Two fallen Illinois State Troopers to be honored at Workers Memorial Day in Champaign

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SNS - Next Monday evening at Dodds Park in Champaign, as the sun begins to dip over the trees, the names of two Illinois State Police troopers — Corey Thompsen and Todd Hanneken — will be spoken aloud. Their families will be there. So will fellow officers, union leaders, and members of the community. And for a few solemn minutes, the city will pause to remember not just two men, but two lives of service — and sacrifice.

Photo: PhotoNews/Clark Brooks

Corey, a long distance running specialist at St. Joseph-Ogden High School, runs in the 2014 SJO 5K after graduating months earlier. Thompson, who later became an Illinois State Police Officer, died while on duty during a traffic detail north of Urbana last October. He and another fallen officer will be honored in a ceremony at Dodds Park on Monday.

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The Workers Memorial Day ceremony, hosted annually by the AFL-CIO of Champaign County and the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council, aims to spotlight those who lost their lives on the job. This year, Troopers Thompsen and Hanneken take center focus.

Thompsen, 28, was killed in October 2024 when his motorcycle was struck by a truck near Leverett Road, north of Champaign. He was wrapping up a traffic enforcement detail at the time. A St. Joseph native, Thompsen was known among colleagues for his drive and camaraderie. His loss shook the Illinois State Police to its core.

“This is a sad moment. We are hurting,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Corey’s family is hurting badly today. This is the first, and I hope the last, trooper who I personally administered the oath of an ISP officer to that I’ve lost in a line-of-duty death.”

Trooper Todd Hanneken, 45, died in 2021 when his patrol car left the road and crashed west of Champaign. He was a 20-year veteran of the force and a second-generation state trooper. Colleagues remember him not only for his dedication, but his warmth — the kind of officer who could calm a tense situation with just his presence. In 2018, Hanneken was awarded the ISP Medal of Honor for rescuing a man from a burning car.

He leaves behind a wife, Shelley, and two sons, Ben and Nick. Thompsen is survived by his wife Chelsea, his parents, and brothers.

“Both officers made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our community,” said Matt Kelly, president of the local AFL-CIO. “We appreciate their bravery and selflessness and are eternally grateful for their service.”

The ceremony, set for 5 p.m. at Dodds Park, is one of hundreds being held nationwide. Workers Memorial Day began in the wake of the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act — a landmark law pushed through after years of labor advocacy. Its message was simple: Every worker deserves to come home.

But the fight isn’t over. In 2023 alone, more than 5,200 workers died from job-related injuries across the U.S. Thousands more face daily risks due to unsafe working conditions. Union leaders point to underfunded safety agencies and rollbacks in labor protections as major concerns.

In East Central Illinois, labor groups are reviving the memorial’s importance. The Building and Construction Trades Council recently took over stewardship of the Danville monument, working to ensure it remains a place for remembrance — and resolve.

Because for the people gathering Monday, remembrance is just part of it. The other part is a promise: that men like Corey Thompsen and Todd Hanneken are never forgotten — and that no job should cost a life.

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Illinois Theatre Association to honor 2024 Award of Excellence recipients

CHICAGO - The Illinois Theatre Association will recognize eight theatre professionals and educators as the recipients of the 2024 Award of Excellence. The awards will be presented at a brunch during the association's annual meeting on August 3, 2024, at the Copley Theatre in Aurora.

The keynote speaker is actor Gene Weygandt. He has appeared in a host of films, television shows, and on Broadway. His acting credits on screen include The Birdcage, Babe, and Mea Culpa. He has appeared in televised episodes of Home Improvement, Cybil, Murphy Brown, Chicago Fire, Empire, and Chicago Med.

The Chicago-based actor also had roles in Broadway productions, including BIG: The Musical, Wicked, and Come From Away.

This year's 2024 Awards of Excellence include:

Creative Drama/Theatre for Young Audiences:
The Children's Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company Accepting the Award is Veronica Comings, President

Secondary School Theatre:
J.R. Willard-Rose (Homewood- Flossmoor HS)

College/University Theatre:
Kevin Long (Harper College, Chicago Shakespeare Theater)

Community Theatre:
Joseph Ennenbach (Stage 212, Morris Theater Guild, Streator Engle Lane, and Princeton's Festival 56)

Professional Theatre:
James Calitri (Artistic Director, Festival 56)

2024 Awards of Honor, ITA Non-Member:
John Collins (Executive Director, Goodman Theatre)

2024 Awards of Honor, ITA Member:
Richard Arnold, Jr. (Production Coordinator, College of DuPage)

Anne Thurman Mentorship Award:
Patricia Haynes, 1950-2024
Mother McAuley HS, founder of 99th Street Summer Theatre
Accepting the Award is Erin Fitzpatrick

For more information and registration to this year's event go to https://illinoistheatre.org/event-4897079.

