Regional Media Podcast Network

RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about April events and designations as we close out the month. As April draws to a close, the Henry and Stark County Health Department is highlighting important programs supporting local families. This month is Global Child Nutrition Month, and the WIC Supplemental Food Program is in the spotlight, offering free groceries and nutrition guidance to mothers and children. With the new Illinois WIC EBT Card and expanded clinic hours, access is easier than ever for working families in Henry, Stark, Marshall, and Putnam counties. Health officials are also marking Child Abuse Prevention Month, donning blue and urging community action with the theme “It Takes a Village” to help end child abuse and promote healthier futures for children.

Russ Hughes teamed up with Jennifer Russell in the Sav-A-Lot Studio for the April 25th edition of The Boiler Shop on Wake Up Tri-Counties. The duo touched on highlights from local baseball, softball, and track teams, sharing updates and key performances from the field. Music lovers are in for a treat as the Kewanee Area Community Choir prepares to deliver its highly anticipated spring concert. Performances are scheduled for Sunday, April 27th, at 2 PM, at First United Methodist Church and again on Tuesday, April 29th, at 5:30 PM, at the Kewanee Senior Center. Audiences can expect an engaging variety of hits from beloved musicals, including Annie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Pocahontas, and Gypsy. Whether you’re a Broadway fan or new to musical theater, these concerts promise uplifting melodies and community spirit.

Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about events happening at the Kewanee Public Library in May.  This May, the Kewanee Public Library is buzzing with activity for all ages. Cinema at the Carnegie features “Wicked” with screenings on April 29th, complete with refreshments and an intermission. Readers of all ages can gear up for the 2025 Summer Reading Program—“Level Up at Your Library!”—which offers prizes and special events. Homeschoolers can enjoy a hands-on project with The Garden Club on May 15th, and young adult homeschoolers are invited to share their hobbies at the Hobby Hangout on April 29th. Don’t miss the library’s 150th Birthday Celebration Block Party on May 17th, packed with music, crafts, treats, and family fun.

Elder financial fraud cost victims more than $3.4 billion in 2023, according to the FBI. State Senator Steve Stadelman is pushing for tougher safeguards to protect older adults from financial exploitation. Senate Bill 1551, which passed the Senate on April 10th, would empower financial advisors to pause transactions they suspect may involve elder fraud. The proposed law also requires these professionals to report suspected cases to state authorities and grants them legal protection when acting in good faith. Stadelman emphasizes that these new tools are vital, as most seniors never recover lost savings after being targeted by scammers.

“Fewer than 5% of elder financial abuse victims recover their lost savings,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Allowing financial professionals the ability to pause suspicious transactions can be a big safeguard, protecting seniors and their life savings while concerns are being looked into.”

“This bill gives trusted professionals the tools and responsibility to speak up when something seems off,” said Stadelman. “We need to protect our most at-risk residents from bad actors, especially when it comes to their financial situation.”

Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss upcoming OSF HealthCare events. OSF HealthCare Saint Luke is spotlighting its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, recognizing their invaluable service throughout the hospital. Opportunities to volunteer range from assisting at the front desk to helping as transporters, with recruits always welcome. Those interested can call 309-852-7500 or visit the hospital’s website to apply online. In addition, OSF Saint Luke will host a flag-raising ceremony at 9 AM on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to honor blood and tissue donors as part of Organ Donor Awareness Month. The community is invited to participate and show support for donors who save lives.

Raeann Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments to discuss what is happening in April at the health departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are spearheading efforts for healthier communities in alignment with National Public Health Week. Throughout April, affordable General Health/Thyroid Panel Blood Tests, featuring a complete cholesterol panel, are available for $50. Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon operate on a first-come, first-served basis, encouraging residents to make appointments. Additionally, National Infant Immunization Week highlights the critical role of vaccines in protecting children under two from preventable diseases. Vaccines have significantly reduced infant mortality, with the measles vaccine alone saving nearly 94 million lives since 1974.

Russ Hughes joined Jennifer Russell in the Sav-A-Lot Studio for the April 18, 2025, edition of The Boiler Shop on Wake Up Tri-Counties. Russ talked about baseball, softball, and track