All Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facilities statewide are now closed as per recommendation by public health experts. Offices will not be open tomorrow and are expected to reopen on April 1.
Because of the closure, expiration dates for driver’s licenses, identification (ID) cards, vehicle registrations and other transactions as well as document filings will be extended by 30 days through an emergency rule.
In an attempt to utilize social distancing, Secretary of State Jesse White said in the release that his "...office will continue to monitor the COVID-19 crisis. Expert advice, news and events involving the virus will influence the reopening date of offices and the Driver Services facilities."
There are three confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in the Springfield area according to Sangamon County health officials. One patient is a 71-year-old woman who is in a intensive care unit, another is a Springfield Park Board member in self-isolation at home. On Sunday, another patient was revealed to be hospitalized in Springfield.
"After careful consideration, it is clear that this decision to close offices and Driver Services facilities is the right one to make for the health and safety of Illinoisans," said White on Monday. "This important action will help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus."
Across Illinois, the Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed 105 individuals out of 1,143 cases tested positive for the Coronavirus. According to the University of Virginia Survellience Dashboard, two patients have recovered from the infection. Illinois has recorded no deaths at this time, while Indiana just reported its first COVID-19 death.
White is reminding residents that many transactions with the Secretary of State’s office may be conducted online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
During the closure Illinois residents are encouraged to go online where they can obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card; renewing a vehicle registration;renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program; and file Business Services documents.
Opening day on hold, here's what 3 Spartans had to say
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| April 24, 2019 - St. Joseph, IL - Jaden Miller watches a flyball sail overhead during SJO's road game at St. Thomas More in 2019. This year's prep sports season, including SJO baseball, is in danger of being completely canceled due to the Coronavirus spreading throughout the United States. As one of the top baseball programs in the state, Miller and the Spartans were looking forward to making another run deep into the IHSA postseason championships. (Photo: PhotoNews/Clark Brooks) |
"It’s difficult for me to wrap my mind around the current situation as a whole, with everything changing rapidly and the whole aspect of not knowing. Having my senior season potentially stripped from me is hard to accept, and I’m not entirely sure how I’ll end up accepting it. I’m trying to remain optimistic and keep the big picture in mind."
~ Drew Coursey, Senior
"I am very emotional and saddened by this outbreak. This SJO team was the one to go all the way, but I am still hopeful for a chance to take the field one last time. "
~ Sam Wesley, Senior
"Well it’s hard to put into words what I’m feeling. It’s sort of like an emptiness because I had high hopes for the team. We were looking really really good this year and I’m just hoping it’s not wasted. We will be ready to go if and when we get the chance too."
~ Joey Acton, Senior
Five games you won't want miss on the 2020 SJO Softball Schedule
Hopefully, in 21 days time, the St. Joseph-Ogden girls softball team will back on the field.
When the spring sports season finally returns, seniors Zoey Witruk, Hannah Dukeman, Lindsey Aden and IHSA record-holding slugger Bailey Dowling will be a all-star foundation in head coach Larry Sparks' third campaign at the Spartan helm.
SJO finished the 2019 season with at 22-10 record logging three regular season shutouts in 2019 including a 4-0 win over Illinois Valley Central, besting Maroa-Forsyth 9-0 and booking a 17-0 victory over another conference rival, St. Thomas More.
As the #2 seed in last year's postseason run, the Spartans gobbled up bases in the quest for a trip to the 2019 state tournament blanking of Illini Prairie Conference foe Monticello 11-0. SJO beat the Sages earlier in regular season play, 13-1.
The Spartans then put the kabash on Maroa-Forsyth's season by way of 5-1 victory win for the regional title. Then came a heartbreaking loss and unexpected halt to their own season after a 4-2 sectional semifinal loss to Olympia.
This season's schedule is brutal, but should have the St. Joseph-Ogden softball team ready for a deep postseason run yet again if the IHSA reinstates the season.
The likelihood unfortunately looking more and more like a long shot after the CDC released a recommendation yesterday limiting mass gatherings for an eight week period. If the state's public health department follows that guideline, that could very well push the season's official start to May 15. With a mandatory 10-day practice period before the first game can be played, that puts the first possible pitch around the 25th of May, just 11 days before the first scheduled state semifinal game at Eastside Centre in East Peoria.
That said, if Illinois spring sports gets the go-ahead as currently planned, there are five regular season contests you don't want to miss. Each should test both players and coach staff.
It will be worth the road trip to Villa Grove, if it can be snuck in on April 7, and to Unity to watch SJO overcome the Rockets on their new turfed softball field.
You won't want to miss the April 16 home game against Bloomington Central Catholic and it would be sinful to skip out on watching what could be an intense rivalry showdown against Olympia at home on May 4.
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Hannah Dukeman takes a swing at a Rantoul pitch during the Spartans home game in 2019. With the threat of Coronavirus infecting much of the US population, high school sports around the nation has been put on hold. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks) |
2020 St. Joseph-Ogden Softball Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Home Away |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 March | Mahomet-Seymour High School | H | 4:30 |
| 17 March | Normal West High School | A | 4:30 |
| 21 March | TBA @ Casey Westfield (round robin) | A | TBA |
| 23 March | GCMS High School | H | 4:30 |
| 24 March | Westville High School | H | 4:30 |
| 25 March | St. Thomas More High School | H | 4:30 |
| 28 March | Illinois Valley Central High School | H | 12:00 |
| 1 April | Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin High School | A | 4:30 |
| 4 April | Rantoul Invite (DH) | A | TBA |
| 6 April | Maroa-Forsyth High School | A | 4:30 |
| 7 April | Villa Grove High School @ Richman Park | A | 4:30 |
| 8 April | Heyworth High School | H | 4:30 |
| 11 April | Tri-Valley High School | H | 10:00 |
| 13 April | Rantoul High School | A | 4:30 |
| 15 April | Bishop McNamara High School | H | 4:30 |
| 16 April | Bloomington Central Catholic High School | H | 4:30 |
| 17 April | Mattoon High School (DH) | A | 4:30 |
| 18 April | Herscher High School | H | 10:00 AM |
| 20 April | Unity High School | A | 4:30 |
| 21 April | Mattoon High School | A | 4:30 |
| 22 April | Mt. Zion High School | A | 5:00 |
| 23 April | Pontiac High School | H | 4:30 |
| 25 April | Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond High School (DH) | H | 10:00 AM |
| 27 April | Prairie Central High School | A | 4:30 |
| 4 May | Olympia High School | H | 4:30 |
| 6 May | Fisher High School | H | 4:30 |
| 7 May | Monticello High School | A | 4:30 |
| 9 May | SJO Softball Triangular (DH) | H | 10:00 AM/2:00 PM |
| 11 May | Tuscola High School | A | 4:30 |
| 12 May | Danville High School | H | 4:30 |
| 14 May | Clinton High School | A | 4:30 |
| 15-16 May | Galesburg Tourney (Alexis Fieldhouse: 3 games) | A | TBA |
| 18 May | Charleston High School | A | 4:30 |
| 19-22 May | IHSA Regionals | A | TBA |
| 23 May | IHSA Regional Championship | A | TBA |
2020 JV Softball Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Home Away |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 March | Mahomet-Seymour High School @ St. Joseph Community Park | H | 4:30 |
| 17 March | Normal West High School | A | 4:30 |
| 23 March | GCMS High School | H | 6:00 |
| 24 March | Westville High School | H | 6:00 |
| 26 March | Urbana High School | H | 4:30 |
| 28 March | Illinois Valley Central High School | H | 2:00 |
| 1 April | Champaign Centennial High School | H | 4:30 |
| 6 April | Maroa-Forsyth High School | A | 6:00 |
| 9 April | OPEN DATE | H | TBA |
| 11 April | Tri-Valley High School | H | 12:00 |
| 13 April | Rantoul High School | A | 4:30 |
| 15 April | Bishop McNamara High School | A | 5:00 |
| 16 April | Bloomington Central Catholic High School | H | 6:00 |
| 18 April | Herscher High School (DH) | H | 12:00 |
| 20 April | Unity High School | A | 6:00 |
| 21 April | Mattoon High School | H | 4:30 |
| 22 April | Mt. Zion High School | A | 5:00 |
| 23 April | Pontiac High School | H | 6:00 |
| 24 April | Champaign Central High School | A | 4:30 |
| 27 April | Prairie Central High School | A | 6:00 |
| 4 May | Olympia High School | H | 6:00 |
| 5 May | Champaign Central High School @ St. Joseph Community Park | H | 4:30 |
| 6 May | Fisher High School | H | 6:00 |
| 7 May | Monticello High School | A | 6:00 |
| 8 May | TBA @ St. Joseph Community Park | H | 4:30 |
| 11 May | Tuscola High School | A | 6:00 |
| 14 May | Clinton High School | A | 6:00 |
| 18 May | Charleston High School | A | 6:00 |
Happy trails await in Vermilion County Parks
Yesterday, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced the closure of state parks until further notice citing the Coronavirus pandemic as the underlying cause for the decision.
