According to St. Joseph-Ogden High School student Emily Elsbernd, “Civic education is more important than ever in our country.” 

Elsbernd is one of the twelve members involved in Civics teacher Marshall Schacht’s Don Beckett’s Constitution Team. 

“The team teaches young voters the importance of informing themselves and truly understanding the constitution, the government, and their rights,” Elsbernd shares. 

This April, Elsbernd and 11 other students will get the chance to take what they learned in the classroom all the way to Washington, D.C.

Following the team’s state competition in Chicago, they were chosen as a wild card to compete in nationals and are thus heading to D.C. from April 21-25.

“It’s just an incredible opportunity to compete in person after in-person competition has been suspended since COVID-19,” Elsebern shares. 

“I’m looking to make myself and our coaches more proud than anything.” 

For Elsbernd, she is most excited to represent the community. “I’m looking forward to showing that our small, rural high school can put forth students who can academically compete on a national stage.”

Jack Setterdahl is also a member of the team, and aside from the competition he is looking forward to the journey. “It is a big upside too that we will be doing this competition in DC and we will get to do the touristy things while we are there.” 

Though, keeping the end goal in mind, Setterdahl claims that his personal hope “is that at least one of our units is able to get a regional unit award.” 

For another student, Johanna Schmitz this is her first trip to the Capital, and while she is a big art fan eager to visit the Smithsonian, she is most excited about competing. 

“To me, this trip means that I have another chance to not only showcase what I have learned this year but to show that I can apply it in meaningful ways to my life,” Schmitz shares. 

She goes on, “Our statements and answers aren’t about spouting off every amendment in the Bill of Rights or memorizing every Supreme Court case in recent history (although knowing them does help). They’re about demonstrating that we have some understanding of how to use what has gone before us to make meaningful decisions now.”

While the team is both excited and eager, they are also anticipating some challenges. 

“We are a small public school competing against private high schools that focus on the government,” says team member Kirsten Schaefer. 

“There are many anticipated challenges,” Setterdahl continues. “We know everything won’t go to plan. There is the issue of having to travel days before and not being at the highschool where we have many resources.”

Elsbernd foresees the biggest challenge being time. “We have a shorter amount of time to prepare this time,” she explains. “Not to mention the enumerable clubs and sports we’re involved in outside of We the People.” 

Despite the expected challenges, the trip is still sure to be memorable. 

“We as a team just really have a great time with this,” Setterdahl claims. “We all really share a passion for this and really enjoy what we do.” 

As for Schmitz, her biggest goal is to land “at least one mic drop moment during the questions and answer portion.” 

“In other words,” Schmitz explains, “I want to receive a question that I was so prepared for that I can assert my opinion in a clear, concise way with historical and Constitutional evidence to support it.”

In all, as Elsbernd puts it,  “this team has created such a welcoming environment of teenagers who are passionate about civics.” 

Though many of the students have no future plans to pursue things such as politics or law they have been able to learn so much and build confidence competing with knowledge we  would have never held otherwise. 

Elsbernd concludes, “it’s also unique in that it’s a group of people that would otherwise not be in activities together; we have theater kids, musicians, and athletes.” 

As of now, the trip as well as the team are being sponsored by many local businesses including Libman, Martin Hood, Hoveln and Country Financial. The team is also hoping to fundraise through a number of upcoming events including the “We the Pasta Dinner Trivia Night and Silent Auction” on Saturday March 25, and “We the Pickle (ball) Tournament” on Sunday April 2.

For more information regarding the team and their upcoming events refer to their Facebook page. 

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For years Scott Block found himself raising cattle and farming grain, until one day he decided he was ready for a change of pace.

“I’ve always enjoyed cooking,” Block shared. “I always made our family meals.” Eventually, Block’s passion turned into his livelihood. 

Originating in Paris, IL in the Spring of 2021, House of Brisket was born. Block hit the road with his food trailer in tow. 

While Block and the food trailer venture all around the state, the House of Brisket seems to be a frequent site in St. Joseph. On (typically) the fourth Wednesday of every month Block parks the trailer in the IGA parking lot for an evening dinner shift. 

