Harper drains 21 for the Urbana in loss to Prairie Central

URBANA - In a career performance, Lai'yonna Harper scored a game-high 21 points in Urbana's home basketball game against Prairie Central on Tuesday. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to help the Tigers secure the "W' in the 48-35 non-conference loss to the Hawks.

Junior Madison Shade finished with seven points, and Sofia Recio rounded out the top three UHS scorers with three points.

The visiting Hawks were led by Jayla Hammond's 14 points, the sophomore and one of two team captains, delivered nine in the third quarter. Two other players notched double figures. Cami Slagel finished with 13 points, and the other captain Abi Nimbler chipped in another 11.

The Tigers play their next three contest on the road, starting with a trip to Peoria to take on Richwoods for a 12:30 PM varsity game on Saturday. The team then heads to Normal University High School for a non-conference game against the Pioneers. Then, on Thursday, it is another trip west to Peoria for a Big Twelve battle with the Rams of Manual.

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Protecting cherished pets from highly pathogenic avian influenza: A guide for pet owners

Pets, like cats and dogs, are not immune from contracting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly called the Bird Flu. Veterinarians are recommending viligence, keeping a close watch over pets when outside the home to avoid contracting the fatal disease.

Annette Meyer/Pixabay

SNS - As the threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) looms over both avian and domestic populations, pet owners face an urgent challenge: protecting their beloved companions from a virus that can turn a playful afternoon into a perilous health crisis. HPAI, primarily affecting birds, poses significant risks to pets, particularly those that may come into contact with infected avian species. Understanding the nature of this virus and its transmission is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of pets.

HPAI is highly contagious, spreading rapidly among birds and leading to severe illness or death. The virus is shed through the droppings and saliva of infected birds, making close contact with these animals or their waste a potential hazard for pets. While birds such as chickens and ducks are at the highest risk, other pets, including cats and dogs, are not entirely immune to the virus.

Chickens and ducks have the highest risk of contracting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Photo: Erik Karits/Pixabay

One of the most effective ways to safeguard pets from HPAI is through diligent biosecurity measures. Pet owners should clean and disinfect areas where their pets spend time, particularly if they have access to outdoor spaces. Limiting contact with wild birds is essential, as these creatures can shed the virus through their droppings and saliva. Additionally, preventing pets from scavenging raw bird remains can further reduce the risk of exposure. By creating a controlled environment, pet owners can significantly diminish the chances of their animals contracting the virus.

Monitoring pets for any signs of illness is another critical step in protecting them from HPAI. Symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing can indicate a potential infection. If a pet exhibits any of these signs, it is vital to consult a veterinarian promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome for affected animals. Pet owners should remain vigilant, especially during times when HPAI outbreaks are reported in their area.

“Unfortunately, all dead animal carcasses have the potential to transmit HPAI. Waterbirds are the most affected species and they have the potential to transmit the virus without showing clinical signs, but a huge variety of wild and domestic bird and mammal species have died from HPAI,” says Stephany Lewis, a professor of zoological medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and director of the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic. “It is recommended to always keep cats indoors. Cats, dogs and other pets that do spend some time outdoors should remain leashed and closely monitored to keep them away from wildlife and poultry.”

In the event of suspected exposure to HPAI, immediate action is necessary. Quarantining the affected pet can help prevent the virus from spreading to other animals or humans. Pet owners should also practice thorough hand hygiene after handling their pets to avoid any potential transmission. By staying informed and proactive, pet owners can play a crucial role in protecting their companions from the risks associated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, ensuring their health and happiness in an uncertain environment.

Infected pets may exhibit a range of symptoms, from flu-like signs to severe respiratory issues. Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.

Lewis said pets may become infected with HPAI if they consume dead infected birds, eat raw meat from infected birds, or drink unpasteurized milk from infected cows. “Some raw pet foods have been linked to HPAI infection and deaths in house cats. Other routes of transmission, such as inhalation or ingestion of aerosolized secretions or feces from infected birds, are also possible but have not yet been confirmed,” she explained in an interview with the University of Illinois News Bureau. “In humans, most HPAI infections have occurred from unprotected direct contact with infected animals — usually poultry or cattle — or surfaces contaminated with feces or respiratory secretions from infected animals. The virus can enter through a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or via inhalation.”

