Photo-of-the-Day: January 26, 2022


ST. JOSEPH -- Spartans' Logan Smith hops into the paint to take a shot during SJO's home varsity basketball game against St. Thomas More. The sophomore forward finished with a 14 points in his team's dramatic come-from-behind 45-43 win over the visiting Sabers on Tuesday. St. Joseph-Ogden travels to Monticello Friday for another Illini Prairie Conference showdown. See more photos from this game here.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Area Covid-19 Dashboard for January 26, 2022


Active Cases:
(Champaign County)
1,694
Total Area Cases:
(Sentinel Area)
676
New Cases:
(Sentinel Area)
250



Current local cases as of 1/26/22
Number in parenthesis indicates new cases since 1/25/22

Ogden • 12 (3)
Royal • 0 (0)
St. Joseph • 42 (11)
Urbana • 517 (195)
Sidney • 14 (5)
Philo • 21 (13)
Tolono • 53 (19)
Sadorus • 5 (1)
Pesotum • 12 (3)


Net change in local cases: 261



Total Local Confirmed Cases: 20,848


Brief Notes:

  • The CUPHD reported two additional deaths for Covid-19 today bringing the total number to 29 for the month of January. There have been seven deaths this week linked to the virus.
  • The Illinois Education Association, the Illinois Federation of Teachers reached a compromise with the state to retain teachers by extending benefits to teachers who need to be off work to recover from a Covid-19 infection or to take care of family members.
  • Omicrom BA.2 has about 20 mutation in the spike protein. Referred to as the "Stealth Omicron" it has been indentified in both Europe and Asia.

  • The information on this page is compiled from the latest figures provide by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and the Illinois Department of Public Health at the time of publishing. Active cases are the number of confirmed cases reported currently in isolation. Local is defined as cases within the nine communities The Sentinel covers.

    Effective 1/16/22, the CUPHD dashboard updated their reporting parameters to reflect the reduction from a 10-day isolation period to 5 days per the CDC guidance issued last month. Under the previous 10-day policy and based on the data released today, there should be approximately 5,363 residents in isolation.


    Rockets drop non-conference bout at Mt. Zion


    MT. ZION -- The first quarter of the game made all the difference in the outcome of the Unity's boy's basketball team's road game at Mt. Zion.

    While the Rockets ran up and down the floor stride-for-stride during the last three periods of the non-conference game, it was the first-quarter eight-point advantage the Braves carved out that sealed their 62-56 win.

    Led by senior Blake Kimball, Unity's starting five delivered the bulk of the team's total score. Kimball, who spent 35 minutes on the floor, finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and two steals.

    The Rockets' second-leading scorer, Henry Thomas, finished with 16 points, six boards, and three assists. Austin Langendor rounded the team's top three scorers with nine points.

    Mt. Zion's Carson Cuddy and Ethan Hamrick finished with 23 and 21 points, respectively.

    Box Score

    Final: Mount Zion 62 - Unity 56


      1 2 3 4 OT F
    Unity 12 12 14 18 0 56
    Mount Zion 20 14 10 18 0 62


    Unity --
    Kimball 8 (1) 0-0 -- 19, Cowan 1 (2) 0-0 -- 8, H. Thomas 4 (2) 2-3 -- 16, Rawdin 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Warfel 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Saunders 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Porter 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, O'Neil 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2, Price 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2, A. Thomas 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Langendorf 2 (1) 2-2 -- 9, Maxwell 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0.

    Mount Zion --
    S. Driscoll 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2, Adams 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Koester 2 (1) 0-0 -- 7, McAtee 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, J. Driscoll 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Bauman 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Hamrick 4 (2) 7-11 -- 21, Owens 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Trimble 2 (0) 0-0 -- 4, Cuddy 4 (4) 3-3 -- 23, K. Clark 2 (0) 1-2 -- 5, R. Clark 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Hart 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0,


    Ketchum and Birt pick up wins for SJO at road match


    St. Joseph-Ogden won five matches during their dual meet against host El Paso-Gridley on January 20. The wins were not enought to carry the Spartans to victory who dropped the match, 48-28.

    Emmit Holt picked up the team's only forfeit win at 113-pounds.

    Holden Brazelton (120 lbs), juniors Hunter Ketchum (183 lbs), and Owen Birt at195 lbs, along with frosh Quincy Jones (220 lbs), recorded the Spartans' other victories.

