St. Joseph resident to send care packages to US troops abroad

Sarah Czerwinski, from St. Joseph, has a heart of gold.

A close friend, Alyssa Artola, deployed with the Urbana-based Illinois National Guard's 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to the Ukraine in June. Artola and her unit of approximately 165 soldiers are part of a Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine deployed to support U.S. European Command operations.

Their mission is part of ongoing efforts by the U.S. to contribute to Ukraine’s long-term military reform and is provided at the request of the Ukrainian government. Observing a "train-the-trainer" approach, the Urbana based unit along with NATO allies and partners, are in-country to advise and mentor the Armed Forces of Ukraine Observer Controller / Trainers at the Combat Training Center located near Yavoriv.

They will not be involved in conflict operations.

Raised in a military family, Czerwinski, whose father retired at major after 20 years of service in the Army, wanted to send her friend a care package several weeks ago. In a conversation with Artola she learned that troopers "get excited when they get mail", no matter what it is.

"I thought it was sad that people don't get mail," said Czerwinski, who decided not only to send her friend a care package, but one to every trooper in the brigade. "I thought it would be nice, something for them to look forward to."

She hatched a plan to gather as many items and boxes as she could through the month of October and then ship them out in time for to be received on Veteran’s Day.

"I wasn't really sure where to start," Czerwinski admitted. She posted a couple of messages on Facebook asking for donations and was pleasantly surprised by the response. "It's been a wonderful experience so far. The number of people willing to donate has been touching."

A member from the high school student council reached out and after receiving approval from the school administration, boxes will available at St. Joseph-Ogden High School starting this week to collect donated items.

There is also a box at Chris Booth State Farm, where she works, on the corner of Fox and State in Champaign, for donations. Czerwinski has also had people drop off items at her home.

Suggested items include:

Snack bars
Ramen
Seasoning salt
Hot sauces
Flavor packets for water
Energy bars
Beef jerky
Instant rice/Mac-n-cheese
Tea
Coffee
Small toiletries
Shower items
Board games
Playing cards
Pens
Paper

If residents have any extra holiday decorations or working lights lying around, she would love to ship them to the American men and women serving our country.

"They may not have a tree, but the decor and lights would be great," she said.

The cost of shipping a box weighing up to 10 pounds is $20. Czerwinski is also accepting monetary donations to help cover the postal fee. She plans to deliver all the boxes and parcels she can to the post office in St. Joseph on October 30.

For more information on you can help, residents can contact Czerwinski via Facebook or send an email to sendingwithsarah@gmail.com

"I really appreciate all the support from people."

Photo of the Day - October 13, 2020

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Rockets blast the Bombers for playoff victory

Unity quarterback Taylor Black leaps into the arms of teammate Danny Shroyer after scoring a touchdown during their IHSA quarterfinal football game against Macomb. After rolling past St. Thomas more in the first round and rivals Monticello the week after, Unity enjoyed home field advantage to defeat the visiting Bombers 35-7 on November 12, 2011.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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Spartans finish in top 3, Rockets in 4th at IPC meet

SJO's Brandon Mattsey runs during the 2019 IHSA state cross country meet. The senior, who finished 4th overall, led the Spartans to a third-place finish at this year's Illini Prairie Conference meet on Saturday.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Brandon Mattsey, Charlie Mabry and Carson Maroon completed their run within 18 seconds of each other for 21 team points at the 2020 Illini Prairie Conference Meet on Saturday. The combined effort secured the St. Joseph-Ogden boys cross country squad a third place finish on Saturday.

Twenty-five seconds off his personal best in the 3-mile race, Mattsey was the first Spartan to cross the finish line at 16:07.43. His fourth place finish coupled with Mabry coming in 8th place and Maroon in 9th less than three seconds apart provided a commanding lead over the rest of the field in the team competition.