Today, the Vermilion County Conservation District announced that its Kennekuk, Forest Glen, Lake Vermilion, and Heron County Park properties are still open to the public. The parks will remain open until 8pm daily but with reduced services.
Camping, especially at Forest Glen is not permitted until further notice. The Conservation District will not accept shelter or building reservations at this time. Also, all facilities will be closed to the public. Closed facilities include Visitor Centers, Education Centers, Maintenance Buildings, Ranger Station, and inside and outside Restroom Facilities at all four parks.
Illinois state parks closed indefinitely due to Coronavirus
So much for going out for a walk in the woods during the next three to eight weeks to relieve cabin fever induced by a possible eight more weeks of self-isolation or self-quarantine.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources posted an announcement on their Facebook page that all park properties are closed to the public due over the concerns of the Coronavirus. No projected or suggested reopening date was included in the post.
That means no leisurely pursuits such as nature walks, photographing wildlife and spring flowers or enjoying the God-given beauty that the Illinois landscape has to offer.
"All scheduled events on state property are effectively cancelled; patrons are encouraged to call IDNR’s Parks administrative line Monday through Friday at 217-782-6752 with questions," says the post.
The 526 comments were critical of the move, especially when medical professionals say getting outdoors and exercise is important to maintaining a healthy immune system. Many question the logic by the IDNR.
Anthony Majszak wrote: "Close the buildings and events, fine, but why not allow people to walk in the outdoors?"
Another poster was equally flabbergasted.
"So you tell me, in plain English, what this accomplishes? I understand closing down shared facilities, Starved Rock as an example - You would close down the lodge, the hotel, the restaurant and other public access shared facilities. But you don't close down the open air," wrote Rick Munday. "This sends the complete wrong message to the general public!"
One poster offered what seems to be reasonable justification for the closures across the state. "my best guess, these places are already short of staff, present staff is canceled, and people in the general public can’t be trusted...," wrote Laura Jean Cannata.
One poster offered what seems to be reasonable justification for the closures across the state. "my best guess, these places are already short of staff, present staff is canceled, and people in the general public can’t be trusted...," wrote Laura Jean Cannata.
Bars and restaurants to cease dine-in services, Champaign County has first Covid-19 patient
In the continuing battle to slow the spread of Covid-19, Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered that all bars and restaurants in the state closed to the public starting Monday through March 30. Delivery and drive-up services will not be affected in order for business to continue operations as best as they can.
The announcement from the governor came at the same time that the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District announced Champaign County's first confirmed case.
According to CUPHD Public Health Administrator Julie A. Pryde, the patient, a 50 year-old woman, received confirmation of positive test results last night.
It was revealed during the press conference streamed live on Facebook and other news outlets the Champaign County resident had come in contact with someone who was recently in Italy. She sought treatment at Carle Clinic earlier in the week after displaying the virus' signature symptoms.
The patient was not admitted to the hospital and went into self-isolation. It was made clear she was not a member of the University of Illinois community, neither student or staff.
After receiving the positive diagnosis, health officials will now trace the woman's movements and contact any individual that she may have been in contact with per the Center of Disease Control guidelines. Investigators will go back 14 days from when the symptoms appeared and look for people she would have been within six feet of for a ten minute period to notify them of possible exposure.
According the Illinois Department of Public Health website today, the infected count has risen to 93 confirmed cases in Illinois out of 1,025 tested so far. Nine hundred and thirty-two suspected cases have tested negative. Illinois has yet to record any deaths related to the viral infection.
Area medical facilities are ramping up for testing members of the community.
"We are seeing every patient that calls," said Doctor Sami Zabaneh, a specialist in Internal Medicine at Christie Clinic. "We ask patients call before we see them."
Medical professionals will screen callers for high-risk symptoms like shortness of breath, fever, coughing. They will also pay particular attention to those who are considered elderly in the 60 and over age group.
"We'll meet them in the parking lot and in the process of putting a tent there, probably coming soon," he explained. "We have special healthcare providers with protective equipment to do the testing in the parking lot outside the facility."
With the typical Influenza A and B strains still running their seasonal course and given the limited number of available kits at this time, the pre-screening process is important.
"Not every cough is the Covid-19 virus. But, we are vigilant," Zabaneh said. "We are emphasizing social isolation, it is very important because one patient can spread the disease to hundreds of people."
The announcement from the governor came at the same time that the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District announced Champaign County's first confirmed case.
According to CUPHD Public Health Administrator Julie A. Pryde, the patient, a 50 year-old woman, received confirmation of positive test results last night.
It was revealed during the press conference streamed live on Facebook and other news outlets the Champaign County resident had come in contact with someone who was recently in Italy. She sought treatment at Carle Clinic earlier in the week after displaying the virus' signature symptoms.
The patient was not admitted to the hospital and went into self-isolation. It was made clear she was not a member of the University of Illinois community, neither student or staff.
After receiving the positive diagnosis, health officials will now trace the woman's movements and contact any individual that she may have been in contact with per the Center of Disease Control guidelines. Investigators will go back 14 days from when the symptoms appeared and look for people she would have been within six feet of for a ten minute period to notify them of possible exposure.
According the Illinois Department of Public Health website today, the infected count has risen to 93 confirmed cases in Illinois out of 1,025 tested so far. Nine hundred and thirty-two suspected cases have tested negative. Illinois has yet to record any deaths related to the viral infection.
Area medical facilities are ramping up for testing members of the community.
"We are seeing every patient that calls," said Doctor Sami Zabaneh, a specialist in Internal Medicine at Christie Clinic. "We ask patients call before we see them."
Medical professionals will screen callers for high-risk symptoms like shortness of breath, fever, coughing. They will also pay particular attention to those who are considered elderly in the 60 and over age group.
