Sentinel Article Archive for December 13
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The Sentinel On This Day | December 13
With the month almost over, festive with bright colored lights and winter’s chill settling upon us, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.
St. Joseph-Ogden fall sports award winners
The fall of 2025 was one to remember for St. Joseph-Ogden athletics. Varsity letters were awarded to 129 student-athletes across sports and activities.
ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden High School didn’t just wrap up a fall sports season. It closed the book on one of the most memorable stretches of athletic success the program has seen in years. Last week, the Spartans announced 129 varsity letter winners from fall sports and activities, a number that speaks not only to wins and trophies, but to depth, commitment and consistency across the athletic department. From packed Friday nights on the football field to championship-caliber finishes on the cross country course and the soccer pitch, St. Joseph-Ogden athletes left their mark throughout the fall of 2025. Football set the tone early. After absorbing injuries to key players at the start of the season, the Spartans could have folded. Instead, they regrouped, leaned on grit and tenacity, and found their rhythm when it mattered most. St. Joseph-Ogden finished 8-5 and authored an impressive postseason run that reminded opponents the Spartans are rarely an easy out in November. It was the kind of season that doesn’t show up fully in a record book. It showed up in long practices, next-man-up performances and a squad that stayed connected through adversity. For the players who earned letters, it was a season built on determination as much as talent. Distance running brought statewide recognition. Both the boys and girls cross country teams delivered top-10 finishes at the IHSA state meet in Peoria, continuing SJO's place among Illinois’ elite programs. The boys finished seventh overall, while the girls claimed sixth, a testament to months of disciplined training and steady progression. Cross country success rarely comes overnight. It is built mile by mile, often before sunrise and long after the school day ends on the roads through and around town. The state finishes reflected not only strong front runners but complete teams that could pack together and score when it mattered most. Soccer might have been the headline act. Behind the combined scoring punch of senior Zach Harper and junior Tyler Hess, the Spartans rolled through much of their schedule, overwhelming opponents with pace, precision and confidence. St. Joseph-Ogden finished the season 24-2-2, with the only blemish coming in a hard-fought sectional championship loss to Williamsville. Under head coach Chris Stevens, the Spartans put together a program-best 22-match unbeaten run, winning 20 matches and tying two. It was the kind of stretch that defines a season and leaves a lasting standard for what Spartan soccer can be. While championships and records grab attention, the heart of the announcement rested with the 129 student-athletes who earned varsity letters. Those letters represent early mornings, late nights, and the willingness to balance academics with the demands of high-level competition. They also represent teammates who may not always appear in box scores but are essential to a program’s success. Below is the complete list of award winners and varsity letter recipients at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. Each fall sport and activity contributed to that total, reinforcing the idea that St. Joseph-Ogden athletics is not built on one team or one season, but on a culture of excellence.
FOOTBALL
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Team Awards
MVP – Kodey McKinney
MIP – Jonathon Moore
Defensive Award – Coy Hayes
Offensive Award – Wyatt Wertz & Kaden Wedig
Scout Team Award – Holden Hausle
Special Teams Award – Lucas Smith
Lineman Award – Brennan Oleynichak
Spartan Team Player Award – Tim Blackburn-Kelley
Letterwinners
Matt Alexander, Sr.
Tim Blackburn-Kelley, Sr.
Will Franklin, Sr.
Charlie Hale, Sr.
Coy Hayes, Sr.
Ryker Lockhart, Sr.
Kodey McKinney, Jr.
Jackson Mohr, Sr.
Jonathon Moore, Sr.
Brennan Oleynichak, Sr.
Colton Overstreet, Sr.
Logan Rosenthal, Sr.
Landon Smith, Sr.
Lucas Smith, Sr.
Hunter Van Meenen, Sr.
Wyatt Wertz, Sr.
Willis Canamore, Jr.
Jameson Ennis, Jr.
Paityn Mann, Jr.
Maddux Musselman, Jr.
Cameron Wagner, Jr.
Brayden Waller, Jr.
Kaden Wedig, Jr.
Liam Carter, So.
Caleb Courter, So.
Landon May, So.
Lane McKinney, So.
Mason Osterbur, So.
Logan Umbarger, So.
Ryder Van Meenen, So.
Owen Wall, So.
Lucas Waters, So.
Tim Blackburn-Kelley, Sr.
Will Franklin, Sr.
Charlie Hale, Sr.
Coy Hayes, Sr.
Ryker Lockhart, Sr.
Kodey McKinney, Jr.
Jackson Mohr, Sr.
Jonathon Moore, Sr.
Brennan Oleynichak, Sr.
