Regional Media Podcast Network

The Kewanee City Council meeting began with a public hearing focused on the Source Water Improvement Project and lead service line replacement, aiming to ensure safer drinking water. Deputy Assessor Jennifer Prescott is set to provide insights into Equalized Assessed Value changes. On zoning matters, variances and special use permits for local properties will be considered. The council will vote on supplier agreements, including fuel for city vehicles, and address tax abatements related to major bond debts. Additional resolutions include authorizing city officials for financial transactions, appointing an IMRF agent, and setting next year's council meeting calendar. Organizational, procurement, and environmental policy updates are also on the discussion list.

Steve from Matthew 5:42 Ministries, and Briseidy and Hallee from Next Generation for Christ joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about their service to the community, volunteer needs, monthly community meals, working with the homeless, and clothing and furniture assistance. A group of dedicated teens from Next Generation for Christ is making a difference in Kewanee by organizing free monthly community meals at First Christian Church, which are on the last Saturday of the month. Volunteers of all ages prepare and serve food, with donations in the form of cash, checks, or supplies eagerly accepted. Their efforts extend beyond meal service, as members personally deliver food to homebound individuals and those experiencing homelessness. Their efforts don’t stop there; December will see a Christmas event offering crafts and fun for kids, while parents can enjoy a night out. They will need volunteers to assist in babysitting the children. Partnering closely with Matthew 5:42 Ministries, they also support initiatives in furniture, clothing, and resources such as job applications and resumes.

The Thanksgiving community dinner drew an impressive 148 attendees, with 30 dedicated volunteers serving up hearty meals. Organizers expressed gratitude as every bite was enjoyed, leaving behind no leftovers, a remarkable feat considering previous years often resulted in surplus food donations to local hospitals and emergency workers. The demand for meals underscores a growing need in the community. Organizers encourage local teens and anyone interested to join efforts through volunteer programs such as Key Club or Matthew 5:42, extending a warm invitation to both contributors and helpers. The First Christian Church is coordinating volunteer sign-ups and donation opportunities. Call 309-853-4298 if you need assistance, want to volunteer, or want to donate.

A local church is preparing a special Christmas festival this December, offering a unique opportunity for parents to enjoy holiday shopping or a night out while their children are cared for. Aimed at kids ages five to eleven who are potty-trained, the event promises crafts, games, and a variety of fun activities. Organizers are still finalizing the exact date, with December 13th as the tentative choice. Updates and finalized details will be shared on the church’s "Next Generation for Christ" Facebook page. Volunteers with skills in babysitting, crafts, or creative arts are encouraged to get involved and help make the event a festive success.

First Christian Church is preparing to launch a community food pantry, with donations of canned goods now being accepted. Michelle Quagliano will lead this new outreach, an extension of the Matthew 5:42 ministry. The initiative is supported by a dedicated team, each focusing on essential needs—from Paula handling clothing distribution to Steve managing furniture donations. The food pantry is expected to open its doors soon, once shelves are fully stocked. Next-Gen, a local youth group, is also collaborating to ensure success. Organizers invite the community to contribute as they work together to address hunger and support families in need.

Next Generation for Christ, launched three years ago, embarked on their journey with a visit to a Native American Reservation in Arapaho, Wyoming—a trip that left a lasting impact on its members. Beyond providing meals, the organization extends support to the community through various outreach activities. Volunteers assist with educational programs, youth mentorship, and cultural exchange events, fostering strong connections. They participate in cleanup projects and help facilitate access to essential resources. Group members emphasize that their mission goes beyond service, aiming to build lasting relationships and address the broader needs of the local population.

Matthew 542 has become a cornerstone in the Kewanee community, focusing not only on feeding those in need but also building lasting trust with the area’s homeless population. Over the last five years, this initiative—anchored by the First Christian Church—has expanded to reach more individuals, partnering with groups like Next Gen and Finish Well Ministries. Volunteers regularly deliver meals and essentials, fostering relationships and understanding. The unique approach ensures everyone is welcome at community dinners, regardless of their circumstances. Organizers say the key is treating guests with respect and dignity, paving the way for further help and spiritual support.

Paula is gearing up to launch a series of clothing drives starting in January, aimed at providing essential items to those in need. Alongside these initiatives, resource fairs and job application workshops are planned to empower community members with new skills and opportunities. Within the Matthew 5:42 service, volunteers and staff often work shoulder to shoulder with recipients, forging a sense of shared purpose. Michelle also has exciting updates on the food pantry, ensuring broader community support. Many recipients of furniture assistance become regular volunteers, a clear sign of impact as the cycle of giving continues to grow and inspire others.

Drew Herridge with the Marshall-Putnam County Fair Board joined Issac on Wake Up Tri-Counties to officially announce the headliner music act for the 2026 Marshall-Putnam Fair! Country music sensation Scotty McCreery is set to take center stage at the 2026 Marshall-Putnam Fair in Henry, Illinois. The concert, presented by Country Financial—Steve Vogel and Jonathan Krieghauser, marks a major highlight for the fair and promises an evening packed with McCreery’s chart-topping hits, including “Cab in a Solo” and “Five More Minutes.” With his storied career featuring award-winning albums and singles, anticipation is building for this special event scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026. Gates open at 5:30 PM, and the concert kicks off at 7 PM. Tickets will be available starting December 5, 2025, at 8 AM, at the fair’s official website. Stay tuned for future announcements with the other opening acts.

Scotty McCreery has been a household name for nearly half of his life, making history in 2011 as the first country artist and the youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified *Clear as Day*, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. The 31-year-old has sold over 4 million albums and achieved 6 No. 1 hits: the recent "Cab in a Solo," the RIAA Platinum-certified "Damn Strait," the RIAA Gold-certified "You Time," the RIAA Gold-certified "In Between," the RIAA Platinum-certified "This is It," and the RIAA Triple Platinum-certified "Five More Minutes." His latest album is *Rise & Fall*, and his current EP is *Scooter & Friends*, which features the smash hit “Bottle Rockets” with Hootie & The Blowfish.

Sara Billiet joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to introduce the new Director of the Kewanee Public Library, David Eckert, and talk about upcoming events heading into the holiday season. The Kewanee Public Library has officially welcomed new director David Eckert, who brings three decades of library experience, including a start as a children’s librarian. Library staff are encouraging community participation in several upcoming programs. Due to Baker & Taylor’s closure, the library’s Boundless app for ebooks will be replaced by The Palace Project soon, while Hoopla remains unaffected. Residents are invited to donate extra seeds for the library’s growing seed exchange and contribute nonperishable food and hygiene items for the local food pantry—the collection runs through December 22nd. Santa visits the library on December 13th, complete with photo ops and activity kits for kids.

David, the new library director, brings three decades of library experience—including a stint as a children’s librarian—and even has a background in music, having played double bass professionally before joining the library world. David and his family are settling into the area, buying a house in Toulon, and are excited about the bigger yard for their two large dogs. He’s looking forward to the region’s Amtrak station for easy trips to Chicago and exploring local towns like the Quad Cities, Peoria, and Princeton. David hopes his innovative ideas from past roles will benefit the library community, even if he may have to start making homemade pizza.