Chester Community School District 139

CGS & CHS ATHLETICS CANCELATION, MONDAY 1/6/25: There will be no athletic practices or home/away games for Monday Jan 6th. The adjusted schedule bracket for the CHS Lady Jackets Midwinter Classic is attached. Our tournament games scheduled for today are moved to Wednesday 1/8/25.

Due to severe winter weather, Chester CUSD 139 will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025. This day was scheduled as a professional development day for teachers, with no students in attendance. Students will resume classes on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Please continue to monitor updates for any potential changes or cancellations as the weather progresses.

CHS: NEW PROFESSOR SHARP CAFETERIA EXTERIOR SIGNAGE Chester High School just had exterior signage installed identifying our Professor Sharp Cafeteria. Professor Sharp, CHS 1954 alum, continues to support our students and staff. This project started more than two years ago, with a goal focused on finding a way to honor Professor Sharp in a big way. The naming of the cafeteria was never fully identified and did not have proper insignia. Our hope being that the Chester community and those that are visiting will connect not only that the space is identified as the Professor Sharp Cafeteria, but also why. Recently Professor Sharp donated a bronze plaque to help the community better understand the man that has accomplished so much and given back to the community he came from. We appreciate the role model he is for our students as well as his generosity to our facility and community. The final picture is renderings of what the soon to be completely renovated Sharp Media Center will look like. We are in phase two of this 3 phase project. Starting early this year, construction crews will be taking over the area and completing phase two which will leave only the furniture and technology upgrades to go. Keep posted for future update so exciting changes at CHS!

CHS: NEW EXTERIOR SIGNAGE Chester High School just had our new exterior signage installed, clearly identifying our school spirit and community identity. We are dedicated to fostering a culture that inspires all students, staff, and community members to engage fully and confidently support our mission. Our high school boasts one of the most stunning buildings, showcasing remarkable architecture. We aim to enhance this beautiful space further while celebrating its unique design and features.

The CGS lost and found has grown significantly since the start of the year. We have displayed the accumulated items in our main lobby, and we encourage you to check if your child is missing anything. These tables will remain set up until the end of next week. Students can investigate during school hours, while parents and guardians are invited to come after school to search through the items. Our office will be open today, January 3rd and on Monday, January 6th (weather permitting) until 4 PM. Our staff is dedicated to returning items to their rightful owners whenever they can identify them, but unfortunately, this is not possible for most items. We also urge students to check the lost and found weekly in case they are missing something. We aim to return all lost items, but please note that if items remain unclaimed by the end of the year, they will be repurposed due to limited storage space. Thank you for understanding.

YellowJackets finish 13th at 2024 Duster Thomas Hoops Classic in Pinckneyville (4 of 4) Chester goes 2-2 with wins over Trico and Salem and losses to Roxana and Steeleville BY JIM BEERS Monday December 30: Round 3 (Final Day) Chester 55 - Salem 43 Chester (1-2) faced off against Salem (1-2) in the battle for 13 th Place Monday December 30. This was the final day of the 2024 Duster Thomas Hoops Classic Basketball Tournament in Pinckneyville. The YellowJackets had another good day against Salem to complete a 3-game winning streak and claim the 13 th Place finish in the tournament. The YellowJackets jumped out to an 18-4 lead in the first quarter. Evan Dunning was hot to kick off the first period. He drained a pair of 3-pointers and made 1-of-2 free throws to lead the Jackets with seven points. Devante Palacio stayed confident from Saturday and added five points on a 3-pointer and a two-point field goal. Kolton Jany added four points on a pair of field goals and TaShawn scored two points with a basket. Salem scored just four points, two from Ettress who made a basket and Avery Gullion who made 2-of-4 free throws. CHS buzzed out with a comfortable 12-point lead. In the second period, Salem answered by outscoring CHS, 12-9. Four players stepped up in this frame including Gullion (4), Bevold (3), Mix (3), and Ettress (2). Chester added nine points on Devante Palacio’s two field goals, Brenden Malley’s field goal and free throw, and Kolton Jany’s bucket. The Jackets maintained their lead by 11 points, 27-16 at the halftime break. After halftime, Chester returned to outscore Salem, 15-7. Kolton Jany made a pair of field goals, Devante Palacio hit a basket and made 1-of-2 free throws, Cayden Brunkhorst and Evan Dunning each popped 3-pointers, and TaShawn Palacio made a bucket. Avery Gullion led Salem with a trey and Bevold and Maxey each scored two points apiece on field goals. After three quarters, the YellowJackets led by 19 points, 42-23. Down the stretch in the 4 th quarter Salem woke up and outscored the Jackets, 20-13. Bevold was unstoppable, making three 3-pointers and a 2-point field goal for 11 points. Ettress and Mix each drained 3-pointers. Maxey scored on a field goal and Warren added a point on a free throw. Chester got offensive production from four players in the 4 th period. Devante Palacio led the way with six points on a pair of field goals and 2-for-2 free throw shooting. Cayden Brunkhorst drained a 3-pointer, and Kolton Jany and TaShawn Palacio each made field goals. In spite of Salem’s strong finish, the YellowJackets had enough insurance points stored to finish the game with a 12 point, 55-43 advantage. The Jackets used a three player double-digit showing to fuel their victory including Devante Palacio (18), Kolton Jany (12), and Evan Dunning (10). Other key contributors included Cayden Brunkhorst (6) and TaShawn Palacio (6), as well as Brenden Malley (3). Salem had one player score in double figures. Bevold scored 16 points, followed by Avery Gullion (9), Ettress (7), Mix (6), Maxey (4), and Warren (1). With the win, Chester ended the 4-game tournament with a 2-2 record and a 13 th Place finish. Salem ended with a 1-3 record, good enough for 14 th Place. Monday December 30: Final Day Scores and Finishes Championship Game: (8:30 p.m.) Benton 51 - Pinckneyville 50 3rd Place Game: (7 p.m.) Murphysboro 53 - Mound Meridian 50 5th Place Game: (5:30 p.m.) Carlyle 65 - Jerseyville 40 7th Place Game: (4 p.m.) Olney 60 - Roxana 38 Consolation Championship (9 th Place) Game: (1:30 p.m.) Okawville 56 - Woodlawn 46 11th Place Game: (12 Noon) Steeleville 59 -Mt. Carmel 40 13th Place Game: (10:30 a.m.) Chester 55 - Salem 43 15th Place Game (9 a.m.) Christopher won - Trico lost (scores not available) Duster Thomas Hoops Classic Basketball Tournament FINAL PLACES 1st Benton 9 th Okawville (Consolation Champion) 2nd Pinckneyville 10 th Woodlawn 3rd Murphysboro 11 th Steeleville 4th Mounds Meridian 12 th Mt. Carmel 5th Carlyle 13 th Chester 6th Jerseyville 14 th Salem 7th Olney 15 th Christopher 8th Roxana 16 th Trico Photo 1 Devante Palacio (5) was Chester's top scorer in the 2024 Duster Thomas Hoops Classic Basketball Tournament in Pinckneyville. In the 4-game event, Palacio scored in double figures in 2-of-the-4 games, 5 against Roxana, 16 against Steeleville, 8 against Trico, and 18 in the win over Salem for a total of 47 points. Jim Beers Photo Photo 2 Kolton Jany (13), a Chester High School senior basketball player. was the YellowJacket's second highest scorer in the four games at the Duster Thomas Tournament in Pinckneyville. Jany scored 7 against Roxana, 7 against Steeleville, 11 against Trico, and 12 against Salem for a total of 37 points. Jim Beers Photo

