Thank you to everyone for calling into the #KiTC Morning Show this Good Friday Morning!  I believe, and I know you do too, that we can all RISE ABOVE IT!  In case you missed it, here's the song I was talking about, and your voices sound great!  All of us coming together over the radio!  Be encouraged on this Easter weekend, and be of good cheer!  AND, join me Sunday morning at 7AM for our Rise Above It: Community Easter Special!  

It was really good to talk with my Aunt Verna today!  I found out she's doing good down in rural Pope County with her Ray's chili, Spam, Vienna sausages, crackers and mustard.  Sounds legit to me!  She had a request for a Kenny Chesney song I had forgotten about, but I'm thinkin' "Rise Up", is gonna be our new theme song to get us through this mess we are all goin' through!

I had an opportunity to talk with Pastor Melissa McKinnies from Southern Illinois Worship Center on today's #KiTC Morning Show about something GOOD!  In my never-ending search to "Broadcast the Good", I'm always looking for cool things happening in the community!  This year, Easter is lookin' a little different.  No Easter Egg hunts with the kiddos. (Bummer) So, the folks at Southern Illinois Worship Center teamed up with Senator Dale Fowler and the Fowler-Bonan Foundation with local businesses to create an Easter "Goodie-Bag" with a coloring book, new crayons, free ice cream, and more!  These bags were distributed to the Harrisburg, Carterville, and Cairo school districts earlier this week.  There will also be a pick-up location at Southside Lumber in Herrin starting today through Saturday while supplies last.  (Only go out on an essential run) And, don't miss our Rise Above It Community Easter Service on the radio, and online, this Easter Sunday morning at 7AM!

Well Aunt Verna has the right idea!  She's stayin' put through this ordeal we are all going through.  However, she does have some unique ways to spend her time, while she is sheltered-at-home.  In case you missed it, here's her phone call from this morning's #KiTC Morning Show!

Did you catch Pastor Michael Nave from Cornerstone Church on this morning's #KiTC Morning Show!  It's always great to hear an encouraging word to start the day!  Today, Pastor Michael presented the 3rd step in achieving real peace!  Check it out!

I had an opportunity to talk with Dr. Mathew Winkleman with SIH on today's #KiTC Morning Show.  Here at New Country Z100 and River Radio Group, we are doing our best to present facts, not fear.  1st thing is this, don't go out unless you absolutely have to.  Now is the time where social distancing is more important than ever!

SIH has set up a 24-hour COVID-19 hotline.  1-844-988-7800.  

Something really cool is happening THIS FRIDAY NIGHT (4-3-2020) from the Marion Cultural and Civic Center Facebook page!  Marion United is a charitable organization formed to help the local business community in the Marion area.  Jared Gravatt and Josh Benitone from Crown Brew Coffee Company will be hosting a LIVE telethon style event, to raise funds for members of the Marion business community affected by COVID-19.  Here's something from their official website...

"A CITY UNITED

In the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, our city has found itself in an unprecedented economic crisis threatening the livelihood and future of so many locally owned businesses. In a time where so many are struggling, there is an amazing opportunity for the citizens, churches, businesses, and organizations to UNITE and help them through this. MARION UNITED is a collaborative effort to generate grants for local businesses affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We need your help! Even a little bit can make a big difference! Despite great pain and tragedy, there is an opportunity to unite and endure this struggle together. If we do, our city will shine as a beacon of hope in the midst of economic disaster. When we look back on COVID-19, we will be remembered for how we came together with a solution to lift our community during a time of uncertainty. Now is our time to shine!"

Join them in the efforts with Marion United! Check out the facebook LIVE event THIS FRIDAY!  And if you want to help, check out WWW.MARION-UNITED.COM for merchandise, and ways to donate!