Regional Media Podcast Network

Samantha Rux and Jessi Sopiars recently joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Swing Bed Services at OSF HealthCare. OSF HealthCare is highlighting the value of its swing bed program at St. Luke’s, a specialized service designed to help patients recover after hospitalization before heading home. The program supports individuals needing extra therapy, such as those recovering from joint replacements, illnesses, or even extended IV antibiotic treatments. Swing bed services allow patients to transition from larger hospitals, bringing them closer to family support in their own community. The process is managed in coordination with Medicare and other insurance providers, with case managers guiding patients through eligibility and paperwork. Hospital staff encourage families to ask about swing bed options and provide feedback through surveys for continuous improvement.

Wyatt Brieser, CEO of Hammond-Henry Hospital, joined the Wake Up Tri-Counties morning show to discuss his recent Who’s Who of America award and his deep roots in the region. Born at the hospital he now leads, Dr. Brieser reflected on his 16-year journey from physical therapist to CEO, crediting strong community support and mentorship for his success. He emphasized the hospital’s commitment to rural healthcare, recent expansions in specialty services, and the challenges rural hospitals face, particularly in maternity care. While Hammond-Henry no longer delivers babies, efforts continue to enhance women’s health and specialty services across the region. Brieser stated his mission is to give back to the community that raised him, consistently striving for excellence in local healthcare.

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice HealthCare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the new WIC office in Kewanee, cold weather safety, insurance navigators, and National Birth Defects Prevention Month. This January, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are emphasizing birth defect prevention with the theme “Every Journey Matters.” Officials urge all women of childbearing age to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, consult healthcare providers about medications, and stay up to date on vaccines. Achieving a healthy weight before pregnancy and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco are also recommended steps to lower risk. WIC services offer nutrition support for mothers and children, with a new Kewanee office opening February 3rd at 109 S. Burr Blvd. For local resources or assistance, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call 309-852-0197.

Connie Johnson with the Village of Cambridge joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for the monthly edition of "Cambridge Happenings" to discuss upcoming events in Cambridge. Cambridge residents have plenty of activities to enjoy this chilly February. The local library is inviting everyone to try “Blind Date with a Book,” where visitors select mystery books with only a few clues on the cover—perfect for the upcoming Valentine’s Day. Adults can also reserve a spot for craft night at the library on February 3rd. The Cambridge Community Youth Center is holding a breakfast burrito fundraiser on February 22nd, supporting summer camp opportunities for local children. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the town’s Easter egg hunt on March 28th, and don’t forget the food pantry’s February 15th opening.

Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about surgical services at OSF Saint Luke and healthy living after 50-years-old by Dr. Travis Swink. Former Kewanee mayor Steve Looney has retired after 24 years of service at OSF St. Luke and the broader OSF ministry. Looney most recently held the role of Western Region Director of Environmental Services. OSF staff gathered last week to celebrate his years of leadership and service. In related OSF St. Luke news, surgical offerings have expanded with Dr. Matt Heber joining Dr. Atwell, providing four days of surgery coverage for the community. Routine procedures like colonoscopies can now be done locally, reducing travel for patients. More resources and interviews can be found at newsroom.osfhealthcare.org. Reaching 50 often sparks both reflection and renewed focus on health. Dr. Travis Swink, a family medicine provider with OSF HealthCare, cautions that risks for chronic conditions climb after this milestone, particularly if self-care has slipped. He emphasizes regular physical activity, recommending brisk walking for just 15 minutes twice a day—no marathon required. Strength training with free weights or bands is advised for maintaining muscle without straining joints. Dr. Swink also urges better awareness of nutritional intake, highlighting a move away from carbs toward proteins and non-starchy vegetables. Moderation and consistency, not deprivation, set the tone for a healthier decade ahead.

At the latest Kewanee City Council meeting, officials tackled public safety upgrades, city infrastructure, and ongoing utility billing troubles. Council members weighed deals on ambulance equipment and accepted federal support for security improvements in public buildings. A highlight included honoring Rosabelle Moore’s 102nd birthday for her service to Kewanee. Water billing delays, caused by postal mishaps and rerouting city bills, generated concern, as many residents incurred late fees despite timely payments. The city maintains that missed bills aren’t grounds for waiving fees, though reconnection fees will be credited for some affected customers.

