songwriting, recording and live performance.

The nominations are particularly meaningful for the couple because of the decades of experience behind them. Chris McConnell has been playing bass for more than 56 years and is nominated for Musician of the Year – Bass.

For Angie, Chris' nomination is especially significant.

She said it is her favorite of the couple's seven nominations because she has seen firsthand the years of work, challenges and dedication that brought him to this point.

The duo's music draws heavily from their own experiences, with songs exploring themes of love, perseverance, healing and redemption.

Their latest album, The Journey, continues that approach while showcasing the range of the couple's musical partnership.

One of their newest releases, "Your Eyes," offers a softer side of Eleyet McConnell. The piano-driven ballad, enhanced by strings, began with an unexpected encounter.

Chris was shopping at Walmart when he spotted someone who had been a high-school heartbreak from his past. By the time he left the store, the idea for the song was essentially complete.

He brought the song to Angie, who contributed a bridge and provided the emotional vocal performance that became the centerpiece of the recording.

The song has become another example of how the couple's personal experiences and musical partnership come together in their work.

Watch the "Your Eyes" music video on YouTube

Beyond the awards and new music, Eleyet McConnell's story is also one of two married Ohio musicians building a career together on their own terms.

The couple works, writes, records and performs together while continuing to develop new material. They are already preparing songs for a third album with longtime collaborators Kenny Barnett and Brandon Ullery, while also discussing future touring opportunities.

For Angie and Chris, the seven Josie nominations represent more than recognition. They are another milestone in a musical journey that has spanned decades and continues to evolve from their home in the Urbana area.

According to the National Cancer Institute, photosensitivity is an increased reaction to ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds. Certain cancer treatments can make skin more vulnerable to redness, rashes, blistering and other damage, sometimes after only limited exposure.

“Patients may notice their skin reacts very differently to the sun during treatment, even if they rarely burned in the past,” said Dr. Jyothi Challa, medical oncologist, at Mercy Health – Springfield. “The risk varies by medication and treatment plan, so the best first step is to ask your oncology team whether additional precautions are needed.”

Some chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies, anti-nausea medications and other commonly used medicines can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Taking certain medications together may further increase that risk. However, patients should not stop or change any medication without first speaking with their healthcare provider. It’s also good to check with your doctor before using a new sunscreen, lotion or cosmetic product because skin may already be irritated or sensitive from treatment.

Radiation therapy may also affect how the skin responds to sunlight. Sensitivity is generally limited to the area that received radiation, but it may continue long after treatment has ended. Patients should ask their radiation oncology team how long they need to protect treated skin and whether any products should be avoided.

Sun protection during cancer treatment involves more than sunscreen alone. Mercy Health recommends patients discuss an individualized plan with their care team and consider the following precautions:

• Limit direct sun exposure during the middle of the day, when ultraviolet rays are strongest.
• Seek shade under a tree, umbrella or covered area.
• Wear loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing that covers the arms and legs.
• Protect the face, ears and scalp with a wide-brimmed hat or comfortable head covering.
• Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, if approved by the care team.
• Reapply sunscreen as directed, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Use a lip balm with sun protection.
• Avoid tanning beds.
• Carry water and take steps to prevent dehydration in hot weather.

“Cancer treatment does not mean patients have to spend the summer indoors,” said Lisa Gibson, director of oncology services at Mercy Health – Springfield. “Planning ahead can make a meaningful difference. A hat, protective clothing, shade and the right sunscreen can help patients enjoy time outside without putting already-sensitive skin at unnecessary risk.”

Signs of a photosensitive reaction may appear within minutes or hours of sun exposure, although some reactions can take longer to develop. Patients should move out of the sun if they notice redness, burning, itching or a rash. Cool, wet compresses may help ease mild discomfort, but patients should contact their healthcare provider for severe redness, blistering, fever, chills or symptoms affecting a large area of the body.

“Sun safety is part of supportive cancer care,” Dr. Challa said. “Small precautions can help prevent a painful burn, avoid treatment complications and allow patients to focus their energy on recovery.”

