And it’s not just because he’s been with Diepholz Auto for 30 years.

“When I got older, I realized how much of an impact on the community my father played when it came to the auto industry,” his son Nick East said. “If someone had done business at Diepholz, even if it wasn’t with Roger, his name was always recognized or even mentioned before that person realized we were related. He always makes a point to get involved with all of our clients, teammates, even the daily delivery drivers.”

In many dealerships, Roger’s production is what would make him stand out. But at Diepholz Auto, Roger is known for the way he puts customers at ease, according to Roberta Whittley.

He joined the Diepholz team in Jan. 1992 when Diepholz moved from a Chevy dealership to purchasing Rutledge Oldsmobile and Cadillac where Roger was a salesperson. The willingness to go above and beyond to help each customer is what landed him as the new Cadillac Sales Manager at Diepholz.

“It has been an absolute pleasure watching Roger build long lasting friendships with his clients for the past 30 years,” Diepholz Auto owner Ron Diepholz sadi. “I hate to think what it would be like not having him say, ‘Morning, Diepholz’ every morning or hearing his contagious laugh all day long. Many people are blessed to be able to spend a day with Roger working on a car deal, I have been blessed to be able to spend 30 years next to his side.”

Roger’s commitment to the organization and to the customers has remained steady. As has his commitment to spending time with his family.

“I remember as a kid who loved cars, this was one of my favorite places to be,” Nick, who now works with his father, said. “He would take me through the service area and let me see what the technicians were doing on a daily basis.

“My dad’s office has remained in the same location since I could remember in my younger years. Now he has glass walls instead of temporary dividers. I could only imagine how it was working next to him during these times, considering he can be heard throughout the entire building now!”

Nick enjoys seeing the same customers today as he did as a child while working side by side with his dad. Part of that may be because of the way Roger interacts with them.

“His personality and ability to start a conversation with absolutely ANYONE out of thin air, all whilst being 100-percent sincere,” Nick said. “He has such a positive outlook on life, that is a characteristic that I have tried to emulate as long as I can remember.”

Even when customers are in unfortunate situations—car trouble close to holidays or right before a family trip or having to purchase a vehicle after an accident—Roger finds a way to connect.

“He has this gift that I love seeing,” Nick said. “He can walk into a full-service waiting area that’s completely quiet, start a conversation with someone as he’s getting a cup of coffee, and have the entire room engaged with one another by the time he heads back to his office. It’s absolutely amazing to watch.”

Over the years, his colleagues have also enjoyed watching his unique way of solving problems.

“He is able to look at a situation and create a solution on the spot or at least put us at ease when dealing with it,” Nick said. “That’s huge in this business, being able to make important, educated decisions on the spot at any time. This is an extremely fast-paced environment, and stuff happens, and my dad handles it effortlessly.”

At the end of the day, even when Roger took calls at all hours of the day to be there for his customers, Nick knew that his heart is with his family.

The man who has a love-hate relationship with yard work and keeping his home looking great also can’t wait to get to work on the family farm with his brother Rusty any chance he gets. He’s also found his call to “freedom” in his Jeep that he purchased a few years ago as he put down a motorcycle fetish.

At this time, Roger has no plans to retire. His sights are setting on making more friends.

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From the Heart to the Heartland

My family moved to East Central Illinois in 2002 from West Lafayette, Ind. As a very young mother, one thing I was not willing to give up was basketball. With a 3 and 1-year-old at home, I became a junior high basketball coach at Franklin Middle School, in Champaign, prior to taking on the junior varsity position, and then varsity position at Blue Ridge High School, in Farmer City, until 2006.

With the Blue Ridge team comprised of seven members, we didn’t win a single game in the 2004-2005 season. I sent in my stats to the newspapers, like every other coach, but our team wasn’t covered in the newspapers like those we faced.

I vaguely remember being interviewed by Fred Kroner after one of our seven wins during the 2005-06 season, but if I’m being honest, I remember him more from his byline and smile in The News-Gazette than from being interviewed.

When I learned that Fred Kroner was ready to retire from The News-Gazette in 2015, I knew that it was a big deal. And I realized when the editor of The Mahomet Citizen was thinking about moving on, Fred would be the natural fit to fill in at that position.

