Regional Media Podcast Network

Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming Kiwanis Pancake Day fundraiser. The Kiwanis Pancake Day fundraiser returns for its 75th year on Saturday, April 11th, at the First United Methodist Church from 7 AM to 1 PM. The event offers all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage for $10 per adult, with free meals available for kids under six years of age. Attendees can dine in, carry out, or use the drive-through option, with clear signs and pancake-themed helpers guiding the way. Highlights include a magician performing table magic from 9 to 11 AM and special birthday cake toppings to celebrate the milestone anniversary. Proceeds support Kiwanis youth leadership programs.

RaeAnn joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Public Health Week, sharps disposal, the April outreach event, the April lab special, and insurance navigators. Henry and Stark County Health Departments are celebrating National Public Health Week by offering discounted comprehensive blood tests throughout April. Residents can schedule appointments at the Kewanee or Toulon clinics for just $50, encouraging proactive health screening. In holiday news, officials are emphasizing food safety as families prepare Easter feasts; guidance includes proper egg handling and recommended internal temperatures for meats. For parents and expectant mothers, the Better Birth Outcomes program provides free support and health education. Safe medical sharp disposal kiosks are also newly available at various county locations. Visit henrystarkhealth.com or call 309-852-0197 for more information.

Katie Laleman joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming Henry County Farm Bureau events as the region welcomes spring. First responders participated in a free large animal rescue operations course on March 28th at Black Hawk East, aimed at preparing crews for emergencies involving livestock. Meanwhile, the Women in Agriculture Conference has reached capacity, hosting 230 attendees for keynote speakers and educational workshops. For gardening enthusiasts, a “Gather and Grow” flower potting class will be held at Pink Prairie Gardens on April 20th and 29th, with spots available through the Bureau’s Facebook page. Additionally, National Agriculture Week was celebrated from March 15th to 21st, celebrating the area’s rich farming heritage.

Ruby Vandevelde, the current Li'l Miss Kewanee, joined the Wake Up Tri-Counties to share her passion for service and community involvement. Since beginning her reign last July, Ruby has organized drives collecting 1,800 pounds of food for local pantries and animal shelters, working closely with other young titleholders. Attending Visitation Catholic School in third grade, she’s also active in art, sports, and school events. Ruby’s planning new projects for local charities and preparing to compete in the Li'l Miss Illinois pageant this July. Her message to others: “Be yourself and never give up—you could be someone’s hero.”

RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the April 12 Communities in 12 Months in Toulon, Public Health Week, the blood panel special, sharps disposal, and insurance navigators. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in partnership with First Choice Healthcare, observed March 24th as World TB Day, urging residents to get tested as tuberculosis continues to pose a global threat. The theme, “Yes, We Can End TB!” spotlights renewed action after COVID-19’s setbacks. Community members can access TB testing at all First Choice locations. Additionally, the “12 Communities, 12 Months” outreach event arrives in Toulon on April 29th at West Main Coffee & Books, offering safe medication disposal, free blood pressure checks, and insurance guidance. Residents interested in upcoming events or seeking more details are encouraged to contact the health department at 309-852-0197. Additional information, including event schedules and health tips, can be found online at www.henrystarkhealth.com or through their social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Stay connected to take advantage of these community health opportunities.

Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about screen time and sleep for children. A recent conversation on Wake Up Tri-Counties highlighted growing concerns over increased screen time and lack of sleep among children and teenagers. Samantha Rux discussed new research indicating that kids with excessive screen exposure, especially at night, face higher risks of heart and metabolic issues, including elevated blood sugar and blood pressure. The study, which followed youth in Denmark, emphasizes the importance of setting limits on technology use, particularly avoiding devices close to bedtime. Parents are encouraged to establish clear routines, promote physical activity, and keep screens out of bedrooms to support children’s long-term health and development.

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice HealthCare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the "Basics Initiative, IL," Poison Prevention week, Nutrition Month, monthly CPR classes, 12 Communities in 12 Months for March in Orion, and Insurance Navigators. The Henry and Stark County Health Department is spotlighting National Poison Prevention Week from March 15th to 21st, urging families to make safety a priority. Over two million poisonings occur nationwide every year, most happening at home and affecting young children. Residents are encouraged to secure chemicals and medications, use child-resistant containers, and always check dosages in good light. Poisonous household items include cleaning agents, over-the-counter medicines, and vitamin supplements. Immediate help is available through the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. More tips and resources can be found at henrystarkhealth.com, as the community focuses on keeping families safe.

Chris Willis and Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about nutrition during National Nutrition Month, emphasizing smart eating habits over fad diets. This year’s campaign, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” urges listeners to prioritize variety—fill half your plate with colorful veggies, choose diverse protein sources, and limit highly processed foods. Dietitian Chris Willis recommends practical steps: swap sugary drinks for water, try new vegetables, and control portions by pre-packaging snacks. She also highlights affordable options, like canned or frozen produce, and underscores the importance of both daily movement and regular strength training for long-lasting health benefits. Find reliable nutrition facts at EatRight.org. Contact your primary care medical provider for a referral for nutrition services within OSF HealthCare. Find more information about nutrition services at OSF Healthcare here.

