Denny Case talks with Alvy Butler, Director of Ministries and Operations at The Salvation Army in Kankakee, about upcoming seasonal outreach programs and local resources. The discussion details the Christmas Toy Shop registration process for families with children under age 15 (open through October 31), the Housing Community Resource Fair on September 24, Fall Fest on October 23, and donation and volunteer needs for the Thanksgiving Day meal on November 18. Butler also shares how community members and local organizations can sign up for the Red Kettle Bell Ringing campaign starting November 23. 

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 Jake LaMore interviews Eric Cavender, co-chair and board member of Good Shepherd Manor, to discuss the upcoming 35th Annual Good Shepherd Manor Fall Festival. Located in Momence, Illinois, Good Shepherd Manor has provided residential, developmental, and vocational support for men with intellectual disabilities for over 50 years.

The episode provides a detailed overview of the festival scheduled for Saturday, September 12, starting at 10:00 AM with free admission and free parking. Listeners will learn about the variety of family-friendly attractions available, including a petting zoo, carnival-style games with prizes, face painting, a bounce house, a harvest market, an apparel store, a money tree, and a family craft booth created by a resident's family. Food options span American classics like burgers and brats, Mexican food, Italian dishes, pizza, popcorn, and ice cream.

The episode outlines the full event schedule, beginning with the Good Shepherd Manor Resident Review performance at 11:00 AM, Cash Bingo starting at 12:00 PM (featuring a 3:30 PM Coverall game with a minimum $250 jackpot that frequently exceeds $1,000), continuous afternoon music from rock band The Backpages, and a concluding Catholic Mass in the campus chapel celebrated by Father Peter Jankowski of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Additionally, Cavender explains how proceeds from activity tickets, food sales, and the 1,000-ticket cash raffle ($25 per ticket) directly benefit the Good Shepherd Manor Foundation. These funds support resident participation in Special Olympics programs, community outings such as White Sox games and local festivals, job placement assistance, and daily care resources. Copies of Kevin McNalty's book detailing the history of Good Shepherd Manor will also be available for purchase. For event details or to purchase raffle tickets, visit www.goodshepherdmanor.org or call 815-472-3700 ext. 1014.

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.

Join host Mike Tomano on 92.7 WVLI’s Kankakee Valley Community Happenings for a City of Kankakee update with Mayor Chris Curtis as they preview the high-speed return of the Kankakee River Regatta ("Roar on the River") over Labor Day weekend.

Mayor Curtis shares all the key event details for this iconic powerboat racing tradition, including schedule highlights, best viewing spots, and affordable family pricing:

• Friday (Practice Round): Free viewing! River racing opens with practice and boat tuning. Watch from the Kankakee Community College (KCC) / Kankakee Valley Park District side or along the riverbanks at no cost.
• Saturday (Qualifying Races): Races kick off mid-morning and run through late afternoon.
• Sunday (Championship Races): Final high-speed powerboat championship races.
• Admission & Vehicle Parking:
  • Walk-Ins: 100% Free for spectators walking in along the park paths.
  • Carload Parking Pass: $10 per day in advance ($15 on event day).
  • Motorcycles: $5 entry per bike.

Get your advance parking passes and event details online at kankakeeriverregatta.com. Tune in to learn everything you need to know to enjoy Labor Day weekend on the Kankakee River!

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.

 Join host Mike Tomano and Village of Bradley Mayor Mike Watson as they discuss security camera rebate grants, updates on the new water park project, the 41st Annual Christmas Lighted Parade, the 3rd Annual Wag-o-ween event, and local infrastructure developments. 

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 welcomes Alvy Butler, the newly appointed Director of Ministries and Operations for The Salvation Army Kankakee. Butler discusses his transition into local leadership following Lt. LaToya Surratt's reassignment, outlining key operational updates and community outreach efforts across Kankakee County. The discussion highlights local social service programs, including food pantry distribution, weekday lunch schedules, housing support, and the implementation of the new Golden volunteer registration platform. Additionally, Butler provides key dates and details for upcoming seasonal events, including the annual Thanksgiving community dinner and the Red Kettle Kickoff. Listen to the full episode for all the details on how to get involved, sign up for volunteer shifts, and support local programs.

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.

 Mike Tomano speaks with Jakob Knox from the Village of Bourbonnais about the 6th Annual Food Truck Festival, featuring 22 vendors, live music, and bite-sized menu items. 

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 Kayla James, director of the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association’s (KVTA) upcoming production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical. Kayla shares details about the show's story, upcoming performance dates at the Lincoln Cultural Center on November 21 and 22, and audition information for youth ages 6 to 17 taking place August 19–21 at the KVTA Studios. She also discusses her decade-long history with KVTA and her transition into her first head directing role. For more details and audition materials, visit 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 speaks with Manteno Mayor Annette LaMore about upcoming local events and business developments in the village. Mayor LaMore shares details on the Market on the Square on August 5, the annual Cruise Night on August 4, and the final Movies in the Park event featuring "Hoppers" at Legacy Park on August 6. She also highlights new local businesses arriving in Manteno, including The Lush Vine wine bar, The Vintage Sunflower Shop, Reflections, and a prospective dog grooming business. For additional information on upcoming community activities and local commerce, visit villageofmanteno.com or mantenochamber.com. 

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 discusses recent municipal updates with Village of Bradley Mayor Mike Watson. The conversation covers key deadlines for local assistance initiatives, including the Head of Household Rebate Program and the security camera rebate project. Mayor Watson also clarifies the final location of the highly anticipated new water park near I-57, detailing the timeline for ground investigations and the upcoming official groundbreaking ceremony. Listeners will find out where to access program applications and how to stay informed on the latest village developments. 

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 Jordyn Clark from the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA). Jordyn shares insights into her lifelong journey with the theater company and provides a preview of KVTA's upcoming production lineup, including Fiddler on the Roof and Dreamgirls.

The conversation highlights an upcoming fundraising event: the KVTA Vintage Sale. Listeners will get all the details on this unique sale, which features retired costume pieces, vintage clothing, furs, period pieces, bridal wear, and hats. The episode provides exact dates, times, and location details for community members looking to support local theater while discovering one-of-a-kind vintage items.

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.