A podcast about the people and places of Kankakee County, IL. Hosted by, Jake LaMore.
Episodes
Monday Jun 26, 2023
Monday Jun 26, 2023
Abraham Lincoln paid a visit to Kalamazoo, MI only one time in his life. This once in a lifetime visit actually has a connection to Kankakee, IL.
On this episode with the Kankakee County Museum, Tom George, Vice President of the Kalamazoo Abraham Lincoln Institute, shares his passion for local history and his research on Lincoln's visit to Kalamazoo in 1856. He explains that Lincoln's visit was a result of internal Illinois politics and his desire to secure the vote of Alonzo Mack, a state representative from Kankakee County. This episode also sheds light on the political intrigue and corruption that existed during Lincoln's time in politics and his role as a watchdog for the people of Illinois.
Listen in to learn more about Lincoln's connection to Kalamazoo and Kankakee County and how you can help fill in the gaps in local history.
References and links:
Kankakee County Museum: https://www.kankakeecountymuseum.com/
Kalamazoo Abraham Lincoln Institute: https://kalamazoolincolninstitute.org/
Monday Jun 19, 2023
Monday Jun 19, 2023
I am pleased to welcome, Steve Case, a science professor at Olivet Nazarene University, back to Kankakee Podcast!
If you remember, Steve was on the podcast about a year ago to talk about the Strickler Planetarium at ONU. If you don't recall, you can listen to that episode here: https://kankakeepodcast.com/episodes/53-strickler-planetarium-jeri-lamont-steve-case/
However, on this particular episode, we talk about Steve's career as a writer of science fiction and nonfiction. He's had much success with it too, I might add. This summer alone, Steve has landed three of his short stories in the following publications:
“Daughters of the Lattice”, in the July/August issue of Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine. https://www.asimovs.com/
“John Herschel’s Reform of Science”, feature article in the June issue of Physics Today. https://pubs.aip.org/physicstoday/article/76/6/40/2893167/John-Herschel-s-reform-of-scienceThe-son-of-the
“Every Seed is a Prayer (And Your World is a Seed)”, forthcoming in Clarkesworld Magazine. https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/
All three of these magazines are dream publications for Steve. So a big congratulations is in order!
To learn more about Steve Case and view all of his writings, visit https://stephenrcase.com/.
Thanks for coming back to the podcast, Steve!
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Kankakee Podcast is now a part of Pathfinder! In this episode, Jake sits down with Katherine Henson, Brian Prairie, Logan Miller, and Jesse Erickson to discuss Kankakee Podcast’s acquisition by Pathfinder.
Each member of the Pathfinder team outlines their respective role and explains how they apply to the growth of The Kankakee Podcast. With this new partnership, The Kankakee Podcast hopes to expand its reach and invite even more people to come on the podcast and share their stories.
Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss new content from The Kankakee Podcast!
Learn more about Pathfinder at https://www.yourpathfinder.io/.
HOST BIO
Jake LaMore has been the host of multiple podcasts, including Bangarang Radio, Pop-Punk & Pizza, and, most recently, The Kankakee Podcast. Born and raised in Kankakee County, LaMore was interested in media since childhood, and attended the Illinois Center for Broadcasting, now called the Illinois Media School.
He started his first podcast, Bangarang Radio, and found the medium to be rewarding. However, after a few years, Jake decided to narrow his focus. Calling upon his experience as a musician, he started Pop-Punk & Pizza, a music podcast. Later, remembering his grandmother’s stories about Kankakee County, Jake launched The Kankakee Podcast. Beginning in 2021, the podcast has steadily grown and serves to document Kankakee County’s history past, present and future.
Jake lives in Kankakee County and now works as a Podcast Developer for Pathfinder.
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Monday Jun 05, 2023
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Matt Hedding-Hess, who is the head of the Kankakee Area LGBTQ Network. We talked about Pride Month and the history of LGBTQ+ organizations in the Kankakee area. During our conversation, we discussed the lack of formal services and resources for LGBTQ+ people in the area and the need for a network to connect people. Matt shared his personal history with me, including growing up in Clifton and moving to Kankakee County after college. We also delved into topics such as children and gender identity, hormone therapy and gender affirming care, common misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of the Kankakee Area LGBTQ Network as a community resource.
Join the Kankakee Area LGBTQ Network Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2477311029235053/
You're also invited to attend the network's yearly Pride Picnic this Sunday, June 11th, from 11am to 3pm, at the main shelter at the Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais. It's free to attend! Just make sure you bring a dish to share.
Thanks for being on the podcast, Matt!
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
Instagram: @jakelamoremedia
Friday May 26, 2023
Friday May 26, 2023
Kankakee Podcast is presented by, Puter Pros, Digital World Design, and Stitch Prints in Bradley. Learn more at myputerpros.com, digitalworlddesign.com, and stitchprints.com.
Episode #101:
Hey there! I'm excited to tell you about the latest episode of Kankakee Podcast. It's a special bonus episode with our guest Bonnie Brewer, who's a member of the Kankakee County Community Arts Council. She's talking all about the upcoming Strawberry Jazz Festival on Sunday, June 4th at Northfield Square Mall.
Bonnie gives us the inside scoop on the festival's history and how it's grown over the years. They've added jazz music and expanded to four stages of entertainment! Plus, there will be over 100 vendors selling handmade items, a kids' zone, and local school groups and dance performances. Best of all, admission is free, but donations are appreciated, and all profits go towards supporting local student groups.
The episode is packed with all the details you need to know about the festival, including logistics and unique vendors. It's clear that the community is passionate about supporting the arts, and this festival is a great way to do just that. So mark your calendars and get ready to have some fun at the Strawberry Jazz Festival, Sunday, June 4th, 10am to 4pm, at Northfield Square Mall.
