A Quick Look | Wednesday November 16, 2022

Our latest stories and photos curated for our readers on-the-go

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Photo: David McBee/PEXELS

Nov 16, 2022 12:47 am  .::. 
7 big mistakes small businesses can't afford to make

Running a small business often means wearing many hats. From accounting to marketing and everything in between, it can be difficult to know all the ins and outs and to always make the right decision. Here are seven mistakes to avoid in order to turn your new venture into a big success.

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Unity's Gavin Moore celebrates the Rockets' 35-14 playoff win over Mt. Carmel back on November 6. After shutting out Prairie Central in last weekend's quarterfinal game, 14-0, Moore and the Unity football team will go up against an 11-1 Williamsville team on the road this Saturday with a trip to the Class 3A title game for a second consecutive season hanging in the balance. Kickoff is scheduled for 2pm.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Nov 15, 2022 10:37 pm  .::. 
Taking your family pet on holiday? Book your accommodations early

If you really want a stress-free holiday and enjoyable trip with your furkid, you should start by planning where you’re going to stay and book your accommodations ahead of time. Booking your pet-friendly hotel room well in advance has many advantages that definitely outweigh the lure of being spontaneous and/or procrastinating.

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Nov 15, 2022 08:58 pm  .::. 
Seniors earn Honor Roll recognition at SJO

Nov 15, 2022 08:44 pm  .::. 
St. Joseph-Ogden juniors make first-quarter Honor Roll

Nov 15, 2022 08:35 pm  .::. 
St. Joseph-Ogden's Class of 2025 Honor Roll

Nov 15, 2022 08:25 pm  .::. 
100 SJO freshmen start prep academic career on the Honor Roll

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Ty Pence makes a catch over a Robinson defensive back for a St. Joseph-Ogden touchdown on October 29 during the two team's first-round IHSA football playoff game. Pence, who had not played a down of football since his freshman year at SJO, earn All-State recognition from the Illinois Football Coaches Association this week. Teammate Logan Smith received an honorable mention. See more photos from this game.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Nov 15, 2022 05:34 pm  .::. 
Unity, SJO players recognized as All-Staters

The names of four area players found a place on this year's Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 3A All-State Football Team.

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Guest Commentary: Billions spent on the election while Americans continue to struggle

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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Total cost of 2022 state and federal midterm elections may have exceeded $16 billion according to a OpenSecrets analysis. Federal candidates and political committees spent over $8 billion while state candidates, party committees, and ballot measure committees spent close to $8 billion.

Here are the five most expensive Senate races this year according to OpenSecrets. This includes both general election and primary candidates together with the outside groups supporting them, such as the national parties and Super PACs:

Pennsylvania: $373.6 million

Georgia: $271.4 million (Georgia’s is growing)

Arizona: $234.6 million

Wisconsin: $205.8 million

Ohio: $202.1 million

Pennsylvania’s crucial U.S. Senate race has been the most expensive in the country this year — and it wasn’t even close. Georgia may end up close to $300 million. Who in Georgia is happy about this? The television stations. If you own a television station during a highly contested election season, in a lucrative market, you’ll never have to work again when the election is over.

Democrat John Fetterman, Republican Mehmet Oz and their political allies have spent a combined $312 million on a race that ended up not even close. According to OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan group that tracks money in politics, money poured into Pennsylvania for Fetterman as he had over $15 million dollars more to work with than Oz.

Many are wondering how Fetterman, a recuperating sick man with the worst debate performance ever on national television, beat Oz? The answer is not a simple sentence. The bottom line was they didn’t want Oz.

Oz was seen as an outsider. Someone who moved to the state to further his career in politics. He is well known. That should have helped but it didn’t help him that much. He was well known for being rich, famous and still relatively good looking for an old guy. Fetterman on the other hand is the local state guy. He doesn’t look so good. They know who he is whether that is good or bad. He has been very sick and trying to rehabilitate. A lot of people feel sorry for him and didn’t see him as a rich, affluent personality but rather a down to earth guy they can relate to.

People often cheer for the underdog. If you post something on social media saying you are sick, bad off, down and out you’ll get many more “likes” or responses than if you post you have just received a career advance and a $50,000 bonus.

Rand Paul of Kentucky raised $26,410,677 and reportedly spent $20 million. I hope he will use the remaining $6 million to rebuild homes in East, Kentucky recently devastated by flooding. Or, even West, Kentucky that is still trying to rebuild from tornadoes that flattened that part of the state.

