Winter Wonderland: Sentinel area snow scenes

With much of the Sentinel area blanketed from this week's snowstorm, we asked followers on Twitter and Facebook to send us their snow photos to share. Below are some of the moments and scenes readers wanted to share.

Sidney

Sophia Dillman makes a snow angel. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Whalen.

Tolono

Duke. Photo courtesy of Alli Griffin.

Tolono

Photo courtesy of Paul Noerenberg.

Sidney

Sophia Dillman out enjoying the heavy snowfall. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Whalen.

Tolono

Photo courtesy of Cassie Roberts.

Tolono

Photo courtesy of Dave Bryan.

Tolono

Photo courtesy of Gary Brown.

Tolono

Photo courtesy of Josh Hellmer.

Tolono

Photo courtesy of Toni Waltzer David.

Did you get a really cool snow pic from this week's storm that we can share with our readers? Email it to us at editor@oursentinel.com. Deadline for submissions is 6pm on Saturday, February 5.
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Governor's budget proposal includes tax savings for Illinoisans

This week, Governor J.B. Pritzker will propose that state lawmakers pass legislation that would put a few extra greenbacks in the pockets of Illinoisans.

The upcoming proposal outlines three tax breaks for residents. It includes suspending the 1% sales tax on groceries for one year. State motor fuel taxes were set to increase this year. That rate hike would be frozen at 39 cents per gallon. The biggest savings in the governor's play would come by way of a property tax rebate of up to $300 for homeowners.

Homeowners will still be able to deduct the normal 5% rate of their property tax bills up to $300 from their income taxes, but the new plan would double the value of that deduction with a direct one-time payment. This rebate will apply to workers making $250,000 annually or less or to couples making $500,000 or less.

Taxpayers will get that in the form of either a check or an electronic deposit after filing a state income tax return. A return must be filed even if the individual does not owe anything in taxes.

Collectively, Illinois consumers would save about 1 billion in taxes if legislators advance the proposal. With inflation at 7% and mid-term elections on the horizon, the abatement would be paid by the nearly 1 billion currently in surplus thanks to marijuana tax revenues and federal Covid relief monies the state has received.

The reduction in tax levies would last one year. However, there is scuttlebutt that they could remain in place a bit longer.

Pritzker is not the only governor looking to cut taxes for their residents. Indiana and New York are also attempting to advance proposals aimed at lowering taxes for their residents.

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Fundraiser for future local Olympic figure skater ends next week

ST. JOSEPH -- Catia Schulte, of St. Joseph, has been invited to compete at the 2022 Excel National Festival in Boston. To help cover her expenses to compete at this national ice-skating event, she is doing a Laundry/dish soap fundraiser.

If you would like to help out, you will need to place your orders by Tuesday, February 1. Follow this link to view the available products.

Catia fell in love with figure skating at an early age. Now she has the opportunity to compete against some of the best skaters in her age group from around the country.

"I enjoy how this sport combines the physical challenges - jumping and spinning on the ice - with the grace and beauty of the choreography while skating to music. I really like competing," she said. "From the moment I first stepped on the ice, I felt that this is what I am supposed to be doing."

She added: "My dream is to make it to the Olympics, or even to the US Championship! I love the feeling of putting on my skates and skating my routine."

Catia working hard toward competing at the highest level.

"She stepped on the ice for the first time in January 2019 and received first place in her first competition that summer," said her mother, Carrie Gillespie-Schulte. "Catia is training in preparation of rigorous USFS Moves in the Field and Freeskating tests. Passing these tests gives her the opportunity to participate in qualifying competitions that give her the chance to participate in the events we hear more about: US Championships, World Championships, Olympics, etc." "

The Excel Series competitions bring together skaters of all ages the opportunity to get the feel of a nationwide competition while they improve their technical ability and skills on the ice. Catia's trip to Boston will bring her one step closer to becoming yet another Olympic athlete from St. Joseph.

Time is running out to help. For more information or to place an order to help send Catia to the Excel Series message Carrie Gillespie-Schulte on Facebook.