"We'll meet them in the parking lot and in the process of putting a tent there, probably coming soon," he explained. "We have special healthcare providers with protective equipment to do the testing in the parking lot outside the facility."
With the typical Influenza A and B strains still running their seasonal course and given the limited number of available kits at this time, the pre-screening process is important.
"Not every cough is the Covid-19 virus. But, we are vigilant," Zabaneh said. "We are emphasizing social isolation, it is very important because one patient can spread the disease to hundreds of people."
2020 St. Joseph-Ogden baseball season in question
Zach Martini reaches back to unload a pitch in the Spartans' home game against Centennial. SJO narrowly lost the non-conference game against the Big 12 foe on March 27 last year, 2-1. It remains to be seen if Martini and the Spartans will take the field this season due to the growing threat of the Coronavirus and governmental shutdown schools and group events across the country. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
With an impressive line-up of 11 talented seniors, the St. Joseph-Ogden baseball team is stacked to win its eighth consecutive regional title this season and is a very strong challenger for one of four slots in the Class 2A state finals in June. In the past four seasons under head coach Josh Haley, the Spartans have amassed an impressive 110 wins against 36 losses. SJO finished the 2019 season with a record of 27-9. Unfortunately the St. Joseph-Ogden team and other baseball teams around the nation, the call to "play ball" may not be heard at least at the high school level this Spring due to the spread of the Coronavirus. On Friday governor J.B. Pritzker closed all Illinois public and private schools for nearly a two-week period to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, the official name for the flu-like virus. As of today the number of confirmed cases in the state rose from 42 yesterday to 64 out of the mere 708 residents who have been tested so far. Another 200 cases are currently under investigation by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The earliest SJO will be able to practice or play at this point will be on April 6 and that is no guarantee. The pandemic strain threatening US citizens could extend the current postponement or cancel the season altogether if the IHSA follows suit and annonce the spring sport season over before it even started as the NCAA did last week. In a statement on Thursday evening after canceling the winter season hours before the tipoff of the first boys semifinal basketball game for Class 1A on Friday, Executive Director Craig Anderson said no decision had been made on taking similar action. "It is too early to make any decisions regarding IHSA spring state final tournaments," said Anderson. "We respect the NCAA’s decision to cancel its spring championships, but also recognize that the exposure and travel by our high school teams is not as expansive as collegiate teams. At this juncture, we recommend that all IHSA spring sport teams consult their local health departments, and follow their recommendations on if and how to proceed with practices and regular-season contests." With no organized practice allowed by school districts until then, the likely first contest for SJO will be sometime around April 11. Optimistically, teams across Illinois can resume practice starting sometime between March 30 and April 6. The Spartans have five litmus games on the schedule. Three of them may not be rescheduled unfortunately. Their doubleheader on March 19 with the opener against Oswego at 1p and then taking the field against Carbondale hours later would have been two solid early season tests for the SJO pitching corp. The other game on the schedule to look forward was the away contest at Morton High School against Joliet Catholic on March 27. In their last meeting back in March of 2018, the Hilltoppers, who went on to become Class 3A sectional finalists, defeated the Spartans, 11-3. If the season is allowed to continue, one of three games not to miss would be the Spartans' road game on the newly remodeled turf diamond at Unity on April 20. The other two can't miss 'em are home games. The first on April 4 against last year's Class 2A state champions Tuetopolis. The second, another non-conference matchup, is against Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley on April 28.
2020 St. Joseph-Ogden Baseball Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Home Away |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 March | Heritage High School | H | 4:30 |
| 17 March | Armstrong-Potomac High School-@ Potomac | A | 4:30 |
| 19 March | Oswego High School @ Edwardsville | A | 1:00 |
| 19 March | Carbondale High School @ Edwardsville | A | 4:45 |
| 24 March | Tuscola High School | H | 4:30 |
| 25 March | Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin High School | H | 4:30 |
| 26 March | Urbana High School | A | 4:30 |
| 27 March | Joliet Catholic @ Morton High School | A | 7:00 |
| 30 March | Salt Fork High School | H | 4:30 |
| 1 April | Champaign Centennial High School | A | 4:30 |
| 2 April | Westville High School | A | 4:30 |
| 4 April | Teutopolis High School (DH) | H | 10:00 AM |
| 6 April | Mahomet-Seymour High School | A | 5:00 |
| 7 April | St. Thomas More High School | H | 4:30 |
| 8 April | Heritage High School @ Broadlands | A | 4:30 |
| 11 April | Williamsville/Tremont High School @ Millikin (DH) | A | 12:00 |
| 13 April | Rantoul High School | A | 4:30 |
| 16 April | Bloomington Central Catholic High School | H | 4:30 |
| 17 April | PBL High School | A | 4:30 |
| 20 April | Unity High School | A | 4:30 |
| 21 April | Oakwood High School | A | 4:30 |
| 23 April | Pontiac High School | H | 4:30 |
| 25 April | Illinois Valley Central High School (DH) | H | 11:00 AM |
| 27 April | Prairie Central High School | A | 4:30 |
| 28 April | GCMS High School | H | 4:30 |
| 30 April | Charleston High School | A | 4:30 |
| 1 May | Maroa-Forsyth High School | A | 4:30 |
| 4 May | Olympia High School | H | 4:30 |
| 5 May | Fisher High School | A | 4:30 |
| 7 May | Monticello High School | A | 4:30 |
| 9 May | SJO Invite (DH) | H | 9:30 |
| 11 May | Danville High School | H | 4:30 |
| 14 May | Mattoon High School | H | 4:30 |
| 16 May | Salt Fork High School @ Jamaica (DH) | A | 11:00 AM |
| 18 May | Tri-Valley High School | A | 4:30 |
| 19-22 May | IHSA Regionals | A | TBA |
| 23 May | IHSA Regional Championship | A | TBA |
2020 JV Baseball Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Home Away |
Time | 20 March | Normal West @ Edwardsville High School | A | 10:00 AM | 23 March | Mahomet-Seymour High School | H | 4:30 | 25 March | Danville High School @ Tilton | A | 4:30 | 28 March | Mahomet-Seymour High School (DH) | A | 11:00 AM | 31 March | Champaign Central High School | H | 4:30 | 2 April | GCMS High School | H | 4:30 | 4 April | Teutopolis High School (DH) | A | 10:00 AM |
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| 6 April | Charleston High School-Baker Field | A | 4:30 |
| 8 April | St. Thomas More High School | H | 4:30 |
| 9 April | Heritage High School @ Broadlands | A | 4:30 |
| 10 April | Maroa-Forsyth High School | A | 4:30 |
| 11 April | PBL HS/Villa Grove HS @ PBL (DH-round robin) | A | 10:00 AM/12:00 PM |
| 13 April | Champaign Central High School | H | 4:30 |
| 15 April | Champaign Centennial High School | H | 4:30 |
| 16 April | Bloomington Central Catholic High School | A | 4:30 |
| 17 April | LeRoy High School | H | 4:30 |
| 18 April | Olympia High School (DH) | H | 10:00 AM |
| 20 April | Unity High School | H | 4:30 |
| 21 April | Oakwood High School | H | 4:30 |
| 22 April | Tri-Valley High School | A | 4:30 |
| 23 April | Pontiac High School | A | 4:30 |
| 25 April | Normal Community HS/IVC High School NCHS (DH-round robin) | A | 10:00 AM/12:00 PM |
| 27 April | Prairie Central High School | H | 4:30 |
| 28 April | Rantoul High School | A | 4:30 |
| 29 April | Oakwood High School | H | 4:30 |
| 30 April | Charleston High School | H | 4:30 |
| 4 May | Olympia High School | A | 4:30 |
| 6 May | TBA | H | 4:30 |
| 7 May | Monticello High School | H | 4:30 |
| 8 May | Westville High School | A | 4:30 |
| 14 May | Mattoon High School | A | 4:30 |
| 15 May | Champaign Centennial High School | A | 4:30 |
| 18 May | PBL High School | H | 4:30 |
Governor ask that Illinois schools close until March 31
Earlier today, Illinois announced all schools K-12, both public and private in the state, will be closed through March 30 starting next Tuesday, March 17.
