Huffman wins singles match, SJO outgunned by Tigers

Clare Huffman serves the ball in set two against Urbana's Eisla Madigan. The junior won her match in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

The Tigers' experience paid off handing the young, month-old Spartan program an 8-1 loss. There were a couple of bright moments of inspired play by the St. Joseph-Ogden girls team on September 29.

After commanding 6-3 first set victory against Urbana's Eisla Madigan, Clare Huffman jumped out to a 5-0 lead and needed just one more game to end the clash at Blair Park with a second set bagel. Madigan fought back breaking Huffman's serve and holding her own for the first time in four games.

"I got really tired," said Huffman after sealing St. Joseph-Ogden's only singles win with the 6-2 win. The junior and first-year player with the school's new club team pertinaciously gutted out game eight of set two to collect the W. "We had a lot of deuce games."

In posting the win, Huffman figured out her future strategy for upcoming matches.

"I need to hit the ball further back," she said. "That's how you win points."

Senior Emily Fisher, also new to the sport, nearly pulled off an upset at #5 singles after pushing her opening set to first set tie-breaker 7-6 against Daniella Coleman. Despite her lack of experience, she played toe-to-toe in the second set falling, 6-4.

The team has two matches, both on the road, left in their inaugural season. On Friday, SJO travels to Watseka High School for a 4p engagement against Watseka. Five days later, the newly formed team will end their season against Schlarman at the Danville Tennis Center.

Match results:

Singles:
No. 1 - Sophia Solava, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Hope Rajlich, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-0
No. 2 - Sanjana Paul, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Abbey Dow, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-0
No. 3 - Devangana Rana, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Sophia Martlage, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-2
No. 4 - Clare Huffman, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL def. Eisla Madigan, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL, 6-3 , 6-2
No. 5 - Daniella Coleman, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Emily Fisher, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 7-6 , 6-4
No. 6 - Myra Stevens, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Emma Rydell, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-1

Doubles:
No. 1 - Sophia Solava, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL - Eisla Madigan, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Katie McDermott, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL - Allison Kearney, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-1

No. 2 - Devangana Rana, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL - Sanjana Paul, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Sophia Martlage, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL - Clare Huffman, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 3-4 (Retired)

No. 3 - Hannah Null, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL - Jacie Owens, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Flannery McCorkel, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL - Grace Schmitz, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 6-4 , 6-1

Blondies offers fresh designs for this year's Halloween

As you might have heard, the Village of St. Joseph is sponsoring a Halloween contest for the best candy and treat delivery system. Whether you are a one-person operation or will have a ghouled out posse to pass out treats, you will want to check out Blondies for some unique trick-or-treat to gear up your crew.

Photo provided

Owner Tiffany Monier has come up with some colorful new shirts and designs show your Halloween spirit all week or add the finishing touches to your trick-or-treat costume.

"I work for smiles," she said. "I started this [business] in order to provide affordable personalized merchandise for all."

Shirts like the one pictured on the left are available in newborn sizes all the way up to 6x. For last minute costume ideas, if she has the shirts in stock, most items are printed on the same day. Adult sizes start for as little as $12.

Orders can be placed online through Blondies' Facebook group which boast more than 2,200 members. The group features additional Halloween designs inspired by Frankenstein, mummies, pumpkins and more that are available.

"I always enjoyed trick-or-treating with my parents and brother, who has since passed away," Monier said sharing her on her favorite Halloween memories. Trick-or-treating also meant always having plenty of candy on hand for her birthday on November 1. "Although this year will be different, I will continue the tradition of costumes with the children, posting pictures on Facebook, and buying candy and hiding in yard for my own kids to find [while] in their costumes."

Like many other local small business owners she is weathering the pandemic as best she can.

"I am a local stay-at-home mom due to COVID and just trying to stay a float," she said.

Be kind and don't leave your dog's do-do behind

The Village of St. Joseph has a friendly reminder for dog walkers and pet owners who enjoy the wide, open space of Woodard Family Park and Sports Complex.

"Dog owners need to make sure to pick up after their animal or find somewhere else to let their animals run," Office Manager Julie Hendrickson wrote in a post on Facebook after fielding complaints that owners are not scoopin' their pet's poopin'. "It's unfortunate that we have to remind people of this."

Recently, the office has fielded multiple complaints from users who accidentally discovered a pile or two while attending high school and middle school cross country competitions at the park.

Photo of the Day - October 6, 2020

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SJO courts success in Urbana

Spartans' Hope Rajlich attacks a short ball during her match against Urbana's Sophia Solava during the St. Joseph-Ogden's road match against the Tigers on September 29. Playing number 1 singles against Urbana's top player, the junior, who started the sport competitively last month, dropped straights, 6-0, 6-0.

