Guest Commentary |
Give your life one more chance

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


Glenn Mollette
Too often we quit right at the time we were close to being successful. Frequently, we give up at the darkest part of the night when morning was so close to appearing.

You may have spent a lifetime trying to conquer an addiction. Your addiction has colored your life in an unflattering way. Most likely it’s affected your success, finances, and your relationships.

Answer this question, is your addiction worth what it has cost you? Do you really derive that much pleasure from the very thing that keeps tearing you apart and bringing you down? We both know the answer, and it’s a big no. Yet, you keep going back to what brings you down. Why not try one more time? This could be the year that you turn the corner and the page for a new and better you.

You may feel as if your marriage and relationship with your spouse has failed. He or she has failed, you have failed, you both have given up, and let your marriage die. What could he or she do differently? What can you do differently?

No one is perfect. Another man or woman will have their own issues of some kind. We are imperfect people. Is your marriage worth saving? What about all the years, toil, work, and life that you have shared with this other person? Is it not worth giving it one more try? If you give it one more honest effort at least you’ll know that you tried and that will be worth some peace of mind down the road.

Sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk and deal with any and every issue that you feel is important to making your marriage work. Talk it out, pray it out, be completely real. There was something about this person that made you love and marry him/her, so go back and give it one more concerted effort at making it really work.

Every human has had some kind of life failure. Abraham Lincoln lost election after election. Losing an election is gut wrenching but he kept trying. President Donald Trump has been through about as much as anyone I’ve known but came back to be our President. Most of us would have given up long ago and could never have survived all he has been through. What do you need to try one more time?

What about your weight loss? Are you tired of feeling bad, having clothes that won’t fit, and watching your health decline because you are carry 20 or 30 pounds you don’t need? You have probably lost 10 or 20 pounds and then put it right back on. We’ve all done this more than once. It’s easy to do. As Dolly Parton said, “There is a fat person inside me trying to get out.”

I feel the same way. Why not get real religious about your eating. It’s 95% about your eating. Exercise helps but it’s mostly about your eating. Go to small portions three or four times a day. This way you’ll not be starving and you’ll slowly lose about a pound a week. In six months, you’ll be so happy you’ll be singing and dancing.

Don’t give up on God. He will help you with all the above and more. The old song asks this question, “Have you failed in your plan of your storm-tossed life? Place your hand in the nail-scarred hand. Are you weary and worn from its toil and strife? Place your hand in the nail-scarred hand. He will keep to the end, He’s your dearest friend. Place your hand in the nail-scarred hand.”


About the author ~

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.


The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. 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.

Free youth orchestra concert this Sunday in Urbana

East Central Illinois Youth Orchestra
Members of the East Central Illinois Youth Orchestra performed at Smith Recital Hall in Urbana during their 2022 Winter Concert. The orchestra will perform again this Sunday.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

URBANA - The East Central Illinois Youth Orchestra will perform its annual Winter Concert this Sunday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. at Smith Music Hall on the University of Illinois campus.

Orchestra members are the top classical student instrumentalists in the area. The musicians, who hail from Champaign, Urbana, Mahomet, Monticello, and Danville, go through a rigorous audition process for their chairs.

Sunday's program features the overture to Giuseppe Verdi's opera Nabucco, a medley from the musical Les Misérables, Norwegian Dances by Edvard Grieg, Andante Festivo by Jean Sibelius, and the first movement of Antonín Dvořák's Eighth Symphony.

The CUYO focuses on providing young musicians in the Champaign-Urbana area with opportunities to perform in an orchestral setting. It serves middle school and high school students, offering them a chance to enhance their musical skills, work with experienced conductors, and perform a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary works.

"This is challenging music for the students, and they’ve worked hard since mid-September to bring it to performance level," Kevin Kelly, music director for the youth orchestra, said. "You will be impressed and entertained!"

Admission to the event is free and begins promptly at 7 p.m. Smith Music Hall is located on the University of Illinois campus at 805 S. Mathews Ave.


