Go to work and be part of the solution


By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


America is now opening back up. People are starting to venture back to church. Places of work are reopening. Restaurants are reopening. State parks are reopening. The beaches are opening many places.

Most Americans are breathing a sigh of relief. Americans are sick and tired of Covid-19. We're tired of hearing about it and we're tired of the repercussions from it.

More Americans now are unemployed since The Great Depression. More unemployment claims have been filed than ever before. Many Americans have filed for unemployment weeks ago and still haven't a penny of money. I continue to hear from people who haven't received a stimulus check.

We are tired of the news and the latest countdown of every county's death stats from Covid-19.

If you want to increase our risk of mental illness just keep watching television eight hours a day as many Americans have been doing. In my town we have to hear about how many have died from every county in three states. Our hearts break and grieve for these families. It's just tough hearing the stats every day about so many counties in so many different states.

What must be next?

We must find a vaccine for Covid-19. We must develop it in our country if at all possible and we must not enrich China with billions of dollars with anything that comes out of that country. China has done and given us enough. We don't need more from China of anything. By the way, quit buying anything made from China.

Use commonsense! Be safe, be smart.

Don't go to church if you don't want to! If you have health or age issues stay home or go walk the park. People in church are going to be in close proximity. It cannot be avoided totally. Hallways are narrow and restrooms are small at church. You are going to be close to somebody. You can go to church later.

Pray at home, read your Bible at home and if you have any income you can mail your church a check. However, if you want to go to church then go but respect other people. Wear your mask for now and be distant. Be courteous.

Go back to work if you still have a job. Your employer doesn't want you to be sick. Your employer is financially struggling now, too. He wants to keep the factory or the business safe and healthy. They can't make it if everybody gets sick. Go to work and be a part of the solution. Don't be the problem.

Go somewhere if you can. America and actually the entire planet are stir crazy. Keep your mask handy and wash your hands a lot. Carry your disinfectants with you. Clean everything often. Respect social distancing. Be safe.

Next, start thinking about how you are going to vote this fall. If you don't like how your elected leaders are leading then you can change it by voting.



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Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.


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Featuring the Class of 2020's Adamaris Fuentes, Ethan Hinrichs & Eliza Lewis


Adamaris Fuentes

Clubs & Activities
Spanish Club, Spanish Club Leader, Cheer (1 year), Drama Club, Maroon Platoon, Maroon Platoon Leader

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Hobbies:
Dancing, baking, and giving her time through volunteer work.

Favorite SJO memories:
Meeting new people, and she was thankful for all of the new opportunities each year at SJO.

Favorite classes:
Spanish with Senor Zak Sutton, PE with Mr. William Billman, and English with Ms. Susan Pensinger

Favorite teachers:
Mr. Risley and Mrs. Kinney at St. Joseph Middle School and Senor Sutton, Mr. Kevin Simondsen, and Mrs. Lianne Rash at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, Majoring in Pre-PA Biology.

Advice to future SJO students:
Do not take anything for granted.


Graduating from college with an undergraduate or advance degree? Let us know. Read more ...

Ethan Hinrichs

Clubs & Activities
Marching Band (4 years)
Track and Field (1 year)
Soccer (2 years)
Scholastic Bowl, Rube Goldberg Team, We The People

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
He has seven siblings: one older sister, two younger brothers, and four younger sisters.

Hobbies:
Reading and working

Favorite SJO memories:
Marching Band trip to Washington D.C. when he was a freshman and going to Chicago as a part of the We The People team. Ethan has also enjoyed spending time with his teachers throughout the years at SJO.

Favorite classes:
Physics, AP Chemistry, and all of his classes with Mr. Marshall Schacht and Mr. Jeff Kieffer.

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. McDonald at St. Joseph Grade School; Mrs. Mabry and Mr. Steele at St. Joseph Middle School; and Mr. Schacht, Mr. Jeff Kieffer, Mr. Robert Glazier, and Mr. Kevin Simondsen at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
He will attend the Parkland Pathways program and will transfer to the University of Illinois to major in aerospace engineering.

Summer Plans:
After high school, Ethan plans to work two jobs over the summer.

Advice to future SJO students:
Be social and to get out more.

Eliza Lewis

Clubs & Activities
Cheer (4 years)
We The People, Spanish Club, Spanish Club Leader, Bible Club Leader, SADA, NHS, Drama Club

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
One older sister and one younger brother.

Hobbies:
Working, Bible journaling, drawing, watching YouTube, and hanging out with friends.

Favorite SJO memories:
Eliza’s greatest memories at SJO centered around the wonderful memories she made with friends at lunch time.

Favorite classes:
Geometry with Mr. Kiel Duval, Sociology with Mr. Jeff Kieffer, AP English III with Mr. Ryan Searby, Horticulture with Mrs. Darcy Nekolny, and Economics with Mr. Marshall Schacht.

