Photo of the Day | Hardy hurdles to fifth place at state

Central hurdle specialist finishes in the top five at IHSA state meet.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Charleston - Central's William Hardy clears a hurdle while running in the 110m hurdles finals at the 2026 IHSA Boys Track & Field State Finals. Hardy, a senior who will continue his athletic career at Wisconsin-Oshkosh, finished 5th in the race and improved personal record to 14 seconds, flat, in the event. Hardy also qualified for the 300m hurdles, setting a new PR at 37.36 on Friday. A day later, he finished 5th in the finals with a time of 37.72. The senior was the first Maroon to score points for Central at a state track event since the school moved up to the 3A division.

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Past Photos of the Day

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TAGS: Photo of the Day for June 8, Central Maroons track & field, Central senior William Hardy, Hardy finishes fifth in 110 and 300m hurdles at state, Will Hardy competes at state track meet in two events

Hoggard, Henry and Huchel to represent area in Illinois Shrine Game

Three area football standouts will represent their schools and communities in the 52nd Annual Illinois High School Shrine Game, a statewide all-star event benefiting Shriners Children's hospitals.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Wide receiver Tre Hoggard tries to shed a Central Catholic tackler while carrying the ball during last fall's regular season conference game. Hoggard was one of the Rockets' key threats on both offense and defense.

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by Sentinel News Service
OurSentinel.com

BLOOMINGTON - Three area football standouts will take the field one final time as high school athletes later this month when they participate in the 52nd Annual Illinois High School Shrine Game at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Unity wide receiver Tre Hoggard, Villa Grove defensive back Aidan Henry and Oakwood defensive back Tyler Huchel have been selected to represent the area in one of Illinois' most respected all-star football traditions. All three players will suit up for the Red Team in the game scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at Tucci Stadium in Bloomington.

Kickoff is set for 11 a.m., with pregame festivities beginning an hour earlier.

The annual Shrine Game brings together many of the state's top graduating football players while raising funds and awareness for Shriners Children's hospitals in Chicago and St. Louis. This year's roster includes 97 standout athletes from across Illinois.

For the players, the event offers one last opportunity to compete alongside and against some of the state's best talent while representing their schools and communities. For organizers, the game remains focused on a mission that extends well beyond the football field.

The Illinois High School Shrine Game serves as a fundraiser for Shriners Children's, a network of hospitals and outpatient facilities that provides specialized pediatric care regardless of a family's ability to pay or insurance status. The healthcare system treats children facing orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate, and other complex medical needs.

Last year's game generated nearly $16,000, with every dollar directed toward patient care programs.

"The mission of the Illinois High School Shrine Game is to provide a memorable experience for players, families, Shriners and Shrine Kids while raising awareness and support for the life-changing care provided by Shriners Children's," organizers said.

The event has become one of Illinois high school football's longest-running traditions. Now entering its 52nd year, the game is jointly presented by the Illinois Coaches Association and the Shriners of Illinois.

This year's banquet speaker will be veteran coach Barry Creviston, who recently completed his 33rd season on the sidelines. Throughout his coaching career, Creviston had the opportunity to coach alongside three of his sons, all of whom participated in the Illinois High School Shrine Game.

Fans wishing to attend can purchase tickets for $12 at the gate. Complete team rosters and additional event information are available through the Illinois High School Shrine Game website.

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TAGS: Illinois High School Shrine Game 2026 roster, Tre Hoggard Unity football Shrine Game, Aidan Henry Villa Grove all-star football, Tyler Huchel Oakwood football Shrine Game, Illinois football all-star game benefiting Shriners Children's

Viewpoint | Summer is here; enjoy it while you can.

The nice long days of summer are now here. Don’t miss this glorious season. Do what you can do. Next summer? There is not guarantee you'll see it.

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by Glenn Mollette
Guest Columnist

Glenn Mollette

Summer arrives slowly and disappears quickly. This all depends on where you live of course. If you are in Southern Florida, Texas, Arizona or California then warm and very hot days are almost always a part of life. For those of us a little further north, we know about long winters and the wet chilly months of April and early May. The anticipation of summer is exciting and very welcome.

