It’s time to talk about rural mental health challenges

In farming, you often have to work even when you're not feeling well. There are no options to call off or get substitutes when you need time off. The strong work ethic passed down from fathers to sons (and daughters in many cases) is admirable, but it can lead to medical issues if not managed properly.

Photo: Melissa Mayes/PEXELS

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by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

ALTON - While living in Greene County, Illinois, in the 1980s and 1990s, Lea Anne Varble took a gut punch each time she heard about a suicide in her community. Eight to 10 in total in 15 years, she says.

“It just took me aback,” she says.

What the tragedies had in common: the person faced mental health challenges common to a rural setting.

Lea Anne Varble

Varble, a clinical psychotherapist at OSF HealthCare, knew she had to do something about it. So not only did she devote higher education time to studying the problem, but she’s also now getting the word out about the resources available.

The issues

Varble says stress and isolation are often experienced by people living in a rural setting, such as a farmer. There’s also a desire to be self-sufficient – a trope associated with farmers and other rural residents for decades.

“People living rurally often are independent. So, when stress comes, they want to handle it on their own,” Varble says.

Varble also knows the issues – stress, anxiety and even depression – of planting and harvest season.

“Hours and hours,” in the field, she says. “You’re expected to keep working even if you don’t feel well. Even if the stress is getting to you. You have to get up and do it again. Or at least that’s what your father before you did and his father before him.”

The work ethic can be admirable, but it can lead to medical issues if left unchecked.

And, the heads of some rural households are caring for two generations: their kids and their parents. School, chronic illnesses and advanced care planning are just more things to add to the to-do list. Varble adds that older adults in a rural setting are more likely to see themselves as a burden and choose to end their life.

Treatment

Varble says getting better starts simply with noticing the problem and talking about it with a trusted adult, like a friend, family member, faith leader or a medical professional.

The good news is that mental health professionals have made strides in this area, such as telemedicine and mobile health services. And society is more willing to talk about mental health. Farming magazines have articles on mental health, for example.

Other ways to help that Varble has picked up over the years:

• Get to know your neighbors and local organizations, like churches and businesses. Then, lean on them for help when the stress gets to be too much.
• Look into resources offered by state or federal agencies. In Illinois, where Varble works, the Family Farm Resource Initiative operates a 24/7 hotline and email.

  “Individuals can receive support from trained professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by those in the agricultural sector,” the initiative website states. “The helpline offers specialized assistance, including mental health resources and agriculture-related support, ensuring that farm families have access to the help they need.”
   

• Health care professionals should encourage people with rural backgrounds to become therapists.

“It’s someone from their community who understands what’s going on,” Varble says.

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Is it depression, ADHD or bipolar disorder?

Illustration: Goska Malgoska/Pixabay

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by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

DANVILLE - Lavender Zarraga, APRN, a behavioral health provider at OSF HealthCare, says it’s not uncommon for her patients to ask for a medication that isn’t the right fit.

The culprit? She says symptoms of common mental health issues like depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder can overlap. So, it’s important to stay in contact with your provider to make sure you’re on the best treatment plan.

On depression mimicking ADHD: “You have changed executive functioning. You can’t decide. You feel dull. You can’t concentrate,” Zarraga says. “You have a hard time learning new things. You can’t remember things or forget things easily. Attention and concentration are low. You think ‘Why am I processing everything so slow?.’”

Lavender Zarraga, APRN

Zarraga adds that she’s seen people with depression take prescribed medicine and feel better, but then residual symptoms that mimic ADHD creep in. And, she says, ADHD can seem like bipolar disorder.

“If you start somebody on an antidepressant and they have an underlying bipolar disorder that they have not been diagnosed with, that can trigger mood symptoms. It could potentially trigger mania [a high energy period where high-risk behaviors can occur],” Zarraga says.

It’s a lot to sort out, and it may make the person feel like they have a whole new set of problems.

“Talk to a provider. See what’s going on,” Zarraga says to people in that situation, noting that kids should not have to carry these issues into adulthood.

“There’s a lot of talking involved,” she adds. “Let’s start from the beginning. Let’s go back to your childhood. How were you doing then? And we relate that to how you are now.”

From there, Zarraga says treatment could include more counseling or different medication. She says medicine for children is more straightforward. But for adults, a provider will make sure the pill isn’t impacting the rest of the person’s body.