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Photo-of-the-Day: January 28, 2022

Newton running back Isaac Flowers is stopped in his tracks by a trio of Unity tacklers during their first-round IHSA playoff football game on October 30, 2021. UHS defensive end Kyus Root made the initial stop as junior Nick Nosler, and another teammate barrel in to put Flowers on the turf for a loss of yards. The Rockets, who played all four playoff games on their home turf, defeated the Eagles (5-5) at Hicks Field, 46-6. See more photos from this game.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Search the PhotoNews Media archives for more photos:

Search by athlete's name, team, school and more

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Get things poppin' with this Cranberry-Orange Carmel Corn treat

What can we say? This looks absolutely delicious.

Sure, a bowl of popcorn with lots of salt and butter is great, but let's be real. You gotta mix it up once in a while and this Cranberry-Orage Carmel Corn is a pretty doggone tasty convergence of Carmel corn, nuts, and cranberries.

This recipe, courtesy of the Popcorn Board, is merely the base. You could substitute walnuts or peanuts in place of the almonds or use all three. Another idea: Dried apricots, apples, or raisins can be used in place of cranberries. Let your kitchen creativity flow and come up with your own signature family movie night snack.

This recipe makes a great personalized gift item, too. Fill a glass canning jar with a batch and wrap with a ribbon. Give as a simple, tasty gift to a fellow employee, your child's favorite teacher, or a gift for graduating players on senior night.

Plain or carmelized, this popcorn treat will last a week or so in an airtight container. If your home is anything like mine, I doubt it will last long.


Cranberry-Orange Caramel Corn

Photo courtesy of the Popcorn Board

Cranberry-Orange Carmel Corn

Time: Figure about an hour total for start to finish
Makes: 10 cups

Ingredients

  • 10 cups popped popcorn
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup whole almonds
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • 1/2 packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, undiluted
  • 1 teaspoon orange or vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda


    • Directions

    Go ahead and preheat the oven between 250 - 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

    While the oven is warming up pop popcorn and remove all the seeds. Put in a large bowl with cranberries and almonds; set aside.

    In a medium saucepan heat butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and orange juice concentrate over medium heat until butter is melted.

    Bring to a boil and boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in extract and baking soda (mixture will foam).

    Pour syrup mixture over popcorn mixture in bowl; stir to coat well. Spread evenly in a large, rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan, lined with foil and sprayed with nonstick spray.

    Bake 30 minutes, stirring twice during baking time. Stir caramel corn as it cools on baking sheet or a cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil.

    Store in an airtight container.


    Did you make a batch? Send us your photos and we'll feature them below.

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    Canine fashion, "Trucker Hats" made for dogs may help protect their eyes

    NewsUSA -- Some clothes for pets are strictly stylish, some are purely functional, and some are both. The idea of a trucker hat for a dog may seem strange, but in fact many dogs, especially those with blue and light-colored eyes, suffer from sun sensitivity that makes them squint and become anxious in bright conditions.

    Tony Choi, an engineer in San Diego, Calif., and his veterinarian wife, Dr. Kathy Burnell, launched the initial PupLid trucker hat for dogs in 2018 to help make dogs comfortable after they found it significantly reduced anxiety in their own sun-sensitive dog, Buddy. They experimented with other dog hats and designs for months, but determined that a modified trucker hat design stayed in place and provided the best protection for Buddy.

    The Six-Panel Camo baseball cap for dogs is the latest addition to the PupLid product line for dogs who prefer a more adventure-ready look. Like the trucker hats, the baseball caps will feature a patent pending "Furfect Fit" system for maximum comfort, stability, and adjustability. Dogs with shorter noses have the additional benefit of protection from sunburn and sun induced skin cancers on the nose.

    Even dogs who might resist a hat will warm up to it with the right approach, according to Burnell and the PupLid website. Start by letting your dog sniff the PupLid and get used to seeing it. Then, put the hat on the dog's head for a few minutes at time, and use treats and rewards as the dog keeps it on for longer periods.

    "When hat wearing is paired with a favorite walk or trip to the park, many dogs start getting excited to see their hat because they know they are about to go on an adventure," says Burnell.

    The hats are engineered to stay put with a five point system -- two-points of contact on each side and one under the chin. The hook and loop fastener under the chin allows for a customized fit, and slider loops on the sides allow for further adjustment. PupLid hats are currently available in five sizes, XXS, XS, S, M, and L, but the company will launch a sixth size later this fall to further refine the fit for more dogs. More sizing information is available on the company website.

