Regional Media Podcast Network

Episodes

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  Representative Brad Fritts 09.11.2026 21m

  Rep Fritts stops in the second Monday of each month. This round, we discussed the recent election and what may happen down the road. Veto session is coming up November 17th in Springfield, and Brad touched on what could be expected, and we also talked about some counties in Illinois looking for some change.
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  Wake Up Tri-Counties Ron Bormaster Talks The 45th Greater Peoria Farm Show December 1 to 3, 2026 06.11.2026 13m

  The Greater Peoria Farm Show returns December 1st through 3rd at the Peoria Civic Center, marking its 45th year. Show manager Ron Bormaster says visitors will find everything from seed, feed, drones, tractors, tillage equipment, tools, cattle supplies, and new farm technology. Admission and parking are free. The show runs 9 AM to 4 PM Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 AM to 3 PM Thursday. Daily giveaways include $1,000 in show bucks, with a UTV giveaway through German-Bliss, and $2,000 in diesel fuel is also planned. Seminars from the University of Illinois and Farm Bureau will cover weather, cover crops, soil, and more.
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  Wake Up Tri-Counties RaeAnn Talks Nurse Practitioner Week, Birth Control, DOT Physicals, A1C Test Special, Vaccines, and Insurance Navigators 06.11.2026 21m

  Henry and Stark County Health Departments are spotlighting several November health reminders. National Nurse Practitioners Week, November 8th through 14th, recognizes local providers serving First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee and Toulon, including primary care and psychiatric mental health services. The department is also promoting confidential reproductive health services for Thanks Birth Control Day on November 12th, including contraception, STI testing, treatment, and education. Medicare patients are reminded that annual wellness visits are covered at no cost. Flu shots are available for adults and children, with COVID shots for adults. November also brings a $30 A1C test special for diagnosed diabetics with a doctor’s order.
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  Regional Media Movie Review: Sean Kernan Reviews Wild Horse Nine 06.11.2026 2m

  Friday at the Movies with Sean spotlights Wild Horse Nine, starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell. Set on Easter Island in 1972, the film follows a retiring CIA agent whose fading memory complicates one last, mysterious request to his partner. Sean Kernan calls it “terrific,” praising the sharp comedy, strong suspense, and standout chemistry between Malkovich and Rockwell. The cast also features Steve Buscemi and Parker Posey, adding to the film’s offbeat energy. With its CIA conspiracy backdrop and confident tone, Sean says Wild Horse Nine is one of 2026’s best, with Malkovich possibly headed for Oscar attention.
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  Wake Up Tri-Counties Galva Mayor Volkert Talks November 2, 2026, Council Meeting 04.11.2026 8m

  Galva Mayor Rich Volkert says the city’s latest council meeting included a clean audit report, with officials praised for strong financial practices despite limited staffing. Council members also heard about East End Table and Tap’s senior meal program, which has about 90 donated meals available and offers low-cost senior portions. The council reviewed two bids for a vacant property, weighing whether a proposed new home would bring added tax value. A resident also raised concerns about a railroad crossing, which the city plans to pursue. Volkert said the fall cleanup was a success, filling five dumpsters across town.
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  Sights and Sounds with Sterling Main Street 04.11.2026 18m

  Janna Groharing joined us with information on the upcoming festive season. We also heard a Twin City's Farmers Market update, and a few other things happening in the next few weeks.
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  United Way of Whiteside County 04.11.2026 14m

  Keri Olson usually joins us on the first Tuesday of the month. Well this Tuesday Keri was doing her part on election day as a judge. Stepping in was Chris Yucus, Operations Assistant at The United Way. In the update for November we discussed Help for The Holidays utilizing "211" and the help the number provides. We also covered the importance of reading just 15 minutes a day with your kids. And finally end of year giving and how you can help the effort.
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  Wake Up Tri-Counties Blaine and Dan Talk Breast Imaging at OSF HealthCare 30.10.2026 9m