Colton Overstreet, Sr.
Logan Rosenthal, Sr.
Landon Smith, Sr.
Lucas Smith, Sr.
Hunter Van Meenen, Sr.
Wyatt Wertz, Sr.
Willis Canamore, Jr.
Jameson Ennis, Jr.
Paityn Mann, Jr.
Maddux Musselman, Jr.
Cameron Wagner, Jr.
Brayden Waller, Jr.
Kaden Wedig, Jr.
Liam Carter, So.
Caleb Courter, So.
Landon May, So.
Lane McKinney, So.
Mason Osterbur, So.
Logan Umbarger, So.
Ryder Van Meenen, So.
Owen Wall, So.
Lucas Waters, So.
VOLLEYBALL
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Team Awards
MIP – Ally Schmitz
Defensive Award – Katie Ericksen
Offensive Award – Emma McKinney
Varsity Spartan Award – Emma Wells
JV Spartan Award – Greta Goldenstein
Freshman Spartan Award – Ella Buhs
Letterwinners
Addi Childers, Sr.
Katie Ericksen, Sr.
Emma McKinney, Sr.
Ally Schmitz, Sr.
Emma Wells, Sr.
Lily Ahart, Jr.
Brynn Ikemire, Jr.
Alivia Learned, Jr.
Hadley McDonald, Jr.
Addi Stevens, Jr.
Emerson Williams, Jr.
Ava Alexander, So.
Megan Kearney, So.
Atleigh Miller, So.
Vivian Smith, So.
Raegan Wheatley, So.
Katie Ericksen, Sr.
Emma McKinney, Sr.
Ally Schmitz, Sr.
Emma Wells, Sr.
Lily Ahart, Jr.
Brynn Ikemire, Jr.
Alivia Learned, Jr.
Hadley McDonald, Jr.
Addi Stevens, Jr.
Emerson Williams, Jr.
Ava Alexander, So.
Megan Kearney, So.
Atleigh Miller, So.
Vivian Smith, So.
Raegan Wheatley, So.
TENNIS
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Team Awards
MVP – Sami Kelso
MIP – Shelby Warns
Mental Attitude Award – Madison Farber
Letterwinners
Claire Hartman, Sr.
Samantha Kelso, Sr.
Ava Midkiff, Sr.
Ainsely Rhoton, Sr.
Lily Rice, Sr.
Karleigh Spain, Sr.
Maddie Wells, Sr.
Madison Farber, Jr.
Audrie Helfrich, Jr.
Sophie Schmitz, Jr.
Shelby Warns, Jr.
Avarie Dietiker, So.
Kenley Ray, So.
Nora Buckley, Fr.
Samantha Kelso, Sr.
Ava Midkiff, Sr.
Ainsely Rhoton, Sr.
Lily Rice, Sr.
Karleigh Spain, Sr.
Maddie Wells, Sr.
Madison Farber, Jr.
Audrie Helfrich, Jr.
Sophie Schmitz, Jr.
Shelby Warns, Jr.
Avarie Dietiker, So.
Kenley Ray, So.
Nora Buckley, Fr.
SOCCER
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Team Awards
MVP – Zach Harper
Offensive Award – Tyler Hess
Defensive Award – Steven Newman
Freshman MIP – Luke Dunn
Coaches Award – Quinn Stahl
Letterwinners
Rudra Chaudhary, Sr.
Zach Harper, Sr.
Michael McDaniel, Sr.
Branson Pearman, Sr.
Quinn Stahl, Sr.
Hadley Sweet, Sr.
Yadiel Acosta-Reyes, Jr.
Lizzie Clark, Jr.
Jaxson Colvin, Jr.
Skyler Graham, Jr.
Nicholas Harris, Jr.
Tyler Hess, Jr.
Waylon Jones, Jr.
Steven Newman, Jr.
Jaxon Potts, Jr.
Miles Atwood, So.
Hunter Cler, So.
Luke Dunn, Fr.
Lucas Stevens, Fr.
Caleb Taylor, Fr.
Zach Harper, Sr.
Michael McDaniel, Sr.
Branson Pearman, Sr.
Quinn Stahl, Sr.
Hadley Sweet, Sr.
Yadiel Acosta-Reyes, Jr.
Lizzie Clark, Jr.
Jaxson Colvin, Jr.
Skyler Graham, Jr.
Nicholas Harris, Jr.
Tyler Hess, Jr.
Waylon Jones, Jr.
Steven Newman, Jr.
Jaxon Potts, Jr.
Miles Atwood, So.
Hunter Cler, So.
Luke Dunn, Fr.
