This One Time in Kankakee

This episode of This One Time in Kankakee explores a pivotal moment in local history: the October 1872 fire that destroyed the county's first permanent courthouse. Drawing on historical research by Jack Klasey of the Kankakee County Museum, the narrative reconstructs the events of a windy Friday night when a landmark limestone building was nearly lost to the flames.The episode details the challenges faced by the community before the existence of an organized fire department and highlights the urgent efforts of citizens to preserve vital public records from the burning structure. Beyond the fire itself, the story examines the subsequent arson investigation and the complex negotiations with insurance companies that followed.To learn more about the specific cause of the fire, the fate of the suspects involved, and how the courthouse was eventually restored, listen to the full narrative. This installment provides an in-depth look at the resilience of Kankakee’s early residents and the preservation of the county’s legal heritage.Send us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

What makes a gym more than just a place to sweat? In this special bonus episode of This One Time in Kankakee, Kaelin Patterson shares the story of Ken Castongia—known to the "Morning Crew" at Fit Body U as the Fitness Godfather.Ken was a man living with Parkinson’s, but he refused to let his diagnosis define his spirit. Kaelin, a long-time employee of Fit Body U, recounts his friendship with Ken, the witty dry humor that kept the gym floor laughing, and the surprising family connection with Brandi Jensen that brought the story full circle.From a "small world" realization to a life-saving intervention alongside Steve Wilder, this episode explores how a simple gym routine turned into seven extra years of meaningful life for a beloved local man. It is a testament to the power of showing up for one another and the unique "Godfather" energy Ken Castongia left behind.This bonus episode is solely sponsored by the 2026 Juneteenth Jamboree. Celebrate strength, freedom, and community on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Lisieux Pastoral Center in Kankakee. The event features The Natural Physique Showcase, a drug-tested bodybuilding competition for all ages.Spectator Admission: $10Athletes: $50 initial registration / $20 additional categoryLocation: 381 St. Joseph Ave, Kankakee, ILInquiries: [email protected]: Noodles and Company, Stacked Nutrition, Po Boys, Maxwell & Brady Schumer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Netherton’s Bodyshop, and Jensen’s Funeral Home.Send us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In the summer of 1997, Tom Klonowski was in his mid-twenties and just starting his journey as the owner of Pizza by Marchellonis in Bourbonnais, Illinois. It was a Friday night in August when a routine order for a pepperoni pizza turned into a life-altering encounter with a man the local press dubbed "The Pizza Bandit."In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake LaMore sits down with Tom to recount the details of the robbery and the multi-state investigation that followed. Tom shares the vivid details that remain with him nearly thirty years later—from the specific golf polo the robber wore to the high-stakes "code words" his family used to keep watch over the shop in the weeks that followed.We also discuss:The Investigation: Tom’s experience working with Detective Kunce and the Bourbonnais Police Department during a string of local pizza shop robberies.The Ohio Arrest: The strange-but-true story of how the suspect was finally apprehended after trying to blend in as an employee during a robbery in another state.Resilience & Recovery: Tom’s honest reflection on the emotional aftermath of the event and the importance of seeking help after a traumatic experience.A Note on the Research: While Tom's memory of these events is clear, the official paper trail has faded over time. Jake shares his efforts to locate the original police reports and Daily Journal articles, and why those records are no longer available in the public archives.Episode Highlights:[03:38] – Tom’s signature intro: "This one time in Kankakee..."[06:10] – The Friday night order that changed everything.[14:21] – The "pizza apron" ruse and the eventual arrest in Ohio.[29:51] – Tom’s advice on processing trauma and moving forward.Subscribe & Follow: Hear the full story of the Pizza Bandit by subscribing to This One Time in Kankakee on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Have a story of your own? Reach out to [email protected] us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