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Commentary |A Bittersweet Arab American Heritage Month

Our culture is worth celebrating. But amid the immense suffering in Gaza, it’s hard to feel celebratory.

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by Farrah Hassen

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I’ve always known my Arab culture is worth celebrating.

I heard it in Syrian tenor Sabah Fakhri’s powerful voice reverberating in my mom’s car on the way to piano lessons and soccer practice during my youth. I smelled it in the za’atar, Aleppo pepper, allspice, and cumin permeating the air in the family kitchen.

Artwork: Kalhh/Pixabay

I saw it in the intricate embroidery on my grandma’s silk robe. And in the determination etched in the faces of my immigrant parents, who raised seven children in Southern California without relinquishing our rich Syrian traditions.

April is National Arab American Heritage Month. It should be a time to celebrate the contributions of the over 3.5 million Arab Americans who strengthen our proud nation.

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... right now, it’s impossible to feel celebratory. My community is reeling from the immense pain and horror of an unfolding genocide ...

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We have Ralph Nader to thank for consumer protections like automobile safety. We have the late Senator James Abourezk (D-SD) — the first Arab American elected to the U.S. Senate — to credit for landmark legislation championing Indigenous rights. Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a pediatrician, first exposed the Flint, Michigan water crisis.

There are countless others. But right now, it’s impossible to feel celebratory. My community is reeling from the immense pain and horror of an unfolding genocide against the 2.3 million Palestinians of Gaza.

Palestinian Americans have lost family members in Gaza from Israel’s unrelenting bombardment and mass starvation of civilians. Adding insult to injury, Israel is using U.S.-supplied weapons to commit these atrocities.

Palestinian Americans — along with other Arabs — have also been on the receiving end of increased hate crimes, harassment, racist rhetoric, and discrimination, belying the message that they, too, are an integral part of this nation. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee received 2,500 reports of anti-Arab hate from October to March.

During this period, Wadea Al-Fayoume, a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy from Illinois, was fatally stabbed. Three Palestinian college students were shot in Vermont.

In his proclamation marking this year’s heritage month, President Biden was forced to reckon with Gaza. Instead of announcing a long overdue, permanent ceasefire and an end to U.S. military support for Israel, he offered empty words.

How can Arab American life and culture be celebrated when fellow Arabs are facing erasure in Gaza? Nearly 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza so far, including nearly 14,000 children. Thousands more remain missing. And at least 576,000 Palestinians are on the brink of famine.

Homes filled with family heirlooms and memories have been systematically destroyed. The ancient olive trees that symbolize Palestinians’ deep-rooted connection to their land haven’t been spared.

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Arab Americans have emerged as a new and powerful voting bloc

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It’s easy to feel despair. But what brings me hope is the new generation of Arab Americans organizing, marching, and working with other communities to demand a permanent ceasefire. We are reminded that dissent is the highest form of “patriotism.”

Despite attempts to smear and silence them for supporting Palestinian human rights, their efforts are having an impact. A March 27 Gallup poll showed a significant drop in American public support for Israel’s conduct of the war, from 50 percent in November 2023 to 36 percent now.

Meanwhile, Arab Americans have emerged as a new and powerful voting bloc. Spearheaded by Arab Americans in Michigan, hundreds of thousands of Americans voted “uncommitted” in recent primary elections in Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and elsewhere to protest U.S. policy in Gaza.

This represents a real shift from the days after 9/11, when Arab Americans faced blanket demonization without any pushback. This is progress, although much more must be done.

We know we belong in America even if we’re not always treated that way. We need enduring collaboration between Arab Americans and policymakers, educators, and community members to defend our rights, create a more equal America, and promote more just U.S. policies abroad  — starting with a ceasefire in Gaza.

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Farrah Hassen, J.D., is a writer, policy analyst, and adjunct professor in the Department of Political Science at Cal Poly Pomona. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.

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Why Ramadan is called Ramadan: 6 questions answered

by Mohammad Hassan Khalil
Michigan State University

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1. Why is Ramadan called Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new crescent moon is, or should be, visible.