There are also science-backed written tests that can help diagnose someone with ADHD. Questions along the lines of: Can you sit still in class? Does your mind wander all the time?

And a word for caregivers, friends and family members: watch for symptoms of these disorders in your loved ones and have a conversation, if needed. Don’t ignore things, Zarraga says.

“There’s nothing wrong with just talking about it. It’s not going to hurt anybody to discuss it,” she says, noting that society is now more accepting of mental health issues.

Signs to watch for in your close companion: irritability, aggression, anxiety and trouble sleeping. If you or someone you know needs to talk to a professional quickly, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is 9-8-8.

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Congresswoman, education leaders to tour local trades training center

During last November's Open House, Local 149 instructor Andy Currie provided a high school student with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in pipefitting. At the beginning of the week, officials from Parkland College and the University of Illinois, along with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, will tour the training facility.

PhotoNews Media file photo

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SAVOY - One year after opening its state-of-the-art training center, United Association Local 149 will host U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski and officials from Parkland College, the University of Illinois, and the chemical industry for a tour on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The event, held at the 24,000 square-foot facility on North Dunlap Avenue, will focus on economic growth and local job opportunities created by the training center.

Rep. Budzinski is known for advocating higher wages, better benefits, and workplace safety protections for firefighters, grocery workers, and meatpackers. She led efforts to raise Illinois' minimum wage to $15 an hour and chaired the Broadband Advisory Board to expand internet access in rural communities. During her time at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, she helped implement the American Rescue Plan and establish the Made in America Office to bring jobs back to the U.S. and strengthen the economy. Budzinski was elected to Congress in 2023, representing Illinois’ 13th District.

Local 149 provides world-class training, such as specialized instruction in medical gas piping services, helping members meet industry needs.

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Trustee Dave Smithenry demonstrates troubleshooting air conditioning systems at last year's Open House.

PhotoNews Media file photo

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The tour will feature hands-on demonstrations from union members and interviews with apprentices, union officials, and representatives from the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois and the American Chemistry Council. The event highlights Local 149’s role in preparing its 600 members, including plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC technicians, for the growing job market in the chemical manufacturing sector.

In addition to meeting the needs of its customers by mastering various piping systems and prioritizing the safety of its members and customers, the members of Local 149 are committed to delivering exceptional service on every project. Members also support the communities in which they live by donating resources and countless hours to charitable organizations, including the United Way, the Salvation Army, the March of Dimes, and many local causes.

The union is currently accepting applications for its 2025 apprentice class. For more information call (217) 359-5201.

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Undefeated SJO postseason campaign starts this Saturday, Spartans host West Frankfort at 2 p.m.

Seniors Gabe Mata (71), Charlie Schmitz (21) and the Spartans celebrated a win #9 over Paxton-Buckley-Loda at Dick Duval Field on Friday. The St. Joseph-Ogden football team will be back on their home turf on Saturday for their first-round playoff game against 5-4 West Frankfort.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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ST. JOSEPH - The St. Joseph-Ogden football team is set to host West Frankfort in the opening round of the Class 3A football playoffs this Saturday at 2 p.m. at Dick Duval Field. The Spartans, coming off a strong regular season, will face a Redbirds team that fought its way into the postseason after a pivotal Week 9 win over Sparta. This marks West Frankfort's first playoff appearance in five years, entering the matchup with a 5-4 record.

West Frankfort, a bubble team for much of the season, secured its playoff berth with a dominant 50-14 victory over Sparta, where the Redbirds tallied 518 total yards, including 367 on the ground from 41 carries. Led by standout running back Travion Johnson, West Frankfort has shown an explosive rushing attack that could pose a challenge for SJO's defense. Johnson had a career night in Week 4 against Pinckneyville, rushing for 334 yards and five touchdowns on just 20 carries. His ability to break off big plays, including runs of 67 and 80 yards, has been a key factor in the Redbirds’ offensive success.

In addition to Johnson, the Redbirds have several other contributors in the ground game. Jace Bennett, Lucas Parker, and Chace Patterson have all made significant impacts in the running game, as West Frankfort piled up 520 rushing yards in their Week 4 win over Pinckneyville. Parker, who serves as the team's quarterback, adds versatility to the offense, having completed 11 of 14 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown in the Redbirds' win over Sparta. His ability to balance the offense with a passing threat will be critical for West Frankfort as they prepare to face SJO's defense.

