Regional Media Podcast Network

Katie Laleman joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about awards from the Annual Illinois Farm Bureau Meeting, upcoming events, membership options, the Ireland trip, and Bushels for Hunger. The Henry County Farm Bureau is celebrating recent achievements and gearing up for busy months ahead. Fresh off a successful women’s holiday wreath workshop, the Bureau announced state-level recognition for its young leaders, including third place in the “Harvest for All” campaign supporting local food pantries. Kate Huffman, honored with the state Ag Excellence Award, will soon compete nationally. The Bureau also earned the Liberty Bell Award for legislative advocacy. Upcoming events include a women’s mental health program, “Strong Enough to Bend,” on January 29th, and a day-long farm succession planning seminar on February 20th. Membership benefits and a July group trip to Ireland are available.

Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined the Wake Up Tri-Counties show today to share tips for a healthier holiday season. In addition to advice on navigating tempting holiday treats—like opting for smaller portions, eating a light snack before gatherings, and slowing down during meals—Rux highlighted an opportunity to give back. On Thursday, December 18th, OSF St. Luke will host a community blood drive from 7 AM to 5 PM, with Impact Life ensuring donations remain local. Appointments are available at bloodcenter.org, but walk-ins are welcome while space allows. OSF also offers holiday recipes and healthy eating resources on its website.

Residents are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and make a life-changing impact at the upcoming community blood drive. Taking place in the East/West Conference Room on Thursday, December 18, from 7 AM to 5 PM, this event offers a chance to provide healing and hope by donating blood. Each contribution goes directly to those in need within the area, turning a few minutes of your time into renewed strength for others. To secure a time slot, participants can sign up online. With the season of giving upon us, this is an opportunity to truly make a difference.

As holiday feasts fill tables through November, December, and January, health professionals are sounding a note of caution. Dr. Andrew Zasada of OSF HealthCare advises planning ahead to avoid overeating. A light snack before big meals and using smaller plates can help with portion control, while eating slowly gives your body time to signal when it’s full. Moving away from the food after eating also reduces temptation. For those who occasionally overindulge, avoid alcohol or lying down right after to prevent heartburn. Anyone struggling with eating disorders is urged to seek help from trusted friends and a healthcare provider. One big meal won’t ruin your health, but consistent support is vital.

Andrew Zasada, MD, said “If you come to the meal hungry, you tend to try to make up for not having breakfast. You load your plate up, which is going to cause you to overeat,” Dr. Zasada says. “Instead, have a light snack an hour or two before you sit down to the meal.

“Put the food in one room and sit down in another room to eat. That necessitates you going there rather than having food available for another fill.”

RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss food safety, reproductive health services, sharps disposal locations, Medicare wellness visits, and insurance navigators. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are highlighting vital resources for community health and safety. Medicare recipients can access a free Annual Wellness Visit at First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee and Toulon, where patients receive personalized assessments and can address health concerns. In addition, six convenient sites now offer Residential Sharps Collection Kiosks for safe disposal of used needles, helping prevent accidental injury. As the holidays approach, officials remind residents that foodborne illnesses strike millions each year. They advise handwashing, separating raw and ready-to-eat foods, thorough cooking, and rapid refrigeration to keep celebrations safe and healthy.

William Ornelas has transformed his East Prospect yard into a dazzling holiday spectacle featuring over 100,000 lights, handmade displays, and a towering 30-foot inflatable. What began as a family tradition inspired by his mother has grown over a decade, now drawing crowds eager to snap pictures with the homemade cutouts and enjoy the festive treats handed out once a year during the park's lighting night—including cookies, popcorn, and candy canes. Ornelas repurposes old materials for many of his decorations and continues to expand each season. He encourages neighbors to join in on the decorating spirit, hoping to see even more lights brighten every holiday.

What began as a few twinkling bulbs for his children has evolved into a neighborhood spectacle, with an archway boasting more than 32,000 lights and a towering 30-foot blow-up Clark Griswold. Hand-painted cutouts, a mega tree adorned with nearly 30,000 lights, and cherished family keepsakes fill the display. Clever organization and labeling mean it now takes just four to five weekends to set up. With careful organization and creative repurposing, William plans to keep shining for years to come.

Todd DeDecker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Lucia Nights, which is set for December 12th and 13th, offering evening festivities from 6 to 9 PM on Friday and 4 to 9 PM on Saturday. The annual Festival of Lights kicks off with the tree lighting in the park at 6 PM on Friday and features caroling, live Swedish music, and a glittering display of luminaries along the historic streets. Highlights include a soup supper fundraiser, performances at four separate venues, barn dancing, a soup supper fundraiser, and a selfie station inside Colony Church. Local shops and restaurants will offer special gifts and extended hours. The event is free and family-friendly, celebrating Bishop Hill’s unique heritage. For full schedules and details, visit the Bishop Hill Heritage Association Facebook page, visit www.visitbishophill.com, or call 309-927-3899. You can find the schedule for both days listed below.

Bishop Hill is set to celebrate its annual Lucia Nights Festival of Lights on December 12 and 13, 2025. The event promises a lively atmosphere with traditional Swedish customs, including caroling, live music at four venues, and the much-anticipated lighting of the park's Christmas tree. Visitors can enjoy special holiday gifts and extended hours at local restaurants and shops. Organizers highlight that all festivities are free, making it an inviting destination for families and those seeking a unique cultural experience. The festival showcases Bishop Hill’s Swedish heritage and community spirit, marking a highlight on the town's winter calendar.