YellowJackets finish 13th at 2024 Duster Thomas Hoops Classic in Pinckneyville (3 of 4) Chester goes 2-2 with wins over Trico and Salem and losses to Roxana and Steeleville BY JIM BEERS Chester 45 - Trico 25 The YellowJackets played a second game on Saturday. It was an elimination game for either Chester or Trico, each who came into the contest with records of 0-2. Chester had already lost to both Roxana and Steeleville and Trico had lost to Carlyle and Woodlawn. The YellowJackets led, 6-2, after one quarter of play and never looked back. Chester outscored Trico, 6-2 in the first quarter, 21-11 in the second quarter, 10-9 in the third quarter, and 8-3 in the fourth quarter, to win, 45-25. In the first frame, the Jackets were led by Cayden Brunkhorst who popped a 3-pointer. Kolton Jany added a field goal and Devante Palacio hit 1-of-4 free throws for Chester’s final point. The Pioneer’s only basket came from Kozuszek who made one basket. CHS led, 6-2 after one period. Both teams scored their most points in the second quarter. Chester added 21 points and Trico added 11 points. The Jackets had scoring from six players led by Cayden Brunkhorst who contributed six of the 21-point frame. Other contributors included Devante Palacio (5), Kolton Jany (4), Tray Peters (3), Trey McCartney (2), and Brenden Malley (1). The Pioneers were paced by Wettig who scored seven of Trico’s 11 points, followed by Shirley (2), and Kozuszek (2). Chester took a 14-point lead, 27-13, into the locker room at the break. Both teams played evenly in the 3 rd quarter with the Jackets edging out the Pioneers by one point, 10-9. Four players scored for CHS including Tray Peters who knocked down a trey (3), Evan Dunning who drained a trey (3), and Cayden Brunkhorst (2) and Devante Palacio (2) who each hit field goals. Trico was led by Kozuszek who made a pair of field goals (4), with Sidener (3) and Wettig (2) rounding out the 9-point effort. The YellowJackets had a 15-point, 37-22, advantage going into the final 4 th quarter stretch. The Jackets sealed the deal with an 8-3 fourth quarter effort to win the game, 45-25. In that frame Kolton Jany was huge with a five-point contribution with a field goal and 3-of-4 free throw shooting. Evan Dunning drained his second 3-pointer of the game to close the deal. Trico’s three points came from Wettig who sank a bucket and Deming who came off the bench and made one of two free throws. The YellowJackets won the game by 20-points, 45-20. CHS had seven players contribute offensively, including two players who scored in double figures. Both Cayden Brunkhorst and Kolton Jany scored 11 points apiece. Devante Palacio contributed eight points. Tray Peters and Evan Dunning each added six points apiece. Trey McCartney hit a basket (2), and Brenden Malley hit a free throw (1). Trico had one player score in double digits as Wettig recorded 11 points. Other contributors included Kozuszek (8), Sidener (3), Shirley (2), and Deming (1). With the win, Chester improved to 1-2 and lived to play another day. Trico was eliminated with a record of 0-3. Saturday December 28: Round 2 scores Woodlawn 40-Trico 26 Steeleville 45 - Chester 42 in Overtime Mt. Carmel 42 - Salem 37 Okawville 41 - Christopher 28 Chester 45- Trico 25 Woodlawn 64 - Steeleville 59 Salem 54 - Christopher 35 Okawville 48 - Mt. Carmel 37 Murphysboro 40- Carlyle 39 Benton 38- Roxana 34 Pinckneyville 70- Jerseyville 38 Meridian 61 - Olney 46 Carlyle 53 - Roxana 45 Benton 41 - Murphysboro 33 Jerseyville 62 - Olney 51 Pinckneyville 77- Meridian 49

