In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore takes listeners for a musical ride through the story of “City of New Orleans,” the legendary train song that forever tied Kankakee to the annals of Americana. With music clips from Steve Goodman, Arlo Guthrie, and Willie Nelson woven throughout, Jake explores how this folk classic was born from a real train journey, penned by Chicago native Steve Goodman as both a love letter and a eulogy to the Illinois Central Line.

Jake digs into the song’s vivid imagery, straight from Goodman’s notebook, including that famous moment when “the train pulls out of Kankakee.” Along the way, he shares the song’s journey from its humble beginnings to national fame—thanks to Arlo Guthrie’s hit recording and Willie Nelson’s Grammy-winning country cover.

The episode also shines a light on Goodman’s remarkable life, his all-too-brief career, and the ways he used music to capture small-town stories, heartland landscapes, and the fading glory of America’s railroads. As Jake discusses the cultural legacy of “City of New Orleans,” listeners are invited to reflect on Kankakee’s place in the song, in rail history, and in American songwriting lore.

Why did Goodman’s ode to a disappearing train route resonate so deeply? How did a passing mention turn Kankakee into a piece of music history? Join Jake for a nostalgic, toe-tapping, and heartfelt episode that proves some journeys—and some songs—never truly end.

Don’t forget to cue up your favorite version of “City of New Orleans” after the show, and, as always, remember to wave at the train when it passes through Kankakee!

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In this episode of Kankakee Podcast News, we cover exciting developments in the community, including the long-awaited dredging of the Kankakee River, a new pathway coming near Perry Farm, and the 25th anniversary celebration of the Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra. Plus, we dive into the latest updates from Kankakee and Herscher schools, Riverside Medical Center’s latest achievement, and the potential for sidewalk dining in downtown Kankakee. Tune in for all this and more in this week’s news roundup!

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In this vibrant episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore brings us into the April 2025 Yarn Factory storytelling event recorded live in Downtown Kankakee. Taking place at the Venue Lounge, the evening shines with the animated narratives of six storytellers, each weaving tales that range from humorous to heartfelt.

The storied night kicked off with Moran Beasley recollecting a daring escapade of his charismatic family dogs, while Sarah Marion shared her adventurous journey of conquering a marathon despite not having the runner's spirit. Transitioning to heartfelt stories, Tyler McMahon captured the audience with an emotional encounter involving a young homeless man in Chicago, illustrating compassion in an unforgiving world.

As humor found its way back into the room, Soyini Verrett's delightful tale intertwined bad weather and wine, delivering laughter and nodding heads of understanding. Angelina Gear brought warmth with stories of her mother's unwavering strength, and finally, Bill Stevenson exhilarated with his adrenaline-filled narratives about racing cars, rounding off an unforgettable evening with the thrill of the speedway.

This episode captures the essence of community and storytelling, as each narrative unfolds a facet of life in Kankakee, reflecting resilience, humor, and heart. Whether it’s laughing at a misadventure, contemplating life’s crossroads, or facing unexpected challenges, this Yarn Factory episode invites listeners to embrace the beauty of shared experiences and local narratives.

Dive into this tapestry of stories and feel the pulse of Kankakee come alive through its storytellers. It's an evening of storytelling you won’t want to miss!

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This week on Kankakee Podcast News: A “Hands Off” rally draws a crowd downtown, controversy stirs in Manteno over a last-minute trustee appointment, and a long-stalled housing project in Kankakee may finally see new life. Plus, local students shine, a beloved boutique makes a shift, and there’s a new beer brewed for the river. Catch up on what’s happening around Kankakee County!

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In this bonus episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Courtney Stephens and Gina O'Connor from the Kankakee Valley Theater Association to discuss their highly anticipated upcoming production of "Matilda: The Musical." Jake, a proud '90s baby, reminisces about the beloved story of Matilda, the magical girl with a mind of her own, giant chocolate cakes, and larger-than-life characters that defined a generation.

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Courtney and Gina dive into the unique aspects of their production, sharing insights about the dynamic choreography and the immense talent from both the children and adults in the cast. They explain how the musical adaptation brings new elements to the classic tale and what audiences can expect from the performances. With a pit choir providing live vocal support and a family-centric cast that spans generations, this production promises to be a vibrant and engaging experience.

With only a single weekend of performances, Courtney and Gina highlight the importance of securing tickets early and discuss the local theater community's challenge of scheduling around overlapping events. Jake also shares his involvement behind the scenes, contributing his voice to pre-show announcements.

