Juneteenth Celebrations, Dropping Gas Prices, and Kankakee County Weekend Events - Friday, June 19th, 2026

In this edition of the WVLI News Update, host Rob West delivers a comprehensive look at the key national and local developments affecting the Kankakee County region.

The episode begins with an exploration of the historical significance of the Juneteenth federal holiday, featuring insights from the Kankakee County branch of the NAACP, alongside a practical breakdown of government, banking, and postal closures. Listeners will also get an update on the continuous shift in regional gas prices across Illinois and Indiana as the summer holiday season approaches.

Local governance and community infrastructure take center stage with updates from the County Board's Finance Committee meeting regarding current property tax collections, major local taxpayers, and pending infrastructure bids following recent spring weather. Additionally, the episode previews upcoming regional events, including street closures for a major local festival, community safety initiatives, regional employment statistics, and a psychological look at transitioning into the summer season. The update concludes with a full breakdown of local and national sports, covering baseball, basketball, and racing.

Listen to the full episode to get all the specific details, figures, and complete local reporting.

Listen to more great shows on the WVLI Podcast Network:

This One Time in Kankakee  (Narrative Storytelling)

Kankakee Valley Community Happenings  (Businesses & Non-Profits)

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Transcript

SPEAKER_03 0:00

Today is Juneteenth. It's a federal holiday set aside to commemorate the day the last slaves held in the United States were freed. Theodas Pace, president of the Kankakee County branch of the NAACP, talks about the significance of the date.

SPEAKER_00 0:13

President Abraham Lincoln signed the uh emancipation proclamation on January 1st, 1863, where many enslaved people were free. But uh from my perspective, Juneteenth is one of the most significant days in American history because it marked the fulfillment of freedom that last uh for black individuals that was enslaved in Texas when they first heard about um that they were free.

SPEAKER_03 0:45

It was June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the Civil War had ended and enslaved peoples were freed. Because it's a national holiday, federal government offices closed today. You'll also find most state, county, and local municipal offices closed today as well. It is a banking holiday, banks and other financial institutions are closed. There will be no mail delivery today, as with every other federal holiday. If you're going to be going out and doing some business, might be a good idea to call ahead. Gas prices continue their slow downward trek as we get closer to the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Triple A says the average cost for a gallon of regular no-lead gas $4.24 now across the land of Lincoln, down 18 cents in the past week, 80 cents cheaper than it was a month ago. That same gallon of gas set you back $4 and a dime in the Kankakee area, 81 cents cheaper than May 19th. Triple A says gas running $4.19 on average in Iroquois County, $442 in Ford County, $409 in Grundy County, $3.94 on average in Will County. Cross the state line, Triple A says a gallon of gas set you back $3.42 on average in Newton County, $3.49 in Benton County, $339 in Jasper County, gallon of gas running $3.38 on average across the Hoosier State. Indiana's tax on gasoline has been suspended through July 7th. First installment of property taxes due next week. During yesterday morning's meeting of the County Board's Finance Committee, County Treasurer Nick Africano told the committee that tax collections running pretty much on par with where they were last year at this time.

SPEAKER_01 2:17

Right now, we are running 1% above last year. We are at 20.12%, roughly $51 million that we've collected so far.

SPEAKER_03 2:31

Africano told the committee, while local companies are the highest property taxpayers in the county.

SPEAKER_01 2:36

Newcore, $1.3 million, $333 South Spruce LLC, aka Goshen, $2 million. And at the top of the list is uh Ventus Bering LLC, $3,548,000.

SPEAKER_03 2:55

First installment of property taxes due June 25th. Also during yesterday morning's meeting, the committee opened bids for roof replacements following the March tornado. Bids will be approved at the next full board meeting in July. Bourbon A Friendship Festival next week. Some village streets will be closed over the next week to get ready for the fest. William R. Latham Sr. Drive will be closed between Main Street Northwest and Stratford Drive East, and Plum Creek Drive will be closed from William R. Latham Sr. Drive to Briarcliffe Lane. Village officials say both roads will reopen by Monday, the 29th. Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe held his annual Senior Safety Fair Thursday at the Quality Inn in Bradley.

SPEAKER_02 3:34

So I think this is our eighth annual Senior Safety Fair event. It's fantastic to see so many people coming through with over 80 vendors. They're getting great information to keep themselves safe, to avoid becoming victims of scams or crimes. And that's really what this program is about. It's about prevention and intervention so people can keep them and their families safe.

SPEAKER_03 3:56

Roe added the annual fair is also a good way for seniors to find volunteer opportunities and other activities in the area to help keep them engaged in the community. Lots to do around Kankakee County this weekend with a look at a few of the events. Here's Angelina Gere, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County.

SPEAKER_05 4:13

Friday night, head to Mantino for Rockin' on the Square. The simple remedy will play from 7 to 9:30. There will also be food vendors, and you can bring your own drinks. In downtown Kankakee, the Juneteenth celebration runs from 6 to 10 at the Hill Stage. Enjoy live music, food, face painting, a bounce house, and more. It's free and family friendly. On Saturday, visit the Kankakee County Museum for night at the museum. Explore after dark, meet historical characters, and enjoy live entertainment. You can also experience Dine on the Land at Locavore Farm, featuring food network champion Chef Adam Allison. Find more at VisitKankakee County.com.

SPEAKER_03 4:57

State's unemployment rate is steady. The State Department of Employment Security says the state's jobless rate last month 5.1%, unchanged from April. Non-farm payroll jobs were up six thousand in May, marking the third consecutive over-the-month increase. Apparently there's some guilt involved as we transition from spring to summer. Brie tennis has more.

SPEAKER_04 5:19

Psychology today says it's called sunshine guilt, and it's a nagging anxiety you feel for staying indoors on a beautiful sunny day. They call it Jomo, the joy of missing out, staying in bed to read a book, watch a movie, or just hang out inside. Then there's the pressure of creating the perfect summer with experiences. Psychologists say it's okay to have the summer you want, whether without barbecues, parties, or ice cream. But that sounds good too. I'm pre-tennis.

SPEAKER_03 5:45

In sports, White Sox salvaged the last game of their series in New York as they beat the Yankees 5-1 last night. Sox at the Tigers tonight. Cubs had yesterday off. They start a series at Wrigley Field against the Blue Jays tonight. St. Louis Cardinals lost 14-6 to the Royals last night. Same two teams in Kansas City tonight. Chicago Sky aimed to avoid a fifth straight loss as they visit the Dallas Wings tomorrow night. There are four more games in group play today in the World Cup. The United States will battle Australia. Scotland takes on Morocco. Brazil challenges Haiti, and Turkeya faces Paraguay. The NASCAR Cup series at Naval Base Coronado this Sunday for the Andoril 250 from San Diego. That is a check of news and sports here on this Friday. Have a good rest of your day and a great weekend. Be safe, everybody. I'm Rob West.