WVLI Podcast Network

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Channel • 3 Shows

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Documentary

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Daily News

Updated 2d ago
News

News

Updated 12/22/2025

6D AGO

"We counted down the 3 most listened to episodes of 2025."

We launched This One Time in Kankakee on the WVLI Podcast Network in October 2025, and the stories have been nothing short of wild. In this year-end recap, host Jake LaMore cracks open the vault to count down the Top 3 Most Downloaded Episodes of the year. If you are new to the show, this is the perfect place to start. We revisit the funny, the historical, and the shocking moments that defined our first season. In this episode, we cover: The Tie for Bronze: Two very different brushes with fame and danger."Jennifer Hudson came to see our musical": That time Jennifer Hudson surprised the cast of Godspell in Bourbonnais (feat. Andrew McBurnie)."A bank robber called me": That time News Director Rob West received a phone call from a bank robber.The Silver Medal: A dive into local history with the Village of Bonfield Banned Rhummy. Discover how a harmless card game in 1938 led to a "rebellion" and a crackdown on local gambling.The Gold Medal: The #1 story of the year! The hilarious true confession of the "I kidnapped a plaster cow from Perry Farm Park", where a shopping cart and a bad idea led to a police encounter in a living room (feat. Shane Whitlock).EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK: Stick around to the very end for a teaser of our first episode of 2026. We are sitting down with Tommy Solace to get the real story behind the infamous Aaron Carter fight at The Looney Bin. Was it a brawl? Was it staged? And what does "Bye Felipe" mean? Find out next week. Links & Resources: Submit Your Story: Have a "This One Time in Kankakee" moment? Email jake@milnermediapartners.comListen to the Full Episodes: Scroll back in your feed to hear Episodes 2, 3, 4, and 5 in their entirety.Website: wvli927.com/totk3Follow Us: Facebook | InstagramSend us a text Want 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.

6d ago

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16 min
4D AGO

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

City Police make arrest in December 21st HomicideKankakee City Police report they've made an arrest in the December 21st shooting death of a Kankakee man. City Police Tuesday arrested 47-year-old Joseph N Harris on First Degree Murder charges. Harris originally told police he was in his apartment in the 12-hundred block of East Oak Street just before six in the evening December 21st, when 35-year-old Travis L. Hayes, who was allegedly armed with a shotgun, and an accomplice tried to force their way into his apartment. Harris told police he and Hayse struggled over the shotgun which went off striking Hayse who later died of his injuries. In a press release, City Police say after talking to the alleged accomplice and looking at security footage they re-interviewed Harris, who allegedly admitted he'd been in possession of the shotgun and hadn't struggled with Hayes before the shooting. Kankakee City Police Chief Chris Kidwell says the investigation into the shooting continues. Peotone Police look for help to identify a burglarPeotone Police are looking for help to identify the person responsible for a burglary to the Circle K gas station in Peotone. In a Facebook post, officials say it happened in the early morning hours last Saturday morning and the suspect forcibly broke open a door to get inside. There's no word on what was taken during the burglary. Photos of the suspect are on the Peotone Police Department Facebook page. They ask anyone with information about the burglary to call their office. Edison Primary School deemed unsafeKankakee School District 111 students that attend Edison Primary School won't be going back to school next week as planned. Instead, those students will be on remote learning from January sixth through the ninth, that after a structural assessment of the school found problems with the 1958 addition to the building. Because of the findings, student and staff from the school will be relocated with students expected to resume in-person learning on Monday January 12th at their new site. A Facebook post from the district says more information will be shared as it becomes available. Top Google searches of 2025Google is out with the top searches of 2025. Charlie Kirk was the highest trending search of the year. Meanwhile, the hit Netflix animated movie "KPop Demon Hunters" came in second followed by the hot collectible Labubu dolls in third. Other hot search topic for 2025 included the government shutdown and tariffs. Google's compiled the list from data between January 1st and November 25th. Kankakee County Board Chairman shares wishes for the New YearAs we near the end of 2025 and look towards a new year in 2026, we're asking local municipal leaders what their New Years Resolutions are for their community. Kankakee County Board Chairman Matt Alexander-Hildebrand. Alexander-Hildebrand also pointed to the upcoming six-million-dollar renovation to the Kankakee County Courthouse which will focus on things like HVAC, generator and elevator upgrades while adding a 10th courtroom to the building. Crime Stoppers Tip of the WeekKankakee County Sheriff's Police are looking into a burglary in rural St. Anne. Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski has our Crime Stoppers Tip of the Week. Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and could result in a cash reward Sheriff's Department "Don't Drink and Drive"It's New Year's Eve, that means lots of parties and other cel Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

4d ago

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7 min
10/06/2025

"A bank robber called me."

