Junior Keanen Swanson looks to throw a pass during St. Joseph-Ogden's home football game against Illinois Valley Central in 2017. Swanson and the Spartans, who finished 4-5 after a heartbreaking loss to Monticello in the regular season finale two weeks later, rolled to a 38-20 victory against the Grey Ghosts.
Diageo, one of the world's largest beverage alcohol distributor, plans to introduce Roe & Co Blended Irish Whiskey, in Illinois in 2021.
Made from the finest hand-selected stocks of Irish malt and grain whiskies and aged in bourbon casks, the Irish Whiskey is a contemporary blend, non-chill filtered and bottled at an ABV of 45 percent (90 proof). According to Diageo, "It has the signature smoothness of Irish Whiskey with remarkable depth of flavor – a luxuriously smooth blend, with a perfect harmony between the intense fruitiness of the malt and the mellow creaminess of the grain whiskies."
Photo Provided
Last year, Roe & Co converted the Guinness Power Station into a new urban distillery in the heart of Dublin's whiskey district adjacent to where the old George Roe and Co distillery was originally located. The company has teamed up with Guinness in a new advertising campaign highlighting the importance of being good neighbors.
Named after George Roe, regarded as a pioneer in the distillery and export business during the golden era of Irish whiskey in the 19th century, his distillery was located on Thomas Street in Dublin and was a neighbor to the well-known Guinness brewery. Now a historic landmark, Roe's operation covered nearly 17 acres of ground.
Currently, Roe & Co is available in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Washington, D.C. and one of several major brands, including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness, distributed by Diageo.
The distillery is located at 92 James's Street in Dublin, Ireland where tours and tasting events are held Thursday through Saturday from 3p-8p.
The University of Illinois Research Park and American Family Insurance have partnered together to create a free part-time technology training program for people looking to expand their knowlegde or migrate to a more technology based career.
ILLINOIS REBOOT is a coding pre-academy that will introduce students to fundamental skills needed in programming and database management. Participants will gain a strong foundation in data science literacy while being introduced to UNIX, SQL, Python, GitHub, and Agile project management principles.
The training, which starts in February, will be taught in two-hour blocks. There are eight required classes and four elective courses incorporated in the program which runs through March 9.
Upon successful completion of curriculum and program requirements, participants will be awarded a University of Illinois Research Park Tech Badge certificate.
No previous programming experience is necessary. Participant must have access to an Internet-capable computer with a major operating system and reliable WiFi. For those without access to reliable connection, EnterpriseWorks incubator will also be an option for onsite use for participants who need dedicated service. Tablets, phones and other mobile or smart devices are not usable for completing assignments.
Participant in the program must also have the ability to download and install software on the workstation. While programming skills are not required, a technical aptitude or experience working with digital or computer technology is recommended.
Unity's Henry Dust [496] runs ahead of Monticello's Josh Clark through a muddy section of the course at the IHSA Cross Country sectional competition at Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School on Saturday, October 27, 2007. The senior finished the rain soaked course in 17 minutes, 12 seconds. Dust's 38th place overall finished helped the Rockets' cross country team qualify for the Class 1A state championship race for the first time since the 2000 season after their 5th place team finish.
The Sidney Dairy Barn online shop is open for business at sidneydairybarn.com. While the location is closed for indoor dining, new online orders will be available on Monday, December 28, from 3-6pm. Tire Swings, Tornado home kits, freezes, shakes and more are available.
Go-Fund-Me to help April set up
Subway manager Adam Porter created a GoFundMe page for assistant manager April Patton, who suffered a stroke last week.
"I started this campaign because I know she is going to miss a lot of work and I wanted to try to relieve some of the stress financially," Porter said. "I hope that we are able to help reduce some of her stress and help out her family."
Contributions and donation to help the mother of three while she is unable to work and for medical expenses can be made here: April Patton GoFundMe.
Lil Buford's Wednesday's special
Today's special is a breaded or grilled tenderloins with hand cut fries at the 102 N Long location in Tolono. Meals are available for dine in or carry out. Call for more information at 217-485-5500.
Tolono garbage pick-up will run as scheduled
Chris' Service Company be picking up on Friday, Christmas Day, as normal. For more route information call (217) 684-2465.