Sun sensitivity during cancer treatment can vary from person to person. Talk with your oncology provider about the precautions that are right for you, and learn more about Mercy Health cancer services at mercy.com.

About Bon Secours Mercy Health
Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) is a global Catholic health ministry in the United States, Ireland and the Philippines. A $14 billion organization, BSMH delivers care and health services through 47 hospitals and a network of approximately 60,000 associates, including 3,000 providers. BSMH is one of the largest health systems in the United States and the largest not-for-profit private healthcare provider in Ireland. Its diverse portfolio of companies includes advisory and technology-enabled solutions that strengthen clinical quality, operations, data capabilities and financial performance. Rooted in the compassionate ministry of Jesus, BSMH is committed to improving health and well-being and bringing good help to those most in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. Through community investment, access initiatives and efforts to address social drivers of health, the ministry extends its impact beyond its facilities. Through Global Ministries, BSMH also partners locally to support underserved communities in Haiti, Peru, South Sudan and the Philippines, strengthening health, resilience and opportunity. For more information, visit bsmhealth.org and follow Bon Secours Mercy Health on social media.

About Mercy Health
Mercy Health serves communities across Ohio and Kentucky through a network of hospitals, medical practices and care sites, delivering high-quality, coordinated care that improves outcomes and expands access. Through its integrated approach, Mercy Health strengthens the long-term sustainability of care delivery and extends its impact beyond the walls of its facilities. Mercy Health is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH), a global Catholic health ministry operating across the United States, Ireland and the Philippines. Rooted in the compassionate ministry of Jesus, Mercy Health is committed to improving health and well-being throughout our communities, especially those most in need who are poor, dying and underserved. Across its ministry, Bon Secours Mercy Health provides more than $415 million in community benefit each year, supporting programs and initiatives that address social drivers of health and strengthen communities. For more information, visit mercy.com and follow Mercy Health on social media.

exhibits, the Pony Wagon Museum and a craft and vendor show will also be available.

Entertainment on Saturday includes square dancing by the Concord Cloverleafs from 1 to 3 p.m., a pizza eating contest at 3 p.m., a live show from Khaos United Wrestling from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and live music from The Dark Horse Band from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Saturday event flyer also highlights wagon rides from noon to 4 p.m., a kids' zone, games and a variety of food options. Music will be provided throughout the day by Sounds of Champaign.

Sunday, Sept. 13, will wrap up the celebration at Gya Park, 370 E. Main St., with a car show. Registration begins at 11 a.m., with the car show running from noon to 5 p.m. DJ Sounds of Champaign and food trucks will also be available.

Organizers note that the schedule is subject to change.

With activities planned for all ages, the 45th annual St. Paris Pony Wagon Days celebration offers residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy entertainment, local food, history and community activities throughout the four-day event.

Participation is limited to the first 32 people who register by texting Kim Tomlin at 937-844-8098.

The entry fee is $20 per person, payable in cash at the tournament. Teams will be randomly drawn at the start of the event.

The tournament will follow a best-of-three format, with winners advancing to the next round. Prizes are scheduled to be $200 for first place and $120 for second place, based on a field of 32 players. The tournament director reserves the right to increase the number of participants.

Proceeds from the tournament will be split 50/50, with a portion going toward prizes and a portion benefiting efforts to maintain the Veterans Wall and Monument at the North Lewisburg Ballpark.

The event offers an opportunity for area residents to enjoy some friendly competition while supporting the community’s Veterans Monument and joining in the celebration of North Lewisburg’s 200th anniversary.

​Cornhole Tournament Details
​Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: Noon–6 p.m.
Location: Veterans Monument at North Lewisburg Ballpark
Entry Fee: $20 cash
Players: First 32 registered participants
Registration: Text Kim Tomlin at 937-844-8098
Format: Teams drawn at the start; best two out of three games; winner advances
Prizes: $200 first place; $120 second place
Finals/Rain Date: Sunday, September 6, at the same location and time
Participants and community members are encouraged to come out, enjoy the Bicentennial festivities and support the ongoing care of the Veterans Wall and Monument.

reimagines “The Wizard of Oz” with a score rooted in soul, gospel, rock and funk. Tickets are $48- $73.

