GoFundMe set up for families of fatal crash in Rushville

RUSHVILLE - A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the grieving families with arrangements needed after a school bus transporting three preschoolers collided with a semi-truck on Monday.

GFM campaign According to police, the bus crossed over into oncoming traffic into the path of the semi carrying a load of sand. Both vehicles were involved in flames upon impact. Three young children along with the drivers of the school bus and semi-truck perished in the tragic accident.

The accident happened near Rushville, almost 135 miles due west of Champaign-Urbana and 57 miles northwest of Springfield at around 11:30 a.m.

The GoFundMe has been set up for the families of the three students to help cover funerals, medical bills and other unforeseen expenses. According to one news report, a meal train, designed to provide the students' families with home-cooked and delivered meals during this time has been established online while community members work together to support the victims' families.

Donations can be made via this link on GoFundMe.com. As of this article, 560 donors have contributed just over $40,000 in financial support to the grieving families.

The National Transportation Safety Board posted a message on 'X', formerly known as Twitter, Monday night announcing a team would be sent to investigate the incident with Illinois State Police.

American Legion to host fish fry benefit for Troop 40

St. Joseph - Tickets are on sale now for three fish frys to raise money for St. Joseph's Boy Scouts.

The American Legion will host the first of three fish frys this Friday, January 27, the next one on February 24, and the final event on March 24.

The $10 meal includes two sides and a drink. Food will be served starting 4:30 pm and continue until 7 pm or until the fish is sold out on all three dates. Advance tickets can be purchased this Wednesday 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the IGA. Meal tickets can also be bought at the door on the day of the fry.

For more information visit the event Facebook page here.

Savoy church to hosts Thanksgiving basket fundraiser this Saturday

SAVOY -- The Savoy United Methodist Church will host its annual Chicken & Noodles Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, October 29, from 4:30 to 7 pm. Proceeds from the event will be used to assemble and distribute Thanksgiving food baskets to area families.

Every Thanksgiving season since 2007, the church has distributed food baskets to over one hundred individuals and families.

Chicken Noodle Dinner Flyer "On average, we give out around 100 baskets or so each year. Last year was our largest in memory. We were able to feed 201 families," said Angela Hancock, who is co-chairing the Thanksgiving Basket committee at the church with her spouse. "It has grown and changed as the need and the vision have changed over the years."

Hancock said that prior to last year, it cost $45 to assemble each basket which contains a full meal for a family of four to six. The meal consists of a 14lb turkey, 5lbs of russet potatoes, milk, butter, eggs, dinner rolls, stuffing mix, gravy mix, canned vegetables, pumpkin pie, cool whip, cranberry sauce, a foil pan for baking, and recipe cards for first-time cooks.

"Inflation has hit all of us hard. Basket prices have jumped to $60 each, she explained. "This year, our goal is to feed 125 families. If we can do more, we will."

Every member of United Methodist contributes what they can to the program. From making donations and fundraising to distributing baskets, and all things in between, it is a complete effort by the congregation.

The Thanksgiving basket program is also a cooperative effort that receives support from local businesses with transportation trailers, forklift equipment, a refrigerated truck, and local grocery stores for bulk ordering.

"Some (members) can sponsor half a basket, others can do a full one. Others do multiple baskets. It's what we are able to afford at this time of year. God and fundraising efforts ensure the rest," Hancock said. "Funds play a major role in how many families we can feed."

A successful fundraiser on Saturday will ensure the church can help more area families enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday.

"We do this in His Name so that His people don't forget they are Seen," Hancock pointed out. "This is truly a community response to a need so many have. No one should have to be without at Thanksgiving time. And with God, no one ever will.

"God ensures that we hear about the needs of our community and our congregation steps up with donations and fundraising."

The dinner menu includes Chicken & Noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread, dessert, and more. The cost is $12 per adult and $5 for kids between the ages of five and 12. Children under five years of age can eat free. The meal will be served at 3002 W. Old Church Road in Savoy.

For those unable to attend the dinner but would like to make a financial contribution, UMCS welcomes donations. Donors can make a contribution online via the savoyumc.org website. Choose Food Pantry from the menu and enter Thanksgiving Baskets as your Memo. Hancock pointed out that this ensures that donations goes directly to the Thanksgiving Basket program.

