Transitions: Jan Meisenhelter-Reifsteck loved music, passes away
Jan Meisenhelter-Reifsteck, age 60, of Philo and Tolono, had a passion for live music, especially listening to her partner Dave Lindsey play. She enjoyed her yearly Rock and Roll cruises. She died August 30, 2020 at her home.
Jan is survived by her son Ryan Reifsteck, The Meekers; her adoptive family; her partner David Lindsey and siblings.
She was born January 20, 1960 in Urbana, a daughter of Lynn and Dorothy Meisenhelter.
Among the dearest to her heart was the collection of knives made by her loving friend Craig Schneider. She loved animals and sitting by bon fires enjoying friends, family, and nature. Jan was also known for her elaborate music collection, her ability to be spontaneous and enjoy life as well as her care and compassion for others. She is at peace now with her beloved parents and pet Warlock.
"When you can’t find the light that got you through the cloudy days; when the stars ain’t shinin’ bright; you feel like you’ve lost your way; when the candlelight of home; burns so very far away; well, you got to let your soul shine."
Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or C4A -Community Center for the Arts in Urbana, Illinois.
SJO youth wrestling club needs your help to build a permanent home
MAROON LEVEL- $1000-$2499
COLUMBIA BLUE LEVEL- $500-$999
WHITE LEVEL- $250-$499
INDIVIDUALS CONTRIBUTIONS-up to $250 Email: sjoyouthwrestling@gmail.com
GoFundMe: SJO Wrestling Building We thank you for taking the time to consider donating to this tremendous opportunity. We are grateful for any amount you are able to donate and thankful we live in communities that are always supportive of our youth. Go Spartans!! Richard Vetter, Vice-President
SJO Youth Wrestling Board
Senior drivers have up to a year to renew Illinois state drivers license
State Representative takes issue with the Governor prison releases
One State Representative believes the Governor’s pattern of decisions surrounding the state’s prison system is a threat to public safety in Illinois. State Representative Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), who has recently made headlines by way of two lawsuits in Clay County aimed at the state's top leader, isn't happy with a couple of decision made Governor JB Pritzker about the state's prison population.
"The latest decision by the Governor to release one of the inmates involved in the murder of Illinois State Trooper
Layton Davis is appalling," said Bailey (R-Xenia) in a statement delivered to the media. "I was with the Davis family on August 10 when they publicly pleaded with Gov. Pritzker not to release convicted killers James E. Taylor and Aaron Hyche.
Taylor and Hyche were in a vehicle when Davis, who was with Illinois State police for 19 years and assigned to District 12, performed a routine traffic stop for speeding on Interstate-57 near Effingham. An arrest warrant for Taylor had been issued in Cook County after he failed to appear for sentencing on convictions for attempt murder and attempt armed robbery.
Upon learning of the outstanding warrant, Davis attempted to take both men into custody. During his pat-down with the two passengers, the WWII veteran discovered at firearm tucked into Hyche's waistband. A struggle ensued resulting in Davis' death after he was wounded three times.
The pair were later captured, tried and sentenced to life.
Earlier this month, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board paroled Taylor with eight members in favor and five against. Eight is the minimum number of votes needed for parole. Due to firing the fatal shots, the board rejected Hyche's request with 11 members voting against him and two in favor.
"While only Taylor has been released at this time, I wonder how long before Hyche will be set free?" Bailey said. He added: "Davis lost his life that day protecting the people of Illinois, and his wife and three children were left without a husband and father. Taylor and Hyche were given sentences commensurate with their heinous act. They should complete those sentences in full. The Davis family isn’t getting a reprieve from their life-long pain and loss."
Bailey, who has sued Pritzker and his administration in his home district over the Governor's use of Executive Orders during the pandemic the five months, also takes issue with the Governor for other decisions involving prison inmates.
Bailey stated in his release that "Pritzker has okayed the release of more than 4,000 inmates since March 1", citing a report from WAND-TV as well as the Alton Telegraph.
However, according to Restore Justice, only 1,222 prisoners were released due concerns over the rising level of COVID-19 infections in the Illinois prisons. As of June 1, IDOC has released 5,637 individuals with majority of them serving the entire sentence.
While an Appellate Court recently ruling that Pritzker indeed has the ultimate power to set policy regarding inmate transfers, another point of contention from Bailey is the lack of cooperation and consideration for the safety of local communities. He said level has been "unacceptable".
He also takes to task a Pritzker directive ordering sheriffs not to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when illegal immigrants completed their felony prison sentences and were being released. Criticized by the Illinois Sheriffs Association, the organization made it clear the Governor's policies are making their communities less safe.
