Weekend 2Do: May 17-19

SMALL AXE FUNK • May 17, 10p-1a, Watson's Shack & Rail, 211 North Neil, Champaign. Check out the groovy music. Limited kitchen menu available. Cost: No Cover.

90's DAUGHTER "UNPLUGGED" • May 17, 9p, Boomerangs, 1309 East Washington, Urbana. Intimate acoustic set featuring covers from audience requests. Black Eye Peas, Stone Temple Pilots, Maroon 5 covers and more. Cost: $5 cover at the door.

NELLY, TWISTA, AND FUTURISTIC • May 17, 7p, Champaign County Fairgrounds, 1302 North Coler, Urbana. Grammy award winning, multi-platinum recording artist Nelly headlines event at the Fairgrounds. Cost: $28.00-$45.00 Information: Buy Tickets

HOME-GROWN COTTON SPINNING DEMONSTRATION • May 18, 10a-12p, Common Ground Food Co-op, 300 South Broadway #166, Urbana. Members of the CU Spinners and Weavers Guild will be on the Co-op porch spinning home-grown local cotton into yarn. Learn more about spinning, weaving, and fiber arts. Cost: FREE

PRAIRIE CYCLE CLUB METRIC CENTURY AND FAMILY FUN RIDES • May 18, 8:45a-2p, Weaver Park, 2205 East Main, Urbana. Choose from a self-supported ride of 35 or 65 mile routes or a 13 mile ride to St. Joseph and back on the Kickapoo Rail Trail. Information: www.prairiecycleclub.org.

BLOCK OF THE MONTH CLASS • May 18, 10a-12p, Everyday Quilting Company, 1717 Philo Road, Urbana. Limited space available. Cost: Call for details. Information: (217) 693 7917 - www.everydayquilting.com

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR & TASTING • May 18, 2p and 3pm, Prairie Fruit Farm & Creamery, 4410 North Lincoln Avenue, Champaign. Guests will learn a brief history about the farm and the owners, raising goats, how the farm functions day-to-day and how the creamery transforms goat milk into delicious cheese and gelato. Cost: Adults $10, Kids 12 and under $6. Information: www.prairiefruits.com

R&B SOUL YOGA • May 18, 10a, Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, 202 South Broadway, Suite 1, Urbana. This class is open to all levels. Participants welcome to submit songs/artists they would like to flow to during the session. Cost: Donation based, pay what you can. Information: R&B Soul Yoga

WOOD TYPE POSTER WORKSHOP • May 18, 1p-4p, Lisa Kesler Studio, 117 East Main, Tolono, IL. Get hands on experience working with antique wood letter type. Cost: $75, includes all materials. Information: Lisa Kesler Studio, 217-721-4738.

JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY • May 18, 2p-3p, Japan House, 2000 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana. Chado, or the Way of Tea, is one of the most ancient and revered arts of Japan, and is at the very heart of Japan House. Learn about Japan House, tea ceremony and the history of this 500 year old art form. Cost: General Public $12, Student/Tomonokai Members $10. Information: More info and order tickets.

THE CHRIS MONDAK JAZZ QUARTET LIVE • May 18, 6p-8p, Neil Street Blues, 301 North Neil, Champaign. Chris Mondak, a veteran of the Nextgen Jazz Quartet, the Jazz Band of America, and the Brubeck Institute plays a night of high-energy jazz featuring a mix of standards and compositions from his new album. Cost:

THAI YOGA MASSAGE POP-UPS • May 19, 10:15a-12p, Hatha Yoga & Fitness, 2109 South Neil Street, Champaign. Thai Yoga Massage is a partner practice that combines gentle passive stretching, acupressure, and breath work to encourage release of tension. This is a shared experience that is mutually beneficial to both the giver, and receiver. Cost: $20 per person, $35 per couple. Information: Thai Yoga Massage.

TENNIS IN THE PARKS • May 19, 3p-4:30p, Clark Park, 900 S McKinley Ave, Champaign. Free introductory tennis lessons taught by the Champaign Park District tennis staff. 3-3:30p Adult Beginner (ages 16+), 3:30-4p Pre-Teen Future Stars (ages 10-15) and 4-4:30p Young Future Stars (ages 6-9). Cost: Free

SJO Alumni Assocation Banquet on June 8

This year's Annual SJO Alumni Association Banquet will be held on June 8 at the Community Building in Royal.

The mission of SJOAA is to promote the community and Spartan heritage. In addition to the banquet held each year, the association also holds an alumni meeting and provides scholarships to students.

This year's cocktail hour is set to begin at 5:00pm with a dinner to be served at 6:00p. Dinner is priced at $20.00 per plate.

This year's Honor Class is the Class of 1969 celebrating their 50th. The theme for the gala is "Summer of Love" and appropriate dress - bell bottoms, sandals, love beads, tie-dye attire - is enthusiastically recommended.

Graduates from the Class of 1959 will be also be honored at this year's banquet.

For more information contact Eric Buzzard at 469-2373 or visit the SJO Alumni Association website at www.sjoalumni.org.

Dowling breaks IHSA record

It was bound to happen this season and it finally did. Yesterday, St. Joseph-Ogden shortstop Bailey Dowling became Illinois' most prolific softball home run hitter in IHSA history.

After tying the record of 60 set by Benet Academy's Stephanie Abello in 2015 on Thursday, Dowling hit a pair of dingers to raise the career home run bar to 62.

In her first trip to the plate against visiting Charleston, the Alabama commit crushed the ball over the right field fence. The second shot, her 19th home run of the season, soared over the left field fence pushing the all-time record to 62 by the future Olympic junior national player.

She is now one home run shy from being the first Illinois prep softball player to hit 20 home runs in three consecutive seasons. She pummeled 22 her freshman season at SJO and 21 last spring as a sophomore. Heading into the postseason semifinal against Monticello later today, chances are she will add at least one or more to the total she now commands.

With another season left in her prep career, Dowling could very well hold the career record for ... well, like former Spartan head coach Randy Wolken's career 1,043 win total, ... forever.

