Spartan football season starts in 60 days

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden senior Justice Wertz carries the ball after a hand off from Logan Smith during his team's 2023 home opener against Monticello last fall. See more photos from this game here.

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ST. JOSEPH - Exactly two months from today, the Spartans' offensive backfield will feature several new faces in key positions. The team finished the past season 8-3 overall, in the Illini Prairie Conference, and will open on the road at Monticello on August 30. SJO's regular season schedule features just four home contests.

Here is a look at the upcoming 2023-2024 schedule.

8/30 @ Monticello 7:00pm

9/6 • Tolono Unity 7:00pm

9/13 @ Prairie Central 7:00pm

9/20 @ Illinois Valley Central 7:00pm

9/27 • Carterville 7:00pm

10/4 @ Bloomington Central Catholic 7:00pm

10/11 • Pontiac 7:00pm

10/18 @ Rantoul 7:00pm

10/25 • Paxton-Buckley-Loda 7:00pm

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Study finds youths of color have fewer summer job offers in Illinois

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

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CHICAGO - Summer jobs are a boost for companies needing seasonal help. But Black and Latino youths are not seeing the opportunities come their way.

A report by the University of Illinois-Chicago Great Cities Institute has found these teens face fewer job prospects than white applicants.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security indicates 16 to 24-year-olds have had the highest unemployment rate among all age groups - including those at retirement age - since 2017.

Great Cities Institute Research Assistant Samantha Sepulveda Santos said some neighborhoods are struggling more than others.

"We can see," said Sepulveda Santos, "that the highest percentages of joblessness among students in Chicago - which is 93% - were found in areas in the South and Southwest. In Hilton, Bridgeport, McKinley Park, Fuller Park, and Back of the Yards."

Recovery time from pandemic-related shutdowns in the Chicago Public Schools system was slower than other area districts, according to the report.

Sepulveda Santos said she believes this data supports the necessity to implement programming for equal employment opportunities.

The report claims more than 163,000 16 to 24-year-olds in Chicago are unemployed and not enrolled in high school or college.

Sepulveda Santos acknowledged that competition is harder for these youths to enter a trade school to receive technical training for in-demand jobs - which could contribute to higher disparity numbers.

"And another factor we allude to as well is that not all people have the same opportunities," said Sepulveda Santos. "Not all people have the same networking, the same preparation for cover letters, for interviews. Most people have a leg up to be able to ask an aunt, an uncle, a neighbor for a job, as other people do."

The institute is seeking funding for a youth employment training program to teach teens about applying for jobs and being productive workers upon hire.

The study also suggests if Illinois spent $300 million on youth employment, crime rates could be reduced.

Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show in July 2023, the unemployment rate nationwide for Black youth was 18%, nearly 11% for Latinos, and 7% for white youths.

Commentary | Be careful walking after dark, the police may be scary

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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Recently, I was taking a late night walk in Owenton, Kentucky. Owenton is a little town of maybe six hundred people in rural north central Kentucky. I had just finished watching the sad Biden-Trump debate and decided that a walk and some ice cream sounded good.

I walked to our local convenience store which is about a half mile from where I was staying in Owenton. It was a beautiful summer night and I only saw two cars on the road in route to the store. I bought an ice cream bar and had it eaten within twenty steps of the store when the only car I saw on the way home pulled up beside me and someone asked, “Sir, are you alright?”

It was the local city police. I responded, “Yes sir, I’m doing fine.”

He asked, “Would you like a ride home?” To which I replied, “No sir, I’m just out for a walk.”

He then asked, “Have you been drinking?”

I replied, “No sir, just been eating a Snicker’s Ice Cream Bar.”

He continued, “Are you sure?”

“Yes sir, I’m sure.”

He then asked, “Where are you going?” I told him the street which was only about five more minutes of walking time.

I thought all was well as he and another policeman drove off but they made a U-turn and pulled right back up in front of me. The cop got out of the car and told me he wanted to do a breathalyzer test.

I’ve never had one in my life. I agreed to it. He was right in the middle of the street. I walked out to meet him and he told me to blow into the straw. I complied. He shook his head because, of course, the test was negative.

The officer told me his name and I responded by telling him mine and we shook hands. He told me to be safe walking home. He then wanted to know exactly where I lived and I gave him the street name and house number.

As I walked up the street and neared home, I looked up. Once again, he and the other officer passed by. I suppose they were checking to see if I went where I said I was going.

