Money Matters: What's the best way to invest in your future?

by Jake Pence, Guest Columnist

"Real estate or the stock market - which should you invest your money in today?"

This is a fundamental question that many investors must answer at some point on their investing journey. I have consumed hours and hours of content on this exact topic and if there is one thing that I know for certain, it is this … the people creating the content are biased, myself included.

I heavily favor real estate investing over the stock market because it best compliments my goals and skill set, but I also opportunistically invest in stocks.

So … let’s weave through this complex topic and discuss five key points in an objective, fact-driven lens rather than a lens clouded with my personal agenda and bias. The key points I’ll discuss will be barriers to entry, liquidity, diversification, taxation, expected returns, and investment experience.

Barriers to Entry

A widely used economic term, a barrier to entry is a start-up cost and/or obstacle that prevents an individual from easily doing business. When it comes to real estate and the stock market, knowledge and capital will be the two most prominent barriers to entry.

I have found that the barriers to entry for real estate are often overstated because of how easy it is to buy a stock. For better or worse, the barrier to entry to the stock market is almost nonexistent.

If you have a bank account, a smart phone, and a pulse then you can create a Robinhood account and start trading stocks. Therefore, everyone has access to the stock market and can start trading.

In my opinion, that’s a pro and a con, but it does provide equal opportunities and people with small amounts of capital can start putting it to work. Before you put your capital to work, I highly recommend educating yourself on the stock market and how to make educated investment decisions.

While I have found real estate barriers to entry to be overstated, they are still more difficult to overcome than entering the stock market.

Knowledge, capital, and time are the roadblocks you must overcome to invest in real estate.

Knowledge is the easiest to overcome because books, podcasts, and the internet have all of the answers you need. I’m extremely grateful for my education at the University of Illinois, but I learned more about real estate investing from books, podcasts, and YouTube videos than I did in my 400-level real estate investing class from one of the best finance and real estate programs in the country.

Capital is the next obstacle and this one held me back for a few years, but real estate investing should be treated as a team sport. If you have the knowledge, but no capital, then partner with someone who has the capital, but limited knowledge.

If you’re wondering how a cash-poor 22 year old who lives in his parent’s basement, writes articles, and makes YouTube videos is a full-time real estate investor … it's because he partners with people who do have the capital (but limited time and/or knowledge) to invest in real estate.

The last obstacle is time and the common saying to disparage real estate investing is, "I don’t want to get called about a leaky toilet at 3AM."

Well, you’re right. That can happen. However, there are also additional ways to invest in real estate that don’t require that time commitment, such as becoming a passive investor in a real estate syndication.

Before you decide real estate investing isn’t for you, make sure you educate yourself on the different ways you can invest in real estate.

In my next article we will look at the next two key points, liquidity and diversification.

About the author:

• Jake Pence is the President of Blue Chip Real Estate and a consultant for Fairlawn Capital, Inc.. A 2019 graduate from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois, he is a 2016 graduate from St. Joseph-Ogden High School where he was a three-sport athlete for the Spartans. You can view his latest acquisitions and advice on his YouTube channel here.

Money Matters:
Expected returns and investment experience

This is the fourth and final article Money Matters series by guest columnist Jake Pence. You can read part one What's the best way to invest in your future here, part two on the importance of Liquidity and diversification and part three covering real estate taxation here.

by Jake Pence, Guest Columnist

This is what so many people get caught up in "Expected Returns". In other words, which investment vehicle will make more money.

In reality, this is like comparing apples to oranges. The most convenient way to compare the returns is using the S&P 500 and a Vanguard Real Estate ETF and throwing them up side by side.

If I’m being honest, I think this is a lazy methodology and it is only used because of the convenience. In general, the returns will be comparable, but it will come down to the specific investment opportunity and it is lazy to make blanket statements about returns. Obviously, you need to invest in an asset that will create a return; however, there are other items to consider such as the investing experience, diversification, taxation, risk management, liquidity, and your financial goals.

Finally, something that is often overlooked in any investment is the experience of that investment.

When I say experience, I mean how is your investment going to make you feel, affect your sleep, make a societal impact, and so on. To this point, this article has been fact-driven, but the remainder of this section is 100% my personal opinion and it is absolutely biased towards real estate.

The stock market is great for people who want to put their money into a system to generate a long-term return without having to make many decisions. I worry about people who have all of their money tied up in the stock market and/or retirement accounts that are exclusively invested in the stock market (you can use them to invest in real estate too). The reason being, I don’t trust the decision makers that control these financial markets and I would rather have my money in Main Street real estate than on Wall Street.

Real estate is great for people who want to have more control over their investment, make a societal impact, and generate long-term wealth.

I love being able to create my own business plan, to meet my residents and give them a place to call home, and the proven path to create a generational financial impact. I worry about real estate investors who think that they will be able to get rich quick and think it will be easy money.

News flash … it’s a grind. There are a lot of bad actors in the industry that only care about money, and I think that is short-sighted in that this is long-term game.

In conclusion, the answer to this question should come from within and it should complement your financial goals and individual skill set.

To me, that means I should heavily invest in real estate and opportunistically invest in the stock market. To you, that could mean an entirely different investing strategy.

I encourage you to further your research on both of these topics and seek out reputable investors that have experience with both real estate and/or the stock market. When talking with other investors, make sure that you come into the conversation with an open mind, do your best to leave your biases at the door, and give yourself the chance to create a better financial future.

About the author:

Money Matters:
The taxing side of real estate investing

This is part 3 in this Money Matters series with guest columnist Jake Pence. You can read part one What's the best way to invest in your future here and part two on the importance of Liquidity and diversification.

by Jake Pence, Guest Columnist

For the majority of investors, taxation should never be the main driver behind an investment. However, taxation should absolutely be considered in an efficient investment portfolio. At the end of the day, how much money you keep is more important than how much money you earn.

The Internal Revenue Source (IRS) has written a painfully long book called, "The Internal Revenue Code" otherwise known as the tax code. The tax code isn’t painfully long and dense because of the many different ways the IRS can collect taxes. In fact, the collection of taxes is rather simple. If you make “X”, then you pay “Y.” Rather, the tax code is so long because of the many ways you can legally reduce your tax liability.

Individuals are able to reduce their tax liability if they perform actions that the government likes. One of the government’s favorite actions is providing housing to the public; therefore, there are many great tax benefits for real estate investors. One of the great real estate tax benefits is depreciation.

Real estate depreciation allows you to deduct the costs of a property over its useful life (as determined by the IRS) which reduces your taxable income. This is known as a “paper loss” because on paper it looks like the value of your investment decreased when, in reality, the value of your property likely increased due to appreciation and you collected monthly cash flow from the property if your income was greater than your expenses.

