The Spartans swept all singles and doubles matches. SJO's singles and doubles squads were flawless, taking key wins on the road.
ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden bounced back in commanding fashion Monday night, defeating Hoopeston Area in straight sets in front of a supportive home crowd. Just days removed from a 2-0 loss to Oakwood, the Spartans regrouped and rolled to a 25-15, 25-10 sweep, ending the Cornjerkers’ hopes early and extending Hoopeston’s losing streak to eight matches.
Outside hitter Emerson Williams powered the offense with six kills across the two-set match. Addi Childers chipped in four kills, while Hadley McDonald and Ally Schmitz added three apiece. On defense, Emma McKinney anchored the back row with six digs, and senior libero Katie Ericksen followed with five. McDonald rounded out her solid night by contributing four more digs.
The Spartans also found momentum at the service line. Ava Alexander was unstoppable, landing four aces in her seven serves. McDonald backed her up with four aces of her own in 13 attempts, giving SJO a decisive edge in both sets.
With the victory, the Spartans improve to 4-8 overall and look ahead to a road trip tonight to face St. Teresa in Decatur. The Bulldogs (2-9), who opened the season with seven straight losses, are seeking to gain traction. SJO then returns home Wednesday to host the Danville Vikings. Hoopeston falls to 1-9 with the loss.
TAGGED: SJO volleyball win over Hoopeston, St. Joseph-Ogden vs Hoopeston volleyball, Emerson Williams SJO volleyball, Ava Alexander aces SJO, Hoopeston losing streak volleyball
Prison staff safety concerns prompt Illinois to scan all inmate mail and restrict books to publisher shipments under new emergency rules.
Photo: RDNE Stock Project/PEXELS
DIETERICH - The Illinois Department of Corrections has enacted emergency rules designed to curb contraband entering state prisons after a string of drug-related incidents put correctional officers at risk.
The rule, effective Aug. 14, requires all incoming letters to be electronically scanned, with incarcerated individuals receiving only digital or paper copies. Publications such as books and magazines must now be sent directly from publishers.
Union members held pickets last year after multiple exposures prompted temporary mailroom shutdowns.
State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, pushed for the changes following last year’s reported overdoses and accidental exposures that hospitalized several correctional staff.
“It should not have taken nearly a year for this common-sense policy to be put in place,” Niemerg said in announcing the rule change.
The move follows concerns raised by the union representing prison employees, AFSCME Council 31, which reported rising use of synthetic drugs and dangerous substances, including wasp spray, within correctional facilities. Union members held pickets last year after multiple exposures prompted temporary mailroom shutdowns. IDOC signed a vendor contract to handle scanning shortly after the safety concerns were raised.
The emergency rules remain in effect for up to 150 days. IDOC may move to make the policy permanent following review. Niemerg said he will continue to monitor the situation alongside staff at Lawrenceville and Robinson Correctional Centers, both of which he visited during the height of the crisis.
The Spartans swept all singles and doubles matches. SJO's singles and doubles squads were flawless, taking key wins on the road.
GIBSON CITY - St. Joseph-Ogden picked up a road win at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley on Tuesday, improving the Spartans' record to 3-2. The girls tennis team earned a clean 5-0 victory over the Falcons, sweeping all singles and doubles matches.
In singles play, No. 1 Samantha Kelso defeated Natalie Aberle, 8-6, while No. 2 Lily Rice earned an 8-0 win over Charity Miguel.
The Spartans’ doubles teams were equally impressive. No. 1 pair Ainsley Rhoten and Madison Farber took an 8-6 win, No. 2 duo Shelby Warnes and Kenley Ray defeated their opponents 9-7, and No. 3 team Karleigh Spain and Sophia Scmitz dominated 8-1. SJO’s strong teamwork and consistent play allowed the team to claim the decisive road victory over GCMS.
Grace Bressner and Abby Bello shine as St. Joseph-Ogden wins the Cow Chip XC Invite.