This was really dramatic and over the top. I was simply taking a walk.

I wasn’t falling into the street or staggering from one side to the other. I was walking. He had no cause to stop and embarrass me but called me out into the middle of the street for a breathalyzer. Fortunately, not one car drove by while he was doing that. It’s a small town and no one was out at 11:10 at night.

Almost no one gets out and walks in this town. If anybody has to go to the local convenience store, they drive their car even it’s just a block or two. Thus, maybe the police thought if someone was out walking then surely the person had to be up to no good or intoxicated.

I’m, very supportive of the police. I’m appreciative of all who work to keep us safe. We need good police officers protecting us. However, this was ridiculous.

Don’t harass people just because you are bored and have nothing else to do.

I feel sorry for the many people in this nation who have been racially profiled for years. They are often pulled over because they are Black or a different nationality. Sometimes people are pulled over if they are driving a red sports car or if they are someone who is an “outsider.”

Often small towns can be very cliquish. If they don’t know who you are or if you are not “one” of the community residents then you are immediately profiled as an outsider and outsiders are often disliked, shunned or just treated badly.

Freedom to move about the country is a wonderful privilege. Let us be appreciative of our freedom this fourth of July week.

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He is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. 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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Fighting cancer with tomatoes

by Matt Sheehan

OSF Healthcare

You’ve heard the term “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, how about, “tomatoes each week, keeps your health at peak?”

Not only are these bright red, juicy fruits filled with vitamins and minerals, but they can also lessen the risk of cancer, says Katrina Sommer, an advanced clinical dietitian with OSF HealthCare.

“They have these extra ‘bonus nutrients’ we call phytochemicals. They’re found in plant foods, and these help us fight inflammation and act as an antioxidant. This helps get the free radicals out of there that lessen the risk for cancer development,” Sommer says.

Photo: Yves Deploige/Unsplash

Sommer and her team at the OSF Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois work alongside cancer patients on what diet is best for them to fight cancer. She says plant foods play a huge role.

“We know a diet that is mostly plant-based, can help lower our risk for cancer and other diseases like heart disease and diabetes,” Sommer says. “It helps us keep a healthy weight, too.”

What is Lycopene?

“Lycopene is one of those phytochemicals. There’s a lot of different groups of these phytochemicals. One of them is called carotenoids. Carotenoids a lot of times will give the plant food its color. Lycopene is a type of carotenoid and gives the tomato that bright red or orange color,” Sommer says. “Lycopene is also found in watermelon, grapefruit and is the red or pink color you see.”

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) identified 72 human and animal studies and concluded that lycopene contained anti-cancer activities. Now, the NIH says the next step is to identify a population that might benefit from lycopene supplementation.

“It’s been shown that eating tomatoes a couple times a week can help lessen the risk of metastatic prostate cancer,” Sommer adds.

Cook tomatoes and drizzle olive oil

“These need to be absorbed very well in our system. To do that, cook them and you can drizzle olive oil on them so we can absorb those nutrients optimally,” Sommer says.

What if I don’t like tomatoes?

“Think of those tomato foods that are cooked. Tomato sauce or tomato soup are good options. They help absorb the lycopene and carotenoids that are in there. So, it doesn’t just have to be a fresh tomato on a salad, you can eat it cooked as well,” Sommer says.

How can red meat or processed meat affect my risk for cancer?

“Something to consider is how much meat you’re eating, especially red meat and processed meat. Too much of these can raise the risk of developing cancer,” Sommer says. “Same with drinking alcohol. We want to lower the amount of alcohol we drink or avoid it if we can.”

Another food factor to consider if you want to avoid cancer - Sommer says to watch out how much added sugar you have in your diet. Too much added sugar intake can affect our weight in negative ways, while not providing any beneficial nutrition. Sodas are a part of this equation due to the added sugar and lack of beneficial nutrition they offer.

“Eating too much fast food or processed food doesn’t have the nutrients we need. It might not have the fiber we get in the plant foods. It doesn’t really help our bodies fight inflammation or cancer risk, so it can raise the risk for cancer developing,” Sommer says.

Overall, Sommer recommends being more mindful of your overall diet and considering the foods and drinks you’re bringing into your body if you want to do everything you can to prevent cancer.

Tips for prepping your summer trip abroad

Photo: JESHOOTS.COM/Unsplash

SNS - Are you gearing up for a summer trip abroad? Excitement and adventure await as you plan to explore new territories. This guide is to help you with essential preparations to make your experience abroad both rewarding and smooth.