She added that there have not been any reported infections from ingestion of properly cooked poultry or pasteurized milk but pointed out that improper handling of raw poultry products or ingestion of undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk could result in infection in humans as well as pets.

Infected pets may exhibit a range of symptoms, from flu-like signs to severe respiratory issues. Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, HPAI can lead to death, underscoring the importance of vigilance among pet owners.

To mitigate the risks associated with HPAI, biosecurity measures are essential. This involves cleaning and disinfecting pet areas, limiting contact with wild birds, and preventing pets from consuming raw bird remains. Pet owners are advised to supervise any interactions between their pets and birds, ensuring that contact is brief and monitored.

There appears to be a range of susceptibility to this current strain of H5N1 among different species. Besides waterbirds, the next most frequently seen wild birds with HPAI-related morbidity and mortality are crows and raptors, but any bird can become sick with avian influenza.

Lewis said clinical signs in birds observed most frequently are cloudy eyes, a symptom of corneal edema, and neurologic signs like tremors, weakness, incoordination, inability to stand, and seizures. Other vague, non-specific signs of illness can occur, or the animal may die suddenly without observed clinical signs.

Veterinarians can provide expert guidance on treatment options and care for pets affected by HPAI. Their knowledge is invaluable in navigating the complexities of this viral threat.

The symptoms of avian influenza in any species can mimic those of many other diseases, so there’s no way to know for sure an animal has avian influenza without laboratory diagnostics. Wild carnivores, such as foxes, bobcats and other wild felines, skunks, fishers, mink and even marine mammals such as seals have all been documented to get sick and die from avian influenza.

If a pet shows signs of illness, it is crucial for owners to act swiftly. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for infected animals. Pet owners should consult their veterinarians immediately if they suspect their pet has contracted HPAI.

In the event of exposure to HPAI, pet owners should implement quarantine measures to prevent the potential spread of the virus. Isolating the affected pet and practicing thorough hand hygiene after handling them can help reduce the risk of transmission to other animals or humans.

Veterinarians can provide expert guidance on treatment options and care for pets affected by HPAI. Their knowledge is invaluable in navigating the complexities of this viral threat.

Animal doctors recommend staying informed and start implementing preventive measures to protect pets from the risks associated with HPAI. By following recommended guidelines above and remaining vigilant, pet owners can help ensure the health and well-being of their cherished companions. Proactive measures and prompt responses to potential threats can make a significant difference in safeguarding pets against this serious viral infection.

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52% of Americans say there is a secret to success, according to new study

For most, financial success means being able to pay bills on time, owning a home, and affording luxuaries like travel abroad and attending entertainment events.

Photo: Christina Morillo/PEXELS
BPT - Is there a secret to financial success? Most Americans (52%) say "yes" — and the average salary considered successful is $270,000 per year, and $5.3 million in net worth, according to new research from Empower, a financial services leader in investing, planning, and advice.

But it's not just money — it's what money can buy. Only 27% rank wealth as the highest measure of financial success. Rather, most Americans say happiness (59%) is the most important benchmark — being able to spend money on the things and experiences that bring the most joy, doing what you love, followed by the luxury of free time (35%) to pursue personal passions.

People say success is about the "Factor of Four": hard work (84%); talent (65%); who you know (55%) or The Network Effect; and luck and circumstance (51%). The secret is to be a visionary (36%) — and then outwork everyone (32%), a belief held most firmly by those with incomes over $100k, rising to 40%. Pay yourself first, say over one third of people (35%), by putting money away and saving for retirement. For 1 in 5 younger generations (Gen Zers and Millennials 19%) a secret to success is "fake it 'til you make it."

"Fortune favors the bold, and people feel success is within their grasp with the right combination of dreaming and planning," says Rebecca Rickert, head of communications at Empower. "It's about disciplined, smart money choices, but overall people define financial success as very meritocratic, and a little serendipitous. There's a sense that effort and outperformance will take you far."

