Guest Commentary |
What Charlie Kirk’s assassination; his voice cost him his life


by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


Charlie Kirk’s death echoes America’s tragic history of assassinated leaders, reminding us that violence cannot silence free speech.


Charlie Kirk was a man who had opinions and vocalized them. He believed in free speech. He also believed in the right of free speech for those who disagreed with him. In his Turning Point rallies, he gave untold numbers of people the opportunity to express their opinions and to debate him. He respectfully gave each person the time to state their case on whatever the subject. Charlie was adamant, profound and articulated strong convictions.

Glenn Mollette
Sadly, a deranged 22-year-old man from Utah took Charlie’s life. It has been reported that the gunman had previously stated at a family dinner that he thought Kirk was filled with hate.

When Kirk spoke at a University rally in Utah, the gunman plotted and positioned himself to shoot a single long-range rifle shot that took Kirk’s life. The man ran back to his home where he later had no choice but to confess to his father that he was indeed the man who had been videotaped at the rally who took Charlie Kirk’s life.

The lone assassin is an evil coward who silenced one of America’s star voices. At least he thought he did. Charlie Kirk has become more known and his sound clips have been heard more in the last few days than in his entire ministry/career. Kirk has been propelled by the assassin to a status in American culture that will never be forgotten. Instead of silencing Kirk he magnified Kirk’s voice and message a hundred or more times. Kirk is now being remembered around the world.


It’s one thing to have a hateful, negative thought, but it’s another to allow hate to act itself out in such a way.

Charlie Kirk used his voice. Every American is entitled to this freedom. His voice cost him his life.

Abraham Lincoln gave his life reuniting our country and abolishing slavery. A cowardly assassin took Lincoln’s life as he leisurely watched a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. John F. Kennedy used his voice to excite the American people and to bring about a positive attitude in the country, but was gunned down by an assassin from a hidden window in downtown Dallas, Texas. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man with a great voice who stirred the hearts of millions of Americans and brought about liberating change for black Americans. An assassin who disagreed with King cowardly hid and took King’s life with a bullet. Malcom X and Bobby Kennedy were orators for positive change in America but someone who disagreed with their views killed them.

The greatest voice of hope, love, change and forgiveness, who ever lived, was Jesus Christ. A cowardly crowd yelled for him to be executed.

These mentioned voices were not silenced by hideous crowds or hidden gunmen. Each of their voices have rung loudly and clearly. Their legacies have only grown bolder and stronger.

It is sad that Charlie Kirk’s assassin did not go down to the rally, stand up like a man and challenge Kirk in a debate. He could have told Kirk what he thought about him and given Kirk a chance to respond. But no, he was a weak, spineless man filled with more hate than probably anyone in America at that given moment.

It’s one thing to have a hateful, negative thought, but it’s another to allow hate to act itself out in such a way.

Violence is never the answer. Let’s keep America free. Free to speak, free to debate, free to practice and express our religion. Let’s have peaceful and strong conversation not assassination.



About the author ~

Glen Mollett 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.



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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.

Charlie Kirk assassination legacy, history of assassinated American leaders, free speech and violence in America, political debate versus violence, legacy of voices after tragedy

IDOC enacts emergency rule to protect staff from contraband



Prison staff safety concerns prompt Illinois to scan all inmate mail and restrict books to publisher shipments under new emergency rules.

Prisoner reading a book in her cell
Photo: RDNE Stock Project/PEXELS

DIETERICH - The Illinois Department of Corrections has enacted emergency rules designed to curb contraband entering state prisons after a string of drug-related incidents put correctional officers at risk.

The rule, effective Aug. 14, requires all incoming letters to be electronically scanned, with incarcerated individuals receiving only digital or paper copies. Publications such as books and magazines must now be sent directly from publishers.


Union members held pickets last year after multiple exposures prompted temporary mailroom shutdowns.

State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, pushed for the changes following last year’s reported overdoses and accidental exposures that hospitalized several correctional staff.