RC Fest set for next summer
RC FEST: CREATORS OF CHAOS will be held at Tolono's East Side Park July 31 through August 1. The event features radio controlled car races to raise awareness for donating blood. All proceeds goes to Community Blood Services of Illinois.
2020 was the tenth year of the event created by Tolono resident Adam Munds.
"I got the idea because there was a need for a RC event and I needed platelets when I was born. So blood donation was very close to me," Munds said.
Munds' event this year had 186 entries. With competitors coming from Detroit, Michigan and North Carolina. He said he is expecting teams from Massachusetts, North Carolina and South Dakota to take part in this summer's fest.
Mean Mugz Bar & Grill offering spicy deal
Mean Mugz at 121 Sout East Ave in Ogden has a hearty Po'Boy meal deal for today and tomorrow, December 24. Order a Classic or Cajun burger, a chicken or steak Philly sandwich, or a catfish and a 64oz Rigg's Growler-to-Go for just $20. Call (217) 582-8029 to order for carryout or more information.
Health permits suspended
Permits for two Sentinel area eateries were suspended by Champaign County public health officials for operating in defiance of the state's pandemic mitigation efforts. Lil Buford’s at 102 N. Long in Tolono, and Billy Bob’s at 105 E. Broadway in Ogden join Merry-Ann’s Dinner in Champaign; the American Legion Post 71 in Urbana; Apple Dumplin’ at 2014 N. High Cross Road, U; Not Too Far Bar at 203 Chapin St., Ivesdale; and Red Wheel restaurant at 741 Broadmeadow in Rantoul on a list of county bar and restaurant operations cited for continuing indoor service despite warnings multiple warnings.
Philo Tav announces holiday hours
The Philo Tavern will be closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas but reopen for normal business hours on Saturday.
According to their Facebook page "... due to COVID and public health regulations, we are unable to provide our usual Christmas Eve special of free fried chicken. This was hard for us to do, as this year is the year that our customers deserve THE MOST appreciation for all you’ve done for us."
"We know that without you, we wouldn’t exist and for that, we sincerely thank all of you and wish you all to have a fun and safe holiday!"
SJCOC to hold Christmas Eve services
The St. Joseph Church of Christ host Christmas Eve services at 4:00p, 6:00p, and 11:00p. Each serivce will include a candlelight ceremony in the service. Masks are strongly encouraged, especially as you are making your way to your seat, and seating will be at recommended social distance. The 4:00p service is almost full, according to the latest post on Facebook. There is still ample space in the 6:00p and 11:00p services. The 6:00 services will be live streamed. Interested worshipers can find the link on the SJCOC Facebook page.
Last Thursday while at work April Patton didn't feel well. Despite the pain and discomfort, she finished her shift and continued to work several more days at the Subway located on 220 East Warren in St. Joseph before seeking medical attention. According to store manager Adam Porter, it was then she was informed that she had suffered a stroke on December 17.
With Christmas just around the corner and learning that she would not be able to return to work until the doctors find out why the nine-year veteran at the sandwich shop suffered the medical episode, Porter started an effort to help the mother of three financially.
"We, as a team, decided to donate all of our tips to her from this pay period, which ended up being around $250 for her," Porter said, who learned during the interview that Patton won’t be able to work for over a month according to her doctors. "She’s really great to work with because she is super hard working, she does everything perfectly and puts effort into all aspects of the job. She’s such a caring person who wants the best for everyone and always has a positive attitude."
Porter, who started managing the St. Joseph location five months ago, has known Patton for three years. He said she and two of her children, who also work at Subway, are like family to him.
Realizing his star employee will be overwhelmed with medical expenses, he decided to create a GoFundMe campaign to help Patton and her family.
"I started this campaign because I know she is going to miss a lot of work and I wanted to try to relieve some of the stress financially," Porter said. "I hope that we are able to help reduce some of her stress and help out her family."
In his campaign pitch he wrote: "She is a great employee and deserves the world and every little donation helps. The doctors are still running more tests to try to figure out what exactly happened. She can’t work while she is in the hospital, and I wish she can focus on her recovery rather than financial issues since she will be out of work for a period of time that is not yet known."
In less than 24 hours the campaign has received $360 of the $3,000 goal. Residents and customers who would like to contribute to the fund or would like more information can follow this like to the GoFundMe campaign.