Follow and like their Facebook page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/CommunityArtsCouncilOfKankakeeCounty
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
Monday May 22, 2023
Monday May 22, 2023
Kankakee Podcast is presented by, Puter Pros, Digital World Design, and Stitch Prints in Bradley. Learn more at myputerpros.com, digitalworlddesign.com, and stitchprints.com.
Episode 100:
In this episode of Kankakee Podcast's "Meet the Mayor" series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jamie Hawkins, the first woman mayor of Grant Park. We discussed her background, including her experience as the first woman police officer at KCC and her journey to becoming mayor. We also talked about her experience working in law enforcement and her thoughts on police reform and mental health-related calls. Hawkins shared her plans to address complaints from residents in her town, including fixing poor road conditions and building a new walk path.
Thank you for giving me time out of your busy schedule to chat, Mayor Hawkins!
On another note, WE DID IT! We made it to 100 episodes of Kankakee Podcast! This would not have been possible without the support of our listeners, friends, family, patrons, and sponsors. Thank you all so much for helping us continue to grow and share the stories of Kankakee County!
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
Monday May 15, 2023
Monday May 15, 2023
Kankakee Podcast is presented by, Puter Pros, Digital World Design, and Stitch Prints in Bradley. Learn more at myputerpros.com, digitalworlddesign.com, and stitchprints.com.
Episode 99:
I'm excited to share with you a special episode of the Kankakee Podcast that I recorded in collaboration with the Kankakee County Museum. The episode is all about Rolling Thunder, a national organization that raises awareness about the POW/MIA issue and helps veterans. During the annual Rhubarb Festival this Sunday, May 21st, a special ceremony for three soldiers who were missing in action in Vietnam and were residents of Kankakee County will take place. To learn more about this organization and the ceremony, I interviewed Dennis "LT", a member of Rolling Thunder Illinois Chapter 1.
In the episode, Dennis shares the history of Rolling Thunder and its mission to help veterans and their families. We also discuss the efforts to recover remains of missing soldiers and provide closure for families. Dennis talks about his experience as a Vietnam veteran and the challenges he faced when he returned home. He also shares how organizations like Rolling Thunder helped him and other veterans cope with their experiences.
The interview concludes with Dennis expressing his gratitude towards the Kankakee County Museum and Veronica Featherston for their support in organizing the ceremony for the missing soldiers. He encourages people to attend the ceremony and learn about the meaning behind the POW/MIA table that will be displayed.
As Dennis says, "We can't forget about our veterans, we can't forget about our POW/MIA." So, I encourage you to listen to this episode and attend the Rolling Thunder ceremony this Sunday, May 21st at the Rhubarb Festival on the grounds of the Kankakee County Museum.
Learn more about Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 and the Kankakee County Museum at the links below:
https://www.rollingthunderil1.com/
https://www.kankakeecountymuseum.com/
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast
Monday May 08, 2023
Monday May 08, 2023
Kankakee Podcast is presented by, Puter Pros, Digital World Design, and Stitch Prints in Bradley. Learn more at myputerpros.com, digitalworlddesign.com, and stitchprints.com.
Episode 98:
If our information is correct, D. Westphal Jewelers on Broadway in Bradley now stands as the Kankakee area’s oldest independent jewelry store since the unfortunate closing of Volkmann Diamonds in 2016.
Darren Westphal is the third generation in his family to own and operate the store. It all started with his grandfather, John Westphal, who came from Paxton to purchase the current storefront that’s on Broadway in Bradley in 1970.
Darren is an avid community supporter and he puts a smile on my face every time I see him. Thanks for sharing your story with us, Darren!
You can follow D. Westphal Jewelers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DWestphalJewelers.
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast
Monday May 01, 2023
Monday May 01, 2023
Kankakee Podcast is presented by, Puter Pros, Digital World Design, and Stitch Prints in Bradley. Learn more at myputerpros.com, digitalworlddesign.com, and stitchprints.com.
Episode 97:
The Kankakee River is known to every resident of the county, however not too many people know that the river itself contains a hidden gem called, Langham Island.
Langham Island is a 20 acre island that sits near the State Park, and is home to one of Illinois' native flowers, the Kankakee Mallow. I'm joined by Trevor Edmondson, John Sullivan, Molly Bilderback-Ulrich, and Steve Bohan of The Friends of Langham Island as we discuss what it takes to care for the island, and why it is so important to keep the Kankakee Mallow and Langham Island thriving on this episode of Kankakee Podcast
I learned so much from this fine group of people. This episode is definitely going to be added to my favorites list. Thank you again to Trevor, John, Molly, and Steve for being on the podcast!
Follow Friends of Langham Island on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LanghamIsland
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast
Monday Apr 24, 2023
Monday Apr 24, 2023
Kankakee Podcast is presented by, Puter Pros, Digital World Design, and Stitch Prints in Bradley. Learn more at myputerpros.com, digitalworlddesign.com, and stitchprints.com.
Episode 96:
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, I sit down with Jorie Walters, the Research Coordinator at Kankakee County Museum, to delve into the history of Perry Farm Park. Jorie shares insightful historical information about the park and its origins, including the Durham family's ownership of the land. I learned that the Bourbonnais Township Park District eventually was awarded the property in the late 1980s after a heated battle with businesses who wanted to develop the land. It was fascinating to learn about the efforts to preserve Perry Farm Park for future generations. Additionally, Jorie and I tease a future episode where we will discuss the modern story of Perry Farm Park.
Kankakee County Museum links:
https://www.kankakeecountymuseum.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kankakeecountymuseum
https://www.instagram.com/kankakeecountymuseum/
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast