Kankakee Valley Community Happenings

WVLI Podcast Network

WVLI Podcast Network presents conversations highlighting what’s happening across local businesses and organizations in the Kankakee and surrounding areas.

  1. Riverside Healthcare Presents: Baby and Beyond

    1H AGO

    Riverside Healthcare Presents: Baby and Beyond

    In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Whitney Trevino, a Board Certified Registered Nurse from Riverside Healthcare, to discuss the upcoming Baby and Beyond event taking place on Saturday, May 2nd. The event serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals at any stage of their parenting journey. Whether you are currently planning a pregnancy, expecting a new addition, or already raising young children, this community expo offers a bridge to local education and support systems. During this conversation, Denny and Whitney discuss: The core mission of the Baby and Beyond event and who should attend.The variety of resources available to families, including access to local providers and vendors.Information regarding tours of the Family Birthing Center.A preview of the educational presentations scheduled for the day, ranging from safety demonstrations to mental health and specialized pediatric care.Details on family-friendly activities and opportunities to meet healthcare professionals.While the event aims to equip parents with the tools they need for a healthy future, there are many more specific details regarding schedules and registration that are covered in the full interview. Listen to the complete episode to learn more about the specific presentation topics, the start time, how to pre-register for the event, and where to find additional information online. Host: Denny Case Guest: Whitney Trevino, RN, Riverside Healthcare Event: Baby and Beyond Date: Saturday, May 2nd Location: Riverside Pavilion Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

    4 min
  2. KVTA Presents Big Fish: A Conversation with Director Sharla Ronchetto

    18H AGO

    KVTA Presents Big Fish: A Conversation with Director Sharla Ronchetto

    In this edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case welcomes Sharla Ronchetto, director for the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA), to discuss their upcoming production of Big Fish. While many may be familiar with the film adaptation, Ronchetto explains how this musical version—based on the original novel—explores the intricate and often fantastical relationship between a father and his son. The discussion highlights the creative challenges of bringing mythical elements like giants and witches to the local stage, as well as the significance of performing at the Lincoln Cultural Center in Kankakee following recent building repairs. Ronchetto, a veteran of the local theater scene, also provides a glimpse into the casting process and the talent involved in bringing the Bloom family's story to life. For those interested in local performing arts and community events, this episode offers essential information on performance dates and how to secure tickets for this limited run. Listen to the full episode to hear more about the director's vision for the show and the technical details involved in this large-scale production. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the official Kankakee Valley Theatre Association website at kvta.org. Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

    4 min
  3. Kankakee County Economic Update: Storm Relief Efforts and Major Industry Expansion

    1D AGO

    Kankakee County Economic Update: Storm Relief Efforts and Major Industry Expansion

    In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Angela Morrey from the Kankakee County Economic Alliance to discuss the duality of recent events shaping the region. The conversation covers the community's swift and organized response to devastating tornadoes and hail damage, highlighting the critical role of local nonprofits and the reactivation of the Emergency Response Fund. The discussion also shifts to significant economic developments, including a landmark $1.5 billion investment from a global pharmaceutical leader that promises to bring long-term job security and growth to the area. Angela shares insights on how these major announcements put Kankakee County on a national stage and provides information on how residents and businesses can access resources for recovery and development. Topics discussed in this episode: Update on storm cleanup and the transition into the rebuilding phase.The impact of the United Way and Community Foundation’s relief funds.Details regarding the CSL expansion and its 300 new job opportunities.How the Kankakee County Economic Alliance supports local business and workforce training.Listen to the full episode to learn more about the resilience of the Kankakee community and the future of industrial investment in the county. For further resources mentioned in the show, visit kankakeecountyed.org or myunitedway.org. Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

    8 min
  4. The Big Arch and Beyond: A Conversation with Local McDonald’s Owners Joe and John Carnagio

    2D AGO

    The Big Arch and Beyond: A Conversation with Local McDonald’s Owners Joe and John Carnagio

    In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Joe and John Carnagio, the local owners and operators of several McDonald’s locations across Kankakee, Bourbonnais, and Bradley. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the latest menu innovations to the company’s significant impact on local employment and education. The father and son duo provide an inside look at the Big Arch, the latest limited-time sandwich hitting the menu. They discuss what sets this burger apart from past offerings like the Arch Deluxe and why it has become a "two-hand" favorite for customers. Beyond the food, the Carnagios share the story of their 30-year journey within the McDonald’s system and highlight the Archways to Opportunity program, which provides substantial tuition assistance and educational resources to employees in the Chicagoland area. Listeners will also hear about current promotional highlights, including the K-Pop Demon Hunter Adult Happy Meal and the Super Mario Galaxy partnership. The episode concludes with a look at the nostalgia of collecting McDonald's memorabilia and a technical explanation of why McDonald’s Coca-Cola maintains its distinct reputation. Tune in to the full episode to hear the details of their upcoming drink offerings and the specific secret behind their beverage quality. Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

    11 min
  5. MCA Senior Adult Day Center's Community Stewards Campaign

    3D AGO

    MCA Senior Adult Day Center's Community Stewards Campaign

    In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano welcomes Alicia Kleinert, the founder and executive director of the MCA Senior Adult Day Center. Alicia shares the vital mission of her organization, which provides structured daytime services, health monitoring, and social engagement for seniors aged 60 and older across Kankakee, Will, and Iroquois counties. The conversation highlights the launch of the Community Stewards campaign, an initiative designed to maintain the center’s stability and ensure that local seniors continue to receive uninterrupted care. Alicia explains the challenges of delayed funding and how local businesses and individuals can play a pivotal role in supporting the organization through tax-deductible contributions, volunteering, and in-kind donations. Listeners will also learn about the broader impact of adult day services, including the essential respite provided to caregivers and the ways the center addresses senior isolation through specialized programming and health services. Alicia also reflects on her professional background as a respiratory therapist and what motivated her to establish this resource in her hometown. Listen to the full episode to discover more about the specific services offered at the center, the organizations already stepping up to help, and how you can get involved in supporting the local senior community. Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

    8 min
  6. Expanding Healthcare Access in Bourbonnais with Riverside Healthcare

    3D AGO

    Expanding Healthcare Access in Bourbonnais with Riverside Healthcare

    In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Akash Rana, the Director of Immediate Care and Workforce Health for Riverside Healthcare, to discuss the recent expansion of medical services in the Bourbonnais area. As community needs for accessible and timely medical attention grow, Riverside Healthcare has opened a new Immediate Care facility designed to bridge the gap between primary care and emergency services. This episode explores how the new location aims to serve local residents and what patients can expect when visiting. Key Discussion Points New Bourbonnais Facility: An overview of the new location situated within the Riverside Ortho & Spine Center and the specific resources available on-site to streamline patient care.Comprehensive Services: A look at the variety of non-life-threatening conditions treated, including minor injuries, illnesses, and specialized testing capabilities.Workforce Health and Physicals: Details on the support offered to local employers and students, ranging from drug screenings to sports and DOT physicals.Choosing the Right Care: Akash Rana explains the critical differences between visiting an Immediate Care clinic and seeking treatment at an emergency room, helping listeners make informed decisions during a health crisis.Why Listen Understanding where to go for medical treatment can save time and ensure the best health outcomes. This conversation provides essential information regarding the hours of operation, scheduling options via Riverside MyChart, and the walk-in capabilities of the new Bourbonnais site. To learn more about the advanced diagnostic technology being used and the full scope of services available at this new location, listen to the complete interview. Guest: Akash Rana, Director of Immediate Care and Workforce Health at Riverside Healthcare Host: Denny Case Station: 92.7 WVLI For further information on Riverside Healthcare services or to find the nearest location, please visit their official website. Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

    4 min
  7. Hove Nissan: Serving the Spanish-Speaking Community and Local Drivers

    3D AGO

    Hove Nissan: Serving the Spanish-Speaking Community and Local Drivers

    In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case of 92.7 WVLI welcomes Eduardo "Eddy" Navoa, a sales associate from Hove Nissan in Bradley. With seven years of experience in the automotive industry, Navoa shares insights into his professional background and his commitment to serving the Kankakee Valley area, including his work with the local Spanish-speaking community. The episode delves into what distinguishes the customer experience at Hove Nissan. Navoa explains the dealership's philosophy on providing a low-pressure environment and how they have structured their team to assist buyers in various financial positions. He discusses the specific expertise the sales staff brings to the table and how that translates into a more efficient process for the consumer. The discussion also addresses recent local weather events and their impact on vehicle availability. Navoa provides an update on the condition of the current new and used inventory at Hove Nissan, as well as an overview of available financial incentives and modern tools that allow customers to handle much of the purchase process remotely. Listen to the full episode to learn more about the specific credit assistance programs available and the details of current financing offers at Hove Nissan. Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

    4 min
  8. Senior Living Options: Exploring High Point Residences with Penny Greenlee

    APR 2

    Senior Living Options: Exploring High Point Residences with Penny Greenlee

    In this segment of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case sits down with Penny Greenlee, the Community Outreach Director for High Point Residences of Kankakee. The conversation provides an overview of supportive living environments designed for individuals aged 65 and older, clarifying common misconceptions regarding the differences between these facilities and traditional nursing homes. Greenlee discusses the various services provided at High Point, including their approach to independent living, specialized memory care, and the level of medical staffing available to residents. The episode also highlights the specific financial programs and insurance types the facility accepts, which distinguishes their mission within the local community. To hear the full discussion on senior care options, resident amenities, and how to coordinate a visit to the facility, listen to the complete interview. Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

    4 min
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About

WVLI Podcast Network presents conversations highlighting what’s happening across local businesses and organizations in the Kankakee and surrounding areas.

Information

  • Channel
    WVLI Podcast Network
  • Creator
    Milner Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kankakee Valley Community Happenings

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