Agriculture tour businesses eligible for new tax credit

SPRINGFIELD -- Businesses focused on agritourism are now eligible to receive up to $1,000 back on liability insurance costs in 2022 and 2023 under recently-passed legislation.

The goal of the Agritourism Liability Tax Credit is to reduce the cost-of-doing-business for farm operations open for the public to enjoy. Businesses like pumpkin patches, apple orchards, petting zoos, hayrack rides, corn mazes and more may apply for the funding.

"As we continue to build back our state's tourism industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this tax credit program will provide our agritourism businesses with the aid they need to sustain operations," said Governor JB Pritzker. "From spooky hayrides and corn mazes this Halloween season to educational exhibits and guided tours, it is our longstanding agricultural tradition that attracts visitors from around the nation and world. Thanks to the leadership and hard work of the IDOA, our agribusiness partners will have the support they need to show more and more people what makes Illinois, Illinois."

The deadline to apply for the 2022 tax year is February 28, 2023. Farm operations can check eligibility and apply here.

at

Slideshow | SJO advances to IHSA football playoff second round

Ty Pence celebrates SJO TD
Ty Pence celebrates after scoring on a 22-yard pass from Logan Smith to give St.Joseph-Ogden a 49-27 lead in the fourth quarter. The team's marquee receiver, Pence finished the game with 13 catches for 314 yards and two touchdowns. The senior also nabbed a interception on the second half to help the Spartans win their first first-round playoff game under head coach Shawn Skinner.
PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
ST. JOSEPH -- With a plethora of offensive weapons at their disposal, the SJO football team (7-3) lit their side of the scoreboard at Dick Duval Field to its highest total this season en route to a 55-39 romp over visiting Robinson (6-4). The first-round IHSA playoff victory marked the first playoff win since St. Joseph-Ogden head coach Shawn Skinner took over the program seven seasons ago.

"I would be lying if I didn't say it was time for us to get a playoff win under my regime," Skinner said after the game. "I am so proud of these seniors because they made it a point not to be 5-4. They made it a point to get a home playoff game. They made it a point to win a playoff game."

In his 10th start behind the center, junior Logan Smith completed 17 of 30 passes for 383 yards and threw three touchdowns. He scored twice on two of his seven carries and finished with 35 yards rushing.

Sophomore Coy Taylor made three catches for 60 yards and with one ending as an SJO touchdown. Justice Wertz, another weapon in the Spartan quiver, ran for 165 yards with his 21 touches. In addition to his solo TD this week, Alex Funk and Tyler Burch also contributed to the team's high-scoring finish with one touchdown a piece.

"I've said this all year, yes, we can run routes. Yes, we can throw the ball. Not enough credit is given that we don't drop the ball that often."


See a photo you would like to buy? Click here to order.

at

Recipe: Grilled lemon chicken

Photo provided

NewsUSA -- The last few weeks of fall are just around the corner and winter weather is on the way. Even as the days get shorter and the temperatures lower, it is still a great time to be outdoors and grill. Add a little zest the next time you throw some chicken on the grill with lemons.

“With their sunny zest and refreshing juice, lemons aren’t just delicious, they also pack a healthy punch,” says Karen Brux, managing director for the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association. Lemons are a good source of many key nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. “You could say that lemons from Chile are the unsung heroes of summer,” Ms. Brux adds.

Lemons are versatile. Try adding lemon juice to marinades, lemon slices to creamy pasta sauces, or featuring fresh lemons in lemon custards or meringues for an ultimate end-of-summer dessert. When cooking with lemons, you can use their zest or juice, but try them grilled, says Brux.

Grilling intensifies the flavor of the lemon juice. Just put some slices on the grill along with your fish, beef or chicken. Grilled lemon wedges work in cocktails, too!