“It should not have taken nearly a year for this common-sense policy to be put in place,” Niemerg said in announcing the rule change.

The move follows concerns raised by the union representing prison employees, AFSCME Council 31, which reported rising use of synthetic drugs and dangerous substances, including wasp spray, within correctional facilities. Union members held pickets last year after multiple exposures prompted temporary mailroom shutdowns. IDOC signed a vendor contract to handle scanning shortly after the safety concerns were raised.

The emergency rules remain in effect for up to 150 days. IDOC may move to make the policy permanent following review. Niemerg said he will continue to monitor the situation alongside staff at Lawrenceville and Robinson Correctional Centers, both of which he visited during the height of the crisis.



Other interesting articles:

TAGGED: Illinois prison mail rules, IDOC emergency rules 2025, Adam Niemerg prison safety, Illinois correctional staff exposures, AFSCME prison union safety

Photo Gallery |
Illini Prairie clash: Unity drops heartbreaker to Central Catholic, 34-27



A packed Hicks Field witnessed Unity and Central Catholic battle in a thrilling Illini Prairie Conference matchup. The Saints edged the Rockets 34-27.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

With the help of teammate Coleton Langendorf, Unity's Keegan Germano tackles Central Catholic quarterback Matthew Brady for a loss in the first quarter of their Illini Prairie Conference game. Scoring the last touchdown of the game, Brady led the visiting Saints to a 34-27 win at Hicks Field on Friday.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity defensive players take a breather on the sidelines while getting advice and instructions from an assistant coach.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Central Catholic receiver Crayton Schnierle hauls in long pass between Unity defenders Adam Reedy and Graydin Cler. Schnierle's catch set up BCC's second first quarter touchdown moving the ball from their 18 yard line to Unity's 33.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity fans in the east end zone dance to music during a time out. Over 500 football fans were on hand for an exciting game between the conference's two potential champions this season.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Tre Hoggard is wrapped up from behind by a Central Catholic defender. Hoggard made five catches good for 87 yards and a touchdown for the Rockets.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Crewe Eckstein makes his way into the end zone in the second quarter for a Unity touchdown. Eckstein padded his stats with 151 yards on 17 carries against the Saints. The senior finished the game with two touchdowns.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity fans congratulate wide receiver Tre Hoggard after his touchdown on a 29-yard pass play in the second quarter.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Crewe Eckstein breaks away for a 56-yard romp down the sidelines late in the second quarter.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity student fans show their undying support for the Rockets after a big play.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Blasting his way into the Saints' backfield, Rockets' Coleton Langendorf wraps up Central Catholic's Valshun Powe for a loss in the second half.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity student fans celebrate a first down for the Rockets.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Rockets' Crewe Eckstein barrels his way to the goal line for touchdown, dragging Saints' Greyer Pirtz, who made the initial hit on the eight-yard line, with him into the end zone.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Matthew Brady is hoisted by teammates after scoring a touchdown for Central Catholic. Brady's TD broke a 27-all score with less than two minutes left on the clock. The extra point was good giving his team the 34-27 advantage.


Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

With very little time on their side, Unity crafted an impressive drive down the field toward the east end zone in response to BCC's go-ahead score. Dane Eisenmenger rolls out of the pocket looking to throw to Tre Hoggard. The pass tipped off the fingertips of Hoggard as the buzzer sounded, ending the Rockets' comeback effort. Unity dropped to 2-1 on the season while Central Catholic remains undefeated headed into Week 4 of IHSA football.


Unity vs Central Catholic football photos, Hicks Field Illini Prairie Conference, IHSA Week 3 football gallery, Unity Rockets 2025 football, Central Catholic Saints undefeated season

Illinois gun ban challenge heads to appeals court with DOJ involved



DOJ to argue in Illinois gun ban appeal as Seventh Circuit hears Barnett v. Raoul. Case could reach U.S. Supreme Court.


concelled weapon on a man
Photo: Seeetz/Unsplash

The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that concealed-carry licenseholders may keep their firearms when traveling on public transportation as long as it is unloaded and secured while onboard.

