Kankakee Valley Community Happenings

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Mariah Vail from United Way to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts following the severe March 10th storm that heavily impacted Aroma Park and surrounding areas.

Vail details the reactivation of the United Way Emergency Response Fund, an initiative originally established during the COVID-19 pandemic in partnership with the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley. Reopened the night of the tornado, the fund has successfully raised over $600,000 from local businesses, individual community members, and donors across more than 14 states. To date, more than $200,000 has been distributed through immediate response programs, with current application processes prioritizing families whose homes were completely destroyed.

The conversation also highlights the structural reality of the United Way, clarifying that the local chapter operates as an independent 501(c)(3) organization. Led by a local board of directors, all funds raised remain within the community to support 20 different nonprofit organizations across Kankakee and Iroquois counties, focusing on health, education, and financial stability.

Listeners looking to contribute, volunteer, or access disaster relief services can find resources and application information at myunitedway.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 Denny Case talks with Dr. Harpreet Virk, a primary care provider at Riverside Primary Care in Manteno, Illinois. They discuss why June is the ideal time for families to schedule mandatory school and sports physicals ahead of the upcoming school year. Dr. Virk explains how booking early helps families avoid the late summer rush, ensures all required paperwork is completed on time, and allows health providers to address any emerging medical concerns before classes and athletic programs begin.

The conversation highlights what a typical sports physical covers and how these visits function as comprehensive annual health check-ins. Dr. Virk shares insight into tracking adolescent growth, managing vaccine schedules, and addressing lifestyle habits like sleep, nutrition, and screen time.

Key Topics Covered

• Avoiding the Late Summer Rush: Why scheduling appointments in June prevents the stress of the busy July and August booking period.
• What a Sports Physical Entails: Reviewing medical history, heart and lung health, previous injuries, and assessing symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath during exercise.
• Comprehensive Annual Check-ins: Using the visit to discuss adolescent mental health, screen time, nutrition, and vaccination updates.
• A Safe Space for Teens: Providing a confidential environment for teenagers to discuss health concerns they might not otherwise share with parents.

Contact Information

Riverside Primary Care is located at 395 North Locust Street, Manteno, IL 60950, right on Route 50. Dr. Harpreet Virk is currently accepting new patients and whole families. To schedule an appointment, call the office at 815-468-6870.

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 highlights the 51st Annual Bourbonnais Friendship Festival, focusing on this year's lineup of tribute performances. Special guest Matt Haraf, veteran drummer for the Foreigner tribute band Cold As Ice, joins the studio to discuss the group's highly anticipated inaugural performance.

Haraf shares the unique story behind the band’s formation, their intense ten-month rehearsal process, and the roster of seasoned local musicians pooling their talents from regional groups like Forecast, Anthem, and LP Vinyl. The conversation details what attendees can expect from their headlining set on Friday, June 26, 2026, running from 9:30 PM to midnight. Listeners will also learn about a live camera crew capturing the crowd's energy for an upcoming video project. For more information on the band, visit coldasiceband.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 Mike Tomano is joined by Bob Anderson to discuss important updates for local outdoor enthusiasts and an upcoming event dedicated to getting youth involved in conservation and outdoor sports.

The conversation opens with an essential scheduling update regarding the Kankakee River Derby. Due to high water levels on the Kankakee River, the derby dates have been postponed and rescheduled to July 3 through July 12.

The featured segment focuses on the upcoming No Child Left Indoors event, happening this Saturday at the Exline Sportsmen's Club located on Exline Club Road in Kankakee. Hosted in partnership with Pheasants Forever, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Delta Waterfowl, and Whitetails Unlimited, this event provides a phone-free environment where children can experience hands-on outdoor activities. Participants will receive instruction in archery, shotgun trap shooting, and firearm safety.

Event Details:

• Target Age: Youth ages 10 to 16
• Cost: $25 per child (includes a Pheasants Forever youth membership, breakfast, and lunch)
• Schedule: Registration opens at 8:00 AM, a mandatory safety meeting begins at 9:00 AM, and shooting sports start at 9:15 AM.
• Parental Involvement: Parents and guardians must sign liability waivers upon arrival and are welcome to stay, watch, or participate alongside their children.

For registration and further information, listeners can visit the organization's Facebook page or call Bob Anderson directly at 815-735-5036.

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 is joined by Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe and Milner Media newsman Jake LaMore to preview the upcoming 51st annual Bourbonnais Friendship Festival Parade. This year's parade coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States, bringing an extra patriotic theme, "We the People Celebrate America," to the event.

