Regional Media Podcast Network

Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to give tips on keeping safe while grilling this summer. Grilling season is here, but safety should be on the menu alongside your favorite burgers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that both charcoal and gas grills come with hidden dangers, including fatal carbon monoxide poisoning and gas explosions. To reduce risk, never use charcoal indoors or store a grill with smoldering coals inside. For gas grills, always check for leaks every time you reconnect the propane tank, and keep all components in top condition. Use grills outdoors, away from buildings, and remember—never start a gas grill with the lid closed. Following these tips can help ensure your backyard barbecue stays safe and fun. Visit https://healthlibrary.osfhealthcare.org/ for more grill safety tips.

ImpactLife is calling on community members to roll up their sleeves and help save lives during an upcoming blood drive on June 19th. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment and make a vital contribution that could change the course of a patient’s recovery. Just one donation can make a difference for those in urgent need. Participants can sign up easily online at osf.care/Lbha50VZaUr. Every pint counts, especially as summer months often see shortages. ImpactLife invites everyone eligible to join this life-saving effort and make an impact in just a few minutes.

OSF MyChart is introducing two-factor authentication to enhance the security of your personal health information. Soon, users will need to confirm their identity with a code sent to their phone or email, providing additional protection against unauthorized access. This process is similar to the security steps used by many banking and secure applications. Step-by-step instructions are available online to guide users through the setup. These changes are aimed at ensuring both ease of use and increased privacy for all patients. To get started or for more information, visit the OSF MyChart website and follow the detailed directions provided.

Organizers are calling for volunteers to join a lively community event with music, games, and contests at the Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Northeast Park tennis courts. The event runs from 1 to 3 PM, or until everyone is done socializing. Elvis fans are in for a treat, as he’ll be performing a few songs, with guests encouraged to snap photos. The first 175 attendees get a free kazoo—six colors to choose from—and everyone’s invited to join a musical sing-along, featuring kazoos, ukuleles, or any quirky instrument. Fun competitions include a Kitty Superstar “meow" singing challenge and creative obstacle courses. If you have a chess set you can loan out for a few hours, bring it to the event, or contact Brad Ahrens for a fun twist on chess. While sales tables are out, art displays are encouraged. Volunteers of all ages and talents are welcome to participate. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 12:30.

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about what's happening at the health departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in partnership with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are spotlighting men’s preventative health through June with discounted lab screenings for area men. Special rates are available for general health tests and prostate and colon cancer screenings; tests are offered on a cash basis, with some requiring fasting. The clinics also provide primary care, walk-in, mental health, and community health services, further expanding local healthcare access. In addition, free insurance assistance will be available at the Henry County Fairgrounds on June 18th and 20th. For appointments or information, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call your local clinic.

Kewanee Parks District Director Andy Dwyer and intern and University of Illinois baseball player Coltin Quagliano joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the splash pad, dog park, Northeast Pool, baseball clinic with Coltin, and golf league. The splash pad and dog park are weeks away from completion, depending on the weather. Andy talked about opening the pool in Northeast Park and what is required to open the pool. The temperatures prevented the pool from opening by Memorial Day this year, but the Oasis swimming pool officially opened on Saturday, May 31st. Once the pool opens, staff are needed to maintain the pool and pool house, lifeguards need to be on duty when the pool is open, and supplies are needed to keep the pool water safe.

Coltin Quagliano plays baseball for the University of Illinois. Coltin graduated from Wethersfield High School in 2021 and started his college baseball career at Illinois Central College in East Peoria. Coltin is a senior and in his third year playing baseball for the University of Illinois. Coltin is an intern this summer for the Kewanee Park District. He will provide one-on-one instruction in baseball and softball, as well as organize and conduct a two-day baseball clinic over the summer. Coltin has held baseball clinics in Kewanee in past years, but this year he will be hosting the clinic in partnership with the Kewanee Park District. Stay tuned to the Kewanee Park District Facebook page for information as it becomes available.