Stockton’s experience and composure showed after falling behind early. Key performances from Sadie Johnson and Kaydra Wright fueled the comeback.
NORMAL - For two sets, Stockton and Norris City-Omaha-Enfield traded punches like teams that had no intention of letting their seasons end. But once the third set began, once the Lady Blackhawks grabbed those first three points with the kind of urgency you can feel through the floorboards — something shifted. You could see it on their faces. You could hear it in the crack of their swings. And you could feel the question building around CEFCU Arena: Were they about to seize their moment?
They were.
Stockton (35-5) stormed past NCOE 2-1 on Friday in a Class 1A state semifinal win that turned a tense stalemate into a runaway finish. After dropping the opening set 25-17, the Lady Blackhawks clawed their way through a nail-biting 25-23 second set, planting the seeds of a comeback that fully bloomed in the third. Once they jumped in front 3-0, the match leaned sharply their way, and never leaned back. Stockton closed out the decider 25-13, punching its ticket into Saturday morning’s championship match.
That surge wasn’t subtle, it was a hammer hitting its mark.
Sadie Johnson led the effort with 14 kills and eight digs, providing the steady presence Stockton needed whenever the Cardinals made a push. Taylor Haas added nine kills and three block assists, helping disrupt NCOE’s rhythm at the net, while three more teammates — Kaydra Wright, Emma Eisfeller and Ireland Mensendike, each delivered five kills to deepen the attack.
Defense cleaned up everything behind them, with Natalee Sullivan covering 19 digs and extending rallies that Stockton’s offense eventually turned into points. Wright set the entire operation in motion with 30 assists, finding hot hands and keeping NCOE’s blockers guessing.
But if Stockton’s performance felt big, it had to, the moment was big. This is only the second state finals appearance in program history, and last year’s run ended one step short in the title match. That loss stayed with them, quietly sharpening their focus for another shot. And as the third set stretched on, you could almost sense the past getting rewritten in real time.
NCOE (38-2), making the fourth state finals appearance in school history and their first since taking third in 2022, came out strong behind Sydnee Sauls’ 12 kills and eight digs. Hayden Knight added 10 kills as the Cardinals controlled much of the first set. But when Stockton answered in the second, momentum found a new home and didn’t leave.
The Cardinals will face Tremont for third place after the Turks fell to Cissna Park in straight sets earlier in the day.
Stockton now turns its attention toward the biggest stage of all. The Lady Blackhawks will meet Cissna Park in the Class 1A state title match at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, a moment they’ve chased since the heartbreak of last November.
More Sports Stories
TAGS: Illinois soccer recruiting 2026, Fighting Illini women’s soccer, Katie Hultin Illinois coach, Big Ten soccer news, University of Illinois athletics
TAGS: Stockton vs NCOE Class 1A semifinal volleyball recap, Illinois high school volleyball state finals 2024 Stockton, NCOE Cardinals volleyball postseason performance analysis, Stockton Lady Blackhawks road to Class 1A state title match, CEFCU Arena Class 1A volleyball championship preview
Reducing home expenses starts with efficient appliances, responsible water use, and renewable energy options. Preventive maintenance helps avoid costly breakdowns, lowering your overall spending on utilities and other energy costs.
Illustration: AI_Solution/Pixabay
You can reduce your monthly bill by turning off lights, fans, and electronics when not in use to prevent unnecessary energy consumption. It is a good idea to take advantage of natural light during the day. Open your curtains or blinds to brighten your home and save money on your utility bill every month.
by Casey Cartwright Contributor Writer
Saving money on household expenses doesn't have to mean giving up the things you enjoy or sacrificing your comfort. With the right strategies, you can achieve a more energy-efficient home, reduce utility bills, and contribute to a healthier environment, all at the same time. From small, everyday changes to larger, long-term investments, there are countless ways to make your home more cost-effective and sustainable.
This article will guide you through practical and actionable tips to help you cut costs without compromising your lifestyle. Whether you're looking to lower your electricity usage, conserve water, or enhance your home's overall efficiency, these solutions can work for any budget. Start your journey toward smarter, savings-focused living today!
Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
One of the most effective steps to cutting down utility expenses is updating your home appliances. Older refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers consume more electricity and water than you might realize. Energy-efficient appliances, on the other hand, utilize advanced technologies that use less power while maintaining superior performance. Look for models with the ENERGY STAR label, a certification that guarantees energy savings.