Group projects. I detested them in college. Why? Because 90% of the time your group is held back by one or two folks on the team with their own agenda or are just annoyingly uncooperative.
When Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the regions for his resurgence mitigation plan, I knew us folks in Champaign County were getting the short end of the stick, much like in group projects in school. County government leaders should have voiced their disapproval being lumped into Region 6 with areas of the state - much like those students in your group who don't do their part to ensure that A for the assignment or project - in the governor's plan.
We are far enough along in the pandemic to understand how the spread works and it is high time the governor dismantle the regional set up he created. He and the Illinois Department of Public Health need to migrate his mitigation from a regional basis to a county by county level.
As of today, our county 7-day rolling positivity without the University of Illinois' saliva test is at 6.1%, well below the 8% rate that would put us back to Tier 4. If you factor in the university's test, Champaign County is at an impressive 1.7%.
Thanks to being lumped in with Iroquois, Ford, Vermillion, Macon, Moultrie, Douglas, Edgar, Shelby, Coles, Cumberland, Clark, Fayette, Effingham, Jasper, Clay, Richland and Lawrence counties, as a region we are 3 points higher at 9.1.
In our group Crawford, DeWitt, Macon and Piatt, all with their 7-day positivity 6% or lower, are doing their part to help move us back to less restrictive mitigation measures. The good kids, those four counties plus Champaign, are being punished for all the bad kids in the group.
Who are the bad kids? Let's see, there is Cumberland County leading the way at 18.3% - actually surprised it is not Clay County, but that's another story - and four others in the thirteens, more than twice that of good kids on our corner of the state. Edgar and Vermilion counties' positivity is 13.6%, while Effingham and Richland are trending at 13.4%.
Champaign County should be back to Tier 1, Tier 2 at the very least. Residents in the county, many reluctantly, have done their part.
Switching to an individual county positivity measure would not only reward residents for the vigilance and efforts in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in their communities, it would help kickstart the economy in many areas of the state, get people back to work and help motivated poorly performing counties make a great effort into complying with the state's mandates. Restaurants could return to limit indoor seating and sport teams could start training together for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. We could go back to small group events and more. After all, we earned the privilege.
Just as importantly, the state wins, too. With restaurants and bars open, it will benefit from the tax revenue, fewer unemployment claims and can focus enforcement of mitigation mandates on underperforming counties.
Dear Governor Pritzker, let some of the people in Region 6 go.
Jennifer Pridemore (center) reacts with hundreds of other Unity fans on a Chuck Krause to Andy Eisenmenger touchdown pass that put the Rockets within two points of a victory on the road in November 2002. The two-point conversion attempt on the next play failed giving St. Teresa a 10-9 playoff victory.
By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Years ago, our church group was out Christmas caroling. We weren't far from the church and our leader led us out to the back of Mr. Castle's house to sing to he and his wife. His wife came to the door and greeted us with a smile and was gracious.
We sang to her when suddenly through the window we saw her husband appear in the family room with a big towel around his body. He obviously had just gotten out of the shower. He came into his family room unknowing that 20 carolers had all eyes on him. Several of the women began to chuckle. I just knew we were all about to see something we had not planned on.
Sitting down on his sofa he put his feet up and was preparing to relax. The volume of laughter from a couple of his adult friends grew louder when Mr. Castle looked up and saw us. He immediately made an "Oh no" expression while shaking his head a bit and jumped up and departed to another part of the house.
We sang to his sweet wife and moved on down the street with a new visual that I still remember to this day. I'll always remember what a good spirit he and his wife had and that we all left feeling uplifted by them.
This week I walked to the back of a local nursing home to look through a window to see a friend. Ms. Southard is 99.
My wife and I visited in her home recently. She was agile, mentally sharp and dancing around like she always does. Her attitude always lifts us up. She did say on that very day we were there, "I don't want to end up in a nursing home. I told my son I don't ever want to be in one."
Two weeks later while closing her curtains she made an awkward step, fell and broke her leg. Surgery was required and also rehabilitation. Her insurance plan would not pay for her to go to the local rehabilitation hospital but instead put her where she never wanted to be, a nursing home.
