SNS - Next Monday evening at Dodds Park in Champaign, as the sun begins to dip over the trees, the names of two Illinois State Police troopers — Corey Thompsen and Todd Hanneken — will be spoken aloud. Their families will be there. So will fellow officers, union leaders, and members of the community. And for a few solemn minutes, the city will pause to remember not just two men, but two lives of service — and sacrifice.
Photo: PhotoNews/Clark Brooks
Corey, a long distance running specialist at St. Joseph-Ogden High School, runs in the 2014 SJO 5K after graduating months earlier. Thompson, who later became an Illinois State Police Officer, died while on duty during a traffic detail north of Urbana last October. He and another fallen officer will be honored in a ceremony at Dodds Park on Monday.
The Workers Memorial Day ceremony, hosted annually by the AFL-CIO of Champaign County and the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council, aims to spotlight those who lost their lives on the job. This year, Troopers Thompsen and Hanneken take center focus.
Thompsen, 28, was killed in October 2024 when his motorcycle was struck by a truck near Leverett Road, north of Champaign. He was wrapping up a traffic enforcement detail at the time. A St. Joseph native, Thompsen was known among colleagues for his drive and camaraderie. His loss shook the Illinois State Police to its core.
“This is a sad moment. We are hurting,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Corey’s family is hurting badly today. This is the first, and I hope the last, trooper who I personally administered the oath of an ISP officer to that I’ve lost in a line-of-duty death.”
Trooper Todd Hanneken, 45, died in 2021 when his patrol car left the road and crashed west of Champaign. He was a 20-year veteran of the force and a second-generation state trooper. Colleagues remember him not only for his dedication, but his warmth — the kind of officer who could calm a tense situation with just his presence. In 2018, Hanneken was awarded the ISP Medal of Honor for rescuing a man from a burning car.
He leaves behind a wife, Shelley, and two sons, Ben and Nick. Thompsen is survived by his wife Chelsea, his parents, and brothers.
“Both officers made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community,” said Matt Kelly, president of the local AFL-CIO. “We appreciate their bravery and selflessness and are eternally grateful for their service.”
The ceremony, set for 5 p.m. at Dodds Park, is one of hundreds being held nationwide. Workers Memorial Day began in the wake of the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act — a landmark law pushed through after years of labor advocacy. Its message was simple: Every worker deserves to come home.
But the fight isn’t over. In 2023 alone, more than 5,200 workers died from job-related injuries across the U.S. Thousands more face daily risks due to unsafe working conditions. Union leaders point to underfunded safety agencies and rollbacks in labor protections as major concerns.
In East Central Illinois, labor groups are reviving the memorial’s importance. The Building and Construction Trades Council recently took over stewardship of the Danville monument, working to ensure it remains a place for remembrance — and resolve.
Because for the people gathering Monday, remembrance is just part of it. The other part is a promise: that men like Corey Thompsen and Todd Hanneken are never forgotten — and that no job should cost a life.
Jesus was all powerful. He was God in the flesh. He could do anything.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Pope Francis’ complete name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He was born in 1936. He served as Pope for 12 years, from March 13, 2013, until his passing on April 21, 2025. He was elected on the second day of the 2013 papal conclave and chose his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.
During the recent Holy week all the way through Easter. He was doing what he loved to do, serve God and help others. Even on his last day he was doing what he could for God and others. What an amazing legacy. He will be remembered for doing all he could, when he could.
There is a story in the Bible about a woman named Mary who anointed Jesus with an expensive fragrance. Her name was Mary and she had a brother named Lazarus whom Jesus brought back to life after being dead for four days.
They had a get-together to celebrate Lazarus’ second chance at life and her sister Martha prepared the meal. A short time later Jesus would he arrested, put through a mock trial and crucified. After three days he would overcome death and leave the tomb. Women would gather to anoint Jesus on that Sunday but would be met by an angel who would announce, “He is not here, he is risen.” The women would not have the opportunity to anoint Jesus. He was gone.