"I got to move my feet, stay low and get to the ball," Rajlich said after the match. Despite the loss she was upbeat. "It's fun to play. I've only been playing a month and feel like I am so much better already." Despite a strong, athletic showing, the Spartans lost the dual, 8-1 to the Tigers.

The team has two matches, both on the road, left in their inaugural season. On Friday, SJO travels to Watseka High School for a 4p engagement against Watseka. Five days later, the newly formed team will end their season against Schlarman at the Danville Tennis Center.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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Community shred day in Philo

The Philo Exchange Bank will host a Community Shred Day in Philo this Saturday in town at 401 N Lincoln.

The staff will accept up to five boxes or bags of material per person to be shredded during the hours from 9 to 11am.

Depositors are ask to bring non-perishable food or canned goods to donate to their food drive. Free snacks will be available

Visitors can also spin the Philo Exchange Bank wheel to win prizes during the two hour event. The grand prize is a programable multi-cooker. Other prizes include gift cards, uChoose Rewards Points, wireless bluetooth earpods, Philo Exchange Bank swag, and other items.

For more information call (217) 684-5500.

Negangard Pumpkin Patch now open for the fall season

Twenty-six days and counting to Halloween; do you have your pumpkins yet? If not, the Negangard Pumpkin Patch is open with a huge selection available to make this year's Jack-O-Lanterns.

Located at 1883 County Road 700 N near Sidney, the pumpkin patch is open seven days a week from 9a to dark.

"Prices range from 50 cents to $5. The huge pumpkins are priced individually," says owner Pam Reinhart Negangard, co-owner of the family operated business that grows everything they sell. "My husband's family started the patch many years ago. It has grown a lot over the past 20 years!"

Negangard also offer gourds priced at three for a dollar, Indian Corn, corn stalks and straw bales for those creating lavish displays for All Hallows' Eve.

This year there will be two areas set up for visitors to take photographs. While shopping or taking photos, the management team asks guests to please follow social distancing guidelines. Pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash.

Photo of the day - October 5, 2020

Spartan baseball falls in heartbreaker to visiting Sages

Blake Hoveln sprints to first base after putting the ball in play during the team's 2010 home stand against Monticello. The Spartans fell 11-10 after seven innings. Other members of the team that season included Austin Griswell, Lucas Gones, Cody Bohlen, Tyler Mills, Christian Clabaugh, Dakota Hicks, Daniel Dunkman, Jared Orcutt, Ben Knipfer, Andy Bensyl, Drew Nagy and catcher Bryce Stewart.

  

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Country Chics to host Christmas garage sale

Start your holiday shopping early with gift items from County Chics. The store will host a garage sale October 15 through noon on October 17 this month at 203 East Duitsman Drive in Royal.

The doors open at 5pm on Thursday with all items are new, never used merchandise as well as remaining selected fall inventory discounted at 40-75% off in-store prices. No early sales will be allowed but there are several convenient methods to pay in addition to cash and checks.

"This is NOT your typical garage sale with used items, so please don't expect those prices," the event announcement explains.

Sale dates and times are as follows: Thursday, October 15th 5-8pm; Friday, October 16th from 9am-6pm; and on Saturday, October 17 for three hours starting at 9am until noon.

For more information call (217) 469-6316.

Photo of the Day - October 4, 2020

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Spartans clinch playoff spot

Members of the St. Joseph-Ogden coaching staff are decked out in pink during their team's home game against Carlyle on October 17, 2009. (From right to left) Marshall Schacht, Brady Smith, head coach Dick Duval, Ben Gorman and Bob Glazier wore pink hats and t-shirts to honor the spouse of athletic trainer Casey Hug, who who recently underwent surgery for breast cancer. Donations taken at the gate and proceeds from the 50/50 drawing were earmarked for the Hugs to help cover treatment cost. Posting their 6th win of the season with a 41-7 win over visiting Indians. The victory, which guaranteed SJO's 19th straight playoff appearance, was also dedicated to Kathy.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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Photo of the Day - October 3, 2020

Olson and the Spartans post non-conference win

St. Joseph-Ogden's Bria Olson hammers the ball during game one against visiting Westville on September 28, 2009. The Spartans won the match winning both games 25-8 and improved to 17-3 on the season. The team wore special uniforms and fans dressed in yellow in support of four-year-old cancer survivor Will Page from St. Joseph. Olson, a three-sport athlete, finished the match with four kills and four aces.