The money spent on this election and all national elections is insane. People all over America can’t afford to go the grocery store, fill up the gas tank or take care of their children’s school needs. Yet politicians, interest groups, political parties, and Political Action Committees are raising and spending mega millions trying to keep or gain a political seat. You can’t do anything about it either. We have so very little to say about anything in our country.

We have to depend on the people spending millions to get their seat. If the seat is worth millions to them and the special interest groups then do you really think they care about we think?

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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.

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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. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

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7 big mistakes small businesses can't afford to make

Photo: David McBee/PEXELS

by Courtney Rosenfeld

Running a small business often means wearing many hats. From accounting to marketing and everything in between, it can be difficult to know all the ins and outs and to always make the right decision. Here are seven mistakes to avoid in order to turn your new venture into a big success.

No Business Structure

When you start as a solopreneur, you may be tempted to forgo all the legalese and just work on launching your product on the market. But not choosing the right business structure and not registering as the right business entity can end up hurting you in the long run.

For example, When it comes to incorporating a business, there are two main options: an S corporation (S corp) or a C corporation (C corp). You need to understand the S Corp vs C Corp pros and cons, so it's important to do your research before making a decision.

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio/PEXELS

One key difference between the two is that an S corp has pass-through taxation, meaning that profits and losses are passed directly to the shareholders, who then report them on their personal tax returns. A C corp, on the other hand, is taxed separately from its owners. Another notable difference is that an S corp is limited to 100 shareholders, while a C corp can have an unlimited number of shareholders. This can be important if you're planning on expanding your business in the future. When it comes to raising capital, a C corp has an advantage because it can sell shares to the public. However, this also means that there is more paperwork.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between an S corp and a C corp. It depends on your specific business needs and goals.

No Business Budget

For small businesses, keeping track of where the money is coming and going is critical. It will help you separate your personal and company finances, see how much your company is making, and establish what your fixed and variable costs are. Without a budget, you can’t set spending goals or run financial projections to attract potential investors or partners, which will hinder business growth.

No Marketing Plan

So you have a great product, but what good is it if no one hears about it? Without a strong advertising and marketing plan in place, you won’t be able to reach out to your target audience and ultimately generate sales. Failing to do some market research, analyzing what your competition is doing, and forecasting industry trends will prevent you from creating effective ad campaigns that will resonate with potential customers.

No Social Media Presence

It’s not just the kids doing it anymore; in today’s digital world, every business is online, posting content and engaging their followers on various platforms. This is where you showcase your brand and create sales funnels. You can also use social media to join groups and share your expertise, putting yourself out there for all the world to see. Keeping your content useful, relevant, and timely will also help you gain more customers.

No SMART Goals

Setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals will help you steer your business in the right direction. Without SMART goals, you won’t be able to clearly see the end result, and you’ll be left wondering if your company is performing the way it should. Short-term goals are great to help you stay on track and motivated so that you can reach your long-term goals and turn your budding company into a big success.

No Legal Guidance

You may be a do-it-yourselfer in most areas of your life, but when it comes to your business, make sure you consult with experts and professionals to avoid costly fines and penalties. Not filing the proper paperwork with the state, or failing to register your business and paying the fees and taxes required to be in compliance, could lead to huge penalties and even put your company under. Consulting a business attorney may cost you upfront, but their expertise will definitely spare you troubles later on.

No Time for Fun

As excited as you may be to launch your own venture, make sure to carve out time for self-care once in a while. Too many entrepreneurs end up suffering from burnout because they don’t think they can afford a day off. But in order to refuel and spark your creative juices, you need to step out of the office and enjoy some downtime once in a while.

Owning your own business can bring you great freedom, but make sure you avoid pitfalls and take the necessary steps to keep it successful. Don’t hesitate to get expert advice, and hire professionals to fill in potential gaps. Your company will keep thriving, and you’ll enjoy running it.

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Courtney Rosenfeld started Gig Spark to be a resource and the first step for people who are looking to join the gig economy, either to supplement their income or as a way to fulfill their dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.

Taking your family pet on holiday? Book your accommodations early

Photo: RODNAE Productions/PEXELS

by Kim Salerno

Winging it can be a good thing. It takes the pressure off of having to plan and make decisions – and opens the door to spontaneity and free spirit. However, winging it also comes into play when you’re simply procrastinating. There is a time and a place for winging it and reserving a hotel room for you and your pet - particularly around the holiday season is not the time (or place).

