DELIVER TO BOXHOLDER PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID ALEXIS, IL 61412 STORM PERMIT NO. 9

THE United TRACKER High School Newspaper Volume 2, Issue 3 IN THIS ISSUE: Winter’s here... stay busy, stay fit Principal’s message p. 2 By Ryan Armstrong and Katie exercising. It is important to be Widener physically fit in order to perform Once on the decline, ag on the Sledding, snowboarding, the regular necessary winter rise on college campus p. 4 skiing, stationary bike riding, chores. dancing, ice skating are all Shovelling snow, for example, Alexis plans X-mas Walk p. 5 common winter activities, but takes a great deal of physical en- so are playing with kids, sweep- durance and is a leading cause of UHS calendar & menu p. 6 ing floors, washing dishes, and back and shoulder injuries during moving boxes or furniture. the winter. Football and volleyball players Just because the temperatures Studies have shown a regular reap fall awards p. 7 are beginning to plunge and exercise program cuts the risk of snow is on its way should not heart attack, diabetes, and high Basketball preview p. 8 mean an automatic weight gain blood pressure. is inevitable. However, excercising during There are numerous winter the winter requires more caution STORM ALERTS activities you can do to keep in than any other time of the year. shape during the winter. More heart attacks occur dur- Holiday Schedule First, and foremost, is to eat ing the cold months compared to Classes will be dismissed properly. It is even more impor- the summer, and heart attacks are at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, tant to eat fresh fruits, veg- expecially common in men who December 20, for the beginning etables, dried fruits, whole grain are out of shape. of Christmas break. Classes will breads and cereals during the While shovelling snow will resume on Tuesday, January 3. winter months than even during burn calories, it also increases periods of warmer weather. your heart rate and forces your These types of food will allow lungs to work harder in the cold First Semester Ends you to stay fuller longer, help- air. This has its downside. In The first semester will end ing to curb hunger pangs later fact, moving snow actually ends on Friday, January 13, with in the day. It is also important up being a form of weight lifting dismissal at 2:00 pm. Report to eat protein, which also helps as the repition of shovelling ends cards will be distributed on control your appetite. up forcing the person to move Friday, January 20. Limiting fat intake is also hundreds of pounds of snow in a important in maintaining weight short period of time. While back Dr. Martin Luther King during the sluggish, winter injuries are common, so, too, are There will be no school season. heart attacks. on Monday, January 16, in Cutting caloric intake by 300- Before beginning an exercise observance of Dr. Martin Luther 500 calories per day will result program, you are encouraged to King, Jr. Day. Classes will in average 1-2 pound weight see your doctor and undergo a resume on Tuesday, January 17. loss per week. complete physical. Your doctor Besides eating properly, exce- can also suggest appropriate erate physical activity per day, Finally, it is important to Winter Weather rising will help in maintaining, activities relative to your current rather than trying to cram all realize the value of stretching or possibly losing, weight. physical condition. fitness programs into a week- muscles and ligaments prior to Naturally, with the winter Due to winter weather condi- Most fitness experts suggest a months now upon us, it’s end, or your days off from work each activity tions, most people don’t want to minimum of 30 minutes of mod- of school. important to remember that go outside to run or ride a bike. winter weather can play havoc That is why there are places like on school schedules. the YMCA. Board names committee to discuss In the event of inclement If you don’t feel like paying weather, school cancellations, membership fees at the “Y” or early dismissals and other similar facility, there are possible Yorkwood consolidation postponements will be still many other activities in announced on WMOI (97.7 which you can participate. By Katie Widener tion then contacted each district, to the football field. Specifically, FM) and WRAM (1330 AM) in Exercise videos are inexpen- Consolidation remains a hot suggesting separate committees the Boosters would like to see Monmouth, WRMJ (102.3 FM) sive and the programs don’t topic for the United Board of be named to discuss reorganiza- improvements to the concession in Aledo, and WAAG (94.9 FM), have to be intense or compli- Education. tion. The first meeting between stand and rest facilities. Current- WGIL (1400 AM) and WLSR cated to be effective. A number At the November 10 meeting, United and Yorkwood commit- ly, only portable toilets are avail- (92.7 FM) in Galesburg. of exercise programs are also the Board decided to contact five tees is expected by the end of able at the field, while access to shown on television daily. members of the community to this month. restrooms is available on the east Back Issues Brisk walks are also ben- serve on an exploratory commit- Prior to the meeting, board side of the high school building. tee to meet with representatives members toured the United Mrs Amy Schmitz, United A limited number of back eficial. Many shopping malls of the Yorkwood school district south campus to select proj- High School principal, reported a issues from the first edition of open their doors early for that to discuss a potential reorgani- ects that need to be undertaken new incentive program has been the Storm Tracker are available purpose. Climbing stairs is zation. Board President Rick to improve the high school implemented to reward good free of charge. another way to burn calories Elliott will be one of the United building. Superintendent Jeff behavior at the high school. Stu- No extra copies of the state without leaving the comfort of committee members, along with Whitsitt says specifics include dents with “A” or “B” averages championship edition or the your home. Mark Olin, Bill Ramsey, Susie finishing the new roof over the in all classes, with no tardies, special edition handed out Fitness experts say it is impor- Frieden, Vicki McMullen and AP room, some floor tile, door, detentions, or other discipline in Champaign following tant not to get bored with your John Reynolds. and window replacement, and problems will have special access the championship game are winter exercise activities. Earlier this year, residents carpet replacement at the four to the library on Fridays. Ad- available. For instance, one can walk of the Yorkwood district were corners. He also says a goal ditionally, a gift drawing will be Copies of the other eight or run on a treadmill one day, surveyed regarding the possibil- would be the installation of a held shortly for eligible students. editions are available by calling ride a stationary bike the next ity of reorganization. Results