The Sentinel On This Day |
November 10

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 10 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Editor's pick from this day ~

Welcoming a baby to the family can be an exciting time. Here are tips for a new family addition.
Photo provided

Baby on the way? 5 ways to prepare first-time siblings

BRANDPOINT MEDIA - Welcoming a baby to the family can be an exciting time, but it also impacts the existing family dynamic and lifestyle. First-time siblings may be overwhelmed and confused by these sudden changes that come with a new baby.

However, parents can help soon-to-be siblings get ready for the changes ahead. Check out these five tips that can help children prepare for becoming first-time siblings.

Learn all five ways to prepare siblings for a new baby brother or sister

Featured photo on this day ~

SJO defensive players wrap the West Frankfort quarterback for a loss of yardage
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden won the first-round IHSA playoff game easily over West Frankfort, 48-0. The victory lined up a second-round game against Illini Prairie Conference foe Unity. See more great Sentinel photos from the game.

Sentinel Article Archive for November 10

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November 11 Archives
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The Sentinel On This Day |
November 9

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 9 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Featured photo on this day ~

Urbana University's Stefania Dzhaman
Urbana University's Stefania Dzhaman runs to the finish line behind Eureka's Meika Bender in the Class 1A Cross Country State Finals on Saturday. Dzhaman, a senior, finished her run at 19:42.85. See more local athletes in action at the 2021 IHSA state cross country meet.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Sentinel Article Archive for November 9

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November 10 Archives
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Help feed Champaign County families through the SNAP-Ed holiday food drive

The Holiday Food Drive runs through Nov. 26, accepting non-perishable items at the Champaign office. Each donation supports pantries and households across the county. Even small contributions can make a big difference this season.

CHAMPAIGN - There’s something about the sound of a can dropping into a donation box - a small, metallic note that carries a quiet kind of hope. Each clang, each thud of a box of pasta or bag of rice, echoes louder this time of year when neighbors start thinking less about what’s on their own tables and more about how to fill someone else’s. That’s the spirit behind the University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed Holiday Food Drive, which is now underway to help stock pantry shelves across Champaign County before the holidays arrive.

Donations on food bank shelves
Photo: Jacob McGowin/Unsplash
From Monday, November 10, through Wednesday, November 26, community members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the Extension office at 801 North Country Fair Drive in Champaign. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. All contributions - from a single can of soup to a full grocery sack - will go directly to local pantries and families who could use an extra helping hand this season.

“We know that the holidays can be a challenging time for many families,” said Tracy Bowden, University of Illinois SNAP-Ed educator. “Every food item donated helps ensure that our neighbors have nutritious meals to enjoy during the season.”

The most helpful items are shelf-stable staples: canned vegetables and fruit, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and other non-perishables. A few simple items from one household can easily turn into a warm meal for another.

For many in the community, the food drive isn’t just about generosity - it’s about connection. It’s about slowing down long enough to remember that even a small gesture can ripple outward. As grocery costs rise and pantry shelves grow thin, every donation becomes a message that says, you’re not forgotten.

If you’re able, take a moment this week to drop something off. It may not seem like much, but to the family unpacking that bag later this month, it will mean everything.

For more information about the Holiday Food Drive, contact Tracy Bowden at tbowden@illinois.edu.

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The Sentinel On This Day |
November 8

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — honoring veterans, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, sports, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 8 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Sentinel Article Archive for November 8

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Illini Prairie Conference 2025 All-Conference Soccer Team

The 2025 All-IPC soccer honors highlight the best players from the Illini Prairie Conference season. St. Joseph-Ogden, Bloomington Central Catholic, St. Thomas More and Illinois Valley Central each earned first-team selections.

SJO Hess and IVC Brody Garceau battle for ball control
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Tyler Hess and Illinois Valley Central's Brody Garceau battle for ball control during their regular season match in September. Both players earned recognition from the Illini Prairie Conference coaches and named to this year's First Team.

SNS - With the season over until next August, the Illini Prairie Conference has announced its 2025 All-IPC soccer team, selected by coaches from member schools.

This year’s first team includes seven seniors, four juniors and one freshman among the honorees who showcased their skill and talent throughout the season, which began in August.