    The company also strives to enhance the style factor to dog hats -- the hats are a seamless extension of baseball caps and trucker hats for people, available in five colors and over ten designs. More custom design options are available from PupLid's growing network of wholesale partners, and dog families can even order their own matching "trucker hats for humans" for the ultimate in coordination.

    PupLid is a supplier to retailers as well as organizations seeking a completely unique option to add to their promotional products. Orders of 25 or more can feature a company logo or other design, and preorder options are available to reserve large supplies.

    For more information, email wholesale@puplid.com.

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    Photo-of-the-Day: January 26, 2022

    ST. JOSEPH -- Spartans' Logan Smith hops into the paint to take a shot during SJO's home varsity basketball game against St. Thomas More. The sophomore forward finished with a 14 points in his team's dramatic come-from-behind 45-43 win over the visiting Sabers on Tuesday. St. Joseph-Ogden travels to Monticello Friday for another Illini Prairie Conference showdown. See more photos from this game here.
    Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
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    Area Covid-19 Dashboard for January 26, 2022

    Active Cases:
    (Champaign County)
    1,694
    Total Area Cases:
    (Sentinel Area)
    676
    New Cases:
    (Sentinel Area)
    250


    Current local cases as of 1/26/22
    Number in parenthesis indicates new cases since 1/25/22

    Ogden • 12 (3)
    Royal • 0 (0)
    St. Joseph • 42 (11)
    Urbana • 517 (195)
    Sidney • 14 (5)
    Philo • 21 (13)
    Tolono • 53 (19)
    Sadorus • 5 (1)
    Pesotum • 12 (3)


    Net change in local cases: 261


    Total Local Confirmed Cases: 20,848


    Brief Notes:

  • The CUPHD reported two additional deaths for Covid-19 today bringing the total number to 29 for the month of January. There have been seven deaths this week linked to the virus.

  • The Illinois Education Association, the Illinois Federation of Teachers reached a compromise with the state to retain teachers by extending benefits to teachers who need to be off work to recover from a Covid-19 infection or to take care of family members.

  • Omicrom BA.2 has about 20 mutation in the spike protein. Referred to as the "Stealth Omicron" it has been indentified in both Europe and Asia.


    • The information on this page is compiled from the latest figures provide by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and the Illinois Department of Public Health at the time of publishing. Active cases are the number of confirmed cases reported currently in isolation. Local is defined as cases within the nine communities The Sentinel covers.

    Effective 1/16/22, the CUPHD dashboard updated their reporting parameters to reflect the reduction from a 10-day isolation period to 5 days per the CDC guidance issued last month. Under the previous 10-day policy and based on the data released today, there should be approximately 5,363 residents in isolation.

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    Rockets drop non-conference bout at Mt. Zion

    MT. ZION -- The first quarter of the game made all the difference in the outcome of the Unity's boy's basketball team's road game at Mt. Zion.

    While the Rockets ran up and down the floor stride-for-stride during the last three periods of the non-conference game, it was the first-quarter eight-point advantage the Braves carved out that sealed their 62-56 win.

    Led by senior Blake Kimball, Unity's starting five delivered the bulk of the team's total score. Kimball, who spent 35 minutes on the floor, finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and two steals.

    The Rockets' second-leading scorer, Henry Thomas, finished with 16 points, six boards, and three assists. Austin Langendor rounded the team's top three scorers with nine points.

    Mt. Zion's Carson Cuddy and Ethan Hamrick finished with 23 and 21 points, respectively.

    Box Score

    Final: Mount Zion 62 - Unity 56

      1 2 3 4 OT F
    Unity 12 12 14 18 0 56
    Mount Zion 20 14 10 18 0 62


    Unity --
    Kimball 8 (1) 0-0 -- 19, Cowan 1 (2) 0-0 -- 8, H. Thomas 4 (2) 2-3 -- 16, Rawdin 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Warfel 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Saunders 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Porter 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, O'Neil 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2, Price 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2, A. Thomas 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Langendorf 2 (1) 2-2 -- 9, Maxwell 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0.

    Mount Zion --
    S. Driscoll 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2, Adams 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Koester 2 (1) 0-0 -- 7, McAtee 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, J. Driscoll 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Bauman 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Hamrick 4 (2) 7-11 -- 21, Owens 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Trimble 2 (0) 0-0 -- 4, Cuddy 4 (4) 3-3 -- 23, K. Clark 2 (0) 1-2 -- 5, R. Clark 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Hart 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0,

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    Ketchum and Birt pick up wins for SJO at road match

    St. Joseph-Ogden won five matches during their dual meet against host El Paso-Gridley on January 20. The wins were not enought to carry the Spartans to victory who dropped the match, 48-28.