The food baskets are distributed either by pickup or delivery the weekend before Thanksgiving to church members, individuals/families referred by Empty Tomb, families from the International Prep Academy, our year-round Food Pantry recipient families, or friends of church members. Individuals and families on the list are contacted via phone and USPS mail with the date and time of the pickup sessions.

"We also take the opportunity to provide some literature or small devotionals that helps remind all of our families that they are loved and not forgotten by our Great God," Hancock added. "This is truly a community response to a need so many have."


Chicken Noodle Dinner Flyer

With Arms Open Wide benefit concert at the Rose Bowl

The Slavic Reference Service at the University of Illinois will be hosting a benefit concert on Saturday at the Rose Bowl Tavern in downtown Urbana.

Starting at 1pm, the concert will feature local bands from a wide range of styles and genres for three and a half hours. Admission is free.

The event is a collaboration with Doctors Without Borders (DWB). DWB provides medical aid to people around the globe whose well-being and survival are threatened daily by conflict and catastrophe.

As the war in Ukraine continues to drag on, DWB has been on the ground providing humanitarian assistance. Their efforts led to a specially designed medical train such as the one on April 26 that transported patients from Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro to hospitals in Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv.

"The “With Arms Wide Open - Give Across Borders” campaign aims to raise $50,000 to aid DWB’s work in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen, and other conflict zones," says event organizer Olga Markarova-Bowman. "Any amount able to be contributed is greatly appreciated and will be used to provide urgent medical care, treatment for malnutrition, emergency surgery, and vaccinations to those in need."

For more information on about the fundraising campaign, please visit the official campaign website.

Crisis Nursery to host Pinwheel Garden for fundraiser

SPRINGFIELD -- The Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery will host a Pinwheel Garden next month in April for National Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness and funds to provide crisis childcare to those most at risk of abuse and neglect.

Executive director Jen McMillin issued a challenge to the Springfield community offering highlight her hair blue if the Nursery raises $1,000. If the Nursery raises $5,000 during the month of April, McMillin pledges to dye her whole head blue.

"Child Abuse Prevention Month is a short time each year, and we want to draw the most attention to the issue of neglect and abuse as possible," she said in a press release. "We want to highlight the importance of protective factors, including the use of crisis nurseries, every month. This hairdo will help us remember CAP month into the summer, and draw attention to this important issue."

Research shows the risk for neglect and abuse diminishes, and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted with proper support services. These support services include increasing parenting tools, knowledge of child development, parental resilience, social connections, and concrete support.

The Pinwheel Garden is one of the many fundraisers Mini O’Beirne hosts annually to support the work of the organization. Each year, the Nursery provides crisis care for over 1,400 families and numerous supplies through the basic needs pantry. To host a pinwheel, you can make a tax-deductible donation to Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery here: https://bit.ly/MOCN2022.

To learn more about the other crisis nurseries in Illinois, please visit https://cncoalitionil.org/. There are nurseries located in Springfield, Urbana, Bloomington, Effingham, Rockford, Peoria, and Chicago. For more information about crisis nurseries in general, visit the Center for Crisis Nurseries at https://www.crisisnurseries.org/.

SJO FFA to host auction fundraiser this Saturday

The annual St. Joseph-Ogden FFA Auction will be held Saturday at the high school. The event is open to the community.

Dinner and the silent auction will begin at 5 pm, with the live auction starting an hour later at 6 pm. In addition to the regular bidding, there will be a special auction for young bidders at this year's event.

Items that will be up for bid include discounts on corn or soybean seeds, tools, sporting event tickets, gift cards to local retailers, and a variety of other services.

Some of the services up for bid include a one-hour photo session with Emilee Sorenson Photography, three hours of babysitting and farm labor services by FFA members, on-site combine inspection from Birkey's Farm Store, and lawn mower repair and maintenance service from Matt Sharp.

Attendees can also bid on arc welders, impact drivers, grease gun kits, a battery-powered weed trimmer, and a 5lb ABC fire extinguisher, along with a safety escape ladder. A list of items in this year's sale can be found here.