Lucas Stevens, Fr.
Caleb Taylor, Fr.
MARCHING BAND
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Band Awards
MVP – Sara Bytnar
Up and Comer Award – Ramsay Arnold
Spirit Award – Delaney Nekolny
Leadership Award – Sydney Steinbach
Spinner Award – Arianna Pecchenino
Heartbeat of the Band Award – Gregory Wells
Letterwinners
Emily Bird, Sr.
Sara Bytnar, Sr.
Claire Hartman, Sr.
Cooper Kietzman, Sr.
Michael McDaniel, Sr.
Patrick McMahon, Sr.
Delaney Nekolny, Sr.
Kaleb Peoples, Sr.
Sydney Steinbach, Sr.
Carlee Taylor, Sr.
Zain Bialeschki-Hua, Jr.
Isabella Turner, Jr.
Cole Beckett, So.
Tyler Bonny, So.
Patrick Clark, So.
Aubrey Matheny, So.
Connor McMahon, So.
Alyssa Robinson, So.
Nayeli Steele, So.
Ramsay Arnold, Fr.
Reid Bewley, Fr.
Bailey Blakley, Fr.
Brady Blunier, Fr.
Jade Gains, Fr.
Arianna Pecchenino, Fr.
August Rosser, Fr.
Ryan Schmitz, Fr.
Taylor Vaughn, Fr.
Greg Wells, Fr.
Gwen Welsh, Fr.
Sara Bytnar, Sr.
Claire Hartman, Sr.
Cooper Kietzman, Sr.
Michael McDaniel, Sr.
Patrick McMahon, Sr.
Delaney Nekolny, Sr.
Kaleb Peoples, Sr.
Sydney Steinbach, Sr.
Carlee Taylor, Sr.
Zain Bialeschki-Hua, Jr.
Isabella Turner, Jr.
Cole Beckett, So.
Tyler Bonny, So.
Patrick Clark, So.
Aubrey Matheny, So.
Connor McMahon, So.
Alyssa Robinson, So.
Nayeli Steele, So.
Ramsay Arnold, Fr.
Reid Bewley, Fr.
Bailey Blakley, Fr.
Brady Blunier, Fr.
Jade Gains, Fr.
Arianna Pecchenino, Fr.
August Rosser, Fr.
Ryan Schmitz, Fr.
Taylor Vaughn, Fr.
Greg Wells, Fr.
Gwen Welsh, Fr.
GOLF
Team Awards
MVP – Asher Pruemer
MIP – Trevor Ames
Letterwinners
Trevor Ames, Sr.
Wade Clark, Sr.
Nathan Daly, Sr.
Asher Pruemer, Sr.
Graham Ray, Sr.
Devan Swisher, Sr.
Garrett Loschen, Jr.
Finn Miller, Jr.
Wade Clark, Sr.
Nathan Daly, Sr.
Asher Pruemer, Sr.
Graham Ray, Sr.
Devan Swisher, Sr.
Garrett Loschen, Jr.
Finn Miller, Jr.
SPORT
SIDELINE CHEERLEADING
MIP – Addison Wright
Spirit Award – Abby Reynolds
Lexi Barbour Award – Addison Walsh
Letterwinners
Iris Davis, Jr.
Leah Gaines, Jr.
Faith Jackson, Jr.
Peighton Riem, Jr.
Ava Smoot, Jr.
Abby Reynolds, So.
Samantha Ryan, So.
Addison Walsh, So.
Sorena Welsh, So.
Presley Ideus, Fr.
Addison Wright, Fr.
Leah Gaines, Jr.
Faith Jackson, Jr.
Peighton Riem, Jr.
Ava Smoot, Jr.
Abby Reynolds, So.
Samantha Ryan, So.
Addison Walsh, So.
Sorena Welsh, So.
Presley Ideus, Fr.
Addison Wright, Fr.
CROSS COUNTRY
Team Awards
Boys MVP – Colin Burnett & Lance Retz
Girls MVP – Grace Bressner
Boys MIP – Sam Zadeh
Girls MIP – Grace Bressner
Tim Mies Effort Award – Nate Farney
Ashley Wright Effort Award – Allie Bott
Rick Walden Most Consistent Award – Colin Burnett
Letterwinners
Lance Retz, Sr.
Sydney Steinbach, Sr.
Cyrus Zadeh, Sr.
Abby Bello, Jr.
Colin Burnett, Jr.v Nate Farney, Jr.
Kyla Franckey, Jr.
Mark Harbourt, Jr.
Aiden Hundley, Jr.
Kiah Riesel, Jr.
