Regional Media Podcast Network

The Henry County Farm Bureau is gearing up for a bustling season ahead, with several key events on the horizon. Katie Laleman recently shared updates on the Wake Up Tri-Counties program, highlighting the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Among the standout moments, Sadie Asher represented Illinois in the Excellence in Agriculture Award, impressing judges with her presentation and advancing as a top 10 finalist in the youth leader and ranchers category. Looking ahead, Laleman noted that February and March will be particularly active months for the bureau, with a full slate of community and agricultural initiatives planned.

Hammond-Henry Hospital is thrilled to introduce Dr. James Schrier as their newest general surgeon. Dr. Schrier, a board-certified surgeon, brings a wealth of expertise to the community, offering a wide range of surgical services, including appendectomy, breast cancer care, and robotic surgeries using the DaVinci system. With a strong educational background from the University of Iowa and extensive surgical experience, Dr. Schrier is set to enhance the hospital’s surgical offerings. Tune in to WKEI 1450 AM and 102.1 FM on Wednesday, February 5, for an in-depth discussion with Dr. Schrier about the surgical services available locally. For more information or to make an appointment, call 309.944.1595 (referrals are necessary to make an appointment).

RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Wear Red Day on February 7th, Heart Health Month in February, and the Smoke-Free Illinois Act. This Friday, February 7th, marks National Wear Red Day, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about women and heart disease. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside their First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, are joining forces with the American Heart Association to spotlight this critical issue.

This February marks American Heart Month, a crucial time to spotlight heart health and the dangers of tobacco use. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are emphasizing the link between smoking and cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death globally. Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Efforts are underway to enforce the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, which bans smoking, vaping, and e-cigarette use in public spaces and workplaces. This law aims to protect residents from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, responsible for over 41,000 deaths annually in the U.S. The Health Department urges compliance and education to combat these preventable risks.

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act requires that all business owners:

For more information about the Health Department’s Illinois Tobacco-Free activities or for “No Smoking” signs or window clings for your business, call 309-852-0197 Extension 249.

Sara Billiet joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming events at the Kewanee Public Library. Don't miss "Story Time" with Sara on the Kewanee Public Library Facebook page every Tuesday at 1 PM.  The Kewanee Public Library Information Services Department invites adults to a friendly and exciting puzzle exchange event. Scheduled for January 30th, between 2 pm and 4 pm, this event will take place in the 2nd Floor Community Room. Participants are encouraged to bring puzzles that are gently used to swap them for others.

Elementary students, it’s time to get crafty for Valentine’s Day! From February 5th to 7th at 3:30 PM, and again on February 8th, young crafters can learn to create hidden messages for friends and family. Meanwhile, on February 6th at 4 PM, the DIY Heart Hand-Warmer Craft will warm up winter hands with a fun sewing project. Book lovers in 4th-6th grades are wrapping up Where the Red Fern Grows with the Chapter Chasers Book Club on February 4th and 6th from 4 to 5 PM, and homeschooling families can bubble with excitement on February 6th at 2 PM with a bubblegum-making session. For tweens, coding returns on February 12th at 3:30 PM with instructor Andrew Mansheim. Youth aged 9 to 12 years old are invited to register in the 2nd Floor Youth Department or by calling 309-852-4505. Space will be limited.

Adults don’t miss the Lessons in Chemistry book club on February 17th at 2 PM and 6 PM and join us on February 22nd at 2 PM for a fascinating presentation on the real Laura Ingalls Wilder. Librarian Laura F. Keyes will be portraying Laura Ingalls Wilder. Ms. Keyes has been portraying historic women and lecturing on historic topics since 2008. (Due to the seriousness of the subject matter, this program is most appropriate for ages 10 and older).

Keep up-to-date with the Kewanee Public Library on their website or Facebook Page.

Sam Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about National Blood Donor Month and giveaways at the Kewanee High School Basketball game on January 31, 2025, for "Pack the Place." January is National Blood Donor Awareness Month. There are blood drives every other month at OSF Saint Luck Medical Center. The next blood drive is February 13, 2025, from 7 AM to 5 PM in the conference room on the main level of OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can make an appointment by calling Dawn Cerventez at the hospital at 309-852-7500, watching their Facebook page, or through Impact Life here.

RaeAnn Tucker joined Seth Parlier on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about what's happening with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments. January is National Birth Defects Month, and the 2025 theme is "Every Journey Matters." This nationwide initiative emphasizes making healthy choices to reduce the risks of birth defects. Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy are advised to take proactive steps such as consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, managing pre-pregnancy weight, and updating vaccinations to promote the birth of healthy babies. Every 4 ½ minutes, a birth defect occurs in the U.S., prompting local health officials to advocate for awareness and preventive practices.

First Choice Healthcare Clinics across Kewanee, Colona, Toulon, and Rock Island are making strides in community health through their comprehensive family planning services. These clinics provide crucial support, including annual physical exams featuring breast exams and pap smears, alongside contraceptive services and pregnancy testing. Designed to empower individuals to make informed health decisions, the clinics also assist in the early detection of other health issues, facilitating timely referrals to specialized care. Services are financially accessible, with a sliding fee scale for low-income families and available grant funds for eligible clients. To learn more or book an appointment, visit henrystarkhealth.com.

The Henry & Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare, are urging residents to stay proactive about their health as the infectious season may continue until May. They are offering Pfizer’s updated Covid-19 vaccines and seasonal flu shots for both adults and children over 6 months old at their clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. For COVID-19 vaccinations, appointments are necessary and can be made by contacting the nearest First Choice Healthcare clinic. Flu shots for adults are available on a walk-in basis, while children’s flu vaccinations require an appointment. The health departments also recommend regular hand washing, covering your nose and mouth when coughing, and staying home if sick to keep the community healthy during the festive season.

For more information, call the First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee at 309-852-5272; Colona at 309-792-4011; and Toulon at 309-852-3115, or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com; find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.

Russ joined Seth in the studio for The Boiler Shop to talk boys basketball. Tonight, January 31st, is "Pack the Place" at Kewanee High School. The Kewanee Boilermakers will face off against Princeton tonight at Brockman Gym. Freshman and sophomore games start at 5:30 PM, with the varsity game at 7 PM. Fan gear and raffle tickets will be available starting at 5 PM, courtesy of the Junior Class.

Third-grade students from Wethersfield Elementary School joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to bring "The Good News" about their favorite things to do. Killian, Ace, and David gave us "The Good News" on this Friday morning.