If you really want a stress-free holiday and enjoyable trip with your furkid, you should start by planning where you’re going to stay and book your accommodations ahead of time. Booking your pet-friendly hotel room well in advance has many advantages that definitely outweigh the lure of being spontaneous and/or procrastinating.

Get the room you want (and need)
When traveling with your pet, there are typically unique preferences or requirements when it comes to room selection. Booking a room on the first floor is a common request from pet parents. Rooms on the first floor make pet potty breaks easier. Plus, pets with mobility issues prefer first floor accommodations. In addition, a room away from “busy” areas such as an elevator or stairway are favored by people traveling with their pets to avoid potential barking and stress. There are also some hotels that have an allotted number of specific rooms designated for people traveling with pets.

Booking early helps to ensure you’ll get a room that will definitely welcome you and your four-legged traveler. And of course, booking early will help to ensure that you'll get a room with all the highly desired “human” features and amenities that you’d like.

YOUR pets need to be welcome, right?
Lest we forget, not all hotels allow pets. And those that do allow furry guests have specific pet rules. This includes pet weight limits, number of pets allowed, types of pets, and pet fees – among other things. The reality is that it’s going to take a bit more effort to find a hotel that will welcome your 80 lb. dog and three cats than if you’re traveling with one 10 lb. chihuahua.

Booking your hotel in advance will allow you the time to find a pet-friendly hotel that will accommodate your whole crew. It will also give you time to find the best options when it comes to pet fees.

Get good deals
In general, saving on hotel room rates is one of the biggest reasons people make hotel reservations ahead of time. Booking early typically equates to getting a better rate. As the departure date gets closer, availability wanes as the demand for rooms increases. This means you will very likely have to pay more for your pet-friendly hotel room. This is commonly the case when travel plans are around holidays and weekends. In addition, starting your pet-friendly hotel search early affords you more time to “shop” for the best deals.

Stress-free holiday for the win
You’re taking a trip for the holidays with your precious pet. It’s supposed to be an enjoyable, bonding, and stress-free experience.

Anything to reduce stress is always recommended. Securing a hotel room is probably the most important thing you have to do when taking a trip with your pet (unless you’re flying). Why wouldn’t you take the time to ensure that you have the perfect pet-friendly place to stay when you arrive at your destination? Having that big question mark hanging over your head is unnecessary. Do yourself a favor and be sure to book your pet-friendly hotel early.

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Kim Salerno is the founder and CEO of TripsWithPets. With over 45,000 accommodations, TripsWithPets provides online reservations at pet-friendly hotels across the United States and Canada. For more information visit tripswithpets.com.

Seniors earn Honor Roll recognition at SJO

St. Joseph -- At the end of October, St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the first quarter Honor Roll and High Honor Roll recipients. Eighty-four members of the St. Joseph-Ogden Class of 2023 earned first-quarter Honor Roll recognition.

To receive honor roll recognition at SJO, students must earn a grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students whose GPA soared above 3.74 are recognized as High Honor Roll students.

In all, 342 students from the freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior classes earned Honor Roll recognition.

High Honor Roll

Alyssa Acton
McGwire Atwood
Kaytlyn Baker
Olivia Baltzell
Cara Blanchard
Taylor Burch
Tyler Burch
Maddux Carter
Ariana Chambers
Madelynn Cook
Morgan Cramer
Aiden Cromwell
Zachary Dahman
Aleah Dial
Emily Elsbernd
Leah Finley
Joselyn Frerichs
Brent Golladay
Kennedy Greer
Kylie Greer
Andrew Guelfi
Mikyla Haley
Hayden Henkelman
Maya Hewkin
Taylor Hug
Shayne Immke
Emily Jeffries
Aliya Jones
Peyton Jones
Cameran Kelley
Jacob Kern
Aaron Lane
Katherine McDermott
Teagan Miller
Courtney Myren
Ava Northen
Allegra Pearman
Ty Pence
Jack Robertson
Emma Rydell
Kirsten Schaefer
Johanna Schmitz
Jack Setterdahl
Isabel Sexton
Paige Siegmund
Payton Vander Logt
Taylor Voorhees
Alayna Wagle
Emma Ward
Maggie Ward
Jackson Wetzel

