Gas Prices Top $5 Average, Tornado Declaration Extension, and Bradley Weapons Arrest - Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

This edition of the WVLI News Update with Rob West provides a comprehensive look at the shifting economic and social landscape of the Kankakee and Iroquois County regions. The program begins with an analysis of the recent surge in fuel costs, as the Illinois statewide average for a gallon of gas surpasses a significant price threshold. Listen to the full report for a detailed breakdown of prices across the Land of Lincoln, the Hoosier State, and specific local counties.

The update also covers critical developments from the Kankakee County Board meeting, focusing on the continued recovery efforts following the March 10th tornado. Learn about the extension of the local disaster declaration and the upcoming deadlines for Small Business Association assistance. The episode further details recent legislative actions in Iroquois County regarding official salary adjustments and highlights the recognition of dedicated community leaders.

In public safety and local interest news, the report includes a briefing on a weapons-related arrest in Bradley, a Crime Stoppers alert regarding a vehicle theft in Kankakee, and seasonal guidance from the State Department of Natural Resources. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire sports segment covering the latest results for the White Sox, Cubs, and Cardinals, alongside updates from the NBA and Stanley Cup playoffs.

For the full context and detailed reporting on these stories, listen to the complete episode.

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 0:42

Gas prices have taken another jump overnight, statewide average now topping five dollars a gallon. According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of gas across the state jumped six cents overnight, making the average five dollars three cents across the land of Lincoln. Gas in the Kankakee area a bit cheaper a gallon, running$4.92 on average, down three cents in the past week, 80 cents more expensive than a month ago,$1.70 more than we were paying a year ago at this time. Triple A says gas running$4.91 on average cross Iroquois and Ford counties,$4.92 in Grundy County,$4.94 in Will County. Across the state line, Triple A says a gallon of gas set you back$4.64 on average in Newton County,$4.89 in Benton County,$483 in Jasper County, cost of a gallon of gas running$4.28 on average across the Hoosier State. Nationwide average$4.51 a gallon. Recovery from the March 10th tornado took center stage at Tuesday's Kankakee County Board meeting. Kankakee County Emergency Management Agency Director Becky Powell recognized Randy Hertzberg, Nicole Smolkovich, and Mariah Vale.

SPEAKER_05 1:47

Together, these individuals showed the true meaning of service and collaboration. Through the county's COED, they worked side by side with many organizations to bring hope, resources, and stability to the community during a very difficult time. Their commitment, long hours, and willingness to sacrifice personal time made a lasting difference for countless families.

SPEAKER_04 2:15

I have worked a couple of years in numerous uh disaster declarations from Florida to Texas all the way to the West Coast, and I can honestly say they are the best emergency managers I've ever worked with.

SPEAKER_03 2:29

Nunez also added the SBA will be taking applications for assistance through June 8th. Iroquois County Board Tuesday passed increases to the salaries of the county clerk, treasurer, and sheriff. Chairman Paul Ducat says the salaries are set by the state. County Clerk and Treasurer each get a four percent increase annually. The sheriff's salary increases to 80% of the state's attorney's salary beginning December the first of this year. Bradley police reporting the arrest of a 32-year-old Bradley man on weapons charges Monday, Jake Lamore has the story.

SPEAKER_08 3:17

Rob, according to reports, officers were called to a domestic disturbance in the 200 block of South Skylar Avenue just before 10 Monday night. When police arrived, they learned Johnny B. Johnson of Bradley allegedly displayed a gun during an argument he had with a female victim. Officers were given consent to search the house and located a fully loaded 40 caliber pistol. Johnson has been charged with aggravated assault with the use of a deadly weapon, among other gun-related charges. I'm Jake Lamore.

SPEAKER_07 4:09

And whereas Dr. Polk was recently awarded the 2026 Elzora Jenkins Community Service Award, recognizing her outstanding commitment to community engagement, civic advancement, and public service.

SPEAKER_03 4:20

Many board members spoke up about Polk's contributions to the board. May is Military Appreciation Month a time to honor those currently serving or who have served in the Armed Services. Eric Peterson, superintendent of the Caiky County Veterans Assistance Commission, says a simple gesture to show your appreciation to a service member or their family could go a long way.

SPEAKER_02 4:40

Whenever I would get cards, especially from kids that said thank you for your service, anything like that, like in my office at the Veterans Assistance Commission, I still have many of those cards that I have on my poster board because I love that kind of stuff. And again, it reminds me of why I was so proud to serve.

SPEAKER_03 4:58

According to USAFacts.org, the military currently has about 2.8 million service members worldwide, some 15 to 18 million living veterans. Kankakee County Board Tuesday morning took action to extend the local disaster declaration for the March 10th tornado. County Board Chairman Matt Alexander Hildebrand.

SPEAKER_06 5:18

And the reason we're doing this is just so we can uh any resources we may potentially need over the next 30 to 40 days. I believe it starts on um May 21st, another 30 days. It's just uh precautionary, and and we just want to make sure we can uh get any resources we may need.

SPEAKER_03 5:35

The declaration now set to expire 30 days from May 21st. State Department of Natural Resources reminding you to leave baby birds and young animals alone if you find them in the wild. Nearly all cases, human intervention does more to hurt animals than to help. They say young birds and animals still being fed and cared for by their parents, who usually stay away from the nest and dens of a human's nearby, also keeping wild animals as pets or raising wild animals believed to have been abandoned is banned in the state. Local authorities looking for information about a stolen car with our Crime Stopper's tip of the week. Here's Kankakee County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Trent Bikowski.

SPEAKER_00 6:12

The Kankakee Police Department is currently investigating a motor vehicle theft that was reported on Sunday, May 10th. At approximately 314 in the afternoon, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of North Cottage Avenue regarding the reported theft. The vehicle owner reported that our white 2015 Chrysler 200 had been stolen. The Troy County Auto Theft Task Force is assisting with the investigation. Anyone with any information related to the incident is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers by calling 815-93Crime.

SPEAKER_03 6:40

Tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous could result in a cash reward. In sports, White Sox and Cardinals both won Tuesday. Cubs lost. Cubs losing streak three games now following a 5-2 loss to the Braves yesterday in Atlanta. Sox beat the Royals 6-5. Cards down the A's 6-4. Same teams go at it again tonight. Chicago Fire FC visit DC United tonight. Chicago Sky visit the Golden State Valkyries tonight. In the NBA playoffs, the Spurs beat the Timberwolves last night, 126 97, one game on the schedule tonight. The Pistons host the Cavaliers. In the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Sabres beat the Canadians. The Golden Knights beat the Docks. Tonight it's the Avalanche hosting the wild. That is a look at news and sports here on this Wednesday. Have a good rest of your day. Be safe, everybody. I'm Rob West.