The Friends of the Animals annual craft show returns March 28th, running from 9 AM to 2 PM at the American Legion on East 3rd Street. This event, the group’s largest fundraiser, supports families with veterinary bills. Attendees can browse goods from more than a dozen local vendors, including homemade foods and unique crafts. Raffle baskets, featuring items from local businesses and animal-care suppliers, add excitement to the day. All proceeds will help cover veterinary expenses for families struggling with pet care costs. Find more details on the Friends of the Animals Facebook page. You can donate year-round on the Friends of the Animals account at the Kewanee Vet Clinic and at Friends of the Animals, PO Box 574, Kewanee, IL 61443. For more information, email Kathy at [email protected].

Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the 2026 Visitation Catholic School Spring Fling on March 21, 2026. Bidding has begun for the 2026 Spring Fling Fundraiser! Bidding ends on March 21, 2026, at 7:30 PM; bid here. Visitation School’s annual Spring Fling gala is set for Saturday, March 21st at the school gym, promising an exciting evening of community spirit and fundraising. Doors open at 5 PM with dinner at 6, followed by Steinhaus Dueling Pianos from 7 to 10. Attendees can join the fun by purchasing dinner and event tickets for $50 or enjoy just the piano show for $25. A highlight is the online auction, featuring experiences like Chicago Cubs and Bears tickets, a Savannah Bananas club box package, and theater outings, alongside themed baskets from each class. The night also includes a drawdown raffle, with a top prize of $1,000. The signature gala serves as the school’s largest fundraiser, supporting academic and extracurricular programs and benefiting local charities. Tickets and more information are available through the school or its website. Visitation The Catholic School is inviting the community to reserve their spot for the upcoming event. To secure attendance, guests are encouraged to call or visit the school office at (309) 856-7451. Those preferring to pay online can use Venmo; remember to include the number of meal tickets and entertainment-only tickets needed, and mention seating preferences. Each table accommodates up to eight people, so groups are welcome. Don't miss the chance to enjoy an engaging evening supporting local education while spending quality time with friends and family. More information is available by contacting the school directly or visiting their Venmo page. Visitation Catholic School’s cherished Dinner and Auction fundraiser makes its anticipated return, aiming to boost growth for students, faculty, and programs alike. Recognized for its inclusive community and remarkable alumni, VCS has long welcomed families from every background, providing outstanding education and life preparation. Organizers hope that this year’s event will help bridge critical funding gaps, supporting scholarships, classroom enhancements, and faculty training initiatives. Community members are encouraged to consider donations, ensuring every child continues to benefit from the school’s tradition of excellence. For more information, contact event coordinators Amelia Schiltz at [email protected] or Kali Nichols at [email protected] at Visitation Catholic School.

Kewanee is gearing up for its second annual Cinco de Mayo celebration at Northeast Park, set for May 2nd from noon to 5 PM. Visitors can look forward to traditional Mexican cuisine, live performances—possibly including a mariachi band—and a variety of local vendors. Activities for children will feature bounce houses, raffles, and opportunities for young entrepreneurs ages 8 to 17 to sell their goods free of charge. The event will also offer a free health fair with screenings and wellness information. Organizers are actively seeking food vendors, child vendors, and volunteers, especially for kids’ activities. Interested parties can connect via Facebook or by calling 773-542-8389. Organizers invite residents of all ages to join in the festivities and experience a day filled with culture and fun. For those interested, festivities will kick off with plenty to see, taste, and do at Northeast Park. La ciudad de Kewanee se prepara para una vibrante celebración del Cinco de Mayo en el Parque Northeast, situado en 1200 North Main Street. Organizado por la Comisión de Relaciones Humanas, el evento reunirá a la comunidad con una feria de salud, sabores auténticos de la comida mexicana, música en vivo y entretenimiento para toda la familia. Desde actividades culturales hasta información sobre el bienestar, la jornada promete diversión para asistentes de todas las edades. La entrada no tiene costo y el acceso está abierto a quienes deseen sumarse. Los organizadores invitan a la participación de toda la comunidad local. The Cinco De Mayo fundraiser in Kewanee is now in full swing, giving residents a chance to support this year’s community celebration. T-shirts and hoodies are on sale, with all proceeds directly benefiting local cultural activities, live music, and family-friendly entertainment planned for the event. These special edition items are available only for a limited period, so community members are encouraged to place their orders soon to ensure they don’t miss out. Organizers emphasize that every purchase goes toward making the celebration memorable for all ages, highlighting Kewanee’s vibrant spirit and commitment to cultural traditions. Order here. La celebración de Cinco de Mayo en Kewanee impulsa su evento con la venta de camisetas edición especial de color amarillo brillante y sudaderas negras clásicas. Estas prendas no solo muestran el espíritu festivo, sino que cada compra ayuda a financiar más cultura, música y actividades para familias durante la festividad. Los organizadores animan a la comunidad a apoyar la causa comprando en línea a través del enlace disponible. Esta iniciativa busca fortalecer la participación local y garantizar una experiencia vibrante para todos los asistentes al tradicional evento de Mayo en Kewanee. Ordene aquí.