What happens when the subject of your news report calls you directly? In this episode of "This One Time in Kankakee," host Jake LaMore sits down with veteran Kankakee radio news director Rob West (WVLI, WFAV, River Country) for a story that blurs the line between journalism and a real-life crisis negotiation. In 2008, after reporting on a bank robbery in Bourbonnais, IL, Rob received a shocking call on his personal cell phone. On the other end was the robber himself, who wanted to tell his side of the story because he trusted Rob from listening to his newscasts. This single phone call triggered a tense, multi-day saga involving the Bourbonnais Police Department, a manhunt, and a dramatic, high-speed conclusion on Route 50. Join us for a gripping Kankakee County true crime story that explores the unique bond between a local radio personality and his audience, the ethical tightrope of a journalist caught in the middle of a crime, and the desperate actions of a man on the edge. In this episode, you'll hear about: The 2008 robbery of the Centrue Bank in Bourbonnais.A local news director's direct phone conversations with an active bank robber.The collaboration with Bourbonnais Police to identify and locate the suspect.The profound trust and connection inherent in local radio.The dangerous and dramatic conclusion to the manhunt at the O'Zinga Brothers quarry.TIMESTAMPS: 00:52 - Meet Rob West: A Career in Kankakee Radio 02:04 - The 2008 Bourbonnais Centrue Bank Robbery 02:51 - "Hi, I'm the bank robber." - The First Call 04:42 - A Journalist's Dilemma: Involving the Police 06:25 - The Manhunt & Learning the Robber's Name 07:34 - A Warning from the Police Chief 08:57 - The Final Call & The Chase on Route 50 10:58 - The Aftermath: Justice for Rick James Pierce 11:47 - The Unique Power of Radio and Audience Trust Send us a text Want 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.

10/06/2025

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15 min
11/17/2025

"My son, Mads Pomranky, was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia."

What began as a routine trip to the pediatrician at Riverside Hospital quickly turned into a life-altering journey for the Pomranky family. In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake LaMore sits down with local mom Jennifer Pomranky to share the powerful story of her son, Mads. Diagnosed with a rare form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) at just five months old, Mads faced an uphill battle that required aggressive chemotherapy and a life-saving stem cell transplant. But just as a perfect donor match was found, the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jennifer takes us inside the isolation of the hospital, the terror of the diagnosis, and the incredible relief of finally meeting the stranger who saved her son's life. Today, Mads is a healthy, energetic six-year-old who is officially considered CURED. In this episode, you will hear: The Kankakee Moment: How a thorough exam by Dr. Batista at Riverside Hospital led to a critical early diagnosis.The Treatment: The reality of navigating chemotherapy and isolation with an infant at Comer Children's Hospital.The Pandemic Hurdle: How a global shutdown almost prevented a life-saving transplant.The Donor Connection: The emotional story of Kaitlyn, the college student who paused her life to save a stranger, and her heartwarming relationship with the Pomranky family today.Life After Cancer: Mads’ development, his love for drawing, and what it means to be "cured."Mentioned in this episode: DKMS: The international nonprofit bone marrow donor center. You can register to be a donor with a simple cheek swab. Visit DKMS.org to save a life.Share Your Story: Do you have a memory that happened right here in Kankakee County? We want to hear it. Email us at jake@milnermediapartners.com and finish the sentence: "This one time in Kankakee..." Send us a text Want 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.

11/17/2025

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17 min
10/06/2025

"I was run over with a tractor."

Welcome to the premiere episode of This One Time in Kankakee, the podcast that uncovers the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Host Jake LaMore kicks off the series with a deeply personal family legend that has been told for nearly 90 years. Travel back to a hot summer day in 1936 Manteno, Illinois. At just three years old, Jake's grandfather, Franklin Weber, was accidentally run over by his father's tractor. What follows is a miraculous story of survival, featuring an incredible feat of paternal strength, a look at 1930s medicine at the St. Mary's Hospital, and a twist of fate that connects this near-tragedy to a 69-year love story. This episode explores rural life during the Great Depression, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of family history. It’s a foundational story for our exploration of the moments that have shaped the people and places of Kankakee County. In this episode, you'll hear about: Life on a small farm in Manteno, Illinois during the 1930s.The dramatic true story of a childhood tractor accident.The incredible feat of strength that became a local legend.A look at historical medical treatments at St. Mary's Hospital.A heartwarming story of destiny that you have to hear to believe.ABOUT THE PODCAST: "This One Time in Kankakee" explores the unforgettable true stories—big and small—from the people of Kankakee County, Illinois. Hosted by Jake Plummer, a production of the WVLI Podcast Network. SUBMIT YOUR STORY: Do you have a story that starts with "This one time in Kankakee..."? Email Jake LaMore at jake@milnermediapartners.com. Send us a text Want 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.

