Claim OwnershipKankakee Podcast
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A podcast about the people and places of Kankakee County, IL.
351 Episodes
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In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor covers the top headlines from across Kankakee County. Hundreds gathered at the Kankakee County Museum for the annual Veterans Day ceremony, celebrating service members of every background and their lasting contributions to the community. Otis Story Sr. has resigned as CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital, with Luis Leon stepping in as interim leader as Prime Healthcare continues facility upgrades. The Village of Bradley approved a $1.07 milli...
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Drew Raisor sits down with Ebenezer “EB” Gideon of Fitness Premier talk about the balance between training hard and recovering smart. EB shares how his background in sports led him to study the mechanics of the human body — and how understanding movement, injury, and stability can completely change the way people train. From fixing pain that’s been around for years to helping clients prepare for their first powerlifting competitions, EB’s approach...
In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor recaps the top local headlines from around Kankakee County. The popular New York City Deli is expanding to a second location in downtown Kankakee, with plans to open in spring 2026 following a $345,000 renovation supported by a city TIF incentive. Kankakee Community College announced its upcoming “Explore KCC Day,” inviting prospective students to learn about academic programs, financial aid, and campus life. In Bourbonnais, village...
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Drew Raisor sits down with Erica Billingsley, owner of Polaris Salon in Bourbonnais and a certified trichologist—a specialist in scalp health and hair loss. With over 25 years in the industry, Erica shares how her passion for beauty and science led her from cosmetology school to becoming one of the few trichologists in the region. She opens up about the emotional side of hair loss, how water and lifestyle affect our hair and scalp, and the therapi...
It’s Halloween night in Kankakee County, and the Kankakee Podcast News team is wishing everyone a safe and spooky evening filled with costumes, candy, and community fun. This week’s episode covers the official trick-or-treat times across the county, along with the latest local headlines. The Illinois State Police have turned over the results of their investigation into several Watseka Police Department officers to a special prosecutor. In Oswego, a 19-year-old Kankakee man faces multiple felo...
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Drew Raisor sits down with Keegan Mraz, co-owner of four Fitness Premier locations, to talk about the mindset, discipline, and hard work behind building both muscle and a business. From his start as an electrician fresh out of high school to becoming a multi-club owner, Keegan shares how fitness transformed his confidence, energy, and purpose — and why he’s passionate about helping others experience the same change. He opens up about the lessons l...
This week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News highlights some of the biggest stories around the county as of Friday, October 24, 2025. With Halloween right around the corner, Kankakee County is offering a range of festive activities, from the thrills of Rietveld’s Haunted Corn Maze in Bourbonnais to the family-friendly fun of Halloween Downtown Kankakee. Local officials are also investigating an early morning fire at an abandoned building on South Greenwood Avenue, which is believed to have be...
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Bill Yohnka welcomes a heartfelt lineup of storytellers for a special evening at the historic B. Harley Bradley House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s first Prairie-style home. With “home” as the night’s theme, each storyteller takes the audience on a powerful journey of what that word truly means—from rediscovering roots after years away, to finding faith and hope in unexpected places, to breaking family cycles and building safer, stronger homes for the nex...
In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor recaps the top local stories from around Kankakee County. A grain bin collapse in Martinton spilled tons of corn and caused power outages for more than 160 Ameren customers, though no injuries were reported. The Kankakee County Board recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month alongside Harbor House leaders, highlighting over 45 years of service to local survivors. Kankakee police recovered multiple firearms and arrested...
In this episode of Kankakee Podcast, Drew Raisor sits down with Jen Norton, owner of All You Need Cleaning Services, to talk about her inspiring journey from 22 years as a 911 dispatcher to running her own thriving cleaning business in Kankakee County. Jen shares how a difficult season in her life became the push she needed to pursue her passion, turning a side job into a full-time business that now supports a growing team and dozens of local clients. She opens up about the challenges of lead...
