Kankakee Valley Community Happenings

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Cindy DeGroot from the Kankakee Community College (KCC) Lifelong Learning Institute. The discussion centers on the diverse educational and social opportunities available to older adults in the Kankakee area.

Cindy explains how the institute’s curriculum follows the college semester, offering a wide array of sessions that range from practical health and history lectures to interactive cultural presentations. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on an upcoming special event scheduled for Tuesday, April 28th, which features a deep dive into the unforgettable movie music of the 1960s. This luncheon and presentation highlights the power of music in sparking long-term memory and community connection.

The episode also explores the underlying philosophy that "curiosity never retires," emphasizing the importance of staying cognitively active and socially connected during retirement. Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the full episode for specific registration details, contact information, and a closer look at the unique benefits of joining the KCC Lifelong Learning Institute this semester.

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. 

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The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Roy Gregory sits down with Jim Accurso from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery to discuss the ongoing relief efforts following the severe storms of March 10. While the initial weather event has passed, many residents and business owners in Illinois and Indiana are still facing the long-term challenges of property damage and financial recovery.

The conversation highlights the federal resources available to those in affected areas, including Kankakee and Iroquois counties in Illinois, and Newton, Jasper, and surrounding counties in Indiana. Jim explains that the SBA’s assistance extends beyond just small businesses, offering a lifeline to homeowners, renters, and nonprofit organizations as they look to repair or replace damaged property and personal belongings.

Listeners will learn about the different types of disaster loans available, including those for physical damage and economic injury. The episode covers essential information regarding the location of outreach centers in the Kankakee Valley where residents can meet with representatives in person to start their applications.

Tune in to the full episode to hear the specific eligibility requirements, the various types of damage that can be covered—ranging from structural repairs to personal content loss—and the critical deadlines for filing an application. For anyone still navigating the aftermath of the March storms, this interview provides a clear path toward the financial support necessary to get recovery efforts back on track.

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. 

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The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case welcomes Kevin Kennell, Vice President and CFO of Belson Steel Center Scrap in Bourbonnais. The segment focuses on the long-standing SCORE program (Students Coordinating to Organize Recycling Efforts), which has been operating in the region since 1995.

The conversation covers the educational and environmental goals of the initiative, explaining how local schools compete to promote sustainability through aluminum recycling. Kevin discusses the collaborative effort between Belson Steel and nearly 20 local co-sponsors to provide prizes and financial bonuses to participating schools.

As the current SCORE cycle draws to a close, Belson Steel is hosting a special event to coincide with the program's anniversary and the upcoming Earth Day. Listen to the full episode to find out the specific dates, increased payout rates for aluminum cans, and how community members can help their preferred school earn extra points during this limited-time promotion.

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. 

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The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Mayor Jeff Keast to discuss the latest seasonal updates and community initiatives within the Village of Bourbonnais. As spring arrives, the conversation focuses on the various free services available to residents, ranging from specific waste disposal programs to environmental maintenance.

Mayor Keast provides essential information regarding neighborhood safety as outdoor activity increases. The discussion covers new traffic measures near local parks and addresses recent community concerns regarding The Grove. Listeners will learn about the Parental Irresponsibility Ordinance and the village's stance on maintaining public spaces for all families.

The episode also highlights opportunities for resident involvement through local volunteer programs and community gardening. Mayor Keast shares the history behind Vera Amiano’s Garden and explains how residents can secure their own plots for the upcoming growing season. Additionally, the Weed Warriors program returns for its second year, offering a way for citizens of all ages to contribute to the beautification of Bourbonnais.

For specific details on disposal routes, registration deadlines for community gardens, and a preview of upcoming village developments, listen to the full 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 installment of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with David Parker from the Kankakee YMCA to discuss the organization’s deep-rooted impact on the local area. Parker explains the philosophy of "community as medicine," detailing how the YMCA serves as a critical pillar for both physical health and social connection in Kankakee.

The conversation explores the wide variety of programming available for all age groups, with a particular focus on upcoming seasonal transitions. Parker provides a preview of a brand-new initiative designed to foster specific interests in youth, moving beyond traditional childcare into specialized skill-building. Additionally, Parker shares insights into his own professional journey to Illinois and the YMCA’s 130-year legacy in the region.

Listen to the full episode to discover the details of the new Enrichment Academy, learn about the diverse activities available for adults and families, and find out how the YMCA is planning for its next century of community service.