Honor Roll

Owen Birt
Ethan Blackburn
Payton Carter
Yamilka Casanova
Bryce Collins
Katie Earley
Grace Flessner
Jessica Gadbury
Joe Gherna
Jackson Greer
Connor Hale
Bryson Helfrich
Mary Hinrichs
Jonas Hutcherson
Jade Kelley
Hunter Ketchum
Austin Kofoot
Skyler Langley
Shane Logan
Haleigh Maddock
Aidan McCorkle
Kyle Meccoli
Blake Morgan
Jacob Newman
Madeline Osterbur
Katharine Short
Garrett Siems
Trinity Tapia
Olivia Terven
Mallory Wagner
Gracelyn Warns
AJ Wells
Payton Wendell

St. Joseph-Ogden juniors make first-quarter Honor Roll

St. Joseph -- At the end of October, St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the first Honor Roll and High Honor Roll of the academic year. Seventy-two students in the junior class earn a spot on the first-quarter list.

To receive honor roll recognition at SJO, students must earn a grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students whose GPA soared above 3.74 are recognized as High Honor Roll students.

High Honor Roll

Edward Alewelt
Logan Allen
Aden Armstrong
Owen Baltzell
Samantha Beetz
Chloe Burkhalter
Payton Carter
Garrett Denhart
Rachel Divan
Sadie Ericksen
Joseph Frasca
Mia Frederick
Addison Frick
Grace Getty
Logan Haake
Chloe Harper
Rachel Harris
Brody Hausman
Annabelle Hueber
Tanner Jacob
Kya Jolley
Helene Jones
Tori Kibler
Lauren Lannert
Hayden Lewis
Quinn Lewis
Taylyn Lockhart
Carson Maroon
Addisyn Martinie
Shannon McMahon
Talan Miller
Isaiah Mock
Rowan Musselman
Caleb Ochs
Macy Reed-Thompson
Addison Roesch
Addison Ross
Daniel Santiago
Lucas Skelton
Logan Smith
Dylan Smoot
Drew Thurman
Emma Thurman
Braxton Waller
Elissia Ward
Colin Wayland
Corbin Wells
Hayden Williams

Honor Roll

Chloe Allen
Kaden Allinger
Mya Bott
Kyler Brown
Tyler Buss
Maya Chahine
Grace Goldenstein
James Harbourt
Jayci Hayes
Rylee Huson
Holden Jones
Luke Landrus
Grace Mabrey
Seth McBride
Ethan McElroy
Cole Pruitt
Addison Seggebruch
Aescton Slowikowski
Madison Stevens
Addisyn Swope
Brody Weaver
Justice Wertz
Nicholas Wetzel
Spencer Wilson

St. Joseph-Ogden's Class of 2025 Honor Roll

St. Joseph -- At the end of October, St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the first quarter Honor Roll and High Honor Roll recipients. Eighty-six students in the sophomore class achieved honor roll status.

To receive honor roll recognition at SJO, students must earn a grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students whose GPA soared above 3.74 are recognized as High Honor Roll students.

High Honor Roll

Rylie Barton
EJ Beckett
Audrey Benoit
Sul Bonny
Landon Brown
Preslee Christians
Madison Clampitt
Aerolyn Davenport
Lauren Dewese
Ella Dietiker
Luke Ditchfield
Jackson Ennis
Savanna Franzen
Kaiden Gaines
Tayton Gerdes
Olivia Getty
Richi Gomez
Mason Guido
Makennah Hamilton
Lauren Harris
Haley Hesterberg
Maebree Houston
Kendrick Johnson
Paige Johnson
Dylan Jones
Sara Kearney
Amilliya Kindle
Owen Knap
Aiden Krall
Madison Lankster
Logan Mills
Gabriel Mortlock
Grace Osterbur
Sonia Patel
Nathan Phillips
Haley Rudolph
Audrey Ruppel
Charles Schmitz
Tanner Siems
Kyler Swanson
Collin Thomey
Samantha Uden
Reese Wheatley
Charley Wright
Fiona Xiao

Honor Roll

Olivia Allinger
Jared Altenbaumer
Davin Alvarez
Dillon Bear
William Besson
Eli Birt
Miles Birt
Chaz Bowlin
Holden Brazelton
Landen Butts
Hayden Coffey
Joshua Courter
Jack Fisher
Lyla Frerichs
Addison Funk
Madelyn George
Joe Griebat
Brodie Harms
Tinley Ideus
Jeffrey Kuchenbrod
Abigail Lacey
Logan Lackey
Lillian Lanter
Kristian Lindsey
Gabriel Mata
Brenden Maury
Chayse Palmer
Logan Patton
Hailie Reifsteck
Sydney Reitmeier
Corbin Smith
Thea Smith
Coy Taylor
Carter Turner
Jackson Walsh
Isabelle Wiese
Madison Wolken
Ava Worley
Zoe Wright
Merial Yeager

