EIU ranked #3 in the country for affordable college education

Finding a college that offers a solid academic education that won't put students under a mountain of school debt is a growing concern parents and their college-bound offspring. College Consensus has curated a list of schools ranked according to the most recent out-of-state tuition & fee information published by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Photo: Xin Wang/Unsplash

According to College Consensus, Eastern Illinois University in Charleston ranks #3 out of 100 schools across the country for an affordable college education.

Pursuing a college degree is now, more than ever, an expensive, but necessary journey. On average across most career fields, adults with college degrees stand to rake in a lot more money, more than 60% more according to NCES data, than those who don't continue their education after high school. Regardless of one's age, gender or race, a college degree is crucial to earning potentially more money during your lifetime.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition rate for public universities in 2017-2018 academic year was more than $20,000; by contrast, 30 years earlier, the same education would have cost $3800. But everything was cheaper in 1985 – except that, adjusted for inflation, 1985 tuition was less than $8500 in 2018 dollars. Tuition continues to rise faster than inflation.

Education debt is second largest consumer debt class in the Unite States behind real estate mortgages. The average recent graduate is more than $37,000 in student debt.

This alone makes it a priority to find college programs that are reasonably priced and focuses on teaching market-ready skills for current in-demand professions.

The top three schools in the Best Value Colleges and Universities ranking for 2021 are (1) Brigham Young University--Provo, (2) North Dakota State University, and nearby Eastern Illinois University at #3. The next 97 ranked schools can be found here.

To create their ranking of the 100 Best Value Colleges & Universities, College Consensus created a list and ordered schools based on the most recent out-of-state tuition & fee information published by the National Center for Education Statistics.

EIU, which offers Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s Degrees and Doctorates in over 60 programs, scored well due to both in-state and out-of-state tuition runs $10,000 less than the average cost of all the 4-year schools that were evaluated.

Also making the list was Illinois State University at #93 and the University of Missouri - St. Louis at 100.

3rd quarter Unity Junior Honor Roll students named


Today, Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved honor roll status during the third quarter. Congratulations to the 91 students who earned the requisite grade point average to celebrate the honor. See the names of UJHS students who made the quarter's High Honor Roll list here.


6th Grade Honor Roll

Wyatt Leon Blanchard
Paige Nicole Bradley
Aiden Jacob Sharples Brooks
Clare Faustina Bryant
Brody Ray Butler
Cadence Marie Chandler
Braedyn Lucas Dalton
Addison Tyler Davis
Reese Bella Frye
Journey Maddison Gabbard
Olivia Ashlyn Hall
Walker Dale Hall
Dustin Rose Harris
Mackenzie Michelle Jones
Kathryn Clara Knoll
Rush Matthew Little
Carson Wesley McCune
Landrey Michelle Mohr
Brooklyn Marie Mumm
Sadie Jane Polonus
Evan Alexander Puckett
Max Warren Rossi
Lane Edward Sexton
Alyssa Renae Shields
Isaac Benjamin Siegwald
Jackson Leo Smith
Madison Amanda Spohn
Jacob Michael Ward
Maggie Jean Weckle
Grace Ann Wherley
Kendall Grace Wysong
Joel Mitchell Yergler

7th Grade Honor Roll

Aria Eve Battaglia
Cameryn Dayle Cobb
Kaylee Marie Cooke
Annaliese Birtukan DeNeal
Crewe William Gene Eckstein
Collin William Graven
Kenley Jo Harris
Brayden Jonathon Henry
Tyler Jason Henry
Caden Maddox Hensch
Lucas Alexander Hood
Tyler Reed Huntington
Faith Lyn Lampe
Maxwell Cort McCabe
Travis Lane McCarter
Deakin Frederick Moore
Carter Matthew Pieczynski
Dallas Jordan Porter
Kyla Lanae Reed
Jillian Brooke Schlittler
Liana Grace Sheets
Lauren Patricia Stratton
Ian John Taber
Olivia Danielle Tempel
Sophia Louise Jean Toney
Evan Eugene Vlahovich

