The Big Picture: SJO baseball bounces back with 9-4 win over Westville

After dropping a non-conference game against Centennial at home 24 hours earlier, the St. Joseph-Ogden baseball team hosted the Tigers from Westville in Illini Prairie vs Vermilion Valley Conference showdown. The Spartans rolled to a 9-4 win with juniors Joey Acton and Drew Coursey taking turns on the hill.

As we said in our first Big Picture photo page, we were lucky to captured a number of really nice action and feature photos of juniors and a few sophomores that were on the varsity roster last year. The Sentinel is happy to present this page feature members from this year's Class of 2020. This page is sponsored by an anonymous donor.


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This page is sponsored by an anonymous donor. Athletes and parents feel free to download any image on this page to share on your social media platforms, with family and friend or to save with your family memorabilia for generations to come by clicking on any photo you want. The Sentinel is looking for another sponsor for this page. Help us add ten additional images from this game on this Big Picture page. Sponsors will also receive special recognition at the top and bottom of the page so readers know who to thank for their generosity. Ready to sponsor? Click here . . .




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2014 SJO graduate Logan DeWeese promoted while working on MBA

Logan DeWeese, a 2014 graduate from St. Joseph-Ogden High School, was recently promoted to Inventory Specialist for College of Engineering at the University of Illinois.

His new duties includes completing property accounting and business-related tasks for the college, inventory processing for required reporting, maintaining updates as well as revising inventory and equipment records.

Concurrently, DeWeese is also work on his MBA through an executive program through SIU-E. His area of concentration is business analytics and he will finish the program this August.

"I felt this masters degree would give me a wide range of business career opportunities in the business environment," he said. "Also data analytics are a growing industry that I have a strong interest in."

His program has a 15 credit hour limit per semester and is designed to accommodate working professionals. There is no mandatory meeting times.

Due to the U of I campus closing down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Deweese said he was only on campus with his new job for about two months before the shutdown.

"I have been working home for about two months now," he explained. "Certainly one challenge is getting to know all the staff, and the other would be remembering where all the buildings are."

After leaving SJO when he graduated, DeWeese attended Parkland College for two years. Earning an Associates degree in General Studies, he transferred to Eastern Illinois University to continues his studies picking up a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems.

For student who want to go to college but may not have the resources to for a four-year institution, he says they should consider starting with at two-year program.

"Attending a community college like Parkland or others community colleges in the area, allows you to save money and isn't costly to change your major as it would be at a four year university or private school," he explained. "I highly advise that high school graduates who don't have a scholarship, financial aid assistance, or grants not go straight into a four-year university depending on your financial circumstances."

He said his involvement in high school sports has paid dividends.

"Playing football in high school really installed in me how to operate and function in a team mentality which can be very crucial in a workplace environment. Making sacrifices and adjustments are all part of the process," DeWeese said. It has helped him "to make sound decisions in any situation."

Prior to his acceptance into the MBA program and taking a position at the University, DeWeese was an Inventory Controller and Delivery Coordinator at Menards in Champaign nearly six years.

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He's pumped to play college soccer, Spartan Spotlight with Brayden Grimsey

If you know Brayden Grimsey, sports, and more specifically soccer, is a huge part of his life. He loves the rush of dribbling and passing, mounting an offense attack while pushing the ball down the field.

The soccer, a sport he has been playing since the age of 5, will continue to be a large part of his life. For the next four years he will play at the collegiate lever at Illinois College starting this August.

But, when asked to choose between having a Prom, a spring sports season or graduation his senior year, sports took a back seat.

"Well, I wont lie," the player from last fall's soccer team that was probably most underappreciated asset on the pitch. Grimsey, who also runs track, was sentimental about his choice. "I want to say sports but there is nothing more important than graduation and walking across the stage with my class."

The St. Joseph native enjoys playing video games, being outside, and playing basketball and soccer. He also has a creative, artistic side, although he said he has done much with it other than what he has produced for his art classes at SJO.

Like most students at the high school, finishing his senior year at home through electronic conferencing was less than satisfying, certainly not ideal.

"I dont like it! (I) miss my teachers, friends and the atmosphere," he explained. "Being home is nice for a while because you can sleep in and do homework whenever."

Understandable. It is hard to make lasting teenage memories quasi-trapped in quarantine-like confinement.

His greatest memories at SJO include playing soccer with his friends on the field, going to home football games, and qualifying for the IHSA Track and Field State Competition during his junior year.