Still, nearly half of Americans (47%) feel they'll never achieve the level of success they're seeking. Just 37% of people consider themselves financially successful right now — with higher numbers of men than women (42% compared to 33%). Only half (50%) of people state they are or will be better off financially than their parents, a long-held meterstick for generational success.

Barriers to success

More than one third say the economy (35%) and income instability — irregular or insufficient income streams (30%) — is a culprit, along with lack of knowledge about managing finances (20%). Nearly a third say the biggest obstacle to success is not setting clear financial goals (28%). Over 1 in 4 (26%) say procrastination or delaying financial planning or decision-making gets in the way. People see a lack of savings (35%), overspending and not budgeting effectively (37%), and debt (36%) as barriers to success.

Despite hurdles, most Americans (58%) believe that they will achieve financial success in their lifetime, with the younger generations most optimistic (Gen Z 71%, Millennials 70%, Gen X 53% and Baby Boomers 45%).

Success, realized

For most people (63%), financial success is found in tangible wins: being able to pay bills on time, owning a home (52%), and affording experiences like travel and entertainment (47%). For 40%, it's about retiring at a goal age — and while they are working, enjoying the job (42%).

Having a financial plan (45%), building up retirement plan savings like 401(k) investments (30%), and investing in stocks (27%) are top money moves people say propel greater success. One in 3 people (30%) say getting good financial advice is worth its weight in gold.

More key findings from Empower's report, "Secret to Success":

  • Making it: People say the surest path to success is a well-paying job (51%), saving as much as possible and the power of compounding (46%), along with making smart investment decisions (46%). Some 36% say it's financial education. People reveal that a secret to success is never spending more money than you make (52%).
  • Risking it: Nearly 1 in 4 (23%) say taking risks is an important money move to get richer. A third (34%) believe success means prioritizing your efforts because Time is Money.
  • Society says: Americans say their personal definition of success is often at odds with what society prizes. Less than half of people (43%) define financial success as having a certain amount of money or assets. Conversely, people say society equates success with wealth (59%), power (44%), and fame (35%). Just 6% say they value "power" as a measure of success for themselves.
  • Success through the ages: Almost half of Americans (49%) feel less financially successful compared to others. 60% say that for their generation, financial success is much harder to achieve than for other generations — a sentiment highest among Millennials at 69%, and lowest among Boomers at 49%. Still, the definition of success may be evolving, as 83% agree that each generation has its own idea of success.
  • Success is in the eye of the beholder: Most Americans agree (71%) that there is no single measurement for financial success. One point of agreement: 61% say you can never have enough money.
  • Health = wealth: Over a third say success is just as much about physical well-being (35%) as it is how much money they have (27%).
  • More money, more problems: 47% agree with the adage "more money, more problems." The majority (71%) say being rich has a positive connotation, and 61% say being rich is more than dollars and cents.
  • Success at work: People say the definition of success at work is how much money they earn (38%), benefits like healthcare, insurance and time off (36%) — but it's also about the intangibles: finding the right job fit that aligns with their values and personality (35%) and receiving recognition and appreciation (35%). A third say having a good boss is worth its weight in gold (29%), and people view success in the workplace as flexibility (26%) and autonomy (20%).
  • The value of a degree: 35% say the college you attend is a big determinant of how rich you are (vs 65% who say it isn't).

Visit The Currency™ to read Empower's full research report, "Secret to Success."

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Food & Dining |
5 simple tips to turn leftovers into new tasty meals

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio/PEXELS
BPT - No gathering would be complete without a feast. Sharing a meal with friends and family encourages conversation and bonding, not to mention the opportunity to show off your culinary skills. However, it's important to keep in mind that large meals can easily produce food waste.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans waste approximately 30%-40% of the food supply. When cooking for a large group — like a holiday feast — it's easy to overprepare and end up with more leftovers than you know what to do with.

