Regional Media Podcast Network

Wake Up Tri-Counties Russ Hughes Kewanee Basketball

The Kewanee Boilermakers were in action on Monday evening in Princeton. The Boilermakers put up a good fight but came up short in the end with a 61 to 55 loss. Russ Hughes, the voice of Kewanee Basketball, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to wrap up Monday's game. In our conversation we talked about the sportsmanship on display from both teams on Monday night, the strong performance of Kashen Ellerbroock who scored a season high 13 points, and the continuing terrific play of Brady Clar...

Wake Up Tri-Counties OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Community Health Needs Assessment

OSF Healthcare is preparing an all new Community Health Needs Assessment. Connie Wessels joined Samantha Rux on Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss planning for the annual Community Health Needs Assessment which will be seeking Henry County residents to fill out the Community Health Needs Assessment in order to determine what health services Henry County residents would like to have represented at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center. In the past, the Community Health Needs Assessment has helped determ...

Kewanee Basketball Postgame Podcast with Coach Matt Clark

The Kewanee Boilermakers defeated Bureau Valley on Friday night, 68 to 59. It was another season high for Kewanee star Brady Clark who put up 30 points in the win. Kewanee took a big lead in the second half before Bureau Valley came back in the third quarter to make it close. Cottrelle Reed backed up Brady Clark with 15 points as Kewanee pulled away to a 9 point win in the end. After the game, Kewanee Boilermakers Head Coach Matt Clark joined Russ Hughes and Jeremy Peart in the booth for our...

News from Sauk Valley Community College with Dallas Knack and Brenda Helms

Wake Up Tri-Counties Russ Hughes Talks Kewanee Boys and Girls Basketball

On Friday morning on WKEI, the voice of the Kewanee Boilermakers, Russ Hughes joined Wake Up Tri-Counties. Russ looked back on the terrific Thursday night win for the Kewanee Girls Basketball team over Newman Central Catholic and previewed tonight's Kewanee Boys Basketball game as the boys will play host to Bureau Valley on Friday night at 7 PM on RegionalMediaNews.com 100.1 FM and 1450 AM WKEI. 

Kewanee Girls Basketball Podcast Podcast Pt2 Star Jordan and Aaliyah Duarte

Following the win against Newman Central Catholic, two of the stars of the game, Star Jordan and Aaliyah Duarte joined Russ Hughes and Jeremy Peart on the postgame podcast. 

Kewanee Girls Postgame Podcast with Coach Nick Christakos

The Kewanee Girls defeated Newman Central Catholic on Thursday night. The final score, Kewanee 45 NCC 32. After the game, Coach Nick Christakos joined Russ Hughes and Jeremy Peart in the booth to talk about the continuing positive progress of his Kewanee Girls Basketball team. 

Wake Up Tri-Counties Henry County Senior Center Issues Call for Action

The Henry County Senior Center is hoping you will help make some phone calls. Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center spoke with Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday and told WKEI that the Senior Center has yet to receive funds that were promised to the Center by state and federal agencies. Cassandra asked, on behalf of the Senior Center, if people would contact the Illinois State Comptroller's Office to ask why funds are currently being withheld from so-called 'Triple A's,' Area A...

Wake Up Tri-Counties Jason Bates Crossroads Cultural Connections

John Taylor, Jason Bates, and their fellow volunteers are working year round now to bring live music to our area. Via Crossroads Cultural Connections they have brought live music to Bishop Hill, Cambridge, and Galva all year round and all while maintaining status a not for profit entity. These concerts thrive because of the generosity and attendance of local music fans across Henry and Stark County. We talked with Jason Bates with Crossroads Cultural Connections as well as the return of the ...

Wale Up Tri-Counties Wrapping Up Goodfellows with Amron Buchanan

It was another tremendously successful year for Goodfellows Baskets at Christmas. With the goal of making sure that no one in Kewanee goes hungry, Goodfellows set out on another record breaking year in delivering baskets. It was another great year for the volunteer efforts of our local High School students as students from Kewanee and Wethersfield pitched in to help sort the baskets and get them filled up to be delivered to families in need just before Christmas. Members of Kiwanis also step...

