State Farm Classic basketball tournament is back

After Illinois' pandemic mitigation guidelines and restrictions were put in place by the state and the IHSA, the State Farm Holiday Classic was forced to take an involuntary break. Today, organizers for the annual holiday tournament announced its plans to host the 42nd installment later this year on December 27, 28, 29 & 30.

Last year was the first time since 1989 the Holiday Classic was not played.

Nolan Grindley dribbles the ball down the court during second half action against Teutopolis last month. This December, the Spartans will face tough competition at the State Farm Holiday Basketball Classic.

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

The 2021 tournament field will include 15 new teams. Fourteen of the 64 teams slated to play are ranked in the final Associated Press polls for the 2021 season.

East Dubuque and Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin will be joining the boys small school division competition in the state's largest co-ed high school holiday tournament.

Along with these two new programs, St. Joseph-Ogden, led Ty Pence, will face stiff competition from the likes of Annawan, Aurora Christian, Bloomington Central Catholic, Chicago Providence St. Mel, Downs Tri-Valley, El Paso-Gridley, Kankakee Bishop McNamara, Quincy Notre Dame, Rock Falls, Stanford Olympia and Winnebago. Pence, who will be a junior, is ranked #27 in the Class of 2023 recruiting class.

The Spartans finished in sixth place with at 2-2 tournament record in 2019 putting up wins over Annawan in the opener and Bloomington Central Catholic in the championship bracket.

The SJO girls squad, who will be underrated and under the radar going into the 2021-2022 season, will see familiar opponents with Annawan, fellow Illini Prairie Conference mates Bloomington Central Catholic, Camp Point Central/Augusta Southeastern, El Paso-Gridley, Kankakee Bishop McNamara, Normal U-High, Rockford Lutheran, Rock Falls and Sherrard.

New in their division are teams from Aurora Christian, Winnebago, and Stanford Olympia, who were set to join the tournament last winter. They will also be joined Port Byron Riverdale, who will make their tournament debut in December, and the returning Sacred Heart-Griffin program.

In their last appearance, veteran head coach Kevin Taylor's #4 seeded team kicked off the tournament in 2019 with a 46-42 overtime win over Bishop McNamara. The upset victory put the Spartans up against the eventual championship team from Normal University High. The Lady Pioneers prevailed, but that didn't stop SJO from winning their last two contests to finish in 5th place.

The State Farm Classic has awarded $67,000 in scholarships to graduating student-athletes who participated in the tournament. The 2021 scholarship award winners will be announced next month. The tournament has also donated over $70,000 in the recent past to participating high school basketball programs.

5 steps for COVID-19 long-haulers during their recovery

Photo: Edward Jenner/Pexels

StatePoint Media

More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s becoming clear that some patients who were infected with the virus may have a longer path to recovery than others to feel like themselves again.

As of today, there have been 1,582 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in the six villages covered by The Sentinel. Of the 19,023 cases diagnosed in Champaign County, 18,531 are considered "Recovered". However, many of those who survived the initial onslaught to their immune system still suffer from lingering effects of the infection.

A new analysis of Cigna claims data estimates that about seven to 10 percent of its commercial customers diagnosed with COVID-19 could be considered "long-haulers", or patients experiencing symptoms for longer than 12 weeks after initially getting sick. That claim falls in line with a study that states that about 10 percent of people who’ve had COVID-19 will experience prolonged symptoms one, two or even three months after they were infected.

While a wide range of symptoms have been observed, the most common include a persistent cough, breathlessness, muscle and body aches, and chest heaviness or pressure. Also sometimes present are skin rashes, palpitations, fever, headache, diarrhea, and pins and needles - an uncomfortable tingling or prickling, usually felt in the arms, legs, hands or feet.

"Much remains to be learned about the potential long-lasting effects of COVID-19, but the good news is that the health care community is working to support people in their recovery long after they leave the hospital," says Dr. Steve Miller, executive vice president and chief clinical officer, Cigna.

Dr. Miller, a nationally-recognized advocate for greater access, affordability and excellence in health care, is offering the following tips for those grappling with "Long COVID".

1. Take care of your mental health: It’s no secret that we’re facing a mental health crisis in America that will remain long after COVID-19 restrictions are eased. Last year alone, Cigna’s pharmacy benefit manager saw a nearly 8 percent increase in people using antidepressants.