The Arabic term Ramadan connotes intense heat. It seems that in pre-Islamic Arabia, Ramadan was the name of a scorching hot summer month. In the Islamic calendar, however, the timing of Ramadan varies from year to year. This year Ramadan will begin at sunset on March 11, give or take a day depending on when the new moon is sighted. An Islamic year is roughly 11 days shorter than a Gregorian year.

Photo:Mehmet Subasi/Unsplash

2. What is the significance of Ramadan?

Ramadan is a period of fasting and spiritual growth and is one of the five “pillars of Islam” – the others being the declaration of faith, daily prayer, alms-giving and the pilgrimage to Mecca. Able-bodied Muslims are expected to abstain from eating, drinking and sexual relations from dawn to sunset each day of the month. Many practicing Muslims also perform additional prayers, especially at night, and attempt to recite the entire Quran. The prevailing belief among Muslims is that it was in the final 10 nights of Ramadan that the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

3. What is the connection between soul and body that the observance of Ramadan seeks to explain?

The Quran states that fasting was prescribed for believers so that they may be conscious of God. By abstaining from things that people tend to take for granted (such as water), it is believed, one may be moved to reflect on the purpose of life and grow closer to the creator and sustainer of all existence. As such, engaging in wrongdoing effectively undermines the fast. Many Muslims also maintain that fasting allows them to get a feeling of poverty and this may foster feelings of empathy.

4. Can Muslims skip fasting under certain conditions? If so, do they make up missed days?

All those who are physically limited (for example, because of an illness or old age) are exempt from the obligation to fast; the same is true for anyone who is traveling. Those who are able to do so are expected to make up the missed days at a later time. One could potentially make up all of the missed days in the month immediately following Ramadan, the month of Shawwal. Those unable to fast at all, if they are financially able, are expected to provide meals to the needy as an alternative course of action.

5. What is the significance of 29 or 30 days of fasting?

By fasting over an extended period of time, practicing Muslims aim to foster certain attitudes and values that they would be able to cultivate over the course of an entire year. Ramadan is often likened to a spiritual training camp.

Besides experiencing feelings of hunger and thirst, believers often have to deal with fatigue because of late-night prayers and pre-dawn meals. This is especially true during the final 10 nights of the month. In addition to being the period in which the Quran was believed to have been first revealed, this is a time when divine rewards are believed to be multiplied. Many Muslims will offer additional prayers during this period.

6. Do Muslims celebrate the completion of Ramadan?

The end of Ramadan marks the beginning of one of two major Islamic holidays Eid al-Fitr, the “festival of the breaking of the fast.” On this day, many Muslims attend a religious service, visit relatives and friends and exchange gifts.

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This is an updated version of an article originally published on May 22, 2017.

Mohammad Hassan Khalil, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Muslim Studies Program, Michigan State University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Philo 150th Anniversary Committee to hold first meeting

Philo - The Philo 150th Anniversary Celebration committee will have its first meeting tomorrow at 1 pm in the R E Franks Center Boardroom. This will be the first in the series of many to plan for a festival and celebration in summer 2025, said village board member David Happ.

"I'm asking anybody interested in serving on the committee or if they have ideas to share, to come," Happ said.

Named after Philo Hale, the Philo Township was created in 1859 and the Village of Philo was incorporated 16 years later in 1875. The earliest census listed the population at 291. Today's population is around 1,421 according to Data USA.

Once established over the next couple of months, the committee will meet monthly.

"Tomorrow, we are trying to get a feel of who would be willing to serve on the committee," Happ said, hoping to add more names to the few on his list so far who have expressed an interest in helping plan the event over the next year.

For more information, contact David Happ at (217) 417-3128.

Recipe | Impress guests at your next wine party with this tasty tapas

Family Features - Pairing an easy, delicious appetizer with the perfect wine doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds. When you’re ready to elevate your home entertaining, turn to a simplistic recipe featuring fresh, bold flavors.

Photo provided

Developed by sommelier and founder of “The Lush Life,” Sarah Tracey, this Whipped Goat Cheese Salsa Dip is part of her “Dips and Sips” partnership with Fresh Cravings, makers of authentic-tasting chilled salsas offering a vibrant alternative to soft, dull blends of jarred salsa, flavor-filled hummus, plant-based vegan dips and veggie-packed creamy dips.

“When I entertain at home, I’m always looking for ways to impress my friends with fresh, creative bites I can pair with wine,” Tracey said. “My favorite hack is finding great products with high-quality ingredients then creating simple, elevated ways to serve them. The less time I spend in the kitchen, the more time I get to spend with my guests.”