The tax benefits of real estate are very powerful and warrant their own article; however, this is how the wealthy stay wealthy. They buy real estate and legally reduce their taxable income, so they keep more of their money and then use that money to buy more real estate. It’s not complicated, and it’s 100% legal.

When it comes to taxation, real estate is the belle of the ball; however, stock market investors are able to place investments in tax efficient accounts and control the timing of their capital gains. The main tax benefit available to stock market investors is the ability to defer taxes through retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs. Additionally, you are able to choose the timing of the taxation by electing the account to be a “traditional” or "Roth" retirement vehicle.

With a traditional IRA, you are able to deduct your contributions in the year they are made, but you must pay taxes on them once you withdraw the funds. This is ideal for someone who thinks they will be in a lower tax bracket once they are retirement age. You contribute after-tax dollars to a Roth IRA, so this is ideal for someone who thinks they will be in a higher tax bracket once they retire. If you hold a specific stock for longer than a year, then you are no longer subject to the highest capital gains tax and this will allow you to keep more of your earnings.

About the author:

Money Matters:
Why liquidity and diversification is important in your investment plan

This is part 2 in this month's Money Matters with guest columnist Jake Pence. You can read part one What's the best way to invest in your future here.

by Jake Pence, Guest Columnist

Next, picking up where we left off, we need to talk about liquidity.

To keep it simple, liquidity is how easily an asset can be bought and/or sold. Another way to think about liquidity is how easily the asset can be turned into cash. The stock market has a clear advantage in terms of liquidity, but it still warrants a discussion.

Stocks are very liquid. In fact, stocks are so liquid that last summer, I was able to sell Amazon for $1,800/share, Tesla for $250/share, and Zoom for $85/share without Robinhood tapping me on the shoulder and saying, “You might not want to do that …”

Those companies now trade for $3,300/share, $1,700/share, and $275/share, respectively, and I still live in my parent’s basement.

I don’t tell that story to downplay liquidity because having quick access to your capital is advantageous in many scenarious; however, I tell that story to highlight how liquidity makes it easy for an investor to make emotional, rash, and in my case, downright stupid decisions. At that time, I did not have the trading savvy or financial discipline to hold a stock for more than a year.

All in all, if you value having easy access to your capital and have the financial discipline to manage that liquidity, then the stock market will better suit you.

Real estate, on the other hand, is a relatively illiquid investment. Whenever you want to pull money out via a refinance or cash out of the investment via a sale, then there is going to be a process that you must follow. The process will likely take a few months. Depending on the transaction, you could fall on either side of that timeline; however, it doesn’t take seconds like it does with stocks. If you don’t need your capital in the short-term, then real estate investing will be a great option for you.

Another important criteria is asset diversification. Diversification is the act of placing your investments in a variety of asset types, industries, etc. so that your exposure to any one asset type is limited.

Diversification is extremely important in an investment portfolio because if you’re only invested in airline stocks and then a global pandemic halts all air travel … well, you’re in trouble.

It is easier to diversify your portfolio within the stock market than it is real estate. You can still diversify your real estate portfolio, but it will take more than a few hours on Yahoo Finance to do so.

To make diversification even easier for stock market investors, you could buy a mutual fund that is already diversified. In real estate, you can diversify your portfolio by purchasing different asset types (apartments, self-storage, single-family-homes, etc.) in different locations (Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, etc.). This will take more time, capital, and energy; however, it can and should be done.

I firmly believe that a well-balanced portfolio should include both stocks and real estate.

If your entire portfolio is in stocks, then you are heavily reliant upon company executives, Wall Street, and government decision makers for your financial future. If your entire portfolio is in real estate, then the cyclical nature of real estate markets will present challenges. Overall, a combination of Wall Street and Main Street investing will create a balanced portfolio.

In my next installment I will briefly discuss taxes and how investing can potentially lower your tax annual liability.

About the author:

Small fish swimming with the sharks, SJO grad finding success in real estate business

by Clark Brooks, The Sentinel

NASHVILLE, TN - 2016 St. Joseph-Ogden graduate Jake Pence hasn't let the pandemic slow him or entrepreneurial pursuits down. The real estate business he founded two years ago is now based in Music City. Kaski, formerly known as Blue Chip Real Estate, is a real estate investment firm "focused on luxury short-term rentals in Nashville and value-add multifamily properties in Central Illinois and Middle Tennessee."

This is a short-term rental in Nashville that Pence purchased and has since renovated. See more photos on his Instagram page where he describes his acquisitions experience. Photo courtesy Jake Pence

Pence's fledgling business has grown from managing four units valued at $250K to 83 worth $7.5 million. He also raised $2.15 million in equity from 23 investors who believe in his vision.

After graduating from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois in 2019, Pence had a choice to join the corporate world or hop on the sometimes turbulent, unpredictable path of entrepreneurship. He chose the latter.

The first year-and-a-half was a little rocky, but Pence made some strategic moves that have paid off.

"For the first year & a half, it seemed like I had placed a bad bet," Pence wrote in a Facebook post. "However, thanks to the help of numerous people, especially Jared Blaudow, Kendra Pence, & Todd Pence, Kaski finally started to gain traction in the summer of 2021 & was able to close out the year strong."

He also found time and the opportunity to start a new subsidiary business called Stay Music City. The operation is a short-term stay property management company offering luxury single-family homes to an estimated 16.2 million visitors a year to not only the home of country music but also fans looking for a place to stay attending collegiate and professional sporting events, conferences or work-related trips.

Kaski is also set to close on a deal for two apartment complexes this quarter that will more than double the number of residences in their rental portfolio.

"We're still a very small fish in a very large pond, but I'm excited to see what we can accomplish in 2022 & beyond," he said, who earned varsity letters in three sports at SJO.

When asked what advice he would give aspiring entrepreneurs and real estate developers, he offered sound advice.

"Be impatient with action, yet patient with results," he said. "Don’t take yourself too seriously or get too caught up in the highs and lows, just take consistent action over a long time period and you will start to see results."

Money Matters: Five tips to weather the COVID-19 recession

by Jake Pence

The National Bureau of Economic Research’s Business Cycle Dating Committee has officially announced that the United States has entered a recession. The United States has seen a record 128 consecutive months of economic expansion before COVID-19 bottlenecked the nation’s physical, mental, and economic health. However, this article is not going to be a COVID-19 or recession pity party; in fact, it will be quite the opposite as a mentor once told me, "Never let a good crisis go to waste."

Before we dive into the weeds, let’s preface these tips with the fundamentals of money management in a recession. First, you must live within your means and minimize discretionary spending. Second, you must prioritize saving and building an emergency fund of at least six months worth of expenses.

