Recent Episodes

  • Bourbonnais Blaze and Herscher Controversy – Kankakee Podcast News – 08/16/24

    Image above provided by RS Communications. Kankakee Podcast News – August 16th, 2024 This week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News is packed with important local stories that you need to know. We start with the aftermath of a devastating apartment fire in Bourbonnais that left 19 people displaced and caused $3 million in damages. Bourbonnais…

  • #163: From Idea to Screen: Justin LaMarr on Filmmaking and Passion Projects

    Hello, Kankakee County and beyond! Today we bring you an intriguing conversation that dives deep into the exhilarating world of filmmaking—a tale blending passion, small-town charm, and the relentless pursuit of storytelling. Join us as we unravel the journey of Justin LaMarr and Brian Prairie, two filmmakers who have navigated the tumultuous terrain of movie-making…

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    From Mussels in the River to Business Closures – Kankakee Podcast News – 08/09/24

    Kankakee Podcast News: August 9th, 2024 – From Endangered Mussels to Local Closures This week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News is packed with important updates and surprising developments across our community. We dive into the heated debate over a proposed $30 water rate hike at the Illinois Commerce Commission hearing—an issue that has stirred emotions…

  • #162: Kankakee’s Entrepreneurial Spirit: A Conversation with Jesse Erickson of Pathfinder

    Hello, Kankakee County and beyond! Today, I’m bringing you a story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of perseverance. In this episode, we dive into the life and journey of Jesse Erickson, COO at Pathfinder, who has faced numerous challenges but never lost sight of his passion for innovation and community impact. From Personal Struggles…

  • Walters Kicks Off Kankakee Mayoral Campaign – Kankakee Podcast News – 08/02/2024

    Kankakee Podcast News: Weekly Update for August 2nd, 2024 Welcome to this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, your source for the latest updates in Kankakee and the surrounding areas. Hosted by Jake LaMore, this episode covers several key stories and community highlights. Top Stories: Community Highlights: Upcoming Events: For the complete details on these…

  • #161: Hotel Kankakee: Exploring Its History and Legacy

    Today we’re bringing you an episode that’s steeped in local history and brimming with fascinating tales from a time when our downtown was the bustling heart of the community. Join us as we delve into the storied past of the iconic Hotel Kankakee, a landmark that once stood proudly in our town. Hotel Kankakee: A…

  • Hospital Ownership Changes to Local Music Debuts – Kankakee Podcast News – 07/26/24

    Join Jake LaMore in this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, brought to you by the Alkebulan History Center, King Music, and Meineke Car Care. Discover the latest updates, including the new ownership of Ascension Saint Mary’s Hospital, Kankakee County’s property tax collection progress, and a historic restoration project by Bradley’s Restoration Works Inc. Get…

  • #160: Celebrating Kankakee’s Merchant Street Music Fest

    Hello, Kankakee County and beyond! Today, we’re tuning our ears to a celebration that’s a true local treasure—the Merchant Street Music Fest. In this special episode we dive into the vibrant lineup, rich musical diversity, and community spirit that makes this festival an unmissable event in downtown Kankakee. Highlighting Local Talent The episode strongly highlights…

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    Manteno Tornado Confirmed, Boy Drowns in River – Kankakee Podcast News – 07/19/24

    Kankakee Podcast News – Episode Recap: July 19th, 2024 Welcome to the latest episode of Kankakee Podcast News, brought to you by the Alkebulan History Center, King Music, and Meineke Car Care. This week, we cover several important and impactful stories from our community. Tune in to hear about the drowning of a young boy…

  • BONUS: KVTA’s Hello Girls: Women Who Changed Military

    Today we’re diving into a slice of local history that’s both inspiring and enlightening! Join us as we journey back to the days of World War I, unveiling the remarkable story of the Hello Girls brought to life by the Kankakee Valley Theater Association in their upcoming production. The Inspirational Story of the Hello Girls…

  • #159: Stories from July’s “Yarn Factory Listeners”: Authenticity, Adventure, and Unpredictable Love

    Hello, Kankakee County and beyond! Welcome back to another captivating episode of the Kankakee Podcast. This time, we’re diving into the heart of our community with stories of authenticity, humor, and unforgettable adventures. From rafting through the Grand Canyon to spontaneous proposals on the streets of Chicago, this episode has it all—and more. Authenticity in…

  • Aqua Boil Order, Major Drug Bust, ONU Breaks Record – Kankakee Podcast News – 07/12/24

    Explore Kankakee’s Latest Stories: Kankakee Podcast News, July 12, 2024 Discover the pulse of Kankakee with this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, hosted by Jake LaMore. Join Jake as he dives into the headlines shaping our community this week, from tragic accidents to community triumphs. In this episode, you’ll hear about the fatal crashes…

  • #158: Kankakee Arts ColLAB: Inspiring Community with All-Ages Music Spaces

    Today, we’re diving into a vibrant and evolving aspect of our community—the local music scene and the impressive efforts to nurture young talent and artistic collaboration. Join us as we explore these themes in our latest episode titled “Kankakee Arts CoLAB.“ The Evolution of Kankakee’s Music Scene Our guests, Mary and James, take us on…

  • Hear Mayor Curtis’s Re-Election Campaign Kick-Off in Full – Kankakee Podcast News Extra

    This Kankakee Podcast News Extra is brought to you by Kankakee Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Adam Elroy.  In This Episode:Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis announced his intentions to run for a second term on Tuesday, July 2nd. Curtis held his re-election campaign kickoff in the evening around 7pm at the corner of East Court Street and Saint…

  • Dylan Davis of Bourbonnais, with a 50 inch, 11 pound, Longnose Gar. Caught in the Kankakee River, Monday, July 1st, 2024.

    Kankakee River Monster – Kankakee Podcast News – 07/05/24

    Welcome to this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News! I’m your host, Jake LaMore, bringing you the latest updates from our community, proudly sponsored by King Music, Meineke Car Care, and the Alkebulan History Center. This week, we cover the peaceful resolution of a police standoff, developments in the Sullivan trial, and the creation of…