Getting to know your destination's cultural norms and everyday practices will enhance your interactions. And you will also want to understand the local weather to help you pack appropriately. Also, don't overlook crucial aspects like health safety and necessary vaccinations. Read on for a detailed preparation guide that will equip you with knowledge and tips for an unforgettable summer adventure.

Researching Your Destination

Proper preparation can transform your summer trip abroad into a fantastic one. Knowing about the place you plan to visit is key.

Local Culture

Start by exploring local traditions and social norms. This insight helps you respect and engage with the community more deeply. Learning basic greetings in the local language also shows respect and can enhance your interactions. Attending local events can offer a real taste of the cultural scene.

Next, investigate the local cuisine, which often reflects a place’s cultural heritage and values. Trying traditional dishes can provide an authentic connection to the area and its people. Furthermore, familiarizing yourself with local laws and regulations ensures you navigate your travels consciously, avoiding any unintentional disrespect or complications.

Health and Safety

Lastly, look into health precautions. Research any vaccinations you might need and where you can find medical facilities if required. Knowing emergency numbers and the area's safety landscape will help you manage potential risks. Also, check for any travel advisories or updates related to health issues in the area. Before departing, confirm the availability and locations of hospitals or clinics near your accommodations. Stay updated by subscribing to real-time health and travel advisory board alerts for any last-minute developments impacting your destination.

Travel Documents and Finances

Securing travel documents and properly managing finances can set the tone for a stress-free adventure abroad.

Passport and Visas

First, check that your passport will remain valid for at least six months after your planned return date. Many countries require this for entry. Next, look into visa requirements for your destination well ahead of time. Some countries allow easy online applications, whereas others might necessitate visiting an embassy or consulate.

Handling Your Money Wisely

Subsequently, turn your attention to financial preparations. Start by informing your bank of travel dates to avoid frozen accounts due to unusual foreign transactions. Exchanging some currency prior to departure avoids high airport fees. Consider a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees for daily expenses. Finally, creating a detailed travel budget helps keep your spending on track, allowing you to enjoy local attractions and cuisine worry-free.

Packing Smart

When preparing for a trip abroad, packing can make or break your experience.

Essential Items for Varied Climates

Checking historical weather patterns during your travel period helps you pack appropriately. Always prepare for sudden weather changes, which might require a mix of lightweight and warmer clothing. Include versatile pieces that can adapt to both indoor and outdoor temperatures.

Furthermore, consider the practicality of layering your outfits. Carrying items like scarves, cardigans, and breathable jackets allows you to adjust comfortably to fluctuating temperatures without overpacking. Also, waterproof footwear and a sturdy umbrella are wise choices for unexpected rain showers, ensuring you stay dry and can continue exploring regardless of the weather.

Don’t Leave without your Tech Tools

Tech gadgets simplify travel. A universal adapter, a power bank, and a good pair of headphones are must-haves. So, don’t forget to add them to your luggage. On top of that, apps for navigation and translation prove invaluable.

Packing Strategies

For smart packing, rolling clothes instead of folding saves space and reduces wrinkles. Similarly, vacuum-seal bags can compress bulky items like jackets or beach towels.

However, if you want to ship over larger and more fragile items, you should let specialists handle packing. Lippincott Van Lines, a company with decades of experience that offers national and international moving, storage, and logistics services, can take care of packing and safe transportation.

Final Preparations Before Departure

As you count down the days to your departure, meticulous planning becomes crucial. Start by finalizing your itinerary. Include major landmarks, local eateries, and some leisure time to explore spontaneously. Don’t forget to confirm reservations and double-check transport schedules.

Next, secure your home. Arrange for a neighbor to keep an eye on your property, set timers for your lights, and consider a temporary mail hold. This step prevents any unwelcome surprises upon your return. Additionally, streamline your communication by setting up an autoresponder for your email. Inform colleagues and clients about your travel dates, ensuring no one expects immediate responses during your time away.

Before you set off, perform a final health check. Visit your doctor for any last-minute vaccines or prescriptions. Also, pack a travel medical kit tailored to your destination’s specific risks, like insect repellent for tropical climates or altitude sickness pills for mountainous regions.

Lastly, recheck your travel documents a day before leaving. Ensure your passport, visa, and insurance details are accessible. Keeping digital copies on your phone or in an online drive offers an extra layer of security. With these steps completed, you’re ready to embrace your adventure abroad with confidence.