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Mabry at St. Joseph Grade School; Mr. Risley and Mrs. Lubinski at St. Joseph Middle School; and Mr. Kieffer, Mr. Duval, Senor Zak Sutton, Ms. Kelly Steffen, and Mr. Don Beckett at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
Judson University, majoring in Architecture and minor in Spanish and Christian Ministries. She will also be on the cheer team and the dance team.

Advice to future SJO students:
Enjoy your time in high school because high school is such a special time in your life.



Text & photos provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.



The Big Picture: SJO baseball drops 2-1 decision to Centennial


On March 27, 2019, the St. Joseph-Ogden baseball team hosted Centennial in a non-conference contest. The Spartans lost the pitchers duel in a close, 2-1 finish dropping to 5-4 in early season play.

Luckily, we captured a number of really nice action and feature photos of juniors and a few sophomores that were on the varsity roster last year. Over the next week or so, The Sentinel will publish the best six photos from each of the seven games in our photo archives with a special focus on the members from the Class of 2020.

Here is the first installment of The Big Picture, starting with this home game against the Chargers featuring five of this year's seniors.


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Senior Spotlights with Nate Marshky, Andrew Calton & Samantha Blobaum


Andrew Calton

Clubs & Activities
Art Club

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
Four sisters and two brothers

Hobbies:
Working. He enjoys babysitting, house sitting, working at a daycare, and working at Monical’s Pizza.

Favorite SJO memories:
His junior year during the Homecoming assembly when the SJO chorus was singing, and all of the lights were turned off as the entire crowd got into the chorus’ performance. This was an inspiring moment for him.

Favorite classes:
Art, Physical Science, and Algebra I.

Favorite teachers:
Mr. Miller and Mrs. Mabry at St. Joseph Middle School, and Mr. Robert Glazier and Mr. Jake Beccue at SJO.

College:
Western Illinois University, majoring in Criminal Justice.

Advice to future SJO students:
Try your best and do not slack off.



Samantha Blobaum

Clubs & Activities
Drama Club, Art Club, FFA

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Hobbies:
Being outside, reading, working on arts and crafts, and hiking at Homer Lake.

Favorite SJO memories:
Prom, post prom, all of the school plays, and being able to hang out with all of her friends.

Favorite classes:
Art, Horticulture, and all of the classes she had with Mr. Don Beckett and Mr. Jeff Kieffer.

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Pirtle and Mrs. Stevens at St. Joseph Grade School; Mr. Risley, Mr. Thompson, and Mrs. Ford at St. Joseph Middle School; and Mr. Kieffer, Mr. Beckett, Mr. Jake Beccue, and Mrs. Heather Lindenmeyer at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
Parkland College/University of Illinois, Majoring in Architecture

Advice to future SJO students:
Get their work done on time and to get involved with extra-curriculars.


Nate Marshky

Clubs & Activities
Coffee Club, STEP Program

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
Two younger brothers

Hobbies:
Walking his dog and cat, and he enjoys going to the Disc Replay store in Champaign.

Favorite SJO memories:
Over the years, he has really enjoyed making coffee every Thursday for the SJO staff with other students in Mrs. Beckett’s class. Nate has enjoyed many field trips over the years, especially going to the pumpkin patch and Apple Dumplin. He has enjoyed dressing up for Halloween at school, and he remembers the gas leak during his sophomore year when he got out of class for a while.

Favorite classes:
All of his science classes

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Kim Ward, Mrs. James, Mrs. Dunn, Mrs. McCoy, Mr. Risley, Mrs. Mabry, Mrs. Bayles, Mrs. Don Beckett, and Mr. Richard Vetter.

After high school:
Nate is excited to find a job, and he wants to learn how to box.

Advice to future SJO students:
Work hard.



Text & photos provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.



If there is a fall sports season, it will be epic


By Clark Brooks, Editor & Publisher


The fall sports season should be epic this year.

I can't wait to get back to work covering Spartan football. I can't wait for the upcoming volleyball season because I think SJO is definitely a final four contender next November. I'm looking forward to questioning coach Abby McDonald if her squad is in system after a big game.

The soccer team has a new head coach and will have a new look with a number of players whose stories I can't wait to share.

I believe it will be an epic season because the stakes will be higher. Every player worth their salt will practice like it could be their last. Every game could be the last one of the season. Every week, every match or game, yesterday's practice could be the last. Every moments with teammates and coaches will be precious.

At anytime, as we experienced in March, the fall sports season could vanish into oblivion, pulled out from under us with a rug in the shape of an executive order. If that happens, you can bet winter sports won't be happening this academic year either.

