In this edition of the WVLI News Update, Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to deliver the latest headlines affecting Kankakee and Will Counties. The report covers a fatal shooting at a family gathering in Crete and provides an update on the court appearance for an Indiana woman facing multiple murder charges in Crete Township.

The update also details a new voluntary floodplain buyout program for Kankakee County residents following recent storm damage and an ongoing investigation into a staff member's conduct at Kankakee School District 111. Additional reports include the identification of skeletal remains found in Mokena, a cross-state police pursuit involving a burglary in Wheatfield, and a recent residential burglary in Bradley.

Stay tuned for the Notable Night Sky segment regarding this week’s lunar and planetary activity, followed by a comprehensive sports wrap-up covering the Cubs, White Sox, Illini, and local tournament results. Listen to the full episode for the complete details on these stories and more.

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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, guest host Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to bring you the latest headlines affecting Kankakee and the surrounding counties.

The update begins with a report from Kankakee City Police regarding a high-value residential theft on the city's west side and a separate drug arrest stemming from a routine traffic stop. In Will County, authorities are requesting public assistance in the search for a missing and endangered 27-year-old man last seen in Lockport.

Community coverage continues with an urgent call for volunteers and heavy equipment to assist with tornado cleanup in Newton County, Indiana, following the severe weather earlier this month. On the legislative side, we look at a new pilot program passed out of committee by State Representative Jason Bunting that aims to improve road safety with solar technology.

Additional stories include:

• A prestigious national fellowship awarded to Kankakee Community College President Dr. Michael Boyd.
• Essential safety warnings from the Illinois Secretary of State regarding a surge in text message scams.
• Details on an upcoming "No Kings" protest at the Kankakee County Courthouse.
• A guide to weekend activities, including events at the Strickler Planetarium and the Kankakee County Museum.

The episode concludes with a comprehensive sports report covering opening day results for the Cubs, White Sox, and Cardinals, as well as the latest updates on the Blackhawks, Bulls, and the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments.

For the full details on these stories and more, listen to the complete episode.

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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, Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to bring you the latest headlines from across the region. The update begins with a developing story regarding a fatal house fire in Crete Township that has claimed the lives of four individuals.

The broadcast also covers a severe weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service, with potential threats including large hail and tornadoes for areas south of I-80. Local law enforcement updates include a significant arrest in Momence on child pornography charges, the recovery of a stolen firearm in Kankakee, and new developments in the legal case involving a former Paxton-Buckley-Loda teacher.

Additional segments include:

• An assessment of extensive storm damage at Kankakee High School and throughout District 111.
• Details on the discovery of human remains by land surveyors in the Mokena and Minooka area.
• The postponement of Illinois Department of Insurance meetings due to weather conditions.
• Information on a vehicle fire at Olivet Nazarene University and a car crash into a residence in Crown Point.
• Important deadlines for the Village of Bradley property tax refund application.
• A recap of Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day and upcoming community events for Women’s History Month.
• A comprehensive sports report covering the Bulls, Blackhawks, NCAA Sweet 16, and MLB Opening Day.

For the full details on these stories and more, listen to the complete episode of the WVLI News Update.

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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, guest host Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to deliver the latest headlines affecting Kankakee and Will Counties. The update begins with a developing report on a triple homicide investigation in Crete Township, including details on the suspect currently in custody.

The episode also covers multiple law enforcement actions, including a firearm-related arrest on Kankakee’s south side and an investigation into shots fired on the city’s east side. Additionally, listeners will hear about a residential burglary in Bradley where surveillance footage led to a swift identification and booking.

Beyond local crime reports, this update highlights community initiatives and local achievements. Get the details on an upcoming holiday giveaway hosted by the Village of Bradley and learn how Kankakee County ranks statewide in several agricultural categories for National Agriculture Month. The segment concludes with a comprehensive look at the latest scores and upcoming schedules for the Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, and White Sox.

Listen to the full episode for complete details on these stories, including specific event times, locations, and investigative findings.

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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, Jake LaMore fills in for Rob West to bring you the latest developments from across the region. The episode begins with a significant update from the Will County Sheriff’s Office regarding a triple homicide investigation in Crete Township. We discuss the current status of the investigation, the upcoming autopsies, and the apprehension of a woman of interest in Indiana.

The update also covers the Kankakee County Board’s unanimous decision to extend the disaster emergency proclamation following the March 10th tornado. We look at the arrival of FEMA assessment teams and the specific financial thresholds necessary for federal aid.

Additionally, the program provides a report on the storm damage sustained by the Village of Bradley, including the impact on the local police and fire department vehicle fleets. Other stories in this update include:

• A gun-related arrest following a single-vehicle crash in Bourbonnais.
• The reasoning behind the Bradley American Legion Post 766 listing their building for sale.
• Details on a $1 million contract approved for alleyway repairs and drainage improvements in Bradley.
• A comprehensive look at local sports, including results for the Chicago Bulls, the Blackhawks, and spring training baseball.