Connor O'Donnell led Unity's first three runners over the line stopping the clock at 16:29.35 and was the 10th finisher in the varsity race. Teammates Jarrett Cox then finished three seconds later in 11th place and Benjamin Gravel ended his run on the course in 16th place at 16:54.41.

The trio along with Nolan Miller and Thomas Cler secured the Rockets fourth place finish with 96 points.

SJO tallied 60 points to finish third behind Monticello's 44 points and the newly crowned IPC champs of 2020, Olympia with 39 points.

Illini Prairie Conference meet results:

4	Brandon Mattsey	SJO	16:07.43
8	Charlie Mabry	SJO	16:22.22
9	Carson Maroon	SJO	16:25.25
10	Connor O'Donnell	Unity	16:29.35
11	Jarrett Cox	Unity	16:32.92
16	Benjamin Gravel	Unity	16:54.41
19	Elijah Mock	SJO	17:08.02
20	Luke Stegall	SJO	17:08.73
22	Logan Wolfersberger	SJO	17:16.19
28	Nolan Miller	Unity	17:40.45
31	Thomas Cler	Unity	17:48.72
44	Spencer Wilson	SJO	18:23.18
46	Clayton Jamison	Unity	18:46.65
50	Bryson Denny	Unity	19:33.67

Progressive income tax would put heavy burden on small Illinois business

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by Bryce Hill, Senior Research Analyst
Illinois Policy

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COVID-19 and state-mandated restrictions already damaged Illinois small businesses, but the extra challenge of a 50.3% marginal income tax rate awaits if Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s "fair tax" is added to their state and federal income tax burdens.

Despite wide-spread agreement that you should not raise taxes during an economic downturn, Pritzker insists Illinois needs his $3 billion income tax hike now more than ever. But massive job losses and stubbornly high unemployment rates mean there might not be a worse time for a tax hike. Hiking taxes during a recession, or just as the economy attempts to get back on its feet, would be a clear policy mistake. One reason is the income tax hike would hit the state’s largest job creators – small businesses – the hardest.

Small businesses are responsible for 60% of the net job creation in Illinois and are the businesses most at risk from the economic fallout of COVID-19. Changing to a progressive income tax in Illinois could mean a massive tax hike for these businesses and create marginal income tax rates in excess of 50% when all state and federal income taxes are included. Research has shown an increase in the top marginal tax rate is associated with a decrease in hiring activity of entrepreneurs and lower wages for their employees.

When considering all of the layers of income taxes Illinoisans face, small businesses – who pay taxes as individuals – could be left paying 50.3% of their top-end income in taxes. Total marginal income tax rates would range from 31.6% to 50.3% thanks to federal income tax, Social Security tax, Medicare tax, state income tax, and Illinois’ Personal Property Replacement Tax.

The increase in the state income tax from the current flat rate of 4.95%, to up to 7.99% under the progressive income tax, would mean that some small businesses would face a state income tax hike 5 times larger than big businesses.

While the total corporate income tax rate – including the Personal Property Replacement Tax – will be hiked by 10% (from 9.5% to 10.49% when including the replacement tax), the tax hike for pass-throughs could be up to 47% (6.45% to 9.49% when including the replacement tax).

Research from April showed fewer than half of all U.S. small businesses expected to re-open this year if the crisis lasted more than four months. For the small businesses that do manage to survive, the last thing their owners and employees need is a tax hike to crush them while they’re attempting to get back on their feet.

Small businesses such as S-corps, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietors make up a large majority of business establishments in Illinois, representing 71% of all private for-profit businesses, totaling more than 210,000 establishments. These small businesses also employed nearly half of Illinois’ private for-profit workforce prior to the COVID-19 downturn, or more than 2.3 million Illinoisans.

Contrary to the governor’s claims, a progressive income tax hike is the exact opposite of what Illinois lawmakers should be doing in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

Nearly 700,000 Illinoisans remain out of work as a result of the pandemic. That is after the first year on record in which Illinois lost private-sector jobs amid a national boom.