A little more than 24 hours before the governor's announcement, St. Joseph-Ogden CHSD #305 superintendent Brian Brooks sent a letter to parents outlining the districts plan to remain open, but to cancel extra-curricular events and field trip as of yesterday until Sunday, April 5.
In the statement from Brooks, he shared that SJO has begin working on an E-Plan for online/remote teaching should the governor is forced to extend the term of the closure in the interest of public safety and health. The Illinois State Board of Education is working with lawmakers to create a waiver system in order to expedite approval for schools in a similar situation that did not submit a plan at the beginning of the year for E-Learning.
Pritzker ordered the closing of every school in the state until March 30 starting Tuesday amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus pandemic. The number of confirmed cases in Illinois rose to 46 earlier today.
"All of these choices have cascading effects for citizens and vulnerable populations when it comes to food access, safety, childcare, and social services," Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement earlier today. "We’ve seen what happens in places that didn’t move with urgency. I ask all of you not to hesitate to do the right thing for your family, your friends, and your community. One small step at a time, we will get through this together."
The state's chief lawmaker hopes that social-distancing will slow the spread of the virus.
Almost two million students will not be returning to classrooms next week. This also means no practices for sport teams, practice for scholastic and performing arts groups and the postponement of meetings normally held on high school campuses around the state.
Other states and large cities around the country have announced school shutdowns this week over to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. DC, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin have closed schools for until the end of the month or longer.
Earlier in the week, the governor called on the public to call off any event or gathering of 250 people or more. He also asked that all events with one thousand or more people in attendance be canceled or postponed immediately.
Wagner named Most-Valuable-Wrestler
Junior AJ Wagner was recognized as the program's most-valuable-wrestler at the Sports Awards Program held Tuesday night at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.
Wagner, who finished his junior season with a record of 42 wins and 10 losses, was a state finalist at 113-pounds. He also received the Iron Spartan Award as well as his varsity letter.
A few of Wagner's notable victories this season included a win over Deer Creek-Mackinaw's Payton Murphy and pinning PORTA's Jake Lieb. The Spartan wrestler also bested Carlinville state-qualifier Jake Schwartz, who finished his season at 39-6, twice during the season, once at ABE's Rumble and the PORTA Invite. Sophomore Conrad Miller earned the Most-Improved-Wrestler award. Seniors Trevon Carr and Brodie Sullivan, seniors and both members of this year's playoff football squad were award varsity wrestling letters. Juniors letter winners, in addition to Wagner, included Isaiah Immke, Max Shonkwiler. Additionally, three other underclassmen earned varsity letters along with Miller. Sophomores Chase Chapman and Isaiah Moore as well as freshman Owen Birt received letters for their efforts during the winter sports season.
St. Joseph-Ogden's AJ Wagner is declared winning after a 5-1 decision over Mount Carmel's Cade Keepes at the IHSA state wrestling tournament on February 21, 2020. In addition to earning another varsity letter, Wagner earned the team's MVP award and the Iron Spartan Award. See more photos from his tournament appearance along with fellow Spartan Isaiah Immke here. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
A few of Wagner's notable victories this season included a win over Deer Creek-Mackinaw's Payton Murphy and pinning PORTA's Jake Lieb. The Spartan wrestler also bested Carlinville state-qualifier Jake Schwartz, who finished his season at 39-6, twice during the season, once at ABE's Rumble and the PORTA Invite. Sophomore Conrad Miller earned the Most-Improved-Wrestler award. Seniors Trevon Carr and Brodie Sullivan, seniors and both members of this year's playoff football squad were award varsity wrestling letters. Juniors letter winners, in addition to Wagner, included Isaiah Immke, Max Shonkwiler. Additionally, three other underclassmen earned varsity letters along with Miller. Sophomores Chase Chapman and Isaiah Moore as well as freshman Owen Birt received letters for their efforts during the winter sports season.
25 cases of Coronvirus identifed in Illinois, thankfully none local
Earlier today, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially labeled the COVID-19 viral disease, also known as the Coronavirus/Corona Virus that has swept into at least 114 countries and killed more than 4,000 people, a pandemic event.
According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus a Geneva briefing, "This is the first pandemic caused by coronavirus." Today's announcement is the first time the WHO has called an viral flu outbreak a pandemic since the H1N1 "swine flu" in 2009.
Over 120,000 confirmed cases have been identified and more than 4,000 deaths have occurred as the virus continues to spread around the globe. In the United States, there have been one thousand COVID-19 cases and 30 deaths reported so far. New York state, with one of the largest known virus clusters in the country, has set up a "containment area" around the city of New Rochelle. According to news sources, 108 cases have been confirmed in Westchester County, New York.
According to the IDPH website, testing has confirmed 25 cases in Illinois as of time of article. Two hundred and sixty-six tests were rule negative. The IDPH lists 76 test still pending.
Illinois residents can follow infection rates on the IDPH site on the Covid-19 Persons Under Investigation tracking page.
Symptoms, which has an incubation period of two to 14 days, may include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. The virus is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
To avoid contracting the illness, the Center for Disease Control is recommending the people wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and be sure to wipe all surfaces of your hands. Rub your hand together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Since there is not a vaccine available or medicinal cure available at this time, the CDC also recommends avoiding close contact with people who are sick. People should do their best to put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting sick or with suppressed immune systems.
If you have any questions call 1-800-889-3931 to speak with an expert at the IDPH.
Blood drive to be held at local church on Tuesday
There will be a blood drive this Tuesday, March 10, at the St. Joseph Church of Christ.
Donating blood is safe, quick, and can provide the gift of life. According to the American Red Cross, one donation can save up to three lives.
Walk-ins are welcomed at this Tuesday's drive and donors are encouraged make appointments online on the Mobile Blood Drive Schedule for priority service. Appointments can also be schedule via phone at (217) 367-2202.
At the time of this article, 16 time slots remain available for donations this week.
Sponsored by the Community Blood Services of Illinois, donations will be accepted from 4:30pm until 7pm. CBSI is the exclusive provider to Carle Foundation Hospital and OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center.
CBSI asks that you consume a meal prior to your donation and provide recent photo identification to verify their identity.
For more information contact the Primary Blood Drive Coordinator Talen Hawkin at (815)883-1966.
The St. Joseph Church of Christ is located at 226 East Sherman.
Immke, Wagner advance to state wrestling championships
Immke rebounded from an early sectional loss with a string of victories to reach the podium. He finished the day 4-1 and recorded multiple pins on his way to third place. Wagner dominated early matches before advancing through the consolation bracket to clinch a state berth.