Other items under the hammer include a solo stove firepit and two GCI rocker chairs from Gifford State Bank; a furnace clean and safety inspection or A/C check from Kelso Heating & Cooling; a truckload of firewood from Keith Ames; a private tour and tasting for ten at Riggs Beer Company; 50 pounds of ground hamburger from Aden Family Farms; and a 40-pound beef bundle from Hesterberg Beef.

All funds are earmarked for the agricultural education program and will be used by the school chapter. Proceeds from the sale are also slated for chapter scholarships, preparation, and competitions.

Fundraiser for future local Olympic figure skater ends next week

ST. JOSEPH -- Catia Schulte, of St. Joseph, has been invited to compete at the 2022 Excel National Festival in Boston. To help cover her expenses to compete at this national ice-skating event, she is doing a Laundry/dish soap fundraiser.

If you would like to help out, you will need to place your orders by Tuesday, February 1. Follow this link to view the available products.

Catia fell in love with figure skating at an early age. Now she has the opportunity to compete against some of the best skaters in her age group from around the country.

"I enjoy how this sport combines the physical challenges - jumping and spinning on the ice - with the grace and beauty of the choreography while skating to music. I really like competing," she said. "From the moment I first stepped on the ice, I felt that this is what I am supposed to be doing."

She added: "My dream is to make it to the Olympics, or even to the US Championship! I love the feeling of putting on my skates and skating my routine."

Catia working hard toward competing at the highest level.

"She stepped on the ice for the first time in January 2019 and received first place in her first competition that summer," said her mother, Carrie Gillespie-Schulte. "Catia is training in preparation of rigorous USFS Moves in the Field and Freeskating tests. Passing these tests gives her the opportunity to participate in qualifying competitions that give her the chance to participate in the events we hear more about: US Championships, World Championships, Olympics, etc." "

The Excel Series competitions bring together skaters of all ages the opportunity to get the feel of a nationwide competition while they improve their technical ability and skills on the ice. Catia's trip to Boston will bring her one step closer to becoming yet another Olympic athlete from St. Joseph.

Time is running out to help. For more information or to place an order to help send Catia to the Excel Series message Carrie Gillespie-Schulte on Facebook.

Girl Scout cookies are coming and Troop 2945 is ready

TOLONO -- Friday, February 4th is the first day of nearly eight weeks of absolute cookie bliss. It is the first day that Girl Scouts around the country can officially start selling cookies to raise funds for their troop.

Tolono-based Troop 2945, with 13 members in grades 3 through 5, has just over 2,000 boxes ordered to sell this season.


Girl Scout Troop 2945

Photo courtesy Kristina Toney

"Girls who sell 250 boxes get their Girl Scout fee for the following year waived," Girl Scout leader Kristina Toney told The Sentinel via messenger. "Cookie sales help girls pay for summer camps and they learn a lot of fundamentals with selling cookies."

The annual cookie sale teaches Girl Scouts fundamental business skills by counting-out change, order fulfillment and delivery processes, and developing customer service skills. Local girl scout councils, prepared for a successful selling season, will be monitoring local data and public health mandates.

"Girl Scouts across the country will embark on a new adventure with the world's largest entrepreneurial program for girls: the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program," the Girl Scouts of America said in a release. "In prior years, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Girl Scouts quickly and cleverly adapted their selling methods to replace the iconic in-person cookie booths with new, innovative options.

The familiar favorites like Thin Mints, Lemonades, Carmel Delight, Peanut Butter Patties aka Tagalongs, and Shortbread or Trefoils®, are back.

New this year! Adventurefuls.
Adventurefuls™ is the newest cookie to the Girl Scouts of the USA line-up. It is a brownie-inspired cookie topped with caramel flavored crème with just a hint of sea salt to make it a satisfying snack. Toffee-tastic®, another new option, is gluten-free and described as "rich, buttery cookies with sweet, crunchy toffee bits."

Troop 2945 will have booths set up to sell cookies, and a list of sale locations will be available after January 28.

"We haven't figured out any cookie booths yet around town as we can't officially start selling until the fourth," Toney said, "I have 13 girls in my troop, and we all love to deliver cookies."

She said anyone who wishes to place a pre-order or get a list of sale locations can contact by email at kristinatny@yahoo.com or via a phone call at (217) 722-7945. Follow Troop 2945 on Facebook here.

