The News Team
Rob West
News Director, Rob West is a 35-year veteran of radio in Kankakeeland. His voice brings comfort to local listeners interested in local headlines. His broadcasts are well informed, accurate, and relevant. His voice, smooth as butter. Starting out in the mid-80’s working part-time at a local radio station, Rob worked various air shifts and management positions through the years. Rob West took over the news director position in May of 2019.
Jake LaMore
The afternoon news reporter for WVLI and WIVR at Milner Media.. Jake delivers timely, relevant, news that keeps local communities informed, connected, and empowered.
April 2025 Jake returned to Milner Media to carry on the legacy of beloved local news icon Ken Zyer and more than a job—it’s a profound honor. Jakes committed to continuing Ken’s tradition of trusted, community-centered journalism.
Current Local Headlines
Local law enforcement with extra patrols this weekend
As you get ready to head out for the holiday weekend, Kankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bukowski reminds you to be alert and drive carefully Almost a dozen people were killed on Illinois roadways during the Memorial Day weekend last year.
May 22, 2026
State Police remind you not to speed this holiday weekend
With Memorial Day weekend upon us, Illinois State Police remind you to drive carefully. Trooper Caleb Billingsley says State Police will be watching out for what they call the fatal four. First Trooper Billingsley says don't drink and drive. Next he says make sure to buckle up, don't drive distracted: The annual Click ...
May 22, 2026
County Treasurer unveils new website
The Kankakee County Treasurer's Office has launched a new website. County Treasurer Nick Africano said the sight had a soft launch earlier this week and was completely live as of today. He says the biggest thing was he wanted to keep the sight simple Africano says the sit also gives you a real-time look at the financia...
May 22, 2026
What to do around Kankakee County this weekend
It's a busy holiday weekend around Kankakee County. With a look at a few of the events, here's Angelina Gear, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County
May 22, 2026
Woman says she was attacked in Kankakee
Kankakee City Police are investigating after a woman said someone shoved her down last night and broke her arm. According to reports, it was just before four this morning when officers were called to a local hospital where the victim told them she was leaving a friends house between 10 and 11 last night when someone ca...
May 22, 2026
Texas Man Found Guilty in 2021 Bradley Murder
A Kankakee County jury found a Texas man guilty of second-degree murder in a 2021 shooting at a Bradley bar. The Daily Journal reports Anthony Kendrick received the guilty verdict following deliberations Wednesday. Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe said Kendrick can be sentenced to between four and 20 years, se...
May 22, 2026
Senator Joyce Passes Farm Equipment Bill
Illinois State Senator Patrick Joyce is working to update a vehicle law from the 1970s affecting farmers. According to a press release, Senator Joyce passed a measure through committee that would allow heavier farm wagons and similar agricultural equipment to qualify for existing code exemptions on the road. Joyce's le...
May 22, 2026
Kankakee County Vets Council to Host Memorial Day Ceremony
The Kankakee County Veterans Council will hold two services this Memorial Day. Kankakee County Veterans Assistance Commission Assistant Superintendent Karen Smietanski. Smietanski says the Memorial Day services will be held rain or shine.
May 22, 2026
