Regional Media Podcast Network

Todd DeDecker with the Bishop Hill Heritage Association joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the 2025 Julmarknad, or Swedish Christmas Market, beginning on November 28th. Bishop Hill is gearing up for its annual Julmarknad Christmas Market, a vibrant celebration of Swedish culture scheduled across five festive days: November 28th, 29th, and 30th, and December 6th and 7th. Note: Saturday, November 29th, events may be rescheduled due to severe winter weather in the forecast. From Scandinavian folk characters and traditional cookie walks to Dala horse crafting and Swedish music concerts, the village is set to transform into a holiday destination for all ages. Shoppers will find unique handmade gifts, while children can enjoy model railroads and interactive workshops. Special events, including book signings, take place at sites like the Colony School and Vasa National Archives. Full event details are available at visitbishophill.com. The market runs from 10 AM to 4 PM on November 28th, November 29th, and December 6th. On November 30th and December 7th, doors open an hour later at 11 AM, closing at 4 PM each day.

Eddie Toliver from the Kewanee Salvation Army and Marty Medley from the Kewanee Elks Lodge #724 joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the functions of the Salvation Army and the Elks Lodge within the Kewanee community.

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is in full swing, and community partners like the Elks Club are stepping up with grant support and volunteers.  The Kewanee Elks Lodge presented the Kewanee Salvation Army with a $2,000 check to help bridge the gap from grants this year. The Red Kettle campaign, angel trees, and a variety of grants aim to provide food, gifts, and assistance for those in need. This year’s theme is "Give with Joy," but organizers say grants are down 50% and the need is greater than ever. Innovative giving options, like the “tip tap” contactless kettle and sponsorship packages, are now available. Volunteers for bell ringing are needed—just one hour can help. Applications for Angel Tree support are extended through November 25th.

The registration deadline for the Angel Tree program has been extended to November 25th at the Kewanee Salvation Army. Families with children ages one to thirteen who need holiday assistance can apply online or visit the Salvation Army Store on North Tremont Street. Required documents include a medical card, a valid ID, and proof of current address. The Angel Tree program, in partnership with Patchy’s Red, White, and Blue Christmas Toy Drive, aims to ensure local children in need receive gifts this season. Early angel tags are available for pickup, allowing shoppers to participate before tags appear at Kewanee Wal-Mart.

The Kewanee Elks Lodge is making a significant impact in the community through the Elks National Foundation’s Community Investments Program. As this year’s grants coordinator, Marty Medley, reports, the local lodge has secured $9,000 in grant funding, which is being distributed to vital local initiatives. The Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family holiday meal program will receive support for both Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Additional grants are assisting the Goodfellas Christmas baskets, United Way’s Shoes for Kids, the Kewanee High School pantry, the Kewanee Food Pantry, and Freedom House, to name a few. Elks members aren’t just donating funds—they’re directly involved in delivering meals, fitting shoes, and supporting distribution efforts throughout Kewanee. Want to join the 250 local members in Kewanee? The local Elks Lodge is actively seeking new members and welcomes anyone interested to join their efforts in supporting the community. Most membership dues stay with the local lodge, and a portion supports national initiatives. If you’re interested in signing up, you can call 309-852-2797 and leave a message; the team will respond with information and an application. The Elks Lodge is known for giving back to the community through various charitable efforts and is eager to have more people involved in their projects and events.

Local Salvation Army fundraising is facing a significant challenge this year, with grants down by 50% compared to last year. The annual goal this season is $36,000 to bridge the gap from grants, which are crucial to sustaining vital housing and utility assistance programs for the community. Organizers are urging residents to give with joy, emphasizing that all money raised stays local. Multiple giving options are available, including the new “tip tap”—a contactless card donation method. Unique kettle challenges, like Bears vs. Packers and Police vs. Fire, add a competitive spirit. Volunteers are also needed, with just one-hour shifts making it easier than ever to help.

Shoppers will spot the iconic red kettles at Walmart, Farm King, Walgreens, and Save A Lot, where volunteers collect donations. This year brings added excitement, with local groups facing off in friendly kettle challenges and special themed events. The football rivalry kicked off the season on November 22nd, at the Bears vs. Packers Challenge. Organizers are calling for volunteers to help keep the festivities running smoothly. Interested individuals can sign up by calling 309-853-4192, emailing [email protected], or visiting RegisterToRing.com. The event promises lively spirit, friendly competition, and plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors. Mark your calendars and consider lending a hand to support your local community during this exciting day of football fun. On December 5th, it's police vs. fire; on December 6th, it's Santa vs. the Grinch; on December 13th, it's the Commanders Red Kettle Challenge.

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Public Health Thank You Week, Turkey Tactics, National Care At Home Month, the blood test food drive, and Thanksgiving office closures. Health services in Henry and Stark counties will pause for Thanksgiving, as all Health Department offices and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon close on November 27th and 28th. Limited home services staff remain available for essential home care needs. Residents can call each clinic directly or visit henrystarkhealth.com for additional details and updates. Social media accounts also provide daily information. November is National Care at Home Month, shining a spotlight on caregivers and home care assistants across Henry, Stark, and Bureau Counties. The Henry and Stark Health Department’s Home Services Division offers meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, and personal care to support independence and comfort for those recovering from illness or needing extra help. For personalized care at home, call 309-852-0492 or visit henrystarkhealth.com. National Public Health Thank You Day is set for November 24th, 2025. This day recognizes the dedication of public health professionals, from nurses to preparedness planners, who work year-round to keep communities safe and healthy.

