Community rallies to force removal of Proud Boys billboard in southern Illinois county

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Clinton County residents pushed back against a Proud Boys billboard, leading Lamar Advertising to remove the sign near Central High School.

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Photo: Molly Parker/CNI

Nearly 70 people packed a Clinton County Board meeting Monday night to oppose a Proud Boys ad on a billboard near Central Community High School.

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by Molly Parker
Capitol News Illinois

BREESE - After strong community opposition, including a county board meeting where dozens of people spoke against it, the Proud Boys billboard that was put up near a high school in Clinton County was removed Tuesday.

A representative from Lamar Advertising’s Collinsville office said the sign was taken down around noon. The company declined further comment.

Clinton County Board Chairman Brad Knolhoff said the county had no legal authority to regulate the billboard’s content, but he and many others contacted the company, expressing their outrage.

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The Proud Boys have been labeled a hate or extremist group by multiple organizations and was tied to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

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“I would say the fact that so many people were reaching out played a large factor” in the decision, he said. “I’m very pleased that the billboard is down because of the animosity it was causing and the angst in the community. It’s not healthy for the community.” The billboard, up only a few days, was located at Old U.S. Route 50 and St. Rose Road, about 1,000 feet from the entrance to Central Community High School. It listed a local recruiting phone number, but calls went to a voicemail that was full.

Photo: Molly Parker/CNI

A Lamar Advertising representative on Monday moves an ad for the far- right extremist group Proud Boys; the sign was taken down entirely around noon Tuesday.

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The Proud Boys have been labeled a hate or extremist group by multiple organizations and was tied to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, though the group has been quieter in recent years. Lamar Advertising declined to say who purchased the billboard. At Monday night’s board meeting, about 70 people attended and more than 30 spoke during public comment, a turnout far larger than usual.

Former judge and state’s attorney Dennis Middendorff reminded the crowd this was not the first time Clinton County had faced such a test. In the 1980s, he recalled, the KKK received a permit to rally at nearby Carlyle Lake.

“I didn’t want to give” the legal advice at the time, he said, but under the First Amendment, they had the right to assemble. Even so, Middendorff told the board Monday night this moment was still an opportunity: “You don’t have to take action to try and stop it. Maybe you can’t stop it, but you can condemn it, and that’s what I’m really asking you to do.”

One by one — teachers, doctors, lawyers, laborers, parents, students — went to the microphone. Most said the same thing: We don’t want it here.

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I know that most of us are amazing people who actually believe in family and faith and community.

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Gene Hemingway, who is Black, said the billboard only made visible what was already simmering. “I heard some years ago, they’re dropping the robes and they’re putting on suits,” he said. “I’m not scared, but I am very aware. Because I know the primary purpose is to eradicate people of my color, the LGBTQ community, anything other than white.”

Naomi Knapp, a recent graduate of Central Community High School, said she was disappointed but not surprised.

“I don’t think a lot of people in this county actually believe the things that people like the Proud Boys are saying,” she said. “But I did hear it in my high school. I did hear racial slurs. … And I can’t even imagine any person of color having to honestly live here. And that’s devastating, because I know that most of us are amazing people who actually believe in family and faith and community.”

At the conclusion of public comments, board member Greg Riechman said he appreciated the concerns raised and thanked the residents for “speaking from their hearts.” He then introduced a nonbinding resolution condemning “hatred, bigotry, divisiveness or racism of any kind,” which passed unanimously.

Though the billboard did not include much content beyond a phone number, logo and website for the Proud Boys, many objected to it being an obvious recruiting tool that was placed near the high school.

Knolhoff said he hopes the county can move forward, but added, “We will remain vigilant.”

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

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Clinton County Proud Boys billboard removal, Community opposition to extremist group signs, Lamar Advertising billboard controversy Illinois, Proud Boys recruiting billboard near high school, Clinton County board resolution against hate

Back to school |Managing food allergies at school: A guide for parents and teachers

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Food allergies affect millions of school-age children. About 1 in 13 U.S. children has a food allergy. Here's how parents and schools can work together to keep students safe.

