In this edition of Yarn Factory Listeners on the Kankakee Podcast, another unforgettable evening of community storytelling unfolds — filled with honesty, humor, and the kinds of moments that quietly shape who we become. The stories shared explore family memories, unexpected life turns, small-town experiences, and the lessons learned along the way.

From laughter that fills the room to reflections that linger long after the mic is set down, this episode captures the beauty of ordinary days and the resilience found in life’s in-between moments. It’s a reminder that every person carries a story worth hearing — and that when a community gathers to listen, something meaningful always happens.

As this marks the final Yarn Factory for a little while, it’s a fitting celebration of the voices, connections, and shared experiences that make these nights so special.

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This week on Kankakee Podcast News, city leaders in Kankakee take steps toward bringing a full-service grocery store to the east side, approving a feasibility study aimed at addressing the long-standing food desert. In Bradley, U.S. Representative Robin Kelly joined local officials to celebrate major improvements at the historic David Bradley Industrial Park after $4.1 million in federal funding helped preserve the site. Officials have also identified the source of a recent sudsy discharge that overwhelmed part of Kankakee’s sewer system, tracing it to a processing issue at a local soap manufacturer. In eastern Kankakee County, tragedy struck after one of two children critically injured in a single-vehicle crash on Route 17 has died. And Kankakee police have made an arrest in an armed robbery on East Court Street, with the investigation still ongoing.

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Host Drew Raisor sits down with a very special guest — his fiancée, Hannah Hudgins — for an honest, funny, and deeply personal conversation. The two talk through wedding planning, big life transitions, and the possibility of moving from Kankakee to Nashville. Hannah shares her journey from CNA training and pre-med aspirations to finding her footing through different careers and community work in Kankakee County. Along the way, they reflect on growing up locally, navigating early adulthood, surviving COVID college life, and why sometimes the best answer really is “why not?”

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This episode of Yarn Factory Listeners captures a full night of live storytelling from the Yarn Factory stage. From a family’s legendary “millionth customer” moment at a local pizza place, to reflections on creativity, war, and how fast life can change, these stories move between humor and honesty with ease.

You’ll hear memories of being raised by grandparents, childhood mischief, college pranks that went a little too far, and lessons learned the hard way. The night also includes powerful stories about friendship, loss, service, and family — plus unforgettable tales involving the Air Force, rattlesnakes, bananas, barroom storytelling, and camping trips that absolutely went off the rails.

Real stories. Real people. Told live.

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In this December edition of Yarn Factory Listeners on the Kankakee Podcast, host Bill Yohnka brings together another memorable night of community storytelling filled with heart, humor, and reflection. The stories span generations and experiences — from growing up in small towns and navigating family traditions, to moments of loss, resilience, and unexpected joy that often surface during the holiday season.

Listeners will hear stories that remind us why this time of year carries so much meaning: the people we miss, the traditions we hold onto, and the ways community shows up when it matters most. With a mix of laughter, quiet insight, and genuine connection, this episode captures the spirit of December in Kankakee — a reminder that even ordinary moments can become powerful stories worth sharing.

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This week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News covers several important updates from across Kankakee County as of Friday, January 9. Manteno police are reminding residents that door-to-door contractors must be registered with the village and verified through the police department to help prevent scams. Riverside Healthcare is rolling out upgraded imaging technology at multiple locations across Illinois to improve diagnostic speed and patient care. A Kankakee man charged in the fatal attack at an Oswego Chick-fil-A has been ruled unfit to stand trial and will undergo secure treatment. Kankakee police have made an arrest following a shots-fired incident on North Park Avenue, recovering stolen firearms and filing multiple felony charges. The episode also looks ahead to 2026, highlighting major projects and developments expected to shape the county, including school expansion plans, a proposed indoor waterpark, a high-profile court trial, and continued economic growth.

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This week on Kankakee Podcast News, local leaders approved several key decisions affecting residents across the county. Bourbonnais Village Trustees approved a lower property tax rate for 2025, continuing a decade-long trend despite a higher total levy driven by rising property values. The City of Kankakee finalized a new five-year contract with Republic Services to continue its residential recycling program, determining that potential savings from eliminating recycling were minimal. The Salvation Army of Kankakee County reports it has reached just over one-third of its Red Kettle Campaign goal as colder weather impacts donations and volunteer turnout. Meanwhile, the Manteno Village Board unanimously passed an ordinance banning the sale of Delta-8 and other synthetic drugs, citing public safety concerns and enforcement challenges.

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In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, This episode brings the Yarn Factory stage into your ears with a warm, wide-ranging set of stories from the community. Listeners share what it’s like to start over in a new hometown, the surprises and tenderness that come with blended families, and the kind of solo adventures that leave you changed. Between laugh-out-loud childhood shenanigans and quieter moments of reflection about loss, love, and belonging, the night paints a vivid portrait of place and people. Tune in for a cozy, honest hour of storytelling that celebrates how everyday moments—big and small—make a town feel like home.

Brought to you by Meineke Car Care in Bourbonnais and King Music in Bradley.

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In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor covers the key stories from around the county. First Community Insurance & Annuity Center has officially moved its headquarters to a new location on Armour Road in Bourbonnais, continuing its more than 30-year commitment to serving local residents and businesses. The city of Kankakee has extended its leaf-pickup service after November snowstorms disrupted collection, asking residents to keep leaf piles visible and accessible. School districts across the region are reviewing their latest Illinois State Report Card designations, with several schools earning commendable or exemplary ratings while others receive targeted support. Finally, starting after January 1, Kankakee will begin towing vehicles parked along designated snow-route streets during snow events, warning residents of potential $200–$300 recovery costs and urging attention to posted signage.

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In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Andrew McBurney sits down with Sharla Ronchetto of the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association to talk about their upcoming holiday production, The Christmas Schooner. Based on true Great Lakes history, the musical follows a fictional family inspired by the real “Christmas tree ships” that carried evergreens from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to German immigrants in Chicago during the late 1800s. Sharla shares the richness of the show’s music — beautiful four-part harmonies, choral storytelling, and even a live harp in the pit — along with the emotional heart of the story, which centers on nostalgia, family traditions, and the joy of giving.

She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at directing inside KVTA’s Black Box Theatre, navigating a 16-member cast in an intimate space, and balancing dramatic storytelling with light comedic moments. With one weekend of performances — December 5th–7th — this warm, heartfelt musical is designed for families, holiday lovers, and anyone looking for a meaningful start to the Christmas season. Tickets and details are available at kvta.org.

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