Regional Media Podcast Network

Illinois continues to see a troubling trend: a significant population decline, especially among young adults and families. Since April 2020, the state’s population under 18 has dropped by 6.1%, outpacing the national decline. Wealthy millennials and young professionals are also leaving, citing difficult public policies. State Representative Dan Swanson is proposing HB1501, a bill targeting one major barrier for young Illinoisans: access to farmland. The legislation would offer tax credits to those selling or renting agricultural assets to beginner farmers. Swanson says soaring land prices—now exceeding $20,000 an acre—make farming unattainable without family inheritance.

Tres Café in Kewanee is hosting a special fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association on June 7th from 4 to 8 PM. For just $10, attendees can enjoy a chicken and noodles dinner, with both dine-in and carry-out options available. The event also features a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing, promising excitement alongside the opportunity to help an important cause. Every dollar raised will go directly to support individuals living with dementia and provide resources for their caregivers. Organizers invite the community to participate, emphasizing that their support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families affected by Alzheimer’s and related conditions. Call 309-761-8088 for carry-out.

A new era in Alzheimer’s detection is unfolding as the FDA has approved a groundbreaking blood test to help diagnose the disease. The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio requires only a simple blood draw, offering a less invasive and more accessible alternative to current PET scans or spinal taps. Designed for adults 55 and older with signs of cognitive decline, the test detects amyloid plaques closely associated with Alzheimer’s. In clinical studies, the test demonstrated strong accuracy in predicting plaque presence, though it’s intended for use alongside other diagnostic evaluations rather than as a stand-alone screening tool. According to a study, four in five Americans said they would want to know if they had Alzheimer's before symptoms started, and 92% of Americans would want a medication to slow the progression of the disease.

Message Amber Bowcott on Facebook for information on local resources on Alzheimer's and dementia. If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s or another dementia, you or your loved one are not alone. Join our free online community, ALZConnected, to share questions, experiences, and practical tips on message boards and in live chat rooms. For more information on Alzheimer's, visit https://www.alz.org/ or call 1-800-272-3900.

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.