Flags of Freedom Chairman Visits Wake Up Princeton

Flags of Freedom Chairman Rodney Johnson visited with Paul Bomleny on Wake Up Princeton to discuss the landmark and it’s upcoming biggest fundraiser of the year.
Instead of its annual “Rockin’ the Runway” event, the organization will be holding an online auction from October first through the fourth. Johnson says businesses throughout Princeton have donated items which you will be able to view and make bids on on the Flags of Freedom Facebook page.
The four giant flags are located along Interstate 80 at Exit 56 on the north end of Princeton. The flags are a symbol to salute our military from the past, present and future.
Fundraisers and donations are relied on heavily as no tax money is used for purchase or upkeep of the flags Each 30 x 60 foot flag costs $1,500 to buy and maintenance is not a small expense, especially now that additional repairs are necessary due to damage from the 110 mph winds Princeton received in August.
Donations to Flags of Freedom can be made through the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation or by writing a check directly to Flags of Freedom.
For more information on donating or about the Flags of Freedom in general, visit flagsoffreedomi80.org or the Flags of Freedom Facebook page.

Ian Swindler, Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist at OSF Saint Luke Medical center talked to WKEI on Thursday about the current sports season and how COVID-19 protocols have effected the Fall Season. Then the conversation shifted to the new winter sports of Football and Soccer and what challenges the colder weather offer to our young athletes. Indeed, the colder weather of January and February will be something our young athletes will have to train and prepare for and Ian Swindler talked to WKEI about what our young athletes need to know about sports and cold weather.

CGH About Your Health by Regional Media

After having agreed to become a Henry County Polling Place for the November Presidential election, the owners of The Stables have now backed out of that agreement. Scott Packee, one of the owners of The Stables tells WKEI that the reason for backing out stemmed from a severe backlash that included threats of violence and vandalism against the owners and the venue. This came after the owners of The Stables had also agreed to help voters with transportation to the polling place and it leaves portions of Kewanee and Wethersfield scrambling for a polling place venue.

The latest recovery rate data from the Henry and Stark County Health Department has been released and their continues to be an issue with the number of people who are not reporting their symptom status to the Health Department. People are not required to report their symptom status but RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department tells WKEI it would be helpful in terms of tracking data regarding COVID-19 if more people did report their status. Also this morning, RaeAnn Tucker talked about the importance of getting a flu shot this year and mentioned that next month the Health Department will be conducting drive thru flu shot clinics in both, Henry and Stark County.

For the first time since March when COVID-19 forced so many places, including our local library to close, there are now Saturday hours at the Kewanee Public Library. Kewanee Public Library Director Barbara Love joined WKEI on Tuned In to talk about the effort that went into getting the Library ready to bring back Saturday hours. The Library is now open on Saturdays from 9 Am to 1 pm for anyone who would like to come to the library on the weekend. As always, masks are required and social distance should be maintained.

Quarter Madness is back! Or should we call it, Quarter-Less Madness? Quarter Madness has gone virtual with an all online event set for Sunday-Funday, October 11th from 1 Pm to 3 Pm. How the event will be streamed is still being determined but we do know that this years donations from local business owners may be more generous than any year before with so many chances for you to win something that you are going to adore. Get your paddles by going to KewaneeRotary.com or by getting in touch with Dianne Packee from Reiman's Harley Davidson.

Poor attention to aging infrastructure and poor choices in what we allow in our local water is leading us slowly toward a crisis of water quality. On the front line of that crisis and trying to warn us all is veteran muckraker and inspirational storyteller, Erin Brockovich. Brockovich's battle on behalf of people victimized by big corporations became an Oscar nominated tale in which Erin was played by Julia Roberts and became part of popular culture. Since then, Erin has used the spotlight on her from the movie to fight for those in need and now she's calling on you to stand up for yourself in the battle to keep our water safe and clean.

Community Garage Sale Days and Buffalo Burgers by Regional Media

Last night, Monday, September 21st, the Kewanee School Board met in person to discuss many topics. According to Dr Chris Sullens, Kewanee Schools Superintendent, the budget was the big topic which led the meeting but there were other items to discuss including several parents who spoke on behalf of returning their kids to school full time despite the risk of COVID-19. Dr Sullens described the conversation about the topic as reasonable and passionate but also polite. Other aspects of the budget including the building fund were discussed as well. We also discussed High School Sports, specifically, Girls Bowling, and so much more with Dr Chris Sullens on People to People.