Friday Night Forecast |
Week 3 Illini Prairie Conference football predictions

SJO fullback Ike Shelato runs the ball against visiting Prairie Central

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Ike Shelato carries the ball past Prairie Central's Collin Kilgus and Spencer Ray during the season opener two weeks ago. Shelato and the undefeated Spartans host Illinois Valley Central on Friday at Dick Duval Field. Prairie Central hosts St. Teresa in a non-conference meeting, hoping to pick up their second win of the season. See this week's Friday Night Forecast below for teams favored to win their Week 3 contests.

	Coltrane	Best Look Magazine	Frank
Unity vs Central Catholic	Unity 27-21	Unity 35-30	Bloomington Central Catholic 27-14

St. Joseph-Ogden vs Illinois Valley Central	St. Joseph-Ogden 58-14	St. Joseph-Ogden 42-14	St. Joseph-Ogden 52-6

St. Teresa vs Prairie Central	St. Teresa 28-12	St. Teresa 38-14	St. Teresa 42-8

Monticello vs Rantoul	Monticello 28-8	Monticello 35-12	Monticello 35-14

Pontiac vs Paxton-Buckley-Loda	Pontiac 20-14	Pontiac 24-14	Paxton-Buckley-Loda 28-21
Game Notes	Which of the four winless teams has the best chance of picking up a win this Friday? Pontiac. I think Pontiac lost a tough game to FPC so I just have a good feeling.	Which of the four winless teams has the best chance of picking up a win this Friday? Pontiac. Their matchup this week is more closely matched than the other three matchups.	BCC, SJO, Monticello: Who will get their third win this week? SJO. Their offense will be too much for IVC to stop.

	Bement Bulldogs	avwoody	doublej
Unity vs Central Catholic	Bloomington Central Catholic 35-21	Bloomington Central Catholic 35-16	Unity 28-21

St. Joseph-Ogden vs Illinois Valley Central	St. Joseph-Ogden 44-13	St. Joseph-Ogden 41-7	St. Joseph-Ogden 41-6

St. Teresa vs Prairie Central	Prairie Central 20-12	St. Teresa 21-20	St. Teresa 21-14

Monticello vs Rantoul	Monticello 48-6	Monticello 41-0	Monticello 42-0

Pontiac vs Paxton-Buckley-Loda	Pontiac 28-12	Pontiac 21-20	Paxton-Buckley-Loda 18-12
Game Notes	BCC, SJO, Monticello: Who will get their third win this week? All 3 will pick up their 3rd win. Monticello and SJO for sure, BCC tougher test but at home.	BCC, SJO, Monticello: Who will get their third win this week? Monticello because they have much better talent and coaching than Rantoul.	Which of the four winless teams has the best chance of picking up a win this Friday? PBL wins this week. They're too good to not get a W soon. SJO wins easily this week..... running clock.

	Sagesrunner	The Sentinel
Unity vs Central Catholic	Bloomington Central Catholic 40-20	Unity 28-21

St. Joseph-Ogden vs Illinois Valley Central	St. Joseph-Ogden 51-8	St. Joseph-Ogden 56-12

St. Teresa vs Prairie Central	Prairie Central 21-14	Prairie Central 28-23

Monticello vs Rantoul	Monticello 32-8	Monticello 42-14

Pontiac vs Paxton-Buckley-Loda	Paxton-Buckley-Loda 21-14	Pontiac 21-14
Game Notes	Which of the four winless teams has the best chance of picking up a win this Friday? PBL - 1st Win.	BCC, SJO, Monticello: Who will get their third win this week? Expect Monticello and SJO to win big. BCC has home field advantage, definitely a factor, but Unity still comes out on top.

Friday Night Forecast Leaderboard

1. Sentinel 9-1
1. Frank 9-1
1. DoubleJ 9-1
4. Coltrane 8-2
4. Best Look Magazine 8-2
4. SCOTTY P 8-2
7. Sagesrunner 5-0
7. Bement Bulldogs 5-0
7. Steve 5-0

Week 1 Predictions • Week 2 Predictions • Week 3 Predictions

Viewpoint |
Dolly Parton’s legacy is full of compassion, not cruelty

Dolly Parton’s legacy extends far beyond music and movies. Melissa Dimondstein argues that Parton’s generosity, compassion and commitment to inclusion stand in sharp contrast to the politics and policies of President Donald Trump.