  OSF St. Luke Medical Center is expanding access to advanced imaging services for local patients. Radiology leaders Blaine and Dan highlighted services including mammograms, ultrasound, vascular imaging, bone density scans, CT, MRI, X-rays, and nuclear medicine. They emphasized the importance of annual mammograms beginning at age 40, or earlier for those with a family history of breast cancer. OSF is also offering advanced breast imaging options, including Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) scans for patients with dense breast tissue and growing MRI breast imaging capabilities in Kewanee. Officials say equipment upgrades are bringing high-quality scans closer to home, reducing travel and improving early detection.
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  Wake Up Tri-Counties Henry County Board District 2 Candidate Debbie Casteel 30.10.2026 8m

  Henry County Board candidate Debbie Castile says her top priority is keeping Hillcrest Home open, affordable, and staffed with employees who want to stay. Castile, a Cambridge resident and longtime Henry County resident, told Wake Up Tri-Counties she supports careful planning on emerging issues, including data centers and carbon sequestration, saying safety and local ordinances must come first. She also wants renewed focus on tourism, especially restoring visitor traffic to Bishop Hill. Castile encouraged residents to attend county board and committee meetings, ask questions, and share concerns through the Henry County website, saying stronger communities depend on public involvement.
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  Wake Up Tri-Counties Henry County Board District 2 Candidate Kevin Brown 30.10.2026 6m

  Kevin Brown, a lifelong Alpha resident, is running for the Henry County Board. In an interview on Wake Up Tri-Counties, Brown said his priorities include supporting rural communities, strengthening resources for first responders, and promoting responsible county spending. A volunteer firefighter for nearly 15 years, Brown emphasized the need for training, equipment, and support for rural fire departments, EMS, and law enforcement. He also said he is cautious about the proposed sequestration tank near Galva and wants to hear from residents. Brown described himself as open-minded and said his goal is to be a voice for Henry County residents.
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  YWCA of The Sauk Valley 30.10.2026 11m

  The YWCA of The Sauk Valley, a partner agency with both The United Way of Whiteside and Lee Counties is a vital contributor to our communities. The tasks and resources they provide sometimes goes unnoticed. Each Friday, one or two of the dedicated staff members join us on the radio right around 8:30. Today with checked in with Jessica Spohn. We talked about October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and some of the other seasonal things The Y will be involved with.
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  Regional Media Movie Review: Sean Kernan Reviews Hokum 30.10.2026 1m

  Halloween weekend is the perfect time to settle in for a good scare, and this week’s Friday at the Movies with Sean features a horror film that deserves another look. Regional Media film critic Sean Kernan recommends “Hokum,” directed by Damien McCarthy and starring Adam Scott as Ohm Bauman, an author who travels to Ireland while struggling with the recent deaths of his parents and trying to finish a major book series. While staying at a remote Irish hotel, Bauman encounters a woman who mysteriously disappears. His growing obsession with discovering what happened leads him into a frightening situation, especially as the hotel prepares to close for the off-season and he finds himself increasingly isolated. Kernan praises the film's wonderful atmosphere, outstanding performances, and genuinely frightening moments. He also highlights Adam Scott's performance, noting how effectively he portrays the character's sadness and emotional struggles. In fact, Kernan calls “Hokum” his favorite horror film of 2026, making it his top recommendation for anyone looking for a good Halloween weekend scare. The film is available through streaming services and rental platforms.
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  Wake Up Tri-Counties RaeAnn Talks Vaccines, Diabetes, Bradford Outreach Event, and Insurance Navigators 29.10.2026 18m

  The Henry and Stark County Health Department is marking National Diabetes Awareness Month with a November lab special for diagnosed diabetics. First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee and Toulon are offering Hemoglobin A1C blood tests with a doctor’s order for $30 cash. Health officials are also urging residents to watch for diabetes warning signs, including unusual thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, fatigue, slow-healing cuts, and unexplained weight loss. The department’s “12 Communities in 12 Months” outreach continues with medication disposal, free blood pressure checks, health information, and community health needs surveys, helping shape future local services.
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  Cambridge Happenings with Connie Talking Halloween, Fundraiser Run-Walk, Holiday Bazaar, and Christmas On The Square 29.10.2026 5m

