Regional Media Podcast Network

Wethersfield 3rd Grade students, Damian, Emmett, and Waylon, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to bring the "Good News" about Christmas around The World.

Kewanee School District Superintendent Rebecca Baney joined Seth Parlier on Wake Up Tri-Counties to recap the November 18th Kewanee School Board Meeting. Even though it is winter and cold outside, the Kewanee School District is already looking toward the summer to plan summer maintenance programs and grants. Kewanee School District is gearing up to fill an anticipated 1,000 Good Fellows Christmas Baskets this year. Steamer Gym in Central School is home base to fill the Good Fellows Baskets. The baskets will be delivered on December 20th. Good Fellows said they have volunteers to fill and deliver the baskets, but they are in dire need of monetary donations, as they anticipate the cost to be around $40,000 this year. All schools in Kewanee are accepting canned goods and non-perishable foods during the Gordon Vickrey Memorial Food Drive until December 19, 2024. The new digital scoreboard was completed ahead of schedule and made its appearance at the first home boys basketball game. Mrs. Baney said the maintenance and tech teams worked hard to get the digital scoreboard ready ahead of schedule. Mrs. Baney also thanked Marcus Throneburg for learning how to use the board and create imaging. He has been training students Aaliyah Duarte and Jacie Hinton how to run and produce content for the scoreboard. Find the agenda for the November 18, 2024, Kewanee School Board Agenda here.

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to emphasize the importance of regular handwashing during National Handwashing Week, set for December 1-7, 2024. RaeAnn Tucker visited local schools to talk to the children about handwashing. Amid the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and seasonal illnesses, officials highlight that proper hand hygiene is a crucial defense against spreading infections. This week aims to educate and remind the public of the simple yet effective practice of washing hands to prevent diseases and maintain overall health. For more tips and information, access resources at henrystarkhealth.com. First Choice Health Clinics are open for seasonal COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

In Historic Bishop Hill, the annual Lucia Nights are set to brighten the winter evenings on December 13 and 14, 2024. From 6 to 9 PM, this beloved event celebrates the legend of Saint Lucia, symbolizing light during the darkest days of the year. Attendees can expect a magical atmosphere with a traditional tree-lighting ceremony, live music, education opportunities, and immersive storytelling sessions. As you wander through the historic streets, local businesses and museums will welcome visitors with open doors, offering special promotions and a glimpse of traditional Swedish festive decor. Lucia Nights in Bishop Hill is a perfect blend of tradition and community celebration, promising to deliver an unforgettable holiday experience.

Kinsleigh and her mom Christie joined Wake Up Tr-Counties to talk about the bake sales they held over the summer to raise money to fill senior angels from nursing homes in Kewanee. Kinsleigh is a 10-year-old student at Central School, and ringing bells on her birthday inspired her to get Christmas presents for seniors in nursing homes. She talks about how many residents in nursing homes have no family or no one to visit them. She raised $1,156 from the bake sales, and she and her mom Christie, with a little help from Grandma Madeline, baked all the treats and sold them around the community. They took the last 69 tags left on the Angel Trees from Royal Oaks and Kewanee Care Home. Kinsleigh said she wants this to be a yearly tradition for her family. Her goal was 50 angels, which she met plus more. Excellent work, Kinsleigh, from your friends at Regional Media! We can't wait to talk with Kinsleigh next year. In the meantime, if you want to help, send us a Facebook message with your information, and we will pass your information to Christie.