Kankakee Valley Community Happenings

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.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, 92.7 WVLI host Mike Tomano speaks with Village of Bradley Mayor Mike Watson to discuss essential community updates, upcoming municipal programs, and seasonal events. 

Episode Highlights:

• Community Shred Event: Hosted by Village Clerk Anita Lovell on Saturday, October 10, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Residents can bring documents for free document destruction. 
• Property Tax Rebate Program: Details on the 5th Annual Property Tax Rebate Program, running from October 1 through March 31. Application forms are available at Bradley Village Hall or online at bradleyil.org. 
• Halloween Festivities: Information regarding the annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 22, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, as well as registration for the Halloween Decorating Contest, open through October 27. 
• 41st Annual Lighted Christmas Parade: Preview of the December 4 parade themed "Stars and Stripes Christmas Lights". Pre-parade festivities start at 4:30 PM with the parade beginning at 6:30 PM. Float registration forms are accessible at bradleyil.org. 
• Water Park Project: A brief status update on the tentative October 21 groundbreaking date for the local water park, pending final state permits. 

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 speaks with Cherie Smolkovich and Lindsey Laskey from the Bourbonnais Township Park District regarding the 34th annual "A Night in Sleepy Hollow" event at Perry Farm Park. The interview covers the interactive walking tour re-enactment produced in partnership with the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA), as well as family activities featured in the expanded Sleepy Village area. Additional topics include event dates (October 8–10), walking tour requirements, local food vendors, and options for purchasing tickets online at btpd.org or at park district facilities.

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 speaks with Monic James from Gotion Illinois to discuss the company's upcoming job fair and expanding career opportunities in the region.

Gotion Illinois, an electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing and energy storage system company, is actively recruiting for multiple positions at its facility. Monic shares details on what job seekers can expect at the event, including the check-in process, onsite interviews, and post-interview feedback.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 7
• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Kankakee Community College (KCC)
• What to Bring: Updated copy of your resume

Featured Open Positions:

• Maintenance Technicians (Mechanical and Electrical)
• Production Associates (Pack and Cell Lines)
• Quality Inspectors (Pack and Cell Lines)

Attendees will have the opportunity to interview directly with members of Gotion’s production, maintenance, and quality teams. Refreshments will be provided. Listen in to learn more about candidate qualifications, company culture, and how to prepare for the event.

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 speaks with Janell Dixson, Public Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). They discuss federal disaster loan assistance available to residents, non-profits, and business owners recovering from severe storm damage in northern Illinois and surrounding areas. 

Key Topics Covered:

• Eligibility: SBA disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, homeowners, and renters. 
• Funding Limits: Businesses and non-profits can apply for up to $2 million for physical damage and economic injury. Homeowners are eligible for up to $600,000 to repair or replace primary residences, while renters and homeowners can receive up to $100,000 for personal property losses. 
• Loan Terms: Approved loans carry no interest accrual and no repayment requirements for the first 12 months. 
• Affected Areas: Primary disaster counties include Cook and Will counties in Illinois, along with contiguous counties including DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, and McHenry in Illinois, and Lake County in Indiana. 
• Important Deadlines: The deadline for physical damage applications is October 19, 2026, and the deadline for economic injury applications is May 18, 2027. 
• In-Person Outreach: The Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Village of Monee Public Works (5755 W. Industrial Dr., Monee, IL 60449) is open through Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM. 

To apply online or inquire about loan status, visit lending.sba.gov, email [email protected], or call 1-800-659-2955.

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.

Host Denny Case welcomes Jorge Bonilla of Bonilla Coaching to discuss the third annual Live2Lead leadership conference held at Kankakee Community College on Friday, October 23. This full-day hybrid event offers leadership development insights for business owners, managers, supervisors, and teams across the Kankakee region.

The episode details the conference structure, including virtual presentations from nationally recognized leaders such as John Maxwell, Dan Heath, Kat Cole, and Stephanie Chung, as well as in-person sessions featuring Michael Pope and Dr. Lynette Trasher. Topics cover organizational culture, moving from inspiration to execution, and building leadership capacity. Registration details, individual ticket prices, and corporate table options are also covered.

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 speaks with Angela Morrey from the Kankakee County Economic Alliance about the infrastructure, transportation network, and economic development driving Kankakee County. 

The discussion details key logistics advantages in the region, including air access through the Greater Kankakee Airport, rail connectivity via three Class 1 railroads, and traffic flow along Interstate 57. Morrey highlights how highway improvements and natural assets—such as the Kankakee River—support business development, downtown projects, and community growth. The conversation also covers utility infrastructure provided by ComEd, Nicor Gas, and Aqua, as well as workforce training programs created in partnership with local educational institutions to support new and expanding employers. 

For additional details, 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 Denny Case interviews Dr. Santosh Bhat, an internal medicine provider with Riverside Internal Medicine in Bourbonnais. In observance of Primary Care Month, Dr. Bhat explains the necessity of maintaining a relationship with a primary care physician, even when an individual feels completely healthy. 

The discussion focuses on preventative care, lifestyle management, and routine screenings that can detect health conditions before symptoms develop. Dr. Bhat details how routine check-ups help identify issues such as high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and early-stage cancers. Additionally, Dr. Bhat shares details regarding his medical background and how local residents can schedule an appointment. 

Provider & Contact Information:

• Provider: Dr. Santosh Bhat, Riverside Internal Medicine 
• Location: 400 Riverside Drive, Suite 2100, Bourbonnais, IL 
• Phone: 815-935-2784 
• Online Scheduling: myrhc.net/acceptingnew 

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 speaks with Jenny Schoenwetter from Harbor House about the organization's work supporting survivors of domestic violence in the community. Schoenwetter details the scope of services provided by Harbor House, including emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, and 24-hour crisis support. The conversation addresses how community members can identify non-physical forms of abuse—such as emotional, financial, and spiritual abuse—and how to safely approach loved ones who may need assistance. 

Additionally, Schoenwetter highlights the progress of the Lorena Panozzo Center, a $4.5 million capital project that will more than double Harbor House's operational space and emergency shelter capacity in Kankakee. She discusses the project's funding structure, upcoming events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, new organization apparel, and free community training offerings for local schools, faith groups, and law enforcement. 

Resources Mentioned:

• 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 815-932-5800 
• 24-Hour Chat & Capital Campaign Details: harborhousedv.org/campaign 

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.