Titans in the season opener. Coach David Milroy spoke to WKEI's The Overtime about the start of the new season, just after the end of the Spring season, the shortened workout season and the struggle to find referees around the Conference.
Coach Brandon Johnston is well known in Kewanee and now he's back in the area as the new Head Coach of the Sherrard Tigers. Coach Johnston talked to The Overtime on WKEI about taking over a program in the wake of the pandemic shortened Spring season and what we can expect from his all new Sherrard Tigers this season.
Spoon River College will follow mandates from Governor J.B Pritzker and the IDPH regarding masks and requiring vaccination for faculty and staff as well as more COVID-19 rapid testing. That word coming from Spoon River College President Curt Oldfield who spoke to MacombNewsNow.com on Friday. President Oldfield also promoted the expanding campus of Spoon River College Macomb campus and talked about Friday evening's downtown festivities where Spoon River College students will be represented and enjoying the festivities at Chandler Park.
The Kewanee Public Library closed early on Wednesday due to sparks from an electrical wire just outside of the library. The Kewanee Fire Department responded as did Ameren Illinois and the library was closed early out an excess of caution. The library is safe, the power is on and the doors are once again open as Sara Billiet told WKEI's Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday. Sara also detailed the lengthy list of things happening at the library in September including the Labor Day weekend return of the Friends of the Library book sale, new fall hours at the library beginning after Labor Day and a host more of events.
Fox News Legal Analyst Ken Belkin joined Wake Up Tri Counties talk about some of the top legal headlines of the day. Among the topics are the latest on Federal investigations of Facebook, Twitter and other social media companies and whether the government has any regulatory power in this space. The state of Nevada may be first to mandate masks for College students but is that something that can stand up to a legal challenge? Finally, Ken tells that if the Federal government does have proof of UFO's or Extra Terrestrials, the government is not legally compelled to tell is about it.
The Galva City Council met on Monday evening with not much on the agenda. Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about what they did do during Monday's meeting which was discussing the completion of so many of the road projects in town, great progress has been made. Mayor Volkert also discussed being part of the Henry County American Rescue Plan Meeting last week and how Galva stands to benefit from funds from the plan as well.
The Bishop Hill Chatauqua is this weekend, Saturday August 28th and Sunday August 29th at the Twinflower Inn in Bishop Hill. Todd Dedecker with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about what the Chatauqua means to the celebration of the 175th Anniversary of Bishop Hill. The weekend's events kick on Saturday August 28th the day begins at 10 a.m. with “A Storyteller's Tour of Bishop Hill”, a walking tour lead by Brian “Fox” Ellis that begins at the Twinflower Inn. The tour will last about 90 minutes, circle the town, and include stories of the founding of the town as well as some of its more colorful recent history.
At 1:00 p.m., Bucky Halker will tell the story of Joe Hill, a Swedish immigrant and labor activist who was immortalized in song. Halker will weave together the story of Joe Hill’s life with some of the songs for which he is remembered. At 2:00 p.m., Brian “Fox” Ellis will portray one of Bishop Hill’s Founding Fathers, Jonas Olson, who gave a leg up to Eric Janson in the Devotionalist movement in Sweden, and then helped to organize the council that managed the Bishop Hill Colony after Janson was murdered.
To finish Saturday’s performances, at 3:00 p.m., Paula Vankuren will portray the world renowned vocalist, The Swedish Nightingale, Jenny Lind. Her performance will include songs by Frederic Mendelssohn, who had a crush on the young singer.
On Sunday, August 29, the program starts at 1:00 p.m. with Brian “Fox” Ellis portraying the scholar Peter Christian Asbjornsen, who was a friend of the Grimm Brothers and one of the first to make the connections between ecology and folklore. At 2:00 p.m., Barry Cloyd will portray Carl Sandburg, Illinois Poet Laureate, whose sister taught at the Bishop Hill School. At 3:00 p.m., Kay Price will bring to life Astrid Lindgren, the Swedish author of many award winning books including Pipi Longstocking. Lindgren toured the country 50 years ago and wrote insightful essays about American culture.
For the past 10 years Coach J.D Gravina has built a proven winner in Women's Basketball at Western Illinois University. Coach Gravina spoke to MacombNewsNow.com on Tuesday and gave us a behind the scenes update on the next season of Women's Basketball at Western Illinois University. The new season may not tip off until December 20th when WIU hosts Denver, but we can start the hype today about a new season of Summit League Women's Basketball.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore followed up Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting with an interview on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday. The Mayor addressed the final vote on the updated TIF Ordinance, a new $200,000 grant that will help the Kewanee Fire Department buy two new ambulances, and the Mayor updated us on the status of the City of Kewanee budget and audit and the remarkable hard work of Finance Director Randi Haley who is still putting the pieces back together following the theft of data from the City of Kewanee in 2020.
This Friday is a great chance to meet your friends in downtown Macomb for the Downtown Macomb Block Party. MacombNewsNow.com caught up with Kristin Terry and Lauren Merritt to talk about the Downtown Macomb Block Party happening on Friday, August 27th from 4:30 to 6:30 in Chandler Park. Businesses from all over Macomb will be on hand to celebrate, there will kids activities, a celebrity dunk tank and so much more as Kristin and Lauren told MacombNewsNow in this Monday conversation...
Representative Cheri Bustos was back in the 17th District over the weekend for her 21st Century Heartland Tour. Representative Bustos was back in the community talking to constituents about infrastructure and the needs of our local farming community. She also talked to WKEI about aging infrastructure in cities, the Child Tax Credit which has been a boon to working families during the pandemic and Representative Bustos announced that the Kewanee Fire Department has received a $200,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
Henry County Board Chair Kippy Breeden, Henry County Administrator Erin Knackstedt, and Henry County Economic Development Director Jim Kelly were our guest on Friday's Wake Up Tri-Counties. We followed up on Thursday's virtual townhall on the American Rescue Plan, discussed recent developments at the Henry County Board, including the latest Board Appointments, and Jim Kelly talked about local restaurants that are benefiting from the Restaurant Relief Plan via the office of the Economic Development Director.
Sean at the Movies is a weekly movie review and interview podcast wherein Regional Media Film Critic Sean Kernan reviews a new movie and has a conversation with the stars and or director of the movie he's reviewing. The catch, Sean only interviews people whose movies he has seen and enjoyed. That was the case with the new horror movie Demonic starring Carly Pope and directed by Neill Blomkamp.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning with the latest on more than 100 new cases in Henry and Stark County over the last week. RaeAnn noted that there are those who take issue with how numbers are reported and she discusses in this interview how the reporting works. RaeAnn also talked about next Tuesday, that's when a third shot of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine shot will be available ONLY to those who are immuno-compromised.
Henry County Administrator Erin Knackstedt joined WakeUp TriCounties on Thursday morning to invite everyone to attend tonight's Virtual Townhall Meeting regarding the American Rescue Plan. Henry County is set to receive $9.4 million dollars in funds from the American Rescue Plan and this meeting is an opportunity for Henry County residents to weigh in on how they feel this money should be allocated across the county.
On the latest edition of Kewanee Back When, Sean Kernan and Dave Clark welcomed Nelson lay, the founder of the Hog Days Stampede, to talk about how the Hog Days Stampede became part of Kewanee Hog Days and a tradition among runners across the area and even across the globe. The first Hog Days Stampede took place on September 3rd 1977 and even as the pandemic kept the traditional race under wraps, the Stampede rolled on as a virtual event.
Kewanee Hog Days is coming soon, Labor Day Weekend, the first weekend of September. Kewanee City Council Member Mike Komnick is also a member of the Hog Days Committee and he joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties to put out a call for volunteers. Volunteers are needed in the pork chop tent to cook, season and bag pork chop sandwiches. The need for volunteers is even greater this year as the committee hopes to offer a drive thru pick up option for the first time in Hog Days history.
Emily Hendrickson, Director of Clinic Operations at Memorial Medical Clinics, joined MacombNewsNow.com for a conversation about the rising rates of COVID-19 in McDonough and Hancock County. The rising hospitalization rate can be directly attributed to the fact that McDonough and Hancock County are lagging behind the rest of the state of Illinois in terms of the percentage of residents vaccinated. Both counties are under 40% of eligible residents that are vaccinated and it's causing a brand new outbreak of COVID-19 via the dangerous and more transmissible Delta Variant. Worse yet, if the vaccination rate doesn't go up, it creates more opportunity for the virus to continue to mutate and become even more dangerous. The message is clear, GET VACCINATED.
The Kewanee School Board met on Monday evening in the Peterson Auditorium at Kewanee High School. During the meeting the Board was brought up to date at the latest improvements at Kewanee Schools including progress on bringing air conditioning to Brockmann Gymnasium, a long term goal nearly completed. Bond sales were announced and the cost to Kewanee residents is nothing. Existing sales tax revenue will be used and the Bonds will allow for more new projects including a new Ag Science curriculum. WKEI Wake Up Tri-Counties spoke with Superintendent Dr Chris Sullens about the latest news from the Kewanee School Board.
Bone density diminishes with age but how much your bone density diminishes can be related to lifestyle factors. Connie Weston and Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center were our guests on WKEI's Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, August 16th to talk about the causes of Osteoporosis and what you can do to protect your bone density as you get older.
How do you know when you need grief counseling? It's not as simple as saying when someone dies. Rather, the necessity of grief counseling comes to everyone in different ways. Some may not need the supportive outlet others might not recognize that they need grief support. Pastor Jim Reynolds with OSF Hospice and Grief Support talked to WKEI about the subtle ways to identify when someone might need grief counseling or a grief support group.
Ailynn Duarte rarely slows down. Whether it's sports or academics or now, pageant life, Ailynn doesn't stay still for long. Recently, Ailynn became the newest Miss World Festival Pageant Queen and her Queenly duties brought her to Wake Up Tri-Counties where she recounted the pageant experience, not her first, she was in the Miss Henry County Pageant as well, where she's headed in the future, hint Dr. Duarte, and looking forward to the Kewanee Hog Days Parade.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department announced this week that two Stark County residents died this week due to COVID-19. They bring the total number of people in Henry and Stark County to die from COVID-19 to 96 people since the start of the pandemic in 2020. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department tells WKEI that we have a pandemic of the unvaccinated, as the CDC is now calling it and it's leading to the spread of the so-called Delta Variant of COVID-19. It's a more transmissible and dangerous form of the COVID-19 virus but one that can be made mild if you are vaccinated.
The Friends of the Kewanee Public Library Book Sale is back in 2021 as part of Kewanee Hog Days. The friends of the library book sale will take place from 7 Am to 12 Noon on Saturday, September 4th in the parking lot of Johnson Equipment. The Library Book Sale is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Friends of the Kewanee Public Library and goes along toward supporting events at the Library. Sara Billiet announced the return of the Annual Library Book Sale during an interview on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning.
Members of the McDonough County 4H are at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield competing in a wide range of competitions. Beth Chatterton with the McDonough County 4H spoke to MacombNewsNow.com about the talented and brilliant 4H members who are shining in state competition this week and next in Springfield. Beth also wants everyone to know that the new season of 4H starts at the end of August and 4H is looking for new members. It's not just about ag at the McDonough County 4H and Beth Chatterton explains the many benefits of 4H to any student in this conversation.
Kewanee Parks Director Andrew Dwyer joined RegionalDailyNews.com on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday. Among the items discussed were the troubles at the 19h Hole Restaurant. For the moment, the grill at the Baker Park Golf Course is off due to staffing shortages. The goal is to have the grill back up and running by next week with new staff hired this week. Monday's storm left some tree damage in Baker Park which has been mostly cleaned up and Mr Dwyer addressed an issue raised by a caller to Speak Up Tri-Counties by explaining how an algae bloom in the Windmont Park lake is part of the natural course of high Summer temperatures and humidity and is naturally dispersed when it rains. Finally, Andrew Dwyer took the opportunity to promote Relay for Life which is moving to Northeast Park for the first time on August 21st.
The Memorial Hospital Foundation in Carthage is still working hard on their 'You Are My Sunshine' Fundraising Campaign. The goal is to build a Four Seasons Room for the residents at Hancock Village and you can help by making a donation to the Memorial Hospital Foundation at any time. The campaign still has a way to go but Jennifer Garner, Director of Development for the Foundation tells MacombNewsNow.com that things are moving forward with fundraising events planned and a push for general donations via MHCTLC.org.
The Henry County Farm Bureau Golf Outing is taking place on Friday, August 13th at Baker Park Golf Course in Kewanee. It's one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Henry County Farm Bureau and Katie Laleman with the Henry County Farm Bureau spoke to Wake Up Tri-Counties about the importance of the funds raised from the Golf Outing and how it helps with Farm Bureau Scholarships and the Ag in the Classroom Program.
On Monday evening the Kewanee City Council had a lengthy and informative meeting covering a wide array of topics. Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI on Tuesday's Wake Up Tri Counties to talk about changes to a pair of ordinances that will now make it possible for a Cannabis Cultivation Center to come to Kewanee. Before Monday night the ordinance only allowed for a Cannabis retail outlet. The City Council also heard from City of Kewanee staff regarding electric vehicle charging stations and staff recommended changes to City code regarding unattached garages. In this week's City Council packet it was announced that EPA clean up work at the former Kewanee Boiler Site had begun as well as work on one of the local water towers and Mayor Moore addressed both of those issues in our conversation on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
August is Kids Eat Right Month. Sara Umphleet from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center along with Samantha Rux, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Kids Eat Right Month and how parents can teach their kids good eating habits and how important it is for kids to learn good eating habits at an early age. If you'd like to learn more about Kids Eat Right Month follow this link to OSFHealthcare.gov and listen to our conversation with Dietitian Sara Umphleet on this morning's Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Taylor Hager from Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday as part of our latest spotlight on Mental Health courtesy of the Kewanee Area United Way and Great Dane. In this conversation, Taylor explains the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACES as they can be referred to. These are experiences that can shape the life of a child, especially a child experiencing trauma, abuse or crisis. We talked to Taylor about how to identify and prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Stuff the Bus is a little different this year. With COVID-19 still around, the Salvation Army still can't do events in person as they did before the pandemic. Thus, the Stuff the Bus school supply drive will be a three day event where donations can be left in a bin at Wal Mart. Buy school supplies, as much or as little as you like, and leave them in the marked bin for donations at the Kewanee Wal Mart. Donated supplies will be picked up by the Kewanee Salvation Army and donated to our local schools. Eddie Tolliver from the Kewanee Salvation Army was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday and talked about Stuff the Bus and additional funds available to help those in need now available via the Kewanee Salvation Army.
What is Emotional Abuse? There is no one specific answer to that question but there are some general ways to classify it. Julie Portillo is with Freedom House and she recently joined WKEI as part of our ongoing series on mental health, sponsored by the Kewanee Area United Way and Great Dane, and we talked about Emotional Abuse and ways to identify and understand it. And it's very important to know that there are resources out there for recovery from Emotional Abuse.
Has the messaging on COVID-19 from the CDC and Dr Fauci become ineffective? Should Dr Fauci be replaced if only to give a fresh message regarding masks and vaccinations? Jimmy Failla, Host of Fox Across America, weekdays from 11 Am to 2 Pm on WKEI, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Dr Fauci and whether the message he's trying to send regarding masks and vaccination is lost in people's perception of Dr Fauci as a political figure?
On Monday, Abilities Plus held their 30th Annual Golf Outing at Midland Golf Course. The event was a major success providing another milestone for the biggest fundraiser of the year for Abilities Plus. RegionalDailyNews.com WKEI welcomed Julie Landwehr from Abilities Plus on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday so she could thank everyone for their contributions on Monday, including those who donated without even playing in the Golf Outing. We also talked about what the money does in the community and on behalf of the people helped by Abilities Plus.
Wethersfield School District has a special school board meeting scheduled for tonight in the Wethersfield Cafeteria. The meeting begins at 4:30 Pm and on the agenda is the plan for Returning to School. The public can attend and speak at this meeting. School at Wethersfield starts on August 18th and families are reminded to register online for the new school year at Geese230.com. Registration is open now at Geese230.com and the deadline to get registered is approaching soon.
Do you have difficulty swallowing? Then you have a condition called Dysphasia. Dysphasia can be caused by a couple of different factors, muscle issues or a disconnect between the brain and the muscles used in swallowing. Sarah Nelson is a Speech Pathologist at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and Sarah joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Dysphasia, what causes it and how a Speech Therapist can go about diagnosing and treating Dysphasia. If you are having trouble swallowing, contact your family doctor and you may get a referral to meet with Sarah at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center.
If you are someone who needs help in a Domestic Violence situation, Freedom House is here for you. Michelle Devoss is the Henry County Legal Advocate for Freedom House and she can help victims of abuse navigate the legal system, specifically when it comes to the need for an Order of Protection. Michelle Devoss spoke with Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday about the process of getting an Order of Protection as well as the different types of Order of Protection available to those in need.
When you get married and change your last name how soon do you let the IRS know? Also, how do you go about letting the IRS know? We talked with Michael Devine from the IRS about this, about those who received federal unemployment in 2020 who paid taxes on that unemployment and are now receiving regular tax payouts, and we talked about the Dirty Dozen Tax Scams of 2021. What do you need to watch out for this year? Find out in our conversation with Michael Devine with the Internal Revenue Service.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department are once again fighting against rising cases of COVID-19. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday to talk about the release of the latest Recovery Rate Data and the rising cases of COVID-19 mostly among those who are not vaccinated. Vaccination remains the best way to battle COVID-19 and keep hospitalizations from the virus from going up. Get vaccinated at the Health Department today or at any pharmacy.
Something is always happening at the Courtyard Communities. Today, residents of Courtyard Estates in Kewanee will be enjoying the Concert in Veteran's Park this evening while members of the staff hand out treats. Recently, residents and visitors enjoyed wine and cheese night which has become one of the most popular nights of the month each month at Courtyard in Kewanee. First Friday's of any month you can find the folks from Courtyard at The Station Restaurant buying everyone's coffee from 7 Am to 9 Am. And, Courtyard's next big event is coming in August, August 27th, Courtyard will host a huge Community Blood Drive as Karissa Nash with Courtyard Communities was happy to tell us all about on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
The Henry County Humane Society of Kewanee will host a fundraiser on Saturday, July 31st, at the Flemish American Club. $10 dollars buys a bag of tokens to be used as you play Rock N Roll Bingo for prizes donated by local businesses. Rock N Roll Bingo has you listening for songs and looking for those songs on your Bingo card. Sue Sagmoen and Louise Harrison from the Humane Society joined Wake Up Tri Counties to promote the fundraiser and respond to questions regarding the Kewanee Animal Control Pound. At Monday evening's Kewanee City Council Meeting, Councilman Steve Faber asked Kewanee Police Chief Nick Welgat if he was aware of any staffing shortages at the Pound. We asked Louise Harrison about staffing shortages and she stated that there has not been a staffing shortage thus far.
Mayor Rich Volkert of Galva was our guest on Wednesday's Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI. Mayor Volkert joined the show to talk about closing a railroad crossing in Galva. The City of Galva has a railroad crossing that is very rarely used and turning it over to the railroad company is a financial benefit to the City. Mayor Volkert also discussed upcoming events in Galva including the final two weekends of the Levitt Amp Galva Music Series, a huge success, the upcoming Back Road Music Festival in Galva on August 14th and a primer on Galva Day for those who aren't aware of what Galva Day is. Plus, the Mayor thanked Gary and Shearon Armel for their contributions to the City of Galva. The couple are set to receive the Key to the City of Galva at a future Galva City Council Meeting.
Tyler Hall is a Respiratory Therapist at Memorial Hospital in Carthage and he joined MacombNewsNow today to talk about Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Services at Memorial Hospital. Pulmonary is of or related to the lungs and breathing and helping patients breath better. Cardiac Rehabilitation meanwhile, is about heart help and getting heart patients back to proper heart health. Memorial Hospital in Carthage has rehab services for both Pulmonary and Cardiac patients and you can get help via referral from your General Practitioner.
Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting was a relatively short meeting but there were still plenty of items to discuss with Mayor Gary Moore on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday. Mayor Moore joined WKEI to talk about finalizing an agreement with Wethersfield and Kewanee School District related to the latest TIF District information, the purchase of a new Police Interceptor Vehicle, and the latest on getting sidewalks in Kewanee repaired. We also discussed bringing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to Kewanee and planned clean up work at the former Kewanee Boiler site.
The OSF Healthcare clinic in Sheffield has moved to a new location at 240 North Mason Street in Sheffield. The new location offers more space and more convenience for patients. Rachel Gustafson from the OSF Healthcare Clinic in Sheffield joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties Monday morning to talk about what is changing at the clinic and how the new Sheffield Clinic will benefit patients. As Rachel tells us, OSF Healthcare Clinic in Sheffield Mission Partners were given a significant voice in bringing the new location to life and that meant a lot to the Mission Partners to be part of the process of creating this new location.
If you haven't heard, Relay for Life is now taking place t Northeast Park and will be a drive through event this year. This is due to COVID-19 guidelines from the American Cancer Society. That said, the drive thru Relay for Life will be just as moving and exciting as every other Relay for Life as those who drive through Northeast Park on Saturday, August 21st starting at 2 Pm will have the chance to bid on silent auction items and pay tribute cancer survivors who will be at the event. The best way to support Relay for Life is to purchase a Luminary. There are numerous local businesses that are selling luminaries this year including all locations of the State Bank of Toulon and Regional Media. Stop by the radio station between 9 Am and 3 Pm daily to pick up your Luminary order form. Luminaria cost $10.00 each or you can purchase a purple torch for $50.00. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society and non-profits that support cancer care.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library tells RegionalDailyNews.com that the library has added several new informational databases to their Kewanee Public Library website. Those with library cards can go to the Kewanee Public Library website, KewaneeLibrary.org and access new databases for food, maps, world culture and language. Sara also took time in our conversation to remind everyone about the online adult book club hosted by the Kewanee Public Library at Goodreads.com. This month's book is Life Undercover: Coming of Age in the CIA by Amaryllis Fox, and you can get a copy by stopping by the library and then talk about the book on Goodreads by searching Kewanee Public Library at Goodreads.com.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is reporting a number of new positive tests for COVID-19. According to the Health Department on Thursday, Henry County added 16 new confirmed positive or probable cases since Recovery Rate Data was released just yesterday. We spoke with RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department prior to the release of these new COVID-19 cases and she reminded everyone that COVID-19 is not gone, the pandemic isn't over, and the only way to protect yourself from the worst of the COVID-19 infection is to get vaccinated. Vaccination slows the spread of the virus and vaccinated people are less likely to hospitalized or die from COVID-19 if they do become infected.
In searching for a new topic for Kewanee Back When for the month of July, I asked my friend Dave Clark if Kewanee had any known connections to the Olympics. The Tokyo summer Olympics get underway this week and thus the question is timely, what, if any, connection does Kewanee have with the Olympics? The answer to that question is Rudolph Scholz. Rudolph Scholz was born in Kewanee in 1896 and while his family moved to Oregon when he was a teenager, he nevertheless holds Kewanee ties. Scholz goes on to play Rugby while living in and attending school in California. His love of the sport and Rugby's massive popularity in California in the early 1900's drives Rudolph Scholz to become a founding member of the United States Rugby team at the 1920 Antwerp Summer Olympics. And Dave Clark and I tell the story of Scholz, Rugby and the Olympics on this edition of Kewanee Back When.
Hancock County continues to trail most of the rest of the state of Illinois in terms of the number of residents vaccinated. Raigan Brown, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hospital, tells MacombNewsNow.com that with rising COVID-19 infections despite the availability of vaccine, that Memorial Hospital has once again been forced to put visitor restrictions in place and mandate that masks be worn if you go to the hospital. We talked to Raigan Brown about the rising number of COVID-19 infections in the area and how anyone can get vaccinated at Memorial Hospital.
It's been a tough month or so for the Kewanee Friends of the Animals. Recently, the Friends of the Animals lost their bid to continue operating the Kewanee Animal Control Pound. That said, the Kewanee Friends of the Animals are still around and still moving forward. Kathy Werderman is one of the leaders of Friends of the Animals and she joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to remind people that if they are in need of financial help to get needed care for their pet, you can find applications for financial aid from the Kewanee Friends of the Animals at your local veterinarians in our area. Kathy also put out the word that the Friends of the Animals fundraisers will be resuming early next year.
At Monday night's Kewanee School Board Meeting the Kewanee School Board voted in favor of a Bond Issuance that will allow for further expansions of Kewanee High School and Belle Alexander Elementary. The bond issue will also aid in the completion putting air conditioning in at the High School and elementary school as well. Dr Chris Sullens detailed the projects that will come from the bond issuance on Wake Up Tri-Counties. The Kewanee School District Superintendent also announced that the issue of a mask mandate for Kewanee Schools will be discussed at a special School Board Meeting to be held on August 2nd.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is hiring. Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined WKEI, along with Dietitian Sara Umphleet, to talk about the positions available by going to OSFHealthcare.org/jobs. Sara then transitioned the conversation to grilling and specifically, how to grill safe, healthy foods. Tips for barbecue that won't hit your waistlne too hard and those hidden sugars in what we eat and how keep them to a minimum so you can eat healthier.
Zutobi is a company that works in Driver's Education. Zutobi offers a way for people in need of a driving test to get some practice in via a series of fun and different tests of skills and knowledge. Leo Waldenback with Zutobi was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about a research study that Zutobi just released regarding Distracted Driving. In that study, the state of Illinois ranked 8th most dangerous state overall for Distracted Driving accidents. We discussed the methodology behind the research and more with Leo Waldenback from Zutobi on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday.
Kewanee High School Valedictorian Chloe Gruzeczka was the winner of the Kewanee VFW Post Art contest for 2021. Tasked with creating a patriotic work of art, Chloe was inspired and created a beautiful work that not only won the VFW art show, it went on and won the Department of Illinois VFW Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. Chloe’s artwork now has advanced to national competition at the VFW Auxiliary National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Her entry will be judged against other state finalists. Winners will be announced on July 30. First place receives a $15,000 college scholarship. WKEI spoke with Chloe along with Cindie Saey, Scholarship Chairman, about Chloe's artwork, her plans for the future and what art means to her on the latest edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties.
State Senator Win Stoller is in Kewanee today, Thursday, July 15th, for a townhall meeting at The Stables from 6 Pm to 7:30 Pm. The event is free to attend and State Senator Stoller plans on trying to answer as many questions as possible during the event. Prior to the event, State Senator Stoller was our guest in our Regional Media Studios for a preview of tonight's event and to discuss several issues that have been in the headlines across the state. State Senator Stoller tells WKEI that he recently met with Governor Pritzker in the midst of passing the so-called 'SALT' bill, a bill aimed at helping Small Businesses with Federal taxes. State Senator Stoller also spoke to WKEI about the need for clarification on the state level regarding mask mandates for kids returning to school, and about an ongoing scandal related to the Illinois Prison Board.
The Delta Variant will become the dominant form of COVID-19 in the state of Illinois this year. This is important because the Delta Variant of COVID-19 is more dangerous and easily spread than any prior form of COVID-19. The spread of the Delta Variant of COVID-19 is why several southern Illinois counties are facing new restrictions that other parts of the state are not. This is due to low vaccination numbers and high vaccine hesitancy. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to continue calling on people to get vaccinated. The vaccines available are effective in stopping the spread of all forms of COVID-19 including the Delta Variant.
The Illinois Commerce Commission reached a tariff deal with Ameren Illinois that will pave the way toward the placing of more electric vehicle charging stations along the state's busiest corridors. The agreement also has Ameren creating new customer incentives for those with electric vehicles. These incentives include rebates for those who choose charge the vehicles at home during non-peak energy hours when there will be less stress on the electrical grid. We spoke with Mike Abba, Director of Business Development for Ameren Illinois on Wake Up Tri-Counties about the incentives for customers and the ICC agreement to create more charging stations.
The Henry County Farm Bureau are working to protect and promote clean water via the 'Farmers Grow Clean Water' event at Lake George, Loud Thunder Forest Preserve on July 31st. Families are invited to come and participate and learn how farmers can help protect clean water. It's one of a pair of Farm Bureau events regarding clean water and water conservation that the Henry County Farm Bureau are part of in the month of July. Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday to talk about these events and promote the upcoming Henry County Farm Bureau Golf Outing at Baker Park in Kewanee on Friday, August 13th, 2021.
Hancock County is lagging behind in the total number of residents getting vaccinated. This is forcing places such as Hancock Village to make changes to their current visitors policy. Visiting hours are limited as are the age of visitors and the number of visitors. Chris McKay and Kristen Doyle from Hancock Village joined MacombNewsNow.com this week to discuss the hopefully temporary visiting restrictions and the unfortunate cancellation of their upcoming Fun in the Sun Fundraiser for the new four seasons sun room at Hancock Village.
The University of Illinois Extension will host an Agronomy Day in Monmouth on August 12 at 321 210th Ave, Monmouth, IL 61462.
Titles and speakers include:
Recent advances in forecasting agricultural systems by Dr. Hamze Dokoohaki
New Looks from an Old Herbicide, Again by Dr. Aaron Hager
Plant-parasitic nematode control by Dr. Nathan Schroeder
Corn Rootworm Management and Bt Resistance by Dr. Nick Seiter
Nitrate load reduction in tile drainage by a paired woodchip bioreactor system by Dr. Bryan Maxwell
Economics of Conservation Practices: Results from PCM by Dr. Gary Schnitkey, Sarah Sellars, and Dr. Laura Gentry
MacombNewsNow.com spoke with Agronomist Chelsea Harbach from the University of Illinois Extension for a preview of the August 12th event.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI's Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday morning to talk about Monday evening's Kewanee City Council Meeting. On the agenda was a discussion of the budget, specifically fund balances and a recommendation that certain fund balances should be lowered in order to create further transparency in the budget process and to further align the City budget with recommendations from auditors. The Mayor also talked about the American Flag Project, a project spearheaded by the Mayor's wife, Jeanna Moore, to gather funds to purchase flags and place those flags across the City of Kewanee. The project has been a huge success in fundraising and now flags are being purchased to be placed on Main Street in Kewanee, from the downtown toward Wal Mart.
The annual Abilities Plus Golf Outing is taking place on Monday, August 2nd at Midland Golf Club, the former Kewanee Dunes. It's one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for Abilities Plus and you can help Abilities Plus by signing up today. Call Abilities Plus at 309-852-4626 to get signed up. Cost is $80.00 per player and includes a buffet dinner. Julie Landwehr from Abilities Plus was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday with more on the Golf Outing and the new Abilities Plus Group home in Annawan.
The majestic horses known as the Budweiser Clydesdales will be one of the major attractions as part of the return of Kewanee Hog Days. Mark Mikenas from the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce made the announcement on Friday and joined WKEI's Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday to start spreading the word regarding these incredible horses. The Budweiser Clydesdales will bring their carriage to the Kewanee Hog Days Parade Labor Day weekend. It's the first time that the Clydesdales have come to Kewanee after nearly two decades of Mark Mikenas chasing after them to get them to come to Kewanee for the Hog Days Parade. The Clydesdales will only be in Kewanee to participate in the Parade though their may be some time for them the day of leading up to the parade but that is not currently on the schedule. Mark Mikenas spoke to WKEI this morning on Speak Up Tri-Counties to welcome the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Beth Looney, Behavioral Health Navigator at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee was our guest on WKEI and Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday morning. Beth joined WKEI to remind listeners that the start of your mental health journey begins with a phone call, at no cost to you. If not a phone call, you can start your journey online via the SilverCloud app, an app that allows you to reach out digitally for help and receive guidance toward the steps you need to take to get better. To access SilverCloud search for the SilverCloud App in your phone's app store. Otherwise, you can contact Beth Looney at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center by calling 309-344-3161|Ext. 5739.
Patrick Adamson from Nature's Treatment gives us an update on their expanded hours and recreational customer service, mask policy, online shopping availability and medical cannabis registry changes in Illinois.
It's great news and a strong sign of progress that there is currently only 1 active case of COVID-19 in Henry County and no active cases in Stark County but that does not mean that we have put COVID-19 fully in the past. The Delta Variant, a form of the COVID-19 virus that is more deadly and easily transmissible than other forms of the virus, is becoming the dominant version of the virus in the state. The unvaccinated are still getting sick and some are dying from COVID-19 even as our area has reached a terrific milestone with no new cases. The virus could take hold again in the fall if more people don't get vaccinated.
Mark Mikenas from the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to stoke the excitement of the return of Fireworks in Northeast Park this Sunday night. The Veterans Council will have the presentation of the colors followed by a concert by the Glory Days Garage Band and then it's time for the return of the fireworks at dusk on Sunday night. But that wasn't all of the good news that Mark had to share as Mark tells WKEI that Retail Sales Numbers for the first quarter of 2021 are up from 2020. The marks the second straight year of growth in retail sales at local brick and mortar outlets.
The air conditioning at the Henry County Senior Center has stopped working and that has led to the Senior Center having to cancel Tuesday evening meals as the building gets too hot in the evening. But lunch is back at the Senior Center and seniors are being welcomed back for that along with cinnamon rolls in the morning. The Henry County Senior Center Golf Outing is right around the corner, Saturday, July 17th at 1 Pm at Baker Park Golf Course. It's one of the biggest fundraisers of the year at the Senior Center so please do get signed up by contacting the Henry County Senior Center. Finally, Cassandra Schmoll tells Wake Up Tri-Counties that the Senior Center is beginning to book bus trips again, the first one is happening this September with another trip planned for December.
The City of Galva is preparing for a big holiday weekend with the return of Galva Freedom Fest. Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about preparations for Galva Freedom Fest and the most recent Galva City Council Meeting. The City of Galva has been dealing with some challenges of late, water mains and road repairs and the like and Mayor Volkert says that while things are a bit hectic, the City is working through the issues and staying positive.
Tony Gripp is the new Head Coach of the A & W Titans Football team. Coach Gripp takes the mantel from Coach Logan Willits who leaves big shoes to fill after 2 remarkable seasons as Head Coach. We talked with Coach Gripp about the excitement of becoming a Head Coach, how things will change under his leadership and the advice he's received on route to becoming the new Head Coach of the Titans. Coach Gripp is in the midst of big things, not just as a Head Coach, but as a father to a 1 year old with a new baby on the way any day now.
Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI to discuss Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting. At Monday night's meeting a pair of business owners were approved to receive TIF funds for business improvements. Also during the meeting, the City Council approved a plan to try to bring solar energy to the Kewanee Waste Water Treatment Plant. The Council voted unanimously in favor of the solar plan and are now awaiting movement from the state of Illinois. And prior to Monday night's City Council Meeting, students from Belle Alexander Elementary School gifted the City of Kewanee plants that the students had grown as gifts. These plants were displayed in Council Chambers and were also sent to the Kewanee Police and Fire Department.
Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and Wendy Allaman, Manager for Senior and Volunteer Services for OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, June 28th. Volunteer opportunities are open now at OSF facilities in Kewanee and Monmouth and Wendy laid out how you can become a volunteer at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center with positions as Greeters, gift shop workers and volunteers in the Transportation services department.
Perry Memorial Hospital will be officially christened OSF St Clair Medical Center this week. Jackie Kernan is the President of OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee and will assume the same position with OSF St Clair Medical Center this week. Roxanna Crosser is the CEO of OSF Healthcare's Western Region. They were our guests on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday, June 28th, 2021, to discuss OSF Healthcare's newest facility in Princeton, the former Perry Memorial Hospital.
Our series on Mental Health and children in our community, presented by Great Dane and the Kewanee Area United Way continued on Friday with a conversation with Taylor Hager from Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center. Taylor spoke to WKEI about the services Braveheart offers to help kids and families struggling with mental health issues. Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center's job doesn't end once a child ends up in the legal system, services are undertaken afterward that children and families can benefit from, specifically related mental health and at no cost.
Katie Noyd has won the coveted title of Henry County Fair Queen for 2021. Competing in her very first pageant, Katie may have been new in the game but she learned fast and enjoyed every bit of the experience. On Friday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties, Katie joined WKEI to talk about the whole experience of her first pageant, what's still to come at the Henry County Fair this weekend and what the future holds for Miss Henry County Fair, here's hint, it includes another pageant competition and continuing her studies at Western Illinois University.
On this week's edition of Sean at the Movies, I talked with the directors and stars of two movies that I really enjoyed, Werewolves Within and Roillers. First up, actor Michael Chernus and director Josh Ruben talk about the funny and the scary of Werewolves Within. Then I had a wonderful one on one conversation with Harry Guillen, one of the terrific ensemble in Werewolves Within. Then, I was lucky to chat with the team behind Roller, writer-director Isaiah Smallman, and stars Johnny Ray Gill and Kevin Bigley.
The Kewanee Public Library will honor Kewanee's Mr Baseball, Lou Reynolds with an event on July 8th. Historian Dean Karau will be at the Kewanee Public Library in the Community Room at 6 Pm for a retrospective conversation about the life and baseball history of Lou Reynolds. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the event on July 8th along with promoting the Adult Book Club via GoodReads.com and the in-person non-fiction book club at the Kewanee Public Library.
Ameren Illinois is now part of the Midwest Mutual Assistance Network. This means that crews from Ameren will be at the ready to respond to power outages due to disasters across the state of Illinois and the Midwest. And, as Riley Adams Manager of Electric Initiatives for Ameren Illinois explained to WKEI, it also means that if a disaster happens locally, Ameren can call on lineman from the Midwest Mutual Assistance Network to assure that electricity will be restored as quickly and safely as possible.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department announced their latest COVID-19 Recovery Rate Data and the numbers are relatively the same from last week. There are currently 13 active cases of COVID-19 between Henry and Stark County. That was down from 14 last week. That said, the fact that active infections are still out there underlines the need for people to get vaccinated. With that in mind, the Health Department announced a pair of Pfizer vaccine clinics for school age students, 12 to 17 years old for next week. The Health Department also has a limited supply of Johnson and Johnson one shot vaccines that they are distributing specifically to homebound individuals in Kewanee.
Dr Christopher Jones OB/Gyn spoke to MacombNewsNow.com this week to talk about the increased services for women at Memorial Hospital. Dr Jones is part of the team that responds to help deliver babies at Memorial Hospital, more than 100 babies every year. Dr Jones is also expanding his hours and spaces where he keeps hours in the Memorial Hospital offices. You can find out more about OB/GYN services at Memorial Hospital and why women need to get regular check ups for specific conditions.
Kewanee Schools are wrapping up their summer school classes this week and it has been a remarkably successful year. More students than ever before attended summer school classes this year and Rebecca Baney, Principal at Belle Alexander Elementary School talked to WKEI about how Summer School benefitted so many students this year and how COVID-19 and remote learning created a new level of eagerness to receive in-person school via Summer School.
The summer season is only warming up and that means long days at the Kewanee Parks Department. Andrew Dwyer is the Director of the Kewanee Parks Department and he joined WKEI on Tuesday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the start of Baseball season, the numerous charity events happening in Kewanee Parks, and the new Lou Reynolds, Mr Baseball Mural at Northeast Park. You can hear our complete conversation with Andrew Dwyer, here.
Experts are predicting an increase in tick bites this summer. An increase in the deer population is said to be leading to the increase and spread of the tick population. With ticks comes the potential for tick bites and Lyme Disease. Dr Robert Ayers joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday morning to talk about ticks, how to avoid tick bites and the dangerous potential of Lyme Disease.
The John Deere Classic returns for its 50th year on the week of July 7th through July 11th. Sports writer Craig Devrieze covered the event for years as a sports writer for the Quad City Times. Now, no longer a sportswriter, Craig has become an author and historian who has collected the history of the John Deere Classic in a new book called "Magic Happened Celebrating 50 Years of the John Deere Classic." The book is available through the John Deere Classic website and we got Craig to tell a few stories on the Monday edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI.
The Henry County Board met on Thursday evening in Cambridge. A relatively short agenda included the official appointment of the new Henry County Treasurer, Rex Kiser, who will take over the remaining term of Henry County Treasurer Tim Wells who announced his resignation late in 2020. Kiser will take over the office on July 6th and will remain in office through November of 2022 at which time he would need to be re-elected to continue in the position. Henry County has several job openings, Erin Knackstedt, Henry County Administrator told Wake Up Tri-Counties about how people can apply to work for Henry County in our interview on Friday morning.
The Nolan Keane Baseball Classic is back in 2021 with the first pitches being thrown this evening, Friday, June 18th, 2021. The tourney with multiple Kewanee based teams and more than 100 kids coming to play throughout the weekend will run June 18th through the evening of June 20th. 5 separate age brackets will have teams competing around the clock during the day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday including at venues such as Northeast Park and Windmont Park in Kewanee but also parks in Annawan and Neponset. Kewanee Police Chief Nick Welgat is one of the organizers of the annual tournament and we talked to Chief Welgat regarding Nolan Keane on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
On June 18, 2021 Todd Dedecker was live in the studio for Wake Up Tri-Counties. To talk about the upcoming events for Bishop Hall to celebrate their 175th anniversary. They are hosting two lectures on Saturday June, 19th and 20th starting at 2:00 p.m. located at the Derry Building. Decker also shared information about their annual MidSommar Festival that will start next Saturday June 26th at 11:00 a.m. in the park.
We are across the bridge into Phase 5, fully re-opened but that doesn't mean COVID-19 is over in our area. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on Thursday's Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the latest infection rate numbers in Henry and Stark County, the number of active cases is now at 14 between the two counties, one of the lowest numbers since very early in the pandemic. The Henry County Fair is next week and food vendors are reminded that they must speak with the Health Department prior to the Fair. This goes for any outdoor event with plans more than one day.
Mark Mikenas from the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning, one week ahead of the start of this year's Concert in the Park Series. It's the 25th season of the Chamber of Commerce Concert in the Park series at Veteran's Park in Kewanee and Mark joined WKEI to announce the lineup and invite you to come out with your lawn chairs and enjoy incredible music along with refreshments at Veteran's Park. The first show of the season is June 24th and features long time favorites, the Jim Markum Swing Band. The food stand opens at 5 Pm and the concerts begin at 6:30 Pm in Veteran's Park.
Recently, a new delivery service has begun operating in Kewanee. Rapid Hawk was an idea first conceived of by 16 year old Alex Ravelingeen to help people get things they needed as the pandemic was preventing some from being able to leave their homes. Sadly, almost 1 year to the day that this story is being published, Alex Ravelingeen, along with his cousin, Alondra Acosta, were killed in a tragic boating accident on the Rock River in Milan. Devastated, Alex's mother Adrienne decided that carrying out Alex's idea to create a local delivery service became her mission. Thus, Rapid Hawk was born. In October of 2020 Adrienne began placing signs and she soon found success. However, over the time that signs were placed on the lawns of those willing to post the signs, those same signs began to disappear. In a short span 19 signs had to be replaced after being stolen or destroyed. Is this a targeted campaign? Adrienne Ravelingeen tells RegionalDailyNews.com that she's not sure if someone is targeting the signs or if this is just random destruction but she hopes that with some attention it will stop and she can go back to doing what she set out to do, carry out Alex's wonderful idea which offers people the chance to have restaurant food delivery, grocery delivery or prescription delivery to their home.
As part of our series highlighting mental health topics courtesy of Great Dane and the Kewanee Area United Way, on Wednesday, June 16th, we talked with Joaquin Barraza and Mary Kopp about the effects of domestic abuse on children and their mental health. Joaquin and Mary are counselors at Freedom House who specialize in treating young children and teens who've been subjected to abuse themselves or lived with domestic abuse in their home.
In June of 1921 a vote was held in Kewanee and in Wethersfield. The vote would determine the future of the neighboring towns and whether they would merge. 100 years later of course, we know how that vote turned out but what happened that day and what led to the decision to merge the two towns into one. And, why did the Wethersfield School District remain in tact following the merger? Dave Clark addresses these questions in a special 100th Anniversary episode of Kewanee Back When.
A relatively uneventful Kewanee City Council Meeting on Monday as two members of the Council were unable to attend the meeting. This led to items related to TIF and Right of Way Parking to be tabled so that the full Council would have the chance to weigh in. One item that did pass the Council on Monday however, was a new ordinance that will allow for Golf Carts and UTV's to be driven on City streets. Carts and UTV's would need to be inspected by Police, licensed via the City of Kewanee and can only be driven on specific roads in the City of Kewanee under the ordinance.
Geneseo Music Fest is back for 2021 and it gets underway this Friday in Geneseo. Music is the headline for the event but it is also a full fledged festival with arts and crafts, food, and two parades, The Annual Kiwanis Doo Dah Parade on Friday, June 18th at 6 Pm. And then on Sunday, the annual Father's Day Parade presented by Geneseo Communications in downtown Geneseo at 1 Pm. Also returning this year is the Geneseo Father's Day Fly-In Breakfast, Sunday morning from 7 Am to 11 Am at Gen-Air Park. Find out more about the Geneseo Music Festival fun in our interview with Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Zachary Sullivan.
The Memorial Hospital Foundation is kicking off its annual campaign and this year, it's fun in the sun for seniors. The You Are My Sunshine campaign will benefit the residents of Hancock Village. The goal is to raise enough funds to build a Four Seasons Sun Room at Hancock Village so residents can enjoy the sunshine year round. Jen Garner is with the Memorial Hospital Foundation and she tells MacombNewsNow.com all about the kick off of the campaign, the Fun in the Sun Family Day in this conversation. The Fun in the Sun Family Day is free to attend and will feature all sorts of fun activities for the whole family and opportunities to donate to the You Are My Sunshine campaign. The Fun in the Sun Family Day will take place on June 26th from 10 Am to 2 Pm on the campus of Hancock Village located at 400 South Adams Street in Carthage.
June is National Men's Health month and with it comes a campaign to urge men to take their health more seriously. Men have a habit of letting seemingly minor problems with their health get worse before finally going to a hospital. The best treatment for an ailment however, especially a potentially deadly ailment is get it checked out sooner rather than later. Dr Andrew Peterson from OSF Healthcare joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about encouraging men to get health screenings.
The Henry County Fair is back June 22nd to June 27th at the Henry County Fairgrounds in Cambridge. The event kicks off with the crowing of Miss Henry County Fair on June 22nd in the grandstand. The pageant begins at 5:30 Pm with the crowning of Little Miss Henry County Fair and continues at 7 Pm with the Junior Miss and Miss Henry County Fair Pageant. Because the Fair was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, Sierra Brown, 2019 Miss Henry County Fair Queen stayed on through this year's fair. Sierra was our guest on Monday's Wake Up Tri-Counties to promote the Miss Henry County Fair pageant and the fun of the Henry County Fair.
Wethersfield Superintendent Shane Kazubowski joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday to discuss Thursday's Wethersfield School Board Meeting. In the interview, Mr Kazubowski discussed how the school year proceeded and reflected on how things were different over the last year. Mr Kazubowski then laid out how the next school year will look and plans are things will be mostly normal. Kids may still be required to wear masks but the schedule should return to normal including lunch schedules which will be easier due to allowing more students to have lunch at the same time. Full time remote learning will come to an end and students will be required to return to in person school.
This week on Sean at the Movies I am talking with Director Nicole Riegel about her stellar Ohio set drama, Holler starring Jessica Barden and with documentarian and director Nancy Buirski about her thrilling historical documentary A Crime on the Bayou. I adore both of these movies and it was an absolute pleasure to have the chance to speak with them and let them tell you their stories. See Holler in limited theatrical release and available for online rental from IFC Films immediately and see A Crime on the Bayou in limited theatrical release on June 18th and follow @CrimeontheBayou on Twitter for updates when the movie will be playing near you.
Many people wonder if the way in which their grief manifests itself is wrong or abnormal. Feeling as if you are grieving wrong, or not enough, or not in the right way, happens to everyone. Grief support is a good example that however the grief over the loss of a loved one, is not something you are going through completely alone. Everyone who has lost someone has felt shame or anxiety over what they think is an inappropriate way of dealing with grief. But, how you deal with grief, as long as you are not harming yourself or others, is okay. If you break into tears at the grocery store or feel elated by a memory of a lost love one and worry that joy defies your grief, you aren't alone. There is no one acceptable way to express grief. Don't be ashamed to feel what you feel in the wake of a loss and if it is something seemingly very strange, that's okay. You won't be the first person to feel what you are feeling. Pastor Jim Reynolds joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to share how sometimes grief finds you an inexplicable way and that's okay.
The Kewanee Public Library has completed their survey of patrons regarding what patrons would like to see at the Kewanee Public Library. The survey, launched via the Kewanee Public Library website, was created two months ago and offered visitors the chance to weigh in about what they would like to see from the Kewanee Public Library in the future. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties and tells us that the results of the survey are no being focus grouped among the Kewanee Library staff for the best practical suggestions for the future of the Kewanee Public Library. Sara also joined us to talk about Book Clubs, specifically their in person monthly book club and the online mostly non-fiction book club on GoodReads.com.
Lisa Torrance is the County Director of the University of Illinois Extension in McDonough County. Lisa joined MacombNewsNow.com and WLMD for a conversation about Mental Health and our Farm community. The University of Illinois Extension is helping out with mental health awareness among our farm community by taking part in a two day-long online training program on June 29th and and again on July 28th. Participants should select one date when they register at go.illinois.edu/mentalhealth2021. Register by June 15 for the June training. Trainings begin at 8 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. The training is for those eager to help identify those in need of help and how to help them.
The Prairie Chicken Arts Festival is returning in 2021 on July 9th and 10th. Returning with the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival is the Amateur Art Show taking place this year at Nu View Furniture in Kewanee. Barbara Love from the Kewanee Public Library joined Diedre Scott on Wake Up Tri Counties to discuss getting signed up, the various types of art that can be part of the Art Show, and the prizes that will be given out to the best art on display. Dierdre Scott also talked about the Chalk Art on the track once again as part of the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival. 42 Spaces will be available this year to make social distancing easier. If you'd like a space in the Chalk Art Festival you can sign up via this link to Eventbrite.
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos is back in the 17th District on Tuesday. Congresswoman Bustos is spending the morning in Rockford where she will be helping out Meals on Wheels and learning more about Adult Day Programs. These programs are part of what is called 'The Care Economy' volunteers, employees and service providers who aid those in need, the elderly, those with physical disabilities and children. Child care and Adult Day programs play an essential role in the health and wellbeing of individuals and families alike. This afternoon at 2:30 Congresswoman Bustos will be in Morrison for Walk On Main Street with the Morrison Chamber of Commerce. In this conversation with Regional Media's WZOE in Princeton and WKEI in Kewanee, Representative Bustos talked about what she hoped to learn from local business owners regarding the impact of the pandemic and the legislation created with the intention of aiding small businesses.
Jim Bohannon was our guest on WKEI on Monday morning. You hear Jimbo weeknights from 9 Pm to Midnight on WKEI but he joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday to talk about the top headlines. The top stories we discussed include the latest job numbers and how those numbers actually add up. Then there is the Coronavirus and its origin, where did the virus come from and how will we ever determine exactly how the virus came about? Listen to Jim Bohannon weeknights from 9 Pm to Midnight on WKEI.
This week on Sean at the Movies I talked with the director of Spiral: From the Book of Saw, Director Darren Lynn Bousman about the future of the Saw expanded universe and the intricate nature of the Saw franchise. Also this week, documentary director Chase Ogden joins the show to talk about his new documentary, Super Frenchie about the remarkable and fascinating extreme sports star, Matthias Giraud.
Great Dane is making it possible for Regional Media and the Kewanee Area United Way to bring a series of conversations about Mental Health. Regional Media and the Kewanee Area United Way will bring you interviews with representatives of Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center and Freedom House about Mental Health Topics. Those interviews will air in a series over June, July and August. You can show your support for the Kewanee Area United Way by going to KAUW.org.
Morgan Anderson from the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about their upcoming Electro-Shocking and Pond Workshop on June 11th from 9 Am to 2 Pm at Herman Brothers Lake and Land Management in Galva. The event is free with a catered lunch by The Bone Collector. RSVP to attend by contacting Morgan.Anderson@IL.nacdnet.net or by calling 309-937-3377 ext 3. Morgan also discussed the upcoming 2021 Henry and Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District Women in Conservation Seminar, July 9th in Johnson Sauk State Park in the Chief Senachwine Shelter. The event will feature speakers, including Brian Fox Ellis, Emily Ehley of Trees Forever, and Steve Christian who will lead a tour of Ryan's Round Barn as part of the seminar. The cost to attend is $15.00 and you can RSVP to Morgan again by calling 309-937-5263 ext. 3.
The Chase returns to ABC on Sunday night at 8 Pm. Season two reunites past Jeopardy champions, Ken Jennings, James Holzhauer and Brad Rutter as they Chase down a series of challengers to their trivia champion status. Joining Ken, James and Brad this season is the Chaser from the legendary British The Chase Champion, Mark The Beast Labett. Brad Rutter joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday morning to preview the new season of The Chase, Sunday night at 8 Pm Central time on ABC and streaming on Hulu.
The Henry County Senior Center is starting to open up again. In yet another step toward getting back to normal, the Henry County Senior Center is re-opening for Lunch at the Senior Center on June 14th. Not only that but the Senior Center will also be bringing back Tuesday night dinners beginning in July of this year. It's been over a year since the Senior Center has opened its doors for Lunch and for Tuesday dinner and everyone at the Senior Center is excited to see seniors back at the Senior Center.
Yes, things are improving all around when it comes to COVID-19 infection numbers. However, we are not fully out of the woods yet. That's the message from the Henry and Stark County Health Department. As we get closer to the end of The Bridge Phase and the full re-opening of the state of Illinois, the Health Department reminds everyone that COVID-19 is still out there and with variants of the virus still taking hold, it's important those who are not vaccinated get vaccinated and if they don't get vaccinated, they need to continue to wear a mask and keep distance from others in order to keep potential infections from occurring. Vaccinated people can carry the COVID-19 virus and pass it along to people who are not vaccinated so it is urgently important to remain vigilant.
Dr Robert Ayers Occupational Health Physician with OSF Healthcare, joined WKEI on Wednesday morning to talk about the latest COVID-19 headlines. Among the topics on the agenda were so-called COVID-19 breakthrough cases, cases of COVID-19 among people who have been vaccinated. What we know is that these cases are very few and that those who do get COVID-19 after being vaccinated have rarely, if it all, suffered severe symptoms or had to be hospitalized. The COVID-19 vaccine doesn't kill COVID-19, it lessens the impact of getting COVID-19 by rendering the symptoms less severe. Thus, yes, you can still get COVID-19 but having the vaccine virtually prevents the virus from leading to hospitalization or death. Also in this conversation, Dr Ayers discussed how people who have had COVID-19 and are now vaccinated may not have to worry about COVID-19 again. In fact, they may not even need booster shots like many will need eventually.
What is Intermittent Fasting? Chris Willis from OSF Healthcare was featured on today's Health Segment on Wake Up Tri-Counties and talked with WKEI about the good and the bad of Intermittent Fasting. The diet consists of going several hours without eating and or consuming all of your calories in a specific time frame and no other time during a day. Is it a fad? Is Intermittent Fasting a good way to lose weight? Chris Willis explains in this Health Spotlight from Wake Up Tri Counties on Wednesday, June 2nd.
Jason Ringenberg grew up listening to Country music and WKEI. He was born at Kewanee Hospital and grew up near Kewanee on a hog farm. That's where Jason wrote his first song, at the age of 5, and never stopped writing and performing after that. Country music has taken Jason around the world and now, 40 years into his career, country music is taking Jason Ringenberg to the stage at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, June 4th, 2021. You can listen to Jason's Opry debut this Friday at this link to WSM Radio. And you can hear Jason talk about preparing for his first Opry performance in this interview from the Wednesday, June 2nd edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties.
Memorial Hospital in Carthage has a new online tool for you to use to register and get your COVID-19 vaccination. Raigan Brown, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hospital, spoke to MacombNewsNow.com about the new online sign up tool and everything you need to know about registering to get your COVID-19 vaccination. You can choose which of the vaccines you prefer, the date and time of your vaccination and when you come in for your first shot, if you choose Moderna or Pfizer, you will be given an appointment for your second shot.
On Tuesday morning, the Henry and Stark County Health Department announced that a man in his 70's has become the 69th person in Henry County to have died from COVID-19. It's awful news in the midst of what has been a lot of really strong progress in the fight against COVID-19. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on Tuesday morning, prior to that announcement, to talk about the progress that has been made in getting people vaccinated and in getting our infection rate down to one of the lowest points since the early days of the pandemic.
This week the City of Kewanee accepted a three year contractual bid from the Henry County Humane Society in Kewanee to take over the operation of the Kewanee Animal Control Pound. On Friday's edition of Wake Up Tri-Counties, Louise Harrison, Mary Bergren, and Sue Sagmoen, member of the Humane Society Board in Henry County were our guests and talked about their plans for the Pound, how operations will be different and why the Humane Society sought the contract to operate the Kewanee Animal Control Pound.
The Kewanee Area United Way, Great Dane and Regional Media are partnering for a series of interviews focused around mental health and the services available for those in need. One such service on behalf of children is Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center. Taylor Hager with Braveheart Children's Advocacy Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Child Abuse, Children's Mental Health and what a Children's Advocacy Center does for children in a community like ours.
On Monday, May 31st, Memorial Day, the Neponset American Legion Post #875 Memorial Day Program will be extra special. At 10 Am in Neponset Scott Park, the American Legion and Neponset Mayor Gary Mueller will dedicate The Pride of Neponset Memorial. Col. Gary Miller is the Post Commander for the Neponset American Legion Post 875 and he joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday to invite everyone to come and see the remarkable tribute to veterans and to talk about the importance of Memorial Day.
The fight against COVID-19 is not over but progress is being made. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department tells WKEI that more than 50% of eligible Henry County residents have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 70% is the threshold for so-called herd immunity. Efforts now are being made to overcome vaccine hesitancy among those who have yet to be vaccinated. Meanwhile, the latest Recovery Rate Data reflects the progress being made a against COVID. The number of active cases of COVID-19 in Henry and Stark County declined by almost 30 cases from last week.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday. Sara joined WKEI to remind everyone that you still have time to fill out the Library Survey and win a $50.00 Visa Giftcard. Visit the Kewanee Library on Facebook or at KewaneeLibrary.org and fill out the Kewanee Public Library Strategic Planning Survey. Not only will you be entered to win a giftcard you will also play a role in helping the Kewanee Library plan for the future. Sara also talked about the Summer Reading Program which gets underway next week, Tuesday, June 1st, for kids, teens and adults. And the Kewanee Public Library will be saying Happy Retirement to Ann Turnbull with a celebration on Wednesday June 8th from 11 Am to 3 Pm.
In May of 1983 Nedda Simon wasn't setting out to do something incredible. Nedda was trying to help a woman was being abused and desperately needed to get away from the home she shared with her abuser. With that in mind, Nedda took to the air on WZOE and announced she was looking for a place to rent. She found a place in Wyanet that was well priced and habitable and from that moment on, Freedom House would grow from that location into a series of places that would provide safe harbor to those escaping from abuse. She didn't set out to do something incredible but she achieved the incredible and since then the idea that started as a small building in Wyanet for rent, has helped change thousands of lives for the better. It's a remarkable legacy and one that Nedda selflessly shares with the people who have carried on the legacy of Freedom House from Wyanet, to Princeton, to Henry County, and dozens of cities and towns where those who are struggling under an abuser know that they can find shelter. It's a privilege to have had the chance to talk with Nedda Simon, the founder of Freedom House.
Kewanee Park District Director Andrew Dwyer is beginning to lay plans for the future of Kewanee Parks. As Mr Dwyer tells WKEI in this interview from Wake Up Tri-Counties, Mr Dwyer is in the process of looking at ideas for long term planning for the parks. This includes seeking grants from the Rebuild Illinois program which could help bring some new amenities to Kewanee Parks. We spoke with Andrew Dwyer about the future plans as well as the latest Kewanee Parks Board Meeting, last Thursday, and the opening of the Pool at Northeast Park.
Big things happening in Galva and WKEI spoke with Mayor Rich Volkert about those great things. Following up on Monday's Galva City Council Meeting, Mayor Volkert talked about Broadband expansion into Galva and how having Broadband access will help many residents while creating more good reasons for people to live in Galva. The Mayor also took the opportunity to praise the return of the Levitt Amp Galva Concert Series set to start this Sunday evening at 6 Pm in Wiley Park. It's free and will be the first Levitt Amp Galva Concert on the new Stage at Wiley Park. Finally, the Mayor mentioned Galva's City-wide Clean Up which will take place June 21st to June 26th.
The Strawberry Strut returns to Carthage on Saturday, June 5th. Jennifer Garner with the Strawberry Strut recently spoke to MacombNewsNow.com about getting back to business with the Strawberry Strut, the wonderful community partners helping to make it possible for the 1 mile and 5 mile Strawberry Strut to take place, and the many things happening in Carthage surrounding the Strawberry Strut, including Hancock County Fights Cancer, immediately following the Strawberry Strut in June 5th.
The Mayor of Kewanee, Gary Moore, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI to talk about Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. It was an emotional and contentious meeting as debate went on over the contract to operate the Kewanee Animal Control Pound. Mayor Moore told WKEI that it came down to cost and the $3000 on average per year that the bid from the Henry County Humane Society would save the City of Kewanee over the bid from the current operators, The Kewanee Friends of the Animals, was the final determining factor for his vote. The Mayor also discussed the expansion of Kewanee's TIF District and the likely to pass resolution coming soon regarding allowing UTV's and Golf Carts to be operated on City streets.
Numbers are going in the right direction as infection numbers in both Henry and Stark County continue to decline. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI to discuss vaccine hesitancy and encourage people who have yet to get the COVID-19 vaccination to do so. The more people who get vaccinated, the less places COVID-19 has to hide. Monday night, May 24th, the Health Department held their first evening clinic, a one shot, Johnson and Johnson vaccine clinic and Rae tells WKEI that it was very successful.
Ed Tunnicliff went from Kewanee High School to the the 1949 Rose Bowl as a member of the elite Northwestern University Football team. Ed Tunnicliff passed away on May 4th, 2021 at the age of 95. This week, as part of a special bonus edition of LocalSportsNow.com's Overtime program, we talked with Football announcer Russ Hughes about Ed Tunnicliff, his career and legacy at Kewanee High School and beyond. We also took time to honor some of the athletes from Basketball, Football and Volleyball who endured so much during their pandemic shortened seasons.
Did you know that there is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen? That's one of the many things we learned in a conversation with Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Carrie Green from OSF Healthcare. Carrie joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties to remind everyone that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Skin Cancer is among the leading preventable types of cancer and all you need is the right knowledge and the right tools to prevent skin cancer. Our interview with Nurse Carrie is exactly what you need but if you need more go to OSFHealthcare.org.
The Henry County Board met on Thursday night at the Courthouse in Cambridge. Board Chair Kippy Breeden along with County Administrator Erin Knackstedt and Economic Development Director Jim Kelly joined Wake Up TriCounties on Friday Morning to recap the meeting and talking about the latest Henry County news including property taxes, new business and available funding for local businesses still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City of Kewanee Citywide Clean Up is set to occur on June 12th, 2021, at the former Hospital site at Elliot Street in Kewanee. Items that will be accepted include Mattresses, Furniture, Yard Furniture, Water Heaters, Appliances, Metal Junk Items, Scrap Wood, Paint with Lids Removed and Paint Dryed with Cat Litter, Carpet, Toilets, other miscellaneous yard junk, and trash items. If you are concerned that an item you want to get rid of is acceptable, call ahead, before June 12th, to speak to Keith Edwards and make sure your item is acceptable or you will be turned away at the event. Vehicles must be able to be unloaded by hand and residents will need ID and a Utility Bill showing that you are a Kewanee resident. Call City Hall for any questions at 309-852-2611. Tires will be accepted on June 12th at Moore Tires in Kewanee.
The Dry starring Eric Bana opens in theaters and for on-demand rental, on Friday, May 21st, in the United States. Set in the arid outback of Australia, The Dry is a mystery about old secrets, new secrets, and murder. Eric Bana stars in The Dry as a Federal Agent, called back to his hometown of Kiewarra, for the funeral of his childhood friend. That friend, Luke, is believed by many to have murdered his wife and son before taking his own life. Bana's agent doesn't believe it and neither do Luke's parents, who invite the famed federal agent to do his own investigation. Along the way, Bana reunites with an old friend played by Genevieve O'Reilly and sparks develop even as both are dealing with the tragedy of Luke's death and the shared past drama involving the death of a childhood friend. The Dry was directed by Robert Connelly and on this edition of Sean at the Movies, I had the chance to talk with actress Genevieve O'Reilly and Director Robert Connelly about The Dry.
The Walworth Mural still needs a little help to get completed. Dianne Packee with the Kewanee Mural Committee joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the need for donations and how you can help with bringing the incredible Walldogs Mural to life during the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival, July 9th and 10th. Walldogs artists who've done amazing work on past Kewanee Murals will return this Summer to bring Walworths to life but your help is needed to make their work possible. Drop off your donation at Reiman's Harley Davidson or mail your donation to Kewanee Mural Committee at P. O. Box 605, Kewanee, IL 61443. Dianne Packee talked about the inspiration for the mural. the artists and the schedule for the big reveal of the mural, in this WKEI Exclusive interview.
There was good news on Wednesday as the number of active, ongoing cases of COVID-19 dropped by 28 cases between the two Counties. RaeAnn Tucker joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the good news and remind people that we can keep the good news coming as we go through the Bridge Phase if more people get vaccinated. There is another Moderna Clinic on Friday, May 21st and the Johnson and Johnson one shot clinic happening on Monday evening from 5 Pm to 7 Pm. Sign up is at HenryStarkHealth.com. Or you can get vaccinated at any local pharmacy, hospital or Wal Mart location.
The name Rusty Lams may not be familiar to everyone but those who knew and cared about Rusty in his hometown of Kewanee likely had heard his stories and were fascinated by him. Rusty had quite an 84 years on Earth including being babysat by a pre-fame Red Skelton, to riding in a jeep next to General Dwight D Eisenhower in World War 2, to moving to Hollywood and befriending the stars such as Clint Eastwood. It was quite a life and near the end Rusty wrote some of it down and gave it to our friend, Dave Clark. On the latest edition of Kewanee Back When, Dave tells the story, The Life and Times of Rusty Lams.
Wealth Management is a tool for both individuals and businesses to stay on top of their finances and make sure that their money is always working for them. Cody Hester with the Wealth Management team at State Bank of Toulon joined Nichelle Morey and Sean on today's Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the benefits of Wealth Management at the State Bank of Toulon. You can find Cody and his team on Facebook by searching State Bank of Toulon Wealth Management or call Cody at 309.286.2861.
Dr Chris Sullens tells WKEI that Kewanee High School's Brockman Gymnasium is getting an upgrade following the vote on Monday night at the Kewanee School Board. According to Dr Sullens more than $400.000 was approved for a new HVAC system to be installed that will allow for cooling the gym, keeping it warm in the winter and helping improve air circulation, a hallmark of protecting against airborne illnesses such as COVID. The project is the first of likely many projects to improve Kewanee Schools and air filtration, Heating and AC. Also on Monday night, the School Board paid tribute to Kewanee's Group Interpretation Team and their ongoing hard work via virtual competition. And finally, Dr Sullens recapped Sunday's Kewanee High School Class of 2021 graduation.
Two more residents of Henry and Stark County have died from COVID-19. The Henry and Stark County Health Department announced on Tuesday that a woman in her 80s had become the 64th Henry County resident to die from COVID-19. Meanwhile, in Stark County, a woman in her 50's has become the 24th Stark County resident to die from COVID-19. That's 88 people overall between the two counties and a harsh reminder that though we are in the bridge phase to re-opening and mask requirements are beginning to be lifted in many places, COVID-19 is still a problem. Henry County on Friday, remained on the Orange Warning list for too many cases of COVID-19 and only 16% of ICU beds available. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined Wake Up TriCounties on Tuesday to talk about the latest numbers and continue to encourage people to get vaccinated. You can get the COVID-19 vaccine at any pharmacy or by going to HenryStarkHealth.com and registering for upcoming Health Department clinics.