I wouldn’t be real if I didn’t tell you that I was nervous about the possibility. Fred Kroner was an icon to me, someone untouchable, a big deal. His talent is something that many of us strive to realize, and so I didn’t know how the publication I owned, the Mahomet Daily, and how my writing would fare in comparison to his.

But the thing I never understood is why there had to be competition between the two entities: they both have something unique to offer to readers. I hoped that my relationship with the new editor, Fred, could be more like a team rather than a foe.

While Fred is the award-winning writer he is, someone who is well-known in communities throughout the state of Illinois, he quickly helped me to realize that there is something more in this world than squelching the competition.

There is friendship.

When you first meet someone, you exchange pleasantries. But Fred asked if he could interview me for an article to be in the Mahomet Citizen within a few weeks of taking his new post.

Let me reiterate this for you: Fred Kroner, the editor of the Mahomet Citizen, which is owned by The News-Gazette, wanted to interview Dani Tietz, the owner, and editor of the Mahomet Daily, which is in direct competition with his publication.

Not only that, but he also bestowed upon me the honor of telling his story in my publication in the 50th year of his writing career.

There are extraordinary things that happen in this life. This gesture told me everything about who Fred Kroner is.

Fred also suggested that we exchange stories each week to help cut down on our workload. As editors of such publications, we take on the responsibility of everything: finding stories, doing all the interviews, writing the stories, taking photographs, designing or maintaining its distribution, fielding emails and concerns.

A 40-hour work week always turns into a 60-plus hour work week, so one article that would take a few hours to produce is such a gift.

Our working relationship soon turned into a partnership when Fred decided to focus on supporting his wife, Emily, as she jumped into her dream of owning a pastry shop, Lucky Moon Pies & More. Putting in those long hours at the Mahomet Citizen was no longer feasible, but Fred still wanted to write.

It’s not just because he can string a few sentences together after listening to and regurgitating a series of events; if trained, anyone can do that. But Fred has a rare gift.

He sees people.

I’m not talking about watching a game and seeing the boy who scores the most points.

I’m talking about knowing that there is a human being standing on that court, a human being who has hopes and desires, one who has failed once or twice, one who more than likely had to overcome something, and one who is growing.

Just seeing something is the beginning, though. It takes hours, sometimes days and months, to curate a story, to listen to people talk, to try to understand all the pieces, and then to craft a story that is raw and real, informative and complete.

To do this once is luck. To do this consistently is magic.

And that’s where Fred Kroner lies: magic.

The stories Fred produces derive from something that can’t be taught, though. They come from a curiosity that causes him to listen when someone speaks, from an understanding that holds no judgment when someone makes a confession, from the attention that notices patterns or special moments, from an interest in people that makes them feel like they belong.

We all know Fred Kroner. He’s the 6’2” guy sitting at the press table who looks like he played basketball at one point.

But in all the time he showed us the world through the stories he told, he gave something more. Sure, the byline is important. A story on the front page is special. But Fred created a world where he makes people feel like they belong, no matter what.

When I interviewed Fred, I was surprised to learn that his time playing sports was short-lived. When he was the editor of The Citizen, he told me that he liked his role there because he got to write about more than sports.

Of course, after spending 50 years following sports in East Central Illinois, Fred included those highlights in his memoir. But I hope that as you read this, you will also get to know my friend, Fred Kroner.

He is a talented writer. His name has been in the newspaper thousands of times. He’s won awards. He is well-known. But he is so much more than just his job.

Fred is a visionary who consistently pushes himself outside of the box, who overcomes obstacles and who makes sure that he is producing something that not only moves the world forward, but also creates a soft place for people to share their triumphs as well as their failures.

He never forgets that there is a person sitting in front of him during an interview. Because of that, he oftentimes ends up walking beside them in the future.

It’s a gift that very few people in this world are able to offer.

We have all been blessed by Fred Kroner. And once more, we are blessed to read his story, in his words.

–Dani Tietz

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Top 10 Reasons to Change Your Oil, Presented by Bulldog Automotive: Mahomet Auto Repair Experts

Proper vehicle maintenance isn’t just about ensuring a smooth ride—it’s about prolonging the life of your car and avoiding potential future repairs. At Bulldog Automotive, we pride ourselves on being Mahomet’s trusted auto repair specialists, and we often emphasize the importance of routine oil changes. 

Here are the top 10 reasons why:

Optimal Engine Lubrication
Every engine component works in harmony, constantly moving. Fresh oil ensures these parts stay well-lubricated, minimizing friction and preventing wear.

