Kankakee Valley Community Happenings
WVLI Podcast Network presents conversations highlighting what’s happening across local businesses and organizations in the Kankakee and surrounding areas.
Episodes
In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Cindy DeGroot from the Kankakee Community College (KCC) Lifelong Learning Institute. The discussion centers on the diverse educational and social opportunities available to older adults in the Kankakee area.
Cindy explains how the institute’s curriculum follows the college semester, offering a wide array of sessions that range from practical hea...
In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Roy Gregory sits down with Jim Accurso from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery to discuss the ongoing relief efforts following the severe storms of March 10. While the initial weather event has passed, many residents and business owners in Illinois and Indiana are still facing the long-term challenges of property damage and financial rec...
In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Denny Case welcomes Kevin Kennell, Vice President and CFO of Belson Steel Center Scrap in Bourbonnais. The segment focuses on the long-standing SCORE program (Students Coordinating to Organize Recycling Efforts), which has been operating in the region since 1995.
The conversation covers the educational and environmental goals of the initiative, explaining how local school...
In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Mayor Jeff Keast to discuss the latest seasonal updates and community initiatives within the Village of Bourbonnais. As spring arrives, the conversation focuses on the various free services available to residents, ranging from specific waste disposal programs to environmental maintenance.
Mayor Keast provides essential information regarding neig...
In this installment of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with David Parker from the Kankakee YMCA to discuss the organization’s deep-rooted impact on the local area. Parker explains the philosophy of "community as medicine," detailing how the YMCA serves as a critical pillar for both physical health and social connection in Kankakee.
The conversation explores the wide variety of programming a...
In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Bradley Mayor Mike Watson for a comprehensive village update. The conversation covers essential services for residents, including upcoming seasonal maintenance schedules and guidelines for local waste disposal.
The discussion also previews the highly anticipated summer event season in Bradley. Mayor Watson shares insights into the upcoming 315 M...
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 r...
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 discussi...
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 discus...
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 ...
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 Commu...
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 an...
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 d...
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...
In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano welcomes Dr. Alec Fisher from the Riverside Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department. Dr. Fisher, a Los Angeles native who completed his medical training at Dartmouth and Johns Hopkins, discusses his transition to the Riverside team and the diverse range of services he provides to the community.
The conversation explores the two primary branches of his pr...
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 current economic landscape of the region. The conversation highlights the unexpected diversity of local industries, ranging from global manufacturing and healthcare to a robust tourism sector bolstered by the Kankakee River and new local attractions.
Angela shares surprising...
In this edition of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano welcomes Village of Bradley Mayor Mike Watson to discuss several time-sensitive updates affecting local residents.
The conversation highlights the approaching deadline for the Bradley property tax rebate program. Mayor Watson emphasizes the importance of submitting the necessary documentation before the window closes to ensure residents receive the funds they ...
This installment of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings features host Mike Tomano in conversation with Rhonda Stenzinger of the Kankakee Valley Theatre Association (KVTA). The discussion focuses on the organization’s upcoming production of Footloose: Youth Edition, a high-energy, family-friendly version of the classic musical coming to the Lincoln Cultural Center.
Stenzinger shares insights into the rigorous rehearsal process for t...
This episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings features an in-depth conversation between host Mike Tomano and Alicia Kleinert, the founder and executive director of the MCA Senior Adult Day Center. Since opening its doors in late 2024, the center has become a vital resource for the Kankakee River Valley, evolving from a visionary idea into a thriving community hub for local seniors and their families.
In this installment, Alic...
Mike Tomano and Rob West welcome Brandi Elder, President of the Bourbonnais Firefighters Association, to discuss a long-standing local tradition. Brandi explains the vital role the Association plays in supporting the fire district, including how community fundraising helps provide life-saving equipment for first responders.
The conversation focuses on the upcoming 39th Annual Sweetheart Dance, a signature event featuring live music ...
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Clifford Show with Clifford Taylor IV blends humor, culture, and behind-the-scenes sports talk with real conversations featuring athletes, creators, and personalities—spotlighting the grind, the growth, and the opportunities shaping the next generation of sports and culture.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.