Following a thrilling regular season, three players from St. Joseph-Ogden, the Williamsville Sectional runner-up, made this year’s top team. The Spartans finished the season as conference champions with an impressive record of 24 wins, two losses and two ties.

St. Joseph-Ogden's Zach Harper
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Spartan's Zach Harper celebrates his game-winning goal against the Grey Ghost in September. The senior, who averaged 2.3 goals per match was St. Joseph-Ogden's most-prolific scorer this season.

Bloomington Central Catholic, whose only loss came against SJO, finished the season 9-11-3 and second in the Illini Prairie. The Saints had three players named to this year’s first team.

Meanwhile, coaches agreed that two players each from St. Thomas More and Illinois Valley Central, instrumental to their teams’ success, also deserved recognition for their talent and contributions in downstate Illinois’ toughest small-school conference.

Here is the list of this year's conference teams.

1st Team All-Conference

Jack Wyse - Junior, #7, Central Catholic
Lucas Beck - Junior, #2, Central Catholic
Sam Allen - Senior, #8, Central Catholic
Andrew Scheirer - Junior, #5, Illinois Valley Central
Brody Garceau - Senior, #4, Illinois Valley Central
Oscar Valera Echeverria - Junior, #8, Rantoul Township
Zach Harper - Senior, #24, St. Joseph-Ogden
Tyler Hess - Senior, #77, St. Joseph-Ogden
Lucas Stevens - Freshman, #10, St. Joseph-Ogden
Riley Hogan - Senior, #4, St. Thomas More
Owen Yeager - Senior, #17, St. Thomas More
Matthew Hollett - Senior, #25, Unity

2nd Team All-Conference

Benjamin Dappen - Junior, #10, Central Catholic
Mason Clark - Junior, #11, Central Catholic
Jonathan Blankenship - Junior, #1, Central Catholic
Ryan Urbanc - Senior, #8, Illinois Valley Central
Drew Marquis - Senior, #3, Illinois Valley Central
Sully Beccue - Junior, #7, Monticello
Issack Ocadiz - Junior, #11, Monticello
Steven Newman - Junior, #21, St. Joseph-Ogden
Quinn Stahl - Senior, #22, St. Joseph-Ogden
Will Grissom - Sophomore, #16, St. Thomas More
Raphael Enzo Dongo Kengue - Junior, #10, St. Thomas More
Nicholas Ribeiro O’Grady - Junior, #00, St. Thomas More
Jacob Yeager - Junior, #11, St. Thomas More
Caden McCaskill - Senior, #26, Unity
Tyler Huntington - Senior, #35, Unity

All-Conference Honorable Mention

Leo Triveno - Freshman, #14, Central Catholic
John Urbanc - Senior, #10, Illinois Valley Central
Jackson Lopotko - Junior, #12, Illinois Valley Central
Logan Sullivan - Senior, #7, Illinois Valley Central
Channing Morris - Senior, #11, Illinois Valley Central
Chris Clavey - Sophomore, #12, St. Thomas More
Alex Kessler - Junior, #30, Monticello
Walter Saiger - Sophomore - Monticello
Waylon Jones - Junior - St. Joseph-Ogden
Chris Clavey - Sophomore- St. Thomas More

Matthew Hollett dribbles the ball for the Unity Rockets
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Matthew Hollett dribbles the ball down the field in the Rockets' postseason match against St. Joseph-Ogden. The senior and two other teammates earned spots on this season's all-conference list.
Tags: 2025 Illini Prairie Conference All-IPC soccer selections, High school soccer all-conference team Illinois, St. Joseph-Ogden Illini Prairie soccer champions 2025, Top Illinois high school soccer players 2025 season, Bloomington Central Catholic and SJO All-IPC honorees
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The Sentinel On This Day |
November 7

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — honoring veterans, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, sports, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 7 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Sentinel Article Archive for November 7

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November 8 Archives
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The Sentinel On This Day |
November 6

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — honoring veterans, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, sports, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 6 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Sentinel Article Archive for November 6

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Cozy and practical: Home decorating trends for 2025 small-town living

Create a warm, welcoming home that feels inviting for both family and guests.
Photo: Mateusz Pielech/PEXELS

Create a warm, welcoming home that feels inviting for both family and guests with a small-town inspired living room with wood accents, plants, cozy seating, and rustic modern decor under a staircase.