Recovery from COVID-19 can be physically and mentally draining, especially for people whose symptoms persist for many weeks or months.

Cigna research shows at least 5 percent of its patients who recovered from COVID-19 developed a mental health disorder in the following months. The good news is that the pandemic has rapidly accelerated the availability and adoption of a range of behavioral health options, making it easier to find a mental health counselor who can help. In fact, 60 percent of Cigna behavioral health customers are now using virtual services – 97 percent of which had previously never had a virtual visit before the pandemic.

2. Take advantage of care managers: Many health plans have expanded access to virtual and telehealth services that can help you avoid additional trips to the clinic or emergency room.

Equally important, some health plans offer individualized support in your recovery from a "care manager". Think of them as a personal health advocate. They will check in to see how you’re feeling, help connect you with needed specialists and follow-up treatments, and will even check in on your family.

Patients who had a post-discharge visit with a provider, either in-person or virtually, and engaged with a Cigna care manager, saw savings of almost $2,000 in 60-day post-COVID costs. Care managers also helped people recover and return to work a full week sooner than average.

3. Get vaccinated when you can. Some preliminary reports show that getting the COVID-19 vaccine has helped improve symptoms for long-haulers.

4. Find a "long-hauler" clinic. Researchers are still learning about COVID-19’s long-term impacts, and there are a number of clinics opening across the country focused solely on treating COVID long-haulers. The National Institutes of Health has also dedicated $1.1 billion to the study of "Long COVID", and Cigna is coordinating closely with them and these clinics to support its customers. Connection is crucial, so also consider seeking out an online long-hauler support network like Survivor Corps.

5. Keep practicing COVID-19 precautions. Everyone is ready to get back to doing the things they love, but none of us are safe until all of us are safe. America is in a race to reach herd immunity before more contagious variants gain momentum. Continue wearing masks, washing your hands and practicing social distancing and encourage family and friends to do the same.

EIU ranked #3 in the country for affordable college education

Finding a college that offers a solid academic education that won't put students under a mountain of school debt is a growing concern parents and their college-bound offspring. College Consensus has curated a list of schools ranked according to the most recent out-of-state tuition & fee information published by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Photo: Xin Wang/Unsplash

According to College Consensus, Eastern Illinois University in Charleston ranks #3 out of 100 schools across the country for an affordable college education.

Pursuing a college degree is now, more than ever, an expensive, but necessary journey. On average across most career fields, adults with college degrees stand to rake in a lot more money, more than 60% more according to NCES data, than those who don't continue their education after high school. Regardless of one's age, gender or race, a college degree is crucial to earning potentially more money during your lifetime.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition rate for public universities in 2017-2018 academic year was more than $20,000; by contrast, 30 years earlier, the same education would have cost $3800. But everything was cheaper in 1985 – except that, adjusted for inflation, 1985 tuition was less than $8500 in 2018 dollars. Tuition continues to rise faster than inflation.

Education debt is second largest consumer debt class in the Unite States behind real estate mortgages. The average recent graduate is more than $37,000 in student debt.

This alone makes it a priority to find college programs that are reasonably priced and focuses on teaching market-ready skills for current in-demand professions.

The top three schools in the Best Value Colleges and Universities ranking for 2021 are (1) Brigham Young University--Provo, (2) North Dakota State University, and nearby Eastern Illinois University at #3. The next 97 ranked schools can be found here.

To create their ranking of the 100 Best Value Colleges & Universities, College Consensus created a list and ordered schools based on the most recent out-of-state tuition & fee information published by the National Center for Education Statistics.

EIU, which offers Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s Degrees and Doctorates in over 60 programs, scored well due to both in-state and out-of-state tuition runs $10,000 less than the average cost of all the 4-year schools that were evaluated.

Also making the list was Illinois State University at #93 and the University of Missouri - St. Louis at 100.

3rd quarter Unity Junior Honor Roll students named

Today, Unity Junior High School announced the names of students who achieved honor roll status during the third quarter. Congratulations to the 91 students who earned the requisite grade point average to celebrate the honor. See the names of UJHS students who made the quarter's High Honor Roll list here.