Third, you must continue to make your debt payments. If you want to learn more about any of those fundamentals then you’re a google search away, but my goal is to give you tangible, long-term tactics that will set you up for success both during and after this recession.

ANALYZE YOUR SPENDING

To effectively live within your means, you must understand where your money is going and be proactive with your cash flow management. In the book Good to Great by Jim Collins, he wrote, “You must maintain unwavering faith that you can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, and at the same time, have the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.” Well … it’s time to confront the brutal facts about your spending and adjust your budget accordingly.

Whether your budget is in an excel document, on a piece of paper, or in your head, it is important that you have an understanding of the money you earn and the money you spend. In a recession, it can be difficult to earn more money; therefore, it is important to spend less money.

You can do this by checking your bank account, credit cards, and wallet on a weekly basis to see how much money you spent and what you spent it on. This will allow you to confront the brutal facts of your spending and identify what is necessary (groceries, housing, insurance, etc.) and what is discretionary (eating out, new clothes, subscription services, etc.).

IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Recessions affect almost every nook and cranny of the economy, especially credit markets. When credit markets tighten, it becomes difficult to get approved for a mortgage, car loan, credit card, or any other type of financing. Although it may be difficult, it is NOT impossible to gain access to financing in a recession. Access to financing is often what separates individuals who capitalize on the opportunities a recession presents, discounted asset prices, from those who don’t. Consequently, individuals with strong credit scores will be first in line at the credit market.

Your credit score consists of five components: total accounts, length of credit, credit inquiries, utilization rate, and missed payments. The most important components are the credit utilization rate and missed payments. To best explain your credit utilization rate, let’s say you have a credit card with a $1,000 credit line and a $500 current balance. This is equal to a 50% credit utilization rate ($500/$1,000).

You should maintain less than a 30% utilization rate across all forms of credit to improve your score. Missed payments are self-explanatory; however, it may become tempting to skip a credit card payment when times are tough. Do not give into this temptation as missed payments are the most important component of your credit score and will affect your score long after the recession ends.

REVIEW YOUR TAX PLAN

Does the word "taxes" make you cringe? Cry? Worse? Well … taxes, taxes, taxes. For most individuals, taxes will be the greatest expense over the course of their lifetime. However, there are many LEGAL ways to pay less taxes so that you can keep more of your hard earned money.

In fact, the overwhelming majority of the United States tax code discusses how to legally reduce your taxes. You do not need to read the entire tax code, but you need to talk with an accountant who (hopefully) understands the tax code and will create an efficient tax plan for your unique situation. There is a critical difference between an accountant who prepares your taxes and an accountant who prepares your taxes and minimizes your taxable income through proper tax planning. When you can no longer increase your income or reduce your expenses, then focus on (legally) keeping more of your money.

If you don’t currently have an accountant or you file using a free online platform, then simply start by scheduling a meeting with a local accountant to review your financial situation. Most accounting firms will offer a free consultation to decide whether or not you will benefit from tax planning.

One other critical tip, you often will get what you pay for in terms of accountants and not all accountants are created equally. Don’t be afraid to pay a little extra for a great accountant who saves you far more money than a cheaper alternative, so be sure to focus on how much they save you rather than how much they cost you.

DIVERSIFY YOUR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

The purpose of diversification is to mitigate your risk. There is risk associated with any investment, and that risk is amplified in an economic downturn. Therefore, it is important to have a variety of investments in your portfolio. For example, if the stock market crashes and you have 100% of your investment portfolio in stocks, then your portfolio value will take a tremendous hit.

Alternatively, if the stock market crashes and you have 50% of your investment portfolio in stocks, 25% in bonds, and 25% in real estate, then your portfolio will not be as severely affected. When it comes to your financial portfolio, it is important to spread your eggs in a variety of baskets rather than loading them all into one basket.

Diversification can be done within each asset class. Let’s take a look at the 50% stocks, 25% bonds, and 25% real estate portfolio as an example. Within the 50% of your portfolio allocated to stocks, you should own stocks from different industries with a range of company valuations. An example would be owning shares of Amazon (e-commerce), Visa (financial services), and Caterpillar (industrial).

Within your 25% bond holdings, you can get a CD from a local bank or buy a government municipal bond; within your 25% real estate portfolio, you can own a single family home rental property in St. Joseph, IL and a duplex rental property in Champaign, IL. A few asset classes that you should consider investing in are stocks, exchange traded funds, bonds, real estate, real estate syndications, and precious metals such as gold and silver. Overall, prioritize diversification so when one sector of the economy is negatively affected, all of your chickens don’t come home to roost.

FOCUS ON THE BIG PICTURE

If you’re going to take away anything from this article then let it be this: don’t become emotional with your finances due to the recession. The next few years contain a lot of uncertainty, but don’t lose sight of your long-term financial plan and jeopardize your long-term financial security due to short-term economic events.

Whether this recession lasts 6 months to 3 years, it is still a very small period of your life. Make the necessary adjustments to your portfolio, live within your means, and actively manage your cash flow; however, do not become emotional and make rash decisions that will affect you long after this recession ends. We are in this for the long-haul.

Warren Buffett is a world-renowned investor and once said, "Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked." Well … the tide is making its way out and time will tell who has prepared for this moment. If you feel vulnerable, then don’t become emotional or make rash decisions. Instead, cover yourself up while you still have time and make sure that you too, don’t let a good crisis go to waste.

About the author:

Pritzker signs ‘squatter bill’ into law, real estate and property owner organizations support the bill

The goal of the bill is to make it easier for police to enforce criminal trespassing. State law does not explicitly give police the power to remove a person squatting in another person’s home without an eviction.

Squatter's home

Photo: Juan Giraudo/Unsplash

Until new law that takes effect in January, removing squatters from a home meant homeowners would have to go through the eviction process in Cook County court, which can take months. New law makes it easier to kick squatters off an owner's property.

by Ben Szalinski
Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - A new law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday will make it easier for police to remove squatters who are illegally staying at a residence.

Squatters are people who enter and occupy a place for a long period of time with the intention of staying there, rather than a trespasser who enters without intentions to stay.

Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1563, which clarifies that a court-ordered eviction is not required for police to remove squatters from a person’s home. The bill stipulates that police can enforce criminal trespassing charges against a squatter.

“Squatters are a problem, and no one should have to get an eviction notice to remove squatters from their home,” bill sponsor Sen. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, said in a statement. “Law enforcement need to be able to do their job and return homes to their rightful owners.”

The bill passed through the General Assembly nearly unanimously, with only Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, voting against it. Law enforcement, real estate and property owner organizations supported the bill.

Collins, who represents much of the West Side of Chicago, said the bill came from concerns her constituents expressed and said the goal was to make it easier for police to enforce criminal trespassing. State law does not explicitly give police the power to remove a person squatting in another person’s home without an eviction.