  Cambridge is gearing up for a busy stretch of community events. Trick-or-treating is set for Saturday from 4 to 7 PM, with trunk-or-treat stops at the Cambridge Public Library from 3 to 5 PM and the Lutheran Church from 4 to 7 PM, where walking tacos will be served at no cost. The Spartans also host a playoff game Saturday at 2 PM against South Fork. Looking ahead, the food pantry opens November 15th, a holiday shopping extravaganza runs November 14th, and the Miles for Mind 5K and walk is November 21st. Cambridge also salutes John Roars for his Citizen Spotlight award.
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  Wake Up Tri-Counties Henry County Board District Two Candidate Marshall Jones 29.10.2026 12m

  Henry County Board District 2 candidate Marshall Jones says local government decisions have the greatest day-to-day impact on residents. Speaking on Wake Up Tri-Counties, Jones pointed to the county’s improved fiscal position, saying debt has been eliminated and balanced budgets have continued for eight years. He cited ongoing concerns over carbon sequestration and data centers, noting a one-year county moratorium is in place while officials gather more information. Jones also emphasized lower county levy rates, government transparency, public safety support, and continued investment in the county-owned nursing home. He urged residents to learn about candidates and vote Tuesday.
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  Wake Up Tri-Counties District 1 Henry County Board Candidate Kippy Breeden 29.10.2026 9m

  Henry County Board Chair Kippy Breeden says voter participation, county affordability, and responsible budgeting remain top priorities as Election Day approaches. Speaking on Wake Up Tri-County, Breeden discussed issues facing Henry County, including data centers, carbon sequestration, road needs, economic growth, and continued support for Hillcrest Nursing Home. She said the county is keeping its tax levy at the same rate as last year, while noting rising home values can still affect tax bills. Breeden also voiced strong support for local law enforcement and encouraged residents to attend county board meetings, ask questions, and vote Tuesday if they have not already cast a ballot.
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  Wake Up Tri-Counties Henry County Board District One Candidate Bob Wachtel 29.10.2026 9m

  Henry County Board District 1 candidate Bob Wachtel says fiscal responsibility, public safety, Hillcrest Home, infrastructure, and careful review of data center proposals remain top priorities if he wins another term. Wachtel, a lifelong Henry County resident and current board member, says he has consistently supported balanced budgets and continued investment in law enforcement and first responders. He also highlighted courthouse improvements, future road and bridge maintenance, and progress toward replacing a storm-damaged county radio tower. Wachtel says Henry County’s moratorium on data centers gives officials time to study regulations and impacts. He also praised Hillcrest Home’s staff and strong reputation.
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  Wake Up Tri-Counties Henry County Board District Two Candidate Mike Rabas 28.10.2026 10m

  Henry County Board District 2 candidate Mike Rabas says he wants to continue serving after being appointed to a vacant seat in February. Rallis, a nearly 50-year Henry County resident from Bishop Hill, says his priorities include supporting law enforcement, keeping taxes in check, and boosting tourism across Bishop Hill, Galva, Cambridge, and nearby communities. He pointed to planned state investment in Bishop Hill’s historic buildings, including the colony church, dormitory, and steeple building, as a major opportunity. Rabas also highlighted local arts and music events as economic drivers while urging residents to vote on Tuesday.
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  SBDC Update with Kim Ewoldsen 27.10.2026 20m

  Kim provided information about the Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College, and how their services are expanding. We also talked about a few recognitions for the center.  Get no-cost, confidential guidance for starting, growing, and improving your business in the Sauk Valley, Illinois region. Whether you are developing an idea, preparing to launch, seeking funding, strengthening your marketing, or planning for growth, the Illinois SBDC at Sauk Valley Community College provides practical support at every stage. Go to www.sauksbdc.com with any questions.
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  Wake Up Tri-Counties Rex Kiser Candidate for Henry County Board District One 26.10.2026 9m

  Henry County Board District One candidate, Rex Kiser, says he’s seeking reelection to help finish work already underway, including courthouse restoration, technology upgrades, and long-term infrastructure improvements. Kiser, a former banker, teacher, coach, and military combat veteran, currently chairs the transportation committee and also serves on finance and executive committees. He says residents often raise concerns about rising taxes, which he links to increasing property values. Kiser also pointed to improved funding and equipment for the sheriff’s department through a local sales tax. His closing message to voters: participate in the November 3rd election, regardless of party.