Regional Media Podcast Network

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.

Lorna Brown joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming 35th Anniversary Quilt Show in Bishop Hill this weekend. Quilters and art enthusiasts can now explore the 2025 Bishop Hill Quilt Show at the Bishop Hill Colony School in Bishop Hill.  The event celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Bishop Hill Quilt Show, which takes place May 16th through 18th. The main display, featuring a diverse array of quilts, will be at the Colony School. Admission to Colony School is $5, with doors open Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. On Friday, attendees will select the winners from five categories. Each year, the Prairie Queen Quilt Club members select a charity to support by providing homemade quilts and part of the proceeds from the quilt show. This year, the group is supporting GROW Ministries in Cambridge, which provides shelter for women who are homeless or abused.

This special exhibit is free to the public, though donations are appreciated, and will remain open throughout the month during regular hours at the Steeple Building Museum, located at 103 North Bishop Hill Street. The quilt show was started 35 years ago by Betty Robertson and Marilyn Nelson, who both owned and operated quilt shops in Bishop Hill in the mid-1980s. The Bishop Art Council helped sponsor the event until 1990, when the Prairie Queen Quilt Club branched out on its own.

Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss "Healthcare Week" at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee and digital options available to patients through OSF HealthCare.  OSF HealthCare is rolling out a week of appreciation and celebration for its dedicated staff. The festivities kick off with OSF Proud Day, encouraging everyone to sport their logo gear, alongside the DAISY and Sunflower Awards ceremony and a free cookout. Rock ‘n’ Roll Day follows, inviting team members to get creative with musical outfits. Wednesday brings sports-themed attire, a Blessing of the Hands, popcorn treats, and an outdoor barbecue. Thursday gets colorful with pastel outfits and a potato bar lunch. The week wraps up Friday with a vacation-themed jeans day. Staff are invited to join in and share their festive moments on their Facebook page.

OSF MyChart is making health care management more accessible and convenient. This secure online platform allows patients to view portions of their electronic medical record, manage appointments, and even access family health records at any time of day. Secure messaging with your care team and telemedicine options, like video visits, saves time previously spent on calls or in-person visits. Patients can also review medications, lab results, and summaries of hospital visits, all from one place. The MyChart app, available for Apple and Android devices, ensures your health information is right at your fingertips whenever you need it.

May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon are spotlighting resources to support informed family planning. Women can access annual exams, Pap smears, contraceptive counseling, and pregnancy testing, with many services offered on a sliding fee scale or at no cost based on income. This aligns with National Women’s Health Week, which kicks off on Mother’s Day, urging women to prioritize preventive care and healthy habits. For appointments or more information, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call your local clinic. These initiatives empower women and promote lifelong health in the community.

House Republicans voiced concerns today following the passage of Senate Bill 42 out of the Judiciary–Criminal Committee. The proposal would eliminate the requirement for cannabis to be kept in odor-proof containers inside vehicles. Additionally, police would no longer be permitted to stop, search, or detain drivers and passengers over the age of 21 solely based on the smell of cannabis. Representative Dennis Tipsword, a veteran of 30 years in law enforcement, argued that this change would create new obstacles for police. The bill narrowly passed, 8-6, and will return to committee for amendments before advancing to the full House.