    Brazelton, a freshman, won his match by major decision, 15-3. His other three teammates all won by pinning their opponents.

    The Spartans will celebrate senior night with a triangle engagement verses Hoopeston Area starting at 5:30pm and Westville at around 6:15pm on Thursday, January 27.

    Results

    Final Score: El Paso-Gridley 48 - St. Joseph-Odgen 28

    113 Holt, Emmitt (SJO) over Forfeit (EPG) Forfeit 6-0
    120 Brazelton, Holden (SJO) over Gibson (EPG) Maj Dec 15-3 10-0
    126 Roth (EPG) over Butts, Landen (SJO) Fall 1:15 10-6
    132 Greene (EPG) over Forfeit, (SJO) Forfeit 10-12
    138 Melick (EPG) over Denhart, Garrett (SJO) Fall 1:48 10-18
    145 Gentes (EPG) over Falls, Matt (SJO) Fall 0:36 10-24
    152 Jeffereys (EPG) over Forfeit, (SJO) Forfeit 10-30
    160 Whitman (EPG) over Forfeit, (SJO) Forfeit 10-36
    170 Langland (EPG) over Forfeit, (SJO)
    182 Ketchum, Hunter (SJO) over Shaffer (EPG) Fall 1:21 16-42
    195 Birt, Owen (SJO) over Duffy (EPG) Fall 2:38 22-42
    220 Jones, Quincy (SJO) over Blackmore (EPG) Fall 4:30 28-42
    285 Evans (EPG) over Cotter, Austin (SJO) Fall 0:46 28-48


    Girl Scout cookies are coming and Troop 2945 is ready


    TOLONO -- Friday, February 4th is the first day of nearly eight weeks of absolute cookie bliss. It is the first day that Girl Scouts around the country can officially start selling cookies to raise funds for their troop.

    Tolono-based Troop 2945, with 13 members in grades 3 through 5, has just over 2,000 boxes ordered to sell this season.


    Girl Scout Troop 2945

    Photo courtesy Kristina Toney

    "Girls who sell 250 boxes get their Girl Scout fee for the following year waived," Girl Scout leader Kristina Toney told The Sentinel via messenger. "Cookie sales help girls pay for summer camps and they learn a lot of fundamentals with selling cookies."

    The annual cookie sale teaches Girl Scouts fundamental business skills by counting-out change, order fulfillment and delivery processes, and developing customer service skills. Local girl scout councils, prepared for a successful selling season, will be monitoring local data and public health mandates.

    "Girl Scouts across the country will embark on a new adventure with the world's largest entrepreneurial program for girls: the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program," the Girl Scouts of America said in a release. "In prior years, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Girl Scouts quickly and cleverly adapted their selling methods to replace the iconic in-person cookie booths with new, innovative options.

    The familiar favorites like Thin Mints, Lemonades, Carmel Delight, Peanut Butter Patties aka Tagalongs, and Shortbread or Trefoils®, are back.

    New this year! Adventurefuls.
    Adventurefuls™ is the newest cookie to the Girl Scouts of the USA line-up. It is a brownie-inspired cookie topped with caramel flavored crème with just a hint of sea salt to make it a satisfying snack. Toffee-tastic®, another new option, is gluten-free and described as "rich, buttery cookies with sweet, crunchy toffee bits."

    Troop 2945 will have booths set up to sell cookies, and a list of sale locations will be available after January 28.

    "We haven't figured out any cookie booths yet around town as we can't officially start selling until the fourth," Toney said, "I have 13 girls in my troop, and we all love to deliver cookies."

    She said anyone who wishes to place a pre-order or get a list of sale locations can contact by email at kristinatny@yahoo.com or via a phone call at (217) 722-7945. Follow Troop 2945 on Facebook here.


    Six area residents on fall SIUC Dean's List


    CARBONDALE -- Six area residents at Southern Illinois University Carbondale earned a spot on the Fall 2021 Dean's List. Full-undergraduate students enrolled at SIUC whose grade point average meets or exceeds the minimum SIU GPA are recognized each semester. This fall, 1,882 students earned recognition for their academic effort.

    Students who make the list transcript receive a special notation on their transcripts identifying semesters where their academic performance excelled. Below are the fall semester's recipients.

    The announcement above does not include Dean's List honorees who did not register Urbana, Royal, Ogden, Philo, Tolono, Sidney, or St. Joseph as their hometown with the University.