On this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake LaMore turns the microphone on himself to share a hilarious and humbling "rookie mistake" from his early days in broadcasting.Travel back to Valentine’s Day 2015. Jake was only three months into his career as an on-air personality at Milner Media in Bourbonnais. What started as a simple food delivery order quickly turned into a high-stakes dilemma involving a locked glass door, a missing cell phone, and the cold reality of a winter afternoon on North Convent Street.In this episode, you’ll hear:How a quick trip to the front door led to Jake being "trapped in a glass cage."The struggle of being "green" in the radio industry and trying to stay professional while panicked.A desperate, 90s-style rescue mission involving a physical phone book and the team at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.The 2015 struggle: What happens when you don't have a single colleague's phone number memorized?Before he was the seasoned host you know today, Jake was just a kid in a vestibule wondering if he’d ever get back into the studio. Does he manage to get back in before his next shift? Who eventually comes to his rescue?Listen to the full episode to hear the story of the lockout that Jake hasn't lived down for over a decade!About the PodcastThis One Time in Kankakee is part of the WVLI Podcast Network. Hosted by Jake LaMore, the show explores the unique, funny, and sometimes miraculous stories that define the Kankakee area community.Support for this episode comes from:Raven Spring Media: Capturing your brand’s unique story through expert video production and photography. Visit RavenSpringMedia.com.Kankakee Area YMCA: More than just a gym—it’s a movement. Join today at K3YMCA.org.Have a story of your own? Whether it’s funny, sad, or miraculous, Jake wants to hear it! Email your story to [email protected] and help us tell the story of Kankakee, one memory at a time.Subscribe & Review: Enjoying the show? Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and leave a rating to help others find these local stories!Send us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this special bonus episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake LaMore sits down with Navy veteran Kaelin Patterson for a raw, verbatim account of the 1999 Bourbonnais Amtrak crash.On March 15, 1999, Amtrak’s City of New Orleans collided with a semi-truck driven by John R. Stokes, who was hauling 18 tons of steel. The resulting derailment claimed 11 lives and left a community in shock. Kaelin, just off a shift at the Kmart warehouse, found himself thrust into a "wartime" scenario in his own backyard.Kaelin details his experience sifting through the wreckage, the haunting silence of the debris, and the steady leadership of Fire Chief Steve Wilder. We also explore the facts behind the tragedy, including the legal aftermath and the "Stokes Law" that changed Illinois traffic reporting forever.This bonus episode is solely sponsored by the 2026 Juneteenth Jamboree. Join Kaelin and the community on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Lisieux Pastoral Center for a celebration of strength and freedom. The day features The Natural Physique Showcase, a premier, drug-tested fitness event.Spectator Admission: $10Athletes: $50 initial registration / $20 additional categoryLocation: 381 St. Joseph Ave, Kankakee, ILInquiries: [email protected] Sponsors: Noodles and Company, Stacked Nutrition, Po Boys, Maxwell & Brady Schumer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Netherton’s Bodyshop, and Jensen’s Funeral Home.Send us Fan Mail

What does it take for a 14-year-old girl to raise over $100,000 for her community? In this deeply moving episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we sit down with Alexis McCullough and her mother, Cassandra, to discuss the journey behind the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at Marcotte Park in Bourbonnais.Following the sudden loss of her father, Colonel Mark McCullough, Alexis transformed her grief into a mission. This isn't your typical Eagle Scout story. From "secret meetings" with a mysterious advisor named "Voldemort" to navigating the "armpit of Illinois," Alexis and Cassandra share the raw, witty, and heartbreaking reality of life as a Gold Star Family.In this episode, we dive into:The Logistics of Grief: How Alexis used her father’s military discipline to coordinate a massive community project.The "No Plan B" Mentality: Why Alexis refused to build a simple park bench and insisted on a $100,000 black granite monument.Kankakee's Spiderweb: The incredible way local businesses and residents rallied to "chisel away" at the final cost through donations of labor and materials.Full Circle Moments: The surprise presentation of a Ground Zero 9/11 flag and the emotional letter from the DFW firefighters who tried to save her father’s life.The Marble in the Box: Cassandra’s powerful metaphor for how grief changes over time, but never truly leaves.Whether you are a scouting enthusiast, a military supporter, or a Kankakee local, this story of resilience, "embracing the suck," and building a lasting legacy will leave you inspired.Send us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

