As the primary approaches, a Homer resident urges voters to choose responsive leadership.
Dear Editor,
In the village of Homer, our "downtown" features more false fronts and vacant lots than businesses. Like many communities in the 15th Illinois Congressional District, we are hardworking people who feel more like "flyover country" to the Washington elite than a priority.
As the March 17th primary approached, I invited all seven congressional candidates to sit down for coffee with my neighbors. Six candidates accepted. Representative Mary Miller didn't even acknowledge the invitation.
Living just 35 miles away, her silence is deafening. While she makes headlines speaking to national influencers, she couldn't find an hour for the people of Homer. To make matters worse, after years of calling earmarks corrupt, she has suddenly reversed course now that she’s facing a primary challenge. It’s hard to trust a "foundation" that shifts as soon as an election gets close.
The 15th District is conservative, but we shouldn’t be a rubber stamp for an absentee representative. Republican candidates Judy Bowlby and Ryan Tebrugge actually showed up to listen. In the 15th, we know the difference between a politician seeking a platform and a leader seeking to serve.
This March, let’s choose someone who knows we exist.
Patrick Boylan Homer
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Letter to the Editor 15th Congressional District Illinois, Homer Illinois political opinion primary election, community concerns about congressional representation, Illinois 15th District voter perspective letter, local engagement issues in congressional primary race
The road to a state medal starts now. Twenty-one area wrestlers will be competing at the IHSA Individual State Finals on Thursday. Here are the athletes in the medal hunt.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
St. Joseph-Ogden's Cameron Wagner wrestles South Vermillion's Baylen Curry in a 285-match in January. Wagner, who won by tech Fall 18-3, is making his first trip to the state wrestling tournament.
Area wrestlers from both Class 1A and Class 2A will take the mats Thursday at the State Farm Center, where twenty-one qualifiers aim to push through the opening round and secure spots in the quarterfinals at the Illinois High School Association Individual Wrestling State Finals.
Oakwood leads the local contingent with six state qualifiers emerging from the Olympia Sectional. Steven Uden enters the 113-pound bracket at 39-6, while Weston Frazier (35-4) competes at 120, Pedro Alberto Rangel (27-14) at 126, Mason Swartz (39-6) at 132, Devin Ehler (42-1) at 138, and Tyler Huchel (36-6) at 144. Uden and Ehler, both consistent performers throughout the postseason, arrive with momentum and are viewed as strong medal contenders.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
ABOVE: Oakwood-Salt Fork's Steven Uden wraps up Canton's Jaxsun Owens in their Class 1A 106-pound first-round match a year ago in February. Unden, who won the bout by pin at 4:53, returns to state for another shot at a state title, this time in the 113-pound weight class.
BELOW: Unity's Abram Davidson tries to score on a takedown in his second-round consolation match against Princeton's Casey Etheridge. Davidson lost in a heartbreaking 19-17 decision and was eliminated from the tournament. Stronger and smarter Davidson is a medal contender in the 2026 installment of the state tournament.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
St. Joseph-Ogden advanced two wrestlers to Champaign. Ben Wells carries a 42-7 record into the 113-pound division, and Cam Wagner brings a 31-8 mark into the heavyweight bracket. Unity qualified three athletes, with freshman AJ Daly (38-13) at 138, Abram Davidson (44-7) at 165, and Josh Heath (39-13) at 175 all advancing out of Olympia. Davidson is a two-time qualifier for the Rockets.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
SJO's Ben Wells, a sophomore, makes his first appearance tomorrow as a state qualifier at the State Farm Center.
In Class 2A, Champaign Central will be represented by three wrestlers who advanced from the Granite City Sectional: Rylan Poeta (32-7) at 126, Talin Baker (32-4) at 138, and Trae Griffiths (25-5) at 157. Champaign Centennial sends Sergio Baity (34-6) at 190.
Mahomet-Seymour qualified five wrestlers from Granite City, led by Gideon Hayter (33-12) at 126, Justus Vrona (42-9) at 144, Garrett Waisath (40-13) at 150, Talon Decker (37-7) at 165, and Marco Casillas (45-3) at 190. The group brings a blend of experience and postseason success into a deep Class 2A field.
