Regional Media Podcast Network

Wake Up Tri-Counties Samantha Talks Upcoming Blood Drive and Heart Health with Physical Activity

Samantha Rux joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the upcoming blood drive on February 12th and tips for heart health by staying active. February is Heart Month, and local healthcare providers are raising awareness about heart health. OSF Healthcare is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, February 12, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the East-West conference room. Donors can book appointments online at bloodcenter.org, but walk-ins are also welcome. Nearly 800 lives were saved last year through local drives. Experts encourage regular physical activity—150 minutes of cardio exercise a week, with walking and swimming suggested as accessible options. The YMCA offers indoor pools and senior programs, supporting low-impact exercise for all ages. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference for heart health.

As National Blood Donor Month draws to a close, the community celebrates an extraordinary year of generosity with ImpactLife. The past year saw 269 registered donors contributing 282 blood donations, with an estimated 794 lives touched by this collective effort. Organizers hope to carry this spirit forward as they announce the first blood drive of 2026, scheduled for Thursday, February 12th. Residents are encouraged to play their part—just one donation can make a profound difference. To join this lifesaving mission, sign up for the upcoming drive online and help create hope for those in need.

Wake Up Tri-Counties RaeAnn Talks "Wear Red Day," Condom Week, Insurance Navigators, New Kewanee WIC Location, and February Community Health Event

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice HealthCare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss "Wear Red Day" to honor women's heart health, National Heart Health Month, National Condom Week, insurance navigator events, and the February "12 Communities in 12 Months" at the Kewanee YMCA. Staff at the Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare wore red today to highlight National Wear Red Day for American Heart Month. This initiative draws attention to women’s heart health, as heart disease is still the nation’s leading cause of death for both genders. Local clinics urge everyone to check their blood pressure and cholesterol, and nurse practitioners in Kewanee and Toulon are ready to help manage risks. Both locations are also offering free condoms and confidential STD testing during National Condom Week, emphasizing the importance of sexual health. For appointments or resources, call 309-852-5272 for Kewanee or 309-852-3115 for Toulon.

Relay for Life Update with Betty and Cheryl

State Representative Brad Fritts

Sauk Talk with Jim and Jazmin

Janna Groharing from Sterling Main Street

Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker

Wake Up Tri-Counties Ambassador Francis Rooney Talks Friendship with Pope Leo, Ambassador to the Holy See, His Book, and Time in Congress

In a special Wake Up Tri-Counties interview, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Frances Rooney, shared insights into his personal friendship with Pope Leo, the first American pope born in Illinois. Rooney recounted their early meetings when Pope Leo was known as "Father Bob," attending board meetings in Tulsa and later leading the Augustinian Order in Rome. Reflecting on Pope Leo’s calm demeanor and his impactful message, Rooney noted the pope’s unique ability to engage with global issues like immigration. Rooney also discussed his time in Congress, work on Everglades preservation, and his book, "The Global Vatican," highlighting the Holy See’s diplomatic influence.

Ambassador Francis Rooney boasts a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, business, and public service. Representing Florida’s 19th Congressional District from 2017 to 2021, Rooney was renowned for his bipartisan approach and leadership on climate action, including introducing carbon tax legislation and advocating for Everglades restoration. Prior to Congress, he served as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See from 2005 to 2008 and authored a book on Vatican-U.S. relations. Rooney led Manhattan Construction Company, overseeing projects like the U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center and major sports stadiums. He now serves as chairman of the family business, Rooney Holdings. An active board member and fluent in Spanish, Rooney’s contributions reach across public policy, international relations, and environmental advocacy.

Born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Francis Rooney is the eldest of six children in the Rooney family. Pursuing his education in Maryland, Rooney attended the prestigious Georgetown Preparatory School before entering Georgetown University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975. He continued his studies at Georgetown University Law Center, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 1978. Rooney’s impressive academic journey set the stage for his notable career in business, law, and politics.