Despite her historic, record-making performance, the Spartans (20-9) fell 15-4 to the Trojans in their last regular season contest on the 2019 season.

Hannah Dukeman, also a junior, contributed two RBI in the non-conference loss.

Spartans to make another run at state track title

Fourteen athletes from the St. Joseph-Ogden girls track team advanced to this weekend's Illinois High School Association state track and field finals in Charleston.

Leading SJO's bid for a back-to-back team title are three gold medalists from the 2018 Class 1A championship squad. Atleigh Hamilton, who won the long jump title, along with senior Maclayne Taylor and junior Hailey Birt return to the blue oval at O'Brien Stadium in search of another championship trophy.

Ashlyn Lannert runs at state cross country meet

Ashlyn Lannert heads toward the finish line during the Class 1A race at the IHSA Cross Country State Finals on Saturday. She finished 84th overall with a time of 19:16.11 in this year's title race. Lannert and the Spartans look to win another state trophy at this weekend's state track and field meet in Charleston. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Runners and field event specialists qualifying for this weekend's state meet include: Grace Schmitz (pole vault), Jenna Albrecht, Kailyn Ingram (4x800), Addie Allen (4x800), Rylee Sjuts, Hannah Rajlich, Danie Kelso, Cassidy Bagby, Hannah Rajlich, Ashlyn Lannert and Jillian Plotner.

Rajlich and Sjuts medaled in 4x800 relay last spring. Sjuts also picked up a silver medal in the 400-Meter Relay with Taylor, Hamilton and then senior Zea Maroon.

In a marquee worthy, storybook performance last year, Hamilton won her first of three state medals starting with the long jump. She went 18 feet-2 inches past the board to secure the title and a career best performance. The sophomore will see some familiar faces on the runway on Thursday. Six of the nine jumpers in last season's top ten return with a legitimate shot at the title.

Despite her sectional mark of 17 feet-4 inches, which was identical to her 2018 distance, Hamilton will be a solid bet as one of the top three medalists come Saturday evening.

Peaking at just the right time, Jenna Albrecht set a new personal record in triple jump in the sectional meet. The junior landed 34 feet-1 inch away from the launch point to finish third and put a lock on her spot in this Thursday's state prelims.

Prior to Friday, Albrecht's previous PR was 32 feet-11 and half inches.

The sprint foursome of Kelso, Taylor, Birt and Hamilton in the four-by-one looks to be an exciting race. Running a 50.52 in the sectional meet, the Spartans will be challenged by squads from DuQuoin, Fulton and Bureau Valley if all four teams make the finals on Saturday as expected.

Distance specialist Cassidy Bagby could make some noise in Saturday's 3200-Meter championship race. It will be her second state appearance - the first in 2017 in the same race - and her last as a varsity athlete for SJO. She will have 35 equally capable runners to push her to a memorable finish and beyond her sectional time of 12:17.34.

Speedster Maclayne Taylor qualified for the state prelims in the 100-Meter and 200-Meter dashes as well as the 4x200 relay. A couple of top eight finishes by Taylor will be essential in the Spartans' quest for a team trophy.

Hannah Rajlich will join teammates at state after finishing second in the 1600-Meter sectional race at 5:42:37. The junior faces strong opposition from Latin's Ava Parekh, who will be heading into Thursday's prelims with sectional time a mere five seconds away from a sub-five minute mark.

Less than eight seconds separate the Spartans from the top of the list of Class 1A qualifying time courtesy of DuQuoin's at 4:07.59 in the 4x400-Meter Relay. The SJO relay advanced to state thanks to the combined speed of Ashlyn Lannert, Rylee Sjuts, Jillian Plotner and Danie Kelso, who fought tenaciously to win the sectional race by a nose, seven-tenths of a second ahead of Uni High. The Indians and the Spartans will face stiff competition for the state title in this race from perennial challengers Byron, Taylor Rockridge and Knoxville.

Admission is $10.00 per day and parking near the stadium is $5.00 per day. Tickets for Thursday's preliminary round go on sale at 9am at the O'Brien Stadium box office. Tickets for Saturday's finals will be available starting at 8am.

Weekend 2Do: May 10-12

ANNUAL SPRING PLANT SALE • May 10, 9am-5pm, Sola Gratia Farm, 2200 South Philo Road, Urbana. Choose from a wide selection of organically grown veggies, herbs, as well as locally sourced flowers.

SPRING USED BOOK SALE • May 10, 9am-7pm, St. Joseph Township - Swearingen Memorial Library, 201 N. Third, St. Joseph. Books, DVDs, videos, music cds, audiobooks and large print books are for sale on a donation basis. Information: Swearingen Memorial Library

WIENERS AND WINE • May 10, 5pm-9pm, Sleepy Creek Vineyards, 8254 East 1425 North, Fairmount. Buy your favorite adult beverage and they provide the hot dogs, fixings and a fire to roast them over while listening to live music. If it rains, enjoy free chili dogs inside! Kid friendly. Information: Sleepy Creek on Facebook.

AQUILA AT WATSON'S • May 10, 10pm-1am, Watson's Shack & Rail, 211 N Neil St, Champaign. Listen the jazz fusion, neo-soul, experimental indie sounds of the five member band. Limited Cost: No Cover.

PARKLAND PRIDE DRAG SHOW • May 10, 7pm-10pm, Jean Miner Theatre, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign. While the show is family friendly music during the show may contain adult language. Parking for the event will be available in Lot C4. Admission: Adults $5.00, $3.00 for ages 6-17, and free for children 6 and under.

LATIN DANCE NIGHT • May 10, 8-11pm, Urbana Dance Company, 122 W. Main Street, UNIT D, Urbana. DJ Sebastian will light up the house spinning popular salsa, bachata, merengue, and cumbia music. Free lesson from 8pm-8:30pm. Cover: $5.00 per person.