 

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Hours and guidelines set for Halloween 2020 in St. Joseph

St. Joseph will be hosting a village-wide Halloween contest for trick-or-treaters and residents.

We are asking those participating in giving out candy this year to get creative in how they deliver candy to the trick or treaters. The trick or treaters can submit those homes to the Village office on the Monday after Halloween," Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges said in a release today. "I thought this would be fun to encourage social distancing while distributing candy. The village has some very creative community members that hopefully will enjoy coming up with something."

Homeowners and trick-or-treaters are encouraged submit a photos with a description of the delivery system. The village will also accept description of how homeowners handed out candy and treats to trick-or-treaters if they are unable to print a photo in time. The description should the address and homeowners name if possible."

Entries can be submitted through the Village office overnight slot by the front door or in-person during regular Village office hours. They may also be sent via emailed to mayor@stjosephillinois.org.

With guidance from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, the Village President said the board will make an official proclamation at the next meeting to allow trick-or-treating on Saturday, October 31, from 6pm and 8pm.

Here is the complete list of guidance from the Village to help make this Halloween fun and safe for the community:

COVID-19 TRICK-OR-TREATING GUIDELINES

"Trick-or-treating hours in the Village of St. Joseph will be from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. The use of face coverings, hand sanitizer, and social distancing (at least 6 feet) from others will always be required (per IDPH Guidelines), when outdoors while participating or chaperoning.

"Trick-or-treating will be challenging amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic this year and may look different from previous Halloweens. However, for those who ARE welcoming trick-or-treaters to their home, leave your porch lights on to indicate you are participating. If you do not have a porch light, place a clearly marked sign welcoming trick-or-treaters or indicating you are not participating. For trick-or-treaters, if you do not see a home with a porch light on or a sign posted, we ask that you respect the wishes of those homeowners by bypassing those residences.

"If you and your family do decide to trick-or-treat this Halloween, here are a few guidelines to follow that will help protect our community and accommodate a safe Halloween experience for both participants and non-participants:

Trick-or-Treaters and Those Giving Candy:

"If you have COVID-19, developed symptoms consistent with COVID-19, are under quarantine, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or are in a higher risk category, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities.

1. Wear a mask – Incorporate a mask or face covering into your costume. Please remember that rubber or plastic masks do not offer any protection from the virus, so have a protective cloth mask layered into a costume’s decorative mask.

2. Practice good hand hygiene – If you choose to go house to house for trick-or treating or give treats, be prepared to practice good hand hygiene. Bring along hand sanitizer to use before you move from one location to another. A suggestion for those giving treats; give to a single person to limit contact with others. Also wash your hands as frequently as possible.

3. Maintain social distances – While it is fun to go trick-or-treating with friends, due to the COVID-19 risk, keep the group limited to family members who are within your protected “bubble”. Gathering in groups with people from outside your household increases the risks. When you are walking around with your child, you do not want to go into a big group of people or into crowded areas. Please remember that keeping social distance (at least 6 feet) from others is important to limiting the spread of the virus. Those passing out treats consider alternative ways to limit contact with trick-or-treaters. Be creative and inventive! *The Village is sponsoring a contest to see who can create the safest, imaginative, and clever way to deliver your candy. Encourage your trick-or-treaters to nominate your home and delivery system to the Village office on Monday. Nominations can be written on a piece of paper and placed in the overnight mail slot or dropped off on Monday. The winner will receive a gift card from one of our local businesses. 

4. Avoid “Face to Face” exposure – Interactions at any given doorway or front porch should be very brief and as limited as possible, which will help reduce the risk of exposure. Trick-or-treaters and those giving candy should always wear their mask.

5. Avoid eating candy while trick or treating – Encourage trick-or-treaters to be sure hands have been sanitized before opening and eating candy. Those giving out candy can consider this a diet saver. Wash Your Hands Frequently!!

6. Porch light must be on – If a homeowner is participating, they will keep their porch light on. If they do not have a porch light, they will have a clearly marked sign welcoming trick-or-treaters or indicating they are not participating. This is long-standing basic Halloween etiquette. If no light is on, do not go to that home. A yard light, common in many subdivisions, that usually comes on automatically at dusk is not considered a porch light and should not be an indication that it is ok to go to your door.

Those Not Participating Keep Your Porch Light Off!! If Your Porch Light Cannot Be Shut Off, clearly mark Your Porch or Front Door "NO TRICK OR TREATING"!!

AS ALWAYS DRIVE SAFELY, USE THE SIDEWALKS, BRING A FLASHLIGHT, AND LOOK BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET. HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!"

Tami Fruhling-Voges, Village President and The St. Joseph Village Trustees."