Youth wrestling club announces change in leadership
Vice President - Richard Vetter
Head Coach - Billy Gallo
Equipment - Chad Carter
Stats - Ben Gorman
Treasurer - Randi Jones
Secretary - Bailey Schiff
Public Relations - Matthew Ware
Fundraising - Adrienne Umbarger
Member at Large - Travis Eastin
Photo of the Day - September 20, 2020
Basketball seniors honored at SJO
(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
The only way to overcome racial injustice is to stand together
I haven't watched much professional sports over the last few months. Last Thursday, I did tune into the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns football game. My attention grew when I saw both teams on the field, arm in arm standing together for the national anthem.
I didn't see three or four kneeling or one team in the locker room and another team on the field. I didn't see anyone standing on their heads or someone else doing flip flops or something else. Both teams were standing, arm in arm in attention for the national anthem. I watched the entire game. The Bengals and Browns played one of the best games I've watched in some time. The game was fun to watch.
What they did was so simple yet so profound.
They stood arm in arm for the national anthem. On the state flag of Missouri, we find these words, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall." This is also the state motto for Kentucky. Of course, words are only words if they are not backed by action.
The only way to deal with and overcome racial injustice in America is for all of us to stand together.
We must all stand against inequality. There is no room for bad police in America. We must all stand against all police acts that are unfair and eliminate all police who are not mentally stable to wear a badge. We must fund and support those who do wear the badge and put their lives at risk to protect us. We need a strong and good police force in every American community.
If we will stand together in America, we can protect our nation from being over taken by evil forces. We can strengthen our infrastructure. We can keep our military strong. We can keep Social Security and Medicare solvent for our aging population. We can make healthcare accessible for every American regardless of income or preexisting conditions. If we stand together, we will find a vaccine for Covid-19. We can bring our strong economy back and America will continue to be a great country.
What could happen in America if Congress would all stand together in unison for something?
Regardless of the issue or the vote the other political party is demonized for their stance on almost every issue. What could happen if Congress would stand with our President and try to help him tackle our difficult national problems? Regardless of what he wants to do the Democrats fight him and undermine him. Regardless of what the Democrat's want to do the Republicans fight them. This isn't working for our country.
What could happen if far left winged media in this country would stand with our President and try to help him? Instead, they fight him on his every move and every word.
A nation is no greater than her people.
America is filled with great people but we aren't a great country when we are fighting each other. The sure way to lose our country is to devour each other. If we devour each other, China, Russia, or whoever will take whatever is left.
Then, they will be telling us when to stand, sit or kneel. We can keep our freedom if we stand together now.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.
This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.
A lib hoax or a serious public health issue, tell us your COVID experience
Do you have a personal experience with the Coronavirus you'd like to share? How is your family handling life during a pandemic?
Most people suffer the infection anywhere from just five days to a couple of weeks, but there is segment of the population whose symptoms simply will not go away. Are you a long-hauler?
Historically, viral pandemic outbreaks worsen during cold, winter months. However, there are many who vehemently believe the Coronavirus is a hoax dreamed up and put into play by the liberal left to stymie President Donald Trump's reelection bid. Do you believe the outbreak will magically disappear on November 4?
The Sentinel would like to share your view, your story, your experience with our readers. Please email your story, tips or commentary to editor@oursentinel.com.
Covid-19 count creeps up slighty in our area
The current count by zip code includes two cases in Ogden (61859), St. Joseph (61873) with 15, Sidney (61877) with seven, and Philo (61864) is nursing six cases. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is reporting five cases in Tolono (61880) and none in Royal (61871).
Out of the 13,018 test performed to date, 251 area residents in the six zip codes covered by The Sentinel have tested positive. The number represents just six percent of the total confirmed cases in Champaign County.
Thanks to the students returning to the University of Illinois campus last month, there 424 active cases in the county, 30 of those are patients from our area.
Currently, there are eight individuals from the county who are hospitalized. The stats do not indicate the home zip codes of those who are undergoing treatment at area hospitals.
Photo of the Day - September 19, 2020
Rockets post rushing rout in the Sabers' den
(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Area professionals react to the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg
Known by her initials RGB, she was heroine, a guiding light and courageous champion of women's rights in the highest court of law in this country. Ginsburg was the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court after Sandra Day O'Connor. She protected abortion rights and a wide range of other progressive ideals on an otherwise conservative Supreme Court.
