bike trails
Community Poll | How worried are you about recent COVID uptick?
Locally, after enjoying a nearly two week period of 32 or fewer active cases, that number surged to 69 one week ago. Today, The Sentinel area has returned to its pre-outbreak level down to 29 active cases. The daily average of new cases has also returned to its two per day average.
Meanwhile, it has been more than a week and the state has not met the governor's metrics to enter the Bridge Phase Reopening. The increase in hospitalizations and positivity in Chicago, Cook County, and Region 1, which includes the Rockford area, has been trending upwards there as well as in a few other parts of the state. The uptick in the spread has led to the creation of state Rapid Response Vaccination Teams that will handle mass vaccinations in five counties and the expansion of vaccine eligibility in those 'trouble' areas around the state.
"Since March 8, Illinois has seen 10 days of increases in the seven-day rolling average for hospital admissions. The COVID-19 test positivity on March 10 was 2.5%. Today’s reported test positivity is 3.3%. While these rates are certainly significantly lower than the peak, they represent a potential early warning sign about a possible resurgence," the Illinois Department of Public Health said in a release on Friday. "Chicago has seen its daily case rate increase by nearly 50% since last week, along with six days of increases in test positivity. Suburban Cook County has seen its daily case rate increase more than 40%, along with nine days of increasing hospital bed usage. Region 1, the Northern portion of the state including Rockford and surrounding communities, has seen eight days of increasing hospital bed usage and six days of increasing test positivity."
Today's question:
Spartan football seniors recognized
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Spartans football improves to 1-1 after Pontiac shutout
Spartans shutout Indians
(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Photo Gallery | SJO soccer drops 3-0 decision at St. Thomas More
Midfielder Carter Mabry boots the ball down the field in St. Joseph-Ogden's road soccer game at St. Thomas More on a windy Friday on March 19. Despite playing a disciplined game against the Sabers forcing them to earn every goal, the Spartans fell 3-0 in the conference battle.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
SJO's Jackson Greer settles the ball in the second half. Like the majority of the players on this year's squad, Greers passing and ball control skills have notably improved going into this year's pandemic delayed season.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Deflecting the ball off the foot of St. Thomas More's Blake Staab, Logan Ingram takes a shot to the legs for the Spartans during second half action.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Senior Logan Ingram dribbles the ball away from STM's Jack Aubry in the first half.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Mason Behrens races across the field with the ball during second half action against the Sabers. The senior starter was held scoreless both quarters.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
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SJO basketball 2021: SJO gets road win at Pontiac
Using their signature balanced scoring attack as they have almost all season, the St. Joseph-Ogden girls basketball team defeated Pontiac on the road 60-45 on February 22.
Indians' three-sport star Addison Masching led all scorers with 20 points, but it wasn't enough to tilt the scales from ten scoring Spartan players.
Making all four of her free throw attempts, Ella Armstrong was the only SJO player in double figures with 11 points. Payton Jacobs and Peyton Jones, who hit three treys, added nine points apiece. Meanwhile Ashlyn Lannert and Taylor Wells chipped in another eight.
Indians' three-sport star Addison Masching led all scorers with 20 points, but it wasn't enough to tilt the scales from ten scoring Spartan players.
Making all four of her free throw attempts, Ella Armstrong was the only SJO player in double figures with 11 points. Payton Jacobs and Peyton Jones, who hit three treys, added nine points apiece. Meanwhile Ashlyn Lannert and Taylor Wells chipped in another eight.
Box Score
| Pontiac | 10 | 10 | 13 | 12 | - 45 |
| St. Joseph-Ogden | 12 | 15 | 20 | 13 | - 60 |
St. Joseph-Ogden
Ashlyn Lannert 1 (2) 0-0 -- 8, Hope Rajlich 1 (0) 0-1 -- 2, Nora Walden 0 (0) 1-2 -- 1, Taylor Campbell 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Payton Jacob 3 (1) 0-0 -- 9, Taylor Wells 4 (0) 0-0 -- 8, Atleigh Hamilton 3 (0) 1-2 -- 7, Taylor Hug 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Abby Behrens 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Isabell Smith 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Peyton Jones 0 (3) 0-0 -- 9, Alyssa Hamilton 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2, Payton Vallee 1 (0) 1-2 -- 3, Ella Armstrong 2 (1) 4-4 -- 11.