Imposing marginal tax rates exceeding 50% for Illinois’ largest job creators during the current economic crisis would be a painful mistake.

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Originally published by Illinois Policy on October 8, 2020. Published by permission.

Photo of the Day - October 12, 2020

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SJO piles on the TD

St. Joseph-Ogden's Lucas Gones races to the end zone on a long punt return on October 17, 2009. The senior was tripped up short of the TD but scored later in the home game on a pass from quarterback Blake Hoveln. The victory also clinched SJO's 19th consecutive playoff appearance with their 41-7 win Saturday afternoon.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Village sewer rate increase goes into effect in St. Joseph

At the beginning of this month a scheduled sewer rate increase went into effect for the Village of St. Joseph. The new rates will be reflected on residents' upcoming November billing.

The schedule rate increase, approved in April 2019 by the St. Joseph Board of Trustees and put on hold due COVID-19 pandemic, will pay for upgrades as the aging plant nears its maximum operating capacity according to a release from the village.

The 15-year plan created last year is a detailed road map to ensure costs, operating expenses and plant capital maintenance needs are met to keep pace with the community's growth. The plan included incrementally increasing rates, which will be determined annually by the board, on a yearly basis rather of one or more large jump in monthly fees.

While the increase will impact low volume users minimally, heavy users will see likely see a noticeable change on their statements.

The new rate, starting on October 1, is $17.50, up from $15.00, for the first two units. Each additional unit used will be billed at at $1.75 more then the previous amount of $5.25 at $7.00 each.

Unity takes 2nd at conference meet, SJO girls 5th

Unity's Taylor Joop runs the first lap around the course at the 2019 IHSA cross country state meet. Joop finished in 9th place at Saturday's Illini Prairie Conference meet in St. Joseph.

Photo: PhotoNews Media

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Fourteen area long distance runners competed in this year's Illini Prairie Conference meet held Saturday at the Woodard Family Park and Sports Complex. By the time trodden grassy surface settled, the Unity girls cross country squad learned of their second place team finish via 45 points tallied in the team competition. Ninety-six points behind them, host St. Joseph-Ogden finished in fifth place with 136.

Individually, Rockets' Erica Woodard paced all area runners around the course closing out her race in 18 minutes, 18 seconds for a fourth place overall finish. Nearly a minute later, teammates Caelyn Kleparski (8th) and Taylor Joop (9th) crossed the finish line at 19:12 and 19:15, respectively.

Ava Knap let the Spartan contingent finishing the 3-mile course with a time of 20:19.21. She was followed over the line by Helene Jones and Chloe Burkholter to round SJO's top three finishers. Jones finished two spots behind Knap in 23rd place overall. Meanwhile, Burkholter ended her run 30th out of 56 runners on Saturday.

This year's meet champion was Monticello with 29 points. Olympia won third place honors with a score of 90 points.

Illini Prairie Conference meet results:

4	Erica Woodard	Unity	18:18.00
8	Caelyn Kleparski	Unity	19:12.99
9	Taylor Joop	Unity	19:15.09
11	Elizabeth Hulick	Unity	19:26.23
13	Olivia Shike	Unity	19:38.08
16	Malla Fairbanks	Unity	19:55.97
20	Ava Knap	SJO	20:19.21
22	Helene Jones	SJO	20:28.93
26	Audrey Remole	Unity	20:45.34
29	Chloe Burkholter	SJO	20:58.85
31	Malorie Sarnecki	SJO	21:03.39
34	Kailyn Ingram	SJO	21:11.77
35	Addie Allen	SJO	21:22.56
39	Ashlyn Lannert	SJO	21:49.06

Village Administrator job on St. Joseph board agenda

The Village of St. Joseph moves one step closer to hiring a Village Administrator. A proposal from the Finance, Personnel, and Economic Development department will ask the board to approve a job description and new ordinance for the position of Village Administrator at Tuesday's board meeting.