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Budget-Friendly renovation ideas to modernize your home

Renovating doesn’t have to be expensive. Small updates can make a big difference.

Photo: Gypsum Partition/Pixabay

SNS - Renovating your home can be affordable with the right approach. Simple changes, like repainting walls or updating fixtures, can create a fresh, modern look without a high price tag. Whether you’re improving outdated spaces or enhancing functionality, these budget-friendly renovation ideas to modernize your home will help you achieve a stylish, updated space while staying within your budget.

Focus on Comfort While Modernizing
Creating a comfortable and welcoming environment doesn’t have to be expensive. Focus on creating cozy spaces in your home by incorporating soft lighting, warm textiles, and functional furniture. Add plush rugs, throw blankets, and cushions to living areas for a cozy feel. Rearrange furniture to create intimate seating arrangements that encourage conversation.

Repaint Your Walls for an Instant Refresh
A fresh coat of paint is an affordable way to change a room’s appearance. Choose modern, neutral colors to create a timeless look. Painting your walls can also brighten dark spaces or make smaller rooms feel larger. Consider using high-quality paint that lasts longer and reduces the need for frequent touch-ups.

Accent walls are another great option for adding personality without extra cost. Use bold colors or wallpaper to draw attention to a specific area.

Update Lighting Fixtures for a Modern Touch
Old lighting fixtures can make your home feel outdated. Replacing them with new, stylish options is a simple and affordable fix. Look for budget-friendly pendant lights, LED strip lighting, or modern chandeliers to elevate your space.

Smart lighting systems are an excellent investment if you want added convenience. These systems let you control lighting remotely and can save energy over time.

Utilize Mobile Storage During Renovations
Renovating your home often requires clearing out rooms to make space for the updates. A convenient solution offered by COWS Mobile Storage is portable storage units delivered right to your doorstep. These units are perfect for safely storing furniture, decor, and other items during your renovation process. By keeping your belongings out of the way, you can work more efficiently and protect your items from potential damage.

Transform Flooring with Peel-and-Stick Tiles
Replacing flooring can be expensive, but peel-and-stick tiles are a cost-effective alternative. These tiles are easy to install and come in various styles, including wood-look and stone designs.

Peel-and-stick tiles are perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or any high-traffic areas. They’re also durable, making them a great choice for families. These budget-friendly renovation ideas to modernize your home are easy for anyone to implement and provide great results.

renovated bathroom
Photo: WarrenMae Investment Group/Pixabay
Transform Your Bathroom for a Luxurious Feel
Upgrading your bathroom doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Small changes like replacing old faucets, adding a new showerhead, or incorporating soft, neutral tones can make a big difference. For a truly relaxing space, consider how to turn your bathroom into a spa-inspired oasis. Adding features like scented candles, fluffy towels, and even peel-and-stick tiles can create a calming, spa-like atmosphere without overspending.

Add Storage Solutions to Declutter Your Space
Cluttered spaces can make your home feel outdated and cramped. Adding budget-friendly storage solutions can solve this problem while modernizing your home.

Floating shelves are a practical and stylish addition to any room. Storage baskets and bins can help organize smaller items while keeping your home tidy.

If you want larger changes, consider installing built-in shelving units or storage benches. These options provide functionality while blending seamlessly into your space.

Install a New Backsplash in Your Kitchen
A new backsplash can completely transform your kitchen’s appearance. Peel-and-stick backsplashes are affordable and easy to install on your own.

Popular styles include subway tiles, geometric patterns, and mosaic designs. Choose materials and colors that complement your existing countertops and cabinets for a cohesive look.

Replace Old Faucets and Showerheads
Outdated plumbing fixtures can bring down the style of kitchens and bathrooms. Replacing them is a budget-friendly way to give these areas a modern look.

Search for fixtures with sleek designs and finishes like chrome, black, or brushed gold. Many new faucets and showerheads also come with water-saving features, which can lower your utility bills.

Create an Accent Wall with Wood Panels or Shiplap
Wood panels or shiplap are great options for adding texture and interest to any room. These materials are affordable and can be installed as a DIY project.