CHRISMAN - A year after finishing outside the top six at the Chrisman Cow Chip XC Invite, the St. Joseph-Ogden girls’ cross country team returned with a vengeance, claiming the team title in front of bright skies and temperatures that made running three miles ideal.
The Cow Chip, a race first conceived in 1981 by Roger Beals, is known for its flighted competition and open-pasture course, dotted with the occasional pasture pie, adding a quirky twist to the classic cross country challenge. On Saturday, Mother Nature provided near-perfect conditions for east-central Illinois runners with sunny skies and a comfortable 74 degrees.
For St. Joseph-Ogden, the difference this year was clear. Sophomores Grace Bressner and Abby Bello emerged as stars, showing the results of a summer of dedicated training. For Bressner, Bello, and their teammates, the hard work over the summer paid off in measurable improvements and team success.
Bressner, who last year finished the race in 20:23.9, cut her time down to 18:57.45, placing sixth overall. Bello, improving more than a minute and a half from her previous 22:16 finish, crossed in 20:02.52 to claim seventh place. Their performances set the tone for the team, complemented by Taylor Vaughn (21:16.28), Allie Bott (21:16.71), and Tessa Walker (21:30.05), leading St. Joseph-Ogden to a winning team score of 85.
Last year, Unity won the girls title thanks to seniors Emily Decker and Ashlyn Denney, who have since graduated. This season, the Rockets’ top performers were senior Mackenzie Pound and juniors Grace Wherley and Galina Fairbanks. Pound blazed a trail early and finished fifth overall in 18:51.43. Wherley and Fairbanks also made their mark, crossing in 21:55.46 and 21:58.25 respectively, helping Unity secure third place as a team with 108 points.
Urbana University High showcased depth and consistency, placing second as a team with 98 points. Clara Knutson led the way with a 20:04.10 finish, followed by Cadence Scheunemann in 20:38.27. Janny Knutson added an 8th-place finish in 20:47.41, solidifying Urbana’s position near the top.
The top five individual finishers reflected the competitive field across the area: Isabella Keller of St. Anthony dominated with a 16:24.89 finish, followed by teammate Aubrey Denning (17:38.28). Marshall High’s Madeleine Fox (18:42.85) and Molly Farrell (18:49.97) earned third and fourth, respectively, before Pound’s fifth-place effort.
Top Ten Individual Finishers — Chrisman Cow Chip XC Invite
Isabella Keller, St. Anthony — 16:24.89
Aubrey Denning, St. Anthony — 17:38.28
Madeleine Fox, Marshall — 18:42.85
Molly Farrell, Marshall — 18:49.97
Mackenzie Pound, Unity High School — 18:51.43
Grace Bressner, St. Joseph-Ogden — 18:57.45
Abby Bello, St. Joseph-Ogden — 20:02.52
Taylor Mabry, Monticello — 19:06.14
Macie Owen, Monticello — 19:30.80
Grace Thompson, Marshall — 19:48.97
Team Results (Top Four)
St. Joseph-Ogden — 85
Urbana University High — 98
Unity — 108
Monticello — 115
St. Joseph-Ogden Finishers
Grace Bressner — 18:57.45
Abby Bello — 20:02.52
Taylor Vaughn — 21:16.28
Allie Bott — 21:16.71
Tessa Walker — 21:30.05
Charlene Barbee — 22:02.85
Sydney Steinbach — 23:14.68
Unity Finishers
Mackenzie Pound — 18:51.43
Brooklyn Mumm — 21:05.50
Mia Reifsteck — 21:52.65
Grace Wherley — 21:55.46
Galina Fairbanks — 21:58.25
Carolina Popovics — 22:11.82
Giulietta Dibello — 25:04.00
Urbana University High Finishers
Clara Knutson — 20:04.10
Cadence Scheunemann — 20:38.27
Janny Knutson — 20:47.41
Shriya Nagarag — 21:32.65
Sophia MacDonald — 21:55.05
Ella Ylagan — 22:22.56
Julia Smith — 24:50.12
St Joseph-Ogden cross country, Chrisman Cow Chip XC Invite, Illinois girls cross country, high school sports results, east-central Illinois running
St. Joseph-Ogden captured its second consecutive Bomber Classic title with a 7-0 win over Meridian, improving to 9-0 this season.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Spartans' Lucas Stevens keeps the ball away Uni-High's Leo Rota during their match last month. Stevens delivered a goal and four assists across to contests in St. Joseph-Ogden's back-to-back Bomber Classic win last week. ARGENTA - For the second consecutive year, the St. Joseph-Ogden boys soccer team captured the Bomber Classic title at Argenta High School, rolling to a 7-0 victory over Meridian High School on Saturday. The win pushed the Spartans to 9-0 on the season, continuing a remarkable stretch in which SJO has won 31 of its last 35 contests.