While the upfront cost of newer appliances may seem higher, they pay off over time through reduced electricity and water bills. Energy-efficient LED lighting can also replace traditional bulbs to bring reductions in energy use. By making these modern upgrades, not only do you save money, but you also reduce your home’s environmental footprint. If you have an older home, updating your appliances is just one of several ways to improve your overall energy efficiency; consider other methods that can benefit you.
Improve Your Home's Insulation
Heating and cooling costs are some of the largest contributors to household utility bills. Poor insulation allows air to escape, causing your heating or air conditioning systems to work harder and consume more energy. To address this, ensure that your home is well-insulated, particularly in key areas such as the attic, walls, and floors.
Weatherstripping gaps around doors and windows is another cost-effective way to keep the desired temperature inside your home. Another vital tool is using a programmable thermostat. These devices allow you to regulate your home's temperature efficiently, ensuring you’re not wasting energy when no one is home. With better insulation, you’ll notice an immediate drop in your heating and cooling expenses.
Be Mindful of Water Use
Water bills are an often-overlooked area where you can make changes to reduce spending. Small adjustments can go a long way, such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or fixing leaky faucets promptly. Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets in your bathrooms is a simple way to conserve water while maintaining comfort.
Consider upgrading to a water-efficient toilet, which can save gallons of water with every flush. Running washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads minimizes waste. For landscaping, choose local, drought-resistant plants that require minimal watering. These small measures can collectively shrink your water usage and, in turn, your utility bills.
Photo: StockSnap/Pixabay
Turn off computers and power strips when not in use. Many will still draw a "phantom load" when not in use.
Adopt Energy-Saving Habits
Changing your everyday habits can have a remarkable impact on energy bills; turn off lights, fans, and electronics when not in use to prevent unnecessary energy consumption. Consider unplugging devices such as chargers, computers, and kitchen appliances when they’re not needed, as many still draw power in standby mode, a phenomenon known as "phantom load."
Better yet, invest in smart power strips, which automatically shut off power to devices when they are idle. Another simple yet powerful step is to maximize natural light during the day. Open your curtains or blinds to brighten your home instead of relying on artificial lighting. These efforts may seem small but, when done consistently, they significantly reduce your monthly expenses over time.
Optimize Internet and Cable Costs
Your internet and cable bills may feel like fixed expenses, but there is often room for negotiation. Start by assessing your current plan and usage, then, if you’re paying for services or channels you don’t use, switch to a more suitable package.
Many providers offer discounts for bundling internet, phone, and cable services together, so ask about deals. You might also benefit from periodically negotiating your contract terms, as loyal customers are sometimes eligible for reduced rates. Alternatively, consider cutting out cable altogether in favor of streaming services, which often provide greater flexibility at a fraction of the cost.
Regular Maintenance Prevents Big Costs
Home maintenance may not be the first thing you think of when considering ways to save, but regular upkeep can help prevent major repair bills down the line. Schedule routine check-ups for your HVAC system to ensure it’s running efficiently.
Clean or replace air filters every few months to maintain airflow and energy efficiency, and inspect appliances like water heaters, stoves, and refrigerators regularly to identify potential issues early. Addressing small problems before they escalate keeps your appliances and systems running smoothly, reducing the risk of large unexpected expenses.
Shop Smarter for Household Supplies
Another way to cut monthly costs is by rethinking how you shop. Buying cleaning products, toiletries, and non-perishable items in bulk often provides significant discounts. Keep an eye out for sales or use digital coupons to save on regular purchases.
Consider switching to store-brand alternatives, they're often just as effective as name-brand options but come at a much lower price. When it comes to fresh food, meal planning and buying seasonal produce can also help you stretch your grocery budget further. Frugal shopping habits ensure you're getting the most value for every dollar spent.
Transition to Renewable Energy
If you’re ready to make a long-term investment in reducing recurring expenses, think about transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar panels. While the initial setup cost is significant, government incentives and reduced electricity bills make it a worthwhile option in the long term.
Solar energy systems enable you to generate your own electricity, lessening or even eliminating your reliance on your local power grid. As an added bonus, this investment also increases the overall value of your home. Renewable energy isn't just about saving on bills; it’s a smart choice for a sustainable future.
