Episodes
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 g...
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 famil...
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 takeaway...
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 t...
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...
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 ad...
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. Storytel...
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 do...
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 im...
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...
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 meas...
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 sidew...
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 Z...
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 2...
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-m...
The Zydeco Voodoo Band will bring their signature Louisiana sound to Wiley Park in Galva as part of the 2025 Levitt AMP Galva Music Series on August 3rd. Audiences can expect lively performances featuring fresh tracks from their newly released album. The concert is part of a national campaign to deliver free, high-quality music to communities across the United States. Organizers encourage everyone to grab a blanket or chair and settle in for a festive evening celebrating the vibrant spirit of zydeco. This family-friendly event aims to unite the community for a joyful night of infectious rhy...
RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming events and health information for the community. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside First Choice Healthcare, are turning the spotlight on National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July with the theme “Turn Awareness into Action!” The push comes as new figures highlight serious disparities in mental healthcare access among racial and ethnic minorities. Community members are encouraged to reach out for culturally infor...
Sergeant Eric Bernal joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the first, and possibly annual, Back-to-School event at the Kewanee National Guard. The Illinois Army National Guard is gearing up for a Back to School Guard Night, scheduled for August 8th from 4 to 8 PM at 111 North East Street in Kewanee. The event promises hands-on experiences, including a chance to explore military vehicles and equipment, as well as an exciting obstacle course for all ages. Attendees can participate in a Q&A with Guard members and compete for a variety of prizes. Free hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be ava...