First-round action begins at 11 a.m. with Class 1A matches. General admission is $13 plus fees per session, and all-session passes start at $60. The state finals will be streamed live on the NFHS Network.
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TAGS: IHSA Individual State Finals wrestling preview, area high school wrestlers at State Farm Center, Class 1A and 2A Champaign Counte wrestling qualifiers, Oakwood and Mahomet-Seymour state wrestling competitors, local wrestlers competing at IHSA state tournament, two SJO wrestlers qualify for state
Mild weather can shift quickly, bringing colder air back into the forecast. This BBQ pork chili dish delivers bold flavor and lasting warmth, perfect for reheating after a long day's work or spring sports practice.
Photo provided
Are you are enjoying our first taste of spring with this week's promise of a return to warmer temperatures? Don’t let this week's mild weather and sunshine fool you; a dramatic cooldown is on the horizon, with wind chills set to dive into the sub-teens next week. When that bone-chilling air arrives, you’ll be grateful for a meal that offers deep, lasting warmth.
This BBQ Pork Chili recipe is the perfect solution - a robust and flavorful dish you can prepare ahead of time for an effortless dinner after a grueling day, or a quick, satisfying reheat for hungry families coming in from a cold spring sports practice.
Barbecue Chili
Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy" Servings: 8-10
1 pork loin (2-3 pounds)
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies
2 cups barbecue sauce, divided
1 cup water
1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
2 cans (27 ounces each) chili beans
1 package chili seasoning
1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
sour cream, for serving
shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
corn chips, for serving
Place pork loin in slow cooker. Cover with diced tomatoes and green chilies, 1 cup barbecue sauce and water; cook on low 4-6 hours.
Cut up cooked meat and place in Dutch oven along with juices from slow cooker. Add remaining barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, chili beans, chili seasoning, barbecue seasoning, onion powder and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Cook over medium heat 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and corn chips.
Tip: Add can of beans if serving bigger crowd.
Watch how to make this dish step-by-step in the video below.
Looking for more dinner ideas? Visit Culinary.net or OurSentinel.com recipe section to find more family-friendly dinner inspiration and step-by-step recipe videos.
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TAGS: BBQ pork chili recipe for cold weather, easy make ahead chili for busy families, comfort food chili for spring temperature drops, smoky barbecue pork chili dinner idea, reheatable chili recipe for weeknight meals
The good news is that grilling is a skill built on a few core principles. Great grilling starts before the food ever hits the heat.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
by Casey Cartwright Contributing Writer
Grilling has a way of turning simple ingredients into memorable meals. The crackle of heat, the smoky aroma, and the satisfaction of cooking outdoors make it a favorite for many, yet it can feel intimidating if you’re just starting out. Between choosing the right grill, managing heat, and knowing when food is actually done, beginners often worry about getting it wrong.
The good news is that grilling is a skill built on a few core principles; once you understand those basics, everything else becomes easier and far more enjoyable. Having a beginner’s guide to grilling and knowing some tips and tricks for success will give you the foundation you need to cook up some unique, delicious, and filling.
Understanding Your Grill
Before you cook anything, it’s important to understand the type of grill you’re using. Gas grills offer convenience and control, allowing you to adjust heat quickly and easily. Charcoal grills require a bit more patience but reward you with a deeper smoky flavor that many grill enthusiasts love. Pellet grills combine elements of both, using wood pellets to provide consistent heat and rich flavor.
No matter the type, every grill has hot spots and cooler zones. Taking a few minutes to preheat and observe how heat distributes across the surface will help you avoid uneven cooking. For beginners, mastering temperature control is far more important than fancy techniques. Knowing where the heat is strongest gives you the flexibility to sear food or cook it more gently when needed.
The Importance of Preheating
One of the most common beginner mistakes is rushing food onto the grill before it’s ready. Preheating ensures the grates are hot enough to sear food properly, which helps prevent sticking and enhances flavor. A properly heated grill also cooks food more evenly, reducing the risk of burning the outside while the inside remains undercooked.
