Regional Media Podcast Network

Today, Wednesday, October 18th, 2023, is National Chocolate Cupcake Day. How do we know that this is National Chocolate Cupcake Day? Because Coralyn Dwyer, one of our local third graders was in our studio today to give us The Good News about National Chocolate Cupcake Day... 

Did you hear the one about a guy from Kewanee who wrestled a bear? It's not a joke, a guy from Kewanee actually wrestled a bear. And he won. In 1921 Fred Cook took part in exhibition in which local men were invited to try and wrestle a bear. After a few other men tapped out against the beast, Fred Cook climbed into the ring and, according to legend, Cook pinned the bears shoulders to the mat. Whether this was planned or a real wrestling event is lost to time, though you can likely imagine this was a staged competition. Fred was, for a time, a professional wrestler, an event which is legendarily staged for added drama. On this edition of Kewanee Back When we look back at Fred Cook, his bear fight, his wrestling career and other heroic moments in his unique life. Stick around until the end of the episode as Dave and Sean continue talking local sports history of the odd variety as Dave gives us the brief story of Ostrich Racing in Henry County. 

The Festival of Trees and Country Store will be getting in gear this November at The Northland Mall. Nicci talked about almost everything we need to know for this fundraiser.

Dr. Chris Sullens joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Tuesday to discuss Monday's Kewanee School Board Meeting. In our conversation, the Superintendent discussed the latest Kewanee School District independent audit, the latest on solar and wind projects that aim to help the school electric bill and reduce the school's carbon footprint, and the Superintendent addressed the latest in negotiations regarding a new contract for Kewanee Teachers and Staff. The Superintendent did not discuss any specifics of what the School District has offered to the KEA, rather Dr. Sullens only stated that mediation with the KEA is continuing. 

Sparks is joined by Tim Clark, an educator at New Horizons High School in Lewistown to talk about their upcoming Spring Lake Adventure Challenge on Saturday, October 21st. 

The Adventure Challenge is being held to help raise funds for the school's annual Senior Trip to sightsee in Chicago.

This is an all-ages, family-friendly event where teams use a map and compass to seek out check points and solve challenges. Registration starts at 9 a.m., with a racer's meeting at 9:40 a.m., and the event runs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. 

For more information about the event, e-mail Tim at tclark69@hotmail.com.

A review of the city council meeting from Monday, October 16th, an other issues around the area.

Concerned Citizens of Henry County is  group of residents who have come together to oppose a possible CO2 Pipeline that is planned by Wolf Carbon Solutions to go through Henry County. Concerned Citizens of Henry County want to know more about the potential safety hazards of a CO2 Pipeline. There are also concerns about the potential use of Eminent Domain laws which could be used to seize needed property to push the pipeline through over the objections of Henry County residents. Wolf Carbon Solutions has been working quickly to get the pipeline idea up and running and its forced residents to play catch up to make sure that they understand the potential risks of this pipeline and how the pipeline doesn't appear to hold much benefit to the areas that would be effected by potential disasters or property seizures, damage to property, and potentially a problem for home values within a one mile radius of wherever the pipeline is located. Monte Bottens, Diana Johnson, and Leslea Carroll joined Wake Up Tri-Counties on Monday morning to share their concerns as members of Concerned Citizens of Henry County. 

Gambling was a big topic at last week's Kewanee City Council Meeting. Specifically, there was a discussion about Gambling establishments and liquor licenses. The Kewanee City Council are planning to hold a discussion on gambling establishments in Kewanee at the next Kewanee City Council Meeting. Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore joined Wake Up Tri-Counties and talked about the growing number of gambling establishments in Kewanee and what benefit these establishments have for the community. The Mayor also talked about a newly received grant that will allow the City of Kewanee to tear down more dilapidated buildings in town.