Village Crier: January 6, 2021

Village community garage sale date set for April

With warmer weather still months away, the first date for community garage and yard sales is on the books. The St. Joseph Community Garage Sale will take place on April 8 - 10.

Billy Bob's settles case with the county

On New Year's Eve, Billy Bob's was issued a temporary restraining order by Judge Roger Webber for operating without a valid health permit. To avoid further unnecessary litigation, the Ogden eating establishment signed off on a settlement agreement with county public health agency on Tuesday to remain open for scaled back business operations.

After paying $50 reinstatement fee for their health permit and submitting to an inspection, starting Friday the restaurant under the water tower will be open for carryout service only. The establishment posted on Facebook their new hours for service will be Sunday thru Wednesday from 11a to 7p and Thursday thru Saturday from 11a-8p.

The settlement also included a provision that Billy Bob's submit a written plan detailing its plans to operate under current county ordinance and state COVID-19 mitigation restrictions.

Health authorities suspended the permit on December 11 for continuing indoor service for remaining open in defiance of the state mandated mitigation plan which forbid indoor dining. Billy Bob's continued to operate without a valid health permit before receiving court summons.

For more information on carryout service call (217) 582-2277.

St. Joseph youth baseball registration opens next week

Player registration for the St. Joseph Youth Baseball Little League opens on Saturday, January 23. Eligible players have until February 6 to sign up. A birthday chart to help determine which level a child will play can be found here.

Tolono studio photographer offers mini sessions

Give that special someone in your life a photo on Valentine's Day. Photographer Madeline Wilson is offering Valentine's Day mini sessions with families, kids, couples and/or pets in her studio located at 104 Main Street in Tolono. Sessions will begin on January 31 and run through February 14.

For more information visit Wilson's Facebook business page or call (217) 621-4159.

Tier 2 on the horizon

Earlier this week Governor J.B. Pritzker said any region below the required metrics can move into Tier 2 restrictions a week from tomorrow on January 15. That is welcomed news for athletes and restaurants in regions around the state, especially those that have done well at slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pathogen.

"We are watching closely in this incubation period post-Christmas and New Year’s. I am cautiously optimistic as there are some early signs that some regions have made real progress," Pritzker announced during an afternoon press briefing. The news comes after he extended the emergency COVID restriction Monday, requiring people to wear a mask for another 150 days.

In order for a region to move back to Tier 2 mitigations, a region must experience less than 12 percent test positivity rate for three consecutive days, have more than 20 percent available intensive care unit (ICU) hospital bed availability and have declining COVID hospitalizations in 7 of the last 10 days. The Governor's team is waiting to see if there is a surge or spike of COVID-19 cases seeded from New Year's gatherings.

Locally there have seventeen new case identified in the past 48 hours. The Sentinel area saw the lowest number of active cases in over 51 days on Tuesday with 59. The number of infections have climbed to 71 likely from New Year's Eve revelry.

As of Wednesday night, 3,921 patients in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. According state records, 783 of those patients were in the ICU and 450 patients on ventilators.

The Sentinel will help promote your business

If you own and operate a business located in Tolono, Sidney, Philo, Ogden, St. Joseph or Royal, fill out the form below to list your business or the services you offer in The Sentinel Business Directory. To list your business' contact information complete the online form here...

Send your business, social or community organization's press release or event information to The Sentinel at editor@oursentinel.com.

Photo of the Day - January 7, 2021

Lineman Cole Zaccarelli takes a much-earned drink on the sidelines during St. Joseph-Ogden's home football game against Illinois Valley Central on October 6, 2017. The Grey Ghost fell 38-20 thanks to dominating play on both sides of the ball by the Spartans.

Photo of the Day - January 5, 2021

Dani Gooch and Kylie Holland — Rockets' Dani Gooch [left] and Spartans' Kylie Holland [right] battle for a loose ball during second half action of the SJO girl's basketball team's home game on November 27, 2007. St. Joseph-Ogden battled to a 54-47 finish over Unity to improved to 5-0 on the season. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Village Crier: January 5, 2021

Local COVID cases hits 6 week low

For the first time since November 13 of last year, the number of active COVID-19 cases in the Sentinel area has fallen below 60. Only two new positive test have been reported, one in Tolono and one St. Joseph.

