Regional Media Podcast Network

In a heartfelt tribute, the Galva community honored Dr. Scott Caravello at last night’s council meeting. After running Galva Pharmacy for over three decades, Caravello's store was among the 2,900 pharmacies that closed this year. Mayor Volkert praised his dedication, saying, "He has done so much for the community." Meanwhile, the city faces financial challenges after Illinois abolished the 1% municipal food sales tax, costing Galva up to $150,000 to $200,000 annually. Officials debated reestablishing the tax locally. In other news, the city is seeking developers for a remaining Chevrolet dealership building to avoid demolition. Contact Galva City Hall if you are interested in developing the remaining building. Additionally, a new police officer was sworn in amid challenges in finding and retaining police personnel.

Russ Hughes joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for the Friday Edition of “The Boiler Shop” to talk about winter sports and the new shot clock at the Tuesday home game against Monmouth-Roseville. 

Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson is championing a new bill aimed at securing the future of family farms in the state. With the majority of Illinois farms being family-owned, Swanson emphasizes the importance of passing these operations to the next generation. His legislation introduces state tax incentives for landowners who rent their farms to beginning farmers, complementing existing federal programs that support new agricultural ventures.

Swanson has collaborated with the Department of Revenue, the Farm Bureau, and the Department of Agriculture to craft a program that encourages young people to enter farming while assisting retiring farmers in transitioning their land. This initiative seeks to sustain Illinois' agricultural legacy by fostering opportunities for new farmers to thrive.

Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson is championing a new bill aimed at securing the future of family farms in the state. With the majority of Illinois farms being family-owned, Swanson emphasizes the importance of passing these operations to the next generation. His legislation introduces state tax incentives for landowners who rent their farms to beginning farmers, complementing existing federal programs that support new agricultural ventures.

Swanson has collaborated with the Department of Revenue, the Farm Bureau, and the Department of Agriculture to craft a program that encourages young people to enter farming while assisting retiring farmers in transitioning their land. This initiative seeks to sustain Illinois' agricultural legacy by fostering opportunities for new farmers to thrive.

Listen to Swanson discuss the bill's details and its development in the attached audio.

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).