West Frankfort 2024 Schedule & Results

8/30 Frankfort vs Massac County 51-14
9/6 Frankfort vs Herrin 34-12
9/13 Frankfort vs Carterville 16-21
9/20 Frankfort vs Pinckneyville 61-34
9/27 Frankfort vs Nashville 6-24
10/4 Frankfort vs Duquoin 18-39
10/11 Frankfort vs Benton 18-62
10/18 Frankfort vs Anna-Jonesboro 40-20
10/25 Frankfort vs Sparta 50-14

While West Frankfort’s offense has been prolific in its wins, it has also faced challenges against tougher competition. The Redbirds’ 62-18 loss to Benton in Week 7 highlighted some vulnerabilities, particularly on defense, as Benton jumped out to a 56-6 lead midway through the third quarter. Maintaining consistency on both sides of the ball will be crucial if the Redbirds hope to keep pace with a strong St. Joseph-Ogden squad.

The Spartans enter the game with a home-field advantage and a reputation as one of the top teams in their conference. With an efficient offense and a disciplined defense, SJO will look to contain West Frankfort’s ground attack and force the Redbirds into a more one-dimensional game plan. Key to this strategy will be slowing down Johnson, whose ability to break long runs could quickly swing the momentum in West Frankfort’s favor.

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Paxton-Buckley-Loda's Rolen Edison tries to block SJO's Cameron Wagner during their Week 9 Illini Prairie Conference game. St. Joseph-Ogden's offensive and defensive lines benefit from size, speed, and tenacity.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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On offense, the Spartans will test the Redbirds’ defense early, looking to exploit weaknesses that were exposed in losses to teams like Benton and Duquoin. With a balanced attack, SJO will aim to control the tempo and keep West Frankfort’s playmakers off the field.

For St. Joseph-Ogden, after losing 75 yards in penalties in the season finale against Paxton-Buckley-Loda on Friday, this first-round matchup presents an opportunity to set the tone for their playoff run and prepare for their next opponent, the winner of the matchup between Roxana and Unity in week 2.

"This may sound funny, but it was like we were trying too hard," said head coach Shawn Skinner, addressing the penalties SJO accrued. "I thought as a defense, we were trying too hard. You want to play fast, but you don't want to play in a hurry."

He thought his team was "collectively" hurrying too much instead of playing fast with controlled purpose.

"We had our moments when we shot ourselves in the foot. We'll make sure we'll correct it," he said.

The Redbirds finished fourth in the Southern Illinois River-to-River (Mississippi) Conference with a 2-3 record, marking a modest improvement for a team that hasn’t seen much playoff success. Historically, West Frankfort has made only 10 playoff appearances since 1920, making this postseason run a significant achievement for the program. However, their inconsistent play against higher-level competition raises questions about their ability to sustain success in the playoffs.

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A perfect season, SJO goes 9-0 into 2024 IHSA football playoffs

ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden running back Wyatt Wertz is hoisted into the air by teammate Nolan Earley after scoring his third and final touchdown of the evening during the Spartans' home game against Paxton-Buckley-Loda (5-4) at Dick Duval Field. Wertz, who led all rushers with 148 yards, scored on runs of 14, 25, and 41 yards.

The Spartans defeated the Panthers in their last regular season contest 42-14 to become the 12th team in program history to finish with an unblemished record. The last time SJO enjoyed a lossless season was in the fall of 2015 under longtime head coach Dick Duval.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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***Editor's Note: This story has been updated. Initially, we identified the running back as Justice Wertz. The correct name of the player is Wyatt as shown above.

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Creatine: Kicking your fitness level up a notch or two, it can work for you

Photo: Alora Griffiths/Unsplash

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by Matt Sheehan
OSF Healthcare

In the sports world, victory can be just inches or seconds away.

Photo provided

Dr. Karan Rai

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BLOOMINGTON - Think about ‘The Longest Yard’ in Super Bowl 34 between the Tennessee Titans and St. Louis Rams. In the final play of the game, one yard was all that stood between the Titans and the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Or look at the 2024 Summer Olympics! Noah Lyles earned the United States a gold medal after winning by just five thousandths of a second in the 100-meter final.

Athletes look for game changers to help propel themselves ahead of the competition, and creatine has entered the chat.

Who does creatine work for?