OSF Healthcare is set to hold a virtual Wellness Fair. Tina Canada from OSF Healthcare was our guest on Tuesday and talk about what's in store for those who decide to take part in the OSF Healthcare Virtual Wellness Fair taking place on June 12th from 9 Am to 12 Noon. Four aspects of wellness, Eat Well, Move Well, Think Well, and Live Well will be addressed by four special guest speakers during the Virtual Wellness Fair. If you'd like to participate and hear more about how to get well with OSF Healthcare, call 309-734-1424 and talk with Tina Canada who was our guest for our Health Segment on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday.
Mike 'MJ' Eddy joined MacombNewsNow.com for a conversation about The Taste of McDonough County happening in Colchester on Saturday, May 22nd, 2021. Food vendors from around McDonough County will gather in Colchester on the 21st to show off some of the best food that McDonough County has to offer. We caught up with Mike recently to talk about the idea behind The Taste of McDonough, a sampling of some of the incredible food that will be available and what the festival means to the town of Colchester.
Kewanee City Councilman Steve Faber says he was told not to vote on the contract related to which group will run the Kewanee Animal Control Pound. The reason given was an alleged conflict of interest however, according to Councilman Faber that conflict no longer exists and he will be voting on the contract regardless of who tells him not to. In this conversation on Wake Up Tri-Counties, Councilman Faber asks the public to reach out and tell him how he should vote on the two contracts in front of the Kewanee City Council on Monday, May 24th. The Humane Society of Henry County and the Kewanee Friends of the Animals are the groups with bids in on the contract to run the Kewanee Animal Control Pound.
Author Adrian Miller is tracking the history of African Americans via food. His specialty is Soul Food but Barbecue is his latest subject in the new book Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue. In the book, Adrian tracks the inextricable history of African Americans and the evolution of American barbecue via historic pitmasters. Pitmasters such as Arthur Watts of Kewanee, Illinois. Arthur, born in Kansas City, reached a modicum of fame in the early 1900s for his remarkable barbecue recipes. His pit smoked whole hog barbecue was the precursor to the annual Kewanee Hog Days. Arthur is one of many barbecue legends featured in the terrific new book, "Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue" by author Adrian Miller.
On the newest edition of Sean at the Movies, I sat down to chat with the writers of the incredible legal drama, The Mauritanian. Based on the true story of a man who was arrested by American forces in 2002 and held for 14 years at Guantanamo Bay with no charges brought against him, The Mauritanian is a deeply human and intelligent legal drama that pays tribute to the real story of an innocent, persecuted man and the legal wrangling that finally got him out of jail. Also this week, shifting gears to the horror genre, I spoke to the writing and directing team behind the new in theaters horror movie, The Djinn about the remarkable challenge of telling a horror story where the lead character is a mute child left alone in an apartment overnight and menaced by a demonic spirit he summoned himself. This week on Sean at the Movies The Mauritanian with writers Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani and The Djinn with the writing and directing duo, Justin Powell and Michael Charbonier
So many reasons to celebrate this week at Courtyard Estates in Kewanee and in the Courtyard community. Courtyard Estates has a brand new Director, Missy Jones, who joined Karissa Nash for an introduction as the new Director on Wake Up Tri-Counties. It's also Nurses Week and Nurses at Courtyard Communities were celebrated this week and Courtyard did something special for Police Week by dropping off treats for local law enforcement around the area.
The Kewanee Farmer's Market is coming back this weekend, Saturday, May 15th, from 7 Am to 11 Am in Barrien Park. Vendors will be on hand with food and crafts each Saturday and Wednesday at Barrien Park and you can still become a vendor. The cost is minimal and the opportunity to sell your products in a terrific spot, especially as COVID restrictions lift and festivals return to the area, you don't want to miss this chance. Contact Diane Demay or Katie Yaklich today, via the Kewanee Farmer's Market Facebook page or just stop by on Saturday to inquire about becoming a vendor at the Kewanee Farmer's Market. Everyone else, turn out and get fresh fruits and vegetables and all of the stuff you associate with the Kewanee Farmer's Market, beginning Satuday morning at 7 Am and continuing each Wednesday and Saturday through October 2021.
Today on our Good News segment of Wake Up Tri-Counties, we were lucky to look at some local Good News courtesy of the Kewanee High School Life Skills Program. Teachers, Nicole Nelson and Kim Johnson, joined WKEI to talk about what they are hoping to accomplish with a brand new, more hands on, curriculum that they are funding with a GoFundMe Campaign. We also talked about donations of tangible goods to the Life Skills Program to be given to students who are preparing to move out on their own into the world after High School. Making sure these students have the tools they need for a successful life following High School is part of the goal of the Kewanee High School Life Skills Program and it is a passion for Nicole and Katie who are going above and beyond to prepare their students.
Behavioral Health Department at the Whiteside Community Health Clinic? by Regional Media
The Kewanee Public Library survey is available now on the Kewanee Library website, KewaneeLibrary.org. The Kewanee Library Strategic Planning Survey is an opportunity for everyone in the community to share their opinion and make their voice heard regarding what you would like to see at the Kewanee Library. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday morning to talk about the survey and promote the Adult Book Club, the Mostly Non-Fiction Book Club, and the amazing things happening in the Children's Room at the Kewanee Public Library.
The latest infection rate numbers from the Henry and Stark County Health Department saw a minor decrease in the number of active, ongoing, cases of COVID-19 from last week. That said, there is still a ways to go. Henry and Stark County are at less than 40% of residents vaccinated and while Governor Pritzker has announced that are entering the Bridge phase back to re-opening the state, more people need to get vaccinated before we can start to act as if the pandemic is over. The Henry and Stark County Health Department will have a one shot, drive through Johnson and Johnson clinic on May 24th in the evening, from 5 Pm until 7 Pm at Black Hawk College. You can register for that clinic at HenryStarkHealth.com.
Carrie McKillip from the University of Illinois Extension sat down with MacombNewsNow.com on Wednesday to talk about engaging people with local issues. Specifically, in this case, the issue is recycling. Right now, you can go to Go.Illinois.edu/RecycleMcDonough to participate in the Extension's survey on Recycling. It's a chance for you to be part of shaping public policy regarding the subject of recycling and it's a great way to show you care about your community. We talked about the survey and reaching out to get the community involved with Carrie McKillip from the University of Illinois Extension on MacombNewsNow.com.
Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau was our guest on Wake Up Tri Counties on Wednesday morning. Katie joined us with a look at progress during the planting season and a closer look at mental health among farmers. The Henry County Farm Bureau has resources available for anyone who is struggling with stress, anxiety or depression, just get in touch. Katie also talked about an upcoming forum specifically for Ag teachers and the next Market Outlook Seminar coming in July of 2021. Finally, don't forget that Birdies for Charity is coming soon and the Henry County Farm Bureau Foundation is among the charities that benefit from people taking part in Birdies for Charity.
The YMCA of Kewanee Golf Playday is Saturday, May 15th at Baker Park Golf Course. Proceeds benefit the YMCA of Kewnee Annual Campaign and they go far to support all of the incredible things the YMCA of Kewanee does for the community. The cost to play is $50.00 per person, up to 4 players per team. There is also a Steak dinner at the 19th Hole following the Golf Playday. Shotgun start at 1Pm on Saturday and there will be prizes for closest to the pin and door prizes as well. Jill Milroy and Grant Myers from the YMCA of Kewanee were our guest on WKEI Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wedneday morning and they talked all about how the money raised supports what the YMCA does in the community and how the YMCA of Kewanee is gearing up to welcome more and more people back as we begin to move toward the full re-opening of the state of Illinois.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Henry County remaining on the Orange Warning list and the latest infection numbers. There was good news, it's expected that the number of active, ongoing cases of COVID-19 is expected to go down on Wednesday but infections are still higher than they should be while vaccine reluctance remains a stumbling block toward reaching the bridge to the re-opening of the state.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday morning. The Mayor of Kewanee was on hand to discuss Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting. Among the items discussed was an approved raise in the Sewer Rate in Kewanee. Mayor Moore explained that repairs and upgrades at the City's waste water treatment plant were the reason behind the $3.00 increase in rates. The Mayor also discussed the new noise ordinance in Kewanee which creates a standard decibel rate for residential areas and businesses in residential areas. The new ordinance means a uniform standard for the law related to noise complaints and the decibel level. The Mayor also briefly touched on why the Council decided to table a discussion and vote on contracts for operating the Kewanee Animal Control Pound. Two groups are bidding on the contract and one council member was not able to be at Monday's meeting which led to the decision to table the contract until next meeting.
80's pop icon Tiffany is preparing to hit the road for her first tour since 2019. Plans for touring in 2020, of course, had to be scrapped due to the pandemic, but now that things are opening up again, concerts are coming back and so is Tiffany with her friends from the 80's glam metal band L.A Guns along for the ride. Tiffany spent much of the pandemic embracing the new media, creating a thriving fan community via instagram where her cooking tips helped keep her connected with fans while she waited to get back on stage. Tiffany's new single is called "Hey Baby" and the new record, literally available now on Vinyl at TiffanyTunes.com, is called "Shadows." Not only does it feature "Hey Baby," the record has a new rock n'roll remix of her hit song from the 80's I Think We're Alone Now. Check out our Regional Media Celebrity interview with Tiffany, below.
Taking care of your eyes was the subject of our conversation with our friends from OSF Healthcare on Wake Up Tri-Counties on WKEI. Dr Pat Rhode specializes in cataracts and is now conducing surgeries at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center on a regular basis. Dr Rhode talked to Wake Up Tri-Counties about May being Eyecare Awareness Month and how to keep your eyes safe and healthy.
May 6th through May 9th are the dates for the 2021 virtual edition of the TCM Classic Film Festival on the Turner Classic Movies cable network and streaming via HBO Max. This year's virtual festival is packed with classic movies and short documentaries honoring beloved members of the Hollywood community. I was granted the chance to talk with some of the experts, directors and producers behind some of the TCM Classic Film Festival's biggest moments in 2021 for this Special Edition of Sean at the Movies.
Actor Holt McCallany is in the midst of an incredible streak in his career of working with top directors. In the last two years, Holt has worked closely with director David Fincher on the Netflix murder mystery, Mind Hunters as one half of the lead detective duo, on the show. Since that show ended, Holt has worked with directors such as Guillermo Del Toro and he can currently be seen in theaters, opposite Jason Statham, in the new Guy Ritchie directed action movie Wrath of Man. I was lucky enough to catch up with Holt McCallany to ask him about his career and about working with Jason Statham and Guy Ritchie and the incredible career renaissance he's currently enjoying.
Jim Bohannon, whose show airs weeknights from 9 Pm to 12 Noon, spoke with Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday morning. Among the topics addressed by the radio legend were the unexpectedly disappointing job numbers released on Friday morning. Also, Jimbo weighed in on Earmarks and why he feels Nancy Pelosi is being disingenuous regarding promises of transparency. And finally, Jimbo tells WKEI whether he thinks President Trump will run for President again in 2024.
This Saturday, May 8th at 12 Noon, the City of Geneseo will hold a ribbon cutting for the renovations that have occurred at Richmond Hill Park. The project that began in August of 2019 with a $1.225 million dollar grant evolved into a community project where citizens played a vital role in determining what would happen to improve the park. Now, the project is open to the public and it's another great asset to the City of Geneseo. Mayor Sean Johnson tells WKEI about the excitement of the Richmond Hill Park grand opening. We also spoke to Mayor Johnson about video gambling in Geneseo. The controversial referendum on video gambling passed last month in Geneseo and the first gaming machines will be arriving soon. All of that and more with Geneseo Mayor Sean Johnson on Wake Up Tri-Counties.
As Spring turns to summer, weather begins to turn as well and while midwest summers have plenty of beautiful sunny days, they also have their share of storms that can damage your home or vehicle. That's why you need to make sure you know you have the right home and auto coverage and make sure you know what you have covered. Jolene Efnor from Country Financial tells Wake Up Tri-Counties about what people should know to make sure they are covered for storm damage to your home or vehicle.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network recently rallied in Springfield for legislation they believe will aid the fight against Cancer. The two pieces of legislation being backed by the Cancer Action Network include BioMarker Testing Legislation which would create the opportunity to help catch Cancer diagnoses in their earliest stages and Out-of-Pocket Legislation which is targeted at helping Cancer patients in relation to the cost of prescription drugs. Shana Crews, Government Relations Director with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network talked with RegionalDailyNews.com about why the American Cancer Society is backing these pieces of legislation in Springfield and how this legislation will help in the fight against cancer.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on Thursday with the latest on COVID-1 Recovery Rate Data in Henry and Stark County. Henry and Stark County have fewer active ongoing cases of COVID-19 than last week with a total of 98 between the two counties. However, there is a continuing issue of people belng reluctant to get vaccinated. RaeAnn Tucker tells WKEi that Friday clinics at the Henry and Stark County Health Department will now be for first and second dose patients and that vaccine availability is continuing to expand at local pharmacies, hospitals and retail outlets such as Wal Mart. You can set your appointment with the Henry and Stark County Health Department for tomorrow's, Friday, May 7th clinic, or look at future clinic options by going to HenryStarkHealth.com.
Did you know that the well known Five Stages of Grief, created by Elizabeth Kubler Ross, was actually intended to comfort those who were dying and were not meant for those that were left to mourn? It's a common misconception that mourning follows a particular and familiar path for everyone. In fact, grieving is deeply personal and filled with very specific aspects for those who lose a loved one. Pastor Jim Reynolds from OSF Grief Support and OSF Hospice, joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, May 6th, to discuss the individual experience of grief.
The incredible Kewanee Girl Scout Troop 4444 are finishing up their Silver Project, an effort to create a pollinator garden that has morphed into a Citywide project to help others create their very own pollinator garden in their backyard. Through research supported by Black Hawk College and the local library, among many others, the Kewanee Girl Scout Troop 4444 has created thousands of take home pollinator garden kits that will be handed out by the Kewanee Library among others. It's an effort to take part in saving bees which have struggled toward lower and lower numbers across America for the past several years. Bees are an urgent part of our ecosystem and the effort by the Girl Scouts is one that is being praised across the area and across the state of Illinois.
The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener training will begin soon in McDonough County and across the state of Illinois. Horticulturalist Chris Enroth with the University of Illinois Extension tells MacombNewsNow.com that now is the time when many gardeners are getting ready to plant and some have already begun. Chris says however, beware of the unusual weather of May as cool nights can have an affect on your garden if you aren't careful about protecting your plants. Chris also dropped in on MacombNewsNow.com to talk about a new survey that the Extension is putting out this month to find out about how McDonough County residents feel about recycling.
Debuting today, Thursday, May 6th, on the streaming network Discovery Plus is a new documentary called Citizen Penn. The documentary follows actor Sean Penn as he traveled to Haiti in 2010 following a devastating earthquake that killed thousands, injured scores more and led to widespread displacement and poverty in the country. The documentary shows the Academy Award winning actor attempting to his celebrity to garner attention and aid for the country as it was desperately in need. The documentary also follows the hardships the actor faced as people accused him of burnishing his reputation via the charity work he did on behalf of Haiti. Sean Penn and director Don Hardy walk a very difficult line in Citizen Penn on how Penn worked to help people while doing all that he could not overshadow the tragedy that he was try to help people overcome. It's a powerhouse story that takes viewers on to the ground in Haiti and makes use of Penn as a gateway to teach people about what happened to Haiti and the extraordinary efforts that people alongside Sean Penn did to help those in need. You can see Citizen Penn on Discovery Plus as of Thursday, May 6th, and my interview with Director Don Hardy is below.
Great Dane is set to hold a job fair at their Kentville Road location on Monday, May 10th, beginning at 9 Am. Sarah Murphy from Great Dane, one of Kewanee biggest and best employers, joined WKEI on Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the positions, pay and benefits that can be earned by becoming a Champion at Great Dane. Don't miss the Great Dane Job Fair, 2006 Kentville Road in Kewanee on Monday, May 10th at 9 Am. If you'd like to apply for a job at Great Dane, go to Kelly Services to fill out an application.
Wethersfield Schools Superintendent Shane Kazubowski was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday morning. the Superintendent joined WKEI to follow up on the swearing in of the new and returning members of the Wethersfield School Board this past Monday, May 3rd. The Superintendent also discussed School Lunches and whether or not the federal government will continue to make the school lunch program free for the next school year. And, we discussed the graduation and end of the year plans at Wethersfield. Wethersfield Graduation is set is for May 21st on the Football Field at Wethersfield.
The moving mental health drama Paper Spiders will arrive in theaters on Friday, May 7th. The film stars Lili Taylor as Dawn, a mother to a teenage daughter who is about to leave for college. Just as her daughter is beginning to move away, Dawn begins to exhibit signs of paranoid delusions that centered on their neighbor whom Dawn believes has begun to target and threaten her. This is all in Dawn's head. The story of Paper Spiders, written by Natalie Shampanier, is based on Natalie's own experience with her own mother who went through a similar mental health crisis. Recently, as part of National Mental Health Awareness Month, I spoke with Inon and Natalie Shampanier about Paper Spiders ahead of this Friday's release in theaters and for On-Demand rental.
Henry and Stark County are still lagging behind much of the state of Illinois when it comes to infection rates and hospitalizations for COVID-19. Henry and Stark County, along with much of Region 2, remained on the Orange Warning list as of last Friday even as Governor Pritzker has been talking about the bridge, a 28 day period between the end of Phase 4 restrictions and a full reopening of the state of Illinois. The metics for The Bridge are close but more vaccinations need to occur soon to get to The Bridge to re-opening. If you haven't set your appointment for the vaccine yet, go to HenryStarkHealth.com or to your local pharmacy or OSF Saint Luke Medical Center to set your appointment to get vaccinated.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Luke Raymond, Director of Behavioral Health at OSF Healthcare, joined WKEI to talk about Mental Health Awareness Month. Luke joined WKEI to talk about Mental Health Awareness and the help that is available via OSF Healthcare for those struggling with their mental health. Whether it is Anxiety or Depression or suicidal ideation, OSF Healthcare has resources available to help those in need. Contact OSF Healthcare at 309-308-8150 or if you are in an immediate crisis, call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The Levitt Amp Galva Concert Series returns to Galva and Wiley Park on May 30th, 2021. John Taylor and Jason Bates joined WKEI on Wakeup Tri-Counties to talk about the return of Levitt Amp, the trials of organizing a concert series amid the pandemic and returning a semblance of normalcy to our area via the Levitt Amp Galva Concert Series. John and Jason also had a lot of people to thank for their help including those who helped build the stage in Wiley Park which will be the home of the Levitt Amp Galva Concert Series 2021.
Today, Monday, May 3rd, 2021, Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla debuts on WKEI RegionalDailyNews.com. Jimmy is a taxi driver turned comedian turned talk radio host and all of that experience comes to Fox Across America, a show that combines Jimmy's talent for off the cuff comedy with a serious discussion of the issues of the day. You will hear Jimmy Failla every weekday from 11 Am until 2 Pm live weekdays on WKEI RegionalDailyNews.com, The Talk of the Tri-Counties.
Sports Agent Chad Peck from A3 Athletics was our guest recently on WKEI. The NFL Draft is tomorrow night, Thursday, April 29th, and we talked to Chad about what it is like to be a sports agent on Draft Night. Chad has two players in the NFL Draft in 2021 and has 10 clients currently in the NFL. Chad tells WKEI about the excitement, the preparation and anxiety of Draft Day in the NFL. If you want to know more about Chad Speck, checkout A3Athletics.com.
The Mayor of Galva, Rich Volkert, joined WKEI on People to People on WKEI. The Mayor joined us to talk about Monday's Galva City Council Meeting. Among the topics discussed was the potential for bringing fiber internet to Galva. Security at Wiley Park, now that the new stage is set and plans for concerts have begun, has become an issue and the Galva City Council is planning to have security cameras at Wiley Park in hopes of preventing or catching anyone from committing crimes in the park. Finally, Mayor Volkert discussed an issue that Galva is having with the railroad and the number of times that train cars have stopped traffic in town for lengthy periods of time, potentially cutting off the Fire Department and the local ambulance service which are on opposite sides of train tracks,
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI to discuss getting over vaccine hesitancy. Henry County and Stark County are now at 30 percent of the population who are to be vaccinated, having been vaccinated fully. However, for things to go back to a semblance of normality, that number needs to reach 70 percent of Henry and Stark County residents having been vaccinated. Meanwhile, infection numbers continue to be to high in both counties with a worrisome amount of people having to be hospitalized due to COVID-19. This may be due to the now most dominant strain of the virus, the U.K variant which is more transmissable or more dangerous than the original strain. It's a strong reminder of the necessity to follow mitigation efforts, masks, distancing, hand washing, etc, and to get vaccinated. The Henry and Stark County Health Department announced on Tuesday that they've supplied local pharmacies in Kewanee and Geneseo with vaccine which you can now get at your local pharmacy on your schedule.
The Kewanee City Council met on Monday night with a relatively short agenda. The first item on the agenda was welcoming new Kewanee City Council member Tyrone Baker and swearing in Mr Baker and the newly re-elected Councilman Steve Faber for their Council terms. After discussing the newest member of the City Council, the Mayor discussed the agenda items from Monday night including discussions regarding the annexation of a piece of property into Kewanee, potential changes to the Kewanee Noise and Nuisance laws, loose dogs and the need for an Animal Control Officer and a public hearing regarding potential changes to Kewanee's existing TIF District.
OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is now taking registration for vaccine clinics. Until recently, only the Henry and Stark County Health Department clinics at Black Hawk College were the one way to get a vaccine. Now, however, due to the increase in supply of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, the Health Department has given the go ahead to OSF Saint Luke Medical Center to begin their own series of clinics. Dr Hayley Ralph from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined WKEI on Tuned In to discuss the upcoming clinics, how to register and overcoming the objections that some have to being vaccinated.
Several years ago, WKEI profiled a Kewanee graduate and Black Hawk College East Campus graduate, Jake Pinnick, who had left Kewanee to travel to the far East to learn more about Martial Arts. Since then, Jake Pinnick has spent most of the past 10 years in Wudan China, learning and teaching martial arts. Jake has been on quite a journey including in the last year when COVID-19 affected the lives of everyone around the globe. WKEI spoke with Jake Pinnick for the Monday, April 26th edition of People to People to reflect on his journey, his dedication to the martial arts and what the last year has been like from the perspective of an American living in China.
State Senator Darren Bailey is coming to Kewanee on Saturday from 5 Pm to 7 Pm for a meet and greet at The Stables in Kewanee. State Senator Bailey spoke to WKEI on Friday in the Noon Hour to talk about why he decided to run for Governor, the status of his lawsuit against Governor J.B Pritzker, and what he'd like to do if elected. State Senator Bailey is currently one of three candidates declared on the Republican side with others still weighing whether to join the race.
Michael Devine from the Internal Revenue Service was our guest on the Noon Hour on WKEI. Michael joined WKEI to discuss another year of the delayed filing date. If you haven't filed your taxes yet, you have until May 15th rather than the traditional date of April 15th. Michael Devine also discussed Economic Impact Payments and how they affect your taxes, making sure you file correctly if you received unemployment last year and the latest efforts scam artists are making to try to separate you from your money.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Tuned In on Thursday, April 22nd. Sara was on hand to talk about upcoming events at the Kewanee Public Library. These include the Adult Book Club taking place in May, a new Zoom event with some terrific guest speakers, and Take and Make items for the kids, grab bags for activities as part of Youth Services at the Kewanee Public Library. Speaking of Youth Services, there is now an opening for a full time assistant to our friend Sara Billiet. Apply by stopping by the Kewanee Public Library.
The YMCA of Kewanee and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center have completed another successful year of Commit 2 Fit. Niko Powe was the grand prize winner having lost the highest percentage of weight as part of the Commit 2 Fit effort in Kewanee. But everyone who participated in Commit 2 Fit was a winner dropping weight and getting healthier and improving the overall health of the community. To close out this year's Commit 2 Fit campaign we spoke with Amanda Powe from the YMCA of Kewanee and Sara Umphleet from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center about the effort behind Commit 2 Fit and with the winner of the Commit 2 Fit 2021, Nike Powe about the keys to his winning effort.
Andrew Dwyer Director of the Kewanee Parks Department joined WKEI on Tuned In for a conversation regarding the most recent Kewanee Parks Board Meeting and the events happening at Kewanee Parks. One of the items that stood out from the meeting was an initiative to bring new trees to Kewanee Parks. Claudia Buchanan with the Kewanee Garden Club spearheaded a grant that will allow for the Parks to receive a number of Red Oak Trees for planting at the Kewanee Parks. We also discussed a new employee health initiative at Kewanee Parks and Mr Dwyer praised Administrative Assistant Christy Jackson Ehnle on Administrative Professionals Day. The Oldeen Roofing Fishing Rodeo has been announced for June and Mr Dwyer tells WKEI that repairs have been completed on the Oasis Pool.
The Kewanee Historical Society is on the move. May 3rd marks the beginning of a brand new era for the Kewanee Historical Society at a new location at 125 North Tremont Street. The new location offers more space and a more unique layout for the Society which means even more access to the history of Kewanee. There are no plans for a grand opening celebration, COVID-19 restrictions make that difficult, but there will be a series of events to celebrate the new location and plans are in motion to be open more often with longer hours. Mike Dewalt with the Kewanee Historical Society joined WKEI on the newest of edition of Kewanee Back When hosted by Dave Clark and Sean Kernan.
At Monday night's Kewanee School Board Meeting, the Kewanee School Board approved plans for a rapid COVID-19 testing protocol. This rapid test, which can be administered and conducted in 15 minutes on those who are symptomatic, and have parents permission to be tested, could prove key in keeping more kids in school and fewer missing time due to having been a close contact of someone who is positive for COVID-19. Also at Monday night's meeting, plans for an outdoor graduation ceremony next month were set and the Homecoming King and Queen were honored. See photos of the King Henry Burkhart and Queen Ailynn Duarte along with the Student Council President Hannah Pratt below.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is putting out the call to anyone who hasn't been vaccinated yet, there is no need to wait. COVID-19 infection rates in Henry and Stark County have seen an alarming rise over the last several weeks and the best way to combat that rise, aside from continuing to wear your mask, wash your hands, and maintain distance, is to get vaccinated. Region 2, where Henry and Stark County are located, reached Orange Status recently because of rising infections but also because ICU beds have been filling up higher than the state mandated metric for the number of available beds. Go to HenryStarkHealth.com today to register for a COVID-19 vaccine clinic or contact any of your local pharmacies or OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. Get vaccinated on your schedule, whatever you need to do, but the message is Get Vaccinated.
Dr Andy Peterson from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee joined WKEI on Tuned In on Monday, April 19th, to talk about alcohol consumption and the pandemic. The CDC is studying just how much alcohol consumption increased during the pandemic and how that is having a major effect on liver health. It is believed that we may see a serious increase in health issues related to the liver and due to the increased amount of alcohol consumed during the pandemic. Whether this was from the stress of dealing with the pandemic or perhaps related to people spending more time at home with little else to do, the increase in alcohol consumption over the past year could have a serious long term impact on the health of millions Americans for years to come.
Golf leagues resume at Kewanee Dunes in May. Teams of up to 8 players can participate every Tuesday night with prizes on the line and all building to an end of the season banquet at Kewanee Dunes paid for via the league fees. Colby Horsley from Kewanee Dunes joined WKEI's Overtime sports show on Friday night to call out for players and teams to join up for League Golf at Kewanee Dunes. For more information or to get signed up for League Golf just stop by Kewanee Dunes and ask for Colby Horsley.
WWE fans may not yet know former NFL player A.J Francis but they are about to in a big way. A.J is now the host of WWE's Most Wanted Treasures, a new A & E Series in which A.J joins with a WWE legend like The Undertaker, Mick Foley or Kane, to track down a memorable piece of WWE legend. Along the way the legends tell stories about the things they are searching for and what it meant to them when they had it. It's a show filled with nostalgia and a little detective work as A.J and team must locate whatever happened to this piece of WWE memorabilia. WWE's Most Wanted Treasures debuts on A & E on Sunday, April 18th.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Freedom House is a non-profit organization that serves survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. Freedom House provides services to adults and children in Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam, and Stark Counties.
Sexual Violence Program team members Kayla Major, Child/Teen Counselor and Alicia Cole, Trainer/Volunteer Coordinator at Freedom House in Princeton, visited Wake Up Princeton on WZOE-AM recently. They said this month is a time to focus on awareness of sexual assault in our local communities, adding the key to prevention is education about consent and boundaries from an early age.
There’s always a need for volunteers at Freedom House. They’re currently in need of medical advocacy volunteers. They provide direct support to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault in the hospital’s emergency department. One of the first lines of support after a victim has experienced a traumatic event. There is also a need for volunteers for client transportation, child care and staffing the hotline. More information on volunteering is available at freedomhouseillinois.org/volunteers or by calling 815-872-0087.
Freedom House is located at 400 Elm Place in Princeton. Their 24-hour hotline is 800-474-6031 and their business line is (815) 872-0087. More information is available online at freedomhouseillinois.org and at facebook.com/freedomhouseillinois.
On the latest edition of Sean at the Movies I talk with star Dilan Jay and Director Daniel Zirelli about their throwback action movie Hollow Point. Hollow Point tells the story of an ethics professor, played by Dilan Jay, who loses his wife and daughter to a horrific murderer. The culprit is a drug dealer played by Jay Mohr and the murder sets Jay off on a path toward revenge but along the way, he slowly realizes how futile and pointless vengeance is, that essentially, vengeance has a point but it is a Hollow Point. Michael Pare, Luke Goss and Juju Chan co-star in Hollow Point which is in limited theatrical release and is available anywhere were streaming movies can be rented.
Dietetic Assistant Emily Kirik with OSF Healthcare joined WKEI to discuss Food Environment. Food environment is twofold, the area in which you leave and the food options available to you and your personal food environment in your home. Do you keep snacks around? Soda? Do you keep snacks within arms reach when you are at home and then wonder why you can't seem to lose weight? It's time to address your food environment. Emily Kirk with OSF Healthcare has several tips for you to monitor your food environment.
Karissa Nash from Courtyard Communities joined WKEI on Tuned In on Friday to discuss some of the myths regarding what Courtyard Communities are all about. Options include independent living, assisted living and Betty's Garden for this with alzheimers and dementia. You can decide for yourself the level of care you need while you take advantage of the many opportunities that Courtyard Communities provide to help improve your life.
Former Tonight Show Bandleader Doc Severinson was recently subject of the PBS Documentary Series American Masters. The documentary chronicles the 93 year old's career in entertainment from the era of the big band to his time on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and life after The Tonight Show when Doc toured ceaselessly because he couldn't stop playing trumpet. The film also talks about Doc's influence on other trumpet players and The Tonight Show itself. We talked with Doc Severinson about his career today in the Noon Hour on WKEI.
It's time to get back to work but you're worried that your job getting skills aren't as sharp as they used to be. That's where author and consultant Ken Lindner can help. Ken is the author of a new book called "Career Choreography" and the book is packed with tips on job interviews, networking and getting the job you've always wanted. With the pandemic slowly coming to an end jobs will be opening up again and Ken Lindner has advice for those returning to the job market in this Tuned In conversation.
The latest Recovery Rate Data from the Henry and Stark County Health Department was released on Wednesday and showed increase of 40 active, ongoing cases of COVID-19 between the two counties. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on People to People and to call on people to continue to follow guidelines for avoiding getting COVID-19. Part of the problem with rising cases has to do with bars and restaurants where capacity limits are being ignored and not enough effort is being put in to keeping people safe. The Henry and Stark County Health Department released new guidelines for bars and restaurants, encouraging owners to get their employees vaccinated while also reminding them that they still have state imposed guidelines they must follow at the risk of potential sanctions if they are not in compliance.
Moira Rothert, Care Coordinator and Discharge Planner at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, was on WLMD recently to discuss the hospital’s Transitional Care program.
When you’re recovering from an illness or injury, you may hit a point at which you don’t quite need to be a regular hospital patient, yet you are not quite ready to fend for yourself at home, either. That is when you need Transitional Care. You may also hear this referred to as Swing Bed Care.
Transitional Care at Memorial Hospital is a patient-centered, high quality program for hospitalized patients recovering from illness or surgery who may no longer need to be in a traditional hospital setting but are not yet ready to go home.
If you have any questions or wish to have a patient or family member admitted to the program, call 217-357-8520. More information is also available online at
https://www.mhtlc.org/treatments/transitional-level-care-swing-bed/
Beth Chatterton, McDonough County 4H Coordinator, joined WLMD MacombNewsNow.com to discuss the upcoming McDonough County 4H Barbecue happening May 7th from 5 Pm to 7 Pm. Tickets can be purchased from any 4H member or from the University of Illinois Extension Office located on the McDonough County Fairgrounds in Macomb. Tickets before May 7th are $6.00 or you can buy them on the day of the Barbecue for $7.00. Each barbecue meal includes a Pork Chop Sandwich, Baked Beans, a Cookie and a drink. All proceeds from the McDonough County 4H Barbecue go to support 4H activities and scholarships.
Mark Riewerts and Nichelle Morey from the State Bank of Toulon joined WKEI on People to People on Wednesday morning to discuss Community Banking Month. The State Bank of Toulon is doing things in the community to help out as much as they can. This week, you can drop by State Bank of Toulon branches to drop of documents to be shredded. All month long you can stop by the State Bank of Toulon for the chance to win Gift Cards from local businesses. The State Bank of Toulon is giving away gift cards to local businesses everyday in the Month of April. Also part of the Community Banking Month is outreach for kids. Bring the kids to the State Bank of Toulon to open a savings account and receive a free piggy bank and kids can enter the State Bank of Toulon coloring contest all month long as well. Finally, Todd Riewerts tells WKEI that there is a new mortgage product at the State Bank of Toulon that those who need or already have a mortgage will want to know more about. Find out everything in our People to People conversation with our friends from the State Bank of Toulon.