Keri Olson- United Way of Whiteside County

The Good News A Christmas Play from Our Kewanee Third Graders

A pair of Kewanee Third Graders, from Ms. Kluever's class, joined WKEI for The Good News, a special Christmas play featuring Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus. Thank you to our incredible performers, Nora and Benji...   

Kewanee Back When Kewanee Christmas Gifts A Tribute to Kewanee Things We Are Thankful for

On this special edition of Kewanee Back When Dave Clarke and Sean Kernan talk about Christmas. We start discussing favorite Christmas gifts and memories before transitioning into a conversation about the people, businesses and institutions in Kewanee that we are thankful for this holiday season. 

Sparks’ Notes - Macomb PD Chief Jeff Hamer

Sparks is joined by Chief Hamer to talk about some useful Winter and Holiday Safety Tips including the Christmastime "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Drive High Get a DUI" enforcement campaign; clearing your car, driveway, and sidewalks after a snowfall; securing your home for the holidays; and the free home patrol service that service that the MPD offers while residents are out of town for vacation.  To inquire about the home patrol service or to add your home to the list, call the Macomb ...

Wake Up Tri-Counties Dr. Chris Sullens on the December School Board Meeting

Good news from last night's Kewanee School Board meeting as the annual tax levy will be slightly lower from last year, a combination of factors is helping the school district save a little bit on the tax levy, now among the lowest in the region. Dr. Chris Sullens joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, December 19th, to talk about the tax levy and other aspects of Monday night's final school board meeting of 2023. Dr. Sullens also took a little time to celebrate two spot Kewanee star, Brady ...

Wake Up Tri-Counties Peoples National Bank A New Approach to Loans

Peoples National Bank has revamped their loan department and one of the ways they have done that is brought in our friend Jolene Efnor who joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, December 19th, to talk about this new approach to the Lending Process. With that, Peoples National Bank has launched a brand new, and already award winning, website: PNB-Kewanee.com. You can now begin your loan journey online via the new website and their are new options for online banking as well. Find out more in ...

Wake Up Tri-Counties OSF Healthcare Infection Control

Respiratory illnesses are common in this time of year but they don't have to be. Kathy Blanford is an infection control specialist with OSF Saint Luke Medical Center and OSF St Clare Medical Center and she joined Samantha Rux on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the best ways to avoid a respiratory illness. Whether it is the common cold, the flu, or COVID-19, the best advice is wash your hands. It's not quite that simple but that is step one in infection control, wash your hands. Other advi...

Wake Up Tri-Counites Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Update

Brock Tumbleson and Eddie Tolliver with the Kewanee Salvation Army dropped by WKEI on Friday with an update on the progress of the Kewanee Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. The campaign has been a huge success but just over a week left, there is still a little way to go to reach the goal. You can help by dropping some coins in the red kettles or by contacting the Salvation Army to volunteer as a Bell Ringer. Meanwhile, a good chance to make a donation will be on Saturday, December 16th whe...

The Good News About Kewanee Park Light Displays with our Wethersfield Third Graders

Alina Angel and Cruz Martinez give us The Good News about Kewanee's Holiday Lights at Windmont and Northeast Park. 

Wake Up Tri-Counties Sara Billiet Kewanee Public Library

The Kewanee Public Library is preparing to fully revamp their website. Sara Billiet with the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday to talk about the exciting changes coming to the library website that will make it even easier to navigate, contain even more resources, and provide the kind service and information that the current website has delivered with a more modern design. Meanwhile, Christmas and New Years will shorten hours at the Library this month but only rig...

Wake Up Tri-Counties Flu COVID and Winter Safety Tips with the Health Dept.

By now you know the best ways to protect yourself against COVID and the Flu, get vaccinated, wash your hands regularly, and if you feel as if you may be ill, stay home or wear a mask if you must be in public spaces. RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department dropped by Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about an increase in the number of cases of the Flu and COVID during this winter season. RaeAnn also talked about home safety during the winter. Tips to keep your family safe a...

