In this edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case welcomes Sharla Ronchetto, director for the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA), to discuss their upcoming production of Big Fish. While many may be familiar with the film adaptation, Ronchetto explains how this musical version—based on the original novel—explores the intricate and often fantastical relationship between a father and his son.

The discussion highlights the creative challenges of bringing mythical elements like giants and witches to the local stage, as well as the significance of performing at the Lincoln Cultural Center in Kankakee following recent building repairs. Ronchetto, a veteran of the local theater scene, also provides a glimpse into the casting process and the talent involved in bringing the Bloom family's story to life.

For those interested in local performing arts and community events, this episode offers essential information on performance dates and how to secure tickets for this limited run. Listen to the full episode to hear more about the director's vision for the show and the technical details involved in this large-scale production.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the official Kankakee Valley Theatre Association website 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.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Angela Morrey from the Kankakee County Economic Alliance to discuss the duality of recent events shaping the region. The conversation covers the community's swift and organized response to devastating tornadoes and hail damage, highlighting the critical role of local nonprofits and the reactivation of the Emergency Response Fund.

The discussion also shifts to significant economic developments, including a landmark $1.5 billion investment from a global pharmaceutical leader that promises to bring long-term job security and growth to the area. Angela shares insights on how these major announcements put Kankakee County on a national stage and provides information on how residents and businesses can access resources for recovery and development.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Update on storm cleanup and the transition into the rebuilding phase.
• The impact of the United Way and Community Foundation’s relief funds.
• Details regarding the CSL expansion and its 300 new job opportunities.
• How the Kankakee County Economic Alliance supports local business and workforce training.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the resilience of the Kankakee community and the future of industrial investment in the county. For further resources mentioned in the show, visit kankakeecountyed.org or myunitedway.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.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Joe and John Carnagio, the local owners and operators of several McDonald’s locations across Kankakee, Bourbonnais, and Bradley. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the latest menu innovations to the company’s significant impact on local employment and education.

The father and son duo provide an inside look at the Big Arch, the latest limited-time sandwich hitting the menu. They discuss what sets this burger apart from past offerings like the Arch Deluxe and why it has become a "two-hand" favorite for customers. Beyond the food, the Carnagios share the story of their 30-year journey within the McDonald’s system and highlight the Archways to Opportunity program, which provides substantial tuition assistance and educational resources to employees in the Chicagoland area.

Listeners will also hear about current promotional highlights, including the K-Pop Demon Hunter Adult Happy Meal and the Super Mario Galaxy partnership. The episode concludes with a look at the nostalgia of collecting McDonald's memorabilia and a technical explanation of why McDonald’s Coca-Cola maintains its distinct reputation.

Tune in to the full episode to hear the details of their upcoming drink offerings and the specific secret behind their beverage quality.

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 welcomes Alicia Kleinert, the founder and executive director of the MCA Senior Adult Day Center. Alicia shares the vital mission of her organization, which provides structured daytime services, health monitoring, and social engagement for seniors aged 60 and older across Kankakee, Will, and Iroquois counties.

The conversation highlights the launch of the Community Stewards campaign, an initiative designed to maintain the center’s stability and ensure that local seniors continue to receive uninterrupted care. Alicia explains the challenges of delayed funding and how local businesses and individuals can play a pivotal role in supporting the organization through tax-deductible contributions, volunteering, and in-kind donations.

Listeners will also learn about the broader impact of adult day services, including the essential respite provided to caregivers and the ways the center addresses senior isolation through specialized programming and health services. Alicia also reflects on her professional background as a respiratory therapist and what motivated her to establish this resource in her hometown.

Listen to the full episode to discover more about the specific services offered at the center, the organizations already stepping up to help, and how you can get involved in supporting the local senior community.

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 Akash Rana, the Director of Immediate Care and Workforce Health for Riverside Healthcare, to discuss the recent expansion of medical services in the Bourbonnais area.

As community needs for accessible and timely medical attention grow, Riverside Healthcare has opened a new Immediate Care facility designed to bridge the gap between primary care and emergency services. This episode explores how the new location aims to serve local residents and what patients can expect when visiting.

Key Discussion Points

• New Bourbonnais Facility: An overview of the new location situated within the Riverside Ortho & Spine Center and the specific resources available on-site to streamline patient care.
• Comprehensive Services: A look at the variety of non-life-threatening conditions treated, including minor injuries, illnesses, and specialized testing capabilities.
• Workforce Health and Physicals: Details on the support offered to local employers and students, ranging from drug screenings to sports and DOT physicals.
• Choosing the Right Care: Akash Rana explains the critical differences between visiting an Immediate Care clinic and seeking treatment at an emergency room, helping listeners make informed decisions during a health crisis.