8th Grade Honor Roll

Avery Jean Alagna
Elizabeth Marie Anderson
Emmerson Matthew Bailey
Michael Allan Bromley
Bentten Matthew Cain
Josephine Rose Cler
Jacob Ivan Davidson
Ezekiel De Los Santos
Nathaniel Gojam DeNeal
Hunter Michael Eastin
Alexis Rae Gady
Faith Marianne Hall
McKenzie June Hart
Caleb James Hoewing
Andrew Jason King
Elias Anthony Eugene Lawlyes
Isabella Cassandra Matthews
Maliyah Marie Ortiz
Taylor Aiyana Marie Prough
Oliver Mason Hyeok Joon Rawlings
Korben Dale Ray
Nolan Scott Remole
Ryan James Robinson
Brock Jacob Schlittler
Grant James Steinman
Owen Michael Taylor
Jacob Howell Thomas
Gavin Henry David Weaver
Maddie Hillary Kay Wheeling
Jordan Jeanne Whittington
Teaguen Andrew Williams
Tessah Rae Williams
Lauren Anne Williams-Scroggins


95 UJHS students make 3rd quarter High Honor Roll


Unity Junior High School announced the names of 95 students who achieved high honor roll status during the third quarter. Congratulations to all 186 students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for honor roll recognition during this period. Honor Roll students that did not qualify for high honors can be found here.


6th Grade High Honor Roll

Dominic Russell Baxley
Grace Michele Bickers
Alex Martin Bromley
Berkley Jane Cloud
Caleb Benjamin Coy
Hudson Lee DeHart
Danika Ann Eisenmenger
Allison Renee Fenter
Bailee Mae Gadeken
Colton Ray Harmon
Broderick Wayne Irwin
Avery Nicole Kamradt
Cash Cohen McCann
Adam Lucas Reedy
Ethan Daniel Schaefer
Allyson Lynn Shaw
Evalyn Alexandra Skibbe
Piper Estelle Staley
Grace Lynne Tempel
Leah Marianne Watson
Elizabeth Johnna Wayne
Rylan Kade Wolf

7th Grade High Honor Roll

Anna Carolyn Amias
Mylie Lynn Castle
Eli Samson Crowe
Ella Jean Darnall
Callie Marie Ellars
Camden Michael Fairbanks
Tanner Elizabeth Gallivan
Isabel Grace Grob
Logan Phillip Jeurissen
Miles Kennedy Johnson
Johanna Ilene Langley
Isabelle Joy Levingston
Mylie Emily Margaret Loftsgaard
Claire Lynn Meharry
Phoenix Sky Molina
Isaac Julian Neverman
Mason Robert ONeill
Harry Matthew Polonus
Mackenzie Rose Pound
Ty Steven Rodems
Katie Marie Ruggieri
Vanna Lee Schriefer
Hunter James Shike
Annalise Rose Shunk
Shelby Lynn Smith
Caden Alexander Stierwalt
Ginna Mae Stierwalt
Madelyn Rose Stierwalt
Emma Marie Swisher
Alexander Lane Wells
Paula Louise Wilson
Claire Morgan Zorns

8th Grade High Honor Roll

Jenna Blair Adams
Lindy Marie Bates
Molly Kay Baxley
Sophia Cathryn Beckett
Kolton Andrew Black
Paige Leeanne Brewer
Noah Michael Bryant
Elle Makenna Cheely
Madelyn Rae Darnall
Jordan Kathryn Daugherty
Ava Jane Davis
Ashlyn Brielle Denney
Kade Ryan Dubson
Chloey Ryanne Duitsman
Ava Maureen Fenter
Catharine Elizabeth Ford
Sophia Safrona Frye
Paige Ann Garretson
Kadence Lynn Goff
Sophia Ruth Hartke
Lauren Mellissa Hellmer
Dallas Anthony Hollingsworth
Wyatt Matthew Huffstutler
Lindsey Michelle Johnson
Gracie Marie Meharry
Alex Nathaniel Mowrer
Brady James Parr
Reigna Jolie Price
Camryn Elizabeth Reedy
Ashley Lynn Rennels
Ryan Benjamin Rink
Lydia Claire Rossi
Maegan Denise Rothe
Savannah Renee Rubin
Lauren Anne Shaw
Abigail Ruth Smith
Joseph Robert Tempel
Avery Elise Watson
McKinley Mae Weller
Nolan Allen Wishall


On the Market

Do you have a home for sale in one of our six communities? The Sentinel would like to highlight it in the upcoming new local real estate feature called On The Market.