Grace Bressner, So.
Hunter Dilley, So.
Eli Franklin, So.
Nathan Hinkel, So.
Tessa Walker, So.
Sam Zadeh, So.
Ramsay Arnold, Fr.
Charlene Barbee, Fr.
Adam Bello, Fr.
Allie Bott, Fr.
Brady Johnson, Fr.
Caylah Roberts, Fr.
Taylor Vaughn, Fr.
Sydney Steinbach, Sr.
Cyrus Zadeh, Sr.
Abby Bello, Jr.
Colin Burnett, Jr.v Nate Farney, Jr.
Kyla Franckey, Jr.
Mark Harbourt, Jr.
Aiden Hundley, Jr.
Kiah Riesel, Jr.
Grace Bressner, So.
Hunter Dilley, So.
Eli Franklin, So.
Nathan Hinkel, So.
Tessa Walker, So.
Sam Zadeh, So.
Ramsay Arnold, Fr.
Charlene Barbee, Fr.
Adam Bello, Fr.
Allie Bott, Fr.
Brady Johnson, Fr.
Caylah Roberts, Fr.
Taylor Vaughn, Fr.
Eleven graduates honored from pre-apprenticeship program
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
DANVILLE - From ages 21 to 51, ranging from a mother of two to a father of seven, 11 Danville residents recently graduated from a pre-apprenticeship program run by the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council. The 13-week program provides a stipend while participants learn the basics of the trades, tour training centers and meet union leaders. Students also receive instruction in test-taking skills needed for union entry and workplace safety training. The program is part of a statewide initiative through HIRE360 and is funded by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The program targeted Vermilion County residents, with preference given to individuals residing in underserved areas ready to embark on a rewarding and stable career path. A similar program was offered in Champaign County in October. The graduation ceremony on November 22 included a keynote address from Danville Alderman Ed Butler, a co-founder of Three Kings of Peace. The graduates were Zytara Boyd, Jeffrey Bryant, Mike Buttitta, Aleasta Callahan, Andrew Douglas, Michael Earl, Dajuan Harper, Jovan House, Terry Loyd, Kevin Severado and Kamron Jones.
Photo Gallery ~
Area basketball scores for December 12
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Oakwood's Drake Roberts keeps St. Joseph-Ogden's Kodey McKinney at bay during their Toyota of Danville Classic pool play game last week. On Friday, the Comets dropped their home game to Vermilion Valley Conference rival Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin, 65-34. See more area scores for Friday, December 12 below.
December 12 Boys Basketball Scoreboard
Bismarck-Henning 65, Oakwood 34Clifton Central 51, Hoopeston Area 29
St. Joseph-Ogden 47, Riverton 33
Paris 66, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond 36
Peoria Manual 71, Urbana 61
Peoria 73, Centennial 57
Normal Community 67, Champaign Central 55
Momence 52, Urbana University 47
Chlebek says Illinois has ‘No Excuse’ as Florida advances property tax plan
Florida voters may soon decide on eliminating property taxes. Casey Chlebek says Illinois should give voters the same chance.
PARK RIDGE, ILL - In a political moment where property taxes are usually treated as an unavoidable fact of life, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Casey Chlebek says Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis just cracked the door wide open and Illinois leaders are pretending not to notice. As DeSantis moves forward with a 2026 ballot initiative that would eliminate property taxes on primary residences in Florida, Chlebek is renewing his call for Illinois to let voters weigh in on whether the state should do the same. For Chlebek, the contrast between Florida’s momentum and Illinois’ silence is becoming harder to ignore.
Illinois has the highest effective property tax rate in the nation. Florida does not rank in the top 20.
“Governor DeSantis just proved this isn’t a pipe dream,” Chlebek said. “Florida is putting this question directly to voters in 2026. Illinois should do the same.” DeSantis announced last week that Florida voters will be asked to approve a constitutional amendment eliminating property taxes on homesteaded properties. The proposal would require 60 percent voter approval and includes safeguards to protect funding for schools and law enforcement. It also lays out a phased approach that includes $1,000 rebate checks for homeowners in December 2025 and long-term revenue replacement through spending reforms and alternative funding sources. Chlebek has been making a similar argument in Illinois since September, when he first called on Gov. JB Pritzker and the General Assembly to place a statewide advisory referendum on the 2026 ballot. Florida’s move, he said, strips away the usual excuses coming out of Springfield. Illinois has the highest effective property tax rate in the nation. Florida does not rank in the top 20. Yet Florida’s governor is pushing for elimination while Illinois leaders continue to describe meaningful reform as too complicated or politically risky. “We have the worst property tax crisis in America, and our leaders are doing nothing,” Chlebek said. “Florida’s taxes are lower than ours, and they’re still saying enough is enough.” The stakes, he argues, are not theoretical. Since 2019, more than 1,000 Cook County residents have lost homes worth an estimated $108 million over roughly $2.3 million in unpaid property taxes. That group included at least 125 seniors. The difference between the tax debt and the home’s value was kept by the government and private investors, a practice the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional in 2023.