YellowJackets finish 13th at 2024 Duster Thomas Hoops Classic in Pinckneyville (2 of 4) Chester goes 2-2 with wins over Trico and Salem and losses to Roxana and Steeleville BY JIM BEERS Saturday December 28: Round 2 Steeleville 45 - Chester 42 in Overtime Round 2 action started Saturday December 28 with a full slate of 16 games that took place at both Pinckneyville gyms throughout the day. Chester opened action at 10:30 a.m. in the Auxiliary Gym. Chester led the first quarter 12-8 behind the Kolton Jany (6), Devante Palacio (4), and Brenden Malley (2). Steeleville also had contributions from three players, Whitthoft (4), Brown (2), and Sternberg (2). The second quarter was a reversal with Steeleville outscoring the YellowJackets 14-8. Ruby stepped up and got into the scorebook with four points. He had help from Tyler Ingles (3), Brown (2), Sternberg (2), Whitthoft (2), and Fiene (1). Chester’s Devante Palacio and Evan Dunning knocked down a 3-pointers, and Brenden Malley added a field goal for Chester’s eight points. The Warriors took a two-point lead, 22-20, into the locker room at halftime. The third quarter was a lock as both Chester and Steeleville scored 12 points apiece. Devante Palacio hit a pair of field goals and hit 1-of-2 free throws, Tray Peters drained a trey, and Cayden Brunkhorst and Brenden Malley each hit field goals for the Jacket’s 12 points. Steeleville was paced by Whitthoft who hit a pair of field goals and made all three of his free throw attempts for seven points. Ruby chipped in a 3-pointer and sank both of his free throw attempts for five points to complete the Warrior’s 12-point effort. After three periods, Steeleville still led by two points, 34-32. The 4 th quarter was in Chester’s favor as the Jackets tied the game by outscoring the Warriors, 5-3, to knot the game, 37-37. Cayden Brunkhorst and Devante Palacio each hit field goals and Kolton Jany made 1-of-2 free throws for Chester’s five points. Steeleville was held to just three points on Brown’s 3-pointer. Chester sent the game into overtime, 37-37, with their three-point scoring advantage down the stretch. In the overtime period, the Warriors managed to outscore the YellowJackets 8-5 to win the game by three points, 45-43. Ruby was the key for the Warriors as he scored six points on a pair of field goals and 2-of-4 free throw shooting. Sternberg knocked down both of his free throw attempts to seal the game. Chester’s Cayden Brunkhorst and Devante Palacio each hit field goals and Brunkhorst made 1-of-2 free throws to give the Jackets their five points. Free throws made the difference as Steeleville made 4-of-5 free throws down the stretch and Chester made just 1-of 4 free shots. In the win, the Warriors were led by two players who scored in double figures including Ruby (15) and Whitthoft (13). Brown (7), Ingles (3), and Fiene (1) rounded out the 45 point winning effort. Steeleville was 11-of-18 from the free throw line (61%). Chester was led by just one player who scored in double figures. Devante Palacio led all players with 16 points. The Jackets had five other players who contributed to their 42-point effort including Cayden Brunkhorst (7), Kolton Jany (7), Brenden Malley (6), Evan Dunning (3) and Tray Peters (3). Chester made just 3-of-11 from the free throw line (27%). That was the difference in the outcome. With the loss CHS fell to 0-2 in the tournament and Steeleville evened their tournament record at 1-1.

YellowJackets finish 13th at 2024 Duster Thomas Hoops Classic in Pinckneyville (1 of 4) Chester goes 2-2 with wins over Trico and Salem and losses to Roxana and Steeleville BY JIM BEERS The Chester High School Boys Basketball Team competed in the Annual Duster Thomas Hoops Classic Basketball Tournament Friday, Saturday, and Monday, December 27, 28, and 30 at Pinckneyville, Illinois. The Panthers have hosted this long-time event just one day after Christmas with a triple-elimination tournament with 16 teams competing. The tournament is named after Merrill “Duster” Thomas, the former Pinckneyville Panther Coach that took his team to the State Tournament eight times in ten years. The 2024 tournament featured Benton, Pinckneyville, Murphysboro, Meridian, Carlyle, Jerseyville, Roxana, Olney, Okawville, Woodlawn, Mt. Carmel, Steeleville, Salem, Chester, Trico, and Christopher. Games were played in Pinckneyville’s Duster Thomas Gymnasium and the Auxiliary Gymnasium at PHS. On Day 1 Friday December there were a total of eight games, played at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 Noon, 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. Chester opened Friday December 27 at 12:00 Noon against Roxana. Roxana was determined to be the favorite in this matchup and proved to be a formidable opponent. Friday December 27: Round 1 Roxanna 46-Chester 33 The Jackets played tough in the opening 8-minute period and held Roxana to just eight points to trail, 10-3, after one quarter. In that frame, Devante Palacio scored Chester’s only basket and Tray Peters hit the back end of a two-point opportunity for Chester’s other point. Roxana outscored the YellowJackets, 16-5, in the second quarter to extend the lead to 26-8 at halftime. During that stretch Senior, Devante Palacio again paced Chester with just one basket, and he made 1-of-5 free throws for Chester’s third point. Brother, TaShawn Palacio, a sophomore, scored the Jacket’s other basket for two points. Roxana was led by Dugan (9), Newton (4), Crawford (4), J. Hardimon (3), and three other players who chipped in the final six points of the first half. The third quarter was slow for both teams with a 5-5 tie. Brenden Malley and TaShawn Palacio each hit field goals and Kolton Jany made 1-of-2 free throws for Chester’s five points. Roxana’s Dugan hit a bucket and sank a free throw and Newton made a basket for their five points. Roxana still led by 18 points, 31-13 after three periods. The YellowJackets came alive in the fourth quarter and outscored Roxana, 20-15 to close out the game. Kolton Jany led the way with six points on a field goal and 4-of-7 at the free throw line. Trey McCartney hit two 3-pointers and Tray Peters drained a trey. TaShawn Palacio hit his third field goal of the night to round out the Jacket’s 20-point quarter. Roxana’s Maberry came alive with a 19 of Roxana’s 15 points with four field goals and 2-for-2 free throw shooting. Newton hit another bucket as did Dugan. J. Hardimon made 1-of-2 free throws for Roxana’s effort. Roxana led, by 13 points at the final buzzer, 46-33, to win the game. In the loss, Chester did not have any players score in double figures. The top scorer was Kolton Jany with seven points. Jany was followed by TaShawn Palacio (6), Trey McCartney (6), Devante Palacio (5), Tray Peters (4), Evan Dunning (3), and Brenden Malley (2). The Jackets ended Round 1 action with a tournament record of 0-1. Friday December 27: Round 1 Scores Carlyle 63 - Trico 22 Murphysboro 61- Woodlawn 35 Roxana 46 - Chester 33 Benton 61 - Steeleville 40 Jerseyville 49 - Salem 48 Pinckneyville 77 - Mt. Carmel 17 Meridian 76 - Okawville 68 Olney 58 - Christopher 40