A lawmaker’s encounter

Pritzker signed the bill after Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, had a first-hand encounter with squatters this summer. ABC7 Chicago reported last week squatters moved in next door to Evans’ Avalon Park home on Chicago’s South Side. The owners of the house had put the home up for sale, but last week found strangers living inside without buying or renting the home.

According to ABC7, Chicago Police told homeowners they couldn’t remove the squatters from the home and the homeowners would have to go through the eviction process in Cook County court, which can take months. Evans told ABC7 he would call Pritzker directly to ask him to sign the bill, which was sponsored in the House by Rep. Jawaharial Williams, D-Chicago.

“My community is full of hardworking, mortgage- and rent-paying citizens who believe in working, not stealing and scheming,” Evans said in a Facebook post Monday. “We don’t support crooks who prey on hardworking people.”

The law takes effect Jan. 1.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

Financial planning strategies for LGBTQ+ couples that make sense

Photo: NewsUSA

(NewsUSA) -- Every family has a unique financial situation with its own set of challenges. However, financial planning can be a bit more complex for LGBTQ+ couples. Depending on the state in which they live, LGBTQ+ couples may find it hard to secure access to health care, higher earning opportunities and retirement savings.

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professionals can help LGBTQ+ couples navigate these challenges and develop financial planning strategies tailored to their specific needs and the laws of their state.

Here are 4 examples of strategies that a CFP® professional can help you consider:

1. Estate planning: Estate planning is important for LGBTQ+ couples, particularly when considerable assets are involved such as multiple retirement accounts or real estate. In addition to a will and beneficiary designations, your estate plan should also explain how your medical wishes should be honored. Your plan should include health care proxies and medical powers of attorney.

2. Retirement planning: A CFP® professional will work with you to choose the best savings and investment options to meet your retirement goals. They can help align your investment options with your values, combine or consolidate retirement accounts, and make annual contributions. A CFP® professional can also help you review your beneficiary designations to ensure your loved ones are protected. This includes understanding the tax implications of naming a spouse and unmarried partner as a beneficiary.

3. Insurance planning: A CFP® professional can help you evaluate your needs for foundational insurance -- that is, health, life, long-term care and disability insurance. It is important to know your rights, resources and insurance-policy details before incorporating insurance into your financial plan. For example, many insurance carriers recognize domestic partner status and will offer a preferred rate if you live with your life partner, even if you are not legally married.

4. Family planning: Deciding whether to get married and whether to start a family involves many important financial considerations for LGBTQ+ couples. Marriage may offer several long-term financial benefits, including health care coverage and federal protection of certain assets. Alternatively, a domestic partnership agreement can provide financial protections for unmarried LGBTQ+ couples. And starting a family may mean saving for fertility treatments, or a domestic or international adoption program.

These strategies, along with other financial best practices, can help put LGBTQ+ couples on a path to financial success.

You can find a CFP® professional by visiting LetsMakeAPlan.org and using the Find A CFP® Professional tool. You can also filter your search to find a planner with experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

Four tips to selling your home in today's market

Price for nice homes predicted to decline

Photo: Francesca Tosolini/Unsplash

NAPSI -- The real estate market is cooling down: Home inventory rose 9.6% between May and June. Interest rates are up. Thirty-year mortgage rates rose to 6.29% a week ago to their highest level since October 2008. And, inflation is still a problem for much of the country.

"The housing market in Illinois is showing signs of a return to normal conditions," Daniel McMillen, Head of the UIC Stuart Handler Department of Real Estate (SHDRE) said in a housing price forecast for the state to Illinois Realtors. "Prices have declined since their peak in June, sales are declining, and foreclosures are increasing. Our prediction is that house prices will continue to decline modestly over the next few months, while the number of sales will show its usual late-year slowdown."

Consequently, potential buyers are delaying their searches and home sellers are facing some daunting challenges.

But the good news is that these challenges are not insurmountable. Amanda Zachman, founder and executive director of MV Realty in Delray Beach, Florida, offers four guidelines to help you sell your home quickly—in any market.

1. Don’t overprice your home. Many homeowners hope to capture the attention of a single buyer willing to pay an inflated listing price but they end up scaring away potential buyers. And if you do attract a buyer at the inflated price, you’ll limit your negotiating power because the buyer has no competition. A better strategy is to list your home at a price equal to or slightly below market value; homeowners who do so often start a bidding war.

The lesson: "You will likely end up with a higher sales price if you begin with a lower list price," says Zachman.

According to Redfin, last month just 37.3% of homes in Illinois sold below asking price.

2. Find a good agent. Yes, you can sell your home without an agent. But should you? The answer is a decisive “no.”

Homeowners offer 6% less than the asking price of an FSBO because they believe they are entitled to a built-in discount since no agent is involved. A seasoned, licensed agent has comprehensive knowledge of the local market and will make the selling process as lucrative, painless and surprise-free as possible.

During a recent sale, for example, Zachman noticed a charge of $6,000 from a title insurance company on the closing statement. She realized that since the sellers had purchased the home less than three years ago, they could use their last policy. Her catch eventually saved the sellers $2,000.

"It’s unlikely that an inexperienced agent would have noticed this," she remarks. To assess the experience of potential agents, Zachman recommends careful research: "Do they know your area? Have they sold other homes in your area? What customer ratings have they earned? These seem like obvious questions, but they’re easy to forget when you’re eager to start the listing process."

3. Take your time. Speaking of eagerness, don’t rush to put your home on the market if it’s not ready. "Don’t list a messy or cluttered house," Zachman cautions. "You want to make sure that it’s orderly, show-ready and professionally photographed. Cellphone photos just won’t cut it."

She adds that the listing should contain all relevant information and that homeowners are prepared to respond to an offer. According to Zachman, "the most important timeframe for a listing is the first 14 days. You need to put your best foot forward so that the listing doesn’t get stale.”

4. Prepare for short-term inconveniences. Bad news for those who hate vacuuming: Your home should stay clean throughout the listing process.

“If you’re pricing your home appropriately, you can expect many showings and some will be at the spur of the moment,” Zachman points out. “But the right price leads to a fast sale, so you won’t be inconvenienced for long. Any effort you put toward mopping floors, washing windows and making beds will be well worth it.

"There are still ample opportunities for both buyers and sellers in this market," Zachman concludes. "If you follow these guidelines, you can successfully navigate through all kinds of market cycles. So, list at a reasonable price, work with an agent experienced in your market, remember that preparation is key, and expect a few inconveniences that shouldn’t last too long. Good luck!”

Don’t list a messy or cluttered house.

~ Amanda Zachman
MV Realty

Money Matters: Three businesses that would be great to have in St. Joseph

by Jake Pence, Guest Columnist

As St. Joseph and small towns across the country face stagnation (lack of growth) it is important that they prioritize their local economy.

