Frick delivers game-high 3 RBI, SJO splits doubleheader on the road

The St. Joseph-Ogden softball squad split their doubleheader this morning against Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammon.

In game one, the SJO faced Makenzie Brown, the best opposing pitcher the team has seen so far this season. Brown struck out 16 of the 23 Spartans she faced across seven innings to lead her team to a 2-1 victory on her home diamond.

Sophia Martlage winds up for a pitch against the Centennial Chargers. The senior went 3-for-4 and stole two bases in game two of the Spartans' road campaign against the Knights of ALAH.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Peyton Jones led SJO with 3 hits and plated a run on line drive to right field that allowed Sophia Martlage to score in the 5th inning. Jones added one stolen base and celebrated at double during the non-conference contest.

Down 2-1 at the top of the 6th and struggling to put the ball in play, the Spartans was able to put the ball in play just three more times across to frames.

Despite striking out just two batters, Martlage, who unloaded 47 strikes out of her 60 pitches, gave up two runs on six hits.

With Brown out of the way, game two was a different tale. St. Joseph-Ogden pounded out 13 hits to take the second game, 10-4.

Between the top of the 3rd and the start of the bottom, the Spartans scored seven runs to go up 7-1 on six singles and four walks.

Jones, Martlage, Halle Brazelton, Grace Goldenstein, Addy Martinie, Addison Frick and Audrey Short all scored in the rally.

Alyssa Acton earned the win in game two for SJO after a 75-pitch, five-inning appearance. She struck out three along the way.

The Spartan offense was led by the trio of Martlage, Hudson and Jones with three hits each. Frick, who had a game-high 3 RBI, and Short had two apiece of the team's 13.

St. Joseph-Ogden, who plays at home on Wednesday against Villa Grove, tallied seven stolen bases on the Knights.

SJO softball team picks up another win

St. Joseph-Ogden shortstop Shayne Immke lunges toward a ground ball during SJO's home softball game against Tri-Valley. The Spartans, thanks to a single run plated in the bottom of the third by Addison Frick, pulled out a 1-0 victory on Wednesday to improve their record to 3-1. The Spartans play at home next on April 28 hosting the Blue Devils of Villa Grove.

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

5 strategies to consider for singles heading into retirement

Photo:Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

(StatePoint Media) -- Planning on retiring single? You aren’t alone.

Nearly 22 million Americans age 65 and older were unmarried in 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, representing 41.5% of those in that age category. And for women, it’s more likely to be the case. According to the Administration on Aging, 54% of older women are unmarried, as compared to 30% of older men.

In a study published in the "The Gerontologist", one-third of men and women between the ages of 45 and 63 who responded to the survey were single, most were never married or they were and now divorced. A small number were widowed.

Unmarried Baby Boomers face greater economic, health, and social challenges compared to their married peers in their later years.

"Retirement planning can be especially challenging for singles, who need to prepare without the decision-making and income support of a partner," says Scott Pedvis, financial advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors.

For those setting a course for solo retirement, Wells Fargo Advisors offers these five tips:

1. Create a fallback plan. Retirees commonly discover a gap between what they thought they’d need for retirement and what’s actually needed. And if you’re single, you may not have a second income stream to rely on should finances become unexpectedly disrupted. Periodically review your investment portfolio and build backup plans. Such contingency planning could involve more emergency savings and more robust disability and long-term care insurance protection than couples. You could also choose to take a part-time job for extra income.

2. Build a network of advisors. With autonomy sometimes comes a reluctance to seek advice. Consider forming a team of trusted professionals, including a financial advisor, accountant, attorney and healthcare providers.

3. Count on loved ones—to a point. Friends and family can be a lifeline in good times and times of need. However, ensuring they don’t take advantage of your independent status or create serious financial burdens for you is essential. For example, you should take extreme care before turning over financial matters to others. Stay actively involved and work with a trusted team to help make decisions in your best interests. Evaluate the possibility of engaging a corporate trustee to manage finances, should you become incapacitated.

4. Prepare key documents. According to Caring.com, more than half of American adults don’t have estate planning documents such as a will or trust. Don’t wait. Even if you’ve put some documents together, they may not ensure your wishes are carried out. Here are the key documents forming the foundation for most estate plans:

• Will
• Power of attorney (POA) for financial matters
• Durable power of attorney for health care
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) release authorization
• Living will
• Revocable living trust

To prevent confusion and misdirected bequests, carefully designate beneficiaries of IRAs, employer-sponsored retirement plans, insurance policies and annuities. Lay out clear directions for the distribution of remaining assets. Also, don’t forget about digital assets and accounts. Will your executor or trustee have proper authority to access and manage those items? Talk to your attorney about keeping digital planning secure and up-to-date.

5. Plan for change. Entering into a committed relationship could mean making adjustments. Look at your insurance coverage, emergency fund and future income plan.

Think about having a frank discussion with your new partner about how you’ll divide assets in the event of divorce or death. If ex-spouses or children are in the picture, consider managing finances and estate plans separately. With the assistance of your financial advisor and estate-planning attorney, you can establish a basic estate plan, and, as appropriate, discuss other strategies for preserving wealth.

"Planning for retirement is part of the financial journey. Key planning strategies can help you feel confident as you approach your golden years solo," says Pedvis.

For more information and guidance in planning your retirement, visit wellsfargoadvisors.com.