Area winter storm cancellations & changes

This page will be updated as we receive information from Athletic Directors and event organizers. Refresh this page to see the latest updates.


Friday

• Rantoul Eagles at Prairie Central rescheduled

• Urbana - Peoria Notre Dame game canceled

• St. Joseph-Ogden's home game against Pontiac has been postponed

Game will be now be played on Feb. 2.

• IPC Conference Wrestling at Unity cancelled

• Unity's home game against PBL changee

This will be a varsity only contest tonight starting at 5:30 PM.


Saturday

• SJO home game against Maroa-Forsyth time changee

This will be a varsity only contest starting at 4 PM


Sunday

• Urbana Park District's S'mores Social and Stroll cancelled

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Prep Sports Notebook | Rockets, Spartans win conference games

Brooks has breakout game, leads Spartans in road win over IVC
CHILLICOTHE - Addison Brooks drained four treys for 12 points to lead St. Joseph-Ogden in a 40-38 win over Illinois Valley Central. Senior Addison Frick finished with 10 points. Timera Blackburn-Kelley and Kayla Osterbur chipped in six points each.

While led with Kayt Miller's 14 points and Sage Geltmakers 10, the Grey Ghost (12-9) suffered their second consecutive loss, dropping to 2-2 in conference play.

The win improves the Spartans' record to 10-8.

Stringer & Ray show power Rockets past Eagles
TOLONO - Raegen Stringer and Addison Ray's combined effort of 27 points moved the Rockets to a 3-0 conference record on Thursday after defeating Rantoul at home, 54-39. Stringer hand-delivered a game-high 14 points, wrapped with eight steals and four rebounds. Ray led the team in the paint with seven rebounds and four assists in addition to her 13-point contribution.

Reagan Little rounded out Unity's top three scorers with eight points. The senior also grabbed four rebounds to put the team in second place in the Illini Prairie conference standings.

Next week, the trio will host the Bloomington Central Catholic on Monday. The Saints currently sit at the top of the conference standings with a 4-0 record. On Thursday, Unity is on the road to Prairie Central, who have yet take down a conference opponent.

Manual stymies Tigers
URBANA - Down by 15 at the half, the Urbana girls basketball team was unable to erase the deficit to visiting Peoria Manual (5-13). The Tigers played a much better second half, but their effort fell short in Thursday's 62-22 conference loss.

The Tigers have three games next week, starting with a roadtrip to Rantoul (5-13) on Tuesday. On Thursday, the Green Wave of Matton (14-2) will be in the house, and Saturday, the team is back on the bus, this time, to East Peoria (6-16).

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Photo Gallery | Smith & Spartans stunned at Shootout

Logan Smith goes up for a shot in the second half of St. Joseph-Ogden's Christie Clinic Shootout game against Pinckneyville. The Spartans suffered their their third loss of the season, falling 72-57 to the Panthers. Smith finished the game with ten points. See more photos from this game below.
Photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Urbana Park District Toddler Art Play Group starts tomorrow

URBANA - The Urbana Park District is hosting a free event for toddlers at the Phillips Recreation Center at 505 W. Stoughton tomorrow between 9 - 11 a.m.

The Toddler Art Play Group is for children ages one to four. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult. Participants can show up at any time. Each session will explore and create various art projects.

The group is an opportunity for parents and children to socialize, network with others, and make new friends.

The group will meet on seven other dates through April. The next group will meet on January 25.

No registration is needed. For more information, call (217) 367-1544 or visit the UPD website here.

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Hospital recommends virtual visits due current Covid spike and rise of RSV

by Matt Sheehan
OSF Healthcare
As many viruses continue to make the rounds in our communities, it is paramount to monitor your symptoms and know when the right time is to seek medical care in person.

PEORIA - OSF HealthCare hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments across the state continue to see a big influx of people seeking care. The increase in patients in waiting rooms can lead to elevated exposure of germs and viruses, plus longer wait times.

As many viruses continue to make the rounds in our communities, it is paramount to monitor your symptoms and know when the right time is to seek medical care in person. Sarah Overton, the Chief Nursing Officer for OSF Medical Group, Home Care and Employee Health, stresses the importance of virtual care when your symptoms are mild.