For a full report on these local headlines and more, 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. 

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, Jake LaMore sits in for Rob West to deliver the latest breaking news and local reports for Kankakee and Will Counties. The report leads with developing details from the Will County Sheriff’s Office regarding a triple homicide in Crete Township. Deputies discovered three deceased adults during a welfare check early Monday morning. While one individual is in custody, authorities have provided specific details regarding the nature of the incident and the current status of the investigation.

The report also covers a significant narcotics arrest by Kankakee City Police involving the seizure of crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl during a traffic stop. Additionally, we provide critical updates for residents affected by recent storms, including new permit requirements for repairs in unincorporated Kankakee County and the potential extension of the disaster proclamation following the March 10 tornado.

Additional highlights include:

• Details on a residential fire investigation on North Harrison Avenue.
• A water rescue operation at Braidwood Cooling Lake.
• The Kankakee City Council's resolution to allocate $370,000 for street and sidewalk improvements.
• An explanation from the Kankakee Farmers Market committee regarding changes to the vendor selection process.
• Local community events, including the 10th annual Women United Breakfast.

The episode concludes with a tribute to a fallen Chicago firefighter, a notable night sky update from the Strickler Planetarium, and a comprehensive sports wrap-up featuring the Illinois Fighting Illini’s NCAA tournament progress.

For full details on these stories and the complete news coverage, listen to the full 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. 

Stay informed with the latest WVLI News Update hosted by Rob West. This episode provides a detailed look at the preliminary fiscal year 2025 financial report for Kankakee County, highlighting a significant shift in the general fund and the specific departments that contributed to the year-end results.

The report also covers essential community updates, including a change in garbage service fees for City of Kankakee residents and the upcoming timeline for local property tax bills. Listeners will find important information regarding funeral arrangements for a local pastor and details on how to participate in ongoing tornado recovery and cleanup efforts in Newton County.

Additionally, the update features a proposal from Visit Kankakee County regarding future tourism stability, as well as a breakdown of rising costs for upcoming holiday celebrations. The episode concludes with a comprehensive guide to weekend events—ranging from planetarium shows to local conventions—and a full sports report covering the NCAA tournament, Chicago professional teams, and NASCAR.

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

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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. 

Join Rob West for the Thursday edition of the WVLI News Update, providing essential coverage of the latest developments affecting Kankakee County and the surrounding regions.

Today’s report begins with details regarding a fatal accident involving a lift at a Kankakee church and an update from Sheriff Mike Downey on the conclusion of search and rescue efforts in Aroma Park following recent severe weather. The update also covers the Veterans Assistance Commission’s ongoing efforts to support displaced veterans and provide burial benefits for a local veteran lost in the storm.

In regional news, we examine the significant spike in gas prices across Illinois and Indiana, with local averages seeing a sharp increase in just 48 hours. The broadcast also details the arrest of a Frankfort man accused of making threats against Governor J.B. Pritzker and a Kankakee traffic stop that resulted in a firearm-related arrest.

Additional segments include:

• Damage assessments from Newton and Jasper counties following the March 10 tornado.
• Important public health information regarding free water testing for residents on private wells.
• A recap of the recent primary election, including voter turnout figures and the timeline for final results.
• A comprehensive sports report featuring the Bulls, Blackhawks, Spring Training baseball, and the start of the NCAA tournament as the Fighting Illini take the court.

For the full details on these headlines and comprehensive local reporting, 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. 

This edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West provides a comprehensive look at the results of the Illinois primary elections and ongoing recovery efforts following recent severe weather. The program covers key victories in the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races, alongside specific local board results and referenda outcomes in Iroquois County.

Listeners will also find important information regarding a significant overnight spike in gas prices across the Land of Lincoln and the neighboring Hoosier state. The update includes critical safety and recovery resources for residents affected by last week's storms, featuring guidance from Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey and local municipal leaders on reporting damage and avoiding home repair scams.

Additional segments highlight a new infrastructure project in Bourbonnais, local law enforcement investigations into a recent burglary and a shots-fired incident, and a full wrap-up of regional sports, including the latest from the Blackhawks, Bulls, and Spring Training baseball.

Listen to the full episode for specific election percentages, gas price averages by county, and detailed safety instructions from local authorities.

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 episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West provides essential information for Kankakee County residents regarding the current primary election, including polling place changes due to recent storm damage and party affiliation requirements.

The report also covers critical recovery efforts following the recent tornado. Listeners will hear details regarding the second round of debris pickup in Aroma Park, the specific categories for waste sorting, and the services available at the Multi-Agency Resource Center. Mayor Chris Curtis discusses the estimated financial impact of the storm and the steps being taken to secure emergency funding.

In addition to recovery news, the episode highlights local public safety initiatives, such as the Blue Envelope program in Manteno, and reports on recent law enforcement activity in Bradley and Kankakee. This news report concludes with a summary of new village ordinances and a brief look at regional sports scores.

For full details on these stories and specific contact information for county services, please 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.