Kankakee Valley Community Happenings

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Angela Morrey from the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County to observe Manufacturing Month and examine the industrial footprint across the region. 

The discussion highlights key data points defining local production, with a significant focus on food processing. Kankakee County maintains more than 2,400 jobs in the food processing sector alone—ranking 128 percent above the national average—with an anticipated 11 percent industry growth projected over the next five years. Morrey shares insights into regional facilities, including Rise Baking in Manteno, which produces commercial baked goods for national retailers and Panera Bread, alongside developments such as Mighty Cake Company moving into the former Johnsonville site in Momence. 

The episode also covers other manufacturing strengths throughout Kankakee County, including plastics manufacturing at Pactiv, regional steel production, beverage can manufacturing at Crown Cork, and commercial ink production for national packaging. 

To learn more about local business development and industrial resources, visit kankakeecountyed.org or call 815-935-1177.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Aaron and Tocarra Robinson from the nonprofit organization Still I Rise to preview their upcoming Halloween Festival and discuss their community initiatives. 

The festival, held in partnership with Good Vibes Smoke Shop, takes place this Saturday, October 24, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the parking lot at Schuyler Avenue and Kankakee. The community event offers free costumes and accessories, a complimentary lunch, a bicycle raffle, local vendors, face painting, and music. 

Aaron and Tocarra also share the founding story of Still I Rise, covering their ongoing programming in youth financial literacy, arts, and entrepreneurship, as well as their direct outreach providing food, clothing, and household goods to residents in need. Additionally, Tocarra discusses her music background and her upcoming three-track EP, Plethora, scheduled for release on October 31. 

To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit still-irise.org or contact the organization at 815-414-9614.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

On this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings on 92.7 WVLI, host Denny Case is joined by longtime Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA) actresses Bonnie Brewer and Jeanne Benson to preview their upcoming production of the classic comedy Arsenic and Old Lace. 

Brewer and Benson discuss taking on the roles of the Brewster sisters, working alongside a cast that includes Andrew McBurney, Jared Norton, and Scott Peterson, and the staging challenges inside the Blackbox Theatre at KVTA Studios. The conversation also covers Paul Snyder’s directorial debut, set construction by Paul Cothery, the success of senior theater programming, and volunteer opportunities available behind the scenes. 

Performance Schedule:

• Friday, October 23 at 7:00 PM 
• Saturday, October 24 (Afternoon Matinee) 
• Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 PM 

Venue: KVTA Blackbox Theatre 

1 Stuart Drive, Kankakee, IL 

Tickets and seating information are available at kvta.org.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

On this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano speaks with Theodis Pace, President of the NAACP Kankakee County Branch. Pace reflects on his decades of service and discusses the significance of the theme "We the People," adopted from the 117th NAACP National Convention in Chicago to emphasize collective action across democracy, criminal justice, voting rights, and education. 

The discussion previews the branch's 81st Freedom Fund Gala, held at the Quality Inn on the fourth Saturday of October. Pace outlines what attendees can expect, including an address by keynote speaker Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair of the NAACP National Board. The conversation also covers the branch's ongoing community operations, including its youth division, health committee initiatives, voter outreach, and ways community members can become involved or secure event tickets. 

• Guest: Theodis Pace, President of the NAACP Kankakee County Branch 
• Host: Mike Tomano 
• Key Topics: 81st Freedom Fund Gala, voting rights, youth programming, community health advocacy, NAACP local and national initiatives 
• Contact Information: kankakeecountynaacp.org | naacp.org | Phone: 815-932-0858

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Alvy Butler, Director of Ministries and Operations for The Salvation Army of Kankakee, and Kristen Rubio, Coordinator for Kankakee County Toys for Tots. Together, they discuss a major community milestone: a unified partnership between The Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace to serve local families this Christmas season.