I found out from a nurse which room she was in and how to find the right window to look through. The nurse said she would meet me at the window and let Ms. Southard know I was there. I dreaded what I might see but wanted to wish her a Merry Christmas. Knocking on the window I was delighted that she was sitting up and started laughing and waving at me. We exchanged Merry Christmas the best we could yelling through a window. While I almost wanted to cry seeing her there, I was so encouraged by her good spirit.
The spirit of Christmas is inside you. This spirit is greater than you and I and pulls us through the awkward and the very difficult times of life.
The Christmas season we celebrate is one of hope and celebration. The story of Jesus is the story of God's hope coming to us in the little baby a long time ago.
2020 has certainly been a year we've needed hope. Vaccines for Covid-19 are coming and 2021 is going to be a better year.
May your spirit be rekindled. Share your spirit with others and may the year ahead be one of the best ever for us all.
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.
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.
SJO's Cat Foreman takes a shot over Tuscola's Rachael Buckner in the second half of their non-conference game on January 5, 2008. Foreman, who was unstoppable that Saturday afternoon, drained a career-high 20 points. Despite her also game-high effort, the Warriors squeaked by St. Joseph-Ogden on the Spartans' home court to a 67-63 win. (Photo: PhotoNews/Clark Brooks)
Unity's Nate Lewis (15) shrugs off Decatur St. Teresa's tacklers Ryan McShea (6) and Mike Kormelink (15) in second round IHSA football playoff game in Decatur. The Dawgs beat the visiting Rockets 10-9 back in November of 2002. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
In 12 days, starting on January 1, 2021, new minimum wage rates will go into effect in Illinois. The statewide minimum wage rate increases to $11 per hour and to $6.60 for tipped workers. Despite the turbulent effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business economy this year, most Illinoisans saw two minimum wage increases -- first to $9.25 in January and then to $10 in July.
"We want to make sure that workers earning minimum wage are aware that the $1 increase should be reflected in their pay checks for any time they work after the first of the year," said Michael Kleinik, director of the Illinois Department of Labor. "While we fully expect employers will pay the new wage, we also want workers to be aware of the change."
In 2019, Pritzker signed legislation into law a plan to increase minimum wage rate to $15 per hour and $9 for tipped workers by 2025. The new law kept in place allowances for employers to count gratuities to offset wages for workers such as food servers who regularly earn tips. Tipped employees may be paid 60% of the hourly minimum wage. Officials say these workers must still earn the minimum wage after receiving tips or the employer is required make up the shortfall.
Before the increases over past 12 months, the state's minimum wage rate was $8.25 and $13 per hour in Cook County. Currently, Chicago's minimum wage is $13.50 per hour for "small employers" and $14 for "large employers." Chicago, thanks to an ordinance approved by the city council in November 2019, will reach the mandated $15 per hour by the state almost four years earlier in July of next year.
According to a 2017 report by the National Employment Law Project, 41 percent of all workers in Illinois currently earn under the living wage of $15 per hour. That fact was backed up in a more recent study by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute at the University of Illinois said more than 1.4 million adult hourly workers in Illinois make less than $15 per hour. Illinois was the first state in Midwest to officially move to a $15 minimum wage standard.
Employees with problems regarding the minimum wage can file a complaint with Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) or call (312) 793-2800. It is illegal for your employer to fire or retaliate against you in any way for asking about minimum wage compensation. Should you feel you have been treated unfairly for asking or complaining about your wages, you should the IDOL, the US Department of Labor or speak to a local attorney specializing in employment law.
Employers in Illinois are required to post the "Your Rights Under Illinois Employment Laws" posters in a conspicuous location where notices to employees are normally displayed.
If you feel you are a victim of illegal discrimination, you should contact the Illinois Department of Human Rights, contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or an attorney.
Hats off to SJO staff, students, and the community that supports them for keeping it possible for the kids to go to school this first semester. Special recognition goes to the students who have shown great maturity through challenging times and the loss of a dear classmate. High school is a treasured time and you have handled all of this change with cooperation and grace. We all look forward to you being able to be kids again soon and watching your games, meets, and performances once more.
Thank you, also, to the staffs of the grade school and middle school. You had a great job in creating both a safe learning environment and parent-friendly technology for remote learning. I never felt like I was putting my kids in harm’s way by sending them to school. There is no greater gift to a mama than peace of mind about her children’s safety.
