Photo of the Day - January 5, 2021

Dani Gooch and Kylie Holland

Rockets, Spartans tangle on the hardwood

Rockets' Dani Gooch [left] and Spartans' Kylie Holland [right] battle for a loose ball during second half action of the SJO girl's basketball team's home game on November 27, 2007. St. Joseph-Ogden battled to a 54-47 finish over Unity to improved to 5-0 on the season. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Village Crier: January 5, 2021


Local COVID cases hits 6 week low

For the first time since November 13 of last year, the number of active COVID-19 cases in the Sentinel area has fallen below 60. Only two new positive test have been reported, one in Tolono and one St. Joseph.

Meanwhile, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District announced two additional deaths bringing the county's total to 90 individuals who have been taken by the viral infection.

County-wide there are 659 active cases now in isolation with 19 undergoing hospital treatment.

As of today there are only two active cases Ogden and Philo has 15, down from a high of 19 cases.• There are three active cases each in Royal and Sidney. Meanwhile, there are 16 positive cases currently in St. Joseph and 21 in Tolono.


State's Attorney files contempt charges against Lil Buford's

The News-Gazette reports that County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz filed a petition yesterday to find Jeffrey Buckler, owner of Lil Buford's in Tolono civil contempt and asked to impose sanctions against him for defiantly ignoring a temporary restraining order issued on Dec. 31 by Judge Ben Dyer for operating a food service establishment without a valid county health permit.

Despite the TRO and the possible new action against him, Buckler has kept the doors to his establishment open for dine-in service.

The Champaign County Public Health Department, which suspended the business' permit on December 17 for operating contrary to the state's mitigation mandate and allowing dine-in service, has successfully reined in other rouge operators after suspending their permits.

If the judge finds Buckler in contempt of the Dec. 31 TRO, possible sanctions include fines or jail until the order is followed, according to The News-Gazette.


Ogden restaurant to observe temporary pause in operations

Rich's Family Restaurant in Ogden has decided to close for business temporarily. The homestyle dining establishment tried to make a go of it with curbside and carry-out, but it appears the volume of visits was insufficient to sustain the family business.

"As you know due to the mandate of Illinois State Governor and Champaign County Health Department We have been ordered to suspend our dine-in services," the post on the establishment's Facebook page states. "Therefore, we have not been been able to generate enough business with carry out & curbside business. Unfortunately, we are going to temporarily pause Carry-Out and curbside business starting Monday Jan. 3rd, 2021."

The owners plan to reopen once indoor dining is permitted again in Illinois.

"We apologize for any inconvenience and we can't wait to be able to serve everyone indoors again!" the post says. "Thank you to our staff for understanding and support and thank you to all of you!"


Engagement announcements

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Send your business, social or community organization's press release or event information to The Sentinel at editor@oursentinel.com.

Top destinations for travel in 2020 recognized

Overlooking the Lough Corrib, the second largest lake on the island of Ireland, the sprawling 350 acre estate of Ashford Castle is one of Ireland’s well-known wedding destinations offering warm Irish hospitality with a modern appeal. In addition to fine dining at Wilde’s Restaurant, the property offers a wide and unique portfolio of activities.

From fishing for trout, salmon and pike to a round of golf, tourists can also go horse riding, spend a few hours on the archery range and even try their hand at the ancient art of falconry. Guests can enjoy a relaxing cruise to explore the many islands within Lough Corrib, learn about the history of the area and take in the picturesque scenery of the largest lake within the Republic of Ireland.

Just before the start of the new year GayTravel.com announced their 2020 Gay Travel Awards. Asford Castle was one of the winners in several categories recognizing destinations, properties, events, and other travel-related organizations that support and promote LGBT+ travel and tourism as well as provide outstanding customer service and hospitality.

"This year has been like no other. With the pandemic raging across the globe, many travelers are restricted from traveling or waiting for a safer time," said GayTravel Chief Visionary Officer Steve Rohrlick. "In the meantime, The Gay Travel Awards give us all a moment to focus on the industry's best as a prologue to a time when it's safer to get back out there."

Below are this year's top travel destinations and hospitality providers.

BEST AIRLINE
Cape Air

BED & BREAKFAST/ INN
Inn on the Alameda

CAR RENTAL
Fox Rent a Car

DESTINATION BEACH
Los Cabos, Mexico

DESTINATION CITY
Atlanta, Georgia

DESTINATION FAMILY
Orlando, Florida

DESTINATION ISLAND
Mykonos, Greece

MOUNTAINS DESTINATION
Zermatt, Switzerland

NATURE DESTINATION
Costa Rica, Central America

WEDDING DESTINATION
Puerto Rico, Caribbean

BEACH HOTEL
Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina

BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Andaz West Hollywood

CASINO HOTEL
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
CITY HOTEL
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City

FAMILY HOTEL
JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa

GOLF HOTEL
Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort

HONEYMOON HOTEL
Sri panwa, Phuket

LUXURY HOTEL
The Langham Huntington

HOTEL SPA & WELLNESS
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

VALUE HOTEL
Skyrock Inn of Sedona

WEDDING HOTEL
The Lodge at Ashford Castle

GAY TRAVEL INFLUENCER (TIE)
@tcappelli
@onairplanemode__


Photos this week


The St. Joseph-Ogden soccer team hosted Oakwood-Salt Fork in their home season opener on Monday. After a strong start, the Spartans fell after a strong second-half rally by the Comets, falling 5-1. Here are 33 photos from the game.


Photos from the St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team's home opener against Maroa-Forsyth from iphotonews.com.