Kankakee Valley Community Happenings

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.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano connects with Ashley Peterson, the CEO and President of the Manteno Chamber of Commerce and Director of Marketing and Communications for the Village of Manteno. Ashley shares exciting updates regarding economic growth, upcoming community events, and previews of major fall traditions in Manteno.

Key Highlights From This Episode

• New Business Developments: Learn about Lush Vine, an established Chamber member expanding its operations by officially relocating to the old Copelands building on Main Street.
• Seniors at the Market: Details on the special initiative running from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM today, Wednesday, July 15th, within the larger Manteno Market which runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Featured activities include landscaping resources from Ace Hardware and lunch vouchers for the first 30 seniors courtesy of Chick-fil-A.
• 3rd Annual Back to School Bash: A preview of this Friday's community outreach event running from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, featuring more than 18 local businesses and non-profit organizations distributing school supplies, along with free face painting.
• Rockin' on the Square: Information on the Friday evening concert series following the Back to School Bash. The event runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with live music from the band Dirty Pop starting at 7:00 PM.
• Oktoberfest Preview: An early look at Manteno's signature fall festival scheduled for September 24th through September 27th, featuring local food vendors, live entertainment, and corporate sponsors.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding upcoming events or chamber membership, contact Ashley Peterson directly via email at [email protected] or visit the Manteno Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

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 Kimberly Crothers, President of the Vintage Purse Museum, and intern Brandon Merrill. Located in Manteno, Illinois, the Vintage Purse Museum is a unique cultural institution that uses fashion to teach history while functioning as a workforce development program for individuals with disabilities.

Kimberly details the extensive preservation efforts required to restore their 24,000-square-foot facility, a historic Art Deco building that previously served as part of the Manteno State Hospital and later Home Star Bank. The discussion highlights how the museum's $15 admission fee directly funds paid internships for its six weekly participants, providing critical job skills and community placement opportunities. Intern Brandon Merrill also shares insights into his role as a tour guide, showcasing the museum's diverse exhibits and interactive visitor experiences.

Referenced file: "Vintage Purse Museum Kimberly Crothers PODCAST VERSION 7-7-26.mp3"

Key Topics Covered in This Episode

• The Museum's Mission: How the institution utilizes a vast collection of vintage fashion to educate the public on various eras of history.
• Historic Preservation: The journey of restoring a vacant historic building on the Diversetech campus, including its architectural features and custom murals.
• Workplace Development: The importance of addressing the 62% unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities through supportive employment and job coaching.
• Exhibits Beyond Purses: A look at the diverse collections on-site, including Native American arrowheads, vintage military figures, an art gallery, 1980s comic books, and the interactive Novelty Room.
• Upcoming Fundraiser: Details on the "Purses in Paradise" 5K run, 1-mile walk, and Luau event taking place on Saturday, August 29th.

Visitor Information & Overview:

Detail | InformationLocation | 3 Diversetech Drive, Manteno, IL (Diversetech Campus)

Operating Hours | Tuesday through Saturday (Scheduled tours preferred)

Admission Fee | $15 (Directly funds the internship program)

Special Promotion | Free Admission on the first Tuesday of every month

Official Website | vintagepursemuseum.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 Hannah Swale, costume designer and board member for Acting Out Theatre Co., about their upcoming production of the classic musical Annie.

Acting Out Theatre Co. is known for presenting site-specific outdoor theatrical productions throughout Kankakee County. This summer's show brings 1930s New York City to Washington Avenue in Downtown Momence, featuring an outdoor stage built right into the historic streetscape.

Episode Highlights:

• Unique Outdoor Staging: Discover how Downtown Momence was chosen as the backdrop for this summer's production, creating an immersive outdoor theater experience.
• Authentic 1930s Costuming: Learn about the co-costuming process for a cast of 40, including authentic vintage wardrobe pieces worn by the actors.
• Special Guest Cast Member: Hear about Bento, the local dog taking on the iconic role of Sandy.
• Production Dates & Schedule: Showtimes run July 17, 18, and 19. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating under the stars.
• Ticket & Event Information: Details on purchasing tickets online, locally in Bradley, Bourbonnais, and Momence, or at the gate.

Ticket Locations & Information: Tickets can be purchased online at actingouttheater.org, at the gate on show nights, or at local retail partners including King Music in Bradley, Sweet Street in Bourbonnais, and Four Sprites Tavern in Momence.

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 Ellen Stringer from the Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society to discuss the upcoming Les Artisans Arts and Crafts Fair. Taking place on Saturday, July 4th, at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds Expo Building from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this annual event features a wide variety of handmade items, original art, and unique crafts from regional vendors.

Ellen shares the rich history of the event, which dates back to 1978, and details what visitors can expect this year, including specialized fabric crafts, stained glass, jewelry, and unique twining rugs. The episode also covers the extensive food and beverage options available from local favorites such as the Bennett Curtis House, Dave's Coffee Cakes, and Love a Latte. Admission to the fair is free, with a suggested one-dollar donation to help the historical society preserve vital local structures like the Letourneau Home and the Log Schoolhouse.

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.