Hoping to make a repeat, consecutive trip to the state meet, Grimsey competed in three indoor meets this spring before the COVID-19 pandemic forced athletic events around the country to a unwelcomed halt. Out of the eight events he ran in his final season as a Spartan, his 4x200-meter relay squad placed first at the UNI Indoor meet on February 21.

Now that track is over and high school classes done for the semester today, he can focus on the next chapter of his life. He is jazzed about playing soccer at the next level.

"I'm PUMPED!" he exclaimed. "I'm looking forward to playing at this level, a dream of mine for a long time. I'm hoping to contribute to a new team and coach with a winning season."

You will be able to get a glimpse of Grimsley in his new uniform on August 23 in Decatur when the Blueboys take on Millikin University in a preseason scrimmage.

Majoring in Human Services, the two-sport athlete isn't sure what he will do after college.

"I hoping to be a a part of an athletic team," he said. "Graduate school is something I'm open to."

However, his dream job would working with a professional soccer team. He said it would be great to work around so many amazing players that he idolizes.

The four-year veteran has a little advice for teammates he leaving behind: "Keep your heads up, never give up and always play with your heart," he says. "I'll be back to watch!"

Meanwhile, for incoming freshmen students, he said they should enjoy their time in high school because it goes by so fast.

Grimsey's favorite classes at SJO were all of his science-related classes with Mrs. Jeanna Kerner and Mrs. Stacey Kietzman, two of his favorite teachers. He also enjoy every class he he ad with Mr. Don Beckett. He singled out Mrs. Kirk at St. Joseph Grade School and Mr. Steele at St. Joseph Middle School as two other teachers he really liked before entering high school.

"Mrs. Kietzman is a very sweet kind teacher who has always encouraged me and supported me," he said. "Mrs. Kerner, I wont lie she is pretty relaxed and very honest, and her sarcasm and humor matches mine."

As mentioned earlier, Grimsey like to play videos games in his free time. He likes Call of Duty, FIFA and NBA2K. If e-gaming was an IHSA sport and there was a state trophy at stake, he left no doubt his Spartan gaming team would bring home hardware like every other sport at SJO. With his five-man special ops team comprised of himself along with covert buddies Zac, Downing, Trevon, and Wes, they would be a superior gaming force for the competition to reckon with.

"We are Call of Duty gods. We'd take 'em down."


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Transitions: Brian K. Renfrew

Brian K. Renfrew, 54, of St. Joseph, IL, passed away at 5:11 PM, May 8, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Brian was born February 25, 1966 in Urbana, IL, son of Micheal and Bonnie (Adams) Renfrew.

Brian loved his family, airplanes – both repairing and flying them, riding his mountain bike, St. Joe football, and making people laugh. He was proud to be a Marine and served his country from 1984 to 1990. He was loyal and loving with a famous smirk. He loved motorcycles and enjoyed watching Luke race. He was very proud of Jake becoming a pilot following in his footsteps. He enjoyed watching movies on wars and very much loved history. He loved hanging out with his family, camping, and long family vacations.

He married Bobbie Delmotte on October 5, 1996 in Georgetown, IL. She survives. Also surviving are two sons, Jake Renfrew and Luke Renfrew, both of St. Joseph, IL, a daughter, Jennifer Ogle of Barren Springs, VA; three grandchildren, Chelsea, Easton and Keely Ogle, all of Barren Springs, VA; his mother, Bonnie Renfrew of Urbana, IL, sisters Christine (Greg) Renshaw of Mahomet, IL, Kathryn (Thomas III) Wimmer of Rantoul, Megan (Jarrod) Reed of Reno, NV and a brother, Micheal Jayson Renfrew of the Philippines.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, Micheal Renfrew, maternal grandparents, Oscar and Alice Adams, paternal grandparents, Bob and Rosemary Renfrew, uncle Marc Renfrew and aunt Lish Renfrew.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, at this time, the family is having a private viewing only. The burial will be at a later date.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

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Go to work and be part of the solution

By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


America is now opening back up. People are starting to venture back to church. Places of work are reopening. Restaurants are reopening. State parks are reopening. The beaches are opening many places.

Most Americans are breathing a sigh of relief. Americans are sick and tired of Covid-19. We're tired of hearing about it and we're tired of the repercussions from it.