Led by striker Zach Harper, St. Joseph-Ogden has been nearly unstoppable offensively this season, scoring at least seven goals in every match. A talented supporting cast feeding Harper the ball has made the Spartans a difficult team to contain. The team carried that intensity throughout the Bomber Classic, leaving little doubt about their dominance.
SJO’s championship performance featured five goals in the first half. Harper scored three times and added an assist, while Tyler Hess contributed two goals with one assist. Lucas Stevens provided two assists, and Hunter Cler added one. Harper completed his four-goal performance with a second-half goal off a feed from Hess.
The tournament victory followed an earlier 7-0 win over Decatur MacArthur on September 4. Harper scored three goals and Hess added two. Lucas Stevens had a goal and two assists, Hunter Cler contributed one assist, Miles Atwood added a goal, and goalkeeper Quinn Stahl recorded one save in the shutout. SJO also received a forfeit win from Mt. Pulaski/Hartsburg-Emden, who withdrew prior to the tournament’s start.
SJO vs MacArthur
In their tournament opener against MacArthur, St. Joseph-Ogden displayed the same offensive precision that has defined their 2025 campaign. The Spartans took control early, using sharp passing and well-timed runs to create scoring opportunities. Harper, as usual, was central to the attack, with Hess and Stevens connecting on multiple chances to keep the General's on their heels. Harper finished with three goals, Hess with two, and Stevens adding icing on the cake with solo strike.
Defensively, SJO limited MacArthur’s opportunities, maintaining pressure in midfield and cutting off clear passing lanes. Goalkeeper Quinn Stahl made key saves to keep the shutout intact while the Spartans hammered away at extending their lead. The team’s discipline and cohesion on both sides of the ball showcased why SJO has been able to maintain such a dominant record this season.
Demonstrating both offensive firepower and defensive stability, the Spartans’ unbeaten streak continues for another week into the season.
On the dockett this week
The Spartans will return to Dick Duval Field this week for two matches. They host Fisher/Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, a team they tied once during last year’s season. On Saturday, SJO will welcome Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin for a non-conference showdown.
Match Stats: St. Joseph-Ogden vs Meridian High School
Final Score: 7-0 Scoring:
Zach Harper (unassisted)
Zach Harper (assist: Hunter Cler)
Tyler Hess (assist: Zach Harper)
Tyler Hess (assist: Lucas Stevens)
Zach Harper (assist: Lucas Stevens)
Second half:
Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess) Stat Leaders:
Zach Harper — 4 goals, 1 assist
Tyler Hess — 2 goals, 1 assist
Lucas Stevens — 2 assists
Hunter Cler — 1 assist
Match Stats: SJO vs Decatur MacArthur
Final Score: 7-0 Scoring:
Lucas Stevens (unassisted)
Zach Harper (unassisted)
Zach Harper (unassisted)
Second half:
Zach Harper (assist: Hunter Cler)
Miles Atwood (assist: Lucas Stevens)
Tyler Hess (assist: Lucas Stevens)
Tyler Hess (unassisted) Stat Leaders:
Tyler Hess — 2 goals
Zach Harper — 3 goals
Lucas Stevens — 1 goal, 2 assists
Hunter Cler — 1 assist
Miles Atwood — 1 goal
Quinn Stahl — 1 save
TAGGED: St. Joseph-Ogden Bomber Classic 2025, SJO soccer tournament win, Zach Harper scoring, Meridian vs St. Joseph-Ogden soccer, Illinois high school soccer
Centennial topped Urbana 6-3 at Blair Park Thursday, rebounding from a loss to Mahomet-Seymour with key singles and doubles wins.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Chargers' Ria Modi keeps the ball in play during Centennial's home match against Mahomet-Seymour. Modi, who lost that match, pulled off a commanding win over Urbana's Elianna Lee to reset her win streak.
