Kankakee Valley Community Happenings

In this edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Brittaney Beck, Director of Operations for the Kankakee Area YMCA, to discuss the upcoming season of Camp Discover.

Designed for children ages 5 to 12, Camp Discover remains a cornerstone of summer activity in the Kankakee area. During the conversation, Brittaney outlines several key updates for the current year, including a unique collaborative partnership with the Seattle YMCA to implement a scaled, curriculum-based approach to youth engagement. The discussion explores how the program balances traditional summer fun—such as swimming and field trips—with intentional activities focused on teamwork and confidence building.

Brittaney also shares important logistical updates regarding a new off-site location for this year’s camp and explains the open registration process for both members and non-members. Listen to the full episode to learn more about the daily structure of the camp, the specific benefits of the new curriculum, and how to secure a spot for the summer season.

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 edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano welcomes Village of Bradley Mayor Mike Watson for a comprehensive update on local initiatives and upcoming seasonal events.

The discussion highlights the continuation of the Head of Household rebate program, designed to provide financial incentives to eligible residents who lived in the village during 2025. Mayor Watson outlines the application process and the benefits available to the community.

As the summer season approaches, the conversation shifts to major local events, including the Bradley community garage sale and the third annual 315 Music Fest. Listeners will find information regarding registration deadlines for the garage sale and what to expect from the festival’s entertainment lineup.

The episode also addresses the ongoing restoration efforts following recent storm damage. Mayor Watson provides an update on the insurance and rebuilding process affecting both public and private property within the village.

To learn more about resident rebates, event schedules, and how to get involved in upcoming community activities, listen to the full 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, Mike Tomano sits down with Jim Wasser of Buddy Check 22 to discuss a day dedicated to honoring our local heroes.

The 3rd Annual Stan Olenjack Veteran Golf Scramble returns this year on Sunday, May 17th, at the Kankakee Elks Country Club. Jim shares the story of Stan Olenjack—a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient who set the standard for veteran leadership in our community—and explains how his legacy lives on through this collaborative event.

Highlights from the Episode:

• The Mission of Buddy Check 22: Jim Wasser discusses the vital importance of veteran connection and the collaborative effort between Buddy Check 22, Project Headspace and Timing, and the Marine Corps League Detachment 1253. 
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• Event Details: Join the scramble for just $25 per person, which covers green fees, a cart, and a nice lunch. Foursomes should include at least one veteran.
• Community & Tradition: From the National Anthem performed by Kim Reamer to the simple goal of bringing "new blood" and older veterans together, this event focuses on camaraderie over competition.
• How to Get Involved: Registration is open now! Learn how you can sign up or support the cause.

Event at a Glance:

• When: Sunday, May 17th (Sign-in at 9:00 AM)
• Where: Kankakee Elks Country Club
• Registration: Call Dave McCleery at 815-922-2180 or email [email protected].

Tune in to hear how Jim and the team at Buddy Check 22 are working to keep our veterans connected and honored through the memory of Stan Olenjack.

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 Ashley Peterson, the newly appointed CEO and President of the Manteno Chamber of Commerce and Director of Marketing for the Village of Manteno. Ashley shares insights into her new leadership roles and her long-standing history as a fixture within the Manteno community.

The conversation highlights the revival of a local favorite: the Manteno Market. Located at the Square on 2nd, this event brings together local vendors, artisans, and live entertainment to the heart of downtown. Ashley provides an overview of the market's schedule and the diverse range of participants involved, from food vendors to local craftspeople.

Beyond the market, the episode explores the robust calendar of summer activities planned for the village, including music series, outdoor movies, and recurring community gatherings. Whether you are a resident looking for local entertainment or a business owner interested in getting involved, this interview covers the essential updates for the upcoming season.

Listen to the full episode to discover the specific dates for the Manteno Market, the lineup of featured vendors and entertainers, and how you can participate in the village’s upcoming summer events.

Key Topics Covered:

• Leadership Transition: Ashley Peterson’s journey to becoming the CEO of the Manteno Chamber.
• The Manteno Market: Details on the location, frequency, and the types of vendors attending.
• Live Entertainment: Information regarding the rotating local musicians performing downtown.
• Village Summer Series: A preview of Rockin' on the Square, Movies in the Park, Cruise Nights, and more.
• Vendor Opportunities: How local businesses can apply to be part of the community's growth.

For more information and updates on village events, listeners are encouraged to visit the official Village of Manteno website or follow their social media channels.

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.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the perfect flavor fusion!

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Tiffany Bergstresser from our local Taco John’s to talk about the biggest party of the year. Since Cinco de Mayo falls on a Taco Tuesday this year, we are diving deep into the deals, the menu favorites, and how you can bring the party home.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• The Legend Returns: Denny gets a first taste of the fan-favorite Mexi Roll! Learn what makes this beef-and-bean-filled, fried-to-perfection snack a top-secret menu staple that’s back for a limited time.
• The Cinco de Mayo Pre-Party: Why wait for the 5th? Tiffany breaks down the "Pre-Party" promotion running from May 1st through May 4th, featuring three beef softshell tacos for just $5.55.
• Taco Tuesday Takeover: Discover why May 5th is the ultimate day for taco lovers this year and how you can snag discounted tacos all day long.
• Catering & The Taco John’s App: Planning a party? We discuss how to order Taco Bars and Nacho Bars online to feed your whole crew. Plus, learn how to join the "Taco John’s Club" via their app to earn exclusive daily rewards.