It's that time of the year when Farm equipment is once again back on the road. The Henry County Farm Bureau is reminding everyone to please be patient and take care when passing farm equipment. Of course, the Henry County Farm Bureau has numerous interests all year round one of which is helping you with your cooking. The Farm Bureau is promoting and supporting a virtual cooking class on Monday, April 19th. Visit the Henry County Farm Bureau on Facebook for the Zoom link and details, including needed ingredients for the Make A Monday Cooking Class with the Henry County Farm Bureau. Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau joined WKEI on Tuned In to talk about all things Farm Bureau.
The new documentary Brewmance takes viewers inside the history of and the evolution of craft beer. Telling a story on two tracks, Brewmance goes into the history of American beer while also telling the story of a pair of breweries just getting started in the Long Beach California area. These two stories are the result of the history of craft beer, the way beer has captured the imagination of many and how many turned that bit of imagination into something tangible, a business that combines craft, art and commerce.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI to discuss Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting. At the meeting, the last full meeting for Kewanee City Council member Mike Yaklich, Mr Yaklich made numerous claims regarding a lack of transparency in the City government and mismanagement on the part of City Manager Gary Bradley. Among the claims made by Mr Yaklich were that the City Manager had been placed on probation by the City Council in January. Mayor Gary Moore stated that no such probation had been ordered or approved of. Mr Yaklich claimed that there would be a review of an 8 page document that was given by the Council to the City Manager and that the review would be conducted on April 25th and Mr Yaklich invited the public to offer comment as part of the review. However, no such review is set to occur nor was a review mandated by the Council, according to Mayor Moore. According to the Mayor in our interview, Mr Yaklich publicly shared details of a series of Closed Session Employee Review of the performance of the City Manager. The council did create the 8 page document for the City Manager to comply with and they would review the results at future employee reviews. Mr Yaklich went on to claim that the Mayor and City Manager were covering up the fact that they are each being sued by former City of Kewanee employees. The Mayor tells WKEI that both he and the City Manager were advised by council not to speak about the lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed on March 19th and Mr Yaklich claimed that the City Council was not informed about the lawsuit, something the Mayor also disputes.
Henry County has suffered its 61st COVID-19 death. A man in his 80s who'd been diagnosed with COVID-19, passed away on Monday. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 Rolling Test Positivity Rate in Henry and Stark County is climbing and it is raising alarm that rollbacks could take place if these numbers continue to rise. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on Tuesday to talk about the rising COVID-19 numbers and about more opportunities to get vaccinated with more clinics open at HenryStarkHealth.com. RaeAnn also discussed the April 20th COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic that will be open to teenagers, aged 16 to 18. The clinic will be held at Black Hawk College and registration for the clinic will be handled through the Regional Office of Education.
Kewanee City Council member Mike Yaklich participated in his final full Kewanee City Council Meeting on Monday, April 12th. In his final Council Communications, Councilman Yaklich laid out accusations against City Manager Gary Bradley regarding transparency among other accusations. Mr Yaklich stated that the City Manager was on probation in January of this year regarding practices related to communication and transparency. Finally, Mr Yaklich asked why the Council wasn't informed that the Mayor and City Manager were being sued by former employees Debbie and Rod Johnson.
Wethersfield Schools will have an in-person outdoor graduation in 2021. The Wethersfield School Board approved plans last Thursday at the latest meeting of the Wethersfield School Board for an outdoor graduation with a limited crowd. There will also be an 8th grade promotion ceremony but that will also be different than in the past. This time the promotion ceremony will be a luncheon in the Wethersfield Gymnasium. Finally, the Board approved rapid COVID-19 testing at the school. Nurse Rusk has completed training and with parent approval can do rapid COVID-19 testing that the School hopes will help keep students safe and help keep more kids in school rather than at home due to a potential exposure.
The pandemic caused many to forego needed screenings as going out, especially to a doctor's office or a hospital, wasn't encouraged due to the outbreak. Now however, with more people getting vaccinated the Radiology Department at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center wants to encourage people to come back for those needed screenings. Mammograms and many other types of screenings are once again readily available and vitally important. Josh Bainbrige is the Radiology Supervisor at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and Connie Nicholson Weston is a Radiology Technician and they both joined WKEI on Monday to encourage people to get needed screenings.
Two licensed counselors from Memorial Hospital's Evergreen Senior Counseling Center joined WLMD recently. Melanie Sharpe and Heather Ross focused on tips for seniors who may be feeling stress or depression, especially this past year due to COVID-19. They also gave an overview of the senior counseling services available.
More information about the Evergreen Center at Memorial Hospital is available online at: https://www.mhtlc.org/treatments/evergreen-center-senior-counseling-services/https://www.mhtlc.org/treatments/evergreen-center-senior-counseling-services/
Memorial Hospital of Carthage partner agency, West Central Illinois Area Health and Education Center (AHEC) was the topic of discussion recently on WLMD. Mary Jane Clark, Director of West Central Illinois AHEC, and Lauren McGaughey, coordinator, discussed the student learning opportunities available through AHEC and Memorial Hospital. They also explained the AHEC Scholars Program and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) virtual class.
To learn more about AHEC, you can check out: https://www.mhtlc.org/news-resources/west-central-illinois-ahec/
Ashlyn Housewright, Registered Dietitian and Director of Community Health and Education at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, visited with WLMD recently. Ashlyn was joined by her dietetic intern, Kacie Coulter.
Ashlyn discussed March being National Nutrition Month and gave listeners some easy tips to get more nutrition in their meals. She also outlined nutrition services provided at Memorial Hospital.
More information on nutrition from Memorial Hospital is available online at
https://www.mhtlc.org/treatments/nutritional-support/
Tyrone Baker is the newest member of the Kewanee City Council. The newly elected member of the City Council joined WKEI on People to People to introduce himself to those that may not know him. Mr Baker didn't have to campaign for office much as he was unopposed in the race to replace Councilman Mike Yaklich who chose not to run for another term. Mr Baker has a background in public service, he's spent the past 10 years as an elected member of the Wethersfield School Board.
Three Eagles in Henry County have died in the last 4 weeks with their deaths attributable to lead poisoning. How is lead getting into the Eagles? Tamara Yarger explained to WKEI on Tuned In that Eagles are getting it via the use of lead ammunition being used by hunters. She's urging hunters to switch from lead bullets to other, safer types of bullets for hunting. Three Eagles dying from lead poisoning is becoming sadly common but very usual for this time of year.
Regrets are as much a part of the grieving process as is sadness at the loss of a loved one. Whether it is regret over something harsh said or done, or something kind and loving left unsaid. Regret takes many forms and must be dealt with if you are to progress in the grieving process. Pastor Jim Reynolds from OSF Hospice talked about grief and regret on WKEI's Tuned In program on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department are among those growing concerned about a new wave of COVID-19 infections. Numbers are rising and if the metrics continue to trend in the wrong direction, we could be stuck with new mitigation efforts from the state government. That's yet another good reason for people to get vaccinated ASAP. The first Johnson & Johnson one shot COVID-19 vaccine clinic is scheduled for this Saturday, April 10th at Black Hawk College. There are still spots open on the schedule so go to HenryStarkHealth.com to register and get vaccinated this Saturday.
Dr Robert Ayers with OSF Healthcare was our guest on Tuned In on Monday morning. With the Henry and Stark County County Health Department now holding a Johnson and Johnson one shot clinic we asked Dr Ayers to tell us about the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. We also discussed the latest vaccination numbers across the state of Illinois and new research that indicates that pregnant women should get vaccinated and that the vaccine will protect their baby.
Andrew Dwyer is the new Director of the Kewanee Parks Department. Dwyer, a Kewanee resident and long time volunteer at the Parks joined WKEI to talk about his vision of the Parks Department, his background as a grant writer and budget manager, and the seeming backlash to his hiring among some in the community. Dwyer also addressed potential partnerships with the City of Kewanee and the taking on of another of Kewanee's parks under the Park Department banner, nothing is final on that and more discussion between the City of Kewanee and the Parks Department will need to happen before anything goes any further.
During his monthly visit on Wake Up Princeton on WZOE-AM, Princeton Mayor Joel Quiram discussed a controversial walkway, food trucks and new water meters for city residents.
The mayor says the closing of Columbus Street, originally scheduled for the month of March, is being extended as the city continues considering making it into a walkway. He says a heavy majority of people in a recent poll he conducted favor Columbus Street becoming a walkway.
Mayor Quiram says the City Council will vote on a food truck ordinance at Monday night's meeting. He says they want to make sure food trucks are "on an even playing field" with brick and mortar restaurants.
The mayor says citizens will begin receiving new water meters at no cost to residents but he warns the process will take quite a while to complete. He also says the Thompson Street sewer project has been completed.
Mayor Quiram also encourages everyone to get out and vote in Tuesday's election. Three candidates are running for two open seats on the city council.
Canyonlands is a clever throwback horror movie with a very unique setting. Set in the hills of Moab, Utah, Canyonlands tells the story of a group of contest winners who are taking a rafting and hiking trip on their way to collecting a prize they've won. Leading the tour is an experience tour guide, played by Steph Barkley. Steph's character has a serious aversion to this particular route through and around the hills of Moab, Utah. Steph had an accident in this area years earlier that resulted in people being killed, a fact that has been withheld from the contest winners. Once on the raft and making camp in the hills, the travelers and us are left confused and stranded in the darkness and the byzantine rock maze of Moab. Making things even scarier is a backwoods serial killer with a pick axe, greasy hair and bad teeth. Who survives? You will have to see Canyonlands for yourself to find out. On this 6th edition of Sean at the Movies I had the chance to talk with star Steph Barkley and Canyonlands director Brendan Devane about Canyonlands....
New York baseball legend Ron Swoboda has a brand new book called 'Here's the Catch' and it is a trip back in time to the days of those Miracle Mets and the magical year of 1969. Ron takes readers into the lives and locker rooms of that improbable season where the formerly fumbling Mets made a miraculous turnaround, caught up with the Chicago Cubs and went on to shock the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series where Ron made his famous catch and had the series winning RBI.
The fastest path to re-opening the state economy completely is via vaccination. More people get vaccinated, the closer we get to fully opening the state of Illinois. Regardless of politics or whether you agree with the Governor on where we stand regarding the pandemic, the quickest way forward toward getting rid of masks and fully opening the economy is getting vaccinated and there is no need to wait. Sign up for the Henry and Stark County Health Department First Dose clinic at HenryStarkHealth.com.
There is still no definitive word on when the Henry County Senior Center will be allowed to have people back inside. Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center joined WKEI for a conversation on Tuned In about how things are going at the Senior Center including the fact they are still making cookies and cinnamon rolls ad they are still taking meals to hundreds of local seniors via the Home Delivered Meal Program. Also, seniors are reminded to call the Senior Center regarding a discount on license plate tags.
Dorothy Breininger has risen to fame on her skill at organizing. Dorothy has adopted the moniker 'Dorothy the Organizer' and her reputation in being organized and parlaying organization into a life coach career brought her to the attention of the A & E network which sought her out to be part of their revival of the reality series Hoarders. On the show, Dorothy goes into some of the most troubled homes in America and helps those living their to finally give up the things they've hoarded while helping them organize what they need to keep. It's a big job and Dorothy the Organizer is up to the challenge.
April is Community College Appreciation Month. It's also the month that signifies 75 years of Black Hawk College. With that, Black Hawk College has announced a full month's worth of events to call attention to Community College education and to the 75th Anniversary of Black Hawk College. Dr Jeff Hawes joined WKEI on People to People on Wednesday to talk about how Black Hawk will be celebrating in April and plans for Black Hawk students to return to in-person classes this fall.
The City of Kewanee held its final budget meeting on Monday evening. Highlights coming out of the meeting were a discussion regarding what to do about Francis Park, the possibility of privatizing the City of Kewanee Sanitation and more talk of a potential sewer rate increase to tackle growing issues with the Waste Water treatment plant in Kewanee. That said, despite several discussion items that will be discussed at Council meetings, it appears that the new budget for the City of Kewanee is set and that Finance Director Randi Haley is being hailed on her organization for helping to get this done in a timely fashion.
There is a growing worry about a COVID-19 resurgence. With people getting vaccinated some are becoming complacent and that complacency is even bleeding into getting a vaccination. The Henry and Stark County Health Department have space open at this Friday, April 2nd, First Dose Clinic. People are encouraged not to wait, get your shot now. The more people who get vaccinated, the less chance that a resurgence could cause us to have to take steps back in our re-opening. The only way to keep that from happening is for more people to get vaccinated. Go to HenryStarkHealth.com and sign up today.
Dr Robert Ayers from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center was our guest on WKEI's Tuned In program on Monday. Dr Ayers joined WKEI with the latest news regarding COVID-19. Dr Ayers talked about the latest COVID-19 vaccine numbers. Henry and Stark County residents 18 years and older can now register for the vaccine and the number of people getting their first dose is on the rise. This is good news but there is also concern about a COVID resurgence in many parts of the state as well. Bottom line, get vaccinated so we can get back to normal. And finally, Tuesday is International Doctor's Day. Be sure to thank a doctor on Tuesday and considering what has happened over the last year, we can be generous with those thank yous.
Eddie Tolliver from the Kewanee Salvation army joined WKEI on People to People for a conversation about the return of the Salvation Army Summer Camp. Eddie tells WKEI that Summer Camp is back and kids 6 to 17 are eligible to attend. You can get an application at the Kewanee Salvation Army Store during regular business hours. As for the latest Kewanee Salvation Army business, the Salvation Army is now once again picking up items again. Contact the Kewanee Salvation Army and let them know what you have and you can arrange to have it picked up. Call 309-853-4192.
It happens to just about everyone who is trying to lose weight. At a certain point in the journey, you will run into your weight loss plateau. This is the place where you get to and find you can't seem to lose more weight even though you have yet to reach your goal weight. Chris Willis from OSF Healthcare says that Weight Loss plateau is a very common issue for those that are trying to lose weight but they are also a great way to recognize that you need to make a change in your workout style. If you reach a weight loss plateau, try changing your routine or your diet.
The Kewanee Police are actively recruiting new Police Officers. Kewanee Police Chief Nick Welgat joined WKEI to discuss some of the innovations that have come to Police recruitment in 2021. The Kewanee Police Department is seeking officers with some background in in lawn enforcement and those interested in starting a brand new career. One of the newest innovations in Police recruiting is the signing bonus. Anyone who comes aboard as a Police Officer will receive a signing bonus.
Eric Balfour may not be one of those celebrity names you immediately know, but his face is instantly recognizable. He has had roles in numerous TV series like “24” and “Six Feet Under” and movies like “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Skyline”.
Eric’s latest project is the new Netflix series “Country Comfort”. He plays the ex-boyfriend of the lead character Bailey. After hitting the skids in her career, the aspiring country singer finds new life as a nanny for a widower and his five children. The series stars Katharine McPhee as Bailey and Eddie Cibrian as the widower. Eric says he prefers tv series over movies because it allows for more time to tell a story.
Eric says his first love is music and he’s glad that’s a big part of his new show. He also is lead singer for the band Born as Ghosts and suggests fans check out their song “Light On”. He’s also a big backer of environmental issues, especially involving oceans.
More information on Eric is available via social media using the tag @ericbalfour
The new British Spy Thriller, Six Minutes to Midnight is available now for streaming rental. The movie stars Eddie Izzard as an undercover MI6 Spy tasked with keeping a group of German schoolgirls from being smuggled out of England and back to Germany, just before World War 2. Why? These happen to be the daughters of the Nazi high command, high value bargaining chips for England just as the War was beginning to heat up. On this edition of Sean at the Movies I talked with Director Andy Goddard and co-star and co-screenwriter Celyn Jones about the journey of this true story to the big screen and the passion that their star and partner, Eddie Izzard brought to the making of Six Minutes to Midnight.
Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Tuned In on Thursday with the latest happenings at the Kewanee Public Library. Book Club is back in session at the library, masked and socially distant. Monday, April 19th at 2 Pm and again in the evening at 6 Pm. This month's book is "The Rosie Project" and you can get a copy at the Library now. For kids, 5th through 8th grade, there is a creative coding class taking place on April 7th from 3:30 Pm to 4:30 Pm.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County County Health Department joined WKEI on People to People on Thursday. On the agenda, a modest spike of 15 new COVID-19 cases in Henry County on Wednesday, a reminder that COVID-19 is not over. Representative Cheri Bustos visited with Health Department staff on Wednesday at the site of the latest 2nd dose Vaccine Clinic at Black Hawk College. And finally a reminder that First Dose Vaccine Clinics are now open to anyone 18 years or older.
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos dropped by our WKEI Studio on Wednesday on her way to visit with the Henry and Stark County Health Department at their latest second dose clinic at Black Hawk College. It's part of a tour of vaccination sites in the 17th District. Representative Bustos spoke to WKEI about several topics including the American Rescue Plan, a bill she's written to help business owners with issues related to Business Succession and her work in the Senate Ag Subcommittee.
The Kewanee League of Women Voters and WKEI have teamed up again for a candidate forum for the April 6th Consolidated Election. In this forum candidates for the Black Hawk College Board, the Kewanee Park Board, the Kewanee Township and the Wethersfield School Board were given the opportunity to deliver a 5 minute speech to voters. Some used the time and some did not participate. Those that did were included in a live broadcast on Tuesday, March 23rd on WKEI 100.1 FM and 1450 Am and online at RegionalDailyNews.com.
The Mayor of Galva, Rich Volkert joined WKEI on Wednesday on People to People to wrap up this week's Galva City Council Meeting. At that meeting came word that a new mural was to be established in Galva. Painted by the Walldogs and put together by Gary Armell and his family, the mural will be adjacent to The Greatest Harvest Mural in Galva and will pay tribute to a former Galva business, the Hayes Plow and Planter factory. Also this week, the Mayor updated us on the continued progress of the stage in Wiley Park and discussed new businesses in Galva.
RaeAnn Tucker joined WKEI for our twice-weekly conversation about the latest COVID-19 headlines. The Health Department is on a campaign to remind everyone that though our COVID-19 numbers are okay now, doesn't mean it is time start to flaunt the mitigation rules. COVID-19 can be extremely debilitating and needs to be take very seriously, at least until the majority of community members get vaccinated.
Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs joined WKEI on the Noon Hour program to talk about the successful investments that the state of Illinois has made with the consent of the legislature. Frerichs is touting a targeted investment plan that is returning money to the state of Illinois. The Treasurer then spoke about the ICash Program and how millions of dollars worth of property have been returned to citizens who may not have been aware that they had money being held by the state.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Tuned In on Tuesday morning to discuss Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting. The Mayor of Kewanee addressed questions regarding Bock Inc and the Waste Water Treatment Plant and discussed the issue of Nuisance laws in the City of Kewanee and whether or not they could be applied to properties repeatedly visited by Police for such violations as repeated noise complaints. Finally, The Mayor paid tribute to an officer and friend who died in the line of duty 19 years ago this week.
Dr Robert Ayers from OSF Healthcare joined WKEI to discuss the latest news regarding COVID-19. According to Dr Ayers, OSF Healthcare just received another 500 doses of vaccine from the Health Department and will be working on getting more patients vaccinated. Meanwhile, about 14% of Henry County has received at least one dose of vaccine, 15% of Stark County has been vaccinated thus far. The Health Department has another first dose clinic registration going on on Monday morning. The Astra Zeneca vaccine is ready to face the FDA for emergency use authorization but Dr Ayers says we likely won't see the Astra Zeneca vaccine in Illinois until May, at the earliest.
Project Now is starting a new conversation about Poverty. It's a conversation that is especially important in the wake of COVID-19 and the number of people who lost jobs and fell into poverty during the pandemic. In this interview WKEI spoke with Reverend Dwight Ford about what Project Now does those in need and the obstacles that sometimes stand in the way of those seeking or needing help. Poverty is not a number, it's not a one size fits all dynamic and the different kinds of poverty in the United States and in our area are part of this conversation regarding Project Now on People to People.
The Henry County Board met on Thursday, March 18th and the Chair of the Henry County Board Kippy Breeden joined WKEI with a wrap up of the meeting on Friday morning. The Chair was joined by Henry County Director of Economic Development Jim Kelly who told WKEI that the money for the COVID-19 Revolving Loan Fund has been completely dispersed to local businesses. Several local businesses snapped up the final low interest loans provided by the CARES Act prior to Thursday night's board meeting.
This week on Special Edition of Sean at the Movies, I attended screenings at the Virtual South by Southwest Film Festival. I had the chance to talk with artists and actors from the buzziest titles at one of the most prestigious festivals in the country.
In this episode
Kelly Kali and Deon Cole discuss, in separate interviews, the much loved festival hit "I'm Fine Thanks for Asking."
Phillip Gelatt and Galen Morgan King are bringing back the genre of Fantasy Animated Adventure for adults with the new animated epic The Spine of Night featuring the voices of Patton Oswalt, Joe Manganiello, Lucy Lawless and Richard E Grant.
TV is also in the spotlight at SXSW as the Canada short form series For the Record is at SXSW hoping to find an American home for it's music based exploration of life and love and relationships.
And finally, one of my favorite movies to come from SXSW is one I actually saw as part of the Miami Film Festival but took the chance to see again at SXSW. It's called Ludi and it's the deeply empathetic story of a Haitian immigrant working, scrimping and saving to care for her family back in Haiti. The film is wonderful sad but also absurd with a strange and poignant sense of humor. I adore this movie.
What does a Dietitian do and what can a Dietitian do for you? We talked with Sara Umphleet, Registered Dietitian at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center about the many things she can do to help many people. More people than you imagine may be able to use the help and expertise of a Dietitian. One thing to remember, the Dietitian is not the food police, a Dietitian isn't there to tell you not to enjoy your favorite food. Rather, your Dietitian is able to help you design a way to eat that is suitable to your goals and that includes not giving up everything you enjoy when it comes to food.
Kiwanis Pancake Day is right around the corner, March 27th at First United Methodist Church. Pancake Day is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for Kiwanis and Jolene Efnor joined our Tuned In Program to remind everyone to get their ticket for the drive thru Pancake Day, Saturday, March 27th from 7 Am to 1 Pm. Jolene also joined us to talk about Life Insurance and dispel some misconceptions people have about Life Insurance and how it works.
Director Aengus James put his life on the line to tell the story of After the Murder of Albert Lima. Falling in with driven and intense Paul Lima, Albert's son, Aengus and his team found themselves in one of the most dangerous parts of South America, Honduras, where Albert was murdered and where Paul has brought a pair of Bounty Hunters with the goal of kidnapping and arresting the man who was convicted of murdering Albert Lima but now exists in hiding surrounded by fellow villains happy to offer him protection. Can this crazy scheme for justice work? You can find out by watching After the Murder of Albert Lima on the Crackle streaming channel.
The Henry County Boad met on Thursday night and Henry County Board Chair Kippy Breeden was our guest on People to People on Friday with a full wrap up of the meeting. This included a visit from Henry County Director of Economic Development Jim Kelly who shared the good news that the COVID-19 Relief Fund Loans have been completely doled out to local businesses. This means that many local businesses will have extra capital needed to stay in business, pay employees and enrich our local economy for years to come.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department are continuing to track positive tests and keeping a close eye on the numbers in our area. Yesterday, Dr Anthony Fauci warned of a potential 4th wave of COVID-19 infections that could already be underway so it's important to stay vigilant. The Health Department on Thursday that there are now a total of 4,403 confirmed positive probable cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. That is up 6 cases from numbers released on Wednesday afternoon. In Stark County, there was one new case of COVID-19 on Thursday and that brings the pandemic total in Stark County to 549 confirmed positive probable cases of COVID-19. Today, the Henry and Stark County Health Department are hoping to vaccinate as many as 1000 Henry and Stark County residents with a drive thru first dose clinic this afternoon at Black Hawk College.
Has your business taken full advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program? There is still time. Mark Riewerts and Nichelle Morey from the State Bank of Toulon joined WKEI on Tuned In Thursday morning to talk about helping business owners navigate the Paycheck Protection Program and the newly available funds from the Federal Government via the most recent stimulus package. Nichelle also shared several charty efforts that the State Bank of Toulon is working on at this time.
Actor Leonardo Nam is known for his roles in Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and Westworld. Now, he has a new horror anthology movie opening on Digital On-Demand Services on March 19th called Phobias. The film is a creepy story about a doctor experimenting patients in an attempt to weaponize the fear that drives their various Phobias. The film tells 5 stories with several different directors all with the same theme of fear and specific kinds of strange phobias. Regional Media's Sean Kernan caught up with Star Leonardo Nam for this chat about Phobias.
JC Heerdt is warning everyone to be extra careful with their security setting on social media apps like Facebook to avoid falling victim to scammers.
Illinois Valley Cellular’s Marketing Director and Tech Specialist is celebrating ten years with the company. Appearing on Wake Up Princeton! on WZOE, JC says scammers are looking to take advantage of you and your friends online. IV Cellular has helpful information available at their website. JC explains everything from hacking to cloning, phishing scams and data breaches. The articles and tips are under the News tab.
Illinois Valley Cellular’s current promotion offers new customers up to $400 credit for switching over to IV Cellular. You can currently also get $250 off Limitless Plus rate plans. More details on the current specials are available at ivcdifference.com.
JC says IV Cellular has also been busy giving back to the community, donating to Club Ladd as part of Habitat for Humanity. They’ll also be working with the Bureau County Fair and Marshall-Putnam Fair in addition to becoming the official wireless provider to the new area baseball team the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp.
More information on Illinois Valley Cellular is available at the Facebook page or by visiting Ivcellular.com.
News out of the Kewanee Budget Meeting this week found the City of Kewanee, due mostly to the Cares Act, has a budget surplus. That comes with some caveats as the Cares Act may dictate how that money can be spent. That said, there was other good news as COVID-19 did encourage more people to shop locally during the pandemic leading to solid retail sales and sales tax numbers. This will allow for the City of Kewanee to make a few needed upgrades as Kewanee City Councilman Steve Faber explained on Wednesday's edition of Tuned In.
Today on Kewanee Back When, Dave Clark and Sean Kernan look at the history of history in Kewanee. Few cities the size of Kewanee have inspired so many people to chronicle and keep alive the history of their city whether it is the wonderful organizers of Kewanee's murals, the history of our Kewanee Historical Society and the team that has kept that going all of these years. Kewanee inspires people to want to know more about it and on this edition of Kewanee Back When, we honor those who keep history alive.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department are encouraging those in the 1B and 1B Plus category to get vaccinated. More clinics and more shots are coming and the sooner this group is finished, the soon clinics for everyone can begin and the goal of getting more people vaccinated can further our return to normal. But that can't happen until these clinics are filled up. RaeAnn Tucker joined WKEI on Tuesday to talk about getting the 1B and 1B Plus Clinics filled and vaccinated and about what comes next after you've been fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, the numbers are still being released everyday. On Tuesday, the Henry and Stark County Health Department announced 8 new confirmed positive or probable cases of COVID-19 while Stark County added no new cases. Today, the Health Department will release the latest Recovery Rate Data which includes the number of active, ongoing cases of COVID-19 in bot counties.
Kewanee Schools Superintendent Dr Chris Sullens joined WKEI on Tuesday's edition of Tuned In to talk about the Return to School plan that the Kewanee School Board agreed to on Monday night. The plan will send Kewanee students back to school 4 days per week with Monday's remaining a Remote school day. Dr Sullens explained the schedule and discussed the safety precautions that the school is taking to make the return to Kewanee Schools as safe as possible. We also discussed graduation which will be held outdoors for 400 spectators, and what traditions such as Prom and Homecoming will look like without the ability to hold school dances.
Dr Robert Ayers joined WKEI on Tuned In on Monday morning to talk about the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine and the progress being made in Henry County in getting everyone vaccinated. We also discussed the latest COVID-19 related headlines, vaccine reluctance and COVID-19's so-called 'Long Haulers,' Those who had COVID-19 and are still dealing with the lingering effects of COVID-19 long after their infection with the virus has ended.
A group of young entrepreneurs gets together every year in Macau to present their idea of a big new business for the chance to win a $100,000 grand prize. This international competition features young self-starters from around the world coming together to compete. The new National Geographic documentary, Own the Room, from director's Christina Constantini and Darren Foster, gives us unprecedented access to this remarkable competition and follows 5 competitors from around the globe to find the best idea. The documentary is called Own the Room and you can watch it now on Disney Plus.
Former NFL star Wide Receiver Vance Johnson used to catch pass from John Elway before drugs and alcoholic took him away from life on the football field to a life of drug seeking behavior. Vance tells WKEI that he used to watch the A & E series intervention and hope that someday, someone would care enough to intervene for him. Finally someone did and Vance's story of overcoming addiction caught the ear of A & E and when they decided to reboot the series, they approached Vance to be part of the show and help support those that are in need of an intervention on their behalf.
What is Frozen Shoulder? Frozen Shoulder is a condition related to constant shoulder pain that can be linked to several different ailments from simple muscle issues to a side effect from Diabetes. Dr Hayley Ralph from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined WKEI to talk about Frozen Shoulder, explain what it is, what treatment is available and when you know you need to get your shoulder check out. Frozen Shoulder was our topic in the Noon Hour on WKEI.
On Thursday evening, the Wethersfield School Board announced that students will return to Wethersfield in full, five days a week, immediately following Spring Break. Monday, March 29th, all students will be invited to return full time with guidelines in place to keep them safe from COVID-19. These guidelines include social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitizer and limits on the number of students in the cafeteria area. It's a big plan with lots of elements but the most important is student safety and Wethersfield Superintendent Shane Kazubowski along with Heidi Merrick and Kate Rashid, members of the COVID Transition Team that developed the plan for a safe return to full time school, joined WKEI on Friday morning on People to People.
In episode 4 of Sean at the Movies I sit down with writer-director Ali Askari and star Josh Helman, to talk about the new to streaming romantic comedy thriller(?) As Long As We Both Shall Live. The film co-stars Yael Stone from Orange is the New Black and the legendary Paul Sorvino, in a story that combines elements of romantic comedy with supernatural drama and suspense. It's a tricky tone to pull off but the audacious trick works because As Long As We Both Shall Live is exciting, funny, a little frightening and always engaging. This week on Sean at the Movies: Josh Helman and Ali Askari talk about As Long As We Both Shall Live. The movie is available now wherever you get your streaming rentals.
Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau and Morgan Anderson from the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District, joined WKEI for Tuned In on Wednesday. Katie was on hand to wrap up Bushels for Hunger and promote the launch of Farm Bureau Scholarships at HenryCoFarmBureau.org. Morgan meanwhile, wants you to know that the annual Fish and Tree Sale from the Soil and Water Conservation District is getting underway and you can place your order by contacting Morgan at 309.937.3377, ext. 101. Katie and Morgan joined WKEI on Tuned In.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department wants you to know that if you received your first dose of the vaccine with the Health Department, there will be a dose for your second dose when it is time for you to register. Just be patient, track your time between your doses and sign up for your second dose when the opportunity arises. You will not be left without a second dose. The Health Department will be administering 1,000 doses of COVID Vaccine this Friday, the largest clinic the Health Department has done thus far. The Health Department wants to remind those coming on Friday to show up at your appointed time and not beforehand.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI for our People to People program on Tuesday. This was a follow up to Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting at which there was conflict once again over the City of Kewanee Audit, specifically related to Councilman Mike Yaklich. The Mayor also addressed other items on last night's agenda including the potential for sewer rate increases related to problems at the Kewanee Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Marlo Thomas, best known as TV’s “That Girl”, visited Wake Up Princeton on WZOE recently. She told host Paul Bomleny she’s very proud of her latest project, a line of tableware with Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn.
Marlo and husband Phil Donahue recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and she has been an active spokesperson for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a charity founded by her father Danny Thomas in 1962.
Another one of Marlo’s new projects is a podcast with her husband. She says “Double Date” is for all couples, those married for a long time, a short time and those considering marriage.
Thomas has won numerous awards in television and theater and in 2014 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Dr Robert Ayers with OSF Healthcare joined WKEI on Monday on Tuned In with the latest on COVID-19. More doses are coming. It's still slower than we'd like but the Health Department is putting out everything they can for first and second dose clinics. Meanwhile, an unexpected piece of good news, it appears that handwashing, social distance and wearing a mask has limited the spread of the Flu in 2021. Only one death thus far in Illinois has been attributed to Flu, a number that is very low on average for the state of Illinois.
CBS News Producer Ira Levin joined the team at the venerable news magazine series, 60 Minutes. How, at just 26 years of age, on his first network television job interview, manage to land the job of Mike Wallace's producer? Tennis. Ira explains how he and Mike Wallace met and takes us behind the scenes of 60 Minutes for a couple of the biggest interview's of his career in the new book "Ticking Clock."
Actor and director Colman Domingo has become a star on AMC's Fear the Walking Dead, in front of the camera and behind it. Now, as pandemic has kept so many people at home, especially on the West Coast, where Colman lives, Colman has found an opening to show off another of his many talents, connecting with people and having great conversations. Bottomless Brunch with Colman Domingo came into being as an idea to do something from home that would be safe, enjoyable, rewarding and creative. It has been all of those things and as March and International Women's Month kicks into gear, Colman is using his platform to highlight the work of talented women. Victoria Mahoney and Kelly McCreary joined Colman for a chat about Hollywood, directing and breaking through into bigger roles. You can find Bottomless Brunch with Colman Domingo on AMC Plus and the Sundance Channel.
Clinical Dietitian Sara Umphfleet from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined WKEI to promote National Nutrition Month. March is National Nutrition Month and there are many facts and many fictions when it comes to proper nutrition and Sara joined us to discuss many misconceptions that people have regarding proper nutrition. For more information on National Nutrition Month or good nutrition in general, call Sara Umphfleet at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center at 309-852-7500.
On this edition of Sean at the Movies I have a conversation with Director Daniella DeCarlo and actor Rob Belushi, son of Jim Belushi, about their movie The Blackout, a terrific ensemble movie about a party set against the backdrop of Hurricane Sandy. Also on this episode, as it arrives just before the Critics Choice Awards, I run down which movies I cast my ballot for ahead of Sunday night's, March 7th, 7 Pm broadcast of the Critics Choice Awards on The CW Network and hosted by Taye Diggs.