of hot water heater/softener system The board also hired Tara Fly- Mr. Kozelichki at the high school day, and going skiing on the that survey indicated residents so that boilers wouldn’t have to nn as its new preschool teacher, (734-9411) to arrange pickup. weekend. Sledding and snow- favored a consolidation with be run in August. with Kerri Marshall serving as an All remaining copies will be boarding are also great physical either the United or Monmouth- Board members were also ap- aide. The second pre-K section destroyed after Christmas break. activities. Roseville districts. proached by the United Booster began on November 14 in the Staying healthy in the winter does not just have to do with The Yorkwood Board of Educa- Club regarding improvements former Alexis High School home economics classroom. STORM TRACKER 1905 100th Street First quarter honor roll named Monmouth, IL 61462 309-734-9411 High Honors (3.67-4.00) Grupy, Bryan Hahn, Renee Trout, Tara Van Fleet, Karl Honors (3.34-3.66) The Storm Tracker is published Ischer, Kasey Lafferty, Jason Wenzel, Sara Wenzel, Andy monthly by the journalism students of Senior: Keith Allen, Lindsey Lair, Allison Lam, Becky Layer, West, Katie Widener, Samantha Senior: Maddie Eagen, Morgan United High School, is printed through Anderson, Ryan Armstrong, Amber Liniger, Michael Long, Young, Andy Yung. Hodgen, Stephen Lincoln, Brett the facilities of The Register-Mail, and Aaron Barr, Sean Bertlesen, Chelsea Macek, Jenna McIntosh, McGill, Molly Rose, Amber is distributed to residents of CUSD #304. The material published does not Jason Bishop, Amy Brown, Gary Medhurst, Rachel Olson, Junior: Rachel Damos, Leigha Welch necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the Neileigh Brown, Ross Dick- Marci Patterson, Curt Pratt, Dillard, Patrick Gavin, Jay administration of United School District son, Sean Duncan, Katie Eyler, Tyler Schleich, Nick Snow, Dani Grant, Matt Gross, Nick Junior: Josh Atwell, Drew Clev- #304, nor the policy of The Register- Alex Fox, Aaron Gavin, Chayla Sprout, Nick Stacker, Ashley Hanson, Laney Morgan, Jake enger, Tyson Cox, Nicole Ester, Mail. Murdock, Lauren Powell, Kayla Jennifer Nicol, Corey Rundle While every attempt is made to Winkler. determine the validity of advertising Much to be thankful for Sophomore: Kayla Bishop, contained herein, the advertising in the By Amy Schmitz, Principal solving it. Second, avoid asking Sophomore: Sarah Armstrong, Brandon Boyd, Aaron Corben, Storm Tracker is not to be construed as endorsement of a specific product or Every year as the holiday sea- the question “Why me?” Things Ben Battenburg, Erin Bickerton, Bryan Lincoln, Matt Olin, Mer- service. The Storm Tracker assumes no son approaches, I begin to think happens for a reason that we may Cassandra Hawks, Larissa Pren- cedi Shamblin, Andrew Teague, responsibility of liability resulting from about the reasons to be grate- not understand. If we wallow tice, Laura Stahl, Taylor Willett Bri Trembly, Caiti Tucker the content of paid advertisements. ful. This year I feel especially in self pity for too long, then we The Storm Tracker does not knowingly thankful for my life after watch- cannot take the necessary actions Freshman: Katie Allaman, Jes- Freshman: Blake Anderson, accept advertisements that discriminate ing the tragedy of Hurricane that enable us to move on with sica Battenburg, Bre Christian, Zach Barr, Chase Chavero, Matt on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, Katrina unfold. Thousands of life. Finally, Zukov encourages Peter Elliott, Teri Jones, Jake Dutton, Heath Fredrickson, color, handicapped status, veteran or people lost their loved ones, people to change their outlook on Kenney, Brandon Lee, Catherine Nisha Hager, Kyle Ischer, Sarah sexual orientation, nor does it knowingly print ads that violate any local, state, or homes, and security. I truly life. We can improve our overall Magee, Patrick Olin, Christo- McCrery, Eric Olson, Kaitlyn federal laws. cannot imagine the magnitude attitudes about every aspect of pher Olson, Preston Powell, C.J. Sherfey, Abby Simpson, Macy of their losses. However, within our lives by focusing on the Ravell, Jillian Rundle, Raquel Spout, Miranda Vollbracht Parties interested in advertising in the depths of this tragedy, I also postive instead of the negative. Valencia, Megan VanSkike the Storm Tracker should contact Mr. Kozelichki at the address and/or phone saw people demonstrating a The old adage “every cloud has a number listed above. sense of gratitude and purpose. silver lining” certainly rings true. Despite all of the losses that Lincoln scholarship Letters to the editor must be mailed to were experienced by the Katrina the address above and cannot be more victims, some still found a than 350 words. The author’s name program announced and phone number must be included for reason to be thankful. I feel this verification purposes. The Storm Tracker shows an incredible amount of By Aaron Gavin scholarship money for being only edits letters in cases of timeliness character. More often than not, Lincolnland Legends is a new in the top eight, top four, and and obscenity and does not guarantee program designed to engage Illi- top two. A winner will then be publication of all letters. people have a tendency to be grateful during times of pros- nois students in honoring people chosen who will receive an addi- STORM TRACKER perity and complain when life who inspire and motivate them. tional $2,000 for a grand total of Curt Pratt, editor-in-chief gets tough. We make the choice High school juniors and se- a $5000 in scholarship money. Reporters to be victims of our circum- niors can nominate someone by The winners will be presented Ryan Armstrong, Joe Battenburg, stances. If we can realize that writing an essay about a person with their scholarships on May 6, Sean Duncan, Aaron Gavin, while we cannot control that who has made significant contri- 200,6 at the Lincolnland Legends butions to society and who serve Celebration Gala at the Abraham Chayla Grupy, Katie Widener events that happen in life, we During the holiday season, I as role models and inspirational Lincoln Museum in Springfield. Mr. Tony Kozelichki, advisor certainly can control how we have made the commitment to All essays must be sent post- react to them. remind myself of the fact that the figures to youth. “Some material courtesy marked by December 31, 2005. Gary Zukav, wrtier and quality of my life is heavily de- This year’s category requires of American Society of The AXA achievement pro- motivational speaker, points out pendent on my choices. While I the nominee to be involved in Newspaper Editors/KRT gram, one of the nation’s largest three important actions people have little control over the events government/military. Nomi- Campus High School corporate providers of scholar- can use to take control of the that occur in life, I can certainly nees also have to be born, have Newspaper Service.” ships and a competitive resource circumstances in their lives. choose my response. Sometimes