Applications are going out this week to anyone who has voted in the last three elections or has updated their voter registration in the last three months will be receiving an application to receive a vote by mail ballot. The application must be filled out and returned to the Henry County Clerk's Office by September 24th in order to receive a vote by mail ballot. WKEI talked with Henry County Clerk Recorder Barb Link about Vote by Mail and how security for these votes is being assured.

Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined WKEI's People to People program on Wednesday with some big news from Monday's Galva City Council Meeting. It's now official, Anderson Family Coffee has purchased the Galva Operahouse and they have some big plans for the space. Mayor Volkert talked about the deal and the hard work that has gone into the sale of the Galva Opera House. Mayor Volkert also reminded residents that the Galva School Board Meeting to approve their Return to School Program will be tonight, Wednesday night, at 7 Pm, at the Galva Junior and Senior High School.

Shannon Ballageer, Manager of Nature's Treatment Milan and Galesburg. What you need to know when shopping for recreational marijuana at NTI.

The Kewanee City Council met on Monday night and approved everything that was on the agenda. This included a new ordinance that will allow for Beekeeping under specific circumstances, within the Kewanee City Limits. The Council also authorized a pricey street repair for the area of Mary and Hepner in Kewanee. Engineer Scott Hinton updated the Council on the pursuit of grants to build a bike path in Kewanee. And, the Kewanee City Council approved a pair of special use permits. You can hear all about last night's Kewanee City Council Meeting with Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore on People to People.

Kewanee Community Development Director Keith Edwards joined WKEI with details on R.A.P or the Resident Assistance Program. RAP is an initiative Keith and his department are launching to bring together volunteer groups with people in need. Many in Kewanee who receive notification of an ordinance violation are those who have, for various reasons, become unable to repair the issues from homes that need a coat of paint or mowing and weeding or beautification efforts. RAP will unite that person with volunteers who will help with these minor upkeep issues and beautify the community.

Festival 56 Production Artistic Director Tommy Iafrate visited with WZOE morning host Paul Bomleny recently on Wake Up Princeton. Iafrate, a professor in upstate New York, says he and the performers miss being able to make their annual trip to Princeton for the summer event.

He says they waited until the very last minute to cancel the season, even exploring options such as an abbreviated version or moving to later in the year, but in the end decided postponing the shows to 2021 was the best and safest route for their patrons and themselves.

Iafrate says those who have already purchased season tickets have the option of donating that money to Festival 56 or exchange them for tickets to future productions. He says it’s a difficult financial situation for the festival to be in, as their expenses continue even though they’re not putting on shows.

More information is available on their Facebook page and at festival56.com.

The Henry County Board Chairman Marshall Jones joined WKEI's People to People to discuss the Henry County Board Meeting on Thursday, July 24th. Among the topics was good news regarding staff and patients at Hillcrest Homes where there continues to be no signs of COVID-19. The staff are now preparing protocols to allow for visitors to see their loved ones again in-person. There are some improvements coming to the areas around the Henry County Courthouse with funds approved for repairs and hazard pay is coming to Henry County employees who have worked throughout the pandemic as essential employees.

Dr Cliff Martin, Vice President Chief Medical Officer serving OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, OSF Holy Family Medical Center, and OSF St. Mary Medical Center, joined WKEI for our Tuned In Program on Monday, July 27th. Today we talked about the growing number of symptoms of COVID-19 that people should be aware of. And, just how long does a COVID-19 infection last? We don't know how long yet, but what we learn about COVID improves everyday.

Cory Law WCHD by Regional Media

Have you been curious about CBD products? A safe way to investigate CBD products may be a CBD Soda. Backyard Sodas is a company owned by Jonathan Schultz. Our host had the opportunity to sample some of the CBD soda and gave it rave reviews. In this interview we discuss what goes into a CBD Soda, what effects the Soda is intended to achieve, beyond quenching thirst, and why CBD products like CBD Soda have become so popular in recent years.