URBANA - Coming off a loss to local emerging girls tennis powerhouse Mahomet-Seymour, Centennial put another mark in the win column Thursday with a 6-3 road victory over Big Twelve Conference opponent Urbana.
The Chargers (2-4) leaned on their top players to lead the way. No. 1 singles standout Ria Modi and No. 2 Taylor Diep, both looking to rebound from Labor Day setbacks, did just that by sweeping their singles matches and later teaming up with partners to take doubles wins as well. Modi paired with Romi Sagiv to win at No. 2 doubles, while Diep joined forces with Krisha Patel to claim No. 1 doubles.
Patel also delivered a dramatic win in singles at the No. 3 spot, outlasting Urbana’s Ananyah Tangmunarunkit in a tense third-set tiebreaker, 14-12. Sagiv added a straight-set victory at No. 4 singles to give Centennial a strong showing across the middle of the lineup.
Centennial will return home Thursday to host crosstown rival Champaign Central at Lindsay Courts, looking to secure bragging rights among Champaign-Urbana’s three large school programs.
Centennial girls tennis 2025, Urbana vs Centennial tennis results, Champaign high school sports news, Big Twelve Conference tennis scores, Illinois high school tennis updates
McLean, Marshall and the Tangmunarunkit/Aksimentyeva duo claimed wins for Urbana in a 6-3 loss to Champaign Centennial.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Urbana's Alisa Aksimentyeva lunges forward to hit an approach shot while playing with partner Anyssa Tangmunarunkit during last Tuesday's match against St. Joseph-Ogden. The sophomore picked up another varsity win with Tangmunarunkit on Thursday against Centennial.
URBANA – On an unseasonably cool Thursday at Blair Tennis Courts, Urbana’s girls tennis team notched three match victories but came up short against Champaign Centennial, falling 6-3 in a home dual.
The "A-Team", Freshman Anyssa Tangmunarunkit and sophomore Alisa Aksimentyeva, extended their momentum in doubles, securing their second straight win together. After surviving a tight first-set tiebreaker, the pair rolled to a commanding 6-0 finish in the second to close out Centennial’s No. 3 tandem.
Earlier at singles, Urbana junior Gwen McLean continued her steady play at No. 5, earning her second consecutive victory with a 6-2, 6-2 decision over Asma Cheema. Senior Simone Marshall added another point for the Tigers, battling her way to a straight-set victory at No. 6 singles with a 7-5, 6-4 result.
Despite the loss, Urbana (1-2) showed growth coming off its season-opening win against St. Joseph-Ogden. The Tigers will stay at home Tuesday to host St. Thomas More before heading on the road Thursday for a matchup with Watseka.
TAGGED: Urbana girls tennis 2025, Urbana vs Centennial tennis match, Blair Park Urbana sports, Urbana High School tennis results, Illinois high school girls tennis scores
CUPHD found 85% of car seats misused in 2024. Learn how to keep your children safe at their free Sept. 8 event.
CHAMPAIGN – Parents and caregivers will have the chance to ensure their children are traveling safely when the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) hosts a car seat inspection event on Monday, September 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place in the north parking lot garage of CUPHD’s main office at 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign. No appointment is necessary.
Certified child passenger safety technicians and instructor–proxy technicians will provide complimentary guidance on the proper installation and use of car seats. Families can expect to spend about 30 minutes with a technician, who will check whether children are in the correct seat for their age and size, confirm proper installation, and encourage parents to register their car seats with the manufacturer to stay informed about recalls.