Whether you're a fan of the legendary Potato Olés with nacho cheese or you're looking for the best local deals in the Kankakee Valley, this episode is your roadmap to a delicious holiday.

Listen in to 92.7 WVLI for the greatest hits of all time and stay tuned for more community highlights with Denny Case!

Resources Mentioned:

• Order Online: TacoJohns.com
• Download: The Taco John’s App for exclusive rewards.
• Radio Home: 92.7 WVLI The Valley.

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, Mike Tomano speaks with Eric Peterson, founder of Project Headspace and Timing. The discussion centers on the organization’s evolution from its 2017 origins to its current role as a vital support system for veterans in Kankakee and DeWitt counties. Peterson shares insights into the group’s peer support networks, their crisis intervention partnerships with local law enforcement and hospitals, and the profound impact that outdoor activities have on veteran wellness.

The conversation also previews the upcoming 7th annual Heroes, Hogs and Hot Rods festival in downtown Manteno. Listeners will hear about new additions to the event schedule, including a inaugural fishing tournament and a special kickoff performance by a rising country music artist. Peterson further explains how family members and community volunteers can get involved to support local heroes. To learn more about the specific resources available and the full schedule for the upcoming June festivities, listen to the complete interview.

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, hosts Mike Tomano and Rob West sit down with well-known WGN sportscaster and stand-up comedian Pat Tomasulo. The conversation serves as a preview for Tomasulo’s upcoming performance at the Lincoln Cultural Center in Kankakee on May 16th, a special event benefiting the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA).

Throughout the interview, Tomasulo discusses the realities of maintaining a 16-year career in stand-up comedy while balancing the demanding schedule of a morning broadcaster. The trio explores a variety of topics, including:

• The physical contrast of standing next to professional athletes like Shaquille O'Neal.
• The cultural differences between New Jersey and Chicago, specifically regarding cuisine and regional accents.
• Insights into Tomasulo’s comedic style and what audiences can expect from his live sets.
• A candid and humorous look at his personal life, including a memorable story about a wedding day mishap involving a unity candle.

While the discussion touches on everything from career endorsements to the "documentary" nature of reality television, many of the best stories are saved for the broadcast.

Listen to the full episode to hear the complete conversation, learn more about Pat’s transition from Jersey to the Midwest, and get essential details regarding ticket pricing and availability for the KVTA benefit show.

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 edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Leslee Schafer, founder and CEO of Our Aging Services, to discuss a vital upcoming event for local families. The "Navigating Together" resource fair is a specialized initiative designed to support residents of Kankakee County who are caring for children, teens, and young adults with disabilities.

During the conversation, Schafer highlights the specific challenges families face when trying to access benefits and long-term planning resources within the community. The episode explores the importance of localized support and how this event aims to bridge the gap for those who often feel overwhelmed by complex administrative and legal processes.

Listeners will hear an overview of the expert guidance available at the fair, ranging from school transition supports to financial planning and legal considerations for the future. Schafer explains why this "open house" style event was created and how it provides a central hub for information that is often difficult to find.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the specific topics being addressed, the featured presentations scheduled for the evening, and how your family can connect with over 30 specialized vendors right here in Kankakee.

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 installment of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Christena Estby and Karen Sorensen, the ownership team behind the new Bricks and Minifigs location in Bradley, Illinois. As the store prepares for its official grand opening, the owners discuss what brought this specialized LEGO franchise to the local community and what makes their shop a unique destination for builders of all ages.

The conversation explores the vast inventory available at the new location, ranging from individual collectible minifigures and bulk bins to rare retired sets and LEGO-compatible products. Christena and Karen also share the personal inspiration behind their venture into the retail world and their goal of fostering a creative environment for local enthusiasts.

Listeners will also find details regarding the grand opening festivities scheduled for Saturday, April 25th. The event features a variety of attractions, including appearances by a LEGO Masters television series competitor and a prominent local collector. To learn more about the exclusive sets designed for the opening, the specific giveaway prizes available to the first 200 visitors, and the full schedule of the day's events, listen to the full 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 Mike Tomano sits down with State Representative Jackie Haas to discuss the upcoming Drug Take Back Day and community collection event. Taking place on Saturday, April 25th, at the Bourbonnais Walmart, this initiative offers residents a secure and convenient way to dispose of expired or unused medications, preventing them from falling into the wrong hands or harming the environment.

The conversation highlights how this year’s event has expanded through partnerships with local organizations, including Georgie’s Closet and the Lions Club. Representative Haas explains how community members can clear out their "junk drawers" to benefit neighbors in need, from donating essential childcare items to repurposing old eyewear.

While the event is designed for ease of use with a drive-up format, there are specific guidelines regarding what materials can and cannot be accepted for disposal. Listen to the full episode to learn more about the specific items being collected, the safety protocols for the day, and how these local partnerships are working together to support the Kankakee Valley area.

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.