6th Grade Honor Roll

Wyatt Leon Blanchard
Paige Nicole Bradley
Aiden Jacob Sharples Brooks
Clare Faustina Bryant
Brody Ray Butler
Cadence Marie Chandler
Braedyn Lucas Dalton
Addison Tyler Davis
Reese Bella Frye
Journey Maddison Gabbard
Olivia Ashlyn Hall
Walker Dale Hall
Dustin Rose Harris
Mackenzie Michelle Jones
Kathryn Clara Knoll
Rush Matthew Little
Carson Wesley McCune
Landrey Michelle Mohr
Brooklyn Marie Mumm
Sadie Jane Polonus
Evan Alexander Puckett
Max Warren Rossi
Lane Edward Sexton
Alyssa Renae Shields
Isaac Benjamin Siegwald
Jackson Leo Smith
Madison Amanda Spohn
Jacob Michael Ward
Maggie Jean Weckle
Grace Ann Wherley
Kendall Grace Wysong
Joel Mitchell Yergler

7th Grade Honor Roll

Aria Eve Battaglia
Cameryn Dayle Cobb
Kaylee Marie Cooke
Annaliese Birtukan DeNeal
Crewe William Gene Eckstein
Collin William Graven
Kenley Jo Harris
Brayden Jonathon Henry
Tyler Jason Henry
Caden Maddox Hensch
Lucas Alexander Hood
Tyler Reed Huntington
Faith Lyn Lampe
Maxwell Cort McCabe
Travis Lane McCarter
Deakin Frederick Moore
Carter Matthew Pieczynski
Dallas Jordan Porter
Kyla Lanae Reed
Jillian Brooke Schlittler
Liana Grace Sheets
Lauren Patricia Stratton
Ian John Taber
Olivia Danielle Tempel
Sophia Louise Jean Toney
Evan Eugene Vlahovich

8th Grade Honor Roll

Avery Jean Alagna
Elizabeth Marie Anderson
Emmerson Matthew Bailey
Michael Allan Bromley
Bentten Matthew Cain
Josephine Rose Cler
Jacob Ivan Davidson
Ezekiel De Los Santos
Nathaniel Gojam DeNeal
Hunter Michael Eastin
Alexis Rae Gady
Faith Marianne Hall
McKenzie June Hart
Caleb James Hoewing
Andrew Jason King
Elias Anthony Eugene Lawlyes
Isabella Cassandra Matthews
Maliyah Marie Ortiz
Taylor Aiyana Marie Prough
Oliver Mason Hyeok Joon Rawlings
Korben Dale Ray
Nolan Scott Remole
Ryan James Robinson
Brock Jacob Schlittler
Grant James Steinman
Owen Michael Taylor
Jacob Howell Thomas
Gavin Henry David Weaver
Maddie Hillary Kay Wheeling
Jordan Jeanne Whittington
Teaguen Andrew Williams
Tessah Rae Williams
Lauren Anne Williams-Scroggins

95 UJHS students make 3rd quarter High Honor Roll

Unity Junior High School announced the names of 95 students who achieved high honor roll status during the third quarter. Congratulations to all 186 students who earned the requisite grade point to qualify for honor roll recognition during this period. Honor Roll students that did not qualify for high honors can be found here.

6th Grade High Honor Roll

Dominic Russell Baxley
Grace Michele Bickers
Alex Martin Bromley
Berkley Jane Cloud
Caleb Benjamin Coy
Hudson Lee DeHart
Danika Ann Eisenmenger
Allison Renee Fenter
Bailee Mae Gadeken
Colton Ray Harmon
Broderick Wayne Irwin
Avery Nicole Kamradt
Cash Cohen McCann
Adam Lucas Reedy
Ethan Daniel Schaefer
Allyson Lynn Shaw
Evalyn Alexandra Skibbe
Piper Estelle Staley
Grace Lynne Tempel
Leah Marianne Watson
Elizabeth Johnna Wayne
Rylan Kade Wolf