    URBANA:
    Avian R. Wilkins, Senior
    Chris J. Cross, Sophomore
    Rachel E. Gatewood, Junior
    Alyssa K. Pankau, Freshman

    TOLONO:
    Connor L. Eastin, Sophomore
    Lauren N. Frost, Senior


    Two area student make WIU fall Dean's List


    MACOMB -- Derek Samson, from Ogden, and Elizabeth Decker, from Philo, are two of 1,164 students named to the Fall 2021 Dean's List at Western Illinois University. Students must earn at least a 3.6 grade-point average on a scale of 4.0 or an A in a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded courses to receive the honor. Samson is a senior and Decker a junior.

    The announcement above does not include Dean's List honorees who did not register Urbana, Royal, Ogden, Philo, Tolono, Sidney, or St. Joseph as their hometown with the University.



    St. Joseph businesses robbed


    ST. JOSEPH -- Salon 192, Geschenk Coffee, Cafe & Gifts, and Country Chics were burglarized early Tuesday morning. The break-ins are still under investigation.

    If you have any information to help solve these crimes, contact the Champaign County Sheriff at 217-384-1213. If you would like to stay anonymous, contact by phone at Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 or online at 373tips.com.


    14 U of I faculty members to become AAAS Fellows


    University of Illinois chemistry professor Martin Burke and 13 other faculty members across campus join 551 scientists from around the world elected as 2021 Fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

    AAAS Fellows are scientists, engineers, and innovators who are recognized for their ability to converge research, technology, and teaching sharing information in a format for the general public. Recipients are formally recognized at the AAAS Annual Meeting where they are presented with a certificate and blue and gold rosette.

    The 13 other campus professors who were also named include crop sciences professor Brian Diers; physics professor Aida El-Khadra; physics professor Eduardo Fradkin; cell and developmental biology professor Brian Freeman; evolution, ecology, and behavior professor Mark Hauber; plant biology professor Katy Heath; bioengineering professor Joseph Irudayaraj; anthropology professor Lyle Konigsberg; anthropology professor Ripan Malhi; computer science professor David Padua; civil and environmental engineering and geography and geographic information science professor Murugesu Sivapalan; geography and geographic information science professor Shaowen Wang; and computer science professor Tandy Warnow.

    The AAAS Fellowship is a lifetime honor that started in 1874.


    Last-minute heroics lift Spartans over St. Thomas More



    On his way to the locker room after the game, St. Joseph-Ogden's Ty Pence shakes hands with fellow student Conrad Miller after SJO's 45-43 home victory over St. Thomas More. Pence, who drained the game-winning free throw in the last 30 seconds of the game, and teammate Logan Smith finished with 14 points each in the Illini Prairie Conference win. The Spartans improve to 16-4 on the season and 3-1 in conference play. Pence & Co. play on the road Friday at Monticello, who are 4-1 in the IPC.

    Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

    Area Covid-19 Dashboard for January 25, 2022


    Active Cases:
    (Champaign County)
    1,953
    Total Area Cases:
    (Sentinel Area)
    767
    New Cases:
    (Sentinel Area)
    135



    Current local cases as of 1/25/22
    Number in parenthesis indicates new cases since 1/24/22

    Ogden • 15 (6)
    Royal • 0 (0)
    St. Joseph • 51 (7)
    Urbana • 579 (107)
    Sidney • 18 (3)
    Philo • 20 (1)
    Tolono • 59 (6)
    Sadorus • 10 (0)
    Pesotum • 15 (5)


    Net change in local cases: 261



    Total Local Confirmed Cases: 20,848




    The information on this page is compiled from the latest figures provide by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and the Illinois Department of Public Health at the time of publishing. Active cases are the number of confirmed cases reported currently in isolation. Local is defined as cases within the nine communities The Sentinel covers.

    Effective 1/16/22, the CUPHD dashboard updated their reporting parameters to reflect the reduction from a 10-day isolation period to 5 days per the CDC guidance issued last month. Under the previous 10-day policy and based on the data released today, there should be approximately 5,504 residents in isolation.


    Recipe: Savory Cuban Chicken with Salsa Fresca



    Family Features -- If your family gets stuck in a dinner routine rut, it can feel like you're eating the same recipes over and over again. If you are going to break the mold, try more healthy options.

    Committing to healthier habits in the new year often starts in the kitchen. Adding better-for-you recipes to your arsenal is the start of a more nutrition-focused lifestyle, and whether you're a true home chef or just learning the basics, these dishes can be the gateway to a healthier you.