Ready in just 15 minutes and paired with a rosé, this savory recipe provides an ideal way to satisfy guests without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, with goat cheese at the heart of the dip, it’s a delicious way to capitalize on trendy butter boards with an approachable main ingredient.

Watch how to make this recipe

Whipped Goat Cheese Salsa Dip
Recipe courtesy of Sarah Tracey
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          goat cheese log (8 ounces), softened at room temperature
• 1          pinch sea salt
• 1/2       cup heavy cream
• Fresh Cravings Chunky Salsa, Mild
• 1/2       cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
• 1          bunch fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• crackers, chips or vegetables
• 19 Crimes Snoop Dogg Rosé

1. In food processor or blender, blend goat cheese with sea salt and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. If mixture is too firm, add cream little by little while pulsing blender until light, fluffy consistency is reached.
2. Spread whipped goat cheese into shallow serving dish or onto board.
3. Top with salsa.
4. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley, if desired.
5. Serve with crackers, chips or veggies. Pair with rosé.

Visit FreshCravings.com to discover more entertaining-worthy recipes and pairing ideas.

County search and rescue team hosts open-house this Saturday

URBANA -- The Champaign County Search and Rescue Team will host a 10th Anniversary celebration this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the grounds of the ILEAS Training Center, 1701 E. Main in Urbana.

Champaign County Search and Rescue (CCSAR) membership is open to volunteers 18 years old or older. Regular training is provided so that each member is a valued asset when CCSAR is needed in the field. Certified instructors teach members how to assist in search and rescue operations, help in the recovery of bodies, and aid in evidence recovery. Team members also support disaster area operations when needed; and promote public safety to county residents.

"In the past ten years, CCSAR has participated in several searches in Champaign County, as well as assisting with searches across central Illinois," it said in today's press release announcing this weekend's festivities.

Saturday's family-friendly event will several giveaways and prize drawings. Kids can learn how to survive in the woods if they become lost through the Hug-A-Tree presentation, a program specifically designed for children between the ages of 7 and 11, developed to educate children with a few of the most basic and vital survival principles. The program is also valuable for slightly younger and older children as well.

The open house will also offer various observational skill tests, valuable information on what to take on the trail with you on a hike, and a live demonstration by a tracking dog. A display with the equipment and tools used by the CCSAR team will also be available.

For more information on the event or about Champaign County Search and Rescue, contact John Dwyer at the Champaign County EMA by phone at 217-384-3826 or by email at jdwyer@co.champaign.il.us.

Illinois theater convention September 24

CHICAGO -- The Illinois Theatre Association will hold its 2022 ITA Annual Membership Meeting & Award Celebration at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center in Downers Grove on September 24. In addition to presenting annual excellence awards to Illinois thespians, the all-day event will include the induction of the 2022-2024 Board of Directors, workshops sponsored by the ITA, a special presentation on intimacy direction, and its Red Carpet Gala Award Luncheon.

The keynote address will presented by Michael Novak, Artistic Director of the Paul Taylor Dance Company. Novak has danced in 57 roles in 50 Taylor dances, and created gigs for five of the Taylor Company Commission choreographers.

This year's award winners include Teatro Vista, a Chicago-based theater group created in 1990, Dr. David Allan Kuester director of the IVCC Theatre, Judy Ruzevich Klingner, and Marjorie Hillocks.

Hillocks won the award for Creative Drama/Theatre for Young Audiences and Klingner is the recipient of the Anne Thurman Mentorship Award.

Festival 56, a Princeton Theatre Group, that won this year's Award of Honor, along with Streator High School and the Vermillion Players, a community theater group, will also be honored with awards the gala.

Workshop sessions include "OUCH! Hits, Kicks, and Other Combat Tricks" by Kyle Cassady from the Society of American Fight Directors, "Creating the Best Audition Package for You" with Paul Stancato & Felicia Finley from the Timber Lake Playhouse, and "Collaborative 10 Minute Play Writing: Hearing Every Voice" presented by Friar Dominic Garramone from Saint Bede Academy.

For more information and registration to this year's event go to https://illinoistheatre.org/event-4897079.

Six Urbana high school students to receive MLK scholarship award

Urbana senior Ziniera Edwards take a shot for the Tigers from the free throw line during the Turkey Tournament in St. Joseph last November. She and five other Urbana seniors were named King Scholars this week.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Urbana students Kiana Amindavar, Jamaica Dyer, Ziniera Edwards, Rema Salem, Jonathan Sanchez-Huanca and alternate Kevin Alvarado were named named recipients of the 37th Annual MLK Jr. "Living the Dream" Scholarships.