CGS Volleyball Tryouts will be held on Tuesday, January 7, from 6 - 8 PM in the CGS Gymnasium. All 7th and 8th-grade students interested in playing volleyball this season must attend. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time and wear athletic clothing. While kneepads are not required, they are recommended. If you are unable to attend tryouts on January 7, you must contact Coach Wolff at 618-615-1536 to schedule a make-up session on Wednesday, January 8. We look forward to seeing you there!

Chester Lady Jackets win Consolation Championship of Saxony Tournament (2 of 2) Chester loses Game 1, 62-61 in OT to Cape Central, then wins 3-in-a-row over Cairo, 74-23; Meadow Heights, 43-26; and Kelly, 61-55; Lexi Mott makes All-Tournament Team BY JIM BEERS Chester 43- Meadow Heights 26 CHS led 13-8 after one quarter of play and pushed the re-play button in the second quarter to outscore Meadow Heights 13-8 in that frame again. The Jackets led, 26-16 at the halftime break. After halftime, the Lady Jackets came back and outscored Meadow Heights 8-6 to extend their lead to 12 points, 34-22. The 4 th quarter had the girls from Chestertown outscoring the Meadow Heights girls, 9-4 to win the game, 43-26. Lexi Mott and Rylie Conley both scored in double figures in the win. Mott recorded 19 points and Conley added 10 points. Jessica Stumpe added seven points and Riley Lochhead scored three. Lillian Diskey and Aubrey Coleman each added two points apiece. Meadow Heights had one player score in double figures. J. Shelton scored 13 points. Shelton was followed by L. Green (6), M. Kent (3), R. Yamintz (2), and M. Bess (2). With the win, the Lady Jackets secured back-to-back wins and improved their record to 5-9 overall and 2-1 in the tournament. Lady Jackets 61-Kelly 55 The game against Kelly was tight and competitive. The Jackets trailed after the first quarter, 13-9 and 26-24 at halftime. A huge 3 rd Quarter saved Chester as the Lady Jackets outscored Kelly, 26-18 to take a 6-point, 50-44 lead after three periods. The 4th Quarter was another neck-and-neck battle with both teams scoring 11 points. The Chester girls kept their 6-point lead, winning 61-55. In the win, Chester had four players score in double figures including one senior, two juniors, and one freshman. Senior Rylie Conley recorded 18 points, junior Lexi Mott led with 21 points, junior Jessica Stumpe scored 10 points, and freshman Marlie Caby contributed 10 points for a total of 59 points. Junior Lillian Diskey topped off the final score with two points. Kelly was another small southern Missouri team that fielded only seven players. Three of the seven scored in double figures. P. Klipfel led with 15 points. C. Hall had 13 points. K. Still recorded 11 points. Other contributors included B. Riley (9) and R. Burns (7). With the win, the Chester Lady Jackets ended the tournament on a 3-game winning streak and a tournament record of 3-1. The only loss was in the first game, 62-61 in overtime against a very good Cape Central team that was a much bigger school. The three wins in the tournament improved Chester’s record to 6-9 overall. CHS came into the tournament with a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division record of 1-3. An extra bonus at the Saxony Tournament, in addition to winning the Consolation Championship, was that junior Lexi Mott earned a spot on the 2024 Saxony “All-Tournament Team”. In the 4-game event Mott scored a total of 86 points, 25 against Cape Central, 21 against Cairo, 19 against Meadow Heights, and 21 against Kelly. She was also tough on defense and on the boards. PHOTOS (by Jim Beers) Chester High School junior Lexi Mott (33) earned her way onto the 2024 Saxony Tournament "ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM" December 14-20. Mott led her team to a 3-1 record in the tournament and scored a total of 86 points in four games. Mott recorded 25 points against Cape Central, 21 points against Cairo, 19 points against Meadow Heights, and 21 points against Kelly. The Lady Jackets lost just one game in the tournament and that was to Cape Central, a much bigger school, in overtime, by just one point, 62-61. After that loss, Chester had a 3-game winning streak beating Cairo, 74-23, Madow Heights, 43-26, and Kelly, 61-55. Jim Beers Photo The Chester High School Lady Jackets Basketball Team won the Consolation Championship of the 2024 Saxony Tournament with wins over Cairo, Meadow Heights, and Kelly. Pictured (left to right) Row 1 are Marlie Caby (35), Lillian Diskey (21), Rylie Conley (4), Aubrey Coleman (31) and Bailey Hartman (10). (Row 2, standing, left to right) are Natalie Guetersloh (22), Riley Lochhead (11), Lexi Mott (33), Jessica Stumpe (24), Rylee Shemonic (00), and Hannah Crow (12). The Lady Jackets are coached by Jeff Mott, Head Coach, Jennifer Coleman, Assistant Coach, Kevin Cartwright, Assistant Coach, and Camrynn Howie, Assistant Coach

