Kankakee Valley Community Happenings

On this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano speaks with Tocarra Eldridge-Robinson and Aaron Robinson of the Kankakee-based nonprofit organization Still I Rise about upcoming community events, youth education programs, and new creative projects.  Guests: Tocarra Eldridge-Robinson (Executive Director) and Aaron Robinson (Operations Manager), Still I Rise  Host: Mike Tom...

Maureen Elliott, the Riverside Imaging Patient Navigator, discusses with Mike Tomano about who should get lung screenings, why it is important, and how to schedule an appointment on this episode. Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network!  Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subsc...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Mike Tomano welcomes Village of Manteno Mayor Annette LaMore to discuss municipal updates, utility programs, and upcoming winter community events. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Yard Waste and Leaf Disposal: Guidelines on bagging leaves and obtaining disposal stickers rather than raking leaves into municipal streets.  Energy Assis...

On this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Denny Case speaks with Alvy Butler, Director of Ministries and Operations for The Salvation Army of Kankakee, about upcoming holiday outreach programs, food distribution, and volunteer opportunities across Kankakee County.  Key topics discussed in this episode: Community Thanksgiving Meal: Taking place on Wednesday, November 18, from 1...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Mike Tomano speaks with Village of Bourbonnais Mayor Jeff Keast to discuss upcoming winter community events and village announcements.  Topics covered in this episode include: The Ice Rink at The Grove: Updates on relocating the ice rink to the front area of The Grove for improved visibility and accessibility, along with plans for hot...

On this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Denny Case speaks with director Kayla James about the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA) Young People’s Theatre production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical .  Kayla discusses bringing the popular book and film series to the stage, working with a cast of 46 youth actors ranging from ages 6 to 17, and making her directorial d...

On this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Mike Tomano interviews Momence High School sophomore class president Mo and vice president Tatum regarding their community shoe drive. The sophomore class is collecting gently used shoes to send to micro-entrepreneurs in other countries, providing inventory that supports small business owners and their families.  Listeners will learn a...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings on 92.7 WVLI, host Denny Case speaks with Angela Morrey from the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County. While economic development is often associated strictly with buildings, land, and corporate recruitment, Angela discusses why the foundation of sustainable community growth relies on relationship building, communication, and collaboration ac...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Mike Tomano sits down with Marla Good from The Marla Good Team. With over 40 years of combined experience in the local market, Good discusses the core foundations of client-focused real estate, current market activity, and practical advice for both buyers and sellers.  Key topics covered in this discussion: Market Preparedness and Fina...

On this edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case is joined by Heather Anne from Renville Cares to discuss the upcoming season for the Turkey for Tots charitable initiative.  Renville Cares, the charitable arm of local terminal operator Renville Gaming, partners with the Kankakee Valley Beverage Association to support youth across Kankakee County and Iroquois County. Heather...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings on 92.7 WVLI, host Denny Case interviews Ahmy Pyle, representing Subway locations in Bradley and Bourbonnais, Illinois.  The discussion covers the limited-time return of the Fritos Chicken Enchilada sub—served on artisan Italian bread with rotisserie chicken, cheddar jack cheese, Fritos, enchilada sauce, and chipotle—alongside the seasonal Ca...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings on 92.7 WVLI, host Mike Tomano sits down with Village of Bradley Mayor Mike Watson for the monthly municipal update.  Key topics covered in this episode include: Property Tax Rebate Program : Information on filing deadlines, with applications accepted through March 31st, providing eligible residents financial relief ahead of or following the...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings on 92.7 WVLI, host Mike Tomano welcomes veteran advocate Jim Wasser to discuss community initiatives and the upcoming Free Veterans Dental Day. The conversation begins with Wasser presenting Buddy Check 22 challenge coins to station staff and sharing the background behind them.  Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network!  Listen to the WVLI News...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , Denny Case interviews Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) Hockey Captain Tommy Murray III and Alternate Captain Carter Sailer about the program's Military Appreciation Night. The event takes place on Friday, November 6, at 7:00 PM at the Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena in Kankakee, Illinois, as the undefeated ONU Tigers face off against Saint...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Mike Tomano sits down with Angela Morrey from the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County to observe Manufacturing Month and examine the industrial footprint across the region.  The discussion highlights key data points defining local production, with a significant focus on food processing. Kankakee County maintains more than 2,400 jobs i...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Mike Tomano sits down with Aaron and Tocarra Robinson from the nonprofit organization Still I Rise to preview their upcoming Halloween Festival and discuss their community initiatives.  The festival, held in partnership with Good Vibes Smoke Shop, takes place this Saturday, October 24, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the parking lot at Schu...

On this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings on 92.7 WVLI, host Denny Case is joined by longtime Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA) actresses Bonnie Brewer and Jeanne Benson to preview their upcoming production of the classic comedy Arsenic and Old Lace .  Brewer and Benson discuss taking on the roles of the Brewster sisters, working alongside a cast that includes Andrew McBurne...

On this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Mike Tomano speaks with Theodis Pace, President of the NAACP Kankakee County Branch. Pace reflects on his decades of service and discusses the significance of the theme "We the People," adopted from the 117th NAACP National Convention in Chicago to emphasize collective action across democracy, criminal justice, voting rights,...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Denny Case sits down with Alvy Butler, Director of Ministries and Operations for The Salvation Army of Kankakee, and Kristen Rubio, Coordinator for Kankakee County Toys for Tots. Together, they discuss a major community milestone: a unified partnership between The Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace to serve loca...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Denny Case sits down with Amy Laws from the Rotary Club of Kankakee to preview the 9th annual Halloween Downtown festival.  The family-focused event takes place this Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in downtown Kankakee, offering free activities and games organized by local businesses and nonprofit groups. South Schuyler Avenue will...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Village of Bourbonnais Mayor Jeff Keast to outline local fall events and community operations. Mayor Keast details seasonal activities scheduled throughout October, starting tonight with the Safety Town Spooktacular at Goselin Park. Additional event highlights include Witches Night Out on October 21, the Court...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings on the WVLI Podcast Network, host Mike Tomano speaks with Village of Manteno Mayor Annette LaMore regarding key seasonal updates, municipal services, and upcoming local events.  Key topics discussed in this episode: Extended Trick-or-Treat Hours: Mayor LaMore announces the village's extended trick-or-treating hours on Saturday, October 3...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Denny Case speaks with Cherie Smolkovich and Lindsey Laskey from the Bourbonnais Township Park District regarding the 34th annual "A Night in Sleepy Hollow" event at Perry Farm Park. The interview covers the interactive walking tour re-enactment produced in partnership with the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA), as w...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , 92.7 WVLI host Mike Tomano speaks with Village of Bradley Mayor Mike Watson to discuss essential community updates, upcoming municipal programs, and seasonal events.  Episode Highlights: Community Shred Event: Hosted by Village Clerk Anita Lovell on Saturday, October 10, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Residents can bring documents for free docum...

On this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings on 92.7 WVLI, host Mike Tomano speaks with Jason and Kelly Harwood, owners of Advanced Computer Specialists (ACS). Founded in 2005 out of a spare bedroom, ACS has grown over 21 years into a premier technology service provider in the region.  The discussion covers the company's growth, its national recognition at the Titans of Industry Aw...