Photo of the Day - January 13, 2021

Spartans pick up home win

Members of the Maroon Platoon student fan section (left to right in the front) Stephanie Trame, Bailey Dowling, Jenna Albrecht, Lindsey Aden and Katelyn Berry along with Joey Acton and Blake Dable in the row behind them, wait for a Ty Pence ball to find net during St. Joseph-Ogden's home basketball game against Monticello. The Spartans avoided a conference loss, defeating the Sages, 57-52. Pence (not pictured) scored 25 points in victory.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Photo of the day: January 12, 2021

Blake Franklin dribbles the soccer ball down the field.
Unity falls in soccer season opener
Rockets' Blake Franklin concentrates on dribbling the ball down the field during Unity's home match against St. Teresa on August 21, 2007. The Rockets fell by way of a 3-0 decision in their season home opener Tuesday afternoon to the visiting Bulldogs.
Photo: PhotoNews/Clark Brooks
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166 make 2nd quarter High Honor Roll at SJO

Yesterday, St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the school's second quarter honor roll receipents. This quarter, 166 students earned High Honor Roll recognition for their academic efforts. Forty-five students in both the sophomore and junior classes secured a GPA above the requisite 3.74.

An additional 77 students who earned grade point average of 3.25 or higher on the school's 4.0 scale also made the honor roll.

High Honor Roll

Freshmen

Sophomores

Juniors

Senior

Honor Roll

Freshmen

Sophomores

Juniors

Seniors

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Over 180 students at Unity Junior High make Honor Roll

Seventy-nine students at Unity Junior High School earned High Honor Roll recognition for their academic performance during the second quarter of the 2020-21 school year. Meanwhile, the school administration announced another 108 students across the same three grade levels to achieve Honor Roll status.

Sixth Grade
High Honor Roll
Dominic Russell Baxley
Alex Martin Bromley
Berkley Jane Cloud
Caleb Benjamin Coy
Hudson Lee DeHart
Danika Ann Eisenmenger
Allison Renee Fenter
Bailee Mae Gadeken
Colton Ray Harmon
Kathryn Clara Knoll
Carson Wesley McCune
Landrey Michelle Mohr
Brooklyn Marie Mumm
Adam Lucas Reedy
Max Warren Rossi
Allyson Lynn Shaw
Isaac Benjamin Siegwald
Evalyn Alexandra Skibbe
Piper Estelle Staley
Grace Lynne Tempel
Jacob Michael Ward
Leah Marianne Watson
Elizabeth Johnna Wayne
Rylan Kade Wolf
Kendal Lea Zerrusen

Honor Roll

Andrew David Berkey
Grace Michele Bickers
Paige Nicole Bradley
Clare Faustina Bryant
Brody Ray Butler
Cadence Marie Chandler
Addison Tyler Davis
Aidan Dean Ellis
Reese Bella Frye
Journey Maddison Gabbard
Keegan Patrick Germano
Olivia Ashlyn Hall
Walker Dale Hall
Dustin Rose Harris
Broderick Wayne Irwin
Avery Nicole Kamradt
Rush Matthew Little
Cash Cohen McCann
Audrey Claire McDaniel
Sadie Jane Polonus
Evan Alexander Puckett
Skylar Osheania Sanders
Ethan Daniel Schaefer
Lane Edward Sexton
Alyssa Renae Shields
Jackson Leo Smith
Madison Amanda Spohn
Baileigh Marie Thomas
Grace Ann Wherley
Kendall Grace Wysong
Joel Mitchell Yergler

Seventh Grade
High Honor Roll
Anna Carolyn Amias
Cameryn Dayle Cobb
Eli Samson Crowe
Ella Jean Darnall
Callie Marie Ellars
Camden Michael Fairbanks
Margaret Rose Garcier
Isabel Grace Grob
Caden Maddox Hensch
Miles Kennedy Johnson
Mylie Emily Margaret Loftsgaard
Claire Lynn Meharry
Mason Robert ONeill
Harry Matthew Polonus
Ty Steven Rodems
Theda Marva Roether
Katie Marie Ruggieri
Vanna Lee Schriefer
Hunter James Shike
Annalise Rose Shunk
Caden Alexander Stierwalt
Ginna Mae Stierwalt
Madelyn Rose Stierwalt
Emma Marie Swisher
Paula Louise Wilson