The prospect of no winter sports, especially wrestling, when I hope to witness senior Isaiah Immke place take his place on one of the top three spots in his weight class on the IHSA podium, would be tragic. Honestly, I've looked forward to watching Immke enjoy success as a Spartan athlete for nearly a decade after he asked if I was legendary Spartan kicker Nick Krisman's dad at a SJO softball game. I was flattered, and to this day still find his innocent question amusing.

All of this is assuming that level of infections from the Coronavirus declines to requisite numbers over the next three months. Unfortunately as I write this, I have a hard time seeing the start of the fall sports season.

As it stands at the moment, according to the Governor's Restore Illinois plan, the state or areas of it, would need to reach Phase Four of the plan for schools to open. The Revitalization stage is when gatherings of 50 people or fewer are allowed with this limit subject to change based on latest data and guidance. Schools from Pre-K to 12, higher education, all summer programs, and child care will open with Illinois Department of Public Health approved safety guidelines.

Here is what's needed:

Cases and Capacity: The determination of moving from Phase 3 to Phase 4 will be driven by the COVID-19 positivity rate in each region and measures of maintaining regional hospital surge capacity. This data will be tracked from the time a region enters Phase 3, onwards.

•At or under a 20 percent positivity rate and increasing no more than 10 percentage points over a 14-day period, AND
•No overall increase (i.e. stability or decrease) in hospital admissions for COVID-19-like illness for 28 days, AND
•Available surge capacity of at least 14 percent of ICU beds, medical and surgical beds, and ventilators

Testing: Testing available in region regardless of symptoms or risk factors

Tracing: Begin contact tracing and monitoring within 24 hours of diagnosis for more than 90% of cases in region

At this point, schools reopening and sports resuming around the state isn't looking promising when we are currently stuck at Phase Two and the likelihood of moving to beyond three by August a pipe dream for a couple of reasons.

Considering that nearly every state that borders Illinois is opening up, a combination of warm weather and frustrated/bored Illinoisans traveling outside of the our state for a taste of 'freedom' will either become infected or drag one of the 14 thus far identified strains to their hometowns. Visitors to the state or passing through from Missouri, Iowa and and Indiana will ignite a hot spots that might possibly radiates into an entire region.

If epidemiologists' projections are correct, this will likely push the state back to Phase Two and we are all shelling again. Students are back in the living room attending digital class and parents back in their role as employee-teachers for an even longer round of sheltering-in-place.

Meanwhile, the Hoosiers next door have already announced that "school sponsored summer activities may resume on July 1, 2020." Providing his state's pandemic indicators make the anticipated decline, Governor Eric Holcomb's five-step plan has Indiana completely open on July 1. The Indiana High School Athletic Association released a statement last Wednesday that would allow for high school athletes and coaches to practice on school grounds on that day.

In a Facebook Live interview with State Rep. Emanuel Welch (D-Westchester), Illinois State Board of Education Chairman Carmen Ayala did not offer a reassuring outlook. She said parents should be prepared to continue homeschooling their children in the fall as the state's K-12 schools could remain closed according to a story from Prairie State Wire.

Ayala is suggesting school district superintendents "have a plan A, a plan B and a plan C" for the upcoming academic year.

Then, there is the issue of a second wave. Most likely areas of the country will see a resurgence in late October, early November when the temperature and humidity will become more favorable for the virus according scientist who study viruses. Anything short of a vaccine and I'll be stuck covering local campaigns and zoom school board meetings.

Not exactly the epic fall I'm expecting.




From the Editor:
The magnificiently talented Carson Mills


By Clark Brooks, Editor & Publisher


Yesterday, I missed something when I wrote The Sentinel's Spartan Spotlight on Carson Mills.

A member of Art Club at St. Joseph-Ogden High School and future graphic designer, I had asked Carson to send me a couple of samples of her work to include in her senior highlight. I totally missed the attachments at the bottom of her reply to me. If the illustrations she sent were a worm, they would have infected my entire computer network.

I opened the first image and involuntarily gasped, "OMG!" I was, undeniably, in awe. Still thoroughly, and I mean sincerely impressed, the second sample she sent ilicited an identical response.

After spending a good twenty minutes soaking in the attention to detail, use of colors, and the subtle shading and blending colors, I berated myself - and even as I pen this an hour later - for not being able to use pieces she sent for me to share in her Spartan Spotlight.

On my bucket list of vanity businesses to own, an art gallery is near the top flanked by an internet coffee shop and language school. If I had a gallery or restaurant or little coffee place in Ogden or St. Joseph, I would proudly sponsor mini-openings to showcase the work of incredibly talented young artists like Mills' and other high school artists in the community.

In her interview Mills said, "In ten years I see myself designing product advertisements or logos for a large company such as Coke or Disney."

With her artistic ability logos are just the tip of the iceberg of the what her talent and skills will create in years to come.