The Village Administrator would be responsible for day-to-day operation of village services, keep track of financial health and capital projects, assist in zoning enforcement as well as ensuring permit fees are collected.

"The way we do things now, we are far from being efficient," said Tami Fruhling-Voges, Village President/Mayor. "The Village should be ran like a business."

She said the Village Administrator is needed to help her and the trustees with research and policy recommendations. The person in the new position would also actively apply for state and federal grants.

"It will truly be a benefit to the community."

According to agenda for Tuesday, Mayor Fruhling-Voges will present a new Village Public Works calendar and announce the recipient of the St. Joseph's first Employee Appreciation Award. She will also unveil a Halloween Proclamation as well as tax levy comparisons and late distributions from the County Treasurer's Office.

The board will also hear and vote to approve an audit report from Feller & Kuester CPAs LLP, receive an updated from the recent Sewer Committee meeting and an update on the Linden Street retention pond.

If you have something that you want to bring up at the Village Board Meeting but do not want to attend, residents are encouraged to email the information to tasmetzer@gmail.com. Your email should include your full name, address and phone number.

If you would like to attend the meeting in person, please use the side door which enters directly into the Village Board room. It will be the only door available for entry. Visitors may address the Board /Committee on subjects listed and not listed on the agenda during the Public Comment portion of the meeting. Speakers will must state their name and address for the meeting records. Masks and social distancing will be observed.

You can find the October 13 agenda here.

Photo of the Day - October 11, 2020

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SJO upsets Sabers, 2-1

(left to right) Lindsey Aden, Kennedi Burnett, Rylee Stahl, Kenly Taylor and Payton Vallee celebrate a point for St. Joseph-Ogden in their Illini Prairie Conference road match at St. Thomas More in October 2018. After dropping the first set 25-22, the Spartans rallied back to take the last two for the victory, 25-21 and 26-24.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Photo of the Day - October 10, 2020

Spartans unable to answer Manteno challenge

Jacob Shaw kicks the ball down the field in St. Joseph-Ogden's home game against Manteno in 2018. The Spartans fell 4-0 in the non-conference match. Other members of the team that season included Logan Ingram, Justyn Frisby, Cailer Kellenberger, Sophia Martlage, Jared Emmert, Zac Seeley, Tyler Sullivan, Bryce Froeschl, Jordan Kelly, Brayden Grimsey, Kolton Batty, Joshua Baldner, Nathan Emmert, Luke Cohen, Seth Wedig, Cade Hausman, Joel Branson and Mason Behrens.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Halloween parade, trunk-or-treat set for Tolono

The Tolono Fun Day group will host a Halloween parade starting at 3pm in Tolono on October 31. Open to walkers as well as to decorated floats, vehicles, tractors and golf cars, the parade will start at East Side Park and wind through town to West Side Park.

Participants are asked to line-up for the parade starting at 2:45pm at East Side. 

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Parade route for the Tolono Halloween parade

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"This is our first year doing anything like this," said Brian Booher, one of seven members of the group running the Halloween event. "We’re really not sure what our turnout will look like. It’s peaked the interest of some local businesses this time, too."

Booher, who lives in Tolono and graduated from Unity High School, said past participation in similar events has been modest, but with the parade open various vehicles, he is hoping for more participation and a decent size crowd along the route.

Our past golf cart parades we got around 20 carts," he said.  "With this parade also being open to vehicle, bike, and walkers, we hope to get a little bit larger turnout."

Once the procession reaches its destination at West Side Park, there will be a Trunk-or-Treat event for kids to enjoy.

"Trunk-or-Treat is where folks will decorate their car trunks or back of golf cart with some Halloween decorations and hand out candy to the kids," Booher said. "I personally have never participated or seen one before, but I’m told it’s fun."