Honor Roll

Aria Eve Battaglia
Crewe William Gene Eckstein
Olivia Breann Egelston
Dane Robert Eisenmenger
Collin William Graven
Kenley Jo Harris
Brooke Autumn Hartman
Joshua Todd Heath
Brayden Jonathon Henry
Tyler Jason Henry
Sophia Katherine Hewerdine
Lucas Alexander Hood
Logan Phillip Jeurissen
Faith Lyn Lampe
Johanna Ilene Langley
Isabelle Joy Levingston
Maxwell Cort McCabe
Deakin Frederick Moore
Isaac Julian Neverman
Dallas Jordan Porter
Mackenzie Rose Pound
Olivia Grace Rawdin
Kyla Lanae Reed
Jillian Brooke Schlittler
Liana Grace Sheets
Shelby Lynn Smith
Lauren Patricia Stratton
Ian John Taber
Sophia Louise Jean Toney
Alexander Lane Wells
Claire Morgan Zorns

Eighth Grade
High Honor Roll
Jenna Blair Adams
Avery Jean Alagna
Lindy Marie Bates
Molly Kay Baxley
Paige Leeanne Brewer
Noah Michael Bryant
Elle Makenna Cheely
Josephine Rose Cler
Madelyn Rae Darnall
Jordan Kathryn Daugherty
Ashlyn Brielle Denney
Kade Ryan Dubson
Ava Maureen Fenter
Catharine Elizabeth Ford
Sophia Safrona Frye
Sophia Ruth Hartke
Lauren Mellissa Hellmer
Dallas Anthony Hollingsworth
Alex Nathaniel Mowrer
Brady James Parr
Camryn Elizabeth Reedy
Ashley Lynn Rennels
Lydia Claire Rossi
Maegan Denise Rothe
Savannah Renee Rubin
Lauren Anne Shaw
Joseph Robert Tempel
Avery Elise Watson
McKinley Mae Weller

Honor Roll

Elizabeth Marie Anderson
Emmerson Matthew Bailey
Sophia Cathryn Beckett
Kolton Andrew Black
Michael Allan Bromley
Dakota Michael Brown-McClain
Bentten Matthew Cain
Logan Reid Church
Jacob Ivan Davidson
Ava Jane Davis
Ezekiel De Los Santos
Nathaniel Gojam DeNeal
Chloey Ryanne Duitsman
Piper Ann Farney
Paige Ann Garretson
Kadence Lynn Goff
Faith Marianne Hall
Caleb James Hoewing
Wyatt Matthew Huffstutler
Sydney Marie Jackson
Andrew Jason King
Elias Anthony Eugene Lawlyes
Kaitlynn Christine McEvoy
Avery Jarrod McGraw
Gracie Marie Meharry
Maliyah Marie Ortiz
Reigna Jolie Price
Taylor Aiyana Marie Prough
Oliver Mason Hyeok Joon Rawlings
Korben Dale Ray
Nolan Scott Remole
Garrett Francis Richardson
Ryan Benjamin Rink
Ryan James Robinson
Braden Allen Roderick
Brock Jacob Schlittler
Abigail Ruth Smith
Daniel Christopher Stein
Grant James Steinman
Owen Michael Taylor
Jacob Howell Thomas
Gavin Henry David Weaver
Jordan Jeanne Whittington
Tessah Rae Williams
Lauren Anne Williams-Scroggins
Nolan Allen Wishall
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Village Crier: January 11, 2021

Number of COVID cases on the rise

The number of confirmed cases of the Coronavirus is taking a steep climb this week with 65 new cases identified in the past four days. The rise comes during the projected incubation period predicted by epidemiologists and just a week before Region 6 could possibly bounce back to Tier 2 mitigation and less stringent restrictions.