He claims the invite came after one of the IGA owners visited the House of Brisket during a trip to Urbana. From there Block was asked to set up during last year’s August festival. After quickly selling out, it was clear the trailer would become a local favorite. 

Usually, on the menu, pulled pork sandwiches, belly burnt ends, and bbq ribs are often the most popular items. Though for Block, he awards his title of personal favorite to the sweet chubby – a baked sweet potato covered with all the fixings like sour cream and butter, then smothered with chopped brisket and topped off with fresh coleslaw. 

“I love it. I love what we do. I love the food that we’re making. And I love to see people happy when they’re eating it,” Block exclaimed. 

As running a food trailer is a big change of pace from farming, Block finds himself just as busy. In a regular week, the trailer goes out 4-5 times. On those days Block, his wife, and sometimes an additional employee are up at 5 a.m. putting ribs on, prepping sides and serving by 11. 

After a few hours of lunch shift, the trailer packs up and moves to a different location to begin the dinner shift. Once all that is said and done, Block returns home around 8 p.m. where he then proceeds to clean the trailer and set it all back up for the next trip. 

“A day when the trailer goes out is a pretty long day,” he shared. 

In the chances Block and his crew have some downtime, they like to give business back to the locals. 

“When we’re not out we try and go to somebody’s restaurant, see what they got and support everyone.”

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In the upcoming year members of the St. Joseph community can expect a new face around town – Lance Landeck. 

Following the retirement of Todd Pence, Landeck will take his place as Superintendent of the St. Joseph School District on July 1, 2023. The final decision was approved by the Board on November 4th at a regular school board meeting. 

With more than 26 years of experience, Landeck knows a thing or two about education. Before accepting his current role as the Oakland School District Superintendent, Landeck started his career teaching World Geography and Physical Education in the Tuscola District. 

Then from the period of 2005-2011, Landeck worked as the PreK-8 Principal for the Atwood-Hammond District. And from 2011 until now, Landeck has led the Oakland School District as their Superintendent. 

Though, after twelve years in the Oakland District Landeck felt it was time for a change. 

“I’ve had a great time here, and I just thought it was time for some new challenges, time to grow professionally.”

Being that the St. Joseph District is substantially larger than Landeck’s prior domain, the new Superintendent plans to get a feel for things before making any significant changes. 

“I’m not coming in to change things right off the bat. St. Jo Gradeschool as well as St. Joseph Ogden High School both have reputations as being excellent districts.”

Landeck went on, “I’m going to use this first year to observe, watch what’s going on, see the great things they’re already doing and then see how I can work as the Superintendent, work with the staff to make the great things even greater.”

Amidst his transition into this new role, Landeck notes that he is not looking to replace Superintendent Pence. 

“I’m just looking to move into that position and continue doing all the great things that he’s been doing as well as the staff and students there.”

While Landeck has time before officially taking over, he remains eager for this next life chapter.

“I’m excited to become a part of the community. My wife and I are going to be moving into the community and we are really excited to be a part of it.”

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Many people love food, either for its taste, its smell, or simply because eating consumes time, but for Champaign local Nate Crawford, food is much more than a tasty treat, it’s a lifestyle. 

“ I was 18, fresh out of high school and just about to start my freshman year of college and feeling a tad lost as a person.”

Crawford explained, “I had all these dreams and aspirations but no real direction.”

Fortunately for Crawford, it was in those lost moments that he discovered his true passion.

“During this time, I came across cooking and baking and fell in love instantly,” he shared.

“The process of taking ingredients and turning them into something delicious was intoxicating for me.” 

“It was love at first bite.”

Taking his new found love and putting it to use, Crawford had intentions of sharing recipes with his family and friends. As a result, the young new chef joined Instagram where he ultimately discovered his second found love, photography. 

Upon his newly discovered passion, Crawford dove right into the world of photography as he started his own business at just nineteen years old. 

“It was always a side-hustle up until April of 2021 where I officially left my 9-5 job as a digital marketing manager to pursue my photography business full time.” 

He went on, “from very humble beginnings, photographing food in my parents; family room next to the window. Eight years later and here I am.”

While Crawford is quite literally living out his dream, the unique career does come with some challenges. 