Pencil drawings by Carson Mills • Senior • Class of 2020





Are you a local artist? Know someone who is and we should feature? The Sentinel would love to hear from you. Email us at editor@oursentinel.com.


Spartan Spotlight with Carson Mills


If she had super power, Carson Mills would want it to be the ability to read minds. One of three sisters all born on the same day and graduating together this May, Mills plans to pursue a degree in graphic design after high school.

The Sentinel couldn't pass up the opportunity to ask six questions to learn more about her and what it's like being a triplet.


Sentinel: Out of all of the theater productions you were a part of in high school, which was your favorite and why? Were an actress or part of the crew? What was your main responsibility?

Mills: My favorite theater production was the Lottery my freshman year; I played a dead woman as an extra.


Sentinel: You are going to the University of Cincinnati this fall. What do you see yourself doing with a degree in Graphic Design in ten years?

Mills: With a degree in Graphic Design, in ten years I see myself designing product advertisements or logos for a large company such as Coke or Disney.



Carson Mills

Clubs & Activities
Softball (2 years), Drama Club, Art Club, Spanish Club, SADA Maroon Platoon
Hometown:
Ogden

Siblings:
She and her two sisters, Ava and Bailey, are triplets

Hobbies:
Drawing and hanging out with friends

Favorite SJO memories:
She will remember going to all of the football games during her senior year, and she had a blast cheering on all of the seniors. She has also really enjoyed all four years of Homecoming at SJO.

Favorite classes:
All of her art classes, Spanish with Senor Zak Sutton, and science with Mrs. Jeanna Kerner.

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Max and Mrs. Anderson at Prairieview-Ogden and Senor Sutton and Mr. Kiel Duval at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
University of Cincinnati, majoring in Graphic Design

Advice to future SJO students:
Get involved as early as you can in high school and to go to the games.




Sentinel: Who are three people you would invite to dinner at fabulous restaurant and why?

Mills: Three people I would invite to a fabulous dinner are Timothee Chalamet, Tom Holland, and Dylan O'brien because they are my celebrity crushes.


Sentinel: Oh, about homecoming at SJO, what did you enjoy the most about going?

Mills: What I enjoyed most about homecoming at SJO was dressing up and taking photos with my friends before the dance.


Sentinel: I asked your sisters this, so I will ask you, too: What is the best thing about being a triplet? And of course, the worse?

Mills: The best thing about being a triplet is going through life together and although we each have our own unique experiences, it's comforting to know there are two other people growing with me! Though there are a lot of good times together, the worst part about being a triplet is when my siblings take my clothes.


Sentinel: If you were a superhero, what would be you main super power? Who from SJO would be your sidekicks and why?

Mills: My main super power would be to read minds. My best friends Anna Wentzloff and Katie Cramer would be my sidekicks because I know they will alway have my back!




Profile information & photos provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.


Shining stars of SJO, senior spotlights with Samantha Gonzales, Jenna Schaefer & Erin Bridgewater


Samantha Gonzales

Clubs & Activities
Marching Band (4 years)

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
Older sister

Hobbies:
Flute and being around animals

Favorite SJO memories:
A memory that she will never forget is when the SJO Marching Band finishing in 3rd place at the University of Illinois Marching Band Competition. In fact, her best high school memories all revolve around band.

Favorite classes:
Band and Chemistry

Favorite teachers:
Mr. Dassow and Mrs. Mabry at St. Joseph Middle School and Mr. Kevin Simondsen and Mrs. Heather Lindenmeyer at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
Eastern Illinois University, double major in Music Performance and Criminology

Advice to future SJO students:
Participate in extracurricular events and to get your schoolwork done.

Jenna Schaefer

Clubs & Activities
Band (4 years)
Drama Club, Scholastic Bowl, Rube Goldberg Team, NHS, Spanish Club, We The People

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
Younger sister

Hobbies:
Hiking, traveling, watching TV, and hanging out with family and friends.

Favorite SJO memories:
She has enjoyed everything about the SJO Marching Band. During her junior year, she enjoyed being a part of the musical and post-prom as well.

Favorite classes:
Spanish, Economics, Intro to Social Studies, PE, Algebra II, and Geography

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Kirk at St. Joseph Grade School; Mrs. Jeffers at St. Joseph Middle School; and Mr. Marshall Schacht, Mr. Jeff Kieffer, Senor Zak Sutton, Senora Nelson, and Mr. Kevin Simondsen at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
University of Illinois, majoring in Environmental Economics and Policy.

Advice to future SJO students:
Get involved, be a part of all of the offered activities, and be nice to all of your teachers.

Erin Bridgewater

Clubs & Activities
Band (4 years)
We The People, Drama Club, Art Club

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Hobbies:
Video games and learning Japanese

Favorite SJO memories:
Most center around her experience in the SJO Marching Band. During her senior year, the SJO Marching Band earned a 3rd place finish or higher in each of their six marching band competitions. This was a great achievement that she was a huge part of.