GoFundMe campaign established for St. Joseph veteran who lost home to fire

ST. JOSEPH - Chris Wright lost his home, all of his belongings, and his trusted companion, his dog Bo, to a fire that started in his home sometime around 11pm on New Year's Eve.

The St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District responded to the call and extinguished the blaze around 3am on Saturday.

Wright's neighbor, Kristin Jones, created a GoFundMe campaign to help him recover after the fire.

"The firemen and women tried and did their best to put the fire out is quickly, efficiently, and tried to save everything including his dog, she wrote in the campaign message. "I’m here to ask, that while he continues to work, we raise money to help him in whatever he needs to get through this extremely hard time."

Anyone willing to make a contribution to help the army veteran who served both in Iraq and Afganistan can do so here - GoFundMe for Chris.

"Such a devastating loss for my brother," wrote his sister Kaleigh Clark on Facebook. "He lost his dog, who was his best friend, as well as his house, and all of his belongings in this fire."

Troop 1956 offering holiday Candy Cane Hunts

It is an Easter Egg hunt except with candy canes. That's how American Heritage Girls Troop 1956 plans to raise funds for the new organization.

"The mission of American Heritage Girls is to build young women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. Girls in this program have the opportunity to participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences," says Jessica Stuber organizing the hunt for the new local AHG chapter that started last October.

"We have never done this fundraiser before," Stuber said. "This is our very first fundraiser."

Starting December 12 through the December 18, parents, family members, or spouses can pick a time for the troop to hide candy canes around their yard for a small fee. Candy cane hunts are perfect for keeping little ones excited and adults occupied during the holiday season.

Stuber said the Candy Cane Hunt idea came from one her daughter was treated to one last year.

"My youngest daughter was surprised with a candy cane hunt by a friend who had come across a fundraiser very similar to ours by another organization," she recounted. "While planning for a troop Christmas party, I was reminded of the candy cane hunt and thought it might be a great way for our troop to generate funds."

Stuber hopes through fliers like the one shown, and word of mouth the troop will be plenty busy setting up hunts from Tuscola to Sidney and homes in between. They will even set them up in Champaign and Urbana.

"As of right now, we only have one family signed up to surprise their little one with a candy cane hunt. We just got the word out to our troop and have begun passing out fliers," she said. "We're hopeful that more families would like to participate as the word gets out."

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help the troop pay for field trips, camping trips, and future service projects. One of their financial goals is to be able to offer scholarships to families who would like to join but may be experiencing financial hardship.

To arrange a surprise holiday candy cane hunt for someone, contact Jessic Stuber at (217) 377-4868 or email her at jstuber00@gmail.com.


Spartan volleyball team to host scholarship fundraiser at October 5 home match

SJO head coach Abby McDonald shakes hands with an IHSA administrator before receiving her third-place medal at the IHSA Volleyball State Finals in 2019. The 13-year veteran coach and her volleyball program are raising funds for a new scholarship program to honor former educator and football coach Dick Duval. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team will host a fundraiser to create a scholarship fund in the name of former longtime head football coach Dick Duval at its October 5 home game against Monticello.

Duval, who built SJO into a respected Class 3A powerhouse football program, passed away on August 26. Not only was he a math teacher and the school's athletic director for many years, but was also a member of the SJO Hall of Fame and Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. His career coaching record is an impressive 251 wins against 75 losses during his tenure with the Spartans.

Head coach Abby McDonald, who took over the head coach position at SJO in 2008, believes in the importance of her players giving back and leads the varsity, JV, and freshman teams in administering projects to benefit someone or an organization in the community.

"At least once while they are in high school, I like our girls to do some sort of community service project at one of our matches - something to give back to the community because the community does some much for them and for us," McDonald said.

Last year, because of the state's Covid mitigation, the team did not have a project to work on. The program's last effort was a fundraiser for a fellow player who had cancer.

"Coach Duval is such a huge part of who I am as a coach but also a huge supporter of all SJO athletics," McDonald said. Like Duval, she immediately made an impact after taking the reins, building the volleyball program into one that consistently makes deep postseason runs, including two IHSA final four appearances. "We wanted to do something to show support to his family and to continue his legacy. We thought a scholarship in his name, for hopefully several years to come, will be exactly the way we would want his legacy to continue."