    Emmit Holt picked up the team's only forfeit win at 113-pounds.

    Holden Brazelton (120 lbs), juniors Hunter Ketchum (183 lbs), and Owen Birt at195 lbs, along with frosh Quincy Jones (220 lbs), recorded the Spartans' other victories.

    Brazelton, a freshman, won his match by major decision, 15-3. His other three teammates all won by pinning their opponents.

    The Spartans will celebrate senior night with a triangle engagement verses Hoopeston Area starting at 5:30pm and Westville at around 6:15pm on Thursday, January 27.

    Results

    Final Score: El Paso-Gridley 48 - St. Joseph-Odgen 28

    113 Holt, Emmitt (SJO) over Forfeit (EPG) Forfeit 6-0
    120 Brazelton, Holden (SJO) over Gibson (EPG) Maj Dec 15-3 10-0
    126 Roth (EPG) over Butts, Landen (SJO) Fall 1:15 10-6
    132 Greene (EPG) over Forfeit, (SJO) Forfeit 10-12
    138 Melick (EPG) over Denhart, Garrett (SJO) Fall 1:48 10-18
    145 Gentes (EPG) over Falls, Matt (SJO) Fall 0:36 10-24
    152 Jeffereys (EPG) over Forfeit, (SJO) Forfeit 10-30
    160 Whitman (EPG) over Forfeit, (SJO) Forfeit 10-36
    170 Langland (EPG) over Forfeit, (SJO)
    182 Ketchum, Hunter (SJO) over Shaffer (EPG) Fall 1:21 16-42
    195 Birt, Owen (SJO) over Duffy (EPG) Fall 2:38 22-42
    220 Jones, Quincy (SJO) over Blackmore (EPG) Fall 4:30 28-42
    285 Evans (EPG) over Cotter, Austin (SJO) Fall 0:46 28-48

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    Girl Scout cookies are coming and Troop 2945 is ready

    TOLONO -- Friday, February 4th is the first day of nearly eight weeks of absolute cookie bliss. It is the first day that Girl Scouts around the country can officially start selling cookies to raise funds for their troop.

    Tolono-based Troop 2945, with 13 members in grades 3 through 5, has just over 2,000 boxes ordered to sell this season.


    Girl Scout Troop 2945

    Photo courtesy Kristina Toney

    "Girls who sell 250 boxes get their Girl Scout fee for the following year waived," Girl Scout leader Kristina Toney told The Sentinel via messenger. "Cookie sales help girls pay for summer camps and they learn a lot of fundamentals with selling cookies."

    The annual cookie sale teaches Girl Scouts fundamental business skills by counting-out change, order fulfillment and delivery processes, and developing customer service skills. Local girl scout councils, prepared for a successful selling season, will be monitoring local data and public health mandates.

    "Girl Scouts across the country will embark on a new adventure with the world's largest entrepreneurial program for girls: the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program," the Girl Scouts of America said in a release. "In prior years, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Girl Scouts quickly and cleverly adapted their selling methods to replace the iconic in-person cookie booths with new, innovative options.

    The familiar favorites like Thin Mints, Lemonades, Carmel Delight, Peanut Butter Patties aka Tagalongs, and Shortbread or Trefoils®, are back.

    New this year! Adventurefuls.
    Adventurefuls™ is the newest cookie to the Girl Scouts of the USA line-up. It is a brownie-inspired cookie topped with caramel flavored crème with just a hint of sea salt to make it a satisfying snack. Toffee-tastic®, another new option, is gluten-free and described as "rich, buttery cookies with sweet, crunchy toffee bits."

    Troop 2945 will have booths set up to sell cookies, and a list of sale locations will be available after January 28.

    "We haven't figured out any cookie booths yet around town as we can't officially start selling until the fourth," Toney said, "I have 13 girls in my troop, and we all love to deliver cookies."

    She said anyone who wishes to place a pre-order or get a list of sale locations can contact by email at kristinatny@yahoo.com or via a phone call at (217) 722-7945. Follow Troop 2945 on Facebook here.

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