Regional Media Podcast Network

Wake Up Tri-Counties Alondra Garcia Talks Second Annual Cinco De Mayo Celebration on May 2, 2026

Kewanee is gearing up for its second annual Cinco de Mayo celebration at Northeast Park, set for May 2nd from noon to 5 PM. Visitors can look forward to traditional Mexican cuisine, live performances—possibly including a mariachi band—and a variety of local vendors. Activities for children will feature bounce houses, raffles, and opportunities for young entrepreneurs ages 8 to 17 to sell their goods free of charge. The event will also offer a free health fair with screenings and wellness information. Organizers are actively seeking food vendors, child vendors, and volunteers, especially for kids’ activities. Interested parties can connect via Facebook or by calling 773-542-8389. Organizers invite residents of all ages to join in the festivities and experience a day filled with culture and fun. For those interested, festivities will kick off with plenty to see, taste, and do at Northeast Park.

La ciudad de Kewanee se prepara para una vibrante celebración del Cinco de Mayo en el Parque Northeast, situado en 1200 North Main Street. Organizado por la Comisión de Relaciones Humanas, el evento reunirá a la comunidad con una feria de salud, sabores auténticos de la comida mexicana, música en vivo y entretenimiento para toda la familia. Desde actividades culturales hasta información sobre el bienestar, la jornada promete diversión para asistentes de todas las edades. La entrada no tiene costo y el acceso está abierto a quienes deseen sumarse. Los organizadores invitan a la participación de toda la comunidad local.

The Cinco De Mayo fundraiser in Kewanee is now in full swing, giving residents a chance to support this year’s community celebration. T-shirts and hoodies are on sale, with all proceeds directly benefiting local cultural activities, live music, and family-friendly entertainment planned for the event. These special edition items are available only for a limited period, so community members are encouraged to place their orders soon to ensure they don’t miss out. Organizers emphasize that every purchase goes toward making the celebration memorable for all ages, highlighting Kewanee’s vibrant spirit and commitment to cultural traditions. Order here.

La celebración de Cinco de Mayo en Kewanee impulsa su evento con la venta de camisetas edición especial de color amarillo brillante y sudaderas negras clásicas. Estas prendas no solo muestran el espíritu festivo, sino que cada compra ayuda a financiar más cultura, música y actividades para familias durante la festividad. Los organizadores animan a la comunidad a apoyar la causa comprando en línea a través del enlace disponible. Esta iniciativa busca fortalecer la participación local y garantizar una experiencia vibrante para todos los asistentes al tradicional evento de Mayo en Kewanee. Ordene aquí.

Emily and Denise with The Whiteside County Senior Center

Dallas Knack Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce

Sterling Mayor Diana, City Manager Scott

Candi from The YWCA of The Sauk Valley

Wake Up Tri-Counties Jon Looney and Dianne Packee Talk Items Available at the 15th Annual Quarter Madness on March 13, 2026

Quarter Madness is set to ignite Kewanee with excitement on March 13th, 2026. The Rotary Club of Kewanee and Prairie Chicken Arts Festival are joining forces, hosting their signature auction night at the Elks Lodge. Jon Looney and Dianne Packee joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to reveal the big prize for the night from Martin Engineering. You can watch the video below on our YouTube channel. The Yeti cooler full of goodies will be the last item of the night and is valued at $1,500! Regional Media's COO, Darren Brown, surprised Jon and Dianne with a donation of tickets to the Chicago Bulls game on April 10, 2026, to add to the prize list. Watch below, listen live on-air, or listen to the podcast to hear about more of the amazing items up for grabs Friday night. If you’d like to donate or purchase paddles, please contact Dianne Packee at 309-312-0168.

Doors open at 5:45 PM, with bidding beginning at 6:30. Prizes include designer purses, power tools, gift cards, and themed baskets—all up for grabs with just a few quarters. Proceeds help fund community projects and the Prairie Chicken Arts Festival. Advance paddle sales are recommended, with Platinum options allowing even off-site play. Participants can choose from three different types of auction paddles: the Platinum paddle, ideal for those who want to bid from home and be notified if they win; the Gold paddle, which offers the best value and entry for every item at the in-person event; and the White paddle, available only onsite the night of Quarter Madness. Each person can buy up to two white paddles. Bidding involves placing quarters for each item, giving everyone a shot at fantastic prizes for just change. Platinum paddles, offering premium chances, are available for $60 until noon on March 13th. Gold paddles are set at $30 each. Purchases can be made online at kewaneerotary.com or in person at Sutton and Associates Real Estate and Country Financial Erin Spivey’s office. Gold and white paddles will also be available at the Elks Lodge, but supplies are limited. For updates, visit the Rotary Club of Kewanee Facebook page. A new feature this year is in-person-only prizes; depending on how it works, it may be a new permanent feature. Watch the Rotary Facebook page for the full list of prizes, which will show the prizes that are in-person only. 

The bar will be open to purchase beverages, and participants are encouraged to bring food or order food to their table.

"Cambridge Happening" Connie Talks Puzzle Palazzo Fundraiser, Food Pantry, Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Community Yard Sales, and Cleanup

Connie Johnson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for the monthly edition of "Cambridge Happenings" to talk about upcoming events in the Village of Cambridge. The Cambridge Community and Youth Center is set to host its Puzzle Palazzo on Saturday, March 14th. Teams of four to six will compete to finish a 500-piece puzzle in just two hours, with a smoked pork dinner included in the $100 entry fee. Doors open at 4:45 PM, and the contest kicks off at 5:30. All proceeds benefit the center. On Sunday, the local food pantry at 123 West Exchange Street will be open from 3 to 5 PM. Plus, mark your calendars for a village-wide Easter egg hunt at College Square Park on March 28th. Mark your calendars: community yard sales are set for May 8th and 9th, and cleanup day for May 15th.

Wake Up Tri-Counties Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare Talks Storm Safety and New Medical Records Request Process

Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the new process for requesting medical records and severe storm safety. OSF St. Luke is rolling out a new process for requesting medical records, starting March 16th. Instead of walk-in requests at the hospital, patients are encouraged to use OSF MyChart for a faster, more secure experience. For those less comfortable with technology, records can also be requested by phone at 309-852-7785, by fax at 309-852-7591, or by email—details are available on the hospital’s social media pages. Alongside this policy update, OSF reminds everyone to review emergency kits and prepare for spring storms. Severe weather training is also available on March 26th at OSF St. Mary in Galesburg from 6 to 8 PM in Room 9 of the Education Building. Registration is not required for the severe weather training.