10/06/2025

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10 min
10/06/2025

"I kidnapped a plaster cow from Perry Farm Park."

Every town has landmarks, but what happens when a group of bored teenagers decides to relocate one? In this episode of "This One Time in Kankakee," we bring you the legendary story of a crime that wasn't the crime, and how a 500-pound plaster cow ended up in a suburban living room. In 2008, Shane Whitlock and his friends, armed with a "borrowed" shopping cart and a severe case of late-night boredom, set their sights on the iconic cow statue outside the Exploration Station Children's Museum at Perry Farm Park in Bradley, IL. What follows is a hilarious comedy of errors, including a herculean effort to push their prize through town, a brilliantly timed but unrelated arrest for stealing a Wendy's banner, and a mother's rude awakening to find a farm animal and a police officer in her home. This is a quintessential Kankakee County story about how the dumbest decisions make the best memories, the absurdity of youth, and the long, painful walk of shame when you have to carry a 500-pound cow back where you found it at sunrise. In this episode, you'll hear about: The "kidnapping" of the cow statue from Perry Farm in Bradley.How to move a 500-pound bovine using a Jewel-Osco shopping cart.Getting arrested for stealing a banner, but not the giant cow in your living room.A mother's reaction to finding a life-sized farm animal next to her couch.The grueling, pre-dawn journey to return the statue to the park.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro: The night a landmark disappeared 01:13 - Meet Shane: Teenage life in 2008 Bradley, IL 02:18 - The Target: The Perry Farm Park Cow Statue 03:10 - The Heist: A Cow in a Shopping Cart 04:34 - Mission Accomplished: A Cow in the Living Room 04:57 - The Unrelated Crime: Stealing a Wendy's Banner 06:02 - Mom Wakes Up to a Cow and a Cop 07:38 - The Mission: Return the Cow 08:34 - The Long Walk Home (for the cow) 09:40 - The Aftermath & A Generational Tale of Pranks Send us a text Want 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.

10/06/2025

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13 min
12/15/2025

"I planned a flash mob on the courthouse lawn."

Jeff Cross isn’t usually a planner. But for his 30th wedding anniversary, he decided to go big. In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we hear the incredible true story of how a 1990s meet-cute at a Bourbonnais Blockbuster led to a secret flash mob in downtown Kankakee. Hear how Jeff organized 50 friends and family members, dodged suspicious bailiffs while sneaking around the Courthouse bushes, and used a "fake cake" to keep his wife from ruining her own surprise. It’s a story about love, logistics, and the community coming together on Court Street. In this episode, you’ll hear: The Origin Story: How a misheard name at the hospital made Jeff a "Kankakee legend" from birth.The Meet-Cute: A nostalgic look back at dating in the 90s involving Subway sandwiches and Blockbuster nametags.The Heist: How Jeff secured "clearance" from a local Judge and hid behind trees to keep the secret.The Payoff: What it takes to coordinate a dance routine in the freezing February slush.Mentioned in this episode: Kankakee County CourthouseKnights of ColumbusBusse & Rieck FlowersSubway (Bourbonnais)The "Eagle" distraction technique 🦅Have a Kankakee story? We want to hear it! Email jake@milnermediapartners.com to tell us about "This one time in Kankakee..." Send us a text Want 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.

12/15/2025

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13 min
12/01/2025

"I covered my car completely in duct tape."

It was the winter of 2001. The muffler had just fallen off, and the rust was setting in. But Nick Stalnos wasn't ready to give up on his 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. Instead, he grabbed his friends, bought every roll of silver tape he could find, and created a local legend. In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we sit down with Nick to hear the true story behind "The Silver Bullet." From delivering pizzas on Kennedy Drive to a hilarious run-in with Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White on I-57, Nick takes us back to a time before GPS, when a car was more than just a vehicle—it was a canvas. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why a Kankakee pizza delivery driver decided to wrap his car bumper-to-bumper in duct tape.The hilarious reactions from Chicago locals (and one very confused snake owner).The story of how the "Silver Bullet" passed an unexpected inspection by Jesse White himself.Why the "duct tape craze" of the early 2000s holds a special place in local history.Mentioned in this episode: The Daily JournalPapa John’s KankakeeJesse White TumblersI-57 & Kennedy DriveHave a Kankakee story? We want to hear from you! Send us your "This One Time in Kankakee" moment to jake@milnermediapartners.com. Send us a text Want 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.