Families across the political spectrum are drowning in property taxes.
Despite that ruling, Illinois has yet to fully reform its property tax foreclosure laws. “In Florida, they’re fighting to eliminate property taxes for homeowners who can pay,” Chlebek said. “In Illinois, we’re seizing homes from seniors who fall behind and keeping their equity. That’s not tax collection. That’s state-sanctioned theft.” Florida is not acting alone. Republican leaders in Texas, Kansas, Montana and Pennsylvania are advancing their own property tax relief or elimination proposals. Several states have already moved to stop home equity theft following the Supreme Court’s decision. Illinois, Chlebek noted, has done neither. “This is a national movement, and Illinois is being left behind,” he said. Chlebek’s proposal would place a nonbinding advisory question on the November 2026 ballot asking voters whether Illinois should pursue abolishing property taxes on primary residences and replace them with alternative funding for schools, police, fire protection and local services. While local governments control property taxes under the Illinois Constitution, Chlebek says an overwhelming vote would send a clear signal to lawmakers. “Put it on the ballot. Let the people decide,” he said. “If they say yes, Springfield has to act. If they say no, fine. But at least give them the choice.” He points to Florida as proof that the issue can cut across political divides. DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have clashed on other issues, yet both chambers are aligned on sending the property tax question to voters. “This isn’t partisan. It’s practical,” Chlebek said. “Families across the political spectrum are drowning in property taxes.” For Chlebek, the issue comes down to the basic meaning of homeownership. “You can pay off your mortgage and still lose your home if you fall behind on taxes,” he said. “That’s not ownership. Florida gets it. Illinois voters get it. Now it’s time Springfield gets it, too.”
The Sentinel On This Day | December 12
As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 12
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Illinois will continue to tax tips, no relief for Illinois workers despite federal decree
by Catrina Barker Center Square
CHICAGO - Illinois is not adopting the new federal “no tax on tips” provision, meaning tipped workers in the state will still owe Illinois income tax on tips, even when those tips are exempt at the federal level. Manish Bhatt, senior policy analyst with the Tax Foundation, said Illinois’ tax structure makes it possible for the state to decline the new tip exemption.
Photo: Brett Sayles/PEXELS
A new federal law from the Trump Administration allows eligible workers to deduct up to $25,000 of reported tip income from their federal income tax. Tipped income remains subject to state and other taxes like Social Security and Medicare in Illinois. The deduction for tipped employees is temporary, ending in 2028.
“Only those states that begin state-level income tax calculations using the federal definition of taxable income have it automatically incorporated into the tax code,” Bhatt explained. “I don't believe Illinois does that. So I think the states are certainly able to not incorporate that individual sort of exemption on tips and overtime wages.” Even for states that do automatically conform to federal tax changes, Bhatt said it may be wiser to “decouple” from the federal rule.
Illinois remains a high-tax state, with one of the nation’s highest property tax burdens.
“It’s much more sound tax policy to not create carve-outs for certain taxpayers at the expense of others,” he said. “More general reform certainly needs to happen to bring the tax burden down for everybody.” Bhatt said taxpayers who are seeing and hearing about the no tax on tips at the federal level might not think about having to actually add those back into their state return. “It’s not that those individuals are trying to avoid taxation. They just don’t know to add that back into their state income tax,” Bhatt told The Center Square. Bhatt warned that confusion could lead to filing mistakes or the need for paid tax preparation services. “If these individuals now have to hire a professional tax preparer when they were otherwise doing it at home by themselves,” he said, “there’s a number of inefficiencies … that lawmakers need to be aware of.” Illinois remains a high-tax state, with one of the nation’s highest property tax burdens. Bhatt acknowledged that it may be difficult to persuade a tipped worker, already facing rising tax pressures, that opting out of the exemption is sound policy. “This is an example where good politics doesn’t always make good policy,” he said. “When you create a carve-out for a certain industry or a certain company, you're shifting the burden onto somebody else.” Illinois, he said, should instead pursue broad-based reform that benefits all taxpayers—not just certain groups. “Lawmakers should prioritize sound and broad tax reform in the state so that everybody benefits,” he said. Bhatt emphasized that while not taxing tips may sound attractive to workers, selective exemptions distort the tax code. “You could have two workers earning the same salary but facing different tax burdens simply because of the nature of their jobs and how they're paid,” he said. He offered a simple example: a bank teller and a waiter each earning $30,000 in a hypothetical flat-tax state. Under a no-tax-on-tips system, the waiter would pay dramatically less than the teller—even though they take home the same amount. The imbalance could also push employers to restructure compensation. “If this is implemented around the country, there will be the incentive for employers to shift the way that their workers earn their money,” Bhatt said. Some industries may try to shift employees into tip-eligible roles “to attract and retain workers on the promise of a lower tax bill.”
