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 project hitting the halfway mark, a tragic house fire in Bradley, and the appointment of a new trustee in Bourbonnais. Also featured the opening of Glue Man Vintage & Records in Bourbonnais, a major 45% hike in ComEd electric rates starting June 1, and plans for a new Staybridge Hotel in Bradley. Bishop McNamara and Kankakee High School make headlines in spring sports, while Benoit Greenhouses celebrates 50 years as a family-owned business. The episode wraps with this weekend’s local events and live music lineup, plus a jet ski rescue on the Kankakee River and a quick dose of sports highlights in the “Sports in 90 Seconds” segment, brought to you by Nana’s Bakery.

Send us a text

Support the show

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 changed dramatically for Jamie—she’s navigated housing challenges, made the bittersweet decision not to seek re-election, and closed out her historic term as mayor. Jamie and Jake dive into her time leading Grant Park, celebrating the fun, community-focused events she introduced—like the Halloween hot dog party for kids, a festive tree lighting ceremony, and an egg-cellent Easter celebration.

Amid the laughter and nostalgia, Jamie opens up about bigger civic accomplishments: championing new walking paths to create safer routes for students, helping bring a cannabis dispensary (and vital revenue) to the small town, and managing police staffing and budgets in a growing community with limited resources.

The episode doesn’t shy from the personal, either. Jamie candidly addresses a recent family incident that made local headlines, sharing what it was like to find herself on the other side of law enforcement and how she moved forward during the final months of her term. She reflects on the tough lessons learned—especially about pleasing everyone in a close-knit town—and why she always chose transparency, even when it was hard.

Now settling into life in Bourbonnais, Jamie talks about the adjustments, her hopes for continued community involvement, and the legacy she leaves as a trailblazer for women in local leadership. Through it all, her main message is clear: be kind, treat others how you want to be treated, and don’t let setbacks stop you from making a difference where you can.

What’s next for Kankakee County’s pioneering former mayor? Tune in to hear Jamie’s journey, her advice, and her unshakable spirit as she turns the page to her next adventure.

Send us a text

Support the show

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 Bradley’s $47M 315 Sports Park and its impact on local business, community pushback against Saint Mary’s OB/GYN closure, and the proposed gas rate hikes affecting millions in Illinois. Plus, the upcoming Rhubarb Festival, and how local schools are making headlines in spring sports. Stick around for this weekend’s live music lineup and events, including pet adoptions, planetarium shows, and the Kankakee Farmers Market. All that and more, right here in your hometown news roundup.

Send us a text

Support the show

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 Wright Bradley House. Jake is joined by Katie Walker, who spearheads the year's event planning; Taylor Leddin McMaster, the new Director of Marketing and Communications; Mary Lou Martin, dedicated volunteer and garden caretaker; Steve Case, board member and Olivet professor; and Executive Director Bob Bohlmann, an accomplished architect with a deep connection to the house.

The conversation dives into the rich history of the Bradley House, Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural legacy, and the unique ways the community comes together to honor this local landmark. Katie shares the creativity behind event planning for the milestone year, including the return of community favorites like Sip, Shop & Stroll, Ride at Twilight, engaging tea parties for all ages, and the always-popular Christmas Walk. Taylor reveals the far-reaching impact of the house, with visitors coming from all 50 states and multiple countries, and discusses her passion for sharing its story through a new Instagram presence.

Mary Lou offers insight into Wright’s deliberate approach to landscaping, the house’s prairie-inspired gardens, and her plans to further connect the public with the house’s artistic and architectural significance—culminating in a special anniversary symposium and birthday celebration for Frank Lloyd Wright. Steve Case reflects on the house's inspiring atmosphere, the creative energy it fosters, and the importance of making this hidden gem accessible to all.

Bob Bohlmann rounds out the conversation with stories from his decades-long architectural career in the Kankakee area, his journey to leading Wright in Kankakee, and his enduring passion for preserving and sharing this architectural treasure.