“That way we’re not exposing you to anyone in the public and you’re not exposing the health care worker to illness,” Overton says. “Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in health care worker illness where our nurses and doctors have to stay home because they are being exposed to illness.”

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Hospitals across the state and in the OSF Ministry network have been seeing a spike in COVID-19 patients. If you suspect you have COVID-19 but your symptoms are mild, take an at-home COVID-19 test.

The federal government has another stockpile of at-home tests that are free to order on COVID.gov. Every household can receive four free rapid tests. Dr. Brian Curtis, Vice President of Clinical Specialty Services with OSF HealthCare, says taking tests at home will help free up space at medical facilities.

“Coming in just to get tested takes up spots for the people that are really sick or are high-risk,” Dr. Curtis says.

“The Emergency Room is reserved for those true emergencies,” Overton adds. “We have patients that have heart attacks and lung issues with their COPD. Additional patients overflowing the Emergency Room takes away precious time from assessing those patients who shouldn’t be exposed to those viruses while being in our waiting rooms.”

But COVID-19 isn’t the only virus making the rounds in our communities right now. Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and others are being seen often as well. So how can we stop the spread of viruses?

· Stay home when you aren’t feeling well.

· Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer regularly.

· Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

· Wipe down high-touch surfaces with disinfectant wipes.

· Don’t share glasses or silverware with others.

· Receive the flu shot.

For treating mild symptoms at home, Dr. Curtis offers some guidance for using over-the-counter options.

“You can take Tylenol or Motrin for fevers and aches. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest,” Dr. Curtis says.

Overton says to make sure you read the labels on any over-the-counter medication you buy. If you have any questions, you can ask a retail pharmacist, or send a message through MyChart to your OSF care team.

When is the right time to be seen?

“If you have a super deep cough that’s hanging on for quite a while or have a fever that lasts for several days,” Overton says. “Or if you have high-risk factors and may benefit from some of our medications for COVID, like Paxlovid, which are readily available in our retail pharmacy locations. We also have COVID-19 boosters able to be administered in our primary care offices.”

“There is a medication for influenza, but if you have a mild case, you’ll have more side effects from the medication than you are having from influenza itself. As far as RSV goes, there’s really no treatment for it except for supportive care.”

If you are sick and plan to visit a medical facility, please cover your face with a mask to decrease exposure to the health care workers.

Colds and viruses tend to last one to two weeks. If your symptoms are more serious or linger on much longer than that, reach out to your primary care team and schedule an appointment. You can also consider an in-person or virtual visit to OSF OnCall Urgent Care. A virtual visit is available 24/7.

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Turn your bathroom into a spa-inspired oasis

Photo: BPT

BPT - A rapidly growing number of homeowners want their bathroom to be a sanctuary for relaxation and self-care, so it's no wonder that the bathroom redo has become one of the most popular renovation projects. A recent survey from Houzz showed that one in five homeowners (22%) enlarge the primary or en suite bathroom during a renovation. And with the extra space, more than three in five homeowners (61%) increase the size of their shower. Transforming your bathroom into a spa-inspired retreat will not only impact your overall well-being and comfort but can also boost the value of your home.

The design team at Wilsonart, an industry leader in engineered surfaces, offers these five tips to consider when expanding and enhancing your shower space:

1. Set a realistic budget

Enlarging the size of your shower space is an investment. Prior to getting started, set a realistic budget that includes not only the construction costs but also the cost of materials such as the shower surround surface, fixtures, floor tiles and other design elements. It's also smart to have a contingency fund ready for unforeseen expenses that are sure to pop up along the way. And don't underestimate the power of DIY when it comes to cost-efficiency. If you are handy with tools and willing to learn, there may be certain aspects of a bathroom renovation that you can tackle yourself. Taking on tasks like painting or even assembling fixtures can significantly reduce labor expenses.

2. Choose the right materials

Selecting the right materials is key for both functionality and style. For shower surrounds, select a surface with style that will stand the test of time and fit your lifestyle needs. An on-trend option like the Wetwall™ Waterproof Wall Panel System makes it easy to transform bathrooms and create spa-worthy retreats that deliver high-end designs without disruptive demolitions. Ideal for shower walls, bath surrounds, accent walls and cladding, the easy-to-clean, grout-free system features tongue-and-groove panels that can be installed in as little as 2.5 hours and do not require special tools. The system is simple to maintain and features a patented, waterproof core that offers antimicrobial protection that inhibits the growth of stain- and odor-causing mold and mildew. Inspired by the beauty of nature, the two latest designs to join the collection, Tuscany Marble and Darlington Cherry, can add a high-impact, bold statement to any bathroom, without breaking your budget.

3. Invest in quality fixtures and features

Give your new shower space the quality fixtures and features it deserves. Adding simple luxuries like a rainfall shower head or built-in shower seat will help turn any bathroom into a sanctuary. Today's on-trend fixture finishes include matte black, aged bronze and brass, all of which are sure to add a touch of elegance while perfectly complementing your surface selections. While investing in high-quality bathroom accessories may add to your renovation's bottom line, it can actually save you money in the long run since cheaper fixtures tend to be more prone to breaking or wearing out.

4. Maximize natural light

Incorporating natural light into the bathroom can help enhance the room's overall aesthetic and make the space feel larger. Consider adding a window or a skylight strategically placed to maintain privacy, while allowing natural light to enter the room. This extra light can enhance your mood while also saving money on electricity bills.

5. Incorporate smart storage solutions

Having an organized shower can help streamline your morning routine while maintaining the visual appeal of the bathroom. Incorporating built-in storage niches helps create an elevated design aesthetic and optimizes convenience. The Wilsonart® Bath and Shower Accessories Niche collection is compatible with the Wetwall system and features sleek and functional recessed shelving for holding shampoo, soap and other shower accessories. Not only do these built-in bathroom storage ideas maximize square footage, but they also make a strong design statement.

Transforming your shower can take your entire bathroom to the next level and create a tranquil place to start and end your day.

For more bath inspiration and information, visit https://www.wetwall.com/.

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Unity Junior High School second-quarter High Honor Roll


Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved high honor roll status during the second quarter. Congratulations to all the students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for recognition during this period.


6th Grade High Honor Roll

Maylie Rose Bates
Rya Jolee Bialeschki
Nora Kristina Blanchard
Lydia Grace Crowe
Kylee Paulette Cunningham
Elizabeth Irene Davidson
Bronson Edwin Davis
Savannah Jo Drewes
Quentin Xavier Dykeman
Beau Richard Eisenmenger
Tinsley Layne Elliott
Alarik Byrum Ellison
Cooper Alexander Fairbanks
Nadia Grace Fairbanks
Hayden Marie Gabbard
Lena Anne Guild Borchers
Natalie May Gumbel-Paeth
Jessica Marie Hamilton
Harper Quinn Harris
Mason James Holladay
Gabriel Heinrich Jahnel
Allie Rose Kamradt
Molly Kathryn Lydia Kleiss
John Isaac "Isaac" Leaman
Adelyn Jolene Maxwell
Finn Alexander Merkle
Ashley Ann Mumm
Raelyn Marie Prosser
Jordan William Pruitt
Avery Elizabeth Remole
Riker Alan Rogers
Camdon Levi Schmid
Nora Julianna Shields
Drake Alan Siuts
Cashtyn Ryder Sutherland
Owen Robert Vasey
William Ross Wetherell
Alexis LeAnn Wolken
Alivia RaeLyn Wolken
Brendan Kurtis Zerrusen


