Wagner named Most-Valuable-Wrestler

Junior AJ Wagner was recognized as the program's most-valuable-wrestler at the Sports Awards Program held Tuesday night at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

Wagner, who finished his junior season with a record of 42 wins and 10 losses, was a state finalist at 113-pounds. He also received the Iron Spartan Award as well as his varsity letter.

St. Joseph-Ogden's AJ Wagner is declared winning after a 5-1 decision over Mount Carmel's Cade Keepes at the IHSA state wrestling tournament on February 21, 2020. In addition to earning another varsity letter, Wagner earned the team's MVP award and the Iron Spartan Award. See more photos from his tournament appearance along with fellow Spartan Isaiah Immke here. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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A few of Wagner's notable victories this season included a win over Deer Creek-Mackinaw's Payton Murphy and pinning PORTA's Jake Lieb.

The Spartan wrestler also bested Carlinville state-qualifier Jake Schwartz, who finished his season at 39-6, twice during the season, once at ABE's Rumble and the PORTA Invite.

Sophomore Conrad Miller earned the Most-Improved-Wrestler award.

Seniors Trevon Carr and Brodie Sullivan, seniors and both members of this year's playoff football squad were award varsity wrestling letters. Juniors letter winners, in addition to Wagner, included Isaiah Immke, Max Shonkwiler.

Additionally, three other underclassmen earned varsity letters along with Miller. Sophomores Chase Chapman and Isaiah Moore as well as freshman Owen Birt received letters for their efforts during the winter sports season.

25 cases of Coronvirus identifed in Illinois, thankfully none local

Earlier today, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially labeled the COVID-19 viral disease, also known as the Coronavirus/Corona Virus that has swept into at least 114 countries and killed more than 4,000 people, a pandemic event.

According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus a Geneva briefing, "This is the first pandemic caused by coronavirus." Today's announcement is the first time the WHO has called an viral flu outbreak a pandemic since the H1N1 "swine flu" in 2009.

Over 120,000 confirmed cases have been identified and more than 4,000 deaths have occurred as the virus continues to spread around the globe. In the United States, there have been one thousand COVID-19 cases and 30 deaths reported so far. New York state, with one of the largest known virus clusters in the country, has set up a "containment area" around the city of New Rochelle. According to news sources, 108 cases have been confirmed in Westchester County, New York.

According to the IDPH website, testing has confirmed 25 cases in Illinois as of time of article. Two hundred and sixty-six tests were rule negative. The IDPH lists 76 test still pending.

Illinois residents can follow infection rates on the IDPH site on the Covid-19 Persons Under Investigation tracking page.

Symptoms, which has an incubation period of two to 14 days, may include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. The virus is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.

To avoid contracting the illness, the Center for Disease Control is recommending the people wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and be sure to wipe all surfaces of your hands. Rub your hand together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Since there is not a vaccine available or medicinal cure available at this time, the CDC also recommends avoiding close contact with people who are sick. People should do their best to put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting sick or with suppressed immune systems.

If you have any questions call 1-800-889-3931 to speak with an expert at the IDPH.

Blood drive to be held at local church on Tuesday

There will be a blood drive this Tuesday, March 10, at the St. Joseph Church of Christ.

Donating blood is safe, quick, and can provide the gift of life. According to the American Red Cross, one donation can save up to three lives.

Walk-ins are welcomed at this Tuesday's drive and donors are encouraged make appointments online on the Mobile Blood Drive Schedule for priority service. Appointments can also be schedule via phone at (217) 367-2202.

At the time of this article, 16 time slots remain available for donations this week.

Sponsored by the Community Blood Services of Illinois, donations will be accepted from 4:30pm until 7pm. CBSI is the exclusive provider to Carle Foundation Hospital and OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center.

CBSI asks that you consume a meal prior to your donation and provide recent photo identification to verify their identity.

For more information contact the Primary Blood Drive Coordinator Talen Hawkin at (815)883-1966.

The St. Joseph Church of Christ is located at 226 East Sherman.