Whiteside County Health Department by Regional Media

Sauk Talk on WSDR by Regional Media

Wake Up Sauk Valley with Sterling Mayor Lee by Regional Media

Wake Up Sauk Valley with Sterling Main Street by Regional Media

It's great news and a strong sign of progress that there is currently only 1 active case of COVID-19 in Henry County and no active cases in Stark County but that does not mean that we have put COVID-19 fully in the past. The Delta Variant, a form of the COVID-19 virus that is more deadly and easily transmissible than other forms of the virus, is becoming the dominant version of the virus in the state. The unvaccinated are still getting sick and some are dying from COVID-19 even as our area has reached a terrific milestone with no new cases. The virus could take hold again in the fall if more people don't get vaccinated.

Mark Mikenas from the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to stoke the excitement of the return of Fireworks in Northeast Park this Sunday night. The Veterans Council will have the presentation of the colors followed by a concert by the Glory Days Garage Band and then it's time for the return of the fireworks at dusk on Sunday night. But that wasn't all of the good news that Mark had to share as Mark tells WKEI that Retail Sales Numbers for the first quarter of 2021 are up from 2020. The marks the second straight year of growth in retail sales at local brick and mortar outlets.

The air conditioning at the Henry County Senior Center has stopped working and that has led to the Senior Center having to cancel Tuesday evening meals as the building gets too hot in the evening. But lunch is back at the Senior Center and seniors are being welcomed back for that along with cinnamon rolls in the morning. The Henry County Senior Center Golf Outing is right around the corner, Saturday, July 17th at 1 Pm at Baker Park Golf Course. It's one of the biggest fundraisers of the year at the Senior Center so please do get signed up by contacting the Henry County Senior Center. Finally, Cassandra Schmoll tells Wake Up Tri-Counties that the Senior Center is beginning to book bus trips again, the first one is happening this September with another trip planned for December.

The City of Galva is preparing for a big holiday weekend with the return of Galva Freedom Fest. Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about preparations for Galva Freedom Fest and the most recent Galva City Council Meeting. The City of Galva has been dealing with some challenges of late, water mains and road repairs and the like and Mayor Volkert says that while things are a bit hectic, the City is working through the issues and staying positive.

Tony Gripp is the new Head Coach of the A & W Titans Football team. Coach Gripp takes the mantel from Coach Logan Willits who leaves big shoes to fill after 2 remarkable seasons as Head Coach. We talked with Coach Gripp about the excitement of becoming a Head Coach, how things will change under his leadership and the advice he's received on route to becoming the new Head Coach of the Titans. Coach Gripp is in the midst of big things, not just as a Head Coach, but as a father to a 1 year old with a new baby on the way any day now.

Mayor Gary Moore joined WKEI to discuss Monday night's Kewanee City Council Meeting. At Monday night's meeting a pair of business owners were approved to receive TIF funds for business improvements. Also during the meeting, the City Council approved a plan to try to bring solar energy to the Kewanee Waste Water Treatment Plant. The Council voted unanimously in favor of the solar plan and are now awaiting movement from the state of Illinois. And prior to Monday night's City Council Meeting, students from Belle Alexander Elementary School gifted the City of Kewanee plants that the students had grown as gifts. These plants were displayed in Council Chambers and were also sent to the Kewanee Police and Fire Department.