“Creatine, when used appropriately, can improve your max power. It can help with muscle growth in certain individuals, it typically does not have as significant of an impact when you're doing more endurance-based sports," says Karan Rai, MD, a sports medicine physician with OSF HealthCare. "If you're a weekend warrior or CrossFit athlete trying to get a little extra boost, while practicing appropriate hydration and dietary intake, I think creatine has benefits.”

Dr. Rai adds that in the realm of supplements, creatine has been “decently studied over the years.” He says football players, power lifters and track sprinters could benefit from the supplement. However, if you’re training for an upcoming Ironman or triathlon, it’s really not necessary.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

It’s no surprise that extreme exercise increases the amount we sweat. With or without creatine, that’s reason enough to up your water intake. But Dr. Rai says with creatine, there’s an added reason to why water is so important.

“Commonly I'll find someone who is new to using a supplement and they'll come see me and talk about muscle cramps or excessive fatigue after their workouts,” Dr. Rai says. Oftentimes it's because of an imbalance in their intake, whether that's food intake or hydration."

If you already cramp constantly or are not as experienced in weight training, Dr. Rai would recommend caution in using creatine. He says to talk to your primary care physician or a sports medicine physician to see if creatine is a beneficial option for you.

Best times to use creatine

Before and/or after your workouts are times Dr. Rai recommends taking creatine. He says like most dietary changes, don’t rush it.

"When someone is using creatine, I recommend they start slowly. Typically, utilizing it before the workout and making sure your workout is power based vs. endurance-based matters," Dr. Rai says. “Just starting off, depending on the serving size, use one to two scoops.”

Careful with the caffeine!

Avoid a ton of caffeine consumption if you're using creatine. Caffeine can elevate the heart rate and creatine can cause cramping, so combining those things could lead to "adverse outcomes," Dr. Rai says.

"Supplements are meant for augmentation," Dr. Rai adds. “A healthy diet, hydrating appropriately while cultivating your goals, whether you're a power or endurance athlete, gives the max benefit. Really we should be looking at creatine or sports drinks as a way to augment and get that extra 5-10% we are pushing for, based off our goals.”

If you’re looking to add creatine to your lifestyle, Dr. Rai recommends creating an individualized plan with your doctor or sports medicine team.

Due to limited data, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend creatine for kids under 18.

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St. Joseph-Ogden High School 2024 First Quarter Honor Roll

ST. JOSEPH - At the end of October, St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the recipients of the first quarter Honor Roll and High Honor Roll. To be recognized on the Honor Roll at SJO, students must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Those with a GPA exceeding 3.74 are honored as High Honor Roll students.

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Freshman Honor Roll

Ava Alexander
Miles Atwood
Lucas Barton
Coleton Beckett
Draven Black
Evan Brown
Liam Carter
Caleb Courter
Emily Cross
Hunter Dilley
Jameson Ehler
Casen Goff
Jackson Good
George Hale
Holden Hausle
Averie Helfrich
Keira Landers
Leigha Larson
Pete Martin
Aubrey Matheny
Wyatt McKinney
Atleigh Miller
Michaela Morrison
Cameron Palmisano
Averie Puckett
Isaiah Reynolds
Mitch Riesel
Keegan Roberts
Samantha Ryan
Dalton Trotter
Logan Umbarger
Ryder Van Meenen
Henrik Vander Zalm
Tessa Walker
Lexi Williams
Ian Wolken

Sophomore Honor Roll

Yadiel Acosta-Reyes
Samuel Albrecht
Olivia Berlatsky
Alec Bowlin
Willis Canamore
Brenda Castro Gutierrez
Jaxson Colvin
Jameson Ennis
Mary Evans-Baker
Elijah Garrett
Aiden Hundley
Faith Jackson
Jaxson LaBounty
Garrett Loschen
Adam Marschke
Steven Newman
Mason Olinger
Tripp Palmer
William Ricketts-Royer
Ava Smoot
Lilly Sollars
Cameron Wagner
Shelby Warns
Kaden Wedig
Dalton York

Junior Honor Roll

McKenzie Atwood
Shelby Campbell
Wade Clark
Cade Crozier
Caleb Dwyer
Zachary Harper
Coy Hayes
Justice Heidel
Bryson Houchens
Amelia Huckstadt
Nick Jackson
Malachy Kates
Vance McComas
Emma McKinney
Ava Midkiff
Graham Ray
Lance Retz
Ainsley Rhoton
Ethan Sanders
Trevor Sexton
Gracyn Sjoken
Landon Smith
Lucas Smith
Luke Tranel
Lucas Truong
Hunter Van Meenen
Emma Wells