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. After his loss to Gutierrez and before locking up with Leitner, Immke went on a three-bout winning streak, defeating Marshall Gudauskus from Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin, Mercer County’s Carson Tippie and Hoopeston Area foe Justin Jones. Finishing the day 4-1, the junior won two of his matches via pins for the highest finish for SJO. Fellow junior AJ Wagner also advanced to wrestle at the State Farm Center this weekend in the 113-pound division. He heads into the state championships with 41 wins and eight losses. Wagner dominated the competition in his first two matches with first-period pins and dropped a decision to Mercer County’s Broctyn King in his third bout of the day. In his next match, it took a mere 31 seconds to notch his consolation round semifinal win over Peoria Notre Dame’s Jac Couri (26-8). Guaranteed to advance to state and secure at least a fourth-place trophy after the quick win over Couri, Wagner squared off with Illini Bluffs’ Paul Ishikawa. Despite a strong Spartan effort, Wagner fell to the Tiger grappler in a 3-1 decision. One other St. Joseph-Ogden wrestler also competed at the Olympia sectional. Sophomore Isaiah Moore, who enjoyed a 30-plus-win season with the Spartans, won his first sectional match in the 126-pound weight class, pinning Tremont’s Logan Poisal in 25 seconds. Moore then dropped his quarterfinal match as well as his consolation bracket bout to finish his season at 32-13. SJO fans who want to watch Immke and Wagner wrestle at state can order tickets starting today online at [www.fightingillini.com](http://www.fightingillini.com), over the phone by calling 1-866-ILLINI-1 or 217-333-3470, or in person at the Illinois Ticket Office at 1800 S. First St., Room 1000, in Champaign. General public tickets are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The Class 1A preliminary matches will start at noon, with admission beginning at 11 a.m.
Spartans advance after downing Villa Grove-Heritage in regional title game
Up by one with four seconds left in the first quarter after Villa Grove-Heritage's Vanessa Wright scored at the other end of the court, senior Katie Cramer took the ball into the north corner and lined up a shot three feet from in front of the Maroon Platoon's headquarters. She pulled the trigger just as the buzzer sounded hitting nothing but net to extend St. Joseph-Ogden's fragile, early game lead to four at 11-7.
Fragile indeed.
Despite building a seven-point advantage, the largest lead by either team in the first half of the game, the Spartans toiled on repeating a nearly identical third quarter encore of Tuesday night's semifinal against Tuscola to win 50-34.
"This time of the year no one is going to give up. No one is going to stop playing hard," said St. Joseph-Ogden head coach Kevin Taylor in regards to yet another underwhelming third quarter that allowed the Blue Devils to tie up the score at 25-all. "I knew they would come back at us. I knew the game was not over." VGH head coach Dan Sappenfield called a time out with 3:52 left in the third. After play resumed Aliya Holloman found herself at the free throw line where she sank two shots to tie the score up at 25-all. Shortly thereafter, Taylor Wells drew a foul call and drilled the first shot before missing her second to give the Spartans a one point lead that would not last for long. The Blue Devils immediately responded with a lay up from Samantha Campbell after inbound pass to go up 27-26. It would be the last time VGH would see numbers on their side of the scoreboard great of the two. Right after Atleigh Hamilton hit the second of her two free throws, Taylor called a time out with fans from both sides looking a pair of 27's on the scoreboard. "That seems to be a pattern for us," said Katie Cramer. The senior, who now has three regional titles to her credit, led the SJO's offensive effort with 12 points. "We like to come out after halftime kind of flat. But, we picked it up and I wasn't worried once we picked up our energy." After the 30 second break, an energized, highly physical Spartan squad took command of the floor out scoring VGH 18-7. Abby Behrens led final quarter effort to help the Spartans put the game out of reach with six points, four from her six attempts from the charity stripe. Behrens along with Ella Armstrong tallied nine points each in the championship victory and SJO 20th win of the season. "In the third quarter, sometimes, we kind of collapse in on ourselves and we have to dig ourselves out of a hole," said Behrens, who was happy to secure the win on her home court. "I thought we did well recovering." Peaking at what seems to be the right time, Taylor was happy to see his team play an aggressive, more tenacious brand of basketball. "They played smart. They played tough tonight," Taylor said without hesitation about the team effort. "They played strong. As a coach I love to see that." Except for practice, the girls team is done at home for the season. Taylor & Co. will travel to Paris on Monday to face the winner of the Sullivan regional, a contest between sectional host Paris (#1 seed) and Sullivan (#4 seed). The sectional semifinal will tipoff at 7:30 pm.
Seniors Katie Cramer, Hannah Dukeman, Anna Wentzloff and Taylor Barnes take possession of the team's IHSA plaque. The win over Villa Grove-Heritage marked the third consecutive regional championship title for the Spartans. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
"This time of the year no one is going to give up. No one is going to stop playing hard," said St. Joseph-Ogden head coach Kevin Taylor in regards to yet another underwhelming third quarter that allowed the Blue Devils to tie up the score at 25-all. "I knew they would come back at us. I knew the game was not over." VGH head coach Dan Sappenfield called a time out with 3:52 left in the third. After play resumed Aliya Holloman found herself at the free throw line where she sank two shots to tie the score up at 25-all. Shortly thereafter, Taylor Wells drew a foul call and drilled the first shot before missing her second to give the Spartans a one point lead that would not last for long. The Blue Devils immediately responded with a lay up from Samantha Campbell after inbound pass to go up 27-26. It would be the last time VGH would see numbers on their side of the scoreboard great of the two. Right after Atleigh Hamilton hit the second of her two free throws, Taylor called a time out with fans from both sides looking a pair of 27's on the scoreboard. "That seems to be a pattern for us," said Katie Cramer. The senior, who now has three regional titles to her credit, led the SJO's offensive effort with 12 points. "We like to come out after halftime kind of flat. But, we picked it up and I wasn't worried once we picked up our energy." After the 30 second break, an energized, highly physical Spartan squad took command of the floor out scoring VGH 18-7. Abby Behrens led final quarter effort to help the Spartans put the game out of reach with six points, four from her six attempts from the charity stripe. Behrens along with Ella Armstrong tallied nine points each in the championship victory and SJO 20th win of the season. "In the third quarter, sometimes, we kind of collapse in on ourselves and we have to dig ourselves out of a hole," said Behrens, who was happy to secure the win on her home court. "I thought we did well recovering." Peaking at what seems to be the right time, Taylor was happy to see his team play an aggressive, more tenacious brand of basketball. "They played smart. They played tough tonight," Taylor said without hesitation about the team effort. "They played strong. As a coach I love to see that." Except for practice, the girls team is done at home for the season. Taylor & Co. will travel to Paris on Monday to face the winner of the Sullivan regional, a contest between sectional host Paris (#1 seed) and Sullivan (#4 seed). The sectional semifinal will tipoff at 7:30 pm.
Box Score
| St. Joseph-Ogden | 11 | 13 | 8 | 18 | - 50 |
| Villa Grove-Heritage | 7 | 11 | 9 | 7 | - 34 |
Scoring
St. Joseph-Ogden: Payton Jacob 8, Taylor Wells 1, Atleigh Hamilton 5, Katie Cramer 12, Abby Behrens 9, Taylor Barnes 6 and Payton Vallee 9.
Villa Grove-Heritage: Jordan Ray 2, Maci Clodfelder 1, Kyleigh Block 14, Aliya Holloman 9, Vanessa Wright 2 and Samantha Campbell 6.
SJO ladies play for regional title after defeating Tuscola
The competition was so close that coaches and fans were exhausted from a full quarter of breath-holding, heart-racing action on Tuesday at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. It wasn't the prettiest victory, but the Spartans got'r done beating Tuscola 34-32 in their regional semifinal game.