Use shiplap in living rooms, bedrooms, or entryways for a cozy and modern touch. Painted wood panels in darker tones can add sophistication to your home.

Add Outdoor Curb Appeal
Modernizing the exterior of your home can increase its value and make it more inviting. Affordable upgrades include painting your front door, updating outdoor lighting, or adding planters with seasonal flowers.

Pressure washing your driveway and siding can also improve your home’s appearance. These simple steps can make your home feel refreshed without major renovations.

Add Style with Mixed Metals
One of the easiest ways to modernize your home is by updating finishes and fixtures. Consider how to implement mixed metals in your next home renovation project for a trendy and sophisticated look. Combining metals like brushed nickel, matte black, and brass can add depth and visual interest to kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Use this technique thoughtfully by mixing no more than two or three metal finishes in a single room for a cohesive design.

Invest in Energy-Efficient Windows or Insulation
While this option may have a higher upfront cost, it can save you money over time. Energy-efficient windows and insulation reduce heating and cooling bills.

Look for government rebates or local programs that offer financial assistance for these upgrades. This makes it easier to modernize your home while staying within your budget.

Update Textiles and Decor
Small decor changes can have a big impact on the overall style of your home. Swap outdated curtains, rugs, or throw pillows for modern options.

Stick to neutral colors or simple patterns for a timeless appearance. Layering textures like cotton, linen, or faux fur can also make your space feel more modern and inviting.

Modernize Your Home on a Budget Today
Renovating doesn’t have to be expensive. Small updates can make a big difference. Use these budget-friendly renovation ideas to modernize your home and create a space you’ll love.


207 SJO students earn High Honor Roll recognition in the second quarter

ST. JOSEPH - At the end of October, St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the recipients of the second quarter Honor Roll and High Honor Roll. To be recognized on the Honor Roll at SJO, students must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Those with a GPA exceeding 3.74 are honored as High Honor Roll students.


Freshman High Honor Roll

Kira Aase
Tyler Bonny
Ava Bronowski
Patrick Clark
Avarie Dietiker
Ainsley Dirksmeyer
Trey Divan
Connor Eaton
Olivia Edington
Eli Franklin
Isabella Frerichs
Ava Gallo
Conlan Gill
Colton Heidel
Nathan Hinkel
Ashlee Jannusch
Lilyah Jones
Megan Kearney
Lillyan Kelley
Gavin Little
Royce Loschen
Charles Martin
Landon May
Henry McCannon
Lane McKinney
Connor McMahon
Hannah Nirider
Mason Osterbur
Mara Perkins
Marissa Perkins
Hailey Phillips
Evan Potter
Airin Rash
Kenley Ray
Abigail Reynolds
Roisin Rice
Alyssa Robinson
Vivian Smith
Nayeli Steele
Brooklyn Stevens
Ethan Suchor
Mataya Thaman
Korinne Travis
Evelyn Valentine
Owen Wall
Lucas Waters
Sorena Welsh
Ian Wolken
Samson Zadeh

Sophomore High Honor Roll

Lillian Ahart
Zhou Barbee
Abigail Bello
Zachary Benoit
Olivia Berlatsky
Colin Burnett
Brenda Castro Gutierrez
Elizabeth Clark
Abigail Crider
Hayden Dahl
Iris Davis
Madison Farber
Nathaniel Farney
Nolan Franzen
Leah Gaines
Skyler Graham
Anna Hammond
Mark Harbourt
Nicholas Harris
Tyler Hess
Maggie Hewkin
Brynn Ikemire
Mia Jones
Alivia Learned
Avrianna Lyttle
Chase Mabry
Hadley McDonald
Finnegan Miller
Maddux Musselman
Mason Ramm
Kiah Riesel
Dennis Rineberg
Sophie Schmitz
Adeline Stevens
Ani Stine
Isabella Turner
Brayden Waller
Jack Wear
Emerson Williams
Declan Yohnka

