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Jun 11, 2025 10:58 pm .::. Area football players to play in all-star football game June 21 
Jun 11, 2025 07:53 pm .::. Guest Commentary |It was a terrible idea for Musk to become so heavily involved in government and politics Elon Musk's wealth mainly comes from his ownership stakes in two companies: 1. Tesla – around 37% of his wealth is from Tesla stock, although it was as high as 75% in 2020. 2. SpaceX – valued contracts include a $20 billion deal with the United States federal government. Jun 11, 2025 06:49 pm .::. Commentary |From Holocaust Remembrance to Gaza: Scholars raise genocide alarm Dorothy Shea, the acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, recently vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza." This veto was issued despite the resolution’s description of the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "catastrophic," and in the face of unanimous support from the council's other 14 members. Jun 10, 2025 11:22 pm .::. Father McGivney win state semifinal baseball game over Pawnee in four innings CHAMPAIGN - Father McGivney's Omar Avalos celebrates on third base after hitting a line drive to right field. The sophomore collected the team's first RBI, tying the score at 1-all. Jun 09, 2025 01:42 pm .::. How sweet it is! Cyclones win Class 2A state baseball title in heart-stopping thriller CHAMPAIGN - The Sacred Heart-Griffin baseball team mug teammate Tommy Lauterbach after he drilled the game-winning RBI deep into left field during their Class 2A championship baseball game against Teutopolis. Jun 09, 2025 12:45 pm .::. Bill allows Illinois highway cameras to be used to investigate other crimes SPRINGFIELD - A bill passed in this year’s legislative session would rewrite the definition of a “forcible felony” to allow Illinois State Police to use images obtained from automatic license plate readers in cases involving human trafficking and involuntary servitude. Jun 06, 2025 12:15 pm .::. Snoring Could Signal a Hidden Stroke Risk – Here’s Why URBANA - Here’s another reason to pay attention when your partner complains that you’re snoring or gasping for air at night: sleep apnea – repeated episodes of stopped or slowed breathing during sleep – and stroke go together in more ways than you think. Jun 05, 2025 07:50 pm .::. State Rep to hold satellite office hours for St. Joseph, stops in Vermilion County also set ST. JOSEPH - State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) is ready to hear from his constituents. Earlier this week, Niemerg announced "Satellite Office Hours" for St. Joseph, Homer, Fairmount and Georgetown on Tuesday, June 10. This popular program provides opportunities for constituents to meet with legislative staff to receive help and discuss state issues and concerns. Jun 05, 2025 01:06 pm .::. OSF to merge Urbana, Danville hospitals in overhaul for 2026 URBANA - OSF HealthCare announced a major transformation in its east central Illinois operations Tuesday, revealing plans to merge two regional hospitals into a single entity with dual campuses. Jun 05, 2025 11:26 am .::. Microplastics: Why you should worry about in our food supply? 
Jun 05, 2025 03:48 am .::. Guest Commentary |Bitcoin King: From luxury townhome to jail Would a million dollars make you happy? Would you be satisfied knowing you could eat well and do whatever you wanted? A million dollars isn’t what it used to be, but it’s still a huge sum of money. You could earn about $40,000 a year in interest. But wait—what if you had $100 million? You would be one of the richest people in the world! Can your mind even comprehend having that much money? Would you be satisfied? What about $100 million in bitcoin? Jun 05, 2025 02:23 am .::. Updated: Urbana to host two 'NO KINGS' protests on June 14 After the courthouse protest, a free community dinner will be served at 6 p.m. at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center in Lincoln Square Mall, sponsored by the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Jun 04, 2025 11:43 pm .::. U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear Illinois congressman’s appeal of mail-in voting SPRINGFIELD - The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Monday to hear an appeal on a lawsuit led by Illinois Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost challenging Illinois’ mail-in voting law. Bost and a pair of Illinois primary delegates for President Donald Trump sued the Illinois State Board of Elections in 2022, arguing that the state’s law allowing mail-in ballots to be counted after Election Day violates the federal law establishing an “Election Day.” Both a lower federal trial court and federal appeals court have ruled Bost lacked standing to sue. Jun 04, 2025 10:58 pm .::. Book Review |Sky High: A Soaring History of Aviation Humans have dreamed of flying since the beginning of time. Now that transcontinental air travel is common, flight is often taken for granted. Sky High: A Soaring History of Aviation by Jacek Ambrożewski traces the grand story of humanity's pursuit of flight, beginning with ancient legends passed down through cultures and ending with the historic journey of the solar-powered plane Solar Impulse 2 in 2015–2016. Jun 04, 2025 09:27 pm .::. Amid uncertainty in Washington, Illinois lawmakers pass slimmed-down Medicaid package SPRINGFIELD - Nearly every year, Illinois lawmakers pass a package of measures dealing with the state’s Medicaid program, the joint federal and state health care program that covers low-income individuals. Known as the Medicaid omnibus bill, it sometimes includes bold components, like a 2021 initiative that made millions of dollars available to local communities to help them plan and design their own health care delivery systems. Other packages have focused on smaller changes like guaranteeing coverage for specific conditions and medications or adjusting reimbursement rates for different categories of health care providers. Jun 04, 2025 02:14 pm .::. Opening your home, opening your world: Families invited to host exchange students this fall As families across the country plan for the school year ahead, one nonprofit is inviting them to take part in a cultural exchange that reaches far beyond the classroom. World Heritage International Student Exchange Programs is currently seeking host families willing to welcome international students into their homes for the upcoming school year. Jun 04, 2025 01:24 pm .::. Don't forget the tip: Why your hotel housekeeper deserves a little extra during your stay 
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Sentinel Digest |Our stories from June 4 to June 11
Area football players to play in all-star football game June 21
Record-setting Taylor, power back Boyd-Meents headline Shrine Game rosters.