Each calendar week we would like our online community news source to feature available residential property from those submitted for consideration to promote to our audience. With over 700 readers daily, The Sentinel hopes the new section will direct more potential buyers and competitive offers to sellers in our area.

For more submission information, sellers and agents can contact us at editor@oursentinel.com.

5G connectivity and the future; what it possible can do for you

StatePoint Media
By now, you’ve heard about 5G or might have access to it on your smartphone, but do you know what it is, how it works or what it can do for you?

5G is the next generation of wireless technology, building on its predecessors 2G, 3G and 4G, and is available on today’s smartphones to make and receive calls, run applications and send and receive data.

This fifth-generation technology is a massive leap into what is possible in wireless. 5G is expected to deliver faster speeds and enhanced connectivity, giving businesses and consumers alike the potential to develop and experience new, innovative technologies.

Photo: Aneta Pawlik/Unsplash

Under development as you read this are systems that will help farming become even more profitable through targeted weed and pest control, real-time soil moisture monitoring for irrigaton systems and livestock tracking. 5G opens the door wider for "precision farming" where farmers can react to real-time data to deliver just right about of water or fertilizer to a specific are in their fields. Feeding entire herd while on vacation will be as easy as a few swipes on a smartphone or watch.

In a decade or so from now, tilling, planting and harvesting will all be done from the comfort a farmer's command center in the shed or his or her home office thanks 5G and the automation of dozens of manual tasks. Hauling grain from the field to an elevator will be done by driverless trucks thanks to the significantly faster network speeds.

Here are five things you may not know about 5G:

1. 5G improves overall wireless coverage: 5G can deliver better, more efficient coverage in both breadth and depth. Depending on where it’s deployed by wireless operators, it can reach cities and towns that were previously lacking wireless access. Providers like T-Mobile are committed to providing 5G access to rural America, and already cover more than 287 million people across more than 1.6 million square miles.

2. Different types of 5G can support where you live: Providers deploy different levels of wireless spectrum – low, mid and high – with the ability to provide coverage and capacity whether you live in the city, the suburbs or a rural community. For 5G, low-band spectrum provides far-reaching coverage outside, and reaches indoors with speeds that are slightly better than LTE; mid-band provides blanket coverage across large areas with fast speeds, making it the “goldilocks” of spectrum; and, high-band – typically available in select urban areas – provides super-fast speeds over short distances, but needs line of sight to the device and doesn’t pass through physical obstructions.

3. 5G will create "smarter cities": From monitoring pollution or traffic levels to optimizing energy use or self-driving transportation, 5G can enable applications that urban cities and small towns alike can use to live smarter.

4. 5G unlocks technology developments for industry: With 5G connectivity, and new applications to support certain industries, businesses and industries can evolve to meet the needs of a connected world. Imagine farmers utilizing sensors and drones to enhance the agriculture community, or businesses using real-time language translation, or even enhanced location services to improve first responder times to save lives.

5. Virtual and augmented reality or holographic scenarios: 5G gives us the ability to transform where and how we experience our lives. Imagine having virtual reality access to live concerts and sports games, using holographic telepresence to be a part of your family’s birthday party in another state, or having real-time driving data like traffic or road conditions displayed on your car’s windshield as you drive.

The possibilities with 5G are endless and will offer individuals and businesses the ability to do and experience the world around them in ways they couldn’t before.

From 5G-enabled smartphones to the latest connected devices, check with your wireless provider to see how you can get the most out of 5G technology where you live.

Food | Two delightfully delicious twists on Easter carrot cake

Photo: StatePoint Media/John Kanell
StatePoint Media
Carrot cake has been an Easter staple for years, so why not serve some fun takes on this popular dessert for your celebration?

With Easter landing on International Carrot Day, April 4, John Kanell, culinary expert and founder of Preppy Kitchen, partnered with McCormick spices to create exclusive Easter dessert recipes that put a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake.

"Growing up, desserts were always the highlight of Easter, with my mother and grandmother making wonderful carrot cakes from scratch," says John Kanell.

Because carrot cake brings back great memories, Kanell wanted to channel that nostalgia, while adding whimsical touches. His resulting creations are fun, family-friendly and beyond-delicious.

As darling as they are tasty, Carrot Cake Cookies bring all the flavors of carrot cake in a fun, handheld way that allows the whole family to get involved in the kitchen. Big and little kids alike can help frost and decorate!