Kewanee City Councilman Mike Komnick joined WKEI on People to People on Wednesday to talk about Monday night's first Budget Meeting of 2021. The City Council was shown revenue numbers on Monday night and they are a mixed bag, some good and not so good news. COVID-19 took a toll on some revenues for the City of Kewanee. That said, the ongoing issues over accounting in the City of Kewanee now being tackled by new City of Kewanee Finance Director Randi Haley after the fallout from the firing of the previous Finance Director, have also had an effect on the budget process. Mike Komnick praised Randi Haley's handling of the issues and tells WKEI that things are improving.
Pastor Jim Reynolds from OSF Hospice and OSF Grief Support was our guest on Tuned In on Tuesday morning. Pastor Reynolds joined us to talk about the physical toll of grief, how extreme emotions can sap our energies and what we can do about it. There is no one size fits all, no one way to grieve, but, being able to recognize when grief has worn us out and how to cope with that and regain our energy is a rather universal feeling.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department sign up for the next First Dose clinic for COVID-19 went relatively smoothly on Monday. That from RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department who spoke to WKEI on Tuesday morning on People to People about the latest sign up, the confusion that some have had with the sign up and struggles some have had with the technology involved. RaeAnn especially took time to dispel myths regarding the vaccine distribution in this People to People conversation.
Author Tim O'Brien is a National Book Award winner and bestselling author of "If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home," and "The Things They Carried," both bestsellers about his time in the Vietnam War. Now, Tim O'Brien is the subject of a new documentary called "The War and Peace of Tim O'Brien." Directed by Aaron Matthews, the documentary follows Tim as he works on what he thinks might be his last book, "Dad's Maybe Book." On this edition of Sean at the Movies, a conversation with documentary filmmaker Aaron Matthews and the subject of his documentary, Author Tim O'Brien.
Coltin Quagliano of Wethersfield was our guest this week on Coaches Corner. We talked with Quentin Quagliano this week about setting records, how the pandemic has affected the season, and about his incredible family and friends. Coltin is now the all time leading scorer in the history of Wethersfield Basketball and in the history of the Lincoln Trail Conference and he's very aware of the history of that accomplishment and at the same time, humble because he knows that he'd never reach these heights without the team behind him.
Russ Hughes joins Sean Kernan on The Coaches Corner to pay tribute to the late Kalvin Peart who passed away in early February. Kalvin Peart was a beloved member of our sports team at WKEI and LocalSportsNow.com having spent years broadcasting alongside Russ Hughes on Kewanee, and Wethersfield sports. Russ pays tribute to Kal on this edition of The Coaches Corner.
Seth Cocquit has debuted a brand new single called Old Timer and its gaining traction among fans of Country music. Seth has been working on the sing for years, inspired by his grandfather, and he talked to WKEI about the several year, stop and start, process of creating the song and then recording it in Nashville with a pedigreed backing band that includes the drummer for the band Little Big Town.
The new to theaters horror movie, The Vigil, stars Dave Davis as a former orthodox Jewish man struggling with his faith after a tragedy caused him to leave the orthodoxy. Now, in need of some quick cash, he's returning to his orthodox community in a tiny corner of New York City to carry out a tradition. A family needs someone to sit the vigil, a part of tradition where a Jewish person's body lies in the home for 24 hours before being prepared for burial. Our hero, played by Dave Davis, must spend the night with the body and, no surprise here, creepiness ensues. You've certainly seen things like this before but The Vigil is better than most of those movies. The specificity of the Jewish traditions and Davis' compelling lead performance set The Vigil apart from other, similar, horror movies. I spoke with Dave Davis about The Vigil on Thursday on WKEI.
There is still a little room on the March 3rd registration for the 2nd dose COVID-19 clinic. Go to HenryStarkHealth.com to register if you are someone who has received your first dose of vaccine from the Henry and Stark County Health Department and if the 3rd is 28 days or more after your first dose. Meanwhile. the next COVID-19 1st dose clinic will open for registrations on Monday March 1st. Only those 65 and older and those left in the Tier 1A category will be eligible to register for this first dose clinic.
The Mayor is reaching the end of its first season on NBC with a season finale airing on Thursday night. Kyla Kenady co-stars in The Mayor as Ted Danson's daughter and she talked with Regional Media about the all star team cast that she's blessed to be working with on The Mayor. Ted Danson, a legit national treasure, is also a delight to work with as Kyla tells us while Holly Hunter is a pro and a wonderful scene partner. Kyla talks about how she got into acting and why The Mayor means so much to her.
The Mayor of Geneseo, Sean Johnson, joined WKEI on Tuned In following a divisive Committee of the Whole Meeting in Geneseo on Tuesday night. The Geneseo City Council was left equally divided over the idea of moving forward with allowing a limited amount of video gambling in the City of Geneseo. Geneseo has famously in the past rejected video gambling but now will consider an ordinance that would allow for it under strict limitations. Meanwhile, another aspect looming for Geneseo is the question of getting Police pensions fully funded. The state is requiring pensions to be fully funded by 2040. The City of Geneseo is considering a bond action that would start immediately and hopefully prevent what some in the state have called a pension bomb from going off in 2040.
Galva Mayor Rich Volker joined WKEI on People to People on Wednesday to discuss the most recent Galva City Council Meeting and to celebrate the opening of a new business in a famous Galva location. This week, Anderson Family Coffee had a soft opening in its new location at the former Galva Operahouse and Mayor Volkert was on hand to get some coffee and share with us the great news of new business coming to Galva. We also found a few moments to talk about how the new Criminal Justice Reform Bill may affect towns like Galva and other items from Galva's Monday City Council Meeting.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department has announced that another Henry County resident has died from COVID-19. A woman in her 70s is the 54th Henry County resident to die from COVID-19 since the pandemic began. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on Tuesday morning for our twice weekly COVID-19 update.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on WKEI's Tuned In program on Tuesday. The Mayor of Kewanee spoke to WKEI about Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting including discussion of Henry County State's Attorney Cathy Runty's presentation on the new Criminal Justice Reform Bill signed by Governor Pritzker on Monday. Another point of discussion was the continuing issues of accounting in the City of Kewanee. new City of Kewanee Finance Director Randi Haley has uncovered more errors and it has delayed the delivery of budget numbers to the Council ahead of budget meetings that begin next Monday night.
On the same day that Governor J.B Pritzker signed the state of Illinois' new Criminal Justice Reform bill, Henry County State's Attorney Cathy Runty addressed the Kewanee City Council regarding what City officials need to know about the bill which passed during the lame duck session of the Illinois legislature in January.
Harvard’s Top Astronomer Visits Wake Up Princeton
Harvard’s top astronomer visited WZOE’s Wake Up Princeton show recently. Dr. Avi Loeb says he believes aliens tried to contact us in 2017.
In his new book “Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth”, Dr. Loeb argues ‘Oumuamua, which passed by Earth in 2017, wasn’t a comet but rather alien technology.
You may remember in 2017 when a bizarre, blunt-shaped object came whizzing our way in space. It measured approximately half a mile in length and was moving at an irregular pace, getting alien watchers excited. The vast majority of scientists who have studied the object have said ‘Oumuamua, was a natural phenomenon, but the head of Harvard's astronomy department just published a book in which he says he believes the giant object was alien in origin.
In his book, Dr. Loeb lays out in 240 pages exactly why he believes the object from 2017 was an intergalactic attempt to contact Earth.
Melissa Shipp, Vice President of Support Services for OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, joined WKEI on Tuned In to talk about the latest news regarding COVID-19. Weather impacted many efforts to distribute vaccine last week and led to the closure of vaccine clinics across the state. That did not effect OSF Healthcare however, as they continue to only administer shots given to them by the Henry and Stark County Health Department. Melissa Shipp talked about OSF and vaccine distribution but the big topic was bringing appointments back to the hospital. OSF is urging people who have put off needed tests, treatments or hospital visits that now is a good time to set those appointments. COVID-19 is not gone but hospitalizations are down significantly and the cleaning procedures at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center have created a safe as possible environment for patients.
Actor Jon Huertas had no idea when he took the role as Miguel, best friend to Milo Ventimiglia's Jack on the hit series This is Us that he'd also be playing Mandy Moore's Rebecca's future husband. Jon tells the story of how he found out about Miguel's future on This is Us in this Regional Media Celebrity Interview. Huertas also gives us a preview of Tuesday night's, February 23rd, episode. Huertas directed the episode and promises us the kind of surprise that we love the show for.
Henry County Board Chair Kippy Breeden and Henry County Director of Economic Development, Jim Kelly joined WKEI on People to People today to talk about Thursday's Henry County Board Meeting. In the interview, Kippy Breeden discusses the decision to rescind funding for the Henry County Tourism Bureau and discusses all that took place at Thursday night's meeting. Jim Kelly was on hand to talk about the COVID-19 Revolving Loan Fund and the Rural Revolving Loan Fund, both of which have aided local businesses in Henry County stay afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The extreme cold we've experienced this week has undoubtedly wreaked havoc on many homes. With that in mind, Jolene Efnor from Country Financial joined Sean on WKEI's Tuned In Program on Friday to talk about tips that can keep your home safe during the next extreme cold snap that comes our way. Jolene is also a member of Kewanee Kiwanis and tells us that the next Kiwanis Pancake Day is coming up on Saturday, March 27th. Get your tickets now for only $6.00 or get them the day of Pancake Day for $7.00 at First United Methodist Church.
In the first episode of this brand new Regional Media podcast, Regional Media Film Critic Sean Kernan talks to director Victor Nunes about a movie that our critic has loved for years. Ruby in Paradise is best remembered as the film debut of star Ashley Judd and as a gem of the Sundance Film Festival in 1993. Now, 28 year later, the film has been remastered by director Victor Nunes and acquired for distribution by Quiver Distribution. Episode 1 of Sean at the Movies: Ruby in Paradise.
The YMCA of Kewanee and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center are partnering for another year of Healthy Kids U. This free program combines the education and health efforts of both OSF Healthcare and the YMCA and encourages a whole family approach to creating healthy habits for kids. The free program is Monday nights at 6 Pm at the YMCA of Kewanee and Hanna Hawkins, Pediatric Wellness Project Manager for OSF Healthcare joined YMCA Director Jill Milroy and YMCA Wellness Director Amanda Powe on WKEI to talk about the benefits of Healthy Kids U not just for kids but for the whole family.
Friday, February 19th's COVID-19 Drive Thru Vaccine Clinic has been pushed back by 1 week. Everyone who registered is still registered and will have the same appointment, they will just have that appointment on February 26th. That was the word from the Henry and Stark County Health Department which is dealing with yet another obstacle in the vaccine distribution chain, bad weather. Meanwhile, the Health Department released their latest Recovery Rate Data on Wednesday with number of active COVID-19 cases in Henry and Stark County.
Singer and Songwriter Don McLean has had a remarkable 50 plus year career but his legacy will always be one incredible, epic pop song. 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of McLean's American Pie, a song that made a lasting impression on generations of music lovers from Baby Boomers to Millennials and beyond. On our WKEI I morning show, I was lucky to have the chance to reminisce with Don McLean about his legacy defining hit, American Pie at 50.
Dr Chris Sullens, Superintendent of Kewanee School District, joined Sean Kernan on Tuned In on Wednesday, February 17th to follow up on Tuesday, Kewanee School Board Meeting. Dr Sullens discussed new technology being used to teach anatomy at Kewanee High School. Notably, the Superintendent discussed plans to try and bring students back to Kewanee Schools on a nearly full time basis before the end of this school year. We could find out next month that students at Kewanee Schools are returning to in-person classes at Kewanee Schools at next month's School Board Meeting.
The February edition of Kewanee Back When, hosted by Dave Clark and Sean Kernan, was dedicated to Black History Month. Specifically, Black History in Kewanee and a man who had role in carving a place in history for black people to thrive in Kewanee. John Easley is not a name you will find in history books. He didn't change the world, but he made Kewanee a better place by getting involved, by owning a business and by lifting up people around him. On this edition of Kewanee Back When, Black History through the lens of an everyman African American named John Easley.
Jay Young is a Fox News contributor and works in the field of Fuel Price. According to Jay, we can expect to see higher prices at the pump throughout 2021 and we're already starting to see the rise. According to Jay, rising gas prices are a sign that the economy is improving. At the same time, Policy in Washington, including changes in approach to drilling for oil and oil pipeline building have Wall Street traders reacting which also may show why fuel prices are rising. Russia meanwhile is affecting the world market by stating that they will match every barrel of oil that the United States does not produce thus shifting international profits and having a worldwide impact on prices.
Dr Robert Ayers from OSF Healthcare joined WKEI on Monday, on Tuned In, to discuss the latest COVID-19 news. OSF Saint Luke Medical Center has begun vaccinating patients for COVID-19. Over the weekend, OSF received more than 400 doses of Vaccine and immediately began contacting patients over the age of 65 and those with co-morbidities to come in and get vaccinated. They are not taking calls or appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations but they are reaching out to elderly, high risk, patients and inviting them to come get vaccinated as their supply arrives. Dr Ayers also discussed confusion and concern regarding pregnancy and vaccination and stated that there are no known adverse effects on pregnancy from vaccination.
State Senator Win Stoller was in Kewanee over the weekend visiting local nursing homes and dropping off Valentine's to the residents. State Senator Stoller took the opportunity of being in Kewanee to stop by WKEI and talk about his first two months in office, the experience of the lame duck session, his take on the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in Illinois and the Police Reform Bill currently on Governor Pritzker's desk. State Senator Stoller also talked about his legislative priorities which includes a bill that would require time for lawmakers to read a bill before it can be voted on.
JC Heerdt of Illinois Valley Cellular was a guest recently on Wake Up Princeton on WZOE. In addition to sharing the latest deals offered by IV Cell, he offered tech tips and advice.
Heerdt says all IV Cellular stores have fully reopened so no appointments are necessary. They are following state guidelines so facemasks are required. Their stores offer curbside pickup and dropoff and Heerdt says some of their wireless specialists will even visit your home.
Wake Up Princeton listeners can visit ivcdifference.com to get a new iphone SE for $99.
Illinois Valley Cellular offers a “Try It Before You Buy It” program. Many articles and tech tips, including how to get an iphone manual on the homescreen of your iphone, are offered on their website at ivcel.com and their Facebook page.
The new dark comedy I Blame Society was written by, directed by, and stars Gillian Horvat as Gillian Horvat. Gillian is a filmmaker who, after being told by friends that she'd make a great serial killer, decides to investigate that notion. Initially, it's about what it might take to plan the perfect murder but eventually, I Blame Society becomes a comic horror movie of ever escalating craziness. We talked to Gillian about the wonderfully odd tone of I Blame Society and what drove her to create this incredibly unique, funny and dark comedy.
The Wethersfield School Board is looking into ways to bring students back to school full time. Though the hurdle of not allowing more than 50 people in one room at a time does create some issues, the Wethersfield staff are actively searching for work arounds and ways in which they can safely accommodate students returning full time to Wethersfield while also adhering to IDPH guidelines. According to Superintendent Shane Kazubowski, a plan to return students to Wethersfield full time could come at the March meeting of the Wethersfield School Board.
Aqua Therapy has been available at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center for many years thanks to a partnership with the YMCA of Kewanee. Aqua Therapy is what you think it is, physical therapy in water. Making use of the pool at the YMCA, Cindy and the team at OSF use water for resistance training among other types of training for those recovering from injuries. Cindy Jacobs talked to WKEI on Thursday afternoon about Aqua Therapy, who it is for and how it helps patients to recover.
The Kewanee Public Library has a new online book club for those interested in a safe and socially distanced way of engaging with a book club. The Mostly Non-Fiction Book Club is set up via GoodReads.com and gives participants the chance to comment as they go about the book being shared among the group. This month's book club selection is Votes for Women by Winifred Conkling. You can get a copy of the book and any needed instructions for the book club by stopping by the Kewanee Public Library. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Tuned In on Thursday.
Second dose clinics will be announced soon for those who have already had one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. That word from RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department who appeared on WKEI as part of our twice weekly COVID-19 updates from the Health Department. RaeAnn wants everyone to remember that second dose clinics will be separate from other other clinics. Do not sign up for a second dose clinic if you have not already had your first dose. You will not be able to get vaccinated that way. It's very important, second dose clinics will be open only to people in need of their second dose of the vaccine.
Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau was our guest on the WKEI Morning Show and Tuned In on Wednesday. Katie joined WKEi to talk about the upcoming Market Outlook Seminar which will be held next month at the Lavender Crest Winery. The event will cover weather and what farmers can hope to expect in the planting season of 2021. Katie also promoted Farm Bureau scholarships for those looking to go into Ag related fields, a Farm Bureau Scholarship could be a great first step in your education.
During his recent visit on Wake Up Princeton on WZOE-AM, Princeton Mayor Joel Quiram talked sewer construction, COVID-19, the new budget and downtown concert series.
The mayor says the Thompson Street sanitary sewer extension work is going well, although it’s been slowed a little by the recent weather. He says they still hope to have the project completed “by the time the spring rains come”.
On the COVID-19 front, Quiram says both testing and positive cases are down locally and the issue now is vaccine distribution. He says the health department is only receiving about 400 doses per week to be divided between St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley and Perry Memorial Hospital. The mayor says he signed his 82-year old mother up for the vaccine two weeks ago and has yet to hear back.
Mayor Quiram says the city needs to have the new budget filed with the state by May 1. He says the first meeting this year for the Down on Main Street Concert series was held recently. All bands and dates are set with the first about five months away.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI following a contentious finish to Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting. During Council Communications, Council member Mike Yaklich called out the Mayor and City Manager Gary Bradley's leadership over the lack of financial reporting from the City of Kewanee. Council Members were expecting receive an update of City fund balances but the Mayor told the council in a memo prior to the meeting that that information was not ready yet, something Mr Yaklich claimed was unacceptable. The Mayor of Kewanee didn't speak at last night's meeting but did talk to WKEI on Tuesday and indicated that the issues surrounding firing of former City of Kewanee Finance Director Deborah Johnson has played a huge role in delays in audits and financial information gathering. Johnson was fired at the end of December when it was determined that she had allegedly stolen more than 10,000 electronic files from the City of Kewanee. Johnson has still not been charged with a crime but, the electronic information that was taken from the City has been recovered. However, that information, according Mayor Moore, is a mess and must sorted out and balanced before it can be shared with anyone on the Council or in the public. For her part, Randi Haley, speaking at Monday night's meeting, did not outwardly claim the theft was the issue but did say there were more than a few obstacles to preparing accurate information and that she would not present any information until she is certain that it is the correct information.
Patience continues to be the word of the day at the Henry and Stark County Health Department as the vaccine rollout for COVID-19 continues to struggle with limited supplies of the vaccine and thousands of people eager to get vaccinated. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on Tuesday as part of our twice weekly series on COVID-19 in Henry and Stark County. RaeAnn says that while there were issues with the 9 Am sign up on Monday, despite reports otherwise, the Health Department webpage did not crash. Rather, after quickly reaching 600 registrations the Health Department decided to continue signing people up based on the Henry County Office of Emergency Management securing 400 more shots. The Health Department closed registration in the morning at 700 sign ups and re-opened registration for 300 more sign ups in the afternoon.
Actor David Sheftell has the role of a lifetime arriving in many theaters this weekend. Sheftell is co-starring in the new action-horror-comedy Willy's Wonderland opposite Nicholas Cage. Say what you will about Cage's reputation as an actor, having worked with Cage now, David Sheftell gives us his very positive opinion of the legendarily strange Nicholas Cage while also taking us inside the weird, violent and bizarre world of Willy's Wonderland.
Dr Robert Ayers from OSF Healthcare joined WKEI on Monday's edition of Tuned In to discuss the latest news regarding COVID-19. Among the topics was why it has taken so long to get the vaccine out into the public. The reality is that the supply of vaccine has been slow to move. We also discussed the COVID-19 variants which Dr Ayers explained are typical of how a virus tends to work but still worth keeping a close eye on. Johnson & Johnson's vaccine could be approved soon and Dr Ayers explained what is different about this particular version of a COVID vaccine.
Princeton Mayor Joel Quiram was on Wake Up Princeton on WZOE-AM recently. He’s reminding residents of the city ordinance prohibiting parking on streets after at least two inches of snow. He’s also urging business owners to keep their sidewalks clear of snow and ice. He says tips are available on the city’s website for keeping water pipes from freezing.
The mayor says he’s pleased with the recent final approval of the affiliation agreement between Perry Memorial Hospital and OSF Healthcare. Quiram says the transition should be completed at some point this summer at which time the hospital will be renamed. He says the city has taken over several properties that didn’t go to OSF. Perry Plaza is now city property, as is the lot at the corner of Sixth and Peru Streets and a house next to the hospital on Fifth Street.
Columbus Street just off Main Street will be closed all of March to see how traffic flow is affected. Columbus Street from behind Spoons to Church Street will be a two-way street during this time. This is being done to test how it would serve as a walkway. The mayor says If it works out, Columbus Street will be reopened on April 1 and the planning stage will begin.
Commit2Fit Kewanee is back for a third year at the Kewanee YMCA. Commit2Fit is already underway but, the YMCA and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center have announced that they will keep registration for Commit2Fit open through February 8th at close of business at the Y. Weigh in at the YMCA during regular business hours and you will be part of Commit2Fit for the chance to win weekly prizes for completing healthy challenges and the chance to win a free year membership at the YMCA and a $300.00 grand prize.
What's Marlo Thomas, formerly TV's That Girl, been up to lately? She's designing her own line of tableware for William Sonoma and Pottery Barn. Marlo Thomas joined WKEI on the Noon Hour to talk about her remarkable new collection, her love for entertaining and her love for St Jude's Children's Hospital for whom she has been an advocate since the 1960s. Marlo, along with husband Phil Donahue, is also entering the podcast arena with a new advice podcast for the newly married, the long time married and those considering marriage. It's called Double Date and it debuts in March.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on People to People for our twice weekly conversation about the latest COVID-19 news in our area. RaeAnn tells WKEI that the first of the vaccine clinics for people 65 years and older on Wednesday went remarkably well with everyone who registered getting their shot and the venue at Black Hawk College, in the parking lot, turning out to be a perfect venue. RaeAnn also discussed the latest on getting more vaccine to Henry and Stark County and the latest Recovery Rate Data which shows many positive signs about limiting the spread of the virus.
Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center was our guest on WKEI's Tuned In program on Thursday. Cassandra joined WKEI to talk about the Home Delivered Meal Program and how seniors who would like to get a meal can get involved. Cassandra unfortunately states that the Senior Center will not be available to help people with their taxes this year do to COVID-19 restrictions on access to the Senior Center. That said, there is still plenty that the Senior Center can do over the phone such as answering questions about Medicare Part D and helping seniors receive discounts on license plate stickers.
Cheerleaders are athletes! That's the message that Kayleigh Anderson and her teammates on the Wethersfield High School Cheer Squad are sending to the Illinois Department of Public Health after the IDPH refused to call Cheerleaders athletes. Initially, cheerleaders were considered as 'spectators' before Kayleigh and other cheerleaders around the state spoke up. But even after the designation of spectator was lifted, the IDPH referred to cheerleaders as participants rather than athletes. We talked to Kayleigh about why the designation of 'Athlete' means so much and about the hard work, dedication and skill that goes into being a cheerleader.
Ben Higgins is not who you think he is. Despite being a handsome reality show star, Higgins is not arrogant or aloof, he's not self-obsessed or overflowing with bravado. Under the surface, he's a shy guy who was lonely for a long time before he sat down and began to examine what made him that way. From that experience comes his new book "Alone in Plain Sight," a memoir about feeling connected to others, the joy that comes from knowing that someone else shares your anxieties and fears, even if you don't know them in real life. Ben hopes that "Alone in Plain Sight" will help other lonely and anxious people to feel connected, understood and seen. That they will get the comfort of knowing that they feel alone, there are many others who feel the same way and understand your fears in a familiar fashion. Ben's not just an author either, he's also a philanthropist. Through his co-ownership of Generous Coffee Company he is making numerous donations to charitable projects across the country. Ben Higgins, The Bachelor, was our guest on the WKEI Noon Hour on Wednesday.
Henry County Sheriff Kerry Loncka believes that justice reform or police reform are needed. However, the bill that passed during late night hours of the lame duck session of the most recent Illinois legislature is not the kind of reform the Sheriff has in mind. The bill was riddled with issues that weren't completely vetted due to the last minute nature of the bill but more urgently, the bill was crafted with little to no input from the men and women who will be subject to it, member of law enforcement. Henry County Sheriff Kerry Loncka joined WKEi on People to People to talk about reform and why he opposes the current version of the Police Reform bill but does not oppose reform.
The next opportunity to sign up for a Drive Thru COVID-19 vaccine clinic for people 65 years and older, opens Monday morning at 9 Am on Monday, February 8th. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on People to People to urge people to stay safe and be patient. The Health Department is waiting for more vaccine to arrive and when it does, more clinics will be scheduled and more people will be vaccinated.
Where do we stand with the the vaccine distribution? We're still in a holding pattern as we wait for more vaccine to arrive. That from Dr Robert Ayers who is handling the vaccine distribution for the upper western portion of Illinois for OSF Healthcare. Dr Ayers was our guest on Tuned In on Monday and talked about the frustrating wait for more vaccine, the variants and mutations of the virus and the good news regarding the relative minimum amount of side effects being felt by those who have thus far received the vaccine.
Wethersfield Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach, Jeff Parsons, joined the Coaches Corner on Saturday morning to discuss the return of High School Sports. Basketball practices are starting and basketball games will be played next Saturday, February 6th for Wethersfield Boys and Girls. Football, Baseball, Wrestling, return later in the Spring. Volleyball will be back soon and may actually get to have a postseason unlike basketball where the big prize in this unusual season will be conference championship.
Author Ana Maria specializes in etiquette and manners. Her new book is called 'The Lifestyle of a Gentleman' and the goal is to make the world a better place by first making yourself better. Better dressed, better organized, kinder, more open to new experiences. The more you change yourself for the better, the better the world around you will be. Ana Maria works as a lifestyle coach for members of royalty, politicians, celebrities and more and is currently working with the Romanian Royal Family but took time out to talk to WKEI on our Noon Hour program.
If you are looking to buy your first home or a new home or if you are just curious about homeowners insurance, Jolene Efnor from Country Financial joined WKEI on Tuned In on Friday with a great deal of tips to help you navigate toward the correct insurance for your needs. Not every home is the same and not every home needs exactly the same kinds of coverage but there are many universal truths in home insurance as well and Jolene offers many helpful tips for getting just the right insurance for your home and what you need for your first home or a new home.
Kewanee Police Chief Nick Welgat joined WKEI on Friday morning for our People to People program. We are anticipating a significant snow storm on Saturday that will likely lead to the streets of Kewanee needing to be plowed. The Chief of Police wants to remind residents that when we are in a snow emergency, parking must be off the street so as to allow for plows to safely clear the streets. With a significant snow storm coming Saturday, the Kewanee Police will be working with the Public Works Department to contact residents and ask them to move their vehicles.
Coach Paul Westhead led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Championship in 1980 and from there went on to revolutionize the game with his unique offense. While this style would struggle against the methodical and rough style of NBA defense, in the world of College Basketball, Westhead's style became iconic and beloved among fans. Now, Coach Westhead is taking us inside his iconic, fan friendly offense and his history in both the NBA and college basketball in the new book, The Speed Game.
The Kewanee Public Library will be hold a pair of Zoom Meetings in February to educate the public further about Consumer Fraud and Identity Fraud. The events will be overseen by the Kewanee Public Library and feature a member of the staff of Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The events will be held at 2 Pm on February 11th for the Consumer Fraud Meeting and February 18th for the Identity Theft Meeting. These meetings are for anyone who would like to attend and learn more about how to protect yourself from Fraud and Identity Theft. Go to KewaneeLibrary.org. There is a new virtual book club starting for book club lovers online via GoodReads.com. And, there will be a new STEAM Book Club for Kids that come with books as well as learning tools for kids to use to learn more about what they are reading about.
What should you eat after your workout. It may actually be more important to eat after a workout than before a workout. OSF Healthcare's Jeremy Drobruschevich joined WKEI's Noon Hour Program to talk about Post-workout and offer tips for you on what to do and what to eat after a workout. Making sure you know what your workout goal is among the important things to know and Jeremy has several other important notes for your post workout in this interview.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Tuned In on Thursday, January 28th 2021. On the show, the Mayor recapped a mostly mundane Kewanee City Council Meeting which included the awarding of a demolition contract, the approval of sales of excess vehicles and the very first update from new City of Kewanee Finance Director Randi Haley and how the audit of City of Kewanee Finances has been somewhat hampered by the recent data theft that the City suffered. The interview also included a frank discussion of the recent Justice Reform Bill that is currently awaiting the signature of Governor J.B Pritzker. Mayor Moore, a former Kewanee Police Officer, opposes the bill.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI for the second of our twice weekly conversations about the latest COVID-19 news and the latest on vaccination clinics. The pandemic claimed four more local lives recently and the urgency to get the vaccine to more people is deeply felt at the Health Department. Right now, everyone is at the mercy of the vaccine supply which is hopefully to be ramped up soon but, for now, there are limitations. The next drive thru vaccine clinic registration is set for February 8th with the next set of clinics for people 65 and up to begin later in the month.
The Mayor of Galva, Rich Volkert, was our guest on People to People on Wednesday morning. The Mayor joined us to talk about Monday's Galva City Council Meeting and the progress that continues to be made toward finishing the stage at Wiley Park. We also talked about three former City of Galva employees who passed away recently, a snowplow truck that the City of Galva is still waiting for several months after purchasing and about the continued strain of COVID-19 on local businesses as the vaccine rollout begins.
The first COVID-19 Drive Thru Vaccination Clinics filled 1200 appointments in just under 1 hour after the online registration opened on the Henry and Stark County Health Department website, HenryStarkHeath.com. Why 1200? Because that was the amount of Vaccine available when the clinic was announced. Limitations on supply, despite Operation Warp Speed, have been at a crawl and the Health Department will only disperse vaccine they have on hand at the time. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on Tuesday with more on vaccine clinics and how the vaccine is being distributed.
Freedom House continues to offer a vital service to the Illinois Valley area and beyond. Princeton Outreach and Facilities Manager Trisha Schafer visited WZOE’s Wake Up Princeton morning show recently.
She told host Paul Bomleny that despite the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Freedom House continues to provide all essential services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. She says during the pandemic, the incidence of domestic violence and sexual abuse has increased and more victims than usual have sought refuge at Freedom House.
Freedom House is a non-profit organization that serves survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. Freedom House provides services to adults and children in Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam, and Stark Counties. Shafer says Freedom House currently has an opening for a full-time facilities superintendent.
Freedom House is located at 400 Elm Place in Princeton. Their 24-hour hotline is 800-474-6031 and their business line is (815) 872-0087. More information is available online at freedomhouseillinois.org and at facebook.com/freedomhouseillinois.
Dr Robert Ayers, Occupational Health Physician with OSF Healthcare is overseeing the Vaccine Distribution for the Upper Western Region of Illinois. Dr Ayers joined our Tuned In program to discuss where we stand on vaccine distribution, what is happening with growing variants of the virus and what insights he has into how the distribution is going, the partnership between OSF and local health departments and any concerns he has regarding the variants of the COVID-19 virus.
Director Ondi Timoner is hoping to change the way we view the opioid crisis with her new documentary Coming Clean. Coming Clean starts at the roots of addiction and flowers out to show us that people do recover from addiction and that the opioid crisis is far from over despite it falling from the headlines as COVID-19 flooded media coverage. The opioid crisis is in many ways a manufactured crisis, one fostered by pharmaceutical companies who benefitted from the tragedy of people becoming addicted to pain medication. The other profiteers were prisons and the prison industrial complex who rallies against efforts to reform the way our system handles drug arrests. Ondi Timoner was our guest on WKEI's Noon Hour on Friday.
The Henry County Board met for their monthly meeting via the Zoom app on Thursday night and their was a lot to talk about. In a lengthy meeting, Sheriff Kerry Loncka and State's Attorney Cathy Runty spoke out against the new Police Reform Bill currently on the desk of Governor J.B Pritzker. The board is sending a letter to the Governor asking him not to sign the bill. The Board also discussed improvements at the Henry County Courthouse, including a new HVAC system. Henry County Administrator Erin Knackstedt joined Board Chairwoman Kippy Breeden on Tuned In with details on the needed improvements at the Henry County Courthouse.
The numbers are trending in a good direction when it comes to COVID-19 in Henry and Stark County. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department tells WKEI that the latest Recovery Rate Data and Rolling Test Positivity Rate are the lowest they have been in months and that we need to keep this positive trend going. That means continuing mitigation efforts, keep wearing your mask, washing your hands, keeping your distance, covering your cough and avoiding large indoor gatherings. The vaccine clinics are coming soon, especially for those 65 and older. By next week we could have a schedule for those 65 and older to get the vaccine. Be patient, everyone who wants the vaccine will be able to get it but organization takes time and the vaccine needs to get delivered.
On the newest edition of Kewanee Back When Dave Clark and Sean Kernan welcome Larry Lock from the Kewanee Historical Society to discuss the history of Walworths in Kewanee. The next Kewanee Walldogs Mural will be dedicated to Walworths and Larry Lock joined us to talk about why. If you'd like to donate to help bring the Walworths mural to life you can drop off donations at Reiman's Harley Davidson. Make your check out to the Kewanee Arts Council and on the memo line write Kewanee Mural.
Dr Chris Sullens was our guest on Tuned on Wednesday following up on Tuesday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. At that meeting much discussion surrounded High School Sports and what the rules for Sports will be with Region 2 now back to Tier 1 Mitigation? Does that mean practices and games can begin? Which sports are allowed to be played and what may a schedule for Sports look like. Then, talked turned to the COVID-19 vaccine which will be distributed to teachers and support staff at Kewanee Schools on Monday, January 25th.
No, kids in Wethersfield Schools are not being vaccinated this week. This clarification from the Henry and Stark County Health Department after a local newspaper wrongly claimed in a headline that kids were receiving the COVID-19 vaccine this week. Currently, there is no vaccine made for children who need a different vaccine than adults. RaeAnn Tucker clarified that Tier 1B vaccinations for front line workers and first responders are being completed this week and that those over the age of 65 will soon begin to be contacted to register to receive the vaccine soon.