Following severe storms earlier in the year that displaced families and increased community need, the organizations are pooling their resources to serve an estimated 6,000 children. Butler and Rubio outline the changes coming to this year’s holiday assistance program, including a centralized, store-style distribution event where parents can directly select gifts for their children.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The Unified Holiday Initiative: How The Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace joined forces to streamline local outreach.
• Centralized Distribution: Event details for December 14, 15, and 16 at The Salvation Army in Kankakee, featuring a walk-through shopping format for registered families.
• Application Deadlines: How and where families can apply online via Angel Tree (through Halloween) or Toys for Tots (through November 15), and why families should only register through one portal.
• Donation Needs: Why donation barrels accept toys, non-perishable food, and personal hygiene products interchangeably this year.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Amy Laws from the Rotary Club of Kankakee to preview the 9th annual Halloween Downtown festival. 

The family-focused event takes place this Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in downtown Kankakee, offering free activities and games organized by local businesses and nonprofit groups. South Schuyler Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic to accommodate artisan vendors, food trucks, and local dining, while the Farmers' Market parking area will host music from DJ Broke Dusty, free pony rides, and a dedicated quiet hub for children requiring a sensory break. At the Train Depot, the annual trunk-or-treat will operate from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. alongside the Kankakee High School robotics team. 

Additional topics covered include a visit from the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, an appearance by Betty Davis the baby Highland cow, and the Rotary Club's community costume drive and distribution effort. Laws also explains how the annual split-the-pot raffle directs funds back into community organizations, including Harbor House and the Child Network. 

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings on the WVLI Podcast Network, host Mike Tomano speaks with Village of Manteno Mayor Annette LaMore regarding key seasonal updates, municipal services, and upcoming local events. 

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• Extended Trick-or-Treat Hours: Mayor LaMore announces the village's extended trick-or-treating hours on Saturday, October 31, running from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 
• LIHEAP Utility Assistance: Overview of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and application help available at Manteno Village Hall on Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM (excluding holidays). 
• Early Voting Schedule: Details on local early voting held at the Leo Hassett Community Center from October 21 to October 23, and Saturday, October 24, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. 
• Main Street Trick or Treat: Schedule and activities for the downtown event on Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Square on Second, including business trick-or-treating and the Halloween maze presented by Manteno American Legion Post 755. 

Tune in to stay informed on local governance, community resources, and upcoming events across the Village of Manteno.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Village of Bourbonnais Mayor Jeff Keast to outline local fall events and community operations. Mayor Keast details seasonal activities scheduled throughout October, starting tonight with the Safety Town Spooktacular at Goselin Park. Additional event highlights include Witches Night Out on October 21, the Court Street Ford Trunk-or-Treat on October 30, and the Halloween morning Pet Parade at The Grove, along with the village's official Halloween trick-or-treating hours. The discussion also covers the rollout of the new municipal resident mobile application and the scheduled deadline for seasonal brush collection.

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings on 92.7 WVLI, host Mike Tomano speaks with City of Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis for a monthly update on seasonal city operations and community activities. Mayor Curtis details the guidelines and schedule for the city's annual fall leaf collection, which runs from October 19 through December 4. The conversation also covers the remaining schedule for the Kankakee Farmers' Market through Halloween, as well as event details for the Kankakee Public Library's superhero-themed Trunk or Treat on October 30. 

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

On this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings on 92.7 WVLI, host Mike Tomano speaks with Jason and Kelly Harwood, owners of Advanced Computer Specialists (ACS). Founded in 2005 out of a spare bedroom, ACS has grown over 21 years into a premier technology service provider in the region. 

The discussion covers the company's growth, its national recognition at the Titans of Industry Awards in Beverly Hills, and an upcoming move to a new facility designed to support continued expansion. Jason and Kelly also share their commitment to remaining locally focused, supporting area small businesses, non-profit organizations, and public safety entities. 

For more information about Advanced Computer Specialists, visit acsweb.biz or call 815-933-3193. 

Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. 

Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com

The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.