St. Joseph is a desirable place to live for many reasons. We have a great school system, small town values, a low crime rate, proximity to jobs and everyday necessities, the best El Toro in Champaign County and numerous local businesses. I could go on and on. However, if population growth isn’t a desired outcome then population retention is pivotal to the long-term livelihood of the community.

What’s the best way to improve the desirability and longevity of a small town? Create a thriving local economy that isn’t too dependent upon one industry.

That said, this article is dedicated to three businesses I believe would improve resident retention and add a welcomed vitality to the local economy in St. Joseph.

BUSINESS IDEA #1:
BBQ & Craft Beer Restaurant
Location: East of Jack Flash

Yes, we already have a great selection of restaurants in St. Joseph and this is by no means a knock against any of them. I thoroughly enjoy a burrito loco from El Toro, the frisco melt from Roch’s and anything on the menu at The Wheelhouse. I’ve also eaten my fair share of China King, Padano's, Scratch, Subway, Monical's, and Dairy Queen over the years.

Despite all of these options, what we're missing is delicious portions of pulled pork, beef brisket, burnt ends, cornbread, potato salad, coleslaw, and craft beer.

To scratch that itch, residents of St. Joseph and surrounding communities have to drive to Urbana or Champaign.

Have you heard of Burgers & Beer in Gibson City? How about Gross’ Burgers in Westville? I’m guessing you have heard of one if not both. What do those restaurants have in common? First, when my family drives past them we stop and eat. Second, they are demand drivers for their local economy.

I firmly believe that a BBQ and beer focused restaurant would develop into a staple of the St. Joseph food scene and drive demand to the rest of the local economy. For proof of concept, visit Edley’s next time you’re down in Nashville, TN.

BUSINESS IDEA #2:
Boutique Assisted Living Facility and Memory Care Center
Location: Southwest of the middle school or a new residential development

Based on the recent traffic I’ve seen at my proposed location, this could very well be in the works.

Why do most people live in St. Joseph? They grew up here and this is where their family lives; therefore, we should prioritize the health, housing, and livelihood of all residents from newborns to great grandparents.

One of the hottest trends in real estate is assisted living facilities because the baby boomer generation is approaching the age where this assistance may be necessary. Additionally, Alzheimer’s rates are rising and quality memory care facilities are becoming more important than ever.

The addition of a boutique assisted living facility and memory care center to the community would be ideal to provide a much needed service to the older generations of St. Joseph. Instead of having to drive to Champaign, Urbana or to other facilities in the surrounding area, families and caretakers could make a five minute drive across town to check-in and visit loved ones.

For proof of concept, check out my colleague Loe Hornbuckle at Sage Oak Assisted Living based in Texas - https://thesageoak.com/.

BUSINESS IDEA #3:
Home Remodeling General Contractor
Location: Vacant lot on 2nd Street south of the Kickapoo Rail Trail or your garage

How many of you have completed a home remodeling project during COVID-19? My guess is 50% of the people reading this article have done one or more improvements to their home. How many of you ENJOYED the process of completing your home remodeling project? I’m going to say 10% - and if you’re in that 10% then pay close attention.

In my opinion, St. Joseph has a housing situation that is bottle-necked by supply and demand issues. That has resulted in the village not experiencing the population growth many once thought it would thanks to stagnation. If we aren’t going to develop new housing – a topic for another day, then we must continue to revitalize and renovate the current housing supply.

There are already businesses in town that do this and do it well – a shoutout to Roger Beals - but these businesses are always booked out weeks, sometimes months in advance. There is a shortage in supply and a surplus in demand for contractors; therefore, there is an opportunity for a new company to balance out the market with a much needed service.

With minimal overhead costs, diligent customer service, and an active social media presence, I don’t think it would take long to create a thriving business with many opportunities to expand into nearby markets.

All of these businesses will take a certain level of industry specific knowledge and access to capital to start, but that can be acquired through partnerships, research, and over time. Entrepreneurship isn’t about reinventing the wheel or coming up with a Shark Tank-esque idea. It is about finding opportunities in the marketplace and taking action to meet an unfulfilled demand.

As an investor and entrepreneur, I am personally very interested in exploring all three ideas. There may be others in your circle who feel the same way. Start a conversation. Discuss the possibilities and the opportunities. Quite frankly, I think conversations about entrepreneurship and taking calculated risks aren’t talked about enough in our community, yet we are home to some of the brightest minds and hardest workers in the area.

It is time to make entrepreneurship a priority in St. Joseph. So let’s get to it!

About the author:

Viewpoint |
Trump is gutting affordable housing, advocates are pushing for solutions

Experts warn that proposed work requirements and budget cuts to HUD programs could strip families of rental assistance and permanent housing benefits.

by Farrah Hassen
OtherWords

President Trump isn’t only bulldozing the East Wing of the White House with the help of his billionaire friends. The former developer is also taking a wrecking ball to affordable housing.

Amid historically high housing costs, declining wages, and record homelessness, the Trump administration is upending longstanding federal housing policy that serves the nation’s poorest residents. That could be especially devastating in Illinois, which has among the highest rates of homelessness in the country according to federal data.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assistance programs support over 8 million people — mostly seniors, those with disabilities, and families with children — by providing public housing units or rental subsidies. This assistance has also been shown to improve food security and nutrition for low-income households.

However, ProPublica reports that the Trump administration is planning changes that could take away this support from millions.

One proposed regulation would allow local housing authorities — and even private landlords — to impose work requirements and time limits on public housing and vouchers for families without an elderly or disabled head of household.

While the administration claims this rule would promote “self-sufficiency,” advocates like the National Housing Law Project’s Deborah Thrope argue that these work requirements are actually “a way to strip families of their benefits.”

Most non-elderly, non-disabled households who receive assistance already include at least one person who works. And there’s little evidence that arbitrary time limits or work requirements help move people off subsidies. They certainly don’t make housing more affordable.

This draft rule reflects the Trump administration’s larger approach to housing: Punishing those in need but failing to address affordability — the primary driver of homelessness.

Today, a person who works full-time at minimum wage cannot afford a safe place to live almost anywhere in the country. Many are forced to rely on safety net programs — like rental assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid — that Trump is slashing to prioritize tax breaks for billionaires.

Already, Trump’s 2026 budget proposes to cut federal rental assistance by a devastating 43 percent. The administration is also seeking to dramatically cut federal funds for permanent housing to prevent homelessness.

According to internal HUD documents obtained by Politico, the department intends to cap 2026 funding for permanent housing projects, cutting spending by over half and moving funds instead to transitional housing assistance with work or service requirements.