    From fresh spins on family night and quick solutions in a pinch to homemade lunches and satisfying salads, consider adding this delicious and nutritious recipe to your home meals menu in 2022. Even adding a new spice like cumin, oregano, or rosemary to your favorite dish can make it seem new again.

    This fresh and unique recipe for Cuban Chicken with Salsa Fresca might inspire you to think outside the culinary box and give your family members the delightful, satisfying flavor they desire at dinnertime. It is so delicious they will be begging you to make it again and again. With garden-fresh ingredients and its wholesome flavor, Cuban Chicken is the perfect addition to your menu.

    Cuban Chicken with Salsa Fresca

    1 cup grapefruit juice
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    2 teaspoons garlic powder
    2 teaspoons cumin
    2 teaspoons paprika
    1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
    1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

    Salsa Fresca:
    1 cup grapefruit segments
    1/2 jicama, cubed
    1/2 red onion, chopped
    3/4 cup grapefruit juice
    4 tablespoons olive oil
    1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    1 jalapeno pepper, chopped

    Instructions:

    Heat oven to 400 F.

    In large bowl, mix grapefruit juice, oil, garlic powder, cumin, paprika and red pepper until combined. Add chicken to bowl and turn to coat. Refrigerate 30 minutes or longer.

    To make salsa fresca: In medium bowl, mix grapefruit segments, jicama, red onion, grapefruit juice, olive oil, cilantro and jalapeno pepper until combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

    Remove chicken from marinade. Place chicken in baking dish. Bake 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

    Serve chicken with salsa fresca.


    Find more recipes and family dinner ideas at Culinary.net.


    Plan on making this dish? Send us your pictures and we'll feature them on The Sentinel site! Email photos to editor@oursentinel.com.


    M.A.S.K. tips & resources can help parents' responsibilites raising their kids


    Mom and dad helping with homework
    Photo: SOFATUTOR/Unsplash
    NewsUSA -- Parenting is hard, and the past year was especially challenging for parents of school-aged kids, as they struggled to juggle their children's virtual school and the loss of many activities and in-person contact with friends.

    The goal of MASK (Mothers Awareness on School Age Kids) is to provide resources for parents, children, schools, and communities that address the challenges facing families and empower children to make safe and healthy choices. MASK is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007, and has evolved into a multimedia format that includes a website, a print magazine, an app, a digital learning platform, and a series of YouTube videos.

    MASK tackles topics that include managing peer pressure, coping with trauma, and negotiating the peaks and valleys of social media, which can be especially challenging as families restore their networks and return to in-person school and activities.

    "MASK programs teach children and their families how to handle the ever-changing landscape that our children are living in," says Kimberly Cabral, CEO, founder, and publisher of MASK.

    Parents and their kids can engage with the MASK tools to build life skills and promote self-esteem through any or all of these options:

    - MASKMatters app. Download the app on Apple or Google Play (also available in Spanish) for easy access to age-appropriate life skills resources that can be used by students, parents, and teachers.

    - MASK Magazine. For those who like their information in print, MASK Magazine is a quarterly parenting manual and is also available through Zinio digital. Each issue focuses on a specific topic, such as Internet safety, with details on how it impacts children from preschool to college.

    - MASK E3 Institute: The digital platform for MASK can be used by schools, community organizations, or families at home. The Institute is designed as a series of year-long comprehensive programs for different age groups: MASK Storytime for pre-K children, MASK Academy for kindergarten through sixth grade, MASK Prep for middle and high school students, and MASK Leadership for colleges students. Each of the age-appropriate programs teach kids social skills and educate them about topics such as bullying, drug and alcohol use, and staying safe online.

    - MASK + Live: MASK offers a series of YouTube videos featuring feature medical doctors, clinical psychologists, professors, and other child health professionals who share their expertise on parenting and offer advice on physical health, mental health, and enhancing your relationship with your child.

    Visit maskmatters.org for more information about the full range of MASK materials and programs.


