Regional Media Podcast Network

OSF HealthCare is implementing a new regional model to better serve patients across multiple local medical centers. Vice presidents will now be stationed at each facility to ensure a strong leadership presence and foster community relationships. The aim is to offer more medical services at centers like OSF Saint Luke while reserving specialized treatments for facilities such as OSF Saint Mary. This approach is designed to ease congestion at larger hospitals like OSF Saint Francis. Patients are encouraged to seek initial care at local centers, where staff will assess if transport is needed for advanced treatment elsewhere. Kory Tinkham oversees this initiative across multiple sites but is predominantly stationed in Kewanee.

Katie Laleman joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about crop planting and Mental Health Month. The USDA Ag Statistics reports that statewide, as of May 11th, about 54% of corn has been planted and 51% of soybeans have been planted, which is further along than we were last year at this time. A golf outing fundraiser is scheduled for August 8, 2025, at Baker Park in Kewanee. Call the Henry County Farm Bureau office at 309-937-2411 to book your team. The money raised will support the Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom. If you are a Farm Bureau member, coming soon, you can purchase passes for the Henry County Fair at a discount. If you aren't a Farm Bureau member, you can join today by calling or stopping by the Henry County Farm Bureau office. There will be a kids' tractor pedal pull before the truck and tractor pull on Friday night. It's a blast for the kids! There will be prizes at the Farm Bureau booth during the Henry County Fair. For more information, visit the Farm Bureau Facebook page or website. 

Rural communities across the region are joining forces to address the unique mental health challenges faced by farmers and their families. Community leaders emphasize that mental well-being is just as vital as physical health in the demanding world of agriculture. Local organizations are launching support groups and helplines, encouraging open conversations and peer support. The message is clear: no one should face these pressures alone. By breaking the stigma around mental health, rural communities aim to foster a stronger, more connected environment where reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s message is all about turning awareness into action. The Henry and Stark County Health Department, alongside First Choice Healthcare, is highlighting that one in five adults struggle with mental health every year—with many not seeking help. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Paige Humphrey encourages everyone to protect their mental health, noting that resources are readily available for support. Meanwhile, the departments are also promoting regular blood pressure checks during High Blood Pressure Awareness Month and reminding event organizers of new food safety regulations. More information can be found on the health department’s website and social media.

Russ Hughes and Seth Parlier brought excitement to the Sav-A-Lot Studio during the latest Boiler Shop segment of Wake Up Tri-Counties. Their conversation spotlighted the recent victories and standout moments from the region’s baseball, softball, and track teams. Russ and Seth shared play-by-play details of thrilling games and close finishes and highlighted several athletes whose performances made a significant impact. 

The Illinois Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 25, sponsored by Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia), declaring May 2025 as Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) Awareness Month.

The resolution was introduced following a member initiative request from Chris and Amy Avart of Mason City, whose young daughter, Esme, lives with PWS — a rare genetic disorder that causes constant hunger, developmental challenges, and requires 24/7 care. The Avarts shared their story earlier this year before the Senate Public Health Committee, urging lawmakers to bring greater attention to the condition.

“Each day, Chris and Amy wake up with an unwavering commitment to caring for Esme,” said Senator Anderson. “Their courage and determination brought this issue to our attention, and through this resolution, we hope to raise more awareness and give the PWS community a stronger voice in their advocacy efforts.”

PWS affects about 1 in 15,000 children and is caused by a defect on the 15th chromosome. The condition leads to significant neurological, metabolic, and behavioral challenges, including a constant, unrelenting sensation of hunger due to impaired communication between the brain and stomach.

By declaring May as Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month, Senator Anderson hopes to promote public understanding of the condition and encourage future efforts to formally recognize PWS as a disability in Illinois.