The Sentinel On This Day |
December 11

As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

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TAGS: High school soccer coach resignation, reasons you should learn another language, Art collective meets in Urbana, St. Joseph-Ogden cheer team qualifies for state, state wrestling photo
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The Sentinel On This Day |
December 10

As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

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The Sentinel On This Day |
December 9

As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

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Storage hacks you definitely want use between fall-winter, winter-spring seasons

The changes in season should be exciting. Keep your transitions from fall to winter or winter to spring organized and easy.


SNS - Seasonal change brings fresh routines. It also brings clutter. So many families need smarter spaces and affordable storage ideas that fit daily life. That is why storage hacks locals swear by matter in every city. A tidy home feels easier to manage. Protected items stay ready for future use. Clean systems support daily living and make moving simpler.

Storage Hacks Locals Swear By: Easy and Practical Tips for Every Home

A good organization solves daily stress. Clear containers make everything visible. Simple labels prevent confusion. Strong storage shelves give items a home. These hacks support moving plans, garage spaces, closets, and rental storage units.

Photo: Arina Krasnikova/PEXELS

Sort First, Then Store: Reduce What You Carry Each Season

People collect more than they use. Each season gives us a chance to review items and make your home clutter-free with simple habits. Sort clothes by fit and comfort. Donate what does not serve you. Pack off-season items right after sorting. Follow storage hacks locals swear by to keep piles from growing. A small session each month helps avoid overload.

Use short lists:

  • Keep items you love and use.
  • Donate clean items that no longer fit.
  • Recycle broken pieces.
Quick sorting helps with moving preparation, too. Smaller loads reduce stress and cost.

Protect Seasonal Clothing With Breathable Bags

Clothes need safe storage from moisture. Cotton storage bags allow air to move. This prevents stale odor. Vacuum-seal bags save major space for winter coats. Shoe boxes keep their shape. Add lavender pouches for a fresh scent. Store clothing by season at the top of closets or in under-bed bins.

Plan Space for Kids As They Grow

Photo: Cottonbro Studio/PEXELS
Families change fast. Kids grow fast. Toys shift with interests. Sports gear changes each year. Create zones for each child. Use boxes with photos for kids who cannot read yet. Place heavy items low. Install hooks for sports bags to keep floors clear.

Weather-Safe Storage for Outdoor Gear

Summer gear needs winter rest. Winter gear needs summer rest. Use sturdy bins for camping tools. Hang bikes safely on walls. Keep beach gear in mesh bags so sand drops away. Simple storage habits keep gear ready for the next season.

Use Vertical Space to Open Your Floors

Empty floor space creates calm. Wall shelves help organize books, board games, and seasonal décor. Pegboards hold tools and crafts. A tall shoe rack near the door keeps heavy boots upright in winter. Vertical space helps small apartments feel roomy.

Digital Lists Help Track Stored Items

A simple photo album on your phone works better than memory. Take one photo per box. Add a note with the contents. Include the location of each box. Digital tracking supports quick finding and faster unpacking during moves.

Woman packing items to donate
Photo: RDNE Stock Project/PEXELS

Label Boxes With Clear, Short Words

Labels clear confusion. Use bold markers. Write one or two words per side:

  • “Fall Jackets”
  • “Holiday Lights”
  • “Football Gear”
Place labels on more than one side. This helps when boxes stack in storage units.

Create A “Next Season” Bin

Prepare one bin for items you will use soon. Keep it close. In early fall, place winter hats and gloves here. In spring, swap swim gear into that bin. One easy bin saves digging through stacks.

A Moving Insight: Local Storage Can Support Family Life During Seasonal Change

Families often move to reach better schools or kid-friendly areas with parks. During moves, items shift between homes and storage units. This period shows how our needs change with the seasons as we look for seasonal storage solutions that support daily routines. Parents want toys and school items close by. They keep holiday decorations out of the way. They plan access to seasonal sports gear for active kids. Smart storage connects home comfort and moving organization. Many movers share helpful guides, including storage hacks locals swear by, to help families adjust to space step by step.

Food and Pantry Rotation

Pantry space shifts with seasons, too. Winter soups need space. Summer snacks need airflow. Rotate cans based on expiration. Glass jars protect dry goods. Strong clips close snack bags. Keep a small box of emergency food in a high space so kids stay safe.

Clean Before Storing Seasonal Items

Dust and dirt spread in closed spaces. Quick cleaning keeps items fresh for next year. Wash beach towels before storing. Dry tents before folding. Wipe down skates after the season ends. This protects gear and keeps pests away.

Climate Control for Delicate Items

Heat breaks glue. Cold cracks plastics. Photos warp. Artwork fades. Delicate belongings need stable temperatures. If you use a rental storage space, ask for climate-controlled options. Movers can also advise on packing for fragile items.

Clear Walkways in Storage Units

Clear paths help fast access. Place long-term items against the back walls. Keep often-used bins in the front. Heavy boxes should stay low. Safety matters every time you visit the unit.

Keep Seasonal Décor Together

Holiday decorations scatter across homes. Pack décor from each holiday into its own set of bins. Color-code lids for quick recognition:

  • Red for winter holidays
  • Orange for fall and Halloween
  • Green for spring events
Separating décor helps you swap seasons without searching.

Smart Furniture Storage

Some furniture hides space inside. For example, storage ottomans hold blankets. Plus, benches with cubbies hide shoes. In addition, under-bed drawers work well for winter sweaters. Overall, choose furniture that helps place items away with ease.