“This one time in Kankakee... I went to jail for hunting.”In 1959, Lou Perakis was a seventeen-year-old Greek immigrant living on the South Side of Chicago. When his older brother, John, decided to head south for the opening day of pheasant hunting season, Lou tagged along for what he thought would be a simple Saturday morning in the country.Instead, a series of events near Aroma Park led to a wrestling match with a game warden, a $150 fine, and one of the most unique legal proceedings in Kankakee County history.In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, Lou shares a detailed look at:The "Old Country" Defense: How a billboard and a language barrier nearly worked in his brother’s favor.The Aroma Park Dance Hall: A visit to the building that now houses the American Legion on Sandbar Road (we think?), where the line between bartender and judge was remarkably thin.Kitchen Table Justice: Lou’s firsthand account of a legal hearing held in a private kitchen.Lou’s story is more than just a brush with the law; it’s a fond look back at the competitive nature of his brother John and a snapshot of Illinois life in the late 1950s.Send us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we sit down with Dr. Kalisha Hill, the Chief Medical Officer at Saint Mary’s Hospital. While many know her as a local healthcare leader, Dr. Hill stepped onto the national stage in 2020 when she appeared on CNN to provide expert medical analysis on the autopsy findings of George Floyd.We go behind the scenes of that high-stakes interview—from the "emergency makeup kit" in her Kankakee office to the clinical precision required to explain complex forensic data to a grieving nation. But more than just a media moment, Dr. Hill shares her journey from the South Side of Chicago to becoming a "doctor’s doctor" in pathology.Dr. Hill discusses her philosophy of "bridging the chasm" in a polarized world, the importance of character over labels, and why she chose to make Kankakee the home for her medical practice and her family. We also touch on her appearances on Fox News regarding AI in healthcare and her memoir, Pinnacles: Visible and InvisibleSend us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

On a Saturday at noon in September 1966, Kankakee experienced a crime that felt like it was ripped from a Hollywood noir film. A gunman ambushed an armored car driver in an alleyway, abducted him, and made off with over $42,000 in cash.But as Kankakee Police Chief Thomas Maass and his team began to investigate, they realized the call was coming from inside the house. The "victim," a young officer named Ronald Balthazor, wasn't just a driver—he was an active-duty policeman living a desperate double life.In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we unpack the "inside job" that shook the community to its core. We follow the trail from the City National Bank alley to a sweltering getaway truck on the Iroquois County line, and finally to a tense polygraph test in Chicago. It’s a story of high-stakes temptation, "discrepancies" that wouldn't jibe, and a secret stash hidden behind rocks and tile along the Iroquois River.What’s inside this episode:The Heist: The step-by-step "ambush" of the Kankakee Armored Car Service.The Double Life: How an active-duty officer maintained his facade for four days while his colleagues hunted for a phantom gunman.The Breakdown: The role of 1960s forensics and lie detector tests in cracking the case.The Recovery: Chief Maass’s emotional press conference and the search for the stolen bags of loot.Credits: This story was researched and written by Jack Klasey. For more deep dives into Kankakee's hidden history, check out Jack's weekly blog he used to write at the Kankakee County Museum website before his passing: kankakeecountymuseum.com. We miss you, Jack. Send us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

What really happened the night pop star Aaron Carter got into a brawl at a dive bar in Bradley, Illinois?In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, Jake LaMore sits down with local artist and musician Tommy Solis—the man right in the middle of the chaos—to set the record straight on one of the most bizarre nights in Kankakee County history.It was a night that started with 90s nostalgia at The Looney Bin and ended with police lights, ambulances, and a TMZ headline that went global. For years, the internet has known it as the time Aaron Carter was "attacked" by a group of locals. But the truth involves a misunderstood security request, a racially charged insult ("Bye, Felipe"), and a tackle that looked like it belonged in the NFL.In this episode, we cover:The Setup: How a local hip-hop fusion band ended up opening for—and doing security for—the former teen idol.The "Bye Felipe" Incident: The exact moment a fan interaction turned into a viral confrontation.The Fight: A play-by-play of the "Troy Polamalu" style tackle that stopped the show.The Aftermath: Debunking the rumors of a brutal beating, the truth about Aaron’s "injury," and the cancelled encore show.The Legacy: Tommy reflects on the eerie "Final Destination" reality that he is the last surviving member of the main trio involved in that night.Join us for a narrative journey into the collision of fading Hollywood glitz and Kankakee grit.Guest: Tommy Solis (Member of Ill State and All The Cool Molecules)Links & Resources:Submit your own Kankakee County story: [email protected] us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