Quarter Madness is set to ignite Kewanee with excitement on March 13th, 2026. The Rotary Club of Kewanee and Prairie Chicken Arts Festival are joining forces, hosting their signature auction night at the Elks Lodge. Jon Looney and Dianne Packee joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to reveal the big prize for the night from Martin Engineering. You can watch the video below on our YouTube channel. The Yeti cooler full of goodies will be the last item of the night and is valued at $1,500! Regional Media's COO, Darren Brown, surprised Jon and Dianne with a donation of tickets to the Chicago Bulls game on April 10, 2026, to add to the prize list. Watch below, listen live on-air, or listen to the podcast to hear about more of the amazing items up for grabs Friday night. If you’d like to donate or purchase paddles, please contact Dianne Packee at 309-312-0168. Doors open at 5:45 PM, with bidding beginning at 6:30. Prizes include designer purses, power tools, gift cards, and themed baskets—all up for grabs with just a few quarters. Proceeds help fund community projects and the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival. Advance paddle sales are recommended, with Platinum options allowing even off-site play. Participants can choose from three different types of auction paddles: the Platinum paddle, ideal for those who want to bid from home and be notified if they win; the Gold paddle, which offers the best value and entry for every item at the in-person event; and the White paddle, available only onsite the night of Quarter Madness. Each person can buy up to two white paddles. Bidding involves placing quarters for each item, giving everyone a shot at fantastic prizes for just change. Platinum paddles, offering premium chances, are available for $60 until noon on March 13th. Gold paddles are set at $30 each. Purchases can be made online at kewaneerotary.com or in person at Sutton and Associates Real Estate and Country Financial Erin Spivey’s office. Gold and white paddles will also be available at the Elks Lodge, but supplies are limited. For updates, visit the Rotary Club of Kewanee Facebook page. A new feature this year is in-person-only prizes; depending on how it works, it may be a new permanent feature. Watch the Rotary Facebook page for the full list of prizes, which will show the prizes that are in-person only. The bar will be open to purchase beverages, and participants are encouraged to bring food or order food to their table.

Connie Johnson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for the monthly edition of "Cambridge Happenings" to talk about upcoming events in the Village of Cambridge. The Cambridge Community and Youth Center is set to host its Puzzle Palazzo on Saturday, March 14th. Teams of four to six will compete to finish a 500-piece puzzle in just two hours, with a smoked pork dinner included in the $100 entry fee. Doors open at 4:45 PM, and the contest kicks off at 5:30. All proceeds benefit the center. On Sunday, the local food pantry at 123 West Exchange Street will be open from 3 to 5 PM. Plus, mark your calendars for a village-wide Easter egg hunt at College Square Park on March 28th. Mark your calendars: community yard sales are set for May 8th and 9th, and cleanup day for May 15th.

Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the new process for requesting medical records and severe storm safety. OSF St. Luke is rolling out a new process for requesting medical records, starting March 16th. Instead of walk-in requests at the hospital, patients are encouraged to use OSF MyChart for a faster, more secure experience. For those less comfortable with technology, records can also be requested by phone at 309-852-7785, by fax at 309-852-7591, or by email—details are available on the hospital’s social media pages. Alongside this policy update, OSF reminds everyone to review emergency kits and prepare for spring storms. Severe weather training is also available on March 26th at OSF St. Mary in Galesburg from 6 to 8 PM in Room 9 of the Education Building. Registration is not required for the severe weather training.

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the 12 Communities in 12 Months Event in Orion for March, insurance navigators, National Groundwater Awareness Week, emergency supply checks, and food safety. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are highlighting several key programs this month. Residents are urged to check emergency supplies and replace smoke alarm batteries during the time change on March 8th as part of the "Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks" campaign. National Groundwater Awareness Week, March 8-14, is the perfect time for homeowners to schedule annual water well inspections to ensure water safety and prevent costly repairs. Meanwhile, anyone serving food at local events this summer must submit permit applications in advance. For those needing health insurance help, in-person assistance is available at multiple local venues throughout March.

Alpha-gal syndrome, a serious allergic reaction linked to Lone Star tick bites, is driving new action in Illinois. State Representative Dan Swanson is backing legislation that would require the Department of Public Health to track cases of this meat and dairy allergy. If passed, medical providers will be required to report alpha-gal cases, giving officials a clearer picture of the syndrome’s spread. Swanson emphasizes that cases are on the rise, and his focus is on raising awareness about AGS symptoms and potential dangers. The legislation aims to inform residents and better equip the state to address this emerging health threat.

Alpha-gal syndrome, a serious allergic reaction linked to Lone Star tick bites, is driving new action in Illinois. State Representative Dan Swanson is backing legislation that would require the Department of Public Health to track cases of this meat and dairy allergy. If passed, medical providers will be required to report alpha-gal cases, giving officials a clearer picture of the syndrome’s spread. Swanson emphasizes that cases are on the rise, and his focus is on raising awareness about AGS symptoms and potential dangers. The legislation aims to inform residents and better equip the state to address this emerging health threat.