Kankakee Valley Community Happenings

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Mike Tomano speaks with Hannah Swale, costume designer and board member for Acting Out Theatre Co., about their upcoming production of the classic musical Annie . Acting Out Theatre Co. is known for presenting site-specific outdoor theatrical productions throughout Kankakee County. This summer's show brings 1930s New York City to...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case welcomes Ellen Stringer from the Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society to discuss the upcoming Les Artisans Arts and Crafts Fair. Taking place on Saturday, July 4th, at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds Expo Building from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this annual event features a wide variety of handmade items, original art, and unique cr...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Mariah Vail from United Way to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts following the severe March 10th storm that heavily impacted Aroma Park and surrounding areas. Vail details the reactivation of the United Way Emergency Response Fund, an initiative originally established during the COVID-19 pandemic in partner...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case talks with Dr. Harpreet Virk, a primary care provider at Riverside Primary Care in Manteno, Illinois. They discuss why June is the ideal time for families to schedule mandatory school and sports physicals ahead of the upcoming school year. Dr. Virk explains how booking early helps families avoid the late summer rush, ensures...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case highlights the 51st Annual Bourbonnais Friendship Festival, focusing on this year's lineup of tribute performances. Special guest Matt Haraf, veteran drummer for the Foreigner tribute band Cold As Ice, joins the studio to discuss the group's highly anticipated inaugural performance. Haraf shares the unique story beh...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano is joined by Bob Anderson to discuss important updates for local outdoor enthusiasts and an upcoming event dedicated to getting youth involved in conservation and outdoor sports. The conversation opens with an essential scheduling update regarding the Kankakee River Derby . Due to high water levels on the Kankakee River, the...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case is joined by Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe and Milner Media newsman Jake LaMore to preview the upcoming 51st annual Bourbonnais Friendship Festival Parade. This year's parade coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States, bringing an extra patriotic theme, "We the People Celebrate Americ...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Mayor Annette LaMore to discuss how the Village of Manteno, Illinois, is preparing to celebrate the landmark USA 250th anniversary. The village has organized a comprehensive, week-long lineup of events running from June 28th through July 3rd, designed to bring the community together in celebration of this hist...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Alicia Kleinert, the founder and owner of the MCA Adult Day Center. Alicia shares the mission behind the center, which focuses on restoring purpose, joy, and vital social connections for seniors aged 60 and older—particularly those experiencing dementia, limited mobility, or social isolation. The conversation...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Denny Case sits down with Kirsten VanDuyne, the Executive Director of the Wilmington Park District, to discuss the official kickoff of the local farmer's market season. Downtown Wilmington is gearing up for a vibrant summer filled with community shopping, live entertainment, and unique local showcases. Kirsten shares insights into...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano welcomes Angela Morrey from the Kankakee County Economic Alliance to discuss the transition from graduation to the local workforce. As hundreds of area students finish their degrees and certificates, the landscape for job seekers continues to evolve. Angela shares critical insights into what local employers are currently pri...

Denny Case sits down with Brandy Buchmeier of Project Headspace & Timing to discuss the 7th Annual Heroes, Hogs & Hot Rods Festival in downtown Manteno. During the conversation, Brandy shares how the event has grown over the years, what attendees can expect this year, and how the festival continues to support veterans and strengthen community connections. From live entertainment and family...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with local director Tyler McMahon to discuss the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association's upcoming and highly ambitious production of the hit musical Dreamgirls. McMahon shares his personal history with KVTA and highlights how this specific production represents a monumental and concerted effort by the organizati...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Mike Tomano sits down with Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis to discuss the city's highly anticipated summer event lineup for 2026. From the seasonal return of the Kankakee Farmers' Market to local music festivals, classic car shows, and community evening strolls, the city has a packed calendar designed for residents and families....

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Rob West sits down with Matt McBurnie, the Vice President of Public Relations and Communications at Riverside Medical Center. This year, Matt takes on a special role as the Honorary Chair for the local Relay for Life, an event celebrating its 31st year of bringing the community together to support the American Cancer Society. During the...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Cherie Smolkovich and Lindsey Patterson from the Bourbonnais Township Park District to discuss the upcoming kickoff to the summer season. The conversation highlights the upcoming Family Night Out event at Perry Farm Park, detailing a variety of family-friendly activities, what attendees should bring, and tips...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Mike Tomano sits down with Village of Bourbonnais Mayor Jeff Keast to discuss the highly anticipated lineup of summer activities, community initiatives, and park updates. From seasonal event series at The Grove to updates on local recreational facilities, this conversation highlights how the village is preparing for a vibrant, engaging...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Mike Tomano sits down with Angela Morrey from the Economic Alliance to discuss the latest economic updates impacting Kankakee County. This conversation highlights major shifts in the local real estate landscape and the vital resources driving community growth. Addressing the Housing Market The discussion opens with an analysis of the c...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Jojo Sayson, a local physical therapist and the founder of the Ray Olley Memorial Project (ROMP). Together, they preview the upcoming Memorial Day weekend event in Kankakee, themed "One Nation Under God Honoring the Fallen." Jojo shares the history behind the memorial's inception, which was unvei...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Denny Case welcomes local veteran Sean Mickler , Assistant Project Manager at Bear Construction in Bradley, Illinois. With Memorial Day approaching, the conversation highlights the significance of the holiday through the lens of someone who has served in uniform. Key Topics Discussed Military Background: Sean shares details about his e...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Rhonda Showers from the Mental Health Network of Kankakee County to discuss the vital role of community-driven mental health support. Rhonda shares the personal inspiration behind launching the network in 2019 and explains how it brings together diverse sectors—including law enforcement, education, healthcare,...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano speaks with Cre Thompson, the Behavioral Health Community Liaison for Riverside Behavioral Health. The conversation focuses on upcoming local initiatives designed to support Mental Health Awareness Month throughout May. Thompson provides details regarding the Mental Health Awareness Fair taking place this Friday, May 15th, a...

In this edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , host Denny Case sits down with Brittaney Beck , Director of Operations for the Kankakee Area YMCA , to discuss the upcoming season of Camp Discover . Designed for children ages 5 to 12, Camp Discover remains a cornerstone of summer activity in the Kankakee area. During the conversation, Brittaney outlines several key updates for the current...

In this edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano welcomes Village of Bradley Mayor Mike Watson for a comprehensive update on local initiatives and upcoming seasonal events. The discussion highlights the continuation of the Head of Household rebate program, designed to provide financial incentives to eligible residents who lived in the village during 2025. Mayor Watson outl...

In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings , Mike Tomano sits down with Jim Wasser of Buddy Check 22 to discuss a day dedicated to honoring our local heroes. The 3rd Annual Stan Olenjack Veteran Golf Scramble returns this year on Sunday, May 17th , at the Kankakee Elks Country Club . Jim shares the story of Stan Olenjack—a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient who set the standar...