Ashlyn Lannert 1 (2) 0-0 -- 8, Hope Rajlich 1 (0) 0-1 -- 2, Nora Walden 0 (0) 1-2 -- 1, Taylor Campbell 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Payton Jacob 3 (1) 0-0 -- 9, Taylor Wells 4 (0) 0-0 -- 8, Atleigh Hamilton 3 (0) 1-2 -- 7, Taylor Hug 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Abby Behrens 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Isabell Smith 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Peyton Jones 0 (3) 0-0 -- 9, Alyssa Hamilton 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2, Payton Vallee 1 (0) 1-2 -- 3, Ella Armstrong 2 (1) 4-4 -- 11.
Pontiac
T. Einhaus 2 (1) 0-0 -- 7, J. Einhaus 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Hartfield 0 (2) 1-2 -- 7, Fox 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, B. Masching 2 (0) 1-2 -- 5, Coates 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, A. Masching 3 (3) 5-10 -- 20, Fletcher 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Hilleary 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Foster 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Johns 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2.
T. Einhaus 2 (1) 0-0 -- 7, J. Einhaus 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Hartfield 0 (2) 1-2 -- 7, Fox 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, B. Masching 2 (0) 1-2 -- 5, Coates 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, A. Masching 3 (3) 5-10 -- 20, Fletcher 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Hilleary 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Foster 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Johns 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2.
Food | Salads: Here are two you will want to try at home
(Family Features) - One way of shedding some of those pandemic pounds we've put on over the past 12 months is to eat healthier. With spring making its appearance finally in Central Illinois and warmer temperatures making it more pleasant to get outside, now is the time to give your salads an update by avoiding the same tired mixes and instead create tasty meals fit for the season. Welcome to salad season.
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Salads are also a perfect canvas for creating refreshing meals and appetizers centered around tasty greens, juicy tomatoes and crave-worthy dressings.
One easy way to up your salad game is by starting with quality ingredients like Fresh Express salad blends, NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes and Litehouse refrigerated salad dressings. These fresh, flavorful ingredients can be combined in a dish like in the Chimichurri Chickpea Salad recipe below, is a perfect way to make your meals a little greener this spring for nearly any dining occasion.
Part of the appeal of dishing up a homemade salad is the unlimited options you have at your fingertips to make the bowl of greens uniquely "yours". For many, this means one thing: the more toppings, the better. With grilled chicken, crispy bacon, tomatoes, ripe avocado, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese and a bed of fresh lettuce, this classic Cobb Salad offers an ideal lunch or even a quick family meal.
Because both these recipes can be made in 20 minutes or less, they provide simple solutions when short on time. Plus, the fresh ingredients sum up everything that make spring meals delicious.
Chimichurri Chickpea Salad
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
1 cup fresh cilantro
2/3 cup fresh parsley
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2/3 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chickpeas, drained
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 bag Fresh Express Baby Kale Mix
1 cup NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes, diced
1 medium avocado, diced
4 tablespoons Litehouse Avocado Ranch Dressing
In food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pulse until sauce is smooth.
Place chimichurri sauce in small bowl with chickpeas and crushed red pepper flakes; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight, if possible.
Divide kale, tomatoes and avocado between four bowls. Top each bowl evenly with marinated chickpeas. Drizzle with avocado ranch dressing and serve.
Cobb Salad
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
3-4 eggs
1/4 pound bacon
1 bag Fresh Express Sweet Butter Lettuce
1 pound grilled chicken
1 cup NatureSweet Cherubs Tomatoes, halved
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1/4 cup blue cheese
1/4 cup Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing
Bring pot of water to boil. Use slotted spoon to place eggs in water. Boil 10 minutes then transfer to ice bath to stop cooking process. Peel eggs and slice.
Heat skillet over medium heat. Dice bacon and add to pan. Saute until bacon is crispy and fat is rendered, about 7 minutes. Remove from pan with slotted spoon.
To assemble salad, start with bed of lettuce. Top with hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, tomatoes, avocado, bacon and blue cheese; toss in ranch dressing.
Find more ways to create easy yet delicious salads at litehousefoods.com/iheartsalad.
Guest Commentary: COVID reality, no one wants to die alone
by Jess Davis
We have all experienced losses from the pandemic, whether it be a financial, occupational, or relational loss. Perhaps no one has felt a greater loss in this pandemic than those who have lost loved ones to the virus. They might have experienced firsthand how healthcare organizations are limiting the number of visitors for patients, including end-of-life patients. These limits are harmful to our health, and I don’t mean our physical health. The very restrictions in healthcare organizations that are meant to keep us safe are also turning our worst fears into a reality. Nobody wants to die alone.