There are now 97 active cases within the six villages, a level that hasn't been seen since December 1 and the highest level this calendar year. Just six days earlier, The Sentinel area enjoyed its lowest number of positive cases for nearly a five week period.

SJO grad joins real estate firm

Zac White, a graduate from St. Joseph-Ogden High School, has joined The Littlefield Group. Over the past 22 years, The Littlefield Homes has assisted thousands of families buy and sell homes as well as investors interested in commercial property and farm land. White, a Champaign County native received his Bachelors Degree at Western Illinois University. White, a licensed agent and broker, he can be reached at (217) 841-9296 or by email at Zac@littlefieldhomes.com.

Lots on for tomorrow's board meeting

In addition to approving invoices for payment and changes to how St. Joseph invests village funds, The St. Joseph Village Board will vote on resolution to approve the Champaign County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (CCHMP).

The plan calls for identifying and prioritizing community policies, "actions and tools to implement in order to reduce potential risk and potential for future losses associated with the occurrence of selected natural and technical hazards. The goal is to use the plan to prepare for natural and technical hazards. A draft copy of the plan is available online.

The CCHMP meets the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which includes planning objectives established by FEMA, inter-agency coordination as well as coordination of local mitigation planning with the state. Susan Monte, planner from Champaign County Regional Planning Commission will discuss the updated version of the plan.

The board will also take a vote on a Moter Fuel Ordinance and a resolution to wave subdivision regulations in a matter between Rudisill Trust and Arcadia Farms.

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Guest Comment: Put away your guns, pipe bombs and hatred

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


Acts of violence against a marriage partner have never saved a marriage. Violent acts toward family members have never made a family happier. Typically, they create emotional and sometimes physical wounds that are never forgotten. Too many families have suffered because someone in the family became violent.

Violence in our communities and towns always results in pain, division and sometimes even loss of life. Violence typically brings the wrong people together to do bad things. No community, city or state needs this.

The destruction of buildings and businesses are acts of violence and are criminal.
In times of war or enemy aggression against our United States, violence has been necessary. Acts of war have never been pleasant. They result in the loss of life and horrific debilitation of so many people physically and mentally. Most Americans do not want to be at war with anyone.

In years past, we have had to protect our country against those who sought to harm us. The Second Amendment gives Americans the right to bear arms and protect ourselves. We are grateful for our military but we pray for peace. None of us want our family members actively involved in combat if it can be avoided.

Violence like we saw last week at the United States Capitol was criminal. It helped no one. It solved nothing. Everyone who traveled to hear President Trump speak should have bought a nice dinner in D.C. and then traveled back to their families. Unlawfully entering the Capitol was wrong and was carried out in a violent criminal way. People were killed. Offices were torn apart and doors broken down. Staffers were terrified for their lives. This should never have happened. Many of these criminals will eventually be arrested and spend time in jail.

This act of criminal stupidity did nothing to advance or help President Trump. If they had stopped in front of the Capitol and given speeches, yelled, screamed, waved their signs throughout the day and then gone home the results would have been better. Terrorism never produces positive results. Destruction of the property of others and the terrorism of people are savage and criminal.

This same kind of unnecessary violence was seen in many of our cities last summer. I traveled to Cleveland, Ohio after a march had taken place and saw the results of acts of violence. I saw almost all of downtown Cleveland boarded up. Businesses were closed. Hotels were closed. Very few restaurants were open. For weeks my family was afraid to stop in downtown Louisville because of the protests and disruption occurring in the city.

In the United States of America, individuals, groups and organizations have the absolute right to march, protest and exercise their free speech. However, the destruction of buildings and businesses are acts of violence and are criminal. The people who shut down sections of cities throughout our country should be arrested for their behavior. An acquaintance, who lived outside Seattle for many years, was terrified to travel back to that city last year.

