Regional Media Podcast Network

Russ Hughes and Jerry Salisbury joined Jennifer Russell in the Sav-A-Lot Studio for the June 13, 2025, edition of The Boiler Shop on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about baseball, softball, and track.

Dr. Jeffrey Johnson from the Kewanee Schools Foundation joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about 2025 scholarships, the Great Gatsby fundraiser in April, the outdoor fitness court, new band instruments, Wall of Honor updates, the alumni newsletter, and tennis courts. The Kewanee Schools Foundation recently awarded $155,000 in scholarships to 52 students from the 127 graduates of the Class of 2025, acknowledging nearly 4,000 collective service hours. Five new scholarships, including those honoring local families and first responders, were introduced. “An Evening with the Great Gatsby” fundraiser brought in $25,000 toward an outdoor fitness court, which, despite delays, remains slated for completion this year. 

Five new scholarships were awarded this year, including the John Headlund, John Spets Family Memorial, Kyle and May Kay DeJaeger, James Mock Memorial (Kewanee First Responders), and Margo Eastman Barry Memorial Scholarships. 

The Wall of Honor outside the Peterson Auditorium will have updated plaques soon. Over 7,000 newsletters will be mailed to registered alumni at the end of the month. The future tennis courts may include a Marjabelle Stewart Memorial Butterfly Garden in honor of Marjabelle Stewart and match the mural on the outdoor fitness court. If you would like to register for the newsletter or read back newsletters, visit the Kewanee Schools Foundation website. 

For more details or to contribute, visit their website or Facebook page, call the foundation at 309-856-8702, or their office at 1001 N. Main Street, Kewanee, IL 61443.

Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to give tips on keeping safe while grilling this summer. Grilling season is here, but safety should be on the menu alongside your favorite burgers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that both charcoal and gas grills come with hidden dangers, including fatal carbon monoxide poisoning and gas explosions. To reduce risk, never use charcoal indoors or store a grill with smoldering coals inside. For gas grills, always check for leaks every time you reconnect the propane tank, and keep all components in top condition. Use grills outdoors, away from buildings, and remember—never start a gas grill with the lid closed. Following these tips can help ensure your backyard barbecue stays safe and fun. Visit https://healthlibrary.osfhealthcare.org/ for more grill safety tips.

ImpactLife is calling on community members to roll up their sleeves and help save lives during an upcoming blood drive on June 19th. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment and make a vital contribution that could change the course of a patient’s recovery. Just one donation can make a difference for those in urgent need. Participants can sign up easily online at osf.care/Lbha50VZaUr. Every pint counts, especially as summer months often see shortages. ImpactLife invites everyone eligible to join this life-saving effort and make an impact in just a few minutes.

OSF MyChart is introducing two-factor authentication to enhance the security of your personal health information. Soon, users will need to confirm their identity with a code sent to their phone or email, providing additional protection against unauthorized access. This process is similar to the security steps used by many banking and secure applications. Step-by-step instructions are available online to guide users through the setup. These changes are aimed at ensuring both ease of use and increased privacy for all patients. To get started or for more information, visit the OSF MyChart website and follow the detailed directions provided.

Organizers are calling for volunteers to join a lively community event with music, games, and contests at the Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Northeast Park tennis courts. The event runs from 1 to 3 PM, or until everyone is done socializing. Elvis fans are in for a treat, as he’ll be performing a few songs, with guests encouraged to snap photos. The first 175 attendees get a free kazoo—six colors to choose from—and everyone’s invited to join a musical sing-along, featuring kazoos, ukuleles, or any quirky instrument. Fun competitions include a Kitty Superstar “meow" singing challenge and creative obstacle courses. If you have a chess set you can loan out for a few hours, bring it to the event, or contact Brad Ahrens for a fun twist on chess. While sales tables are out, art displays are encouraged. Volunteers of all ages and talents are welcome to participate. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 12:30.

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about what's happening at the health departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in partnership with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are spotlighting men’s preventative health through June with discounted lab screenings for area men. Special rates are available for general health tests and prostate and colon cancer screenings; tests are offered on a cash basis, with some requiring fasting. The clinics also provide primary care, walk-in, mental health, and community health services, further expanding local healthcare access. In addition, free insurance assistance will be available at the Henry County Fairgrounds on June 18th and 20th. For appointments or information, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call your local clinic.