Sadly, it only takes about two or three really hot days for folks to start growling and complaining about the hot weather. In these parts, we really only have two seasons, very cold weather and very hot weather. We will have a few days of Spring and sometimes two or three weeks of nice Fall weather, but that’s about it. After that, it’s time for heavy coats or shorts and tank tops.

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Most Americans have spent a lot of time this year watching television or staring at their computers.

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Summer is finally here and typically hot for the next three to four months. Let’s enjoy the season. Remember that big snowfall just a few months ago? You couldn’t get out of the house some days because it was dangerous. You can go outside now. On hot days just go early. Go walking, to the grocery store or whatever outside activity you choose.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a risk especially when mowing grass, playing sports, or gardening. Take time to cool down and hydrate. Every summer brings tragic news of football players dying during summer camp due to the heat. Coaches and schools must utilize all cautions to take care of their athletes. Parents must speak up about practices on extremely hot days. You have a voice. Speak up and let the coach know it’s seriously too hot for practice.

Reacquaint yourself with neighbors and friends. Take time to visit with those who have been inside most of the year. Take walks and slow down enough to engage in a conversation.

Most Americans have spent a lot of time this year watching television or staring at their computers. You can do this when November rolls back around. Utilize this time to be outside as much as possible. Wash your car, mow grass, plant flowers, play sports, swim, take long drives or visit state parks. Most anything outside will do.

The nice long days of summer are now here. When December comes back it will be dark by 5:30 p.m. and even 4:30 p.m. for most of the country. Currently it’s staying daylight until 8:00, 9:00 or even later. Soak in every minute of doing safe outside activities. When I was a child we would shoot basketball until 9:00 or 9:30 in the evening. We swam, camped out and played outside as much as possible. Those were great days and they were rarely boring. Today, many Americans have a hundred different television stations, movie channels and numerous social media accounts and still end up depressed.

It's summertime. Don’t miss this glorious season. Do what you can do, all you can do and do it when you can...which is now. You don’t have the guarantee of next summer. We have this summer. Let’s enjoy this season to the max.

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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.

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TAGS: Columnist Glenn Mollette recommends enjoying your summer, hang out with friends and neighbors, avoid dehydration and the effects of hot weather

Despite education challenges, Illiniois ranks among the top states for child well-being

Photo: RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

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Illinois ranks among the nation’s stronger states for child well-being, according to the 2026 Kids Count Data Book, but declines in literacy, math achievement and youth health indicators remain a concern.

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by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

Illinois is doing better than most states in supporting youth well-being, according to a new report, but local leaders said declines in education and health outcomes still demand attention.

The 2026 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation looked at how children and families are faring across four areas. Illinois’ strongest rankings are in education and health but academic outcomes remain worse than pre-pandemic levels.

Loukisha Pennix, chief youth and family potential officer for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, said the state has seen a sharp decline in fourth grade reading levels, with 70% not proficient in reading.

“Our children need us making sure that we're reading to them,” Pennix urged. “Screen time is hurting our children, and we need to support them more in the area of literacy.”

Illinois saw improvements in factors related to economic well-being, family and community but child and teen death rates are increasing across the state, which Pennix said has become a major public health concern. Overall, the state fared worse on this year’s report compared with last year.

More young children ages 3 and 4 are not in school in Illinois, and the number of eighth graders proficient in math has also decreased.

A new scoring system this year shows whether policies and public investment are actually improving children’s lives. Pennix stressed investments in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid and Head Start are critical and have ripple effects on children’s health, education and economic security.

“When we provide for the community at large, the ones that are the youngest among us benefit the most,” Pennix emphasized. “Access to care and education, to health and nutritional services, it helps to ensure that our communities are thriving and not just surviving.”

As the federal government implements new eligibility restrictions for safety net programs, funds for people affected by SNAP cuts were included in the recently passed state budget. Under a new program, eligible residents would receive a one-time $400 payment. It is scheduled to last one year.

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TAGS: Illinois child well-being, Kids Count report, youth education, literacy rates, child health outcomes

Legacy remembered: Spartans win 2006 state softball title

EAST PEORIA - Twenty years ago this past weekend, the St. Joseph-Ogden softball team captured the first state championship in program history.

