
Kankakee Podcast
A podcast about the people and places of Kankakee County, IL. Hosted by, Jake LaMore.
Episodes
274 episodes
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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1:05:02

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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14:26

#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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55:57

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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12:29

#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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56:57

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

Election Special: Trustee Jeff Keast Discusses His Mayoral Bid for Bourbonnais
In this election special episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore welcomes Bourbonnais mayoral candidate Jeff Keast to discuss his candidacy and vision for the village. Drawing from his extensive experience as a trustee and local busin...
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59:34

Election Special: Bourbonnais Mayor Paul Schore on Fifth Term Aspirations
In this special election episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore interviews Bourbonnais Mayor Paul Schore, who is seeking a fifth term in office. With Bourbonnais conducting its first-ever primary election for the mayoral candidate of...
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1:05:23

#190: Stories From February's Yarn Factory Listeners
In this special live episode of the Kankakee Podcast's "Yarn Factory Listeners," host Jake LaMore is joined by his co-host Bill Yohnka and an eclectic mix of local storytellers at the Venue Lounge in downtown Kankakee. The night brims with hear...
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Season 1
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Episode 190
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1:04:32

Netflix Films Season 3 of Monster in Momence - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, February 14th, 2025
Netflix is in Momence filming season 3 of Monster, and we talk with local high school senior Colby Ogibovic, who landed a role as an extra! Plus, Bradley moves forward with its mall-to-water-park transformation, and we cover the latest...
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14:03
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#189: Melvina Calvin Edwards: Breaking Barriers in Law Enforcement and Education
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Melvina Calvin Edwards, a trailblazer in Kankakee County's law enforcement community. Melvina shares her incredible journey, breaking barriers as the first black woman hir...
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Season 1
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Episode 189
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1:03:48

Indictment Announced in Limestone Shooting Case and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, February 7th, 2025
This week on Kankakee Podcast News, we cover the indictment of a suspect in a January shooting in Limestone, along with other important local updates. We’ll talk about the latest on Hobbie Avenue’s reconstruction, the restoration of traffic lig...
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14:59

BONUS: Majestically Yours Wedding Expo
In this bonus episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore teams up with Felicity from the Majestic to bring you a special feature on the upcoming annual Wedding Expo. With excitement bubbling for Sunday, February 16th, Jake and Felicity d...
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20:38

#188: Breakroom Sessions: Hot Takes From Tacos to Panty Droppers
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore dials up the fun as he sits down with the dynamic crew from Breakroom Sessions. Will, Shauna, Country Cuz, and Reek join Jake...
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Season 1
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Episode 188
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34:35

Downtown Kankakee’s New Leader and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, January 31st, 2025
This week on Kankakee Podcast News: Downtown Kankakee welcomes a new leader, a longtime local music store closes its doors, and a BBCHS junior is honored for an incredible Eagle Scout project. Plus, we cover local crime updates, a commun...
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15:21

Kankakee’s Bear Brand Hosiery Company with The Kankakee County Museum
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore dives deep into the historical fabric of Kankakee County with esteemed guests Jack Klasey and Jorie Walters from the Kankakee County Museu...
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Season 1
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Episode 187
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48:09

Kankakee East Riverwalk Breaks Ground and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, January 24th, 2025
From a generous land donation expanding Riverfront Park to a groundbreaking ceremony for the East Riverwalk, this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News highlights progress in our community. We also cover Darius Sullivan’s sentencing,...
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10:24

BONUS: Behind the Scenes of KVTA's Steel Magnolias with Bonnie Brewer and Tyler McMahon
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, guest host Andrew McBurnie steps in for a homesick Jake LaMore and dives into the world of community theater with Tyler McMahon and Bonnie Brewer. They discuss their involvement in the
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Season 1
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34:37

#186: Stories From January's Yarn Factory Listeners
This 11th volume of Yarn Factory Listeners brings together a collection of heartfelt and riveting stories themed around the Kankakee River. As Bill embarks on a new journey working on the riverfront project, this episode pays homage to the rive...
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Season 1
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Episode 186
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1:25:02

Bradley 315 Fest Announces Flo Rida, Daughtry, and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, January 17th, 2025
This week on Kankakee Podcast News, we cover the firing of Kankakee School District 111's assistant superintendent, updates on the Gotion lithium battery plant expansion in Manteno, and a key ruling in the Harris murder trial. Plus, Bradley 315...
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11:31

#185: Kankakee Podcast's Best Acoustic Performances
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore dives into the soulful acoustic realm, highlighting some of Kankakee’s finest singer-songwriters in a special solo episode. Jake celebrates the intimacy and authenticity of acoustic perf...
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Season 1
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Episode 185
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33:07

International Teachers Join Kankakee Schools and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, January 10th, 2025
This week on Kankakee Podcast News: A $30,000 reward is offered to solve a tragic New Year’s Day shooting, a high-speed chase ends in Kankakee, and international teachers join District 111 to address staffing shortages. Plus, updates on local i...
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10:49

#184: Alicia Kleinert's Vision for Senior Care and Community Engagement in Kankakee
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Alicia Kleinert, the extraordinary founder behind Kankakee County's first independent senior adult day center, known as MCA<...
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Season 1
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Episode 184
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46:07

Mass Shooting New Year's Day and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, January 3rd, 2025
This week on Kankakee Podcast News: A mass shooting on New Year’s Day leaves two dead and five injured, BBCHS works on a discipline improvement plan, and Wintersong returns with an exciting lineup. Plus, updates on local businesses, village pro...
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9:11
