A podcast about the people and places of Kankakee County, IL. Hosted by, Jake LaMore.
Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
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
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Thursday Apr 20, 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 95:
Hey there! This latest episode of Kankakee Podcast is all about the upcoming production of "In the Heights" by the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association, and it features an interview with the director, Sharla Ronchetto.
I mean, who doesn't love a good theatre production, right? Ronchetto spills all the tea about her background in theatre and her approach to directing. And let me tell you, it's fascinating stuff.
But wait, there's more! Ronchetto also talks about the music in the show, which is a mix of several genres. And get this, the cast even had to learn backup vocals in Spanish. Talk about a challenge!
So, what are you waiting for? Listen to this episode of Kankakee Podcast and get all the juicy details about "In the Heights"!
Also, buy your tickets now at https://www.kvta.org/buy-tickets.
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast
Monday Apr 10, 2023
Monday Apr 10, 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 94:
Our Meet the Mayor series continues on Kankakee Podcast with Bradley Mayor, Mike Watson!
It was fascinating to learn how Mayor Watson started his own waste removal company, United Disposal, what the Bradley Village Board is planning on doing with Northfield Square Mall and so much more.
You can follow Mayor Watson on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064006091898
Official website for the Village of Bradley: https://bradleyil.org/
Thank you for your time, Mayor!
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Monday Apr 03, 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.
How often do we think about the fuel we put into our bodies? Most of the time, people just eat, without thinking about what the consequences of these foods could do to our bodies. This is where Kris Calmese enters. Kris is looking to change the narrative of unhealthy eating and help people start to pay attention to what they are consuming, even opening his very own restaurant called, Beng at Northfield Square Mall. Join Kris Calmese and I as he shares his journey to where he is now, as well as how to eat and live a healthier lifestyle on this episode of Kankakee Podcast.
The grand opening for Beng is this Saturday, April 8th, by the way. Get more information on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089993382445
Also shoutout to Bill Perakis of Meineke Car Care Center for introducing me to Kris! Since Bill pledges $100 or more per month in our patron program, he was allowed to pick a guest to be on the podcast and also attend the recording. Pretty cool, right? Thanks for your support, Bill!
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast
Friday Mar 31, 2023
Friday Mar 31, 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.
Kankakee Violence Prevention Meeting
Last night on Thursday, March 30th, I attended a City of Kankakee Violence Prevention informational meeting at the train depot. I was there representing Milner Media Partners to write a news story for their radio stations, The Valley 92.7 FM and River Country 101.7 FM. After hearing Mayor Chris Curtis and Guest Speaker, Marcus Ellis, of Washington, D.C. talk about what needs to be done to combat violence in Kankakee, I thought maybe this would be a conversation you'd want to listen to.
Now, keep in mind the audio is a little subpar compared to what you're used to hearing on Kankakee Podcast. I showed up to this meeting with my iPhone and a note pad with the intent to only use the audio for radio news broadcasts. I decided after the fact that you might want to hear this conversation. None of the less, the audio is mostly audible.
If you want to learn more about Kankakee's Violence Prevention Program called, Kankakee United, go to https://ku.citykankakee-il.gov/.
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast