 Spartans' Austin Cain makes a catch playing in St. Joseph-Ogden's road game at Duffy Bass Field in Normal against Normal University High. SJO fell victim to the Pioneers 13-3 in their non-conference game on Saturday, April 16, 2016. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
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Former SJO baseball player Austin Cain transfers Nicholls State
Ready to free fall, Spartan Spotlight with Emily Bigger
"I believe that it has slowed everything down. This quarantine shows how busy our schedules were. Now, families are able to spend more time together watching movies, playing games, doing puzzles, and eating dinner together."
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Emily's advice to future SJO students is to appreciate all of the little moments, and to participate in as many activities as you can.
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Chilton lands model job at Boeing Company
Brian Chilton, a 2009 graduate from St. Joseph-Ogden High School, has joined Boeing Company in St. Louis as a Database Content Developer.
"I'll be 3D modeling airports for military simulators," he said.
Chilton, who was a VDC Virtualization Technician with Clayco, was furloughed due to the economic downturn created by the Coronavirus pandemic and quickly landed on his feet three weeks later.
"I was the primary visualization artist there. They called it a technician," he said about his position that lasted just eight months. "I just loved the challenges that making animated videos, between editing and compositing everything together to make the final product."
With over $3.2+ billion in revenue for 2019 and more than 2,400 employees across the country, Clayco is one of the nation’s largest privately-owned real estate, architecture, engineering, design-build and construction firms that has set new standards for collaborative design, construction quality and craftsmanship, efficient project management, cost containment and jobsite safety.
Despite his short tenure with Clayco, he expanded his knowledge base on the building construction industry.
"I had to learn how buildings were constructed and go off of build schedule plans. What's crazy is not all buildings are constructed the same."
After leaving SJO, Chilton attended Parkland College where graduated in 2013. From there he went on to the Savannah College of Art & Design where he earned a bachelors degree in animation. Below is an animated short film he created that can be found on his website at BrianChilton3D.
Boeing is recognized as the largest aerospace company in the world. The company builds commercial jetliners and security systems as well as provides aftermarket support for their products which are used worldwide by the United States and allied government customers in more than 150 countries.
Chilton resides in Hazelwood, MO., with his wife, Sara, and their daughter.
New case identified in St. Joseph, area Coronavirus infections rises
The fourth confirmed case of the Coronavirus has been confirmed in St. Joseph as the total number of active cases reached 89 in Champaign County. Twenty-five new cases brings the county total of confirmed cases to 208.
According to The News-Gazette, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District says outbreak at Rantoul Foods grew to 47 on Tuesday and expects that number to grow. Meanwhile, the CUPHD website latest update indicates there are 43 confirmed tests from the 61866 area.
Sadly, the number of cases involving teen and kids continues to rise. At the beginning of the month of May six days ago, there were just 10 individuals 20-and-under who tested positive for COVID-19 virus in the county. The total has climbed to 31 as of yesterday.
The CUPHD websited indicates the first adult over the age of 90 was also confirmed positive yesterday.
COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus mainly as a cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. These two, along with fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or the loss of taste or smell are common among infected individuals. If you or a family member has any of the following symptoms, the CDC recommends that you seek medical attention immediately. Those symptoms include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse or have bluish lips or face.Check your property tax bill
Area residents should be receiving your Champaign County property tax bill this week and you may want to look it over closely.
There have been several reports by homeowners whose bills do not reflect escrow payments made or applied to their tax bill.
If you find an error contact the county treasurer at (217) 384-3743 as well as your escrow company to make sure your payment will be received on time.
Spotlight on SJO senior Connor Lusk
Connor Lusk does a 230kg deadlift at the Illini Uplift for Muscular Dystrophy powerlifting competition on March 11 in 2019. Lusk, then a junior also squated 180 kg and maxed out on the bench press at 140 kg on Saturday. He finished first in his division and 11th overall. Hosted by the Illini Powerlifting Club, proceeds from the event were donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Connor Lusk
 High School Clubs & Activities
Wrestling (1 year)
Maroon Platoon  |
Hometown: St. Joseph Hobbies: Competitive powerlifting, playing the bass guitar, and helping others at the gym. Favorite SJO memory: His greatest memories at SJO revolve around the weight room. He remembers back in his sophomore year when he started weightlifting. He will never forget how he deadlifted over 600 pounds in front of everyone. Favorite classes: U.S. History, World History, and Sociology Favorite teachers: Mrs. Mabry, Mrs. Svenson, and Mrs. Kinney at St. Joseph Middle School and Mr. Jeff Kieffer, Mr. Marshall Schacht, Mrs. Don Beckett, and Mr. Shawn Skinner at SJO. College: Parkland College in the Pathways Program Advice to future SJO students: Have fun, don’t blow off your classes, and to pay attention. |
Text provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.
