Guest Commentary | "I believe she will be much worse"

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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This may be the most frightening Halloween of all time. People across America are scared stiff as we are bombarded 24-hours a day with terrifying scenes splashed across television, our telephones and tablets. We can’t get away from the howls, screeches, growls, ghastly facial expressions and horned headed characters spewing menacing rhetoric. All of this has been brought to us by our Democratic and Republican parties.

The scariest part of Halloween is that there will be five more days of political campaigning and political advertisements. But wait, what happens if the election is so close and so tight that a winner is not able to be called next Tuesday night? What happens if the voting is so close that several of the states must recount and recount? We could be in for the longest Halloween in American history.

We are already scared to death. Democrats hate Trump and are terrified he might win. There is no limit on what is being said about him. Any woman who will come forth with a damaging comment about Trump will have the national spotlight. Anyone who can come up with a scenario that would make Trump the illegitimate son or grandson of Hitler will receive airtime on national television. Of course, Republicans will play Kamala’s bloopers, giggles and nonsensical answers time and again. By the way, whatever happened to the Obama slogan, “Whenever they go low, we go high?”

Just hope, and I mean hope and pray that whoever wins this election wins decisively so that when we go to bed either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning that we know for certain who has been elected President of the United States.

Most everyone knows I’ve already voted for Trump. This doesn’t make me hate you if you vote for Kamala Harris. I just think you are making a bad decision. There are probably other people who write for this very good news source who have a differing opinion. What makes a newspaper or news blog good is the ability to print both sides of a viewpoint. Most of us long for the old days when television anchors presented the news and all sides of the story.

Trump is strong on border security. It’s a no-brainer that our country is in trouble with so many millions illegally entering the country. We are losing our country. We are becoming a third world country right before our eyes.

Our military and Veterans were treated well under Trump. We need a strong military. We had achieved worldwide peace under Trump. What is going on between Ukraine and Russia and now North Korea is draining our country financially. The billions of dollars never seem to stop flowing out to Ukraine. The Middle East is now a powder keg that could ignite World War III.

I can’t see Kamala Harris commanding respect from any of the other world leaders in discussions to solve the conflicts. What would she do? Call Oprah, Taylor Swift, or Beyonce?

Trump has promised he will do away with seniors paying tax on their social security benefits. This would save 70 million seniors in this country. Trump’s policy on energy will be a boom to the United States. America drills oil and gas and burns both cleaner than any other nation. China, India and Russia are going to continue with oil and gas. We can do it much cleaner than them and financially save our country. We should also use our own wind, oil, gas and coal. A balanced approach will help our nation as well as our entire planet.

With Kamala we will get four more years of what we’ve had, maybe. She won’t be as good as Joe Biden. I believe she will be much, much worse. Will she be able to take the abortion issue away from the states? It is doubtful. For years, Congress wanted to put this in the hands of the states and it is unlikely it will ever be taken away.

On Wednesday, November 6th, we are still Americans. We need to act like it regardless of the election outcome. We must work for the good of this country and always work to help each other be the best Americans we can be.

On November 6th, let’s end Halloween and begin our season of Thanksgiving.

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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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Tigers exit soccer postseason in a heartbreaking thriller

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

With Mahomet-Seymour defender Ethan Ramirez on his heals, Urbana's Nana Winner fires a shot on the Mahomet-Seymour goal. Winner missed the mark on the second half shot that could have extended the Tigers' season another week.

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URBANA - In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs clinched their second consecutive regional title in a nail-biting penalty shootout against the Urbana Tigers. The game, played on a chilly day at Randy Blackman Field in Urbana on Friday, was a testament to the grit and tenacity of both teams, with neither able to break the deadlock in regulation time or the two 10-minute overtime periods.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Bulldogs' Travis Hoffman and Tigers' Matthew Bodony leap to win a header during second half action. Despite controlling the tempo and their aggressive attacks on the Mahomet-Seymour goal in the second half, Urbana could not catch a break getting the ball in the net.

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Expectations were high for the Tigers after shutting out Danville 7-zip in Tuesday's semifinal match.

"I think we finally hit our stride at the right point of the season," Urbana head coach Mikki Kowalski said after the victory propelled the Tigers on a collision course with the Bulldogs. "We struggled to have shutouts. It is finally nice to get one in a game that means something."

Kowalski, urged the team to stay focused and continue applying the strategy they had practiced during their halftime huddle. "We keep moving the ball, chances are we will get clear opportunities," Kowalski said. "When you see their back line move, apply a little more pressure."

Urbana keeper Jevan Juday echoed his coach's sentiments, advising his teammates to focus on 1-2 touches when the Bulldogs pressed too hard for the ball.

"If we play one-two touch, it is going to benefit us," he said, pointing out that whenever the Tigers got the ball into Mahomet-Seymour's half of the field, the Tigers had the advantage of numbers pressing the ball forward. "Everything has to be 100%. Boom-boom-boom."

Urbana dominated ball possession for the majority of the second half, creating numerous opportunities and taking solid shots on goal. However, they found an insurmountable obstacle in Bulldog Keeper Hayden Litteken. The senior made 17 crucial saves during his 100 minutes on the field.