Check Items Twice Per Year

Use spring and fall to check everything in storage. During these reviews, look for moisture or pests. Also, check expiration dates in the pantry box. At the same time, review kids’ items as they grow. With this habit, twice-yearly checks stop waste and keep gear ready.

Seasonal Storage and Moving Go Hand in Hand

Moving often happens during the season change. New homes demand fresh space planning, and organizing your storage helps families settle faster. Families arrive with summer gear but prepare for winter. Local movers help protect items through these changes. They share tips to store smarter so homes feel spacious from day one. This is why storage hacks locals swear by continue to help so many households each year.

Seasonal Change Can Feel Easier With Smart Storage

Season change should feel exciting. Yet, clutter can spoil that feeling. So, smart planning helps remove stress fast. First, use clear systems. Next, choose strong bins that last. Then, track items with simple lists. Also, make access easy for the whole family. That way, daily life flows better with the changing weather. Whether settling into a new space or preparing for a move, trust simple storage hacks locals swear by to support comfort all year.

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The Sentinel On This Day |
December 8

As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

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The Sentinel On This Day |
December 7

As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

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The Sentinel On This Day |
December 6

As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

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The Sentinel On This Day |
December 5

As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

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The Sentinel On This Day |
December 4

As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Senior Kenly Taylor and four teammates from the SJO final four volleyball team were named State Scholars this past week.

Seventeen named Illinois state scholars at SJO


ST. JOSEPH - Seventeen St. Joseph-Ogden seniors were named to this year's State Scholar Program by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

Illinois students attain state scholar recognition by maintaining an outstanding level of academic performance during high school. In order to be considered, they must be ranked in ...

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The Sentinel On This Day |
December 3

As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

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Holiday movie filmed in St. Joseph released on Friday


Photo: Courtesy YouTube

ST. JOSEPH - Originally called "Fly Swatter Cafe" during production, the movie filmed in St. Joseph in January 2020 was released on YouTube on Friday. A Fargo Christmas Story, starring the late Ed Asner, ...
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Sentinel Article Archive for December 3

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Chlebek pitches federal tax holiday aimed at boosting Illinois small businesses

Casey Chlebek
The Small Business Tax Freedom Plan would apply to new companies earning under $5 million annually. It features simplified annual filing, reinvestment incentives and partnerships with states that streamline start-up regulations.

PARK RIDGE - U.S. Senate candidate Casey Chlebek is calling for a five-year federal income tax holiday for new small businesses, a proposal he says would help revive struggling local economies and ease the financial pressure on first-time entrepreneurs across Illinois. The plan was released Monday as part of Pillar Five of his MAGNA Agenda, a platform he describes as focused on restoring economic opportunity.

Casey Chlebek
The proposal, called the Small Business Tax Freedom Plan, would eliminate federal income taxes for newly registered small businesses earning less than $5 million annually during their first five taxable years. Start-ups launched in high-poverty ZIP codes, rural distressed counties, Opportunity Zones and other underserved areas would qualify for an automatic extension to seven years.

“Small businesses don’t need another handout—they need Washington to get out of the way,” Chlebek said in the announcement. “If you have the courage to start something in this country, the government shouldn’t punish you for trying.”

Chlebek pointed to what he called a steep loss of Illinois small businesses since 2020, citing figures showing the state has shed more than 63,000 during that period. He said the trend continues to hit communities from Peoria to Rockford and throughout southern Illinois, where residents tell him they want to work and invest but can’t afford the costs of starting a business.

Key components of the plan include a simplified one-page annual federal filing, a tax credit for owners who reinvest early profits into hiring or expansion, and matching grants for states and counties that lower fees or streamline permitting. The campaign said revenue caps and ownership rules would prevent corporations, subsidiaries and major chains from accessing the program.

According to independent estimates referenced by the campaign, early-stage tax relief of this kind could stimulate between $85 billion and $100 billion in annual economic activity nationwide. Those estimates also project the potential for 300,000 to 450,000 new jobs and renewed growth in rural towns, main street corridors and immigrant-owned business districts.

“People want to work, build and contribute—but the cost of opening a business has become impossible,” Chlebek said. “My plan unleashes local entrepreneurship and puts opportunity back into the hands of ordinary Americans.”

The tax-holiday proposal fits into a broader set of economic ideas within Chlebek’s MAGNA Agenda. Other elements include eliminating federal taxation of Social Security benefits and retirement income, abolishing property taxes through federal-state partnerships, offering no federal taxes for Americans under 23 and providing free prescription drugs for seniors, disabled residents and veterans.

Chlebek often ties his economic message to his own background as an immigrant from Poland, saying he arrived during the Cold War with limited resources and a belief in the American Dream. In the announcement, he said his proposal is designed to give today’s entrepreneurs the same opportunity.

“Entrepreneurs are not asking for special treatment—just a fair chance,” he said. “My plan gives them that chance.”


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TAGS: federal tax relief plan for new Illinois small businesses, Casey Chlebek small business tax holiday proposal, Illinois entrepreneurship support under MAGNA Agenda, seven-year tax holiday incentives for underserved communities, economic growth plan for start-ups in high-poverty Illinois areas
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The Sentinel On This Day |
December 2

As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

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Spartans win! SJO defeats Oakwood in TODC championship game


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Tim Blackburn-Kelley holds up St. Joseph-Ogden's first piece of tournament hardware this season while celebrating the team's 74-42 title win...
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