    Photo-of-the-Day: January 25, 2022


    St. Joseph-Ogden's Logan Ingram and Unity's Will Thompson

    ST. JOSEPH -- St. Joseph-Ogden's Logan Ingram and Unity's Will Thompson battle for ball possession during their Illini Prairie Conference game on March 27, 2021. Nearly ten months ago the Spartans prevailed 4-1 over the rival Rockets. Normally played in the fall, the Coronavirus pandemic forced high school sports to be played on a shortened spring schedule. SJO went on to finish the modified season with 4 wins and 8 losses. See more photos from this game here.
    Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


    Health tip: Exercise boosts immunity during winter months


    Photo: Nathanael Mosqueda/Pexels

    DALLAS -— Many people think January is a great time to get a fresh start on a new fitness routine, while many of us in Illinois use the cold weather as an excuse to huddle under the covers on the couch. No matter how you approach the new year, the American Heart Association has some important information about how to get healthy – and stay healthy – when the temperatures start to dip.

    "There’s actually some advantages to working out in cold weather – with no heat and humidity to deal with you may be able to work out longer in cold weather which means you can burn even more calories. It’s also a great way to get much needed vitamin D from the sunlight, which can help elevate your mood," said John A. Osborne, M.D., Ph.D., FACC, FNLA, Founder and Director State of the Heart Cardiology, Metroplex Cardiology.

    It doesn't matter if you are in downstate Illinois or the northern part of the state, getting out and exercising is good for you.

    "Research shows that exercise also boosts your immunity during the cold and flu season, which can be especially important in dealing with possible COVID infection."

    Osborne said if you can’t exercise outdoors, there are many online resources available to assist in developing a workout at home, or athletes can still visit a gym or even walk the mall if they use the appropriate precautions to protect against COVID.

    If you are heading outdoors for exercise, winter sports like skiing or skating or if you have to shovel your car out of a snow drift, Osborne has some warnings. Aside from some of the well-known cold weather dangers such as frostbite or unsafe driving conditions, there are cardiovascular risks to consider. The cold causes blood vessels to contract and coronary arteries to constrict, which can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

    Photo: Noelle Otto/Pexels

    "Strenuous activities such as walking through heavy snow or snow shoveling can add stressors to the heart that people aren’t normally used to," said Osborne "Our hearts also have to work extra hard in cold weather to keep a healthy body temperature."

    Here are some tips to keep your heart in check during coat season:

  • Stay active safely: Make sure you wear layers to keep warm while exercising outdoors to avoid cold weather hazards like hypothermia and frostbite and take breaks. It’s important to stay active year-round but make sure you’re not overexerting yourself in winter months. When in doubt, ask your doctor. Here are some tips on how to stay active in cold weather.
  • Stay hydrated: Just because it’s cold and you may not feel thirsty, it’s just as important to drink water like you would during a warm weather workout. Thirst isn’t the best indicator that you need to drink, even if you aren't sweating as much you still need to hydrate.
  • Watch out for the added calories in cold weather drinks: Comforting drinks like pumpkin spiced lattes and hot chocolate can be loaded with unwanted sugar and fat.
  • Get vaccinated: COVID-19 and the flu are especially dangerous for people with cardiovascular disease.
  • Learn CPR: EMS response times can be slower with inclement weather. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of a hospital each ear. If administered immediately after cardiac arrest, CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.

  • Prep basketball tonight: Unity plays on the road, SJO at home vs STM


    Watch Live High School Sports Today

    Watch tonight's area team live on the NFHS Network

    January 25, 2022

    ST. JOSEPH-OGDEN HIGH SCHOOL
    5:30 PM Boys Junior varsity Basketball vs St. Thomas More 7:00 PM Boys Varsity Basketball vs St. Thomas More


    UNITY HIGH SCHOOL
    5:30 PM - Boys Junior varsity Basketball @ Central Catholic 7:00 PM - Boys Varsity Basketball @ Central Catholic


    Click here to watch these games live or on demand tonight

    ** Just so you know: The Sentinel is reader-supported. When you make a purchase via a link on our site, we might earn an affiliate commission that we will use bring you more area news and sports coverage.

    Guest Commentary: You don’t have to pay a king’s ransom for a house


    by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


    Buying almost anything today is expensive because of the current supply and demand. Prices are too high on everything. Inflation is going through the roof.

    Speaking of a roof, everyone needs one over their heads. A place to live is a common need and growing dilemma.

    An elderly friend says she has had other elderly friends ask if they could move in with her? Her response is always, "I don’t want anyone else living with me," and she seems very happy.

    Having to move in with family or a friend is less than ideal and is usually a strain on all involved. Sometimes it happens. Typically, the shortest possible tenure of the residency is better for all.

    Renting is popular. Millions are renting apartments and houses. The average rent in the U.S. is $784 per month. Thirty-five percent of Americans rent. They pay just a little less than homeowners each year for their rent, maintenance costs, and renters insurance which averages $9,477.