Back to Mary, Martha and Lazarus. If Mary had not anointed Jesus when she did, Jesus would never have been anointed. He actually said, “She has anointed my body for the burial.” Jesus knew what was coming. Mary had a special sensitivity about her that caused her to react in a special way. She knew she needed to act immediately and anoint Jesus while he was at the table eating because it might be her only opportunity and it was.
Mary will be grateful down throughout eternity that she didn’t delay doing something very special for Jesus.
We live in a world of ill words, deeds, rudeness and evil. It’s all around us.
We can learn something from Mary. When we have an impression to say a kind word or do a good deed we should do so. So often we never know when seeing someone might be the only or the last time, we will see them. Expressing a kind word, an affirmation, a compliment or however you might want to anoint the person would be a good thing to do. So often we miss our brief opportunities to demonstrate kindness, appreciation and love.
This is appropriate at all levels of life. We are never too big, too great or too important to say thank you or offer kind words to others.
Jesus was all powerful. He was God in the flesh. He could do anything. But what did he do? He laid aside his outer garment, girded himself with a towel and washed the feet of his disciples. Our Lord of all, was a servant of all even unto his death on the cross.
We live in a world of ill words, deeds, rudeness and evil. It’s all around us. The worst thing we can do is to become like those who act this way. It’s not always easy to rise above. If I had been Jesus, I’m sure I would have commanded the ground to open up and for the fires of hell to have consumed the mob that put me on the cross. That’s why he was able to do what he did for us. He was without sin but bore our sins on the cross.
If we can, let’s do what we can, while we can. Just one life, will not forever last, our opportunities soon will pass.
Pope Francis surely knew his time was close at hand and wanted to use his time doing what he felt God had appointed him to do.
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.
With its presence already established in Illinois, Wynk is becoming a familiar name in a fast-evolving space of cannabis culture.
URBANA - As cannabis culture continues to gain ground across the United States, one brand is carving out its niche with a low-key, socially friendly twist. Wynk, a hemp-derived THC-infused seltzer brand, is expanding its distribution footprint once again, this time into Wisconsin, Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas. The move signals the brand’s growing influence in the alternative beverage market, particularly in regions new to cannabis-derived drinkables.
Photo courtesy Wynk/PR Newswire
With its presence already established in states like Georgia, Texas, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida, and Connecticut, Wynk is becoming a familiar name in a fast-evolving space. The brand’s core appeal lies in its approachability: low-dose THC, zero calories or sugar, and a flavor-forward lineup that includes Black Cherry Fizz, Lime Twist, Juicy Mango, and Tangerine.
Since the 2018 Farm Bill expanded the legality of hemp-derived products under certain THC thresholds, the market for these beverages has grown rapidly.
This latest regional rollout comes on the heels of key distribution partnerships. Wynk has aligned with Sarene in Kentucky, C&M Sales in Arkansas, United - Johnson Brothers in Alabama, and Beechwood Sales & Service in Wisconsin. These relationships are helping bring the product to grocery chains, liquor stores, and independent retailers alike.
In Kentucky, for example, Wynk is now stocked at well-known outlets like Total Wine and Liquor Barn, while Alabama consumers can find the brand at Piggly Wiggly. Arkansas residents are seeing the product pop up in cities such as Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Harrison. And in Wisconsin, Wynk becomes the first THC beverage in the Sheehan Family of Brands portfolio.
Part of Wynk’s appeal is rooted in science. Thanks to nano-emulsification technology, which breaks THC into particles that are absorbed faster by the body, consumers can feel the effects in as little as 10 minutes—offering a more predictable and palatable experience than traditional edibles. That consistency, coupled with social flexibility and the absence of alcohol, has helped drive demand.
Since the 2018 Farm Bill expanded the legality of hemp-derived products under certain THC thresholds, the market for these beverages has grown rapidly. Many brands have entered the space, but few have captured the blend of taste, control, and accessibility that Wynk seems to prioritize. Available locally at Binny’s Beverage Depot for $23.99 per 12-pack (with store card), the product represents a new frontier in casual, cannabis-adjacent consumption.