January is National Radon Action Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding residents that radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Affordable radon test kits are available for $15 at local health department offices. As the season shifts, community health experts are also bringing attention to the “winter blues” and more severe forms like Seasonal Affective Disorder, urging those affected to seek support through First Choice Healthcare. For lifesaving skills, monthly CPR certification classes are available, and Health Insurance Navigators will assist community members with coverage options at Geneseo and Alpha locations later this month.

Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the February 12, 2026, Blood Drive at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee and the rising respiratory infectious rates in Illinois. January marks National Blood Donor Month, and Samantha Rucks with OSF Healthcare is encouraging Tri-Counties residents to roll up their sleeves and give blood. The next community blood drive at St. Luke Medical Center is scheduled for February 12th from 7 AM to 5 PM. Regular donors are urged to make appointments, but walk-ins are also welcome. There’s a constant need for all blood types, especially O-negative, and local donations primarily serve area patients. Donors can save up to three lives with a single donation and are treated to snacks and small gifts for their generosity. Details can be found at osfsaintluke.org or bloodcenter.org. As respiratory illnesses rise, hospitals remind visitors about potential restrictions and masking policies. If you’re feeling unwell, utilize virtual urgent care or call ahead for appointments to ensure the community stays safe and healthy.

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the increasing respiratory infection rates, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, winter travel safety, sick appointments, and vaccines. Health matters are front and center in Henry and Stark counties this January. Local health officials emphasize the importance of cervical cancer prevention, urging regular screenings and HPV vaccinations for women and adolescents. As the flu season ramps up, residents are also encouraged to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, now available at First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. As winter settles in, safety tips include using low-beam headlights, preparing emergency car kits, avoiding carbon monoxide, and preventing frostbite. Free health insurance enrollment assistance will be available at several local venues this month; details are available at henrystarkhealth.com.

Samantha Rux and Kaitlyn McGough from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about New Year's health and holiday light recycling. Kate McGough emphasized making small, sustainable steps when considering fitness and nutrition goals for the new year—such as brief daily walks or cutting sugary drinks—to boost both physical and mental health. She also discussed available clinic procedures, including joint injections, skin checks, and breastfeeding consultations. Samantha Rucks reminded listeners that this is the final week to recycle Christmas lights at the hospital lobby and noted the continuation of OSF’s masking policy for staff and encouraged masks for visitors, especially during the uptick in respiratory illnesses. Kaitlyn McGough is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. McGough specializes in preventive care, chronic disease management, and primary care for individuals of all ages. Her arrival is anticipated to boost access to vital health services and support continuity of care throughout the community. McGough earned both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees from Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville. She is also preparing for the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant exam. Appointments can be made at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee by calling 309-852-7700 or visiting OSF’s website.

Amron Buch This year, the Kiwanis Goodfellows program made a major impact in Kewanee, serving 950 households and 2,667 people—about 21% of the Kewanee population—with Christmas food baskets. Over 2,600 individuals received essential groceries, with each basket containing staples like ham, eggs, and canned goods. The grocery bill for 2025 was over $38,317.36. The effort relied on support from community donors, local schools, the Kiwanis Key Club, and dozens of student and adult volunteers. Their hard work saw baskets quickly packed and delivered on schedule. Organizers emphasized that every donation helps and praised the district's young people for their commitment, ensuring no one in Kewanee went hungry during the holidays. Volunteers filled each basket with items from an impressive grocery list—859 boneless hams, over 13,500 canned goods, thousands of eggs, and heaps of fresh fruit, all thanks to countless donors and community partners. The operation involved students, school staff, and local businesses, highlighting the commitment and compassion of board members, educators, and volunteers who made it all possible. Read the full lists below. Goodfellows asks residents to continue supporting their mission to ensure no one goes hungry at Christmas, accepting donations year-round by mail or electronically. Organizers emphasized the power of teamwork and the difference these baskets make for local families. You can donate by mail to Kewanee Good Fellows, PO Box 5, Kewanee, Illinois, 61443; PayPal; or Venmo