Senior Honor Roll

Jared Altenbaumer
James Barron
Rylie Barton
William Besson
Eli Birt
Sul Bonny
Chaz Bowlin
Landen Butts
Nolan Earley
Lyla Frerichs
Addison Funk
Tinley Ideus
Kendrick Johnson
Dylan Jones
Quincy Jones
Amilliya Kindle
Owen Knap
Aiden Krall
Logan Lackey
Madison Lankster
Gabe Mata
Brenden Maury
Logan Patton
Hailie Reifsteck
Sydney Reitmeier
Carson Sarnecki
Samuel Shonkwiler
Thea Smith
Collin Thomey
Jackson Walsh
Ava Worley
Merial Yeager

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St. Joseph-Ogden High School 2024 First Quarter High Honor Roll

ST. JOSEPH - At the end of October, St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the recipients of the first quarter Honor Roll and High Honor Roll. To be recognized on the Honor Roll at SJO, students must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Those with a GPA exceeding 3.74 are honored as High Honor Roll students.

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Freshman High Honor Roll

Kira Aase
Tyler Bonny
Ava Bronowski
Patrick Clark
Carly Coffey
Tessa Cox
Avarie Dietiker
Ainsley Dirksmeyer
Trey Divan
Connor Eaton
Olivia Edington
Eli Franklin
Isabella Frerichs
Ava Gallo
Conlan Gill
Brandon Grindley
Colton Heidel
Nathan Hinkel
Kellyn Irwin
Ashlee Jannusch
Lilyah Jones
Isabel Kates
Megan Kearney
Lillyan Kelley
Addison Knight
Avery Lappin
Gavin Little
Royce Loschen
Charles Martin
Landon May
Aiden McBride
Henry McCannon
Lane McKinney
Connor McMahon
Hannah Nirider
Mason Osterbur
Lyla Patton
Mara Perkins
Marissa Perkins
Miranda Perkins
Hailey Phillips
Evan Potter
Leah Pruitt
Airin Rash
Kenley Ray
Abigail Reynolds
Roisin Rice
Alyssa Robinson
Alexis Smith
Marissa Smith
Vivian Smith
Nayeli Steele
Brooklyn Stevens
Ethan Suchor
Mataya Thaman
Korinne Travis
Evelyn Valentine
Zoe Valentine
Viviene Vliet
Owen Wall
Lucas Waters
Benjamin Wells
Sorena Welsh
Samson Zadeh

Sophomore High Honor Roll

Lillian Ahart
Zhou Barbee
Abigail Bello
Zachary Benoit
Colin Burnett
Elizabeth Clark
Abigail Crider
Hayden Dahl
Iris Davis
Nickolas Ditchfield
Justin Downs
Madison Farber
Nathaniel Farney
Nolan Franzen
Leah Gaines
Skyler Graham
Anna Hammond
Mark Harbourt
Nicholas Harris
Tyler Hess
Maggie Hewkin
Brynn Ikemire
Mia Jones
Alivia Learned
Avrianna Lyttle
Chase Mabry
Hadley McDonald
Finnegan Miller
Maddux Musselman
Mason Ramm
Peighton Reim
Kiah Riesel
Dennis Rineberg
Sophie Schmitz
Adeline Stevens
Ani Stine
Isabella Turner
Brayden Waller
Jack Wear
Emerson Williams
Declan Yohnka

Junior High Honor Roll

Trevor Ames
Kylie Barrowman
Lexie Barrowman
Adalyn Bell
Kaitlyn Beyers
Emily Bird
Tim Blackburn-Kelley
Aiden Bonny
Addison Brooks
Isabella Brooks
Sara Bytnar
Jacob Carlson
William Carlson
Rudra Chaudhary
Adelyn Childers
Christopher Coffey
Katherine Ericksen
Abigail Getty
Camden Getty
Charles Hale
William Haley
Erica Hardimon
Claire Hartman
Lydia Huckstadt
Adalyn Jannusch
Kaelyn Jolley
Sophia Kasper
Madilyn Kelley
Samantha Kelso
Cooper Kietzman
Alexis Lackey
Ryker Lockhart
Mackenzie Loschen
Michael McDaniel
Danny McGinnis
Kodey McKinney
Patrick McMahon
Ashlyn Miller
Hannah Mock
Delaney Nekolny
Allison Ochs
Brennan Oleynichak
Kayla Osterbur
Colton Overstreet
Garrick Page
Branson Pearman
Kaleb Peoples
Grace Preston
Asher Pruemer
Lily Rice
Landon Roberts
Logan Rosenthal
Amber Ruppel
Carlee Taylor
Cameron Schlueter
Allison Schmitz
Tao Smith
Karleigh Spain
Quinn Stahl
Sydney Steinbach
Hadley Sweet
Sophia Vliet
Madeline Wells
Wyatt Wertz
Logan Xiao
Cyrus Zadeh