lived, or currently live in your for students and their parents to First, take responsibility for the the holidays bring stress relating congressional district. United CUSD #304 pursue their dreams of college, quality of life by getting to the to insignificant things. If we can A panel of judges will select is the title sponsor of the new contact numbers root of the problem. When a stop and gain some perspective, 19 finalists who will each re- program. Superintendent’s Office person searches and finds the then we can begin to feel truly ceive a $1,000 scholarship. The Students interested in the pro- 482-3344 basis for the problem, then he or thankful for all of the positive finalists will then be narrowed gram should see Mr. Kozelichki. FAX 482-3236 she can take the crucial steps to aspects of our lives. down and will receive additional United High School 734-9411 FAX 734-6090 United Elementary School 482-3332 FAX 482-3236 United Elementary welcomes three new teachers By Joe Battenburg that “I have so much to give. One other familiar face is that Year two brings several chang- I am a teacher who can teach of South Campus second grade es in the United community, with them how to live!” teacher Trinette Olin. three new elementary teachers After graduation, Clayton While completing her elemen- among those coming on boad started teaching part time at tary certificate, she was a fre- New to the school, but not Willits Primary School in Mon- quent substitute at both Alexis to the district is North Campus mouth. She has also coached and United. physical education teacher Angie high school volleyball at Union Olin’s husband Mark is a Clayton. and spent two years at the junior member of the consolidation Clayton attended Warren high level at Warren before committee (see page 1) and is School from kindergarten taking over as United’s junior a former Alexis school board through her sophomore year. high coach last year. She also Another addition to the United member. She obtained her first bache- became United’s first speech faculty this year is Bethany Their sons Patrick, Adam and lor’s degree in fitness instruction coach a year ago (see page 7). Brown. This is her first year Michael are United studnets. with a minor in business man- In her free time, Clayton teaching elementary. agement from Western Illinois enjoys snow skiing, fishing, Brown graduated from Olivet University. boating, playing recreational Nazarene University last May United schools set From there she worked at volleyball, shopping, lifting with a double major in Educa- Northgate Racquetball and weights and running as well as tion and Spanish. She decided Health Club in Galesburg for spending time with friends and to work at United because it was four years as a certified personal family. near Aledo, where she grew up, music programs trainer, aerobics coordinator and and she enjoys the small, rural After having an all-district The band portion of the concert instructor, and administrative setting here. She also thought it Christmas music program will feature performances by the assistant. would be great place to start at before a standing room only 6-8 grade band, the senior high Clayton then made a decision and the staff was very supportive. crowd in 2004, the United band, the junior high band, and to go back to college to acquire Outside of work, Brown is School District will host a pair the UHS jazz band. a second bachelor’s degree in active in her church, and enjoys of December performances this United’s junior and senior high physical education. However, water skiing and swimming and holiday season. choirs, along with the a capella learning to become a PE teacher, is a voracious reader. She loves The Elementary School choir will also perform that eve- “wasn’t basketball, volleyball to travel and would hope in the program will be held Thurs- ning. and such. We learned how to future to travel abroad. Dur- day, December 8, at the United United’s flute choir will per- exercise, ease stress, and have ing high school and college she Fieldhouse in Alexis beginning form prior to the formal program. fun.” When looking back on the enjoyed singing and dancing on at 6:30 p.m. The flute choir will also appear at decision she made, she realized stage. The elementary program will Monmouth Soda Works during feature The Incredible Reindeer Living Windows on Friday, De- featuring the second and third cember 2, beginning at 6:30 p.m. District hires new librarian grades and a fourth, fifth and Several band and choir mem- sixth grade program titled Super bers also participated in the By Katie Widener ing more kids into the library Claus. IMEA All District Festival at Au- As we welcome new staff to to read more books. Murray is Between the two acts the kin- gustana College’s Carver Center our district, we can’t overlook also hoping to get more re- dergarten and first grade classes on Saturday, November 19. the person staffing one of the source documents for students will perform. Senior Maddie Eagen and most resourceful rooms in the who are writing research papers. The elementary programs junior high choir member Brit- school. She also reminded those in at- will be under the direction of tany Ferguson were joined by Mrs. Mary Murray was hired tendance that the United library vocal music instructor Amelia senior basoonist Chelsea Macek over the summer to replace Mrs. can be accessed online and that Rakestraw. and junior high clarinetist Erin Cheryl Schultz as district librar- the high school’s collection can The United High School pro- Flicek in the all-day festival and ian. Mrs. Schultz retired in May be searched at home, as well as gram will be held the following evening concerts. following more than 30 years’ at the school. evening, Friday, December 9, service in the Warren and United Like most libraries, Mrs. also at South Campus gymna- districts. Murray wants to make hers a sium beginning at 7:00 p.m. Since becoming librarian, she relatively quiet place to facili- The high school program will has been able to add a number of tate learning. contact will be of great benefit include performances by both books to the school’s holdings, She is also making the library for students looking to access the choir and several levels of and says she hopes to be able to a more comfortable place for material through inter-library band. purchase more volumes to assist study by adding bean bag loan. in student research. chairs, with the hope of pur- 30% off all products Mrs. Murray holds a bache- through Christmas Mrs. Murray recently made a chasing even more comfortable lor’s degree from Illinois State presentation to the school board chairs in the future. University and a master’s degree regarding library usage. Mrs. Murray worked with the from Dominican University in Stop by Clair’s during the Christmas The “linking and learning” Alliance Library System the River Forest, a near west suburb Walk and help a needy child by presentation was aimed at bring- past 11 years, and having that of Chicago. selecting a name from our Angel Tree

