State Rep to hold satellite office hours for St. Joseph, stops in Vermilion County also set

ST. JOSEPH - State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) is ready to hear from his constituents. Earlier this week, Niemerg announced "Satellite Office Hours" for St. Joseph, Homer, Fairmount and Georgetown on Tuesday, June 10.

This popular program provides opportunities for constituents to meet with legislative staff to receive help and discuss state issues and concerns.

Niemerg, who champions homeschool freedom, protecting the Second Amendment and retaining the state’s original flag, will spend an hour at the St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library.

“My satellite office hours provide convenient locations for constituents to get help closer to their home without having to travel to my district office,” said Niemerg. “My legislative staff will be on hand to meet with constituents to help with state programs and concerns.”

Residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment but can stop by if they have a last-minute issue or concern. Constituents may contact Niemerg’s office at (217) 712-2126 or visit RepNiemerg.com.

Mobile satellite office hours

9:30 to 10:30 AM
St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library
201 N. Third Street, St. Joseph

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Homer Village Hall
500 E. Second Street, Homer

12:30 to 1:30 PM
Fairmount Fire Station
403 S. High Street, Fairmount

2:30 to 3:30 PM
Georgetown Senior Center
102 W. West Street, Georgetown

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OSF to merge Urbana, Danville hospitals in overhaul for 2026

URBANA - OSF HealthCare announced a major transformation in its east central Illinois operations Tuesday, revealing plans to merge two regional hospitals into a single entity with dual campuses.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026—pending state approval—OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana and OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville will unite under a new model aimed at streamlining services and expanding behavioral health care. The Urbana campus will take the lead in delivering inpatient behavioral health services, while continuing to offer emergency care, inpatient beds, diagnostics, lab work, and additional clinic services.

OSF Hospital Sign
Photo provided
The decision comes after months of analysis and community feedback, as OSF leadership worked to identify solutions to long-standing challenges such as provider shortages, declining inpatient use, and financial strain. Officials say aligning operations between the two hospitals will eliminate service duplication and make better use of existing resources.

“This change allows us to address critical gaps in care and build a stronger, more sustainable health care system for the region,” OSF said in a public statement.

The transition is expected to bring expanded mental health offerings to Urbana, including programs for young adults, patients with co-occurring medical and psychiatric needs, and seniors requiring geriatric psychiatric care—services the organization says have been in short supply locally.

OSF acquired both hospitals in 2018 and has since invested heavily in infrastructure and community-based services. However, hospital leaders acknowledged that staffing losses and reduced inpatient demand required a rethinking of their care delivery model.

Staff affected by the transition will receive individual support, with OSF pledging to help Mission Partners—its term for employees—explore more than 170 open positions locally, in addition to opportunities throughout its broader network.

OSF emphasized that continuity of patient care remains a top priority throughout the merger process. Patients and care teams will be guided through any transitions, ensuring communication and support at every stage.

The planned merger awaits approval by the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board later this year.

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Microplastics: Why you should worry about in our food supply?

Dr. Ovadia says microplastics may have negative effects on testosterone in men and estrogen and progesterone in women. This could mean reduced muscle mass and libido for men.

A turtle sits on a pile of trash on the beach
Photo: Pete Linforth from Pixabay

A turtle makes his way over a mound of decaying plastic bottles on a beach. The byproduct from the decay are called microplastics or nanoplastics, which are incredibly small pieces of plastic that can get into our body. Scientists don’t fully understand microplastics’ impact on the human body. A lot of research is needed to determine the negative impact on our health.

by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

URBANA - From news reports to social media blurbs to medical studies, they’ve been in the public eye a lot lately. And experts say that likely won’t change.

We’re talking about microplastics or nanoplastics, incredibly small pieces of plastic that can get into our body.

OSF Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Philip Ovadia
Photo provided

Philip Ovadia, MD
So, how concerned should we be? Philip Ovadia, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at OSF HealthCare, says this issue will continue to be studied for years. But there are things you can do now to optimize your health and reduce your risk of problems.

“We’re increasing our understanding of the toxins in our environment. Our environment has become more toxic, and that’s a challenge to our health,” Dr. Ovadia says. “The best thing for people to do is to control what you can control. What are you eating? What are you using on your body? What is your lifestyle like? How active are you?”

Where do microplastics come from? What harm can they do?

Dr. Ovadia says microplastics can be purposefully manufactured as part of a product. Toothpaste and skin exfoliants are examples. Or, microplastics can occur when larger plastic products, like water bottles, break down. The microplastics can then get into our environment, such as ocean water or our foods and drinks.

“There’s even some evidence that these things can spread in the air, and we can breathe them in,” Dr. Ovadia adds.

Dr. Ovadia points to three areas where ingesting microplastics could be cause for concern.