Kewanee Girls Basketball Postgame Podcast Coach Nick Christakos

The Kewanee Boiler Girls got off to a fast start and never really looked back as they traveled to and defeated Galva 50 to 35. Strong team defense and one of the best scoring nights of the season thus far furthered the story of how the Boiler Girls have improved in each game thus far this season. The Kewanee Girls have now won two straight games and 3 out of their last four games and struggling to an 0 and 6 record to start the season. The Boiler Girls will take a 3 and 7 record into the St....

Wake Up Tri-Counties Kim Mangan Warm Neighbors Cool Friends

Kim Mangan, Director of Marketing & Development, of the Energy Assistance Foundation, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday morning to talk about Energy Assistance for those in need. The Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program can help those who are struggling to keep up with their electric bills, especially in the winter when the heating bill is at its highest. We talked to Kim about who can qualify for help from Warm Neighbors Cool Friends and how Ameren Illinois has played a key role in ma...

The Good News Happy Birthday Taylor Swift from our Kewanee Third Graders

Third Grade student Chloe Cernovich dropped by our WKEI studio on Wednesday with The Good News about Taylor Swift's Birthday!   

Sparks’ Notes - Macomb Mayor Mike Inman

Sparks is joined by Mayor Inman as they close out the year and perform a "Year in Review 2023" for the City of Macomb, talking about some of the highs and lows from this past year including local projects, City personnel changes, and the bigger events put on by the City of Macomb including the Heritage Festival, Downtown Block Party, and Art-Wind-Fire Festival, as well as some of the tougher times that showed the resolve and resiliency of the people who call Macomb home.

Wake Up Tri-Counties Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore on Tourism and Street Repair Measures

The Mayor of Kewanee, Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023, to follow up on Monday's Kewanee City Council Meeting. In our conversation, the Mayor discussed reservations that both he, and the rest of the Kewanee City Council share regarding plans for a new Henry County Tourism Bureau. The Kewanee City Council welcomed back Councilman Steve Faber on Monday night. Mr. Faber underwent a double lung transplant and returned to his place on the Kewanee City Council...

Wake Up Tri-Counties Kewanee Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Update

Our friend's from the Kewanee Salvation Army dropped by Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday, December 8th, to give us all an update on the Red Kettle Campaign. Things are going well but there is still a need for bell ringers. Contact Eddie Tolliver at the Kewanee Salvation Army if you'd like to ring for the Kewanee Salvation Army. Meanwhile, we were also joined by local businesses who have given their support to the Kewanee Salvation Army this year including Peoples National Bank, The Downtown Ea...

Wake Up Tri-Counties OSF Virtual Urgent Care with Samantha Rux

Samantha Rux from OSF Saint Luke Medical Center dropped by WKEI on Monday, December 11th, to talk about OSF Virtual Urgent Care. If you ever find yourself uncertain if a medical condition is worth taking a trip to an urgent care or emergency room, there is another option. Virtual Urgent Care via OSFHealthcare.org. Virtual Urgent Care is available 24/7 and can help with any number of concerns including Allergies, Flu, Back Pain, Allergic Reactions, and Upper Respiratory Infections. A Virtual ...

Wake Up Tri-Counties Lauren Winebrenner from the Internal Revenue Service

The end of the year is fast approaching and Lauren Winebrenner from the I.R.S wants to help make sure you are ready for end of the year tax preparedness. While the tax filing deadline is still months away, there is nothing wrong with getting prepared now. Meanwhile, a major concern of the I.R.S over the holidays is cyber-security. With the holidays comes new ways for scammers to try and separate you from your holiday savings. Lauren has several tips to make sure you and your most valuable in...

Wake Up Tri-Counties Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center

The holiday season is always a busy time around the Henry County Senior Center. Cassandra Schmoll from the Henry County Senior Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the holidays at the Senior Center and to remind Seniors about their license plate sticker discount. This year, qualifying seniors can get their Illinois License Plate Sticker for only $10.00 if they have a qualifying income. Stop by the Henry County Senior Center and they will be happy to help see if you qualify for a ...

