Regional Media Podcast Network

The Kewanee School District and the Kewanee Education Association, representing teachers and staff at Kewanee Schools, reached a new three year contract agreement that was finalized at Monday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. Ruth Kapacinskas is the President of the Kewanee Education Association and she joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the contract, what was achieved in this contract, where it can be improved in the future, and the hope that the KEA and members of the Kewanee School Board can work together more between now and the next contract which will come up in 2026. 

On Tuesday we were heartbroken to hear of the passing of our friend Linda Bolls. For many years with Bob McKee, and then with myself, Sean Kernan, Linda was a regular guest on WKEI. She represented the Kewanee Salvation Army on WKEI and was among those helping to promote the Angel Tree. She stepped away from the Salvation Army several years ago and helped get Eddie Tolliver into the position as her replacement. But retirement did not slow Linda Bolls down as she threw herself into volunteering. Her work as a volunteer in the community earned her statewide recognition after she was nominated for an award by Etta LaFlore and was honored by the governor. In what may have been her final appearance on WKEI, we talked to Linda alongside Etta LaFlora about her volunteer work and being honored by the state of Illinois. Thank you Linda Bolls for all you did for this community, you will never be forgotten. 

Dr. Chris Sullens, Kewanee School District Superintendent joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to discuss Tuesday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. Dr. Sullens discussed getting a new contract completed with the Kewanee Education Association and the beneficial elements of the new contract for both sides. We also discussed Dr. Sullens' replacement as Superintendent which was announced on Monday. After Dr. Sullens retires at the end of the current school year, current Kewanee High School Principal, Rebecca Baney will be the new Kewanee School District Superintendent. Dr. Sullens had nothing but exemplary things to say about Mrs. Baney as his replacement. 

City Council notes plus the resolution proclaimed to designate Sterling a POW/MIA city.

Savannah Ballard from the City of Macomb Marketing & Downtown Development Office returns to the studio to chat about the some fun community activities coming up in the month of December including the Santa Zephyr and Dickens on the Square, which take place starting December 1st, as well as the beginning of the Holiday Light Display at Chandler Park and the citywide Tour of Lights event. 

For more information about these events contact the Marketing & Downtown Development office at (309) 575-3015 or visit the Downtown Macomb Facebook page. 

The annual OSF Saint Clare Medical Center Tree of Lights campaign is underway. You can buy a light at OSF Saint Clare Medical Center and the proceeds will be used to help purchase new equipment for the Rehabilitation Services at OSF Saint Clare Medical Center. We spoke with Samantha Rux, Cathy Foes, Deb Curley and Jim Scarpaci on Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday about the history of Tree Lights, the chance to honor people who have passed on via the Tree of Lights, and how your donations via the Tree of Light will help people in rehabilitation from various forms of injuries.