By Greg Bishop
The Center Square

CHICAGO - A gun rights advocate says that the U.S. Department of Justice coming to argue in front of an appeals court against Illinois’ gun ban is significant.

Oral arguments are scheduled for Sept. 22 in the case Barnett v. Raoul, challenging the state’s gun and magazine ban. A federal district court found the law unconstitutional last year after a four-day bench trial.

In the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, the U.S. Department of Justice motioned to be allowed time to argue.

“This appeal concerns whether Illinois’s Protect Illinois Communities Act, which prohibits so-called ‘assault weapons,’ can withstand scrutiny under the Second Amendment, which protects Americans’ right to ‘keep and bear Arms,’” the motion said. “Because of the federal government’s interest in ‘protect[ing] the Second Amendment rights of all Americans,’ Executive Order No. 14,206, Protecting Second Amendment Rights, … the United States filed a brief as amicus curiae supporting Plaintiffs-Appellees. The United States believes that its participation in oral arguments will be helpful to the Court.”


A concealed-carry licenseholder can keep his firearm with him as long as it is unloaded and secured during his time on public transit...

The motion was granted.

Gun rights advocate Todd Vandermyde said it’s monumental.

“We have the United States Department of Justice not only filing an amici brief on behalf of the challenges to the Illinois gun ban, they have asked for time to come in and argue the government’s position,” Vandermyde told The Center Square.

The case is expected to go to the U.S. Supreme Court regardless of whether the appeals court sides with plaintiffs or with the state of Illinois.

How law enforcement interprets a recent appeals court ruling in a separate case challenging the prohibition of carrying concealed firearms on Illinois mass transit is still unclear.

The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled earlier this month in the case Schoenthal v. Raoul, reversing a lower court and upholding the law.

“A concealed-carry licenseholder can keep his firearm with him as long as it is unloaded and secured during his time on public transit,” the court said. “Under Illinois’s regulation, a citizen can step off the transit system, reassemble their firearm, and go about their day with no further infringement on their rights.”

Vandermyde said this leaves open significant questions.

“What's this going to look like when you have five, six, a dozen people waiting for the bus? And as the bus pulls up, they all reach under their coat or whatever, pull out a handgun, unload it, clear it, and then place it in a briefcase or purse or satchel or something like that, and then board the bus?” he asked.


...the decision “does not change how Illinois law enforcement enforces conceal carry laws in the state.”

The Cook County Sheriff's Office said it would be “premature to comment on how any part of the decision would be enforced.”

“We understand the appellate court has not issued the appellate mandate for this decision and the decision remains pending,” the office said. “We intend to have discussions with the Attorney General’s and the State’s Attorney’s Offices regarding the procedural posture of this decision and when it will take effect, and what the practical effect of the decision will be on public safety and enforcement of the concealed carry laws of Illinois.”

Illinois State Police said the decision “does not change how Illinois law enforcement enforces conceal carry laws in the state.”

Vandermyde said he still doesn’t know.

“They didn't give us any definitive, you know, ‘we're going to arrest you if you do this.’ Well, if they come out and say that and they've effectively negated your ability to carry, you know, if you were forced to use public transit.”

Plaintiffs in the Schoenthal case said they are reviewing the decision on what their next steps will be.


TELL THE SENTINEL WHAT YOU THINK

Do we need more gun-control laws? .::. Here is how and where to sent it


More stories worth reading ~
Illinois gun ban appeal, DOJ in Barnett v. Raoul, Seventh Circuit gun rights case, Second Amendment Illinois challenge, Illinois concealed carry transit ruling


Conservative policy leader Dabrowski announces Illinois governor run with $1.2M raised


With strong early financial support, Ted Dabrowski announced his bid for Illinois governor in the 2026 Republican primary. His campaign focuses on conservative reform and moral clarity, setting him up as the GOP fundraising frontrunner.


by Ben Szalinski
Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - Ted Dabrowski, the leader of a conservative research publication, officially announced Friday he will run for Illinois governor in the 2026 Republican primary.