Forget flashy makeovers - 2025 home decor is about heart and practicality. Country neutrals, curved furniture, and personal keepsakes lead the way.

SNS - Home decorating trends continue to evolve as families look for cozy, practical, and appealing spaces that feel good to live in every day. Many people now focus on comfort, personal style, and making the most of each room instead of adding unnecessary items. The goal is to create a warm, welcoming home that feels inviting for both family and guests.

Explore simple ideas that help you refresh your home without major changes or heavy spending. These home decorating trends are easy to apply, budget-friendly, and designed for everyday living.

Warm Country Neutrals With Simple Pops of Color

Warm country neutrals are rising because they create calm rooms with charm. Soft cream, sand, beige, and wheat shades work well on walls and large furniture, and choosing the right color palette makes these tones feel even more welcoming. They set the stage for small pops of color through pillows, curtains, or one accent wall inspired by current home decorating trends. Try barn red, deep green, or navy in accessories to add interest without overwhelming the space. This approach is low-cost and easy to adjust each season.

Practical Furniture Built for Family Living

Households need furniture that serves daily life with family, friends, and frequent gatherings. Choose sturdy pieces that stand up to kids, pets, and muddy boots. A large kitchen table often doubles as a homework or craft zone. A storage bench by the entry holds shoes, hats, and coats. A pull-out couch helps host relatives during holidays. Practical pieces keep life simple and give every room a clear purpose.

Natural Materials for a Warm, Homey Feel

Natural materials support a warm and grounded home. Wood, cotton, wool, jute, and stone fit both farmhouse and small-town styles. A wooden dining table, cotton curtains, and a wool throw add comfort without feeling formal. Wicker baskets hold toys, blankets, or magazines while adding texture. These pieces age well and often cost less over time because they last.

Curved Shapes for Softer Spaces

Curved furniture and decor make rooms feel cozy and friendly. Rounded armchairs, oval coffee tables, and circular wall mirrors create flow and soften sharper lines. This works especially well in smaller homes because curves make rooms feel open and less boxy. Mix one or two curved items with simple straight pieces for balance.

Houseplants for a Lively, Fresh Touch

Houseplants remain popular, even in rural homes where many people already enjoy outdoor gardens. Plants bring movement and life inside during winter or rainy days. Choose low-maintenance options such as spider plants, pothos, or snake plants if you have a busy schedule. Use mason jars, tin pots, or old wooden crates as planters to add small-town charm at little cost.

Personal Decor That Shows Your Story

More families are adding personal touches rather than copying catalog rooms. Display old family photos, quilts from grandparents, or handmade items from local craft fairs. A shelf of children’s art, travel souvenirs, or farm tools turned into decor can share your story. These meaningful details make guests feel welcome and fill your home with character.

A Fresh Start for a Tidy and Open Home

Many families want a clean start at home, so they aim to start fresh without the extra stuff. Learning how to downsize your belongings before a move can help, even if you plan to stay put for years. These same steps clear items that no longer serve a purpose and make room for what you actually use. It helps to go space by space. Tackle the mudroom first, where boots, coats, and farm gear often pile up. Then move to closets, kitchen drawers, or the spare room full of hand-me-downs “just in case.”

A tidy room allows treasured decor, family quilts, or grandparent keepsakes to stand out instead of getting lost in clutter. Once unnecessary items leave the house, rooms feel open, calm, and easier to clean. With extra space freed up, new home decorating trends settle into the home with ease and fit your small-town lifestyle without feeling forced.

Smart Secondhand and Local Finds

Many families value smart spending, so secondhand options are growing fast. Thrift stores, yard sales, and online swap groups offer budget-friendly gems. Older furniture often has better quality than new budget items. A little paint, new fabric, or fresh hardware can give old pieces new life. Local makers at small-town markets can also provide decor that suits the area’s style without high prices.

Cozy Bedrooms for Better Rest

A calm bedroom helps busy families rest. Soft bedding, warm lighting, and simple decor support better sleep. Layer sheets, a warm quilt, and a throw for comfort. Keep nightstands clear and only keep what you use. Use soft lamps instead of harsh ceiling lights at night. If sunlight wakes you early, try blackout curtains to improve sleep.