"It’s honestly terrifying," said Tasha Shadden, a 2011 graduate from St. Joseph-Ogden High School currently working toward a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. "She was the voice for gender equality and reproductive rights and losing that is a huge loss for women. It’s hands down the worst part of 2020 so far."
Like Shadden, Doctor Suzanne Ford, who graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Veterinary Medicine in 2019, was a distance runner with the SJO running program. She said Ginsberg's showed strength and passion in her final days.
"She was firm and known for her fierce dissents, which made her a role model for so many to stand up for what they believe is right, even when that’s against the majority. As she aged, RBG battled cancer yet remained active and continued to serve on the Supreme Court, which shows her strength and passion to uphold a fair and just legal system for our country. Even with her popularity, she remained humble. She is a hero to so many of us and will be greatly missed."
St. Joseph resident Kelly Miller Skinner, owner of Soul Care Urban Retreat Center was stunned by the news. She wrote:
For me, she has always represented someone who works hard and uses all her smarts and skills to work within the system for lasting change. She has inspired so many women of all ages that they can make a difference in their own way and in their own spheres. Her plain talk has given words to what we all feel.
I also keep thinking....who is going to step up and inspire us next?
St. Joseph's Jennifer Tuttle hopes whoever replaces Ginsberg, mirrors the strength and determination she was known for by her admirers.
"Clearly she had a big part in women’s rights in the us," said Tuttle, General Manager of Champaign's Red Lobster. "I viewed her as a helper, one that always wanted to try to find common ground. She was a lady first, yet still showed independence. Hopefully, the next person to take the spot shows the same class that she did."
With less than two months before the presidential election, Ginsburg's passing will surely deepen and already polarized country making its way through a controversial pandemic, economic decline, and civil unrest in cities around the country.
President Donald Trump will likely become the first president since Richard Nixon to confirm three supreme court justices in a single term. Washington will be political battleground as Republicans will undoubtedly at the President's insistence push through a nominee before November.
Ginsberg will be laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Photo of the Day - September 18, 2020
(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Photo of the Day - September 17, 2020
(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Why do hamburgers taste so good?
Because they are bad for you. If they were healthy and good for you, they wouldn't taste near as good.
Typically, I eat healthy. My doctor prefers I stay away from red meat, fried foods, dairy and sugar. He forbids stuff like ice cream, pie and cake. I actually enjoy salmon, salads, most all vegetables and chicken. I don't have too much trouble avoiding the bad stuff.
Recently I was in one of the little towns we visit and I didn't feel great. It was one of those feel bad days. Not far away was a little joint people commonly refer to as the pool hall. On this day I knew they had exactly what I needed - one of their world-famous hamburgers. Of course, like Adam and Eve when I go astray everyone else follows along as well. All of our family decided to have deluxe hamburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, fries, while I ordered a double hamburger, one piece of cheese, ketchup, lettuce and tomato.
On the way I picked up a sack of ice-cold sugary colas. I figured we might as well do this right. I brought the food back home and we all slid right into hog heaven chowing down on those juicy hamburgers. As you know there are hamburgers and there are great hamburgers when made with lean quality meat and prepared right, etc.
Actually, a hamburger is not the end of the world for consumption. You can add healthy stuff like lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and before you know it you almost have a health burger - not exactly. Too much red meat will start boosting your cholesterol levels that will show up when you have your blood work done. A few years back I got on a hamburger kick and after having my blood work I learned my cholesterol was 220. My doctor wanted to know what I had been doing and asked me to go into extreme moderation mode. His words were, "You don't need a heart attack."
Burgers are good sources of protein, iron and vitamin B12, but they come with a lot of problems, according to nutrition experts-particularly the fatty meat, sugary ketchup and refined grain buns. A diet of burgers will lead to obesity. My double burger had about 900 calories. The saturated fat is detrimental to your heart. My double burger had about 22 grams of saturated fat or 108 percent of my daily value. Add to this also 172 milligrams of cholesterol or 57% of the daily value based on a 2000 calorie a day diet. A one patty burger can have 258 milligrams of sodium. If you are battling high blood pressure you don't want a lifestyle of eating hamburgers.
Why do hamburgers taste so good? Because they are bad for you. But hey old friend, surely, we can eat one occasionally. Enjoy one, but then wait awhile before your next one.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.
This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.
Photo of the Day - September 16, 2020
St. Joseph yard sales this weekend
Chain saw, leaf blower, girl's bike, women's and men's clothes, dvd/vhs/cd's, xmas lights lots of misc.