100 SJO freshmen start prep academic career on the Honor Roll

St. Joseph -- At the end of last month, St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the first quarter Honor Roll and High Honor Roll recipients. Seventy-eight first-year high school students earned High Honors recognition. An additional 22 members of the freshman class made it on the Honor Roll list.

To receive honor roll recognition at SJO, students must earn a grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students whose GPA soared above 3.74 are recognized as High Honor Roll students.

High Honor Roll

Caroline Aden
Trevor Ames
Kylie Barrowman
Lexie Barrowman
Kaitlyn Beyers
Emily Bird
Aiden Bonny
Addison Brooks
Sara Bytnar
Shelby Campbell
Jacob Carlson
William Carlson
Rudra Chaudhary
Adelyn Childers
Cade Crozier
Adreona Cruz
Caleb Dwyer
Callie Evans
William Franklin
Abigail Getty
Camden Getty
William Haley
Erica Hardimon
Zachary Harper
Claire Hartman
Bryson Houchens
Lydia Huckstadt
Adalyn Jannusch
Kaelyn Jolley
Sophia Kasper
Madilyn Kelley
Sami Kelso
Cooper Kietzman
Alexis Lackey
Ryker Lockhart
Mackenzie Loschen
Vance McComas
Michael McDaniel
Isabelle McGinnis
Kodey McKinney
Patrick McMahon
Ava Midkiff
Ashlyn Miller
Hannah Mock
Delaney Nekolny
Allison Ochs
Brennan Oleynichak
Kayla Osterbur
Colton Overstreet
Garrick Page
Branson Pearman
Kaleb Peoples
Asher Pruemer
Ainsley Rhoton
Lily Rice
Landon Roberts
Logan Rosenthal
Amber Ruppel
Ethan Sanders
Cameron Schlueter
Allison Schmitz
Gracyn Sjoken
Lucas Smith
Tao Smith
Karleigh Spain
Quinn Stahl
Sydney Steinbach
Hadley Sweet
Carlee Taylor
Luke Tranel
Hunter Van Meenen
Sophia Vliet
Ryan Watts
Emma Wells
Madeline Wells
Wyatt Wertz
Logan Xiao
Cyrus Zadeh

Honor Roll

Matthew Alexander
Josiah Beals
Tim Blackburn-Kelley
Timera Blackburn-Kelley
Bella Brooks
Christopher Coffey
Nathan Daly
Katherine Ericksen
Jeffrey Gossett
Charles Hale
Coy Hayes
Bryanna Hood
Amelia Huckstadt
Nick Jackson
Emma McKinney
Grace Preston
Graham Ray
Lance Retz
Jaxson Reynolds
Trevor Sexton
Jacek Slowikowski
Landon Smith

Unity, SJO players recognized as All-Staters

PEORIA -- The names of four area players found a place on this year's Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 3A All-State Football Team.

Announced earlier today, Unity running back Matt Brown and offensive lineman Hunter Duncan will be recognized as two of the state's top football players. St. Joseph-Ogden's wide receiver, Ty Pence, who is an Illinois State University basketball recruit, also earned an All-State nod.

Junior Logan Smith, starting quarterback for SJO, pocketed a Honorable Mention recognition this season.

All-State team members will be recognized during halftime of the Class 3A state championship football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on November 26.

Get in shape before hunting season, strokes and heart attacks can happen

by American Heart Association

DALLAS -- The crisp fall air is a welcome signal for the beginning of hunting seasons across the country, and while gun safety is an important part of any hunting season, the American Heart Association says heart attacks may be one of the biggest dangers many hunters face.

“Many people look to hunting as a way to relax and commune with nature and if you’re healthy and in good physical shape, it can be a great way to get some outdoor exercise. However, for many hunters, the extra exertion, colder temperatures and even the excitement of the hunt can add up to a deadly combination,” said Gustavo E. Flores, M.D., a member of the American Heart Association’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care committee and chairman and chief instructor for Emergency & Critical Care Trainings, LLC, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “Unfortunately, every year some hunters experience heart attacks or strokes while in the woods, so it’s important to recognize symptoms and to be able to take quick action.”