The Broadway lineup continues at 8 p.m. on Oct. 15 with the nine-time Tony Award-winning “The Book of Mormon,” a musical that follows two young missionaries who are sent to a remote village in Uganda where they encounter unexpected challenges while trying to share their faith.  Recommended for ages 21 and older, tickets are $53- $93.

​The Clark State Theatre Arts Program and the Springfield Arts Council will then present “Peter and the Starcatcher,” a third Tony Award-winning play that reimagines the origins of Peter Pan through the story of a young orphan, Molly, and a cast of pirates, heroes and villains.  Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Oct. 30 and 31 and Nov. 6 and 7, with 2 p.m. matinees on Nov. 1 and 8. Tickets are $18 with student and senior tickets available for $15. Clark State students with a college ID can receive one free ticket. 
 
Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox brings “The Future is Vintage Tour” to the stage at 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. The group puts a retro spin on music ranging from '70s rock and '80s Britpop to current chart-toppers, movie themes and video game soundtracks. Tickets are $31-$61. VIP tickets that include a seat in the first 15 rows, exclusive merchandise, a limited-edition tour poster and a commemorative laminate and lanyard are available for $136.

Club Kuss, a performance series that includes a small audience seated closed to the stage with complimentary desserts before the show, will kick-off at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 with a concert from singer-songwriter-pianist Tabitha Meeks. Often described as “Norah Jones meets Nancy Sinatra,” Meeks brings a retro-pop sound to the stage. Tickets are $23 for general audience and $13 for students with a valid ID.

At 8 p.m. on Dec. 5, “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens' classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner and three spirits who teach him about love and kindness. Co-presented with the Springfield Arts Council, tickets are $23-$45.

The second Club Kuss performance,  TAE & The Neighborly, occurs at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19. The band blends soul, R&B, pop and rock with music exploring resilience, hope and human connection. Tickets are $23, with $13 tickets for students with a valid college ID.  

The third Club Kuss performance will occur at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 with Sons of Mystro, violin-playing brothers who blend classical music with reggae, hip-hop, pop and R&B. Tickets are $23, with $13 tickets for students with a valid college ID.  

YAMATO, Drummers of Japan will bring “Tamayura: Echoes of the Soul” to the Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on March 11. The internationally-acclaimed ensemble combines traditional Japanese taiko drumming with theatrical performance and features more than 40 drums including the massive Odaiko. Tickets are $30- $50.

“The Performing Arts Center has been part of Springfield's cultural landscape for more than 30 years, and every season gives us an opportunity to bring new artists, productions and experiences to our community,” said Dan Hunt, general manager for Clark State’s venue operations. “This season brings a mix of Broadway, music, international performances and theatre, and we’re proud to offer these experiences in a facility that also serves as a home for local artists, students and community organizations.”

Tickets for all performances are on sale now through the Clark State Performing Arts Center Ticket Office at 300 S. Fountain Ave in Springfield, via phone at 937-328-3874 or online at go.clarkstate.edu/artslive26-27.

The Clark State Performing Arts Center facilities include the 1,500-seat Kuss Auditorium and the 174-seat Turner Studio Theatre, as well as spaces for meetings, receptions and other events. The Performing Arts Center also supports local and regional artists and hosts touring performers and productions throughout the year.

Clark State’s performing arts academic programs provide students with opportunities to develop skills in performance, production and arts management while gaining hands-on experience through events at the Performing Arts Center.  The theatre associate degree prepares students to transfer to four-year theatre bachelor’s degree programs while the arts administration certificate provides coursework in theatre and business including management, accounting and marketing.

Together, the Performing Arts Center and Clark State's arts programs provide opportunities for students, performers and community members to participate in and experience the arts in downtown Springfield.

Over the course of the initiative, donations benefited organizations focused on family support, child advocacy, foster and kinship care, domestic violence prevention and recovery, community health services, senior services, literacy and education, animal welfare, therapeutic programs, and wildlife conservation. Together, these organizations are creating meaningful, lasting changes throughout Clark County and the surrounding region.