If implemented, these cuts could result in over 170,000 people losing housing assistance and falling into homelessness. Without permanent housing and supportive services, which evidence has repeatedly shown is the most effective way to solve homelessness, more people will end up being shuffled between temporary shelters or forced to live on the streets.

Investing in temporary shelter over permanent housing is wasteful and ineffective. It’s a Band-Aid for our country’s larger failure to ensure adequate housing as a human right and a basic need for all people.

In fact, Trump’s gutting of housing assistance, Medicaid, and SNAP directly violates our rights to housing, health care, and food, which are all recognized under international law as among the universal human rights that governments must protect. These are not bargaining chips to be used and abused by out-of-touch politicians.

Our government refuses to recognize these rights because, under our current economic system, the wealthy see social goods like housing as commodities to be bought up at the expense of working people.

We can overcome these policy choices that favor the wealthy by demanding that our government invest in social programs through taxing the rich.

We should double down on real housing solutions, like increasing federal rental subsidies and enhancing tenant protections. We also need publicly funded housing (or “social housing”) that exists outside the private market and remains permanently affordable.

In the world’s wealthiest nation, our needs and fundamental human rights should never be defunded or negotiated away to subsidize billionaires, the bloated $1 trillion Pentagon budget, and earmarks for a cruel mass deportation and detention system.

The foundation for our nation’s housing policies should be built on the human right to housing, not the private profit of billionaires and real estate speculators.

OtherWords columnist Farrah Hassen, J.D., is a writer, policy analyst, and educator. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.

TAGS: Trump housing policy, affordable housing cuts, HUD rental assistance, homelessness crisis, federal housing proposals

Radon is common in most homes and easy to fix

StatePoint -- Radon is present at high levels in a surprisingly large number of American homes, schools and other buildings. While this naturally-occurring gas is odorless, tasteless and colorless, it’s far from harmless. Experts are raising awareness about the serious health risks associated with radon exposure and what you can do about it.

"Elevated radon in homes is more common than you may think. In fact, at least one in 15 American homes have elevated levels of radon, and this is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States," says Albert Rizzo, M.D., chief medical officer for the American Lung Association. "The good news is that it is easy to test for radon. Do-it-yourself test kits are simple to use and inexpensive."

In an effort to eliminate this preventable lung cancer risk factor, protect all communities and buildings, and save lives, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with strategic partners like the American Lung Association, have launched a new five-year National Radon Action Plan. The campaign is sharing five important things to know about radon:

1. Radon exposure is life-threatening. Radon-related lung cancers are responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually in the United States.

2. Smoking and radon exposure can separately increase the risk of lung cancer. If you smoke, exposure to both tobacco and radon enhances the risk of lung cancer even further.

3. The only way to detect radon in your home is to test the air. The EPA urges anyone with radon levels above 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) to take action to fix their homes. Both the EPA and the American Lung Association recommend that mitigation be considered if levels are greater than 2 pCi/L. After high levels are detected and confirmed, a radon mitigation system should be installed by a radon professional.

4. Radon testing should always be done when you buy a home and after building a new home. Many states now require radon results (if known) to be disclosed during a real estate transaction. Some states require testing in priority buildings like schools and daycares.

5. When high levels of radon are detected, professional radon mitigation should be a priority. Do‑it‑yourself radon mitigation is typically not an effective long-term solution. Some state health departments offer financial assistance or low interest loans for radon mitigation.

Learn more about radon testing and mitigation at Lung.org/Radon.

While elevated radon is common, it is a problem that is easy to address. By finding, fixing and preventing high indoor radon levels, its health impacts are preventable.

How to find the ideal contractor to build your new home

Breaking ground on a new home represents one of the most significant milestones in life. For residents across Champaign County, from the quiet streets of Mahomet to the bustling neighborhoods of Urbana, the prospect of building a custom house brings immense excitement.

by Casey Cartwright
Contributor Writer

The success of your home-building project hinges entirely on the professional you choose to lead it. This guide will show you how to find the ideal contractor to build your new dream home.

Defining Your Needs and Wants

You must understand exactly what you want before you pick up the phone to call a builder. A contractor cannot provide an accurate estimate or timeline if your vision remains a vague concept. You should sit down and document the specifics of your project. Determine the size of the home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the architectural style that appeals to you.

It helps to separate your list into non-negotiables and optional features. You might absolutely require a three-car garage and a main-floor master suite, while hardwood floors throughout the second level might remain a "nice-to-have" if the budget allows. This distinction helps potential contractors understand where they can value-engineer the project to meet your financial goals. When you approach builders with a clear scope of work, you present yourself as a serious client ready to move forward, which results in quicker, more accurate responses.

A couple of building contractors at work

Researching Potential Contractors

Champaign County offers a close-knit community where reputation matters. You should start your search by tapping into local networks. Ask friends, family, and colleagues who have recently built or renovated homes about their experiences. Personal recommendations can provide the most honest insight into a builder’s reliability and communication style.

You can also expand your search by observing active construction sites in your neighborhood. If you see a job site that looks clean, organized, and active, write down the name on the sign. Local real estate agents and lenders are also excellent resources. These professionals work with builders daily and know which companies consistently deliver quality results on time. They can steer you toward reputable firms and away from those with a history of problems.

Checking Credentials and Licenses

Legitimacy creates the foundation of trust. You simply cannot afford to hire a builder who operates in the shadows. A professional contractor must possess the appropriate business licenses to operate in Illinois and within specific municipalities, such as Champaign or Urbana. These credentials demonstrate that the builder understands local building codes and zoning regulations.

Verifying these credentials requires you to ask for proof of licensure during your initial conversations. You should also inquire about their professional affiliations. Membership in organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders or local home builder associations indicates a commitment to professionalism and continuing education. These builders typically stay up to date on the latest energy-efficiency standards and safety protocols.

Reading Online Reviews and Testimonials

To find the ideal contractor to build your new home, you should solicit digital and personal feedback about professionals you’re considering. Read reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau. While a single negative review shouldn't necessarily disqualify a candidate, you must look for patterns in the feedback. Major red flags include multiple complaints about hidden costs, poor communication, or abandoned job sites.

Pay close attention to how the contractor responds to criticism online. A professional response to a bad review shows that the business owner cares about customer satisfaction and tries to resolve disputes. You can also ask the contractor for references from past clients. Speaking directly with a former customer lets you ask specific questions about how the builder handles challenges that arise during construction.

Interviewing Multiple Contractors

You should never hire the first person you meet without comparing them to others. Aim to interview at least three potential builders. Treat these meetings like job interviews where you are the employer. You need to gauge not only their technical competence but also their communication style.