In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor covers the top local stories from around Kankakee County. Baker & Taylor has closed its Momence distribution center, leaving hundreds unemployed as officials work to assist displaced workers. Consumer advocates are challenging Nicor Gas’ proposed rate hike, calling for reductions to protect customers. The Kankakee Police Department promoted Jose Diaz to sergeant, marking an important career milestone and increasing local represe...
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, Drew Raisor sits down with Leslee Schafer and Megan Turner, the compassionate founders of Our Aging Services. Together, they’re on a mission to guide both seniors and families of individuals with special needs through some of life’s most challenging transitions. Drawing from their own personal experiences—a daughter on the autism spectrum and a son with complex medical needs—Leslee and Megan have built an organization that helps others navigate the ove...
In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor shares the top stories from around the county. Bourbonnais driver Austin McCarty captured his second straight Pro Late Model championship at Kankakee County Speedway in a season marked by family tragedy. Fortitude Community Outreach announced a new “hotel shelter model” for the winter after the city denied its request to operate an overnight shelter on East Court. The annual St. Anne Pumpkin Festival returns with dozens of local ven...
In this episode of Kankakee Podcast, Drew sits down with Hollie to talk about her inspiring journey of resilience, faith, and transformation. From facing unexpected challenges in life to discovering strength through fitness and her relationship with God, Hollie opens up about what it means to keep moving forward even when the road gets tough. She shares how working out became more than just exercise — it became a lifeline for mental clarity, emotional healing, and building confidence. Hollie ...
In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor covers the latest stories from around the county. Manteno’s 27th annual Oktoberfest kicked off at Heritage Park, bringing live music, food, and family fun through the weekend. In Bradley, Village Clerk Kelli Brza resigned as she prepares to relocate to California, with Deputy Clerk Kym Nelson filling in until a replacement is named. The Kankakee School District 111 board voted 5–2 to officially appoint James Henderson as Assistant S...
In this episode of Kankakee Podcast, Drew sits down with Adelynn McBurnie — one of Kankakee County’s most sought-after hairstylists. From her early start in cosmetology school at just 16, to building a loyal clientele and finding her home at Polaris Salon, Adelynn shares her story of passion, perseverance, and personal growth. She opens up about what drew her to the beauty industry, the lessons learned along the way, and why building genuine relationships with her clients matters just as much...
This week on Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor takes you through the latest headlines from around the county. The 12th annual Scarecrow Festival kicks off at Perry Farm Park with more than 120 scarecrows, vendors, and a new Fall Art Stroll. Bourbonnais trustees approved a zoning variance for Faith Baptist Church to build an 80-foot radio tower for FM broadcasts, despite concerns about possible signal interference. Bourbonnais police are investigating a midnight fight on Stratford Drive ...
This episode of the Kankakee Podcast takes you inside September’s Yarn Factory Listeners, hosted by Bill Yohnka. Hear heartfelt, hilarious, and unforgettable stories from local voices: David Butz recalls a wild ski trip that turned into an unexpected adventure from Tahoe to Salt Lake City.Laura Diaz, a nurse practitioner, shares her journey through childhood illness, nursing, and her passion for compassionate care.Bill Yohnka himself takes the stage with a personal tale of tennis, resili...
In this heartfelt episode of Kankakee Podcast, Drew sits down with Brady and Joy, a couple who moved their family of nine to Kankakee just two years ago. What began as a season of new beginnings quickly turned into a life-altering journey when their youngest daughter, Eloise, was diagnosed with leukemia at just three years old. Brady and Joy open up about the shock of the diagnosis, the chaos of moving while balancing hospital visits, and the strength they found in their faith, community, and...
This week on Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor covers the top headlines from around the area. In Herscher, a man faces multiple charges after crashing his pickup truck into a home while driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level more than four times the legal limit. The Kankakee River Valley Regatta made its return over Labor Day weekend, bringing high-speed boat racing and family fun back to the community. A new $275,000 outdoor fitness court near Kankakee High School is se...
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