Kankakee Podcast
A podcast about the people and places of Kankakee County, IL. Hosted by, Jake LaMore.
Episodes
258 episodes
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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33:23
#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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1:22:59
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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31:53
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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44:04
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
2024 in Review: Kankakee's Top Ten Podcast Episodes
Tune in to discover the top 10 Kankakee Podcast episodes of 2024, featuring unforgettable local stories, inspiring guests, and special moments from our vibrant community!👇👇👇152: USS Kankakee:
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Season 1
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Episode 183
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19:25
Bradley Man Charged in Crossbow Killing and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, December 27th, 2024
In this episode of Kankakee Podcast News, we cover a Bradley man charged in a shocking crossbow killing, updates on a fatal semi crash near Grant Park, and a look at local business closures and reopenings, including Crazy Joe’s Diner and Bradle...
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10:22
#182: Stories From December's Yarn Factory Listeners
Tune in to our live recording of December's Yarn Factory Listeners at Flanagan's Irish Pub! Our focus turns to four captivating storytellers—Kevin "Mitch" Mitchell, Bri Haug, Broke Dusty, and Andy Stephens—each sharing unique narratives that pa...
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Season 1
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Episode 182
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50:40
Chef Vaughn's Kitchen Reopens and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, December 20th, 2024
In this episode of Kankakee Podcast News, we cover Chef Vaughn’s new riverside kitchen at On The Rox, Bourbonnais’ interim police chief announcement, and updates on Kankakee’s tax levy drop for 2024. Plus, hear about Manteno’s new Domino’s Pizz...
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11:45
#181: Michael Murphy on Helping Youth and Revitalizing Communities Through "Let’s Ketchup"
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Michael Murphy, the charismatic founder of Let's Ketchup, to discuss his transformative personal journey and hi...
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Season 1
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Episode 181
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1:01:24
Bradley’s $79.5M Indoor Water Park Plans and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, December 13th, 2024
From major developments in Bradley to festive holiday events, this week’s Kankakee Podcast News covers everything you need to know, including updates on the indoor water park project, the Christmas Parade, and a powerful story of justice served...
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10:47
#180: Winter Wonderland Pub Crawl and Katzpa Jammas’ New Album
In this lively episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with the dynamic band Katzpa Jammas and event organizers Marci and Felicity (The Majestic) to talk about the upcom...
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Season 1
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Episode 180
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1:08:57
Lion Electric Layoffs Impact Herscher Schools and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, December 6th, 2024
This week on Kankakee Podcast News, we’re covering major community updates, including the impact of Lion Electric layoffs on Herscher schools, new leadership on the Kankakee County Board, and upcoming public safety plans for Illinois R...
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10:03
#179: Youth Advisory Council Talks Mental Health, Education, and Community
Jake LaMore sits down with inspiring young leaders from the Pledge for Life Partnership Youth Advisory Council: Maya Crawford, Maya Anderson, and Regan Kaner. They delve into the crucial topic of youth m...
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Season 1
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Episode 179
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54:22
Bradley Approves $6.5M Mall Purchase and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, November 29th, 2024
Big news in Bradley as the village moves forward with a $6.5 million purchase of Northfield Square Mall, with plans for an exciting redevelopment. This week’s Kankakee Podcast News also covers the latest on Bourbonnais tax updates, a new trial ...
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11:15
#178: Stories From November’s Yarn Factory Listeners
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, hosts Jake LaMore and Bill Yohnka welcome a diverse mix of storytellers for a special "Yarn Factory Listeners" event recorded live at Flanagan's Irish Pub.First up, Mike Leddin takes us on a wild ...
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Season 1
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Episode 178
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1:23:55
Netflix Series to Film in Downtown Momence and More Stories - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, November 22nd, 2024
This week on Kankakee Podcast News, we dive into the stories shaping our community. Learn about Kankakee’s renewed investment in public safety with ShotSpotter, the latest updates on the tragic sentencing in Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic’s ca...
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12:22
#177: A Century of Newspapers: The Small Family's Legacy in Kankakee
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, Jake sits down with local historian and guest Jack Klasey to explore the captivating history of Kankakee's newspapers. From the rise and fall of several local papers to the deeply rooted legacy of the Sm...
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Season 1
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Episode 177
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58:06
Liberty Lodge Opens, First Presbyterian Closes - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, November 15th, 2024
This week on Kankakee Podcast News, we remember the legacy of James Taylor, highlight Liberty Lodge’s mission to support homeless veterans, and reflect on the final service at First Presbyterian Church after 170 years. Plus, updates on...
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10:19
BONUS: Behind the Scenes of KVTA's Elf Jr. with Paula Sutter and Brady Perzee
In this festive episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Paula Sutter, the director of the Kankakee Valley Theater Association's (KVTA) latest holiday production, "Elf Jr.," and t...
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Season 1
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23:56
#176: Brad Stosiek and Eric Peterson: Resilience and Humor on the I’m F.I.N.E. Podcast
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore chats with military veteran Brad Stosiek and local community advocate Eric Peterson, diving deep into Brad’s unique military journey and his life post-service. Brad humorously recounts h...
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Season 1
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Episode 176
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1:24:39
Election Results, Veterans Honors, and New Beginnings - Kankakee Podcast News - Friday, November 8th, 2024
This week, we break down the biggest stories shaping our community! From election results and referendum outcomes to local business updates, we've got you covered. Hear about the Bourbonnais Police Department’s new K-9 officer, upcoming road cl...
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12:48