Elizabeth Argo is the Youth Services Coordinator at the Maryville Public Library. She came in today (12-8-22) to talk about a wonderful program for young entrepreneurs called the Children’s Business Fair.The Maryville Public Library invites all youth ages eight through high school, who might be interested in creating a product or service and earning a profit, to attend our informational meeting December 15, at 5:30 pm in the library’s basement.

Sterling Mayor Skip Lee and City Manager Scott Schumard by Regional Media

The Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Program exists to make sure that no one goes without heating and cooling due to an inability to pay your bill. The program, in partnership with Ameren Illinois, raises funds via Ameren customers who can choose to donate small amounts via their electric bill. That money is then used to help people who make too much money to qualify for LIHeap, low income help for those in need, but still find themselves coming up short of being able to cover their electric bill. Susan Sams with Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends, joined WKEI to talk about the program and invite those in need to ask for help.

The Kewanee Community Choir is stepping up to help the Kewanee Salvation Army. The Kewanee Community Choir will hold their first post-COVID-19 pandemic performance at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 10th, 2022 at 7Pm. All proceeds donated at the concert will go toward the Kewanee Salvation Army. Eddie Tolliver tells WKEI that the Salvation Army is struggling this season and is behind their goal. Thus. this concert is an important fundraiser for the Salvation Army. Sue Sagmoen with the Kewanee Community Choir joined Eddie Tolliver on WKEI on Wednesday to invite everyone to Saturday night's concert.

Janna Groharing-Sterling Main Street by Regional Media

Henry County Circuit Court Judge Dana McReynolds announced his retirement last week with a letter to the judiciary and to RegionalMediaNews.com. In the letter he thanked the people of Henry County and praised the man people he has worked with at the Henry County Courthouse as well as those he worked with in court proceedings in Kewanee. Judge McReynolds had been appointed to the Circuit Court in 2020 to fill a vacancy and had planned his retirement prior to the announcement last week after deciding not to run to be elected. Judge McReynolds spoke to WKEI about his retirement, the state of the Henry County Court System today, and the advice he gives for those entering work in the Henry County Courts in the future. The retiring Judge also spoke critically of the newly amended SAFE-T Act, specifically the Cash Bail aspect of the bill. In our conversation Judge McReynolds was critical of the bill for not including the input of Judges and Prosecutors though he also stated that with his retirement approaching, he'd not studied the changes coming via the SAFE-T Act, closely as he will leave office before the changes are implemented.

Lucia Nights is the final festival of a busy holiday season in Bishop Hill. Featuring the famed Lucia Girls and their candle hats, Lucia Nights from 6 Pm to 9 Pm with candles in the windows of local businesses, shops, museums and historic sites, to light the way of visitors seeking a Swedish tradition as part of their holiday celebration. Todd Dedecker with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to talk about the history and traditions of Lucia Nights and tout the incredible Christmas Shopping opportunities as part of this family friendly holiday celebration in Historic Bishop Hill...

Keri Olson-United Way of Whiteside County by Regional Media

It's National Handwashing Week and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is highlighting how the simple act of regularly washing your hands can keep you healthy. Samantha Rux and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Infection Control Expert Kathy Blanford, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday to discuss Handwashing Week as well as the role that infection control plays inside the hospital. Kathy takes us through her job in provide education, support, and research regarding infection control and how that plays into patient experiences as OSF Saint Luke Medical Center.

Denise Garcia with Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation by Regional Media