Dabrowski’s Wirepoints.org publishes research and commentary on state policy issues and advocates for conservative solutions on pensions, taxes, governance and other public policy issues. Before joining Wirepoints in 2017, Dabrowski was vice president of policy for the conservative Illinois Policy Institute think tank after spending nearly 20 years in banking.

“I am not from the political system,” Dabrowski said from his Wilmette home. “I know the system; I know the players. I know how the sausage is made and why it tastes so bad. And I know that if we don't revitalize the Republican Party with strong executive leadership, we cannot resuscitate the state of Illinois.”


Ted Dabrowski for governor in Illinois
Photo: Capitol News Illinois/Jerry Norwicki

Ted Dabrowski talks to fellow Republicans at a State Central Committee meeting in Springfield on Aug. 14, 2025.

Though Dabrowski has built his reputation in Illinois politics by leaning into analytical, data-driven arguments, he signaled that his message on the campaign trail might be different.

“We will win this race by laying out a competing vision for Illinois, one rooted in conservative reform principles,” Dabrowski said. “And as much as I like charts and graphs, the main feature of my candidacy will be the moral clarity on those matters which impact the quality of life for productive Illinoisians who play by the rules.”

Dabrowski announced that his running mate will be Carrie Mendoza, an emergency room doctor from the Chicago area. She previously held a director position at the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism, a group that has opposed lessons on gender in schools. Dabrowski did not take questions from reporters following his announcement.

Fundraising leader

Dabrowski enters the race as the immediate leader in fundraising after first saying last month that he planned to run for governor. Dabrowski has raised $1.2 million, including from his own seed money, in contributions of $1,000 or more.

State Board of Election records show Dabrowski loaned $250,000 to his campaign at the end of August — a move that eliminated fundraising restrictions for all candidates in the race.

Other contributions reported to the State Board of Elections over the last month show he has received several other large contributions of $100,000 or more from various people in finance and philanthropy in the Chicago area.


two candidates in the race have also not reported substantial fundraising.

The stiffest competition for Dabrowski and other Republican candidates for governor — former state Sen. Darren Bailey — is likely to officially enter the race in the coming days. Bailey was the party’s 2022 nominee for governor, and sources confirmed he’s planning a second run to try to beat Gov. JB Pritzker. He received 57% of the vote in the 2022 primary.

It’s still unclear who Bailey’s financial backers will be as he has not been actively fundraising for state office. He had just $2,800 in his campaign fund as of June 30. Lake Forest billionaire Dick Uihlein was his primary funding source in 2022.

“I'm very aware of the skepticism about the Republican Party's prospects and Illinois' future, but we have a strong team, and we are and will be well-funded,” Dabrowski said. “Illinoisans have Pritzker fatigue, and they're looking for a credible alternative.”

The other two candidates in the race have also not reported substantial fundraising. DuPage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick’s financial records show he had $100,588 on hand at the end of June and has reported $11,000 in contributions of $1,000 or more since then. Joe Severino, a Lake Forest resident who is also running for governor, has not reported any contributions to the State Board of Elections.

One of Dabrowski’s earliest supporters is Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, who is chair of his campaign.

“He has spent 15 years researching, digging and offering solutions, highlighting the failings,” Plummer said “A lot of people in the state may not know the name Ted Dabrowski yet, but I assure you they know his work. He has shed light on so many of our problems.”

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.



More stories ~
TAGGED: Ted Dabrowski Illinois governor race 2026, Illinois Republican primary candidates, Carrie Mendoza lieutenant governor pick, Darren Bailey Illinois governor run, Wirepoints conservative research Illinois politics

Photo of the Day |
Ironmen dominate the 2nd half to win the Chili Bowl


Normal West battled early, but Normal Community’s strong finish delivered a 35-22 win in the Chili Bowl, one of Illinois’ top prep rivalries.

