WVLI News Update

This edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers a range of legal, civic, and community developments affecting the Kankakee and Iroquois County areas.

The update begins with the latest from the 21st Judicial Circuit, where a trial date has been established for a former Iroquois County official facing multiple felony charges, including official misconduct and theft. The report outlines the judicial assignments and the timeline for the upcoming legal proceedings.

In local leadership news, Visit Kankakee County has officially named its new Executive Director. The board’s decision marks a transition for the local convention and visitors bureau as it seeks to highlight the region's unique assets.

The broadcast also includes:

• Reports on recent law enforcement activity on Kankakee’s east side, involving a residential burglary and a weapons-related investigation.
• An update from Herscher Community Unit School District 2 regarding an evacuation protocol following a reported safety concern on campus.
• Crucial information from the Kankakee County Clerk’s Office regarding staffing needs for the upcoming March primary election.
• National warnings regarding financial scams and a look at unique seasonal events.

The episode concludes with a comprehensive look at weekend community events and an update on local and professional sports, including the latest on the Fighting Illini and the start of spring training for Chicago baseball.

Listen to the full episode for detailed reporting on these stories and more.

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Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West provides comprehensive coverage of several developing stories across Kankakee and Jasper Counties.

The update begins with the latest details from a detention hearing regarding the recent homicide in rural Momence. The program examines the evidence presented by the state's attorney’s office and the specific alibi offered by the defense. Listen to the full report to hear the judge's ruling on the suspect's detention and the potential sentencing being sought.

The news continues with a report on a high-speed police pursuit in Jasper County that exceeded speeds of 100 miles per hour. The broadcast outlines the events leading up to the chase and the specific charges filed following the incident's conclusion.

In local government, the Kankakee County Board’s Criminal Justice Committee discusses a proposed $6 million renovation for the courthouse. Chief Judge Bill Dickinson provides an update on the feedback from the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts. Additionally, Sheriff Mike Downey addresses ongoing challenges regarding the SAFE-T Act and its impact on inmate rehabilitation services at the Jerome Combs Detention Center.

This episode also features:

• A tribute to a dedicated Watseka firefighter following a courageous health battle.
• Information on the 2026 Women United Breakfast and how the community can participate.
• Details on a secret food pantry pop-up event scheduled for the Village of Bourbonnais.
• A look at new rankings for the best states for singles, including where Illinois and Indiana stand.

Join Rob West for these stories and more to stay informed on the events shaping your community.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

This edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West provides comprehensive coverage of the most pressing stories impacting Kankakee and Iroquois counties.

The update begins with the latest developments in the Kankakee County Court regarding the murder of a Momence business owner. Rob West details the specific charges filed by the State’s Attorney’s Office and the potential sentencing local authorities are seeking.

In local law enforcement news, the report covers a significant drug arrest following a traffic stop in Kankakee, a stolen vehicle recovery involving the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force, and a high-speed pursuit that led to an arrest and an officer injury in Lake County, Indiana. Additionally, the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office provides a Crime Stoppers tip regarding a recent burglary in Bonfield.

The program also examines local government and community services, including:

• 2-1-1 Day: A look at the impact of the United Way helpline and the challenges facing social services in the region.
• Iroquois County Board: Details on the approval of the Lewis Creek and Two Roads solar projects and the board's concerns regarding state law and agricultural land.
• Kankakee County Board: An explanation of recent votes regarding tax abatements and environmental health service fees.

Finally, stay tuned for a breakdown of Valentine's Day consumer trends and a full sports report featuring the Fighting Illini, the Chicago Bulls, and the start of MLB Spring Training for both the Cubs and the White Sox.

Listen to the full episode for complete details, official statements, and in-depth reporting on these stories.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers a series of developing stories affecting Kankakee, Bradley, and the surrounding Will County area. The update begins with details regarding a weekend arrest in Kankakee following a dispute between neighbors involving a firearm and an early morning fire that caused damage to a local wine bar in Manhattan.

Local development takes center stage as official plans are shared for a new 7-Brew drive-thru coffee stand in Bradley. Listeners will hear the specific location and the projected opening date for the franchise. Additionally, the episode provides a breakdown of the Village of Bradley’s 2025 financial audit, highlighting the current state of the general fund and local pensions.

The report also includes:

• Details on a drug-related arrest involving a delivery service incident from late last year.
• A summary of a fatal two-vehicle collision in Jasper County, Indiana.
• Updates on the appointment of a new Village Administrator in Elwood.
• Governor J.B. Pritzker’s latest comments on state incentives for a potential Chicago Bears stadium.
• A look at the Route 66 Centennial celebrations and grant funding for Illinois tourism.

The update concludes with the latest in regional sports, including the Bulls' recent performance and the start of spring training for Chicago baseball. Listen to the full episode for the complete details on these stories and more.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In today’s WVLI News Update with Rob West, we cover several developing legal stories and significant local infrastructure advancements across the region.

The program begins with an update on a high-profile case involving a former Gibson City Melvin Sibley educator. Court records indicate a major shift in the legal proceedings following an investigation that originated last March. Meanwhile, in Jasper County, authorities have detailed a sophisticated attempt to smuggle contraband into the county jail and the subsequent recovery of evidence related to a separate burglary.

In Kankakee County, a jury has reached a verdict in a weapons case involving a local resident, while city officials move forward with two major community enhancements. Learn about the latest funding milestones for the Riverfront Trail project near Fisherman’s Park and the upcoming bidding process for the Harbor House Emergency Homeless Shelter expansion.

