Kankakee Podcast

In this bonus episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Gina Greene, Director of Continuing Education and Business Partnerships at Kankakee Community College (KCC). Together, they shine a light on one of Kankakee County’s best-kept secrets: the diverse programs and training opportunities offered by KCC’s Continuing Education department.

Gina shares her journey from northwest Iowa to central Illinois, and how her background as an athletic trainer led her to her current role at KCC. The conversation highlights the department’s longstanding impact in the community—over 25 years of customizing educational offerings to meet the needs of local businesses and individuals alike.

Whether you’re a business owner needing OSHA or CPR training, or an employee hoping to brush up on Microsoft Excel skills, Gina explains how KCC’s business partnership grants can help offset costs and make workforce development more accessible. The episode also dives into the continuing education side, covering professional development courses, personal enrichment classes, and the popular lifelong learning series designed for residents aged 50 and up.

Jake and Gina discuss success stories, how to access these opportunities, and the surprising variety of classes available—even a spring planter class that “sells out” every year! If you’ve ever wondered how KCC can support you, your team, or your lifelong learning journey, this episode is packed with practical info and inspiration.

Want to find out how your business—or your own curiosity—can benefit? Listen in and discover all that KCC has to offer!

To learn more or get connected with KCC’s Continuing Education and Business Partnerships, visit their website, call, or email the team directly. And remember, some grant funds are available through December—reach out before they’re gone!

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In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with fellow local media personality Josh Carman for a candid conversation about community, competition, and the power of storytelling. Josh—long-time radio host of WKAN’s Morning Roundtable and a Kankakee native—shares his journey growing up in the Herscher-Limestone area, his early fascination with movies and acting, and how he unexpectedly found his niche in radio and journalism.

Jake and Josh dive into the behind-the-scenes world of local radio, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of covering local news, adapting to the quickly changing media landscape, and the camaraderie (and occasional pranks!) among Kankakee’s radio stations—even when you’re supposed to be rivals. The two also discuss the importance of breaking down barriers in the community, collaborating across organizations, and telling the stories that matter most to Kankakee.

Josh opens up about his experience learning from respected mentors, his time at Olivet Nazarene University, and how he went from running the radio board to hosting his own show. The episode explores the difference between being a journalist and a talk show host, maintaining integrity in local reporting, and striking the balance between objectivity and personality on air.

As leaders and residents alike debate new projects like the Kankakee Riverfront and The Grove in Bourbonnais, Josh and Jake encourage listeners to look for the positives, embrace change, and help shape a more connected, optimistic community.

What was it like to go from covering city council meetings to interviewing mayors live on the air? How do you handle criticism and negativity from online “armchair quarterbacks”? And what does Josh see as the future of Kankakee County? Tune in for this thoughtful, behind-the-mic episode about media, leadership, and keeping things local.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the Kankakee area, this episode is a timely reminder of why community storytelling matters—and how working together can make our hometown stronger.

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In this week's Kankakee Podcast News, we cover a tragic crash that claimed three lives on Cobb Blvd, and a local volunteer effort that brought together 170 people to tackle cleanup projects across Kankakee. Plus, updates on the latest developments in Bourbonnais and Manteno, including the farewell to longtime Mayor Paul Schore and the new challenges facing Manteno’s incoming leadership. Tune in for all the important stories making an impact in Kankakee County.

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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.

TICKETS

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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