The Good News about Christmas Ornaments with our Wethersfield Third Graders

Our Wethersfield Third Graders dropped by WKEI last week with The Good News about Christmas Ornaments! 

The Good News About Hasbro Toys from Our Kewanee Third Graders!

One of our wonderful Kewanee Third Graders dropped by the studio last week with The Good News about the history of Hasbro toys! 

Kewanee Girls Fall to Morrison In Monday Night Basketball Action on WKEI

The Kewanee Boiler Girls put up a heck of a fight against a very good Morrison team on Monday night, but sadly, they came up short. Final score 48 to 44 in favor of Morrison. After the game, Coach Nick Christokos joined Russ Hughes and Jeremy Peart in the booth after the game to talk about what worked and what did not work. 

Kewanee Boilermakers Earn Forfeit Victory Over Quest

In a game that featured 26 fouls in just over 14 minutes of play, the Kewanee Boilermakers won a forfeit shortened game against Quest Academy 27 to 13. The game ended when the head coach for Quest pulled his team off of the court and forfeited the game. After the game Russ Hughes and Jeremy Peart tried to make sense of the chaotic and unexpected ending and spoke with Coach Matt Clark.

Wake Up Tri-Counties Scott Holt from Foghat

Foghat has been rocking together since 1971. Lead singer and guitarist Scott Holt joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday December 1st to talk about the band's legendary career and talk about their new record, Sonic Mojo. The album has been in the works for 7 years and Scott talked about the development of the record, the fans, and the fascinating history of the band in this wide ranging conversation. Sonic Mojo is out now and Scott Holt hopes you will pick it up on vinyl, still the best way t...

Wake Up Tri-Counties Russ Hughes Kewanee Boys and Girls High School Basketball

Tonight at 7 PM is the tip of Kewanee Boys High School Basketball on WKEI. Russ Hughes and Jeremy Peart will be on the call as the Kewanee Boys Varsity takes on Quest Academy. Kewanee enters the game 2 and 3 on the season. Russ Hughes joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Friday morning with a preview of tonight's game. We also talked about Thursday night's game between the Kewanee Girls Varsity and Ridgewood. Kewanee came up short, losing by 9 points but it was a terrific effort and Nick Christako...

Wake Up TriCounties Ed Morse is a Star Sponsor of the Kewanee Salvation Army

Ed Morse Chevrolet GMC Kewanee is a Star Sponsor of the Kewanee Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. Eric Ellenberger and staff at Ed Morse got the Red Kettle campaign off to a big start with a big donation and this morning, Russ Hughes with Ed Morse Chevrolet GMC joined Eddie Tolliver from the Kewanee Salvation Army to talk about community outreach and partnering with the Kewanee Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Christmas Concert will take place on Sunday, December 3rd at 2 PM at First Con...

The Good News Wethersfield Holly Jolly Christmas Festival

Two of our Wethersfield Third Grade students Kyler and Yuri stopped by WKEI this morning with The Good News about this weekend's Holly Jolly Christmas Festival at Wethersfield on Sunday, December 3rd, from 3 PM to 5 PM. 

Wake Up Tri-Counties Abilities Holiday Open House This Weekend

The Abilities Plus Holiday Open House will take place this Sunday, December 3rd, from 1 PM to 3 PM. Abilities Plus clients and staff have been working hard to make this a very special open house. Lauren Dynes Gillespie with Abilities Plus joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Thursday with the good news that this year, Abilities Plus has sold more Christmas Wreaths, decorated by their wonderful clients than they did last year. A new record for Abilities Plus Wreath sales. Wreaths will be available ...

Wake Up Tri-Counties Goodfellows Christmas Update!