Pritzker says state has reached a "critical juncture"
"Any cut to the Illinois state budget is a win for taxpayers," said Jim Tobin,
President of Taxpayers United of America (TUA). "However, a broad cut to the
state budget is not enough."
Tobin says the state of Illinois’s financial woes are due to the vast amount it
spends on lavish, overpromised retired government employee pensions.
"This is why Pritzker is really cutting the budget, he wants to divert pay from
current Illinois government employees to retired Illinois government employees,"
Tobin said in a release this morning. "Every year former Illinois government employees eat up even more of the state’s
budget.
In fact, the primary motivation for a $5 billion state income tax hike
that passed a few years ago was to transfer wealth from taxpayers to the black
hole that is the Illinois pension funds."
Pritzker calls the current state's budget woes a "nightmare scenario".
We've reached a critical juncture for our own state finances in this COVID
induced financial crisis," he said during his press conference in Chicago.
In June, Pritzker signed off on $43 billion dollar budget that began July 1
relied heavily on federal aid and borrowing to fill revenue shortfalls due to
the COVID-19-induced economic slowdown.
A memo from Deputy Gov. Dan Hynes and budget director Alexis Sturm to agency
directors stated the state's current budget "is only affordable in its current
form with federal support to bridge the pandemic-related shortfalls and that now
appears not to be forthcoming."
Illinois stands to lose out on $6.5 billion in revenue this year and next year.
Agency heads were given until Oct. 2 to outline their reductions for the current
year. This includes taking necessary measures from hiring freezes to
renegotiating on any planned spending commitments.
Tobin points out that governor's Illinois progressive income tax is purely a move to raise taxes.
"Pritzker’s income tax increase amendment, better described as an income theft amendment, is not what Illinois needs," he wrote. "Illinois taxpayers should vote no on November 3rd to the proposed amendment change, and demand Pritzker to cut spending further."
Illinois Rural Health Association hosts virtural conference in October
The theme of this year’s conference is "Pulling Together in these Challenging Times". The two-day series of meetings with more than 20 workshops and panel discussions will be held virtually over the internet using a video communications platform starting on October 6. Planners are working diligently to ensure virtual attendees will have access to valuable knowledge from experts on rural healthcare. The conference is an excellent opportunity for rural healthcare professionals to learn about successful practices from their peers in Illinois.
Topics for the upcoming annual event include COVID Tracing in Rural Communities, the Latest Case Law
Impacting Medical Negligence Matters, Telehealth Billing and Mental Health Care
for Healthcare Workers during the Pandemic and more. According to the release from the IRHA, there will also be a
specific workshop track for Rural Health Clinics. The Keynote Address will be delivered by Brock Slabach, VP of Member
Services for the National Rural Health Association
on the Latest in Federal Healthcare Policy
To register or view the conference brochure, interested healthcare professionals can point their browsers to www.ilruralhealth.org. For additional information, contact Margaret Vaughn by phone at (217) 280-0206 or via email at staff@ilruralhealth.org.
Money Matters:
Expected returns and investment experience
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.
Actor's untimely death is a remindar for cancer screening
Actor Chadwick Boseman recently died after a four-year battle with colon cancer. He was 43.
He was young, handsome, and very talented. He had a loving family who was by his Los Angeles bedside when he died. Colon cancer robbed him of another 20 or even 30 years of movie stardom.
Boseman starred in the blockbuster Marvel superhero franchise movie Black Panther rising to stardom. He played Jackie Robinson in the movie 42. He also played James Brown in Get on Up and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. He received international accolades for his movie roles.
All cancer is serious but colon cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States when women and men's statistics are combined. Boseman's early diagnosis of colon cancer at the age of 39 reminds us all of the seriousness of colon cancer.
Fifty has always been the yardstick recommended age for the first colonoscopy. Newer reports have recommended age 45.
Television journalist Katie Couric's husband Jay Monahan died in 1998 at the age of 42.
I would suggest talking to your doctor by the age of 40 about a colonoscopy. My doctor has been adamant that my sons have colonoscopies by the time they are 40. There are more and more reports of early death from colon cancer.
Death comes to us all by something. However, a colonoscopy might extend your life several years.
You may know someone who has been impacted by colon cancer. My father was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 60 but after a couple of very serious colon surgeries he survived to live to be 85 years old.