According to Flores, developing an exercise regimen and getting a good health check-up prior to hunting season would be idea. However, many hunters may not think ahead to prepare physically for the exertion hunting can have on the body – especially the heart. The colder temperatures of hunting season can cause blood vessels to constrict. Tracking prey may mean lots of walking or running, often in hilly terrain. The excitement of seeing and connecting with a target can release hormones that can increase blood pressure to cause the heart rate to spike. Then the labor of dragging an animal through the woods can leave even the most fit hunter breathless.

“Heart attacks and strokes can happen even to people who seem in good physical shape,” Flores said. “Listen to your body, take breaks if needed and have a plan in case of emergencies. Never hunt alone if possible and if cell phone service isn’t available, use walkie-talkies to stay in touch with your hunting party. Recognizing the warnings signs and seeking immediate help are key.”

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Use the letters in F.A.S.T to spot a stroke

• F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
• A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
• T = Time to call 911
• Other signs can include: numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; or a severe headache with no known cause

Getting a person to the hospital quickly during a heart attack or stroke is critical to ensure they get medication and treatment to save their life. If calling 9-1-1 isn’t an option in the woods, it can also help to know in advance where the closest hospital is to the hunting area.

Cardiac arrest differs from a heart attack because the heart suddenly stops beating, often without any warning. Signs of a cardiac arrest are:

• Sudden loss of responsiveness – The person doesn’t respond, even if you tap them hard on the shoulders or ask loudly if they're OK. The person doesn’t move, speak, blink or otherwise react.
• No normal breathing – The person isn’t breathing or is only gasping for air.

In the event of a cardiac arrest, seconds count. Call 9-1-1, begin CPR immediately and continue until professional emergency medical services arrive.

“Learning hands-only CPR is one of the best skills any hunter can have. The American Heart Association offers many local CPR classes, and even if you haven’t taken a formal class, you can still save a life. It’s two simple steps – call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest,” Flores said. “While hunting can be a very strenuous activity, taking a few precautions and being prepared can make a difference in the safety of the experience.”

Spartan basketball teams to face the state's best at State Farm Classic

Bloomington -- Once again, St. Joseph-Ogden boys' and girls' basketball programs will compete for tournament titles at the State Farm Holiday Classic next month. This year's tournament is the 43rd in the series and includes three state champions, two additional state trophy winners, and 17 teams overall ranked last season in the final AP poll. The annual holiday hoops competition at four locations in Bloomington-Normal December 27-30.

Under first-year head coach Drew Arteaga, the Lady Spartans lost their first two games, then regrouped to win their last two. SJO finished fifth in last year's consolation bracket after using a 20-point advantage to roll over El Paso-Gridley, 49-29.

Meanwhile, the St. Joseph-Ogden boys squad, the #2 seed in the 2021 tournament, opened the post-Christmas basketball tournament with wins over Tri-Valley and Quincy Notre Dame. The Spartans then suffered back-to-back losses finishing in 4th place.

In the small school boys' bracket with SJO, the field of participating programs includes Annawan, Aurora Christian, Bloomington Central Catholic, Chicago Providence St. Mel, Downs Tri-Valley, East Dubuque, El Paso-Gridley, Kankakee Bishop McNamara, Minonk Fieldcrest, Normal University, Quincy Notre Dame, Rock Falls, Rockford Lutheran, Stanford Olympia, and Winnebago.

"Our boys’ field is loaded with perennial powerhouse teams and highly recruited players," said Tournament President Kyle Myers. "We had three large school teams opt out of returning, but we feel the new teams we are bringing in will continue to make our tournament ‘The Best Basketball this side of March!’"

Meanwhile, the girls' small school bracket features most of the historically top 1A and 2A basketball programs in the state, which include: Annawan, Bloomington Central Catholic, Brimfield, Camp Pt. Central/Augusta Southeastern, El Paso-Gridley, Kankakee Bishop McNamara, Normal University, Paris, Port Byron Riverdale, Rock Falls, Rockford Lutheran, Sherrard, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, Stanford Olympia, and Winnebago are all schools that consistently make deep postseason runs.

Winnebago, who finished the season as the Class 2A runner-up, won last year's girls' tournament title with Brimfield, the 2021 Class 1A state champions, finishing in second place.