Our kids have been well taught and cared for despite teaching under the threat of your own health and in ways that required more from you than we can imagine. Teachers, you have been the spine keeping all of this operational and we cannot thank you enough. Hope you enjoy this well earned break.
With Christmas eight days away, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in The Sentinel area continues to decline. As of today between the six villages there are 81 active cases, which is just two cases shy of the four-week low of 79 on December 7.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 8,828 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus in the state, including 181 additional deaths. One of the decease was a female patient from Champaign County in her 70s. As of Wednesday evening, 4,751 Illinoisans were reported hospitalized. Of those, 1,056 patients were in the ICU and 575 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
Area residents are relieve to see the positivity decline. As of Thursday morning, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District was reporting three cases in Ogden, Philo and Sidney with 4 each and no reported cases in Royal. In the low 50s much of the past week, St. Joseph is down to 46 cases and Tolono has 24 in the are covered by the 61880 zip code.
"I do think it’s positive to see so many people willing to wear a mask to try and help slow the spread though," said Kendra Pence, of St. Joseph. "I know many don’t necessarily like the masks or believe they totally help, but I think they are helpful and I’m thankful and feel more comfortable when I see people wearing them. In many counties around us, you don’t see a lot of masks, so it is refreshing to see people here willing to try and do their part to slow this thing down!"
Overall, the average statewide positivity rate is down to 8.4%, which is more good news considering some parts of the country are experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases. Weeks before Thanksgiving on November 13 that number was at an alarming 13.2%.
"I think we’re seeing the decrease in positivity rates because there are more people staying home with the current restrictions and as they do venture out they are wearing masks," says Brian Booher, of Tolono. "I hope we can continue to decline and allow for some of these restrictions to be relaxed more, especially as a vaccine has been released and people in the area are getting it."
Three of the state’s 11 regions are already below the criteria initially set by Governor J.B. Pritzker to move back to Tier 2 mitigations, which would bring back indoor dining and allowing bars to operate with restrictions again.
Susan McDonald Santiago, from St. Joseph, thinks there are several reasons why the number of cases is shrinking. She narrowed it down to three.
"It comes down to people taking it seriously and caring about their community," Santiago said. "Knowing this is short term and having modern technology also helps."
Mike Tankersley, from St. Joseph, said he is not really sure why our region is doing better.
"I think maybe we’re just being a bit more careful recently given the dire warnings of what the winter months might bring."
Meanwhile, Abby Schopp, owner of For Love of Hair, people are doing what it takes to spend the holidays with loved ones. She believes surge came before Thanksgiving.
"My personal opinion is because we had our surge right after Halloween when it started getting cooler," she said. She noted that many people were very cautious or still in quarantine for Thanksgiving and most of her clients we being incredibly safe and practicing as many COVID friendly habits as they possibly could. "We had such a huge amount of canceled and rescheduled appointments in the beginning of November and shortly after Thanksgiving.
"We have also had many people push their December appointments back to January in an attempt to isolate so they can safely see their families for Christmas celebrations. People really are trying their best and I optimistically hope that's why we didn't have a Thanksgiving surge."
Josey Fruhling dribbles past a Danville player on her wait to the basket during St. Joseph-Ogden's home game on January 28, 2012. The Spartans (20-9) fell 43-38 in the non-conference game against the Vikings, who improved to 9-14 with the victory.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) are supporting President-elect Joe Biden's choice for Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough.
McDonough, who is a devout Catholic, a bond he also shares with Biden, served as chief of staff during Obama's entire second term, also worked as deputy national security adviser. If confirmed, Denis McDonough will be responsible for the healthcare and benefits of millions of veterans.
If confirmed, the WWP says they are looking forward to working closely with McDonough.
"We will continue to be a resourceful and knowledgeable partner to the VA in providing the programs and services so essential to effective transition back into civilian life for our nation's wounded, ill, and injured veterans and their families," the organization stated in a release.
"Throughout his time as Deputy National Security Advisor and later as White House Chief of Staff, Mr. McDonough helped address complex issues facing military servicemembers, veterans, and their families, bringing a whole-of-government approach to issues facing the Department of Defense and VA," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "Having spent time with Mr. McDonough in Afghanistan in 2009, and again in the Pentagon between 2013-2015, it's clear he cares deeply for this critical work."