COMEDY WITH CHRIS SCHLICHTING • May 11, 8:30pm-10pm, C-U Comedy Club inside Soma, 320 North Neil Street, Champaign. Schlichting is a touring headliner at comedy clubs, private events, and corporate shows. He has appeared on nationally syndicated Bob and Tom Radio Show. Cost: $12.

THOMAS GABRIEL - PARADIGM OF TIME TOUR • May 11, 8pm, The City Center, 505 South Chestnut, Champaign. The oldest grandson of Johnny Cash will be performing live in Champaign. Cost: General Admission $10, Reserved Table seating $20. Information: Tickets available on EventFly.

MARY MAGDALENE • May 11, 7pm, The Art Theater, 126 West Church St, Champaign. Free-spirited Mary Magdalene flees an arranged marriage finding refuge and a sense of purpose in a radical new movement led by the charismatic, rabble-rousing preacher named Jesus. Admission: Student $8.50, Adult $10.00, Senior Citizens $8.25. Information: Additional showtimes.

SPRING SUCCULENT WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP • May 12, 1pm-2pm, Riggs Beer Company, 1901 South High Cross Road. Urbana. Have fun on Mother's Day with Farmer Holly as she leads a class in crafting custom wreaths on grapevine frames in the cozy confines of Riggs Brewery. For kids ages 10+ and adults. Cost: $30 per person. Information: Website

Dowling ties IHSA record

Bailey Dowling puts the ball in play against Rantoul. The St. Joseph-Ogden junior pounded her 60th career home run yesterday in her team's home game against Champaign Central. The home run puts her in a two-way tie with the record held by former Benet Academy catcher Stephanie Abello. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

St. Joseph-Ogden slugger Bailey Dowling averaged 21.5 home runs per season when the current one started a few months ago.

Yesterday, the junior tied the Illinois High School Association record for career home runs in the Spartans' home game against Champaign Central. Her 60th bomb ties a state record set in Benet Academy's Stephanie Abello, who played from 2012-2015 and now a catcher on the Illinois softball team.

It was Dowling's 17th homer this season as the Spartans rounds out their final week of regular season of play defeating the Maroons, 16-1.

Kaylee Ward led SJO on offense with three RBI on a pair of hits. Meanwhile, Ashtyn Cromwell hurled a complete game giving up just four hits.

Dowling's name appears in several additional spots on the IHSA's All-Time Records. As of the previous season she was tied in 10th for the most number of home runs in a game (3), tied for 15th in most runs scored in a season at 69, tied for 14th for most hits in a season and tied 11th for most doubles in a game.

Next up for Dowling and the Spartans is a trip to Galesburg for the Silver Streak Invitational on Friday and Saturday this week.

Spartan youth sports camps set for June and July

Ten high school coaches and their athletic programs will offer sports summer camps for area kids this summer. The camps are designed to be a fun learning environment for young athletes to learn fundamental skills and then demonstrate what they learned.

As the Sentinel receives more information from coaches and administrators we will update this page with the latest information made available to our site.

Here is a list of camps offered this summer starting May 29.

Football Youth Camp: June 10, 11, 12, 13 (9 AM-11:30 AM)
Players will learn how to play several different positions on offense and defense taught by the Spartan football program and head coach Shawn Skinner. Registration by June 1 is necessary to guarantee a camp shirt. • Download Camp Flyer

Volleyball Youth Camp: June 10, 11, 12
Registration deadline is Friday, May 24. The camp will be lead by head coach Abby McDonald who led SJO to the Class 2A state title match in 2016 • Download Camp Flyer

Cheerleading Youth Camp: July 18, 19, 20 in the Practice Gym (9 AM-12 PM)

Updated! Soccer Youth Camp: July 22, 23, 24, 25
Registration deadline is June 30th. All drills are all designed to practice new skills and perfect acquired ones in a fun, learning environment. Campers will receive a t-shirt and should bring a soccer ball and water to each camp session. • SJO soccer camp flyer

Boys Basketball Youth Camp: May 29, 30, 31 (8 AM-1:30 PM)
Deadline for registration closed on May 3 • Download Camp Flyer

Girls Basketball Youth Camp: June 3, 4, 5 (9 AM-12 PM) (1:30-3:30)
Young athletes will receive individual instruction, play games and earn awards by the SJO coaching staff and counselors. T-shirts will be given to each camper. • Download Camp Flyer

Dance Youth Camp: June 19, 20, 21 (9 AM-11:30 AM)

Wrestling Youth Camp: July 15, 16, 17 (9 AM-1:00 PM)
This camp will features three session where wrestlers will concentrate on learning sound technique from a well-qualified staff • Download camp flyer

Baseball Youth Camp: June 3, 4, 5 (8 AM-12:15 PM)

Softball Youth Camp: June 6, 7 (9 AM-1:30 PM)
Camp will furnish the balls and hitting equipment for girls to learn basic fundamentals. Campers should bring their glove and bat (if they have one) with their name on it. • SJO Camp Flyer

* * * Updated 5/6/19 at 11am
Links to football and girls basketball summer camp flyers were added.

* * * Updated 5/9/19 at 11:59am
Link to softball summer camp added.

* * * Updated 5/20/19 at 5:04pm
Soccer camp info updated.

McCarty pitches shutout, SJO wins Invite

Spartans open with decisive whooping

Keegan McCarty brought the heat to the hill securing St. Joseph-Ogden's opening win at the annual SJO Baseball Invitational. The junior hurler collected 17 strikeouts in a complete game no-hitter letting the Spartans roll to a 9-0 victory this morning.

The win halted a two-game slide after the Spartans dropped a conference game earlier this week to Olympia and non-conference 2-1 walk-off heartbreaker to Charleston.

SJO tallied eight hits thanks to Zach Martini and Brayden Weaver who had two apiece. Martini led the team with three RBI.

Blake Primmer added insult to injury with a solo home run in the game.

Hayden Sheehan absorbed the loss for the Bulldogs.

