Barbara Love, Executive Director of the Kewanee Public Library was our guest on Tuned In on Thursday morning. Barbara joined WKEI to announce the return of the Storytime Pumpkins. Storytime Pumpkins are now an annual event at the Kewanee Public Library just before Halloween. Families are encouraged to get a pumpkin and paint it up to look like a favorite storybook character. No carved pumpkins, they tend to spoil to fast for the display and the location of the display, uncut pumpkins only. There will be a prize for one lucky participant. Details in today's Tuned In Podcast.

The Henry and Stark County Health Department released their latest set of Recovery Rate data on Wednesday. Notably, there remains a large number of people who are not reporting their symptom status to the Henry and Stark County health Department. RaeAnn Tucker addressed the high number of people who are not reporting their status and how contact tracers are doing the best they can to keep in touch with those who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The zombie hit spinoff Fear The Walking Dead returns for its sixth season of scares on AMC on Sunday night, October 11th. When it returns we will get to learn more about the evolving sisterly relationship of unlikely friends, Charlie and Alicia. Alexa Nisenson is in her third season of playing Charlie on Fear and WKEI talked to Alexa about the strange and exciting journey she's been on from the age of 11 when she started by killing fan favorite character, Nick, to being 14 years old and growing up amid one of the most unique and active fanbases in all of Hollywood, the zombie fandom.

Sterling Main Street Holiday Plans and More by Regional Media

Quarterless Quarter Madness is set for this Sunday fully virtual via the Kewanee Rotary Facebook page and YouTube channel among other outlets. Carrie Boelens and Dianne Packee joined WKEI's People to People to promote where you can watch Quarter Madness on Sunday at 1 Pm including a couple of watch parties of a limited size and safe space at local restaurants. Paddles are still available, you can contact Dianne Packee or buy your paddles virtually at KewaneeRotary.com.

Jolene Barnes from Country Financial joined WKEI for Tuned In on Wednesday morning. Jolene is partnering with the Geneseo Park District this week for a drive in movie at the Athletic Field in Geneseo on Friday night, October 9th, at 6 Pm. The family friendly movie The Little Rascals will be shown on the big screen screen with a limit of 50 cars in attendance. Free popcorn will be handed out. Jolene talked about the Drive In Movie as one aspect of how businesses in the age of COVID-19 are finding new ways to show support in their community. Jolene also shared some insurance tips and told WKEI about the success of the Kewanee Kiwanis recent pancake breakfast.

Pastor Jim Reynolds with OSF Healthcare grief support was our guest on Tuned In on Tuesday morning. Pastor Jim joined WKEI to talk about the language of Grief and how we talk to people who are suffering. Few people will ever no exactly the right thing to say to someone who is grieving and that causes many to fall back on well known comforting platitudes that can be hurtful with you even being aware of it. How we talk about grief was the subject today on Tuned In.

Numbers between the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Henry and Stark County Health Department differed slightly on Monday with Henry County reporting 699 confirmed cases and IDPH stating 709 cases in Henry County. RaeAnn Tucker explained that the difference has to do with accuracy and addresses. In order to make sure the numbers are as accurate as possible, Health Department tracers do a second check of an address to make sure the subject of the positive test is from Henry Henry County.

City of Sterling Update with Mayor Lee by Regional Media

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Freedom House is a non-profit organization that serves survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. Freedom House provides services to adults and children in Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam, and Stark Counties. In the past year, Freedom House has served over 900 victims of domestic and sexual violence – women, men, teens, and children. 

Amber Killian, Domestic Violence Program Manager of Operations at Freedom House in Princeton, visited Wake Up Princeton on WZOE-AM recently.  She says DVAM awareness events are happening throughout October.  The include “Silent Witness” silhouettes, representing domestic violence homicide victims in our communities over the years, displayed at Princeton’s Rotary Park.

The “Purple Pumpkin Project” is at Tanners Orchard, with purple pumpkins for sale representing the victims and their families who stayed in our shelter last year.

Law enforcement will wear purple ribbons on their uniforms throughout Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam, and Stark Counties.

“Donut Let Love Hurt” initiative where you can purchase a purple-frosted donut to show your support for families affected by domestic violence in our community.  Many local businesses are participating.

Individuals and businesses can show support by decorating their windows with purple hearts, purple ribbons, or an anti-domestic violence phrase or theme.  Those who wish to participate in this community-wide event and want creative ideas should call Alicia at (815) 872-0087 or [email protected]. Community participation is welcome and encouraged.

Freedom House is located at 400 Elm Place in Princeton.  Their 24-hour hotline is 800-474-6031 and their business line is (815) 872-0087.  More information is available online at freedomhouseillinois.org and at facebook.com/freedomhouseillinois.