During holidays, don't worry about wasting food. KitchenAid — the #1 mixer brand in the world* — is here to help you turn your holiday leftovers into new tasty meals. Try these five creative tips that can transform the dreaded leftovers into delicious dishes.

1. A hot meal to warm your bones

Gather leftover vegetables, meats and bones and throw them into a Dutch Oven. In no time, you'll have warm soup or stew to enjoy on those cold winter days. You can also make stock that you can freeze and use in dishes in the new year!

2. Easy and hearty handhelds

Leftover turkey and ham make for a great protein base for quick meals. Whether you have sandwiches, tacos or wraps on the menu, repurposing your holiday protein can be quick, easy, and delicious.

Just choose your favorite or mix and match! If you have leftover cranberry sauce or roasted sweet potatoes, these can also be great additions.

3. Taters for breakfast

Do you have loads of leftover mashed or sweet potatoes? Use these tasty spuds to create savory twists of breakfast staples like pancakes and waffles.

Grab your favorite recipe and use your KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer to incorporate these sweet or mashed potatoes into the batter. After cooking, consider topping with chives or even cranberry sauce.

4. Whip up a decadent dessert

Eggnog on its own is a decadent seasonal treat. If you have leftover cartons of eggnog after your family get-together, use your mixer to transform that eggnog into whipped cream.

This eggnog whipped cream will add a rich, creamy and spiced flavor to leftover pie slices — especially pumpkin pies. Also, consider blending eggnog into frosting to top any leftover holiday cookies.

5. Layer leftovers into a casserole

Casseroles are the perfect format for leftovers. Simply layer meat, gravy and veggies into an oven-safe dish, refrigerate and reheat the next day. You can even simplify the process by creating the casserole when you clean up after a holiday gathering.

Bonus! To make these and other dishes with ease, gift yourself The KitchenAid 2024 Design Series Stand Mixer in Evergreen. It's the perfect holiday appliance that makes cooking and baking simple and serves as an eye-catching kitchen decoration that you can appreciate year-round.

Follow these five tips that will help you reduce your food waste and hopefully inspire you to create leftover dishes in the new year. To learn more, visit KitchenAid.com.

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5 sous vide recipes that are sure to impress guests

BPT - The holiday season is the time for hosts and home chefs to shine. Of course, cooking a holiday feast for friends and family is time-consuming, and with so many moving parts, accidents do happen. However, for this year's feasts, you can perfectly cook your holiday dishes and save time using sous vide, the preferred cooking method by Michelin-starred chefs from around the world.

What is sous vide?
Sous vide (pronounced sue-veed) is French for "under vacuum." The cooking technique involves vacuum sealing food in a pouch and submerging it in water to slow-cook at a constant, precise temperature.

"Sous vide has been the go-to method in some of the world's best restaurants for years - and for good reason: it brings food to the precise temperature chefs look for and delivers perfect doneness, edge-to-edge, every time," said Signature Kitchen Suite's Executive Chef Nick Ritchie.

Are you ready to take your holiday meals to the next level? Try one (or all) of the following sous vide holiday recipes.

1. Seared sous vide scallops
Cooking scallops can be daunting. When preparing in a pan, you run the risk of overcooking them - resulting in a chewy, rubbery texture - or undercooking them, leaving the scallops raw in the middle. However, when you sous vide scallops, you can rest easy knowing they'll be cooked evenly.

Chef Ritchie's recipe uses the sous vide method to infuse scallops with tarragon, lemon, olive oil and salt. After 20 minutes in the bath, you'll quickly sear them for about 60 seconds on each side. When done, you'll have four perfectly cooked tender scallops that will melt in your mouth. You can serve them on their own as appetizers or on a bed of risotto as the main dish.

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2. Sous vide poached egg salad
For a filling and protein-forward meal for lunch or dinner, mix up a batch of sous vide poached egg salad. If you've never poached an egg before, no worries. A sous vide bath will ensure you have perfectly poached eggs every time.

Chef Ritchie's mix of eggs, lettuce, radicchio, goat cheese and walnuts is well complemented by a warm bacon dressing. In addition to savory bacon, the dressing features aromatic garlic and thyme, as well as grapes!