7th Grade High Honor Roll

Kelsey Marie Adcock
Kenny Wayne Adcock
Lilly Annabelle Bailes
Brooklyn Blair Bates
Ethan Earl Bent
Katherine Elaine Berkey
Konnor Lewis Bletscher
Kale Boden Cowan
Trevor Daniel Coy
Alec Joseph Daly
McKenzie Lynn Deakin
Emma Nicole Denney
Steven Gambill
Amelia Marie Good
Hayden Bradley Grussing
Kynedy Ashlynn Hoel
Samuel Bentley Hollett
Alivia Krall
Adeline Marie Marinelli
Lilly Madelyn Meharry
Tatum Faith Meharry
Jacklynn Kay Alexandra Moore
Kelvin Justus Moose
Holden William ONeill
Marley Rae Parks
Carolina Maria Pagaduan Popovics
Luc Sandor Marcelo Popovics
Maxwell Douglas Powers
Marina Ray Price
Maya Alexis Rawdin
Bella Rose Robbins
Madelyn Olivia Roth-Robertson
Skylar Grace Savona
Sophia Isabella Schuckman
Austin David Shafer
Vivian Rosalie Shunk
Hayden Dale Smith
Dylan Robert Stierwalt
Olivia Jane Styan
Jack Christopher Terven
Deklyn James Thomas
Nicholas James Thomas
Hayley Olivia Thompson
Charles Reider Watson
Quentin Stephen Webber
Hallee Ann Weber Patterson
Bryson Matthew Williams
Lucas Neal Williams
Olivia Lynn Wilson
Ethan Matthew Wishall
Ashton Jace Wolf
Adam Scott Wolken


8th Grade High Honor Roll

Joseph William Willard Baird
Patrick Benjamin Baxley
Jackson Christopher Cheely
Soren Lovell Davis
Andrew Patrick Donovan
Dillon Michael Ellars
Kaylee Grace Estes
Carson David Fairbanks
Cohen Fincham
Reagan Elizabeth Lisle Fisher
Hallie Lynn Handal
Jordan Stephen Harmon
Roman James Hastings
Tessa Lynn Horn
Karleigh Grace Jamison
Lincoln Banner Johnson
Joseph Brooks Kamradt
Khison Able Kern
Tatum Anne Kirby
Nolan Mark Tempel Meharry
Dalton Robert Moose
Rhianna Olivia Ocasio
Lillian Yvonne Ring
Caleb Arthur Saxon
Carter Charles Schmid
Bodie Springer
Kole David VanSickle
Gavin James Warren
John William White
Austin James Wiersema
Olivia Ann Williams
Olivia Ruth Witheft


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Unity Junior High second-quarter Honor Roll


Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved honor roll status during the second quarter. Congratulations to all the students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for recognition during this period.


6th Grade Honor Roll

Ashlyn Nicole Alt
Kaylee Jo Black
Isaac Mathew Boitnott
Bradley Roger Bruhn
Rowan Bryant
Brailey Marie Cain
Viola Ayame Carman
Raeann Loucille Cozad
Greyson Zachary DeHart
Brady Gallagher Eckstein
Collin Daniel Eckstein
Kenzlee Rae Evans
Kinadi Elizabeth Jane Gallivan
Evelyn Anne Gould
Libbey Marlene Ethel Griffin
Jolene Marie Hartman
Addilynn Mae Hatfield
Dylan Paul Holladay
William Timothy Huntington
Finnegan Samuel Bowie Isberg
Adeliah June Little
Jack Thomas Ludwinski
Owen Thomas Menacher
Graham Charles Moore
Nicole Nava Palomares
Caylynn Josie Parker
Ellie Rose Parker-Johnson
Maxwell Tyler Pound
Makena Jade Pruitt
Kyle Sean Roosevelt
Jonah Ryan Schriefer
Layla Marie Scott
Daisy Mae Stierwalt
Clementine Lucille Summitt
Silas Richard Swim
Jaycob David Tatman
Justin Michael Tempel
Meah Ann Tieman
Colby Aaron Weaver
Lucy Jeane Weaver
Levi Nelson White
Phoebe Ashlynn Witheft


