This One Time in Kankakee
This One Time in Kankakee is a storytelling podcast from the new WVLI Podcast Network, hosted by Jake LaMore. Each episode shines a light on the weird, wild, and unforgettable moments that make Kankakee County, IL what it is. These are short, punchy episodes where everyday people share true stories from their lives—funny childhood memories, creepy encounters, embarrassing slip-ups, or heartwarming experiences that stick with you forever.
Think of it as a collection of the kinds of stories you’d hear at a family gathering, on a front porch, or sitting around a campfire—but rooted right here in the Kankakee, Illinois area. Each episode is quick to listen to, but long to remember.
Whether you grew up here, just moved to town, or are simply curious about life in this corner of Illinois, This One Time in Kankakee is a way to connect through laughter, chills, and nostalgia. Real locals. Real stories. Always memorable.
Have an unbelievable local story to share? Email jake@milnermediapartners.com to submit your story for consideration.
This One Time in Kankakee
"I Went to Jail for Hunting."
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“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.
Want 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.com
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