My mother-in-law was diagnosed with colon cancer and lost most of her colon in her early forties, but also lived to be 85. When I was 50, I had my first colonoscopy and had several polyps removed that were not cancerous. Most likely if I had not had routine colonoscopies along the way I would be dead today.
While you are scheduling your colonoscopy eat plenty of fiber. When I was kid in health class, we were taught about the importance of eating fruit and vegetables. I can't underscore enough the importance of eating broccoli, lots of other vegetables, strawberries, oranges, apples and other fruit. A big bowl of plain oatmeal every morning and a handful of walnuts is another good choice.
We would never pour a cup of sand in our automobile's gas tank. Yet, often we consume food choices that do not benefit us much and often hurt us. Good eating choices are vital.
There is no eternal fountain of youth in this world. However, I do hope we can live a lot of more good years and keep in mind that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.
This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.
Transitions: Jan Meisenhelter-Reifsteck loved music, passes away
SJO youth wrestling club needs your help to build a permanent home
MAROON LEVEL- $1000-$2499
COLUMBIA BLUE LEVEL- $500-$999
WHITE LEVEL- $250-$499
INDIVIDUALS CONTRIBUTIONS-up to $250 Email: sjoyouthwrestling@gmail.com
GoFundMe: SJO Wrestling Building We thank you for taking the time to consider donating to this tremendous opportunity. We are grateful for any amount you are able to donate and thankful we live in communities that are always supportive of our youth. Go Spartans!! Richard Vetter, Vice-President
SJO Youth Wrestling Board
Senior drivers have up to a year to renew Illinois state drivers license
State Representative takes issue with the Governor prison releases
"The latest decision by the Governor to release one of the inmates involved in the murder of Illinois State Trooper
Layton Davis is appalling," said Bailey (R-Xenia) in a statement delivered to the media. "I was with the Davis family on August 10 when they publicly pleaded with Gov. Pritzker not to release convicted killers James E. Taylor and Aaron Hyche.
Taylor and Hyche were in a vehicle when Davis, who was with Illinois State police for 19 years and assigned to District 12, performed a routine traffic stop for speeding on Interstate-57 near Effingham. An arrest warrant for Taylor had been issued in Cook County after he failed to appear for sentencing on convictions for attempt murder and attempt armed robbery.
Upon learning of the outstanding warrant, Davis attempted to take both men into custody. During his pat-down with the two passengers, the WWII veteran discovered at firearm tucked into Hyche's waistband. A struggle ensued resulting in Davis' death after he was wounded three times.
The pair were later captured, tried and sentenced to life.
Earlier this month, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board paroled Taylor with eight members in favor and five against. Eight is the minimum number of votes needed for parole. Due to firing the fatal shots, the board rejected Hyche's request with 11 members voting against him and two in favor.
"While only Taylor has been released at this time, I wonder how long before Hyche will be set free?" Bailey said. He added: "Davis lost his life that day protecting the people of Illinois, and his wife and three children were left without a husband and father. Taylor and Hyche were given sentences commensurate with their heinous act. They should complete those sentences in full. The Davis family isn’t getting a reprieve from their life-long pain and loss."
Bailey, who has sued Pritzker and his administration in his home district over the Governor's use of Executive Orders during the pandemic the five months, also takes issue with the Governor for other decisions involving prison inmates.
Bailey stated in his release that "Pritzker has okayed the release of more than 4,000 inmates since March 1", citing a report from WAND-TV as well as the Alton Telegraph.
However, according to Restore Justice, only 1,222 prisoners were released due concerns over the rising level of COVID-19 infections in the Illinois prisons. As of June 1, IDOC has released 5,637 individuals with majority of them serving the entire sentence.
While an Appellate Court recently ruling that Pritzker indeed has the ultimate power to set policy regarding inmate transfers, another point of contention from Bailey is the lack of cooperation and consideration for the safety of local communities. He said level has been "unacceptable".
He also takes to task a Pritzker directive ordering sheriffs not to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when illegal immigrants completed their felony prison sentences and were being released. Criticized by the Illinois Sheriffs Association, the organization made it clear the Governor's policies are making their communities less safe.
"Sadly, the Illinois Sheriffs Association has had their hands full, not just trying to protect the people whose safety is
their primary responsibility, but also because they’ve had to battle the Governor on policies that harm public safety,"
said Bailey. "Pritzker is also being sued by the Sheriffs Association because of the state’s failure to take custody of
inmates, currently in local jails, but who received state prison sentences."


