Manteno Trespassing Arrest, Big Boy Locomotive Safety Reminders, and Kankakee County Weekend Preview - Friday, July 17th, 2026

Manteno Trespassing Arrest, Big Boy Locomotive Safety Reminders, and Kankakee County Weekend Preview - Friday, July 17th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West covers the latest developing stories, police investigations, and community updates impacting Kankakee County and surrounding areas. This episode highlights key events shaping the region as we head into the weekend. Key Topics Covered * Regional Law Enforcement Updates: Reports on recent arrests and ongoing investigations by police departments in Kankakee, Manteno, Wilmington, and Bourbonnais. * State Legislation and Economy: A look at newly signed state bills affecting Illinois service members and veterans, along with the latest shifting economic indicators regarding local employment and fuel costs. * Community Events and Previews: Important safety reminders for tracking a historic steam locomotive traveling through the local area, details on upcoming community fundraisers, and a comprehensive guide to weekend fairs, festivals, and theatrical events across the county. * Sports Wrap-up: A summary of what to expect from local professional teams returning to action this weekend. Listen to the full episode for all the details, specific schedules, and complete community reports. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512429/fan_mail/new] Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee [https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com]  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings [https://pod.link/1805226181]  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

Kankakee Courthouse Renovations, District 111 Residency Vote, and Big Boy Locomotive Schedule - Thursday, July 16th, 2026

This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West provides comprehensive coverage of key civic decisions, infrastructure updates, and community events impacting Kankakee County and the surrounding regions. The update begins with details from the Kankakee County Board's Criminal Justice Committee meeting, where 21st Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Bill Dickenson shared plans for upcoming courthouse renovations starting in September and discussed a new public feedback survey. The report also highlights the recent Kankakee School District 111 Board of Education vote regarding superintendent residency requirements and contract extensions. Additional features in this episode include: * Community Resources: Details on today's Secret Food Pantry mobile pop-up event on Briarwood Lane in Bourbonnais. * Local Festivities: A complete rundown of today's events at the Newton County Punkin Vine Fair in Kentland, including 4-H showcases and evening entertainment. * Historic Rail Tour: Schedule and safety viewing information shared by Braidwood Police Chief Eric Allen for the upcoming passage of the Union Pacific Big Boy steam locomotive. * Regional Recognition: Highlights of John Keigher receiving the 2026 John M. Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award from Kankakee Community College. * Arts and Entertainment: Information on tonight's Kankakee Municipal Band summer concert series at Bird Park. * National and Sports News: A look at the growing Mega Millions jackpot, state tributes, and the latest updates across MLB, the NBA Summer League, and the World Cup. To get the complete breakdown, context, and schedules for all of these stories, listen to the full episode. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512429/fan_mail/new] Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee [https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com]  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings [https://pod.link/1805226181]  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

Shots Fired Investigation, Missing Person Alert, and Cyclospora Spike in Illinois - Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

In this episode of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers comprehensive coverage of the top stories impacting the region. Kankakee City Police are actively investigating a shots fired incident on the city's east side that resulted in gunfire damage to a residential vehicle. In infrastructure developments, the Iroquois County Board has approved substantial funding for County Highway 9 improvements near Milford, awarding contracts to local paving corporations. The update also features an urgent public safety announcement from the Watseka Police Department, which is seeking information regarding missing 43-year-old resident Thomas L. Boyer. Additionally, public health updates are highlighted, including a rise in parasitic Cyclospora cases across Illinois and the confirmation of the first West Nile Virus-positive mosquito pool in Ford County for the year. Listeners will also hear updates on Kankakee County Board approvals for storm damage repairs on county buildings, ongoing investigations into copper wire thefts in rural Manteno, and a consumer security report detailing the privacy vulnerabilities linked to retail loyalty programs. Local entertainment highlights include the continuing schedule for the Newton County Fair and the upcoming opening of "Annie" by the Acting Out Theater Company in Momence. Please listen to the full episode for all the details, including the latest lottery jackpot figures and regional sports updates. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512429/fan_mail/new] Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee [https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com]  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings [https://pod.link/1805226181]  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

Manteno Board Lawsuit, Xandria Harris Murder Trial Update, and Bradley Business News - Tuesday, July 14th, 2026

This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers crucial local developments across Kankakee and Newton counties, alongside essential regional news. The report begins with a legal dispute filed in Kankakee County Circuit Court involving the Village of Manteno and four village trustees regarding a controversial meeting to reinstate the village attorney. In business news, the Village of Bradley provides construction updates and revised opening timelines for highly anticipated establishments, including 7 Brew, Dutch Bros, and Longhorn Steakhouse, as well as announcing the theme for this year's Lighted Christmas Parade. Additional coverage includes the latest developments in the Xandria Harris murder trial, an investigation into a home invasion in Bradley, and special recognition for Lieutenant Phil Trudeau's 25 years of service with the Bradley Police Department. The update also features schedule highlights for the Newton County Punkin Vine Fair, details on an urgent nationwide FDA recall of select Pedigree canned dog food, regional sports results, and growing lottery jackpots exceeding $1 billion combined. Be sure to listen to the full episode for complete coverage, direct statements, and in-depth details on all of these top stories. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512429/fan_mail/new] Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee [https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com]  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings [https://pod.link/1805226181]  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.

Kankakee House Fire Investigation, Auto Theft Arrests, and Riverwalk Property Purchase - Monday, July 13th, 2026

This episode of the WVLI News Update with Rob West covers key local news, community events, legal developments, and sports from across Kankakee County and the surrounding areas. Top stories include an investigation into an early morning residential fire in the 900 block of North Cleveland Avenue in Kankakee, a stern warning from Kankakee County Animal Control regarding the illegal abandonment of pets, and details on the opening day schedule for the Newton County Punkin Vine Fair. Additional coverage includes the arrest of two individuals by the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force following an investigation in Manteno, the Kankakee City Council's approval to acquire property at 595 Southwest Avenue for the future West Riverwalk project, an upcoming Real Justice Fishing Club event hosted by State's Attorney Jim Rowe, and a residential burglary report under investigation by Bradley police. Rounding out the episode are the winning draw results for the Riverside Healthcare Foundation playhouse fundraiser, Night Sky astronomy highlights with Madeline Shepley from Olivet Nazarene University, and regional sports updates covering baseball, basketball, NASCAR, and soccer. Listen to the full episode for all the details and full reports. Have a news tip to share? Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2512429/fan_mail/new] Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network: This One Time in Kankakee [https://thisonetimeinkankakee.buzzsprout.com]  (Narrative Storytelling) Kankakee Valley Community Happenings [https://pod.link/1805226181]  (Businesses & Non-Profits) The voices you trust, beyond the dial.