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Left: Urbana's Isaac Quintas keeps the ball away from a Mahomet-Seymour challenger. Middle: Hayden Litteken makes a diving save for the Bulldogs before Tigers' Fortunel Nana could tap the ball to finish. Right: UHS' Hayden Barton takes possession of the ball in the second half. Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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Urbana, 11-9-1 for the season, matched its opponents, kick for kick, in the shootout under the lights until the seventh, a miss that handed the IHSA championship plaque to Mahomet-Seymour (16-7-2). Bulldogs' Kade Smith, a freshman who didn't miss, slipped the ball into the Urbana goal for the win.

Mahomet-Seymour, no stranger to postseason drama, had previously won their regional semifinal match against Mt. Zion in overtime earlier in the week, handing the Braves a 3-2 loss via the decisive goal in the first overtime session.

With the victory, Mahomet-Seymour advances to the Warrensburg-Latham sectional, where they will face Glenwood High School on Wednesday at 4 pm. The winner of that match will take on the victor of the other sectional semifinal between Champaign Centennial (13-7-2) and Springfield High School (16-7), both of whom finished third in their respective athletic conferences.

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Keywords: Mahomet-Seymour soccer, Urbana soccer, Regional title match, Penalty kick shootout, Illinois high school soccer, Hayden Litteken

Despite earlier milestones, Spartans soccer season ends with loss to Pioneers

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Exhausted and heartbroken, junior Zach Harper (standing) and senior Logan Mills take a moment to regain their composure after Spartans' season-ending loss to Normal U-High at the Monticello Sectional on Saturday.

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MONTICELLO - St. Joseph-Ogden’s remarkable soccer season came to a close on Saturday as they fell 6-0 to Normal University High School in the sectional semifinal at Monticello’s soccer complex. The Spartans, who had been dominant throughout the season, were held scoreless for the first time all year in a tough matchup against the defending Class 1A state runner-up.

The loss marked only the Spartans' third defeat of the season, finishing with a 22-3-1 record. Despite the disappointment, SJO can look back on a historic campaign, having scored 172 goals this season, more than any other team in Illinois High School Association (IHSA) history, regardless of class. The Spartans also set a program record with 22 wins, showcasing the team’s growth and offensive prowess.

Coming into the sectional semifinal on the back of a five-game winning streak, where they outscored opponents 45-5, the Spartans had every reason to be confident. However, U-High’s precision and disciplined play proved too much to handle. The Pioneers, now 21-5-1, displayed their experience and senior leadership, especially in the first half, where they quickly established control of the match by scoring four goals.

U-High’s defense was equally impressive. Known for their tight formations and tactical discipline, the Pioneers managed to stifle SJO’s high-powered offense throughout the game. The Spartans, who had averaged nine goals per match in their previous five games, struggled to create meaningful chances. Normal’s defense consistently denied the Spartans any scoring opportunities, particularly during the first 28 minutes of the second half when SJO was desperately searching for a breakthrough.

The Spartans’ best opportunity came late in the match when Zach Harper broke free of U-High’s defensive line with just over five minutes left. Harper’s one-on-one chance against Pioneer goalkeeper Noah Grieshaber could have ended SJO’s scoring drought, but Grieshaber came up with a crucial stop, preserving the shutout and sealing the Pioneers’ victory.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Logan Mills tries to dribble the ball around Normal University's Bryce Nicolas-Penn (right) and Connor Evans during the first half.

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Normal U-High’s balanced performance, marked by precise passing and organized teamwork, propelled them into the sectional final. They will face Fisher-GCMS (20-3-1) on Tuesday in what promises to be a highly competitive match.

For St. Joseph-Ogden, Saturday’s defeat brought an end to a memorable season. Led by seniors like Alexis Acosta Reyes, Carter Turner, and Logan Mills, the Spartans will be remembered for their record-breaking offensive achievements and their resilience throughout the year. In head coach Chris Stevens’ second term, the Spartans compiled an impressive 36-11-1 record over two seasons, cementing their status as one of the top programs in Class 1A.

As the Spartans reflect on a year filled with highlights, including three more wins than any previous team in program history, the foundation is in place for a successful campaign in 2025. With underclassmen like Harper and sophomore goalkeeper Jaxson Colvin set to return next season, the future remains bright for St. Joseph-Ogden soccer.

This year's team seniors included Alexis Acosta Reyes, Carson Sharp, Carter Turner, Davin Alvarez, Eli Birt, Logan Mills, Logan Patton, and Will Besson. Juniors on the squad included Branson Pearman, Rudra Chaudhary, Chris Coffey, Cooper Kietzman, Quinn Stahl, and Zach Harper. Jaxson Colvin, Nicholas Harris, Skyler Graham, Steven Newman, Tyler Hess, Waylon Jones, and Yadiel Acosta Reyes made up the sophomore class, with Hunter Cler as the only freshman on this year's varsity squad.

Stevens was assisted this season by Dan Ahart and Marcus Harris.

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Keywords: St. Joseph-Ogden soccer sectional semifinal, SJO vs Normal U-High soccer playoff Illinois high school soccer Class 1A, Normal University High soccer win over SJO, IHSA soccer playoff results 2023, SJO soccer record-breaking season

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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