Don't distance yourself from the celebration, mom is worth the effort
By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
I wish mom were still here so I could take her out to Sunday dinner.
The problem with Sunday dinner this Mother's Day is that most of the restaurants either won't be open yet or operating under new guidelines. Restaurants make their biggest payday of the year typically on Mother's Day. Even in states that are wide open for dining there is the problem of social distancing.
Can you imagine this week going to a restaurant that only is allowed 25% occupancy or maybe 50% occupancy at best? Many states will still be closed tight this Sunday adding further pain to the economic dilemma of business owners across America. For some restaurants being closed this Sunday will be the nail in the coffin of their business.
This year to celebrate mom's day you still can patronize your favorite restaurant by ordering from them and bringing the food back home. This will still take some pressure off mom. Also, insist on cleaning up the mess when it's over. Mom shouldn't have to do this on Mother's Day.
Overall, this is the toughest Mother's Day we've had in America during my lifetime.
So many millions are struggling financially. Buying a nice meal from a restaurant to take home to feed everyone is a stretch for many.
With 70,000 or more deaths now due to Covid-19 this Mother's Day will be the hardest day ever for a lot of families. There will be an empty chair at the table. Millions of Americans have moms in nursing homes. Their moms are in danger of being exposed to Covid-19. People will probably not be able to visit mother because she is in the nursing home. This is painful.
There are just so many distressing scenarios being played out around the world. From health care workers who are at risk, to unemployment and a new era of poverty hitting out country, to people just going crazy over social distancing.
The way to celebrate Mother's Day this year is don't forget. Don't distance yourself from this celebration. Honor mom while you have her. Honor some other mothers too who have been special to you.
When I was a child, I had $5 my dad gave me for being "brave" when I had my tonsils removed. The only thing I wanted to do as a child was to take mom and dad to the local G.C. Murphy's grill.
We sat at the bar and we all had hotdogs and cokes that cost me about $3. My mom didn't want me to spend my $5 but she smiled when I bought lunch that day as a 7-year-old kid. I would love to have mom back this Sunday and do anything that might make her smile. This Sunday, it could be the simplest thing but give it a try.
Mom is worth the effort.
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I wish mom were still here so I could take her out to Sunday dinner.
The problem with Sunday dinner this Mother's Day is that most of the restaurants either won't be open yet or operating under new guidelines. Restaurants make their biggest payday of the year typically on Mother's Day. Even in states that are wide open for dining there is the problem of social distancing.
Can you imagine this week going to a restaurant that only is allowed 25% occupancy or maybe 50% occupancy at best? Many states will still be closed tight this Sunday adding further pain to the economic dilemma of business owners across America. For some restaurants being closed this Sunday will be the nail in the coffin of their business.
This year to celebrate mom's day you still can patronize your favorite restaurant by ordering from them and bringing the food back home. This will still take some pressure off mom. Also, insist on cleaning up the mess when it's over. Mom shouldn't have to do this on Mother's Day.
Overall, this is the toughest Mother's Day we've had in America during my lifetime.
So many millions are struggling financially. Buying a nice meal from a restaurant to take home to feed everyone is a stretch for many.
With 70,000 or more deaths now due to Covid-19 this Mother's Day will be the hardest day ever for a lot of families. There will be an empty chair at the table. Millions of Americans have moms in nursing homes. Their moms are in danger of being exposed to Covid-19. People will probably not be able to visit mother because she is in the nursing home. This is painful.
There are just so many distressing scenarios being played out around the world. From health care workers who are at risk, to unemployment and a new era of poverty hitting out country, to people just going crazy over social distancing.
The way to celebrate Mother's Day this year is don't forget. Don't distance yourself from this celebration. Honor mom while you have her. Honor some other mothers too who have been special to you.
When I was a child, I had $5 my dad gave me for being "brave" when I had my tonsils removed. The only thing I wanted to do as a child was to take mom and dad to the local G.C. Murphy's grill.
We sat at the bar and we all had hotdogs and cokes that cost me about $3. My mom didn't want me to spend my $5 but she smiled when I bought lunch that day as a 7-year-old kid. I would love to have mom back this Sunday and do anything that might make her smile. This Sunday, it could be the simplest thing but give it a try.
Mom is worth the effort.
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 PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.