SPORTSCARDS Buy-Sell-Trade Baseball-Football-Basketball-Hockey 482-6600 Ag alive, well and growing on college campuses By Tom Webb got great careers, but they’re not offers by the time they graduate,” thing,” he said. cive to people who are farmers, St. Paul Pioneer Press on tractors,” Muscoplat said. Grafton said. But enrolling in an ag program and who are not; who have rural St. Paul, MN (KRT)--Jillian “Some of the more traditional While the relentless decline of has also given him the sort of backgrounds, and who don’t.” Rankins isn’t the first person audiences have been critical of the rural population has forced ag community he never had attend- When the applied economics you’d expect to find at an agri- me for saying that, but the kids schools to reorient, today there ing Hastings High School: other major had a chance to transfer culture school. don’t go back to the farm. They also seems to be a broader appre- students with a shared farm to the U’s Carlson School of “I don’t have a farm back- work in high-tech jobs. They’re ciation for the career opportuni- background and interests. Management, she decided against ground at all, I lived in Eau people designing a product that ties in the food and farm sector. “In my high school you heard it. She liked the farm campus’s Claire,” said Rankins, a sopho- lowers your cholesterol, they’re At Mankato’s South Central absolutely nothing about agri- mid-sized feel, including its rural more who’d never heard of FFA, scientists who work on embryo College, a two-year community culture,” Schaffer said. “I could roots. Recently, she even joined a the future farmers group, until transfers, they’re developing and technical school, instructor count on one hand the number group called the Agriculture Am- she got to college. At the Univer- grass that is tougher for an Brad Schloesser sees an opti- of farm kids in my class, and I bassadors, which touts the school sity of Minnesota’s farm campus athletic field.” mism about that was missing graduated with 430 kids.” to prospective students. in St. Paul, her studies are in Animal science remains on during the 1980s farm crisis. That sense of community is “I’m learning things about economics and management, not the curriculum, but there’s less “When I was teaching 20 years attractive to city kids as well. food and the environment that I corn and cows. emphasis on cattle and hogs, ago, young people growing up in At the U, Rankins likes that the wouldn’t know otherwise,” she More and more, it’s urban more on pets and biotechnology. rural Minnesota weren’t getting St. Paul campus seems “condu- said. students like Rankins who are There’s less emphasis on breed- much encouragement (to study enrolling at agriculture colleges. ing corn, and more on environ- agriculture),” Schloesser said. UHS FFA busy through holidays And ag schools are welcom- mental science. “The conditions were so dire, By Chayla Grupy place in a competition at Rock- ing them, as they reposition “The marketplace has a lot of moms and dads said, Only a few days remain to get ridge. themselves in a more urban changed,” Muscoplat said. `Don’t even consider agriculture your orders in for the annual Seniors Michael Bickerton, world--a world that needs fewer At North Dakota State Univer- as a career.’ You don’t see that United FFA/Alexis Lion’s Club Ross Dickson, and Rachel dairy farmers and agronomists sity, where 40% of the student much anymore.” Christmas Sale. Olson were joined by junior than before, but still wants food body hails from Minnesota, Across the vast Minnesota State All orders must by in by Derek White in attendance at scientists, landscape architects, the new world is evident in its College and University system, Monday, November 28, with the National FFA Convention in nutritionists and veterinarians. two-year-old Sports Turf and ag student numbers are mixed. delivery beginning on Tuesday, Louisville, KY. This fall, enrollment hit a 20- Management program, and a Enrollment in ag programs has December 13. More than 50,000 FFA mem- year peak at the U’s ag college, three-year-old horse program fallen since 2001, in part because Navel oranges, tangerines bers from across the nation and the highest since the farm crisis called Equine Science. Ag en- of budget cuts, though the num- and grapefruit are available Puerto Rico attended the pro- of the mid-1980s. Yet in some rollment has risen in five years ber of ag graduates is up, officials at $20.00 per box, with red ceedings. ways, it’s a different ag college from roughly 850 students to say. delicious, yellow delicious “At the state convention there now. 1,273 this fall. Jeff Schaffer, 20, represents and Granny Smith apples also are only people from Illinois “The majority of our students “The trend is up, if col- a more traditional ag student. available at $25, $27, and $30 while at national there are people come from the metropolitan leges are willing to change their Schaffer lives on a farm near respectively. from everywhere,” said United’s area, and years ago, it was prob- focus, willing to do a bit more Hastings and is studying agri- Fruit is also available by the Olson, who says she enjoyed ably a rural kids’ college,” said reaching out to areas students business production at South half box. meeting new people at the con- Charles Muscoplat, dean of the are interested in,” said Ken Central. What he’s learning The sale also includes choco- vention. U’s college of agriculture, food Grafton, dean of NDSU’s ag today, he hopes someday to use late chunk cookie dough ($12 Among the highlights for the and environmental sciences. One college. on his own farm: crops, soils, for 3 lbs.), salted peanuts in the United members were tours of big reason they come: “There’s But are there jobs? livestock, and “how to manage shell ($8 for 4 lbs.), Thrush- the Louisville Slugger factory a lot of opportunities” across “Something like 98% of our your money, new or used equip- wood Farms beef sticks ($6 for and Churchill Downs, home of the sprawling food chain, and students have two or more job ment, buy or lease, that kind of 12 oz.), Thrushwood porkburg- the Kentucky Derby. beyond. ers ($16 for 24 patties), and Appalachian Trail adven- One of four Minnesota jobs are MAIN STREET PIZZA & SUBS bacon cheddar cheese spread turer Bill Irwin was the keynote in food and agriculture-related 113 S. Main Alexis, IL 61412 (309) 482-3901 ($7 for 12 oz). speaker at the convention. Irwin, industries, according to the Min- TRY OUR WORLD FAMOUS HAND TOSSED PIZZA Interested parties should who is legally blind, spoke about nesota Agri-Growth Council. 8” 12” 16” contact any FFA or Lion’s Club an eight and half month trek he “Agriculture is high tech, it’s 1 Topping $5.50 $9.50 $13.00 member, or call Mr. Brian Cirks made across the mountains with 2 Topping $6.75 $10.50 $14.00 at the high school at 734-9411. his guide dog. 3 Topping $7.25 $11.75 $15.00 The pre-holiday sale is just the After a number of years in Lou- Specialty $7.95 $12.75 $16.20 latest in a number of activities isville, the 2006 national conven- SPECIALTY PIZZAS: GARDEN, TACO, BLT, VEGETARIAN, for the United FFA this year. tion will begin a multi-year run MEAT LOVERS, HAWAIIAN, CANADIAN BACON & KRAUT, Earlier this year, the school’s in Indianapolis, with next year’s ITALIAN BEEF, NACHO AND NACHO GRANDE soil judging team took first event set for October 25-28. December Elementary Menu Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 28 29 30 1 2 Corn Dog Tenderloin BBQ Rib Tacos Chicken & Noodles Baked Beans Pasta Salad French Fries Lettuce & Tomato Mashed Potatoes Pineapple Applesauce Corn Peaches Mixed Vegetables Cookie Raisins Pudding Cup Cherry Freeze 5 6 7 8 9 Chili Hot Turkey Sandwich Italian Chicken Sandwich Hamburger Crispitos Cheese Sticks French Fries Chips & Salsa Tator Tots Lettuce & Tomato Pears Carrots Peas Green Beans Tropical Fruit Cookie Apricots Cinnamon Apples Million Dollar Cookie 12 13 14 15 16 Chicken Strips Tenderloin Hot Dog Turkey Gravy BBQ Rib Sandwich Pasta Salad Broccoli & Cheese Baked Beans Mashed Potatoes Tator Triangle Mandarin Oranges Peach Half Applesauce Cranberry Sauce Pineapple Slices Scotcheroos Cookie Pudding Cup Ice Cream & Cookie Trail Mix 19 20 21 22 23 Pizza Cook’s Choice NO SCHOOL NO SCHOOL NO SCHOOL Lettuce Salad Sandwich Pear Half

