Regional Media Podcast Network

Nan Crossman returns to the studios to chat with Sparks about the upcoming Macomb Arts Center (MAC) Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 26 at 7:00 p.m.

The MAC is celebrating two anniversaries this year -- the 20th anniversary since the incorporation of the Regional Arts Center Initiative (later West Central Illinois Art Center), as well as the 15th anniversary of the property at 25 East Side Square, now known as the Macomb Arts Center.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and a presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. detailing the past, present, and future for the MAC. This event is free and open to the public, with hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a cash bar.

For more information, visit the Macomb Arts Center Facebook page or give them a call at (309) 836-2782.

The Kewanee School Board met on Monday evening at Kewanee High School's Petersen Auditorium. Dr. Chris Sullens, Kewanee School District Superintendent, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023, to discuss the events of Monday's meeting including updates on the start of the school year, a discussion of the start of Fall Sports, and a discussion of the ongoing mediation between the Kewanee School District and the Kewanee Education Association, representing Kewanee Teachers. Teachers in Kewanee are currently working without a contract  while awaiting mediation which the Kewanee School District called for last week. We asked Dr. Sullens about the stand off between Teachers and the School Board this morning.

The Kewanee Park District is holding a Special Meeting on Friday, August 25th, 2023, at 2 PM. At that meeting there will be a discussion of plans to for an upcoming OSLAD Grant. The plan includes plans for a Splash Pad at Liberty Park and that will be discussed during that meeting. Andrew Dwyer Director of the Kewanee Park District joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023, to talk about the plans and design for a potential Splash Pad in Kewanee. It's a busy month for the Parks Department and we also discussed the many events now happening at Kewanee Parks.

The month of August is Kids Eat Right Month. Just in time for Back to School, it's the best time for Kids Eat Right Month, a month dedicated to helping parents and kids make healthy food choices. Sara Umphleet, Dietitian at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, along with Samantha Rux, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties with tips for parents and kids on making sure you are aiding your child's brain health with a healthy diet. Among the things to know, Breakfast for kids is urgently important. Getting a range of nutrition and a full stomach before school is key to helping your child be focused and learn more while in school. These tips and more as part of Kids Eat Right Month, are part of our Wake Up Tri-Counties conversation with OSF Saint Luke Medical Center.

The Bishop Hill Chatauqua is set to take place Saturday and Sunday, August 26th and 27th, in Bishop Hill. The annual Chatauqua features re-enactors playing the role of historic figures and telling researched histories of their lives while also answering questions in character. Todd Dedecker with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about this weekend's events and the incredible performers who will be part of this weekend's events including Brian Fox Ellis as Meriweather Lewis, of Lewis and Clark fame, Fritz Klein as President Abraham Lincoln, and Paula Vankuen singing and performing as Swedish legend, Jenny Lind. The events on Saturday and Sunday are free aside from a special performance on Saturday evening. Details in our interview with Todd Dedecker from the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.

Relay for Life is taking place on Saturday night from 6 PM to 10 PM. The entire community is invited to come and walk with survivors and families affected by cancer while help raising funds for the American Cancer Society. There will be a Survivor's Lap and, of course, the annual Luminaria will be lit in honor of those who have passed away from Cancer. You can purchase a Luminaria at the Relay for Life or by contacting Relay for Life of Henry County on Facebook. Nichelle Morey is one of the organizers of Relay for Life and she joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to invite everyone to come and help raise funds in the fight against Cancer.

What do you do if you find a bat inside your home? Your instinct might be to catch it and release it or even try to kill it. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department however advises against each of those options. Instead, you should contact a professional animal control officer to take the bat in case it needs to be tested for rabies. The chance of you getting rabies from a bat is remarkably slim but it can happen. Without the bat that bit you however, determining if you need rabies treatment could be delayed and cost you important time. Contact someone who knows how to take in a bat. Make sure that if the bat did bite you that the living bat is available to be tested immediately. These are important steps in preventing the very unlikely chance that you or someone you care about gets rabies.

The latest edition of the Cambridge News with Connie Johnson from the Village of Cambridge!

Bailey Ferguson is leaving Maryville Parks and Rec.  The Breakfast Club talks with Bailey on the day before she leaves for greener pastures.