Violence against Democrats or Republicans will not bring this country back together. Invasion and violence against the Capitol solved nothing but ruined some lives. Violence will not change the results of the election. Joe Biden will be the President of the United States for the next four years.

March, protest, yell, scream and financially support organizations who promote your point of view. But please, put your guns, pipe bombs and hatred away.

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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.

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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.


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Guest Comment: Judicial overreach is a Pandora’s box of government encroachment

by Howard C. Self, President
 Right To Believe

As 2020 is drawing to a close, we all hope that we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in this year of the pandemic. The advent of vaccines is hopeful, yet the United States and other nations face a third wave of COVID infections. And as municipal and state governments impose new restrictions, there is growing concern about impacts on individual liberty and religious freedom.

In a recent speech to the Federalist Society, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said, “We have never before seen restrictions as severe, extensive and prolonged as those experienced for most of 2020… the COVID crisis has served as a sort of constitutional stress test. And in doing so it has highlighted disturbing trends that were already present before the virus struck.” Alito went on to cite numerous court cases impacting the free exercise of religion as indicative that “religious liberty is in danger of becoming a second-class right.”

Last month, the Supreme Court sided with the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and an Orthodox Jewish congregation. In a 5-4 decision, the court ruled that New York could not restrict religious gatherings more than others. In the opinion, Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote, “There is no world in which the Constitution tolerates color-coded executive edicts that reopen liquor stores and bike shops but shutter churches, synagogues, and mosques.”

In a similar case resolved just last week, the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., filed a suit in federal court against Mayor Muriel Bowser. The mayor had imposed a numeric limit of 50 on religious gatherings, no matter the size of the facility, whereas businesses were limited to a percentage of capacity. Fortunately, the city reneged and issued an amended order that treats religious congregations the same as other entities. But it took a lawsuit to get there.

The disturbing trends referenced by Alito are all too familiar to religious leaders, many of whom are alarmed by growing bias and overreach by government officials and the courts, and concerned about protecting their rights to the free exercise of their faiths. Another example of this concern is a case before the District of Columbia Superior Court. Earlier this month, Judge Jennifer M. Anderson issued a “remedies judgment” in the controversial Family Federation for World Peace and Unification International et al v. Hyun Jin Moon et al case, which totally disregards the defendants’ First Amendment rights and due process. The case is sure to be continued through the appeals process.

This case before the D.C. Superior Court involves protracted disputes within the Unification Movement founded by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon. Though it was initially and properly dismissed on First Amendment grounds because it clearly involved religious disputes in which courts cannot intervene, this complex and extremely costly case has been extended by subsequent rulings for more than nine years.

It is well-established legal precedent that the First Amendment prohibits the courts from interfering in disputes about the teachings and leadership of religious groups. Yet that is precisely what the D.C. court has done in this case. As evident in both summary judgment and remedies rulings, the court disregarded voluminous evidence of an emerging religious movement wrestling with issues of succession and doctrine. It decided that it could sidestep First Amendment prohibitions and evaluate the religious purposes of UCI, a D.C. non-profit corporation established to advance the principles and work of the Unification movement. In doing so, the court in effect took sides in a religious schism.

The onerous actions taken by the D.C. court in its remedies ruling of Dec. 4 are cause for great alarm among religious and nonprofit leaders alike. Based on its unconstitutional evaluation of UCI’s religious purposes, the court found that four directors had breached their fiduciary duty, ordered them removed from the board, and made them personally responsible for crushing financial penalties. This severe judgment was imposed even though in its ruling, the court acknowledged that the four directors had not received any personal benefit.

So why does this matter? The D.C. Superior Court’s rulings in this case have trampled upon First Amendment protections, making determinations about religious teachings and leadership, and thereby taking sides in a schism. Such dangerous precedents make all religious groups more vulnerable to government intrusion. The court took the unprecedented step of removing a majority of the directors of this nonprofit’s board, seriously overstepping its authority and disregarding requirements specifically articulated in D.C. law. Board members of every nonprofit incorporated in the District of Columbia should be alarmed about the details of this case, for there could be dire extralegal ramifications should they face any disputes before the D.C. court.