BREAKFAST BREAKFAST BREAKFAST BREAKFAST BREAKFAST 11/28 Mini Muffin 11/29 Cereal 11/30 PopTart 12/1 Cereal 12/2 Cinnamon Pastries 12/5 Sausage Biscuit 12/6 Cereal 12/7 Breakfast Pizza 12/8 Cereal 12/9 Donut 12/12 Breakfast Burrito 12/13 Cereal 12/14 Streusel Muffin 12/15 Cereal 12/16 Long John 12/19 Cook’s Choice 12/20 Cereal 12/21 No School 12/22 No School 12/23 No School Christmas Walk highlights Alexis’ holiday activities Clydesdales, carolling, cakes, ganizers are asking for pie and out the day, while St. Theresa’s Clinic from noon until 1:00 p.m. a gingerbread house decorating cookies, candy and Christmas cake donations be brought to Catholic Church will host a live for pet photos. contest. The entry fee of $5.00 decorations of all kinds will be the Community Center from 6- manger scene. A pair of holiday competitions will cover the cost of the prizes. on display as Alexis residents 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December Many local businesses will are scheduled as well. Houses can be of any size, shape, and the business community are 2, with those donations being have extended hours that day to A wreath decorating contest or color. In other words, any- looking forward to their second auctioned throughout the day on accomodate shoppers. will be held in which entrants thing goes! Entries must be de- Christmas Walk to be held on Saturday. United ag teacher and FFA will be able to pick up a wreath livered to Penny’s banquet room Saturday, December 3. The Community Center will sponsor Brian Cirks will supply and supplies in an effort to cre- any time on Friday, December Among the activities planned also have a parade of trees on a petting zoo, and wagon rides ate the most beautiful arrange- 2, or on Saturday, December 3 are a dance for junior and senior display, with proceeds from pulled by a team of Clydesdales ment using only those supplies before 10:00 a.m. high students that night from 7- voting going to help stock the will also be available throughout provided. Interested parties Judy’s Treasures will host a 10 p.m. at the Community Cen- Mercer and Warren County food the day. may pick up their wreath and craft show, while an Angel Tree ter, which will also be the site of banks. Santa Claus will visit the Greg- supplies at Hair by Claire on for needy children will be avail- a silent pie and cake auction on The Community Center will ory Building for photos from Monday, November 28, from able at Hair by Claire, which will Saturday afternoon. The baked also host a tumbling recital by 9-10:00 a.m. and from 1:30-3:00 9-11:00 a.m. There is a $20 fee, have face painting in the morn- goods will also be available in the Alexis Tumblers from 5:00- p.m. Santa will also be at the and prizes will be awarded to ing and cookie decorating in the the morning at United Elemen- 6:00 in the evening. Community Center from 11:00 the winner, with judging sched- afternoon for kids. tary School during the Recreation Local businesses will have a to noon to read to the kids and uled for the day of the walk. Christmas Carolers will per- Council’s basketball games. Or- living windows display through- will stop by the Alexis Veterinary Also on that day there will be form along Main Street through- out the day.