Dr Robert Ayers is the Occupational Health Physician at OSF Healthcare. He is in charge of the vaccine rollout for OSF and Dr Ayers tells WKEI that OSF Healthcare is not currently in Tier 1B. The vaccinations for people 65 and older are not ready yet but plans are in the works and those most vulnerable will be reached out to first in order to receive the vaccine. Check with your family doctor and make sure you have up to date contact information with OSF Healthcare when the day arrives, soon, for you to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Today is Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day and while we focus on his messages of hope, we can't ignore the way he was treated in his own time. The powerful new documentary MLK/FBI directed by Sam Pollard brings that story fully into the light with enlightening interviews and innovative use of classic footage of Dr King, the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover and more, It's a remarkable and comprehensive piece of work, touching Red Scare paranoia, how President's Kennedy and Johnson interacted with Dr King and the underhanded tactics the FBI used to undermine Dr. King. MLK/FBI is available now on your favorite streaming rental service.
Actress Mena Suvari joined Wake Up Princeton on WZOE recently. Best known for roles in American Beauty and American Pie, Mena stars in the new film “Don’t Tell a Soul”. In the psychological thriller, she plays the terminally-ill mother of a pair of teenage boys. Things go wrong when her sons attempt a theft to get money for her medical procedure. The film also stars Rainn Wilson from “The Office” as a security guard who finds himself in a dilemma with the teens. The film is available in select theaters and digital on-demand.
Mena told host Paul Bomleny that she has no favorite role but believes many of her characters have provided her insight into herself. The Rhode Island native made the move to Los Angeles before she was 15 and had her first movie role at age 16 in the 1997 cult classic “Nowhere”.
At age 41, she is expecting her first child with husband Michael Hope. Mena says she is as happy as can be as they await the birth of their baby boy in the spring.
The Netflix documentary Rising Phoenix takes you inside the world of the incredible athletes and history of the Para-Olympics. These remarkable athletes compete every four years, just like the Olympics and yet they face even greater odds, and not merely any supposed disability. The Para-Olympics aren't just inspiring, they are remarkably competitive and fast paced and the directors of Rising Phoenix, Peter Ettedgui and Ian Bonhote joined WKEI in the Noon Hour to talk about the history and the athletes of the parallel Olympics.
Wethersfield Schools Superintendent Shane Kazubowski joined WKEI on Friday's edition of People to People to wrap up Thursday night's school board meeting. At that meeting, it was announced that staff at Wethersfield Schools would start to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, January 21st. 75 Wethersfield teachers and staff members opted to take the vaccine and will be vaccinated on the 21st. Also as part of Thursday's meeting we learned that Wethersfield School Board hopes to see at least one write in candidate for School Board in April. The Board needs a 4th candidate to fill the full compliment of Board members and avoid having to restructure the board completely.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department released the latest Recovery Rate Data for COVID-19 in Henry and Stark County on Wednesday. On Thursday, RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI to discuss the data and what it tells us about the current state of COVID-19 in our area. There are positive signs with the infection rate going down consistently in both counties of late. Meanwhile, questions abound regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. Tier 1B is now receiving the vaccine and while this tier does include people with co-morbidities and people over the age of 65, it will likely be at least one month before public clinics are scheduled due to the limited amount of COVID-19 vaccine currently available.
The Kewanee Public Library has returned from holiday break and is planning big things for the rest of 2021. Among the early highlights are a pair of Zoom meetings for the general public to get information on how to combat consumer fraud and another to combat identity theft. In partnership with the office of the Illinois Attorney, Kwame Raoul, the library will feature Zoom chats on February for consumer fraud and February 18th for combating identity theft. Both Zoom Meetings will be led by Marsha Griffin from the Attorney General's office. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined WKEI with more on library programs for early 2021.
The Chase is a new ABC game show that pits contestants against former Jeopardy champions in a game of trivia. The big difference, contestants get a head start and the champs have to chase them down. Brad Rutter, known as the GOAT of Jeopardy champions, having won more money on the show than anyone in history, joined WKEI on Wednesday to promote The Chase, which airs tonight on ABC, remember his pal Alex Trebek and dodge the question of whether he might host Jeopardy one day.
Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau was our guest on Tuned In on Wednesday. Katie joined WKEI to talk about Bushels for Hunger, the fundraising program for our local food banks. Farmers can donate grain to Bushels for Hunger that is then sold and the money raised goes to local food banks. Bushels for Hunger wraps up at the end of January. Scholarships from the Henry County Farm Bureau are now available. Students looking into the field of farming or ag related fields can apply for the Henry County Farm Bureau scholarships now at HenryCoFarmBureau.org. There is one brand new scholarship this year, specifically for legacy members of the Farm Bureau. Hear all about it in today's Tuned In Podcast.
State Senator Win Stoller joined WKEI on Wednesday morning following an all night session of the Illinois legislature. In the middle of the night, a pair of Democrat backed bills that few lawmakers had the chance to read, passed both the Illinois House and Senate. State Senator Win Stoller tells WKEI that the Police Reform Bill which had drawn fire for not involving law enforcement leaders to weigh in on it, had been rewritten and resubmitted in the middle of the night. A similar story happened with a new health care bill that will add billions to the state budget, passed in the middle of the night without being read by many while being voted on by members who may no longer be legislators as of the start of the new legislative session today.
Hannah Zeile just turned in a star making performance on a recent episode of the hit TV series, This is Us, on NBC. Though she's been with the show since the first season, the season 5 episode, A Long Road Home, is one of the first to center upon Zeile as the teenage version of Chrissy Metz's Kate. Zeile delivered a powerhouse performance on the episode and This is Us remains one of the most watched shows on television. We had the chance to chat with Hannah Zeile, teenage Kate, from This is Us on the WKEI Noon Hour.
Henry County has moved on to the next Tier of Vaccinations following a successful rollout of vaccinations for frontline medical workers. According to information from the Henry and Stark County Health Department, Vaccinations are beginning for so called Tier 1B personnel including first responders, the education sector, food and ag processors, manufacturing sector employees, corrections workers, postal workers, public transit workers, grocery store employees, and shelter and Daycare staff. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department talked about the vaccine rollout and reminds everyone, there is no waiting list for the vaccine and no public clinics have been set up as of yet.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI on Tuned In to discuss Monday's Kewanee City Council. On the whole, it was a relatively quiet meeting with agreements across the agenda. One big item was the discussion of potential new animal ordinances targeting repeat offenders who allow dogs to run at large. Mayor Moore himself floated the idea of being able to hire a part time Animal Control Officer for the City of Kewanee at no extra cost to the City. The Mayor did not lay out the proposal in total, he's still researching, but stated it's a possibility that he's looking into. Inevitably, talk turns to the issues the City of Kewanee has surrounding a pair of former City employees and while the Mayor cannot comment directly regarding City personnel issues, the Mayor did tell WKEI that he feels the City has been transparent as to what transpired and how it was handled.
Lance Taylor, Real Estate Professional and Fox News Radio contributor, joined WKEI during our Noon hour program to talk about the biggest home improvement myths. If you are thinking about making improvements to your home, Lance has some suggestions as well as some things to watch out for if you have someone coming to your home to make improvements, provide assessments, or inspect your home for a sale.
Actor John Ashton has played many roles in his lengthy career but is perhaps best known as playing Judge Reinhold's cantankerous veteran partner opposite Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop. Most recently however, Ashton has delivered the best work of his career in a new independent drama called Once Upon a River. Once Upon a River stars Ashton as Smoke, a terminally ill cancer patient living out his last days in a dilapidated shack of a home when he meets a young girl on a tragic journey. Kenadi DeLaCerna plays the young girl who lost her family and escaped from a fate of being put into the system by taking a boat journey down the river. Once Upon a River will be available on Blu Ray DVD and Streaming Rental on January 12th.
Kewanee Police Chief Nick Welgat joined WKEI on Monday's edition of People to People to discuss a recommendation he plans to make to the Kewanee City Council intended to update City Animal Ordinances. Specifically, the change that the Chief is recommending involves repeat offenders whose dogs escape regularly and for whom fines don't appear to alter behavior. The new measure takes inspiration from City of Kewanee nuisance laws from property and will be laid out tonight for the City Council and go through a review with Kewanee City Attorney Justin Raver before it goes back to the Council for the chance to become part of the ordinance. We also talked with Chief Welgat on Monday about his first months in the office and his reaction to the move toward Police reform in Springfield.
Are you financially prepared for the New Year? Have you set your budget? These are important things that no one enjoys doing but that must be done and done regularly. Jolene Efnor from Country Financial joined WKEI's Tuned In program to discuss financial preparedness, budgeting and your insurance needs. For those who need just a little extra help setting that budget for the new year, Jolene sent along a budgeting tool from Country Financial to give you a little more help.
The new found footage horror movie The Curse of Aurore arrives on Blu Ray, DVD, and Streaming Rental on January 12th. The film tells the story of three friends who go to Canada to come up with a movie script about the Canadian crime legend of Aurore. Aurore was a child in a Quebec suburb in the early 1900's who was murdered by her parents. It's said to be the story that brought crimes against children to the attention of the nation. Since then, a legend has arisen around the story of Aurore. Producer and star Llana Barron happened to have lived in Quebec in the same town as Aurore Gagnon and her family and from there, the movie, The Curse of Aurore was born. On Friday, January 8th, our Sean Kernan had the chance to chat with star and producer Llana Barron and Director Mehran Torgoley about The Curse of Aurore.
Princeton Mayor Joel Quiram was on WZOE’s Wake Up Princeton show to update residents on several important issues facing the city. The mayor said at Monday’s city council meeting, they authorized a new ordinance that would allow poultry in residential neighborhoods. Currently, poultry is only allowed in areas zoned for agricultural use. The new ordinance will be considered after the new city council takes their seats in May, after the city election in April.
The mayor also discussed a proposed project to transform part of Columbus Street into a walkway. He said the plan would take “an approximate 100 foot stretch of a narrow, drab, downtown one-way street that sees maybe 50 cars a day” and change it into something that would add to the ambiance of Main Street.
Mayor Quiram also said at the next Princeton City Council meeting on January 18, the council will vote again on Perry Memorial Hospital’s affiliation with OSF Healthcare. This will be the second and final vote. The first vote taken on Monday was favorable toward the city’s agreement to the affiliation.
The Kewanee Area United Way wants to make sure people have the cleaning supplies they need amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Cleaning and keeping clean are ways in which we can help to keep infections, like COVID-19, at bay. But, not everyone can afford the supplies needed for keeping home and family as clean as possible. That's where the United Way Supply Drive comes in to provide a free bag of needed supplies from soap and hand sanitizer to toothpaste to dish soap, and other needed supplies. Those in need of a free box or bag of cleaning supplies can drive through the Regional Media Parking lot located at 101 West Central Boulevard at 10 Am on Saturday, January 9th and pick up that free box or bag. Donations are given out on a first come, first served basis until all the donation boxes and bags have been given away. Linda Blair from the Kewanee Area United Way and Eddie Tolliver from the Kewanee Salvation Army joined WKEI on People to People to talk about the Supply drive.
Lori Grooms is the Director of Infection Control for OSF Healthcare and she was our guest on Tuned In on Wednesday. Lori joined WKEI to talk about COVID-19. In the nearly 1 year since COVID-19 came to the attention of the world, what have we learned about the virus, where it came from, how it has changed, and how the vaccine will fight it. Most importantly, when will this whole thing be over? When can we expect to get back to something that resembles life before COVID-19. Lori Grooms is quite hopeful that advances in science will allow us to navigate this pandemic faster than we have past pandemics.
How to know when you need more help processing grief was the topic of Tuesday's Tuned In conversation with Pastor Jim Reynolds with OSF Healthcare Grief Support. Pastor Reynolds detailed several signs that you may need more help with your grief and how OSF Healthcare is planning the launch of online grief support via the OSF Healthcare website. Pastor Jim Reynolds joins WKEI on the first Tuesday of each month to discuss Grief Support.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI for the latest local information regarding COVID-19. RaeAnn joined WKEI to update the latest local COVID-19 numbers and to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine rollout which began just before Christmas and has nearly completed the first round of Frontline Healthcare Workers. Next on the list will be first responders, firefighters, Police and the education sector. Tier 3 includes adults with so-called Co-Morbidities or High Risk Medical Conditions and those aged 65 and older. RaeAnn also urged patience among those eager to receive the vaccine. The rollout is under the control of the Federal and State Governments and the Health Department is following their guidelines for deployment of the vaccine. The orderly rollout to the public has not been set as of yet and people will need to be patient while understanding that a plan is in place for the orderly rollout to all who would like to get the vaccine.
A bizarre story out of California is headed to the Supreme Court as a girl who insulted fellow cheerleaders and her cheer coach on Snapchat has challenged her yearlong Cheerleading suspension in a case that could create precedents related to free speech and social media. Can someone sue for emotional distress over viewing an emotionally disturbing video? A court could set a precedent in a case involving an abused child and a nanny cam. Finally, is it merely political or may there be real consequences for the election lawsuits filed by President Trump? All of these stories with Fox News Radio Legal Contributor Loretta Powers in our Tuned In Podcast.
Today on the WKEI Morning Show, Host and Professional Film Critic, Sean Kernan, revealed his Top 10 Movies of 2020.
10. I'm Thinking of Ending Things (Netflix)
9. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Netflix)
8. Promising Young Woman (In theaters now)
7. Nomadland (In theaters now)
6. On the Rocks (Apple TV)
5. First Cow (Available for streaming rental now)
4. The Invisible Man (Blu-Ray, DVD, and Streaming Rental now)
3. Ms White Light (Available for streaming rental now)
2. She Dies Tomorrow (Available for Streaming Rental now)
1. H is for Happiness (Available for Streaming Rental now)
4.
Dave and Darren speak with Patrick Adamson about the ever maturing flower supply and increasing options and delivery methods.
The holidays are looking a bit different for many this year, with traveling and large family celebrations on the back burner. Cooking at home continues to be an increased part of everyday life, and is a part of our holiday celebrations as we pivot once again to maintain the comfort of what holidays always bring to our families. In an effort to make our holidays happier, Monica Nyman, senior nutrition educator and registered dietitian with the St. Louis District Dairy Council, visited WZOE’s Wake Up Princeton program recently.
She shared some ideas on ways to stay healthy through the holidays. Her top tips are to start your day with breakfast and don’t skip meals. Also be sure to choose high protein foods to keep you satisfied throughout the day. She says it's important to choose a variety foods throughout the day and it's also a good idea to start meal planning and maintain or start a physical activity routine.
More information is available online at stldairycouncil.org. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram at STLDairyCouncil where they share updates of their programming and more easy recipes to make at home.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Tuned In on Tuesday, December 29th, 2020. On the agenda, a look back at Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting including discussion regarding the City of Kewanee contract with Cottingley and Butler of Dubuque, Iowa to provide consulting work related to insurance. The City of Kewanee also tabled a new insurance agreement that would provide an option for former City of Kewanee Department heads to return to the City of Kewanee Insurance plan one time, should they give up their City of Kewanee insurance for a new plan. The goal is to encourage those who retire as City of Kewanee Department heads to find other means of insurance. The Kewanee City Council also made waves by voting 5 to 0 in favor of no longer having the County collect local hotel taxes. The City of Kewanee will no handle billing and collection of hotel taxes with the goal taking more control over how tourism is promoted related to Kewanee.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on People to People to discuss the latest COVID-19 headlines in the two Counties. The main topic of the day however, is the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Moderna vaccine was delivered to the Henry County Office of Emergency Management who then instructed the Health Department to begin vaccinating local EMS workers in Henry and Stark County. A separate order of the vaccine was delivered to each of the two local hospitals, Hammond Henry Hospital and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. Each hospital is already in the process of vaccinating frontline workers.
Dee Snider, singer-songwriter, musician, radio personality and actor visited with WZOE’s Paul Bomleny recently. Snider, who came to prominence in the 1980s as lead singer of the heavy metal band Twister Sister, has a new holiday song out. He’s joined by Lzzy Hale of the band Halestorm on “The Magic of Christmas Day”.
In the late 80s, the classically-trained musician wrote the song as a gift to his wife of nearly 40 years, Suzette. In the 90s, Celine Dion recorded the song and put it on what would become the biggest selling holiday album in history. Dee says between the coronavirus and politics, we all need a little inspiration so he decided to record the song for the first time this year.
Dee wrote every Twisted Sister song, including the hits “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock”. He says his personal favorite is one of their early songs “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll” because it best captures the nature of the band.
Snider also is directing a movie and working on a new album due out in 2021 and says you can look for him on the new season of the streaming TV series “Cobra Kai”.
Dee’s official website is deesnider.com.
The team behind Bakersville have teamed up with WKEI 1450 Am and 100.1 FM to bring you a holiday radio play, Miracle on Chestnut Street. Written by Jacque Komnick and featuring the many Bakersville players, this play set in Kewanee tells a wonderful tale of Christmas in Kewanee featuring references to City's past culled from the memories of the many who responded when Jacque Komnick reached out for memories of Kewanee's past.
We've reached the season finale of ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight and host and judge Taniya Nayack cannot wait for you to see what they have in store for you this year. Film a year ago, the finale is the culmination of the 2019 contest as, due to filming constraints, the show always tapes one year in advance and has done so for 8 years. Thus, when you watch the finale on Wednesday, December 23rd on ABC you will see plenty of hugging and no masks or social distancing. We talked with Taniya Nayack for this preview of The Great Christmas Light Fight on ABC.
Dr Chris Sullens joined WKEI for our Tuned In program on WKEI on Tuesday. Dr. Sullens talked about what took place at Monday night's Kewanee School Board Meeting including stating their will be an 'adaptive pause' after the Christmas Break. Kids will return from the break on January 4th but they will all do so on remote learning for the week before returning to the hybrid schedule the following week. This is at the recommendation of the Health Department as a Holiday spike in COVID-19 cases is likely. The extra time gives students more of a window to be symptom free for returning to the hybrid schedule. High School sports were also discussed on Monday night and with still no word on whether High School Sports will officially be able to return next month or not.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department wants to help you have a safety happy Holiday. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department was our guest on WKEI on Tuesday morning to discuss tips you can use to keep your family safe and healthy over the holidays. First, of course, people are discouraged from gathering large groups, from multiple households, in one place. That said, some people are going to go ahead and do that and the Health Department has ways you can, at the very least, limit your potential exposures for you and the people you care about. That was the topic of today's People to People conversation with RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department.
The COVID-19 vaccine is currently being distributed to hospitals in the OSF Healthcare ministry. But how is the vaccine being rolled out? Which hospitals have the vaccine and have begun vaccinating employees? Are OSF Healthcare employees or Mission Partners, required to take the vaccine? What about the Moderna vaccine? When will it be available and how is it different from Pfizer's vaccine. All of these questions and more with VP of Pharmacy Services for OSF Healthcare Sandy Salvorson on Tuned In on WKEI.
Michael Devine from the Internal Revenue Service was our guest on People to People on Monday, December 21st. It's time to make sure you have everything you need to be prepared for 2021. Among the needed preparation, Michael recommends a paycheck checkup at IRS.gov. It's the best way to know if you are having enough money withheld from your paycheck in order to avoid owing money to the IRS. Michael also talks about potential scams related to your taxes that you need to be aware of and other tax filing information needed to be ready for 2021.
A lot of High School athletes have been unable to practice or work out as a team due to restrictions related to COVID-19. There is hope however, that High School Sports may return in the new year and with that comes the hope that players have found a way to keep busy during the downtime. Ian Swindler is an Assistant Athletic Trainer at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and he joined our Coaches Corner program on Saturday with tips for young athletes, High School athletes to stay in shape while they await the return of their sports next year.
Henry County Board Chairwoman Kippy Breeden and Henry County State's Attorney Cathy Runty joined WKEI on Tuned In on Friday to discuss Thursday night's Henry County Board Meeting. Treasurer Tim Wells resigned his position this week and while the newly elected Board Chairwoman could not comment on the Treasurer's resignation we do know how the process of replacing him will go. We also talked about the rescinding of the Restaurant and Bar 25% capacity issue from last week and got the Board Chairwoman's opinion on the matter.
The annual Kewanee Salvation Army Concert wasn't going to happen this year due to COVID-19. Then, Bud Johnson of the Wanee Cinemas got involved. He asked if the concert was going to happen and that if it did and was recorded, he would play the concert on the big screen at the Cinema. That was the plan before the Wanee Cinemas was forced to close for anything other than popcorn sales, but the idea to record the concert persisted. The concert has now been fully recorded and uploaded to YouTube where it can be joined and where you can find information for donating to the Salvation Army.
The team that brought you the Bakersville radio play are back at it for Christmas. Jacque Komnick brought her elves together to create "Miracle on Chestnut Street" a Kewanee set original Christmas radio play that will air on WKEI on Wednesday, December 23rd, at 8 Pm. The 1 hour, commercial free presentation will feature local, Kewanee voice talent bringing to life a story written by Jacque herself who joined WKEI on Thursday for the big announcement of the broadcast and some behind the scenes information on how the play came to be.
So, what happened that led Henry County to begin to allow bars and restaurants to open to 25% capacity and then rescind that order 2 days later. Duane Stephens, Director of the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on Tuesday along with Henry County States Attorney Cathy Runty, and RaeAnn Tucker to discuss why, ultimately, Henry County had to rescind the amendment to the code and return to no longer allowing indoor dining in Henry and Stark County Bars and Restaurants.
Betty's Garden Memory Care is throwing a Holiday party... sort of. Music is a huge part of life at Betty's Garden and Karissa Nash from Betty's Garden, along with Maisey Link, came up with an idea to celebrate Betty's Garden and the Holiday season with a Betty's Garden Holiday Special. Artists including The Joe Stamm Band, Angela Myer, both former Back Road Music Festival performers along with several local performers including the Cambridge High School Band, are all contributing to the virtual concert that will air on the Betty's Garden Facebook page on December 23rd from 6 Pm to 8 Pm.
Santa Claus was our special guest for a new edition of Kewanee Back When. Our friend Ron Heal arranged for Dave Clark and Sean Kernan to talk with Santa Claus live from the North Pole. Back in the 1970's, when Ron Heal was an employee of WKEI and he got his friend Santa Claus to host a show and chat with kids after school about what they wanted for Christmas. It was an incredibly popular show in the 70's. On this edition of Kewanee Back When, we reminisced with Santa Claus about his time in Kewanee on Kewanee Back When.
Kate Flannery played Meredith on NBC's hit series The Office through the entirety of that shows run. To this day, people stop Kate on the street, call her Meredith and ask if she's a little drunk. What many fans of The Office don't know however, is that Kate Flannery isn't just hilarious, she can sing and loves performing in front of an audience. She along with her good friend, Glee star Jane Lynch, have, in pre-COVID years, toured the country during the Christmas season promoting their swinging Christmas record, "A Swingin Little Christmas."
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore was our guest on Tuned In on WKEI on Tuesday. The Mayor of Kewanee joined WKEI to discuss issues from Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting. Items included in the discussion, the necessity of tax abatements as a way to keep taxes down for residents, discussion of city policy as relates to bids for contracted work for the City of Kewanee and transparency and very good news about the spot for the next Kewanee Mural Project.
Beneficial Ag Center in Princeton is stepping up to help put food on the tables of 50 needy families throughout the area this holiday season.
Employees and businesses within the center are donating $2500 to purchase 50 Sullivan’s gift cards in the amount of $50 each.
You can help. If you know someone in the local area that could use extra help this time of year, you are urged to message the Beneficial Ag Center Facebook page or send an email to Kendall_kolodziej@youracg.com with the name and contact information for the family in need.
On Sunday, December 20 at 5:00 pm, if more than 50 family names have been received, a random drawing will be held for 50 of the families to discreetly receive their $50 gift card.
Beneficial Ag Center is located at 636 South Main Street in Princeton. The center's Kevin Bauer was on WZOE’s Coffee with Paul program on Tuesday morning to share the story behind the story.
Millions of people are shopping online for the holidays in 2020 and many others will be looking for ways to use that online shopping against you. Their called scam artists and they are looking to steal your identity or your money. Jolene Barnes from Country Financial Insurance joined WKEI recently to talk about ways you can protect yourself while shopping online. If you are going to shop online, these tips can help keep you safe while you do it.
Dr Mark Meeker, Vice President of Physician Services at OSF Healthcare, joined WKEI on Tuned In to talk about a new COVID-19 treatment called BAM. BAM is the first FDA approved treatment for COVID-19 and it is now being administered to certain specific COVID-19 patients at particular OSF Healthcare locations in Illinois. The treatment is aimed at high risk patients, those with underlying conditions or ages that put them more at risk than average patients. We talked to Dr Mark Meeker about BAM and about the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine that is set to start to be administered to healthcare workers at OSF on Tuesday.
There is no Christmas Party for the folks at the State Bank of Toulon this year due to COVID-19. So, instead of throwing a party, the State Bank of Toulon has taken their Christmas Party money and pooled it to buy gift cards from local businesses throughout Kewanee, Galva and Toulon. Those giftcards are now going to be given away to those who stop into a State Bank of Toulon branch and sign up or drive thru the State Bank of Toulon drive up window. You can sign up to win one of many, many local giftcards that the State Bank of Toulon are purchasing in order to support the local business community. Nichelle More and Mark Riewerts from the State Bank of Toulon talked about this generous giveaway on today's edition of People to People on WKEI.
New Executive Director of the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Jenica Cole visited the WZOE studios recently. She’s been on the job for just over a month and says everyone has been great in helping her get acclimated to her new position, especially the chamber board and her administrative assistant, Deb Cools.
Jenica grew up on a farm near LaMoille and says Princeton was her “second town” as a youngster so when the chamber position became available she wasted no time in applying. She says she’s always been a people person and those skills also served her well in her previous work in medical sales.
Cole says she was pleased with the success of the recent downtown Christmas walk and is looking forward to the 5th annual Light Up Princeton event which puts a spotlight on houses throughout the community with impressive holiday lighting displays.
You never know when she will be popping up on Facebook Live to giveaway chamber gift certificates and other prizes at all hours of the day or night.
You can learn more about the chamber at their Facebook page and their website. Jenica especially suggests you check out the Facebook group Princeton’s Historic Main Street- Holiday Shopping.
Heartland Connections want to put smiles on peoples faces this holiday season with video messages featuring you! Whether you're sharing greeting, playing or singing a song or reciting a poem, share your video with Heartland Connection so it can be part of a special video message being given to seniors around the country to let them know we are thinking of them this Holiday season. Visit Cheerrr.com to share your video message.
December 7th to the 11th is National Cancer Screen Week. It's a week that means a great deal to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, himself a prostate cancer survivor. Having had a family history of prostate cancer, Attorney General Raoul was advised at a relatively young age to start getting prostate cancer screenings. This advice may have saved his life as at the age of 51, the Attorney General was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. His history of previous scans indicated that they had caught the cancer in an early stage and he was able to have surgery to remove the cancer before it could spread. Now, the Illinois Attorney General is reminding everyone that early detection is best for your overall health.
Normally, for Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau she'd be returning from Chicago just in time for her December appearance on WKEI. Chicago is home to the annual Illinois Farm Bureau Policy Meeting. This year however, due to COVID-19, no travel was necessary. The annual Farm Bureau Policy Meeting was held via the Zoom app. That didn't stop the meeting from making an impact and set policies that will carry the Farm Bureau into 2021 and the arrival of a new Presidential administration. We talked to Katie Laleman about what was discussed at this years policy meeting of the Illinois Farm Bureau on the Wednesday edition of Tuned In on WKEI.
How have the folks at Abilities Plus weathered the storm of 2020? It's been tough but they've managed to maintain many of the services they provide while innovating new ways to remain connected to and aiding their clients amid the storm of COVID-19. Recently, clients of Abilities Plus received a care package of cleaning supplies, a part of an ongoing effort by the Kewanee Area United Way to make sure those in need get needed supplies. One our People to People program we spoke with Julie Landwehr from Abilities Plus and Linda Blair from the Kewanee Area United Way to talk about this effort and the partnership between Abilities Plus and the Kewanee Area United Way.
Todd Dedecker from the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined WKEi on Tuned In on Tuesday to talk about Lucia Nights, happening December 11th and 12th in Bishop Hill. This Lucia Nights will be very different from past events due to COVID-19 but it's still happening. Restaurants in Bishop Hill will be ready with food you to buy and take home, and the lights in the windows of those historic buildings in Bishop Hill will still be there for you to drive around and marvel at or to walk by. There will be crafts for sale as well, take and make crafts from the VASA Archives among others.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEi on Tuesday morning for the first two weekly COVID-19 podcasts on WKEi. Today, we discussed the desperate need to bring down the infection rate in Henry and Stark County. The rolling infection rate in Henry and Stark County have been over 16% on a 7 day average since before Thanksgiving. If this number doesn't come down it will mean that restrictions per Governor J.B Pritzker will remain for these counties even as the statewide infection rate has dropped to just over 10%.
What kinds of tests are there for COVID-19? Which is the most effective? What should I do if I feel like I have COVID-19 and I want to get tested? What if I have been exposed but don't feel sick? These are some of the questions we confronted with Aaron Stevens Laboratory Director for OSF Healthcare, our guest on the Monday edition of Tuned In. Aaron also addressed what could be accomplished with more testing for COVID-19 and the testing supply chain and the challenges in that chain since the pandemic began.
There is now an indoor visitors booth at the Courtyard Communities in Kewanee. Catherine Hughes, Director of Courtyard Village came up with the idea just as the weather was turning cold and outdoor visiting was becoming less of an option. The project has been a huge success with residents at Courtyard Communities enjoying reunions with family knowing that they can visit and be safe. Maisey Link, Karissa Nash and Catherine Hughes from Courtyard joined WKEI on People to People on Monday to talk about this remarkable effort, how residents are reacting and the many other things that Courtyard has going on which you can see for yourself via the Courtyard Estates Facebook page.
If you've been thinking about getting outside and running or getting on your treadmill and competing in a virtual 5K, it's not as simple as just leaping off the couch and starting to run. Kim Becker, Physical Therapy Assistant at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, wants to see you up and running but she wants to make sure you know how to get up and running safely before anything else. Kim joined WKEI on the Noon Hour Show to talk about running, running competitively and running safely especially for those just getting started on running.
The Kewanee Area United Way is launching another Supply Drive for those in need. With the aid of the Kewanee Ministerial Association, the Kewanee Area United Way is gathering supplies that will be handed out in multiple ways. Cleaning supplies have been sent out to local seniors in need via partnership with the Henry County Senior Center. Still more supplies are being gathered with the aid of the Kewanee Salvation Army and a drive through pick up of needed supplies is set to take place early next year. We talked with Linda Blair from the Kewanee Area United Way about the ongoing plans for the supply drive and the need for donations.
What's it like to travel in the time of COVID-19? Shawn Kendall is the owner and Director of Custom Vacations at Trademark Vacations in Galva and he joined WKEI recently after returning from an international trip to the Azores, near Portugal. We asked Shawn Kendall to tell us what it was like to travel, both from one place to another in America and especially, what was it like to travel internationally during this time of global pandemic.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department made the dire announcement on Thursday that three people in Henry County and 1 person in Stark County have died from COVID-19. According to the information provided by the Health Department, a man in his 60s, a man in his 70s and another man in his 70s are the 18th, 19th, and 20th, persons to die from COVID-19 thus far. A man in his 70s became the fourth person to die from COVID-19 in Stark County. That's 24 people who have died from COVID-19 between the two counties since the start of the pandemic.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department released new COVID-19 numbers on Thursday afternoon, following the announcement of these four deaths. By the latest numbers, there are now 2,861 confirmed positive or probable cases of COVID-19 Henry County while Stark County has now topped 300 cases, a total of 304 confirmed positive or probable cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. The latest seven-day rolling test positivity rate is 17% for Henry County and 17.1% for Stark County.
Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center was our guest on Tuned In on Thursday. Cassandra joined WKEI to talk about the deadline for Medicare Part D Open Enrollment. If you'd like to make sure you are getting the best deal on your prescription drug coverage, contact the Henry County Senior Center before the end of business on Monday to get a Medicare Check up. The Senior Center is also launching a cookie fundraiser. Today, you can call the Senior Center and place your order for 12 Christmas Cookies that come with a kit for decorating your cookies with icing and sprinkles. The cost for your Christmas Cookie Kit is only $10.00.
The Princeton Lions Club isn’t letting the pandemic keep them from holding their annual Christmas Parade. Only this year’s event will be slightly different with the parade being stationary and the spectators moving. The drive-by parade takes place this Saturday, December 5 from 1:30 to 3:30 at the Princeton Moose Lodge at 1334 North Euclid Avenue.
Longtime Lion Jim Argo and Bureau County Food Pantry Director Vanessa Hoffeditzwere on Wake Up Princeton on WZOE and said the parade is free but they encourage you to bring a non-perishable food item or paper products to be collected and donated to the food pantry.
Santa will be at the parade to wish a Merry Christmas to all and kids will receive a goodie bag.
If you would like to make a donation, email scott.smith@michligenergy.com.
What are the Top 10 Best Books of 2020 according to the book editors at Amazon.com? The list was released this week and on the Noon Hour show on WKEI we caught up Amazon's lead book editor, Sarah Gelman to talk about the Top 10 Books of 2020, some notable titles just outside the top 10 and having the best job in the world, reading books for a living and ranking them.
Pastor Jim Reynolds with OSF Grief Counseling the OSF Hospice joined WKEI on People to People on Wednesday to discuss grief and the holidays. Pastor Jim brought with him the Grievers Holiday Bill of Rights, a list of RIghts reserved for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one during the holidays. We go through some of these rights and cover many of the ways in which grieving occurs during the holidays, outside the holidays, any time and how there is no one way for people to grieve for the loss of a loved one.