3. Sous vide fennel-spiced pork loin chops
Pork chops are a great addition to any holiday meal, especially when they're well seasoned. Chef Ritchie's recipe for pork loin chops incorporates the licorice-like taste of fennel, the citrusy pepperiness of coriander and the earthy quality of rosemary.

By sous videing the pork loins, you don't have to worry about serving a dry piece of meat. Your guests will enjoy tender, moist and juicy pork chops that are great on their own but also pair well with sous vide braised cabbage and glazed apples.

4. Sous vide poached winter fruit
Want to make a dessert that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to prepare? Try Chef Ritchie's recipe for sous vide poached winter fruit. While this recipe calls for persimmons, it works well with most fruits, including apples, pears, quince, peaches and apricots.

You can poach fruits the traditional way on a stove, but when you sous vide fruits, the process brings out and enhances the fruit's powerful and rich flavor. It also preserves fruit's freshness and offers a longer shelf life, so you can enjoy this delicious dessert well into the new year.

5. Sous vide honey-thyme glazed turnips
Turnips aren't usually the star of the show. However, this sous vide honey-thyme glazed turnip recipe may inspire you to make more meals with the humble root vegetable.

Chef Ritchie's instructions are very simple. You'll seal the prepared turnips in a sous vide pouch with butter, seasoning and honey. After an hour in the sous vide, you'll pour the pouch contents onto a pan to quickly saute the turnips and reduce the glaze. Once garnished, you'll have a lovely plate of tasty tender turnips.

Your secret weapon this holiday season and beyond
You can sous vide this holiday season and year-round with the right appliances. Luxury kitchen appliance brand Signature Kitchen Suite features the first and only built-in sous vide right on the cooktop along with gas and induction. Get professional-level results every time and capture the full, true flavors of foods. It's the ultimate gift that meets all your hosting needs in one appliance.

To learn more about Signature Kitchen Suite and to find more recipes, visit SignatureKitchenSuite.com/en-us/.

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Prairieview-Ogden students earn academic recognition

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ROYAL - Prairieview-Ogden Junior High School announced the list of students who achieved honor roll status for their academic performance during the second quarter of the 2024-25 academic year. Congratulations to all the students below who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for recognition.


Highest Honors
(GPA greater than or equal to 3.7)
Sydney Abernathy
Reagan Blakey
Allie Bott
Chloe Bressner
Ava Buhr
Max Buhr
Kolbie Busboom
Dean Franzen
Ella Gerdes
Emma Hammond
Kelsie Harms
Eli Hendry
Quinn Heuer
Elijah Kelly
Blake Lackey
Maddie Larson
Blair Mathis
Waylon McKinney
Ella Mohr
Imogen Osterbur
Noah Rademacher
Alea Rash
Easton Ray
Lauren Risley
Caylah Roberts
Lilly Sarver
Ryan Schmitz
Charlie Sjuts
Waylon Vaughn
Ben Waters

High Honors
(GPA between 3.4 and 3.7)
Madison Alsip
Calvin Clem
Gatlin Finfrock
Emma Hale
Ben Loschen
Devin Loschen
Oxley Mohr
Owen Olson
Kavin Vanetta
Makala Wisehart
Honor Roll
(GPA between 3.1 and 3.4)
James Ketchum
Allison Marschke
Brylee Ramm
Dylan Rineberg
Ben Taulbee
Lyli Vilven
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Unity Jr. High 2nd Quarter Honor Roll


Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved honor roll status during the second quarter. Congratulations to all the students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for recognition during this period.