Try this easy recipe for grilled chicken with lemon:


Grilled Chicken with Lemon

Ingredients:

  • zest of two lemons

  • 1/2 cup olive oil

  • 6 cloves chopped garlic

  • 5 sprigs rosemary

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • coarse black pepper to taste

  • 4 large chicken thighs

    • Instructions:

    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

    In a large shallow baking dish, whisk together the juice and zest of 2 lemons, 1/2 cup olive oil, 6 cloves chopped garlic, 5 sprigs of rosemary, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and plenty of coarse black pepper.

    Add 4 large chicken thighs to the mixture, toss to coat and let the chicken rest for 45 minutes at room temperature.

    Before cooking, be sure the chicken thighs are skin-side up. Cut the remaining zested lemons into halves or quarters, and nestle them among the chicken. Add a final grind of black pepper on top.

    Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes or until the juices run clear. If you would like extra browning, briefly place the baking dish under the broiler.

    Visit fruitsfromchile.com for more tasty recipes, and look for lemons from Chile at your local retailer through early October.

    at

    St. Joseph-Ogden to hold parent-teacher conferences, parents encouraged to make appoints

    ST. JOSEPH -- St. Joseph-Ogden High School will host Parent-Teacher Conferences next week on Thursday, November 3, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Parents with children attending the high school should have received a mailing via the post office or email announcement.

    The parent-teacher conferences are a good opportunity for parents to discuss their student's grades and address any concerns they might have. First-quarter grades were sent out on October 21.

    Parents who have not made appointments should contact Nicki Falls either by email at fallsn@sjo.k12.il.us or by phone at 469-7321 no later than November 1 to make appointments with their child's teachers and counselors.

    at

    Photo Gallery | Urbana wins regional volleyball match over Danville

    Kenzie Sprague (left) and Sammi Christman
    Urbana's Kenzie Sprague (left) and Sammi Christman encourage Tiger spectators to cheer for their team during a lull between points in their Class 3A regional quarterfinal game against Danville on October 24, 2022. The Tigers defeated the Vikings after three sets, 25-18, 17-25, 25-16. See slideshow below for more photos. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
    Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

    RANTOUL -- The Tigers have won their first-round match in their last five postseason appearances. Monday's opening playoff match was no different when the Urbana volleyball team eliminated the Danville Vikings from the Illinois High School Association's state championship series, 2-1.

    In their earlier meeting in the season during their Big 12 Conference contest, the Vikings cruised past the Urbana, 2-0. Their second clash of the season was a different affair.

    Urbana took the first set 25-18 after riding a momentum shift that started with a response to a 4-1 deficit on the scoreboard. Scraping their way to a 5-all tie, the Tigers grabbed the reigns and never let the Vikings any closer on the scoreboard than a couple of points.

    Set #2 action was evenly-matched between the two rival teams until Danville reeled off six unanswered points to go up 19-13. Urbana added three points to their score before the Vikings closed out the set with a five-point run finishing 25-17.

    When the action resumed at Rantoul Township High School, host for the Class 3A regional, Urbana jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the third set. Energized by their fans, The Tigers never let their opponent within two on the scoreboard advancing to Wednesday's semifinal, 25-16.

    Here is a look at the action on Monday.

    See a photo you would like to buy? Click here to order.

    at

    Expecting a newborn soon? Be flexible with your birth plan

    by Tim Ditman
    OSF Healthcare

    URBANA -- "If you’re ever gonna find a silver lining, it’s gotta be a cloudy day.”

    No one may epitomize that song lyric more than Erin Purcell.

    OSF patient Erin Purcell

    Photo Courtesy OSF

    In July 2020, the Bement, Illinois, woman gave birth to her first child, Adalyn, via Cesarean section (commonly known as C-Section). Long story short, it did not go well.

    "I was in a lot of pain afterward,” Purcell says.

    Two years later, Purcell found herself at OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, Illinois, preparing to deliver her second child.

    "I was terrified to do another C-section,” Purcell recalls.

    But a C-section became necessary, and her son, Elliott, was brought into the world without major issues.

    "It restored my faith in doctors,” Purcell says.