Why Listen

Understanding where to go for medical treatment can save time and ensure the best health outcomes. This conversation provides essential information regarding the hours of operation, scheduling options via Riverside MyChart, and the walk-in capabilities of the new Bourbonnais site.

To learn more about the advanced diagnostic technology being used and the full scope of services available at this new location, listen to the complete interview.

Guest: Akash Rana, Director of Immediate Care and Workforce Health at Riverside Healthcare Host: Denny Case Station: 92.7 WVLI

For further information on Riverside Healthcare services or to find the nearest location, please visit their official website.

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 of 92.7 WVLI welcomes Eduardo "Eddy" Navoa, a sales associate from Hove Nissan in Bradley. With seven years of experience in the automotive industry, Navoa shares insights into his professional background and his commitment to serving the Kankakee Valley area, including his work with the local Spanish-speaking community.

The episode delves into what distinguishes the customer experience at Hove Nissan. Navoa explains the dealership's philosophy on providing a low-pressure environment and how they have structured their team to assist buyers in various financial positions. He discusses the specific expertise the sales staff brings to the table and how that translates into a more efficient process for the consumer.

The discussion also addresses recent local weather events and their impact on vehicle availability. Navoa provides an update on the condition of the current new and used inventory at Hove Nissan, as well as an overview of available financial incentives and modern tools that allow customers to handle much of the purchase process remotely.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the specific credit assistance programs available and the details of current financing offers at Hove Nissan.

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 segment of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Penny Greenlee, the Community Outreach Director for High Point Residences of Kankakee. The conversation provides an overview of supportive living environments designed for individuals aged 65 and older, clarifying common misconceptions regarding the differences between these facilities and traditional nursing homes.

Greenlee discusses the various services provided at High Point, including their approach to independent living, specialized memory care, and the level of medical staffing available to residents. The episode also highlights the specific financial programs and insurance types the facility accepts, which distinguishes their mission within the local community.

To hear the full discussion on senior care options, resident amenities, and how to coordinate a visit to the facility, listen to the complete interview.

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 welcomes Dr. Alec Fisher from the Riverside Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department. Dr. Fisher, a Los Angeles native who completed his medical training at Dartmouth and Johns Hopkins, discusses his transition to the Riverside team and the diverse range of services he provides to the community.

The conversation explores the two primary branches of his practice: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Fisher explains the advanced techniques currently being utilized at Riverside, including microsurgery and the DIEP flap procedure for breast cancer survivors. He also addresses the growing demand for body contouring following significant weight loss and explains how these procedures integrate into a patient's overall health journey.

Listeners will gain insight into the philosophy of modern plastic surgery, as Dr. Fisher debunks common myths regarding "fake" results and emphasizes the importance of a natural, refreshed appearance. The episode also covers:

• The collaborative nature of plastic surgery within a hospital system.
• What patients can expect during a personalized consultation.
• Specialized care for facial fractures, hand surgery, and gender-affirming procedures.
• How to connect with Riverside specialists and access educational resources.

For a deeper look at the surgical innovations available in the Kankakee Valley and to hear Dr. Fisher’s unique perspective on patient care, listen to the full episode.

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 Angela Morrey from the Kankakee County Economic Alliance to discuss the current economic landscape of the region. The conversation highlights the unexpected diversity of local industries, ranging from global manufacturing and healthcare to a robust tourism sector bolstered by the Kankakee River and new local attractions.

Angela shares surprising statistics regarding Kankakee County's high state rankings in specific agricultural sectors—proving that the local farming economy extends far beyond corn. The discussion also covers the vital role of small businesses, the importance of community networking, and the ongoing efforts to address national challenges locally, such as housing availability and workforce participation.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the specific data driving the county's growth, how local organizations are collaborating to support residents, and where you can find resources to get involved in the community's economic future.

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 edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano welcomes Village of Bradley Mayor Mike Watson to discuss several time-sensitive updates affecting local residents.

The conversation highlights the approaching deadline for the Bradley property tax rebate program. Mayor Watson emphasizes the importance of submitting the necessary documentation before the window closes to ensure residents receive the funds they are entitled to.

Additionally, the episode covers an upcoming seasonal giveaway event held at a familiar local landmark. Mayor Watson provides information regarding eligibility, residency requirements, and the first-come, first-served nature of this community initiative. The discussion concludes with a look toward the future of the village, including news of a scheduled groundbreaking ceremony and upcoming summer developments.

Listen to the full episode to get the specific dates, locations, and requirements for these programs and to stay informed on the latest news from the Village of Bradley.

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.