“It’s an incredibly lonesome profession, that’s the hard part. ” 

He explained, “For every one day you’re on a client project, you may spend 5-6 days alone doing the admin work.”

Yet, despite the challenges, Crawford can’t imagine a better profession. 

“I mean, who doesn’t want to spend every day playing with their food?”

Crawford added how, “there are definitely challenges that come with each day and project, but it’s most all muddled by the joy of capturing food in a delicious way.”

And for the photographer, much of that joy comes from the collaboration aspect of the business.

“I love being able to work with the client, food stylist, prop stylist, culinary assistant. . .and lean on their expertises and ideas to construct beautiful images that the client loves.”

“Seeing a client excited for the images makes the job worth it.”

As for a typical day in Crawford’s life, it depends between shoot and non-shoot days. 

“On shoot days: it’s a flurry.” He goes on, “it’s usually always a sprint.”

“No one shoot is ever the same, which makes the job fun.” 

Most shoot days start around 8 a.m. and entail a team brief, client meetings, and if talent is involved, then it includes managing and making sure the model is comfortable. 

For non-shoot days, Crawford describes them as much slower and more involving of things such as admin work, emails, responding to inquiries, planning shoots, and editing. 

In recognition of Crawford’s dedication and hard work, he has recently been named a finalist for the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) 2022 Food Photography and Styling Awards. The Awards honor the best stylists and food photographers in the industry. 

“I am beyond honored to be a finalist. It’s truly been 8 years in the making and I couldn’t be more proud.”

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With Halloween just around the corner many are in search of the perfect costume, whether it be for themselves, their kids, or even their pets, that’s right pets. 

As silly as it may sound, more and more people have been embarrassing their often unwilling pets with quirky costumes. 

With that in mind, if you are the type of person who finds joy, or humor in dressing your dog up as a round pumpkin, an unruly cowboy, a pun intended hot “dog”, or anything else it might be then Kirsten Schaefer has just the event for you. 

Schaefer, a senior at St. Joseph Ogden high school, has been hard at work organizing a service event for the National Honors Society. Schaefer combined her love of pets with her admiration for the Champaign County Humane Society and came up with the idea to host a pet costume contest. 

While the costume contest is expected to be a fun event, Schaefer’s intentions are to collect funds for the Humane Society. 

“It’s the organization that I feel strongest about,” she said.

Schaefer went on, “With gas prices and food being so high, the shelter, they also are hit because some people have to return their pets.”

Thus, Schaefer, with the help of her peers, will be hosting a Pet Halloween Costume Contest on October 29, starting at 11 a.m. Festivities will take place at B.J. Hackler Park in St. Joseph. 

Pets of all sorts are welcome to enter the contest and strut their stuff for a chance to take home one of five prizes: best pet group costume, best pet/human group costume, funniest/most creative, cutest costume, or best overall. 

Registration for the event is completely free, though there will be opportunities to donate the day of. 

For more information, and early registration visit this link. 

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On Wednesday, August 31, Champaign County Forest Preserve District Volunteer Coordinator, Sue Gallo, was set up on the main quad at the University of Illinois. 

As numerous students approached Gallo’s table she eagerly highlighted some main features of “the fabulous forest preserves.”

Though, aside from informing, Gallo’s biggest hope for the day was to recruit volunteers for a number of the preserve’s upcoming events.

“We have so many different forest preserves, and each of them have very different needs that can benefit from volunteer help,” Gallo explained. 

In total, the CCFPD has six forest preserves, a regional rail trail, a golf course, a nature center, a museum, and 45 miles of trails in Champaign County. Needless to say, the district often takes any help they can get. 

With that, the CCFPD seeks to curate a volunteer community that is a diverse representation of the county community. 

For those looking to get involved, the district offers a handful of different volunteer opportunities, the first targeting public volunteers.

Public volunteers can participate in specific events and functions that the preserve hosts. Public volunteer opportunities can be found by exploring the event calendar or by reading the newsletter. To sign up for the newsletter email volunteer@ccfpd.org.

Another way to get involved is by applying to become a regular volunteer. Regular volunteers are those who plan to serve more than 10 hours a year. 

