Regional Media Podcast Network

Kewanee City Council candidates in the 2025 consolidated election joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss their backgrounds, why they are running, what they want to accomplish, and their thoughts on privatizing Kewanee's water system. Listen to Tyrone Baker, Steve Faber, and Obrey Blumenshine in the podcasts below and on-air on Monday, March 31, 2025, beginning at 8:15 AM.

The judge made a ruling today in the bench trial of a Colona man charged with the death of a 14-month-old female child in January of 2022. After a two-day trial, Judge Daulton found Rahsaan Strawder guilty of First-Degree Murder/Stong Probability and Aggravated Battery/Child <13 related to the shaking of the child and not guilty of the First-Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery related to the blunt force trauma charges. A two-hour sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2025, at 9 AM.

Judge Daulton said many factors played into his decision, including testimony given by inmate William Borsch. Judge Daulton said that he considered Borsch's testimony because he provided details allegedly told to him by Strawder when they were cellmates in June or July 2024 that matched the injuries Baby D suffered. According to the autopsy report, Baby D had brain swelling and petechial hemorrhaging from being shaken, and she had blunt force trauma to the right side of her head.

Rahsaan Strawder's family was outside the courthouse and told RegionalMediaNews that Rahsaan would never do anything to go back to prison, and they said he would never hurt a child. They said Rahsaan intends to appeal the verdict.

Watch https://www.regionalmedianews.com/rmn-tri-counties for trial coverage.

Russ Hughes joined Jennifer Russell in the Sav-A-Lot Studio for the March 28, 2025, edition of The Boiler Shop on Wake Up Tri-Counties. Russ talked about baseball and softball and paid a special tribute to John Blachinsky. John Blachinsky was a lawyer, veteran, and longtime coach for sports in the Kewanee School District.

Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss events at the Kewanee Public Library in April. The Kewanee Public Library is buzzing with activities this April. "Coding for Tweens," postponed due to weather, is rescheduled for April 9th at 3:30 PM. Meanwhile, residents can look forward to a lively block party offering a bounce house, face painting, and engaging activities aimed at uniting the community in joy and camaraderie. Adding to the excitement, the Cinema at the Carnegie is presenting the enchanting musical "Wicked," with its first screening on April 10th at 2 PM, followed by another on April 29th at 10:30 AM. Get ready for a month filled with fun, creativity, and connection! For more information, visit https://kewaneelibrary.org/.

Samanta Rux and Emma Corkill joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about athletic training and proper training for spring sports. Samanta Rux and Emma Corkill recently shed light on athletic training for spring sports. Emma, an athletic trainer at Kewanee High School, works but works out of OSF Healthcare to provide essential guidance on weight training and injury prevention. Their mission is to educate student-athletes on how to avoid injuries and, if necessary, safely navigate recovery and return to their sport. Emphasizing proper techniques, Emma partners with coaches to ensure athletes are well-prepared and informed. This focus on education aims to foster a sustainable athletic environment where students excel while minimizing health risks.