So, as you prepare for your summer trip abroad, here are a few final thoughts.

First, research your destination thoroughly to respect local customs and optimally enjoy your stay. Second, ensure all travel documents are up to date and understand the financial landscape of your destination for hassle-free experiences. Also, pack efficiently to make navigating foreign locales less daunting.

Finally, a well-thought-out departure plan ensures you leave nothing to chance. Embrace these tips and set off on your adventure equipped for an unforgettable and rewarding experience. Safe travels!

USTA 4.0 league opener delayed

URBANA - Thanks to a fast-moving thunderstorm that brought heavy rainfall to the area, the opener 2024 Mid-South Illinois Adult 18 & Over season was put on hold forty minutes into the match between Champaign 4.0 teams Bauer and Kalantzis-Cope.

Playing at #1 singles on Court 5 at Atkins Tennis Center, K-C's Glen Yang was up 2-1 over Bauer's Adam Huls. Yang, who went 3-2 in singles last summer, notched wins over David Diep, Daniel O'Brien, and Arjun Shah. When play resumes, Huls will serve to even the score in the first set.

In the second singles contest, K-C's Parham Parastaran was up two-love over Bauer's Ignacio Arretche when Mother Nature opened the sky above Champaign-Urbana's largest outdoor tennis facility. Facing a young Argentinian with a blazing two-handed backhand, Parastaran returns to USTA competition for the first time in 12 years. Arretche will serve when the match starts.

Philip Kalantzis-Cope's team also held the advantage on two of the three doubles courts.

Duo Andrew Leakey and Andrew Hartman were a point away from winning their third game at love-40 against area newcomer David Sale and Nick LeVanti, who trailed on the scoreboard 2-1.

At #2 doubles, Tom Wilson and Santiago Romero were nursing a fragile 2-1 lead before being forced to retreat to shelter. Down 15-30 in game four, Eric Helfer was ready to serve on the deuce side before the mad dash for cover ensued with partner Steve Gardner.

On the third doubles court, Mark Woolwine was about to serve at 30-love when the mass exodus from the courts started as the rain quickly transitioned from a mist to large drops. Up 2-1, Woolwine, with partner Patrick Hartman, were dialing their intensity up, hoping to distance themselves on the scorecard from Bauer's Angad Mehta and Clark Brooks.

The match will resume on Monday, July 22, alongside an ITF Futures tournament at Atkins Tennis Center.

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Somewhere under the rainbow at Meier Field

At the plate, senior Braxton Waller tries put the ball in play during a brief moment of sunshine and a rainbow over Meier Field on Thursday after four innings of light drizzle during St. Joseph-Ogden's home baseball game against Mattoon. The Spartans held off a late rally by the Green Wave to win their 29th contest of the season, 7-5. SJO plays at home again hosting the Salt Fork Storm on Saturday at 10am.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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Illinois AG files TRO against news group that refuses to remove voter information

Last month, the State Board of Elections (SBE) asked Attorney General Kwame Raoul to consider legal action against Local Government Information Services (LGIS), a publishing business operated by co-founder Brian Timpone and reportedly backed by failed gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft of Naples, Florida.

You see, LGIS, which operates the Chambana Sun and 19 other news sites focused on local news, is under scrutiny because they recently published voting information for every voting precinct in the state. In addition to listing a breakdown of support by party, the automated story also divulges the number of registered voters and number residents in the district.

Here is an example from one of the Tolono precincts:

"The voting breakdown in Southeastern Township of Tolono: Precinct Tolono 1 reveals 59.6% of the total supporting Republicans, and 36.8% of the votes for Democrats, highlighting the precinct's political preferences.

Overall, 170 registered voters in the Southeastern Township of Tolono: Precinct Tolono 1 did not vote in 2020.

Additionally, an estimated total of 1,546 residents were reported to be aged 18 or older in Southeastern Township of Tolono: Precinct Tolono 1, according to the last US Census and the 2021 American Community Survey."

~ Chambana Sun

That information is pretty vanilla. Where the defendants may have crossed the line legally if not morally, is each article lists the full name of the voter, their birthdate, their address, and whether they voted in the 2020 election or not. No doubt scammers and identity thieves are absolutely tickled pink having unfettered access to the information.

Local county clerks and the SBE have received complaints from concerned voters statewide.

