Regional Media Podcast Network

Come out and support the Kewanee Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday, September 27th. The festivities will run from 4 to 11 PM at the Kewanee American Legion, located at 116 East 3rd Street. Hosted by the Kewanee Commission on Human Relations, the celebration promises an evening of live music, delicious food, and local vendors, highlighting the rich cultural traditions of the Hispanic community. Organizers invite residents to enjoy the festivities and support the ongoing efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and cultural appreciation throughout the Kewanee area.

Daniela Garcia-Lozano, Dulce Contreras, America Gobellan, Sayde Tapia, and Jessica Fornander joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to give you a rundown of the festivities and a hint about the first-ever award winner, a person who has had an impact on the community, the Orgullo Hispano Award. The Kewanee community is eagerly anticipating the announcement of this year’s Orgullo Hispano honoree, a distinction given to a local individual who has made significant contributions. Organizers will reveal the winner on Friday evening, and attendees have the chance to guess the honoree’s identity for a prize at Saturday’s celebration. The clues point to a notable medical professional: a La Salle Medical School graduate who completed residency in Davenport, Iowa, advocated for LPNs to work in clinics, and participated in medical missions across Central America and Africa. Community members are abuzz, speculating who will receive this honor.

Attendees can enjoy a vibrant lineup: recognition awards kick off festivities, followed by traditional dance and live musical performances. The winners of the student art contest will be announced during the opening ceremony at 5 PM. DJ Tony Beats and Tamborazo De Oro will take the stage, ensuring energy remains high throughout the celebration. Food vendors promise a range of delicious options, and a photo booth will capture lasting memories. The event spotlights cultural pride while uniting the community through music, dance, and flavors from across the Hispanic world. Doors open to all interested in joining the celebration.

With fall harvest underway, agricultural workers face increased risks, as the sector remains the most dangerous in the United States, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To raise awareness, the third week of September has been designated National Farm Safety and Health Week—a tradition dating back to 1944. During this observance, leaders like Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie underscore the dedication of farmers, calling them the backbone of rural communities and the economy. Safety advocates urge extra caution in the fields, emphasizing injury prevention for those working to bring in this year’s harvest.

Todd DeDecker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the 53rd annual Jordbruksdagarna harvest festival, which arrives in Bishop Hill on September 27th and 28th, promising a weekend brimming with heritage and community spirit. The village will transform into a lively hub, featuring traditional craft demonstrations, a range of food vendors, live music, and engaging activities tailored for children. Visitors can also explore historic exhibits scattered throughout Bishop Hill. Every demonstration and display comes at no cost, ensuring the festival remains accessible for all. Organizers invite families, history enthusiasts, and curious newcomers to experience a celebration deeply rooted in agricultural tradition and local culture.

Jordbruksdagarna, Bishop Hill’s annual harvest celebration, returns this year with a rich lineup of activities for all ages. Organized by the Bishop Hill Heritage Association, this family-friendly event highlights Swedish traditions, historic demonstrations, and local crafts. Support comes from community organizations such as the Bishop Hill Agricultural Association, VASA National Archives, and sponsors including the Illinois Arts Council and Nature’s Creations. The event’s success relies on dedicated volunteers, with special help from the Cambridge and Galva FFA chapters and the Galva Boy Scouts. Major media support is proudly provided by Regional Media. Details can be found at www.visitbishophill.com.

Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to thank the Kewanee Police, Kewanee Fire, and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management for their participation in the first full-scale drill at OSF Saint Luke on Friday. In honor of National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sam talked about free access to Silver Cloud from OSF HealthCare. Residents in OSF HealthCare-served areas now have free access to SilverCloud, an online mental health platform designed to help adults manage depression, anxiety, and stress. SilverCloud offers up to seven interactive modules featuring mindfulness exercises, journaling, and lifestyle tracking, accessible by phone, tablet, or computer. Programs are tailored for specific needs, including stress reduction, anxiety management, and addressing depression or the combination of depression and anxiety. In response to the ongoing pandemic, a special “Challenging Times” program supports those facing COVID-19-related emotional struggles. Enrollment is open to anyone 18 or older; simply register and request a program online. As fall draws near, health officials are reminding the public that timely vaccinations are key to preventing illness. Families should arrange vaccine appointments for their children, as school-based flu clinics in Kewanee will not be held this year. Adults are also encouraged to keep current with vaccines such as the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and others like hepatitis B and shingles. These shots offer vital protection, especially for older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying health issues. Talk to your provider about updating immunizations to keep yourself and your community healthy. The flu vaccine is available at OSF Medical Centers, so make an appointment by calling your medical provider or through the OSF MyHealth App. Find more information about seasonal vaccines here.

Patients using OSF HealthCare now have a new tool for managing their medical needs. The My OSF app combines a range of resources, enabling easy access to locations, appointment scheduling, bill payment, and OSF MyChart records, all from a single device. Designed to streamline the health care journey, the platform places essential information just a tap away, aiming to simplify routine tasks like checking test results or planning upcoming visits. The My OSF app is available for download, offering a more efficient, user-friendly way for patients to stay connected to their health care providers and services.