Regional Media Podcast Network

The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi is on October 4th and is widely revered as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Across communities worldwide, people are holding special blessings for pets and wildlife, reflecting St. Francis’s devotion to all creatures, great and small. OSF HealthCare Medical Centers are hosting gatherings, inviting families to bring their pets for a blessing ceremony. The feast day serves as a reminder of compassion and stewardship toward animals, encouraging acts of kindness such as volunteering at shelters or supporting wildlife causes. St. Francis’s legacy inspires many to consider the welfare of animals in everyday life. The Blessing of Pets is scheduled for October 8th from 11 AM to 1 PM at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee. The Blessing of the Pets is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., following the 12 PM Mass. The Celebration for Saint Luke is on October 18th but will be celebrated on Monday, October 22nd.

OSF HealthCare is opening new doors for job seekers across the Tri-Counties. Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to highlight a range of positions now available within the expanding healthcare system, from clinical roles to administrative support. Interested individuals can sign up for the OSF Talent Network, a platform designed to keep potential applicants informed about upcoming job opportunities that match their skills and interests. Rux emphasizes the organization’s commitment to professional growth and community well-being, making OSF HealthCare a strong choice for those seeking meaningful careers in the health sector. More details are available on the OSF HealthCare website.

This Halloween, ‘Svengoolie’s BOO-Nanza’ is back on MeTV for its fourth haunting season, scaring up a month-long celebration of fright-filled, spooky and kooky classic horror and TV fun for the entire family. Every Saturday night, fans will be treated to back-to-back horror movies as part of the Svengoolie and House of Svengoolie double features. All-new additions to MeTV’s Svengoolie movie schedule include Young Frankenstein, Arachnophobia, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, The Fly and Return of the Fly. 

Kewanee Park District Director Andy Dwyer joined Wake Up Tri-Counties from the new pavilion in Baker Park. Andy talked about Bakersville, which is this Saturday, October 4th; plans for an expansion to the Baker Park Clubhouse; recovering from damage from multiple severe storms over the last few years; the function of the Kewanee Park District; and plans for other Kewanee Park District parks. The Kewanee Park District is its own taxing body, with its own board of commissioners and its own parks. While the City of Kewanee collects taxes and maintains city parks, the Kewanee Park District is a separate entity that relies on tax revenue and revenue collected through Baker Park Golf Course, Windmont, Chautauqua, Liberty, and Northeast Parks. Technically, Liberty Park doesn't generate revenue, but it now houses the long-awaited splash pad. The park district has almost paid off two bonds and will issue new bonds to fund the clubhouse expansion in Baker Park. The expansion will add a banquet room for event rental, expand the 19th Hole Restaurant, allowing the restaurant to remain open year-round, and add a golf pro shop. The clubhouse expansion is part of the park district's long-term plan and has been in the early planning phase for a couple of years. Upgrades to the shelter houses in Chautauqua and Windmont Parks are planned after the clubhouse expansion. The pool at Northeast Park is in the long-term plan, but it runs at a large loss each year and will require millions of dollars to replace.

Sara Billiet from the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming events in October at the Kewanee Public Library. The Kewanee Public Library is hosting a month packed with creative events this October. Kids can pick up Mummy Action Figure Grab & Go Kits starting October 1, while puzzle fans of all ages can swap puzzles on October 7. October 8 features an art show unveiling local talent and a Kids’ Art Gallery, celebrating both creativity and the library’s 150th anniversary. Throughout the month, families are invited to craft glowing window eyes, decorate pumpkins inspired by book characters, and trade favorite snack recipes at a Recipe Round-Up. The month wraps up with spooky jewelry-making, book club discussions, and a Halloween Open House for all ages.