As more consumers seek alternatives to alcohol for social occasions or wellness reasons, Wynk’s growth reflects a broader shift in behavior—especially in communities where traditional cannabis use has been slower to gain mainstream traction. With this latest expansion, Wynk is placing a firm foothold in new territories and giving consumers more choices in how they unwind.
Danville’s memorial gets an update 54 years in the making: James Cooper's name joins others lost while serving others. On May 13, 1970, Cooper was shot and killed in his office at the Danville V.A. Hospital while speaking to his wife on the phone.
DANVILLE - Nearly 55 years after his death, a former Marine and Veterans Affairs hospital worker who was killed on the job will finally be recognized alongside others who died while serving their communities.
On Saturday morning, the name of 45-year-old James Cooper will be added to the Workers Memorial Day monument during a ceremony at 9 a.m. outside Kruger-Coan Funeral Home in Danville. Illinois State Sen. Paul Faraci is scheduled to speak at the event, which joins hundreds of similar Workers Memorial Day observances taking place nationwide.
Dale Cooper and his wife Kathryn at a social gathering
Photo provided
For Jeff Cooper, it’s a moment long overdue. His father’s name was mistakenly omitted from the memorial years ago, even though the circumstances of his death are as stark a reminder as any of the dangers workers can face, even in places presumed safe.
On May 13, 1970, James Cooper was shot and killed in his office at the Danville V.A. Hospital while speaking to his wife on the phone. A former patient walked in unprovoked and opened fire, also killing the hospital chaplain, Rev. Gerhard Leverenz, and laundry superintendent Bessie Mealer before taking his own life following a police chase. Both Leverenz and Mealer have long been memorialized at the Danville site. Cooper’s name will now finally join theirs.
“Mr. Cooper was an American hero who served our country overseas and continued to serve here at home,” said Kevin Sage, President of the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council. “His death was an absolute tragedy and adding his name to this memorial is something that is long overdue.”
James Cooper had devoted his postwar life to helping others, first in military service in the Pacific during World War II and later as Director of Volunteer Services at several VA hospitals. He had just moved to Danville with his wife and three sons the year before his death, hoping to be closer to family.
“Dad came from a humble background and believed in helping people, especially those in need,” Jeff Cooper said. “He was a wonderful father and husband.”
Jeff, now in his 60s, was only 13 when his father died. His older brother Steve was serving in the Navy at the time. The brothers still live nearby, and Jeff often passes the memorial where their father’s name will soon be etched.
In 2023, more than 5,200 workers died from on-the-job injuries in the United States, and an estimated 6,000 others suffer injuries or illnesses each day due to unsafe conditions.
The ceremony comes as part of a broader effort to renew attention to worker safety and the legacy of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which was signed into law on April 28, 1971. That law, won through years of labor activism, was intended to guarantee every worker a safe job.
Yet despite decades of progress, dangers persist. In 2023, more than 5,200 workers died from on-the-job injuries in the United States, and an estimated 6,000 others suffer injuries or illnesses each day due to unsafe conditions. Labor advocates point to chronic underfunding of job safety agencies and legislative threats to reduce protections as ongoing concerns.
In Danville, the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council recently assumed stewardship of the memorial after a period of inactivity. The group aims to restore the monument’s role as a place of remembrance and education — not only honoring lives lost, but urging continued vigilance in the fight for safer workplaces.
For those who gather Saturday, the event is not just about the past. It’s about a promise — that no sacrifice in service to others is forgotten, and that every worker deserves to come home safely.
URBANA - Urbana High School’s boys tennis team dropped its home match to visiting Morton on Tuesday at Blair Park, falling 8-1 in a nonconference contest. The lone win for the Tigers came courtesy of Samuel Sherwood at No. 3 singles.
Sherwood earned a straight-sets victory over Morton’s Max Roosa, winning 6-4, 6-2, to account for Urbana’s only point on the day. He later paired with Xander Ashley in a closely contested No. 1 doubles match, falling to Morton’s Ryan Klopfenstein and Joal Larson in a super tiebreaker, 1-6, 6-2, 13-11.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Urbana Sam Sherwood follows through on a shot while playing against Uni-High earlier this month. The junior walked away Wednesday's match against the Potters with a victory.