Save on Expenses Today
Knowing how you can reduce your home’s monthly bills doesn’t require massive sacrifices. A combination of upgrading appliances, improving insulation, adopting energy-saving habits, and using smarter strategies for water and other utilities can lead to substantial savings. Many of these steps also benefit the environment, making your home more efficient and sustainable. Whether you start small or opt for bigger changes, cutting costs while maintaining comfort is entirely within reach. By implementing these tips, you can create an affordable and energy-conscious household.
Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
More Home Improvement Stories
Tags: energy-efficient ways to lower monthly household bills, how to reduce home utility costs without sacrificing comfort, affordable home upgrades for long-term energy savings, practical tips to cut electricity, water, and heating expenses, budget-friendly strategies to improve overall home efficiency
Four Illini Prairie players make the Class 3A all-state list. Two quarterbacks and a lineman from the Sentinel area will be honored at the state football playoffs.
URBANA - Three Sentinel area athletes earned All-State recognition from the Illinois High School Coaches Association. Monticello Sages' Nolan Buehnerkemper, St. Joseph-Ogden's Cameron Wagner, and Unity's Dane Eisenmenger were names among the 18 Class 3A players on this year list.
Rounding out the Illini Prairie Conference selectees is Bloomington Central Catholic's Valshun Powe. While Powe and Buehnerkemper's seasons came to a close after last Saturday's second-round losses, Wagner's Spartans and Rockets' Eisenmenger have unfinished business to attend to this Saturday in quarterfinal action.
Eisenmenger will try to lead the Unity past Williamsville on the road. The Rockets lead the series 3-2 between the two programs since the 2012 season. The winner of the contest will face the winner of the St. Joseph-Ogden and Vandalia.
OL - Coleson Miller Sr
WR/TE - Tre Hoggard Sr
WR/TE - Tyler Henry Sr
RB - Crewe Eckstein Sr
QB - Dane Eisenmenger Sr
Wagner and the Spartans enjoy their first home playoff game on Saturday, hosting the undefeated Vandals. Their opponent's 11-0 record won't intimidate SJO, who knocked off the undefeated Benton Rangers with field goal at the buzzer in their first-round playoff game.
Here is a look at our area 3A all-staters.
Dane Eisenmenger
Senior - Unity - QB
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Cameron Wagner
Junior - St. Joseph-Ogden - OL
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Nolan Buehnerkemper
Senior - Monticello - DB/QB/K
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Valshun Powe
Senior - Bloomington Central Catholic - RB/DB
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
The other Class 3A players earning recognition from the coaching association include:(Name, Year, School, Position)
Grant Bowen, Sophomore - IC Catholic Prep - WR/LB
Hunter Carley, Junior - Richmond-Burton - RB/LB
Caden Considine, Senior - Byron - LB/RB
Kohnor Depew, Senior - Vandalia - WR/DB
Casey Etheridge, Senior - Princeton - RB/DB
Nick Huston, Senior - Monmouth-Roseville - RB/LB
Blake Livdahl, Junior - Richmond - LB/RB
Jimmy Lollar, Junior - Olympia - RB
Levi Mallette, Senior - Hope Academy - OL/DL
Julius May, Senior - Bishop McNamara - RB/LB
Ethan McCommons, Senior - Benton - LB/OL
Matthew Miller, Senior - Williamsville - RB
Andrew Talbert, Junior - Byron - DB/QB
Dylan White, Senior - Durand-Pecatonica - OL/DL
More Sports Stories
TAGS: Unity's Dane Eisenmenger named to 3A All-State list, SJO's Cam Wagner makes All-State as sophomore, Monticello quarterback Nolan Buehnerkemper get the nod for all-state
BLOOMINGTON - Riverdale's James Moorhusen (left) and his dad, Mike, head to the club house at the Prairie Vista Golf Course after IHSA officials put first-round action on hold during a brief snowstorm on October 12, 2018, at the IHSA Boys Golf State Finals. The tournament was paused just past the midway point for many golfers due to heavy snow flurries in the Bloomington-Normal area. The tournament resumes on Saturday morning. Moorhusen, a sophomore who helped the Rams win the St. Regional and Freeport Sectional, went on to finish tied for 91st place, shooting a 96 on the second day. Partial scores from the first day were not included in the final tabulation.
Past Photos of the Day
TAGS: Photo of the Day, Riverdale sophomore James Moorhusen, Snowstorm cancels IHSA golf, IHSA golf tournament postponed, Port Byron Riverdale golfer at state tournament
Coach Katie Hultin continues to reshape Illinois soccer with a strong 2026 recruiting class featuring seven promising players.
CHAMPAIGN - Illinois soccer’s future got a major boost this week as head coach Katie Hultin unveiled a seven-player signing class that stretches from coast to coast — and across the border. The 2026 recruiting class features a diverse group of student-athletes who bring international experience, national recognition, and a shared belief in what Hultin’s program is building in Champaign.
“This group represents everything we value — character, talent, and commitment,” Hultin said in announcing the class. “Each of them brings something unique that will help us continue to compete at a high level in the Big Ten.”
Leading the new class is Abby Anderson, a forward from Surrey, British Columbia. A standout for Unity FC and Surrey United SC, Anderson was named the 2023 Surrey United Female Player of the Year and earned the Dana Cup U17 Best Player Award. She also played for Canada’s U17 National Team pool. “I love the environment and the tight-knit group of kind players and coaches,” Anderson said. “I could definitely see myself growing as a player and as an individual at Illinois.”
From Indiana, Cadence Conrad joins the Illini midfield after a strong run with Indy Premier SC and William Henry Harrison High School. Known for her high work rate and leadership, Conrad said she was drawn to Illinois’ “amazing atmosphere” and “family environment.”
Presli Houk, a dynamic attacking player from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, arrives with a strong scoring pedigree. The Sporting Blue Valley standout has tallied double-digit goals in each of the last three seasons and helped her club capture the 2024 North American Cup title. She’s a two-time All-State selection and a 2026 Top-20 Kansas City soccer prospect.
In the forward group, Avia Hughes from League City, Texas, adds international experience to the mix. A former participant in four U.S. National Team camps and a 2025 Ghana U21 National Team invitee, Hughes brings both flair and discipline to the attack. “Illinois feels like the perfect place for me to continue developing my skills and preparing for the professional level,” she said.
They’re winners, competitors, and great representatives of what it means to be a Fighting Illini.
In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.
From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 13 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.
Experts warn that proposed work requirements and budget cuts to HUD programs could strip families of rental assistance and permanent housing benefits.
byFarrah Hassen OtherWords
President Trump isn’t only bulldozing the East Wing of the White House with the help of his billionaire friends. The former developer is also taking a wrecking ball to affordable housing.
Amid historically high housing costs, declining wages, and record homelessness, the Trump administration is upending longstanding federal housing policy that serves the nation’s poorest residents. That could be especially devastating in Illinois, which has among the highest rates of homelessness in the country according to federal data.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assistance programs support over 8 million people — mostly seniors, those with disabilities, and families with children — by providing public housing units or rental subsidies. This assistance has also been shown to improve food security and nutrition for low-income households.
However, ProPublica reports that the Trump administration is planning changes that could take away this support from millions.
One proposed regulation would allow local housing authorities — and even private landlords — to impose work requirements and time limits on public housing and vouchers for families without an elderly or disabled head of household.
While the administration claims this rule would promote “self-sufficiency,” advocates like the National Housing Law Project’s Deborah Thrope argue that these work requirements are actually “a way to strip families of their benefits.”
Most non-elderly, non-disabled households who receive assistance already include at least one person who works. And there’s little evidence that arbitrary time limits or work requirements help move people off subsidies. They certainly don’t make housing more affordable.
This draft rule reflects the Trump administration’s larger approach to housing: Punishing those in need but failing to address affordability — the primary driver of homelessness.
Today, a person who works full-time at minimum wage cannot afford a safe place to live almost anywhere in the country. Many are forced to rely on safety net programs — like rental assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid — that Trump is slashing to prioritize tax breaks for billionaires.
Already, Trump’s 2026 budget proposes to cut federal rental assistance by a devastating 43 percent. The administration is also seeking to dramatically cut federal funds for permanent housing to prevent homelessness.
According to internal HUD documents obtained by Politico, the department intends to cap 2026 funding for permanent housing projects, cutting spending by over half and moving funds instead to transitional housing assistance with work or service requirements.