"Sadly, the Illinois Sheriffs Association has had their hands full, not just trying to protect the people whose safety is
their primary responsibility, but also because they’ve had to battle the Governor on policies that harm public safety,"
said Bailey. "Pritzker is also being sued by the Sheriffs Association because of the state’s failure to take custody of
inmates, currently in local jails, but who received state prison sentences."
"The latest decision by the Governor to release one of the inmates involved in the murder of Illinois State Trooper
Layton Davis is appalling," said Bailey (R-Xenia) in a statement delivered to the media. "I was with the Davis family on August 10 when they publicly pleaded with Gov. Pritzker not to release convicted killers James E. Taylor and Aaron Hyche.
Taylor and Hyche were in a vehicle when Davis, who was with Illinois State police for 19 years and assigned to District 12, performed a routine traffic stop for speeding on Interstate-57 near Effingham. An arrest warrant for Taylor had been issued in Cook County after he failed to appear for sentencing on convictions for attempt murder and attempt armed robbery.
Upon learning of the outstanding warrant, Davis attempted to take both men into custody. During his pat-down with the two passengers, the WWII veteran discovered at firearm tucked into Hyche's waistband. A struggle ensued resulting in Davis' death after he was wounded three times.
The pair were later captured, tried and sentenced to life.
Earlier this month, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board paroled Taylor with eight members in favor and five against. Eight is the minimum number of votes needed for parole. Due to firing the fatal shots, the board rejected Hyche's request with 11 members voting against him and two in favor.
"While only Taylor has been released at this time, I wonder how long before Hyche will be set free?" Bailey said. He added: "Davis lost his life that day protecting the people of Illinois, and his wife and three children were left without a husband and father. Taylor and Hyche were given sentences commensurate with their heinous act. They should complete those sentences in full. The Davis family isn’t getting a reprieve from their life-long pain and loss."
Bailey, who has sued Pritzker and his administration in his home district over the Governor's use of Executive Orders during the pandemic the five months, also takes issue with the Governor for other decisions involving prison inmates.
Bailey stated in his release that "Pritzker has okayed the release of more than 4,000 inmates since March 1", citing a report from WAND-TV as well as the Alton Telegraph.
However, according to Restore Justice, only 1,222 prisoners were released due concerns over the rising level of COVID-19 infections in the Illinois prisons. As of June 1, IDOC has released 5,637 individuals with majority of them serving the entire sentence.
While an Appellate Court recently ruling that Pritzker indeed has the ultimate power to set policy regarding inmate transfers, another point of contention from Bailey is the lack of cooperation and consideration for the safety of local communities. He said level has been "unacceptable".
He also takes to task a Pritzker directive ordering sheriffs not to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when illegal immigrants completed their felony prison sentences and were being released. Criticized by the Illinois Sheriffs Association, the organization made it clear the Governor's policies are making their communities less safe.
"Sadly, the Illinois Sheriffs Association has had their hands full, not just trying to protect the people whose safety is
their primary responsibility, but also because they’ve had to battle the Governor on policies that harm public safety,"
said Bailey. "Pritzker is also being sued by the Sheriffs Association because of the state’s failure to take custody of
inmates, currently in local jails, but who received state prison sentences."
Trump, Biden - Does age matter?
By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
John F. Kennedy was 43 years old when he was elected to serve as President of the United States in 1960. His age did not hurt him on election day.
Barack Obama was 47 years old when he became President of the United States in 2008. His age, skin color and limited number of years that he had served in the United States Senate did not hurt him when it came to election day.
Donald Trump was 70 years old when he was elected in November 2016 as President of the United States. He had never held a public office. He has gone through two divorces and had some ups and downs in his life, which did not prevent him from becoming President of the United States.
We place a lot of emphasis on age. Youth always impresses us. Remember Tiger Woods? He was just 21 years old when he won The Masters in record breaking fashion in 1997.
When we see a great singer like Tony Bennett at the age of 94 still singing and dancing, we can't help but ask the question, "How old is he?" Because we are amazed at what a 94-year-old can do. His age doesn't stop him.
By the way Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 87. Loretta Lynn is 88 and Sophia Loren is 85.
The bottom line is age is just a number.
There are talented and very capable people at every age category of life. Some people are too old when they are 45 years old and some people never get old. Some old people have never matured. While they are old in age they have never mentally grown up.