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, visitation restrictions have been implemented in healthcare organizations, especially for patients who have tested positive for the virus. The purpose of these restrictions is to prevent the virus from spreading. Healthcare organizations do not want their COVID positive patients to infect anyone else. It makes sense to have these restrictions in place, right? After all, it seems as if it is for everyone’s protection.
These restrictions may not seem as acceptable, however, when they are applied to end-of-life COVID positive patients. Most healthcare organizations have a "two-visitor" limit for end-of-life COVID positive patients, including Penn Medicine and Tower Health. These visitors
are only allowed when death is imminent.
While this is a step up from the "no-visitor" policy that took place last year, two visitors are still not enough.
The fears of death and dying alone have been present long before COVID. The pandemic has only heightened these fears and have made them a reality for too many people.
No one should have to die without being surrounded by their loved ones, and not just two loved ones either. What if a mother is the end-of-life patient, and she has more than two children – shouldn’t they all be allowed to be there to hold her hand? If you were in the shoes of
the either the patient or a loved one, would two visitors be enough for you?
While it is true that this "two-visitor" policy is helping keep citizens physically healthy by preventing the spread of the virus, it fails to take into account the emotional and mental health of both the patients and their loved ones.
Isolation and separation can be harmful.
In fact, it is known that flexible visiting hours have the potential to reduce delirium and anxiety symptoms among patients. Patients will feel more comfortable when surrounded by loved ones, which can make for a more peaceful transition for end-of-life patients. The "two-visitor" policy also limits the ability for loved ones to "say goodbye".
A lack of a proper "goodbye" can negatively impact the emotional and mental health of those who lost their loved one, possibly even heightening their grief and mourning.
These are some reasons why there needs to be a greater number of visitors allowed for end-of-life COVID positive patients. In areas other than end-of-life, the visitation restrictions seem appropriate. While the restrictions may still be hard to follow and are not ideal, we can
understand why they are in place: to minimize the spread of COVID.
Even though the intention behind the restrictions for end-of-life patients is the same, there needs to be an exception. The right visitation policy in end-of-life situations should not be the same as the policy in all other situations.
Unfortunately, some visitation restrictions are still necessary for end-of-life patients so there is not an abundant amount of people being exposed to the virus. A possible solution, though, is to add onto the "two-visitor" policy. As long as everyone is vigilant and takes the
necessary precautions to ensure safety, then it would be okay to allow for additional visitors.
A possible policy should be for health organizations to allow the patient’s nuclear family (children and spouse) to be present. If the patient does not have a nuclear family, then his/her parents and siblings should be allowed to be present. Finally, if the patient does not have a nuclear family or parents and siblings, then he/she should be allowed to have two visitors present.
These new guidelines would allow for a greater number loved ones to be present while still being aware of exposure to the virus. Nobody wants to die without being surrounded by their loved ones, and nobody should have to.
Jess Davis is a junior at Messiah University studying accounting. When she is not in class or playing field hockey, she likes to play the piano and watch movies.
Area winter and summer U of I grads announced
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced graduates for the fall semester 2020, as well as those who graduated in August 2020 last week. There were 3,428 graduates in December of which 10 are from our area. In August, one area student was among the 1,626 conferred degrees last year.
St. Joseph native Rachel Gherna, an English major, earned her bachelor degree with High Distinction and graduated Cum Laude in December.
High Distinction is awarded to students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher for exceptional, praiseworthy work in the honors seminars and English courses. The candidate must also write an honors thesis with two out of three readers on the review panel recommending the work for High Distinction.
Cum Laude recognition is given to students in the top 12% of their class that maintains a GPA of at least 3.87.
