Althoff Catholic looking to rush by undefeated St. Joseph-Ogden on Saturday. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. at Dick Duval Field.
Photo: Chris Johns for The Sentinel
BELLEVILLE - In the program's 27th playoff appearance, Crusaders' feature running back Steven Brown scampers for another gain in his home opening round playoff game against Harrisburg (5-5). Althoff (7-3), who won the state title at Hancock Stadium in 2024, defeated the Bulldogs in a one-point thriller 13-12. Brown brings his explosive running skills to Dick Duval Field on Saturday to face the Spartans (9-0) in the first contest of their 35th playoff appearance. See more photos from the Althoff vs Harrisburg 3A playoff game here. The gate and parking opens at Glen Fisher Sports Complex in St. Joseph opens at noon. Game start time is slated for 2 p.m.
Twenty-four residents of Champaign and Danville have completed HIRE360's 13-week pre-apprenticeship program, earning workplace certifications and preparing for careers in the skilled trades and clean energy. The program combines hands-on training, mentorship and career guidance to help participants move toward union apprenticeships and long-term employment.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Graduates from the fall 2026 HIRE360 East Central Illinois Pre-Apprenticeship Program are: Front Row (l-r): Jeffey Trask, Scyon Harris, John Neville- Kakunda, Pierre Saxon, Josiah Wilson and Andre Grace. Back Row: Christopher Baker, Amari Clark-Crawford, Haley Deverell, Raniya Beauregard, Arnez Hopkins, Jacob Poole, and Ashley Lofton
URBANA - For 24 residents of Champaign-Urbana and Danville, graduation means more than completing a training program. It means having new skills, workplace certifications and a better idea of where a career in the skilled trades might take them.
The graduates recently completed the HIRE360 East Central Illinois Pre-Apprenticeship Program, a 13-week course designed to help participants prepare for union apprenticeships and careers in clean energy.
The program, which began last year, combines hands-on training with mentorship and career guidance. Participants learn from union leaders, earn workplace certifications and visit wind farms, solar farms and other clean energy sites. Some enter the program after facing challenges such as homelessness, poverty or incarceration.
The goal is to help them turn that training into lasting employment. Dozens of participants have already secured union apprenticeship positions, while others have used their new skills and connections to begin careers in their chosen fields.
Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen delivered the keynote address at the Champaign graduation ceremony. Luther Baker, president of the East Central Illinois AFL-CIO, provided keynote remarks at the Danville ceremony.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Danville graduates and instructors include, starting in the front row (l-r), Kiara Potts, Omekia Jones, Elijah Green, Trey Brandon, Marlon Lee. Middle Row: Jon Coleman, Paris Anderson, Zyhmeis Wise, LaDarrion Fultz, Quentin Smith, Demitrius Boens. Back Row: Luther Baker, Kevin Sage, Justin McMullin, Richard VanDeventer, Woody Sarver, Shataveon Goforth, Pat Devaney, Tricia Teague
“We’re proud to celebrate this group of graduates in Danville and everything they’ve accomplished through Climate Works,” said Trina Taylor, CEJA program director at HIRE360. “They came into the program to learn about the trades and they’re leaving ready to see where that knowledge can take them.”
Taylor said HIRE360's work with the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council focuses on helping participants move from training into apprenticeships and, ultimately, sustainable careers in the trades.
Thirteen students graduated in Champaign: Christopher Baker, Raniya Beauregard, Amari Clark-Crawford, Haley Deverell, Andre Grace, Scyon Harris, Arnez Hopkins, John Neville Kakunda, Ashley Lofton, Jacob Poole, Pierre Saxon, Jeffrey Trask and Josiah Wilson.
Grace received recognition for perfect attendance. Baker, Deverell, Grace and Trask were named outstanding students.
Eleven students graduated in Danville: Paris Anderson, Demitirus Boens, Trey Brandon, S. Jon Coleman, Ladarrion Fultz, Elijah Green, Omekia Jones, Marlon Lee, Kiara Potts, Quentin Smith II and Zyhmeis Wise.
Boens was recognized for perfect attendance, while Brandon and Potts were named outstanding students.
Pre-apprenticeship classes begin every three months. Those interested in applying for the 2027 classes can find an application at www.builtunion.com.
TAGGED: HIRE360 East Central Illinois Pre-Apprenticeship Program, Champaign and Danville skilled trades graduates, East Central Illinois union apprenticeship opportunities, clean energy workforce training in Illinois, pre-apprenticeship career pathways
October 29, 2011, St. Joseph-Ogden hosted Monticello in a second-round playoff game. The Sages ended the Spartan season in a dominating fashion, winning 42-14. Travel back in time 15 years with the photos below for a look at the players, fans, and moments.
All photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
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TAGS: St. Joseph-Ogden football photos, Monticello defeats St. Joseph-Ogden in road playoff game, SJO quarterback Blake Hoveln, SJO head coach Dick Duval, Monticello football fans, Maroon Platoon student fans, IHSA football playoffs, Austin Upton at linebacker
On this day, advocates push for domestic violence legislation. At St. Joseph-Ogden High School, member prepare for a busy October and national convention. Also, on this day, we gave tips for a healthy Halloween. These stories and more below.
Sentinel Article Archive for October 27
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TAGS: SJO girls cross country advances to sectionals, basketball has been moved into the high-risk category by IDPH, lawmakers refuse to consider constitutional pension and other spending reforms, Kennedi Burnett notched 11 kills against BHRA, dress kids appropriately for trick-or-treating, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski tours the union training facility in Champaign, Christie Clinic Shootout teams announced.
Forty photos from Unity's opening-round playoff game against Robinson at Hicks Field. The Rockets (7-3) closed out the Maroons' season at 4-6 via a 70-16 victory on Saturday.
All photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
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TAGS: Unity football photo gallery, Robinson Maroons fall to Unity 70-16, Robinson football photos, Austine Wiersema recovers fumble for Unity, Robinson's Cruz Dunlap plays defensive line, Unity's Michael Hardin scores touchdown, Reese Baker leads Robinson celebration
Taking on one of personal care's least-talked-about problems
(PRNewswire) Chicago -- There are products for sweaty armpits, sweaty feet and sweaty faces. But when sweat shows up somewhere a little less comfortable to talk about, the options get limited fast.
Chicago-based Cheek Sheets is looking to change that.
Cheek Sheets today announced the launch of its namesake absorbent sheets, an ultra-thin, dry and discreet personal-care product designed to help absorb sweat and manage unwanted moisture between the cheeks before it becomes uncomfortable, embarrassing or funky.
Discover the headlines published on each of these days from our news and sports coverage from Champaign‑Urbana and the wider community. From local news and sports to community events, politics, and opinion pieces, The Sentinel archives capture the stories that shaped life in Champaign County year after year.