Welcoming Living Rooms With Simple Layers

Layering works well in living rooms without large upgrades. Add pillows in cotton or flannel, a soft rug, and a knit throw for warmth. Use woven baskets to store games, blankets, or remotes. Keep open surfaces clear so the room feels tidy and calm. These easy steps make the space warm for family time or weekend visitors.

Simple Storage Solutions for Busy Households

Clutter can make even a well-decorated room feel messy, so smart storage helps keep order. Place hooks in entry areas for coats and bags. Add shelves in laundry rooms or mudrooms to hold boots or supplies. Use labeled bins in closets to sort seasonal items. Good habits help keep your home neat and peaceful.

Lighting That Sets the Mood for Small-Town Homes

Lighting changes how a room feels and works. Use a mix of ceiling lights and small lamps. Warm bulbs support restful evenings. Cool bulbs work well for tasks such as cooking or reading bills. In small homes with limited windows, add mirrors to reflect daylight. Try table lamps or string lights for cozy corners, reading chairs, or porches.

Wall Texture for Depth and Interest

Flat walls can feel plain, so many homeowners add simple wall texture. Wood paneling, beadboard, or a single wallpaper wall can refresh a room. Choose a soft pattern if you enjoy a calm design. For a stronger detail, try plaid, floral, or farm-inspired prints in a small space such as a hallway or entry.

Small Updates With Budget-Friendly Results

  • You do not need a full makeover to refresh your home.
  • Change pillow covers with the seasons.
  • Paint one wall for impact instead of the whole room.
  • Update kitchen handles or light fixtures for a quick lift.
  • Add a runner in hallways to soften the floor and bring color.
  • Move furniture to open space or improve seating for guests.
  • If you have the time, you can try some easy DIY woodworking projects.
Small changes add up.

Mixing Old and New for a Collected Home

Many families mix new items with old pieces that carry history. A modern lamp on a vintage sideboard can look charming. A new rug under a hand-me-down sofa keeps costs low but updates the room. Choose pieces that feel right for your home and daily life. Trends are helpful, but comfort matters most.

Country Comfort Indoors Inspired by the Outdoors

Many small-town families bring outdoor comfort inside, especially after nailing your outdoor holiday decor and wanting that same charm indoors. Add wood accents, metal barn-style pieces, or handmade pottery inspired by simple home decorating trends. Use farm tools or vintage signs as decor on a porch or mudroom wall. These details make the home feel warm and personal. Stick to a few key items so the room stays tidy.

People want comfort, warmth, and homes that support everyday life, so home decorating trends reflect that practicality and coziness. You do not need expensive decor to make a difference. Start with small changes, clear clutter, and add items that reflect your story. Use color, lighting, and sturdy furniture to fit your family’s needs. With thoughtful updates, your home can feel fresh, welcoming, and true to your small-town roots. Feel good to you. Use storage, lighting, and flexible furniture to help each room work better. With a few updates, your home can feel fresh, warm, and truly yours.

More Home Improvement Stories


TAGS: 2025 home decorating trends, small-town home design, cozy country living, affordable interior updates, natural materials and warm colors
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The Sentinel On This Day |
November 5

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — honoring veterans, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, sports, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 5 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Sentinel Article Archive for November 5

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The Sentinel On This Day |
November 4

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — honoring veterans, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, sports, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 4 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Sentinel Article Archive for November 4

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The Sentinel On This Day |
November 3

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — honoring veterans, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, sports, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 3 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Editor's top pick for today ~

Unity advances to Round 2 after ousting Roxana from playoffs

Garrett Richardson scores a Unity touchdown
Photo: For the Sentinel/Lori Garrett

ROXANA - Unity's Garrett Richardson outruns Roxana defensive players Dalton Carriker (10), Mason Shaw (51), Zebediah Katzmarek (22), and Mason Forsythe (72) for Unity touchdown.

Read more . . .

Sentinel Article Archive for November 3

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The Sentinel On This Day |
November 2

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — honoring veterans, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, sports, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 2 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Editor's top pick for today ~

In-Review: Hackney Diamonds, 12 tracks add to Rolling Stones goodness

The new Rolling Stones album was released on October 20 th and it is truly a love letter to Stones fans everywhere. Hackney Diamonds is the 26th Rolling Stones album released in the United States and the first album of original material released by the band in 18 years.

Check out Jim's review for The Sentinel

Sentinel Article Archive for November 2

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