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 Bradley Mayor Mike Watson for a comprehensive village update. The conversation covers essential services for residents, including upcoming seasonal maintenance schedules and guidelines for local waste disposal.

The discussion also previews the highly anticipated summer event season in Bradley. Mayor Watson shares insights into the upcoming 315 Music Fest, highlighting the diverse musical lineup and where residents can find ticket information. Additionally, the episode explores the ongoing development and community impact of the 315 Sports Complex, including opportunities for the public to tour the state-of-the-art facility.

Listeners will gain a better understanding of the coordination required to manage local sports programming and what to expect from the village in the coming months.

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 Whitney Trevino, a Board Certified Registered Nurse from Riverside Healthcare, to discuss the upcoming Baby and Beyond event taking place on Saturday, May 2nd.

The event serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals at any stage of their parenting journey. Whether you are currently planning a pregnancy, expecting a new addition, or already raising young children, this community expo offers a bridge to local education and support systems.

During this conversation, Denny and Whitney discuss:

• The core mission of the Baby and Beyond event and who should attend.
• The variety of resources available to families, including access to local providers and vendors.
• Information regarding tours of the Family Birthing Center.
• A preview of the educational presentations scheduled for the day, ranging from safety demonstrations to mental health and specialized pediatric care.
• Details on family-friendly activities and opportunities to meet healthcare professionals.

While the event aims to equip parents with the tools they need for a healthy future, there are many more specific details regarding schedules and registration that are covered in the full interview.

Listen to the complete episode to learn more about the specific presentation topics, the start time, how to pre-register for the event, and where to find additional information online.

Host: Denny Case

Guest: Whitney Trevino, RN, Riverside Healthcare

Event: Baby and Beyond

Date: Saturday, May 2nd

Location: Riverside Pavilion

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. 

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The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case welcomes Sharla Ronchetto, director for the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA), to discuss their upcoming production of Big Fish. While many may be familiar with the film adaptation, Ronchetto explains how this musical version—based on the original novel—explores the intricate and often fantastical relationship between a father and his son.

The discussion highlights the creative challenges of bringing mythical elements like giants and witches to the local stage, as well as the significance of performing at the Lincoln Cultural Center in Kankakee following recent building repairs. Ronchetto, a veteran of the local theater scene, also provides a glimpse into the casting process and the talent involved in bringing the Bloom family's story to life.

For those interested in local performing arts and community events, this episode offers essential information on performance dates and how to secure tickets for this limited run. Listen to the full episode to hear more about the director's vision for the show and the technical details involved in this large-scale production.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the official Kankakee Valley Theatre Association website at 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. 

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The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Angela Morrey from the Kankakee County Economic Alliance to discuss the duality of recent events shaping the region. The conversation covers the community's swift and organized response to devastating tornadoes and hail damage, highlighting the critical role of local nonprofits and the reactivation of the Emergency Response Fund.

The discussion also shifts to significant economic developments, including a landmark $1.5 billion investment from a global pharmaceutical leader that promises to bring long-term job security and growth to the area. Angela shares insights on how these major announcements put Kankakee County on a national stage and provides information on how residents and businesses can access resources for recovery and development.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Update on storm cleanup and the transition into the rebuilding phase.
• The impact of the United Way and Community Foundation’s relief funds.
• Details regarding the CSL expansion and its 300 new job opportunities.
• How the Kankakee County Economic Alliance supports local business and workforce training.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the resilience of the Kankakee community and the future of industrial investment in the county. For further resources mentioned in the show, visit kankakeecountyed.org or 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 sits down with Joe and John Carnagio, the local owners and operators of several McDonald’s locations across Kankakee, Bourbonnais, and Bradley. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the latest menu innovations to the company’s significant impact on local employment and education.

The father and son duo provide an inside look at the Big Arch, the latest limited-time sandwich hitting the menu. They discuss what sets this burger apart from past offerings like the Arch Deluxe and why it has become a "two-hand" favorite for customers. Beyond the food, the Carnagios share the story of their 30-year journey within the McDonald’s system and highlight the Archways to Opportunity program, which provides substantial tuition assistance and educational resources to employees in the Chicagoland area.

Listeners will also hear about current promotional highlights, including the K-Pop Demon Hunter Adult Happy Meal and the Super Mario Galaxy partnership. The episode concludes with a look at the nostalgia of collecting McDonald's memorabilia and a technical explanation of why McDonald’s Coca-Cola maintains its distinct reputation.

Tune in to the full episode to hear the details of their upcoming drink offerings and the specific secret behind their beverage quality.

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.