If implemented, these cuts could result in over 170,000 people losing housing assistance and falling into homelessness. Without permanent housing and supportive services, which evidence has repeatedly shown is the most effective way to solve homelessness, more people will end up being shuffled between temporary shelters or forced to live on the streets.
Investing in temporary shelter over permanent housing is wasteful and ineffective. It’s a Band-Aid for our country’s larger failure to ensure adequate housing as a human right and a basic need for all people.
In fact, Trump’s gutting of housing assistance, Medicaid, and SNAP directly violates our rights to housing, health care, and food, which are all recognized under international law as among the universal human rights that governments must protect. These are not bargaining chips to be used and abused by out-of-touch politicians.
Our government refuses to recognize these rights because, under our current economic system, the wealthy see social goods like housing as commodities to be bought up at the expense of working people.
We can overcome these policy choices that favor the wealthy by demanding that our government invest in social programs through taxing the rich.
We should double down on real housing solutions, like increasing federal rental subsidies and enhancing tenant protections. We also need publicly funded housing (or “social housing”) that exists outside the private market and remains permanently affordable.
In the world’s wealthiest nation, our needs and fundamental human rights should never be defunded or negotiated away to subsidize billionaires, the bloated $1 trillion Pentagon budget, and earmarks for a cruel mass deportation and detention system.
The foundation for our nation’s housing policies should be built on the human right to housing, not the private profit of billionaires and real estate speculators.
OtherWords columnist Farrah Hassen, J.D., is a writer, policy analyst, and educator. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.
Stockton volleyball players celebrate their 2-1 win over Hartsburg-Emden during semifinal action at the 2024 IHSA state volleyball championships. The Lady Blackhawks dropped the first set 11-25, then stormed back to win the last two 25-20, 25-21 to advance to the Class 1A title game. The team is back at CEFCU again this year in the program's second state finals appearance.
NORMAL - If you can't make it to the CEFCU Arena to watch semifinal championship on Friday, you can catch all the action online via the NFHS Network. Viewers can subscribe to watch games on various platforms, including computers, mobile devices, and third-party apps like Roku and Apple TV.
Below is Friday's broadcast schedule. Click the image to watch the game.
Nov 14, 2025 - 10:00 AM EST
2025 IHSA 1A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #1 Norris City-Omaha-Enfield High School vs Stockton High School
Nov 14, 2025 - 11:30 AM EST
2025 IHSA 1A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #2 Tremont vs Cissna Park
Nov 14, 2025 - 1:00 AM EST
2025 IHSA 2A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #1 Columbia vs Rockford Christian
Nov 14, 2025 - 2:30 AM EST
2025 IHSA 2A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #2 Central Catholic vs Riverdale
Nov 14, 2025 - 5:00 AM EST
2025 IHSA 3A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #1 Nazareth Academy vs Providence Catholic
Nov 14, 2025 - 6:30 AM EST
2025 IHSA 3A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #2 University vs Prairie Ridge
Nov 14, 2025 - 8:00 PM EST
2025 IHSA 4A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #1 Benet Academy vs Lockport Township
Nov 14, 2025 - 9:30 PM EST
2025 IHSA 4A Girls Volleyball Semifinals #2 Marist vs Fremd
The Sentinel may receive a commission if you click on our links and make a purchase. This does not impact our reviews or recommendations for the service provider.
In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.
From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 12 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.
Taking on one of personal care's least-talked-about problems
(PRNewswire) Chicago -- There are products for sweaty armpits, sweaty feet and sweaty faces. But when sweat shows up somewhere a little less comfortable to talk about, the options get limited fast.
Chicago-based Cheek Sheets is looking to change that.
Cheek Sheets today announced the launch of its namesake absorbent sheets, an ultra-thin, dry and discreet personal-care product designed to help absorb sweat and manage unwanted moisture between the cheeks before it becomes uncomfortable, embarrassing or funky.
Discover the headlines published on each of these days from our news and sports coverage from Champaign‑Urbana and the wider community. From local news and sports to community events, politics, and opinion pieces, The Sentinel archives capture the stories that shaped life in Champaign County year after year.
OtherWords columnist Farrah Hassen, J.D., is a writer, policy analyst, and educator. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.
In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.
From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 12 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.