More Americans now are unemployed since The Great Depression. More unemployment claims have been filed than ever before. Many Americans have filed for unemployment weeks ago and still haven't a penny of money. I continue to hear from people who haven't received a stimulus check.

We are tired of the news and the latest countdown of every county's death stats from Covid-19.

If you want to increase our risk of mental illness just keep watching television eight hours a day as many Americans have been doing. In my town we have to hear about how many have died from every county in three states. Our hearts break and grieve for these families. It's just tough hearing the stats every day about so many counties in so many different states.

What must be next?

We must find a vaccine for Covid-19. We must develop it in our country if at all possible and we must not enrich China with billions of dollars with anything that comes out of that country. China has done and given us enough. We don't need more from China of anything. By the way, quit buying anything made from China.

Use commonsense! Be safe, be smart.

Don't go to church if you don't want to! If you have health or age issues stay home or go walk the park. People in church are going to be in close proximity. It cannot be avoided totally. Hallways are narrow and restrooms are small at church. You are going to be close to somebody. You can go to church later.

Pray at home, read your Bible at home and if you have any income you can mail your church a check. However, if you want to go to church then go but respect other people. Wear your mask for now and be distant. Be courteous.

Go back to work if you still have a job. Your employer doesn't want you to be sick. Your employer is financially struggling now, too. He wants to keep the factory or the business safe and healthy. They can't make it if everybody gets sick. Go to work and be a part of the solution. Don't be the problem.

Go somewhere if you can. America and actually the entire planet are stir crazy. Keep your mask handy and wash your hands a lot. Carry your disinfectants with you. Clean everything often. Respect social distancing. Be safe.

Next, start thinking about how you are going to vote this fall. If you don't like how your elected leaders are leading then you can change it by voting.



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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.

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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.


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Featuring the Class of 2020's Adamaris Fuentes, Ethan Hinrichs & Eliza Lewis

Adamaris Fuentes

Clubs & Activities
Spanish Club, Spanish Club Leader, Cheer (1 year), Drama Club, Maroon Platoon, Maroon Platoon Leader

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Hobbies:
Dancing, baking, and giving her time through volunteer work.

Favorite SJO memories:
Meeting new people, and she was thankful for all of the new opportunities each year at SJO.

Favorite classes:
Spanish with Senor Zak Sutton, PE with Mr. William Billman, and English with Ms. Susan Pensinger

Favorite teachers:
Mr. Risley and Mrs. Kinney at St. Joseph Middle School and Senor Sutton, Mr. Kevin Simondsen, and Mrs. Lianne Rash at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, Majoring in Pre-PA Biology.

Advice to future SJO students:
Do not take anything for granted.

Graduating from college with an undergraduate or advance degree? Let us know. Read more ...

Ethan Hinrichs

Clubs & Activities
Marching Band (4 years)
Track and Field (1 year)
Soccer (2 years)
Scholastic Bowl, Rube Goldberg Team, We The People

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
He has seven siblings: one older sister, two younger brothers, and four younger sisters.

Hobbies:
Reading and working

Favorite SJO memories:
Marching Band trip to Washington D.C. when he was a freshman and going to Chicago as a part of the We The People team. Ethan has also enjoyed spending time with his teachers throughout the years at SJO.

Favorite classes:
Physics, AP Chemistry, and all of his classes with Mr. Marshall Schacht and Mr. Jeff Kieffer.

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. McDonald at St. Joseph Grade School; Mrs. Mabry and Mr. Steele at St. Joseph Middle School; and Mr. Schacht, Mr. Jeff Kieffer, Mr. Robert Glazier, and Mr. Kevin Simondsen at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
He will attend the Parkland Pathways program and will transfer to the University of Illinois to major in aerospace engineering.

Summer Plans:
After high school, Ethan plans to work two jobs over the summer.

Advice to future SJO students:
Be social and to get out more.

Eliza Lewis

Clubs & Activities
Cheer (4 years)
We The People, Spanish Club, Spanish Club Leader, Bible Club Leader, SADA, NHS, Drama Club

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
One older sister and one younger brother.

Hobbies:
Working, Bible journaling, drawing, watching YouTube, and hanging out with friends.

Favorite SJO memories:
Eliza’s greatest memories at SJO centered around the wonderful memories she made with friends at lunch time.

Favorite classes:
Geometry with Mr. Kiel Duval, Sociology with Mr. Jeff Kieffer, AP English III with Mr. Ryan Searby, Horticulture with Mrs. Darcy Nekolny, and Economics with Mr. Marshall Schacht.

