Selena Letinske, 6, practices a dance sequence during free time at Arabesque Dance Studio in Carterville, IL. “I like just dancing with the music,” Letinske said, “I like the music really loud!”

“We play this game because it’s a part of our heart - part of our love for the American pastime.” The politeness and sportsmanship observed in vintage baseball keeps with the early days of tradition, which is considered a “gentleman’s game”. Matches are conducted according to the highest standards of sportsmanship, courtesy and respect for others. “The camaraderie we have going on is amazing,” Shultz said. “Everybody’s more than willing to share a big old ‘Hip, Hip, Huzzah!’”

Ronnie Kempher trims Bob Butz’s hair Saturday morning. “I always said that if I could go 50 years without working, I would be set for life, and to me this isn’t working.” Ronnie Kempfer, 68, has owned and operated his barber shop out of Chester, IL for 46 years. “I started out in December of 1965,” Kempfer said.In a family friendly environment, Ronnie Kempfer goes on doing what he loves with the people who make him happy. “I love the people, I love being around them - they’re like family.”

Andrew Miles is a fourth generation butcher and said his favorite place to be is on the kills floor. “Honestly, I love it!” Andrew spends up to twelve hours on the kill floor where he processes and prepares hogs, sheep, deer, cattle, and elk. “I’m a hands-on type of guy and there’s not a whole lot more hands-on than this.” Andrew works at Miles Bros. Meats with his Uncle, Chance Miles, who’s owned and operated the business for the past eight years.

Steve Berger attempts to block a punch from his opponent, Blake Chatham, during the Battle at the Blast 6 in Carbondale, IL. Berger fought three rounds, losing by judge’s decision.

Mia Jimenz, 6, Kaylie Springston, 7, Amanda Kennon, 7, Chloe Miller, 7, and Lizette Rodriguez, 6 gather around Liberty McCormick, 6, to braid sections of her hair during recess.

Zoey Voudrie, 6, of Chester, corrects an error on her math homework during Mrs. Gonzalez’s first grade class. “I’ll get it this time,” Zoey said. Mrs. Gonzalez is a special education teacher and students come to her class for extra attention and assistance in schoolwork.

Senior Jeff Early attempts to lay the ball up as the Saulkis take on Benedictine-Springfield on Saturday night, trouncing the first-year NAIA program, 100-62. The Salukis (2-0) shot 65 percent from the field and reached the century mark in scoring for the first time since 2002. Five players scored in double figures, led by Jeff Early's 19-point effort.

Jim Beers, of Chester, IL, sings with the choir during Sunday’s worship service at The First Methodist United Church. Beers has been a member of the church for 61 years and has been singing with the choir for 27 years. He attends church every Sunday with his wife and four children.

Junior Yellow Jacket Kyle Landon fails to clear 6’ 7” at the Chester Bi-County Meet. “(Landon is) the first state champion of any kind in Chester history,” said Chester coach Steve Spears. “He never lost in the high jump all year and the (state championship) is what he’s set his sights on all year.” Now ranked nationally in the high jump after achieving 6-11 at the Old Settlement Invitational in St. Genevieve, Mo., on April 11, the 6-foot-5 Yellow Jackets junior has his sights set on breaking the 7-foot barrier next season. “My goal is 7-2 for my senior year,” Landon said. “That was the goal when I first got to high school. If I can get that, I’m good.”

Dakota Mayberry, of Hutton Valley, MO, attempts to keep a grip as he is bucked off of a bull at the Du Quoin State Fair. Mayberry, who has been bull riding since he was eight-years-old, ended the night with a total of 89.5 pts. “It’s always nerve-wrecking before a ride - no matter how long you’ve been doing it,” Mayberry said. “You’ve just got to pray and hope you have a good ride.”

Jessie Acocks, 5, walks towards his bus at the end of an early dismissal day at Chester Grade School.