7th Grade Honor Roll

Elizabeth Joanne Berkey
Carter Ryan Bickers
Katelyn Dhom
Evan Matthew Donaldson
Jase Charles Eisenmenger
Ian Robert Gaines
Aubrie Paige Gumm
Jordan Elizabeth Hamilton
Landyn Michael Heath
Owen Dean Hottman
Cora Dee Leonard
Owen Michael Lighty
Jauniyah Rosemarie Lisanby
Russell Patrick McCabe
Scarlet Rosemary McCann
Addyson Jo McIntosh
Lane Lucas Meharry
Ellery Merkle
Baeden Edward Millsap-Moore
Emma Grace Mohr
Lillian Calen Mohr
Jaxon David Pendleton
Logan Harvey Reimer Couch
Henry Scott Ritchie
Grace Catherine Schriefer
Connor Allen Schwartz-Rouse
Jasper Lee Souza
Abigail Elise Spomer
Tucker Douglas Stierwalt
Cade Robert Styan
Virgil Laurence Summitt
Jayden Michael Terven
Cassandra Pearl Thweatt
Henry Joseph White


8th Grade Honor Roll

Cameron Pierre Barnes
Cooper Charles Beckett
Beckam Krystopher-Wayde Brown
Brilynn Creola Cain
Sadie Jo Carpenter
Madison Grace Castor
Skyler Andrew Chilton
Devlin Davis
Kinzey Nicole Duitsman
Nolan Myles Elliott
Haley Elizabeth Ennis
Zoe Margaret Fish
Mackinzee Brooke Gumm
Brady Cullen Harris
McKenzie Kathryn Heiple
Brooke Raelynn Henson
Joel Ryan Hoewing
Bryan Michael Kleiss
Jax Hunter Logsdon
Tysen Mac McConaha
Clint Michael McCormick
Payten Renee Niles
Larissa Marie Parr
Clayton Wyatt Pruitt
Kandace Lachelle Reed
Mia Lynn Reifsteck
Journee Lynn Ring
Caleb Joshua Siegwald
Ian James Skibbe
Bradley Scott Smith Jr
Ava Sommer
Sawyer Allen Franks Weller
Adilynn Michelle Wilson
Makaylah Winland
Cole Thomas Zorns


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Pre-workout supplements not for teen and youth athletes, a healthy diet is safer

by Matt Sheehan
OSF Healthcare
The question is should middle- or high school-aged kids use these supplements? The answer: Probably not.

PEORIA - Did you have a childhood hero? If so, you likely aspired to emulate them and their achievements.

Nowadays, your kids may see their favorite athlete or influencer using pre-workout supplements, whether on social media or in stores, to enhance their performance in the gym or on the field.

What are pre-workout supplements?

Photo: Aleksander Saks/Unsplash
Pre-workout supplements come in various names, flavors, and sizes. Some popular options are creatine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). While creatine and the main ingredient in most pre-workout supplements is caffeine, most BCAAs don’t contain caffeine.

These supplements are taken before a workout or athletic match with the goals of increasing endurance, muscle mass, and reducing recovery time. But the question is should middle- or high school-aged kids use these supplements? The answer: Probably not.

What are the risks of pre-workout supplements?

“These can cause increased heart rate or heart burn. You’re also taking a lot of supplements that are going straight to your gut. You can see some nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. They’re also not well-monitored, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) isn’t regulating these very closely,” says Erica Dawkins, a dietetic intern with OSF HealthCare.

Taking it further, kids with heart defects need to steer clear of these supplements.

“A lot of times we see defects or heart irregularities that somebody isn’t even aware of. They don’t know that until they take something like this and have an adverse event,” Dawkins says. “So, if you already know, avoid these because we don’t want to throw that heart into an abnormal rhythm it might not be able to come back from.”

What are the benefits of pre-workout supplements?

“A lot of them will already have beta-alanine or branched-chain amino acids which help improve recovery time and reduce fatigue,” Dawkins says. “We also see some nitrates used that help improve blood flow to the muscles.”

Most pre-workouts are intended for healthy adults in moderation. Pregnant and nursing women are generally advised to avoid them due to the high caffeine content.

“Focus first on making sure you’re having quality workouts, then introduce healthy nutrition,” Dawkins says. “We want to make sure we’re getting that nutrition throughout the day. Especially if we’re working out multiple times throughout the day. If you’re working out within two to four hours, make sure you’re getting a snack. We see a lot of benefits for pre-workout snacks or snacks during half-time. We also want to make sure we’re staying adequately hydrated.”