Chester Lady Jackets win Consolation Championship of Saxony Tournament (1 of 2) Chester loses Game 1, 62-61 in OT to Cape Central, then wins 3-in-a-row over Cairo, 74-23; Meadow Heights, 43-26; and Kelly, 61-55; Lexi Mott makes All-Tournament Team BY JIM BEERS The Chester High School Lady Jackets competed in the Saxony Tournament Saturday December 14 to the following Friday December 20. The ladies from Popeye Town played very well in the tough field of competition bringing home a Consolation Championship with a tournament record of 3-1. The Jackets opened the tournament against one of the favorites of the event, Cape Central. Chester took the higher seed to overtime, losing by just one point, 62-61. In that game the Lady Jackets opened many eyes and established themselves as a potential contender. After that down-to-the-wire one point loss, the Jackets never looked back and won three games in-a-row to win the Consolation Championship. In that run, CHS beat Cairo, 74-23; Meadow Heights, 43-26; and Kelly, 61-55. In the process, Chester’s Lexi Mott earned her way onto the 2024 Saxony All-Conference Team. Cape Central 62-Chester 61 in Overtime Cape buzzed out to a 15-8 lead after one quarter and outscored Chester 12-9 in the second frame to lead by 10 points at halftime, 27-10. The Lady Jackets flew high and hard in the third quarter to outscore Cape Central, 16-15, to narrow the Cape lead to just nine points, 42-33. Chester continued to dominate the game down the stretch and outscored Cape, 20-11 in the fourth quarter to tie the game, 53-53, at the end of regulation and take the game into overtime. In the overtime period, it was neck-and-neck throughout the battle. At the final buzzer, Cape Central had outlasted the Lady Jacket’s stings, 9-8, to win by one point, 62-61. The Jackets were paced by Lexi Mott who scored 25 points. Jessica Stumpe also scored in double figures with 16 points. Other contributors in the near win included Lillian Diskey (7). Rylie Conley (6), Aubrey Coleman (6), and Riley Lochhead (1). With the loss, Chester fell to 3-9 overall. Cape Central also had two players score in double figures including B. Moss (15) and A Davenport (12). Seven other players also added to the win including J. Dawson (8), A. Cairas (6), K. Rivers (5), X. Hall (5), K. Ivy (5), N. Furlow (3), and M. Claussen (3). Lady YellowJackets 74-Cairo 23 Chester dominated the entire game against Cairo. The Jackets led, 21-6 after one quarter of play and outscored Cairo, 16-5 in the second period to lead, 37-11 a halftime. CHS stepped it up a bit more after halftime and outscored Cairo, 23-9 in the third quarter to extend its lead to 60-20. To close out the win, the Jackets outscored Cairo, 14-3 in the final quarter to win the game, 74-23. Throughout the contest, CHS Head Coach, Jeff Mott used his bench plentifully. The entire team contributed to the victory. Nine of Chester’s 10 available players who dressed scored points for the team total. The Lady Jackets were led by Lexi Mott who scored in double figures with 21 points. Jessica Stumpe also added double figures with 12 points. Rylie Conley and Marlie Caby just missed double figures with nine points apiece. Hannah Crow added eight points. Other contributors included Natalie Guetersloh (6), Aubrey Coleman (5), Rylee Shemonic (3), and Lillian Diskey (1). With the win, the Lady Jackets improved to 4-9 overall and 1-1 in the Saxony Tournament. Cairo had an entire roster of only seven players. They were led by Shanti Taylor who scored 12 points, followed by Merleah Grahan (4), Arianna Dossie (4), and Mircle Childs (3).

CHS: COLBERT GYM CHS staff preparing for the post holiday season Yellowjacket Basketball Season! https://youtu.be/ybZ0ObEt7tI