Photo: www.alanlook.com / Alan Look

NORMAL - Ironman Nico Salvati tries to fight his way past a Wildcat offensive lineman to bring down Noah Gulley during their Big Twelve game in Week 2. Normal Community used a dominant second half to top Normal West 35-22 in the latest edition of the Chili Bowl. After a close first half, the Ironmen found their rhythm, capitalizing on turnovers and converting key possessions. The Wildcats battled but couldn’t keep pace as Community’s defense tightened in the final minutes. The Ironmen left the field with bragging rights in one of the area’s most cherished rivalries. See more photos from this game.


TAGGED: Normal Community vs Normal West Chili Bowl 2025, Normal Illinois high school football rivalry, IHSA Week 3 football scores, Normal Community Ironmen football recap, Normal West Wildcats football highlights

Unity falls just short in thriller vs Bloomington Central Catholic


Rockets and Saints traded punches all night, but BCC had the last word. Unity drops tough 34-27 decision.

Unity's Crewe Eckstein scores a touchdown
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Crewe Eckstein drags Central Catholic's Greyer Pirtz into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter. Eckstein finished the team's first conference loss with 151 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns.


by Clark Brooks
The Sentinel


TOLONO — It was a beautiful evening at Hicks Field. The temperature at game time started in the low 80s and gradually dipped into the lower 70s as the sun set across Central Illinois. With more than 800 fans in the stands, two unbeaten Illini Prairie Conference heavyweights went toe to toe. From the opening kick to the final horn, momentum swung wildly, but in the end visiting Bloomington Central Catholic caught the last wave to victory, defeating Unity 34-27 in a high-quality high school football clash.

"We knew that it was going to be a heavy weight fight with two very good teams," said Saints head coach Kevin Braucht. "In a game like that, there are many swings in momentum and our ability to stay calm and focused on our jobs say much about out mental toughness and resiliency. We preach every day about looking at every moment as an opportunity vs. a burden regardless of the outcome."


BCC's Valshun Powe looks to turn the corner
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Bloomington Central Catholic's Valshun Powe looks at Unity's Brayden Henry as he tries to scamper down the sidelines for a first down.

Central Catholic found that opportunity when Unity’s first possession ended prematurely after a completed pass was fumbled near midfield. Central Catholic recovered and drove for a one-yard touchdown run. The Saints missed the extra point but struck again before the first quarter ended on a nine-yard run, extending their lead to 13-0.

The Rockets roared back in the second quarter. Dane Eisenmenger powered up the middle for Unity’s first score, followed by Crewe Eckstein’s four-yard burst that tied the game. Ty Rodems’ second extra point gave Unity a 14-13 edge. Minutes later, Brayden Henry’s interception set up Eisenmenger’s touchdown pass to Tre Hoggard, sending the Rockets into halftime with a 20-13 lead.

Central Catholic regrouped after the break, scoring on runs of nine and 26 yards to reclaim a 27-20 advantage.

"Coming out of halftime we wanted to limit their offensive snaps and wanted to control the clock better," Braucht said. A sound plan given how explosive the Unity offense had proven itself in the first two weeks of the season.

Eckstein punctuated that thought when responded with his second touchdown run of the night, dragging a defender across the goal line to even the score at 27 in third quarter.

"Our kids battled there to the end. I'm pretty proud of them," said Tony Reetz, now 2-1 as Unity's head coach. "They (BCC) were able to control the clock, control the ball, and kept our offense on the sideline. They kind of wore our defense down a little, so credit to them."


Unity players talk strategy on the bench
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Keegan Germano, Desmond Winfrey, and Coleton Langendorf defensive tactic to contain Central Catholic's run gam while taking a breather on the bench in the first half.