Preheating times vary depending on the grill, but the goal is consistent heat. When the grill reaches the right temperature, you’ll notice food begins to sizzle as soon as it touches the grates. That sound is your signal that the grill is ready to work its magic.
Choosing the Right Tools
Grilling doesn’t require a long list of gadgets, but a few reliable tools make a big difference. Long-handled tongs help you turn food safely without piercing it, which keeps juices locked inside. A sturdy spatula is essential for burgers, fish, and delicate items. A grill brush helps keep grates clean, improving both flavor and food safety.
For beginners, a meat thermometer is one of the most valuable tools you can own. It takes the guesswork out of grilling and ensures food reaches safe internal temperatures without overcooking. Confidence at the grill often comes from knowing, not guessing.
Preparing Your Food for the Grill
Great grilling starts before the food ever hits the heat. Bringing meat to room temperature helps it cook more evenly. Patting ingredients dry allows for better browning, while lightly oiling food instead of the grates can reduce sticking.
Seasoning doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple combinations of salt, pepper, herbs, and spices often work best, especially when you’re starting out. Marinades can add flavor and tenderness, but they should be used thoughtfully, as sugary ingredients can burn quickly over high heat.
Mastering Heat Control
Understanding direct and indirect heat is a major milestone for beginner grillers. Direct heat is when food cooks directly over the flame or coals, making it ideal for quick-cooking items like burgers and steaks. Indirect heat involves placing food away from the main heat source, allowing it to cook more slowly and evenly. This method works well for thicker cuts of meat and foods that need more time.
Learning when to move food between these zones helps prevent burning and promotes better texture. Many grilling mishaps can be avoided simply by adjusting heat instead of constantly flipping or pressing food.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
What You Can Cook on Your Grill
One of the most exciting parts of grilling is its versatility. While many beginners think of grills as tools only for burgers and hot dogs, they can handle far more. Steaks, chicken, and seafood are natural choices, each benefiting from the grill’s ability to add char and depth of flavor; if meat is your food of choice, know what cuts taste best on a grill. With proper heat control, even delicate fish can turn out beautifully.
Vegetables shine on the grill as well. Bell peppers, zucchini, corn, mushrooms, and onions develop sweetness and complexity when exposed to high heat. Fruits like pineapple, peaches, and watermelon caramelize quickly, making them perfect for desserts or unexpected side dishes. Even items like pizza, flatbreads, and sandwiches can be grilled, turning your grill into a versatile outdoor kitchen.
Timing and Patience Matter
Grilling rewards patience. Constant flipping or pressing food can lead to dryness and uneven cooking. Allowing food to cook undisturbed helps it develop a flavorful crust and release naturally from the grates. When it’s ready to flip, it will lift easily.
Resting food after grilling is another step beginners often skip. Allowing meat to rest for a few minutes helps redistribute juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite. This small pause can make a noticeable difference in the final result.
Photo: ArtHouse Studio/PEXELS
Keeping Safety in Mind
Safety is an essential part of grilling success. Always grill in a well-ventilated outdoor area and keep flammable items away from open flames. Using separate plates for raw and cooked foods helps prevent cross-contamination. Paying attention to internal temperatures ensures food is both safe and enjoyable to eat.
Cleaning your grill regularly not only extends its lifespan but also prevents flare-ups caused by grease buildup. A clean grill is easier to cook on and produces better-tasting food.
Building Confidence Through Practice
Like any cooking method, grilling improves with practice. Each session teaches you something new about heat, timing, and flavor. Mistakes are part of the process, and even imperfect meals can be delicious. Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for when food is ready and how your grill behaves under different conditions.
Grilling is as much about the experience as it is about the food. Enjoy the process, experiment with new ingredients, and don’t be afraid to keep things simple. With these beginner-friendly tips and tricks for grilling, success is well within reach, and every meal becomes an opportunity to improve and have fun.
Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
BLOOMINGTON - Members of the Hampshire cheerleading squad take a group selfie after winning the program's first state competitive cheerleading title. The Whip Purs won this Medium School title at the IHSA State Competitive Cheerleading finals by .07 of a point with a score of 88.50 on Saturday, February 7, 2015.
