Episodes
Todd DeDecker with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Dancing Queen: An Abba Salute concert in Bishop Hill this weekend. Fans of iconic pop band ABBA have a special treat in store as Bishop Hill hosts “DANCING QUEEN: An ABBA Salute” at 1 PM, Saturday, July 12, 2025, in the village park. This free concert features energetic performances and striking costumes, recreating ABBA’s timeless hits like “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo,” and “Dancing Queen.” Along with music, attendees can enjoy hot dogs, baked goods, and apple cider slushes from local organizat...
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Meningitis B, CPR classes, family planning, teeth varnishing for kids, and school physicals. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are announcing several important health initiatives. The Meningitis B vaccine is now available at First Choice Healthcare clinics while supplies last, targeting young adults and college students at higher risk. Monthly CPR certification classes are being offered every fourth Tuesday in Kewanee for $45, providing critical emergency skills. For childr...
Deirdre Scott and Dianne Packee joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming Prairie Chicken Arts Festival. Anticipation is building for the Kewanee Prairie Chicken Arts Festival, returning July 18th and 19th at the Old Go-Kart Track and Berrien Park on West 3rd Street. Highlights include a Kids Luau Party, a "Guns and Hoses" pancake breakfast with local police and firefighters on Saturday morning, and an array of vendor booths. Artistic competitions and free children’s activities add to the excitement. There will be face painting, balloon making, a dunk tank, and a kids' fire hos...
Casandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Citizens Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about July meals, Friday cinnamon roll breakfast, golf playday, and the loaded baked potato fundraiser. The Henry County Senior Center is gearing up for a busy summer, including a baked potato fundraiser on July 16, 2025, from 11 AM to 1 PM. For just $8, enjoy a loaded Idaho potato with toppings like cheese sauce, bacon, broccoli, and more—plus a famous oversized cookie. All proceeds support the home-delivered meal program benefiting area seniors, which delivers 301 meals on 9 routes throughout...
John Wirth, Brenda Kegebein, and George DeMay joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the third annual Fourth of July Car Show at Francis Park. Engines and excitement converge at Francis Park this weekend as the Street Cruisers Car Club partners with Gustafson Ford Kewanee for their annual Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show. Shiny rides will compete for trophies while event-goers try their luck at door prizes and browse a bustling craft and flea market. Proceeds will support Honor Flight and Hog Capitol Wildlife Rescue and Rehab, injecting philanthropy into this celebration of horsepower. Li...
Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to provide safety tips for fireworks use this Fourth of July. As Illinois gears up for Independence Day, safety experts are reminding residents that popular consumer fireworks like bottle rockets and Roman candles remain illegal under state law. However, even legal options such as sparklers and smoke bombs can pose serious risks. Nationally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission logged nearly 10,000 injuries and eight deaths from fireworks in 2023. Dr. Stathis Poulakidas from OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center warns that...
Country music artist Angela Meyer joined Wake Up Tri-Countries to introduce her powerful new single, “Blood Disease,” ahead of her much-anticipated live performance at the Levitt Amp Galva Music Series on June 29, 2025. Meyer's forthcoming album, also titled “Blood Disease," releases in September and will be available on all major platforms like iTunes and Spotify. Crowned the Midwest Country Music Organization’s “New Artist of the Year” in 2023, she continues to move listeners with her heartfelt songwriting and live shows. For more, catch her “Muddy Water Radio” program every Saturday on W...
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about fireworks safety, food safety, sun safety, men's health, HIV testing, and school physicals. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments will close all offices and First Choice Healthcare Clinics on Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. Some home services staff will continue essential care, but regular hours will resume on July 7th. Officials are warning of increased fireworks injuries during holiday celebrations, particularly among children under 15. The departments urge safe handling: never let kids use fireworks unat...
Russ Hughes and Kewanee Schools Athletic Director Coach Tim Atwell joined Jennifer Russell in the Sav-A-Lot Studio for the June 27, 2025, edition of The Boiler Shop on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Kewanee Boiler Nation sports.
Sara Billiet joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about what's happening in July at the Kewanee Public Library. The Kewanee Public Library is wrapping up its successful summer reading program for children, which officially concludes on July 7th. Prizes should be claimed by then, but arrangements can be made if notified in advance. Story times continue through July, with both in-person and Facebook options available. Adults can look forward to a packed schedule, including a “Jaws” movie night for Shark Week, a native pollinator gardening session, an investing workshop, and a Scrabble tile coa...
Kewanee Parks Director Andy Dwyer joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to explain the reasons why motorized or electric scooters, bikes, golf carts, skateboards, and similar devices are banned in Windmont Park; the dog park grand opening on July 3rd; the splash pad update; the wiffle ball league; and the movie in the park on June 27th. A host of changes and new activities are underway in Kewanee parks. The Park District has issued an immediate ban on motorized and electric scooters, bikes, and similar devices at Windmont Park, citing ongoing safety concerns. Only manually powered options are permitt...
At the League of Women Voters of the Kewanee Area's 79th annual meeting on June 18, 2025, Daniela Lozano and Lovondi Jordan, along with Mayor Gary Moore, highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Kewanee Commission on Human Relations. The commission is dedicated to reducing prejudice and promoting equality within the community, partnering with local organizations to advance its mission. Monthly meetings are held at Kewanee City Hall, welcoming public participation.
The Kewanee Commission on Human Relations remains committed to fostering understanding and respect among all residents. Its missio...
Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss mosquitoes and West Nile Virus. Health officials in Illinois are urging caution as mosquito testing reveals positive results for West Nile Virus in 18 counties, including Henry, Stark, and Bureau. Although no human cases have been reported so far, the risk remains high, particularly for older adults and those with compromised immune systems. The West Nile virus is mainly transmitted by mosquito bites, and past outbreaks in Illinois have been severe. Residents are encouraged to use EPA-approved insect repellent, wear pro...
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about HIV rapid tests, radon tests, men's health, WIC, school physicals, and sun safety. Health experts in Henry and Stark counties are urging residents to take advantage of a variety of preventative health initiatives this summer. Free rapid HIV testing will be available on June 27 at clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, coinciding with National HIV Testing Day. Affordable radon home test kits are also on offer, raising awareness about this invisible lung cancer risk. For families, the WIC program now provides a streamlined EBT card for ...
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 H...
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 Cambrid...
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 an...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 pressu...