Join hosts Mike Tomano and Rob West on this special edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings as they welcome a gridiron legend to the WVLI studio. In this episode, the team sits down with John Damore, the oldest living Chicago Bear.

Drafted in the 1950s, John offers a unique perspective on how the NFL has evolved over the last 70 years. From the brutal physical nature of the historic Bears-Packers rivalry to the modern-day emphasis on the passing game, John breaks down the differences between the golden era of football and today's league.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Living History: John recounts his playing days (1957–1959) and sharing the roster with legends like Ed Brown and Rick Casares.
• The Rivalry: Firsthand stories about the intensity of playing against the Green Bay Packers and taking the train to away games.
• The Draft Story: How the New York Giants tried to sign John with a $500 cash bonus right before he left for the Marine Corps.
• Current Season Analysis: John shares his thoughts on the current Bears roster, the nail-biting 4th quarter comebacks, and the team's Super Bowl potential.
• Halas & McCaskey: A touching story about Virginia McCaskey and why John believes George Halas was the true MVP of the franchise.

Whether you are a die-hard Chicago sports fan, a Northwestern Wildcats alum, or a lover of NFL history, this interview is packed with nostalgia, insight, and local pride.

Listen now to hear the incredible journey of a local hero and NFL veteran.

Want 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, President of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County to discuss the region’s economic performance. The conversation covers a review of major developments in 2025 and provides a forecast for construction and infrastructure projects arriving in 2026.

Angela Morrey highlights a record-breaking year for the area, citing approximately $2 billion in capital investment projects. The discussion breaks down where these funds were allocated, including renewable energy initiatives in Essex, significant school renovations, and the hospitality sector.

Additionally, the episode explores Kankakee County’s competitive cost of living index compared to national averages and suburban Chicago, alongside updates on IDOT road improvements along Route 45, Route 52, and Route 17.

Key Topics Discussed:

• 2025 Economic Review: Analysis of the $2 billion capital investment into the community.
• Major Development Projects:
  • Solar and wind farm developments in Essex.
  • Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School’s $70 million renovation.
  • Herscher School District’s $40 million intermediate school project.
  • The Bradley Mattel Water Park and hotel.
• 2026 Forecast: Upcoming manufacturing facilities, hotels, gas stations, and infrastructure improvements.
• Cost of Living Analysis: How Kankakee County’s cost of living compares to Naperville, Long Island, and national averages (currently polling at 88%).

Resources Mentioned:

• Economic Alliance of Kankakee County: kankakeecountyed.org
• Phone: 815-935-1177

Want 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, Mike Tomano is paid a visit by Bradley Mayor Mike Watson for a monthly update on what's happening in the village. Mayor Watson reminds Bradley property owners to get their tax rebate forms turned into village hall before March 31st. Mayor Watson also announces the winners of the Holiday Homes Lighting contest and gives a quick update on the status on the construction of the new Mattel branded waterpark. 

Want 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.

Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis talks with Mike Tomano regarding snow regulations for plowing in the city.

Want 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.

Denny Case speaks with Dr. Stephanie Harris, Staff Engagement and Recruitment Coordinator for the Kankakee School District 111. They are discussing what makes them unique, mentoring programs, employment opportunities and more.

Want 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.

Denny Case speaks with Dr. Cole Verbrugge from Grumish Chiropractic about their upcoming "Healthy For The Holidays Workshop" that will take place at 10am this Thursday, December 18th at Kankakee Natural Foods on Mulligan Drive in Bradley. 

Want 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.

Denny Case speaks with the Director of Operations, Ahmy Pyle and General Manager, Camari Tharpe of the Bradley/Bourbonnais Subway restaurant locations. We are discussing their fundraising opportunities and Holiday catering options.

Want 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.

Rachel Nietfeldt spoke with Mike Tomano regarding seasonal stress management with Riverside Pathways Program.

Want 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.

Denny is speaking with Lieutenant LaToya Surratt from The Salvation Army of Kankakee. They are discussing the current status of the "Give With Joy" Red Kettle Campaign, volunteer bell-ringing opportunities, the Angel Tree Toy Drive which ends at 5pm this Friday, December 12th, and sharing the news that a gold coin was donated to a kettle early last week. Denny Case, is local Red Kettle Campaign Chairman for the second year in a row!

Want 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.

Denny Case is speaking with Randy Van Fossan and  of "Christmas Day, Inc." about the free Christmas Day dinner they will be providing to the community at 10 different Kankakee County locations from 11am to 1pm on Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25th.

Want 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.