Make room at the dessert table for Carrot Cake Roll with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling – a fluffy spiced cake loaded with carrots and the warm flavor of McCormick spices. Rolled up with a light and airy lemon and cream cheese filling, it’s a sweet way to celebrate the season.

"As a nod to my Greek heritage, my family always incorporated lemon into our dessert recipes. Adding it to the cream cheese filling provides a bright complement to my slightly sweet and tender Carrot Cake Roll recipe," says Kanell.

Kanell is also sharing his top baking tips for success.

• Feature carrots front-and-center in desserts. Beyond their beautiful orange color, they add moisture to baked goods.

• Too much flour makes for dense, gummy baked goods. Always measure your flour correctly by using a scale or fluffing the flour and sprinkling it into your measuring cup before leveling off.

• Don’t over-mix your batter. It will activate the gluten in the flour and cause your baked goods to go from tender and airy to tough and overly chewy. Mix your dry and wet ingredients until just combined.

• Use room temperature butter and cream cheese – left out of the refrigerator for about 30 to 60 minutes. They should show a slight indent when pressed, yet still hold shape. Remember that consistency is important when creaming butter with sugar and it should be visibly fluffy and not cling to the side of your mixing bowl.

• Stock your spice rack with McCormick pure vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg so it is ready for all your baking needs. Spring is all about nature waking up after a long slumber and these essential spices brighten and add warmth to seasonal dishes.

• Even if your little ones are too young to make a recipe, they can still help measure, mix and combine ingredients, and of course decorate cakes, cupcakes and cookies.

For these exclusive Easter carrot cake-inspired recipes, crafting ideas for kids and kids-at-heart, and everything else you need to complete your Easter celebration, visit mccormick.com/easter.

With delicious takes on the classic carrot cake, your family can hit the sweet spot between nostalgia and whimsical fun this Easter.

Sudoku | March 30, 2021

Click on the puzzle below and save it to your computer. Print and complete as you have time. It's good for your brain!



Here is the solution to last week's puzzle:

Guest Commentary: America is ready for a resurrection this Easter

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


The followers of Jesus believed in his resurrection because they saw him alive after he was dead. They had a powerful testimony of firsthand evidence seen with their own eyes.

Mary Magdalene saw Jesus first. In John’s gospel chapter 20:14-16 we have the recorded appearance. "Jesus said to her, Mary! She turned and said to him 'Rabboni' which is to say teacher."

Jesus next appeared to Mary the mother of James, Salome and Joanna. They were on their way to tell the disciples that an angel had told them Jesus had risen when he appeared before them. He greeted them and the women took hold of his feet and worshipped him. (Matthew 28:9) As with Mary Magdalene these three women also touched Jesus.

Jesus appeared to Peter. "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" (Luke 24:34) This was a private appearance and occasion where Jesus reassured Peter. Peter had earlier denied him.

Later on Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They had lost hope in Jesus and were leaving Jerusalem. They were not expecting Jesus to rise. Jesus approached them and began traveling with them. Luke 24:13-16.

Jesus' last appearance on Easter Sunday was to the disciples with Thomas absent. It took place in the upper room in which Jesus had instituted the Lord’s Supper. It is recorded in Luke’s and John’s gospel. Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” And when he had said this, he showed them both his hands and his side. The disciples therefore rejoiced when they saw the Lord.”

There were other appearances of Jesus later as recorded in the scriptures but these were the five appearances on Easter.

The followers of Jesus were terrified. They had been hiding behind closed doors. They thought they could be arrested and crucified at any time, just like Jesus. Seeing Jesus alive turned their lives around completely. They were so empowered they went out to dynamically proclaim that Jesus had risen. Their message brought hope to a scared and hopeless society.

Last Easter most of the world sat behind closed doors for fear of Covid-19. Many church doors around the world were closed in fear. This Easter will be different as millions have received their vaccinations and are feeling hopeful. Most houses of worship will be open and many will go to church this Easter. It probably will not be like “before” Covid-19 as many have yet to be vaccinated and still will not feel safe to venture out.

America and the world have been down emotionally. Sickness, death, business failures and our Covid lifestyles have taken a lot out of us. We want to live again. Easter is about life, new life.

If you possibly can, get up, get out and celebrate life this Easter, safely. America is ready for a resurrection.

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Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.