The following organizations were selected by NCF Savings Bank employees to receive a $1,000 donation through the 10K for Good initiative:

purchase essential items that cannot be accepted as gently used donations, including diapers, wipes, pull-ups, laundry detergent, socks, and underwear. For safety reasons, Fostering the Village also provides only new cribs and new car seats for the families they serve. The donation will help provide critical resources for dozens of local families who rely on the organization’s support.
​
"I chose Fostering the Village because after my wife and I went through the foster care licensing process, I realized how challenging it is to be prepared for children of all ages and their unique needs. Fostering The Village helps bridge that gap by providing essential resources and support, making it easier for foster families to welcome children into a safe, loving home on short notice. Their mission removes barriers for foster parents and allows them to focus on what matters most, caring for children in need.” — Kaelan Lemen

At NCF Savings Bank, community banking means more than providing financial services; it means investing in the people, organizations, and neighborhoods that make our communities strong.

By placing charitable giving directly in the hands of employees, 10K for Good allowed NCF team members to champion causes that are personally meaningful to them while highlighting the wide range of organizations serving the area. The initiative also reinforces the bank's commitment to supporting the communities where its customers live, work, and raise their families.

"Programs like 10K for Good are possible because of the trust and support of our customers," Smith added. "Their business enables us to reinvest in local organizations, support important community initiatives, and help create opportunities that improve quality of life across the region."

As a locally owned and operated community bank, NCF Savings Bank remains committed to strengthening the communities it serves through volunteerism, charitable giving, community partnerships, and financial investment. The 10K for Good initiative is one more example of how local banking can create a lasting local impact.

About NCF Savings Bank
NCF Savings Bank is a locally owned and operated community bank headquartered in New Carlisle, Ohio, with an additional branch in Springfield, Ohio. Since 1883, the bank has provided personal, business, mortgage, and financial services while remaining committed to strengthening the communities it serves. Through local decision-making, community partnerships, charitable giving, and volunteerism, NCF Savings Bank continues to invest in the people, businesses, and organizations that help our region thrive.

The festivities begin Saturday, Aug. 29, with food trucks and garage sales throughout the day. Additional activities include library games and activities, a book sale, bike raffle, face painting, softball games, youth and adult karaoke, and a movie on the diamond at dusk.

On Saturday, Sept. 5, the celebration continues with food trucks, a Jeep rally, a historical scavenger hunt, a photo booth, a cornhole tournament, inflatable games, Coates Cabin tours, miniature train rides and live music from Subject to Change and the Bill Purk & Liberty Street Band.

Sunday, Sept. 6, will feature another full day of activities, including food trucks, yoga, a community church service, church dinner, caricatures and clowns, canvas painting, farm and agricultural market activities, a historical review, bingo, miniature train rides and live music from Leo Compton & Friends and the Allison Road Band. Fireworks will take place at dusk.

The celebration will conclude on Monday, Sept. 7, with a 5K family fun run/walk, duck races, a signature quilt auction, car and rifle raffle drawings, a veterans photo, the bicentennial parade, a Cardinal Choir performance and time capsule presentation, and a bicentennial cake.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries: $75 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place, along with a Bicentennial rosette and sash.

The North Lewisburg Bicentennial Celebration offers residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate the village's history while enjoying a weekend of activities for all ages.

The schedule is subject to change.

A highlight of the camp was the opportunity for cheerleaders to audition for the prestigious UCA All-American honor. Eleven WLS cheerleaders earned the recognition for 2026:

• Eliza Halterman
• Ashlee VonDeylen
• Bayleigh Deam
• Peyton Cramer
• Avrianna Good
• Jay Young
• Ellery Wygal
• Kiarah Krabill
• Maelynn Winget
• Olivia Waibel
• Ana Krempasky

Three Tigers — Jay Young, Eliza Halterman and Ellery Wygal — earned UCA All-American honors for the second time.

The team’s participation in camp provided an opportunity to strengthen its skills, build team chemistry and prepare for the upcoming season.

WLS cheerleaders will bring what they learned at camp to the sidelines this fall as they cheer on the Tigers under the Friday night lights.