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.

-----------------------------------------------------------

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.


Transitions: Mikhel Cain will be missed

Mikhel Allen Cain, 21, of Port Angeles, Washington, formerly Ogden, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Mikhel was born September 1, 1998, in Urbana.

Mikhel is survived by his Mother and Step Dad Jacki and Chad Wilcoxon, his brother Landon Brown, step brother Dalton Wilcoxon, 2 step sisters Alyssa and Paige Wilcoxon and his father Wayne Cain. He has lots of aunts and uncles who loved him very much and will miss him terribly. He is survived by two Grandfathers David Perry Sr. of Homer and Bill Cain of St. Joseph and one Grandmother Beth Cain of Urbana.

Mikhel is proceeded in death by his Grandmother Andrea Perry in May 2019 who he was very close to growing up.

Mikhel had the biggest heart and loved spending time with his younger brother Landon. Mikhel loved to play the piano and spent lots of time taking care of his dog. He loved going to the water falls and hiking. He loved to take lots of videos to send to his Mom so she could enjoy his journeys too.

The family will have a small graveside service at Mt Olive cemetery at a later date. There will be a Celebration of life on Saturday September 5th from 2pm - 4pm as a walk, bike, drive through at his moms house in Ogden due to covid restrictions.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mikhel Cain, please visit the floral store.


SJO cross country schedule features five home meets

Logan Wolfersberger runs at the 2019 cross country meet
SJO's Logan Wolfersberger runs his first lap around the course at the 2019 IHSA State Cross Country State Finals. He is one of three seniors anchoring this year's Spartans.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

This year's St. Joseph-Ogden harriers have the pleasure of hosting five home meets this season.

After two road meets, the Spartans will debut the racing skills at home against visiting Oakwood and Armstrong on September 8. Eighteen days and a three-meet road campaign later, SJO will host four consecutive running events at home. The home stand kicks off with the Spartan Classic at 9a on September 26.

This year's boys squad is led by seniors Logan Wolfersberger, Brandon Mattsey and Lukas Hutcherson. The trio will lead a supporting cast with Aiden Armstrong, Freshmen; Ethan Blackburn, Sophomore; Braden Clampitt, Junior; Zach Dahman, Sophomore; Holden Jones, Freshmen; Charlie Mabry, Junior; Carson Maroon, Freshmen; Elijah Mock, Junior; Isiah Mock, Freshmen; Luke Stegall, Junior; and Spencer Wilson, Freshmen.

On the ladies' side, Hanna Eastin is the lone senior on the 2020-21 squad. Ava Knap, Kelsey Martlage and Ashlyn Lannert are the core runners of junior class of seven runners with the potential to win a state title in 2021. Malorie Sarnecki, who earned Most-Improved-Player recognition last fall returns along with Kailyn Ingram, Emma Parkinson, and Taryn Sexton to round out the eight upperclasswomen on the squad.

The sophomore class line-up includes sophomores Kaytlyn Baker, Teagan Miller, Katie Oehmke, Izzy Sexton and Lili Wentzloff. Newcomers Chloe Allen, Chloe Burkhalter, Maya Chahine, Helene Jones, and Lauren Lannert, all freshmen, joined the program this fall.


2020 Fall Schedule

08/28/2020 • Away
Unity, UniHigh
Location: Unity High School

09/05/2020 • Away
Charleston
Location: Charleston High School

09/08/2020 • Home
Oakwood & Armstrong
Location: St. Joseph Community Park

09/12/2020 • Away
Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Location: Paxton Buckley Loda High School

09/15/2020* • Away
Monticello
Location: Monticello

09/19/2020 • Away
St. Teresa Tri-Meet
Location: Decatur St. Teresa High School

09/26/2020* • Home
Spartan Classic
Location: St. Joseph Community Park

10/03/2020 • Home
Shelbyville, PBL, St.Teresa
Location: St. Joseph Community Park

10/06/2020 • Home
vs.Illini Prairie Conference Meet
3 COED open races at 4p/4:45p/5:30p
Location: St. Joseph Community Park

10/10/2020 • Home
IPC XC Meet
Girls: 9a/9:45a girls - Boys: 10:45a/11:30a
Location: St. Joseph Community Park

10/17/2020 • Away
Monticello IPC Meet
Location: Monticello High School

10/24/2020* • Away
IHSA Regionals
Location: TBA



St. Joseph community garage sale coming in September

A fall community-wide garage and yard sale is in the works for the weekend of September 17-19 in St. Joseph.