Gwen Murphy has set a new milestone in the United Way’s annual Jail and Bail fundraiser by bringing in $1,289, shattering previous records, which organizers say hovered around $300 to $400. The event, which took a new mobile format this year, raised a total of $4,900 for United Way, supporting 15 local non-profits and community impact projects such as Shoes for Kids, food assistance, and shelter programs. Both Gwen’s enthusiasm and the community’s generosity are being praised, with organizers hinting at more competition—and possibly even some extra rewards—for next year’s participants. Linda Blair said, "She was really inspirational in this campaign. We really, really appreciate it. I don't think any of us thought it would be anywhere near this successful."

Nat Smith said, "Tami and I were able to come up with a kind of a different format, and we were able to take the jail on the road so people didn't have to be away from their jobs very long. I think it allowed us to capture a few people that otherwise we would not have been able to get for volunteering."

In 2025, the Kewanee Area United Way will fund 15 local agencies offering vital support for residents of Stark and Henry Counties. Services span mental health counseling, elder care, housing, food assistance, tutoring, and programs for veterans, youth, and families. Notable organizations include Abilities Plus for individuals with disabilities, ABCD’s after-school initiative, Freedom House for domestic violence support, and the Kewanee Food Pantry. The Henry County Youth Services Bureau and Sunshine Community Services Center focus on empowering and mentoring children. These agencies rely on community support, ensuring essential resources are accessible for neighbors in need throughout Kewanee and the surrounding areas. Find the full list of agencies here.

The Kewanee Area United Way continues its long-standing mission to enhance the quality of life in Henry and Stark Counties, supporting health, education, and financial stability for residents. “The mission of the Kewanee Area United Way is to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another.” Their newest initiative, Shoes for Kids, began in 2024, providing much-needed footwear to students in the Kewanee Area School Systems, with plans to expand the program into 2025. Each year, the board selects nonprofit partners dedicated to essential community services. Residents are encouraged to show support through donations or volunteering on the Board of Directors. For more information or to get involved, visit the KAUW website, email [email protected], or call 309-761-8447.

Cassandra Schmoll joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Senior Center Cookie Fundraiser, Medicare Part D open enrollment, 2026 trips, home-delivered meals, weekly lunch, Tuesday dinner, and Cinnamon Roll Fridays. Enrollment for Medicare Part D is underway at the Henry County Senior Center, with the deadline coming up on December 7th. Staff are on hand to help residents compare plans—just bring your list of prescriptions for a free review that could save you money. The Senior Center is also launching a cookie kit fundraiser to support its home-delivered meal program; orders are open to all ages and needed by December 5th. Upcoming events for 2026 include trips to the Parade of Nations, Mount Rushmore, Mackinac Island, and Branson. For meals and more, call 309-853-8831.

The Henry County Senior Citizens Center in Kewanee offers lunch at the center and delivers lunch to people in Henry County who are unable to leave their homes. The local community center offers nutritious lunches every weekday and a hearty supper on Tuesday evenings, with a modest suggested donation making it accessible to everyone over 60. Friday mornings feature homemade cinnamon rolls and coffee, creating a cozy start to the day. Beyond these gatherings, the program extends its reach with home-delivered meals, ensuring that seniors in Geneseo, Atkinson, Annawan, Cambridge, Orion, Kewanee, and Galva are not left out. For more details or to contribute to this cause, community members are encouraged to reach out to the center at 309-853-8831. They release a monthly menu on their Facebook and web pages.

A suggested donation for the weekday noon lunch is $3.75, for the Tuesday night supper at 5 PM is $4.75, for Friday morning cinnamon rolls from 8 to 10:30 AM is $1, and for the meal delivery service is $4.

A big fundraiser for the year for the Henry County Senior Citizens Center is underway, offering Christmas cookie decoration kits for $15 each. Each kit features a dozen cut-out cookies, three colorful frosting varieties, and an assortment of sprinkles, perfect for seasonal creativity. Orders are being accepted now through December 5th, with a scheduled pickup date of December 22nd, between 8 AM and 2 PM. Supporters are encouraged to participate and spread holiday cheer while contributing to a good cause. Organizers note that quantities are limited, so early reservations are recommended. Whether gifting to friends or enjoying at home, the kits promise fun and flavor for all ages. Contact the senior center at 309-853-8831 to order or for more information.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period kicks off on October 15, 2025, offering a chance for Medicare recipients and those soon eligible to review and update their coverage. Everyone is encouraged to assess their Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans to ensure the best fit for their healthcare needs. The Henry County Senior Citizens organization is providing free assistance to help individuals navigate their policy choices and select the most suitable Medicare Part D plan. Appointments can be made by calling 309-853-8831, but availability is limited as slots are filling quickly. Don’t miss out on this essential opportunity.