UNITED HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOKS 2004-05 still available Order 05-06 now for $35 Call Mr. Zink at 734-9411 December Jr/Sr Lunch Menu Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 28 29 30 1 2 Super Nacho’s Chef-Rite on Bun Sliced Turkey Macaroni & Cheese Italian Chicken Sandwich Spanish Rice French Fries Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Little Smokies Chips & Cheese Peas Corn Green Beans Pink Applesauce Mixed Vegetables Mandarin Oranges Cherry Cheesecake Peaches Hot Rolls Pears & Chocolate Cake 5 6 7 8 9 Burritoes Chicken Patty on Bun Chili/Chicken Noodle Soup Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Pizza Corn Chips & Cheese Potato Chips Peanut Butter Sandwich Layered Salad Chips Corn Spanish Rice Peas Peaches Fruit Snacks Cheese Bread Sticks Green Beans Pineapple Pineapple Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Mixed Fruit Cheexe Cake 12 13 14 15 16 Taco Chalupa BBQ Rib on Bun Chicken Nuggets Chili/Chicken Noodle Soup Sliced Turkey Mixed Vegetables French Fries Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Peanut Butter Sandwich Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Spanish Rice Corn Green Beans Fruit Snacks Baked Beans Mandarin Oranges Pears Fruit Crisp Cookie Peaches Hot Rolls Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Cup 19 20 21 22 23 Crispito Chili Dog NO SCHOOL NO SCHOOL NO SCHOOL Corn Chips/Nacho Sauce French Fries Corn Spanish Rice Baked Beans Peaches Mandarin Oranges BREAKFAST BREAKFAST BREAKFAST BREAKFAST BREAKFAST