ABOVE - Left: Teagan Gara displays championship cheer spirit while performing with the Hampshire cheerleading squad on Saturday. Center: After several nervous seconds, Shayla Sarros erupts with disbelief, celebrating her team's championship win. Right: Teagan Gara kisses her championship medal after celebrating with teammate Kaliegh Fitzgerald (behind her).
TAGS: Hampshire cheerleading team wins state, Sentinel archive photos, Whip Purrs finish first atstate cheerleading, IHSA Competitive Cheerleading Finals, IHSA state cheer
Some images take on new resonance with time, and this quiet community gathering—people standing together under the Rainbow PUSH Coalition banner, calling for justice for Jelani Day—now carries a deeper emotional weight in light of Reverend Jesse Jackson’s passing. What was once a simple documentary moment has become a subtle reflection on aging, legacy, and the realities of public life.
In the photograph, Reverend Jackson is not the polished, commanding figure many remember from his earlier decades. For much of his public career, he was known for an immaculate presence—tailored suits, crisp lines, a look that matched the precision of his oratory. Here, though, he appears more vulnerable. His hair is neatly combed, but his clothing sits differently than it once did, looser in some places, tighter in others, as if the careful attention that once shaped his public image had softened over time. It’s not disheveled, not careless—just unmistakably human.
What stands out is not decline, but honesty. There is no attempt to hide the effects of age or illness, no effort to recreate the immaculate presentation of his younger years. Instead, he is simply present, surrounded by community members who seem focused less on how he looks and more on the fact that he showed up at all. In that sense, the image becomes a quiet testament to a lifetime of engagement: even as the polish faded, the commitment remained.
His presence at this gathering wasn’t about leading a march or delivering a headline-making speech. It was about solidarity—about lending his name, his history, and his physical presence to a cause that mattered to others. And perhaps that is why this moment resonates now. It shows a man who continued to participate even when the spotlight no longer demanded perfection, even when the expectations of presentation had eased.
As people reflect on his legacy, this photograph offers a gentle reminder that public figures age just like everyone else. Their final years are often less curated, less controlled, and more revealing. Here, Reverend Jackson appears not as an icon, but as an elder—still engaged, still present, still willing to stand with a community seeking justice.
It is a candid, unvarnished glimpse of a man near the end of a long public journey. And in its simplicity, it may be one of the most honest.
Champaign Central, Oakwood, St. Joseph-Ogden, Unity and Urbana will all be represented at the state meet. Several wrestlers captured titles or placed high to secure advancement.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Urbana's Lily Disanto pins Lockport's Rebekah Ramirez during their first-round 235-pound match on Friday, February 28, 2025, on her way to a fourth-place finish at state her junior year. The senior returns to Grossinger Motors Arena for another shot at a state title.
VIRDEN - Nine area wrestlers are headed to the state stage after qualifying at sectional competition, earning berths in the Illinois High School Association Girls Individual Wrestling State Finals set for Feb. 27-28 in Bloomington at Grossinger Motors Arena.
The group represents programs from Champaign Central High School, Oakwood High School, St. Joseph-Ogden High School, Unity High School and Urbana High School, with each wrestler navigating a deep postseason bracket to extend her season.
At Champaign Central, sophomore Iy'Jah Grant advanced at 170 pounds after battling through the consolation side of the bracket. Grant rebounded from a loss to Granite City’s Demi Barnes, pinning Mahomet-Seymour’s Weitekamp at 4:37 to secure her state berth. She later defaulted due to injury during her bid for third place, but her earlier win guaranteed a spot in Bloomington.
Oakwood will be represented by two qualifiers. Freshman Kate Wochner earned a state bid at 115 pounds, while senior Taylor Owens captured the 155-pound sectional title. Owens, the No. 3 seed, defeated Addison Mabry of Benton and Nahima Mateo of Murphysboro before her opponent could not continue in the championship match’s second period.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Spartans' Maddie Wells, wrestles Mother Mcauley's Maggie Zuber at last year's state championships. Wells is another area grappler hoping to medal at this year's state tournament.