How do you plan a year’s worth of celebrations for a world-renowned architectural landmark? What is it about the Bradley House that draws people from around the globe to Kankakee? And how do Frank Lloyd Wright’s values continue to shape the community today? You’ll have to tune in to find out!

Whether you’re a local history buff, a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, or just looking for something uniquely Kankakee, this episode uncovers the stories, dedication, and excitement behind the 125th anniversary celebration.

Send us a text

Support the show

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 shooting, and Bradley’s $47 million 315 Sports Park officially opens to massive crowds. We’ve got updates on catalytic converter thefts, a roundup of standout local high school sports performances, and a look ahead at this weekend’s events — including live music and the kickoff of the Kankakee Farmers Market season. Sponsored by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center.

Send us a text

Support the show

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 of her late father. We also cover the upcoming closure of labor and delivery services at St. Mary’s Hospital. Plus, hear about Bradley’s $21.9 million budget approval, weekend live music lineups, catalytic converter thefts affecting school buses, and Bradley-Bourbonnais High School’s dominance at the All-City Track and Field Meet. Brought to you by Stefari Coffeehouse in the Majestic, Kankakee

Send us a text

Support the show

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 his signature personality and legendary status around Kankakee, Jimmy shares the captivating story of his family’s journey from Texas and Elgin, Illinois, to Bourbonnais (and now Bradley), where the Holmes family has outfitted generations since 1957.

Jake and Jimmy dive into decades of stories, from big band adventures—Jimmy’s father once sang with Tommy Dorsey’s band and even had a boxing match refereed by John Wayne—to running Gentleman Jim’s jazz club, crossing paths with up-and-coming rock legends, and forging deep community ties in Kankakee County. Jimmy opens up about the legacy of the family business, the evolution of fashion, hard-won lessons in salesmanship, and the deep roots of faith that ground him.

The episode explores Jimmy’s multi-faceted life: athlete, singer-songwriter, mentor, and community stalwart. He reflects on the joys and challenges of small business, shares advice on looking your best (and keeping romance alive), and even brings his guitar along for a heartfelt live performance of “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” Along the way, listeners will hear tales of local music legends, the changing face of Kankakee, and why Jimmy believes connection, forgiveness, and faith are the true riches in life.

What drives Jimmy to keep the business going after 50+ years? How has the men’s clothing industry changed, and why is service with a personal touch more important than ever? What does it mean to be considered a “Kankakee legend”—and how does Jimmy feel about the title? Tune in for laughter, wisdom, and a story as unique as the town itself.

As always, Jake and Jimmy remind us of the value of community and the power of staying true to your roots. Don’t miss this celebration of Kankakee’s past, present, and future—one story, one song, and one sharp suit at a time!

Send us a text

Support the show

In this bonus episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Gina Greene, Director of Continuing Education and Business Partnerships at Kankakee Community College (KCC). Together, they shine a light on one of Kankakee County’s best-kept secrets: the diverse programs and training opportunities offered by KCC’s Continuing Education department.

Gina shares her journey from northwest Iowa to central Illinois, and how her background as an athletic trainer led her to her current role at KCC. The conversation highlights the department’s longstanding impact in the community—over 25 years of customizing educational offerings to meet the needs of local businesses and individuals alike.

Whether you’re a business owner needing OSHA or CPR training, or an employee hoping to brush up on Microsoft Excel skills, Gina explains how KCC’s business partnership grants can help offset costs and make workforce development more accessible. The episode also dives into the continuing education side, covering professional development courses, personal enrichment classes, and the popular lifelong learning series designed for residents aged 50 and up.

Jake and Gina discuss success stories, how to access these opportunities, and the surprising variety of classes available—even a spring planter class that “sells out” every year! If you’ve ever wondered how KCC can support you, your team, or your lifelong learning journey, this episode is packed with practical info and inspiration.

Want to find out how your business—or your own curiosity—can benefit? Listen in and discover all that KCC has to offer!

To learn more or get connected with KCC’s Continuing Education and Business Partnerships, visit their website, call, or email the team directly. And remember, some grant funds are available through December—reach out before they’re gone!

Send us a text

Support the show