It should also concern people of all faiths that the courts are often all too ready to use such cases as opportunities to expand their powers and authority. Judicial overreach opens a Pandora’s box of government encroachment into religious expression and free exercise. It can, and often does, lead to protracted legal battles; distracting religious organizations and nonprofits from their primary missions; and forcing them to bear heavy costs to defend themselves.

If judges can decide what aspects of your faith are valid, or what is not in the public interest, the implications for religious freedom are vast. It opens the door for government, not God, to be the final arbiter of the human conscience.

Commenting on such current challenges to religious freedom, Bishop Paul Murray, chairman of the Religious Freedom Commission of One Way Churches International, noted, "Judicial overreach is a growing concern for faith leaders of all backgrounds. Freedom of religion, belief and conscience is our first and most fundamental right. Rulings like the ones in this case remind us that we must be vigilant and stand together to safeguard the First Amendment rights of all."

Howard C. Self is the president of Right To Believe, a not-for-profit organization fighting to protect religious rights from undue governmental interference. He has also held leadership roles at the Family Peace Association and in the Unification Movement, which are affiliated with UCI, the ultimate holding company that owns United Press International. -----------------------------------------------------------

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.


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Photo of the Day - January 9, 2021

Two to the finish
Running along side his daughter Katie Duval, Doug Weaver keeps a steady pace to a first place finish in the Male 60 and Over division at the 2019 SJO 5K. He finished in 59th place overall with a time of 24:21.30. Just under 200 runners competed at this year's race. Proceeds are donated to the St. Joseph Middle School and St. Joseph-Ogden cross country and track programs. Clocking in second place in the Female 30 to 34 division, Duval finished in 58th place overall with a time of 24:21.10.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
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Photo of the Day - January 8, 2021

Kennedi Burnett

SJO rally seals conference win

Sophomore outside hitter Kennedi Burnett passes the ball to the front row during St. Joseph-Ogden's road game against Unity on October 8 in 2019. After dropping the first set 28-26, the Spartans rallied back in the Illini Pairie Conference match to take the last two, 25-20, 25-13 at the Rocket Center. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
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Editorial: If walks like a duck and quacks like one

Sentinel editorial At a rally Tuesday in front of the U.S. Capitol, newly elected U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland said, "Hitler was right on one thing; he said, ‘Whoever has the youth has the future.’"

Bitte, warte eine Minute! Hold up a sec lady.

Was hast du gesagt Frau Miller?

Straight out of central Illinois and right into a pan of pan of hot political Crisco, the newly sworn-in Illinois lawmaker is getting her first rude, booty-hurt lesson of American stateswomanship: Every. Freakin'. Word. Counts.

After considerable backlash, some calling for her resignation - which won't happen - and rebuke from politicians around the state, including Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, Miller issued this statement this morning:

"Earlier this week, I spoke to a group of mothers about the importance of faith and guarding our youth from destructive influences. I sincerely apologize for any harm my words caused and regret using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth. This dark history should never be repeated and parents should be proactive to instill what is good, true, right, and noble into their children’s hearts and minds. While some are trying to intentionally twist my words to mean something antithetical to my beliefs, let me be clear: I’m passionately pro-Israel and I will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community. I’ve been in discussion with Jewish leaders across the country and am grateful to them for their kindness and forthrightness."

From my perspective she has three problems.

First, Miller did not apologize for using the quote, but merely that her message was misinterpreted by some and then proceeds to the highly ineffective, it rarely works 'twist my words' defense.

She was not least bit contrite, admitting that it was wrong, unthinkable to have considered in retrospect using the quote in the first place. Her apology comes across with the same sincerity of a 12 year-old, who after returning container back in the freezer, caught minutes after devouring the last of Haagen-Dazs and with a smile still on their lips.

Second, she said, "I’m passionately pro-Israel and I will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community." Not one person pro-Israel, Jewish or not, would even REMOTELY consider using a quote from Hitler in political rally to support an ideal or public policy.