December 2020 graduates include:
Julie Block, Tolono
Master of Education in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership
Graduate College
Robert Malmberg, Tolono
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Tara Van Pelt, Tolono
Master of Social Work
Graduate College
Jonam Walter, Tolono
Master of Science in Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Graduate College
Kelly White, Tolono
Doctor of Philosophy in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership
Graduate College
Sophie Woolard, Tolono
Bachelor of Social Work
School of Social Work
Lauren Gherna, St Joseph
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Kohlten Johnson, St Joseph
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Consumer Economics
Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Taryn Lempa, St Joseph
Master of Business Administration
Graduate College
Journey Slowikowski, St Joseph
Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences
August 2020 degree recipient:
Courtney McGraw, Tolono
Master of Social Work
Graduate College
The list above is provided by the university and based on the address supplied by students. Students who used a campus address as their mailing address may not be included in this article. This list may not include individual graduates conferred after February 4, 2020. If you suspect a problem with this list, contact the University of Illinois at (217)333-1085 or them at News Bureau. Did you, your son/daughter or a grandchild graduate from a public or private university back in May or this month? Let us know by sending their 2020 college graduation information.
37 honored on University of Illinois Dean's List
This week, the University of Illinois announced the names of students recognized for outstanding academic achievement with the release of the Fall 2020 Dean's List. Thirty-seven students with ties to The Sentinel area at Illinois' flagship university were among the 10,867 students earning recognition for their scholastic performance.
Students named to the UIUC Dean's List must complete coursework and grading to fall into the top 20% of a student’s college class or curriculum. Classes taken pass/fail are not counted toward their academic standing for this award.
The list below does not include Dean's List honorees added after Jan. 27 or students who did not list their hometown as Royal, Ogden, Philo, Tolono, Sidney or St. Joseph with the University.
Benjamin Albrecht, St. Joseph
Senior, Applied Health Sciences Elanor Atkins, Tolono
Sophomore, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Emily Bluhm, St. Joseph
Junior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Nicholas Cagle, Ogden
Junior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Sarah Chahine, St. Joseph
Sophomore, Applied Health Sciences Zachary Chalmers, Philo
Junior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Hailey Collum, St. Joseph
Senior, Fine and Applied Arts Andrea Cunningham, St. Joseph
Freshman, Education Carson Florey, St. Joseph
Senior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Tyler Gadbury, Tolono
Freshman, Liberal Arts and Sciences William Gay, Philo
Senior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Lauren Gherna, St. Joseph
Senior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Christian Hasler, Philo
Junior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Evan Hawkins, St. Joseph
Senior, Media Mason Housenga, St. Joseph
Senior, Engineering Ian Hulette, St. Joseph
Senior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Kohlten Johnson, St. Joseph
Senior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Riley Knott, St. Joseph
Senior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Mark Maddock, St. Joseph
Junior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Mira McLain, St. Joseph
Senior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Emma Messman, Sidney
Junior, Education Abigayle Mizer, Ogden
Junior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Brendan Olauson, St. Joseph
Junior, Engineering Natasha Plummer, Tolono
Freshman, Applied Health Sciences Skylar Price, St. Joseph
Junior, Applied Health Sciences Kassidy Reno, Philo
Sophomore, Applied Health Sciences Jenna Schaefer, St. Joseph
Sophomore, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Abigail Schlueter, St. Joseph
Junior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Rylee Sjuts, St. Joseph
Sophomore, Liberal Arts and Sciences Benjamin Snodgrass, Tolono
Junior, Applied Health Sciences Emilee Sorensen, Ogden
Senior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Abigail Tierney, Philo
Senior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Shelby Turner, Philo
Senior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Israel Wells, Sidney
Senior, Applied Health Sciences Madisyn Welsh, St. Joseph
Junior, Social Work Madison Wilson, Philo
Senior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Zoey Witruk, St. Joseph
Freshman, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Senior, Applied Health Sciences Elanor Atkins, Tolono
Sophomore, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Emily Bluhm, St. Joseph
Junior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Nicholas Cagle, Ogden
Junior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Sarah Chahine, St. Joseph
Sophomore, Applied Health Sciences Zachary Chalmers, Philo
Junior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Hailey Collum, St. Joseph
Senior, Fine and Applied Arts Andrea Cunningham, St. Joseph
Freshman, Education Carson Florey, St. Joseph
Senior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Tyler Gadbury, Tolono
Freshman, Liberal Arts and Sciences William Gay, Philo
Senior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Lauren Gherna, St. Joseph
Senior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Christian Hasler, Philo
Junior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Evan Hawkins, St. Joseph
Senior, Media Mason Housenga, St. Joseph
Senior, Engineering Ian Hulette, St. Joseph
