NORMAL - For the Illinois State men’s basketball program, the 2025-26 season began with a roar of expectation not heard in Normal, Illinois, for more than two decades. Head coach Ryan Pedon has meticulously rebuilt the program, culminating in a seismic announcement just weeks ago: The Redbirds were voted preseason favorites to win the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), a distinction they had not earned since the 2001-02 season.
The MVC media and coaches, giving the Redbirds 34 of 46 first-place votes, clearly bought into a deep, experienced core of returning talent. With a 22-win season and a CBI championship run in their rearview mirror, the Redbirds appeared ready to shed their 26-year NCAA Tournament drought.
The stage for their highly anticipated season debut was set just an hour’s drive southeast — a trip across I-74 to face the storied Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center. This was the moment for Pedon’s program to show its MVC hype could translate into Big Ten power.
For a moment, it did. The Redbirds battled hard, trading blows with the Illini and holding the score to a 9-9 tie early in the contest.
But the moment proved fleeting. The firepower and depth of the Big Ten’s No. 17-ranked squad quickly became too much. The game unraveled into a decisive 92-65 rout for Illinois — a lopsided final that served as a harsh, yet perhaps necessary, reality check.
The 27-point road defeat was a stark reminder that being the top dog in the Valley and competing with the nation’s elite are two different battles. For Illinois State, the dream is not derailed — it is simply deferred. The Redbirds return to Normal with their eyes fixed on the MVC prize but with a clear understanding of the climb that remains before they can compete on the national stage.
TAGS: Illinois State Redbirds basketball season opener 2025-26, Ryan Pedon rebuilds Illinois State basketball program, Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorites 2025, Illinois State vs Illinois Fighting Illini game recap, Redbirds aim to end NCAA Tournament drought 2025, Illinois State basketball high expectations under Pedon
DOWNS - In a commanding display of speed, discipline and depth, the Tri-Valley Vikings dismantled the Shelbyville Rams 50-6 on Friday night in Downs, Illinois. The victory, played under crisp October skies, marked a pivotal moment in Tri-Valley’s postseason trajectory and showcased a team firing on all cylinders.
From the opening whistle, the Vikings dictated the tempo. Tri-Valley (6-2) surged to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter, then exploded for 28 unanswered points in the second, effectively sealing the game before halftime. Their third-quarter dominance added 14 more, while Shelbyville (5-3) managed a lone touchdown in the final frame.
A Shelbyville ball carrier sticks his arm out to avoid a tackle during their road game at Tri-Valley. The Rams were held to just one touchdown in the Heart of Illinois Conference game on Friday night. See more photos from the Shelbyville at Tri-Valley game.
The Vikings’ offensive execution was relentless, capitalizing on short fields and defensive takeaways. Their defense, meanwhile, stifled Shelbyville’s attempts to gain momentum, holding the Rams scoreless through three quarters. The 50-6 final was not just a win — it was a statement.
The result places Tri-Valley in strong standing as the regular season winds down, with playoff implications looming. The team’s cohesion and depth were evident, and its ability to maintain intensity across all four quarters signals readiness for tougher competition ahead.
TAGS: Tri-Valley Vikings football, Shelbyville Rams, Illinois high school sports, IHSA Class 2A playoffs, Friday Night Lights Illinois
Whether you’re stringing lights, carving pumpkins, or planning next month’s wreaths, thoughtful design and planning ensure your outdoor holiday decorations shine through every celebration.
Photo: Kaboompics.com/PEXELS
Creating memorable home holiday displays starts with strategic planning to take your outdoor decorations to a new level and bring a festive atmosphere to your neighborhood.
by Casey Cartwright Contributor Writer
October marks the beginning of what many consider the most festive season of the year, and communities across America prepare to showcase their holiday spirit through elaborate outdoor decorations. From carved pumpkins to twinkling Christmas lights, homeowners invest considerable time and money creating displays that bring joy to neighbors and passersby alike.
The art of outdoor holiday decorating has changed significantly over the past decade. What once consisted of simple jack-o'-lanterns and string lights now encompasses sophisticated lighting systems, animated displays, and themed installations that rival professional productions. If you’re hoping to nail your outdoor holiday décor this year, then there are a few things to keep in mind.
Successfully decorating for multiple holidays throughout the season requires strategic planning, creative vision, and practical execution. The key lies in understanding how to transition seamlessly from Halloween through New Year's while maintaining visual appeal and neighborhood harmony. Whether you're a decorating novice or a seasoned holiday enthusiast, mastering the fundamentals will help you create displays that capture the spirit of each celebration.
Photo: Sergey Platonov/PEXELS
The foundation of exceptional outdoor holiday decor begins with understanding your space and establishing a cohesive design strategy. Walk around your property during daylight hours and identify key focal points such as your front entrance, windows, trees, and landscaping features. Consider the view from the street and determine which areas will have the greatest visual impact. From there, take measurements of spaces where you plan to install decorations, and photograph different angles of your home to help visualize potential arrangements.
Budget planning plays a crucial role in creating memorable displays without financial strain. Keep in mind that quality decorations represent an investment that can provide years of enjoyment when properly maintained. Start with essential items that can serve multiple holidays, such as versatile lighting systems and weather-resistant storage solutions. Many experienced decorators recommend allocating 60 percent of your budget to lighting, 30 percent to themed decorations, and 10 percent to replacement items and new additions each year.