Meanwhile, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District announced two additional deaths bringing the county's total to 90 individuals who have been taken by the viral infection.

County-wide there are 659 active cases now in isolation with 19 undergoing hospital treatment.

As of today there are only two active cases Ogden and Philo has 15, down from a high of 19 cases.• There are three active cases each in Royal and Sidney. Meanwhile, there are 16 positive cases currently in St. Joseph and 21 in Tolono.

State's Attorney files contempt charges against Lil Buford's

The News-Gazette reports that County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz filed a petition yesterday to find Jeffrey Buckler, owner of Lil Buford's in Tolono civil contempt and asked to impose sanctions against him for defiantly ignoring a temporary restraining order issued on Dec. 31 by Judge Ben Dyer for operating a food service establishment without a valid county health permit.

Despite the TRO and the possible new action against him, Buckler has kept the doors to his establishment open for dine-in service.

The Champaign County Public Health Department, which suspended the business' permit on December 17 for operating contrary to the state's mitigation mandate and allowing dine-in service, has successfully reined in other rouge operators after suspending their permits.

If the judge finds Buckler in contempt of the Dec. 31 TRO, possible sanctions include fines or jail until the order is followed, according to The News-Gazette.

Ogden restaurant to observe temporary pause in operations

Rich's Family Restaurant in Ogden has decided to close for business temporarily. The homestyle dining establishment tried to make a go of it with curbside and carry-out, but it appears the volume of visits was insufficient to sustain the family business.

"As you know due to the mandate of Illinois State Governor and Champaign County Health Department We have been ordered to suspend our dine-in services," the post on the establishment's Facebook page states. "Therefore, we have not been been able to generate enough business with carry out & curbside business. Unfortunately, we are going to temporarily pause Carry-Out and curbside business starting Monday Jan. 3rd, 2021."

The owners plan to reopen once indoor dining is permitted again in Illinois.

"We apologize for any inconvenience and we can't wait to be able to serve everyone indoors again!" the post says. "Thank you to our staff for understanding and support and thank you to all of you!"

Engagement announcements

The Sentinel is honored to announce upcoming weddings and unions of residents and family members from our community. Engagements announcements should be received at least 10 days prior to your idea publication date.

There is no charge or fee required with your submission. This is a free service to the community.

Follow this link for more information and how to submit your announcement.

Send your business, social or community organization's press release or event information to The Sentinel at editor@oursentinel.com.

Top destinations for travel in 2020 recognized

Overlooking the Lough Corrib, the second largest lake on the island of Ireland, the sprawling 350 acre estate of Ashford Castle is one of Ireland’s well-known wedding destinations offering warm Irish hospitality with a modern appeal. In addition to fine dining at Wilde’s Restaurant, the property offers a wide and unique portfolio of activities.

From fishing for trout, salmon and pike to a round of golf, tourists can also go horse riding, spend a few hours on the archery range and even try their hand at the ancient art of falconry. Guests can enjoy a relaxing cruise to explore the many islands within Lough Corrib, learn about the history of the area and take in the picturesque scenery of the largest lake within the Republic of Ireland.

Just before the start of the new year GayTravel.com announced their 2020 Gay Travel Awards. Asford Castle was one of the winners in several categories recognizing destinations, properties, events, and other travel-related organizations that support and promote LGBT+ travel and tourism as well as provide outstanding customer service and hospitality.

"This year has been like no other. With the pandemic raging across the globe, many travelers are restricted from traveling or waiting for a safer time," said GayTravel Chief Visionary Officer Steve Rohrlick. "In the meantime, The Gay Travel Awards give us all a moment to focus on the industry's best as a prologue to a time when it's safer to get back out there."

Below are this year's top travel destinations and hospitality providers.

BEST AIRLINE

Cape Air

BED & BREAKFAST/ INN

Inn on the Alameda

CAR RENTAL

Fox Rent a Car

DESTINATION BEACH

Los Cabos, Mexico

DESTINATION CITY

Atlanta, Georgia

DESTINATION FAMILY