Photo of the Day - October 9, 2020

Barnes, Spartan hoops off to a good start

St. Joseph-Ogden's Ryan Barnes tries to make a save on ball headed out of bounds with a pass under the basket on the baseline. Barnes and the Spartans knocked off the Rockets 54-37 in their early season game on December 6, 2005, to earn their second win of the season. The two teams met again later in the season at the Rocket Center in Tolono on February 17 in their two-game series.

 

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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National Fire Prevention Week: Play it safe in the kitchen

While annual Fire Prevention Week ends today, it is important to remember that fires as a result of preparing meals or snacks can occur at any time.

Data collected from around the country that between 2014 to 2016 notes that cooking was by far the leading cause of all residential building fires, nearly 50 percent of all fires in home across the nation.

"The most important step you should take before making a meal is to 'Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!'" says Fire Chief Jim Kreher, President of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance. "A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented."

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen according to the National Fire Protection Association. Two-thirds of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. The most frequent cause of home fires is from cooking oil and grease.

"We know cooking fires can be prevented," said Lorraine Carli, VP of Outreach and Advocacy at the NFPA. "Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes."

The IFSA has safety tips that anyone cooking on a stove or open fire should observe to prevent accidental fires or flare-ups.

1. Never leave food to cook unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.

2. Create and maintain a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

3. Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking.

4. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.

5. If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.

6. Be alert when cooking. Avoid cooking or baking if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that can make you drowsy.

Photo of the Day - October 8, 2020

Spartans beat Pontiac in straight sets

St. Joseph-Ogden's Rylee Stahl passes the ball to the front row during her team's home Illini Prairie Conference match against Pontiac in October of 2019. SJO defeated the visiting Indians 25-12, 25-17. Finishing the remainder of the season undefeated, Stahl and the Spartans closed out the season with a final record of 37-5 after securing a third-place state trophy at the Illinois High School Association volleyball state tournament.

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Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

If Trump is not re-elected, America will be hurting

By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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All most every American has an opinion about the upcoming election. However, there are several realities we must face.

If President Trump is not re-elected the southern border wall will not be completed.

I would suspect Biden and the Democrats will tear it down. The wall symbolizes Trump's Presidency. In an age of mass human trafficking, drug smuggling and terrorism the wall is a layer of security. It won't stop an army but it will prevent entry into our country from being so easy.

Jobs will go back to Mexico, China, Vietnam and other places.

Four years ago, you couldn't find a job that paid $15 an hour. Until Covid-19 hit, there were more jobs in America that were paying over $15 an hour than ever before. Hammering on the heads of corporations and big businesses for more taxes and higher priced health insurance will not keep jobs in America.

The answer to America's problems is not gouging the people who make more money than we do. More jobs with more people making good pay is what America continues to need.

It's a lot more fun to get a good paycheck than food stamps. Americans need the pride of being able to go to the grocery store, buy new cars and provide for an adequate retirement. The eight years before Trump saw a desperate country trying to decide between working for $8 an hour or applying for Social Security disability. Who wants to go back to that?

Medical care will skyrocket.

More taxes will be needed for Socialized medicine. We want all Americans to have good healthcare. Medicare should be a good option.

However, we need more competition between medical insurance groups and freedom to buy throughout the country. Trump has been working feverishly to bring the costs of medicine down and to make hospitals reveal upfront what their costs will be for procedures.

The military, police, and Veterans will suffer.

Can we really afford to defund the police? There are counties in America today that only have access to two or three police officers. The citizens of these counties are already on their own as far as protecting themselves. Can these areas afford less protection? Can Louisville, Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago do better with fewer police officers? They cannot. Biden is being supported by people who want to defund the police. Is this what America wants?

In an age of world terrorism can we afford to not have the best supported military in the world? We all pray for no more wars but we have to keep our military strong and provide them with the best resources. Veterans are finally receiving help. Veterans were dying before Trump because of such poor medical care. Today a Veteran can actually see a doctor and be treated without having to wait six months for an appointment. Trump has worked hard for the military, the police and the Veterans. Does the average American want less?

The list goes on.