Dawkins says leafy and root vegetables like spinach, lettuce and beets are a great, natural option.

“Those have the natural nitrate in it. So, we’re getting the same effects we would from a pre-workout supplement, just in our regular diet,” Dawkins adds.

Having a conversation with your child’s pediatrician or sports medicine physician is extremely important if you are wondering what supplements should or should not be added into their routine.


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Dirty nails and mouths don’t mix

by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare
DANVILLE - Emily Isom has a new year’s resolution for kids and their parents: pledge to keep your hands clean and away from your face to prevent the spread of illness.

Emily Isom
Isom, a certified medical assistant in pediatrics at OSF HealthCare, often sees young people biting dirty fingernails and not washing their hands properly. Here’s a primer:

Nail hygiene

Isom says people of all ages should trim their nails regularly. Once a week for fingernails and once or twice a month for toenails is a good rule of thumb. In between trimmings, watch for dirt and other filthy matter caught under the tip of the nail. Some nail clippers come with a scraper tool to remove that debris. But don’t use your mouth to clean your nails.

“Our nails carry so many germs and bacteria. That’s how people keep getting sick and spreading illness,” Isom warns, referring to putting fingernails in your mouth or on your face. You can also chip teeth and get facial warts and pimples from putting nails on your face, she says.

Some people have long nails, either real or artificial. In these cases, use a nail brush to regularly wipe the nails clean. If you’re at work or school and don’t have a brush, wash the nails thoroughly. Lather warm water and soap on the palms of your hands. Take your fingertips and scratch against the palm of the other hand to get the soap in the fingernail. Do that for 20 seconds. Then, pull down the fingertips to the palm of the same hand and massage the soap in further. Put your hands upside down under hot running water to rinse.

Hand washing

Isom says most people concentrate on their palms when hand washing.

“You need to get in between the fingers, underneath the nails, on the back of the hands, rub your knuckles together and scrub your wrists,” Isom says.

After wetting your hands, scrub all those areas in soap for 20 seconds. Find a song that has a 20-second chorus and hum it while you scrub. Then, rinse under warm water, and dry your hands with a clean, dry towel. Isom also suggests wrapping a paper towel around your hand when touching dirty surfaces on your way out of the bathroom. Use the towel to shut off the faucet and open the door, then throw the towel away after you exit.

If a hand dryer is what’s available, run your hands under the warm air until they are completely dry. Resist the urge to dry halfway and walk out. Isom says that may do more harm than good and attract bacteria faster.

“Bacteria want to live on wet surfaces. They’re attracted to moistness,” she points out.

If a soap and sink aren’t available, Isom says to use sanitizer or wipes that are at least 60% alcohol based. The same process applies – lather or wipe all parts of your hand and wrist thoroughly.

If you have a cut or wound on your hand, like a paper cut, wash with care.

“Get a washcloth wet with warm water. Put soap on it. Then, clean around the cut or wound,” Isom says. “Don’t put [soap] directly into the cut. That could really irritate it.” Handwashing

Convincing kids

Isom is a pediatrics provider and a mother. So, she knows getting kids to wash their hands and mind their nails is easier said than done. Her advice: make it fun.

“When handwashing, sing the ABCs for 20 seconds. Or have them sing to you.” Isom suggests. “Make a chart. Every time they wash their hands, have them put a sticker on the chart. They are going to fall in love with it and want to wash their hands over and over again.”

And remember Simon Says? Isom says it works with her daughter.

“Simon says don’t touch your face,” Isom says with a smirk.

Key takeaways:

  • Nail hygiene involves trimming and cleaning them regularly and keeping them away from your face.
  • You should also thoroughly wash and dry your hands and wrists often. Use a paper towel to grab surfaces like a doorknob in a public bathroom.
  • Don't put soap directly on a wound or cut.
  • When using sanitizer and wipes, choose ones that are at least 60% alcohol based.
  • For kids, turn hand hygiene into a game to encourage good habits.
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