Tune in to hear more about the creative process behind "Matilda: The Musical," the community involvement, and what makes this production stand out. Don't miss your chance to witness the magic of live theater and support local talent. Secure your seats at kvta.org and join in on a celebration of art and family in Kankakee County.

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In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Tracey Noe Slach, Executive Director of Clove Alliance, to mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April 2025. This vital episode dives into the impactful work Clove Alliance is doing in Kankakee, Iroquois, and Ford counties to combat sexual violence through counseling, advocacy, and prevention.

Tracey discusses the history and mission of Clove Alliance, formerly known as KC CASA, and the reasons behind its rebranding to better represent the expanded areas it serves. As Jake and Tracey navigate through the comprehensive array of services Clove Alliance provides, they highlight the role of education in uprooting the stigma and underreporting associated with sexual assault. They emphasize the prevalence of sexual violence, sharing that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men are affected, and discuss how community education and awareness are crucial in reversing these numbers.

Jake also inquires about Clove Alliance's funding sources, which combine state, federal, and local support, as well as the challenges the team faces in tackling the myriad of cases spanning three counties. Throughout their conversation, they shine a light on the critical importance of supporting survivors with empathy and understanding.

From discussions on how to empower children with knowledge about body safety to providing insights on what adults can do if a child discloses inappropriate behavior, this conversation is a beacon of information, support, and encouragement to foster safer communities.

Tune in to learn more about the persistent fight against sexual violence and discover how you can support Clove Alliance's mission and services. For more details, upcoming events, and how you can volunteer or get involved, visit CloveAlliance.org.

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The BBCHS Robotics Team is headed to the World Championship in Houston—but they need the community’s help to get there. Plus, we break down local election results, big changes coming to Kankakee School District 111, and a roundup of events, updates, and opportunities around the county this week.

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In this special on-location bonus episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore visits the press box at Momence High School to sit down with Coach Cherry, the athletic director, and former track coach. They delve into the exciting return of track meets to Momence after a two-decade hiatus. Coach Cherry recounts the history of the track facility, the remarkable renovations that have taken place, and the significance of hosting meets at home turf, which rekindles local enthusiasm and participation.

Explore the journey from a deteriorated track that was virtually unusable for practices, to a state-of-the-art facility with a synthetic turf, rubberized track, and advanced timing systems. Cherry shares insights into the mental fortitude required in track sports, and how he cultivated that spirit in his athletes. The upgrades have led to record participant numbers, echoing the sentiment "build it, and they will come."

Listen to hear about the challenges and excitement of hosting the first track meet in 20 years, the role of community support, and even unique concession plans featuring Rosa Carroll's authentic tacos! Tune in to learn how a community investment in athletics can transform the experience for both athletes and the local community. Don't miss the chance to witness this historic revival and support the Momence athletes.

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In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore is joined by Kankakee County Museum's Jack Klasey and Jory Walters. Together, they dive deep into the rich history of Bourbonnais as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. The episode takes listeners on a journey through time, from the early beginnings of Bourbonnais with figures like Noel Levasseur and Francois Bourbonnet Sr. to the arrival of the French Canadians and the establishment of key institutions such as Maternity BVM Church and St. Viator College.

The conversation sheds light on the story behind significant historical landmarks, like the log cabin schoolhouse and the church's stonework that echoes Quebec's architectural style. Jack and Jory also discuss the role of influential personalities, including Father Charles Chiniquy and how his ambitions led to the founding of the St. Anne Colony.

Listeners will discover how Bourbonnais evolved over the years, maintaining its agricultural roots while gradually expanding in population, thanks in part to industry and educational institutions like Olivet Nazarene University. The episode concludes with reflections on Bourbonnais's vibrant community spirit, acknowledging those who contributed to its storied past and its future.

Tune in to celebrate Bourbonnais' birthday and explore how a small settlement blossomed into one of Kankakee County's cherished towns!

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Big things are happening in Kankakee County! Bradley is moving forward with a massive indoor water park and preparing to open its long-awaited sports complex. Meanwhile, Bourbonnais kicks off a year-long celebration for its 150th anniversary. Plus, we highlight inspiring local success stories, including a Kankakee native earning a top military honor and Consciousness Magazine’s induction into the Kankakee County Museum. Tune in for all the latest updates!

Thank you to Kankakee Community College Continuing Education and Business Partnerships for being our Title Sponsor for the month of March! Learn more: http://www.kcc.edu/continuinged

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