Senior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Kohlten Johnson, St. Joseph
Senior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Riley Knott, St. Joseph
Senior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Mark Maddock, St. Joseph
Junior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Mira McLain, St. Joseph
Senior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Emma Messman, Sidney
Junior, Education Abigayle Mizer, Ogden
Junior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Brendan Olauson, St. Joseph
Junior, Engineering Natasha Plummer, Tolono
Freshman, Applied Health Sciences Skylar Price, St. Joseph
Junior, Applied Health Sciences Kassidy Reno, Philo
Sophomore, Applied Health Sciences Jenna Schaefer, St. Joseph
Sophomore, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Abigail Schlueter, St. Joseph
Junior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Rylee Sjuts, St. Joseph
Sophomore, Liberal Arts and Sciences Benjamin Snodgrass, Tolono
Junior, Applied Health Sciences Emilee Sorensen, Ogden
Senior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Abigail Tierney, Philo
Senior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Shelby Turner, Philo
Senior, Liberal Arts and Sciences Israel Wells, Sidney
Senior, Applied Health Sciences Madisyn Welsh, St. Joseph
Junior, Social Work Madison Wilson, Philo
Senior, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Zoey Witruk, St. Joseph
Freshman, Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
The list above does not include Dean's List honorees added after Jan. 29 or students who did not list their hometown as Royal, Ogden, Philo, Tolono, Sidney or St. Joseph with the University. If you were on this semester's Dean's List and your name were omitted from our list above please know it was not intentional. University communications and public affair offices typically provide or make available lists of fall and spring graduates by zip code. Quite often students living off-campus supply their school address in the city they live while attending school as their contact address instead of their hometown address. If you supplied the institution with a different home address, and would like to have your name added to the list hometowns we cover above, email us your information to editor@oursentinel.com. We'll be happy ato add your name to the listing.
Did you graduate from college with an undergraduate or advance degree in December? Tell us about it!
Commentary: Do your children make you cuss?
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Instagram exploded recently with an audio of the famed gospel singer Franklin berating his 32-year-old son. The son posted the audio of the verbal exchange between he and his father. The audio was a profanity laced call that included his father the elder Franklin threatening to break his son’s neck.
According to the elder Franklin there has been a 14-year rift between he and his son. Many counseling sessions and the family’s attempts at trying to resolve the conflict have apparently remained unsuccessful.
For many years according to reports his son has avoided family dinners, holidays and other gatherings.
National television and various media outlets reported Franklin saying, "Recently, my son and I had an argument that he chose to record. I felt extremely disrespected in that conversation, and I lost my temper. And I said words that are not appropriate. And I’m sincerely sorry to all of you. I sincerely apologize," Franklin said.
Good Morning America, The Washington Post and various other national media sources have reported this story which is a sad personal family drama. For many years this tension has been a difficult rift for this very famous family. It’s unfortunate that the adult son chose to play it out on social media which has now become national news.
Many families have struggles and no one is perfect, including Kirk Franklin. He proves once again that most people have a breaking point and it’s never pretty when it happens. Most of the time it’s the people who we love the most and do the most for who have a way of flipping our switch.
We often can take a lot from strangers and casual acquaintances because we really don’t care that much what they think or even what they say. However, when it’s a child who you have invested your entire life into stomps on your heart then emotion and passion have a way of taking over. As Franklin proves, words may be said that are later regretted.
It’s unfortunate that even the best of people have feelings and words that can come out so ugly. Where do they come from? Ugly words often come from unresolved hurt and pain that have become toxic. Poison is deadly.
We allow poison to be bottled up deep in our hearts. In verbal altercations like the Franklin’s the bucket falls deep into the well of the heart and sadly what comes up is the pain and poison of past hurts that have been unresolved.
We all have to guard our hearts and what we allow to take root. None of us need anything that might spring up to hurt us and others.
Let’s pray for the Franklins. Most families have had moments not scripted for the national spotlight.
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Kirk Dewayne Franklin is an American choir director, gospel musician, singer, songwriter, and author. He is best known for leading urban contemporary gospel choirs such as The Family, God's Property, and One Nation Crew. He is a beloved and influential figure in the gospel music world.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.
This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
Village Crier: Easter Bunny coming to Sidney, area COVID cases soar
Easter Bunny coming to Sidney
The Easter Bunny will be in Sidney on Saturday, April 3.
At 10am, the Sidney Fire Department will escort the Easter Bunny around town, who will be tossing bagged candy to onlookers. The fire department says they are planning on the same route as last year and will post it online prior to the event. In case of rain, the even will proceed on Sunday, April 4th at 10am.
