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#60: The Bennett-Curtis House with Scott Zizic
We are on location once again for this episode of Kankakee Podcast! Except this time, we find ourselves at the most well known house in all of Grant Park, The Bennett-Curtis House. The owner, Scott Zizic, was kind enough to take some time out of his day to talk with me about the history of the…
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#59: Locavore Farm with Rachael Jones
Locavore, pronounced like carnivore, is someone who’s diet consists of mostly locally grown or produced food. At Locavore Farm in Grant Park, you can dine on the land at a 100 foot table eating food that was all organically grown just a few steps away from where you’re sitting. Rachael Jones joins us on this episode…
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#58: Angela Morrey – Economic Alliance of Kankakee County
What is economic development and what does it look like here in Kankakee County? Angela Morrey, the Director of Marketing and Business Attraction at the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, joins us on this episode of Kankakee Podcast to answer those questions! I know I have a much better understanding of what economic development is…
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#57: Electric Park – Kankakee County Museum
Long before the days of what is present day Beckman Park in Kankakee, stood Electric Park from 1894 to the early 1920s. Jorie Walters and Jack Klasey from the Kankakee County Museum join us on this episode of Kankakee Podcast to give us the history of the once popular entertainment spot. The museum’s fall mums…
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#56: The Name’s Redenius. Doug Redenius. – Ian Fleming Foundation
His name is Redenius. Doug Redenius. And he takes care of 41 authentic vehicles from the James Bond 007 films right here in Kankakee County for The Ian Fleming Foundation. View the complete list of Bond vehicles here: http://www.ianflemingfoundation.org/welcome-new.html Email Doug: [email protected] As a huge James Bond fan, I truly enjoyed recording this episode. Thank…
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#55: Heather Wagner – Country Singer
St. Anne country artist, Heather Wagner, joins us on this episode of Kankakee Podcast to talk about the newest version of her song, “Gone”, that was just released this past Friday. “Gone” Featuring ATG, can be found now on all streaming platforms as well as a music video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k8FWqiGvEik Follow Heather Wagner on…
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#54: Merchant Street Music Fest 2022
Merchant Street Music Fest, the biggest music festival of the year in Kankakee County, takes place this Friday and Saturday in downtown Kankakee near the train depot. I thought it would be fun to give you an overview of the local acts that are playing the fest this year. That way when you go to…
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#53: Strickler Planetarium – Jeri LaMont & Steve Case
I hate to burst your bubble but The Big Dipper is not a constellation of stars. I know, shocking, right? I learned SO many things while having a conversation with both Jeri LaMont and Steve Case of Olivet Nazarene University’s Strickler Planetarium. Having a planetarium located in Kankakee County is a pretty cool thing. I…
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#52: Hotel Riverview – Kankakee County Museum
Before all the grand homes were built near present day Cobb Park in Kankakee, stood the luxurious Hotel Riverview. Even though the hotel only lasted from 1887 to 1897, it’s legacy has become one of the many crown jewels in our county’s history. I’m delighted to once again be joined by Jack Klasey and Jorie…
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Episode 51: Mattea’s Joy – Jamie Freedlund
Most likely at some point in the last twelve years, you’ve heard or seen the name Mattea’s Joy around town. What exactly is it though? Mattea’s Joy is nonprofit organization here in Kankakee County that provides care, connection, and community for families navigating the challenges of having a hospitalized child. Founder, Jamie Freedlund, joins me…
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Episode 50: Connect Roasters – Caleb Benoit
Did you know the coffee that’s currently brewed for the professional baseball players in the Chicago Cubs Clubhouse comes from Bourbonnais? Connect Roasters right here in Bourbonnais manufactures coffee almost on a daily basis. They have also found several ways to give back to the community as well. Connect Roasters Founder, Caleb Benoit, who was…
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Episode 49: Emily LaVoie – Eating Psychology Coach
There are four different types of hunger. I thought there was only one. That is, until I sat down with Eating Psychology Coach, Emily LaVoie. Born and raised in Kankakee, Emily has always had a passion for helping people. While you may have met Emily through the fitness world, her main focus now is helping…
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Episode 48: Kent Wade Guest Hosts – Talks Juneteenth 2022
Since day one of starting Kankakee Podcast, I’ve always had the idea of having people “Guest Host” an episode every now and then. We are finally making that happen! I’m excited to welcome Kent Wade as our very first guest host. If you remember, Kent Wade, was a guest on episode three. It’s one of…
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Episode 48: Kent Wade Guest Hosts – Talks Juneteenth 2022 (Early Access)
Since day one of started Kankakee Podcast, I’ve always had the idea of having people “Guest Host” an episode every now and then. We are finally making that happen! I’m excited to welcome Kent Wade as our very first guest host. If you remember, Kent Wade, was a guest on episode three. It’s one of…
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Episode 47: Knack Brewing – Matt & Emily Strysik
For the first time in several decades, the City of Kankakee is now home to a brewery once again! After two plus years of planning and lots of hard work, Knack Brewing & Fermentations, has opened it’s doors near of the corner of South McMullen Avenue and West Water Street. I was excited to sit…