Regional Media Podcast Network

John Wirth, Brenda Kegebein, and George DeMay joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the third annual Fourth of July Car Show at Francis Park. Engines and excitement converge at Francis Park this weekend as the Street Cruisers Car Club partners with Gustafson Ford Kewanee for their annual Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show. Shiny rides will compete for trophies while event-goers try their luck at door prizes and browse a bustling craft and flea market. Proceeds will support Honor Flight and Hog Capitol Wildlife Rescue and Rehab, injecting philanthropy into this celebration of horsepower. Live entertainment and a mouthwatering array of food vendors—including barbecue, breakfast favorites, funnel cakes, and more—promise something for everyone. The festivities run from early morning through mid-afternoon, rain or shine. The car, truck, and motorcycle show runs from 8:30 AM to 3 PM, with registration from 8:30 to 11 AM. The tractor parade begins at 8 AM and goes from Walmart to Francis Park. The craft and flea market goes from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to provide safety tips for fireworks use this Fourth of July. As Illinois gears up for Independence Day, safety experts are reminding residents that popular consumer fireworks like bottle rockets and Roman candles remain illegal under state law. However, even legal options such as sparklers and smoke bombs can pose serious risks. Nationally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission logged nearly 10,000 injuries and eight deaths from fireworks in 2023. Dr. Stathis Poulakidas from OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center warns that even sparklers, burning at around 1,800 degrees, can cause severe burns, especially to children. He urges everyone to leave fireworks to professionals and prioritize safety to prevent devastating injuries.

Country music artist Angela Meyer joined Wake Up Tri-Countries to introduce her powerful new single, “Blood Disease,” ahead of her much-anticipated live performance at the Levitt Amp Galva Music Series on June 29, 2025. Meyer's forthcoming album, also titled “Blood Disease," releases in September and will be available on all major platforms like iTunes and Spotify. Crowned the Midwest Country Music Organization’s “New Artist of the Year” in 2023, she continues to move listeners with her heartfelt songwriting and live shows. For more, catch her “Muddy Water Radio” program every Saturday on WQUD 107.7 FM. Find more about Angela Meyer on her website.

Angela Meyer continues to capture hearts in the Quad Cities and beyond with her heartfelt songwriting and powerful live performances. Raised in a family steeped in country music, Meyer's artistic journey began when her grandparents gave her a guitar at the age of ten. By fifteen, she was writing her songs, quickly making a name for herself on stage. With more than a decade of professional experience, Meyer’s sets blend acoustic covers and her country-western originals. She's performed from New Mexico to New York, including at the prestigious National Finals Rodeo events. Discover her music on YouTube at www.youtube.com/angelacmeyer.

RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about fireworks safety, food safety, sun safety, men's health, HIV testing, and school physicals. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments will close all offices and First Choice Healthcare Clinics on Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. Some home services staff will continue essential care, but regular hours will resume on July 7th. Officials are warning of increased fireworks injuries during holiday celebrations, particularly among children under 15. The departments urge safe handling: never let kids use fireworks unattended and always follow instructions. Food safety is also a concern—keep perishables cold and discard food left out too long. For appointments, information on school physicals, HIV testing, or birth certificates, visit henrystarkhealth.com.

Russ Hughes and Kewanee Schools Athletic Director Coach Tim Atwell joined Jennifer Russell in the Sav-A-Lot Studio for the June 27, 2025, edition of The Boiler Shop on Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Kewanee Boiler Nation sports.

Sara Billiet joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about what's happening in July at the Kewanee Public Library. The Kewanee Public Library is wrapping up its successful summer reading program for children, which officially concludes on July 7th. Prizes should be claimed by then, but arrangements can be made if notified in advance. Story times continue through July, with both in-person and Facebook options available. Adults can look forward to a packed schedule, including a “Jaws” movie night for Shark Week, a native pollinator gardening session, an investing workshop, and a Scrabble tile coaster craft. The library is also seeking a young adult clerk for a 16-hour position focused on programming for teens. Details are on the library’s website and Facebook page.