Allowing their opponents nine unanswered points in the third quarter, the St. Joseph-Ogden girls basketball team, and through no lack of shooting opportunities, was unable to hit a shot from anywhere on the court. The nearly scoreless effort in the quarter was saved by way of a solo basket from senior Taylor Barnes. The Warriors, led by junior Brynn Tabeling's nine points, took the lead on the scoreboard and posed a bona fide threat in booting SJO from the postseason entering into final period of play. Tabeling went on to finish her last game of the season with 11 points. A three-pointer from Ella Armstrong plus six bench points from Hannah Dukeman and another field goal from Barnes (four points) was just enough work in the fourth quarter to advance the Spartans into tonight's regional title game. "We lost our composure for a little bit," said head coach Kevin Taylor after leading this team to their 19th win of the season. "We were able to regain it. We had some lapses but overall our help defense was really good tonight." The key defensive moment was a tip from Payton Vallee. With less than a minute to play and down by two, Tuscola moved the ball down the floor and tried to lob a pass over her head to Marissa Russo (8 points). Vallee leapt as high as she could knocking the ball away. Russo would have likely knotted the score had she got the needed touch. "They were hitting her on lobs a lot," Vallee said. "When I saw the other player look like she was going to lob it, I knew I had to make the best effort to jump up and get it." On offense, St. Joseph-Ogden was led by a game-high 15 points from Ella Armstrong. "Ella hits the big shots at the right time. It was really good to see," Taylor said about the sophomore starter. "She did exactly what she was suppose to do tonight." Armstrong, who also a part of SJO's aggressive defensive effort, was credited three treys and drilled both of her free throws to account for nearly half of her team's score. "My teammates set me good screens," she said. "I relied on them to help me a lot. Tuscola definitely did play good defense on me." Tonight will be the last time the St. Joseph-Ogden girls will play on their home court until next November. The Spartans look to beat Villa Grove, who canceled Schlarman Academy's season after a 57-49, a second time this season. The Blue Devils will come in ready to avenge their early season, three-point loss to SJO at the GCMS-Fisher Tipoff in November. Game time is set for 7pm.
SJO players (left to right) Alyssa Hamilton, Payton Jacob, Taylor Wells, Ashlyn Lannert and Atleigh Hamilton celebrate the Spartans semifinal win over Tuscola after the buzzer. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Allowing their opponents nine unanswered points in the third quarter, the St. Joseph-Ogden girls basketball team, and through no lack of shooting opportunities, was unable to hit a shot from anywhere on the court. The nearly scoreless effort in the quarter was saved by way of a solo basket from senior Taylor Barnes. The Warriors, led by junior Brynn Tabeling's nine points, took the lead on the scoreboard and posed a bona fide threat in booting SJO from the postseason entering into final period of play. Tabeling went on to finish her last game of the season with 11 points. A three-pointer from Ella Armstrong plus six bench points from Hannah Dukeman and another field goal from Barnes (four points) was just enough work in the fourth quarter to advance the Spartans into tonight's regional title game. "We lost our composure for a little bit," said head coach Kevin Taylor after leading this team to their 19th win of the season. "We were able to regain it. We had some lapses but overall our help defense was really good tonight." The key defensive moment was a tip from Payton Vallee. With less than a minute to play and down by two, Tuscola moved the ball down the floor and tried to lob a pass over her head to Marissa Russo (8 points). Vallee leapt as high as she could knocking the ball away. Russo would have likely knotted the score had she got the needed touch. "They were hitting her on lobs a lot," Vallee said. "When I saw the other player look like she was going to lob it, I knew I had to make the best effort to jump up and get it." On offense, St. Joseph-Ogden was led by a game-high 15 points from Ella Armstrong. "Ella hits the big shots at the right time. It was really good to see," Taylor said about the sophomore starter. "She did exactly what she was suppose to do tonight." Armstrong, who also a part of SJO's aggressive defensive effort, was credited three treys and drilled both of her free throws to account for nearly half of her team's score. "My teammates set me good screens," she said. "I relied on them to help me a lot. Tuscola definitely did play good defense on me." Tonight will be the last time the St. Joseph-Ogden girls will play on their home court until next November. The Spartans look to beat Villa Grove, who canceled Schlarman Academy's season after a 57-49, a second time this season. The Blue Devils will come in ready to avenge their early season, three-point loss to SJO at the GCMS-Fisher Tipoff in November. Game time is set for 7pm.
Box Score
| St. Joseph-Ogden | 9 | 12 | 2 | 11 | - 34 |
| Tuscola | 10 | 6 | 11 | 5 | - 32 |
Scoring
St. Joseph-Ogden: Hannah Dukeman 7, Payton Jacob 2, Taylor Wells 2, Atleigh Hamilton 4, Taylor Barnes 4 and Ella Armstron 15.
Tuscola: Brynn Tabeling 11, Hope Dietrich 3, Laney Cummings 2, Abbey Jacob 6, Sophie Kremitzki 2 and Marissa Russo 8.
SJO 7-0 in conference play, Izard pounds 29 in Rantoul road game
While the girls' team survived a nearly awkward scare on their home court from a hungry Tuscola team in their regional opener, the St. Joseph-Ogden boys team picked up conference win number seven after defeating Rantoul on the road, 66-53.
The Spartans improve overall to 19-6 on Tuesday thanks largely to a huge scoring effort by Chance Izard.
The senior, who spend 30-1/2 minutes on the floor for SJO, dropped a magnificent 29 points behind a 52% shotmaking effort against the Eagles in the Illini Prairie matchup.
Ty Pence logged another double digit output, his fifth in SJO's last six games, to finish the evening with 14 points. Like Izard, he did not miss a shot from the free throw line. The frosh star made all four of his attempt.
Izard made all five of his shots and fellow senior Drew Coursey closed out the game with perfect free throw shooting going 2-for-2.
Under the rim, Conner Hodge and Jordan Kelly led the Spartans with five rebounds apiece.
The Eagles scoring effort was led by Kamryn Rome, who mustered 14 points as his team dropped to 2-4 in the conference and 5-19 with season coming to a quick conclusion in a few weeks.
Rantoul's Lorenz Lee added another eight points to his team's effort and Colin Wilkerson contributed another seven. Bryant Shaw led all rebounders with seven boards.
Spartans are back in action this Friday night at home to face Illinois Valley Central for senior night. It will be an oh-so-gooey, sweetheart of a deal for Izard and the other nine seniors on Valentine's Day with a win over the Grey Ghosts. The 'W' will all but guarantee outright ownership the 2020 conference title.
Tip-off for the varsity game at the high school is slated for 7pm.
The Spartans improve overall to 19-6 on Tuesday thanks largely to a huge scoring effort by Chance Izard.
The senior, who spend 30-1/2 minutes on the floor for SJO, dropped a magnificent 29 points behind a 52% shotmaking effort against the Eagles in the Illini Prairie matchup.
Ty Pence logged another double digit output, his fifth in SJO's last six games, to finish the evening with 14 points. Like Izard, he did not miss a shot from the free throw line. The frosh star made all four of his attempt.
Izard made all five of his shots and fellow senior Drew Coursey closed out the game with perfect free throw shooting going 2-for-2.
Under the rim, Conner Hodge and Jordan Kelly led the Spartans with five rebounds apiece.