11/28 Egg & Cheese Wrap 11/29 Donuts 11/30 Cinnamon Rolls 12/1 Pancake on a Stick 12/2 Breakfast Bar 12/5 Cereal 12/6 Baked Pretzel 12/7 Long Johns 12/8 French Toast Sticks 12/9 Donuts 12/12 Pop Tarts 12/13 Cereal 12/14 Cinnamon Rolls 12/15 Breakfast Bars 12/16 Long Johns 12/19 Cereal 12/20 Breakfast Pizza 12/21 No School 12/22 No School 12/23 No School

December 2005 Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 G BB @ West Central Living Windows Alexis Christmas Walk

Lock Out Evening Activities

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 G BB @ Abingdon B BB vs Williamsfield JH BB @ Cambridge K-6 Christmas Program 7-12 Christmas Program B BB F/S@ Galva Trny

G BB @ Princeville B BB Fr.@Monmouth Trny

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 JH BB vs ROWVA McDonald’s Holiday JH BB @ Wethersfield JH BB @ ICS McDonald’s Holiday Classic @ Aledo Classic @ Aledo G BB K’ville/A’don McDonald’s Holiday McDonald’s Holiday Trny @ Abingdon Classic @ Aledo Classic @ Aledo

B BB McDonald Trny @ Aledo

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 JH BB @ Alwood 2:00 pm Dismissal No School No School No School Christmas Eve

G BB vs Galva G BB @ Yorkwood

B BB @ Yorkwood 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Christmas Day No School No School No School No School No School New Year’s Eve United’s fall athletes honored Fall athletes took home their fellow juniors Rachel Damos and season awards at ceremonies held Lauren Powell and senior team- at the North and South Campuses mates Lindsey Anderson and in November. Samantha Young. In football, senior Aaron Gavin Golfer Patrick Gavin was led all United players in all-con- recognized for his 25th place fin- ference recognition. ish in the state golf tournament, He was named first team all- while fellow junior Luke Watson LTC as a defensive back, as well was cited for his third-place fin- as kicker, and was given honor- ish in the Lincoln Trail meet. able mention recognition as a Gavin, along with seniors running back. Alex Fox and Karl Wenzel were According to head coach Tim All-LTC first team selection Aaron Gavin Senior Marci Patterson (left) took first named to the conference’s all Engebretson, Gavin’s honors (left) is joined by honorable mention team all-conference honors, while junior academic team. are especially significant given picks Kasey Lafferty, Tyler Schleich and Kayla Winller and sophomore Courtney To qualify for all conference he missed several games during Ryan Armstrong. All are UHS seniors. Young were named to the second team academic honors, a varsity ath- mid-season as a result of a severe lete must maintain at least a 3.50 knee injury. both at offensive tackle and Yung and juniors Jay Grant, Matt well. grade point average. Fellow seniors Ryan Arm- linebacker. Grose and Nick Hanson. Named to the second team Both the golf and volleyball strong, at offensive guard, and All four were also named to Senior Marci Patterson was in volleyball were sophomore teams were also recognized for defensive tackle Tyler Schleich the LTC’s all-academic team, named to the conference’s first Courtney Young and junior their cumulative GPA, earning were also named honorable men- along with fellow seniors Sean team in volleyball, and took Kayla Winkler, who was also them the IHSA Academic Team tion, as was Kasey Lafferty, who Bertlesen, Jason Bishop, Bryan home all-academic honors, as named all-academic along with Award. took honorable mention honors Hahn, Michael Long, and Andy Speech team to host LTC in January, test talents in winter competition By Sean Duncan on Thursday, January 20. The Second-year speech team coach public is invited to attend. That Angie Clayton is busy readying tourney will feature a one round her team for its next tournament, format, with opening events set for Saturday, December 10, at scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. Stark County. Other competitions this year For Clayton, the second year will be held in January at Peoria truly will be similar to the first. Richwoods and Spoon River As a result of graduation, and Valley High Schools. with several students holding The IHSA state series will weekend jobs, she finds herself begin in February with regional United High School was well represented on the academic all-conference team. back at square one with only one copetition at Valley and section- Pictured in the front row from left to right are Rachel Damos, Marci Patterson, Kayla senior returning with a year’s als at Rock Island, with the Winkler, Lauren Powell, Samantha Young and Lindsey Anderson. Second row: Karl experience. state finals to be held February Wenzel, Jay Grant, Patrick Gavin, Michael Long, Nick Hanson and Alex Fox. Third Clayton was hired to coach 17-18. A site for the state finals row: Matt Grose, Andy Yung, Tyler Schleich, Jason Bishop, Kasey Lafferty and speech just a little more than a has not yet been announced by Aaron Gavin. Not pictured: Ryan Armstrong, Sean Bertlesen and Bryan Hahn year ago, and earned high praise the IHSA. from veteran area coaches for her leadership and judging abilities. The speech team attended a tourney at Peoria Woodruff High School in early November as observers. Mrs. Clayton says this was needed as her team this year is comprised of mostly first year members. Among those on the speech team are veteran Amber Liniger and fellow senior Maddie Eagen, along with first year sophomores Larissa Prentice, Laura Stahl, and Taylor Willett. All but Liniger are in their first year of speech competition. The season opened on Novem- ber 18 with an invitational held at Metamora High School. Highlighting this year’s competition will be the Lincoln Trail Conference Tournament, to be held at United High School Basketball teams seek to improve in second season

