As St. Joseph and small towns across the country face stagnation (lack of growth) it is important that they prioritize their local economy.
St. Joseph is a desirable place to live for many reasons. We have a great school system, small town values, a low crime rate, proximity to jobs and everyday necessities, the best El Toro in Champaign County and numerous local businesses. I could go on and on.
However, if population growth isn’t a desired outcome then population retention is pivotal to the long-term livelihood of the community.
What’s the best way to improve the desirability and longevity of a small town? Create a thriving local economy that isn’t too dependent upon one industry.
That said, this article is dedicated to three businesses I believe would improve resident retention and add a welcomed vitality to the local economy in St. Joseph.
(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Despite the challenges of hybrid schooling, 239 students started the fall semester with a grade point average of 3.25 or higher on the school's 4.0 scale.
(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Running in the rain
(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
The Sun is shining today and will rise tomorrow. For more years than we know the Sun has followed this same pattern.
The rising Sun is a good pattern for all of us. We know each day we can count on the Sun. Somedays the Sun is hidden by clouds but it's there. Too often we forget to notice the Sun. Often it feels too hot or we wish it would warm up. We are never completely satisfied with the job the Sun does. Too hot, not hot enough. Too bright. Through all of our life's discontents with the Sun's performance, the Sun keeps performing. Throughout my lifetime I don't know of a day that the Sun has let me down. It just keeps on glowing regardless of the day or world events.
I remember the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. His death was one of the darkest days I can remember as a child but the Sun never ceased to shine.
When Americans came home from Vietnam in boxes and thousands of funerals were held around the country, we mourned but the Sun kept shining.
I've buried a wife and a baby and it seems like looking back that for a period of time I doubt that I even noticed the Sun was shining. Often life's traumas block the Sun from our eyes even if we are starring right into its rays.
Millions of Americans are unhappy with the election, and some aspects of American life. We don't like Covid-19, unemployment nor the unrest that is all over our country. We sadly have become alienated from good people who have different opinions than we do and this is tragic.
Today we need to look for the Sun.
The Sun is not political. The Sun shines on the Democrats and the Republicans. The Sun shines on sinners and the righteous. The Sun takes care of the planet providing our warmth, growth and our very lives. We take the Sun for granted. So often we don't even pay attention to all the Sun does and provides. However, we need the Sun. We do hear about the importance of clean water and air but are you grateful for the good air and water that you do have?
Take time to notice the Sun today. A clear day or a cloudy day will find the Sun shining. Another day of life means another day to enjoy all that God has created and made. I've never known a day of life without the Sun. I've never known a day that I couldn't find good people with whom to talk. I've never experienced a day that I didn't feel there were people to love and people who cared about me.
God has provided the Sun and as long as our creator wants it to shine it's going to shine. Today, let the Sun shine on you.
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.
Knipfer stretches his wings
(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
The Unity girls cross country team tallied 69 points for a second-place finish at yesterday's sectional cross country meet at Hickory Point Golf Course on Saturday. The St. Joseph-Ogden contingent placed 5th with 150 points. Monticello won the sectional title scoring 51 points.
It took the Rockets' Erica Woodard, who was The Sentinel area's top finisher, 38 seconds longer to complete the course she ran seven days earlier. The freshman standout crossed the finish line sixth place at 18:59.9. Meanwhile, senior Taylor Joop, the second Unity runner to finish, turned in a nearly identical time to last week's regional run at 19:18.5. Woodard was sixth overall and Joop was the 11 runner to end her prep cross country career.
Rounding out the Rocket's top three was another frosh harrier, Caelyn Kleparski, who circumvented the course in 19 minutes, 24.8 seconds good for 13th place.
The Spartans' top three finishers crossed in the same order as they did on their previous journey around the familiar course.
Junior Ava Knap led SJO's effort clocking in at 19:37.3 with only a four second difference between this and the previous weekend's performance. She finished 19th out the field of 117 runners.
Helene Jones (19:49.7) and Chloe Burkhalter (20:25.2) finished in 23rd and 36th place, respectively, for the Spartans.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there will be no IHSA state meet this season.
Individual standouts powered Unity’s run through the tournament. Hunter Shike and Chason Daley both finished 6-0, recording multiple...