Favorite classes:
Band all four years of high school, Horticulture with Mrs. Duitsman, and all of her science classes.

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Fitzsimmons at St. Joseph Grade School, Mrs. Jeffers at St. Joseph Middle School, and she has enjoyed classes with all of her teachers at SJO.

College:
Eastern Illinois University, majoring in Computer Information Technology.

Advice to future SJO students:
Take your classes seriously and to do all of your homework.



Text & photos provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.



2020 Spotlight on St. Joseph-Ogden seniors Brendan Cooperider, Logan Lindsey & Mason McLain


Mason McLain

Clubs & Activities
Baseball (4 years)
Maroon Platoon
Spanish Club

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
Older sister

Hobbies:
Playing video games and hanging out with friends.

Favorite SJO memories:
His junior year baseball season. The Spartans had a great year last year, and he was excited to play baseball again this spring. He knows the SJO baseball team could have really done something this spring.

Favorite classes:
Civics with Mr. Marshall Schacht and Geography with Mr. Jeff Kieffer.

Favorite teachers:
Mr. Dunker at St. Joseph Grade School, Mr. Risley at St. Joseph Middle School, and Mr. Marshall Schacht and Mrs. Lianne Rash at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
University of Illinois, majoring in Kinesiology

Advice to future SJO students:
Dot take anything for granted and to enjoy all four years of high school.

Logan Lindsey

Clubs & Activities
Football (3 years)
Track and Field (2 years)
Wrestling (1 year)
Drama Club, Maroon Platoon

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
One older sister and one younger brother

Hobbies:
Writing and building his own computers

Favorite SJO memories:
Hanging out with his friends at lunch time and being around his friends playing sports. Logan developed a strong bond with his friends through athletics.

Favorite classes:
All of his math classes and science with Mr. Kevin Simondsen.

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Camp at St. Joseph Grade School; Mr. Risley and Mrs. Stone at St. Joseph Middle School; and Mr. Simondsen, Mrs. Morgan Downs, Mrs. Alisyn Franzen, and all of his math teachers at SJO.

College:
Parkland College, majoring in computer programming

Advice to future SJO students:
Pay attention and to get your homework done

Brendan Cooperider

Clubs & Activities
Football (4 years)
Baseball (4 years)
Student Council, Spanish Club, NHS, Maroon Platoon

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Hobbies:
Weightlifting and learning about cars

Favorite SJO memories:
His greatest memories at SJO revolve around the baseball team, which he enjoyed being a part of for all four years. One memory that stood out was the SJO Invite in May 2019, a round robin tourney hosted at SJO each year.

Favorite classes:
U.S. History and Civics

Favorite teachers:
Mr. Risley, Mr. Steele, and Mrs. Ford at St. Joseph Middle School and Mr. Kiel Duval and Mr. Marshall Schacht at SJO.

College:
University of Iowa, majoring in Mechanical Engineering

Career goal:
Become a part of the Formula SAE race team.

Advice to future SJO students:
Learn time management skills early on



Text & photos provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.



End of the year school parade to be held on May 15


St. Joseph CCSD 169 principal Michelle Mabry Wagner announced on Facebook teachers will hold an end of the year drive-by parade on May 15.

"We are going to be doing a parade around town, me and all your teachers from Kindergarten to eight grade," Wagner announced in a video. "You can come out on the street and wave to us. We are doing this in honor of you."

Starting at 1pm, teachers will wind their way through the community in their vehicles to say farewell to all the students in the district.

"Even though we can't be together, we're still going to celebrate with this parade," Wagner said.

Click on map above to view a larger, clearer version of the route.


Former SJO baseball player Austin Cain transfers Nicholls State


Spartans' Austin Cain makes a catch playing in St. Joseph-Ogden's road game at Duffy Bass Field in Normal against Normal University High. SJO fell victim to the Pioneers 13-3 in their non-conference game on Saturday, April 16, 2016. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
After a two-year stint at Heartland Community College, St. Joseph-Ogden graduate Austin Cain will continue his athletic career at Nicholls State University.

Cain will major in business at the public university that boasts an enrollment of 6,366 students located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, about an hour and 15 minutes drive west of New Orleans.

The 2018 Spartan baseball alumnus will join the Colonels who were 10-8 this season before the Coronavirus pandemic put the kibosh on collegiate and prep sports this spring.

In his 24 at bats this season with Heartland, Cain batted in nine runs and collected five stolen bases. He had a career season-high 3 RBI game against Macomb Community College on March 7 and stole two bases on the road against Lansing Community College three days later on March 10.



Ready to free fall, Spartan Spotlight with Emily Bigger


Emily Bigger made an interesting confession about a week ago.