    Now, part of a happy and healthy family of four, Purcell is telling other parents-to-be to be flexible with their birth plan. And the woman’s care team is educating mothers about what to expect if a vaginal birth is not possible.

    What is a C-section?

    A C-section is when a doctor removes a baby through an incision the mother’s abdomen. The naming is a matter of historical dispute and may be tied to Julius Caesar, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Kelli Daugherty is a certified nurse midwife at OSF HealthCare in Urbana and was a member of Purcell’s care team. She says while a small amount of women will choose a C-section long before birth, health care providers prefer to perform them only when medically necessary.

    "Baby is in the wrong position - maybe breach instead of head down,” Daugherty lists as a need for a C-section. "Maybe we’ve seen fetal distress that’s concerning enough that we need to deliver quickly. It could be that mom has an infection.”

    Or, if labor is not progressing, doctors may consider a C-section, Daugherty says.

    Regardless, Daugherty says providers will have a conversation with the mom-to-be about the risks and benefits. She says risks are like any other major surgery. There’s a chance for organ damage, blood loss (blood is on standby for every birth for a possible transfusion) and the rare need for more surgery later, like a hysterectomy.

    The benefits of a medically necessary C-Section: the baby comes out quicker, and there’s less risk to the mom and baby’s health.

    The procedure

    Daugherty says a mother will start out in the labor room with antibiotics and an IV for fluids. Then, she goes to the operating room.

    "She would sit on the operating table, and the anesthesiologist would place a spinal anesthesia,” Daugherty explains. "We always attempt to do a spinal. We try to avoid general anesthesia for a C-section unless it’s a true emergent situation.”

    The mother lays down, and Daugherty says the anesthesia should have its intended numbing effect very quickly. The care team cleans and preps the skin, and the surgeon makes incisions layer by layer until they reach the baby in the uterus.

    "We get the baby out usually in less than five minutes,” Daugherty says. "We hand the baby to the neonatal team. Then we start suturing everything back up in reverse. We start with the uterus, go layer by layer and do the skin last.”

    Typically, moms stay at the hospital two days after a C-section to manage pain, Daugherty says. There are the standard follow-up appointments, and the new parents will have to keep mom’s incision site clean and dry to avoid infection or other issues. The incision usually takes six weeks to heal, Daugherty says.

    "C-sections are not really as scary as you might think,” Daugherty says. "It’s certainly concerning because it is a major surgery, but it’s also a very common surgery. [Providers] are very confident that we can complete these surgeries safely, and you and your baby will be well taken care of.”

    Daugherty agrees.

    "I always tell my moms to please bring in your birth plan. We will follow that as closely as we can,” she says.

    "But, you have to understand that sometimes labor just doesn’t go the way you planned it. We may have to veer from that birth plan,” Daugherty adds. "But if we do, we will always have the discussion with you. It will always be shared decision making.”

    You can prepare physically and mentally, too.

    "I just kept telling myself in my head ‘It’s only temporary. This pain is going to go away. You can get through it,’” Purcell says. "You have your nurses, too, in your ear saying ‘You got this. You’re so strong.'”

    For more information on OSF HealthCare's pregnancy and child birth resources visit the healthcare facilities website at https://www.osfhealthcare.org/heart-of-mary/ .

    at

    The Giving Place seeks donations

    TOLONO -- The Giving Place seeking donations of cereal, canned fruit, canned beans, canned tomato products, canned spaghetti sauce, canned meats, 64 oz. 100% juice, mac & cheese, and other pasta meals for their ministry.

    Located at 113 North Bourne in Tolono, TGP is a Christian ministry serving families in need in the Unit 7 School District on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 6:00.

    The Giving Place is also looking for fall and winter clothing donations.

    "If you have any gently used clothing - especially jackets/coats, they would be greatly appreciated," Mike Williams said. He added: "If you know of any families in Unit Seven that are in need, please encourage them to visit The Giving Place."