Morton swept the remaining singles and doubles matches, though Urbana pushed the Potters in several spots. At No. 2 singles, Karl Bonita took the first set before falling to Larson, 5-7, 6-2, 10-2. Zach Olson came within reach of a second team point at No. 5 singles, forcing a third-set tiebreak before ultimately dropping a 6-1, 1-6, 16-14 decision to Tate Darcy.
In doubles, Urbana’s No. 2 team of Theodore Nevins and Gus Rund lost 6-2, 6-4, while Olson and Kavi Patel came up short at No. 3 doubles in a tight first-set tiebreaker before falling 7-6 (1), 6-2.
Urbana is scheduled to return to the court today, facing St. Thomas More at the Atkins Tennis Center on the University of Illinois campus. First serve against the Sabers is slated for 4:30 p.m.
A new voting bill could make name changes a voting hurdle for many women. Illinois leaders are speaking out.
URBANA - A newly revived federal voting bill is drawing renewed scrutiny, especially in Illinois, where voting rights advocates warn it could create significant barriers to ballot access.
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which passed the U.S. House last week with unanimous Republican support and four Democratic votes, would require all voters to present proof of U.S. citizenship — such as a passport or birth certificate — when registering or updating their registration. The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate, though no vote has been scheduled.
This is not the first time the legislation has surfaced. A previous version passed the House during the last session of Congress but stalled in the then-Democratic-controlled Senate.
Proponents of the SAVE Act argue it is essential for protecting the integrity of elections by ensuring that only American citizens can cast ballots. However, critics see it as a thinly veiled attempt to suppress voter participation under the guise of security. The League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) delivered that message directly to lawmakers during a subject matter hearing before the Illinois House Ethics and Elections Committee on April 22 in Springfield.
Kathy Cortez, LWVIL’s Vice President for Issues and Advocacy, testified that the legislation risks disenfranchising large swaths of the voting population by introducing new hurdles that disproportionately affect low-income individuals, women, and others who may have difficulty assembling documentation.
No citizen should have to make the choice between meeting their basic needs and exercising the right to vote
“We believe every citizen should be protected in the right to vote, and that electoral systems should encourage participation and enhance representation for all voters,” Cortez said. “The League of Women Voters opposes the SAVE Act because, by imposing inequitable economic and administrative requirements, the bill would create unnecessary barriers to voting participation.”
A major point of concern raised during the hearing was the bill’s disproportionate impact on women. Cortez explained that because many women in Illinois changed their names after marriage, the SAVE Act would require them — and not men — to produce documentation of name changes through marriage, divorce, or remarriage in order to vote.
The League also highlighted the financial implications of the legislation. For many residents living paycheck to paycheck, obtaining official documents like certified birth certificates or divorce decrees could present a real hardship.
“No citizen should have to make the choice between meeting their basic needs and exercising the right to vote,” Cortez said. “We believe that even one individual losing their ability to vote because they could not afford to comply with the requirements of the SAVE Act is one voter too many.”
Despite their opposition to the measure, LWVIL expressed a willingness to support voters if the bill becomes law. With a statewide network and long-standing relationships with Illinois' 108 election authorities, the League says it is prepared to help residents navigate any new requirements.
As the debate continues, Illinois remains a microcosm of a broader national conversation — one that pits concerns over election integrity against the practical realities of access and participation.
PONTIAC - People everywhere are conquering their cabin fever and are enjoying the great outdoors after a long, bitter winter. But before you head out for that hike, health care experts remind you to take precautions to avoid tick bites. Read more . . .
CHICAGO - An Illinois law professor is weighing in on what she called a "very public and open test of due process" for immigrants being deported from the United States without court hearings. Read more . . .
CHAMPAIGN - In a show of solidarity against President Donald Trump's trade and immigration policies, which critics say are harming families and retirement savings, more than a thousand protesters gathered Saturday at West Park near downtown Champaign for the Hands-Off! Mobilization rally. Read more . . .
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