The decisive drive came late in the fourth quarter. Facing 4th-and-1, Valshun Powe slipped away from Unity’s Adam Reedy to keep the Saints alive. Moments later, a leaping catch in double coverage put BCC on the Unity 12. Matthew Brady finished the drive with the go-ahead touchdown at the 2:50 mark.

Unity mounted one final push, reaching the Saints’ four-yard line. On the last play, Eisenmenger rolled left under pressure and lofted a pass toward Hoggard in the corner of the end zone. The ball glanced off his fingertips as time expired, sealing Central Catholic’s win.

Unity’s offense posted strong numbers despite the loss. Eckstein finished with 151 yards rushing on 17 carries, including a 56-yard breakaway. Eisenmenger added 40 yards on the ground while throwing for 196 yards. Henry led Rocket receivers with four catches for 92 yards, while Hoggard hauled in five for 87.

Overall, Unity ran 52 plays for 382 yards, while the Saints executed 70 plays for 405 yards and held a 31–22 edge in first downs. The Rockets lost the turnover battle 3-1.

"They played us in a little bit different coverage than we were anticipating, so it took us a while to get the passing game going," Reetz said. "I was happy with the way we executed when we figured out what we could take from them."


Crayton Schnierle comes up with a big catch for BCC
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Central Catholic receiver Crayton Schnierle makes a reception on a huge play between Unity defenders Brayden Henry and Graydin Cler. The catch set up the game-winning touchdown from Saints' Matthew Brady.

Braucht praised his team’s balance and once again highlighted their overall resiliency. "When you have three players of their abilities, you need to make sure they are getting most of the calls," he said, pointing to Powe, Brady and Crayton Schnierle as difference-makers. "Those three are very good players, but the real difference in that game was our offensive and defensive lines and how we controlled the line of scrimmage in the second half."

Reetz said the Saints exposed a few weaknesses that the team will work on. The luxury of having a tough game early in the season is that it gives you plenty of time to turn those shortcomings into strengths.

"It is just week three of the season. We're in this for the long haul. We're not trying to be ready with everything Week 3," he said. "This will be a good case study to look at."

The loss drops Unity to 2-1 heading into a road trip to unbeaten St. Joseph-Ogden (3-0) next Friday at Dick Duval Field. The Spartans dominated Illinois Valley Central 51-16. Central Catholic improves to 3-0 and will host Rantoul.


TAGGED: Unity Rockets football 2025, Bloomington Central Catholic Saints football recap, Unity vs Central Catholic Hicks Field 2025, Illini Prairie Conference week 3 football results, Illinois high school football Unity vs St. Joseph-Ogden preview


Friday Night Forecast |
Week 3 Illini Prairie football predictions



IPC football fans, grab your popcorn! IPC football fans test their prediction skills in The Sentinel’s weekly Friday Night Forecast.


URBANA - Are you ready for Week 3 of another round of the Friday Night Forecast? Each week, we invite Illini Prairie Conference fans to predict the winners from conference matchups. We welcome two new soothsayers to the pool this week. Here is who they picked and what Brooks Look says.


Week 3 predictions

Illini Prairie Game of the Week
Prairie Central (1-1) @ St. Teresa (1-1)

Sara: Prairie Central .::. 28-27
Lyman: St. Teresa .::. 14-10
Denise: Prairie Central .::. 21-14
Alan: Prairie Central .::. 27-22
Keith: St. Teresa .::. 33-14
J: St. Teresa .::. 27-14

Brooks Look: Despited their loss, the Bulldogs ran for 184 yards against Illini West and beat Urbana with just 76 total yards. St. Teresa gets the nod only because of hometown advantage in this one.

St. Teresa 28, Prairie Central 14


Paxton-Buckley-Loda (0-2)
@ Pontiac (0-2)

Sara: Paxton-Buckley-Loda .::. 24-21
Lyman: Paxton-Buckley-Loda .::. 35-0
Denise: Paxton-Buckley-Loda .::. 27-7
Alan: Paxton-Buckley-Loda .::. 28-20
Keith: Paxton-Buckley-Loda .::. 26-0
J: Paxton-Buckley-Loda .::. 34-6

Brooks Look: Panthers' Mason Vaughn, who led his team in rushing against St. Joseph-Ogden, never made it into the end zone. Nonetheless, the senior looked impressive with 77 yards on 19 carries. This week, he rectifies all of that with three scores to give PBL their first victory of the season. Pontiac is young but not a pushover. Fans on both sides will be on the edge of their seats up north.