We launched This One Time in Kankakee on the WVLI Podcast Network in October 2025, and the stories have been nothing short of wild. In this year-end recap, host Jake LaMore cracks open the vault to count down the Top 3 Most Downloaded Episodes of the year.If you are new to the show, this is the perfect place to start. We revisit the funny, the historical, and the shocking moments that defined our first season.In this episode, we cover:The Tie for Bronze: Two very different brushes with fame and danger."Jennifer Hudson came to see our musical": That time Jennifer Hudson surprised the cast of Godspell in Bourbonnais (feat. Andrew McBurnie)."A bank robber called me": That time News Director Rob West received a phone call from a bank robber.The Silver Medal: A dive into local history with the Village of Bonfield Banned Rhummy. Discover how a harmless card game in 1938 led to a "rebellion" and a crackdown on local gambling.The Gold Medal: The #1 story of the year! The hilarious true confession of the "I kidnapped a plaster cow from Perry Farm Park", where a shopping cart and a bad idea led to a police encounter in a living room (feat. Shane Whitlock).EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK: Stick around to the very end for a teaser of our first episode of 2026. We are sitting down with Tommy Solace to get the real story behind the infamous Aaron Carter fight at The Looney Bin. Was it a brawl? Was it staged? And what does "Bye Felipe" mean? Find out next week.Links & Resources:Submit Your Story: Have a "This One Time in Kankakee" moment? Email [email protected] to the Full Episodes: Scroll back in your feed to hear Episodes 2, 3, 4, and 5 in their entirety.Website: wvli927.com/totk3Follow Us: Facebook | InstagramSend us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

Jeff Cross isn’t usually a planner. But for his 30th wedding anniversary, he decided to go big. In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we hear the incredible true story of how a 1990s meet-cute at a Bourbonnais Blockbuster led to a secret flash mob in downtown Kankakee.Hear how Jeff organized 50 friends and family members, dodged suspicious bailiffs while sneaking around the Courthouse bushes, and used a "fake cake" to keep his wife from ruining her own surprise. It’s a story about love, logistics, and the community coming together on Court Street.In this episode, you’ll hear:The Origin Story: How a misheard name at the hospital made Jeff a "Kankakee legend" from birth.The Meet-Cute: A nostalgic look back at dating in the 90s involving Subway sandwiches and Blockbuster nametags.The Heist: How Jeff secured "clearance" from a local Judge and hid behind trees to keep the secret.The Payoff: What it takes to coordinate a dance routine in the freezing February slush.Mentioned in this episode:Kankakee County CourthouseKnights of ColumbusBusse & Rieck FlowersSubway (Bourbonnais)The "Eagle" distraction technique 🦅Have a Kankakee story? We want to hear it! Email [email protected] to tell us about "This one time in Kankakee..."Send us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

It was the winter of 2001. The muffler had just fallen off, and the rust was setting in. But Nick Stalnos wasn't ready to give up on his 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. Instead, he grabbed his friends, bought every roll of silver tape he could find, and created a local legend.In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we sit down with Nick to hear the true story behind "The Silver Bullet." From delivering pizzas on Kennedy Drive to a hilarious run-in with Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White on I-57, Nick takes us back to a time before GPS, when a car was more than just a vehicle—it was a canvas.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why a Kankakee pizza delivery driver decided to wrap his car bumper-to-bumper in duct tape.The hilarious reactions from Chicago locals (and one very confused snake owner).The story of how the "Silver Bullet" passed an unexpected inspection by Jesse White himself.Why the "duct tape craze" of the early 2000s holds a special place in local history.Mentioned in this episode:The Daily JournalPapa John’s KankakeeJesse White TumblersI-57 & Kennedy DriveHave a Kankakee story? We want to hear from you! Send us your "This One Time in Kankakee" moment to [email protected]. Send us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

What began as a routine trip to the pediatrician at Riverside Hospital quickly turned into a life-altering journey for the Pomranky family. In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake LaMore sits down with local mom Jennifer Pomranky to share the powerful story of her son, Mads.Diagnosed with a rare form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) at just five months old, Mads faced an uphill battle that required aggressive chemotherapy and a life-saving stem cell transplant. But just as a perfect donor match was found, the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Jennifer takes us inside the isolation of the hospital, the terror of the diagnosis, and the incredible relief of finally meeting the stranger who saved her son's life. Today, Mads is a healthy, energetic six-year-old who is officially considered CURED.In this episode, you will hear:The Kankakee Moment: How a thorough exam by Dr. Batista at Riverside Hospital led to a critical early diagnosis.The Treatment: The reality of navigating chemotherapy and isolation with an infant at Comer Children's Hospital.The Pandemic Hurdle: How a global shutdown almost prevented a life-saving transplant.The Donor Connection: The emotional story of Kaitlyn, the college student who paused her life to save a stranger, and her heartwarming relationship with the Pomranky family today.Life After Cancer: Mads’ development, his love for drawing, and what it means to be "cured."Mentioned in this episode:DKMS: The international nonprofit bone marrow donor center. You can register to be a donor with a simple cheek swab. Visit DKMS.org to save a life.Share Your Story: Do you have a memory that happened right here in Kankakee County? We want to hear it. Email us at [email protected] and finish the sentence: "This one time in Kankakee..."Send us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