Trump has worked to rebuild our infrastructure. He will keep our Social Security solvent. The stock market has seen its greatest years in history. Today, more Americans feel like they have a chance at having some retirement money.

Trump will continue to encourage laboratories for a Covid-19 vaccine.

In years past we might have had to wait "years" for the average American to have access to treatment. Labs are working hard throughout America, England, Jerusalem and more to come up with the best vaccine possible. We will not get this country back on its feet until a vaccine is available and working. Trump is pushing for this.

What about freedom of religion in this country?

At least now we can have a day of prayer in America. Does the average American want more abortions than we have now? Does America want to kill more babies? Keep in mind that a government who supports the murder of the unborn for birth control purposes will also support making your senior adult death really easy when you are in an Intensive Care Unit or a nursing home.

They can't afford your Social Security and Medicare now. Will Joe Biden make this better?

No person is perfect. We all see the good and bad in people.

Voting is your opportunity to be a part of this process. We have to get through this year without destroying relationships. We all have our various opinions and I hope my liberal colleagues and relatives will still speak to me during the holidays.

However, if President Trump is not re-elected, America will be hurting.

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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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Taylor Hug finishes season 11th at regionals

With the prep volleyball season on hold until February, Taylor Hug stepped out of her comfort zone in August to represent St. Joseph-Ogden on the links. Today, her first season prep season in the sport came to a close at the IHSA Class 1A girls regional tournament in Watseka.

Hug, in her best outing of the season, yielded an 11th place finish out of a field 57 competitors at the Shewami Country Club. She was the only member of the girls golf program this fall and perhaps the first to represent SJO in the sport.

Starting her day off the tenth tee, the sophomore collected nine strokes on the par 5 for a rough start.  She went on to finish the back nine 14 over.

Despite tallying pars on the first, 5th and 7th holes, she added another 52 strokes on the front nine to finish the day with a 102. Unfortunately, Hug needed an 97 or better to advance to this season's sectional.

The top two teams, both from Champaign County, St. Thomas More (368) and Mahomet-Seymour (397) finished in the top two medal positions. In addition the teams finishing first and second, the top four individual players also continue their season at the upcoming sectional tournament.

Correction:

This story was updated with Hug needing a 97 or better, not and 87, to compete in the upcoming sectional meet.

Kern leads Spartans at golf regionals, SJO finishes 4th

Tallying 394 strokes, the St. Joseph-Ogden boys golf team finished in fourth place at yesterday's IHSA regional golf tournament.

Thanks to a birdie on 16th hole, Jacob Kern led the Spartans with the team's top score of 88. He bogeyed or better on six of front nine greens, including a collecting a par on the 5th hole, to finish the first half of play nine over at 47 and advance to the Tuscola sectional tournament next Tuesday.

Fortunately, Kern had an easier time on the back nine at the Danville Country Club. He shot par on the 13th and 14th, and bogeyed the 15th before his spectacular birdie. He went par again on the 17th and finished two strokes over on the 18th hole.

Just two points separated the top three team on Tuesday. Bismarck-Henning Rossville-Alvin won the title with 377 strokes while St. Thomas More turned in a 378 team effort. Host Schlarman, finished in third place ahead of SJO with 379 points.

Ty Pence turned in the second best card for the Spartans shooting a 50 on the first nine holes and used 43 strokes to finish the last nine for a 93.

McGwire Atwood shot a 96 to finish in 13th place. Connor Hale and Jack Robertson finished back-to-back 117 and 118, respectively.

Photo of the Day - October 7, 2020

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Meeker prevails for regional gold

St. Joseph-Ogden's Griffin Meeker shoots in on Oakwood's Austin Shelton during their championship match during their IHSA Class 1A regional title match on February 8, 2014. Meeker's aggressive offensive surge in the second period provided the points to defeat Shelton 6-2 for the 145-pound gold medal. Both wrestlers advanced to sectional meet at Olympia in hopes of securing a state qualifier berth.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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Huffman wins singles match, SJO outgunned by Tigers

Clare Huffman serves the ball in set two against Urbana's Eisla Madigan. The junior won her match in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

The Tigers' experience paid off handing the young, month-old Spartan program an 8-1 loss. There were a couple of bright moments of inspired play by the St. Joseph-Ogden girls team on September 29.