Junior High Honor Roll

Trevor Ames
Kylie Barrowman
Lexie Barrowman
Adalyn Bell
Kaitlyn Beyers
Emily Bird
Tim Blackburn-Kelley
Aiden Bonny
Addison Brooks
Sara Bytnar
Jacob Carlson
William Carlson
Rudra Chaudhary
Adelyn Childers
Christopher Coffey
Caleb Dwyer
Katherine Ericksen
Abigail Getty
Camden Getty
Charles Hale
William Haley
Erica Hardimon
Zachary Harper
Claire Hartman
Amelia Huckstadt
Lydia Huckstadt
Adalyn Jannusch
Kaelyn Jolley
Sophia Kasper
Madilyn Kelley
Sami Kelso
Cooper Kietzman
Alexis Lackey
Ryker Lockhart
Mackenzie Loschen
Michael McDaniel
Danny McGinnis
Emma McKinney
Kodey McKinney
Patrick McMahon
Ashlyn Miller
Hannah Mock
Delaney Nekolny
Allison Ochs
Brennan Oleynichak
Kayla Osterbur
Colton Overstreet
Garrick Page
Branson Pearman
Kaleb Peoples
Asher Pruemer
Ainsley Rhoton
Lily Rice
Landon Roberts
Logan Rosenthal
Amber Ruppel
Cameron Schlueter
Allison Schmitz
Gracyn Sjoken
Lucas Smith
Tao Smith
Karleigh Spain
Quinn Stahl
Sydney Steinbach
Hadley Sweet
Carlee Taylor
Sophia Vliet
Madeline Wells
Wyatt Wertz
Logan Xiao
Cyrus Zadeh

Senior High Honor Roll

Jared Altenbaumer
EJ Beckett
Audrey Benoit
Macie Blakley
Landon Brown
Arely Castro Gutierrez
Richi Chimal
Preslee Christians
Madison Clampitt
Lauren Dewese
Ella Dietiker
Luke Ditchfield
Andrea Dominguez
Jackson Ennis
Savanna Franzen
Addison Funk
Kaiden Gaines
Tayton Gerdes
Olivia Getty
Makennah Hamilton
Lauren Harris
Haley Hesterberg
Maebree Houston
Paige Johnson
Sara Kearney
Amilliya Kindle
Jeffrey Kuchenbrod
Gabriel Mata
Logan Mills
Gabriel Mortlock
Grace Osterbur
Chayse Palmer
Sonia Patel
Nathan Phillips
Haley Rudolph
Audrey Ruppel
Charles Schmitz
Tanner Siems
Corbin Smith
Kyler Swanson
Coy Taylor
Collin Thomey
Samantha Uden
Reese Wheatley
Madison Wolken
Charley Wright
Fiona Xiao

Here are the recipients from St. Joseph-Ogden's first quarter High Honor and Honor Roll.


St. Joseph-Ogden 2024-25 second quarter Honor Roll

ST. JOSEPH - At the end of October, St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the recipients of the first quarter Honor Roll and High Honor Roll. To be recognized on the Honor Roll at SJO, students must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Those with a GPA exceeding 3.74 are honored as High Honor Roll students.


Freshman Honor Roll

Ava Alexander
Lucas Barton
Coleton Beckett
Draven Black
Liam Carter
Carly Coffey
Tessa Cox
Hunter Dilley
Jameson Ehler
Brandon Grindley
George Hale
Holden Hausle
Kellyn Irwin
Isabel Kates
Addison Knight
Keira Landers
Avery Lappin
Leigha Larson
Pete Martin
Aubrey Matheny
Aiden McBride
Atleigh Miller
Michaela Morrison
Alyssa Osterbur
Cameron Palmisano
Lyla Patton
Miranda Perkins
Leah Pruitt
Averie Puckett
Gage Ramm
Isaiah Reynolds
Keegan Roberts
Samantha Ryan
Jaylin Seal
Alexis Smith
Marissa Smith
Dalton Trotter
Logan Umbarger
Ryder Van Meenen
Viviene Vliet
Tessa Walker
Benjamin Wells