Despite the SBE's request that the sensitive information be removed from the Chambana Sun and their other news sites, LGIS has seemingly ignored the state authority that regulates election integrity and information. On Friday, A.G. Raoul filed a TRO request in Lake County against LGIS alleging violations of the state election codes.

Plaintiffs, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on behalf of the People of the State of Illinois and the Illinois State Board of Elections, by their attorney, Kwame Raoul, Attorney General of the State of Illinois, submit this Memorandum of Law in Support of their Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction, against Defendant, Local Government Information Services, Inc., based on Defendant’s publication of sensitive voter registration information in violation of Sections 4-8, 5-7, and 6-35 of the Illinois Election Code. 10 ILCS 5/4-8, 5-7, and 6-35."

The Attorney General claims that LGIS is not a political committee and could not have legally obtained the voter information. Typically, political action committees can purchase the State Board of Elections' voter file for political reasons. Use of the information can be used for other business purposes.

Timpone, once the CEO of the Greater Illinois News Group which briefly owned newspapers in Champaign, Douglas, and Moultrie Counties, worked locally as a TV reporter and covered the capitol for WCIA-TV decades ago. You can't discuss the term "Pink-Slime Journalism" without his name. According to the New York Times, "The sites operated by Timpone's networks do not typically post false information, but "the operation is rooted in deception, eschewing hallmarks of news reporting like fairness and transparency".

Proft, who at one time portrayed himself as part-owner of LGIS and earned a law degree from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law, dipped a toe into Illinois politics back in 2009 when he tossed his hat into the ring for the governor's seat. Frost-bitten in the cold world of campaigning, he received only 7.78% of the Republican vote in the primary, coming in sixth in the seven-way race. According to various sources, his name does not appear on corporate ownership documents.

Matt Dietrich, a spokesman for the Illinois State Board of Elections, told Fox 2 News last month that LGIS has no right to publish the data from 2016.

“They are not entitled to have that file, which was obtained under the idea it was for a political action committee and to be used for political purposes,” he told the Fox affiliate.

Obviously, the managing team for the Lake Forest-based company believes otherwise. The information is still readily available on Chambana Sun and other sites under their control.

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Commentary |The National Enquirer’s Pecker Lie and butt-busting frogs

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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I’ve never bought a copy of The National Enquirer. However, I’ve read from it some down through the years. If I’ve been standing in a grocery store checkout line for a few minutes then the tabloid has been a source of comic fodder. It’s always been a good comic book.

I’ve never read anything in the publication that I took as gospel truth. Typically, the headlines have been something sensational like, “Green Creatures from Mars Visit the White House,” or, “76-year-old woman has triplets. Democrats blame it on George H.W. Bush.”

The former publisher David Pecker, recently admitted in New York City court that the tabloid had made up the story about Lee Harvey Oswald being associated with Ted Cruz’s father Rafael Cruz. The story was completely fabricated along with fabricated pictures. The fabrication was that Rafael Cruz and Oswald were handing out pro Fidel Castro propaganda prior to Oswald’s assassination. The point of the whole lie had to be to cost Cruz just enough votes to drive him out of the 2016 run for President. This is a rear-end busting moment for The Enquirer.

In recent days, we have also heard about the tabloid buying stories from individuals just so they could simply kill the story. If the publication did not promise they were publishing the story, then they had every right to buy the story and not follow through with publication. They paid for it and had every right to decide not to use the story.

So, what if they had used any of the stories they did not publish? Many Americans are like me they take the stories of The National Enquirer with a grain of salt. However, of course, some people believe everything they hear and read. Even though the story about Ted Cruz’s father was a big lie, many Americans surely believed it because some believe anything that’s in print.

Sadly, we can’t believe everything we hear on television and we can’t believe everything we read in The National Enquirer, if anything.

In today’s world do you believe everything you hear on television or read in print?

Many of us miss the good ol’ days of Walter Cronkite or the evening news with Huntley-Brinkley. You probably don’t even know who I’m talking about but it was back in the old days when pushing a certain political candidate on any news format would not have been tolerated.

We live in a different day, or do we? The National Enquirer, has always been The National Enquirer. Stormy Daniels, has always been Stormy Daniels. She is a pornographic actress. David Pecker has admitted to being who he is, someone who is willing to publish a lie to bring about pain and suffering regardless of the cost. Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are who they are and most likely you have made up your mind which way you are voting.

Regardless of how much you enjoy reading the garbage of The National Enquirer just remember that even though you might put feathers on a frog it will never fly and will always bust its butt every time it jumps.

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He is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. 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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