Finally, and most troubling point to note is in her speech she said Adolf Hitler was "right on one thing". Let's be clear, she did not say 'The only thing ...', which might have given her a bit of slack to play with if she had immediately apologized for the remark instead of waiting three days. The rub is this: If we believe someone is right on one thing, then usually we will find something else we agree with, and then another idea and another point and a ....

Miller is new on the job and we can only hope she does not repeat history yet again by quoting Adolf Hitler or any other fanatic of fascism, hate and universal evil.

Words. Freakin'. Matter. All of them.

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Village Crier: January 6, 2021


Village community garage sale date set for April

With warmer weather still months away, the first date for community garage and yard sales is on the books. The St. Joseph Community Garage Sale will take place on April 8 - 10.

Billy Bob's settles case with the county

On New Year's Eve, Billy Bob's was issued a temporary restraining order by Judge Roger Webber for operating without a valid health permit. To avoid further unnecessary litigation, the Ogden eating establishment signed off on a settlement agreement with county public health agency on Tuesday to remain open for scaled back business operations.

After paying $50 reinstatement fee for their health permit and submitting to an inspection, starting Friday the restaurant under the water tower will be open for carryout service only. The establishment posted on Facebook their new hours for service will be Sunday thru Wednesday from 11a to 7p and Thursday thru Saturday from 11a-8p.

The settlement also included a provision that Billy Bob's submit a written plan detailing its plans to operate under current county ordinance and state COVID-19 mitigation restrictions.

Health authorities suspended the permit on December 11 for continuing indoor service for remaining open in defiance of the state mandated mitigation plan which forbid indoor dining. Billy Bob's continued to operate without a valid health permit before receiving court summons.

For more information on carryout service call (217) 582-2277.

St. Joseph youth baseball registration opens next week

Player registration for the St. Joseph Youth Baseball Little League opens on Saturday, January 23. Eligible players have until February 6 to sign up. A birthday chart to help determine which level a child will play can be found here.

Tolono studio photographer offers mini sessions

Give that special someone in your life a photo on Valentine's Day. Photographer Madeline Wilson is offering Valentine's Day mini sessions with families, kids, couples and/or pets in her studio located at 104 Main Street in Tolono. Sessions will begin on January 31 and run through February 14.

For more information visit Wilson's Facebook business page or call (217) 621-4159.

Tier 2 on the horizon

Earlier this week Governor J.B. Pritzker said any region below the required metrics can move into Tier 2 restrictions a week from tomorrow on January 15. That is welcomed news for athletes and restaurants in regions around the state, especially those that have done well at slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pathogen.

"We are watching closely in this incubation period post-Christmas and New Year’s. I am cautiously optimistic as there are some early signs that some regions have made real progress," Pritzker announced during an afternoon press briefing. The news comes after he extended the emergency COVID restriction Monday, requiring people to wear a mask for another 150 days.

In order for a region to move back to Tier 2 mitigations, a region must experience less than 12 percent test positivity rate for three consecutive days, have more than 20 percent available intensive care unit (ICU) hospital bed availability and have declining COVID hospitalizations in 7 of the last 10 days. The Governor's team is waiting to see if there is a surge or spike of COVID-19 cases seeded from New Year's gatherings.

Locally there have seventeen new case identified in the past 48 hours. The Sentinel area saw the lowest number of active cases in over 51 days on Tuesday with 59. The number of infections have climbed to 71 likely from New Year's Eve revelry.

As of Wednesday night, 3,921 patients in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. According state records, 783 of those patients were in the ICU and 450 patients on ventilators.

The Sentinel will help promote your business

If you own and operate a business located in Tolono, Sidney, Philo, Ogden, St. Joseph or Royal, fill out the form below to list your business or the services you offer in The Sentinel Business Directory. To list your business' contact information complete the online form here...

Send your business, social or community organization's press release or event information to The Sentinel at editor@oursentinel.com.

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