Regional Media Podcast Network

A senior at Kewanee High School and Life Scout, Garrett Komnick, is nearing the prestigious Eagle Scout rank by leading a beneficial initiative for his community. He has organized a shoe drive to support students within all Kewanee School Districts, emphasizing the need for youth shoe sizes that are most in demand. The project runs from December 26th through January 31st and invites the community to donate new or gently used shoes. Local businesses like BNB Printing and Union Federal are helping the cause by serving as collection points. Community members are encouraged to get involved by contacting Garrett or his father, Mike Komnick, to arrange donations. This project assists local students and exemplifies the spirit of community service fundamental to the Eagle Scout honor.

He is collecting athletic footwear for all ages, snow boots, and dress shoes for kids in fine arts studies at Kewanee High School. The biggest need is for sizes 6, 9, and 10 for girls and 8, 9, and 10 for boys in youth sizes. They will add additional sizes once they have collected enough youth sizes.

Watch Shoe Drive For Kewanee Schools – Garrett Komnick’s Eagle Scout Project for updates on drop box locations.

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about end-of-year activities at the Health Department and First Choice Healthcare Clinics, safe travel over the holidays, and holiday hours. 

The 15th Annual Bushels for Hunger campaign is in progress until January 31, 2025, aiming to combat hunger by supporting the River Bend Food Bank. Since 2010, over 1.6 million meals have been funded, totaling $324,626 in donations. Farmers are encouraged to donate at participating elevators. A workshop on stress management and mental health in agriculture is being held on January 17, 2025, from 8:30 to 10:00 in the morning at the Henry County Farm Bureau. Josie Rudolphi, an extension specialist from the University of Illinois, will present. The event is sponsored by the Henry County Farm Bureau Health and Safety Committee.

Henry County Farm Bureau is inviting first, second, and third graders to participate in a poster contest highlighting the importance of soil and agriculture. Students are encouraged to use crayons, markers, or pencils on white paper to express their views on gardening and plant growth. Entries must be submitted by February 14, 2025, to the Farm Bureau office on North Prospect Street, Cambridge. Prizes for winners include up to twenty dollars and a twenty-five dollar prize for teachers with winning entries.

Henry County Farm Bureau invites local 4th-grade students to participate in their 31st Annual T-Shirt Design Contest. This year's theme is 'Agriculture—Then & Now.' Students are encouraged to use crayons, markers, paint, or colored pencils to showcase how farming has evolved. Entries must be submitted by February 20, 2025. The winning design will be featured on t-shirts, and the victorious student's class will receive their own printed t-shirts.

Connie Johnson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about end-of-year activities in Cambridge and the beginning of 2025. Cambridge Fire and Ambulance is hosting a Rock 'n' Roll Bingo fundraiser on January 4, 2025. The Cambridge Community and Youth Center is holding a breakfast for a suggested donation on January 19, 2025, to benefit the Youth Center Camp Fund.

Trash collection days for Christmas and New Year's Week are Thursday, December 26th, 2024, and Thursday, January 2nd, 2025.

Russ Hughes joined host Seth Parlier on the Boiler Shop to talk about basketball and winter sports.

RaeAnn Tucker joined Seth on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the infectious season and how to avoid getting sick. As the holiday season approaches, flu and COVID-19 cases are on the rise, prompting health officials to urge the public to take necessary precautions. RaeAnn Tucker recently highlighted the importance of vaccinations, available at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. With the infectious season in full swing, maintaining hand hygiene is crucial. Tucker advises carrying hand sanitizer when a sink is unavailable and stresses the importance of avoiding gatherings if you're feeling unwell, particularly with a fever, to curb the spread of infections.

In Kewanee, OSF Saint Luke Medical Center is adapting to community needs by opening its clinic doors earlier, now welcoming patients starting at 7 AM. Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare discussed these new hours on Wake Up Tri-Counties, highlighting how the change aims to provide more flexible healthcare options. Additionally, with the holidays around the corner, Rux shared tips on maintaining healthy eating habits. She provided insights on crafting a healthier charcuterie board, mixing traditional flavors with nutritious choices, and ensuring festive gatherings can be both delightful and health-conscious.

Wethersfield Third Grade students joined Jennifer in the studio to bring the "Good News" about Christmas.