Box Score
St. Teresa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0-2
SJO . . . . 1 1 0 1 3 3 x 9-8-0

Opening momentum carries SJO to title

The Spartans moved just one game away from a 20-win season after defeating Tri-Valley in the title game for the four-team tournament, 7-1.

Out of the chute, SJO put four runs on the board in the first inning against the Vikings and never looked back.

Drew Coursey and Kaden Jacobs tallied two hits to cap Senior Day with the win.

The Spartans will play five games in the seven days starting Monday before heading into their regional semifinal game against Heritage on Wednesday, May 15, at Unity.

The full house schedule includes road games at Danville this Monday and Mattoon on Thursday. On Wednesday, SJO will host a make-up date with the Monticello Sages. The team then finishes out the regular season schedule with home contests against Salt Fork on Saturday and Olympia on Monday.

Box Score
Tri-Valley 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1- 2-2
SJO . . . . 4 0 0 2 0 1 x 7-10-2

Eight area runners finish at Illinois Marathon

St. Joseph's Doug Weaver running in the Illinois Marathon

Doug Weaver, from St. Joseph, runs just past the 3-mile mark during the Illinois Marathon. He conquered the course finishing ninth out 36 runners in his age division. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

With the looming threat a rain and miserable conditions early on in the race, eight Sentinel area marathoners bravely faced the elements to finish the Illinois Marathon's 26.2 mile course a week ago today.

Alison Jones, from St. Joseph, circumvented the flat terrain, Boston Marathon qualifier course in three hours, thirty minutes and three seconds, just 36 seconds faster than her 2017 time. This year, she placed second out of 53 runners in the women's 40-44 and was the 39th female competitor to finish the race.

Last year, Jones won the women's 40-44 division title and was 32nd overall finisher in the 10K race.

Valaria Rohde running in the 2019 Illinois Marathon

Valaria Rohde, from Royal, finished her Illinois Marathon run just over 5 hours at 5:02:39. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Veteran distance runner Mike Tankersley turned in the area's next best time stopping the clock at 3:39:38. Out of 696 men completing the race, the St. Joseph resident was the two hundred and thirty-third male runner to finish and was 21st in the 50-54 year-old group.

Tankersley's finish was an improvement on his 2018 time of 3:44:51 on the same course.

After competing in the half marathon race the past two installments of Champaign-Urbana's largest running event, Doug Weaver, also from St. Joseph, was the next Sentinel area runner to complete the race. Ninth out of 36 marathoners aged 60-64, he finished 364th overall at 3:48.

Also finishing the 26.6 mile course was Royal's Jeff Rohde, who was 781st overall (4:37:58), Mark Shoviak (677th overall, 4:23:44) from St. Joseph, Valeria Rohde (900th, 5:02:39) from Royal, Brian Beck (906th overall, 5:03:22) and Amber Davis, from St. Joseph, rounding out the group at 1052nd overall with a time of 5:55:25.

Transitions: Jeannine Corlas, 53

Jeannine W. Corlas, 53, of St. Joseph passed away quietly in her home on Friday, April 26, 2019.

Jeannine, better known as Nene, was born Dec. 19, 1965, in Springfield, Illinois, to Richard and Louise (Born) Wilkinson. She grew up outside the city boundaries of Springfield, attending City Day, Ball Chatham and Sacred Heart schools. She went on to attend Lincoln Land Community College and Millikin University, graduating from both colleges.

Nene was employed by the University of Illinois at the time of her passing.

She married Patrick Corlas and married on Jun. 6, 1992, and two years later in 1994 gave birth to their only child, Mitchell.

Nene was a co-owner/operator of the Pink Poodle, a popular gift shop and party venue for 10 years. At the time of her passing she was employed by the University of Illinois.

She was preceded in transition by her father, Richard Wilkinson, in 2017, and grandparents; Fred and Agnes Wilkinson and Albert and Ruchiel Born.

Nene is survived by her husband, Pat; son, Mitch; sister, Melinda Kraus (Joe); nephew, Justin Kraus; stepmother, Nancy Wilkinson; and mother, Louise Wilkinson.

The visitation and burial was held on April 29, 2019, at St. Joseph Church of Christ, 226 E. Sherman St., St. Joseph.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Carle Cancer Center in Urbana.

Transitions: Inki Abu calls Annie Lee Jessup home

Annie Lee (Kemp) Jessup passed away on Good Friday, April 19, 2019, at the Waterford at Bridle Brook in Mahomet.

She was born September 22, 1925, in Ada, OK, a daughter of Joel Leamon Kemp and Annie Laurie (Aldrich) Kemp. A direct descendant of ancestors who made the historic Trail of Tears across the southern United States in the mid-19th century, both of her parents were Native Americans descending from Chickasaw and Choctaw Indian tribes, members of the Five Civilized Tribes.

She married Bobby Gene (Robert G.) Jessup January 1, 1946, in Harris County, Texas, and moved to St. Joseph after her husband served his country in the United States Air Force. He preceded her in death on February 14, 1975. She had two sons who also preceded her to the heavens; Robert G. Jessup II (November 19, 1968) and Leamon Kemp Jessup (August 20, 2017). She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Sue Fathree, George Kemp, and Harry Kemp.

Annie is survived by her grandchildren: Jeremy (Nichole) Jessup and Joshua Jessup, both of Mahomet, Joel (Katie) Jessup of Seymour, and Annie (Tyler) Anglin of San Diego, California. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Erin, Ainsley, Jack, Addie, Liam, Jameson, and Emmalyn.

A Celebration of Life service for Annie will be Saturday, May 4, at the St. Joseph United Methodist Church, 205 N. Third Street, St. Joseph, the Reverend Gene Turner officiating. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph.

Memorial gifts may be made to the St. Joseph United Methodist Church.