Cam's Auto Detailing accepting new clients
Now that the weather is much warmer and winter is on its way north, Cam's is open once again offering quality auto detailing and cleaning services at affordable prices in Tolono. Gift cards are available. For further questions contact Camden Hesterberg at (217) 607-7529 or camdenhesterberg0125@gmail.com. Online quotes are available on their website.Fundraiser to help Tolono woman in progress
A friend of a Tolono resident who was attacked and received a stab wound to one of her eyes have set up a GoFundMe for the victim to help her and her family with bills and medical costs. "I have know her for 42 years or longer and she helps anyone she can," it says on the page organized by Kathy Burkham. "She cannot go back to work and take care of her clients in the group homes. I know she misses them and they miss her. Please donate what you can." So far, 19 people have donated $1,510 toward the $15,000 goal. Anyone wishing to contribute can do so on the page here. According to The News-Gazette, three women, a 19-year-old and two 18-year-olds were charged with mob action in the incident.Area Covid-19 cases soar
On March 11 there were just 18 active Covid-19 cases. It was the lowest total since November 13 in The Sentinel area. Today, just seven days later, that number tripled to 54. After weeks of steady decline, the number cases started to surge last Sunday. Today, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District reported 20 new cases in addition to the 15 cases identified on March 14. In all this week, 47 new cases have popped in our six village area. Forty-two of those cases occurred in the Unit 7 school district, prompting Unity to suspend all athletic activities this week.Church of Christ to hold Easter Egg Hunt
The St. Joseph Church of Christ is having a Easter Bunny scavenger hunt on Saturday, April 3 from 10am to 12pm. This rain or shine event is for families that have children ages 12 and under only. The entire family is welcome to participate, but only those age 12 and under will receive candy at the conclusion of the hunt. For more information visit the church website at https://sjcoc.com/easterCommentary: It's been a year now, when we do get back to normal
by Hilary Gowins, Vice President of Communications
Illinois Policy
Most people have spent the past year wondering if and when we’ll get back to normal. Denetta Flamingo is busy dealing with a new normal. It’s one that cost her the home where she raised her children. It’s taken other assets. Those sacrifices have kept her small business alive. Still, the dream she invested everything in – Ottawa Nautilus Fit24, a gym in Ottawa, Illinois – is up for sale. "I’m doing the best I can," she said. "Today I’m at the gym and a regular customer who had not been here since March of last year came in. Everyone was in tears. He has M.S. and came in for me to fix his phone and feel the gym out with the new rules. Although I have stayed in touch with him and many others that still haven’t returned, just having him here and seeing him to make sure he was OK means so much. We are a family – new members and old members. We help each other, whether it’s fixing a phone or just lifting each other’s spirits."
The weight of COVID-19 mitigation crushed the small business sector in Illinois. Owners like Denetta Flamingo sold off equipment and other assets to try and remain solvent.
Photo by Victor Freitas/Unsplash
Nautilus Fit24 has been in business since 1974. Denetta began working at the gym in 2009 and purchased it in 2014 when the previous owner left Illinois. "How can you let a business that’s been around that long go under?" Denetta said. She’s fighting to keep the gym open, even if that means it’s under new ownership. "A new owner will have the funds to bring this gym back to its prime." Continuing to fight means struggling. Denetta has been steadily selling off equipment and personal items during the pandemic just to pay her bills. She ultimately had to leverage the equity on her home of 30 years by selling it to keep the business open. She was denied state grant money. She wasn’t eligible for federal Paycheck Protection Program money, either. There’s a hole in Illinois’ economy. Denetta has been trying to fill her portion with heart and hard work. Over 11,200 retailers in Illinois were forced to close up shop last year. Small shops were hit the hardest – 35% of small businesses have closed in Illinois as of March 3, compared to Jan. 1, 2020, according to data from The Opportunity Insights Tracker. Those retailers represent jobs on a large scale – small businesses have traditionally created the majority of new jobs each year in Illinois. And the loss of these businesses carries worrisome implications for the state’s workforce and its economic recovery more broadly. So what happens next? How many of the small businesses left standing will survive in the long run? The short answer is, 2021 will still be a grind. "With each day that [the government] lets us open up, it is looking better and the weather has been very cooperative," said Kristan Vaughan, who operates Vaughan Hospitality Group, with six Irish pubs across the Chicago area. It used to be seven pubs. "We closed one location permanently and are maximizing PPP and Employee Retention Credit, but Illinois still tries to beat the small business when they are down with the property taxes, fee hikes and more," she said. Those cost burdens are what Illinois needs to get under control. Otherwise, any bounce-back small businesses make will be hindered and likely continue to lag the rest of the Midwest. In Illinois the leisure and entertainment industry, which includes restaurants, lost jobs 61% faster during 2020 than the nation as a whole. These numbers are a huge problem for Illinois: the people who live and work here, as well as the politicians tasked with running the state. Small businesses are the main job providers in the state – 69% of all new jobs created in Illinois come from firms with fewer than 20 employees. The pandemic has affected everyone, but the economic fallout has been especially devastating for specific groups. In addition to retailers, restaurant owners and other small business owners, women, working mothers and Black Illinoisans suffered the worst in terms of job losses. So did low-income families – 36% of workers in households earning less than $40,000 lost jobs. COVID-19 is the reason for devastation of this magnitude. But it’s important to acknowledge that Illinois had been lagging the rest of the country for years on economic gains and opportunities for the people who call the state home, as well as for the people who used to call it home. If you do what you always did, you’ll get what you always got. If Illinois doesn’t change, it’ll mean more public debt: which drives higher taxes, a decline in services and more people leaving. It’ll also make the odds even longer for business owners trying to survive.
