Welcome back to another riveting episode of the Kankakee Podcast. This week’s episode brings you an eclectic mix of poignant, humorous, and thought-provoking stories, all shared in the heartwarming setting of Flanagan’s Irish Pub in Downtown Kankakee. Grab a cuppa and settle in as we journey through tales of wedding woes, historic protests, unexpected hospital trips, and more!
Wedding Night Misadventures: Pete Worth’s Story
“We were stranded in front of our house in full wedding attire with no way to contact anyone. It was both hilarious and a bit tragic.” – Pete Worth
In what can only be described as a comedic yet slightly tragic tale, Pete Worth recounts the series of mishaps that perilously unfolded on his wedding night. Picture this: newlyweds Pete and Corey stranded outside their home, fully decked out in wedding garb, without a working phone to their name. Their in-laws, Tim and Robin, along with an entire search party of friends and neighbors, scoured the area in a frantic bid to locate them.
After multiple failed attempts to contact family members via borrowed phones and turning down an impromptu after-party, they finally found solace with a friend, Dave Barron. It wasn’t the fairy tale ending they envisioned, but it’s a night they (and now we) won’t soon forget!
The Power of Civil Disobedience: Roland Johnson Reflects
“Civil disobedience is not a spectator sport.” – Roland Johnson
Roland Johnson takes us back to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale during a tumultuous time from 1969 to 1970. Equipping the police with riot gear and tear gas and summoning help from city and state police as well as the National Guard, the university faced students who fervently protested the Vietnam War and university policies. Roland’s reflections serve as a stirring reminder of the transformative power of civil resistance and the personal impact of those harrowing days.
A Library Life: Tales from Librarian Kim Scott
“Gratitude for the work librarians do can’t be overstated. Libraries change lives.” – Kim Scott
Kim Scott draws from her rich, nearly 20-year experience as a third-generation librarian to share stories that are equally heartwarming and amusing. From a modestly attended storytime session to transformative library programs for women, to an incident with teenagers and a blaring inappropriate speaker, Kim underscores the invaluable role that librarians and libraries play in our communities.
A Night Out Gone Wrong: Lori Krecioch’s Experience with CBD and THC
“It wasn’t just plain old CBD; I ended up in the hospital with THC intoxication.” – Lori Krecioch
Lori Krecioch’s misadventure with CBD and THC is both a cautionary tale and a laugh-out-loud narrative. What started as an attempt to explore CBD swiftly spiraled into a night that ended in the emergency room.
Misinformation and misunderstanding turned a health supplement into a hospital stay, providing another reason to double-check those labels!
Unsolved Mysteries and Personal Connections: Megan Brooks’ Encounter
Megan Brooks brings to light a chilling encounter from her bartending days—a distressed man revealing his past affair with a murder victim.
Unbeknownst to Megan, this man was her stepmother’s first husband, and the murder’s dark legacy unfolded through her conversation with the victim’s son. Megan’s story bridges past and present, spotlighting her role in helping a family find closure.
Overcoming Life’s Challenges: Kenneth Anderson’s Inspirational Words
“Facing life’s obstacles with discipline is crucial.” – Kenneth Anderson
Kenneth Anderson closes out the night on an earnest note. Drawing from personal anecdotes, Anderson discusses the struggles his friends have faced and the significance of overcoming life’s numerous obstacles with determination and support. His tale is a stirring reminder of the power of resilience and community.
Join Us at the Yarn Factory Listeners Event
Don’t miss our next event on Tuesday, September 10th at 7:00pm at Flanagan’s Irish Pub in downtown Kankakee. Come for the stories, stay for the community—it’s free to attend!
Shout-outs and Thanks
A massive thank you to our guests Bill Yohnka, Roland Johnson, Kim Scott, Megan Brooks, Kenneth Anderson, and Pete Worth for sharing their incredible stories. Huge appreciation also to Flanagan’s Irish Pub, the Kankakee Public Library, our listeners, and Patreon supporters like Jeff and Rosa Carroll for keeping this podcast alive!
Concluding Thoughts
This episode celebrates the power of storytelling to connect us all. From humorous anecdotes to inspiring life lessons, this night encapsulates the spirit of Kankakee. Subscribe to the Kankakee Podcast, follow us on social media, and consider supporting us through Patreon to keep these stories flowing.
Until next time, this is Jake LaMore, signing off with a heart full of local pride and a reminder to keep storytelling alive. Stay tuned for more tales from the heart of Kankakee County!