ST. JOSEPH - Two of central Illinois’ top high school football talents and other members from the Illini Prairie Conference will join an elite group of players from across the state for one final game in their prep careers. Coy Taylor of St. Joseph-Ogden and Robert Boyd-Meents of Paxton-Buckley-Loda will take the field June 21 at Tucci Stadium in Bloomington for the 51st Annual Illinois High School Shrine Game. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m., with pregame ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets are $10 and available at the gate.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
This all-star event, sponsored by the Illinois Coaches Association and the Shriners of Illinois, benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children, with all proceeds supporting pediatric specialty care. Last year’s game raised nearly $13,000 for the cause. Taylor, who will continue his football career at DuPage College, leaves behind a record-setting legacy. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound receiver holds the IHSA all-time career receptions record with 259 catches, surpassing the previous mark held by Marist’s Nic Weishar. Taylor also ranks fourth in state history in career receiving yards with 3,658 and became only the second receiver in Illinois history to post three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. His senior year included 83 catches for 1,045 yards, highlighted by a postseason performance in which he had seven receptions against Unity in his final game. Boyd-Meents, meanwhile, anchored PBL’s offense for three seasons. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back amassed 4,020 total yards over 31 varsity games, averaging 129 yards per contest. In addition to his ground attack, he hauled in 39 receptions for 747 yards, helping the Panthers reach the playoffs each of the last three seasons. The Blue Team will feature both Taylor and Boyd-Meents alongside Milford’s Caleb Clutteur, an 8-man football tight end. They’ll be guided by one of their own: St. Joseph-Ogden head coach Shawn Skinner, who joins the Blue Team coaching staff. Skinner brings a resume full of recent success. He led the Spartans to a 10-1 finish in 2024, including a perfect 8-0 record in Illini Prairie Conference play. Over the past three seasons, Skinner’s teams have gone 25-5 and made deep playoff runs, including a narrow second-round postseason loss last fall to Roxana. In an interesting twist, Skinner will coach alongside Roxana head coach Wade Devries, whose team ended SJO’s 2023 season with a last-minute defensive stand on a 2-point conversion attempt. The Red Team will also include a solid contingent of area athletes:
- George Rouse, QB, Champaign Central
- Carter Foran, WR, Monticello
- Mason High, NT, Monticello
- Evan Parish, ILB, Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin
- Matt Suaava, OL (G), Paxton-Buckley-Loda
- Ryker Grauer, ILB, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley
- Matt Allen, DE, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Now in its fifth decade, the Shrine Game continues to celebrate Illinois’ football tradition while raising awareness and support for young patients. This year’s banquet speaker will be Jared Williamson, newly appointed head coach at Illinois Wesleyan University, and a former Shrine Game MVP in his home state of Alaska. Full rosters and game-day information are available online at IL HS Shrine Game.
