The YMCA of Kewanee and OSF Saint Luke Medical Center have completed another successful year of Commit 2 Fit. Niko Powe was the grand prize winner having lost the highest percentage of weight as part of the Commit 2 Fit effort in Kewanee. But everyone who participated in Commit 2 Fit was a winner dropping weight and getting healthier and improving the overall health of the community. To close out this year's Commit 2 Fit campaign we spoke with Amanda Powe from the YMCA of Kewanee and Sara Umphleet from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center about the effort behind Commit 2 Fit and with the winner of the Commit 2 Fit 2021, Nike Powe about the keys to his winning effort.

Cory Law-Whiteside County Health Department by Regional Media

CGH About Your Health on WSDR by Regional Media

Melissa Ryan- Rock River Hospice and Home by Regional Media

Andrew Dwyer Director of the Kewanee Parks Department joined WKEI on Tuned In for a conversation regarding the most recent Kewanee Parks Board Meeting and the events happening at Kewanee Parks. One of the items that stood out from the meeting was an initiative to bring new trees to Kewanee Parks. Claudia Buchanan with the Kewanee Garden Club spearheaded a grant that will allow for the Parks to receive a number of Red Oak Trees for planting at the Kewanee Parks. We also discussed a new employee health initiative at Kewanee Parks and Mr Dwyer praised Administrative Assistant Christy Jackson Ehnle on Administrative Professionals Day. The Oldeen Roofing Fishing Rodeo has been announced for June and Mr Dwyer tells WKEI that repairs have been completed on the Oasis Pool.

The Kewanee Historical Society is on the move. May 3rd marks the beginning of a brand new era for the Kewanee Historical Society at a new location at 125 North Tremont Street. The new location offers more space and a more unique layout for the Society which means even more access to the history of Kewanee. There are no plans for a grand opening celebration, COVID-19 restrictions make that difficult, but there will be a series of events to celebrate the new location and plans are in motion to be open more often with longer hours. Mike Dewalt with the Kewanee Historical Society joined WKEI on the newest of edition of Kewanee Back When hosted by Dave Clark and Sean Kernan.

At Monday night's Kewanee School Board Meeting, the Kewanee School Board approved plans for a rapid COVID-19 testing protocol. This rapid test, which can be administered and conducted in 15 minutes on those who are symptomatic, and have parents permission to be tested, could prove key in keeping more kids in school and fewer missing time due to having been a close contact of someone who is positive for COVID-19. Also at Monday night's meeting, plans for an outdoor graduation ceremony next month were set and the Homecoming King and Queen were honored. See photos of the King Henry Burkhart and Queen Ailynn Duarte along with the Student Council President Hannah Pratt below.

The Henry and Stark County Health Department is putting out the call to anyone who hasn't been vaccinated yet, there is no need to wait. COVID-19 infection rates in Henry and Stark County have seen an alarming rise over the last several weeks and the best way to combat that rise, aside from continuing to wear your mask, wash your hands, and maintain distance, is to get vaccinated. Region 2, where Henry and Stark County are located, reached Orange Status recently because of rising infections but also because ICU beds have been filling up higher than the state mandated metric for the number of available beds. Go to HenryStarkHealth.com today to register for a COVID-19 vaccine clinic or contact any of your local pharmacies or OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. Get vaccinated on your schedule, whatever you need to do, but the message is Get Vaccinated.

Sterling Mayor Lee and City Manager Scott Schumard by Regional Media

Kris Noble-Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce by Regional Media