  • Intestines: Dr. Ovadia says microplastics can irritate our intestines, leading to inflammation of tissue and a condition called leaky gut.

    “That’s when we get a breakdown of the barrier that lines our intestines. That allows some things in our food that aren’t supposed to get across into our bloodstream to get into the bloodstream. Many of these things set off inflammation in the body,” Dr. Ovadia says.

  • Endocrine system: Dr. Ovadia says microplastics may have negative effects on testosterone in men and estrogen and progesterone in women. This could mean reduced muscle mass and libido for men. For women, it could mean changes in the menstrual cycle, an increased infertility risk and, for young women, earlier start of puberty.
  • Blood vessels: Dr. Ovadia points to a 2024 study where experts looked at plaque removed from the carotid artery (located in the neck) of study participants.

    “For over half of the people, there was evidence of microplastics in those plaques. Furthermore for the people who had those microplastics, over the next three years they had a four-and-a-half times increased risk for a heart attack, a stroke or dying,” Dr. Ovadia says.

    “It doesn’t prove that the plastics are causing the problems,” Dr. Ovadia adds. “But it’s certainly concerning data. And I, as a heart surgeon, start to worry. If we see these in plaques in arteries in the neck, are they also in the plaques in arteries of the heart patients I operate on?”

Warming up food in a microwave
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Heating food in certain types of plastic containers can be harmful due to the leaching of chemicals into the food. Microwaving food in plastic, especially those not specifically labeled as microwave-safe, can cause chemicals from the plastic to transfer to the food

What should I do?

So, do we need to panic about microplastics? Should the health concerns be akin to smoking?

Not now, Dr. Ovadia says. He reiterates that studies on this topic are in the early stages, and experts don’t fully understand microplastics’ impact on our health.

“It’s an unknown risk at this point,” he says.

But, there are small, everyday steps you can take to reduce the risk of microplastics entering your body.

  • Drink from a glass or stainless steel bottle, not a plastic bottle.
  • Use a good water filtration system. That could be built into your home’s water supply, or you could purchase a filter to attach to your faucet or water bottle.
  • Make food choices that minimize your exposure to plastic wraps and containers. Think the to-go boxes you get at a restaurant. Instead, eat more fresh, non-packaged food. Find these in the outer aisles of the grocery store.
  • “Eat the things that grow in the ground, and eat the things that eat the things that grow in the ground,” Dr. Ovadia says with a smile. “That’s how I always explain it to people. Try eating more whole, real food. That will minimize your exposure to microplastics.”
  • Look into the cosmetics and toiletries you use. Dr. Ovadia admits the jargon on a label can be difficult to understand. Instead, research the brands themselves. If, for example, a toothpaste brand is pledging to reduce microplastics in their products, it’s a green flag.

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Guest Commentary |
Bitcoin King: From luxury townhome to jail


by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


Would a million dollars make you happy? Would you be satisfied knowing you could eat well and do whatever you wanted? A million dollars isn’t what it used to be, but it’s still a huge sum of money. You could earn about $40,000 a year in interest. But wait—what if you had $100 million? You would be one of the richest people in the world! Can your mind even comprehend having that much money? Would you be satisfied? What about $100 million in bitcoin?

Apparently, it wasn’t enough for John Woeltz of Paducah, Kentucky, known as the “Crypto King of Kentucky.” He wanted \$30 million more in bitcoin—even if it meant stealing it from an acquaintance.

Woeltz and his business partner, William Duplessie, are accused of holding a man from Italy hostage for 17 days. They are alleged to have beaten him, cut him with a chainsaw, dangled him over a staircase, and kept him bound, among other torturous acts.

The victim reportedly owns $30 million in bitcoin, while Woeltz is said to control over $100 million in the cryptocurrency.

According to reports, Woeltz and Duplessie lured the Italian man to the U.S. under the pretense of a bitcoin trading deal, which turned out to be a setup for an attempted robbery. The pair wanted access to the man’s bitcoin password.

Eventually, the man reportedly gave Woeltz the password. When Woeltz left briefly to retrieve his laptop, the victim seized the opportunity and bolted out the door, seeking help from a New York City traffic officer walking down the street.

Woeltz and Duplessie now face the possibility of spending years in prison, paying millions in legal fees, and being sued by the victim—who could ultimately gain a significant portion of their wealth.

The bottom line: Be satisfied with what you have. Don’t covet what belongs to someone else. Trying to obtain another person’s money or property through illegal or immoral means only leads to painful consequences.

Evil never stops at level one or two—it always pushes further into debasement and depravity. A person who starts out stealing pennies may eventually steal dollars, doing whatever it takes to satisfy their growing thirst for more.

Many serial killers began with what seemed like minor crimes, but their actions escalated into hurting people, eventually developing into a thirst for murder.

Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a lifestyle. Sow a lifestyle, reap a destiny.