While a number of military organizations had hoped for a veteran from the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, the PVA wants to see goals and overall vision for the VA that McDonough, who did not serve in the military but was tapped no doubt for his seasoned experience navigating bureaucracies on Capitol Hill and at the White House.
"Our members need a VA Secretary who will effectively address the barriers to care that they and other veterans face. Veterans also deserve a secretary who will be transparent and partner with PVA and other veterans service organizations in a fully open and collaborative manner to take on the tough issues facing VA," said PVA Executive Director Carl Blake, reminding the public that the VA healthcare system is the preeminent provider of healthcare for their members, who are all veterans with spinal cord injuries or diseases. "This includes the need to provide a system of care for all veterans that is safe, harassment-free at all levels, accessible to any veteran seeking care, and efficient in delivering timely, quality care and benefits.
"If confirmed, we look forward to working closely with Mr. McDonough on these issues."
Several veterans groups were hoping Biden would choose a veteran of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars. McDonough did not serve in the military, but rather has long experience navigating bureaucracies on Capitol Hill and at the White House.
Applications for the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program became available online yesterday. Funding of eligible acreage will be on a first come, first serve basis according to a press release from the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA).
This year, applicants will be required to certify that their cover crops are approved through their local Farm Service Agency office before applying. Applicants will also need their current FSA-578 and federal crop insurance policy number(s) for the 2021 application process which can be downloaded here. Applications will be available until January 15, 2021.
The goal of the program is to encourage farmers to plant additional acres of cover crops that are not covered by other state or federal incentives. It allows eligible farm operations to receive a premium discount of $5 per acre on the following year's crop insurance for every acre of cover crop enrolled and verified in the program. The program is only applicable for those with coverage through the United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency (USDA-RMA) crop insurance program.
"Cover crops are a great way to keep soil anchored, salvage nitrogen, capture carbon and create weed suppression," said Jerry Costello II, IDOA Acting Director in September. "In the long run, cover crops will help Illinois farmers reduce the need for fertilizer and reach the goals of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy."
The discount program debut last year to promote additional acres of cover crops that are not covered by other state or federal incentives. The IDOA will to verify that acres applied for through this program are planted in cover crops.
Confirmed applications will be forwarded to the USDA-RMA for processing and for application of premium discounts to 2021 crop insurance invoices.
For more information interested parties can contact IDOA at (217) 782-6297.
Monday marked the beginning of the third year of operation for The Sentinel. At approximately 1:15p, after nearly three months of research and planning, I published the first Sentinel story on December 14 in 2018.
The last 12 out of the past 24 months has been surrealistic. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, an offer to buy The Sentinel and covering just one sporting event since February 28, like 90% of the population on this spinning mass of rock I can't wait for this year to be over. I know normal is still ways off but it needs to hurry up and get here.
I haven't had the Corona or the vaccine. I'm thankful for not getting both at this point. I'm feeling pretty confident that if I make to January 1 without either, 2021 will be a piece of chocolate cake with orange icing and sprinkles.
I enjoy being a journalist, meeting people, telling their stories and doing my best to keep loyal readers informed. The past year has been an awful time in the news business. It has been rough a row to hoe between the COVID pandemic and the proliferation of slanted news outlets that intentionally omits or misrepresent facts to further an agenda of division that is testing the core values of our nation.
The Sentinel is a labor of love. I'll likely never see even a modest financial return on the sweat equity that allowed me double the number of stories I published during the past year. While business owners are skeptical about using online papers to reach a wider audience with their brand, the Coronavirus pandemic has essentially flushed the traditional advertising model, which paid for the production of weekly and daily papers, down the proverbial crapper.
Despite the pandemic, The Sentinel has published more than twice the number of stories and articles, 398 to be exact, than in the previous year. In the past 12 months the online publication has added a Photo-of-the-Day series, published over a dozen Spartan Spotlights featuring SJO students from the Class of 2020, and added a Coronavirus Dashboard to track the number of cases locally. In June, The Sentinel added the villages of Sidney, Philo and Tolono to its area of coverage.
In case you missed them, we also published six pieces on money and finance from Jake Pence. Jake is the President of Blue Chip Real Estate and a consultant for Fairlawn Capital, Inc.. A 2019 graduate from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois, he graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 2016 where he was a three-sport athlete for the Spartans.