On this day in 2017

On this day in April of 2017, Ryan Thompsen ran with 1,216 endurance runners at the Illinois Marathon. Thompsen, who ran both cross country and track while attending St. Joseph-Ogden High School, ran to a 1st place finish in the Mens 20-24 division, clocking in 2:33:08. He crossed the finish line 4th overall out of entire field on Saturday. Click here to see more photos from the 2017 Illinois Marathon. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Throwback Thursday: The first St. Joe 5K

This week's Throwback Thursday features photos and memorable faces from the inaugural SJO 5K, then known as the St. Joseph Community Festival 5K. In the months ahead, visit the race's official website here for information concerning this year's upcoming race.

The Sentinel, courtesy of PhotoNews Media, has more than 250,000 images from more than a decade and half of sport coverage and athletic events in St. Joseph. As space and time allows, we will share photos, memorable moments and treasured images from the massive collection of images of sporting events in our files for your weekly paper.

Brothers, Aaron, left, and Caleb Ball sprint out of the gate

With a turnout that exceeded organizers' expectations, 194 finishers ran in the first St. Joseph Community Festival 5K Saturday, August 9, 2008. Brothers, Aaron, left, and Caleb Ball sprint out of the gate ahead of the pack at the start of the run. The race featured a great course under perfect running conditions and over 40 door prizes for participants from area merchants. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Jim Acklin, superintendent and former SJO cross-country coach, heads to the finish line. Acklin won the men's 45-54 age group with a time of 17:29.00. Today, Acklin coaches college running as the head cross country coach at Danville Area Community College and serves as a trustee for Ogden. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Ryan Thompsen runs to a 5th place finish

Ryan Thompsen runs to a fifth place finish in the Male 15-19 division at the St. Joseph 5K Run and Fun Walk. Thompsen finished the course at 17 minutes and 55.72 seconds. Thompsen running career did not end after high school or his stint at North Central College in Naperville. He went on to win the 2016 5K title at Illinois Marathon and finished the marathon event in fourth place in 2017. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Jennifer Ball, Sherry Nagy, Kate Morgan, and Sandy Bayles raise their arms as they head for the finish line. Over 190 runners and walkers participated in what would be come the first of an annual community event in St. Joseph. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Jolee Paden, left, holds off Sidney Megeff, who runs to a third place finish in the Female 14 & Under division. Proceeds from the race/walk were donated to the St. Joseph-Ogden High School and St. Joseph Junior High cross-country programs. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Nicole Mannen runs to a seventh place finish in the Female 14 & Under division. Mannen finished the course at 26:30.03. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Runner Landon Vowels eats a post-race snack

Landon Vowels devours a banana after finishing his race. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

*** Editor's Note: This following paragraph was removed from the story due to the PhotoNews archive shuttered by Covid-19 pandemic. "The PhotoNews online archives are searchable by name, date and event. Use the search tool on this page to find current and nostalgic file photographs."

Transitions: Bobby Divan of St. Joseph

Robert “Bobby” E. Divan, 50, who worked at AJ’s Station as the head mechanic, passed away in his home on Sunday, April 14, 2019, in St. Joseph.

Bobby was born August 20, 1968, the son of Robert S. Divan and Gail L. Martin-Divan. He attended Flatville Grade School and South Vigo High School in Terre Haute, IN.

Bobby enjoyed being with family and friends, walking his dog and listening to music. He also enjoyed going to the demos and camping, fishing, and riding motorcycles and three- or four-wheelers as well as collecting various furnishings for his home.

He formerly worked for Mike’s Garage and Towing on North Fourth Street for 20 years.

Visitation will be held tomorrow, April 19, at Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph from 4 to 7 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 20, 2019, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Stearns-Fithian Cemetery. Memorials may be made out to the family to help with funeral expenses.

Bobby is survived by his mother and stepfather, Gail and Kem Curits of LaGrange, Indiana; stepmother, Robin Divan of Urbana; girlfriend, Laurie Ferguson of Farmer City; sisters, Kimberly Divan-Abel of New Braunfels, Texas, Tera and Chris Swisher of Sidney and Samantha Oesch of Fort Wayne, Indiana; brothers, Jesse and Sheila Divan of Urbana and Joshua Divan of Urbana; children, Karen and Freddy Davis of Griffin, Georgia, Jamie and Joey Moore of Barnesville, Georgia, Alexandra Divan and Joseph Ragle Jr. of St. Joseph, Robert Divan and Amy Gibbons of Champaign, Hailey Huskey of Waggnor and Denver Huskey of Sidney; grandchildren, Michael, Herman, Brayln, Dillon, Lucas, Calvin, Aubree, Zaiden and Lylah; and nieces and nephews, Amber and Tommie Gonzales, Leslie Shaffer, Jesse Divan, Shawnna Utley, Nicole Divan, Dagen Gonzales, Joshua Swisher, Tommie Gonzales, Taniya Colon, Rayden Vasquze, Jayden Divan, Zayliehn Mancias, Kysleigh Cavos, David Leiding, Brayden Swisher, Koby Divan, Kayla Divan and Kallie Mae Divan.

He was proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clarence and Callie Mae Divan of Danville; maternal grandparents, Chuck and Pat Martin of Chino Valley, Arizona.; father, Robert S. Divan of Flatville; and brother-in-law, William P. Abel, husband of Kimberly Divan Abel of New Braunfels, Texas.

Transitions: Ruth Williams, 96

Ruth L. Williams, a former employee at St. Joseph High School, once sang with the Sweet Adelines. Williams passed away on April 10 at the age of 96.

The daughter of William “Bill” Hartman and Ollie Denhart Hartman, Ruth was born west of St. Joseph on Aug. 11, 1922.

She attended Illinois Commercial College and later landed her first job at Sullivan Chevrolet automotive dealership in Champaign. From there, she moved on to Collegiate Cap and Gown. She then went to work at a restaurant in St. Joseph before becoming a dedicated employee at the high school, where she worked for 32 years.

At the age of 20 she married Murray Williams who preceded her death on June 30, 1980.