PBL 28, Pontiac 14


Central Catholic(2-0) @ Unity (2-0)

Sara: Unity .::. 40-21
Lyman: Unity .::. 21-17
Denise: Unity .::. 42-7
Alan: Unity .::. 36-14
Keith: Unity .::. 27-21
J: Unity .::. 27-7

Brooks Look: Unity's defensive is big and fast and the offense can air it out or pound it on the ground. The Saints don't have a prayer against the Rockets and their complete package.

Unity 42, Central Catholic 14


Monticello (1-1) @ Rantoul (0-2)

Sara: Monticello .::. 48-6
Lyman: Monticello .::. 35-14
Denise: Monticello .::. 44-0
Alan: Monticello .::. 42-13
Keith: Monticello .::. 35-0
J: Monticello .::. 48-0

Brooks Look: Both team suffered losses in Week 2 and both will take the field with something to prove. Monticello pulls this out in the second half after a brief scare as the Eagles program continues to improve.

Monticello 34, Rantoul 13


St. Joseph-Ogden (2-0)
@ Illinois Valley Central (0-2)

Sara: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 37-20
Lyman: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 42-0
Denise: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 35-7
Alan: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 35-14
Keith: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 51-6
J: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 41-14

Brooks Look: St. Joseph-Ogden has too much unpredictable firepower with Kodey McKinney in the pocket. The senior signal caller showed polished maturity against PBL. Kaden Wedig and Tim Blackburn-Kelley are dual receiving threats who combined for 172 receiving yards against the Panthers last week.

St.Joseph-Ogden 42, IVC 12


Next week, yes, the Friday Night Forecast rolls on, and it’s your chance to bring the sunshine—or stir up a little gridiron thunder. Drop back by on Monday to enter your picks for the Week 4 Illini Prairie football.

Week 2 Scores

Central Catholic 59, IVC 0
Unity 34, Monticello 7
Prairie Central 17, Pontiac 12
St. Joseph-Ogden 35, PBL 12
Mattoon 42, Rantoul 0


Week 2 Results

Rank Name Record Notes
1 Brooks Look 5-0 Week 2 winner
2 Alan 3-2
3 Denise 3-2

Cumulative Standings (After Week 2)

Rank Name Total Record Wins Notes
1 Brooks Look 9-1 1 Week 2 winner
2 Denise 7-3 0
3 Alan 6-4 0
4 J 5-0 1 Week 1 winner
5 Sara 5-0 0

Previous predictions:
Week 1 Predictions | Week 1 Results
Week 2 Predictions |


More sports news & photos
St. Joseph-Ogden Athletics | Unity Athletics | Illini Prairie Sports

Champaign’s fall yard waste Collection Begins Oct. 13



Champaign’s free fall yard waste collection begins Oct. 13. Blue Zone pickups start first, Orange Zone follows Oct. 20. Four collection dates per household.


CHAMPAIGN - The City of Champaign will launch its Fall Yard Waste Collection program on October 13, offering residents a free and environmentally friendly way to dispose of leaves, branches, and twigs. The program runs through December 12, with every residence in the city receiving four scheduled pickup dates.

Champaign fall 2025 leaf collection schedule
Click to see larger view

Collections are organized by zone: Blue Zone pickups begin October 13, while Orange Zone collections start October 20. An interactive Yard Waste Collection Map is available for residents to find their collection dates by typing their address in the search bar.