Those interested in becoming regular volunteers can apply here. 

The District also accepts service groups and Eagle Scout projects. In order to receive more information on these opportunities contact a volunteer coordinator at volunteer@ccfpd.org. 

Lastly, youth volunteers are encouraged to participate as well, though if unaccompanied, individuals must be at least 14 years of age, and 11 years of age for the Counselor in Training program. 

For more information and opportunities, visit ccfpd.org. 

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As students, staff, and families alike get into the swing of this new school year, the St. Joseph-Ogden Marching Spartans are already a few steps ahead.

According to band director, Chuck Hess, the students have been hard at work preparing for this season. 

“Our camp was the last two weeks of July,” Hess explained. Within those two weeks, members came together and dedicated nearly seven hours a day, Monday through Friday, to perfecting their routines and further developing their skills. 

“We worked on the music for the show as well as our marching fundamentals,” Hess shared. 

He went on, “Students also began learning their individual spots in the drill design for the show.”

Since the COVID pandemic, Hess, and all 46 of the Marching Spartans have persistently devoted their time to ensure that this season is back to normal. 

Hess elaborated, “We worked diligently last year to make up for time lost and I believe we are back to where we were pre-Covid.”

With that being said, Hess and the band have a busy schedule ahead including performances at all home football games as well as five marching band competitions (Washington HS, Illinois Wesleyan University, Danville HS, Dunlap HS, and the U of I Marching Band Championship). 

Also included in their hectic schedule, the Marching Spartans’ big show. This year the group will be performing “Turbo,” an automotive, racing themed work. 

“There are literally hundreds of potential marching band shows that are available for groups to perform,” Hess explained. Nonetheless, “The students and I found this one and thought it would be a good fit for us this year.”

With a full season ahead, Hess hopes his students remember that their effort never goes unnoticed. 

“The reward for achieving excellence in any activity is always worth the mountain of effort that is required to get there.”

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As the school year is just beginning, the Heritage Marching Band is already preparing for its upcoming season. 

On July 30, members from the Heritage Marching Band came together for first year orientation. Following orientation, the students attended Band Camp, which took place August 1-5. 

With 35 members in this season’s band, the group had a variety of things to work on over the course of camp. 

According to Band Director, Justin Lee, “We worked on the fundamentals of marching, learning the show music, learning the drill for the show on the field, and lots of team building.”

The band is expected to have a busy year ahead with five performances on the schedule. Though, despite their busy agendas, Lee hopes the students find time to slow down and think about some things. 

“I always want the students to understand that the process – why and how we do things – is more important than the outcome.”

Lee continues, “If they can see the value in the attention to detail, the breaking down of everything to its fundamental skills, and the necessity of each person’s best effort, then the season is a success.”

With success in mind, the director wants his students to see that their time with the band is about more than just winning. 

 “Trophies are nice – we’ve done pretty well in that area – but the development of an appreciation for their role in the bigger picture of the ensemble is much more important.”

In terms of what to expect for this season, Lee explains that the theme for this year’s show is “The Great Locomotive Chase”. While the idea is based on a notable concert band composed by Robert W. Smith, the students’ version will be arranged by Eric Rath. 

Lee notes that the students’ modified piece “adds a beautiful brass choir version of Shenandoah in the middle, and concludes with the original ending of the concert piece.”

As it was one amongst various options, Lee ultimately chose “The Great Locomotive Chase for two main reasons. 

“I’m always looking for a show that is both entertaining and challenging, and this fit the bill for this group. It requires a strong brass section, and we’re fortunate to have that this year.”

For those interested in catching the Heritage Marching Band in action, they will be performing in the Westville Labor Day Parade on September 5. 

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In preparation for an upcoming grant application the Champaign County Forest Preserve (CCFPD) sought the public’s input regarding potential improvements to Buffalo Trace.

Buffalo Trace is both a hiking and natural area located at the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. 

According to Executive Director, Lorrie Pearson, “The Champaign County Forest Preserve District recognizes that the existing bike trail is in need of significant work and we are in the process of identifying sources of funding to renovate the trail.”

With a mission to collect public feedback, the District staff distributed an online survey and held two in-person events at Buffalo Trace. 