The Sentinel, as we did with this July's summer community sale, is offering St. Joseph residents the opportunity to list their sale location and information at no charge.

Simply follow this link to submit your sale information by 5pm on September 15. Our complete list of area sales will be published Wednesday evening on The Sentinel website as well as across our social media platforms to help bring you more buyers.

Premium listings with photos and an extended word count is available. Contact The Sentinel at advertising@oursentinel.com for details.

Observing the state's pandemic mitigation and public health mandates, shoppers are strongly encouraged wear masks and maintain social distancing as much as possible to help keep friends and neighbors healthy as they visit various sales throughout the community.


Our 2020 Parkland graduates, here's who earned degrees

This year's pandemic did not divert the efforts of 83 area residents who completed the requirements for their respective programs at Parkland College in May. Nearly a quarter of the graduates in the Class of 2020 received degrees in the medical field.

Due to successive executive orders put in place to stop the spread of the Coronavirus by Governor J.B. Pritzker, Parkland's 53rd Commencement Exercise was held online back on May 22, 2020 via YouTube for the first time in school history. Originally live-streamed, the virtual ceremony included speakers, award presentations, and the reading of the graduates' names.

This summer, Parkland sent graduates a green mortarboard, a Parkland tassel with new signet and a padded diploma cover as well as other memorabilia to commemorate their academic achievement.

The college also plans to extend an invitation to 2020 graduates to walk across the stage at the 2021 exercise.

Here is a list of area graduates enter the job market or continuing their education at a four-year institution:

Briley C Ackerman, Tolono
AAS, Nursing

John M Acklin, Ogden
AES, Engineering Science

Elizabeth K Alt, Tolono
AA, Elementary Education

Cody W Argo, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies

Roger S Ayers, Sidney
AAS, Nursing

Kayla J Balsbaugh, St. Joseph
AAS, Child Development

Hollie N Baltzell, St. Joseph
AAS, Nursing

Jennifer A Barnard, Sidney
AA, General

Jason T Bowman, Ogden
AAS, Agricultural Business: Precision Ag Technology

Kira J Brinkley, Tolono
AFA, Music Education

Melanie L Broch, St. Joseph
AAS, Surgical Technology

Bryson D Chancellor, Tolono
AS, Aviation

Austin R Chilton, St. Joseph
AS, Biological Sciences

Britney F Christman, Sidney
AA, Psychology

Jarrett L Clem, St. Joseph
CER, Construction: Electrical Inside Wireman

Destiny H Coffey, Sidney
AA, Social Work

Bonnie G Collins, Ogden
AAS, Digital Media

Elena K Cotter, St. Joseph
AS, General

Christine M Danielson, Philo
AS, General

Zach T David, Ogden
AGS, Associate in General Studies

Logan J Dobbs, St. Joseph
AAS, Diesel Power Equipment Technology

Kenzie L Dodds, Tolono
AA, Psychology

Austin M Downen, Tolono
AAS, Diesel Power Equipment Technology

Brandon G Downen, Tolono
AA, Sociology

Emily C Eastin, Tolono
AA, General

Trevor B Elliott, St. Joseph
AA, Criminal Justice Education

Mickaela J Fleming, Royal
AAS, Nursing

Hope A Frost, Royal
AAS, Nursing

Lauren N Frost, Tolono
AA, Criminal Justice Education

Justyn R Fruhling, St. Joseph
AAS, Radiologic Technology

Bryce M Haake, St. Joseph
AA, General

Webb T Hancock, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies

Grant C Harper, Ogden
AAS, Automotive Technology

Christian M Hasler, Philo
AA, History

Ashley N Holm, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies

Devinne D Horton, Sidney
AAS, Nursing

Brandi L Huson, Ogden
AGS, Associate in General Studies

Allyson K James, Philo
AA, Elementary Education

Sophia A Kaisner, Philo
AS, General

Zachary A Kohlmann, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies

Joseph H Lamendola, Tolono
AGS, Associate in General Studies

Kaitlyn M Landis, St. Joseph
AAS, Occupational Therapy Assistant

Payton J Lareau, Tolono
AAS, Emergency Medical Services: Paramedic

Brianna S Lilly, St. Joseph
AAS, Nursing

Alicia A Maxey, St. Joseph
AAS, Criminal Justice

Emily M McCrone, Tolono
AS, General

Emma L Messman, Sidney
AS, General

Devon M Miezio, Ogden
CER, Practical Nursing

Billie J Miller, Philo
AGS, Associate in General Studies

Leah J Miller, Tolono
AAS, Nursing

McKayla R Norton, Philo
AGS, Associate in General Studies

Brendan Z Olauson, St. Joseph
AES, Engineering Science

Kristen A Polizzi, St. Joseph
AAS, Business: Management

Austin R Rein, Ogden
AAS, Agricultural Business: Precision Ag Technology

Ileana L Roberts, Sidney
AAS, Nursing

Carson T Robinson, Sidney
AGS, Associate in General Studies

Samantha J Roderick, Tolono
AA, General

Cori B Rodriguez, Ogden
AAS, Nursing

Paige N Sappenfield, Philo
AAS, Nursing

Megan K Schumacher, St. Joseph
AAS, Veterinary Technology

Sydney J Schurvinske, Sidney
AA, General

Briley L Smith, Tolono
AA, Elementary Education

Katleyn M Smith, Ogden
AAS, Radiologic Technology

Nash C Stanfield, Sidney
AAS, Business: Management

Derek L Stevens, Tolono
AAS, Emergency Medical Services: Paramedic

Andrew J Stewart, St. Joseph
AA, Psychology

Kaitlyn R Taylor, St. Joseph
CER, Practical Nursing

Mitchell R Thompsen, St. Joseph
AS, General

Carrie J Turner, Tolono
AAS, Business: Management

Jordan M Turner, St. Joseph
CER, Automotive Technician

Kyle E Vansickle, Sidney
AGS, Associate in General Studies

Kimberly A Vecchio, Philo
AAS, Business Administrative Technology

Jason M Waldeck, St. Joseph
AS, Computer Science/Computer Information Systems

Emilee M Walters, Tolono
AA, Psychology

Ethan F Warren, Philo
CER, Automotive Technician

Israel D Wells, Sidney
AGS, Associate in General Studies

Kenneth A Wells Jr, St. Joseph
AAS, Respiratory Care

Madison R Wilson, Philo
AS, General

Sarah E Wiseman, St. Joseph
AFA, Art and Design

Nicole L Woller, St. Joseph
AS, General

Casey J Young, Tolono
AA, General

Jordan T Hall, St. Joseph
AAS, Nursing

Tenneal Frerichs, St. Joseph
AAS, Nursing



State Farm Holiday Classic basketball tournament put on hold

Just hours ago, the organizers for the annual State Farm Holiday Classic announced this year's basketball tournament, which was scheduled to run from December 28-31, has been cancelled in a post to Facebook. It is the first break in the event's 42-year run.

Riley Baker looks to pass
SJO's Riley Baker looks to pass the ball while playing during the 2016 State Farm Holiday Classic. The annual tournament was cancelled for the 2020 season amid health concerns for athletes, spectators and officials. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
With the possibility of a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic during the winter months and the restrictions on the number of spectators allowed by the Illinois Public Health Department at sporting events, it was a decision makes financial sense for the long term viability of the tournament.

"Please know this is not a decision we made lightly, but in order to ensure the safety of all participants (players, coaches, administrators, fans, officials, volunteers, tournament staff and sponsors), we find it best to not organize a tournament this year," the statement read. "Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this difficult time! We wish all of our schools and their athletic programs nothing but the best this year, and we hope everyone remains safe and healthy!"

Making its debut in 1975, the tournament was originally named the Illinois State Classic. Since then the tournament has grown to be one of the largest coed holiday basketball tournaments in the country. Through out its history there have been dozens high school athletes who went on to become not only professional basketball players, but also NFLers and Olympic athletes.

Each year the games are played at four venues in Bloomington-Normal: Illinois Wesleyan University’s Shirk Center, Bloomington High School, Normal Community High School and Normal West High School. This would have also been the 24th installment of the girls tournament and the 19th of the Ron Knisley Memorial Special Olympics Shootout, which is also hosted by organizers.

Last December, the St. Joseph-Ogden boys squad was the #6 seed and finished in 6th place. The Spartans opened their 2019 tournament appearance with a 47-42 win over #11 Annawan on their way to a 2-2 finish.

On the ladies side, SJO brought home a 5th place trophy after a 3-1 run logging wins over Bishop Mac, Annawan and Illini Prairie Conference rival Bloomington Central. The team's only loss was to eventual small school champion Normal University.

Tournament organizers vows the tournament will return in 2021. Dates for the event are scheduled December 27-30.


In order to adhere to the guidelines set forth by both the Illinois High School Association and the State of Illinois,...

Posted by State Farm Holiday Classic on Tuesday, August 18, 2020


UIUC confers degrees to 27 area residents

Despite a global pandemic, 9,261 students from the Urbana-Champaign campus of the University of Illinois finished their degree programs to officially graduate. Among the recipients were 27 residents from The Sentinel's area of coverage.

Two students, Jocelyn Harmon and Nicholas Shapland, completed their education as double majors. Harmon, who graduated from the Gies College of Business, earned a second degree in Marketing. Meanwhile, Shapland completed the requirements his additional degree in Political Science.

Shapland graduated with High Distinction from his department in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

Two other Unit 7 alumni in addition to Harmon, Madeline Wilson and Sierra Benson, were awarded High Honors distinction for their academic performance. High honor students finish their college degree with at least a 3.80 grade point average. Students with a GPA of 3.5 to 3.75 graduate with Honors.

Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher are recognized with Highest Honors. Two undergraduates, Tolono resident Dawson Dodds and Ogden native Carly Frerichs, earned the academic titles upon graduation last May.

Highest honors are awarded to students upon recommendation by his or her department at the University through outstanding performance in course work and in supplementary activities of an academic or professional nature along with an undergraduate thesis or a special project of superior quality.

This year's degree recipients include:

Raghida Abdallah Yassine, St. Joseph
Doctor of Philosophy in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership

Mary Adams, St. Joseph
Master of Social Work

Nicolette Baccadutre, St. Joseph
Master of Education in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership

Cole Berry, St. Joseph
Master of Accounting Science

Ty Brown, St. Joseph
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Consumer Economics

Carly Delzell, St. Joseph
Master of Social Work

Kinze Ehmen, St. Joseph
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications

Alexander Izard, St. Joseph
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Consumer Economics

Michael Rajlich, St. Joseph
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Erin Smith, St. Joseph
Master of Education in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership

Patricia Stevens, St. Joseph
Master of Education in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership

Carly Frerichs, Ogden
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

Max Daly, Sidney
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Consumer Economics

Susan Mantell, Sidney
Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences

Nicholas Shapland, Sidney
Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Jesse Kiser, Philo
Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Gracie Schweighart, Philo
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Sierra Benson, Tolono
Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media

Dawson Dodds, Tolono
Bachelor of Science in Finance

Dawson Dodds, Tolono
Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management

Jocelyn Harmon, Tolono
Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management and in Marketing

Tatum Hawkins, Tolono
Master of Science in Information Management

Keegan Payne, Tolono
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Younis Ramahi, Tolono
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Lucas Stark, Tolono
Bachelor of Science in Technical Systems Management

Katrina Widholm, Tolono
Master of Education

Madeline Wilson, Tolono
Bachelor of Science in Journalism

The list above is provided by the university and based on the address supplied by students. This list may not include individual graduates conferred after July 15. If you suspect a problem with this list, contact the University of Illinois at (217)333-1085 or them at News Bureau. Did you, your son/daughter or a grandchild graduate from a public or private university back in May or this month? Let us know by sending their 2020 college graduation information.



More Sentinel Stories