Halloween decorations set the tone for the entire holiday season and offer opportunities for creativity that other holidays might not accommodate. The most effective Halloween displays combine traditional elements with personal touches that reflect your family's personality.
Once you’ve nailed lighting, think about prop placement.
Carved pumpkins remain a cornerstone of Halloween decor, but modern approaches include painted gourds, illuminated jack-o'-lanterns with battery-operated candles, and carved foam pumpkins that last for years. Don’t underestimate the impact of oversized mats on your entry design, either. Add spookiness or stick with the typical fall aesthetic, and have your mat be the foundation of your decorations.
Atmospheric lighting will always transform ordinary front yards. On Halloween, lighting turns your welcoming home into a spooky spectacle that delights trick-or-treaters and adults alike. Purple and orange string lights wrapped around trees and bushes provide an eerie glow, while projection lights can cast moving images of bats, spiders, or ghosts onto your home's exterior walls. Solar-powered stake lights shaped like tombstones or skulls line walkways effectively and eliminate the need for extension cords.
Once you’ve nailed lighting, think about prop placement. This requires careful consideration of both visual impact and practical concerns. Position larger items such as skeletons, tombstones, and inflatable decorations where they won't obstruct walkways or create safety hazards for visitors. Start with a few props and slowly build so you don’t overwhelm the eye.
Thanksgiving decorations bridge the gap between Halloween's spookiness and Christmas's sparkle, focusing on themes of harvest, gratitude, and family gatherings. The transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to maintain some decorative elements while introducing warmer, more welcoming themes. Remove obviously Halloween-specific items like skulls and spider webs, but keep autumn colors, pumpkins, and corn stalks that work beautifully for both holidays.
Cornucopias filled with gourds, Indian corn, and autumn leaves create stunning centerpieces for front porches and entryways. Hay bales provide versatile seating and display surfaces that can support additional decorations such as scarecrows, lanterns, or seasonal flower arrangements. Mums in rich burgundy, gold, and orange hues planted in decorative containers add vibrant color that lasts well into November.
Thanksgiving lighting should feel warm and inviting rather than dramatic or spooky. Replace colored Halloween bulbs with warm white or soft amber lights that create a cozy atmosphere. Lanterns with battery-operated candles placed along walkways and steps provide safe illumination while maintaining the harvest theme. If you want a bit more of a festive flair, adorn string lights with autumn leaf covers or small pumpkin attachments to bridge the gap between seasons beautifully.
Photo: James Wheeler/PEXELS
Christmas decorations represent the culmination of holiday decorating for many families, and the preparation often begins immediately after Thanksgiving dinner. The most successful Christmas displays balance tradition with innovation, incorporating classic elements like evergreen wreaths and candy canes alongside modern LED technology and programmable light shows.
Outdoor Christmas trees anchor many holiday displays, whether you choose a living evergreen in your yard or install an artificial tree specifically for decoration. Pre-lit trees save considerable time and ensure even light distribution, while unlit trees offer flexibility in choosing bulb colors and styles. Net lights designed for shrubs and bushes provide uniform coverage that creates professional-looking results with minimal effort.
Window decorations visible from the street extend your display's impact beyond the yard itself. Battery-operated candles in each window create a welcoming glow that's particularly effective in colonial and traditional home styles. Wreaths with coordinating ribbons tied to shutters or hung in windows provide classic Christmas charm without requiring electrical connections.
Metallic decorations in gold and silver create sophisticated displays that transition well from Christmas.
Roof lines and gutters offer prime real estate for dramatic lighting displays, but safety must remain the top priority. Invest in clips specifically designed for your gutter style to ensure secure attachment without damage. LED lights consume less electricity, generate less heat, and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them ideal for your large installation plans.
Winter holidays beyond Christmas deserve recognition in communities that celebrate diverse traditions. Hanukkah decorations can complement Christmas displays beautifully, with blue and white lights creating elegant contrasts to traditional red and green schemes. Outdoor menorahs designed for yard display provide focal points that honor this important celebration of light.
Kwanzaa's emphasis on African heritage and community values translates well to outdoor displays featuring the traditional colors of red, black, and green. Simple arrangements using these colors in ribbons, lights, or fabric can create meaningful displays that educate neighbors about this significant cultural celebration.
New Year décor often focuses on indoor celebrations, but outdoor elements can extend the festive atmosphere. Metallic decorations in gold and silver create sophisticated displays that transition well from Christmas. Number displays marking the incoming year provide personalized touches that generate neighborhood interest and conversation.
In the end, the evolution of outdoor holiday decorating reflects broader changes in technology, community values, and family traditions. Smart home integration now allows homeowners to control elaborate light displays from smartphones, while social media platforms inspire creativity through shared photos and tutorials. Despite these modern innovations, the fundamental appeal of holiday decorating remains unchanged: the desire to create beauty, share joy, and strengthen community bonds through seasonal celebration.
Casey 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.
TAGS: outdoor holiday decorating ideas, how to decorate for Halloween and Christmas, seasonal home lighting tips, outdoor holiday display planning, festive home decor guide
by Alan Look