Photo of the Day |Rockets set to return to girls' shootout at SJO
Unity will be without last year's senior standout Lauren Haas this Saturday at the 2025 Country Financial Shootout at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. The Rockets take the court at 5:30 p.m. hoping to beat 8-1 Tri-Valley.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Lauren Haas looks for an open teammate to pass the ball during the Unity's 2024 Country Financial Shootout game against Watseka. Scoring consistently across all four quarters, Haas led the Rockets' offense with 12 points in the team 52-46 loss to the Warriors. Both teams return to this year's installment with Watseka (8-1) facing shootout host St. Joseph-Ogden (5-1) at 4 p.m. Unity (4-5) will take on the 8-1 Tri-Valley Vikings in the nightcap starting at around 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.
New Illinois laws tighten gun storage, police hiring rules
Starting in 2026, Illinois will require locked firearm storage to prevent unauthorized access. A police hiring reform bill mandates sharing employment records between agencies and first-time gun offenders may qualify for FOID cards under a diversion program.
by Ben Szalinski Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD - Gun owners in Illinois must take new steps in 2026 to secure their firearms in their homes, particularly when children are present. Gov. JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 8, known as the Safe Gun Storage Act, in late July, which prohibits gun owners from storing their weapons in an unsecured way at any location where they know that the gun could be accessed by a minor, a person at risk of harming themselves or others, or by a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Under the law, gun owners will be required to keep them in a locked container so that they are inaccessible or unusable by anyone other than the owner. Owners who violate the law could be subject to fines as high as $10,000. Gun owners must also report lost or stolen firearms to police within 48 hours of discovering a gun missing. That’s down from the previous 72-hour requirement.
Background checks for police officers
State lawmakers passed a bill in response to the murder of Springfield resident Sonya Massey in 2024. Massey, a Black woman, was killed when former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson, a white man, shot her in her kitchen while investigating a reported prowler. Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in October. Capitol News Illinois reporting in 2024 revealed that Grayson had a history of reprimands and disobeying superiors at departments that previously employed him. Under Senate Bill 1953, a police department or sheriff’s office making a hire would be required to request employment personnel files from the applicant’s previous employers, including other law enforcement agencies. The previous employer would be required to share the information within 14 days.
Photo: Capitol News Illinois/Jerry Norwicki
Gov. JB Pritzker passes in front of a row of Illinois State Police vehicles during a ceremony outside the Illinois Capitol in Springfield on March 30, 2022. Under a new law signed by the governor, previous employers for law enforcement officers are equired to share employment information within 14 days of a request from another department or agency.
Law enforcement applicants would be required to sign a document authorizing the release of information, including military service records, police discipline databases, employment and criminal history, driving records, academic credentials, a credit check, and more. “I feel confident that going forward and over time, our communities and law enforcement will have built a trusting relationship, and I will have kept my promise to my childhood friends and Sonya’s mother,” Sen. Doris Turner, a Springfield Democrat who sponsored the bill and knows Massey’s family, said at an August news conference.
Gun permits for offenders
Senate Bill 1899 creates a path for first-time gun offenders to obtain a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card and legally own a gun. First-time offenders are allowed to apply for a FOID card after receiving a court order demonstrating they successfully completed the First Time Weapons Offense Diversion Program and are otherwise eligible to own a gun. The opportunity narrowly applies to people charged with a Class 4 felony, which is the lowest level charge for illegally possessing a firearm. The bill received bipartisan support in the legislature, and proponents said it will mostly benefit young people.Human trafficking statute of limitations
The statute of limitations on cases of human trafficking of minors is going away. House Bill 2602 removes the 25-year window for victims of involuntary servitude, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, or trafficking to pursue charges from crimes that happened while they were a minor. They will now be allowed to bring charges at any time. Rep. Anne Stava, D-Naperville, said in April that the 25-year cap was protecting human traffickers who “really don’t deserve peace of mind.” The bill unanimously passed the General Assembly.Missing persons reports
Senate Bill 24 prohibits police departments from establishing waiting periods before they accept a missing persons report. The law requires police to immediately enter information about a person reported missing into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System. The law also requires police to keep missing persons cases open until the person is located.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Viewpoint |Challenging the 'single story' of Somali immigrants
Ignore the negative hype from politicians and right-wing media. Stand fast and refuse their distorted framing of Somali Americans. It's just not American.