Finally, the report addresses a specific "illness" impacting national productivity today and provides a comprehensive look at the Seahawks’ latest victory and the upcoming schedule for the Bulls, Blackhawks, and Fighting Illini.

Listen to the full episode for in-depth reporting and specific details on these stories.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West provides essential updates on local legal proceedings, community safety, and upcoming weekend events across Kankakee County.

The episode begins with the details of a major conviction following a 2022 shooting incident in Kankakee. Listen to find out the specific charges filed by the State’s Attorney and the significant prison sentence the defendant now faces. In a separate law enforcement update, several juveniles were recently apprehended during an early morning traffic stop—find out what authorities discovered in the vehicle that led to multiple arrests.

As we head into Super Bowl 60 weekend, the Kankakee County Sheriff's Department joins the episode to share a vital message regarding road safety and responsible celebration. Plus, get the latest information on early voting for the upcoming March primary, including where to find specimen ballots and what documentation you might need before heading to the polls.

Other highlights from this episode include:

• The status of a controversial education bill in the Indiana legislature.
• An unusual incident involving a crossbow on North Hobbie Avenue.
• Reports of a physical altercation in Pembroke Township.
• A guide to family-friendly weekend activities, from planetarium shows to local community celebrations.
• A full sports update featuring the Bulls, Blackhawks, and the start of the Winter Olympics in Italy.

Hear the full stories and stay informed on everything happening in your community by listening to the complete episode.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers several significant legal and community developments across the Kankakee and Will County areas. The program begins with a major update on the investigation into the homicide of a Momence woman, as the suspect in custody faces extradition proceedings following his arrest in Indiana.

The report also details serious charges filed against a Manhattan man involving multiple counts of unauthorized videotaping. In local government news, the Kankakee City Council has moved forward with a resolution regarding the hydroelectric plant and necessary environmental protections for the river's ecosystem.

Additional segments cover a range of regional law enforcement activity, including an arrest for a false police report in Bradley, a stolen vehicle recovery, and a violent confrontation in Jasper County that resulted in injuries to a deputy. The update concludes with a look at upcoming Super Bowl safety reminders and a comprehensive roundup of local and national sports scores, from the NHL and NBA to collegiate basketball.

Listen to the full episode for the complete details on these developing stories.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

This edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers critical public safety developments and economic news across Kankakee County. We begin with an update from Sheriff Mike Downey regarding a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the fatal shooting at a bar in Momence. The report includes details on the suspect’s apprehension in Indiana and the legal steps required for extradition back to Illinois.

In other local news, Bradley Police are investigating an early morning robbery, and the Manteno Village Board recently reached a decision regarding a proposed wine and whiskey bar that has sparked debate among trustees.

The episode also highlights positive community milestones, including:

• The release of the 2026 Countywide Market Profile by the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, detailing regional growth and employment advantages.
• A special recognition for the Kankakee Fire Department C-shift and a KANCOMM telecommunicator for their heroic actions during a residential fire.
• The return of a popular cultural event at the Kankakee Public Library in celebration of Black History Month.
• National health news regarding hypertension trends and a full rundown of local sports, including updates on the Bulls, Blackhawks, and the upcoming Super Bowl 60.

Listen to the full episode for in-depth reporting on these stories and more from across the region.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial. 

In this special edition of the WVLI News Update, Jake LaMore provides an in-depth report on the homicide of 30-year-old Courtney M. Drysdale.

Following a press conference held by the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, we hear directly from Sheriff Mike Downey regarding the investigation into the fatal shooting at "The Line," a bar on Illinois Route 114 near the Indiana state line.

This episode features the full briefing from the Sheriff, including:

• Details on the suspect, described as a Black male with eyeglasses and facial hair.
• The description of the vehicle of interest: a white four-door BMW sedan with a sunroof and dark rims, last seen traveling east toward Indiana.
• Information on the $5,000 cash reward being offered by Kankakee County CrimeStoppers.
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• The collaborative efforts of the Momence Police Department, Illinois State Police, and local investigators.

If you have any information regarding this case:

• Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office: 815-802-7150
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• CrimeStoppers (Anonymous): 815-93-CRIME (815-932-7463)
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Stay informed with the latest local news by subscribing to the WVLI News Update on your favorite podcast platform or at wvli927.com.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Rob West covers a series of critical developments impacting Kankakee County and the surrounding areas. The program begins with a somber report from the Kankakee County Sheriff's Police regarding a homicide investigation in rural Momence following the discovery of a 30-year-old woman at a local establishment.

The update also dives into recent local government decisions, including a newly approved four-year contract for Bourbonnais patrol officers that introduces specific wage increases and changes to lateral hiring practices. Listeners will also hear about a significant national recognition for the Kankakee River Valley Regatta and an unexpected multi-year commitment from the American Powerboat Association that secures the area's status as a racing destination through 2029.

The episode further details:

• A physical altercation involving multiple inmates at the Will County Adult Detention Facility.
• Public testimony in Bourbonnais regarding proposed ordinances on federal enforcement activities and village property.
• The specific hurdles facing the construction of the new Quick Trip gas station near I-57.
• A weekend shooting incident in Kankakee that led to an arrest and the recovery of a stolen firearm.
• Regional traffic incidents and a comprehensive look at the upcoming sports schedule, including a Super Bowl 60 preview and Spring Training countdowns.

For the full details on these stories, including specific statements from local officials and law enforcement, listen to the complete episode.

Have a news tip to share? Send us a text!

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

The voices you trust, beyond the dial.