For the main event, the Spartans will square off against Illini Prairie Conference foe Monticello. Duval, after retiring from the St. Joseph-Ogden school district, returned to teaching as a substitute teacher and taught mathematics at Monticello.

"There will be several opportunities to support the fundraiser," McDonald pointed out. There will be a pork chop dinner special, a silent auction, t-shirts for sale, and more in addition to the traditional 50/50 contest. "The girls are doing some different fundraiser opportunities. They are going to have pumpkins to buy that they have been working on."

She is hoping for a good turnout at the Tuesday evening match to help seed the scholarship fund so it will be available to SJO graduates entering college for decades to come.

"The more money we raise, the more years we can name a scholarship winner in his name."

SJO FFA plant sale coming soon

The St. Joseph-Ogden High School FFA plant sale will be April 29-May 1, May 6-8, and May 13-15.

"We chose to push it back a week from last year to allow us to get a little closer to our Illinois frost free days, and because I have students this year that are working the greenhouse," wrote FAA faculty advisor Darcy Nekolny on Facebook. "We look forward to seeing everyone in two weeks!"

Photo by Amir Esrafili/Unsplash
This will be the organizations third installment of the plant sale. It is a chance for students at SJO to get practical horticultural experience. Proceeds from the sale is to support the school's greenhouse operation help expand students practical knowledge on agriculture and growing practices.

Vegetables that will be available include San Marzano Roma tomatoes, Better Boy tomatoes, a yellow tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, cucumbers, broccoli and cauliflower. There will also be a selection of herbs including red basil, basil, rosemary, thyme, and spearmint.

Decorative flower and ornamental for sale include coneflowers, daylilies, hostas, begonias, impatiens and more.

Credit card only pre-orders will be taken via the same ChedderUp platform used last year. Shoppers can purchase plant in-person with cash or check only.

More information will be available on the FFA's Facebook page.

Village Crier: Youth summer sport programs open for registration


Summer softball registration in St. Joseph closes soon

St. Joseph Summer Softball is now underway. This year's registration fee will include the $5 village fee. Parents will to register online with a credit card.

The program will not have a separate age division for girls four years-old or in kindergarten this year. The organization is encouraging parents with kids in the age group to play Bitty Ball or T-Ball through the St. Joseph Youth Baseball program.

Questions can be sent by email to stjosephsummersoftball@gmail.com. Registration closes on February 21.


Unity FFA pork chop lunch next week

The Unity FFA is celebrating FFA Week next week with their annual pork chop lunch. The drive through service will take place on the UHS east drive on Wednesday, February 24 from 11:00am - 12:45pm. Pork chop sandwiches are $5 each with proceeds going toward supporting the FFA program. Customers can get a meal deal for an additional $2, which will include chips, drink, and cookies.


Sidney summer ball sign up this weekend

Sidney Baseball/Softball/Tball signups will be held this Saturday from 10am to 12pm at the new Sidney Community Building located at 211 E Main Street in Sidney. An additional sign up day is scheduled for February 22 from 5:30-7:30pm. Ages groups are ages five and six for T-Ball and ages 7-15 for baseball and softball athletes. Registration cost is $55.

Questions or if parents are unable to make it to the in-person registration dates, they are encouraged to send a message to (217)649-7450.


Annual Chili Dinner in Sidney next week

The Sidney Fire Protection District will host its annual chili dinner on February 27 at the new community building, located at 211 East Main, from 4-7pm. The dinner will be available only through drive-through service. Toppings, hotdogs and drinks will be provided with the meal.

Sidney Fire Department cancer awareness shirts will also be available for purchase. Donations help support the local district's firefighter association.


Spots still available in Tolono virtual raffle

The Tolono Firefighters Association is doing a virtual raffle for a $500 Allen Meats Gift Card. Tickets for the drawing are $10 a piece and limited to the first 100 sold. Tickets can be purchased through Venmo or PayPal.

As of yesterday there were 34 tickets still available for the drawing. For more information visit the Tolono Firefighters Association page on Facebook.