CHS inducts 18 new members into National Honor Society (2 of 2) Summit Chapter now has 30 active members BY JIM BEERS Contributing Writer Following the presentation of the four standards of acceptance into the National Honor Society, Mrs. Hankins reviewed some of the activities of community service that the Summit Chapter has engaged in the past year. Hankins said, “Each semester members are required to complete five community service hours for a total of 10 hours in a school year. Since the last induction ceremony last November of 2023, members have earned service hours in a variety of ways”. Finally, Hankins said, “Seniors who have demonstrated the four values of the NHS will be given gold cords in the spring to wear with their graduation gowns. This symbol recognizes membership in the NHS and the high levels of achievement that you have earned.” Summit Chapter President, Whitney Sulser then conducted the final phase of the induction process. Jany said, “At this time, will the new inductees please rise, raise your right hand and repeat the pledge?” Inductees then recited the pledge which stated, “I pledge to uphold the high purposes of the National Honor Society to which I have been selected. I will be true to the principles for which it stands, and will maintain and encourage the high standards of scholarship, service, leadership and character.” Following the pledge, each member came forward as his or her name was announced to receive a token of membership and to sign the official chapter register. That action concluded the official induction ceremony. The 18 new inductees include Brayden Absher, David August, Maggie Caby, Peyton Cole, Callie Davis, Lillian Diskey, McKenna LaChance, Southern LaChance, Erin Liefer, Rylie Myers, Trayton Peters, Katherine Pierce, Madison Stauffer, Jessica Stumpe, Summer Valleroy, Olivia Vasquez, Alex Williamson, and Camryn Wolff. Other veteran members of the Summit Chapter include Max Blechle, Cayden Brunkhorst, Rylie Conley, Nico DeGuzman, Evan Dunning, Gianna Eggemeyer, Jack Heffernan, Mirra Krieg, Elaina Lutman, Ary Shipley, Whitney Sulser, and William Welge. President Sulser then thanked everyone for attending the 2024 NHS Summit Chapter Induction Ceremony and thanked the officers for their hard work in helping to organize the event. She then invited everyone to join members at a reception honoring the new inductees. Following the ceremony, a brief photo session took place in Colbert Gymnasium with media and parents coming to the gym floor to meet and greet their inductees and to take advantage of the photo opportunity. PHOTO 1 Chester High School Co-NHS Sponsor, Evelyn Hankins, addresses the crowd at the 2024-25 Induction Ceremony. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 2 Paula Ray, new Co-Sponsor of the Chester High School Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society. welcomes guests to the 2024-25 NHS Induction Ceremony. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 3 Jack Heffernan, Treasurer of the Chester High Schol National Honor Society, discuses "Character", one of the four standards of becoming eligible to becoming a member of the NHS. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 4 Chester High School junior, Jessica Stumpe, signs the register to make her induction into the CHS Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society official. Watching the signing and conducting the ceremony is Whitney Sulser, President of Chester's NHS chapter. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 5 Pictured is the entire group of new and current members of the Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society at Chester High School. The event was the Induction Ceremony of 18 new members of the Chapter Wednesday November 6, 2024. PHOTO 6 Callie Davis signs the official register Wednesday November 6 at Chester High School to make her induction into the Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society official. Davis was one of 18 new members inducted at the Fall 2024 Induction Ceremony. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 7 Chester High School Principal Jeremy Blechle welcomes everyone to the 2024-25 National Honor Society Induction Ceremony Wednesday November 6. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 8 Chester High School National Honor Society Officers and Principal Blechle stand as the 2024-25 Induction Class enters Colbert Memorial Gymnasium for their Induction Ceremony of 18 new members. (Left to right) are Whitney Sulser, President; Will Welge, Vice President; Principal Jeremy Blechle; Secretary Rylie Conley; and Treasurer, Jack Heffernan. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 9 Evelyn Hankins, Co-Sponsor of the Chester High School Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society, welcomes guests to the 2024-25 Induction Ceremony held at Colbert Memorial Gymnasium. There were a total of 18 new members inducted for a total of 30 members for the school year. Jim Beers Photo

CHS inducts 18 new members into National Honor Society (1 of 2) Summit Chapter now has 30 active members BY JIM BEERS Contributing Writer The Chester High School Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony Wednesday November 6 th in Colbert Memorial Gymnasium. The event took place with inductees, NHS Sponsors, teachers, family, friends and administration in attendance to welcome the 18 new members into the society. Chester High School Principal, Jeremy Blechle welcomed everyone to the induction ceremony. Paula Ray, Co-Sponsor of the Summit Chapter of the NHS then said, “We are gathered here to formally recognize those students who have been selected by the faculty of our school for successfully completing their candidacy and are being inducted as new members of our NHS chapter.” “For current members and those former members who may be among our guests, we hope this will serve to remind you of the standards of excellence you too are charged with maintaining as members of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious student recognition program.” The CHS Summit Chapter of NHS has been in existence since 1958. Since that time CHS has emphasized excellence of students both at school and in the community of Chester. NHS members serve as role models for other students. Their records of academic excellence, good character, leadership at school, and community involvement help to complete eligibility for NHS acceptance and induction. Evelyn Hankins, the other Co-Advisor of the CHS chapter, then came to the podium to begin the induction ceremony. Hankins said, “It is at this time that we proclaim to all in attendance that membership in the Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society has been earned by these candidates through the effective demonstration of the four qualities that serve as standards for the Society.” Current officers of the Chester Summit Chapter then conducted the Induction Ceremony. Officers spoke regarding the four standards of acceptance into the Society. NHS President, Whitney Sulser, spoke on the standard of “Scholarship”. Vice President, Will Welge, spoke on the standard of “Service”. Secretary, , spoke on the standard of “Leadership”, and Treasurer, Jack Heffernan spoke on the standard of “Character”. Candidates seeking membership into NHS must prove their possession and demonstration of these four standards. Scholarship denotes a commitment to learning, spending hours reading and study. They must also know the lasting benefits of a cultivated mind. This commitment must continue even when formal education has ended. Service is a willingness to work for the benefit of those in need, without monetary compensation or public recognition. This quality is sought in members of the NHS and among the entire student body. Volunteering ones time and talent to the creation of a better tomorrow is inherent in service. Leadership indicates that the inductees exert a wholesome influence on the school. Leaders take initiative in the classroom and in school activities and strive to train and assist other students to reach their common goals of success. The price of leadership is sacrifice and members yield one’s own personal interests for the interests of others. Leaders have self-confidence and go forward when others hesitate. Character is the force within an individual that distinguishes each person from others. It creates for each person their individuality and goodness. Character allows people to respect both themselves and earn the respect of others. Character is achieved…not received. It is the product of constant thought and action and the daily striving to make the right choices.