Ruth loved country music and dancing. She enjoyed her family and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a daughter, Margaret “Kay” Charles (Ron) of St. Joseph; five grandchildren, Angela Mumm of Cape Coral, Florida, Vicki Sparks (Larry) of St. Joseph, Bob Mumm of Cape Coral, Florida, Jodi Williams of Nashville, Tennessee, and Melissa Williams, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and four great-grandchildren, Kayla Sparks and Brandon Sparks of St. Joseph and Grace Vilar and Michael Vilar of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Ruth was preceded in death by her son, Bill Williams; two brothers, Ernie Hartman and Bill Hartman; and a sister, Helen Lowe.

She was laid to rest on Monday, April 15, 2019, at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, with David Barcus officiating.

Memorials can still be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Three home games to test SJO softball this week

If you haven't been to a St. Joseph-Ogden softball game yet this season, you really need to get over to Randy Wolken Field this week. The Spartans, now 13-1 after defeating Sacred Heart Griffin 19-8 and Mattoon at their invitational last Friday, play three back-to-back home games starting today at 4:30p, at 5p tomorrow and again Wednesday at 4:30p.

The top-ranked Spartans start their three-day home stand today against Unity, who will enter the contest with 15-3 record. Ranked at #10 in the April 8 Class 2A Illinois Coaches Association poll, the Rockets have a lot to prove against the #4 ranked Spartans.

Both teams have defeated four common opponents so far this season. Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin, Villa Grove, Mattoon and Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley have all fallen prey to the two members of Illini Prairie Conference.

The Rockets shut out two of the four, Mattoon and BHRA, and allowed 13 runs against the other two teams. While SJO has allowed 17 runs against those teams, they put a combined 44 runs, five more than Unity, on the scoreboard against the same four teams.

With less than 24 hours of rest, SJO will be back on the field for a rematch against Mattoon on Tuesday. The Spartans, led by junior Hannah Dukeman defeated the Green Wave 15-5 to win this year's Mattoon Invitational title.

SJO tallied more the 17 hits during the game and freshman Kennedy Hudson pounded her first home run of the 2019 season.

In what could be the most challenging of the three games this week, the ladies will close out the homestand against Mt. Zion. The one-loss Braves have nine wins and a tie as of last Friday, and are ranked 20th in the ICA Class 3A poll. In addition to putting SJO's batting and fielding skills to the test, the game will surely probe the softball team's mental toughness and competitive spirit.

Here are five really good reasons to come out and cheer on the Lady Spartans this week:

32
The number of home runs hit in the 14 games by the Spartans so far this season. Hannah Dukeman leads the team with 10, Bailey Dowling has pummeled nine and Kaylee Ward has four so far. You don't want to miss one of these ladies clearing the bases with a game-winning grand slam sailing over Grand Ave this week.

95
With an ERA 1.288, number one pitcher Zoey Witruk (6 wins-1 loss) has collected this many strikeouts so far this season. It will be a treat to watch her frustrate batters as the junior pads her stats with more Ks to her already impressive record.

30
Estimated average attendance of the last three home games by fans. First year head coach Larry Sparks has the program playing an exciting brand of softball. Admission is free and cheering is always appreciated by the players. As always, SJO softball is worth watching.

4
The number of seniors on this season's roster. Hannah Lewis, Katy Poulter, Savannah Smith and Ashytn Cromwell together give the team the depth needed to make a deep post season run.

1
The number of losses The Sentinel expects the Spartans to have after this week of action at The Joe. You won't want to miss one or all three games starting today with friends and neighbors.

75 SJO seniors named to 3rd quarter Honor Roll

St. Joseph-Ogden's Dillon Uken provides protection on the line of scrimmage in his team's first-round game against Monticello on October 27 during last fall's IHSA football postseason playoffs. Uken was one of 75 SJO seniors who made the third quarter Honor Roll. (PhotoNews File Photo/Clark Brooks)

Seventy-five seniors, 67 juniors, 57 sophomores and 69 freshmen earned recognition for academic excellence in the third quarter at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

Students named to the High Honors earned GPAs of 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Those attaining GPAs of 3.25 to 3.74 are recognized as Honor Roll students.

High Honor Roll

Seniors: Gage Atwood, Cassidy Bagby, Erin Beyers, Kaylee Blanchard, Rebecca Campbell, Sarah Chahine, David Cummins, Emmy Daniels, Liam Davis, Abigail Dunham, Avery Edwards, Nathan Emmert, Emory Ericksen, Jasmine Febus, Emilie Fox, Adam Frerichs, Rachel Gherna, Zachary Hill, Kalli Ingram, Kenneth Lahners, Hannah Lewis, Nathan Logan, Erinn Miller, Caroline Moore, Eve Owens, Angela Palmer, Benjamin Reitmeier, Adam Rose, Madison Rubin, Abigail Schlueter, Elizabeth Schluter, Samantha Schmidt, Benjamin Setterdahl, Jacob Shaw, Kaitlin Shoviak, Grant Siegmund, Rylee Sjuts, Brianna Suits, Maclayne Taylor and Nathan Walden.

Juniors: Lindsey Aden, Jenna Albrecht, Mallory Ames, Taylor Barnes, Katelyn Berry, Emily Bigger, Kaylee Blackburn, Ginny Bytnar, Payton Cain, Trevon Carr, Kristen Costa, Drew Coursey, Kathryn Cramer, Andrea Cunningham, Faith Dahman, Hannah Dukeman, Asjah Fonner, Jaiden Freeman, Robert Gebbink, Payton Grimsley, Lucas Grindley, Erica Guelfi, Emily Hardimon, Chance Izard, Cody Johnston, Lacey Kaiser, Danielle Kelso, Eliza Lewis, Nathan Maier, Sara Milioli, Ava Mills, Carson Mills, Alivia Norem, Nolan Peacock, Taddy Pettit, Eric Poe, Dyllan Price, Hannah Rajlich, Lexi Ribbe, Jenna Schaefer, Joshua Sexton, Rylee Stahl, Kenly Taylor, Stephanie Trame, Anna Tranel, Isabelle Vliet, Madie Warfel, Brayden Weaver, Sam Wesley, Zoey Witruk and Jackson Wooten.