Area COVID cases dips to 3-month low

Yesterday there were just 46 active Coronavirus cases across the six villages The Sentinel covers. The last time there fewer than 50 active cases in our area was back on November 13 of last year. A day later, that number surged to 60 and continued to rise from there to a peak of 142 active cases on several days.

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District reported the number of cases rose by five today.

The agency's dashboard now includes mortality data for Champaign County. Out of the 1,427 cases identified in our area, eight individuals lost their lives to the virus. Two individuals from Ogden, four from Tolono along with one resident from Sidney and St. Joseph succumbed after being infected. As of today, 123 county residents have died from the viral infection since March of 2020.


Put it On The Market

Do you have a home for sale in one of our six communities? The Sentinel would like to highlight it in the upcoming new local real estate feature called On The Market.

Each calendar week our online paper will pick a residential property from those submitted for consideration to promote to our audience. With over 700 readers daily, The Sentinel hopes the new section will direct more potential buyers and competitive offers to sellers in our area. For more submission information, sellers and agents can contact us at editor@oursentinel.com.


Show us your art

We know there are more artists in our area. We just haven't met you yet but would enjoy seeing fruits of your creativity. If you paint, draw, sculpt or do metal work, The Sentinel would love to feature your work and share your artistic talent. Do you spend hours at the potter's wheel, dabble in mixed-media, do glass-work or design jewelry pieces? We would like to hear from you.

If you are interested in having your work featured in a story, please send a brief bio in an email with a link to your website or a online gallery featuring your work to editor@oursentinel.com. We very much look forward to sharing your passion and vision with our readers.


As time and space allows we will publish details for upcoming community events. Please send your business, social or community organization's press release or event information at least four days in advance to The Sentinel at editor@oursentinel.com.

Photo of the Day - January 9, 2021

Two to the finish
Running along side his daughter Katie Duval, Doug Weaver keeps a steady pace to a first place finish in the Male 60 and Over division at the 2019 SJO 5K. He finished in 59th place overall with a time of 24:21.30. Just under 200 runners competed at this year's race. Proceeds are donated to the St. Joseph Middle School and St. Joseph-Ogden cross country and track programs. Clocking in second place in the Female 30 to 34 division, Duval finished in 58th place overall with a time of 24:21.10.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Village Crier: December 23, 2020

Area roundup for St. Joseph, Ogden, Royal, Philo, Sidney & Tolono

Dairy Barn pick up December 28

The Sidney Dairy Barn online shop is open for business at sidneydairybarn.com. While the location is closed for indoor dining, new online orders will be available on Monday, December 28, from 3-6pm. Tire Swings, Tornado home kits, freezes, shakes and more are available.

Go-Fund-Me to help April set up

Subway manager Adam Porter created a GoFundMe page for assistant manager April Patton, who suffered a stroke last week.

"I started this campaign because I know she is going to miss a lot of work and I wanted to try to relieve some of the stress financially," Porter said. "I hope that we are able to help reduce some of her stress and help out her family."

Contributions and donation to help the mother of three while she is unable to work and for medical expenses can be made here: April Patton GoFundMe.

Lil Buford's Wednesday's special

Today's special is a breaded or grilled tenderloins with hand cut fries at the 102 N Long location in Tolono. Meals are available for dine in or carry out. Call for more information at 217-485-5500.

Tolono garbage pick-up will run as scheduled

Chris' Service Company be picking up on Friday, Christmas Day, as normal. For more route information call (217) 684-2465.

RC Fest set for next summer

RC FEST: CREATORS OF CHAOS will be held at Tolono's East Side Park July 31 through August 1. The event features radio controlled car races to raise awareness for donating blood. All proceeds goes to Community Blood Services of Illinois.

2020 was the tenth year of the event created by Tolono resident Adam Munds.

"I got the idea because there was a need for a RC event and I needed platelets when I was born. So blood donation was very close to me," Munds said.

Munds' event this year had 186 entries. With competitors coming from Detroit, Michigan and North Carolina. He said he is expecting teams from Massachusetts, North Carolina and South Dakota to take part in this summer's fest.