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Photo: Michael Moloney/Unsplash

Some children may eventually outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, or soy. Until then, parents should work with teachers and lunchroom staff to avoid their child's contact with food items that could trigger an allergic reaction.

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URBANA - For millions of families, sending a child to school involves more than preparing lunches and packing backpacks. For those managing food allergies, it means navigating daily risks that can have life-threatening consequences.

A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as dangerous. When a child eats—or in some cases simply touches—the allergen, the body releases chemicals like histamine to fight back. This reaction can lead to a range of symptoms, from hives, itching, and stomach pain to swelling of the lips and throat or difficulty breathing. The most severe cases can cause anaphylaxis, a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish are among the most common culprits. Some children may eventually outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, or soy, but allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish usually persist into adulthood.

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Parents should also provide emergency medication, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, along with a doctor-signed action plan that guides staff in the event of a reaction.

Statistically, food allergies touch nearly every classroom. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 13 children in the United States—roughly two students per classroom—live with a food allergy. Data from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology shows that prevalence is highest among preschool children, with about 9% affected, and remains around 8% for children ages 6–13. By 2021, about 4 million U.S. children had diagnosed food allergies, including nearly 8% of school-age youth. Rates vary across populations, with 7.6% of non-Hispanic Black children and 5.3% of non-Hispanic White children affected.

While prevalence is somewhat lower in Europe—1–4% by confirmed testing—self-reported rates can reach as high as 14%, reflecting how often allergies are misunderstood or misreported.

For parents, managing these risks at school means preparation and collaboration. Experts recommend starting with a formal health plan, such as a 504 Plan or Individual Health Plan, which clearly outlines how staff will prevent exposure and respond to emergencies. Meeting with teachers, school nurses, and cafeteria staff before the school year begins ensures everyone understands the child’s needs.

Parents should also provide emergency medication, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, along with a doctor-signed action plan that guides staff in the event of a reaction. At home, children can be taught essential habits: not sharing food, washing hands before meals, recognizing the signs of a reaction, and notifying an adult immediately.

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Photo: Joshua Hoehne/Unsplash

Checking cafeteria menus or sending meals from home can help reduce exposure to foods that may trigger a child's allergic response.

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Classroom and lunchroom planning play a role as well. Checking cafeteria menus or sending meals from home helps reduce exposure. Teachers can also support inclusion by avoiding food-based rewards, replacing them with safe alternatives that allow all students to participate.

Food allergies may be complex, but with strong communication, medical readiness, and a culture of awareness, schools and families can work together to create safe, supportive environments for every child.

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Tags: How to manage food allergies in school settings, Food allergy safety plans for students, Best practices for parents of children with food allergies, Classroom strategies for food allergy prevention, Working with schools on child food allergy management

For non-traditional families routines are key to successful parenting

by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

Dr. Jill Schreiber
OSF Healthcare

ALTON - Helping children feel comfortable in their home will lead to healthier and more successful times during those formative years. But it’s easier said than done, especially for non-traditional families. That’s why Jill Schreiber, LCSW, Ph.D., an OSF HealthCare psychotherapist, is making parents aware of resources and best practices.

Defining caregiving

Dr. Schreiber says while families look different across the world, in the United States a traditional family is seen as a mother, father and children. A mom and dad with adopted children would also fall into this category because the kids are a permanent part of the home.

A non-traditional family is any unit that falls outside of the traditional definition. Examples include parents who have divorced and re-married other partners, grandparents caring for kids, two moms or two dads in a family, adults co-parenting and children in care. Dr. Schreiber says children in care is the modern, accepted way of describing foster children, or children who are in a home temporarily. The adults are simply called caregivers, not foster parents. Dr. Schreiber, herself, is a former caregiver to children in care and a parent of adopted children.

Establishing routines

Dr. Schreiber says routines allow life to be “less chaotic and more predictable.” Settling into routines will take time. But Dr. Schreiber says when a child enters a new home, it can be scary. So having some structure right away is a good idea. Talk to the child about when it’s time to sleep, eat, do chores, do homework and have play time. For example, run through the morning routine – getting out of bed, having breakfast, getting ready in the bathroom and heading to school. Same for the wind down at the end of the day.

Keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Certain parts of the year, like back-to-school season, are busier. Kids with attention deficits, for example, may need more help sticking to routines. A child who always got dinner from the gas station may not know what setting the dinner table is all about.

“Adjusting is constant,” Dr. Schreiber says. “Kids continue to evolve, develop and get older. You quit having naps, for example. You have to develop new routines as you go along.”

As the child adjusts, it’s good to review successes and struggles to modify expectations. Routines also may be different in different homes.

Don’t forget the essentials

While it may not fit the definition of a routine, Dr. Schreiber says non-traditional families should also have essentials for their children. Those things we take for granted are just as important to make the youngsters feel comfortable: working heat, air conditioning, plumbing and lights; safety items like smoke detectors; keeping items like guns locked away.

“It’s helpful for kids to have their own space, and it’s helpful for kids to know where their space is,” Dr. Schreiber adds.

“Kids who have come into care often come with garbage bags of their possessions. That’s such a tough symbol for children to feel like their stuff is garbage. So, to help them put their stuff into drawers or onto shelves is a really important step to show their value and connection to the family.”

Resources for parents

Parents who need help setting up routines can talk to a mental health professional, read a parenting book or take a parenting class. There are also “parent networks” like online forums where you can exchange advice. Those informal “networks” could also take the form of bonafide support groups. Your state’s child welfare agency may also offer tips. In fact, caregivers of children in care must undergo formal training from an organization like that.

M.A.S.K. tips & resources can help parents' responsibilites raising their kids

Photo: SOFATUTOR/Unsplash

NewsUSA -- Parenting is hard, and the past year was especially challenging for parents of school-aged kids, as they struggled to juggle their children's virtual school and the loss of many activities and in-person contact with friends.

The goal of MASK (Mothers Awareness on School Age Kids) is to provide resources for parents, children, schools, and communities that address the challenges facing families and empower children to make safe and healthy choices. MASK is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007, and has evolved into a multimedia format that includes a website, a print magazine, an app, a digital learning platform, and a series of YouTube videos.

MASK tackles topics that include managing peer pressure, coping with trauma, and negotiating the peaks and valleys of social media, which can be especially challenging as families restore their networks and return to in-person school and activities.

"MASK programs teach children and their families how to handle the ever-changing landscape that our children are living in," says Kimberly Cabral, CEO, founder, and publisher of MASK.

Parents and their kids can engage with the MASK tools to build life skills and promote self-esteem through any or all of these options:

- MASKMatters app. Download the app on Apple or Google Play (also available in Spanish) for easy access to age-appropriate life skills resources that can be used by students, parents, and teachers.

- MASK Magazine. For those who like their information in print, MASK Magazine is a quarterly parenting manual and is also available through Zinio digital. Each issue focuses on a specific topic, such as Internet safety, with details on how it impacts children from preschool to college.

- MASK E3 Institute: The digital platform for MASK can be used by schools, community organizations, or families at home. The Institute is designed as a series of year-long comprehensive programs for different age groups: MASK Storytime for pre-K children, MASK Academy for kindergarten through sixth grade, MASK Prep for middle and high school students, and MASK Leadership for colleges students. Each of the age-appropriate programs teach kids social skills and educate them about topics such as bullying, drug and alcohol use, and staying safe online.

- MASK + Live: MASK offers a series of YouTube videos featuring feature medical doctors, clinical psychologists, professors, and other child health professionals who share their expertise on parenting and offer advice on physical health, mental health, and enhancing your relationship with your child.

Visit maskmatters.org for more information about the full range of MASK materials and programs.

Football dads get the field ready

Against the backdrop of a beautiful August sunset, Chad Burnett, Darrell Dable, Doug Wesley and Jeff Primmer work diligently on painting the school logo on the field under the football complex's new stadium style lighting Thursday evening. The dedicated dads spent several hours volunteering their time to enhance the SJO football experience. The Spartans, under fourth year head coach Shawn Skinner, open their 2019 season tonight against the High School of St. Thomas More at 7 p.m.. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)