    The local charity organization will host a Free Clothing Giveaway on Saturday, November 5, from 9 am to noon.

    at

    Savoy church to hosts Thanksgiving basket fundraiser this Saturday

    SAVOY -- The Savoy United Methodist Church will host its annual Chicken & Noodles Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, October 29, from 4:30 to 7 pm. Proceeds from the event will be used to assemble and distribute Thanksgiving food baskets to area families.

    Every Thanksgiving season since 2007, the church has distributed food baskets to over one hundred individuals and families.

    Chicken Noodle Dinner Flyer "On average, we give out around 100 baskets or so each year. Last year was our largest in memory. We were able to feed 201 families," said Angela Hancock, who is co-chairing the Thanksgiving Basket committee at the church with her spouse. "It has grown and changed as the need and the vision have changed over the years."

    Hancock said that prior to last year, it cost $45 to assemble each basket which contains a full meal for a family of four to six. The meal consists of a 14lb turkey, 5lbs of russet potatoes, milk, butter, eggs, dinner rolls, stuffing mix, gravy mix, canned vegetables, pumpkin pie, cool whip, cranberry sauce, a foil pan for baking, and recipe cards for first-time cooks.

    "Inflation has hit all of us hard. Basket prices have jumped to $60 each, she explained. "This year, our goal is to feed 125 families. If we can do more, we will."

    Every member of United Methodist contributes what they can to the program. From making donations and fundraising to distributing baskets, and all things in between, it is a complete effort by the congregation.

    The Thanksgiving basket program is also a cooperative effort that receives support from local businesses with transportation trailers, forklift equipment, a refrigerated truck, and local grocery stores for bulk ordering.

    "Some (members) can sponsor half a basket, others can do a full one. Others do multiple baskets. It's what we are able to afford at this time of year. God and fundraising efforts ensure the rest," Hancock said. "Funds play a major role in how many families we can feed."

    A successful fundraiser on Saturday will ensure the church can help more area families enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday.

    "We do this in His Name so that His people don't forget they are Seen," Hancock pointed out. "This is truly a community response to a need so many have. No one should have to be without at Thanksgiving time. And with God, no one ever will.

    "God ensures that we hear about the needs of our community and our congregation steps up with donations and fundraising."

    The dinner menu includes Chicken & Noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread, dessert, and more. The cost is $12 per adult and $5 for kids between the ages of five and 12. Children under five years of age can eat free. The meal will be served at 3002 W. Old Church Road in Savoy.

    For those unable to attend the dinner but would like to make a financial contribution, UMCS welcomes donations. Donors can make a contribution online via the savoyumc.org website. Choose Food Pantry from the menu and enter Thanksgiving Baskets as your Memo. Hancock pointed out that this ensures that donations goes directly to the Thanksgiving Basket program.

    The food baskets are distributed either by pickup or delivery the weekend before Thanksgiving to church members, individuals/families referred by Empty Tomb, families from the International Prep Academy, our year-round Food Pantry recipient families, or friends of church members. Individuals and families on the list are contacted via phone and USPS mail with the date and time of the pickup sessions.

    "We also take the opportunity to provide some literature or small devotionals that helps remind all of our families that they are loved and not forgotten by our Great God," Hancock added. "This is truly a community response to a need so many have."


    Chicken Noodle Dinner Flyer
    at

    Spartans start postseason run with a victory over the Cornjerkers

    St. Joseph-Ogden's Peyton Williams tips the ball over Hoopeston Area's Tobi West during second set action of their Class 2A semifinal volleyball match at Bismark-Henning-Rossville-Alvin High School on Tuesday.
    PhotoNews Media

    BISMARCK -- The St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team opened their postseason run with a 2-0 win over Hoopeston Area at the Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin Class 2A regional on Tuesday. SJO won the first set 25-18 and took the second by two points, 25-23.

    Senior Shayne Immke barely missed posting a double-double for the Spartans tallying 11 kills and nine digs against the Cornjerkers. Addie Roesch posted nine kills and led the team on defense with ten digs.