7th Grade High Honor Roll

Anna Carolyn Amias
Mylie Lynn Castle
Eli Samson Crowe
Ella Jean Darnall
Callie Marie Ellars
Camden Michael Fairbanks
Tanner Elizabeth Gallivan
Isabel Grace Grob
Logan Phillip Jeurissen
Miles Kennedy Johnson
Johanna Ilene Langley
Isabelle Joy Levingston
Mylie Emily Margaret Loftsgaard
Claire Lynn Meharry
Phoenix Sky Molina
Isaac Julian Neverman
Mason Robert ONeill
Harry Matthew Polonus
Mackenzie Rose Pound
Ty Steven Rodems
Katie Marie Ruggieri
Vanna Lee Schriefer
Hunter James Shike
Annalise Rose Shunk
Shelby Lynn Smith
Caden Alexander Stierwalt
Ginna Mae Stierwalt
Madelyn Rose Stierwalt
Emma Marie Swisher
Alexander Lane Wells
Paula Louise Wilson
Claire Morgan Zorns

8th Grade High Honor Roll

Jenna Blair Adams
Lindy Marie Bates
Molly Kay Baxley
Sophia Cathryn Beckett
Kolton Andrew Black
Paige Leeanne Brewer
Noah Michael Bryant
Elle Makenna Cheely
Madelyn Rae Darnall
Jordan Kathryn Daugherty
Ava Jane Davis
Ashlyn Brielle Denney
Kade Ryan Dubson
Chloey Ryanne Duitsman
Ava Maureen Fenter
Catharine Elizabeth Ford
Sophia Safrona Frye
Paige Ann Garretson
Kadence Lynn Goff
Sophia Ruth Hartke
Lauren Mellissa Hellmer
Dallas Anthony Hollingsworth
Wyatt Matthew Huffstutler
Lindsey Michelle Johnson
Gracie Marie Meharry
Alex Nathaniel Mowrer
Brady James Parr
Reigna Jolie Price
Camryn Elizabeth Reedy
Ashley Lynn Rennels
Ryan Benjamin Rink
Lydia Claire Rossi
Maegan Denise Rothe
Savannah Renee Rubin
Lauren Anne Shaw
Abigail Ruth Smith
Joseph Robert Tempel
Avery Elise Watson
McKinley Mae Weller
Nolan Allen Wishall

On the Market

Do you have a home for sale in one of our six communities? The Sentinel would like to highlight it in the upcoming new local real estate feature called On The Market.

Each calendar week we would like our online community news source to feature available residential property from those submitted for consideration to promote to our audience. With over 700 readers daily, The Sentinel hopes the new section will direct more potential buyers and competitive offers to sellers in our area.

For more submission information, sellers and agents can contact us at editor@oursentinel.com.

5G connectivity and the future; what it possible can do for you

StatePoint Media

By now, you’ve heard about 5G or might have access to it on your smartphone, but do you know what it is, how it works or what it can do for you?

5G is the next generation of wireless technology, building on its predecessors 2G, 3G and 4G, and is available on today’s smartphones to make and receive calls, run applications and send and receive data.

This fifth-generation technology is a massive leap into what is possible in wireless. 5G is expected to deliver faster speeds and enhanced connectivity, giving businesses and consumers alike the potential to develop and experience new, innovative technologies.

Photo: Aneta Pawlik/Unsplash

Under development as you read this are systems that will help farming become even more profitable through targeted weed and pest control, real-time soil moisture monitoring for irrigaton systems and livestock tracking. 5G opens the door wider for "precision farming" where farmers can react to real-time data to deliver just right about of water or fertilizer to a specific are in their fields. Feeding entire herd while on vacation will be as easy as a few swipes on a smartphone or watch.

In a decade or so from now, tilling, planting and harvesting will all be done from the comfort a farmer's command center in the shed or his or her home office thanks 5G and the automation of dozens of manual tasks. Hauling grain from the field to an elevator will be done by driverless trucks thanks to the significantly faster network speeds.

Here are five things you may not know about 5G:

1. 5G improves overall wireless coverage: 5G can deliver better, more efficient coverage in both breadth and depth. Depending on where it’s deployed by wireless operators, it can reach cities and towns that were previously lacking wireless access. Providers like T-Mobile are committed to providing 5G access to rural America, and already cover more than 287 million people across more than 1.6 million square miles.