“Cops and Kids at Christmas” is huge success in 2024 (2 of 2) Local police agencies provide 34 kids an opportunity to shop for Christmas Gifts BY JIM BEERS PHOTO 1 Jim Beers Report This is the large group of Randolph County Sheriff's Deputies, Cheser Police Officers, Steeleville Police Officers, spouses, Sheriff Jarrod Peters, Police Chief Bobby Helmers, Steeleville Police Chief Jim Zeidler, and Santa and Mrs. Claus prior to the start of shopping at the 2024 "Cops and Kids at Christmas" event held Monday December 16 at the Chester Wal Mart. There were 34 children who had the opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts due to the generosity of local sponsors and local law enforcement officials who organized and implemented the annual project in 2024. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 2 Jim Beers Report This Steeleville Police Officer and her shopping partner take time out from shopping to pose for a picture at the 2024 "Cops and Kids" event Monday December 16. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 3 Jim Beers Report An officer's wife took time out of her busy schedule to help children shop for Christmas gifts as part of the 2024 "Cops and Kids at Christmas" event. Both ladies seem to be having a great time spending their $150 allotment of money. Jim Beers Photo Photo 4 Jim Beers Report Randolph County Sheriff Jarrod Peters poses with his shopping partner, and Santa and Mrs. Claus at the 2024 "Cops and Kids" shopping event held Monday December 16 at the Chester Wal Mart. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 5 Jim Beers Photo Santa and Mrs. Claus pose with a Steeleville Police Officer and two participants in the 2024 "Cops and Kids at Christmas" event hosted at the Chester Wal Mart Monday December 16. The event served a total of 34 children and was deemed a huge success. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 6 Jim Beers Report A shopper in the "Cops and Kids" at Christmas event poses with his shopping partner, a Randolph County Deputy, Monday December 16. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 7 Jim Beers Report This lucky shopper scored big with a new bicycle at the 2024 "Cops and Kids at Christmas" event Monday December 16 at the Chester Wal Mart. This Chester Police Officer seems to be having as much fun as his shopping partner. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 8 Jim Beers Report Randolph County Chief Deputy Ryan Coffey listens intently as his shopping partner discusses his next purchase, The event was the 2024 "Cops and Kids" shopping at Christmas event Monday December 16. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 9 Jim Beers Report Chester Police Officer Lake Fogerson and his shopping partner visit Santa and Mrs. Claus as they wait to check out the the Chester Wal Mart Monday December 16. Parents and Wal Mart employees look on as the encounter progresses. Jim Beers Photo

“Cops and Kids at Christmas” is huge success in 2024 (1 of 2) Local police agencies provide 34 kids an opportunity to shop for Christmas Gifts BY JIM BEERS The Christmas season became a bit brighter for 34 children from the Randolph County area Monday night December 16 when police officers from Chester, Steeleville and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department provided the opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts. The program titled, “Cops and Kids at Christmas”, better known by some across the country as, “Shop with a Cop”, took place at the Walmart store in Chester, Illinois. Shoppers began arriving at 5:00 p.m. and approximately 25 officers, agency personnel and their wives, assisted the 34 excited youngsters in spending their allotted funding amount on Christmas gifts. Some of the shoppers concentrated on gifts for themselves while others remembered family members in their shopping plans. Either way, it was a night of fun, excitement and lots of smiling faces from both the young shoppers as well as their newly established police friends that supervised their shopping experiences. Randolph County Sheriff, Jarrod Peters, Chester Chief of Police, Bobby Helmers, and Steeleville Chief of Police, Jim Zeidler, coordinated the evening’s activities while members of the three law enforcement agencies had a great time leading the shopping experiences. Bobby Helmers, City of Chester Chief of Police said, “It’s an honor for all of the participating officers to help provide so many kids with a decent Christmas. This is something all of us look forward to every year!” Sheriff Peters said, “We will be buying for approximately 34 kids this year. They all received $150 a piece to spend.” When the kids arrived at the Chester Walmart, they were met at the door by Sheriff Peters, Chief Helmers or one of the other staff members that were assigned to have the initial contact with the kids and/or their parents. Once at the location, the kids were checked-in, introduced to one of the officers that were awaiting their arrival, and the pair were off for an enjoyable shopping experience. The length of the shopping trips varied according the personalities of the kids and their abilities to find gifts for those on their shopping lists. Most purchased gifts for themselves as was the primary intention of the program. The officers escorting them on their shopping journey kept track of how much each item had spent as they shopped. The kids were continually informed as to how much money from their $150 allotment was left for more purchases. Once finished shopping, the officer escorted the kids to a special check-out register located in the back of the store by the back door. Walmart employees dedicated their evening to assisting the shoppers and the accompanying officers during the check-out process. Those employees included Angela Kirchhofer and Jimmy Hunt, among others. Once checked-out, kids and their gifts were escorted to the parking lot where their parents awaited their arrival. The entire process from arrival to departure was less than 30-minutes for most kids. Supervising staff had detailed lists of the kids and each was assigned a definite time to arrive to avoid confusion in the store. Kids and parents stayed in their automobiles in warmth and protection until their assigned times to shop. The entire process was well orchestrated and well supervised. All appeared to go very smoothly through the entire evening. Sheriff Peters said, “The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office would like to express its appreciation to Chester Walmart, Officers from the Chester Police Department, Steeleville Police Department, Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office, and officers and deputies spouses who helped with our annual “Cops and Kids at Christmas event.” “Personally. I would like to thank all Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus as well as of the officers and deputies, as well as their spouses, for volunteering their time to help make all of these kids’ day!” Sheriff Peters and Chief Helmers both noted that they would personally like to thank the many donors who made the 2024 “Cops and Kids at Christmas” shopping experience such a huge success. Sheriff Peters said, “Many of those financial donors wish to remain anonymous, therefore, for purposes of this publication, individual donors will not be listed or mentioned, but there was at least $1,500 given by local community members.” “Major financial donors included the Chester Eagles ($2,000), and Ames Construction ($500). Ames is the company building the new Don Welge Chester Bridge. All together there was approximately $4000-plus contributed to give kids a chance to shop.” Everyone who helped make the 2024 project such a great success is to be commended, however, and the 34 kids who were the recipients of the gifts for Christmas 2024 were exceptionally thankful and appreciative of the efforts of the many people who made “Cops and Kids at Christmas” possible this year!