Senior High Honor Roll

EJ Beckett
Audrey Benoit
Miles Birt
Landon Brown
Arely Castro Gutierrez
Richi Chimal
Preslee Christians
Madison Clampitt
Joshua Courter
Lauren Dewese
Ella Dietiker
Luke Ditchfield
Andrea Dominguez
Jackson Ennis
Savanna Franzen
Kaiden Gaines
Tayton Gerdes
Olivia Getty
Joe Griebat
Mason Guido
Makennah Hamilton
Lauren Harris
Haley Hesterberg
Maebree Houston
Paige Johnson
Sara Kearney
Jeffrey Kuchenbrod
Logan Mills
Gabriel Mortlock
Grace Osterbur
Chayse Palmer
Sonia Patel
Nathan Phillips
Haley Rudolph
Audrey Ruppel
Charles Schmitz
Tanner Siems
Corbin Smith
Kyler Swanson
Coy Taylor
Carter Turner
Samantha Uden
Reese Wheatley
Madison Wolken
Charley Wright
Fiona Xiao

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Unity Junior High 2024-2025 First Quarter High Honor Roll

Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved high honor roll status during the first quarter. Congratulations to all the students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for recognition during this period.

6th Grade High Honor Roll

Wyatt James Aughney
Lylla Lorene Bennett
McKenna Ilene Bennett
William Terrance Bieser
Jace Boyett
Rachel Elaine Sharples Brooks
Mila Marie Lynn Brown
Connor John Chesnut
Brielle Mun-Yee Chin
Wyatt Michael Deakin
Finley Douglas
Kennedy Phoenix Dykeman
Reid William Edwards
Ashlyn Elizabeth Estes
Hunter Byron Estes
Odin Jeffrey Evans
Shirley Arianna Garcier
Liam Thomas Grussing
Aneela Joy Hagerman
Aubrey Lou Hartman
Luke Raymond Hottman
Asher Jett
Pyper Rayne Jones
Zaylee Elaine Kohlenberg
Landon Robert Little
Lucas James Michels
Peyton Elizabeth Neighbors
Charlotte Rose Ocasio
Josephine Jane Pulleyblank
Jace Alek Revell
Olivia Ann Ruggieri
Zachary David Ruhter
Mallory Mya Schmid
Blake Robert Stierwalt
Conor William Zumbahlen

7th Grade High Honor Roll

Maylie Rose Bates
Nora Kristina Blanchard
Bradley Roger Bruhn
Brailey Marie Cain
Viola Ayame Carman
Lydia Grace Crowe
Kylee Paulette Cunningham
Elizabeth Irene Davidson
Bronson Edwin Davis
Savannah Jo Drewes
Quentin Xavier Dykeman
Collin Daniel Eckstein
Beau Richard Eisenmenger
Alarik Byrum Ellison
Cooper Alexander Fairbanks
Nadia Grace Fairbanks
Hayden Marie Gabbard
Libbey Marlene Ethel Griffin
Jessica Marie Hamilton
Harper Quinn Harris
Dylan Paul Holladay
Mason James Holladay
Aaron Joseph Hood
William Timothy Huntington
Gabriel Heinrich Jahnel
Allie Rose Kamradt
Molly Kathryn Lydia Kleiss
John Isaac "Isaac" Leaman
Adelyn Jolene Maxwell
Ashley Ann Mumm
Nicole Nava Palomares
Caylynn Josie Parker
Raelyn Marie Prosser
Jordan William Pruitt
Avery Elizabeth Remole
Matias Alberto Rios Toro
Smilemarino Mulanga Sardo
Camdon Levi Schmid
Drake Alan Siuts
Kataryna Sperry
William Ross Wetherell
Levi Nelson White
Kadence Ryleigh Wiese
Alexis LeAnn Wolken
Alivia RaeLyn Wolken
Brendan Kurtis Zerrusen