2. Different types of 5G can support where you live: Providers deploy different levels of wireless spectrum – low, mid and high – with the ability to provide coverage and capacity whether you live in the city, the suburbs or a rural community. For 5G, low-band spectrum provides far-reaching coverage outside, and reaches indoors with speeds that are slightly better than LTE; mid-band provides blanket coverage across large areas with fast speeds, making it the “goldilocks” of spectrum; and, high-band – typically available in select urban areas – provides super-fast speeds over short distances, but needs line of sight to the device and doesn’t pass through physical obstructions.

3. 5G will create "smarter cities": From monitoring pollution or traffic levels to optimizing energy use or self-driving transportation, 5G can enable applications that urban cities and small towns alike can use to live smarter.

4. 5G unlocks technology developments for industry: With 5G connectivity, and new applications to support certain industries, businesses and industries can evolve to meet the needs of a connected world. Imagine farmers utilizing sensors and drones to enhance the agriculture community, or businesses using real-time language translation, or even enhanced location services to improve first responder times to save lives.

5. Virtual and augmented reality or holographic scenarios: 5G gives us the ability to transform where and how we experience our lives. Imagine having virtual reality access to live concerts and sports games, using holographic telepresence to be a part of your family’s birthday party in another state, or having real-time driving data like traffic or road conditions displayed on your car’s windshield as you drive.

The possibilities with 5G are endless and will offer individuals and businesses the ability to do and experience the world around them in ways they couldn’t before.

From 5G-enabled smartphones to the latest connected devices, check with your wireless provider to see how you can get the most out of 5G technology where you live.

Food | Two delightfully delicious twists on Easter carrot cake

Photo: StatePoint Media/John Kanell

StatePoint Media

Carrot cake has been an Easter staple for years, so why not serve some fun takes on this popular dessert for your celebration?

With Easter landing on International Carrot Day, April 4, John Kanell, culinary expert and founder of Preppy Kitchen, partnered with McCormick spices to create exclusive Easter dessert recipes that put a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake.

"Growing up, desserts were always the highlight of Easter, with my mother and grandmother making wonderful carrot cakes from scratch," says John Kanell.

Because carrot cake brings back great memories, Kanell wanted to channel that nostalgia, while adding whimsical touches. His resulting creations are fun, family-friendly and beyond-delicious.

As darling as they are tasty, Carrot Cake Cookies bring all the flavors of carrot cake in a fun, handheld way that allows the whole family to get involved in the kitchen. Big and little kids alike can help frost and decorate!

Make room at the dessert table for Carrot Cake Roll with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling – a fluffy spiced cake loaded with carrots and the warm flavor of McCormick spices. Rolled up with a light and airy lemon and cream cheese filling, it’s a sweet way to celebrate the season.

"As a nod to my Greek heritage, my family always incorporated lemon into our dessert recipes. Adding it to the cream cheese filling provides a bright complement to my slightly sweet and tender Carrot Cake Roll recipe," says Kanell.

Kanell is also sharing his top baking tips for success.

• Feature carrots front-and-center in desserts. Beyond their beautiful orange color, they add moisture to baked goods.

• Too much flour makes for dense, gummy baked goods. Always measure your flour correctly by using a scale or fluffing the flour and sprinkling it into your measuring cup before leveling off.

• Don’t over-mix your batter. It will activate the gluten in the flour and cause your baked goods to go from tender and airy to tough and overly chewy. Mix your dry and wet ingredients until just combined.

• Use room temperature butter and cream cheese – left out of the refrigerator for about 30 to 60 minutes. They should show a slight indent when pressed, yet still hold shape. Remember that consistency is important when creaming butter with sugar and it should be visibly fluffy and not cling to the side of your mixing bowl.

• Stock your spice rack with McCormick pure vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg so it is ready for all your baking needs. Spring is all about nature waking up after a long slumber and these essential spices brighten and add warmth to seasonal dishes.

• Even if your little ones are too young to make a recipe, they can still help measure, mix and combine ingredients, and of course decorate cakes, cupcakes and cookies.

For these exclusive Easter carrot cake-inspired recipes, crafting ideas for kids and kids-at-heart, and everything else you need to complete your Easter celebration, visit mccormick.com/easter.

With delicious takes on the classic carrot cake, your family can hit the sweet spot between nostalgia and whimsical fun this Easter.