We all have to move beyond age. We have to ask is the person up for the job mentally and physically? Do they have the energy? Do they have the career and educational background? Do they possess the skills necessary to perform the tasks? Is the person hungry enough to work hard and do a good job or are they merely looking for a title?
Americans want a President who will pull out all the stops to find a vaccine for Covid-19. Laboratories are working on it now. This disease has devastated our nation. No President, I believe, would have been prepared for this pandemic.
Americans still want a slice of the American dream. We want a place to live, a paycheck, good medical care and retirement. We also want to be safe. We don't want thugs and gangs taking over our towns and neighborhoods. A strong police force and military are essential.
This November, Americans will go to the polls to place their vote for President Donald Trump or former Vice-President Joe Biden. What will matter is what you believe in, who you believe in, and your hopes for America.
Trump and Biden both have track records and their age won't matter on Election Day.
-----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
John F. Kennedy was 43 years old when he was elected to serve as President of the United States in 1960. His age did not hurt him on election day.
Barack Obama was 47 years old when he became President of the United States in 2008. His age, skin color and limited number of years that he had served in the United States Senate did not hurt him when it came to election day.
Donald Trump was 70 years old when he was elected in November 2016 as President of the United States. He had never held a public office. He has gone through two divorces and had some ups and downs in his life, which did not prevent him from becoming President of the United States.
We place a lot of emphasis on age. Youth always impresses us. Remember Tiger Woods? He was just 21 years old when he won The Masters in record breaking fashion in 1997.
When we see a great singer like Tony Bennett at the age of 94 still singing and dancing, we can't help but ask the question, "How old is he?" Because we are amazed at what a 94-year-old can do. His age doesn't stop him.
By the way Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 87. Loretta Lynn is 88 and Sophia Loren is 85.
The bottom line is age is just a number.
There are talented and very capable people at every age category of life. Some people are too old when they are 45 years old and some people never get old. Some old people have never matured. While they are old in age they have never mentally grown up.
We all have to move beyond age. We have to ask is the person up for the job mentally and physically? Do they have the energy? Do they have the career and educational background? Do they possess the skills necessary to perform the tasks? Is the person hungry enough to work hard and do a good job or are they merely looking for a title?
Americans want a President who will pull out all the stops to find a vaccine for Covid-19. Laboratories are working on it now. This disease has devastated our nation. No President, I believe, would have been prepared for this pandemic.
Americans still want a slice of the American dream. We want a place to live, a paycheck, good medical care and retirement. We also want to be safe. We don't want thugs and gangs taking over our towns and neighborhoods. A strong police force and military are essential.
This November, Americans will go to the polls to place their vote for President Donald Trump or former Vice-President Joe Biden. What will matter is what you believe in, who you believe in, and your hopes for America.
Trump and Biden both have track records and their age won't matter on Election Day.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.
This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.
New mask ordinace takes effect Aug 24
In three days residents in Champaign County will be subject to a new public health ordinance requiring face coverings, specifically masks that cover the face and nose, to be worn. With thousands of University of Illinois students expected to return to campus in the four days and the subsequent expected rise in the number positive Covid-19 cases, the Champaign-Public Health District is taking a preemptive move to keep residents in the county safe.
The ordinance, which can be found here, applies to "all persons, businesses, workplaces and any other organizations within the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, which are the boundaries of Cunningham Township and of City of Champaign Township, Champaign County, Illinois." It further states that individuals shall be responsible on behalf of themselves and business on the behalf of their employees and customers are ordered to comply with the new law that goes in effect on August 24.
The new public health rule requires any individual over the age of two and able to tolerate a face covering to wear one when social distancing of six feet or more can not be maintained both indoors and out.
All businesses or facilities open to the public are mandated to require everyone, including employees and management, on their premises to wear properly-fitted masks. Masks may only be removed when eating or drinking. Individuals who refuse to voluntarily cover their face may be asked to leave the property.
Illinois became one of the first states in the country to enhance the penalty for assaulting a retail employee who request customers put on a mask or leave the store premises. Anti-maskers who become violent can be charged with a simple battery, a misdemeanor, which could possibly result in up to a year in prison and fines up to $2,500. Attacks could be charged as aggravated battery. It is a felony that can result in a sentence of up to five years in prison. The offender, if they have a criminal record, could pull as much as 10-year stint and/or fined up to $25,000.
Schools will observe the same measures as businesses. Students also permitted to remove their masks when outdoors and social distancing or while playing an instrument.
The final restriction makes it clear that gatherings of 50 or more people is prohibited until further notice or for 150 days.
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