Mean Mugz Bar & Grill offering spicy deal

Mean Mugz at 121 Sout East Ave in Ogden has a hearty Po'Boy meal deal for today and tomorrow, December 24. Order a Classic or Cajun burger, a chicken or steak Philly sandwich, or a catfish and a 64oz Rigg's Growler-to-Go for just $20. Call (217) 582-8029 to order for carryout or more information.

Health permits suspended

Permits for two Sentinel area eateries were suspended by Champaign County public health officials for operating in defiance of the state's pandemic mitigation efforts. Lil Buford’s at 102 N. Long in Tolono, and Billy Bob’s at 105 E. Broadway in Ogden join Merry-Ann’s Dinner in Champaign; the American Legion Post 71 in Urbana; Apple Dumplin’ at 2014 N. High Cross Road, U; Not Too Far Bar at 203 Chapin St., Ivesdale; and Red Wheel restaurant at 741 Broadmeadow in Rantoul on a list of county bar and restaurant operations cited for continuing indoor service despite warnings multiple warnings.

Philo Tav announces holiday hours

The Philo Tavern will be closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas but reopen for normal business hours on Saturday.

According to their Facebook page "... due to COVID and public health regulations, we are unable to provide our usual Christmas Eve special of free fried chicken. This was hard for us to do, as this year is the year that our customers deserve THE MOST appreciation for all you’ve done for us."

"We know that without you, we wouldn’t exist and for that, we sincerely thank all of you and wish you all to have a fun and safe holiday!"

SJCOC to hold Christmas Eve services

The St. Joseph Church of Christ host Christmas Eve services at 4:00p, 6:00p, and 11:00p. Each serivce will include a candlelight ceremony in the service. Masks are strongly encouraged, especially as you are making your way to your seat, and seating will be at recommended social distance. The 4:00p service is almost full, according to the latest post on Facebook. There is still ample space in the 6:00p and 11:00p services. The 6:00 services will be live streamed. Interested worshipers can find the link on the SJCOC Facebook page.

Subway manager starts GoFundMe campaign to help employee

Last Thursday while at work April Patton didn't feel well. Despite the pain and discomfort, she finished her shift and continued to work several more days at the Subway located on 220 East Warren in St. Joseph before seeking medical attention. According to store manager Adam Porter, it was then she was informed that she had suffered a stroke on December 17.

With Christmas just around the corner and learning that she would not be able to return to work until the doctors find out why the nine-year veteran at the sandwich shop suffered the medical episode, Porter started an effort to help the mother of three financially.

April Patton GoFundMe Page
"We, as a team, decided to donate all of our tips to her from this pay period, which ended up being around $250 for her," Porter said, who learned during the interview that Patton won’t be able to work for over a month according to her doctors. "She’s really great to work with because she is super hard working, she does everything perfectly and puts effort into all aspects of the job. She’s such a caring person who wants the best for everyone and always has a positive attitude."

Porter, who started managing the St. Joseph location five months ago, has known Patton for three years. He said she and two of her children, who also work at Subway, are like family to him.

Realizing his star employee will be overwhelmed with medical expenses, he decided to create a GoFundMe campaign to help Patton and her family.

"I started this campaign because I know she is going to miss a lot of work and I wanted to try to relieve some of the stress financially," Porter said. "I hope that we are able to help reduce some of her stress and help out her family."

In his campaign pitch he wrote: "She is a great employee and deserves the world and every little donation helps. The doctors are still running more tests to try to figure out what exactly happened. She can’t work while she is in the hospital, and I wish she can focus on her recovery rather than financial issues since she will be out of work for a period of time that is not yet known."

In less than 24 hours the campaign has received $360 of the $3,000 goal. Residents and customers who would like to contribute to the fund or would like more information can follow this like to the GoFundMe campaign.

SJO senior organizing a holiday parade for Dec. 19

After taking part in the Sidney's Parade of Lights on December 5, Audrey Short thought it would be nice to have one closer to home in St. Joseph.

Mourning the loss of her classmate Nadiriah Edwards, who died from her injuries sustained in a tragic traffic accident north of the village days earlier, the St. Joseph-Ogden senior, like many others in the community, wanted to help the Edwards family. What better way to put the fun in fundraising than to have a St. Joseph parade with decorated golf carts, floats and vehicles making its way through town. Short posed the question on a Facebook, asking for a $5 donation that would go to the Edwards.