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Photo Gallery | Spartans notch first soccer win of the season

Logan Ingram St. Joseph-Ogden's Logan Ingram boots the ball down the field during second half soccer action against Meridian on March 22. After a well-played contest and a loss on the road at St. Thomas More, SJO rebounded to shoot down the visiting Hawks, 3-2.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Emily Elsbernd dribbles the ball down the field Moving from her usual role as defender, Emily Elsbernd dribbles the ball unchallenged toward the Meridian box playing in a forward position.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
St. Joseph-Ogden's Jared Emmert passes the soccer ball Spartan Jared Emmert concentrates on making a pass in front of Hawk defender.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
SJO's Will Page lines up a pass SJO defender Will Page lines up a pass away from Meridian forwards during first half play on Monday.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Spencer Wilson takes great strides to push the ball down the field Running stride for stride with a Meridian player, Spartan Spencer Wilson pushes the ball across the field to change the game momentum.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


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Village Crier: March 30, 2021


Killer in St. Joseph double murder convicted

A jury of six men and six women took just two hours on Thursday, March 11, to reach a mutual agreement that Jonathon Perry, 30, murdered his girlfriend, Kimberly Coyne, 54, and her daughter, Blair Coyne, 24, in their home on the north side of St. Joseph a year ago this past weekend.

Perry was quickly arrested after the incident after Champaign County sheriff’s deputies were informed of statements he made to a family member consistent with the crime. During trial, prosecutors for the state noted that Perry had said he had killed the "Antichrist and Satan" when he was taken into custody last year at 4am on Sunday, March 29.

Three months after his arrest, a court-appointed psychiatrist examined Perry and declared him fit for trial.

Found guilty of first degree murder of both women, Judge Randy Rosenbaum is left no leeway to hand down nothing other than a life sentence during the sentencing phase on April 22.


St. Thomas trivia night on April 9

St. Thomas Catholic School in Philo will host a Virtual Trivia night from 6-10pm on April 9.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle during the online ZOOM event. Each table package will include a Dead or Alive game sheet and one Mulligan to use for each trivia round. Reservations for tables are being accepted now.

"We are continually adding to our silent auction items, so make sure to check back often to see what has been added," it says on the event page. "Silent auction bidding will be open from 6 pm - 10 pm on Trivia Night".

For more information contact the event organizers at tcain@stthomasphilo.org


Franzen to take middle school reigns

The St. Joseph Consolidated Community School Board voted to hire Alisyn Franzen as the new principal at the St. Joseph Middle School starting this fall. Franzen, who will take over the position with the retirement of Chris Graham, currently teaches English at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.


Nursery to host spring open house

Schuren Garden Center, located at 1709 County Rd. 2200E, St. Joseph, will host their annual spring open house on Saturday, April 10.

The open house will start at 8:30am and run through 5:30pm. In addition to door prizes and refreshments, shoppers will be able to save 20% off their entire purchase. The business will hold purchases until Mother's Day if needed.

Visit their website or call (217) 469-7962.


St. Joseph Community Yard & Garage Sale next month

The St. Joseph Community Garage Sale is scheduled for April 8, 9 and 10.

The Sentinel is offering St. Joseph residents who would like to reach a broader audience with information about their sale the opportunity to list their yard or garage sale information at no charge.

Simply follow this link to submit your sale information by 5pm on April 6. Our complete list of area sales will be published Wednesday, April 7, on The Sentinel website as well as across our social media platforms to help send more buyers your way.

Premium listings with photos and an extended word count are available. Contact The Sentinel at advertising@oursentinel.com for details.

Observing the state's pandemic mitigation and public health mandates, shoppers are encouraged wear masks and maintain social distancing as much as possible to help keep friends and neighbors healthy as they visit various sales throughout the community.


SJO 3rd Quarter Honor Roll

Yesterday, St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the third quarter honor roll students. Thirty-eight members in this year's freshman class earned High Honor Roll recognition. Another 13 earned Honor Roll status.

To receive honor roll recognition at SJO students must earn a grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students whose GPA soared above 3.74 are recognized as High Honor Roll students.

Freshman High Honor Roll

Freshman Honor Roll

Sophomore High Honor Roll

Sophomore Honor Roll

Junior High Honor Roll

Junior Honor Roll

Senior High Honor Roll

Senior Honor Roll