The Eagles scoring effort was led by Kamryn Rome, who mustered 14 points as his team dropped to 2-4 in the conference and 5-19 with season coming to a quick conclusion in a few weeks.
Rantoul's Lorenz Lee added another eight points to his team's effort and Colin Wilkerson contributed another seven. Bryant Shaw led all rebounders with seven boards.
Spartans are back in action this Friday night at home to face Illinois Valley Central for senior night. It will be an oh-so-gooey, sweetheart of a deal for Izard and the other nine seniors on Valentine's Day with a win over the Grey Ghosts. The 'W' will all but guarantee outright ownership the 2020 conference title.
Tip-off for the varsity game at the high school is slated for 7pm.
Box Score
Scoring
St. Joseph-Ogden: Payton Cain 5, Drew Coursey 2, Payton Grimsley 7, Chance Izard 29, Jordan Kelly 9 and Ty Pence 14.
Rantoul:
Kamryn Rome 14, Marcus Lee 3, Jamari Buford 2, Ke Jaun Caradine 6, Lorenz Lee 8, Bryant Shaw 6, Deonta Space 5, Colin Wilkerson 7 and Ethan Winston 2.
Spartans scrap Rockets - Cain scores 15 for SJO
In the opening quarter of their Illini Prairie Conference game, Chance Izard sank three treys to help St. Joseph-Ogden establish a first half 26-20 lead over Unity at the Rocket Center on Tuesday. He would swish one more in the third period before falling silent for the remainder game as the Spartans persevered, surviving a battle royale with rowdy Rockets, 54-46.
"It was really a hard-fought game," Izard said. The senior, who was 4-for-7 from three point range, finished the night with 14 points. "Toward the end, down the stretch, we took care of things and ended up getting the win."
Committing nine turnovers didn't help the Spartans' cause. In most instances the possession changes offered opportunities for Unity's Jared Routh, who posted 18 points, to put the ball through the net. Izard said one of things that he and his fellow teammates need to focus on is ball possession. In particular, he pointed out turnovers. "That's pretty obvious," he said. "Ultimately, we just have to be more prepared mentally." When they needed him most, Payton Cain stepped up to lead the Spartan offense finishing the away game with one point more than Izard behind a 63.3% shooting effort. The senior guard also had six boards and four steals. One thing for sure, Unity's 4-14 record did not match their resolve or effort against the Spartans.
"We knew they wanted it and they played like it," Izard said about the coveted W between the two longtime rival programs. Routh, who like Izard finished the night with four treys, was proud the way his fellow Rockets brought their A-game to the hardwood against the Spartans. "I think we all stepped up in a major way," said Routh, one of four Unity seniors this season. Despite the loss and having yet to post a win in 2020, he was happy with the strides his teammates have made since the start of the season. "I believe we all took it to the next level." Spartan senior Conner Hodge lead all players in rebounds, aggressively hauling in seven defensive ones and one offensive board. Drew Coursey snagged another five for SJO. Next up, St. Joseph-Ogden hosts 18-5 Prairie Central on Friday. The Hawks suffered a snap in an eight-game win streak after losing to Pontiac on the road, 54-50. Tipoff for the conference showdown is scheduled for 7pm.
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Conner Hodge tries to snag a defensive rebound for the Spartans. Hodge finished the conference win with eight of SJO's 32 rebounds. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Committing nine turnovers didn't help the Spartans' cause. In most instances the possession changes offered opportunities for Unity's Jared Routh, who posted 18 points, to put the ball through the net. Izard said one of things that he and his fellow teammates need to focus on is ball possession. In particular, he pointed out turnovers. "That's pretty obvious," he said. "Ultimately, we just have to be more prepared mentally." When they needed him most, Payton Cain stepped up to lead the Spartan offense finishing the away game with one point more than Izard behind a 63.3% shooting effort. The senior guard also had six boards and four steals. One thing for sure, Unity's 4-14 record did not match their resolve or effort against the Spartans.
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Ty Pence blocks a Unity's Nate Drennan. SJO's big man scored seven points. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
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Payton Grimsley drives to the paint during first half action. The senior finished the night with six points and five rebounds. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
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A member of the SJO Dance team performs with her team and the Unity Rockettes during halftime. Both dance teams advanced out of the Effingham sectional to compete at this weekend's IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
"We knew they wanted it and they played like it," Izard said about the coveted W between the two longtime rival programs. Routh, who like Izard finished the night with four treys, was proud the way his fellow Rockets brought their A-game to the hardwood against the Spartans. "I think we all stepped up in a major way," said Routh, one of four Unity seniors this season. Despite the loss and having yet to post a win in 2020, he was happy with the strides his teammates have made since the start of the season. "I believe we all took it to the next level." Spartan senior Conner Hodge lead all players in rebounds, aggressively hauling in seven defensive ones and one offensive board. Drew Coursey snagged another five for SJO. Next up, St. Joseph-Ogden hosts 18-5 Prairie Central on Friday. The Hawks suffered a snap in an eight-game win streak after losing to Pontiac on the road, 54-50. Tipoff for the conference showdown is scheduled for 7pm.
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Despite being knocked off his feet, Referee Keith Johnson keeps his eyes on the action during second half action between the Spartans and Rockets. Johnson quickly got back on his feet with no interruption to the flow of the game. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
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While trying to slash his way into the paint, Payton Cain loses control of the ball with a little help from Unity's Blake Kimball. Cain led the SJO scoring effort with 15 points. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Box Score
| St. Joseph-Ogden | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | - 54 |
| Team 2 | 10 | 10 | 16 | 10 | - 46 |
Scoring
St. Joseph-Ogden: Conner Hodge 3, Payton Cain 15, Jordan Kelly 5, Drew Coursey 4, Payton Grimsley 6, Chance Izard 14 and Ty Pence 7.
Unity: Blake Kimball 2, JP Bowers 3, Jared Routh 18, Nate Drennan 10, Jordan Clark 5 and Karson Ewerks 8.
Barnes scores 18 in Monticello win
Taylor Barnes had a great game against Monticello.
Making seven of her nine free throw attempts, Barnes scored a game-high 18 points in St. Joseph-Ogden's 47-39 home win over the Sages.
"She made free throws and she was aggressive," was the first thing head coach Kevin Taylor said about the senior's performance in the Martin Luther King Day contest. "We always talk to her about being more aggressive. She made a couple of drives and got a couple of rebounds - she just put it altogether tonight." It was by no means a clean basketball game. Both teams engaged in scrappy play, something the SJO, despite their youth was better at. "It was a scrappy, physical game. Whenever we play our conference schools it can be that way," he said. "Everybody wants to win."
A week ago Monday, Taylor's Spartans wanted it more.
Up by one thanks to Barnes' seven points in the second quarter at the half, the Spartans played a much stronger second half.
"We didn't start the best," Taylor pointed out. "We still got a lot to work. I know the end of the year is getting here pretty quick, but I liked that they settled in and started running a little bit better offense."
St. Joseph-Ogden played a consistent pace producing 13 points in the last three quarters of the Illini Prairie Conference game.
Despite missing two of her three free throws, Katie Cramer was the Spartans' second leading scorer with eight points. Ella Armstrong scored six and Ashlyn Lannert enter the game after the start contributing another five points.
Monticello center Jayna Burger finished with 15 points. The 5-11 senior was a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line. Cleo Clark, who converted five out of her six trips to the charity stripe, finished with 10 points for the Sages.