    Renting seems like a good plan because you shouldn’t have to worry about maintenance. Remember, everybody is short staffed these days and you may wait a while before someone shows up to fix your leaky toilet. Renters routinely complain about having to beg the property owner to do maintenance. Rent is not a secure way to live. Rent costs usually increase. The owners want to make more money.

    Senior citizens rent apartments not far from where I live. They started out paying $550 for an apartment that included all the utilities. Most of them were thrilled. A lady who lives there now says they have increased the rent to $850 and she expects another increase this year. She moved out of her house that was paid for to live the so called "carefree" senior apartment life. It’s not turning out to be carefree.

    Apartment owners set the rules. They might not allow pets or even children. You won’t be able to play your radio loud and there will be limitations on what you can do to the rental property. Plus, an apartment owner can decide they want to use your apartment for something or someone else and ask you to leave. This might be improbable, but it’s possible and who needs this kind of life insecurity?

    Buying a house is expensive and this may not be for you today. New three-bedroom houses are selling for over $400,000 in a nearby Indiana neighborhood. Down the street a neighbor put his house up for sale asking $250,000 and there was a bidding war from others who wanted the property. The sellers reported they made much more than their asking price.

    You don’t have to pay a king’s ransom for a house. Years ago, I bought a four-bedroom house for $80,000 with no money down on a land contract. The interest rate was 10 percent but it was mine and when I sold it, I made $10,000 on the deal.

    A modest house on a small piece of dirt can become your castle. You can work on it along the way. Overhaul the bathrooms, the kitchen and do some painting. You can redo the floors but all in your time and on your schedule. You just need a place where you can stay warm, dry, and rest. Owning your own house is not cheap. Paying for it, maintenance and property taxes all have to be considered, but at least it’s yours. If you want, you can have a pet, kids, or loud music. You can sleep in peace.

    If you are renting, you are not alone. Most of us have rented at one time or another. I lived in an apartment for over four years. You do what works for you at this time in your life.


    -----------------------------------------------------------

    Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of Grandpa's Store, American Issues, 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 The Sentinel. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.


    -----------------------------------------------------------

    Memory Monday: Spartans shine over the Comets


    Ella Armstrong plays varsity basketball as a freshman
    A look back
    St. Joseph-Ogden's Ella Armstrong tries to take the ball down the baseline on Oakwood's Aaliyah Denius in their non-conference home game on December 1, 2018. The Spartans keep their unbeaten varsity streak alive one more week with a 52-45 win over the visiting Comets. See more photos from this game . . .
    Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


    Photo-of-the-Day: January 24, 2022


    State relay title dashed
    Charleston, IL -- After a fumbled exchange, the baton floats between Unity's Steven Migut and Jackson Schweighart during their race in the Class 2A 4x200-Meter Relay finals on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the IHSA State Track & Field Meet. The Rockets finished the Class 2A state finals tied in 10th place with St. Laurence and Dixon High School with 22 points.
    Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


    Area Covid-19 Dashboard for January 24, 2022


    Active Cases:
    (Champaign County)
    2,540
    Total Area Cases:
    (Sentinel Area)
    944
    New Cases:
    (Sentinel Area)
    71



    Current local cases as of 1/24/22
    Number in parenthesis indicates new cases since 1/23/22

    Ogden • 14 (0)
    Royal • 0 (0)
    St. Joseph • 61 (1)
    Urbana • 709 (57)
    Sidney • 22 (1)
    Philo • 29 (4)
    Tolono • 80 (5)
    Sadorus • 13 (1)
    Pesotum • 16 (2)


    Net change in local cases: 261



    Total Local Confirmed Cases: 20,848




    The information on this page is compiled from the latest figures provide by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and the Illinois Department of Public Health at the time of publishing. Active cases are the number of confirmed cases reported currently in isolation. Local is defined as cases within the nine communities The Sentinel covers.

    Effective 1/16/22, the CUPHD dashboard updated their reporting parameters to reflect the reduction from a 10-day isolation period to 5 days per the CDC guidance issued last month. Under the previous 10-day policy and based on the data released today, there would be approximately 5,950 residents in isolation.


    Loading latest story ...


    | Most recent articles

    Loading recent stories ...


    | Home Improvement

    Loading recent stories ...


    | Opinions

    Loading recent stories ...



    More Sentinel Stories