After commanding 6-3 first set victory against Urbana's Eisla Madigan, Clare Huffman jumped out to a 5-0 lead and needed just one more game to end the clash at Blair Park with a second set bagel. Madigan fought back breaking Huffman's serve and holding her own for the first time in four games.

"I got really tired," said Huffman after sealing St. Joseph-Ogden's only singles win with the 6-2 win. The junior and first-year player with the school's new club team pertinaciously gutted out game eight of set two to collect the W. "We had a lot of deuce games."

In posting the win, Huffman figured out her future strategy for upcoming matches.

"I need to hit the ball further back," she said. "That's how you win points."

Senior Emily Fisher, also new to the sport, nearly pulled off an upset at #5 singles after pushing her opening set to first set tie-breaker 7-6 against Daniella Coleman. Despite her lack of experience, she played toe-to-toe in the second set falling, 6-4.

The team has two matches, both on the road, left in their inaugural season. On Friday, SJO travels to Watseka High School for a 4p engagement against Watseka. Five days later, the newly formed team will end their season against Schlarman at the Danville Tennis Center.

Match results:

Singles:
No. 1 - Sophia Solava, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Hope Rajlich, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-0
No. 2 - Sanjana Paul, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Abbey Dow, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-0
No. 3 - Devangana Rana, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Sophia Martlage, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-2
No. 4 - Clare Huffman, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL def. Eisla Madigan, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL, 6-3 , 6-2
No. 5 - Daniella Coleman, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Emily Fisher, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 7-6 , 6-4
No. 6 - Myra Stevens, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Emma Rydell, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 6-1 , 6-1

Doubles:
No. 1 - Sophia Solava, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL - Eisla Madigan, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Katie McDermott, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL - Allison Kearney, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 6-0 , 6-1

No. 2 - Devangana Rana, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL - Sanjana Paul, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Sophia Martlage, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL - Clare Huffman, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 3-4 (Retired)

No. 3 - Hannah Null, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL - Jacie Owens, URBANA HIGH SCHOOL def. Flannery McCorkel, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL - Grace Schmitz, ST JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL, 6-4 , 6-1

Blondies offers fresh designs for this year's Halloween

As you might have heard, the Village of St. Joseph is sponsoring a Halloween contest for the best candy and treat delivery system. Whether you are a one-person operation or will have a ghouled out posse to pass out treats, you will want to check out Blondies for some unique trick-or-treat to gear up your crew.

Photo provided

Owner Tiffany Monier has come up with some colorful new shirts and designs show your Halloween spirit all week or add the finishing touches to your trick-or-treat costume.

"I work for smiles," she said. "I started this [business] in order to provide affordable personalized merchandise for all."

Shirts like the one pictured on the left are available in newborn sizes all the way up to 6x. For last minute costume ideas, if she has the shirts in stock, most items are printed on the same day. Adult sizes start for as little as $12.

Orders can be placed online through Blondies' Facebook group which boast more than 2,200 members. The group features additional Halloween designs inspired by Frankenstein, mummies, pumpkins and more that are available.

"I always enjoyed trick-or-treating with my parents and brother, who has since passed away," Monier said sharing her on her favorite Halloween memories. Trick-or-treating also meant always having plenty of candy on hand for her birthday on November 1. "Although this year will be different, I will continue the tradition of costumes with the children, posting pictures on Facebook, and buying candy and hiding in yard for my own kids to find [while] in their costumes."

Like many other local small business owners she is weathering the pandemic as best she can.

"I am a local stay-at-home mom due to COVID and just trying to stay a float," she said.