In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor covers the top local stories from around Kankakee County. Baker & Taylor has closed its Momence distribution center, leaving hundreds unemployed as officials work to assist displaced workers. Consumer advocates are challenging Nicor Gas’ proposed rate hike, calling for reductions to protect customers. The Kankakee Police Department promoted Jose Diaz to sergeant, marking an important career milestone and increasing local representation. Sunrise Center Animal Rescue is gearing up for its Trunk-or-Treat event to raise awareness and support for pet adoptions. Meanwhile, Bourbonnais continues to refine its Riverfront Park master plan following strong community input and a major land donation.

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In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, Drew Raisor sits down with Leslee Schafer and Megan Turner, the compassionate founders of Our Aging Services. Together, they’re on a mission to guide both seniors and families of individuals with special needs through some of life’s most challenging transitions. Drawing from their own personal experiences—a daughter on the autism spectrum and a son with complex medical needs—Leslee and Megan have built an organization that helps others navigate the overwhelming systems of Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, long-term care, and disability resources.

Throughout the conversation, they share heartfelt insights about advocating with kindness, why early planning is crucial, and how small acts of compassion can make a life-changing difference. They also discuss their innovative community project, the Café of Mistaken Orders, which creates a space for understanding and empathy toward those living with dementia. From helping families “age out” of school services to helping older adults “age on” with dignity, this episode shines a light on the power of connection, advocacy, and care across generations

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In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor shares the top stories from around the county. Bourbonnais driver Austin McCarty captured his second straight Pro Late Model championship at Kankakee County Speedway in a season marked by family tragedy. Fortitude Community Outreach announced a new “hotel shelter model” for the winter after the city denied its request to operate an overnight shelter on East Court. The annual St. Anne Pumpkin Festival returns with dozens of local vendors and fall favorites. Animal shelters in both Kankakee and Iroquois counties are struggling with urgent volunteer and donation needs. Finally, the Citizens Utility Board is warning ComEd customers of winter electricity rate hikes averaging 10–15 percent.

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In this episode of Kankakee Podcast, Drew sits down with Hollie to talk about her inspiring journey of resilience, faith, and transformation. From facing unexpected challenges in life to discovering strength through fitness and her relationship with God, Hollie opens up about what it means to keep moving forward even when the road gets tough.

She shares how working out became more than just exercise — it became a lifeline for mental clarity, emotional healing, and building confidence. Hollie also talks about the importance of surrounding yourself with the right community, setting goals, and keeping faith at the center of it all.

This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that no matter where you’re at, it’s never too late to choose joy, embrace growth, and keep pressing on.

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In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor covers the latest stories from around the county. Manteno’s 27th annual Oktoberfest kicked off at Heritage Park, bringing live music, food, and family fun through the weekend. In Bradley, Village Clerk Kelli Brza resigned as she prepares to relocate to California, with Deputy Clerk Kym Nelson filling in until a replacement is named. The Kankakee School District 111 board voted 5–2 to officially appoint James Henderson as Assistant Superintendent of People Services after serving in the interim role for nearly a year. The Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School District 307 board passed its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, projecting a surplus while allocating funds for the $70 million “Building Better” project. Finally, Illinois State Police are renewing calls for information in the unsolved 2007 double homicide of Pamela Branka and Paul Jones at the Momence Burger King, urging anyone with knowledge to come forward.

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In this episode of Kankakee Podcast, Drew sits down with Adelynn McBurnie — one of Kankakee County’s most sought-after hairstylists. From her early start in cosmetology school at just 16, to building a loyal clientele and finding her home at Polaris Salon, Adelynn shares her story of passion, perseverance, and personal growth.

She opens up about what drew her to the beauty industry, the lessons learned along the way, and why building genuine relationships with her clients matters just as much as great hair. Adelynn also talks about balancing creativity, confidence, and the business side of being her own boss — all while creating a space where clients feel seen and cared for.

Whether you’re chasing a dream, building a business, or just love a good transformation story, this conversation will leave you inspired.

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This week on Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor takes you through the latest headlines from around the county. The 12th annual Scarecrow Festival kicks off at Perry Farm Park with more than 120 scarecrows, vendors, and a new Fall Art Stroll. Bourbonnais trustees approved a zoning variance for Faith Baptist Church to build an 80-foot radio tower for FM broadcasts, despite concerns about possible signal interference. Bourbonnais police are investigating a midnight fight on Stratford Drive that ended with shots fired into the air but no reported injuries. The non-profit Let’s Ketchup is set to host a free Family Festival at Adventure Commons, offering games, crafts, music, and food while supporting local schools and families. And in school news, Samantha Czako has been appointed to the Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School District 307 board, filling the seat left vacant by former president Justin Caldwell.

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This episode of the Kankakee Podcast takes you inside September’s Yarn Factory Listeners, hosted by Bill Yohnka. Hear heartfelt, hilarious, and unforgettable stories from local voices:

• David Butz recalls a wild ski trip that turned into an unexpected adventure from Tahoe to Salt Lake City.
• Laura Diaz, a nurse practitioner, shares her journey through childhood illness, nursing, and her passion for compassionate care.
• Bill Yohnka himself takes the stage with a personal tale of tennis, resilience, and planting flowers outside of bars.
• Else Schilling brings down the house with stories of her hilariously unpredictable parents and her own Wonderbra mishap.
• Van Johnson rounds out the night with sibling battles, family comedy, and “the day the Earth stood still.”

Laughter, heart, and community — this episode has it all.

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In this heartfelt episode of Kankakee Podcast, Drew sits down with Brady and Joy, a couple who moved their family of nine to Kankakee just two years ago. What began as a season of new beginnings quickly turned into a life-altering journey when their youngest daughter, Eloise, was diagnosed with leukemia at just three years old.

Brady and Joy open up about the shock of the diagnosis, the chaos of moving while balancing hospital visits, and the strength they found in their faith, community, and each other. From Eloise’s battle through treatment to the powerful moment she rang the bell and became cancer-free, this is a story of resilience, hope, and the power of community love.

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This week on Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor covers the top headlines from around the area. In Herscher, a man faces multiple charges after crashing his pickup truck into a home while driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level more than four times the legal limit. The Kankakee River Valley Regatta made its return over Labor Day weekend, bringing high-speed boat racing and family fun back to the community. A new $275,000 outdoor fitness court near Kankakee High School is set to open this fall, providing free exercise access for students and residents. Meanwhile, a February 23 trial date has been officially set for Xandria Harris in connection with the 2021 shooting that killed Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and wounded retired Sgt. Tyler Bailey. And former Herscher mayor Ray Schneider has announced his run for the Kankakee County Board in District 11, earning the endorsement of outgoing member Carol Webber.

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