Ask pointed questions during these meetings. Inquire about their current workload and how many projects they manage simultaneously. Ask who will be present on the job site daily and who serves as your primary point of contact. You need to know if they use their own employees or rely heavily on subcontractors.

Checking Insurance and Bonding

Construction sites present inherent dangers. Accidents happen, and you must confirm that you don’t carry the financial liability for them. Your contractor must hold comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. General liability covers damage to your property, while workers' compensation covers injuries to the crew.

Request a certificate of their insurance and verify that the policy remains active. Also, ask about bonding. A surety bond protects you if the contractor fails to complete the job or pay their subcontractors. This financial safety net ensures that there are no liens on your new home due to the builder’s financial mismanagement.

Understanding the Contract

The contract serves as the roadmap for the entire build. You should never start work on a handshake agreement. A professional contract protects both parties by clearly outlining expectations. It must include the start date, the projected completion date, the payment schedule, and a description of the materials.

Pay particular attention to the termination clause and the dispute resolution process. You need to know your options if the relationship sours. The contract should also define the process for change orders. Changes inevitably happen during construction, whether you decide to move a wall or upgrade the cabinetry.

Maintaining Open Communication

The relationship does not end once you sign the contract; it shifts into high gear. Communicating effectively with your home builder is a must for a successful and smooth project. Open lines of communication prevent small misunderstandings from becoming expensive errors. You should establish a regular check-in schedule with your builder, such as weekly on-site meetings or a Friday email update.

You must also play your part as a good client. Make decisions promptly when the builder asks for your input on tile colors or faucet styles. Delays in your decision-making process halt progress on the site. If you have concerns, voice them immediately rather than waiting. Mutual respect and clear dialogue keep the project moving forward.

Building Your Dream Home with Confidence

Building a new home in Champaign County offers the chance to create a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle. While the construction process involves thousands of details and decisions, hiring the right team makes the journey manageable and even enjoyable. By defining your needs, conducting thorough research, and verifying credentials, you stack the odds in your favor.

About the author ~
Casey is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.

TAGS: Rebuilding from a hurricane is long and arduous, American Red Cross can help after a disaster, Rebuilding homes and community infrastructure, Coordinating volunteer groups with clean-up

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.

Village Crier: Youth summer sport programs open for registration

Summer softball registration in St. Joseph closes soon

St. Joseph Summer Softball is now underway. This year's registration fee will include the $5 village fee. Parents will to register online with a credit card.

The program will not have a separate age division for girls four years-old or in kindergarten this year. The organization is encouraging parents with kids in the age group to play Bitty Ball or T-Ball through the St. Joseph Youth Baseball program.

Questions can be sent by email to stjosephsummersoftball@gmail.com. Registration closes on February 21.

Unity FFA pork chop lunch next week

The Unity FFA is celebrating FFA Week next week with their annual pork chop lunch. The drive through service will take place on the UHS east drive on Wednesday, February 24 from 11:00am - 12:45pm. Pork chop sandwiches are $5 each with proceeds going toward supporting the FFA program. Customers can get a meal deal for an additional $2, which will include chips, drink, and cookies.

Sidney summer ball sign up this weekend

Sidney Baseball/Softball/Tball signups will be held this Saturday from 10am to 12pm at the new Sidney Community Building located at 211 E Main Street in Sidney. An additional sign up day is scheduled for February 22 from 5:30-7:30pm. Ages groups are ages five and six for T-Ball and ages 7-15 for baseball and softball athletes. Registration cost is $55.

Questions or if parents are unable to make it to the in-person registration dates, they are encouraged to send a message to (217)649-7450.

Annual Chili Dinner in Sidney next week

The Sidney Fire Protection District will host its annual chili dinner on February 27 at the new community building, located at 211 East Main, from 4-7pm. The dinner will be available only through drive-through service. Toppings, hotdogs and drinks will be provided with the meal.

Sidney Fire Department cancer awareness shirts will also be available for purchase. Donations help support the local district's firefighter association.

Spots still available in Tolono virtual raffle

The Tolono Firefighters Association is doing a virtual raffle for a $500 Allen Meats Gift Card. Tickets for the drawing are $10 a piece and limited to the first 100 sold. Tickets can be purchased through Venmo or PayPal.

As of yesterday there were 34 tickets still available for the drawing. For more information visit the Tolono Firefighters Association page on Facebook.

Area COVID cases dips to 3-month low

Yesterday there were just 46 active Coronavirus cases across the six villages The Sentinel covers. The last time there fewer than 50 active cases in our area was back on November 13 of last year. A day later, that number surged to 60 and continued to rise from there to a peak of 142 active cases on several days.

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District reported the number of cases rose by five today.

The agency's dashboard now includes mortality data for Champaign County. Out of the 1,427 cases identified in our area, eight individuals lost their lives to the virus. Two individuals from Ogden, four from Tolono along with one resident from Sidney and St. Joseph succumbed after being infected. As of today, 123 county residents have died from the viral infection since March of 2020.

Put it 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 our online paper will pick a 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.

Show us your art

We know there are more artists in our area. We just haven't met you yet but would enjoy seeing fruits of your creativity. If you paint, draw, sculpt or do metal work, The Sentinel would love to feature your work and share your artistic talent. Do you spend hours at the potter's wheel, dabble in mixed-media, do glass-work or design jewelry pieces? We would like to hear from you.

If you are interested in having your work featured in a story, please send a brief bio in an email with a link to your website or a online gallery featuring your work to editor@oursentinel.com. We very much look forward to sharing your passion and vision with our readers.

As time and space allows we will publish details for upcoming community events. Please send your business, social or community organization's press release or event information at least four days in advance to The Sentinel at editor@oursentinel.com.

Make a small or your second kitchen more functional

StatePoint Media - Whether you live in tight quarters or like many Americans, have a smaller, secondary kitchen in your home, there are strategies for making the most of compact cooking areas, none of which involve compromising style or functionality.

Photo provided

Use Smart Storage

Sneak in extra storage in unexpected places without contributing to kitchen clutter. Install pull-out cabinets. Use an over-the-sink dish drying rack. Mount a magnetic knife sheaf to your backsplash. Use a rolling storage cart that can be moved out of the way when needed, being sure to opt for one with a wooden top to boost your counter real estate. All these solutions will help free up more of your workspace, ensuring you have plenty of room to chop, mix and stir.

Go Multifunctional

Top-notch appliances don’t need to be huge to provide professional-style performance. It’s all about finding models that offer multifunctionality, such as the 30-inch Dolcevita Dual Fuel Range by the Italian brand, Lofra Appliances. A great example of a luxury range uniquely engineered to fit a smaller space, unlike other compact appliances of its size, this one ensures that you can get the aesthetics, powerful BTU output and oven capacity that larger ranges offer. Its convection oven offers nine programmable cooking functions so that you can defrost, grill and bake like a pro, no matter the size of your kitchen.

