Regional Media Podcast Network

Wethersfield Third Grade students, Desmond, Finnick, and Maddox, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to bring "The Good News" about their pets. All three kids said they love all pets. "The Good News" with Wethersfield students airs on Fridays at 7:50 AM when the kids have school.

RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about increasing flu infection rates and heart health during Heart Awareness Month.  This February, the spotlight is on cardiovascular health as American Heart Month unfolds. The Henry & Stark County Health Department, alongside First Choice Healthcare Clinics, emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures against heart disease, the top cause of mortality in the United States. Essential actions include routine health checkups, vigilant monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol, and embracing a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options. Engaging in regular exercise, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, and managing diabetes is pivotal in preventing this pervasive health issue. Let’s prioritize heart health for a healthier future.

Kewanee's much-anticipated Quarter Madness makes a grand return on March 14, 2025, at the Elks Lodge. This exhilarating raffle event promises exciting prizes like designer purses and gift cards, kicking off at 6:30 PM. Not only a night of fun, but proceeds also support the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival and Kewanee Rotary Club's community initiatives. Paddles are your ticket to participate—secure yours in advance online or at local outlets. Platinum paddles offer convenience, while Gold and White paddles bring thrill. Join the community, win incredible prizes, and make a difference. Follow the Kewanee Rotary Club on Facebook for updates. "Quarter Madness isn’t just about winning; it’s about giving back. Proceeds from the event support the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival and the Community Projects of the Rotary Club of Kewanee Foundation. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals, we’re
assembling an amazing lineup of prizes."

If you’d like to donate or purchase paddles, please contact Dianne Packee at 309-312-0168.

How to Play and Win:
To participate, you’ll need a paddle—and the best way to secure yours is to buy in advance! Get your paddles online at www.kewaneerotary.com or in person at:

• Sutton and Associates Real Estate (Main & First Streets)
• Country Financial – Erin Spivey’s Office (Division & Main Streets)
• Gold and White paddles will also be available for purchase at the Elks Lodge once doors open.

How to play:
The easiest way to play is to purchase a Platinum paddle for $40. Platinum paddles are entered to Win every prize all night, and you do not have to be present to win. You can sit at home on your couch, and we’ll call you to tell you what you’ve won! Now if fun is your thing and you want to be at Quarter Madness in person, you’ll want to purchase a Gold paddle for $30. With a Gold paddle, you must be there to watch your number. When we call your number, you’ve got to hoot and holler so we can get that prize over to your table! You can purchase unlimited Platinum or Gold paddles.

Last but not least, we also have White paddles. White paddles are $5 each and are only available once the doors open on the day of the event. Here’s where the quarters come in. In order for a White paddle to be in the raffle, you must bid the amount of quarters for the item’s value. Items up to $25 are one quarter, $26-$50 are two quarters, $51-75 are three quarters, and $76 on up are 4 quarters per bid. Each person can only purchase two white paddles, and each paddle must have a bid on the item for it to be on the raffle drawing.

Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Seth Parlier on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the importance of cancer screenings. A year since its inauguration, the OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria stands out as the sole provider of Proton Beam Therapy south of Chicago and one of fewer than 40 facilities nationwide offering this revolutionary treatment. As the second in Illinois, the institute utilizes a focused beam of positively charged protons to target cancer cells precisely, minimizing side effects by sparing healthy tissue. This advanced technique effectively hinders cancer growth and recurrence, offering a promising option for tackling the most challenging tumors.

Dr. Carlos Avila joined Tom Katz on WKEI's "Here’s to Your Health" to discuss family medicine at the Hammond-Henry Medical Group in Kewanee. Dr. Avila brings a wealth of knowledge from his diverse medical background, including his education in El Salvador and residency at Southern Illinois University. His roles have spanned from surgical assistant in San Salvador to lead physician at Unity Point Health Care. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Avila is not only a practicing physician but also a mentor to medical students.

Dr. Avila is now accepting appointments at 309.853.3677. Visit the clinic at 1258 W. South Street, Kewanee.

Seth Parlier and Russ Hughes talk basketball and state championships on this week's edition of "The Boiler Shop." Girls bowling, speech, boys wrestling, and middle school boys' wrestling are headed to state this weekend. Boys' varsity basketball will compete in the regional quarterfinals on Monday, February 24th.