Photo of the Day - January 8, 2021
Editorial: If walks like a duck and quacks like one
At a rally Tuesday in front of the U.S. Capitol, newly elected U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland said, "Hitler was right on one thing; he said, ‘Whoever has the youth has the future.’"
Bitte, warte eine Minute! Hold up a sec lady.
Was hast du gesagt Frau Miller?
Straight out of central Illinois and right into a pan of pan of hot political Crisco, the newly sworn-in Illinois lawmaker is getting her first rude, booty-hurt lesson of American stateswomanship: Every. Freakin'. Word. Counts.
After considerable backlash, some calling for her resignation - which won't happen - and rebuke from politicians around the state, including Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, Miller issued this statement this morning:
"Earlier this week, I spoke to a group of mothers about the importance of faith and guarding our youth from destructive influences. I sincerely apologize for any harm my words caused and regret using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth. This dark history should never be repeated and parents should be proactive to instill what is good, true, right, and noble into their children’s hearts and minds. While some are trying to intentionally twist my words to mean something antithetical to my beliefs, let me be clear: I’m passionately pro-Israel and I will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community. I’ve been in discussion with Jewish leaders across the country and am grateful to them for their kindness and forthrightness."
From my perspective she has three problems.
First, Miller did not apologize for using the quote, but merely that her message was misinterpreted by some and then proceeds to the highly ineffective, it rarely works 'twist my words' defense.
She was not least bit contrite, admitting that it was wrong, unthinkable to have considered in retrospect using the quote in the first place. Her apology comes across with the same sincerity of a 12 year-old, who after returning container back in the freezer, caught minutes after devouring the last of Haagen-Dazs and with a smile still on their lips. Second, she said, "I’m passionately pro-Israel and I will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community." Not one person pro-Israel, Jewish or not, would even REMOTELY consider using a quote from Hitler in political rally to support an ideal or public policy. Finally, and most troubling point to note is in her speech she said Adolf Hitler was "right on one thing". Let's be clear, she did not say 'The only thing ...', which might have given her a bit of slack to play with if she had immediately apologized for the remark instead of waiting three days. The rub is this: If we believe someone is right on one thing, then usually we will find something else we agree with, and then another idea and another point and a .... Miller is new on the job and we can only hope she does not repeat history yet again by quoting Adolf Hitler or any other fanatic of fascism, hate and universal evil. Words. Freakin'. Matter. All of them.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
SJO dominates IVC
Photo of the Day - January 5, 2021
Rockets, Spartans tangle on the hardwood
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
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.
@onairplanemode__
BEST AIRLINE
Cape AirBED & BREAKFAST/ INN
Inn on the AlamedaCAR RENTAL
Fox Rent a CarDESTINATION BEACH
Los Cabos, MexicoDESTINATION CITY
Atlanta, GeorgiaDESTINATION FAMILY
Orlando, FloridaDESTINATION ISLAND
Mykonos, GreeceMOUNTAINS DESTINATION
Zermatt, SwitzerlandNATURE DESTINATION
Costa Rica, Central AmericaWEDDING DESTINATION
Puerto Rico, CaribbeanBEACH HOTEL
Renaissance Cancun Resort & MarinaBOUTIQUE HOTEL
Andaz West HollywoodCASINO HOTEL
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
CITY HOTEL
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico CityFAMILY HOTEL
JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & SpaGOLF HOTEL
Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf ResortHONEYMOON HOTEL
Sri panwa, PhuketLUXURY HOTEL
The Langham HuntingtonHOTEL SPA & WELLNESS
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & SpaVALUE HOTEL
Skyrock Inn of SedonaWEDDING HOTEL
The Lodge at Ashford CastleGAY TRAVEL INFLUENCER (TIE)
@tcappelli @onairplanemode__
Photo of the Day - January 4, 2021
SJO wins rivalry game over Unity by four
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