In the dead of winter 1938, the tiny village of Bonfield, Illinois, made national news for a bizarre reason: it banned the card game Rhummy. On this episode of "This One Time in Kankakee," discover the strange and true story of the "Rhummy Rebellion."Amid the Great Depression, Bonfield was known as a "sinless village" in Kankakee County, thanks to strict Blue Laws that forbade everything from liquor to dancing to playing baseball on Sundays. But when a group of housewives, calling themselves "rhummy widows," lodged a formal complaint, the town board added one more harmless pastime to the banned list.This episode details the local standoff:The Law: Mayor Rubin Orwig and the village board impose a $10 fine (over $200 today) for playing a simple dime-a-hand game.The Rebels: Led by defiant barber William Brohm, the local men refuse to give up their only pastime.The "Speakeasy": When the ban becomes immediate, the rummy game doesn't stop—it just goes underground, forcing the players into secret hideaways.Learn how this small-town dispute between morality and camaraderie escalated into a story picked up by the United Press and splashed across the front page of the Kankakee Republican News.This episode features special voice performances from:Denny Case as the 1930s radio news narratorMike Tomano as William BroughamBill Dyche as Leo ReigelRob West as Justice YeatesChris Nickles as Mayor OrwigGreg Odeneal as the card player(This story was researched and written by Jack Klasey. Check out his weekly history blog at kankakeecountymuseum.com.)Send us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

A short preview of what's to come on the next episode of This One Time in Kankakee. Believe it or not, the card game rummy or rhummy was once banned in the Village of Bonfield. Listen to the full episode this Monday, November 3rd. Click the follow button now so you don't miss out!Send us Fan Mail

What happens when an EGOT winner and Chicago legend unexpectedly shows up to your community theater rehearsal? On this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we hear the incredible true story from director Andrew McBurnie about the night Jennifer Hudson visited Bourbonnais to see Acting Out Theatre Company's production of Godspell.Andrew shares a behind-the-scenes account of how a passing joke among the cast turned into a secretive, last-minute confirmation during the most stressful week of the show. Hear about the moment the cast realized an A-list celebrity was in their small audience, the invaluable advice she gave them during an impromptu Q&A, and the unforgettable moment she stood just feet away and sang "Memory" with no microphone.This is more than a celebrity story; it’s a powerful tale about humility, the validation of local arts, and the deep connection that makes the Kankakee County community so special.Send us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

Every town has landmarks, but what happens when a group of bored teenagers decides to relocate one? In this episode of "This One Time in Kankakee," we bring you the legendary story of a crime that wasn't the crime, and how a 500-pound plaster cow ended up in a suburban living room.In 2008, Shane Whitlock and his friends, armed with a "borrowed" shopping cart and a severe case of late-night boredom, set their sights on the iconic cow statue outside the Exploration Station Children's Museum at Perry Farm Park in Bradley, IL. What follows is a hilarious comedy of errors, including a herculean effort to push their prize through town, a brilliantly timed but unrelated arrest for stealing a Wendy's banner, and a mother's rude awakening to find a farm animal and a police officer in her home.This is a quintessential Kankakee County story about how the dumbest decisions make the best memories, the absurdity of youth, and the long, painful walk of shame when you have to carry a 500-pound cow back where you found it at sunrise.In this episode, you'll hear about:The "kidnapping" of the cow statue from Perry Farm in Bradley.How to move a 500-pound bovine using a Jewel-Osco shopping cart.Getting arrested for stealing a banner, but not the giant cow in your living room.A mother's reaction to finding a life-sized farm animal next to her couch.The grueling, pre-dawn journey to return the statue to the park.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro: The night a landmark disappeared 01:13 - Meet Shane: Teenage life in 2008 Bradley, IL 02:18 - The Target: The Perry Farm Park Cow Statue 03:10 - The Heist: A Cow in a Shopping Cart 04:34 - Mission Accomplished: A Cow in the Living Room 04:57 - The Unrelated Crime: Stealing a Wendy's Banner 06:02 - Mom Wakes Up to a Cow and a Cop 07:38 - The Mission: Return the Cow 08:34 - The Long Walk Home (for the cow) 09:40 - The Aftermath & A Generational Tale of PranksSend us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