The Spartans earned their spot in the title game with a thrilling one-run victory over Westmont, then claimed the championship with another nail-biter against Casey-Westfield. The game's lone run came in the fourth inning when Sarah Thompson scored on a single by fellow senior Jessica Redden.

As St. Joseph-Ogden celebrates the 20th anniversary of that historic achievement, take a look back at photos, memorable moments and exciting slideshow from the Spartans' state-title run, preserved in the PhotoNews Media image archives.

Members of the championship team included Dana Peters, Stacy Ferguson, Morgan Brown, Aubry Welch, Emily Benting, Sarah Thompson*, Taylor Freeman, Abby Williams*, Jessica Redden, Stacy Buck, Morgan Finn, Brittany Morgan, Lindsey Barron, Ashley Runck, and Rachael Jannusch. The Spartans were led by coaching legend Randy Wolken. He was assisted by Bob Biehl, Leonard Winchester, and Meredith Anders.

~ Slideshow ~

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~ Photo Gallery ~

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Sarah Thompson starts her swing at a pitch from Westmont's Michelle Hletko in their Class 1A state semifinal game at Eastside Centre. The Spartans won the opener 1-0, knocking off the #2-ranked team in the state. Thompson secured one hit in her three appearances at the plate. The senior collected 47 hits and scored 26 times in the 36 games she played in the 2005-06 season.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Taylor Freeman takes a swing at a Westmont pitch. Freeman, who played at shortstop, struck out once and earned a walk on second trip to the plate. Heading into the state finals, the junior led the team with 57 hits and scored 31 times during the season.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Nearly 200 St. Joseph-Ogden students and parents traveled to Eastside Centre to support the softball team's quest for the program's first state title. Later, the Spartan nation was not disappointed. [Left to right] Ryan Bensyl, Nick Krisman, Mark Gones, and Jesse Grice St. are all juniors at Joseph-Ogden ham it up between innings from their hilltop seats.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Jessica Redden and the 2006 Spartan softball team celebrate their 1-0 semifinal victory over Westmont. SJO scored one run on three hits to punch their ticket into the Class 1A title game against #1-ranked Casey-Westfield.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Taylor Freeman fields a ball while a Westmont baserunner attempts to take third base.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Spartans' Brittany Morgan swings at Westmont pitch. The junior smacked the ball for a single that drove in the game-winning run in the first inning courtesy of teammate Abby William.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Emily Benting flashes a smile at the chants from her dugout while waiting for her next pitch from Westmont pitcher Michelle Hletko.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

(left-right) Stacy Buck, Ashley Runck, Morgan Brown and Brittany Morgan sing the school song with St. Joseph-Ogden fans and spectators after the team's 1-0 state semifinal victory on June 3, 2006.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph resident and mother of outfielder Sarah Thompson cheers on the Spartans during their semi-final game against Westmont. St. Joseph-Ogden advanced to the championship game at 7 p.m. to face Casey-Westfield for the Class A softball title after 1-0 win over the Sentenials. Earlier in the season, the #1 ranked Warriors defeated SJO 1-0 and 7-3.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

SJO catcher Brittany Morgan tosses the ball back to the pitcher late in the game. Earlier in the game, Morgan, who led the team with three home runs during the season, drove in the game winning run on a single.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Spartans' Taylor Freeman taps a teammates hands during team introductions before the start of the Class 1A state title game against Casey-Westfield. Heading into the state finals, Freeman led the team with 57 hits in her 117 appearances at the plate.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Ashley Runck tries to make a catch during pre-game warm-up before SJO's title game against Casey-Westfield.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Stacy Ferguson tries to tag out a Casey-Westfield baserunner early in her team state title game against the Warriors.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Brittany Morgan blocks a bad pitch. The senior collected one of SJO's six hits against Casey-Westfield.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Stacy Buck puts the ball in play. Heading into the title game, she supplied SJO with more than 45 hits during the season and delivered six doubles, a triple and three home runs. Buck added another hit in the title game to her season stats.

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More photos coming soon! Check back again in two days.