I'm looking forward meeting the challenges for the next 12 months. Sheltering-in-place gave me the opportunity to refine my web design skills. Over the next nine months oursentinel.com will undergo a gradual makeover to become even more refined and more user friendly.
Finally, I would like to encourage readers to send your Letters to the Editor. Tell us why we should support local candidates for village and township elections, congratulate or thank a neighbor. We welcome your opinion on masks, restaurants ignoring or following Illinois' Tier 3 mitigation, or if schools should be open or close. Remember oursentinel.com is YOUR sentinel watching over our communities.
While they don't expect to open their doors for a few months, owners Carolyn Jones and Nicole Uher are looking forward to welcoming students and families to their new preschool and daycare facility in St. Joseph. The two women, both with roots in the village, hope to open the Bright Beginnings Learning Center sometime this June.
Located at 501 Peters Dr. in St. Joseph, the owners plan to offer child care services for kids from six weeks old through age twelve. The duo are remodeling and working hard to prepare the facility for mandatory inspections by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the public health district and the State Fire Marshall. Uher expects the inspection and permit process to take 90 days.
"We will only be opening half of the building to start," said co-owner and director Nicole Uher, who has been working with Jones on the project for the past two years. "In this phase there will be four classrooms: one infant room ages six weeks through fourteen months, one toddler room ages fifteen months through three years, one preschool room ages three years through five years, and one after school/summer room for children ages five years through twelve years."
Uher says they will offer an after school program for children ages five through twelve.
"We will have one of our staff members walk over to St. Joseph Grade school and pick up the children in our program, then walk back with them to our facility," Uher said. "While in our care children will be able to complete homework, play games, and play outside on our playground all supervised by staff of course."
"We believe children learn best through play and communication with their peers"
Children enrolled at the school will also be allowed to attend our program on days out of school and during breaks in the spring and summer.
Uher had been licensed home child care provider for 5 years. She credits her start in the profession back to when she was a teen offering babysitting services.
Meanwhile her business partner, Jones, who was raised in St. Joseph, has been doing licensed home childcare for over 20 years.
"We looked all over Champaign county for the perfect place for our new adventure. There are tons of buildings out there, but it takes something special to run a daycare as there are many requirements by DCFS and Public Health that have to be followed," Uher said. "When we stumbled across this building on Peters Drive, we knew instantly it was meant to be as it was located in the perfect location near the schools.
"Also, it was built in a wonderful layout that is needed for our business."
Uher later learned that her grandfather farmed the land where the structure now stands.
"My Dad and Grandpa have since passed away so getting this land back in the family is very special to me," she explained. "(Considering) my Dad was also raised in St. Joe so it was on my list of places to consider."
It was quickly a no-brainer for the pair who made to make an offer to purchase the property.
"We first looked at this land in November of 2019. We made an offer fairly quick after, but it took about a year to get things settled as there were drainage issues that needed to be corrected before we could take ownership."
Once DCFS completes their inspection, Uher said they will make the final decision on how many children we are able to serve in each class. She anticipate having the capacity to provide services for 62 children in phase one of Bright Beginnings' operation.
The business, which is independently owned and operated, will accept CCRS and DCFS vouchers for families who qualify for their programs.
Bright Beginnings will follow a curriculum that is approved by Illinois Early Learning Standards. There will also be many play based activities.
"We believe children learn best through play and communication with their peers," Uher said.
The center is not taking applications or issuing guaranteed spots at this time. The owners plan to initiate that once they have secured all the permits needed to run as a licensed facility. In the mean time, Bright Beginning has created a wait list for parents interested in enrolling their kids. For more information concerning enrollment send an email to bblcstjoe@gmail.com.
St. Joseph-Ogden's Jordan Brooks takes a charge in SJO's home game against St. Thomas More on January 16, 2018. The Spartans held on to pick up their seventh straight victory after their State Farm Holiday Classic loss to Quincy Notre Dame, squeaking by the Sabers, 95-92. Brooks, a senior and prolific 3-point shooter, finished with season with program best of 82 treys. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Discover the headlines published on each of these days from our news and sports coverage from Champaign‑Urbana and the wider community. From local news and sports to community events, politics, and opinion pieces, The Sentinel archives capture the stories that shaped life in Champaign County year after year.