8th Grade High Honor Roll

Kenny Wayne Adcock
Lilly Annabelle Bailes
Brooklyn Blair Bates
Ethan Earl Bent
Elizabeth Joanne Berkey
Katherine Elaine Berkey
Konnor Lewis Bletscher
Sylvia Lola Cahill
Logan Chounard
Kale Boden Cowan
Trevor Daniel Coy
Alec Joseph Daly
McKenzie Lynn Deakin
Steven Gambill
Jaxson Edward Glad
Amelia Marie Good
Hayden Bradley Grussing
Jordan Elizabeth Hamilton
Kynedy Ashlynn Hoel
Holly Marie Howey
Alivia Krall
Jauniyah Rosemarie Lisanby
Adeline Marie Marinelli
Tatum Faith Meharry
Baeden Edward Millsap-Moore
Jacklynn Kay Alexandra Moore
Holden William ONeill
Carolina Maria Pagaduan Popovics
Luc Sandor Marcelo Popovics
Makaylin Pugh
Maya Alexis Rawdin
Bella Rose Robbins
Madelyn Olivia Roth-Robertson
Skylar Grace Savona
Sophia Isabella Schuckman
Jaylan Serczyk
Vivian Rosalie Shunk
Hayden Dale Smith
Abigail Elise Spomer
Dylan Robert Stierwalt
Olivia Jane Styan
Jack Christopher Terven
Nicholas James Thomas
Hayley Olivia Thompson
Cassandra Pearl Thweatt
Charles Reider Watson
Quentin Stephen Webber
Hallee Ann Weber Patterson
Lucas Neal Williams
Olivia Lynn Wilson
Ashton Jace Wolf
Adam Scott Wolken

Unity Junior High 2024-2025 First Quarter Honor Roll

Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved honor roll status during the first quarter. Congratulations to all the students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for recognition during this period.

6th Grade Honor Roll

Nolan Matthew Astroth
Molly Margrethe Bailes
Madelyn JoAnn Bear
Journie Elizabeth Castle
Madisen Diane Coy
Avery Brooks Curry
Claire Bronte Davis
Dominic Dees
Hayven Corrine Douglas
Jackson Carter Elam
Caroline Elizabeth Greenwald
Ezekiel Makai Hastings
Emilia Hibbs
Christian Timothy Vincent Johnson
Airyanna Alene Jones
Khloe Nikita Kellogg
Elijiah Cole Lambert
Jerzey Lawler
Avalee Susan Little
Gavin James Lutz
Bentley Michael Mcduffie
Hunter Reed McIntosh
Brielle Raine Molina
Logan Alexander Nasser
Xavier Lee Perry Robinson
Autumn Polaczek
Tucker Lee Pruiett
Emory Grace Renfroe
Nolan Dwight Seidlitz
Paige Elizabeth Siuts
Brody Lee Skibbe
Lila Rose Souza
Elizabeth Ann Stewart
Giselle Ann Thomas
Haven Marie Thomas
Liam Thomas
Jaylynn Whiteside
Jase William Kenneth Wierman
Abel James Wilson
Jordan Lily Zoch

7th Grade Honor Roll

Valerie Sky Abon
Bentley Kaidyn Bednar
Rya Jolee Bialeschki
Bailey Block
Liam Aeron Blom
Isaac Mathew Boitnott
Rowan Bryant
Harper Christine Causey
Raeann Loucille Cozad
Raymond Curtsinger
Olivia Kate Davis
Greyson Zachary DeHart
Luke JR Dougherty
Brady Gallagher Eckstein
Tinsley Layne Elliott
Kenzlee Rae Evans
Evelyn Anne Gould
Natalie May Gumbel-Paeth
Addilynn Mae Hatfield
Benjamin Isaac Hoewing
Finnegan Samuel Bowie Isberg
Matthew Stephen Kroes
Azaria Christianne Lisanby
Adeliah June Little
Jack Thomas Ludwinski
Collin Danger Manion
Owen Thomas Menacher
Finn Alexander Merkle
Graham Charles Moore
Ellie Rose Parker-Johnson
Maxwell Tyler Pound
Makena Jade Pruitt
Riker Alan Rogers
Kyle Sean Roosevelt
Jonah Ryan Schriefer
Ezra Alan Schultze
Layla Marie Scott
Daisy Mae Stierwalt
Clementine Lucille Summitt
Silas Richard Swim
Jaycob David Tatman
Trystan Leon Trolia
Owen Robert Vasey
Lucy Jeane Weaver
Jovianna Hilton Wishall
Phoebe Ashlynn Witheft