Photo: Matt Benson/Unsplash

by Melissa Dimondstein
OtherWords

I’ve been a fan of Dolly Parton since her terrific 1980 movie (and hit song) 9-5, on the struggle of working women organizing for dignity and respect — and against sexual harassment. Along with millions of others, I’m saddened by the Queen of Country’s passing.

But I’m miffed about people who opposed what Dolly stood for now trying to claim her legacy as their own.

For instance, President Trump has claimed that Parton was a supporter of his, even sharing a fake AI photo of the two of them together. Dolly’s sister Stella set the record straight, calling Trump’s behavior “deranged, ugly, and nasty.”

In life Dolly Parton was the opposite of Donald Trump. She was compassionate, humble, generous, humorous (including poking fun at herself), and accepting of people from all walks of life.

Dolly Parton donated millions to medical research, including to children’s hospitals, cancer research, and the COVID vaccine.

Dolly Parton turned down the presidential medal of freedom three times, saying she didn’t deserve it. Trump brags of his own self-importance, flies giant self-portraits from federal buildings, places his picture in passports, demands the Nobel peace prize, renamed the Kennedy Center after himself, and declares he is a genius.

As a tribute to her hard-working sharecropping father who never had the opportunity to learn to read, Dolly Parton created and funded the Imagination Library, providing hundreds of millions of books to young children — my grandchildren included. President Trump, who never lacked financial opportunity, is now pushing to slash funding for education, libraries, and literacy.

Dolly Parton embraced Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI.) She was supportive of the LGBTQ community, expressed support for Black Lives Matter, and uplifted those with disabilities. Trump has attacked DEI as “woke” and un-American, ridiculed the trans community, mocked people with disabilities, and labeled Black Lives Matter protesters as domestic terrorists.

Dolly Parton appeared with PBS’s Sesame Street characters to promote values of inclusivity and equality among children. Trump defunded PBS and Sesame Street, declaring them “radical left monsters.”

I don’t have to agree with everything Dolly Parton did or didn’t do over the decades ...

Dolly Parton celebrated women workers and was a proud union member for over 60 years. Trump crushed the union rights of over 1 million federal workers, paid millions in a lawsuit for sexual abuse, and carries on with the massive cover-up of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking.

Dolly Parton donated millions to medical research, including to children’s hospitals, cancer research, and the COVID vaccine. Trump threatens the existence of rural hospitals with cuts to Medicaid, slashed federal funding for medical research, and eliminated the agency overseeing patient safety.

Dolly Parton donated substantial relief funds to those in her Tennessee Appalachian region whose property and lives were shattered by natural disasters. The Trump administration has undermined, delayed, and politicized disaster relief.

Dolly Parton had empathy toward the homeless and was known to give the “shawl off her back” to those in need. Donald Trump criminalizes the homeless and sent thousands of National Guard troops to rid D.C. of its homeless population.

Dolly Parton empathized with the plight of migrant workers. She loved John Steinbeck’s famous book The Grapes of Wrath and covered Woody Guthrie’s song “Deportee.” Trump demonizes hardworking immigrants as rapists and criminals and has unleashed an army of violent masked ICE agents to terrorize our neighbors and communities.

I don’t have to agree with everything Dolly Parton did or didn’t do over the decades to recognize that she was a generous soul. She never forgot where she came from and acted on her religious beliefs of “Love your Neighbor” and “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Donald Trump hoards his riches and uses the power of the presidency to enrich himself, his family, and oligarch cronies to the tune of billions.

The best way to honor Dolly Parton’s legacy is to counter Trump’s cruel inhumanity with generosity, kindness, compassion, respect, and unity. And while we are celebrating her life, sit back with family and friends (as I have done) and watch, or rewatch, 9-5. You will laugh, cry, and applaud!