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Spartan Atleigh Hamilton tries to steal the ball from Sages' Lizzie Stiverson. Hamilton gave a strong defensive effort to help the Spartans extend their record to a two-game win streak. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
"She made free throws and she was aggressive," was the first thing head coach Kevin Taylor said about the senior's performance in the Martin Luther King Day contest. "We always talk to her about being more aggressive. She made a couple of drives and got a couple of rebounds - she just put it altogether tonight." It was by no means a clean basketball game. Both teams engaged in scrappy play, something the SJO, despite their youth was better at. "It was a scrappy, physical game. Whenever we play our conference schools it can be that way," he said. "Everybody wants to win."
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Monticello's Olivia Swanson tries to dribble past SJO sophomore Ella Armstrong during first half action. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
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Senior Katie Cramer scoops up a loose ball in the second half between Monticello's Cloe Clark and Lizzie Stiverson. Cramer finished the contest with eight points. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
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Payton Vallee checks her elbow after a hard fall during second half action against the Sages. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
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In the midst of a sea of hair and arms, Atleigh Hamilton snags a rebound for the Spartans. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
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Ella Armstrong looks up while she secures the ball after ripping it from the grasp on Monticello Jayna Burger. Armstrong finished with six points in the conference win over the Sages. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Box Score
| St. Joseph-Ogden | 8 | 13 | 13 | 13 | - 47 |
| Monticello | 10 | 10 | 7 | 12 | - 39 |
Scoring
St. Joseph-Ogden: Ella Armstrong 6, Payton Valle 4, Taylor Barnes 18, Katie Cramer 8, Atleigh Hamilton 2, Taylor Wells 2, Payton Jacob 2 and Ashlyn Lannert 5.
Monticello: Cloe Clark 10, Renni Fultz 6, Lizzie Stiverson 8 and Jayna Burger 15.
Four tie for team-high in conference loss to Unity
Box Score
| St. Joseph-Ogden | 14 | 9 | 4 | 13 | - 40 |
| Unity | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | - 49 |
Scoring
St. Joseph-Ogden: Ashlyn Lannert 6, Payton Jacob 5, Atleight Hamilton 6, Katie Cramer 6, Abby Behrens 2, Taylor Barnes 6, Alyssa Hamilton 4 and Ella Armstrong 5.
Unity: Chloee Reed 6, Lauren Miller 3, Taylor Henry 9, Elyce Knudsen 29 and Martina Miebach 2.
Back-to-back, SJO Dance Team qualifies for IHSA state finals
For a second consecutive season, the St. Joseph-Ogden Dance Team will compete at the Illinois High School Association's Competitive State Dance Finals at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. The Spartans gracefully danced their way to state after finishing in fourth place at the Effingham sectional last Saturday.
"We are so excited to be going to IHSA State again this year! I believe we have the hardest 1A sectional in the state and we competed against a lot of really good teams on Saturday," said head coach Emily Williams. "I knew these girls could do it, but also knew the competition was very tough, so we are elated to have made the top six out of the 17 teams in our sectional!" The top six teams from five sectionals around the state advanced to the state finals this weekend. SJO finished with a score of 82.40 behind the Unity Rockettes' 83.97 and Clinton's 89.77. Jacksonville High School won the sectional title with a score of 89.83. Host St. Anthony took fifth place and Quincy Notre Dame rounded out the top six schools in the division.
The dance team is the fourth St. Joseph-Ogden athletic program to qualify for state finals competition this academic year. Both the girls and boys cross country squads, along with the Class 2A third-place volleyball team, have earned the title of state finalists since last August.
Williams says there are several elements to being a successful competitive dancer.
"(It is) mostly hard work, dedication and willingness to get out of your comfort zone," she said. "Dancers also need patience, as you aren’t going to be able to do new things overnight. The love for dance might be the most important thing, it makes all of the hard work and dedication worth it."
The Spartans will perform their routine in the preliminary round at the 'Big Dance' on Friday at 10:47am. The top 12 teams advance to Saturday's Class 1A finals.
"We definitely have to bring our A-game on Friday," Williams said. "We will need to hit all of our choreography and technique. We also always remind the girls that no matter how nervous they are, they have to go out there and have fun and that will show through in their dancing."
This will be the fourth trip to the state finals for the SJO program since the IHSA started hosting a competitive dance state series in 2013. Dancers in 2014, 2016 and last year have performed in the prelims. This year could be the first time in school history that SJO dancers will have a chance to compete in the finals.
In the past three trips to state the St. Joseph-Ogden squads performed hip-hop routines. This year's competition routine will be different.
"We are competing with our lyrical routine for IHSA this year, which is a first for our team," Williams, who said her team is great at performing both lyrical and hip-hop routines. Like the other athletic teams the school supports, Spartans are never ones to shy away from a challenge. "It’s fun to bring something new, when everyone is expecting you to do what you’ve always done!"
Lyrical dance is typically composed of movements and techniques from classical ballet, modern and jazz dance. Routines are usually expressive and innovative. Performed to music, the movements designed to express strong feelings and emotions interpreted from the song's lyrics by the choreographer.
Members expected to compete on Friday include captains senior Ava Mills and juniors Isabelle Brooks and Samantha Naylor. Lexi Ribbe, the squad's only other senior this season, along with juniors Kylie Duckett, Tessa Smith, Bella Getty, and two sophomores, Ella Besson and Alessa Anzelmo, will be on the competition floor on Friday morning.
Members of the SJO Dance Team perform their hip-hop routine at the Spartans' home basketball game against Paxton-Buckley-Loda. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
"We are so excited to be going to IHSA State again this year! I believe we have the hardest 1A sectional in the state and we competed against a lot of really good teams on Saturday," said head coach Emily Williams. "I knew these girls could do it, but also knew the competition was very tough, so we are elated to have made the top six out of the 17 teams in our sectional!" The top six teams from five sectionals around the state advanced to the state finals this weekend. SJO finished with a score of 82.40 behind the Unity Rockettes' 83.97 and Clinton's 89.77. Jacksonville High School won the sectional title with a score of 89.83. Host St. Anthony took fifth place and Quincy Notre Dame rounded out the top six schools in the division.
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"It’s fun to bring something new, when everyone is expecting you to do what you’ve always done!"
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High school students now receive two hours off to vote in Illinois elections
Effective June 1 this summer, Illinois high school students who are eligible to vote can take an excused absence from school to perform their civic duty.
The new law, signed by Governor JB Pritzker on Wednesday, allows students who are 18 years of age or older to leave school for up to two hours on the day of the election or 15 days prior to cast their ballot in a primary, general, special, or any election in Illinois at which propositions are submitted to a popular vote in the state.
Now, high school students who want to participate in the voting process no longer have to mail-in votes, request permission to leave close campuses, attempt to rush to their polling during a short lunch period or after school or miss a team practice if they are an athlete.
Given the effective date, students will not be able to take part in the upcoming primaries on March 17. However, they will be able to take full advantage of the new measure in November's general election.
"With this new law, our voting-eligible young people will have the freedom to fit voting into their school day without fear of repercussion for engaging in the very civic education we should all be proud to encourage," said Governor Pritzker in an statement after signing in the new law. "The young people who advocated for this legislation recognized how important it is not only to vote, but to make the act of voting as accessible for all who can vote as possible."
The legislation gives school administrators the option to enforce specific hours when voters may leave school grounds.
The measure passed 74-40 in the House and 40-10 in the Senate.
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