News sources report that Woeltz owns a jet and a helicopter. He was renting a six-floor luxury townhome in New York City for $30,000 a month—the site of the alleged kidnapping. Today, he and Duplessie sit in a New York City jail.

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.


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Updated: Urbana to host two 'NO KINGS' protests on June 14

Urbana will host a "NO KINGS" on June 14, part of a national day of protest against authoritarianism. Organizers say the protests aim to defend democratic values on Flag Day.


Editor's Note: We just learned there will be only one rally on June 14 in Urbana, starting at 4pm. Originally, this story, as left intact below, noted there would be two separate protests.

There's only one No Kings protest in Urbana on June 14


URBANA - Two “NO KINGS” rallies are planned in Urbana on June 14, Flag Day, as part of a nationwide protest timed to coincide with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.

United States flag
Photo: Vivien/Pixabay
The first rally will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Meadowbrook Park, 2808 S. Race St., and is one of more than a dozen events scheduled in downstate Illinois to denounce what organizers describe as a growing threat of authoritarianism in American politics.

“In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings,” reads the event description. “NO KINGS is a national day of action in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies.”

The day of action continues from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Champaign County Courthouse in downtown Urbana. That protest is organized by Champaign County Indivisible, 50501 Illinois, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation - Central Illinois. Organizers are encouraging participants to bring signs, water, and a shared commitment to democratic values.

“Bring a desire to maintain our democracy,” reads the event post. “We already fought one war to oust a king. The United States does NOT HAVE A KING!!”

After the courthouse protest, a free community dinner will be served at 6 p.m. at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center in Lincoln Square Mall, sponsored by the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

June 14 holds multiple historical ties. It is officially recognized as Flag Day in the United States, commemorating the adoption of the national flag in 1777. The date also marks the death of Revolutionary War traitor Benedict Arnold, 224 years ago. Despite President Trump’s participation in Army birthday celebrations in Washington, which will include a parade and fireworks, the Army told Reuters it has no official plans to recognize the president’s birthday during the observance.

No Kings!!! rally graphic
Organizers of the NO KINGS events say they are responding to what they view as attacks on free speech, judicial independence, and democratic institutions. The coordinated rallies seek to affirm public opposition to executive overreach and political repression.

Here is a list of additional NO KINGS protest in downstate:

  • NO KINGS Quad Cities IL/IA
    Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St, Rock Island, IL
    June 14, 1 PM - 3 PM CDT
    Hosted by Indivisible QC https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/790829/

  • NO KINGS Macomb, Illinois
    Macomb, IL
    June 14
    Volunteer organized https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/786088/

  • NO KINGS Ottawa, IL
    Ottawa, IL
    June 14
    Volunteer organized https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/790175/

  • NO KINGS Yorkville
    North Bridge Street N Bridge St, Yorkville, IL
    June 14 11AM – 3PM
    Volunteer organized https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/792577/

  • NO KINGS Springfield, IL
    401 S 2nd St, Springfield, IL
    June 14 11AM – 3PM
    Volunteer organized https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/792965/

  • NO KINGS Bloomington, IL
    600 N East St, Bloomington, IL
    June 14 12PM – 1PM
    Volunteer organized https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/793601/

  • NO KINGS Ogle County
    Ogle County Circuit Clerk, 106 S 5th St, Oregon, IL
    June 14, 3 PM - 5 PM CDT
    Volunteer organized https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/791484/

  • NO KINGS MASS PROTEST: ST LOUIS MARCH for DEMOCRACY
    Kiener Plaza, Downtown St. Louis, MO
    June 14, 2 PM - 5 PM CDT
    Hosted by 50501 and Show Me Action https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/793460/

  • NO KINGS - South County St. Louis
    Intersection of S. Lindbergh and Baptist Church, 5330 S Lindbergh Blvd, Sappington, MO
    June 14, 11 AM - 1 PM CDT
    Volunteer organized https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/784867/

  • NO KINGS : Southern Illinois
    Carbondale Civic Center, 200 N Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL
    June 14, 1 PM - 3 PM CDT
    Volunteer organized https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/787389/

  • NO KINGS Cape Girardeau
    Cape Girardeau, MO
    June 14
    Volunteer organized https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/786583/

  • NO KINGS Macoupin County Courthouse - Carlinville, IL
    Macoupin County Courthouse, 201 E Main St, Carlinville, IL 62626
    June 14 2PM – 4PM
    Volunteer organized https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/793360/

  • NO KINGS Belleville, IL
    Downtown Belleville around the Square Fountain, 10 Public Square,
    Belleville, IL 62220
    June 14 2PM – 4PM
    Volunteer organized https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/789609/

  • Alton People's United Lovejoy Monument, 1205 E 5th St, Alton, IL 62002
    June 14 10AM – 12PM
    Volunteer organized https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/791555/

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