Get Creative

It’s a good idea to get a bit creative about where appliances will actually fit in your compact kitchen. For example, the 30-inch Wall Oven from Verona is only 24 inches tall, making it the perfect height for an under-the-counter installation. Pair it with a Verona 12-inch, 24-inch or 30-inch cooktop, which have minimal undercounter depth, for a great combination when space is limited.

If you need a second oven, Verona packs two multifunction ovens into one 36-inch range. Both ovens feature optimal amounts of space so you can fit anything from weekday dinners to the Thanksgiving turkey and all of the side dishes to go with it.

Both Verona and Lofra are exclusively imported by EuroChef USA. For more information, visit eurochefusa.com.

Build Upward

Don’t forget to think about your kitchen from a vertical perspective, too. This can help you maximize every square inch of the room. Add hooks to the upper areas of your walls, or even hang items from the ceiling. Put seasonal tools and ingredients up on the highest shelves and rotate them as needed. A small, foldable stepstool takes up almost no storage space but can help you reach those seldom-used items when it’s time.

A cozy kitchen is no cause for distress. Whether it’s throwing an elaborate dinner party or cooking for a busy family, you can get a lot done in your smaller kitchen with wise appliance choices and creative storage solutions.

Village Crier: January 11, 2021

Number of COVID cases on the rise

The number of confirmed cases of the Coronavirus is taking a steep climb this week with 65 new cases identified in the past four days. The rise comes during the projected incubation period predicted by epidemiologists and just a week before Region 6 could possibly bounce back to Tier 2 mitigation and less stringent restrictions.

There are now 97 active cases within the six villages, a level that hasn't been seen since December 1 and the highest level this calendar year. Just six days earlier, The Sentinel area enjoyed its lowest number of positive cases for nearly a five week period.

SJO grad joins real estate firm

Zac White, a graduate from St. Joseph-Ogden High School, has joined The Littlefield Group. Over the past 22 years, The Littlefield Homes has assisted thousands of families buy and sell homes as well as investors interested in commercial property and farm land. White, a Champaign County native received his Bachelors Degree at Western Illinois University. White, a licensed agent and broker, he can be reached at (217) 841-9296 or by email at Zac@littlefieldhomes.com.

Lots on for tomorrow's board meeting

In addition to approving invoices for payment and changes to how St. Joseph invests village funds, The St. Joseph Village Board will vote on resolution to approve the Champaign County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (CCHMP).

The plan calls for identifying and prioritizing community policies, "actions and tools to implement in order to reduce potential risk and potential for future losses associated with the occurrence of selected natural and technical hazards. The goal is to use the plan to prepare for natural and technical hazards. A draft copy of the plan is available online.

The CCHMP meets the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which includes planning objectives established by FEMA, inter-agency coordination as well as coordination of local mitigation planning with the state. Susan Monte, planner from Champaign County Regional Planning Commission will discuss the updated version of the plan.

The board will also take a vote on a Moter Fuel Ordinance and a resolution to wave subdivision regulations in a matter between Rudisill Trust and Arcadia Farms.

Another year gone by, we've told a lot of stories

Monday marked the beginning of the third year of operation for The Sentinel. At approximately 1:15p, after nearly three months of research and planning, I published the first Sentinel story on December 14 in 2018.

The last 12 out of the past 24 months has been surrealistic. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, an offer to buy The Sentinel and covering just one sporting event since February 28, like 90% of the population on this spinning mass of rock I can't wait for this year to be over. I know normal is still ways off but it needs to hurry up and get here.

I haven't had the Corona or the vaccine. I'm thankful for not getting both at this point. I'm feeling pretty confident that if I make to January 1 without either, 2021 will be a piece of chocolate cake with orange icing and sprinkles.

I enjoy being a journalist, meeting people, telling their stories and doing my best to keep loyal readers informed. The past year has been an awful time in the news business. It has been rough a row to hoe between the COVID pandemic and the proliferation of slanted news outlets that intentionally omits or misrepresent facts to further an agenda of division that is testing the core values of our nation.

The Sentinel is a labor of love. I'll likely never see even a modest financial return on the sweat equity that allowed me double the number of stories I published during the past year. While business owners are skeptical about using online papers to reach a wider audience with their brand, the Coronavirus pandemic has essentially flushed the traditional advertising model, which paid for the production of weekly and daily papers, down the proverbial crapper.

Despite the pandemic, The Sentinel has published more than twice the number of stories and articles, 398 to be exact, than in the previous year. In the past 12 months the online publication has added a Photo-of-the-Day series, published over a dozen Spartan Spotlights featuring SJO students from the Class of 2020, and added a Coronavirus Dashboard to track the number of cases locally. In June, The Sentinel added the villages of Sidney, Philo and Tolono to its area of coverage.

The most-read story in the past year, On the fence about getting vaccinated? You might not have a choice has been read over 12 thousand times. The Sentinel's story announcing the Illinois Rural Health Association virtual conference in October is the second most popular story followed by our story on the double homicide in St. Joseph.

In case you missed them, we also published six pieces on money and finance from Jake Pence. Jake is the President of Blue Chip Real Estate and a consultant for Fairlawn Capital, Inc.. A 2019 graduate from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois, he graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 2016 where he was a three-sport athlete for the Spartans.

I'm looking forward meeting the challenges for the next 12 months. Sheltering-in-place gave me the opportunity to refine my web design skills. Over the next nine months oursentinel.com will undergo a gradual makeover to become even more refined and more user friendly.

Finally, I would like to encourage readers to send your Letters to the Editor. Tell us why we should support local candidates for village and township elections, congratulate or thank a neighbor. We welcome your opinion on masks, restaurants ignoring or following Illinois' Tier 3 mitigation, or if schools should be open or close. Remember oursentinel.com is YOUR sentinel watching over our communities.

Hope to see here again next year!

Clark Brooks, Publisher

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A lawmaker’s encounter

More Editorial Viewpoints

Defining Your Needs and Wants

Researching Potential Contractors

Checking Credentials and Licenses

Reading Online Reviews and Testimonials

Interviewing Multiple Contractors

Checking Insurance and Bonding

Understanding the Contract

Maintaining Open Communication

Building Your Dream Home with Confidence

More Home Improvement Stories

Summer softball registration in St. Joseph closes soon

Unity FFA pork chop lunch next week

Sidney summer ball sign up this weekend

Annual Chili Dinner in Sidney next week

Spots still available in Tolono virtual raffle

Area COVID cases dips to 3-month low

Put it On The Market

Show us your art

Number of COVID cases on the rise

SJO grad joins real estate firm

Lots on for tomorrow's board meeting

Editor's Choice

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