Although the event comes ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Child Passenger Safety Week, scheduled for September 21–27, organizers stress its importance. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children, and NHTSA research shows that 46 percent of car seats are misused. At CUPHD in 2024, 85 percent of inspected seats were found to be misused, with the most common issues being incorrect seat type and improper installation.
"Most parents do what they can but are still unsure," said Christina Ladage. "So, they may be surprised to find out their children aren't as secure as they think. We want to help caregivers ensure their children are safe."
For families unable to attend, CUPHD offers inspections on the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. These sessions require appointments, which can be scheduled by calling 217-353-4932. A list of additional inspection opportunities across the country can be found at NHTSA’s website.
To further support child passenger safety, CUPHD’s Maternal and Child Health division is holding a car seat donation drive. An Amazon wish list is available at a.co/8de7909, and donations may also be dropped off in person at the WIC window in the main office lobby. Donated seats will go to low-income families, along with hands-on guidance on proper installation.
TAGGED: CUPHD car seat inspection Champaign, free child passenger safety event Illinois, Child Passenger Safety Week 2025 Illinois, car seat donation drive Champaign Urbana, how to schedule a car seat inspection at CUPHD
Centennial fell to Mahomet-Seymour 9-0 on Monday. The Chargers head to Urbana's Blair Park to take on the Tigers in a conference match.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Chargers' Ria Modi lunges after the ball during her match against Mahomet-Seymour's Adella Bird. Modi fell in straight sets 6-1, 6-1.
CHAMPAIGN – The Centennial girls tennis team could not keep pace with Mahomet-Seymour on Labor Day, dropping a 9-0 decision in a nonconference dual at Lindsey Courts.
The Chargers (1-5) entered the contest fresh off a 7-2 Big 12 Conference win over Bloomington, but the Bulldogs (3-1) took control from the outset. The match began shortly after the conclusion of the Champaign Park District’s annual Labor Day Tournament, with Mahomet-Seymour winning all six singles and three doubles contests.
The closest match of the day came at No. 2 doubles, where Centennial’s Modi and Zumwalt pushed Flores and Gowler to a first-set tiebreak before the Bulldogs secured the win in straight sets.
Centennial looks to bounce back when it travels to Urbana for a conference matchup at Blair Park. Mahomet-Seymour, meanwhile, improved to 3-1 overall in dual meet competition.
Full Results
Final Team Score: Mahomet-Seymour 9, Champaign Centennial 0
Chlebek proposes Property Tax Freedom Plan to replace local property taxes while protecting schools and services.
PARK RIDGE - Casey Chlebek, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, called on the Illinois General Assembly Tuesday to put a statewide advisory referendum on the 2026 ballot, arguing Illinois voters deserve a direct say in what he described as a property tax crisis driving families from their homes.
Casey Chlebek
Chlebek’s proposal would allow voters to weigh in on whether Illinois should abolish property taxes on primary residences and replace them with alternative funding for schools, police, fire departments and other local services.
Only the legislature and the governor can place an advisory referendum on the statewide ballot. Although not binding, Chlebek said such a move would send “an unmistakable message” to lawmakers.
“Homeownership should mean freedom, not perpetual rent to the government,” Chlebek said. “But in Illinois, families are being robbed of their homes and their life savings over tax debts smaller than the cost of a used car. That is legalized theft, plain and simple. The referendum is step one, a mandate from the people, and after that, Springfield will have no excuse. They must act.”
High taxes, lost homes
Illinois homeowners pay the highest effective property tax rate in the nation, according to 2023 figures. Since 2019, more than 1,000 Cook County residents - including 125 seniors - have lost homes valued at $108 million to cover just $2.3 million in unpaid tax debts.
In May 2022 alone, 37,000 Cook County properties were listed for a delinquent tax sale, more than half for debts under $1,000. In Illinois, 70% of tax foreclosure cases involved debts smaller than the value of a 10-year-old car.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the practice of seizing and reselling homes for tax debts without returning excess equity to owners unconstitutional in 2023. While more than a dozen states have reformed their laws, Illinois has not.