Senior Spotlights with Anna Tranel, Konnor George & Nathan Maier
Anna Tranel
Clubs & Activities
Track and Field (4 years)
Maroon Platoon, Spanish Club
Hometown:Maroon Platoon, Spanish Club
St. Joseph Siblings:
Four siblings: one older brother, one younger sister, and two younger brothers. Hobbies:
Running, writing with sidewalk chalk, and hanging out with friends Favorite SJO memories:
She enjoyed going to all of the home football games and the powderpuff game before Homecoming during her senior year. Favorite classes:
All of her math classes, U.S. History, Civics, and Advanced Biology. Favorite teachers:
Mr. Risley and Mrs. Ford at St. Joseph Middle School and Mr. Marshall Schacht, Senor Zak Sutton, Ms. Kelly Steffen, and Mrs. Ashley Krisman at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. College:
Parkland College or Augustana University, majoring actuary science Advice to future SJO students:
Make the most of high school and enjoy it because you never know when it will end.
Konnor George
Clubs & Activities
FFA
Hometown:St. Joseph Siblings:
Four siblings: one older sister, two younger sisters, and one younger brother. Hobbies:
His hobbies revolve around music. He really enjoys playing the guitar. Favorite SJO memory:
Homecoming during his freshman year Favorite classes:
World History and Geography with Mr. Kieffer, and U.S. History and Civics with Mr. Beckett. Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Steele at St. Joseph Middle School and Mr. Jeff Kieffer, Mr. Shawn Skinner, Mr. William Billman, and Mrs. Alisyn Franzen at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. Career Plans:
Plans to join the U.S. Army and possibly have a career in a law enforcement. Advice to future SJO students:
Do homework and to stay on task.
Graduating from college with an undergraduate or advance degree? Tell us!
Nathan Maier
Clubs & Activities
Basketball (3 years)
Football (1 year)
Hometown:Football (1 year)
St. Joseph Siblings:
Two older brothers Hobbies:
Reading books, working on his computer, practicing photography, filming, and hanging out with family. Favorite SJO memories:
His positive times being a part of the boys’ basketball team as a manager during his junior and senior years. Nathan felt motivated to be a part of the basketball family, and he will always remember these moments. Favorite classes:
Trigonometry with Mr. Kiel Duval and Spanish with Senor Zak Sutton. Favorite teachers:
Mr. Jeff Kieffer, Senor Zak Sutton, and Mrs. Heather Lindenmeyer College:
Parkland College, Business Advice to future SJO students:
Always try to reach out if you need help because St. Joseph is such a welcoming community.
Text & photos provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.
A quick look back, who would have guessed?
Wow. How fast life can change.
Last August, if you had asked what I thought would be happening with all the St. Joseph-Ogden sports team by today, I would have predicted the baseball team would have just five losses and the softball team would have just notched their 20th win of the season.
Softball player Bailey Downing would have crushed the prep national home run record by now and looking to do more damage before SJO clawed their way into a Class 2A state semifinal game. Between calls and emails from college coaches from major programs from around the country, Atleigh Hamilton would be routinely jumping her winning state mark last spring. Pitcher Keegan McCarty would be carrying a 6-win, 1-loss pitching record and Drew Coursey would lead the team in RBIs for the Spartan baseball team.
I'd say head track coach Jason Retz would be writing a letter of apology and a check to help replace Unity's new synthetic rubber track after the speedy boys 4x200 spikes absolutely shread the center lane from a 22 second time better than last year's state qualifying mark.
The juggernaut Spartan athletic program and the dedicated athletes who proudly wear the uniforms would be firing on all cylinders across the board with postseason play just weeks away today. Who can argue that there wasn't a real good chance that there would be at least two new IHSA state trophies in an already crowded trophy case at the high school?
Then along came this doggone pandemic.
Before things get worse, while we wait for the Asian giant hornet invasion - they aren't threatening to humans or pets, and a perhaps a little tectonic plate action from the New Madrid Fault Line, let's look back to the first six Sentinel headlines that started off what looked like a seemingly normal 2019-2020 school year.
August 26, 2019
Our first story of the school year was a photo page featuring the football team's fall kickoff event where head coach Shawn Skinner said, "We don't have one or two leaders. We have a team of leaders right now." Click on the photo of the page to read the article.
August 28, 2019
Keeper Mason Behrens fended off 9 of 12 shots. SJO volleyball team looses to St. Teresa, who later took the 2A title months later. Click on the photo of the page to read the article.
August 28, 2019
University of Illinois freshmen Abigail Schlueter and Rylee Sjuts were two of 159 underclassmen designated Chancellor’s Scholars in the Campus Honors Program this fall. Click on the photo of the page to read the article or here.
August 30, 2019
Football dad's ready the field for the Spartans home football game. See who was involved by clicking on the photo of the page to read the article or follow the link here.
August 30, 2019
Emily Bigger was credited with 22 assists, nine digs and three kills leading the team to a 25-15 and 25-13 victory. Click on the photo to read more.