St. Joseph-Ogden senior Maddie Wells advanced at 155 pounds with a resilient run through the bracket. After a quick first-round win, Wells dropped into the consolation side following a loss to Freeburg’s Grace Stratton. She responded with three consecutive pins — against Champaign Central’s Onisty Murphy, Civic Memorial’s Izabella Darr and Murphysboro’s Mateo — to clinch a state berth before finishing fourth.
Unity will send two wrestlers to Bloomington, led by junior Ava Beldo at 130 pounds. Beldo went 3-1 at sectionals, advancing to the title match with wins by technical fall, major decision and sudden victory before finishing second to Mt. Zion’s Sidney Cannon. Senior Phoenix Molina remained unbeaten at 235 pounds, going 4-0 to claim the sectional championship and secure her fourth trip to the state finals.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Urbana's Rickasia Ivy wrestles Lincoln-Way Central's Ella Giertuga in their state first-round consolation match 2025. Ivy, who recently earned her 100th win, qualified for her third trip to state after earning the 155 pound title at the North Mac sectional tournament on Saturday. Stronger and better technically, Ivy is heavily favored to finish in the top three.
Urbana, which placed third in the team standings, qualified three wrestlers. Senior Tamya Terry earned a fourth-place finish at 135 pounds, while junior Rickasia Ivy dominated the 140-pound bracket with three falls, including a first-period win over Granite City’s Audrey Barnes. Ivy, now a three-time state qualifier, also surpassed the 100-win mark for her career. She is the first female Tiger to surpass the milestone. At 235 pounds, senior Lilly Disanto finished second after a finals loss to Molina.
Team results underscored the depth of the sectional field. Edwardsville captured the North Mac sectional title with 132 points, followed by Collinsville and Urbana. The state finals later this month mark the fifth installment of the IHSA girls wrestling championship, with the Illinois High School Association continuing to see participation and competitive depth grow across the state. Lincoln-Way Central will send the largest contingent to Bloomington with seven finalists.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Phoenix Molina is declared winner after pinning Moline's Kirsten Kpoto in their 235 pound match in 2025. Molina qualified for her fourth state appearance on Saturday, celebrating the win with the sectional champion title.
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Immke, Wagner advance to state wrestling championships
ST. JOSEPH - A pair of St. Joseph-Ogden wrestlers advanced to this weekend’s Illinois High School Association Individual Wrestling State Finals, which begin Thursday.
Isaiah Immke, who had a first-round bye and lost his opening sectional match to Dwight’s Daniel Gutierrez (45-5) by fall, punched his ticket to the division finals after defeating Tremont’s Levi Leitner with a pin at 1:54. Immke picked up his 20th win of the season with a third-place finish in the 145-pound division Saturday.
TAGS: SJO's Isaiah Immke and AJ Wagner, Wagner qualifies for state, Oakwood's Steven Uden, how to plan a budget wedding, three American holidays in one
CHAMPAIGN - Oakwood-Salt Fork's Steven Uden settles in for the pin wrestling Canton's Jaxsun Owens in last season's Class 1A 106-pound first-round match at the 2025 IHSA Individual Wrestling State Finals. Unden won his opening bout by pin at 4:53. The sophomore rolled through the bracket to face Charlie Flores in the finals, falling in a close 4-0 decision to fill the runnerup spot. Two weeks ago, the junior (39-6) started his pursuit of a 2026 state title. He finished first at the Robinson Regional tournament in the 113-pound division and qualified for state after knocking off Althoff junior Jacobi Cobbs for the sectional title.
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TAGS: Sentinel Photo of the Day, IHSA wrestling, Oakwood Comets, Steven Uden wrestles at state, Uden wins wrestling titles
ST. JOSEPH - Spartans' Parker Fitch goes after a loose ball during SJO's home game against Bloomington Central Catholic on Friday. The Saints defeated the St. Joseph-Ogden in Illini Prairie Conference play, 57-50. Fitch led SJO with 15 points.