"I have always wanted to go skydiving in Australia," said the St. Joseph-Ogden senior whose hobbies include hanging out with friends and traveling to many places - and likely skydiving sometime in the future.

The admission, which she referred to as a 'fun fact', came out after The Sentinel asked her to name a few places she would enjoy traveling to visit. For her beaches and skydiving nearly goes hand in hand. Her number two choice is a trip to a group of islands close to 500 miles north of Brisbane called the Whitsunday Islands.

"It has a beautiful beach to skydive near," Bigger said. The member of the 2019 third-place state volleyball team longs for the day when she can visit the land Down Under. "I have always enjoyed talking in an Australian accent and listening to others talk in the accent. I also think it is a beautiful place, and it would be awesome to see the kangaroos and koalas.

Pristine sandy beaches out woop woop with a couple of slabs and hot barbie sounds bloody sick right now. Especially with this weekend's forecast locally calling for overnight temperatures in the lower 30s.

"I believe that it has slowed everything down. This quarantine shows how busy our schedules were. Now, families are able to spend more time together watching movies, playing games, doing puzzles, and eating dinner together."
According to her mother, Melissa, her daughter has never jumped out of a perfectly good airplane ... at least not yet. There is no chance that skydiving will be a mother-daughter bonding experience either. "100%. No!"

The other two places at the top of Bigger's list are Vaitape in Bora Bora, another island retreat, and Dubai.

"I want to stay in one of the huts that are above the ocean," she explained talking about Bora Bora. As for the United Arab Emirates destination, there is one place that is a must-visit for her. "I want to go to the top of the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa."

After high school, Bigger plans to attend Parkland College and is undecided on her major.

Inspired by a popular television medical drama, her dream job would to become a surgeon.

"I have watched Grey's Anatomy for the longest time and love watching them save people’s lives," Bigger said. "My dream job would be a trauma surgeon."

Ideally, she would work and live in a city in the southern part of the United States where it warmer more months out of the year than in her hometown of St. Joseph. But, there is just one small problem.

"Another fun fact about me is I can’t deal with blood very well," she admitted. "So that job will forever be a dream of mine, not a reality."

She had one dream - winning a state title for SJO - nearly come true last fall. The veteran setter helped the Spartan volleyball team reach the Class 2A final four in November thanks to an upset victory in Palos Heights. What the casual fan may not had noticed during the supersectional match against Chicago Christian was match was how much of nervous wreck Bigger was going into that match.

For a young woman who wants to jump out of an airplane at 13,000 or so feet and accelerate 9.8 meters per second squared toward earth, Bigger said on a 1-10 anxiety scale, the match against the Knights was easily a 10.

Emily's advice to future SJO students is to appreciate all of the little moments, and to participate in as many activities as you can.

"I was nervous from the beginning. I was physically sick and had thrown up six times earlier in the day. I didn’t want to let my team down," she explained. "Then, walking into the packed gym, seeing their team, and seeing how tall they were made it even more nerve-racking."

With the offense revolving around Bigger, who tallied 26 assists and 16 digs against the Knight, the Spartans rebounded from a first set loss to take the last two in a gritty, knock-down, drag'm out.

Then it was on the state tournament. Looking back at the state semifinal against Breese Mater Dei at Redbird Arena, she said it was nearly as stressful as the previous weekend's match against Chicago Christian. The importance of notching the opening match at state was not lost upon her.

"Winning it (the semifinal match) got us to the championship game, but (it was) not as stressful as the last game," Bigger said. "We had made it to state, but we still knew we had to fight our way to the end."

Valiantly, SJO rolled with the punches in yet another three-setter. After dropping the first set 25-20, Bigger and the Spartans played a scrappy game to force a third set, 25-23. After tying the final set at 21-all, a final momentum swing in favor of their opponent forced a 25-22 loss.

"The third place game was my last volleyball game ever so I didn’t find it very stressful," she said, summing up her state final experience. "I would say probably a six because I just wanted to go out and play my hardest but have fun too - and of course, win!."

Bigger, who started playing volleyball in the fourth grade, played the sport all four years of high school. Also a member of the Maroon Platoon, she was inducted into the National Honor Society as well as participated in FCA, Spanish Club and AMP.

"I love the excitement of long rallies - especially winning them, the environment with the gym filled with our fans, and the bonds built with my teammates and coaches," Bigger said about the sport.

The friendships and her relationships with her volleyball teammates is special.

"Katelyn Berry can always put a smile on my face," she said. "I can be in the worst mood, and this girl knows how to make me laugh just by doing the littlest things, sometimes not even trying to be funny."

Bigger tell us her favorite classes at SJO were Physics with Mr. Robert Glazier and English with one of her favorite teachers, Mrs. Heather Lindenmeyer.

