Regional Media Podcast Network

In its 15th year, the Bushels for Hunger Grain Drive continues to make significant impacts in fighting hunger. Farmers across Mercer, Henry, and Rock Island are donating portions of their harvests—corn, grain, and soybeans—to aid the River Bend Food Bank. Over the years, their generosity has translated into more than 1.6 million meals, with contributions amounting to approximately $324,000. The drive will conclude at the end of January 2025, and a press conference is slated to announce this year's total contributions. In addition to grain donations, monetary contributions are also welcomed to further bolster the food bank's resources. These efforts showcase the community's enduring commitment to supporting those in need.

The Annual Farm Bureau meeting is on December 7, 2024, in Chicago and will feature a young leader from Henry County, Sadie Asher, who was named the Excellence in Agriculture Award. There will be a holiday wreath decorating class on December 19th, from 6 to 77:30 PM, at the Farm Bureau Office in Cambridge. Call the Henry County Farm Bureau at 309-937-2411 to get signed up. Watch for updates on their Facebook page.

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Seth Parlier on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about food safety on Thanksgiving, Lung Cancer Awareness, and vaping, which has been added to the Smoke-Free Illinois Act. The Henry and Stark County Health Department will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. Both the health department offices and the First Choice Healthcare Clinics located in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon will not be operational on November 28th and 29th. While the offices are closed, limited home services will still be available to provide essential in-home care. Residents in need of assistance during this period can still contact their nearest clinic for support.

Dave Clarke and Dean Kauau joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for a Way Back Wednesday edition of Kewanee Back When about Walter T. Bailey and his architectural creations around our area and afar from Dean Karau's new book on Walter Thomas Bailey. Walter Bailey was the first African-American to graduate from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering and the first African-American licensed architect in Illinois. 

Walter Bailey was born in Kewanee on January 11, 1882, and died in Chicago on February 21, 1941. Listen to Dave and Dean talk about Walter Bailey, and find a profile on Walter Bailey here from Kewanee History. 

President Amron Buchanan and Vice President Ken Knowles joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Good Fellow Christmas Baskets. Amron and Ken said they have enough volunteers but are in dire need of donations. The food bill was $36,000 last year, and they estimate they will need around $40,000 in 2024.

100% of your donation is spent in Kewanee and delivered to Kewanee residents. The Gordon Vickrey Memorial Food Drive is from December 2nd to 19th at all Kewanee Schools, Visitation, and Wethersfield Schools to help Good Fellows meet the need for a Christmas meal for Kewanee Residents. The classroom that collects the most canned goods or non-perishable food items will win a pizza party sponsored by The Key Club.

You can still donate through PayPal, Venmo, or mail a donation to Good Fellows Christmas Baskets Club, PO Box 5, Kewanee, IL 61443.

In a recent initiative by the Henry County and Stark County Health Departments in Illinois, 21 individuals underwent Lyme Disease screenings and testing, an effort highlighted by State Representative Dan Swanson on the Illinois House floor. This proactive health measure, usually conducted under specific systemic reasons, aims to enhance local health responses and awareness. Swanson, who was among those tested, shared his experience to underline the significance of such programs, revealing a direct link between his own health concerns and his service in Iraq. The representative also noted alarming statistics, stating that over 40% of ticks in Illinois carry Lyme Disease, shedding light on the broader implications of vector-borne diseases in the region.

Wethersfield Third Grade students joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to bring some Good News this Friday morning. Quinn Lempke, Bexley Crabtree, and Brooklynn Sturtevant joined Jennifer in the studio to talk about Thanksgiving and what they are grateful for. 

In the heart of Kewanee and Princeton, the holiday spirit merges with community support through various initiatives led by OSF Healthcare. This season, both towns are engaging in activities like recycling Christmas lights and running a winter accessory drive to collect items for children, excluding coats, until November 22nd. Additionally, festive events are enhancing the community spirit; Sam's workshop is set for December 7th in Princeton, and Cathy is spearheading the "Tree of Lights" project. Here, community members can honor loved ones with stars that contribute to raising funds for essential medical equipment, which has amassed $128,000 since 1990. You can buy a $10 or $100 star in memory of someone who has passed.