To participate, residents should place bagged leaves or bundled branches and twigs at the curb no later than 6 a.m. on their scheduled collection day. Crews may collect items a day early or later than usual to accommodate heavy loads, weather conditions, or equipment availability. This flexibility allows the city to complete pickups more efficiently while ensuring that every household receives service.

On high-volume days, pickup could extend into the following day. If waste is not collected within two days of a scheduled date, residents are encouraged to contact Public Works at 217-403-4700. For general updates, the Yard Waste Hotline is available at 217-403-8852.

The program is available to all residential properties within city limits and provides an alternative to sending yard waste to landfills. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for automatic email notifications for this and future yard waste collections through the city’s Email Subscription Lists.

The city reminds residents that crews will still report to the correct area on the correct day, even if some early pickups are made. This system also helps identify compliance issues with materials set out for collection and provides homeowners an opportunity to make corrections.

Champaign’s next yard waste collection cycle will occur in Fall 2025, with updates provided through the city’s notification system.

For more information visit the Champaign Public Works website.


🍂 Quick Guide: Champaign Fall Yard Waste Collection 2025

  • Program Dates: October 13 – December 12, 2025
  • Zones:
    • Blue Zone pickups begin October 13
    • Orange Zone pickups begin October 20
  • Pickup Frequency: Four collection dates per residence
  • Set Out Time: By 6 a.m. on scheduled collection day
  • What’s Accepted: Bagged leaves, bundled branches and twigs
  • Collection Map: Find your pickup schedule
  • Missed Pickup? Call Public Works at 217-403-4700
  • Hotline: 217-403-8852
  • Email Updates: Sign up here

TAGGED: Champaign yard waste collection 2025, Champaign fall leaf pickup schedule, Blue Zone Orange Zone yard waste, City of Champaign Public Works services, Champaign free yard waste disposal


St. Joseph-Ogden celebrates win, next on to IVC



Spartans improve to 2-0 with a dominant 35-12 win over PBL behind McKinney’s 197 passing yards and strong team effort.


Kodey McKinney and Tim Blackburn-Kelley greet SJO fans

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden quarterback Kodey McKinney and teammate Tim Blackburn-Kelley high-five SJO fans after the Spartans' 35-12 home opener victory over Paxton-Buckley-Loda.

McKinney completed 16 of 18 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns, including a 70-yard connection with Kaden Wedig. He also ran for a touchdown, finishing with 26 yards on seven carries.

Blackburn-Kelley contributed six receptions for 40 yards and totaled 67 all-purpose yards for the game.

The Spartans (2-0) travel to Chillicothe tonight to face 0-2 Illinois Valley Central at 7 p.m. SJO leads the all-time series against the Grey Ghosts 5-3. The last time Illinois Valley Central defeated the Spartans was during the spring of 2021, amid pandemic recovery schedule.


St. Joe-Ogden Athletics

TAGGED: St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans football 2025, SJO vs Paxton-Buckley-Loda football recap, Kodey McKinney highlights, Illini Prairie Conference football, Tim Blackburn-Kelley stats


Just’Us Jones had highlights for Urbana, but the Tigers suffered loss Belleville East



Urbana football lost to Richwoods and Belleville East on Wednesday. The Tigers seek their first win Saturday against Centennial.


Urbana's Just'Us Jones runs the football

Urbana's Just'Us Jones runs the football past a Belleville East player during the Tigers' home flag footbal game on Wednesday. The Tigers (0-5) fell 32-6 in their doubleheader nightcap against the Lancers. UHS opened the twin bill with a loss to Richwoods at McKinley Field, 59-0. Urbana hopes to end their five-game slide when they face 0-3 Centennial at the Mahomet-Seymour Jamboree on Saturday.


Check back soon for the Sentinel's full photo gallery.

TAGGED: Urbana Tigers football 2025, Urbana vs Belleville East high school football, Urbana vs Richwoods football recap, Urbana Centennial football preview, Illinois high school football twin bill



Editor's Choice


Area baseball scores for March 28

Unity 4, Illinois Valley Central 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E Unity 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 ...



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