Mokena’s Front Porch Podcast

09/02/2026

Watch our full interview with Hubbart Wood on our page but check out this video! Chris put this together, including our live post-storm conversation with Mayor George Metanias.

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

Hubbart Wood sat down and talked with me after a long day of carving on First Street! They do amazing work and I am so excited I get to see a piece of their artwork whenever I am on my front porch! Enjoy this great conversation with two great artists and great people! DK's Vintiques & More

08/31/2026

Hubbart Wood is back in Mokena today and right across the street! I’m going to be talking to them later today! Let me know what questions you have for them!
Israel Smith

08/23/2026

I was asked to be interviewed by another local podcaster, who happens to be a student at Mokena Junior High School! Kaleb and I spoke at Grasmere Park just before the start of school. It was a fun interview and I hope he continues! If you’re on TikTok, give him a follow and follow us over there while you’re at it!

08/17/2026

School boards, Park District boards, fire and library boards as well as Village Trustee’s are all up for election in April 2027 petition circulation begins August 25, 2026. If you’re considering running for local office in the spring now is the time to get moving. The Will County clerk has a candidates guide with lots of great information available on their website. Stay tuned to our podcast as we follow our local elections all the way through election day. Israel Smith

08/15/2026

I have wanted to kayak the Hickory Creek for years, and last weekend, we did it! You won't believe this is still Mokena! We went from Wolf Road all the way to Vine St., the New Lenox VFW! 3 1/2 hours and it was amazing!

Check this out and go get a kayak!

See you on the creek!
Israel Smith

08/11/2026

A message from Mayor George Metanias after these recent storms that again hit Mokena so hard.

Message from Mayor George Metanias:

"Our Village was hit hard, once again, from today's storms. Several roads are still impassable. Right now power lines are down on Townline between 195th and 197th street, on 115th street between 195th and 197th, and First street between Division and the 10900 Block. Our Public Works crews are working hard to clear roads and remove tree debris. We have been in direct contact with ComEd to request that they prioritize those residents that are directly affected from the downed power lines. Many communities throughout Northern Illinois are impacted from the storm damage as well. ComEd will prioritize hospitals, nursing homes and other critical infrastructure and will progressively work to repair the damage. They have called in additional crews from numerous other states to assist us in our recovery efforts. Residents are advised to contact ComEd directly for any power outage questions. Thank you for your patience while we work collectively to repair our community."

08/09/2026

Matt: what got you interested in history? Mokena Community Public Library District Israel Smith
Matt Galik