12/01/2025

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12 min
5D AGO

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Fire displaces family of fourKankakee Fire Department personnel were called out to a house fire in the 13-hundred block of South Kensington Avenue last night. According to reports, the call came in about 8:30 last night with a report of fire on the first floor of the home and four people trapped on the second floor. Kankakee Fire, with the help of other departments contained the fire within 20 minutes and all four people were rescued from the second floor without injury. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Feds confirm Iroquois County tornadoesThe National Weather Service has confirmed four tornadoes touched down in Iroquois County Sunday. The first in the Clifton area was rated an EF-0 tornado with maximum sustained winds of 85 miles and hour. Another that ran from Clifton to St. Anne started off as an EF-0 west of Clifton then increased to an EF-1 with maximum winds of 95 miles an hour as it neared St. Anne on the Iroquois-Kankakee County border. The third in Martinton was rated EF-U with unknown intensity and a fourth was identified in the Stockland area, but it wasn't rated because no damage from the storm was confirmed. Iroquois County Emergency Management says no homes were destroyed by the storms, though one home was significantly damaged and the family had to be relocated to a hotel while the damage is repaired. Indiana SNAP changes start 1/1Indiana will no longer allow SNAP users to use the benefit to purchase candy and sugary drinks as of January 1st. Governor Mike Braun says the move is part of the state's "Make Indiana Healthy Again" plan. The Hoosier State is one of the first in the U.S. to make the change. Braun signed the bill making the change in April. Hear the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Search for "This One Time in Kankakee" wherever you get your podcasts or click here: https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com

5d ago

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7 min
11/03/2025

"The Village of Bonfield Banned Rhummy."

In the dead of winter 1938, the tiny village of Bonfield, Illinois, made national news for a bizarre reason: it banned the card game Rhummy. On this episode of "This One Time in Kankakee," discover the strange and true story of the "Rhummy Rebellion." Amid the Great Depression, Bonfield was known as a "sinless village" in Kankakee County, thanks to strict Blue Laws that forbade everything from liquor to dancing to playing baseball on Sundays. But when a group of housewives, calling themselves "rhummy widows," lodged a formal complaint, the town board added one more harmless pastime to the banned list. This episode details the local standoff: The Law: Mayor Rubin Orwig and the village board impose a $10 fine (over $200 today) for playing a simple dime-a-hand game.The Rebels: Led by defiant barber William Brohm, the local men refuse to give up their only pastime.The "Speakeasy": When the ban becomes immediate, the rummy game doesn't stop—it just goes underground, forcing the players into secret hideaways.Learn how this small-town dispute between morality and camaraderie escalated into a story picked up by the United Press and splashed across the front page of the Kankakee Republican News. This episode features special voice performances from: Denny Case as the 1930s radio news narratorMike Tomano as William BroughamBill Dyche as Leo ReigelRob West as Justice YeatesChris Nickles as Mayor OrwigGreg Odeneal as the card player(This story was researched and written by Jack Klasey. Check out his weekly history blog at kankakeecountymuseum.com.) Send us a text Want 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.

11/03/2025

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13 min

Welcome to the WVLI Podcast Network: The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial! Your destination for authentic voices, bold conversations, and thought-provoking storytelling. From real talk and culture to interviews, commentary, and everything in between. Whether you're here for deep dives, fresh perspectives, or just good conversation, the WVLI Podcast Network has something for every listener. New episodes dropping regularly. Subscribe and join the network! 🔗 Follow us | Stream everywhere podcasts are available 📩 For inquiries, collaborations, or guest appearances email: jake@milnermediapartners.com #WVLI #PodcastNetwork #RealVoices #VoicesYouTrustBeyondTheDial

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WVLI Podcast Network

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"We counted down the 3 most listened to episodes of 2025."

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

"A bank robber called me."

"My son, Mads Pomranky, was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia."

"I was run over with a tractor."

"I kidnapped a plaster cow from Perry Farm Park."

"I planned a flash mob on the courthouse lawn."

"I covered my car completely in duct tape."

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

"The Village of Bonfield Banned Rhummy."

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