Regional Media Podcast Network

As Halloween approaches, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare, urge families to prioritize safety. Parents should keep sick children home and encourage frequent hand washing. Most accidents stem from trips, falls, and traffic, so motorists need to be especially alert for trick-or-treaters at dusk. Costumes should be short to prevent tripping and include reflective tape for visibility. Children under 12 are advised to have adult supervision, stick to familiar neighborhoods, and avoid entering strangers’ homes. For more safety tips and resources, visit henrystarkhealth.com or follow the health department on Facebook, Instagram, or X.

Stark County FFA Students Toby Williams, Jake Primo, Emma Howell, Hailie Ales, Addison Nowlan, Klaire Bays, Darilis Knobloch, and FFA Advisor Taylor Wilkinson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about winning state championships with their projects and heading to Nationals next week, a new greenhouse, and visiting the elementary school to talk about "Stranger Danger." Five projects have advanced to the prestigious status of national finalists, while another project was recognized with an impressive 11th-place finish. These talented students will discover their final rankings in October, when the results are announced live during the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis.

Stark County FFA members from Illinois received recognition across several areas, including Emma Howell and Addison Nowlan in Social Science, Preston Hillier in Power Systems, Klaire Bays and Hailie Ales in Plant Systems, Chelsey Stotler in Plant Systems, Toby Williams and Darilis Knobloch in Food Products, and Jake Primo in Environmental Services.

FFA officers visited Stark County Elementary School on October 22nd, engaging students in vital discussions about ‘Stranger Danger’ ahead of Halloween. The presentation focused on important safety measures, such as staying in groups while trick-or-treating, using flashlights, and choosing bright costumes for better visibility. Interactive games and activities helped reinforce these messages, aiming to make sure every student takes the right precautions while enjoying Halloween festivities. The officers’ visit was made possible thanks to support from Ms. Swope, the elementary teaching staff, administration, and Officer Ashley Karpel, who all contributed tips to maximize safety during the upcoming holiday.

Addison and Emma shared their experiences on the ‘Wellness in the Fields’ podcast presented by the SIU Medicine Farm Family Resource Initiative. The discussion covered the unique mental health challenges faced by farm families, with a special focus on how generational farming impacts stress levels. Both guests emphasized the importance of support systems within rural communities. Additionally, the pair highlighted their participation in the FFA Agriscience Fair, expressing enthusiasm and high hopes for their project as they look ahead to next year’s competition.

Central School Principal Jason Anderson and Assistant Principal Jill Peart joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss what is happening at Central Elementary and Junior High School.  Central Elementary and Junior High are celebrating several achievements this month. The Central Steamers Junior High Football team has wrapped their season undefeated, boasting a 6-0 regular record and 7-0 in the conference. At the recent Kewanee School Board meeting, school leaders were recognized for advancing the Central School Improvement Plan (SIP). The school received a grant directed at boosting math proficiency and supporting test scores for students with disabilities. Special recognition goes to Alicia Ralston, nominated for Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education. Her leadership in teaching and curriculum innovation continues to inspire the entire school community.

Sara Billiet with the Kewanee Public Library joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Halloween, Spider Art, the 150th Library Celebration, the Hope Diamond, and the Fall Health Clinic with First Choice Healthcare. The Kewanee Public Library is marking its 150th anniversary this Sunday with an open house, blending historical displays, community performances, and family-friendly crafts from 2 to 4 PM. Children can join walking spider craft workshops leading up to Halloween, while regular story times and the popular Lego Club keep young minds engaged. The “I Spy” shelves offer weekly challenges with prizes for eagle-eyed kids. For adults, a Fall Health Clinic this Wednesday provides free screenings and flu shots. Movie lovers can enjoy “Hocus Pocus” on October 30th, and history buffs are invited to a Hope Diamond watch party on the 27th.