"Mrs. Lindenmeyer is one of my favorite teachers because she cares for us not only as students but as people outside of her classroom," she said. "She pays attention to each student, knows if we are going through a hard time, and offers her support if we need to talk to someone."

Bigger said going to her English class was rather enjoyable because the time spent in the classroom was not spent just schoolwork and academics.

"Honestly, fourth hour was her favorite, too," she said. "We listened to her rant about her day or what she was going through. It felt like a big support system for us and her," As for the class itself, I enjoyed it because I learned so much about myself as a writer and actually learned to enjoy writing essays,for the most part, not the 11-page one."

Her other favorite instructors in high school was Mr. Marshall Schacht and she also enjoy her time in the classroom with Mr. Risley at St. Joseph Middle School.

What else do you need to know about senior Emily Bigger?

She can’t live without ice cream. "That is a must" in her life.

"I also need Netflix/Hulu to binge watch shows and chocolate milk."


Chilton lands model job at Boeing Company


Brian Chilton, a 2009 graduate from St. Joseph-Ogden High School, has joined Boeing Company in St. Louis as a Database Content Developer.

"I'll be 3D modeling airports for military simulators," he said.

Chilton, who was a VDC Virtualization Technician with Clayco, was furloughed due to the economic downturn created by the Coronavirus pandemic and quickly landed on his feet three weeks later.

"I was the primary visualization artist there. They called it a technician," he said about his position that lasted just eight months. "I just loved the challenges that making animated videos, between editing and compositing everything together to make the final product."

With over $3.2+ billion in revenue for 2019 and more than 2,400 employees across the country, Clayco is one of the nation’s largest privately-owned real estate, architecture, engineering, design-build and construction firms that has set new standards for collaborative design, construction quality and craftsmanship, efficient project management, cost containment and jobsite safety.

Despite his short tenure with Clayco, he expanded his knowledge base on the building construction industry.

"I had to learn how buildings were constructed and go off of build schedule plans. What's crazy is not all buildings are constructed the same."

After leaving SJO, Chilton attended Parkland College where graduated in 2013. From there he went on to the Savannah College of Art & Design where he earned a bachelors degree in animation. Below is an animated short film he created that can be found on his website at BrianChilton3D.

Boeing is recognized as the largest aerospace company in the world. The company builds commercial jetliners and security systems as well as provides aftermarket support for their products which are used worldwide by the United States and allied government customers in more than 150 countries.

Chilton resides in Hazelwood, MO., with his wife, Sara, and their daughter.


New case identified in St. Joseph, area Coronavirus infections rises


The fourth confirmed case of the Coronavirus has been confirmed in St. Joseph as the total number of active cases reached 89 in Champaign County. Twenty-five new cases brings the county total of confirmed cases to 208.

According to The News-Gazette, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District says outbreak at Rantoul Foods grew to 47 on Tuesday and expects that number to grow. Meanwhile, the CUPHD website latest update indicates there are 43 confirmed tests from the 61866 area.

Sadly, the number of cases involving teen and kids continues to rise. At the beginning of the month of May six days ago, there were just 10 individuals 20-and-under who tested positive for COVID-19 virus in the county. The total has climbed to 31 as of yesterday.

The CUPHD websited indicates the first adult over the age of 90 was also confirmed positive yesterday.

COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus mainly as a cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. These two, along with fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or the loss of taste or smell are common among infected individuals.

If you or a family member has any of the following symptoms, the CDC recommends that you seek medical attention immediately. Those symptoms include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse or have bluish lips or face.


Check your property tax bill


Area residents should be receiving your Champaign County property tax bill this week and you may want to look it over closely.

There have been several reports by homeowners whose bills do not reflect escrow payments made or applied to their tax bill.

If you find an error contact the county treasurer at (217) 384-3743 as well as your escrow company to make sure your payment will be received on time.



Spotlight on SJO senior Connor Lusk


Connor Lusk does a 230kg deadlift at the Illini Uplift for Muscular Dystrophy powerlifting competition on March 11 in 2019. Lusk, then a junior also squated 180 kg and maxed out on the bench press at 140 kg on Saturday. He finished first in his division and 11th overall. Hosted by the Illini Powerlifting Club, proceeds from the event were donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Connor Lusk

High School Clubs & Activities
Wrestling (1 year)
Maroon Platoon

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Hobbies:
Competitive powerlifting, playing the bass guitar, and helping others at the gym.

Favorite SJO memory:
His greatest memories at SJO revolve around the weight room. He remembers back in his sophomore year when he started weightlifting. He will never forget how he deadlifted over 600 pounds in front of everyone.

Favorite classes:
U.S. History, World History, and Sociology

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Mabry, Mrs. Svenson, and Mrs. Kinney at St. Joseph Middle School and Mr. Jeff Kieffer, Mr. Marshall Schacht, Mrs. Don Beckett, and Mr. Shawn Skinner at SJO.

