Regional Media Podcast Network

Sparks talks to Macomb Fire Chief Dan Meyer about the "Be Alarmed! Smoke Alarm Installation" program currently running in Macomb, in which residents can receive a ionization smoke alarm that will be installed in their home by the Macomb Fire Department free by request.

For more information about this program, visit the City of Macomb website or contact the Macomb Fire Department at (309) 836-7800.

Dr. Thomas King, Vascular Surgeon, in the CGH Vascular Surgerydepartment at the CGH Main Clinic was with us today. We talked about what vascular surgery and why patients might need to consider the procedure.

Dr. King also discussed preventative measures through diet and healthy choices to avoid complications that may lead to surgery.

Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023. Sara discussed upcoming events at the Library including a meeting of the Henry County Genealogical Society on Monday, February 27th, 2023. The meeting will include a presentation on World War 1 history and trivia by Dan Dauw. The Library also wants to help those who struggle with technology. Tech Office Hours will be available to those looking for guidance on using technology items such as IPhones, IPads, and other similar items. If you'd like someone to help you with tech questions Tech Offices Hours at the Kewanee Public Library are set for 5 Pm to 7 Pm at the Kewanee Public Library, Tuesday, February 28th, 2023.

The latest COVID-19 infection numbers are up as is the transmission rate of COVID-19. It's the second week in a row in which numbers have increased. There were 43 new cases in Henry County and 4 new cases in Stark County. Meanwhile, the Health Department is on the road for the 12 Communities in 12 Months campaign. This month, the Health Department will be in Orion at Charged Coffee and Cocoa, 303 10th Avenue in Orion, IL, from 9 Am to 11. Free blood pressure checks will be available, health information, and free COVID-19 tests will be given out during the event, along with another giveaway to be announced at the event. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department was our guest on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023.

Season 3 of The Mandalorian begins on March 1st, 2023 on Disney Plus. One of the stars of the show is actress Katee Sackhoff who co-stars as Bo-Katan. It's not the first time that Katee has played this character in the Star Wars Universe. As Katee tells Wake Up Tri-Counties in this interview, she played the role in the animated series Star Wars The Clone Wars. Now she's playing the character here and loving the opportunity to fully embody this beloved Star Wars character. We asked Katee about her sci-fi television background, she became a star on the series revival of Battlestar Galactica, the incredibly loyal Star Wars fanbase, and about Baby Yoda.

The Air National Guard Band of the Midwest is coming to Stark County High School for a fundraising concert on Saturday, ,March 4th, 2023. The Stark County FFA has put this concert together as a fundraising event for the FFA. Students from Stark County High School FFA were in our WKEI studio on Wednesday to talk about organizing this show with the exceptional Air National Guard Band of the Midwest and about how the funds raised will benefit the Stark County FFA. There is no charge to attend the concert but there is a $5.00 suggested donation if you do decide to attend the show. There is a pre-show meal at 5 PM at the High School and if you want to attend for the meal and the show you do need to RSVP by Friday, February 24th by contacting the Stark County FFA at Stark County High School.

Sparks chats with Jock Hedblade from the Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau about upcoming events in the Unforgettable Forgottonia area, as well as recapping the American Experience - Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History watch party on Monday, Feb 20th

Sparks chats with Bridget Hinchee, the Natural Resources Coordinator at Argyle Lake State Park about their "Twigs, Buds, and Bark: Winter Tree ID Hike" event happening Saturday, February 25th from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, call the park office at (309) 776-3422

Imagine being an NFL rookie and making it to the Super Bowl. It not something that Kansas City Chiefs Defensive End, and former Purdue Football standout, George Karlaftis has to imagine, he actually had that experience. Drafted by the Chiefs, George worked his way into their defensive rotation and helped his team reach the pinnacle with a trip to the Super Bowl and a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. George joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss his amazing journey from being born in Greece, coming to America, playing football and making it to the Big Ten, the NFL and a Super Bowl Championship.

Committee Chair Jayna Jacobs and Betty Clementz were in studio for a relay update. The main focus today was developing other committees to help the relay flow, volunteers and teams, and of course the reason for the relay, those who have defeated cancer.