Sophomore Honor Roll

Samuel Albrecht
Andrew Bourland
Alec Bowlin
Willis Canamore
Nickolas Ditchfield
Justin Downs
Jackson Glasa
Morgan Huls
Garrett Loschen
Adam Marschke
Steven Newman
Tripp Palmer
Peighton Reim
Ava Smoot
Cameron Wagner
Cameron Wright
William Yeazel
Dalton York

Junior Honor Roll

Isabella Brooks
Shelby Campbell
Cade Crozier
Jeffrey Gossett
Coy Hayes
Justice Heidel
Bryson Houchens
Nick Jackson
Jordan Johnson
Malachy Kates
Kylan Kincaid
Taylor Maddock
Vance McComas
Ava Midkiff
Grace Preston
Graham Ray
Lance Retz
Ethan Sanders
Trevor Sexton
Landon Smith
Luke Tranel
Hunter Van Meenen
Emma Wells

Senior Honor Roll

Alex Acosta-Reyes
Rylie Barton
William Besson
Eli Birt
Miles Birt
Chaz Bowlin
Hayden Coffey
Joshua Courter
Aerolyn Davenport
Nolan Earley
Lyla Frerichs
Joe Griebat
Mason Guido
Brodie Harms
Tinley Ideus
Kendrick Johnson
Quincy Jones
Owen Knap
Aiden Krall
Logan Lackey
Madison Lankster
Logan Patton
Hailie Reifsteck
Sydney Reitmeier
Carson Sarnecki
Ava Seggebruch
Thea Smith
Carter Turner
Jackson Walsh
Isabelle Wiese
Alexis Wirth
Ava Worley
Merial Yeager

Here are the recipients from St. Joseph-Ogden's first quarter High Honor and Honor Roll.


Newest class of Illinois Hall of Fame football coaches announced

Monticello's Cully Welter looks for players to put in the game in the final minutes of the Sages' 2024 state title game against Montini. In addition to last year's Class 3A title game appearance, Welter, who was inducted in 2018, has led teams to IHSA state championships in 1998, 2001, 2002, and 2018 and state runner-up finishes in 2005 and 2006. He is only one of two Illinois high school football coaches to win state titles at two different schools. No area head coaches will be honored at this year's annual IHSFCA conference.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks


ROCHELLE - The Illinois High School Football Coaches Association announced its 2025 Hall of Fame class today. The honored coaches will be recognized on Saturday, March 29, at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign.

While no coaches from the Champaign-Urbana area made this year's selection, Leonard Sementi, a longtime assistant for the Tuscola Warriors, will receive an award at the luncheon.

In addition to serving as the football team's defensive coordinator for more than 30 years, Sementi was the school's head softball coach for 23 seasons. In August, he was hired as the head softball coach for the Parkland College Cobras.

Eighteen coaches, split into five categories — active, career, assistants, deceased, and retired — are scheduled to be inducted at the annual event. The coaches were chosen based on their contributions to the football coaching profession and the impact they made within their programs.

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased through the association's official website, ihsfca.com. Illinois Fighting Illini football coach Bret Bielema will be the keynote speaker for the noon luncheon.

Nominations for future Hall of Fame selections can be made at ihsfca.com.

Active
John Shadowens - Sessier-Vallier
Ray Kauling - Centralia

Career
Tom Bailey - Homewood-Flossmoor
Leonard Sementi - Tuscola
Lee Maciejewski - Glenbard West
Dan Groce - Chenoa
Neal Taylor - Springfield HS

Assistants
Michael Eudy - Anna-Jonesboro
Keith Laughary - Morris
Greg Segraves - Harrisburg
Thomas Lahey - Andrew
Terry Stanger - Woodstock Marian
Pat Beadle - Galena
James Huffman - Routt Catholic

Deceased
Tom Peterson - Minooka
Larry D. Caldieraro, Jr. - Staunton

Retired
Paul Bassler - Triad
Nick Flowers - Carrollton
Ray Eliot Award
Tim O’ Halloran - “Edgy Tim”



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