Father McGivney wins state semifinal baseball game over Pawnee in four innings
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
How sweet it is! Cyclones win Class 2A state baseball title in heart-stopping thriller
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Brian E. Smith captures 400m state title, cements sprint legacy for North Shore Country Day
Smith became just the third individual state champion in school history for North Shore Country Day. Senior medaled in three events at Saturday's state track finals.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
CHARLESTON - North Shore Country Day senior Brian E. Smith II closed out his high school track career with a historic finish at the IHSA Track and Field State Finals, held May 29–31 at Eastern Illinois University. Smith claimed the Class 1A state championship in the 400-meter dash, turning in a winning time of 48.47 seconds, good for the third-fastest 400m time across all three IHSA classes. With the title, Smith became just the third individual state champion in school history for North Shore Country Day, a private school of just over 500 students in Winnetka. His performance came during what proved to be one of the driest and mildest weather weekends the state finals have seen since the COVID-19 pandemic. Smith advanced to the 400m finals after posting his personal-best time of 48.12 seconds in Thursday’s qualifying round. In the championship race, he outran Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley’s Evan Landers-Kristensen, who placed second at 49.06 seconds, and Casey-Westfield’s Hayden Parcel, who took third in 49.36.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Smith also competed in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, placing in both to cap a rare triple-threat showing. In the 100m final, he finished fifth with a time of 10.99 seconds. Morrison junior Brady Anderson won the event in 10.74, followed by Lena-Winslow’s Alec Schlichting (10.78), Morrison’s Levi Milder (10.92), and Red Bud’s Gavin Baldwin (10.96). Later in the day, Smith took on the 200m dash and finished seventh with a time of 22.19. Milder secured his second gold medal of the meet with a personal-best 21.44 in the event.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Running over obstacles, Swanson finishes season at state meet
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Dwight's Meister leads the pack in state shot put
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
State-Bound: Local tennis players ready for IHSA Finals this weekend
St. Thomas More’s Hunter Madigan wins sectional title; leads local field to IHSA state tennis finals.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
CHAMPAIGN - Three singles players and three area doubles teams are set to represent the Champaign-Urbana area at the IHSA Boys Tennis State Finals, which begin Thursday across the Chicago suburbs. St. Thomas More junior Hunter Madigan headlines the local contingent after capturing the Class 1A sectional singles title last weekend at Centennial High School. Madigan cruised through the bracket, dropping just two games in three straight-set victories. He opened with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Luke Abadeer of Cornerstone Christian Academy, then handled Urbana University's Swapnil Kumar 6-2, 6-0 in the semifinals. In the championship match, Madigan faced University High’s Jameson LaFave in a highly anticipated battle between two of the area’s top four singles players. Madigan prevailed 6-3, 6-1 to claim the sectional crown. "My opponent played very well," LaFave said recounting the championship match. "Hunter Madigan hit some great shots, stayed consistent, and ran me out of the match." Despite the loss, LaFave showed maturity beyond his years after the loss. "It was a good fight in the opening set. He was just the better player that day. It was a tough loss," he said. "You got to learn from them and move on to state." LaFave, a freshman in his first varsity season, still secured a state berth along with three U-High teammates. Senior Robert Gao and junior Kyle Fan qualified for the doubles draw, while Kumar advanced with a third-place singles finish. Madigan will open state play against Dunlap's Harmin Patel. LaFave, seeded No. 15 in the 1A bracket, draws Brother Rice freshman Nathan Miller. Kumar faces Andrew Mumford of Marmion Academy in the first round, while Gao and Fan will take on Wauconda's Sean Lenhart and Marshawn Gallego.
Chargers' doubles team joins area players at state
Centennial seniors Tyler Luchinski and Ryder Perry also punched their ticket to state, placing second in doubles at their home sectional. They begin the tournament against Althoff Catholic seniors Joe Hamilton and Braden Gasawski.Three Maroons ready to battle for a podium spot
Central senior Abel Vines enters the tournament with momentum and a sparkling 29-1 record. Vines dominated the Springfield sectional without dropping a game in eight sets and opens his state run against Oswego East's Pranav Kannan. Rounding the list of high school players heading to state are Central’s doubles team of Daniel Canivez and Sohum Gurrapu, who also secured a spot at state after winning the sectional title. They’ll face Minooka's Eli Chavez and Evan Lundeen, who finished third at the Lincoln-Way East sectional.
Chelsey Stotler claims 1A state Shot Put title, Gajewski takes second
Chelsey Stotler of Stark County wins Class 1A shot put at IHSA State Finals with a 12.91m throw, improving from 4th last year. Nashville’s Makayla Gajewski falls just 0.08m short of defending her 1A shot put title, takes 2nd at 12.83m.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
CHARLESTON - Stark County senior Chelsey Stotler delivered a championship throw of 12.91 meters to win the Class 1A shot put title Saturday at the IHSA Girls Track & Field State Finals at Eastern Illinois University, capping a steady climb from last year’s podium. Stotler, who placed fourth in 2024 with an 11.80-meter effort, improved by more than a full meter in her final high school appearance. She entered the state series with the third-best sectional mark at 12.51 meters but found another gear in the finals to edge out a deep field that included several returning state qualifiers.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Hornets' Makayla Gajewski unloads a long throw while attempting to defend her 2024 IHSA shot put title. Heading into the state meet, the sophomore posted the best throw out all 14 sectionals.
Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
While no athlete approached the state record of 15.55 meters set by Kathleen Young in 2016, this year’s results highlight the competitive depth and promise of a new generation of throwers. The 1A field also featured several other athletes who returned from last year’s finals, including Warrensburg-Latham’s Emma Whightsil (6th, 12.14m in 2025; 10th, 11.16m in 2024), St. Teresa’s Addison Johnson (10th, 11.50m; 6th, 11.56m in 2024), Nashville’s Ellie Bartling (9th, 11.72m), and Carlinville’s Hannah Gibson (12th, 11.12m), each of whom continued to show consistency at the state level.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
2025 IHSA Shot Put State Finishers
1 Chelsey Stotler, Stark County, 12.91m
2 Makayla Gajewski, Nashville, 12.83m
3 Zion Young, Maroa-Forsyth, 12.41m
4 Hannah Brown, Vandalia, 12.34mPR
5 Aubrey Phillips, El Paso-Gridley, 12.20mPR
6 Emma Whightsil, Warrensburg-Latham, 12.14m
7 Brenna Dutcher, Warrensburg-Latham, 11.91m
8 Lia Prairie, Clifton Central, 11.86mPR
9 Ellie Bartling, Nashville, 11.72mPR
10 Addison Johnson, St. Teresa, 11.50m
11 Kylie Smither, Fulton, 11.37m
12 Hannah Gibson, Carlinville, 11.12m
13 Chloe Green, Mt. Olive, 10.99m
14 Lauren Orwig, Stark County, 10.97m
15 Maya Rounds, Sesser-Valier, 10.93m
15 Payton Harding, Carlinville, 10.93mPR
17 Addison Stadsholt, Athens, 10.82m
18 Addison Yeakel, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond, 10.66m
19 Reagan McGlauchlen, Pana, 10.59m
20 Isabella Bunting, Dwight, 10.54m
21 Lilly Kirkpatrick, Sesser-Valier, 10.46m
22 Megan Martin, Watseka, 10.41m
23 Clara Brunner, Springfield Lutheran, 10.28m
24 Rileigh Gaddini, Alden-Hebron, 10.19m
25 Alex Clark, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond, 10.17m
26 Brooklyn Peterson, Riverdale, 10.13m
27 Piper Tyson, Mt. Pulaski, 10.09m
28 Torrie Rider, Carmi-White County, 9.84m
29 Marlee McPeek, Lena-Winslow, 9.79m
30 Alivia Allison, Carlyle, 9.72m
31 Tori Lambert, Chicago Hope Academy, 9.57m
32 Brynlea Downs, Rushville-Industry, 9.45m
33 Anastasia Melvin, Gibault Catholic, 9.41m
34 Gwen Jimenez, Marquette, 9.28m
35 Stephanie Tirpak, Willows Academy, 9.27m
36 Peyton Ehrhardt, Camp Point Central, 8.78m
Emma Randecker wins 100m dash in class 1A, four newcomers have a bright future ahead
West Carroll's Emma Randecker accelerates down the middle of the track ahead of Flanagan's Abbi Armstrong and ROWVA-Williamsfield Haven Manning in the 200m Dash prelims on Thursday at the IHSA Girls State Track & Field Finals. Two days later, Randecker took home the Class 1A state titles in both the 100m and 200m Dash.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
IHSA Girls 100m dash delivers speed and excitement; Emma Randecker leads top four at last weekend's state track & field meet for Illinois. Here is the list of the top high school sprinters in Illinois.
CHARLESTON - The 2025 IHSA Girls State Track 100 Meter Dash final at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Stadium showcased a thrilling sprint showdown, with Savanna’s Emma Randecker powering to the championship in a wind-aided 11.91 seconds. The event, often regarded as track fans’ favorite for its electrifying speed and precision, lived up to expectations with a close race among the top four finishers. Randecker, a senior from West Carroll, maintained her top form from the prelims, where she clocked a swift 12.11 seconds. Her winning time in the final was a significant improvement on her 2024 finals time of 12.22 seconds, marking a strong season progression. Randecker’s sectional qualifying time of 11.95 seconds had already signaled her as a contender for the state crown. Finishing second was Jaida Reed of El Paso-Gridley, a sophomore who set a personal record of 12.09 seconds in the final, improving on her prelim time of 12.16 seconds and last year’s state finals time of 12.53 seconds as a freshman. Reed’s quick rise places her firmly among the state’s elite sprinters, and her 2024 qualification shows continued consistency. Her second place finish was key in EPG winning this year's Class 1A team title.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
West Carroll's Emma Randecker and Mendon Unity's Saylor Barry pull ahead Newman Catholic's Elaina Allen and the rest of the field in the championship race for the 100m dash on Saturday. Randecker took first and Barry finished second in the Class 1A race.
