
Kankakee Podcast
A podcast about the people and places of Kankakee County, IL.
Episodes
307 episodes
Johnsonville Layoffs Hit Momence, School Bus Seat Belt Law Passes, 315 Fest Rocks Bradley & More
In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor breaks down the top headlines for Friday, June 5, 2025—sponsored by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center. Stories include the passage of Illinois' new school bus ...
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9:26

#205: Kankakee River State Park: Preserving Nature and History
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore is joined by local historian Jack Klasey to take a deep dive into the fascinating history of Kankakee River State Park
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Season 1
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Episode 205
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56:44

Veteran Tributes, Workplace Wellness, Assault Investigation & Youth Sports Wins
On this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, we honor 137 veterans during a moving Memorial Day ceremony at the courthouse and spotlight Riverside Healthcare’s fourth consecutive Platinum Bell Seal for workplace me...
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11:46

BONUS: Inside the B. Harley Bradley House: A Frank Lloyd Wright Tour with Director Bob Bohlmann
In this special bonus episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore takes listeners on an exclusive tour of the B. Harley Bradley House—Kankakee’s own Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece—guided by Executive ...
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Season 1
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1:02:00

#204: Dr. Neal Woodruff on Music, Mentorship, Community, and Culture
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Drew Raisor sits down with Dr. Neil Woodruff, the dynamic dean of the School of Music at Olivet Nazarene University. Together, they dive...
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Season 1
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Episode 204
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27:06

Electric Rates to Spike June 1, Local Teen Opens Record Store, Sugar Island Bridge Replacement Planned, and More
In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor brings the top stories from the Kankakee area, proudly sponsored by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center. Coverage includes the Aroma Park dredging proje...
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11:33

#203: Jamie Hawkins on Leading Grant Park and Building Community Traditions
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore welcomes back Jamie Hawkins, the first female mayor of Grant Park and the show’s milestone 100th guest. Since her last appearance, life has ch...
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Season 1
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Episode 203
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48:42

Bradley Opens 315 Sports Park, Saint Mary’s Ends OB/GYN Services, Rhubarb Festival Returns and more
In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor brings you the top stories shaping our community, proudly sponsored by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center. We’re covering the opening success of Bradle...
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11:42

#202: Celebrating 125 Years of the Frank Lloyd Wright Bradley House
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with the team behind Wright in Kankakee to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the historic Frank Lloyd Wrigh...
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Season 1
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Episode 202
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35:13

Mayor’s Veto, Shooting Arrests, and Sports Complex Launch
This week on Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor covers the top stories shaping our community. Manteno’s mayor flexes her veto power over department head contracts, arrests are made in a South Rosewood Avenue shoot...
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10:23

St. Mary’s Maternity Services to End, Jyaire Hill Honored by White Sox, Local Teen Eagle Scout Project Builds Veterans Monument
In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor spotlights Jyaire Hill’s rising star status through a new NIL partnership with the Chicago White Sox, and a touching Eagle Scout tribute from Alexis McCullough in honor ...
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8:43

#201: Building a Local Legacy: Inside Jimmy Holmes' Life, Business, and Music
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with one of the community’s most requested guests—Jimmy Holmes, owner of the iconic Jimmy Holmes Clothing. Known for...
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Season 1
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Episode 201
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1:07:18

BONUS: Kankakee Community College Continuing Education
In this bonus episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Gina Greene, Director of Continuing Education ...
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Season 1
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15:44

#200: Building Community Through Local Media with Josh Carman
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with fellow local media personality Josh Carman for a candid conversation about community, competition, and the power of storytelling. Josh—long-time radio host of
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Season 1
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Episode 200
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1:19:31

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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1:19:40

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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46:07

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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26:16

#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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1:08:35

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