August 30, 2019
Two hundred and 27 minutes into the season, roughly a little more than two and half games, senior Zack Seeley finally nailed the soccer team's first goal of the season. Click on the photo to read the entire article.
2020 Senior Spotlight on Kenly Taylor
Kenly Taylor
On the right, Kenly celebrates senior night with her parents before the start of the Spartans' last home game of the season back on October 22, 2019. Above, Taylor celebrates a point for SJO during the team's state semifinal match against Breese Mater Dei at Redbird Arena. Below, the SJO senior poses for a photo with team's third-place trophy and her state volleyball medal. (Photos: PhotoNews/Clark Brooks)
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Clubs & Activities
Volleyball (4 years)
Hometown:Student Council, NHS, Spanish Club, Maroon Platoon, SADA, FCA Ogden Siblings: An older sister; two brothers, one older and one younger Hobbies: Playing card games with friends, hanging out with family, and watching Netflix. Favorite SJO memories: Her greatest memories are playing hacky sack every Friday for Spanish Club during her senior year and the whole IHSA state volleyball tournament experience this past fall when the Spartans earned a 3rd place IHSA State trophy. Favorite classes: Physics with Mr. Robert Glazier and Spanish with Senor Zak Sutton. Favorite teachers: Mrs. Anderson at PVO as well as Mrs. Heather Lindenmeyer and Mr. Marshall Schacht at SJO. College: Parkland College, majoring in nursing Academic goal: Study abroad in Spain. Advice to future SJO students: Enjoy every moment and to not take anything for granted. |
Text provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.
Senior Spotlight with Emily Hardimon, Lucas Downing & Faith Dahman
Faith Dahman
Clubs & Activities
Cheer (4 years), Track & Field (2 years),
NHS President, SADA President,
AMP, Future Spartans Mentoring Program,
Spanish Club Leader, Bible Club Leader,
Maroon Platoon, SJO Handbook Committee,
Drama Club, We The People
Hometown:St. Joseph Siblings:
Younger brother Hobbies:
working at Sholem Pool, walking, and spending time with family and friends. Favorite SJO memories:
She enjoyed mentoring in the Advisory Mentoring Program and being a part of the Future Spartans Mentoring Program. She also enjoyed her time as an SJO cheerleader, especially during the Homecoming games and at all of the Homecoming assemblies. Favorite classes:
Advanced Civics with Mr. Marshall Schacht, Trigonometry with Mr. Kiel Duval, and U.S. History with Mr. Don Beckett. Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Lubinski and Mrs. Ford at St. Joseph Middle School and Senor Zak Sutton and Mr. Schacht at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. College:
University of Illinois, double major in Pre-Law and Political Science. Advice to future SJO students:
Get involved in as many sports, activities, and clubs as you can.
Lucas Downing
Clubs & Activities
Soccer (2 years)
FFA, Maroon Platoon, Drama Club
Hometown:FFA, Maroon Platoon, Drama Club
Royal Siblings:
Older sister and two younger brothers Hobbies:
Playing baseball, riding four-wheelers, and hanging out with friends. Favorite SJO memories:
He thoroughly enjoyed FFA in high school, and he highly suggests joining FFA to all SJO students. Favorite classes:
BSAA with Mrs. Duitsman and Mr. Pfundstein and Geometry with Mr. Kiel Duval. Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Howard and Mrs. Anderson at PVO and Mr. Duval and Mr. Don Beckett at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. College:
Northwest Lineman College in Florida Advice to future SJO students:
Be excellent, stay on top of your homework, and do not fall behind.
Graduating from college with an undergraduate or advance degree? Let us know. Read more ...
Faith Hardimon
Clubs & Activities
Spanish Club, SADA, Maroon Platoon, We The People
Hometown:St. Joseph Siblings:
Younger sister Hobbies:
Playing tennis, playing sand volleyball, and painting. Favorite SJO memories:
Over the years, she has enjoyed post prom and playing hacky sack before school. She has also been a big part of the Maroon Platoon. During her senior year, she was one of the many road warriors from the Maroon Platoon that traveled to Unity High School to cheer on the SJO varsity volleyball team to victory. It is a moment she will never forget. Favorite classes:
Spanish with Senor Zak Sutton, and all of the classes she had with Mr. Marshall Schacht as a teacher. Favorite teachers:
Mrs. McDonald at St. Joseph Grade School, Mrs. Thompson at St. Joseph Middle School, and Mr. Schacht, Senor Sutton, and Mrs. Heather Lindenmeyer at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. College:
Illinois State University, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Spanish. Advice to future SJO students:
Enjoy their senior year and to go to as many sporting events as possible.
Text & photos provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.
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