6th Grade Honor Roll

Molly Margrethe Bailes
Madelyn JoAnn Bear
Lylla Lorene Bennett
McKenna Ilene Bennett
Brayden Eli Borkowski Leonard
Mila Marie Lynn Brown
Journie Elizabeth Castle
Liberty Cenzano
Brielle Mun-Yee Chin
Avery Brooks Curry
Hayven Corrine Douglas
Kennedy Phoenix Dykeman
Jackson Carter Elam
Hunter Byron Estes
Odin Jeffrey Evans
Caroline Elizabeth Greenwald
Megan Elizabeth Gumbel-Paeth
Emilia Hibbs
Luke Raymond Hottman
Christian Timothy Vincent Johnson
Khloe Nikita Kellogg
Elijiah Cole Lambert
Jerzey Lawler
Bentley Michael Mcduffie
Brendan Colt Murphy-Hubert
Tucker Lee Pruiett
Brantley Hunter Pugh
Elcie Elizabeth Ray
Emory Grace Renfroe
Jace Alek Revell
Felix Richard Runyan
Paige Elizabeth Siuts
Lila Rose Souza
Elizabeth Ann Stewart
Haven Marie Thomas
Abel James Wilson
Parker James Wilson
Jordan Lily Zoch


7th Grade Honor Roll

Valerie Sky Abon
Landon Robert Alt
Bentley Kaidyn Bednar
Rya Jolee Bialeschki
Liam Aeron Blom
Rowan Bryant
Wyatt Thomas Burr
Harper Christine Causey
Gorian Martin Cler
Raeann Loucille Cozad
Raymond Curtsinger
Greyson Zachary DeHart
Luke JR Dougherty
Brady Gallagher Eckstein
Collin Daniel Eckstein
Tinsley Layne Elliott
Kenzlee Rae Evans
Evelyn Anne Gould
Addilynn Mae Hatfield
Benjamin Isaac Hoewing
William Timothy Huntington
Matthew Stephen Kroes
Adeliah June Little
Bentley Wayne Maynard
Graham Charles Moore
Ellie Rose Parker-Johnson
Maxwell Tyler Pound
Makena Jade Pruitt
Matias Alberto Rios Toro
Riker Alan Rogers
Kyle Sean Roosevelt
Jonah Ryan Schriefer
Clementine Lucille Summitt
Silas Richard Swim
Jaycob David Tatman
Owen Robert Vasey
Colby Aaron Weaver
Lucy Jeane Weaver
Jovianna Hilton Wishall
Alivia RaeLyn Wolken


8th Grade Honor Roll

Kelsey Marie Adcock
Grace Bailey
Carter Ryan Bickers
Ryker Cenzano
Hadley Marie Cler
Alec Joseph Daly
Katelyn Dhom
Evan Matthew Donaldson
Jase Charles Eisenmenger
Amelia Marie Good
Jordan Elizabeth Hamilton
Samuel Bentley Hollett
Owen Dean Hottman
Holly Marie Howey
Cora Dee Leonard
Owen Michael Lighty
Russell Patrick McCabe
Addyson Jo McIntosh
Lane Lucas Meharry
Lilly Madelyn Meharry
Ellery Merkle
Baeden Edward Millsap-Moore
Lillian Calen Mohr
Jacklynn Kay Alexandra Moore
Parker William Thomson Owens
Jaxon David Pendleton
Henry Scott Ritchie
Bella Rose Robbins
Madelyn Olivia Roth-Robertson
Trevor James Shallenberger
Jasper Lee Souza
Tucker Douglas Stierwalt
Olivia Jane Styan
Jayden Michael Terven
Deklyn James Thomas
Quentin Stephen Webber
Henry Joseph White
Za'Brya White-Thompson
Bryson Matthew Williams
Olivia Lynn Wilson


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Unity Jr. High 2nd Quarter High Honor Roll announced


Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved high honor roll status during the second quarter of the 2024-25 academic year. Congratulations to all the students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for recognition during this period.