by Terry Hansen
Guest Commentary
When President Trump labeled Somali immigrants “garbage,” he weaponized presidential power to demean an entire community. In her insightful TED Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story," novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warns that "power lies not only in the ability to tell another person’s story, but to make it the definitive story of that person."
Yes, some Somali Americans in Minnesota have been implicated in financial fraud. That fact should be reported, but it should never become the sole lens through which we view an entire community— thousands of Somali families including refugees, healthcare workers, business owners and students.
The Somali American story includes triumphs over war and displacement, civic engagement in American politics, and contributions to Minnesota’s economy. When politicians or the media reinforce the “single story” of crime and corruption, they obscure a broader truth.
Adichie reminds us that “stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity.”
To honor the history of immigration in America, we must refuse the temptation to see any community through one distorted frame. It is our duty not to amplify division, but to tell stories that affirm our shared humanity.
Guest Commentary
Hidden hazards that are quietly damaging your car
Your car faces hidden dangers every day. From UV damage to poor maintenance habits, here are some of the surprising risks that reduce your car’s lifespan and performance.
by Casey Cartwright Contributor Writer
Your vehicle may be your daily companion, but it faces hidden hazards that often go unnoticed until they cause serious damage. While regular maintenance and care can extend the life of your car, there are countless factors in your environment and driving habits that can silently wreak havoc on its longevity. Understanding the secret hazards that are ruining your car is crucial for keeping your vehicle in top shape.
More Lifestyle Articles
The Harmful Impact of UV Rays on Your Car
Exposure to UV rays isn't just harmful to your skin; it can also have a lasting impact on your car. Over time, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause significant damage to both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. The paint on your car’s surface may fade and lose its natural gloss, leaving it susceptible to rust and peeling. UV rays can also weaken the protective clear coat, which is essential for shielding the paint from the elements.
The interior is not immune to UV damage either. Direct sunlight streaming through windows can cause dashboards, seats, and other surfaces to fade and crack, especially if they're made from leather or vinyl. Excessive heat buildup can lead to the warping of certain components. To combat UV-related damage, consider parking in shaded areas, using a quality car cover, or applying protective window tints to reduce sun exposure. Regular application of waxes and sealants can also protect the paint from long-term harm, but ensure that you apply the right level of thickness. Knowing the importance of coat thickness allows you to better protect your car from UV rays and other risk factors.
Poor Maintenance Practices
Photo by Azli Nawawi/PEXELS
Skipping regular automobile maintenance could be costly later.
One of the most common hazards for your car is poor maintenance, or worse, neglecting maintenance altogether. Even minor problems, when left unchecked, can escalate into major issues that are costly to repair. For instance, skipping oil changes can lead to sludge buildup in the engine, which compromises its efficiency and can result in significant wear and tear. Similarly, overlooking periodic inspections of the brakes, belts, and filters can cause sudden part failures while driving.
Tire maintenance is another area that often gets overlooked. Driving with underinflated or overinflated tires not only reduces fuel efficiency but also increases the risk of tire blowouts. Small cracks on tires, caused by environmental wear, can develop into larger problems over time. Keeping a consistent check on fluid levels, tire pressure, and scheduled service intervals can drastically improve the health of your car and prevent hidden issues from becoming major setbacks.
The Risks Posed by Road Conditions
While road conditions may seem outside of your control, they are a significant contributor to vehicle wear and tear. Uneven roads, potholes, and debris not only make for an uncomfortable drive but also harm several crucial components of your car. Hitting potholes at high speeds can damage your suspension system, throw off alignment, and even lead to tire punctures. Over time, repetitive exposure to rough roads can shorten the lifespan of your car’s shocks and struts.
Driving on gravel roads without proper precautions can lead to scratches, dents, and chips on your car’s exterior or windshield. Salt, often used to treat snowy roads during winter, can corrode your car’s undercarriage if not cleaned off regularly. Be mindful of your route choices, slow down on damaged roads, and ensure that your car undergoes seasonal cleanings to avoid corrosion-related problems.