The six students and along with seniors from the Champaign and Rantoul Township, also known as King Scholars, will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to use at the college of their choice.

Scholarship winners are chosen based on their scholarship application, financial need, and a personal essay. Recipients can renew the award through four academic years as they pursue their undergraduate degrees.

The winners will be honored at The 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration, a free event open to the general public, on January 16 starting at 5pm at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to enter the Krannert Center.

The scholarship fund is underwritten through tax-deductible donations from individuals, churches, synagogues, and businesses who want to transform young lives through education and public service.

Jamaica Dyer was also this year's Willie Summerville Memorial Award for Excellence in the Arts.

Spend less money, entertain more this holiday season

Nicole De Khors/Burst

(StatePoint) -- There is nothing like gathering with family and friends sharing the ups and downs of the past year and plans for the upcoming one.

The holiday season brings an abundance of feelings that may include joy, comfort, gratitude, and unfortunately, stress. Don’t let the task of entertaining friends and family break the bank or your back.

Instead, create memorable gatherings with loved ones while saving time and money in the process using these hosting tips from the experts at Dollar General:

Delicate Décor
Creating the right ambiance in your space is key to holiday decorating success. Begin by decluttering the areas of your home where you plan to entertain. Fill the extra spaces with seasonal decorations. Remember, elaborate, expensive items aren’t always needed to make a home look amazing. Decorations like small figurines, bowls filled with holiday candy or simple wreaths and garlands can do the trick of transforming your home into a winter wonderland!

Fruitful Food
With more guests comes more food, but it doesn’t have to mean spending more money. Shopping at discount retailers for essentials such as milk, eggs, bread and cheese can help stretch your budget. You can also make the switch to private brand items and save even more when buying foods for overnight guests, such as granola bars, cereal and snacks. Consider purchasing these household basics from a local Dollar General store, which also provides digital coupons to help you save even more.

Supplies Stock-Up
Of course, to entertain, you will need supplies. Stocking up on cleaning essentials, everyday cooking ingredients and entertaining basics early in the season is a great way to have everything needed before the party begins. Consider adding items such as trash bags, cutlery, paper products, other decorations and even small gifts.

By using smart shopping strategies, you can entertain during the holidays with ease instead of stress.

Nickle and Dimes Band hosting NYE party in Royal

The Nickel and Dimes Band will be hosting a New Year's Eve party at the Royal Community Building.

Tickets are available online at nickelanddimesband.ticketleap.com/nye. Guests can save $10 per person by ordering theirs by midnight tonight, November 30th. Starting tomorrow ticket prices will increase to $50 per person and can be purchased online or at the door. Guests and couples are encouraged to buy tickets in advance before they are sold out.

Ticket prices include dinner provided by Last Call Catering. Friday night's menu includes fried chicken, pork loin, mashed potatoes, cheesy scalloped potatoes, green beans, corn, salad, and dinner rolls. The meal is scheduled to be served at 6:30pm.

After dinner, the warm-up show features local singer Kolten Taylor from 7:30-9pm with Nickle and Dimes immediately taking the stage to rock the crowd.

New Year's Eve party favors and champagne will be provided to welcome 2022 in style. There will be a cash bar available for guests.

For more information visit the band's Facebook page.

Flyin' high: touchdown Rockets!

Unity receiver Tyler Hensch and quarterback Blake Kimball celebrate a touchdown against visiting St. Joseph-Ogden on Friday. The Rockets beat the Spartans in Illini Prairie Conference action, 33-8. Next up, Unity travels to Illinois Valley Central to take on the Grey Ghost on Friday. Click here to see more photos from this game.

(PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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Guest Commentary: The best part of Christmas is everyone coming together

By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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Christmas has different beginning times for most everyone.

For some it's when you put up the Christmas tree and decorations. For others it's when you wrap some presents and put them under the tree. While for others it's about the Christmas music. When they first start hearing Christmas songs on the radio then Christmas has begun for them.

Christmas may begin for you when your family arrives home to share in your celebration. Or your Christmas celebration may really begin when your family finally leaves.

When I was a child Christmas started for me when everything came together. The big fresh tree was hewn down from the hillside. Once it was decorated, I started watching for Santa. But it still was 't Christmas until I came up with a big package of firecrackers, cherry bombs and other noisy fireworks. I always loved putting firecrackers and cherry bombs under cans to see how far they would fly through the air.