8th Grade Honor Roll

Sawyer Michael Abrahamson
Kelsey Marie Adcock
Grace Bailey
Ty Craig Benedict
Ella Addyson Bromley
Ryker Cenzano
Hadley Marie Cler
Hayden Curtsinger
Emma Nicole Denney
Katelyn Dhom
Giulietta DiBello
Sophia Hope Dillman
Evan Matthew Donaldson
Jase Charles Eisenmenger
Keelie Rae Germano
Aubrie Paige Gumm
Samuel Bentley Hollett
Owen Dean Hottman
Cora Dee Leonard
Owen Michael Lighty
Liam Hayes Logsdon
Russell Patrick McCabe
Addyson Jo McIntosh
Lane Lucas Meharry
Lilly Madelyn Meharry
Ellery Merkle
Emma Grace Mohr
Lillian Calen Mohr
Alexis Nicole OBryan
Parker William Thomson Owens
Marley Rae Parks
Jaxon David Pendleton
Logan Harvey Reimer Couch
Henry Scott Ritchie
Connor Allen Schwartz-Rouse
Austin David Shafer
Trevor James Shallenberger
Jasper Lee Souza
Tucker Douglas Stierwalt
Ryder Vincent Stipp
Cade Robert Styan
Jayden Michael Terven
Deklyn James Thomas
Henry Joseph White
Za'Brya White-Thompson
Bryson Matthew Williams
Alec Wishall
Ethan Matthew Wishall

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Guest Commentary |Americans are living under greater financial burden

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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The average monthly car payment for a new vehicle is $734 according to second-quarter 2024 Experian data — up 0.1% year after year. Used cars have an average monthly payment of $525, down 2.1%. Meanwhile, new lease payments average $586, a 2.3% decrease.

The average house payment is around $2,700 per month.

The average rent payment is between $1,300 and $1,789 per month.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average single person can spend between $238.46 and $434.33 per month on groceries. Many factors will impact a given individual's expenses, such as location and eating style.

The average family spends about $270 at the grocery store per week, but that number increases when children are taken into account. Families with kids spend an average of $331 a week on groceries or 41% more than families without kids. USA Today Jan. 20, 2024

The average cost of utilities in the U.S. is $500 to $600 per month or $6,000 to $7,200 per year, including electricity, gas, water, sewer, phone, internet, and streaming or cable TV services. Utility bills depend on your location, home and household size, individual utility usage, and your home's efficiency. March 13, 2024 Home Guide

On average, Americans spend between $150 and $200 per month on gas. The amount spent on gas depends on a number of factors, including:

• State: Gas prices vary by state.
• Lifestyle: Factors such as driving habits can affect how much is spent on gas.
• Vehicle type: The type of vehicle a person drives can impact how much they spend on gas. For example, drivers of full-size SUVs pay more on gas than drivers of subcompact or compact cars.

In 2023, the average cost of health insurance in the United States was $8,435 per year for single coverage and $23,968 per year for family coverage. This was a 7% increase from 2022.

The United States has one of the highest costs of healthcare in the world. In 2022, U.S. healthcare spending reached $4.5 trillion, which averages to $13,493 per person. By comparison, the average cost of healthcare per person in other wealthy countries is less than half as much.

For children attending public school from kindergarten to 12th grade, parents can expect to spend a total of roughly $162,899.86 on their child's education and related activities.

Unfortunately, it takes money to pay the bills. Living a modest lifestyle requires a monthly intake of cash - a lot of cash.

You might survive for a while on a small income but as you can see from any of the items above that a modest income makes life a strain when it comes to paying the bills.

Many Americans are already working two jobs. The runaway cost-of-living in America has made it almost impossible for average people to keep their heads above water. Anything that you buy costs a fortune. The cost-of-living increase needs to come to a halt so that Americans can catch up. Until this happens millions of Americans will continue to experience financial strain.

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Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. 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.

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