Regional Media Podcast Network

Connie Johnson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to bring you "Cambridge Happenings" in October and into November. Cambridge is bustling with autumn and holiday events. This Saturday, the Cambridge FFA Chapter hosts a haunted house for just $5, supporting the fight against breast cancer. The Cambridge Food Pantry welcomes residents on Sunday, October 19th, from 3 to 5 PM at 123 West Exchange Street. The Cambridge Parents Club invites families to a Fall Family Festival on October 23rd from 6 to 7:30 PM at the elementary school. Local trick-or-treating is set from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on October 31st. Looking ahead, Christmas on the Square makes its return on December 6th, 2025, promising festive fun for everyone. Stay up-to-date on "What's Happening" in Cambridge on their Facebook page.

Heather Frykman joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming Doggy Costume Contest on Saturday, October 18, 2025, during the Fourth Annual Enchanted Pumpkin Festival. There’s a special treat in store for pet lovers at Kewanee’s Berrien Park. Heather Frykman, the Elegant Ms. Illinois Imperial Nations, is bringing back the beloved Doggy Costume Contest. Registration runs from 11:30 to 12:30, with costumed canines taking center stage at 1 PM. The $20 entry fee supports the People Bonding With Animals – Joy charity, benefiting senior, veteran, and disabled pet owners. This year’s event features the Rainbow Bridge Memorial Wall, inviting guests to honor pets that have passed. Creative backdrops for the contest have been handcrafted by the Kewanee Life Skills Reentry Center.

The canine costume contest is held alongside the Enchanted Pumpkin Festival, which runs from 10 AM to 3 PM. The event promises plenty of tail wags and creative costumes while making a real difference for those in need throughout the community. Costumed pups of all shapes and sizes are welcome to join in the festivities. For details on how to participate or to make a donation, contact Heather at 309-525-7696 or by email at frykma@gmail.com.

Cassandra Schmoll with the Henry County Senior Citizens Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Baked Potato Fundraiser, Medicare Open Enrollment, Friday cinnamon rolls, Tuesday dinner, weekday lunch, and the 2026 trips. The Henry County Senior Center in Kewanee is inviting the public to its popular baked potato fundraiser happening on October 15th, from 11 AM to 1 PM. Attendees will enjoy a personalized baked potato meal, selecting from a variety of toppings, plus a cookie, for just $8. Just call ahead to ensure there are still baked potatoes available. The event offers dine-in, carry-out, and convenient drive-up service. Funds raised will help maintain vital home meal delivery programs for area seniors. For additional information or to secure your order, reach out to the Senior Center at 309-853-8831.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period kicks off October 15th, offering a chance for current and soon-to-be Medicare recipients to review and update their coverage. This window is especially important for those considering changes to Medicare Part D prescription plans or exploring Medicare Advantage options. The Henry County Senior Citizens organization is offering personalized assistance to help you navigate these choices and understand your benefits. To ensure you get the best plan for your needs, they encourage scheduling an appointment soon, as spots are filling quickly. For guidance, contact 309-853-8831 and secure your spot for a Medicare review.

Friday morning cinnamon roll and a bottomless cup of coffee for $1, or you can get a sausage biscuit for $1, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM. Lunch is at noon sharp each weekday and is the same menu as the home-delivered meals for only $5. Tuesday night dinner begins at 5 PM and includes a meat, potato, vegetable, dessert, and salad bar for $5. The Christmas cookie fundraiser isn't until November, but you can get a 6-inch cookie for 50 cents a cookie, or $3 for six, and you are welcome to add a donation to your order. They are made from scratch at the senior center! Orders of over two dozen suggest at least one week's advance notice to plan for a large order.

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about World Infection Prevention Week, CPR classes, Kewanee and Geneseo fall clinics, Covid shots, flu shot clinics, and insurance navigators. World Infection Prevention Week is being recognized across Henry and Stark Counties, as health officials urge residents to stay vigilant amid rising cases of flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The “Stand UPPP” campaign encourages handwashing, staying up-to-date on vaccines, and remaining at home when ill. Adult and pediatric flu shots are available at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. A drive-thru flu shot clinic is set for Kewanee on October 17th. Free flu shots are available with Medicare or insurance; otherwise, the fee is $60. More details and appointments are available at henrystarkhealth.com.

Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to recap the October 6, 2025, city council meeting and talk about upcoming events in Galva. Discussion about Freedom Fest was the highlight of the meeting. So far, they have raised around $21,000 towards the 2026 Fourth of July fireworks show. There is a trivia fundraiser on November 8th to raise funds for fireworks. 

Residents are reminded to remove all artificial and potted flowers, plants, shepherd’s hooks, and figurines from gravesites by Sunday, October 19th. Military markers and solar lights are allowed to stay, but no new items may be placed on graves until Saturday, October 25th. Any personal tributes left past the deadline will be removed and disposed of to help keep the cemetery grounds tidy and accessible for maintenance. Those seeking more information or updates can contact City Hall or visit their website for assistance.