Chester District # 139 donation to Chester Area Christian Food Pantry Pictured here Steve Colonel, Chester High School Band and Choral Director, and Sue Colonel, Chester Grade School Band and General Music Director, present Bob Koenigstein, Chester Area Christian Food Pantry Manager, with a donation of $2,234.00 for the Chester Area Christian Food Pantry. The Colonels have conducted monetary donations at their annual Christmas Concerts for many years and recently been supplementing those donations with money they collect at their annual Christmas Light Displays held at their home in Chester. This year, Mr. Colonel collected $741.00 at the CHS Christmas Concert and Mrs. Colonel collected $471.58 at her CGS Christmas Concert. The Colonel Family collected $1,021.42 at their annual Christmas Light Display for a total of $2,234.00. The Chester School District # 139 Music Department is happy to be able to assist the CACFP with these donations each year. Pictured are Louis Holloway and Dave Hustedde, Food Pantry volunteers, Bob Koenegstein, Food Pantry Manager, and Steve and Sue Colonel, Band Directors, Jim Beers Photo

“Santa’s Helpers” purchase Christmas gifts for 60 kids (3 of 3) Annual event had CHS Football Team shopping for deserving local children BY JIM BEERS PHOTO 1 Jim Beers Report Wal Mart employees and Chester High School Football players pose for a photo during the 2024 "Sant's Helpers" shopping trip in which the YellowJacket Football Team purchased Christmas gifts for 60 children. Pictured (left to right) are Angela Kirchhofer and Jimmy Hunt, Wal Mart employees who helped check out the gifts; Billy Belton, CHS Head Football Coach; Reed Creason, player; Melissa Davitz and Casey Peters, CGS Employees and Co-Coordinators of the "Santa's Helpers" project; Alex Blechle, player, and Trent Westbrook. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 2 Jim Beers Report CHS Football players Dennis Vasquez, Tray Peters, Darias Shoemate, and Trever Keeton take time out from shopping to pose for a photo at the 2024 "Santa's Helpers" project shopping event at the Chester Wal Mart. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 3 Jim Beers Report CHS Football Players Morgan Mier, Jacob Stueve, and TaShawn Palacio shopped for kids at the 2024 "Santa's Helpers" event in which the CHS Football Team helped purchase gifts for 60 children who were accepted into the program. Jim Beers Photo Photo 4 Jim Beers Report The Chester High School Football Team went shopping for gifts for 60 children as part of the annual "Santa's Helpers" program. (Left to right) are Kross Jany, Assistant Coach, Daigen Hunter, Lannin Conder, and Karim Landeros. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 5 Jim Beers Report Chester High School football player Trevor Keeton, a junior 5'9", 260 Lb. lineman, seems to be mesmerized as he attempts to purchase Christmas gifts for a girl. This was part of his assignment for being assigned to shop for a female child in the 2024 "Santa's Helpers" project that provided gifts for 60 children. Keeton eventually\y accomplished hid goal and helped make some young girl have a better Christmas. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 6 Jim Beers Report Jackie Bess and Brock Fuller, Chester High School Football players pose for a photo while shopping for Christmas gifts for children accepted into the 2024 "Sant's Helpers" project. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 7 Jim Beers Report Kanon Jany, a 5'5", 150 Lb. sophomore running back and linebacker for the Chester High School Football team appears to be proud with the basketball backboard and hoop that he purchased for his assigned child in the 2024 "Santa's Helpers" program. CHS players shopped for 60 children this year and helped them have happier Christmases. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 8 Jim Beers Report Jaden Ramirez, Kross Jany, and Zane Eggemeyer had fun shopping for gifts at the 2024 "Santa's Helpers" event which provided 60 children with gifts this Christmas. Jim Beers Photo

“Santa’s Helpers” purchase Christmas gifts for 60 kids (2 of 3) Annual event had CHS Football Team shopping for deserving local children BY JIM BEERS Chester High School Football players converged on Chester Wal Mart to shop for the children on their lists. Applicants were asked to make a wish list and each player was given a certain amount of money to spend to purchase gifts for his assigned child. Once players were finished shopping, the player went to the Wal Mart cashier to check out their purchases. The gifts were then taken to Chester Grade School for storage. Parents were then notified by Davitz and Peters to come to CGS to pick up their gifts. In a few circumstances, parents were unable to come to pick the gifts up, so Davits and Peters delivered those gifts to the parents. Davitz said, “In earlier years of this project, we even wrapped the gifts before having them picked up or delivered, but the past two years, we have asked parents to take some ownership in getting their child’s gifts wrapped. That also gave them the opportunity to be involved in the experience of getting gifts for their children.” According to Davitz, the “Love Abby” organization sponsored 16 families and provided coats, hats, gloves, shoes, clothing items, and toys. “Love Abby” provides items for Randolph County. There are a huge number of individuals who help shop and fundraise to help this charity provide its services. State Farm Insurance sponsored five families. Their sponsorship provided coats, shoes, clothing, and toys for the families. Ebenezer Church in Rockwood, Memorial Hospital in Chester, and St. John Church (Angel Tree) in Chester sponsored a total of 60 children by providing them with clothing and shoes. Finally, the “Wee Care” organization in Jacob, Illinois, one community member who asked to remain anonymous, and the Chester Presbyterian Church, also made a monetary donations to help sponsor the event. Davits said, “Chester Wal Mart was very organized this year and had everything ready to go when the football players arrived to do the shopping. We can’t say enough good things about the Wal Mart staff for all they did to make this year’s project a huge success.” “Finally, a great big thank you to Knight Hawk Coal and Wal Mart for the very generous monetary donations with which to purchase gifts. Thank you to everyone that helped in any way. Billy Belton and his fellow coaches and players were great too! We couldn’t have done it without them!”