Melissa Dimondstein is a retired postal worker, a community leader and former activist in the American Postal Workers Union, and a proud grandmother of three. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.

What do you think?
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TAGS: Dolly Parton legacy and Donald Trump, Melissa Dimondstein Dolly Parton opinion, Dolly Parton compassion generosity and inclusion, Dolly Parton Imagination Library legacy, Dolly Parton 9-5 working women legacy

Fall tree planting: Expert tips for growing a healthier landscape

Cooler temperatures and autumn rains can give newly planted trees an opportunity to establish their roots before winter. Experts offer six tips to help homeowners give fall-planted trees a strong start.

Couple prepares to plant several trees on their property

Photo provided Feature Impact

Choosing the right species, planting at the proper depth and providing consistent moisture are among the keys to successful fall tree planting.

Feature Impact - Fall is the perfect season to celebrate trees as they transform the world into vibrant shades of red, orange, green and gold. You can do more than just admire existing trees - because in many areas, fall is also an ideal time to plant new ones.

While spring is often seen as peak planting season, experts say cooler weather and autumn rains provide ideal conditions for seedlings to retain moisture and establish their root systems gradually before winter dormancy, improving their future ability to adjust to summer heat and drier conditions.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, planting trees offers many benefits for the planet, wildlife and humans alike. From an environmental perspective, they help filter air and water, remove pollutants from the soil, slow storm surge and nurture biodiversity. Plus, access to nature can reduce stress and increase opportunities for outdoor recreation, improving overall health and well-being in your community.

This autumn, use these expert tips from Eric North, program manager of urban forestry and ISA-certified arborist at the Arbor Day Foundation, to plan your fall tree planting and add a few new hues to your local landscapes.

Choose the Right Tree

Setting your trees up for success starts with choosing the right species. Before ordering seedlings, take time to identify species that are well-suited to your local climate, soil conditions and planting site. Also consider the tree's mature height and how far the canopy will spread - it won't stay small forever, so make sure you can give it space to grow.

Think About Timing

Although you can technically plant trees until the soil is too frozen to dig a hole, it's best to schedule your fall tree planting at least six weeks before the ground freezes so the seedlings have time to adapt before winter. If you're unable to plant your trees immediately after getting them, you can store them in a cool, dry place, making sure the roots stay damp, for up to five days before putting them in the ground.

Don't Dig Too Deep

A tree planted too deep may develop root and trunk problems that can affect its long-term health. Instead of digging deep, go wide to encourage roots to spread outward. Dig a hole roughly 3-4 times wider than the root system but no deeper than the root itself. When you put the tree in the hole, the root flare (where the trunk meets the roots) should sit level with the soil or slightly above it.

Mulch with Care

Adding 2-3 inches of mulch in a layer around the base of the tree can help insulate the soil and roots, retain moisture and suppress weeds. However, be careful to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself so you don't create a "mulch volcano" that traps moisture against the bark.

Water Frequently

Cozy autumn rainstorms might share some of the workload here, but when the forecast looks clear, it's up to you to water your newly planted seedlings. Keeping the soil consistently moist allows a young tree's roots to stay hydrated and continue growing. Precise care instructions will depend on the type of tree and your location but expect to thoroughly water your trees about once a week until the ground freezes.

Protect Against Wildlife

Small trees are vulnerable to damage from local wildlife like deer and rabbits, who may chew on bark or snap fragile branches. Installing a protective fence or breathable tree guard can help safeguard trees until they're older and more capable of withstanding scavenging from hungry critters.

Join the Cause with Trees

Research from the Arbor Day Foundation's Canopy Report shows most Americans want to live in neighborhoods with more trees, but only a minority report having planted a tree in the past year. However, if you're feeling inspired to plant trees in your yard this fall, the organization is ready to help.

New members who join during the nonprofit organization's fall membership drive will receive 10 free trees suitable for their region, along with clear instructions on how to plant and care for them. Whether you're a first-time planter or a seasoned friend of the forest, you'll receive ongoing support to ensure success in your efforts to grow a greener world.