R & B Superstar Macy Gray was our guest on the Noon Hour on WKEi. Macy has recently formed a non-profit that offers financial and other kinds of support to families who have lost someone to police brutality. The MyGood Foundation was formed specifically to help pay for the burial fees and provide counseling services and financial aid to families devastated in the wake of police brutality incident. Much can be lost as people debate what can be done about incidents of police brutality and often lost in that debate are the needs of the families who've lost a loved one. That's what the MyGood Foundation was created for, to make sure the families are not forgotten. We also talked music, of course, with Macy having a new record coming in February and the long lasting legacy of her biggest hit, the Grammy winning "I Try."
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on People to People on Tuesday to discuss the latest local news regarding COVID-19. The news is not improving. The rolling infection rate in both Henry and Stark County is over 17% as this weekend. And, now with Thanksgiving over, the likely expectation is we will see another spike in cases and how big that spike is will go a long way toward how Henry County looks while we wait for the COVID-19 vaccine to be approved and distributed. Currently, there is no definitive timeline for when the Vaccine will be ready to go out.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI on Tuned In to follow up on Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. Mayor Moore talked about Wood Boilers and the discussion about allowing for wood boilers in the City of Kewanee from Monday night's meeting. The City of Kewanee will be permitting and regulating Wood Burners but they will not require a Special Use permit for the burners. A final ordinance should be up at the next Kewanee City Council Meeting. Also discussed during last night's Kewanee City Council Meeting was escalated bidding when it comes to bidding on City owned property. Mayor Moore feels escalated bidding is fair and legal but the rest of council, aside from the absent Chris Colomer, appeared to oppose escalated bidding. And finally, we addressed the coming retirement of Kewanee City Engineer Scott Hinton and whether or not the City of Kewanee should continue to have a full time City Engineer.
There is a growing crisis in the field of Behavioral Health and it is due to the continuing strain of COVID-19. More and more people need help from Behavioral Health specialists and fewer Behavioral Health Specialists than ever before are available. That said, new advances in technology are helping to bring health professionals and patients together in new ways, but the crisis still looms. With COVID-19 on everyone's mind and more people feeling cut off from the world, the need for more behavioral health continues to grow. We talked to Luke Raymond, Director of Behavioral Health at OSF Healthcare about what OSF Healthcare is doing to meet the needs of a growing number of patients.
Eddie Tolliver from the Kewanee Salvation Army joined WKEI on Monday, one day ahead of Giving Tuesday, the day many set aside to make a charitable donation whether in person or online. Eddie tells WKEI that the Salvation Army's plan for Giving Tuesday involves a partnership with Thrivent Financial which has the company matching every $2.00 donated with a dollar from Thrivent. On top of that matching donation, Thrivent and the Salvation Army will celebrate the day with a virtual concert by famed Christian pop star, Michael W Smith. You can see the concert via the link on the Kewanee Salvation Army Facebook page. Eddie also reminds everyone that the Red Kettle campaign is underway and bell ringers are needed to help fill the kettles in 2020.
Dr Hayley Ralph from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center talked with WKEI for our Noon hour program. In the interview, we talked about the safety and benefits of exercising during pregnancy. Young mothers have many questions when they first become pregnant, the main question being the best ways to assure their baby is safe and healthy. This can lead to the notion that vigorous activity such as exercise might be harmful to the baby. This is not the case. In fact, mother's and baby's can benefit from Mom getting plenty of exercise and eating healthy.
The Mayor of Geneseo, Sean Johnson, was our guest on Tuned In this week to remind people to Shop Geneseo. The shops of Geneseo are open and while it won't be quite the same as it has been in the past, the Geneseo Christmas Walk will still take place next month. Shoppers need to wear masks and keep social distance but you're still getting the opportunity to support local businesses during the holiday shopping season.
Annie Crabtree from Kewanee is finding success as a first time Children's book author. Annie set a goal for herself during the pandemic shutdown to write a children's book and in a matter of months, a story based on a dream she had, is now ready to go into the stockings of kids around the world. The book titled "What Happened to Santa Claus's Beard" is available via Amazon.com but you can also get it at several local, Kewanee businesses as mentioned in this Tuned In conversation on Tuesday, November 24th.
The Centers for Disease Control is advising people not to travel over Thanksgiving and not to gather in large groups in closed spaces because the virus is passed most often in this scenario. Diane Teske, Safety and Quality Manager for OSF HealthCare, told WKEI on Tuned In that travel for Thanksgiving is not recommended. Diane also talked about the #MaskedUp initiative which OSF Healthcare joined last week. Diane says that Masks are the most effective way of keeping the virus at bay. Nothing can keep you completely safe but wearing a mask is the best chance you have of not getting this potentially deadly virus.
Director Dana Nachman loves a good inspiring story. A few years back she documented how a whole town came together to make one boy's dream of being Batman come true in the documentary, Batboy! Now she's taken on another inspiring subject. Operation Santa Claus is an initiative in which the Post Office chooses letters from kids to help Santa Claus highlight some extra special kids who've seen hardship but are still hopeful that Santa Claus will be there for them. It's a beautiful story filled with heartwarming letters from kids to Santa answered by Santa's post office elves.
Amron Buchanan and Ken Knowles joined WKEI for People to People on Monday morning to talk about Goodfellows Christmas Baskets. It's not going to be the same this year, naturally, due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Amron and Ken tell WKEI that adjustments had to be made and this year, instead of Christmas baskets, those in need will be given certificates for food, including a family sized ham, from Save A Lot. If you know someone in need of a Goodfellows Christmas certificate this year, which will be mailed out to residences in time for Christmas, call Kewanee Schools and register that family in need to receive a Goodfellows Christmas certificate to be used at Save A Lot.
Princeton Mayor Joel Quiram says he’s optimistic about the financial future of the city. While visiting Wake Up Princeton on WZOE-AM, the mayor said he’s encouraged that the city’s sales tax numbers for seven of the past nine months were all up over the previous three years. He credits that to residents focusing on shopping locally.
Concerning Governor Pritzker’s Tier 3 restrictions that went into effect recently, Mayor Quiram says the city encourages all businesses to give serious consideration to following the mandate. But he added that local governments have been given no authority to enforce the governor’s orders.
Mayor Quiram says it’s important to remember while looking at the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 that the overwhelming majority of those who have gotten the virus have also recovered. He says Perry Memorial Hospital has 25 beds and at last report the availability was well over 50 percent.
The mayor urges residents to observe the CDC guidelines by wearing masks, washing your hands and maintaining social distance. He also says he believes with two promising vaccines, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Chris Sullivan plays Toby on the hit NBC series This is Us but that is certainly not his only area of interest. Chris has recently launched the band Joseph the Spouse, a band whose music evokes 70's rock and bluegrass. The first Joseph the Spouse album dropped this week. It's called Six Feet From Under and having listened to it myself, I can tell you it's really good. We talked to Chris Sullivan about his first record and how it lyrically resembles the moving intimacy of This is Us.
November is National Diabetes Month and Kris Willis, Diabetes Educator with OSF Healthcare joined WKEI this week to talk about Diabetes management and athletes. Athletes with Diabetes or anyone with diabetes who keeps an active lifestyle can benefit from Diabetes educators who can help you plan your way to your best athletic performance while managing your diabetes. Kris Willis explains the challenges involved and how to work toward overcoming them.
Wethersfield Superintendent Shane Kazubowski and Athletic Director Jeff Parsons joined WKEI on People to People on Friday to talk about the IHSA decision to follow the guidelines of Governor J.B Pritzker and put a stop to High School Athletics until at least January. No in person practices or, of course, games, can be played until early next year and then, only if Region 2 is off of the Orange Warning list and back to Stage four mitigation while we wait for the COVID-19 vaccine to arrive. We also talked about a special scholarship now available for female students at Wethersfield who are planning to go into the Health Care field.
The Henry County Board on Thursday night signed off on sending a letter to Governor J.B Pritzker regarding the new mitigation efforts that went into effect recently for restaurants and bars. In the letter, signed by Board Chairman Marshall Jones, the Henry County Board asks Governor J.B Pritzker to consider not having Henry County in Region 2 which shares a border with Iowa via Rock Island County. The letter doesn't state which Region the board would like Henry County to be part of, only stresses that including Henry County in this Region leaves it open to being kept in Tier 3 mitigation not because of numbers from Henry County but from counties that border a state with even higher COVID-19 numbers and fewer restrictions.
The letter also asks the Governor to reconsider the mitigation efforts that have bars and restaurants closed to indoor dining. The letter alleges that there is no definitive link between indoor dining and drinking to the spread of COVID-19. The letter goes on to state that keeping bars and restaurants closed could cause those businesses to close permanently, costing jobs in the county and leading to devastating economic impact on all of Henry County. You can read the letter in full below, provided to WKEI by Henry County Board Chairman Marshall Jones who was our guest for our Noon Hour Show on Friday.
Ameren Illinois is touting the Warm Neighbors, Cooler Friends initiative to help people in need with their heating bill this winter as well as get you set for the heat of the next Spring and Summer. Warm Neighbors and Cooler friends is a year round assistance program that can help you when you need the most help with your energy bill. Susan Sams Susan Sams, Executive Director of the Energy Assistance Foundation’s Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program, was our guest to talk about energy assistance on Tuned In.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI to discuss the number of active cases of COVID-19 in Henry County. The good news is that statewide the infection rate is down a little. The bad news, it continues to go up in Henry County with a 16% rolling positivity rate over the last 7 days. 8% is the warning threshold for the state of Illinois. We talked to RaeAnn about the new restrictions going into effect on Friday as well. They are basically the same as the phase 3 mitigation rules that were put in place during the Spring before being lifted late in the summer when the infection rate was relatively steady below 8%.
The new documentary The Power of Movement tells the story of Dr Niraj Mehta whose made waves with his belief that the key to recovery, any recovery, is movement and with that theory, he began teaching people who've recovered from cancer to dance. It's a remarkable story and an inspiring one as the doctor brings Bollywood magic to helping cancer patients get back on their feet again, quite literally. Power of Movement director Aaron Abelto talked about the movie and Dr Mehta, with WKEI on Wednesday.
Dave Clark joined WKEI for the latest edition of Kewanee Back When. Dave and Sean Kernan talked about what Thanksgiving in Kewanee was like 100 years ago, in 1920. It was, as you can imagine, a very different time with different stories and perspectives. Dave's research brought a new revelation about Kewanee's Presidential history and Sean was surprised about a community Thanksgiving meal that may come as a surprise to you as well as it does not involve Turkey.
Dr Chris Sullens was our guest on Tuned In on Thursday. Among the topics discussed was the Equalized Assessed Value in Henry County or EAV. EAV determines the school budget based on tax revenue from property tax in the county. We also touched briefly on the Teacher's Union contract with Kewanee Schools. Dr Sullens says that an agreement is on the table and will be discussed at a Special School Board meeting in the near future. And, of course, we talked about COVID-19 and how the school is approaching mitigation and safety and, for now, how Kewanee Schools have no plans to go back to all E-Learning rather than in person classes.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department says that the new CDC guidelines for reporting COVID-19 give a more accurate picture of the spread of COVID-19 across the country, the state and in Henry and Stark County. RaeAnn Tucker joined WKEI to address the continued pushback that has accompanied the change that includes in the count Positive Confirmed cases of COVID-19 and Probable cases. The only difference being the accuracy of the administered test, one test for COVID-19 is more accurate while the other test gets results quicker. Nevertheless, online reaction to the increasing COVID-19 numbers has led the Health Department to further address why the new reporting is more accurate to the actual spread of COVID-19.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI on our Tuned In program on Tuesday morning to wrap up Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting. During our interview, the Mayor addressed the COVID-19 quarantine that has limited the staff at City Hall and how that led to a limited agenda for the Council Meeting as some staff were not available for the meeting. The Mayor addressed the bond issue partnership with the State Bank of Toulon, final authorization for repairs at the South Water Tower, a new agreement with Lakeshore Recycling that will benefit the City of Kewanee budget and the continuing discussion over how the City of Kewanee accepts bids related to property owned by the City.
Stacy Keach was on Wake Up Princeton recently on WZOE-AM. The veteran actor is best known for his iconic role of Mike Hammer on the 80’s TV series. He’s also portrayed Warden Pope on Prison Break and delved into comedy in “Titus” and a couple of Cheech and Chong movies.
He’s won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for the miniseries Hemingway. Stacy Keach received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last year.
He’s the longtime narrator of “American Greed” as well as projects for Nova, National Geographic and has lent his voice to The Simpsons and The Twilight Zone Radio Series
His latest project is “Sammynolie And Other Stories” by Alexander Tsypkin – Translated by Paul Lazarus. All stories are available as recordings and written texts at tsypkinstories.com.
Matt and Nick Jackson have been one of the hottest acts in professional wrestling for going on a decade now and all without ever wrestling for the renowned WWE. No, they cut their own path, one that many claimed was Killing the Business by not adhering to the strict codes of school wrestling locker rooms and notions of how match structure works. Regardless of being ostracized by some in the wrestling establishment, Matt and Nick cut their own path, embraced new styles of wrestling, sharpened their act by touring all over the world and working different styles and all of that has led to being two of the driving forces of the new TNT hit wrestling series All Elite Wrestling where they are currently the AEW Tag Team Champions. Matt and Nick Jackson, The Young Bucks were our guests on WKEI on Monday afternoon.
Dr Cliff Martin, Vice President Chief Medical Officer serving OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center, joined WKEI for the final time this week before he moves into retirement. Dr Martin discussed the good news from Moderna about the effectiveness of their vaccine and how it works. Dr Martin also talked about what we are beginning to learn about immune response and COVID-19 and we talked about high risk for COVID-19 among the developmentally disabled.
Courtyard Communities in Kewanee want to help support fellow businesses in Kewanee. Maisey Link, Karissa Nash and Christine Koppenbarger from Courtyard Communities joined WKEI on People to People to talk about Thankful Times and Businesses Align, an event via the Zoom app that will feature speakers talking with business owners about navigating the current COVID-19 climate with Governor Pritzker's new restrictions affecting more than just bars and restaurants.
The Kewanee Public Library is once again opening and is moving to hold safe, socially distant programs for kids and adults. Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined WKEI on Tuned In on Thursday to talk about upcoming activities including Coding Classes at the Library for kids in 5th through 8th Grade. BHE instructor Andrew Mansheim will instruct a limited number of students in Coding at the Kewanee Public Library on Thursday, November 19th. Space is limited so sign up soon at the Library. And the Kewanee Public Library has a Christmas Zoom presentation coming in December. Details in today's Tuned In Podcast.
Three more people have died from COVID-19 related causes in Henry County. That word from the Henry and Stark County Health Department on Wednesday afternoon. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI for our twice weekly COVID-19 podcast to talk about the latest news regarding COVID-19, news that is not very good right now. Numbers in Henry County and across the state are going up and with more winter weather driving more people indoors, the spread is expected to continue.
Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau was our guest on Tuned In on Wednesday. Katie joined WKEi to talk about the latest Harvest numbers in Illinois, plenty of good news courtesy of the good weather in early November. And we discussed the ongoing charity effort Bushels for Hunger which farmers can still participate in by donating bushels via their grain elevator. Finally, we talked about the Henry County Farm Bureau Young Leaders who will be at Fareway in Geneseo on Saturday for another Fill A Ford event. Drop by and you can donate items or cash to support local food banks.
Jolene Efnor, formerly Jolene Barnes, of Country Financial Insurance joined WKEI on People to People to talk about becoming winter-ready. Whether it is your car or your home, there are simple tips for making sure you are protected from the weather once the real winter weather begins. Jolene has tips for a winter preparedness kit for your car and tips for making sure your home is in shape and prepared for when the winter weather arrives.
Kevin Bauer from Ag Consulting Group in Princeton visited Wake Up Princeton recently. ACG is one of seven ag businesses that form Beneficial Ag Center. The group is located at 636 South Main Street in the former Parr Insurance building.
Beneficial Ag Center’s motto is “Seven ag related businesses ready to serve you.” In addition to ACG, Beneficial Ag Center is made up of Ag Explorer, Cyr Financial, Indigo Ag, Integra Fortified Seeds, Land Guys and Thorn Creek Insurance Services.
Bauer says Ag Consulting Group mostly serves individual farmers on a consulting basis. ACG has grown from two employees to 22 across 18 states. More information is available at beneficialagcenter.com.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put out new guidance on the tracking of COVID-19 cases. Health Departments will now track confirmed and probable cases together. We talked with RaeAnn Tucker about this update to the numbers and how this will more accurately reflect the prevalence and spread of COVID-19 in our area. We also discussed tips for getting ready for your family Thanksgiving gathering. You can still do Thanksgiving get togethers, but if you want to do so safely, the Health Department wants to help you with some guidance. Finally, we talked about the big news from Pfizer regarding the potential for a vaccine and how prepared the Office of Emergency Management in Henry County already is for any potential vaccine rollout.
There is a new documentary available for Video on Demand services, as of November 10th, called Maybe Next Year. The documentary takes us back to 2017, the year that the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl. But the doc isn't about the team, it's about those legendary Philly fans. Director Kyle Thrash chooses a unique cross section of Eagles fans to give a new take on what it means to be a fan and what sports mean to us and why sports can mean so much to so many. Maybe Next Year director Kyle Thrash was our guest on Tuned In.
Dr Cliff Martin, Vice President Chief Medical Officer serving OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center, joined WKEI to talk about the latest COVID-19 Medical News. The biggest news is the news from Pfizer that the vaccine company has been working on has a 90% efficacy rate. What does that mean and how excited should people be. Dr Martin says there is room for optimism. We also talked about the update to how the CDC reports cases in terms of the types of tests for COVID-19. Finally. we tackle the question of Blood Pressure medication and does it create an increased risk of COVID-19. It doesn't and Dr Martin explains how we now know that.
Jim Bohannon, whose show airs weeknights from 9 Pm to Midnight on WKEI, joined WKEI on Friday to discuss what may be becoming a historic day in American democracy. Will President Trump concede the election? Should President Trump Concede the election? Are there any legal challenges left for the President and what would it take for the President to possibly accept defeat? We discussed each of these topics with Jim Bohannon on WKEI's Noon Hour.
Eddie Tolliver from the Kewanee Salvation Army joined WKEI on Tuned In on Friday to talk about the successful partnership of the Kewanee Salvation Army and the Kewanee Area United Way. Eddie praised the United Way for their remarkable effort to support the work that non-profits, such as the Kewanee Salvation Army, do and how it could not be done without such incredible support. The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign is getting underway and soon enough, bell ringers will be out in support of Christmas donations to help those in need via the Salvation Army.
Freedom House is one of the many agencies that is aided by the Kewanee Area United Way. Today on People to People we spoke with Trisha Shafer from Freedom House about the help that Freedom House gets from the Kewanee Area United Way and how that help supports their mission to help people affected by Domestic Abuse. We were also joined by Linda Blair from the Kewanee Area United Way who talked about how by supporting the United Way, you are supporting the non-profit community of our area.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department talks about the new mitigation efforts that have placed some limitations on local businesses and how local businesses are adjusting to the new restrictions. RaeAnn tells WKEI that the Health Department has fielded many calls from local businesses and many of them are quite good interactions with business owners seeking the guidance the Health Department can offer to help adjust to the new restictions. We also talked about the latest numbers and the new reporting of Active cases of COVID-19 in Henry and Stark County.
Opioids have been in the headlines for the last several years due to growing concerns abuse and reliance on opioids for chronic pain. Dr Andy Peterson from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined WKEI to talk about pain management without opioids. How much pain is too much pain? When do you know when to see a doctor about pain? And, how can you manage pain without the use of opioids. All of these questions with Dr Andy Peterson on WKEI
Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center joined WKEI on Tuned In on Thursday to talk about the partnership between the Henry County Senior Center and the Kewanee Area United Way. Also up for discussion, the ongoing effort to get seniors to sign up for Home Delivered meals and Medicare Part D Open Enrollment. Contact the senior center to make sure that you are getting the best deal on your needed medications with a Medicare Part D check up at the Henry County Senior Center.
Republican State Representative Dan Swanson won re-election to the Illinois Statehouse in District 74 on Tuesday turning back the challenge of Democrat candidate Christopher DeMink. Representative Swanson joined WKEI on Wednesday morning to thank voters to choosing re-elect him in the 74th District and to discuss the issues now on the agenda now that the campaign has ended. In the interview we talked about the struggles with COVID-19 and local businesses and the message sent to House Speaker Michael Madigan in Tuesday's election.
As of Midnight on Wednesday, COVID-19 mitigation is in place in Region 2. That means no indoor dining at restaurants, no indoor service at bars, and capacity limits on gatherings of up 25 people or 25% of capacity in a building. RaeAnn Tucker and Duane Stephens joined WKEI on People to People to discuss the new mitigation effort and how it will fall to Henry County if it comes to the need to enforce the new mitigation efforts. Duane Stephens says that the Health Department is eager to work with restaurants and bars and to offer guidance.
COVID-19 and the bodies immune response were the topic of the day on Tuned In on WKEI as we were joined by Dr Cliff Martin, Vice President Chief Medical Officer serving OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center, to talk about how some people with COVID-19 are experience a disturbing immune system response akin to that of Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus. Essentially, the immune response to the virus begins to turn from the virus to attack healthy cells. This and more with Dr Cliff Martin on Tuned In.
Linda Blair from the Kewanee Area United Way was joined by Linda Blair from the Kewanee Area United Way to talk about giving to charity as Charitable Distribution or as an endowment. Whether you are looking for a way to create a legacy while you are still around or you want you memory to carry on after you are gone, a Charitable Distribution or an endowment can help and Mike Miler from Edward Jones walked us the through both options while Linda Blair talked more about the ways you can help the Kewanee Area United Way.
Esther Joy King is running for Congress as a Republican in the 17th Congressional District opposite Democrat incumbent Cheri Bustos. We talked with Ester Joy King on People to People on Friday, October 30th about the race for the House of Representatives, her very unique background and how her time in the military has helped shaper her run for Congress.
Halloween and Horror Movies are a tradition for folks around the country. Among the most popular horror movie franchises of all time is Friday the 13. The man who has brought life to the character of Jason Voorhees more than any actor in history, is Kane Hodder, a stuntman by trade who was chosen to play the hockey mask wearing villain and in 4 different feature films. We spoke with Kane Hodder about the legacy of Friday the 13th and his love for the horror movie fans, in this Tuned In Podcast just in time for Halloween.
Ghost Adventures is one of the most popular shows on The Travel Channel and they are set to capitalize on that popularity with a special episode. Tonight, Thursday, October 29th, the Ghost Adventures team heads to the Joe Exotic Zoo to investigate the paranormal history of The Greater Wynnewood Animal Park. Jay Wasley is one of the four member team at Ghost Adventures, alongside Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, and Billy Tolley, joined WKEI to talk about Ghost Adventures: Horror at the Joe Exotic Zoo.
Popular MeTV horror movie host Svengoolie visited WZOE’s Wake Up Princeton recently. For over 40 years, Svengoolie has entertained horror fans, poking fun at the classic horror films that defined the genre.
Before and after commercial breaks, Svengoolie presents sketches, tells jokes, and performs song parody spoofs related to the films being aired. The show is a long-running local program in the Chicago area and in recent years expanded nationally, airing Saturday nights on MeTV.
Sven is busy this weekend with MeTV's Halloween line-up of classic favorites including the special Halloween edition of the Saturday night Svengoolie Classic Horror & Sci Fi Movie of "Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman.”
Rich Koze portrays Svengoolie. The program is one of the network's top-rated programs. For more information on Svengoolie go online to svengoolie.com.
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods shot to nationwide acclaim with the script for the horror movie A Quiet Place. Now their latest movie Haunt is available on a special edition Blu Ray and they joined WKEI to talk about their latest movie and the haunted houses that inspired them.
The IHSA is moving forward with the basketball season on November 30th. That from IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. The decision to move forward with the basketball season came in defiance of Governor J.B Pritzker who placed High School Basketball in the High Risk category as of Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Governor stated that each school district will have a decision to make if they want to take on the potential liability of moving forward and playing basketball starting on November 30th, That question among others was addressed by Craig Anderson in today's press conference.
Season five of the hilarious sitcom, American Housewife, starts tonight on ABC. This little sitcom that could has managed to make it five seasons through ratings challenges and cast changes and remained funny the whole way. It was a delight to talk with Diedrich Bader about the new season, the new member of the cast, and his admiration for his brilliant co-star, Katy Mixon. We also talked about how excited he is to be back to work following the shutdown for COVID-19 and how that affected the start of this new season.
The Mayor of Galva, Rich Volkert was our guest today on Tuned In on WKEI. The Mayor of Galva talked about Monday's Galva City Council Meeting and took the time to remind Galva residents that polling places have changed this year and people need to check to make sure where they vote at this year, next Tuesday. The Mayor also update us all on the state of the stage being built in Wiley Park for concerts, including the future Levitt Amp shows that we all hope to see next year. Finally, the Mayor addressed news that the City of Galva has decided to close the Galva Shooting Range to the public. The unofficial shooting range is a Police training ground that the City had been allowing residents to use. Recently however, questions regarding legal liability among other concerns, caused the Galva City Council to restrict access to Police for training and specific city personnel.
The Mayor of Geneseo Sean Johnson joined WKEI on People to People on Wednesday with the latest on what is happening in Geneseo. The Mayor addressed a number of topics in the interview including the Geneseo Rooftops Program, a $2500.00 utility credit for newly constructed homes in Geneseo. We also discussed COVID-19 and the economic impact across the country and in Geneseo. Finally, we discussed Tuesday night's Geneseo City Council Meeting where two new businesses received a welcome from the City of Geneseo.
This Halloween Me TV has plenty of scary nostalgia to share with fans of classic, black and white spookiness. Scream with Me is the theme and with Halloween falling on a Saturday, it means that you can spend the spookiest day of the year with everyone's favorite spooky friend, Svengoolie, aka Rich Koz. Svengoolie will celebrate Halloween on Saturday night with a special edition of Svengoolie featuring Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman starring Lon Chaney Jr and Bela Lugosi.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI to talk about the latest numbers for Henry and Stark County in regard to COVID-19. We also talked about the continuing rise in the infection rate across the state. The infection rate in Illinois is now at 6.3%. We also discussed how to safely trick or treat and hand out candy. The health department has created guidelines for those who would like help conducting a COVID-19 safe Halloween.
Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI for Tuned In on Tuesday morning to follow up on Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting. Mayor Moore talked about the final vote on the Sunpin Solar Development which is now officially moving forward. We also discussed a deal between the City of Kewanee and the owners of the Atkinson Landfill that will provide a new revenue source to the City of Kewanee and we discussed speeding in the City of Kewanee and the efforts of the Kewanee Police Department to further enforcement in areas where speeding is a major issue.
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos joined WKEI on People to People on Monday to discuss where we currently stand in regards to a COVID-19 stimulus package part 2. Right now, it appears that a new stimulus won't be finished until after election day. We also discussed election security and the lengths that Russia, China and Iran are going in their attempts to influence the 2020 U.S Election. Finally, the conversation turned to biofuels and ethanol. Cheri Bustos' opponent in the 17th District,
Dr Cliff Martin, Vice President Chief Medical Officer serving OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center, joined WKEI with the latest COVID-19 Medical Stories. Today, we talked about mouthwash and COVID-19. Mouthwash is good for your teeth but it is not good when ingested. Do not drink mouthwash it won't help. We also discussed fomite transfer of COVID-19. Surface touch may not be as bad as we thought. New studies indicate that is relatively low the chance that you will get COVID-19 from contacting the virus on a surface..
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos joined WKEI on People to People on Monday. Congresswoman Bustos joined WKEI talk about the status of a COVID-19 relief bill and whether it's possible to get a deal done before election day, just over a week away. Representative Bustos also discussed election security and how Russia, Iran and China all have attempted to or have involved themselves in American political discourse. WKEI hopes to have Representative Bustos' opponent, Esther Joy King join us this week to discuss similar topics,
Colman Domingo directed this week's new episode of Fear the Walking Dead airing Sunday night, October 25th at 8 Pm Central time on AMC. We talked to Colman Domingo about his 5 seasons of work on Fear the Walking Dead as Victor Strand and his time now behind the camera on the show. Our host also took the opportunity to praise Colman's work in the brilliant If Beale Street Could Talk which led to a brief discussion of Colman's next movie, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom which marks the final acting work of the brilliant Chadwick Boseman.
Henry County Board Chairman Marshall Jones joined WKEI on Friday's edition of Tuned In. The Chairman was on hand to wrap up a rather uneventful Henry County Board Meeting on Thursday evening. Among the most important topics were staffing at Hillcrest Home and newly available loans for Henry County businesses struggling with the COVID-19 economic crisis. Mr Jones advised businesses that the County has revolving loan fund and CURES fund money to loan right away for any business that has been negatively affected by the economic impact of the Coronavirus.
Aisha Tyler, award-winning director, actor, comedian, bestselling author, podcaster, activist and entrepreneur, visited with Wake Up Princeton host Paul Bomleny recently on WZOE 1490-AM. She is best known for roles in the television series "Friends", "Criminal Minds", "Prime Rewind", co-host of "The Talk", and host of "Whose Line Is It Anyway".
Aisha currently voices superspy Lana Kane on the Emmy-winning animated spy comedy "Archer".
In addition, Aisha is an entrepreneur, launching a line of premium, ready to drink bottled cocktails she personally created and developed, called Courage+Stone, in 2020. The company has grown more than 600% throughout the year.
The Dartmouth graduate is a self-described "nerd" and big comic book and gaming fan. Aisha’s voice can be heard in the video games Halo:Reach; Gears of War 3, and Watch Dogs.
New episodes of Archer air Wednesday nights on FXX and the next day on FX on Hulu.
More information is available at aishatyler.com and courageandstone.com.
Kathy Werderman from the Kewanee Friends of the Animals and the Kewanee Animal Control Pound joined WKEI on Wednesday to talk about something special the Friends of the Animals are doing for folks in Kewanee to say thank you and celebrate an early Halloween. The Friends of the Animals will be in costume and handing out treats at Save A Lot, Farm King and Reiman's Harley Davidson on Saturday, October 24th
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on Thursday for our twice weekly COVID-19 Podcast. Today we discussed the latest COVID-19 Recovery Rate Data in Henry and Stark County. The Health Department is now releasing isolation data as well and we asked RaeAnn Tucker about these new measurements during today's show. We also talked about the growing state wide positivity rate which, if it continues to rise, currently at 5.7%, could trigger the whole state to rollback to restrictions from Phase 3 of the Governor's re-opening plan.
The Kewanee Public Library Storybook Pumpkins have begun to trickle into to the kids area at the library and the results so far have been incredible. Families are invited to paint or glue on decorations on pumpkins and bring them to the Kewanee Public Library to be displayed. Prizes for the best decorated pumpkin will be handed out and the theme is literary heroes, specifically, children's literary heroes. Drop off your decorated pumpkin during regular hours at the Kewanee Public Library this week. No carved pumpkins please. Barbara Love from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Tuned In on Thursday.
Few people are as busy and prolific as actor and comedian, podcaster and TV host, director and entrepreneur, Aisha Tyler. The 11th season of the animated series Archer launched recently on FXX and FX on Hulu and the raunchy comedy is just of about a dozen projects Aisha Tyler has been working on over the last year. She's also the host of The Boys After Show on Amazon Prime, one of two Amazon shows she hosts, she has her own podcast and she just launched her own mixed drink delivery company called Courage and Stone. How we managed to slow her down long enough for a conversation is a demonstration of her kindness.
Aisha Tyler doesn't like time off. Working is Aisha's life blood and she's been working constantly the past several years with her role on the animated series Archer, her role in front of and behind the camera on the CBS series Criminal Minds, her podcasting endeavors, her hosting on Amazon Prime, and even an entrepreneurial venture in the world of mixed drinks wither company Courage and Stone. Aisha Tyler rarely slows down so we were lucky to catch up with her for this chat about season 11 of Archer on FXX and FX on Hulu.
COVID-19 forced the organizers of the Halloween tradition, Bakersville, to innovate and come up with a new way to frighten and delight audiences. And, innovate they have with an all new radio play that they will be putting out via social media and in a special audio presentation at the Wanee Cinemas. Jacque Komnick, one of the organizers of Bakersville, joined WKEI on Tuned In to talk about how this all new presentation of Bakersville came together and how you can be part of enjoying Bakersville in person courtesy of the Wanee Cinemas.
The history of covering elections at WKEI, local, statewide and Presidential, are the subject of the latest edition of Kewanee Back When with Dave Clark and Sean Kernan. Dave shares memories of covering elections when so called election machines ruled the day with factions of Democrats and Republicans moving people to the polls and placing the radio station at the center of the election world on election night. Voting and Election Coverage of the past in the latest Kewanee Back When with Dave Clark and Sean Kernan.
On Tuesday evening, October 20th, 2020, the Kewanee League of Women Voters hosted a candidate forum for the Republican Incumbent Dan Swanson and Democratic challenger Christopher Demink, the candidates running to be the State Representative of the 74th District in Illinois. Sharon Deahl of the Kewanee League of Women Voters acted as moderator with questions generated by League members and questions solicited from the public.
Today in our twice weekly COVID-19 Podcast, RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI to discuss the latest numbers and the worrying rise in the statewide infection rate. There was good news from Stark County where they've had no new COVID-19 positive tests since last Friday. We also talked about the latest guidance for safe gatherings on Halloween and for trick or treating. You can find tips for a safe Halloween on the Henry and Stark County Health Department Facebook page.
Dr Chris Sullens joined WKEI on Tuned In on Tuesday to discuss Monday Night's Kewanee School Board Meeting. On Monday night, the Kewanee School Board voted to continue the Hybrid schedule that has been in place for the first 9 weeks of the school year. The plan was renewed for the next 9 weeks when the School District will re-evaluate the hybrid schedule. That said, the School District is creating more opportunities for struggling students to get in person instruction. And, Dr Sullens updated us on the purchase of and planned placement of new digital signs at Kewanee Schools.
Dr Cliff Martin, Vice President Chief Medical Officer serving OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center, joined WKEI on Monday on Tuned In to talk about a likely spike in cases of COVID-19 now that Fall is making the turn toward winter. Now, COVID-19 is not affected by the weather. Rather, it is affected by how weather causes us to change our lifestyle. Cold and snow keeps more people home and indoors and in enclosed spaces, COVID-19 thrives and can spread among a family if we are not careful.
