Regional Media Podcast Network

It was another successful year for Good Fellows Baskets at Christmas. The goal of the Good Fellows Christmas Basket program is to make sure no one in Kewanee goes hungry at Christmas. It was another great year for the volunteer efforts of students from Kewanee, Wethersfield, and Visitation, who collected can goods for the baskets and pitched in to help sort the baskets and fill them up to be delivered to families in need just before Christmas. President Amron Buchanan joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to look back at the 2024 Good Fellows Christmas Basket deliveries. Good Fellows delivered 860 food baskets in 2024, which served 2,101 people, and the bill was $35,500. In 2023, Good Fellows delivered 890 baskets, which served 2,417 people, and the bill was $34,000. Mary Simaytis took around 1,000 phone calls for baskets in 2024. Good Fellows received $1,090.24 from Save-A-Lot's "Round Up Program." in December. "We are so thankful for Brad, Everett and the folks at Save-A-Lot for providing the lowest prices possible for the Good Fellows grocery bill and always giving back to the community!"

Meanwhile, donations to help continue the tradition of Goodfellows Christmas Baskets are always being accepted and are always needed so that they can make sure that all the baskets are full. Donations can be mailed to Goodfellows at P.O Box 5 Kewanee, IL, 61443.

A fun little fact: Amron said they told the kids to weigh each size box just to see how much they weighed; the small boxes weigh 28 pounds, the medium boxes weigh 49 pounds, and the large boxes weigh 78 pounds.

The Good Fellows Board of Directors will meet in April to start planning and fundraising for the Christmas 2025 deliveries. Meet the Good Fellows Board of Directors: Amron Buchanan (President), Ken Knowles (Vice President), Teresa Bryner (Secretary), Heidi Abernathy, Danielle Arch, Greg Christakos, Lori Christiansen, Steve Looney, Amy Miler, Gary Montooth, Diane Ruzas, Jessica Seiden, Mary Samaytis, Cassie Stout, Jennifer Vickery, and Chad Young.

Wethersfield 3rd Grade students, Kennedy and Maely, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to bring The Good News on Friday mornings. Kennedy and Maely gave tips on staying warm and safe in the winter when outside, such as during recess at school. 

In an exciting development for local education, the Kewanee Schools Foundation is gearing up for a series of impactful events and initiatives. Dr. Johnson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to highlight the foundation's commitment to supporting students, mentioning the introduction of the Care Closet Fund. This initiative provides principals with resources to meet students' basic needs, ensuring they can focus on learning. Furthermore, the foundation is preparing to award over $150,000 in scholarships for the class of 2025. The Kewanee Schools Foundation is holding a follow-up workshop to assist graduating students with applying for scholarships. Find out more about their scholarships here.

Community members are also looking forward to the "Disney"-themed band concert and a major fundraiser themed "An Evening with The Great Gatsby" at the Midland Golf Club on April 12, 2025. The event aims to raise $25,000 for a new outdoor fitness court and other vital projects. For more details or to contribute, visit their website or Facebook Page, contact the foundation at 309-856-8702, or their office at 1001 N. Main Street, Kewanee, IL 61443.

OSF Healthcare is reintroducing mandatory mask protocols for all mission partners amid a surge in respiratory illnesses. This measure aims to safeguard patients and healthcare staff as instances of respiratory infections climb. OSF facilities are also encouraging visitors to wear masks. Despite restrictions, OSF is making exceptions for end-of-life visitations, highlighting the importance of support for patients. OSF St. Luke in Kewanee reports a spike in demand for COVID testing, directing individuals to specific testing areas behind the hospital. Additionally, OSF suggests discussing manageable health resolutions with primary care providers to ensure a healthier new year.

In the heart of winter, the Henry and Stark County health departments are gearing up to tackle the season's health challenges. With January being National Radon Action Month in Illinois, officials highlight the dangers of radon, a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Concurrently, the region is experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses, including flu, RSV, COVID-19, and pneumonia. In response, vaccines are now readily available at all First Choice locations to combat these infections. Additionally, starting January 13th, Toulon will boost its healthcare services by providing a medical provider five days a week to cater to the community's needs.

RaeAnn Tucker of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments offers crucial advice for staying safe during the colder months. As winter sets in, Tucker emphasizes the significance of being prepared for severe weather conditions. She suggests equipping vehicles with essential items like blankets, a flashlight, and some food. Additionally, Tucker highlights the dangers of carbon monoxide, advising residents to install detectors to prevent poisoning from heating sources. She also warns about the potential for sunburn from reflection off the snow, suggesting skin, lip, and eye protection. Being aware of hypothermia and frostbite signs is also vital for safety.