"People understand how important trees are for their communities, their health and the environment," said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Many just need a simple way to get started. Our fall membership drive puts trees directly into people's hands and gives them the confidence to plant trees successfully."

The foundation has engaged tree planters in more than 90% of all American neighborhoods, thanks in large part to the organization's membership drives each planting season. This fall, more than 2 million new trees are expected to be distributed.

To sign up and choose your 10 free trees, visit Arborday.org/GetTrees, where you can also find additional advice on tree planting, care and more.

TAGGED: fall tree planting tips, best time to plant trees, Arbor Day Foundation free trees, how to plant trees in fall, tree care tips for new seedlings

Illinois union urges lawmakers to use Meta settlement to address education funding gaps

The Illinois Federation of Teachers is urging state lawmakers to consider using money from Illinois' $768 million Meta settlement to help address the state's growing K-12 education funding shortfalls.

Student solving a problem while in class

Photo: ‪Salah Darwish/Unsplash

The IFT says Meta settlement funds could help Illinois schools address underfunding, larger classes and special education gaps.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

One of Illinois’ largest and most influential public-sector unions wants lawmakers to use the state’s recent $768 million Meta settlement to help fill statewide education gaps.

The majority of public school students across the state attend class in an underfunded district, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Kurt Hilgendorf, chief of staff for the Illinois Federation of Teachers, said some schools are operating with just 75 cents for every dollar needed.

The reality around Illinois is that there is a lot of pain in schools right now.

"If we're in a situation where students aren't getting their needs met and we've got a windfall from a company that's made billions of dollars to help make sure that a student can go to the chess club, then that seems like a pretty easy answer for us," Hilgendorf explained.

Illinois is set to receive funds from a multistate settlement with Meta over a 10-year period. The money is supposed to go toward youth mental health and online safety programs. The federation is calling on state lawmakers to consider using the money toward filling the K-12 education budget deficit even if it will not solve the entire problem.

Hilgendorf stressed shortages from underfunding are hitting communities from Rockford to Belleville, with larger classes and gaps in special education services, leaving students with fewer opportunities. He pointed to state data showing Illinois’ education funding gap is now nearly $7 billion. The deficit grew by more than $1 billion in just the last year.

"The reality around Illinois is that there is a lot of pain in schools right now," Hilgendorf emphasized. "More than a million students aren't getting the experience that they need, and we think that this should be the highest priority for the state government and state legislature (and) the governor to address, starting as soon as the veto session."

The state recently reached the compliance deadline for its evidence-based funding model for public schools, which was passed in 2017.

Hilgendorf argued the standard $350 million annual increase to the funding formula is too slow. At such a pace, he added, children entering kindergarten today will graduate from high schools which remain underfunded. Proponents of the model said it has been a lifeline for schools and has made strides in helping to address the state’s chronically underfunded public education system.

TAGS: Illinois Meta settlement education funding K-12 schools, Illinois Federation of Teachers school funding deficit, Illinois public schools underfunded education funding gap, Illinois evidence-based school funding formula deficit, Meta settlement money Illinois education funding proposal

Varsity Snapshot |
Unity's Keegan Germano

Unity senior Keegan Germano

Unity senior Keegan Germano has established himself as a versatile defensive weapon, combining speed, agility and physicality at strong safety and outside linebacker.

TOLONO - Unity senior Keegan Germano has built a reputation as one of the Rockets’ most reliable defenders, combining speed, agility and physicality in a versatile role at strong safety and outside linebacker.

The 5-foot-10, 202-pound Germano led Unity’s defense last week with five solo tackles. After two games of his senior season, he is averaging a sack per game after recording five sacks as a junior.

Germano enters Friday’s matchup with Bloomington Central Catholic having already made 157 tackles during his Unity career, including 139 during last season’s 14-game run that ended with the Rockets playing Byron in the Class 3A state championship game.

Despite Unity’s 27-24 loss to Monticello last week, Rockets fans can expect Germano to remain an integral part of the defense as Unity looks to make another run this fall.

The photos captured from Unity's home game against the Sages, showcase the senior's speed and intensity that he brings to the Rockets’ defense.

Keegan Germano Photo Gallery