Hilary Gowins is vice president of communications at the Illinois Policy Institute, a nonpartisan research organization that promotes responsible government and free market principles.
Prep Sports Notebook: SJO VB gets first win, no Unity sports for spell
Spartans open volleyball season with a win
The St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team opened its 2020-21 season with a 2-0 win over Hoopeston Area at home on Monday.
In both sets, the Spartans played catch-up volleyball after slow starts having to erase 4-1 deficits.
In set one, SJO struggled to keep up falling behind 7-2 on the scoreboard. Kennedi Burnett then hammered back-to-back kills to whittle away at the Cornjerkers' lead. Two serves later she was on the back line hitting well-placed serves tallying a pair aces on two of her three serves, the score now 8-all, before Hoopeston called a timeout.
Two sideouts later, the Spartans would take the lead after a second tie at 9-9 and fight to a 25-15 win.
Much like the first set, SJO trailed until a 7-7 tie on the scoreboard. Another Burnett ace gave the SJO the lead, followed by a tie at 8s. From here, the Spartan offense took control rallying four unanswered points and, never in any real danger of relinquishing their lead, only had to glance over their shoulders once. The team closed out the match rattling off six consecutive points to a 25-13 finish.
Unity athletics on hold
According to an article in The News-Gazette, all sports activities and contests were postponed at Unity this week. Athletic director Scott Hamilton told the Champaign-Urbana paper "that football activities were paused last Friday, followed by those of volleyball and boys’ soccer over the weekend."
Hamilton, who is also the school's head football coach, didn’t cite any specific COVID-19 cases or contact-tracing issues among the Rockets’ spring sports programs that led to this step.
"We felt like pausing everything gave us the best opportunity to keep everybody safe and kind of stop the spread," Hamilton told The News-Gazette, "and get everybody back as soon as we could — and, most importantly, try to keep people safe in our community."
Last Thursday, the number of active cases within The Sentinel's area of coverage dipped to 18, a low not seen since November 13 last fall. As of March 11, the number of active cases reported by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has tripled in the six village area. A 15 case spike occurred last Sunday, 14 of them in the three towns in the Unit 7 school district.
With no practices this week, Unity's opening football game scheduled for Saturday against Olympia won't be played. Due to the IHSA's limited season there is little chance for the game to be rescheduled.
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Illustrious - Showcases and the stories behind Illinois’ most iconic high school gyms
CHICAGO - On a quiet Saturday afternoon in January 2012, at the Oak Park-River Forest field house, a simple thought refused to leave Vincent Johnson alone.
Covering a girls basketball game for the Oak Leaves, Johnson found himself looking beyond the box score and into the bones of the building itself. The space was overwhelming in the best way. Big. Empty. Striking. The field house - massive, architectural, overwhelming in character - was alive with echoes. The gym itself demanded his attention.
Covering a girls basketball game for the Oak Leaves, Johnson found himself looking beyond the box score and into the bones of the building itself. The space was overwhelming in the best way. Big. Empty. Striking. The field house - massive, architectural, overwhelming in character - was alive with echoes. The gym itself demanded his attention.