The deadline is approaching for the Goodfellows Christmas Baskets. You have until December 8th to either nominate a family in need to receive a Goodfellows Christmas Basket or to apply on behalf of your own family. If you'd like to make sure a family gets a basket or that your family gets a basket, call Kewanee High School at 309-853-3328. Meanwhile, donations to help continue the tradition of Goodfellows Christmas Baskets are always being accepted and are always needed so that they can make...

The Good News About National Chocolate Day with our Kewanee Third Grade Class

Today, Clarissa Garcia from Irving Elementary School joined Wake Up Tri-Counties with The Good News about National Chocolate Day! 

Wake Up Tri-Counties OSF Saint Luke Medical Center Giving and Grace

Today on Wake Up Tri-Counties, Samantha Rux with OSF Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the holiday season and the ways you can combat, Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder hits millions of people each year with the changing clock and the varying stresses that come with the holiday season. Samantha joined WKEI on Tuesday with some tips and tricks for beating SAD and enjoying your holiday season. Among the tips is the gift of giving....

The Cambridge News with Connie Johnson

Connie Johnson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Wednesday this week with the Cambridge News... 

Wake Up Tri--Counties Marty Scott (George Harrison) from the Liverpool Legends

The Liverpool Legends are coming to the Adler Theater in Davenport on Saturday, November 25th, 2023. The band was formed back in 2003 with the help of Louise Harrison, the sister of George Harrison who happened to hear Marty performing some of her brother's songs at an industry gathering and invited him to meet with her and Sir Paul McCartney. From their Louise helped Marty form the Liverpool Legends who earned their way to a stay in Branson, Missouri for a time before the band took to the r...

Wake Up Tri-Counties Ruth Kapacinskas President of Kewanee Education Association

The Kewanee School District and the Kewanee Education Association, representing teachers and staff at Kewanee Schools, reached a new three year contract agreement that was finalized at Monday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. Ruth Kapacinskas is the President of the Kewanee Education Association and she joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the contract, what was achieved in this contract, where it can be improved in the future, and the hope that the KEA and members of the Kewanee School Boar...

Melinda and Tracy with Rock Falls Tourism

Remembering Linda Bolls Beloved Kewanee Citizen and Volunteer

On Tuesday we were heartbroken to hear of the passing of our friend Linda Bolls. For many years with Bob McKee, and then with myself, Sean Kernan, Linda was a regular guest on WKEI. She represented the Kewanee Salvation Army on WKEI and was among those helping to promote the Angel Tree. She stepped away from the Salvation Army several years ago and helped get Eddie Tolliver into the position as her replacement. But retirement did not slow Linda Bolls down as she threw herself into volunteeri...

Wake Up Tri-Counties Dr. Chris Sullens on Monday’s Kewanee School Board Meeting

Dr. Chris Sullens, Kewanee School District Superintendent joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to discuss Tuesday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. Dr. Sullens discussed getting a new contract completed with the Kewanee Education Association and the beneficial elements of the new contract for both sides. We also discussed Dr. Sullens' replacement as Superintendent which was announced on Monday. After Dr. Sullens retires at the end of the current school year, current Kewanee High School Princ...

Sparks’ Notes - Savannah Ballard, Marketing & Downtown Development

Savannah Ballard from the City of Macomb Marketing & Downtown Development Office returns to the studio to chat about the some fun community activities coming up in the month of December including the Santa Zephyr and Dickens on the Square, which take place starting December 1st, as well as the beginning of the Holiday Light Display at Chandler Park and the citywide Tour of Lights event.  For more information about these events contact the Marketing & Downtown Development office at (309) 575...

Wake Up Tri-Counties OSF Saint Clare Medical Center Tree of Lights Campaign

The annual OSF Saint Clare Medical Center Tree of Lights campaign is underway. You can buy a light at OSF Saint Clare Medical Center and the proceeds will be used to help purchase new equipment for the Rehabilitation Services at OSF Saint Clare Medical Center. We spoke with Samantha Rux, Cathy Foes, Deb Curley and Jim Scarpaci on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday about the history of Tree Lights, the chance to honor people who have passed on via the Tree of Lights, and how your donations via th...