Regional Media Podcast Network

Country music fans, mark your calendars! Randy Houser is set to light up the Marshall-Putnam Fair on July 17, 2025, at the fairgrounds in Henry, Illinois. Known for hits like "How Country Feels" and "Runnin' Outta Moonlight," Houser will take the stage as the headliner, promising an unforgettable night. The event will also feature performances by Timothy Wayne and local talent Brody Vancil. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a night of great music and summer fun! Tickets go on sale February 7, 2025, at 8 AM via marshallputnamfair.org.

Country music artist Randy Houser continues to make waves with his distinctive, soulful voice and chart-topping hits. Known for his richly textured vocals, described by The New York Times as "a caldron bubbling over," Houser has amassed over a billion streams and a string of successful singles. His album How Country Feels dominated the charts, featuring fan favorites like "Runnin’ Outta Moonlight" and "Goodnight Kiss," the latter earning him his first No. 1 as a songwriter. Houser’s latest release, Note To Self, showcases his songwriting prowess with 10 co-written tracks, including the lead single of the same name. MusicRow hails him as "one of country music’s very finest vocalists," solidifying his place in the genre’s elite.

Country music fans are in for a treat as rising star Timothy Wayne takes the stage, opening for Randy Houser on his upcoming tour. Fresh off signing with Capitol Records Nashville, Wayne has already made waves with his singles "Guy With a Guitar" and "God Made a Country Boy." The event will also showcase local talent Brody Vancil, who will perform before Wayne. This lineup promises a night of heartfelt storytelling and authentic country melodies, marking a significant moment for all three artists.

The concert will take place at the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds in Henry, Illinois. Gates open at 5:30 PM, and the show starts at 7:00 PM.

The Henry County Farm Bureau is gearing up for a bustling season ahead, with several key events on the horizon. Katie Laleman recently shared updates on the Wake Up Tri-Counties program, highlighting the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Among the standout moments, Sadie Asher represented Illinois in the Excellence in Agriculture Award, impressing judges with her presentation and advancing as a top 10 finalist in the youth leader and ranchers category. Looking ahead, Laleman noted that February and March will be particularly active months for the bureau, with a full slate of community and agricultural initiatives planned.

Hammond-Henry Hospital is thrilled to introduce Dr. James Schrier as their newest general surgeon. Dr. Schrier, a board-certified surgeon, brings a wealth of expertise to the community, offering a wide range of surgical services, including appendectomy, breast cancer care, and robotic surgeries using the DaVinci system. With a strong educational background from the University of Iowa and extensive surgical experience, Dr. Schrier is set to enhance the hospital’s surgical offerings. Tune in to WKEI 1450 AM and 102.1 FM on Wednesday, February 5, for an in-depth discussion with Dr. Schrier about the surgical services available locally. For more information or to make an appointment, call 309.944.1595 (referrals are necessary to make an appointment).

RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Wear Red Day on February 7th, Heart Health Month in February, and the Smoke-Free Illinois Act. This Friday, February 7th, marks National Wear Red Day, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about women and heart disease. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside their First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, are joining forces with the American Heart Association to spotlight this critical issue.

This February marks American Heart Month, a crucial time to spotlight heart health and the dangers of tobacco use. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are emphasizing the link between smoking and cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death globally. Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Efforts are underway to enforce the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, which bans smoking, vaping, and e-cigarette use in public spaces and workplaces. This law aims to protect residents from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, responsible for over 41,000 deaths annually in the U.S. The Health Department urges compliance and education to combat these preventable risks.

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act requires that all business owners:

• Do not permit smoking, vaping, or e-cigarettes within 15 feet of entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes.
• Post “No Smoking” signs at each entrance.
• Remove ashtrays from areas where smoking is prohibited.
• The Health Department notes that failure to comply with the Smoke-Free Illinois Act can result in fines.

For more information about the Health Department’s Illinois Tobacco-Free activities or for “No Smoking” signs or window clings for your business, call 309-852-0197 Extension 249.

Sara Billiet joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming events at the Kewanee Public Library. Don't miss "Story Time" with Sara on the Kewanee Public Library Facebook page every Tuesday at 1 PM.  The Kewanee Public Library Information Services Department invites adults to a friendly and exciting puzzle exchange event. Scheduled for January 30th, between 2 pm and 4 pm, this event will take place in the 2nd Floor Community Room. Participants are encouraged to bring puzzles that are gently used to swap them for others.

Elementary students, it’s time to get crafty for Valentine’s Day! From February 5th to 7th at 3:30 PM, and again on February 8th, young crafters can learn to create hidden messages for friends and family. Meanwhile, on February 6th at 4 PM, the DIY Heart Hand-Warmer Craft will warm up winter hands with a fun sewing project. Book lovers in 4th-6th grades are wrapping up Where the Red Fern Grows with the Chapter Chasers Book Club on February 4th and 6th from 4 to 5 PM, and homeschooling families can bubble with excitement on February 6th at 2 PM with a bubblegum-making session. For tweens, coding returns on February 12th at 3:30 PM with instructor Andrew Mansheim. Youth aged 9 to 12 years old are invited to register in the 2nd Floor Youth Department or by calling 309-852-4505. Space will be limited.

Adults don’t miss the Lessons in Chemistry book club on February 17th at 2 PM and 6 PM and join us on February 22nd at 2 PM for a fascinating presentation on the real Laura Ingalls Wilder. Librarian Laura F. Keyes will be portraying Laura Ingalls Wilder. Ms. Keyes has been portraying historic women and lecturing on historic topics since 2008. (Due to the seriousness of the subject matter, this program is most appropriate for ages 10 and older).

Keep up-to-date with the Kewanee Public Library on their website or Facebook Page.