Unity’s junior Saylor Barry took third place with a final time of 12.17 seconds, a slight drop from her 12.03-second sectional qualifier but an improvement over her 2024 state final performance of 12.32 seconds. Barry’s prelim time this year matched her final time from last year, demonstrating steady competitive output. The 100-meter dash remains a fan favorite for three reasons: the event showcases raw speed and explosive power over a brief but intense sprint; its unpredictability keeps spectators on edge as races can be decided by hundredths of a second; and it serves as a fundamental test of sprint mechanics, often predicting future stars in the sport. Rounding out the top four was senior Lilly Gilbertson from Father McGivney, who ran 12.27 seconds in the final, shaving time off her prelim 12.39 and comfortably improving on prior benchmarks this season. Several runners qualified for the state finals in both 2024 and 2025, illustrating a strong core of returning talent. Notable among these are Randecker, Reed, Barry, Gilbertson, and Elaina Allen from Sterling, who placed seventh this year with a 12.37 final time. This year’s 100-meter dash also highlighted some freshmen to watch. McKenna Van Tilburg of Wilmington, who set a personal record of 12.31 seconds to place fifth, and Madison Yazel of Maroa-Forsyth, are among the promising newcomers. Reese Hoene from Effingham's St. Anthony's and Abbi Armstrong from Flanagan also posted strong times, hinting at a deep field in coming years.
Illinois' top sprinters in the 100m Dash
1 Emma Randecker, West Carroll, 12.11
2 Jaida Reed, El Paso-Gridley, 12.16
3 Saylor Barry, Unity, 12.17
4 Bree Schneiderman, Forreston, 12.24
6 McKenna Van Tilburg, Wilmington, 12.34
5 Elaina Allen, Newman Central Catholic, 12.38
7 Lilly Gilbertson, Father McGivney, 12.39
8 Calie Field, Carrollton, 12.46
9 Daniella Bumber, Henry-Senachwine, 12.5
10 Madison Yazel, Maroa-Forsyth, 12.55
11 Reese Hoene, St. Anthony, 12.58
12 Kaelyn Swift, North Mac, 12.63
13 Jordyn Ballard, Rockford Lutheran, 12.64
14 Nevaeh Scott, Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin, 12.7
15 Miraya Pessman, Fulton, 12.71
16 Lily Bosnich, St. Bede, 12.72
17 Adi Foss, Camp Point Central, 12.78
18 Lucy Gargani, Rockford Christian, 12.8
19 Gabby Totten, Okaw Valley, 12.85
20 Gabriella Davis, Rockford Lutheran, 12.88
21 Kiara Holmes, Timothy Christian, 12.92
22 Abbi Armstrong, Flanagan-Cornell, 12.95
23 Aubrey Crispen, Athens, 12.96
24 Carleigh Clifton, Shiloh, 12.99
25 Brooklyn Thoms, Fulton, 13
26 Jaliyah Wright, Momence, 13.02
27 Lera Schmeink, Carlyle, 13.04
28 Micaela Riadi, Astoria, 13.06
29 Faith Wingert, Virginia, 13.08
30 R'Legend Hamilton, Maroa-Forsyth, 13.1
31 Abby Packer, Metro-East, 13.1
32 Karly Davenport, Marquette, 13.11
33 Paige Stevens, Farmington, 13.11
34 Stella Schackmann, Newton, 13.14
35 Brycie Hird, Salt Fork, 13.19
36 Samaria Thomas, Christ the King, 13.23
37 Madison Curless, Havana, 13.25
38 Lilly Trettenero, Staunton, 13.31
39 Kaylee Wolf, Okawville, 13.35
40 Maggie Carter, Stockton, 13.35
41 Emmie Gurley, Vienna, 13.38
42 Kadi Bain, Webber, 13.46
Maroons test their speed in relay prelims at state
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Chargers' Noelle Hunt competes at state track
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Decker going the distance, Unity senior in the running for state medals
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
EPG leads the small school division in 4x400 relay prelims at IHSA state meet
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Tuscola's Clodfelder leaps into Class 1A finals at state track
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
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