My mother would make cookies, cakes and pies. My dad would always buy a big box of apples and oranges. It seems like they lasted a week.

Christmas really began when family came home. When we all got together that's when it seemed Christmas really started. The excitement came by us all being together. Sharing gifts was fun and provided moments of laughter. Eating my mother's delicious meal was always a stable holiday treat we always enjoyed.

The best past part was everyone being together for a couple of days. With social distancing, this may be one element of Christmas that many will not get to enjoy in 2020.

So many thousands of people have died from Covid-19 and they will be missed at the Christmas table. If this is you please cling to the hope of life beyond this world and that you will see your loved one again.

I believe throughout our planet that seeing our sick friends get well would make Christmas for all of us.

Christmas is different this year. We must enter Christmas this year with hope. You have to have hope to live. Life without hope is like a car with no fuel. A vaccine for Covid-19 is coming. We are praying this will spare lives in 2021. We have hope that by next Christmas we can all get together and celebrate.

Keep in mind there has never been anything normal about Christmas. Mary and Joseph and the baby spent their first Christmas in a barn which was like a cave for animals. The baby was laid in a cow's trough for a bed. Christmas always has the potential of being very different.

Remember Christmas is in your heart and that's where your main celebration and hope lie. May hope and Christmas be bright and rekindled anew and afresh.

May you within your spirit hear the bells on Christmas day. And, may you hear the angels sing, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to all men on whom his favor rests."

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Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.

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Photo of the Day - September 23, 2020

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Spartans celebrate track senior night

With her mother looking on, St. Joseph-Ogden senior Hannah Graham receives a congratulatory kiss from her father, Chris, during senior night recognition at the 2012 Lady Spartan Classic. Graham, a three-sport athlete, was a member of the state qualifying 4x200 and 4x400 squads that advanced to state weeks later. The SJO girls finished 16th in the team standings at the state finals Charleston.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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St. Joseph Community Festival scaled back due to Covid-19

The pandemic wounded yet another annual summer tradition this year. The St. Joseph Community Festival committee announced that this year's celebration will be scaled down considerably as the state continues to navigate through it reopening phases.

In a statement released on Facebook, the festival committee announced that after conversations with the American Legion, the village officials and management from the carnival vendor, a decision was reached to cancel most of the events for this year's festival.

"With all of the unknowns at this time due to the coronavirus it is hard to plan what might or might not be allowed in August," Josh Reese wrote in his post in the St. Joseph, IL - Information and Community Events public group on Facebook. "We are planning on keeping a few events."

As of June 10, the planning committee plans to offer the following events:

Saturday, August 1
12pm • Antique and Lawnmower Tractor Pull Location: The Sports Complex

Saturday, August 8
7am - 10am • St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Department Pancake Breakfast

6pm • Community Festival Parade
Location: Downtown

Dusk • Festival Fireworks
Location: Sports Complex

The Pancake Breakfast is listed as tentative. The SJSFD still needs to acquire applicable temporary food permits from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. The tractor pull was schedule to one week earlier due to the availability of the sled.

Reese signed off with a piece of good news after thanking the community for their support. The dates for next year's festival are scheduled to be held on August 12-14 in 2021.

End of the year school parade to be held on May 15

St. Joseph CCSD 169 principal Michelle Mabry Wagner announced on Facebook teachers will hold an end of the year drive-by parade on May 15.

"We are going to be doing a parade around town, me and all your teachers from Kindergarten to eight grade," Wagner announced in a video. "You can come out on the street and wave to us. We are doing this in honor of you."

Starting at 1pm, teachers will wind their way through the community in their vehicles to say farewell to all the students in the district.

"Even though we can't be together, we're still going to celebrate with this parade," Wagner said.

Click on map above to view a larger, clearer version of the route.

SJO volleyball rebound from loss, knock off Oakwood 2-0

Spartans' Katelyn Berry celebrates a point during the second set in her team's home non-conference contest against Oakwood. After falling 2-0 to visiting Champaign Central just 24 hours earlier, Berry led SJO to a decisive 25-8, 25-10 win on Wednesday. The senior hammered a team-high 10 kills and pummeled the Comets with a pair of aces. St. Joseph-Ogden will play its next set of matches at this weekend's Mahomet-Seymour Varsity Volleyball Tournament. SJO opens pool play at 8:30 a.m. and will play again at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)