Sophomores: Isabelle Brooks, Crayton Burnett, David Bytnar, Taylor Campbell, Kylie Duckett, Hanna Eastin, Nadirah Edwards, Emily Fisher, Dakota Franzen, Atleigh Hamilton, Emmy Houston, Lukas Hutcherson, Logan Ingram, Cailer Kellenberger, Shelby Kofoot, Spencer Lahners, Ethan Lane, Aiden Livesay, Alyssa Maddock, Tyson Madsen, Sophia Martlage, Brandon Mattsey, Flannery McCorkle, Garren Meeker, Abigail Moberg, Samantha Naylor, Alec Painer, Erin Patton, Aidan Roberts, Indira Robinson, Mazie Ronk, Evan Schmitz, Max Shonkwiler, Tessa Smith, Payton Vallee, Nora Walden, Brayden Wendt, Rachel Wilson and Logan Wolfersberger.

Freshmen: Addison Allen, Tyler Altenbaumer, Kailyn Anderson, Ella Armstrong, Madison Atwood, Abigail Behrens, Ella Besson, Andrew Beyers, Brandie Bowlin, Mara Burkhalter, Angela Chahine, Anastasia Conerty, Deanna Cummins, Benjamin Cunningham, Sidney Davis, Zander Dressen, Ashley Eldridge, Jared Emmert, Hannah Fox, Zella Fuqua, Brennan Haake, Liam Hamer, Alyssa Hamilton, Lauren Harper, Anthony Hoang, Claire Huffman, Payton Jacob, Alison Kearney, Ava Knap, Jacey Lewis, Kelsey Martlage, Sophia McDade, Coby Miller, Conrad Miller, Elijah Mock, Keaton Nolan, Jessica Palmer, Emma Parkinson, Hope Rajlich, JoLeena Reynolds, Kendra Riddle, Taryn Sexton, Alyssa Shoviak, Luke Stegall, Rebecca Steinbach, Mackenzie Trame, Ethan Vanliew and Taylor Wells.

Honor Roll

Seniors: Sullivan Alwes, Nicholas Boggs, Joel Branson, Makayla Buskirk, Brooke Butorac, Ripley Campbell, Kayla Cañas, Daniel Carlson, Amanda Craddock, Ashtyn Cromwell, Peyton Crowe, Chloe Duckett, Michael Foreman, Cole Franzen, Bryce Froeschl, Mikayla Harshbarger, Kaitlyn Hess, Michelle Jervis, Dylan Johnson, Shelby McElroy, Ryan Miller, Joel Orcutt, Karsyn Peters, Raymond Plotner, Kathryn Poulter, Hanson Rieches, Libby Rowland, Niko Russell, Clare Smith, Savannah Smith, Dillon Uken, Rylee Walsh, Jack Ward, Seth Wedig and Alyssa Whitlock.

Juniors: Kendall Ayers, Kolton Batty, Erin Bridgewater, Payton Clements, Brendan Cooperider, Bailey Dowling, Tristan Fuqua, Ethan Hinrichs, Conner Hodge, Keegan McCarty, Mason McLain, Allison Monk, Luke Renfrew, Brodie Sullivan, Anna Wentzloff and Karsyn Wetzel.

Sophomores: Haven Atwood, Hunter Brooks, Joshua Buttjer, Raegan Crippen, Jacob Dwyer, Alex Frerichs, Emily Froman, Carter Huffman, Hayden Knott, Brock Loschen, Alyssa Lynch, Gunnar Olson, Brianna Reifsteck, Lizzie Reitmeier, Jackson Rydell, Lauren Trankina, Kaylee Ward and Mitchell Whitlock.

Freshmen: Nicolas Anzelmo, Jaden Barton, Alanna Bensyl, Kennedi Burnett, Braden Clampitt, Mackenzie Fulk, Hailey Gaines, Avian Gerdes, Kailyn Ingram, KayLeigh Kamphaus, Olivia Klotz, Ashlyn Lannert, Wyatt Loghry, Madelyn Mabry, Braden MeElroy, Ava Miller, Jett Morris, Nathaniel Nosler, Jonathan Poulter, Isabelle Scott and Karsten Wayland.

Over 130 middle school students earn spot on quarterly Honor Roll

One hundred thirty-two students from St. Joseph Middle School achieved Honor Roll recognition this week.

Seventh grade students earning High Honors recognition are Logan Allen, Owen Baltzell, Payton Carter, Maya Chahine, Rachel Divan, Sadie Ericksen, Joseph Frasca, Addison Frick, Logan Haake, Chloe Harper, Rachel Harris, Annabelle Hueber, Tanner Jacob, Kya Jolley, Helene Jones, Tori Kibler, Quinn Lewis, Taylyn Lockhart, Addisyn Martinie, Isaiah Mock, Rowan Musselman, Macy Reed-Thompson, Addison Roesch, Nathaniel Roth, Daniel Santiago, Lucas Skelton, Logan Smith, Drew Thurman, and Peyton Williams.

Students in seventh grade who earned Honor Roll status include Chloe Allen, Luke Allen, Tyler Boggs, Halle Brazelton, Kyler Brown, Garrett Denhart, Cameron Dressen, Ashton Fonner, Holden Jones, Brock Kellenberger, Connor Little, Grace Mabrey, Carson Maroon, Seth McBride, Peyton McDougal, Ethan McElroy-Fitzpatrick, Shannon McMahon Jr., Carlina Patterson, Ave Pettit, Bella Santanelli, Aescton Slowikowski, Madison Stevens, Corbin Wells, Justice Wertz, Nicholas Wetzel, Spencer Wilson and Owen Yohnka.