    Mikyla Haley and Peyton Williams contributed six digs a piece to help put SJO in the regional championship game against the host BHRA on Thursday. Senior Taylor Hug recorded 26 assist and two digs in the squad's first postseason contest.


    Top left: SJO libero Mikyla Haley passes the ball to the front row during first set action against the Cornjerkers. Top right: Spartans' Addie Roesch attempts to put the ball away between Hoopeston Area blockers Kaitlynn Lange and Charissa Johnson. Bottom left: Shayne Immke takes a big swing at the ball for one of her 11 kills in the IHSA regional match through Cornjerkers' Logan Watson. Bottom right: Taylor Hug, Josey Frerichs and Peyton Williams wait for an HA player to serve during set two of their match. Photos: PhotoNews Media

    at

    Guest Commentary: The Halloween this year is really on November 8

    the real Halloween will be on election day
    Photo:Szabó János/Unsplash
    by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


    Halloween is coming but the real trick or treat may be November 8, the mid-term election. November 8 may feel more like Halloween this year than the traditional October date.

    Who knows what will happen. Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania all have Senate races that could tilt the balance of Congressional power depending on who is elected. All three races are going down to the wire. In probably each state it will most likely be the next day before a winner is determined – if not longer.

    The 2022 midterm election is shaping up to be one for the history books.

    According to a new analysis from pollster Echelon Insights, an estimated 125.6 million Americans are expected to turn out in November’s midterm contests. Such a figure would shatter the record set in 2018’s midterms, which saw 53.4% of the eligible voting-age population cast their ballots, according to the Census Bureau.

    Already voters are starting to come out in full force: As of Tuesday, Oct. 18, at least 2.8 million people already cast their ballots in the midterms, according to the United States Elections Project. That includes the more than 131,000 Georgia voters who cast their ballots early on the first day of early voting on Monday, Oct. 17, handily beating the previous first-day record for a midterm of 72,000, per state election official Gabriel Sterling.(Spectrum News NY)

    Issues are driving Americans to the polls. Pewresearch.org found the following to be priority concerns of registered Americans. The numbers with each issue represent a percent of primary concern of those surveyed

    Economy. 79, Healthcare 68, Supreme court appointments 64, The coronavirus outbreak 62, Violent crime 59, Foreign policy 57, Gun policy 55, Race and ethnic inequality 52, Immigration 52, Economic inequality 49, Climate change 42, Abortion 40. Of course, you could conduct a poll in your community and the level of interest on any of these issues would probably be in a slightly different order. In almost every scenario the economy and inflation are paramount with voters.

    Inflation has knocked on every American’s door and has not been satisfied by a treat. Inflation at the rate of 8.2 percent, has been one hungry monster that has devoured American paychecks and pushed seniors back into the workforce. Available part time jobs are now being sought by seniors who need the money.

    A recent poll shows a dead heat between Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Republican candidate Adam Laxalt in the Nevada Senate race. In In Pennsylvania, it’s Lt. Governor John Fetterman and R. Mehmet Oz who are now very close. In Georgia the Senate race has Raphael Warnock leading Herschel Walker but the Governor race between Governor Brian Kemp and Stacey Abrams remains close according to a Quinnipiac University Georgia poll.

    Save some of your leftover Halloween candy for November 8. Have a bowl of popcorn for a real evening of trick or treat.


    -----------------------------------------------------------

    Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of Grandpa's Store, American Issues, 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 The Sentinel. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.


    -----------------------------------------------------------
    at

    Urbana advances in volleyball regionals

    Urbana's Sydni Uher, Valentina Gonzalez-Ahuerma, Kenzie Sprague and Sammi Christman celebrate with fans after winning the team's quarterfinal match against Danville at the Class 3A Rantoul regional on Monday. The Tigers, who fell to the 2-0 earlier in the season against the Vikings, advance to Wednesday's semifinal action after posting a 25-18, 17-25, 25-16, victory.
    Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

    Search the PhotoNews Media archives for more photos:

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

    at
    Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

    More Sentinel Stories