College:
Parkland College in the Pathways Program

Advice to future SJO students:
Have fun, don’t blow off your classes, and to pay attention.



Text provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.



Don't distance yourself from the celebration, mom is worth the effort


By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


I wish mom were still here so I could take her out to Sunday dinner.

The problem with Sunday dinner this Mother's Day is that most of the restaurants either won't be open yet or operating under new guidelines. Restaurants make their biggest payday of the year typically on Mother's Day. Even in states that are wide open for dining there is the problem of social distancing.

Can you imagine this week going to a restaurant that only is allowed 25% occupancy or maybe 50% occupancy at best? Many states will still be closed tight this Sunday adding further pain to the economic dilemma of business owners across America. For some restaurants being closed this Sunday will be the nail in the coffin of their business.

This year to celebrate mom's day you still can patronize your favorite restaurant by ordering from them and bringing the food back home. This will still take some pressure off mom. Also, insist on cleaning up the mess when it's over. Mom shouldn't have to do this on Mother's Day.

Overall, this is the toughest Mother's Day we've had in America during my lifetime.

So many millions are struggling financially. Buying a nice meal from a restaurant to take home to feed everyone is a stretch for many.

With 70,000 or more deaths now due to Covid-19 this Mother's Day will be the hardest day ever for a lot of families. There will be an empty chair at the table. Millions of Americans have moms in nursing homes. Their moms are in danger of being exposed to Covid-19. People will probably not be able to visit mother because she is in the nursing home. This is painful.

There are just so many distressing scenarios being played out around the world. From health care workers who are at risk, to unemployment and a new era of poverty hitting out country, to people just going crazy over social distancing.

The way to celebrate Mother's Day this year is don't forget. Don't distance yourself from this celebration. Honor mom while you have her. Honor some other mothers too who have been special to you.

When I was a child, I had $5 my dad gave me for being "brave" when I had my tonsils removed. The only thing I wanted to do as a child was to take mom and dad to the local G.C. Murphy's grill.

We sat at the bar and we all had hotdogs and cokes that cost me about $3. My mom didn't want me to spend my $5 but she smiled when I bought lunch that day as a 7-year-old kid. I would love to have mom back this Sunday and do anything that might make her smile. This Sunday, it could be the simplest thing but give it a try.

Mom is worth the effort.

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Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.


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Senior Spotlights with Anna Tranel, Konnor George & Nathan Maier


Anna Tranel

Clubs & Activities
Track and Field (4 years)
Maroon Platoon, Spanish Club

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
Four siblings: one older brother, one younger sister, and two younger brothers.

Hobbies:
Running, writing with sidewalk chalk, and hanging out with friends

Favorite SJO memories:
She enjoyed going to all of the home football games and the powderpuff game before Homecoming during her senior year.

Favorite classes:
All of her math classes, U.S. History, Civics, and Advanced Biology.

Favorite teachers:
Mr. Risley and Mrs. Ford at St. Joseph Middle School and Mr. Marshall Schacht, Senor Zak Sutton, Ms. Kelly Steffen, and Mrs. Ashley Krisman at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
Parkland College or Augustana University, majoring actuary science

Advice to future SJO students:
Make the most of high school and enjoy it because you never know when it will end.


Konnor George

Clubs & Activities
FFA

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
Four siblings: one older sister, two younger sisters, and one younger brother.

Hobbies:
His hobbies revolve around music. He really enjoys playing the guitar.

Favorite SJO memory:
Homecoming during his freshman year

Favorite classes:
World History and Geography with Mr. Kieffer, and U.S. History and Civics with Mr. Beckett.

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Steele at St. Joseph Middle School and Mr. Jeff Kieffer, Mr. Shawn Skinner, Mr. William Billman, and Mrs. Alisyn Franzen at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

Career Plans:
Plans to join the U.S. Army and possibly have a career in a law enforcement.

Advice to future SJO students:
Do homework and to stay on task.


Graduating from college with an undergraduate or advance degree? Tell us!

Nathan Maier

Clubs & Activities
Basketball (3 years)
Football (1 year)

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
Two older brothers

Hobbies:
Reading books, working on his computer, practicing photography, filming, and hanging out with family.

Favorite SJO memories:
His positive times being a part of the boys’ basketball team as a manager during his junior and senior years. Nathan felt motivated to be a part of the basketball family, and he will always remember these moments.

Favorite classes:
Trigonometry with Mr. Kiel Duval and Spanish with Senor Zak Sutton.

Favorite teachers:
Mr. Jeff Kieffer, Senor Zak Sutton, and Mrs. Heather Lindenmeyer

College:
Parkland College, Business

Advice to future SJO students:
Always try to reach out if you need help because St. Joseph is such a welcoming community.




Text & photos provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.



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