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TAGS: St. Joseph-Ogden basketball, SJO Cheer, Ryker Lockhart, Three-sport athlete Tim Blackburn-Kelley, Nolan Franzen defense, Senior Asher Pruemer, 2006
George Washington was indispensable in the Revolution. Washington, the "father of our country" was a father to no one. He died peacefully in Mount Vernon.
BRANDPOINT - As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday this year, award-winning author Stephen Yoch's research has revealed several interesting facts about President George Washington.
1. Washington was strong in stature, weak in voice
There are many well-known paintings of Washington. The museum at Mount Vernon displays a painstakingly accurate facial reconstruction to definitively show his appearance during his lifetime. He was quite tall at 6 foot 3 inches (which makes him equivalent to 6 foot 9 inches today), but he lacked the commanding voice one might expect from a military leader.
"We all imagine Washington as a strapping guy who had a voice to match," said Yoch. "But Washington suffered from pleurisy - a viral infection that causes an inflammation in the lining of the lungs - as a child and because of this he spoke in a high, weak and breathy voice."
Washington's contemporaries often described him as soft-spoken. Yoch says this undoubtedly came from this high voice and his teeth, which gave him the habit of keeping his mouth closed to hide their appearance and the bad breath that comes with tooth decay.
As is often the case with past presidents, Washington would have struggled in the modern era. "Certainly his dental problems could be corrected," said Yoch, "but his quiet demeanor and high voice would not have played well in our modern 24/7 news cycle."
2. Is it a fact that Washington couldn't tell a lie?
One of the great legends of the nation's first president was created by biographer Parson Weems. In his account, George Washington chops down a cherry tree and later admits the act to his father, claiming he "cannot tell a lie." According to author Stephen Yoch, not only is this story made up, but it's also in direct contrast to young Washington's behavior.
Yoch says there's a pattern throughout Washington's life of claiming victory but blaming others for defeat. "It's difficult for many people to accept this reality given the legend concocted by Parson Weems relating to the Cherry Tree," says Yoch. "But the truth that Washington lied and blamed others for his own failure is irrefutable. His lies and willingness to blame others moved his military career forward."
3. Washington's worst decision nearly spelled disaster for the Revolution
George Washington was indispensable in the Revolution. Without him, the army may not have achieved victory. His willingness to repeatedly give up power - including the return of his commission to Congress and later stepping down as President - makes him one of the most laudable figures in world history.
Yet, Washington made a catastrophic blunder, appointing Benedict Arnold as the commander of American forces in Philadelphia. Arnold was placed in charge of a city locked in turmoil and led by radicals that opposed the Continental Army. This act, as much as any other, could have meant the failure of the Revolution and Washington's death, if not for Washington's luck.
Washington would say "the hand of providence" saved him from his worst mistake and Arnold's plot was foiled.
4. The father of our country had no children of his own
By the time the Revolution ended, the "father of our country" was father to no one. In a draft of Washington's first inaugural address, he wrote: "Divine providence hath not seen fit that my blood should be transmitted, or my name perpetuated by the enduring, though sometimes seducing, channel of immediate offspring. I have no child for whom I could wish to make a provision - no family to build in greatness upon my country's ruins."
As Yoch notes, "This may have been a fortunate happenstance, as many called for him to be America's new king. His lack of children allowed him to truly act in the country's best interests and sealed his legacy as 'first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.'"
I have no child for whom I could wish to make a provision - no family to build in greatness upon my country's ruins.- George Washington
5. Did Washington die peacefully?
After a life of action and harrowing battles, George Washington died peacefully in his bed at Mount Vernon. Or so many school children are taught. In reality, the nation's first president died a slow and bloody death that was far from a pleasant end of life.
Yoch says the founding father was a lifelong believer in "bleeding" (removing blood) as a medical treatment to balance body humors. "Because of this, Washington and his physicians virtually guaranteed his death by excessive bleeding," explained Yoch.
Historical fiction writer Stephen Yoch is based in Minneapolis/St. Paul. He is the author of "Becoming George Washington" and "Becoming Benedict Arnold." For more information on George Washington's life as well as the life of other historical figures like Benedict Arnold, visit Yoch.com.