The Dangers of Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Keeping your car clean is essential, but using the wrong cleaning methods or products can be detrimental in the long run. Household cleaning agents, though readily available, are often too harsh for car surfaces. For example, dishwashing soap may strip away protective wax layers, leaving the paint exposed to environmental damage.
Abrasive cleaning cloths or sponges can leave micro-scratches on your car’s finish, making it look dull over time. Incorrectly applied polishes or waxes might create an uneven coating, which can trap dirt and debris. Always opt for products specifically designed for automotive care to ensure effective, safe cleaning practices that preserve your car’s appearance and integrity.
Subpar Quality Fuel
Not all gasoline is created equal, and using low-quality fuel can harm your engine in ways you might not immediately notice. Some fuels contain higher levels of impurities, which can lead to the buildup of carbon deposits in your engine. Over time, this buildup can reduce engine performance, decrease fuel efficiency, and shorten the lifespan of various components.
Similarly, filling up at gas stations that do not follow stringent quality standards increases the likelihood of contaminants entering your car’s fuel system. These impurities can clog fuel injectors, leading to poor acceleration and hesitation during driving. To avoid these issues, try to stick to reputable stations and, when possible, opt for higher-grade fuel, particularly if your car requires it per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Parking Pitfalls
Where and how you park your car can have a hidden impact on its longevity. Regularly parking under trees may provide shade, but it also exposes your car to tree sap, bird droppings, and falling branches, all of which can damage the paint. Tree sap and droppings are particularly acidic and, if left unattended, can etch into the paint and create permanent marks.
Parking on steep slopes or uneven surfaces for extended periods can also strain your car’s parking brake and suspension system. This unnecessary stress can cause premature wear, which may lead to costly repairs down the line. Aim to park in clean, flat, and shaded areas whenever possible to protect your vehicle from these risks.
Neglected Air Conditioning Systems
Your car's air conditioning system plays an integral role in maintaining comfort during your drives, but it is also easy to overlook until something goes wrong. Over time, dirt, allergens, and moisture can accumulate within the AC system, leading to unpleasant odors and even mold growth. A poorly maintained AC system can also force the compressor to work harder, reducing its efficiency and potentially leading to failure.
Simple maintenance practices, such as replacing cabin air filters regularly and having the system inspected during routine services, can prevent these issues. Running the AC system periodically during the year, even in colder months, can help to keep its components in optimal condition.
Protect Your Car Against Hidden Hazards
Recognizing the secret hazards that are quietly damaging your car is the first step toward effective protection and prevention. From mitigating the harmful effects of UV rays to practicing mindful driving and maintenance habits, small adjustments in how you care for your vehicle can make all the difference. Make these efforts a part of your routine to ensure your car stays reliable, efficient, and looking its best for years to come.
Bio: Casey is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
The Sentinel On This Day | December 11
As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.
Sentinel Article Archive for December 11
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Holiday recipe |Gingerbread honey cupcakes
Why is this so good? The combo of warm spices, sweet honey, and rich gingerbread is basically perfection. Is it the moistness, the flavor combo, or the fact they're bite-sized that will make these a holiday tradition in your home?
Family Features - In a holiday season crowded with everything from mouthwatering cakes, cookies and pies to “fa-la-la-la” forgettable fruitcakes, the dessert table can bring you comfort and joy or sweet-tooth dismay.
Here’s the secret to spicy, sweet cupcakes that “sleigh” at the dessert table: These gingerbread cupcakes with honey cream cheese frosting swap molasses for raw honey to deliver bold flavor and buzzworthy bragging rights.
Just like most legendary desserts, every drop of Busy Bee Raw Honey comes with a story. Sourced entirely in the U.S. and tested for safety, quality and three times for purity, it comes with a peel-away back label and Real Honey Code so you can trace your honey’s journey from flower to hive to your holiday dessert table.
To bring the journey to your home this holiday season, visit BusyBeeHoney.com to find more delicious holiday recipes.
Gingerbread Cupcakes with Honey Cream Cheese Frosting
Yield: 12 cupcakesFrom Barkman Honey
Gingerbread Cupcakes:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup Busy Bee Raw Honey
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Honey Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup Busy Bee Raw Honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-6 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Line 12 regular-size muffin cups with paper baking cups.
- In medium bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt.
- In large bowl, using hand or stand mixer, beat softened butter and honey until smooth and slightly fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Beat in egg then mix in buttermilk and vanilla until combined.
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir gently until no streaks of flour remain; don’t overmix.
- Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake 20-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool in pan about 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- To make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add honey and vanilla then gradually beat in powdered sugar until fluffy, spreadable and reaching desired sweetness. Chill for firmer consistency before piping or spreading, if desired.
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