Episodes
Todd DeDecker with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the 2025 Julmarknad, or Swedish Christmas Market, beginning on November 28th. Bishop Hill is gearing up for its annual Julmarknad Christmas Market, a vibrant celebration of Swedish culture scheduled across five festive days: November 28th, 29th, and 30th, and December 6th and 7th. Note: Saturday, November 29th, events may be rescheduled due to severe winter weather in the forecast. From Scandinavian folk characters and traditional cookie walks to Dala horse crafting and Swedish music concerts, ...
Eddie Toliver from the Kewanee Salvation Army and Marty Medley from the Kewanee Elks Lodge #724 joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the functions of the Salvation Army and the Elks Lodge within the Kewanee community.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is in full swing, and community partners like the Elks Club are stepping up with grant support and volunteers. The Kewanee Elks Lodge presented the Kewanee Salvation Army with a $2,000 check to help bridge the gap from grants this year. The Red Kettle campaign, angel trees, and a variety of grants aim to provide food, gifts, and a...
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Public Health Thank You Week, Turkey Tactics, National Care At Home Month, the blood test food drive, and Thanksgiving office closures. Health services in Henry and Stark counties will pause for Thanksgiving, as all Health Department offices and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon close on November 27th and 28th. Limited home services staff remain available for essential home care needs. Residents can call each clinic directly or ...
Gwen Murphy has set a new milestone in the United Way’s annual Jail and Bail fundraiser by bringing in $1,289, shattering previous records, which organizers say hovered around $300 to $400. The event, which took a new mobile format this year, raised a total of $4,900 for United Way, supporting 15 local non-profits and community impact projects such as Shoes for Kids, food assistance, and shelter programs. Both Gwen’s enthusiasm and the community’s generosity are being praised, with organizers hinting at more competition—and possibly even some extra rewards—for next year’s participants. Lind...
Cassandra Schmoll joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Senior Center Cookie Fundraiser, Medicare Part D open enrollment, 2026 trips, home-delivered meals, weekly lunch, Tuesday dinner, and Cinnamon Roll Fridays. Enrollment for Medicare Part D is underway at the Henry County Senior Center, with the deadline coming up on December 7th. Staff are on hand to help residents compare plans—just bring your list of prescriptions for a free review that could save you money. The Senior Center is also launching a cookie kit fundraiser to support its home-delivered meal program; orders are open ...
Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to spotlight several community initiatives. Residents are encouraged to participate in the Holiday Lights Recycling program by dropping off unwanted holiday lights in a box inside the lobby of the main door, promoting both sustainability and local support. Rux also highlighted the Blessing Box—a resource providing essential food and supplies to neighbors in need. When the temperatures drop, Blessing Box items are moved inside the lobby of the main door. OSF HealthCare officials recommend taking what you n...
The 39th annual Country Village Christmas Bazaar lights up Visitation Catholic School in Kewanee this Saturday, November 22nd, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Inside Goetzman Gymnasium, shoppers will discover handcrafted gifts, unique holiday decor, and a special Mini Makers Market featuring creative youth crafters. Local vendors and artisans will showcase unique, handcrafted gifts and seasonal decor, with a special Mini Makers Market featuring the talents of young crafters. Don’t miss out on the raffle extravaganza—over 45 prizes, ranging from themed baskets to electronics and gift cards, are up for gr...
Connie Johnson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for the monthly edition of "Cambridge Happening" to talk about the Minds 5K, the closure of the Village Office for Thanksgiving, and Christmas on the Square. Cambridge is gearing up for a season full of community celebrations. On November 22nd, residents are invited to participate in the Miles for Minds 5K run/walk at College Square Park, benefiting Gray Matters and the FFA. As Thanksgiving nears, keep in mind the Village Office will be closed November 27th and 28th. Christmas on the Square returns December 6th, kicking off with a spaghetti dinner ...
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Great Smokeout on November 20th, insurance navigators, Covid and flu vaccines, the A1C test special, the food drive blood test special, and food safety. Residents of Henry and Stark Counties are encouraged to join the Great American Smokeout on November 20th, aiming to take that important first step toward quitting smoking. Local health departments are highlighting the significant health benefits of becoming tobacco-free, especially as November marks both ...
Lisa Janey from the Kewanee Food Pantry joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss how the Kewanee Food Pantry operates, the items it needs, and to express gratitude to the community for its donations of much-needed food, money, and hygiene essentials. Wethersfield High School’s National Honor Society is cooking up community spirit this Friday during the football playoff quarterfinals. From noon to 2 PM, sweet treats will be on sale, with every dollar supporting the Kewanee Food Pantry. Along with the bake sale, students are offering Geese and Titans merchandise for donation. Looking to help an...
Andrew Carlson has been officially sworn in as a police officer for the Kewanee Police Department at the October 27th meeting. New Business began with a presentation by a Waterworth representative. In city council matters, several ordinances were introduced this session: approval for a privacy fence height variance on South Chestnut Street and a variance for an accessory structure on Simpson Avenue. Additionally, a special use permit was approved for James Steinke, doing business as Chrome Gypsy Tattoo, at 600 North Lexington Avenue. A resolution was also passed affirming the mayor’s appoin...
At the October 14th Kewanee City Council meeting, Chris Berry was officially sworn in as Kewanee’s new Public Works Director. Nic Nelson presented updates on Tax Increment Financing, with votes to terminate the Kentville Road TIF District. The council also moved forward on several resolutions, including a $250,000 grant application to IDOT for Safe Routes to School, airport board appointments, and an agreement with SMARSH for archiving city data. The fire department received approval to accept grant funds for new defibrillators and infrastructure upgrades for North Lexington. Discussions fo...
On Monday evening, the Kewanee City Council reviewed several proposed ordinances and resolutions, including the presentation of Restorative Justice from Mitrese Smith, a third-year law school student, and approved a resolution to vacate a portion of the alley between Jackson and Washington Streets. Council members approved a timber sale agreement with Fischer Sawmill and considered and tabled a long-term financial modeling contract with Waterworth for city infrastructure. Other resolutions included transferring real estate interests to the Illinois Department of Transportation and selecting...
Head football coach Tony Gripp joined Issac Forney on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Round 3 Quarterfinals for the A&W Titans on Saturday, November 15, 2025. An electric atmosphere is expected this Saturday as the A-W Titans go head-to-head with the Lena-Winslow Panthers in the IHSA Class 1A Football Playoff Quarterfinals. The matchup kicks off at 1 PM at Wethersfield Memorial Stadium, where both sides look to extend their impressive seasons. Fans can rally behind their teams in person, with digital tickets available on GoFan for $8 plus a $1.40 fee, or purchase admission with cash ...
Samantha Rux with OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the respiratory illness season and what illnesses are prevalent at the moment. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is on the rise in young children, especially those in daycare, according to OSF HealthCare pediatricians. Classic symptoms include red blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, along with fever, sore throat, and irritability. While most cases are mild and treated at home, parents should consult a doctor if high fever or worsening symptoms persist. Experts stress the importance of handwashing and disin...
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice HealthCare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Nurse Practitioner’s Week, vaccines, a lab special for a food donation, insurance navigators, and expanded mental health services in Stark County. Residents in Henry and Stark Counties can take advantage of extended general health and thyroid panel blood test specials at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon, now available through January 1, 2026. The $40 offer, plus a non-perishable food donation, covers a comprehensive panel including ...