Eighth graders meeting the criteria for High Honor Roll recognition are McGwire Atwood, Kaytlyn Baker, Olivia Baltzell, Tyler Burch, Ariana Chambers, Maddux Carter, Cale Coursey, Aiden Cromwell, Zachary Dahman, Andrew Guelfi, Hayden Henkelman, Maya Hewkin, Taylor Hug, Shayne Immke, Peyton Jones, Jacob Kern, Aaron Lane, Teagan Miller, William Page, Allegra Pearman, Ty Pence, Ellen Place, Jack Robertson, Robert Rowland, Kirsten Schaefer, Katharine Short, Paige Siegmund, Trinity Tapia, Taylor Voorhees and Margaret Ward.

The following eighth grade students earn a spot on this quarter's Honor Roll: Alyssa Acton, Emma Rydell, Canyon Alwes, Trenton Severins, Sylvia Bills, Isabel Sexton, Owen Birt, Garrett Siems, Cara Blanchard, Olivia Terven, Kaylee Brown, Mallory Wagner, Taylor Burch, Emma Ward, Payton Carter, Jackson Wetzel, Gwendolyn Chatterton, Bryce Collins, Madelynn Cook, Abigail Dow, Leah Finley, Alex Funk, Jessica Gadbury, Joseph Gherna, Jackson Greer, Kennedy Greer, Hunter Hinen, Mary Hinrichs, Emily Jeffries, Cameran Kelley, Eleni Krall, Ryan Kuchenbrod, Collin Livesay, Carter Mabry, Aidan McCorkle, Courtney Myren, Christopher Newman, Nicholas Nosler, Emma Rydell, Trenton Severins, Isabel Sexton, Garrett Siems, Olivia Terven, Mallory Wagner, Emma Ward and Jackson Wetzel.

Knott, Mattsey lead SJO at Rantoul Invite

Running against a solid field of competitors from Bloom Township, Herscher, Kankakee and 11 other schools, the St. Joseph-Ogden boys track team finished seventh out of a field of 15 schools at the 2019 Rantoul Invite on Saturday. Earning 55 points, SJO finished two points behind Mahomet-Seymour (57 points, 6th place) and a mere three below Urbana(5th place) in fifth place.

St. Joseph-Ogden's Isiah McCune runs to the finish line at the 2018 state XC meet

St. Joseph-Ogden's Isiah McCune runs to the finish line at the 2018 Illinois High School Association Cross Country State Finals on Saturday, November 3, 2018. The senior finished second in last Saturday's 3200 Meter run at the Rantoul Invite. He finished the Class 1A state race last fall in 44th place overall with a time of 15:50.19. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks) (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Earning 20 points for the Spartans, Hayden Knott placed first in both the junior varsity discus and shot put competition.

Throws from Rantoul's Brandon Lord and Danville's Joseph Irons were nowhere near Knott's best throw of the day in the shot competition. The 2018 state-qualifier sent the heavy ball 44-6 3/4, which surpassed the meet record of 40-7 1/2 and his personal best going into the meet by 10 inches. He was the only underclassman to exceed 40 feet.

Knott also recorded a new personal record in the discus, launching it 152-4. His previous personal best was 139-1. The toss broke the old fresh/soph record of 108-04 established by St. Joseph-Ogden's Max Chaterton in 2017.

Brandon Mattsey won the Freshman/Sophomore 1600m Run with a time of 5:00.61. He clocked in three seconds ahead of Monticello's Ed Mitchell (5:03.43) and beat Nathan Rotundo, from McHenry, who finished third at 5:04.22. His time was just a little more than five seconds off his career best of 4:55.40.

Running with Lukas Hutcherson, Elijah Mock and Luke Stegall in the fresh/soph 4x800 race, Mattsey helped the team to four team points by way of a fourth place finish with a time of 09:23.81.

Other top performances included a great effort by senior Isiah McCune, who finished second in the 3200 Meter Run. Nolan Peacock cleared 12'6" to place fourth in the pole vault competition and Lane Gaskin took third in 200 Meter Dash.

Get rid of your electronic junk next month

Have items from your garage sale this weekend you still want to get rid of?

Residents from Gifford, Ogden, Royal, St. Joseph as well as surrounding homes in Unincorporated Champaign County are eligible to drop off unwanted or non-functioning electronic items at this year's Champaign County Electronic Recycling Event on May 18.

Online registration opened yesterday and several time slots are already filled. You must register through the portal to receive a postcard to gain entry to the event.

To register, go to Countywide Electronic Recycling. Simply click on an available time and complete the online form. Expect to receive your postcard within two weeks after submitting the form. For those who did not receive their postcard before the event or leave it behind, you can show your confirmation email/text at the entrance on your smart device or laptop.

Eligible individuals with postcards may dispose up to four televisions of any make or model. Organizers do not consider computer monitors a TV. Up to seven items per postcard can be left at the event. Small items can be bundled or put into a small box and counted as one item.

Items accepted for this year's event include TVs, computers, computer monitors, printers, typewriters, electronic keyboards, facsimile machines, VCRs, DVD players/recorders, portable digital music players, video game consoles, electronic mice, scanners, digital converter boxes, cable receivers, satellite receivers, small scale servers, accessory computer/monitor speakers, ink & toner cartridges, extension cords, surge protectors, computer cables, microwaves, holiday string lights, all phones and accessories, digital cameras/mini cams, uninterrupted power supplies, backup batteries, chargers for portable devices, and computer networking equipment including switches, routers, hubs and modems.

The following items will not be accepted: Wooden, metal, or plastic stereo speakers; units or items that contain liquids; items that contain freon such as AC units and dehumidifiers; freezers, refrigerators and dishwashers; small appliances including but not limited to blenders, coffee makers, toasters; lamps, vacuum cleaners, fans, cash registers, thermostats and thermometers; light bulbs, fluorescent bulbs or tubes; smoke or carbon monoxide detectors; and loose alkaline batteries.

Unless there is severe weather during the collection time, rain or shine (or snow), the event will go on as planned. Thunder and lightning activity will not cancel the event. Inclement weather may slow things down, but past experience has shown the additional wait time to be minimal.

For more information visit the official 2019 electronics recycling page. You may also send email inquiries to recycling@champaignil.gov or call 217-403-4780 or 217-384-2302.