What happens when the subject of your news report calls you directly? In this episode of "This One Time in Kankakee," host Jake LaMore sits down with veteran Kankakee radio news director Rob West (WVLI, WFAV, River Country) for a story that blurs the line between journalism and a real-life crisis negotiation.In 2008, after reporting on a bank robbery in Bourbonnais, IL, Rob received a shocking call on his personal cell phone. On the other end was the robber himself, who wanted to tell his side of the story because he trusted Rob from listening to his newscasts. This single phone call triggered a tense, multi-day saga involving the Bourbonnais Police Department, a manhunt, and a dramatic, high-speed conclusion on Route 50.Join us for a gripping Kankakee County true crime story that explores the unique bond between a local radio personality and his audience, the ethical tightrope of a journalist caught in the middle of a crime, and the desperate actions of a man on the edge.In this episode, you'll hear about:The 2008 robbery of the Centrue Bank in Bourbonnais.A local news director's direct phone conversations with an active bank robber.The collaboration with Bourbonnais Police to identify and locate the suspect.The profound trust and connection inherent in local radio.The dangerous and dramatic conclusion to the manhunt at the O'Zinga Brothers quarry.TIMESTAMPS: 00:52 - Meet Rob West: A Career in Kankakee Radio 02:04 - The 2008 Bourbonnais Centrue Bank Robbery 02:51 - "Hi, I'm the bank robber." - The First Call 04:42 - A Journalist's Dilemma: Involving the Police 06:25 - The Manhunt & Learning the Robber's Name 07:34 - A Warning from the Police Chief 08:57 - The Final Call & The Chase on Route 50 10:58 - The Aftermath: Justice for Rick James Pierce 11:47 - The Unique Power of Radio and Audience TrustSend us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

Welcome to the premiere episode of This One Time in Kankakee, the podcast that uncovers the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Host Jake LaMore kicks off the series with a deeply personal family legend that has been told for nearly 90 years.Travel back to a hot summer day in 1936 Manteno, Illinois. At just three years old, Jake's grandfather, Franklin Weber, was accidentally run over by his father's tractor. What follows is a miraculous story of survival, featuring an incredible feat of paternal strength, a look at 1930s medicine at the St. Mary's Hospital, and a twist of fate that connects this near-tragedy to a 69-year love story.This episode explores rural life during the Great Depression, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of family history. It’s a foundational story for our exploration of the moments that have shaped the people and places of Kankakee County.In this episode, you'll hear about:Life on a small farm in Manteno, Illinois during the 1930s.The dramatic true story of a childhood tractor accident.The incredible feat of strength that became a local legend.A look at historical medical treatments at St. Mary's Hospital.A heartwarming story of destiny that you have to hear to believe.ABOUT THE PODCAST: "This One Time in Kankakee" explores the unforgettable true stories—big and small—from the people of Kankakee County, Illinois. Hosted by Jake Plummer, a production of the WVLI Podcast Network.SUBMIT YOUR STORY: Do you have a story that starts with "This one time in Kankakee..."? Email Jake LaMore at [email protected] us Fan MailWant more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.comThe Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

Discover the heart and humor of Kankakee County in This One Time in Kankakee, a narrative storytelling podcast hosted by Jake LaMore, featuring unforgettable true stories from local voices. From a childhood memory of surviving a tractor accident, to a phone call from a bank robber, to the Perry Farm cow statue ending up in a living room—these are the moments that bring our community to life.Real people. Real memories. Real Kankakee.Listen to the trailer now and subscribe for new episodes wherever you get your podcasts. First three episodes premiere on Monday, October 6th. This One Time in Kankakee is a production of the WVLI Podcast Network. The voices you trust, beyond the dial. Send us Fan Mail