Kankakee Valley Community Happenings

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Nicole Potts, a registered dietitian from Riverside Healthcare, to discuss a comprehensive approach to wellness that moves beyond the cycle of fad diets.

Many people find themselves trapped in a pattern of short-term dietary changes that are difficult to maintain. Potts introduces the Way to Healthy Living program, a six-month initiative designed to provide participants with the tools necessary for permanent lifestyle shifts. The conversation explores why simple "quick fixes" often fail and how a team-based medical approach can offer a more effective alternative for those looking to improve their overall health.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• The philosophy behind the Way to Healthy Living program and how it differs from traditional weight loss plans.
• The importance of a multi-disciplinary team, including the roles of endocrinologists and fitness professionals.
• Eligibility requirements for the program and who can benefit most from this structured support.
• The balance between nutrition, physical activity, and medical history in creating a personalized health plan.
• Details regarding an upcoming free informational session for community members.

While the discussion touches on the structure of the program, Potts provides deeper insights into the necessity of professional guidance when navigating complex health goals. Listen to the full episode to learn how this comprehensive strategy integrates medical expertise with practical lifestyle changes and discover the first steps toward a long-term commitment to health.

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, host Denny Case is joined by Jorge Bonilla of Bonilla Coaching to discuss the upcoming second annual Live2Lead conference. Taking place on Friday, January 23rd, at Kankakee Community College, this event offers a hybrid experience featuring virtual presentations from global experts—including John Maxwell, JC Cole, and Tiffany Bova—alongside a panel of local leaders.

Topics covered in this interview include:

• The Live2Lead Format: How the event combines world-class speakers with immediate, group-based practical application.
• Target Audience: Why business owners, managers, supervisors, and educators are encouraged to attend.
• Current Challenges: Addressing leadership isolation, burnout, staffing issues, and navigating drastic industry changes.
• Registration Details: Information regarding ticket availability and deadlines for the event.

For more information or to register, listeners can visit live2leadkankakee.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.

Join host Mike Tomano on Kankakee Valley Community Happenings for a Riverside Healthcare update featuring Tracey Peachy, Nurse Practitioner at Riverside Internal Medicine Kankakee. This episode explores the importance of annual primary care visits for long-term health maintenance.

Peachy discusses the value of early detection through routine screenings and blood work, noting that many conditions, such as high cholesterol or prediabetes, may not present immediate symptoms. Listeners will learn how to set individualized health goals and the steps required to schedule an appointment with a local provider.

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 Lindy Casey, the Marketing and Community Engagement Director for the Village of Bourbonnais. Together, they discuss important updates regarding public safety initiatives and community recreation as the Village moves into the new year.

What You Will Hear

Lindy shares details regarding a vital new program launched by the Bourbonnais Police Department designed to assist first responders when interacting with individuals with autism or special needs. Listeners will learn how this free initiative works, the purpose of the provided decals, and how residents can enroll their households or vehicles.

The conversation also covers:

• Winter Recreation at The Grove: Updates on the synthetic ice rink schedule, including details on open skate hours, rental availability on weekends, and where to find weather-related announcements.
• The 9th Annual Chocolate Tour: While tickets for this popular event have sold out, Lindy explains how the public can still participate in the raffle baskets at the Bishop McNamara Catholic School Bourbonnais site.
• Community Impact: Information on how proceeds from local events benefit the Children’s Safety Center and the Exploration Station.

Tune in to get the full details on how to register for the new safety program and for information on a potential "second chance" opportunity for the Chocolate Tour.

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 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.

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, 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

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, 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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.