The response to inquiry was overwhelming enthusiastic and it didn't take long for Short's idea grow. Within hours the event planned for the December 19th had an impressive level of support from members of the Facebook group.

"The responses have been phenomenal! I love seeing how many people want to be involved in an event that has been planned with such short notice," Short said. "I’m ready for it to be December 19th! I’m so excited to see how everyone will decorate!

"I hope everyone has a good time," she added.

The parade route will start at the Middle School and entries can start lining up at 4:30pm for the 5:30 start.

"Get there early if you want to be in the front," Short said. "We will start rolling out at 5:30pm. Don’t forget your minimum entry fee of $5, there will be someone collecting it as you leave the middle school. We will also have two different vehicles collecting donations from others that are watching the parade"

The parade travel to Main Street and head north to Grand Avenue. Turning east, the procession will head to the St. Joseph Community Park. Short said she can be contacted by text or via messenger on Facebook if any one has any questions.

Organizing an event like this is a pretty impressive undertaking for a high school student. Short hopes the donations collected from participant entries and spectators along the route will help Nadiriah's family through the difficult days and months ahead.

"I didn’t know her that well but I had gone to school with her my entire life," said Short, who has committed to play softball at Spoon River College next fall. "We had multiple classes together and had been partners for various projects. She was such a sweet person to be around."

St. Joseph resident creates fund to help front-line, essential workers

A St. Joseph resident is on a mission to help others. Kelly Miller-Skinner, owner of Soul Care Urban Retreat Center in Urbana, has created a Pay It Forward Grant campaign on GoFundMe. Her goal is to raise at least $2,500 that will allow front line workers to spend to spend an hour in quiet rest or attend programs about spiritual wellness practices.

"I don't know about you, but during these last nine months, there have been numerous people who have helped me and my family and made sure that we have managed through this challenging time," Miller wrote in a post on Facebook. "All these folks pouring out of themselves day after day without hesitation. But they also have loads of extra stress and anxiety. And they don’t always have the money to do something to take care of themselves. They always put others first."

So far, donors have contributed $205 toward Miller-Skinner fundraising effort that will benefit educators, first responders, healthcare workers, civil servants, pastors and ministers, social workers, counselors and mental health providers, retail and restaurant workers.

"All these people are pouring out of themselves day after day without hesitation," she said. "Won’t you pay it forward by making a contribution?"

For more information contact Miller-Skinner at Soul Care Urban Retreat Center by phone at (217) 996-1752 or by email at info@soulcareexperience.com. Donations can be made online with GoFundMe at Pay It Forward Grants.

SJO Fan Club fundraiser orders due November 24

There are just four days left to take advantage of the annual St. Joseph-Ogden High School fan club $10 T-shirt sale. If you haven't ordered yours yet, order today to help support all the athletic programs at the high school.

"It's the only fundraiser fan club is doing this year. Because of Covid and the uncertainty of sports seasons, there was no good way to do the all athletic fundraisers that we've done the past few years," Tammy Vallee said. "I know I'd never be able to complete the list of what the funds are spent on, but each sport receives funds to spend on items they need. The fan club purchases larger items as they become needed as well, such as weight room updates and equipment that were added this past year."

With Christmas just around the corner, Spartan fans can email their name, email address, cell phone number and shirt sizes to tammyvallee@comcast.net or via Facebook Messenger. Payment can then be mailed or dropped off at 800 East Lincoln, St Joseph, IL, 61873. Checks must be made payable to SJO Fan Club. All payment and orders must be received by Tuesday, November 24.

Shirts can also be ordered with a student at the high school, who can submit orders and deposit payments at the check-in doors when they arrive at school in the morning.

The fan club expects T-shirt orders to be available for pickup the week of December 14.

The $10 T-shirts are available in sizes from youth through adult XL are available for $10 each. Extended sizes are also available at slightly higher prices with 2XL at $12 each and 3XL at $13 apiece. The fan club reminds fans who order to make sure to specify YOUTH in their email or messages when ordering a children's sizes.

The SJO Fan Club is an organization of parents, staff and community members who actively help every athletic program at the high school with fundraising and volunteers when needed.


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