6th Grade High Honor Roll

Wyatt James Aughney
William Terrance Bieser
Jace Boyett
Rachel Elaine Sharples Brooks
Connor John Chesnut
Madisen Diane Coy
Claire Bronte Davis
Wyatt Michael Deakin
Dominic Dees
Finley Douglas
Reid William Edwards
Ashlyn Elizabeth Estes
Shirley Arianna Garcier
Liam Thomas Grussing
Aneela Joy Hagerman
Aubrey Lou Hartman
Ezekiel Makai Hastings
Asher Jett
Pyper Rayne Jones
Zaylee Elaine Kohlenberg
Avalee Susan Little
Landon Robert Little
Lucas James Michels
Brielle Raine Molina
Logan Alexander Nasser
Peyton Elizabeth Neighbors
Charlotte Rose Ocasio
Autumn Polaczek
Josephine Jane Pulleyblank
Olivia Ann Ruggieri
Zachary David Ruhter
Mallory Mya Schmid
Jayceon Simmons
Brody Lee Skibbe
Blake Robert Stierwalt
Giselle Ann Thomas
Jase William Kenneth Wierman
Conor William Zumbahlen


7th Grade High Honor Roll

Ashlyn Nicole Alt
Maylie Rose Bates
Nora Kristina Blanchard
Bradley Roger Bruhn
Brailey Marie Cain
Viola Ayame Carman
Lydia Grace Crowe
Kylee Paulette Cunningham
Elizabeth Irene Davidson
Bronson Edwin Davis
Savannah Jo Drewes
Quentin Xavier Dykeman
Beau Richard Eisenmenger
Alarik Byrum Ellison
Cooper Alexander Fairbanks
Nadia Grace Fairbanks
Hayden Marie Gabbard
Libbey Marlene Ethel Griffin
Natalie May Gumbel-Paeth
Jessica Marie Hamilton
Harper Quinn Harris
Dylan Paul Holladay
Mason James Holladay
Aaron Joseph Hood
Finnegan Samuel Bowie Isberg
Gabriel Heinrich Jahnel
Allie Rose Kamradt
Molly Kathryn Lydia Kleiss
John Isaac "Isaac" Leaman
Azaria Christianne Lisanby
Adelyn Jolene Maxwell
Finn Alexander Merkle
Ashley Ann Mumm
Nicole Nava Palomares
Caylynn Josie Parker
Raelyn Marie Prosser
Jordan William Pruitt
Avery Elizabeth Remole
Camdon Levi Schmid
Layla Marie Scott
Drake Alan Siuts
William Ross Wetherell
Levi Nelson White
Phoebe Ashlynn Witheft
Alexis LeAnn Wolken
Brendan Kurtis Zerrusen


8th Grade High Honor Roll

Kenny Wayne Adcock
Lilly Annabelle Bailes
Brooklyn Blair Bates
Ty Craig Benedict
Ethan Earl Bent
Elizabeth Joanne Berkey
Katherine Elaine Berkey
Konnor Lewis Bletscher
Sylvia Lola Cahill
Kale Boden Cowan
Trevor Daniel Coy
McKenzie Lynn Deakin
Emma Nicole Denney
Giulietta DiBello
Steven Gambill
Jaxson Edward Glad
Hayden Bradley Grussing
Aubrie Paige Gumm
Kynedy Ashlynn Hoel
Alivia Krall
Jauniyah Rosemarie Lisanby
Adeline Marie Marinelli
Tatum Faith Meharry
Emma Grace Mohr
Holden William ONeill
Marley Rae Parks
Carolina Maria Pagaduan Popovics
Luc Sandor Marcelo Popovics
Makaylin Pugh
Maya Alexis Rawdin
Skylar Grace Savona
Sophia Isabella Schuckman
Connor Allen Schwartz-Rouse
Jaylan Serczyk
Austin David Shafer
Vivian Rosalie Shunk
Hayden Dale Smith
Abigail Elise Spomer
Dylan Robert Stierwalt
Jack Christopher Terven
Nicholas James Thomas
Hayley Olivia Thompson
Cassandra Pearl Thweatt
Charles Reider Watson
Lucas Neal Williams
Ethan Matthew Wishall
Ashton Jace Wolf
Adam Scott Wolken


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Looking for a family fun activity? Urbana's PostMark set for Saturday fits the bill

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URBANA - 40 North and the Urbana Arts and Culture Program will host the year’s first PostMark Urbana event this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Elm City Roastery, located at 208 W. Main St. in Urbana.