You can pay off your mortgage and still lose your home and your equity if you fall behind on taxes
“This is not just bad policy, it is legalized theft,” Chlebek said. “Illinoisans are paying the nation’s highest property taxes, and when they fall behind, their homes are being taken for pennies on the dollar. That is unconscionable.”
Federal plan, local control
Chlebek tied his proposal to his “Property Tax Freedom Plan,” which he said would ensure local services remain fully funded while families get relief. He emphasized that schools, police, fire protection and roads would be supported through replacement revenue, not cuts.
“You can pay off your mortgage and still lose your home and your equity if you fall behind on taxes,” he said. “That is not ownership, that is bondage. I am the only candidate with a clear plan to end this injustice.”
Chlebek, a business leader and Polish-American community advocate, is seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2026. His property tax plan is the first pillar of what he calls his MAGNA Agenda, short for “Make America the Greatest Nation Again,” a seven-part domestic policy platform.
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Spartans and Hawks strong at Acklin Meet as Charleston defends title. Paris’ Harrison Hays repeats as top finisher.
PARIS - East-central Illinois cross country teams converged on Paris High School Saturday for the 9th annual Acklin Cross Country Meet, with 19 schools and 146 runners competing in the varsity boys’ race. St. Joseph-Ogden placed fourth overall, while Heritage finished fifth in a field loaded with competitive talent.
Charleston repeated as team champion, winning its second consecutive Acklin title with 72 points. The Trojans, who also claimed the 2024 crown with 67 points, were followed by Cumberland (84) and host Paris (94). The Spartans tallied 114 points, and the Hawks rounded out the top five with 165. Last year, SJO was runner-up with 87 points, and Cumberland finished third at 123.
Leading the way for Heritage was junior Clark Roland, who finished sixth overall in 16 minutes, 57.7 seconds. Freshman Christian Paul was next for the Hawks at 29th in 18:04.6, followed by sophomore Colby Schrock (37th, 18:20.8), freshman Greyson Guevara (42nd, 18:37.9) and senior Joshua Stierwalt (54th, 18:57.0). That top-five effort was enough to edge several larger schools and secure a top-five team finish.
The Spartans put five runners inside the top 30, separated by just 17 seconds. Junior Colin Burnett led SJO with a 20th-place finish in 17:44.5, with freshman Adam Bello (21st, 17:44.7), senior Lance Retz (22nd, 17:44.8), sophomore Eli Franklin (23rd, 17:46.6) and junior Nate Farney (28th, 18:01.0) close behind. Junior Aiden Hundley also contributed with a 30th-place finish at 18:11.1.
Paris junior Harrison Hays successfully defended his Acklin title, taking first in 15:53.57 after winning last year’s race in 16:49.48. He was followed by Dieterich senior Trevor Crutcher (16:04.79), Effingham senior Alex Gordon (16:22.41), Robinson junior Wyatt Herrington (16:40.25) and Cumberland freshman Colby Roedl(16:46.67). Hays, Crutcher, Gordon, Herrington and Roedl all finished among the top 10 a year ago, underscoring their consistency at the Acklin course. Roland was the highest Heritage finisher in the top 10 this year.
Top 10 Individual Finishers
Harrison Hays, Jr., Paris – 15:53.57
Trevor Crutcher, Sr., Dieterich – 16:04.79
Alex Gordon, Sr., Effingham – 16:22.41
Wyatt Herrington, Jr., Robinson – 16:40.25
Colby Roedl, Fr., Cumberland – 16:46.67
Clark Roland, Jr., Heritage – 16:57.77
Nathan Fonner, Jr., Paris – 17:00.40
Gavin Whitaker, So., Cumberland – 17:01.99
Jonathan Brown, Sr., Charleston – 17:06.44
Stanley Himes, Sr., Charleston – 17:08.25
Team Standings – Top Five
Charleston – 72
Cumberland – 84
Paris – 94
St. Joseph-Ogden – 114
Heritage – 165
St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans cross country, Heritage Hawks running team, Acklin Cross Country Meet results, Charleston Trojans repeat title, Illinois high school cross country standings