"We, as a team, decided to donate all of our tips to her from this pay period, which ended up being around $250 for her," Porter said, who learned during the interview that Patton won’t be able to work for over a month according to her doctors. "She’s really great to work with because she is super hard working, she does everything perfectly and puts effort into all aspects of the job. She’s such a caring person who wants the best for everyone and always has a positive attitude."
When Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the regions for his resurgence mitigation plan, I knew us folks in Champaign County were getting the short end of the stick, much like in group projects in school. County government leaders should have voiced their disapproval being lumped into Region 6 with areas of the state - much like those students in your group who don't do their part to ensure that A for the assignment or project - in the governor's plan.
Years ago, our church group was out Christmas caroling. We weren't far from the church and our leader led us out to the back of Mr. Castle's house to sing to he and his wife. His wife came to the door and greeted us with a smile and was gracious.
We sang to her when suddenly through the window we saw her husband appear in the family room with a big towel around his body. He obviously had just gotten out of the shower. He came into his family room unknowing that 20 carolers had all eyes on him. Several of the women began to chuckle. I just knew we were all about to see something we had not planned on.
Sitting down on his sofa he put his feet up and was preparing to relax. The volume of laughter from a couple of his adult friends grew louder when Mr. Castle looked up and saw us. He immediately made an "Oh no" expression while shaking his head a bit and jumped up and departed to another part of the house.
We sang to his sweet wife and moved on down the street with a new visual that I still remember to this day. I'll always remember what a good spirit he and his wife had and that we all left feeling uplifted by them.
This week I walked to the back of a local nursing home to look through a window to see a friend. Ms. Southard is 99.
My wife and I visited in her home recently. She was agile, mentally sharp and dancing around like she always does. Her attitude always lifts us up. She did say on that very day we were there, "I don't want to end up in a nursing home. I told my son I don't ever want to be in one."
Two weeks later while closing her curtains she made an awkward step, fell and broke her leg. Surgery was required and also rehabilitation. Her insurance plan would not pay for her to go to the local rehabilitation hospital but instead put her where she never wanted to be, a nursing home.
I found out from a nurse which room she was in and how to find the right window to look through. The nurse said she would meet me at the window and let Ms. Southard know I was there. I dreaded what I might see but wanted to wish her a Merry Christmas. Knocking on the window I was delighted that she was sitting up and started laughing and waving at me. We exchanged Merry Christmas the best we could yelling through a window. While I almost wanted to cry seeing her there, I was so encouraged by her good spirit.
The spirit of Christmas is inside you. This spirit is greater than you and I and pulls us through the awkward and the very difficult times of life.
The Christmas season we celebrate is one of hope and celebration. The story of Jesus is the story of God's hope coming to us in the little baby a long time ago.
2020 has certainly been a year we've needed hope. Vaccines for Covid-19 are coming and 2021 is going to be a better year.
May your spirit be rekindled. Share your spirit with others and may the year ahead be one of the best ever for us all.
In 2019, Pritzker signed legislation into law a plan to increase minimum wage rate to $15 per hour and $9 for tipped workers by 2025. The new law kept in place allowances for employers to count gratuities to offset wages for workers such as food servers who regularly earn tips. Tipped employees may be paid 60% of the hourly minimum wage. Officials say these workers must still earn the minimum wage after receiving tips or the employer is required make up the shortfall.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 8,828 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus in the state, including 181 additional deaths. One of the decease was a female patient from Champaign County in her 70s. As of Wednesday evening, 4,751 Illinoisans were reported hospitalized. Of those, 1,056 patients were in the ICU and 575 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The goal of the program is to encourage farmers to plant additional acres of cover crops that are not covered by other state or federal incentives. It allows eligible farm operations to receive a premium discount of $5 per acre on the following year's crop insurance for every acre of cover crop enrolled and verified in the program. The program is only applicable for those with coverage through the United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency (USDA-RMA) crop insurance program.
"We will only be opening half of the building to start," said co-owner and director Nicole Uher, who has been working with Jones on the project for the past two years. "In this phase there will be four classrooms: one infant room ages six weeks through fourteen months, one toddler room ages fifteen months through three years, one preschool room ages three years through five years, and one after school/summer room for children ages five years through twelve years."