PostMark Urbana is a family-friendly event series that highlights the fun things to do in Urbana through interactive activities, art, and food. PostMark - short for "post market" - is a monthly program designed to promote downtown Urbana as a cultural and shopping destination.

This weekend’s theme focuses on recycled and repurposed art and activities. The Elm City Roastery will serve as the hub for attendees to explore journal-making and vision board design, with materials sourced from Lincoln Square’s IDEA Store. More than 50 pieces of recycled art created by Urbana School District 116 students will also be on display at various participating locations.

40 North will have a table offering PostMark maps and hosting a puzzle exchange. Visitors are encouraged to bring old puzzles and swap them for new ones to enjoy during the winter months.

Other featured events include a free mindfulness session with crystal singing bowls led by instructor Vivianne Velazquez at Gallery Art Bar. The Gilbert Gallery will showcase new works from local artists, and The Enchantment Alley will display a collection of beautifully crafted junk journals.

Additionally, the event will feature a raffle for a $50 gift card. Raffle entries can be submitted at participating PostMark businesses.

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Despite team-wide scoring effort, too many turnovers sink Rockets in home loss to visiting Pioneers

TOLONO - For nearly three quarters, Unity’s varsity basketball squad kept the pedal to the metal, building a 29-21 halftime lead over visiting Normal University High School (10-6). Eight players contributed to the Rockets’ advantage, with Brady Parr, Dane Eisenmenger, Colton Langendorf, and Tre Hoggard combining for 21 of the team’s 29 points. However, Unity (8-6) couldn’t sustain its first-half intensity and ultimately fell, 56-45.

Crewe Eckstein takes a shot during Unity's home game against Normal University. Going 2-for-2 from the free-throw line, the junior finished the night with six points. Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Langendorf led Unity with 11 points, while Parr finished with nine. Crewe Eckstein contributed six points, and Mason O’Neill, Hoggard, and Eisenmenger chipped in five points each at the Rocket Center.

Plagued by turnovers and nursing a two-to-six-point lead through the third quarter, Unity allowed U-High to capitalize on nearly every possession change. The Pioneers took a 37-36 lead with eight seconds left in the frame after scoring four unanswered baskets.

U-High’s A.J. Holden opened the fourth quarter with a basket, putting his team ahead 39-36. Unity answered with a bucket from Langendorf, his final points of the game, to pull within 39-38. Eckstein hit a crucial shot for the Rockets after the Pioneers’ Owen Kirby scored, keeping it close at 42-40.

Taking advantage of Unity’s uncharacteristic defensive and shooting slump, the Pioneers shifted into high gear, going on a 10-point run. Stretching their slim two-point lead to 12, U-High maintained control late to secure the road win.

University High's Cameron Johnson
U-High's Cameron Johnson tries to dribble around Unity's Crewe Eckstein. Johnson finished the night with a game-high 22 points against the Rockets. Click here to see more photos from this game.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

A silver lining for the Rockets was their perfect performance at the free-throw line. Langendorf, Eckstein, and Parr combined to go 5-for-5 from the charity stripe.

The Pioneers’ Cameron Johnson led all scorers with 22 points, including 14 in the second half. Kirby also reached double digits with 11 points, while sophomore Devin Fitzgerald added eight in the nonconference victory.

Hoping to reset later this week, Unity travels to Maroa-Forsyth on Friday for another nonconference game. The Rockets will return to action at 6 p.m. Saturday against Fieldcrest at St. Joseph-Ogden’s Christie Clinic Shootout.

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After leading entire half, Rockets hand visiting Pioneers win at Rocket Center

Gabe Zacharias and Tyler Henry
TOLONO - Normal University's Gabe Zacharias and Unity's Tyler Henry collide going after a loose ball in their non-conference game at the Rocket Center on Tuesday. Up by eight at the half, the Rockets let the Pioneers back into the game late in the third quarter to fall by 11, 56-45. Game story and photo gallery coming later today. Next up, Unity travels to Maroa-Forsyth on Friday to take on the Trojans and make a quick turnaround for a 6 PM game on Saturday against Fieldcrest at St. Joseph-Ogden's Christie Clinic Shootout.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
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