The guests share critical details regarding the parade schedule, route locations, and what attendees can expect from the 60 to 65 projected floats. This year's event introduces a brand-new sensory zone specifically designed for individuals sensitive to loud noises. The announcers also discuss parade safety, candy collection tips for families, and where their main announcer booth will be located.

Listen to the full episode to get all the exclusive details, insider safety tips, and complete scheduling information for this community tradition.

Key Event Details Covered in the Episode:

• Date and Time: Sunday, June 28th at 1:00 PM.
• Parade Route: Main Street (Route 102)
• Sensory-Friendly Zone: University Avenue in front of the Ludwig Center.
• Announcer Stand Location: Located near Jewel on the parade route.

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 Mayor Annette LaMore to discuss how the Village of Manteno, Illinois, is preparing to celebrate the landmark USA 250th anniversary. The village has organized a comprehensive, week-long lineup of events running from June 28th through July 3rd, designed to bring the community together in celebration of this historic milestone.

Mayor LaMore shares a preview of the upcoming festivities, which highlight the vibrant culture of downtown Manteno and its local parks. The schedule features a diverse range of family-friendly activities, including a community bike ride, multiple nights of live music on the square, dedicated activities for pet owners, and opportunities to connect directly with local leadership. The celebration will conclude with the annual fireworks display and a newly introduced community decorating contest.

The episode also highlights the critical role of local business sponsors and the Manteno Chamber of Commerce in making these events possible. Listen to the full episode to get the complete rundown of event times, specific locations, and details on how you can participate in all the festivities.

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 Alicia Kleinert, the founder and owner of the MCA Adult Day Center. Alicia shares the mission behind the center, which focuses on restoring purpose, joy, and vital social connections for seniors aged 60 and older—particularly those experiencing dementia, limited mobility, or social isolation.

The conversation covers Alicia’s extensive background in healthcare and what motivated her to address a critical gap in local adult day services. She also previews exciting community initiatives, including a unique intergenerational partnership at Bird Park designed to support local families and combat caregiver burnout, as well as an upcoming open house at their facility.

To hear the full discussion on these vital community resources, local event details, and how the center supports area caregivers, listen to the complete episode.

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 Kirsten VanDuyne, the Executive Director of the Wilmington Park District, to discuss the official kickoff of the local farmer's market season. Downtown Wilmington is gearing up for a vibrant summer filled with community shopping, live entertainment, and unique local showcases.

Kirsten shares insights into what visitors can expect from this year's vendor lineup, special late-night shopping experiences at the town's beloved antique and boutique shops, and interactive family programming. The discussion also highlights crucial community wellness partnerships and a sneak peek at the broader "Thursdays with the Park District" summer schedule—including a major milestone celebration along historic Route 66.

Want to know the exact dates, event times, and special guest appearances scheduled for the kickoff? Listen to the full episode for all the details and plan your perfect summer evening!

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 Angela Morrey from the Kankakee County Economic Alliance to discuss the transition from graduation to the local workforce. As hundreds of area students finish their degrees and certificates, the landscape for job seekers continues to evolve. Angela shares critical insights into what local employers are currently prioritizing during the hiring process, emphasizing specific interpersonal attributes that can make a lasting first impression.

The conversation highlights valuable free resources available to the community, including an interactive online career assessment and resume-building platform offered in partnership with Kankakee Community College. Angela also provides practical strategies on how job seekers can effectively translate everyday experiences into marketable resume assets and leverage informational interviews with local professionals. Listen to the full episode to learn how to access these free career tools and hear essential advice for navigating your professional journey.

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 sits down with Brandy Buchmeier of Project Headspace & Timing to discuss the 7th Annual Heroes, Hogs & Hot Rods Festival in downtown Manteno.

During the conversation, Brandy shares how the event has grown over the years, what attendees can expect this year, and how the festival continues to support veterans and strengthen community connections. From live entertainment and family-friendly activities to new additions and volunteer opportunities, there is plenty happening throughout the weekend.

The discussion also highlights the mission of Project Headspace & Timing and the organization's ongoing efforts to support veterans in the region.

Whether you're interested in classic cars, live music, community events, veteran support initiatives, or simply looking for a fun day out, this episode offers a preview of one of the area's most anticipated annual gatherings.

Listen to the full episode to hear all the details about this year's festival, special activities, entertainment lineup, volunteer opportunities, and how you can get involved.

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.