Episodes
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 saf...
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 emph...
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 pain...
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-...
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 ar...
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,...
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 encoura...
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 f...
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...
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 underlyi...
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. Re...
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 Fellow...
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 ...
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 y...
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 a...
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 avai...