By Ryan Armstrong By Aaron Gavin 05-06 United Girls Basketball Hopefully, this year will be a The United Red Storm girls’ complete turnaround from last basketball team comes into the Nov 30 @ Wethersfield year’s United boys’ basketball 2005-2006 season looking to im- Dec 1 @ West Central team. And after just a few prac- prove on last year’s 6-18 record. Dec 5 @ Abingdon tices, it is already beginning to One major change is at the Dec 7 @ Princeville look that way. helm where Dennis Mann is now Dec 12-17 Knoxville/Abingdon “This year, all the guys are ac- in charge. Trny @ Abingdon tually excited and ready to play,” Mann spent the last 13 years as Dec 19 vs Galva says senior Sean Bertlesen. the head womens’ coach at Mon- Dec 20 @ Yorkwood “It’s really too bad our football mouth College and is a longtime Jan 4 vs Stark County team didn’t go any further than physical education teacher both at Jan 5 vs Brimfield Girls’ coach Dennis Mann they did, but last year it killed United senior Alex Fox Warren and United. Jan 9 @ Annawan us,” said second-year United will be counted on to lead The girls started their season Jan 11 vs Westmer “We do lack some height but head coach Dean Betts. “We just the Red Storm charge at the Cambridge Tournament, Jan 14-21 LTC Tourney TBA it’s something we’re going to weren’t ready when the games following a first team all- dropping their first three games. Jan 23 vs Alwood have to deal with,” said Mann. started.” conference selection as a In the third and final game of the Jan 25 @ Cambridge The coach says he realizes his Betts will be joined on the junior. tournament, they took Elmwood Jan 30 vs ROWVA team is in a period of transition, bench again this year by Steve into overtime but would go on to Feb 1 vs West Central with each side still learning how Cairns and Ron Grant. on everybody.” lose by three. Feb 6 IHSA Regionals to adjust to the other. “We had a program this sum- Fox has been a three year “The girls showed some “This early in the season I’m mer, and we did well. I saw a lot starter and will be counted on as improvement against Elmwood, Coaches: Dennis Mann, Carrie still getting used to my players of really good things. Plus, the one of United’s leading scorers, cutting down on both turnovers Yerkey and their strengths and they are kids now have a year under the after leading the team in points and fouls,” said Coach Mann. still getting used to me and what system, which will really help per game a year ago.. The Red Storm will get another Home games in Bold. All home I expect.” us a lot,” said the United head “We will be as good as chance at Elmwood at home in a games are played at the United Mann is assisted by one of his coach. any team we play,” said Fox. non-conference game on Novem- Fieldhouse in Alexis beginning former college players, United Betts says he sees a lot of “Hopefully, we’ll give it a run ber 22. with the F/S game at 6:00 p.m. teacher Carrie Yerkey promise on the floor this year, as for regionals.” do his players. 05-06 United Boys Basketball “We will get good leadership 30-team football conference set out of our seniors. We’ll be Dec 6 vs Williamsfiel All the T’s are crossed and the seven team division to round out ule is as follows: alright,” says Michael Long. Dec 10-17 Galva F/S Trny I’s dotted, and after nearly a year the nine-game schedule. The team opened its season at Dec 10-12 Monmouth Fr Trny of talks, a new football confer- United coach Tim Engebret- Aug 25 vs. North Fulton the Williamsfield Tournament Dec 12-16 McDonald’s Holiday ence is set to debut with the 2006 son favored the expansion, Sep 1 @ Westwood during the holiday week, and Classic @ Aledo season. saying it would alleviate the Sep 8 vs Wethersfield will play only one home game Dec 20 @ Yorkwood The West Prairie Trail Con- type of scheduling problems Sep 15 @ Annawan (Tuesday, December 6, versus Jan 6 vs Princeville ference will be comprised of that left the Red Storm without Sep 22 vs Cambridge Williamsfield) before Christmas. Jan 7 @ Abingdon members of the Lincoln Trail, a game during the eighth week Sep 29 @ Galva “We’re going to have a pretty Jan 13 vs Wethersfield Prairieland and West Central of the 2004 season, and forced Oct 6 vs Peoria Heights good year, but we have a tough Jan 14 vs Avon Conferences and will be divided a late scheduled game at Aurora Oct 13 @ Abingdon schedule,” said senior Alex Fox. Jan 17 @ Galva into four divisions of either seven Christian to prevent from hav- Oct 20 @ Princeville “Our main disadvantage will be Jan 20 @ Stark County or eight teams with the champion ing an open week during the our height, but we’ll make up for Jan 24 vs Annawan of each division being guaranteed recently concluded 2005 season. Varsity games will begin at it with speed. We’re going to run Jan 27 @ Westmer an automatic berth in the IHSA Without having a full sched- 7:00 pm while freshman/sopho- Jan 28-Feb 4 LTC Trny TBA playoffs. ule, the Red Storm would not more games will be still be Feb 7 @ Alwood Each team will play two games have qualfied for the 2005 play- played on the Monday following Feb 10 vs Cambridge outside its own eight team divi- offs with a 5-3 record. each varsity game, at the oppo- Feb 14 @ ROWVA sion or three games outside its United’s 2006 football sched- site site as listed above. Feb 17 @ West Central Feb 20 IHSA Regionals Feb 25-Mar 2 @ Yorkwood F/S Trny

Coaches: Dean Betts, Steve Cairns, Ron Grant

Home games in Bold. All home games are played at the United Fieldhouse in Alexis beginning Boys’ coach Dean Betts with the F/S game at 6:00 p.m.