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Mabry at St. Joseph Grade School; Mr. Risley and Mrs. Lubinski at St. Joseph Middle School; and Mr. Kieffer, Mr. Duval, Senor Zak Sutton, Ms. Kelly Steffen, and Mr. Don Beckett at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
Judson University, majoring in Architecture and minor in Spanish and Christian Ministries. She will also be on the cheer team and the dance team.

Advice to future SJO students:
Enjoy your time in high school because high school is such a special time in your life.

Text & photos provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.


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The Big Picture: SJO baseball drops 2-1 decision to Centennial

On March 27, 2019, the St. Joseph-Ogden baseball team hosted Centennial in a non-conference contest. The Spartans lost the pitchers duel in a close, 2-1 finish dropping to 5-4 in early season play.

Luckily, we captured a number of really nice action and feature photos of juniors and a few sophomores that were on the varsity roster last year. Over the next week or so, The Sentinel will publish the best six photos from each of the seven games in our photo archives with a special focus on the members from the Class of 2020.

Here is the first installment of The Big Picture, starting with this home game against the Chargers featuring five of this year's seniors.


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Sponsor this page and we'll remove the watermark from all the images on this page for the athletes, coaches and parents to save and share their memories for generations to come. In addition to removing the watermark on each photo, with your sponsorship, The Sentinel will add ten additional images from this game on this Big Picture page. Sponsors will also receive special recognition at the top and bottom of the page so readers know who to thank for their generosity. Ready to sponsor? Click here . . .


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Senior Spotlights with Nate Marshky, Andrew Calton & Samantha Blobaum

Andrew Calton

Clubs & Activities
Art Club

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
Four sisters and two brothers

Hobbies:
Working. He enjoys babysitting, house sitting, working at a daycare, and working at Monical’s Pizza.

Favorite SJO memories:
His junior year during the Homecoming assembly when the SJO chorus was singing, and all of the lights were turned off as the entire crowd got into the chorus’ performance. This was an inspiring moment for him.

Favorite classes:
Art, Physical Science, and Algebra I.

Favorite teachers:
Mr. Miller and Mrs. Mabry at St. Joseph Middle School, and Mr. Robert Glazier and Mr. Jake Beccue at SJO.

College:
Western Illinois University, majoring in Criminal Justice.

Advice to future SJO students:
Try your best and do not slack off.


Samantha Blobaum

Clubs & Activities
Drama Club, Art Club, FFA

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Hobbies:
Being outside, reading, working on arts and crafts, and hiking at Homer Lake.

Favorite SJO memories:
Prom, post prom, all of the school plays, and being able to hang out with all of her friends.

Favorite classes:
Art, Horticulture, and all of the classes she had with Mr. Don Beckett and Mr. Jeff Kieffer.

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Pirtle and Mrs. Stevens at St. Joseph Grade School; Mr. Risley, Mr. Thompson, and Mrs. Ford at St. Joseph Middle School; and Mr. Kieffer, Mr. Beckett, Mr. Jake Beccue, and Mrs. Heather Lindenmeyer at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

College:
Parkland College/University of Illinois, Majoring in Architecture

Advice to future SJO students:
Get their work done on time and to get involved with extra-curriculars.

Nate Marshky

Clubs & Activities
Coffee Club, STEP Program

Hometown:
St. Joseph

Siblings:
Two younger brothers

Hobbies:
Walking his dog and cat, and he enjoys going to the Disc Replay store in Champaign.

Favorite SJO memories:
Over the years, he has really enjoyed making coffee every Thursday for the SJO staff with other students in Mrs. Beckett’s class. Nate has enjoyed many field trips over the years, especially going to the pumpkin patch and Apple Dumplin. He has enjoyed dressing up for Halloween at school, and he remembers the gas leak during his sophomore year when he got out of class for a while.

Favorite classes:
All of his science classes

Favorite teachers:
Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Kim Ward, Mrs. James, Mrs. Dunn, Mrs. McCoy, Mr. Risley, Mrs. Mabry, Mrs. Bayles, Mrs. Don Beckett, and Mr. Richard Vetter.

After high school:
Nate is excited to find a job, and he wants to learn how to box.

Advice to future SJO students:
Work hard.

Text & photos provided by St. Joseph-Ogden High School.


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