
Kankakee Podcast
A podcast about the people and places of Kankakee County, IL. Hosted by, Jake LaMore.
Episodes
293 episodes
Three Lives Lost in Fiery Crash and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, April 25th, 2025
In this week's Kankakee Podcast News, we cover a tragic crash that claimed three lives on Cobb Blvd, and a local volunteer effort that brought together 170 people to tackle cleanup projects across Kankakee. Plus, updates on the latest developme...
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11:53

#199: City of New Orleans: The Song That Put Kankakee on the Musical Map
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore takes listeners for a musical ride through the story of “City of New Orleans,” the legendary train song that forever tied Kankakee to the annals of Americana. With music clips from Steve...
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Season 1
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Episode 199
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11:05

Kankakee River Dredging Project Kicks Off and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, April 18th, 2025
In this episode of Kankakee Podcast News, we cover exciting developments in the community, including the long-awaited dredging of the Kankakee River, a new pathway coming near Perry Farm, and the 25th anniversary celebration of the Kankakee Val...
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13:10

#198: Stories From April’s Yarn Factory Listeners
In this vibrant episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore brings us into the April 2025 Yarn Factory storytelling event recorded live in Downtown Kankakee. Taking place at the Venue Lounge, the evening shines with the animated narrative...
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Season 1
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Episode 198
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1:20:22

Manteno Trustee Appointment Sparks Backlash and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, April 11th, 2025
This week on Kankakee Podcast News: A “Hands Off” rally draws a crowd downtown, controversy stirs in Manteno over a last-minute trustee appointment, and a long-stalled housing project in Kankakee may finally see new life. Plus, local s...
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10:47

BONUS: Behind the Scenes of KVTA’s Matilda: The Musical
In this bonus episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Courtney Stephens and Gina O'Connor from the Kankakee Valley Theater Association to discuss their highly anticipated upcoming production of "Matilda: The Musical." J...
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Season 1
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21:30

#197: Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Tracey Noe Slach and the Vision of Clove Alliance
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Tracey Noe Slach, Executive Director of Clove Alliance, to mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April 2025. This vital episode dives into the impactful work Clove Allian...
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Season 1
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Episode 197
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45:56

BBCHS Robotics Eyes Global Title and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, April 4th, 2025
The BBCHS Robotics Team is headed to the World Championship in Houston—but they need the community’s help to get there. Plus, we break down local election results, big changes coming to Kankakee School District 111, and a roundup of events, upd...
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11:22

BONUS: Momence Track Hosts Its First Meet in Two Decades
In this special on-location bonus episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore visits the press box at Momence High School to sit down with Coach Cherry, the athletic director, and former track coach. They delve into the exciting return of...
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25:38

#196: Celebrating 150 Years of Bourbonnais with the Kankakee County Museum
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore is joined by Kankakee County Museum's Jack Klasey and Jory Walters. Together, they dive deep into the rich history of Bourbonnais as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. The episode take...
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Season 1
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Episode 196
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1:09:17

Bradley Moves Forward with Massive Indoor Water Park and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, March 28th, 2025
Big things are happening in Kankakee County! Bradley is moving forward with a massive indoor water park and preparing to open its long-awaited sports complex. Meanwhile, Bourbonnais kicks off a year-long celebration for its 150th anniver...
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13:41

Election Special: Trustee Joel Gesky, Manteno Mayoral Candidate
In this election special episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore welcomes Joel Gesky, a candidate running for the position of mayor in Manteno. With 18 years of experience as a trustee on the village board, Joel discusses his journey ...
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1:26:01

Election Special: Annette LaMore, Manteno Mayoral Candidate
In this election special episode of Kankakee Podcast, Jake LaMore sits down with Annette LaMore, who is running for Mayor of Manteno in the upcoming April 1st consolidated election. Annette reflects on her decades of dedication to the ...
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50:29

#195: JaHana Holloway Hosts Dr. Teresa Lance - Kankakee Schools' Future
In this special episode of the Kankakee Podcast, guest host JaHana Holloway sits down for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Teresa Lance, the new superintendent of Kankakee School District. Having previously been on the other side of the mic, H...
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Season 1
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Episode 195
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59:14

Longtime Kankakee Radio Voice Ken Zyer Passes Away and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, March 21st, 2025
This week on Kankakee Podcast News: We remember beloved local radio voice Ken Zyer, cover a police pursuit that ended in a crash and arrest, and discuss BBCHS expanding enrollment for staff kids. Plus, Bourbonnais approves a new public works co...
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11:24

#194: Stories From March's Yarn Factory Listeners
In this heartfelt episode of the Kankakee Podcast, join host Bill Yohnka as he introduces us to a captivating evening of storytelling from the Kankakee Yarn Factory Listeners ...
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Season 1
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Episode 193
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1:24:25

Election Special: NAACP Kankakee Mayoral Forum: Mayor Chris Curtis vs. Dr. Genevra Walters
In this episode of Kankakee Podcast, we bring you a special mayoral forum hosted by the NAACP at Kankakee Community College. Listen in as Mayor Chris Curtis and Dr. Genevra Walters discuss key issues impacting Kankakee, including public safety,...
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1:21:44

Fatal Train Accident in Kankakee Under Investigation and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, March 14th, 2025
In this episode of Kankakee Podcast News, we cover a tragic train accident in Kankakee, the BBCHS Scholastic Bowl team’s big regional win, and the recent visit from former Vice President Mike Pence at Olivet. Plus, updates on a gas leak evacuat...
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12:41

BONUS: Behind the Scenes of KVTA's Shrek Jr. with Paula and Beth Sutter
In this special bonus episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Paula and Beth Sutter, the dynamic co-directors of the Kankakee Valley Theater Association's upcoming production of Shrek Jr. As they prepare for opening wee...
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19:16

#193: Election Special: David Zinnani, Bourbonnais Mayoral Candidate
In this special election episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore engages in a conversation with David Zinnani, a candidate in the upcoming 2025 mayoral election for the Village of Bourbonnais. David, recognized for his multifaceted ca...
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Episode 193
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1:05:52

St. Mary’s Acquisition Finalized, Police Gun Range Debate, and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, March 7th, 2025
This week on Kankakee Podcast News: Prime Healthcare completes its acquisition of St. Mary’s, while Manteno residents weigh in on the possibility of a new police gun range. Plus, the Kankakee Regatta lands a national powerboat event, bri...
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13:30

#192: Kankakee County Museum: Bradley Roper Manufacturing
On this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, Jake LaMore is joined by history buffs Jack Klasey and Jorie Walters from the Kankakee County Museum to delve into the rich tapestry of Kankakee County...
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Season 1
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Episode 192
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56:48

Bradley Crash Turns Fatal; Bourbonnais Mayoral Race Heats Up - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, February 28th, 2025
A fatal crash in Bradley leaves one dead and a juvenile injured, while Kankakee Police investigate a shooting on Rosewood Avenue. Plus, Jeff Keast wins the Bourbonnais mayoral primary, and Bradley moves forward with its massive indoor water par...
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11:33

#191: Sean Paul Mills of Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore dives into the world of classical music with the talented Sean Paul Mills, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 191
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57:47

Second Arrest Made in Limestone Shooting and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, February 21st, 2025
In this week's Kankakee Podcast News, we cover a second arrest in the Limestone shooting case, the upcoming Bourbonnais mayoral primary, and a debate over Manteno’s PR spending on the Gotion plant. Plus, updates on Bradley Village Hall renovati...
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12:16