The Kewanee Area United Way Annual Campaign is now up and running and Linda Blair, director of the Kewanee Area United Way joined WKEI on Monday on People to People to talk about this year's campaign and the challenges that the United Way is facing due to COVID-19 and restrictions on fundraising efforts. There is a Kewanee Area United Way fundraiser taking place this week as the United Way Jail & Bail will happen this Friday, October 23rd from 9 Am to 1 Pm. You can help to free our arrestees with a donation to the Jail and Bail fund via the Kewanee Area United Way website or by dropping off a donation at Regional Media studios on Friday at 101 West Central Boulevard.
Certified Trainer and Diabetes Educator Chris Willis was our guest on WKEI to talk about the top sports nutrition myths. We started with a discussion of protein and just how much protein consumption is linked to muscle growth. Can too much water slow down an athlete's performance? And is feeling thirsty really the first indication of dehydration?
Jim Bohannon can be heard on WKEI each weeknight from 9 Pm to Midnight on WKEI. Once a month, Jim joins us on the phone to talk about the biggest national headlines. Nothing is bigger these days than the Presidential race and Jim shared his take with WKEI on Friday morning on People to People. Jim says he can still see a path to Trump winning the election but it becomes less probable every day that Biden stays ahead of Trump in the polls. Biden could still lose the electoral college but as Jim indicates it will take a strong showing in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Georgia for the President to come out on top.
On Wednesday, the Henry and Stark County Health Department announced the latest COVID-19 Recovery Rate Data for Henry and Stark County. On Thursday, RaeAnn Tucker joined WKEI to talk about the latest numbers and the cancellation of this Saturday's flu shot clinic that was planned for Kewanee High School and cancelled due to a delayed shipment of Flu Vaccine. RaeAnn also talked about the process of investigating claims that business are not adhering to mitigation rules and how a business can end up having its license suspended for non-compliance.
Anthony Scaramucci famously became the Press Secretary for the Trump administration following a successful run as a campaign advocate during the run up to the November 2016 general election which saw Donald Trump shock the world with his victory over Hillary Clinton. At the time, even President Trump felt he wasn't going to win on election day and then things took a turn for the unthinkable. The new documentary, The Accidental President, details the perfect storm of events that took a campaign no one took seriously, to a campaign that won the White House.
Alex Witt is the CEO of Battle Bars, a company owned and operated by veterans in Chicago. The company specializes in handcrafted protein bars made with nutrition and taste in mind. Battle Bars is more than just a protein bar company, operated by veterans, it's also a company that is dedicated to improving the lives of fellow veterans through charity efforts and especially via a partnership with Operation Enduring Warrior.
When music legend Prince was in the mood to open up to the media, the one person he would talk to was a fellow Minnesota resident, Neal Karlen. Now, still in the shadow of Prince's passing in many ways, Neal Karlen has produced what may be the definitive portrait of the real Prince. This Thing Called Life by Neal Karlen finds the Rolling Stone writer and New York Times contributor digging into his vast archive of conversations with Prince to get to the heart of who Prince really was behind the image and the remarkable art.
Today on Tuned In, Katie Laleman from the Henry County Farm Bureau was our guest. We talked about the latest harvest numbers which have been very strong this far. Speaking of harvest, that led to a discussion regarding Bushels for Hunger, the program that allows farmers to donate portions of their grain to be sold to benefit the Riverbend Food Bank. The Farm Bureau also has a a new Market Outlook Seminar coming up in November. Details in the Tuned In Podcast.
The Kewanee City Council met on Tuesday night in Council Chambers at Kewanee City Hall. There were no new business items in the agenda for the meeting but there were still plenty of things to discuss. A big topic on Tuesday night was speeding and approaches to getting people to slow down in certain problem areas in the City of Kewanee. Another big topic was bicycles and the complaints from many that the City of Kewanee is not bike friendly. Finally, we talked about this Saturday's City Wide Clean Up at the former Hospital site on Elliott Street. The City Wide Clean Up runs from 7 Am to 12 Noon on WKEI
The Kewanee League of Women Voters teamed with WKEI-RegionalDailyNews.com for a forum dedicated to the candidates for the Henry County Board District 2 election. 5 of 9 candidates for the four open seats on the Henry County Board participated in this forum and were each given up to 5 minutes to address listeners about why they believed they should be elected to the Henry County Board from District 2. Participants included John Sovanski, Ruth Kapacinskas, Jim Padilla, Shawn Kendall and Dwayne Anderson. Also taking part in the forum were candidates running unopposed for County offices including Circuit Clerk candidate Terilyn Motley, Henry County Coroner incumbent Melissa Watkins and Henry County State's Attorney candidate Cathy Runty.
The latest numbers from the Illinois Department of Public Health show that the infection rate across the state of Illinois is on the rise. As of Monday, the 7 day infection rate has risen to 4.3% of all tests conducted returning positive. This increase is alarming as is a spike of 27 new cases of COVID-19 in Henry County over the weekend. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI to talk about the numbers, what they mean and why they are important as part of our twice weekly COVID-19 podcast.
Operation Rescue Christmas is underway and Amber Patch Troxell joined WKEI on Tuned In to talk about the Battle of the Businesses, a part of Operation Rescue Christmas that combines raising money for the toy drive and promoting local business. Businesses have been challenged to come up with their own fundraising effort and the businesses that raise the most money for Patchy's Toy Drive will be crowned Christmas Heroes and receive a plaque for their hardwork. Battle of the Businesses is underway now and will run through November 14th.
Sam Acho played in the NFL for the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals and was a beloved teammate in his time for both teams. But it wasn't until Sam started to fully reveal himself and show the real Sam Acho that his life began to fall into place. It took learning to be vulnerable and to embrace his feelings, good and bad, openly for the weight of the world to lift and life to come into focus. Now, Sam Acho wants to help you do the same with his new book Let the World See You: How to be Real in a World Full of Fakes.
Each Monday, Dr. Cliff Martin, Vice President Chief Medical Officer serving OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center, joins WKEI to discuss the latest medical headlines related to COVID-19. This week, we discussed Brain Fog as a side effect of COVID-19. What causes this Brain Fog, for lack of a better terminology, and the unknowns surrounding recovery from both COVID-19 and the medicines used to combat COVID-19 which have their own effects aside from helping us heal.
A couple of well-known area “haunters” visited Wake Up Princeton on WZOE recently. Dave Mead, the mastermind behind the annual Nightmare On Fairgrounds Road, and veteran haunt organizer Pat Riley discussed two new area events for this Halloween season. Indoor haunts like “Nightmare” are not allowed in Illinois currently due to the coronavirus protocols. But Dave says kids have had so much taken away this year, they should not lose Halloween too. He and Pat have created a couple of new events that follow all safety and social distancing guidelines.
The first is the Haunted Thrill Ride at the Bureau County Fairgrounds which brings the haunt to you as a drive-thru event with vehicles traveling at 5 miles-per-hour and keeping five car lengths of separation. The event is free but donations will be accepted as it is a fundraiser for the Bureau County Fair. The Haunted Thrill Ride is from 7 to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through Halloween.
The second event begins on October 17 and runs simultaneously. The Walk of Terror at Warnecke Woods north of Princeton is a classic “walk through the woods” haunt. You can find Warnecke Woods by traveling toward the Red Covered Bridge and taking the left turn before you go down the hill. Each group will be given a small lantern to use as they make their way through the haunted woods. Pat says there will be no haunt like this in the state this year. It takes about 35 minutes to complete and also offers the Devil’s Throat, a steep 140 foot walk down into a very spooky valley. The Walk of Terror is from 7 to 11 p.m. on October 17, 23-24 and 30-31. Admission is $10 and $5 for ages 6 and under.
Princeton Mayor Joel Quiram visited the WZOE studios recently as a guest on Wake Up Princeton. The mayor said the purchase of a new fire truck for the city was approved at Monday's city council meeting. Leaf burning was also a hot topic at the meeting with the decision being made to allow burning November 1 through 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no burning on Mondays or Friday. In previous years, burning had also been allowed during October. He also said the city has no plans to purchase a leaf vacuuming vehicle. Mayor Quiram reminded city residents that trick or treating hours this year are on October 31 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Nev Shulman shot to fame after his documentary on the perils of anonymous online dating, Catfish, became a phenomenon that spawned a nearly decade long series on MTV. These days, Catfish remains a cultural touchstone in online interaction with Nev still at the helm. But, Nev isn't just digging through dating profiles and online message data, he's also dancing. Nev is competing on the new season of Dancing with the Stars and we talked about what it has been like competing amid the pandemic, meeting Carole Baskin, and revealing that he's quite a good dancer.
The Galva Drama Club will present BOO! Thirteen Scenes from Halloween in a live, outdoor, play on the Galva Football field on October 23rd and 24th. These are family friendly skits and a play that will be fun for the whole family. Tickets are $5.00 each and can be purchased at the gate on the day of the show. On Friday's edition of Tuned In on WKEi we spoke with members of the Galva Drama Club, Katie Kocan and Everett Thuline about Boo! and all things Galva Drama Club.
The Wethersfield School Board met on Thursday, October 8th and discussed whether it was possible at this time to return students full time to Wethersfield Schools. Given the restrictions of Phase 4 of the Governor of Illinois' plan and the guidance of the Illinois State Board of Education, a full time return for students is currently not possibly but Superintendent Shane Kazubowski tells WKEI that he felt it necessary to have the conversation and let parents know where the School District currently stands as far as full time return versus the ongoing Hybrid learning platform.
What is the Female Athlete Triad and what does it mean for the long term health of female athletes? Dr Andy Peterson from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center was our guest on WKEI on Friday, October 9th, to discuss the dangers of the Female Athlete Triad includes Bone Loss, Low Energy Availability and Irregular Menstrual Cycles. Each of these issues can be related to poor nutrition and can be a sign of an eating disorder with a significant chance of long term health problems if not cared for.
Barbara Love, Executive Director of the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Tuned In on Thursday morning. Barbara joined WKEI to announce the return of the Storytime Pumpkins. Storytime Pumpkins are now an annual event at the Kewanee Public Library just before Halloween. Families are encouraged to get a pumpkin and paint it up to look like a favorite storybook character. No carved pumpkins, they tend to spoil to fast for the display and the location of the display, uncut pumpkins only. There will be a prize for one lucky participant. Details in today's Tuned In Podcast.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department released their latest set of Recovery Rate data on Wednesday. Notably, there remains a large number of people who are not reporting their symptom status to the Henry and Stark County health Department. RaeAnn Tucker addressed the high number of people who are not reporting their status and how contact tracers are doing the best they can to keep in touch with those who have tested positive for COVID-19.
The zombie hit spinoff Fear The Walking Dead returns for its sixth season of scares on AMC on Sunday night, October 11th. When it returns we will get to learn more about the evolving sisterly relationship of unlikely friends, Charlie and Alicia. Alexa Nisenson is in her third season of playing Charlie on Fear and WKEI talked to Alexa about the strange and exciting journey she's been on from the age of 11 when she started by killing fan favorite character, Nick, to being 14 years old and growing up amid one of the most unique and active fanbases in all of Hollywood, the zombie fandom.
Quarterless Quarter Madness is set for this Sunday fully virtual via the Kewanee Rotary Facebook page and YouTube channel among other outlets. Carrie Boelens and Dianne Packee joined WKEI's People to People to promote where you can watch Quarter Madness on Sunday at 1 Pm including a couple of watch parties of a limited size and safe space at local restaurants. Paddles are still available, you can contact Dianne Packee or buy your paddles virtually at KewaneeRotary.com.
Jolene Barnes from Country Financial joined WKEI for Tuned In on Wednesday morning. Jolene is partnering with the Geneseo Park District this week for a drive in movie at the Athletic Field in Geneseo on Friday night, October 9th, at 6 Pm. The family friendly movie The Little Rascals will be shown on the big screen screen with a limit of 50 cars in attendance. Free popcorn will be handed out. Jolene talked about the Drive In Movie as one aspect of how businesses in the age of COVID-19 are finding new ways to show support in their community. Jolene also shared some insurance tips and told WKEI about the success of the Kewanee Kiwanis recent pancake breakfast.
Pastor Jim Reynolds with OSF Healthcare grief support was our guest on Tuned In on Tuesday morning. Pastor Jim joined WKEI to talk about the language of Grief and how we talk to people who are suffering. Few people will ever no exactly the right thing to say to someone who is grieving and that causes many to fall back on well known comforting platitudes that can be hurtful with you even being aware of it. How we talk about grief was the subject today on Tuned In.
Numbers between the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Henry and Stark County Health Department differed slightly on Monday with Henry County reporting 699 confirmed cases and IDPH stating 709 cases in Henry County. RaeAnn Tucker explained that the difference has to do with accuracy and addresses. In order to make sure the numbers are as accurate as possible, Health Department tracers do a second check of an address to make sure the subject of the positive test is from Henry Henry County.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Freedom House is a non-profit organization that serves survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. Freedom House provides services to adults and children in Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam, and Stark Counties. In the past year, Freedom House has served over 900 victims of domestic and sexual violence – women, men, teens, and children.
Amber Killian, Domestic Violence Program Manager of Operations at Freedom House in Princeton, visited Wake Up Princeton on WZOE-AM recently. She says DVAM awareness events are happening throughout October. The include “Silent Witness” silhouettes, representing domestic violence homicide victims in our communities over the years, displayed at Princeton’s Rotary Park.
The “Purple Pumpkin Project” is at Tanners Orchard, with purple pumpkins for sale representing the victims and their families who stayed in our shelter last year.
Law enforcement will wear purple ribbons on their uniforms throughout Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam, and Stark Counties.
“Donut Let Love Hurt” initiative where you can purchase a purple-frosted donut to show your support for families affected by domestic violence in our community. Many local businesses are participating.
Individuals and businesses can show support by decorating their windows with purple hearts, purple ribbons, or an anti-domestic violence phrase or theme. Those who wish to participate in this community-wide event and want creative ideas should call Alicia at (815) 872-0087 or acole@freedomhouseillinois.com. Community participation is welcome and encouraged.
Freedom House is located at 400 Elm Place in Princeton. Their 24-hour hotline is 800-474-6031 and their business line is (815) 872-0087. More information is available online at freedomhouseillinois.org and at facebook.com/freedomhouseillinois.
President Donald Trump was hospitalized on Friday following a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The President spent the weekend undergoing treatment for COVID-19 and we talked with Dr Cliff Martin Vice President Chief Medical Officer serving OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center about what types of treatment the President has thus far undergone according to media reports and the various unknowns about the President's recovery.
President Trump is currently hospitalized for COVID-19. He's improving and is expected to return to the White House soon. What does this diagnosis and hospital stay and subsequent, expected, quarantine, mean for the President's re-election strategy? Political consultant and Fox News Contributor Ryan Cassin talked to WKEI about how the President's COVID-19 diagnosis changes the landscape of the Presidential campaign and what strategy the President and the Former Vice President Biden will use going forward.
With Aaron Sorkin and Netflix releasing a new movie on the trial of the Chicago 7 on October 16th, the riots and protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago are back in the spotlight and feel as relevant as ever before in how they depict violence in the street and political protesting. Author and Editor Mark L Levine has has been part of a four year long project to document the trial of the Chicago 7, the protest leaders who were put on trial in Chicago in 1968 and whose trial would go on to be a historical flashpoint in the culture war between the so-called establishment and the radical protest movement. We talked to Mark L Levine about The Trial of the Chicago 7 on WKEI's People to People Program.
Spencer Leigh has spent the last several years talking to musicians and gathering their impressions of the legendary Bob Dylan. The result of his remarkable and insightful research is the new book Bob Dylan: Outdoor Blues, a fascinating and unique inspection of the career of Bob Dylan. Outlaw Blues examines the songwriter, musician, poet and activist that has become an icon who remains relevant to this day with records that are still making the charts more than 50 years into his extraordinary career.
Young female athletes have dietary necessities that are different from young male athletes. For instance, as Clinical Dietician and Diabetes Educator, Chris Willis from OSF Healthcare explained on WKEI recently, iron deficiency is common among young female athletes. We talked with Chris about the specific dietary needs of female athletes as well as warning signs to watch for when it comes to eating disorders in young female athletes.
The YMCA of Kewanee is open and despite the pandemic they are doing all the can to reach out to members and non-members alike. They are currently offering a training course they are calling COVID Clean-Up and it is aimed at those who have, during the pandemic, put on weight due to stress or from sheltering at home and not getting your usual work out. The Y is also working on behalf of kids in Junior High who have seen most of their school athletic competitions cancelled due to COVID. We talked with Jill Milroy about this stuff and COVID-19 precautions on Tuned In.
In our twice weekly COVID-19 podcast with the Henry and Stark County Health Department today we talked about Halloween and the guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding Halloween and COVID-19 safety, RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department also discussed the latest COVID-19 recovery rate data in Henry and Stark County, the daily totals of COVID-19 from Wednesday and the statewide numbers.
Medicare Part D Open enrollment begins October 15th and it is a great opportunity for those over the age of 60 to check up on their medication coverage and make sure they have a plan that is giving them the best value. Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Citizens Center joined WKEI to talk about Open Enrollment and appointments available at the Senior Center to help seniors decide if they need a different Medicare Part D plan. We also talked about a program that is giving IPads and free internet to seniors in need. If you've received services from the Senior Center and you would like to get an IPad for free they are ready to help. If you don't already have the internet, this program can help you with that as well.
Dr. Bradley Garrett, author of “Bunker: Building for the End Times”, visited recently with Wake Up Princeton host Paul Bomleny on WZOE.
Dr. Garrett has spent the last three years doing research with doomsday preppers around the world Right now, 3.7 million Americans are “prepping” on some scale, from stockpiling food and supplies during the coronavirus pandemic, to spending thousands or sometimes millions of dollars on a backyard bunker, to joining a prepper community that has already prepared shelters for the next apocalypse.
"Preppers", as they are known, are constructing elaborate bunkers in preparation for an impending apocalypse. Dr. Garrett says people now are prepping for situations they know they can handle, like social unrest, a blackout, natural disasters rather than a catastrophic event like a nuclear war.
More information on “Bunker: Building for the End Times” and its author is available online at bradleygarrett.com.
Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined WKEI to follow up on Monday's Galva City Council Meeting. It was mostly just an Executive session with no items on the agenda. The Council did discuss changes to polling places in Galva which were made by the Henry County Clerk's Office. 1st and 3rd Ward voters in Galva will be voting at Galva City Hall while 3rd Ward voters in Galva will vote at the American Legion Post. We also talked about supporting local businesses and the progress of a pair of businesses that are opening in new locations.
Girl Scout Troop #4444 has been meeting at Francis Park of late and making note of the history and beauty of the park. What they also noticed was that the park needed some signs. Thus began a new community service project which saw Troop #4444 begin working on 1 sign and grew to include three signs in all dedicated to the history of the Park, the poetry of Beth Day and a special map for those who visit to follow along. Our reporter Jennifer Russell was on hand at the sign dedication on Tuesday night and spoke with the Girl Scouts and Troop Leader Jacque Komnick.
Steve Hackett is known best for his time in the band Genesis alongside Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks, the original, 1970's Genesis known for their prog rock experiments. Now, Steve Hackett is still flying the Genesis and prog rock banner high with a brand new release of live material dedicated to his favorite Genesis record, Selling England by the Pound and his own original compositions. The result is the collection “Selling England By The Pound & Spectral Mornings: Live at Hammersmith” a CD, DVD and Blu Ray release that hit the market on September 25th. It's a remarkable collection and we talked with Steve Hackett about how it came together, his memories of Genesis and Peter Gabriel and classical music influences in prog rock.
The new spy thriller A Call to Spy was produced, written and stars Sarah Megan Thomas. It's been a four year journey to get A Call to Spy made and distributed and throughout that time Sarah was fighting the good fight to get the movie made the way she envisioned it. A Call to Spy is a World War 2 spy movie based on actual events, about the real life female spies who were on the front lines feeding intelligence to England in the midst of German occupied France. We talked about the journey of producing, writing and starring in A Call to Spy with Sarah Megan Thomas on WKEI.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department joined WKEI on Tuesday morning for our latest COVID-19 conversation. Topics included the upcoming COVID-19 Drive Thru testing clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. The first drive thru testing clinic will take place this Saturday from 9 Am until 1 Pm at the old hospital site on Elliott Street in Kewanee. It's a nasal swab test and while there is no upfront cost, if you do have insurance you are asked to show your insurance card so insurance can be billed in order to recoup some cost from the event. But again, there will be no upfront cost. We also discussed the latest IDPH numbers and addressed the latest rumors and skepticism on social media.
The Kewanee City Council met on Monday night at Kewanee City Council chambers for the first time since March when the COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold. On the agenda, a discussion of Kewanee trick or treat plans, a discussion of citywide warning systems, a pair of special use permits, and appointments to the Civil Service Commission. When Mayor Moore joined WKEI on Tuned on Tuesday we talked about a number of topics including recent early retirements by City of Kewanee employees.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 17th in the City of Kewanee. For Kewanee residents only, the Citywide Clean Up is back. Keith Edwards, Kewanee Director of Community Development joined WKEI on People to People on Monday to talk about what people can and cannot dispose of at the Clean Up and what you need to know regarding COVID and the clean-up. An important note, those attending the clean up, should be prepared to empty their vehicle themselves as volunteers will be greatly limited and all who attend must wear a mask.
Dr Cliff Martin, Vice President Chief Medical Officer serving OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center, joined WKEI for our weekly conversation about the latest COVID-19 medical headlines. Once again on the agenda was a discussion of a potential spike in COVID-19 cases in the winter. As Dr Martin explains, it has little to do with the weather and more to do with how weather drives more people indoors and into enclosed spaces where COVID-19 is more easily transmitted. More people in an enclosed space with not much ventilation leads to more infections, hence a winter spike in COVID. We also talked about recovering from COVID and how we don't really yet know what a full recovery from COVID-19 looks like. For some it passes like the flu and for others, the symptoms can linger for months even as the virus itself has run its course. Dr Cliff Martin from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center was our guest on Tuned In on Monday.
Dave & Darren talk with Shannon Duncan, Operations Manager of NTI about the jobs created by dispensaries and the training that goes into those employment opportunities.
Kittens invaded our Regional Media Studios on Friday as we were visited by Board Members from the Henry County Humane Society Kewanee Animal Shelter. Sue Sagmoen and Mary Bergren joined Tuned In on Friday to promote Sunday's Golf Ball Drop fundraiser at Bake Park. You can purchase golf balls at Heartfelt Gifts for the chance to win a cash prize if your golf ball is the one that lands closest to the target. Golf balls will be dropped from the top of the Kewanee Fire Department Ladder truck onto a giant target at 1 Pm on Sunday afternoon. Mary Bergren brought kittens to our studios because they have kittens available for adoption now at the shelter.
Flags of Freedom Chairman Visits Wake Up Princeton
Flags of Freedom Chairman Rodney Johnson visited with Paul Bomleny on Wake Up Princeton to discuss the landmark and it’s upcoming biggest fundraiser of the year.
Instead of its annual “Rockin’ the Runway” event, the organization will be holding an online auction from October first through the fourth. Johnson says businesses throughout Princeton have donated items which you will be able to view and make bids on on the Flags of Freedom Facebook page.
The four giant flags are located along Interstate 80 at Exit 56 on the north end of Princeton. The flags are a symbol to salute our military from the past, present and future.
Fundraisers and donations are relied on heavily as no tax money is used for purchase or upkeep of the flags Each 30 x 60 foot flag costs $1,500 to buy and maintenance is not a small expense, especially now that additional repairs are necessary due to damage from the 110 mph winds Princeton received in August.
Donations to Flags of Freedom can be made through the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation or by writing a check directly to Flags of Freedom.
For more information on donating or about the Flags of Freedom in general, visit flagsoffreedomi80.org or the Flags of Freedom Facebook page.
Ian Swindler, Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist at OSF Saint Luke Medical center talked to WKEI on Thursday about the current sports season and how COVID-19 protocols have effected the Fall Season. Then the conversation shifted to the new winter sports of Football and Soccer and what challenges the colder weather offer to our young athletes. Indeed, the colder weather of January and February will be something our young athletes will have to train and prepare for and Ian Swindler talked to WKEI about what our young athletes need to know about sports and cold weather.
After having agreed to become a Henry County Polling Place for the November Presidential election, the owners of The Stables have now backed out of that agreement. Scott Packee, one of the owners of The Stables tells WKEI that the reason for backing out stemmed from a severe backlash that included threats of violence and vandalism against the owners and the venue. This came after the owners of The Stables had also agreed to help voters with transportation to the polling place and it leaves portions of Kewanee and Wethersfield scrambling for a polling place venue.
The latest recovery rate data from the Henry and Stark County Health Department has been released and their continues to be an issue with the number of people who are not reporting their symptom status to the Health Department. People are not required to report their symptom status but RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department tells WKEI it would be helpful in terms of tracking data regarding COVID-19 if more people did report their status. Also this morning, RaeAnn Tucker talked about the importance of getting a flu shot this year and mentioned that next month the Health Department will be conducting drive thru flu shot clinics in both, Henry and Stark County.
For the first time since March when COVID-19 forced so many places, including our local library to close, there are now Saturday hours at the Kewanee Public Library. Kewanee Public Library Director Barbara Love joined WKEI on Tuned In to talk about the effort that went into getting the Library ready to bring back Saturday hours. The Library is now open on Saturdays from 9 Am to 1 pm for anyone who would like to come to the library on the weekend. As always, masks are required and social distance should be maintained.
Quarter Madness is back! Or should we call it, Quarter-Less Madness? Quarter Madness has gone virtual with an all online event set for Sunday-Funday, October 11th from 1 Pm to 3 Pm. How the event will be streamed is still being determined but we do know that this years donations from local business owners may be more generous than any year before with so many chances for you to win something that you are going to adore. Get your paddles by going to KewaneeRotary.com or by getting in touch with Dianne Packee from Reiman's Harley Davidson.
Poor attention to aging infrastructure and poor choices in what we allow in our local water is leading us slowly toward a crisis of water quality. On the front line of that crisis and trying to warn us all is veteran muckraker and inspirational storyteller, Erin Brockovich. Brockovich's battle on behalf of people victimized by big corporations became an Oscar nominated tale in which Erin was played by Julia Roberts and became part of popular culture. Since then, Erin has used the spotlight on her from the movie to fight for those in need and now she's calling on you to stand up for yourself in the battle to keep our water safe and clean.
Last night, Monday, September 21st, the Kewanee School Board met in person to discuss many topics. According to Dr Chris Sullens, Kewanee Schools Superintendent, the budget was the big topic which led the meeting but there were other items to discuss including several parents who spoke on behalf of returning their kids to school full time despite the risk of COVID-19. Dr Sullens described the conversation about the topic as reasonable and passionate but also polite. Other aspects of the budget including the building fund were discussed as well. We also discussed High School Sports, specifically, Girls Bowling, and so much more with Dr Chris Sullens on People to People.
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department and Melissa Shipp from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined WKEI on People to People on Tuesday to talk about the upcoming drive thru COVID-19 testing that is coming to Henry and Stark County. The drive thru testing for COVID-19 will take place October 3rd from 9 Am to 3 Pm at the former OSF Hospital location on Elliott Street in Kewanee. The second Henry County drive thru testing will take place at the same location on October 6th from 9 Am to 3 Pm. The final COVID-19 drive thru testing opportunity will be in Stark County on October 10th from 9 Am to 3 Pm at Stark County High School in the parking lot All you need is a photo I.D or insurance card to get tested and no appointments are necessary.
Legendary stand-up comedian Tom Dreesen visited with Paul Bomleny on Wake Up Princeton on WZOE recently. Dreesen has spent more than 50 years in show business, making more than 500 appearances on national television as a stand-up comedian, including at least 60 on The Tonight Show. For 13 years, the Harvey, Illinois native toured the nation as the opening act for Frank Sinatra. Dreesen has just released his memoir “Still Standing...My Journey from Streets and Saloons to the Stage, and Sinatra.” It’s available on his website tomdreesen.com.
The Emmys took place on Sunday night and they were weird. It's the first ever virtual Emmys and while it was strange not having the usual trappings of your typical awards show, the winning series' did have a lot to say about the state of modern television. HBO remains the gold standard of awards TV thanks to Watchmen and Succession which both dominated the night. And in comedy, Schitt's Creek took home nearly every award imaginable and proved to be the comedy of the moment. We talked about the strange nature of this year's awards and the unique winners with Jen Lamers from Extra today on WKEI.
New studies are indicating a rise in domestic violence amid shelter at home, quarantines and in general over more people staying home more often due to COVID-19. Rania Mankarious is a Fox News expert and an expert in Family Security. She joined our WKEI People to People program on Monday morning to talk about the rise in Domestic Violence and the troubling decline in the services available to victims as the ripple effect of COVID-19 in the economy continues to be felt.
Dr Cliff Martin, Vice President Chief Medical Officer serving OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center, joined WKEI to talk about the latest COVID-19 medical headlines. The latest big news coming from the CDC which over the weekend acknowledged that COVID-19 transmits most frequently through the air. That sounds scarier than it actually is. Knowing that this is how COVID-19 transmitted we also know that masks can keep you from spreading the virus in the air. Also, distancing can keep you safe as the virus may linger in the air but it doesn't travel far and will dissipate. Enclosed areas where social distance is not maintained are going to be the most likely places were COVID may spread. Meanwhile, there is optimism regarding influenza and perhaps the idea that more people are getting flu shots and because of COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the flu may not go around as much as it has in the past. Find out more about both of these topics in today's Tuned In Podcast interview with Dr. Cliff Martin.
Basketball great Joe Ruklick has passed from natural causes at the age of 82.
Ruklick, was born in Chicago but was moved to Covenant Children’s Home at age 11. He was cut from Princeton’s freshman basketball team but would persevere and go on to lead the Tigers to state tournament appearances in 1954 and 1955.
Ruklick was an All-American at Northwestern University. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors and will be remembered for passing the ball for the assist on Wilt Chamberlain's final score in his record 100-point game in 1962. Chamberlain and Ruklick, who played against each other in college, remained friends until Chamberlain’s passing in 1999.
After his NBA career, Ruklick became an investment banker, a father of three and earned a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern at the age 50.
Ruklick spoke with WZOE while attending a Tigers game in 2010 in which his uniform was being retired. Here is his visit with the voice of the Tigers, Norm Vandermoon.
Even people who've always appeared fearless can still get scared. That's a lesson that daredevil Nik Wallenda learned after an accident left his famous daredevil, wire-walking, family injured. Nik's sister was left in a coma following a family stunt go wrong and rather than deal with the emotional toll of what happened, Nik kept up his wire-walking schedule and pretended that nothing was wrong. That proved to be the wrong approach as, for the first time in his career, Nik started to feel what we regular folk recognize as anxiety. How Nik learned to cope with feelings he wasn't used to and trauma he tried to pretend wasn't there is the subject of his inspiring new memoir Facing Fear.
Marshall Jones, chairman of the Henry County Board, joined WKEI on People to People on Friday to talk about Thursday night's Henry County Board Meeting. But first, Mr Jones wanted to remind everyone to get counted in the Census. Funding in your county, your town, your community is affected by the Census count so please do your part. We also discussed COVID-19 and we asked Mr Jones what kind of impact COVID-19 has had on the County. A reminder, the Revolving Loan Fund is still accepting applications from business owners who've been affected by COVID-19. Help is available to keep your business going in Henry County.
Jannifer Powellson from the Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District and Morgan Anderson from the Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District were our guests on Tuned In on Friday. It's only been 3 months on the job for Morgan in Henry County as she started her job at one of the most unique moments possible, amid the global pandemic. We talked about the challenges of starting this important job in the midst of the pandemic. And we talked about the Tree and Fish Sale happening in both Henry and Stark County.
Strength and conditioning training for girls and young women is becoming more and more common as training techniques evolve to meet the needs of young athlete. That's why it is so important for each athlete to take care in how they approach strength and conditioning training. It's more than just deciding to pick up weights and start lifting. Making sure you know what your goal is and taking care to lift correctly for your body type and other factors are urgently important in getting the most out of a strength and conditioning routine. Brea Cinnamon, Physical Therapist at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, talked to WKEI about the benefits and keys to strength training specifically for young women. It's not all that different from the advice given to young boys but there are a few things to keep in mind.
On Wednesday, the Henry and Stark County Health Department released the latest Recovery Rate Data for the combined counties. Today, on the WKEI morning, we talked to RaeAnn Tucker from the Health Department about the latest numbers and delved into a question that has been raised repeatedly on social media on the reporting of deaths related to COVID-19. RaeAnn Tucker told WKEI that the reporting of deaths between the local level and state level can be staggered due to the intent to determine that indeed COVID-19 was a contributing factor in the death. More important however, is remembering that the 7 people who have died from COVID-19 related issues in Henry and Stark County, are members of families, mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, husbands and wives and so on. Each of these people were members of a family and a community. They may be parts of our statistics but they are not just statistics in this ongoing pandemic. They are the human cost of COVID-19.
Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bill Medley visited with Paul Bomleny on Wake Up Princeton recently. The Righteous Brothers’ classics include “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”, “Soul and Inspiration”, “Rock and Roll Heaven”, “Ebb Tide” and “Unchained Melody”.
After his original singing partner, Bobby Hatfield, died in 2003. Medley continued as a soloist, but was inspired to revive the band when he saw Bucky Heard performing at a concert a few years ago. The updated Righteous Brothers have been performing together since 2016.
Medley celebrates his 80th birthday this Saturday. During his 60 year career, he has won a Grammy, Oscar, Golden Globe and American Music Award. He along with Hatfield were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
Not being able to tour or do their residency at Harrah’s due to the pandemic, The Righteous Brothers this month are performing a limited concert series on a pay-per-view live stream. “An Intimate Evening with The Righteous Brothers” live from The Space in Las Vegas. Tickets are $30 per show and available at TheSpaceLV.com
Bill Medley has been bringing us great music for 60 years and says he has no plans to slow down anytime soon.