“As we prepare for that application, we wanted to check in with the public and trail users to see which, if any, additional amenities would be in demand for Buffalo Trace,” shared Pearson.

The result of these efforts included 216 online responses, and 20 in-person. 

The survey itself included four questions. 

“At Buffalo Trace, I’d most like to see (pick 5):”

“In the last 30 days, how many times have you visited Buffalo Trace?”

“What time(s) of the week do you visit?”

“What time(s) of the day do you visit?”

Based on the results, the CCFPD concluded that more than 40% of those surveyed would like to see more natural areas in addition to improvements on existing trails. At least one-third want to see both new trails and a natural playground at Buffalo Trace. 

Moreover, 22% of participants would like more or improved restrooms, 21% chose seating areas, and 15% outdoor fitness equipment. Expanded parking was another popular option. 

While many of those surveyed admitted to wanting to see change, one-quarter of people felt that Buffalo Trace needed no new development. 

The survey also reported that participants visit the area on average 5 times every thirty days. One in 10 claimed to visit at least every other day.

As for when those surveyed visit, there was a lot of consistency throughout the weekdays, yet the weekend remained the most popular with a 30% increase. 

Lastly, both online and in-person surveys verified that most people like to enjoy the area in the morning. 

“The short survey we conducted both validated some of our assumptions and gave us new insights on potential improvements,” Pearson added.

While changes are expected in the future, Pearson explained how the survey is just the beginning.

“We are still in the process of developing plans and the overall project scope. We want to be sure that we are including amenities that are both in demand and will be a good fit for the site.”

“We will continue to balance the impact of outdoor recreational needs with our restoration goals to ensure Buffalo Trace remains the extraordinary place it is.”

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In efforts to preserve and restore the area, the Champaign County Forest Preserve District (CCFPD) is buckling down on emissions and taking measures into their own hands. 

With time and consistency, emissions like carbon dioxide eventually begin to build up in the Earth’s atmosphere. In return, the build up creates a blanket of sorts that traps the heat in the planet. 

Overtime, the effects of high emissions will have detrimental impacts on various communities, including that of Champaign County. 

According to CCFPD Executive Director Lorrie Pearson, “Gas and diesel use currently account for 41% of CCFPD’s carbon emissions.”

Hoping to lower that number, Pearson explains some of CCFPD’s efforts such as electrifying their vehicle and equipment fleet. 

“We currently secure electricity, which will be used to charge the electric equipment, through renewable energy providers at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, and hope to either enter similar contracts or begin producing some of our own renewable electricity at additional sites over time,” Pearsons added. 

Illinois has already begun to see increased effects of emission buildup. Some examples of this are more intense storms and flooding, increased rainfall throughout the winter and spring seasons, hotter summer nights, and increased risk of summer droughts. 

The CCFPD recognizes the challenges these issues create for everyone in the community including farmers, schools, churches, and families. They also acknowledge the stress these changes create as they disrupt nature and its life cycles. 

In April of this year, the CCFPD Board of Commissioners approved a Climate Commitment. 

The goal of this is for the District to continue protecting natural and cultural resources in addition to the hope that the community too is inspired to care, enjoy, and explore their natural world. 

With that the District has three main ways they plan to reduce emissions. 

One being the reduction of greenhouse gasses within the forest preserve. Where possible, the preserve vows to cut out and limit unnecessary pollutants such as that from their own buildings, vehicles, and equipment. The main goal is to reach near zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.

The second step lies in the palms of the preserves. By continuing to protect and enhance the health of preserves, nature heals itself as the wetlands, forest, and prairies all absorb and store carbon from the air. In addition, increasing the diversity of plant species and habitat types will strengthen the resilience of the native landscapes. 

Lastly, the CCFPD will continue to lead by example. As they will publicize upgrades and renewable investments, they hope to educate and inspire the public regarding ways that they too can help to reduce emissions. 

Pearson concluded, “As far as what emissions reductions will look like for the community into the future: less noise from maintenance equipment from mowers to string trimmers, electric vehicle charging stations available for District vehicles and the public, solar panel installations in some locations, and sustainable design standards met in new facilities.” 

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