Heat Reduction
As Mahomet auto repair experts, we can attest that an over-heated engine is a common issue. Clean oil disperses engine heat more efficiently, maintaining a cooler engine temperature.

Enhanced Fuel Efficiency
Who doesn’t want to save on fuel? Regular oil changes ensure your engine runs smoother, indirectly improving your car’s fuel efficiency.

Removing Engine Sludge
Over time, old oil transforms into a gooey sludge that can hinder engine performance. Bulldog Automotive always ensures that such detrimental sludge is cleared away.

Longer Engine Life
A well-maintained engine has a longer lifespan. By keeping up with regular oil changes, you’re investing in your car’s future.

Improved Emissions
A vehicle with old oil tends to emit more harmful pollutants. Keeping your oil fresh means a greener, cleaner drive.

Maintains Engine Power
Oil changes help maintain the engine’s power, ensuring optimal performance on the road. This is especially crucial for those unexpected moments when you need that extra burst of speed.

Protection from Contaminants
Over time, dust, dirt, and microscopic debris can contaminate oil. Changing it helps remove these pollutants, safeguarding your engine’s health.

Warranty Compliance
Many vehicle warranties have stipulations about routine maintenance. Staying updated with oil changes, as suggested by Bulldog Automotive’s Mahomet auto repair team, can ensure you remain compliant with warranty terms.

Peace of Mind
Knowing you’ve taken a proactive approach to car maintenance offers peace of mind. With the expertise of Bulldog Automotive backing your vehicle, you can drive with confidence.

As you can see, an oil change is more than just routine—it’s a pivotal step towards maintaining your car’s health. Let the seasoned professionals at Bulldog Automotive, the pinnacle of Mahomet auto repair, ensure your vehicle gets the care it deserves. Safe travels!

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The Impact Spinal Health has on Brain Health

Did you know that something such as posture, standing, sitting, or moving around, can have a crucial impact on our overall health, especially when it comes to brain health?

Dr. Roger Sperry, a Nobel laureate renowned for his groundbreaking research on the brain, once shared an astounding fact; “90% of the brain’s energy is used for posture alone.”

He added: “Better than 90 percent of the energy output of the brain is used in relating the physical body in its gravitational field. The more mechanically distorted a person is, the less energy available for thinking, metabolism and healing.”

Taking care of our health becomes even more important as we grow older. With advancements in medicine allowing us to live longer, there is also an increased prevalence of age-related ailments. One major concern is the loss of function, which has a significant impact on our quality of life and medical expenses.

Unraveling the Impact of Aging on Brain and Spinal Health

The American Psychological Association describes mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as a condition that sits in the middle of natural cognitive decline due to aging and the early stages of dementia. This state of MCI doesn’t necessarily lead to dementia, but it significantly increases the risk.

Furthermore, aging tends to deteriorate our lumbar balance, particularly in the lumbar and pelvic regions. While minor irregularities are often dismissed as a part of getting older, we now classify spinal imbalances as adult spinal deformity (ASD). Even a slight imbalance can greatly increase the risk of falls, and research has shown that severe imbalances are linked to a decline in quality of life.

In 2005, Dr. Steven Glassman and his team conducted research showing a correlation between declining posture and deteriorating health status. This correlation affects aspects of health such as breathing capacity, heart rate regulation, discomfort levels, and disability.

Exploring the Connection Between Cognitive Performance and Spinal Health

Both cognitive function and spinal imbalance are associated with the aging process. However, studies have suggested that there might be a connection between the two.

Researchers conducted a study involving over 400 individuals in Japan aged between 50 and 89 found that there is indeed a relationship between balance, which is measured using something called vertical axis (SVA), and cognitive function. The findings indicated that males with SVA were significantly more likely to experience decline, while for females factors such as age, SVA, osteoporosis, and subjective fatigue were associated with cognitive decline.

What does all this mean?

It suggests that spinal imbalance could be an indicator of reduced ability and motor function. Although we cannot definitively establish a definitive relationship between changes and cognitive decline based on these studies alone, they do highlight the fact that cognitive decline often occurs alongside sagittal imbalance as we age. Therefore, if one symptom manifests itself, it becomes crucial to assess the other.

Promoting Spinal Health for Cognitive Wellbeing

While these findings provide insights, there is still a need for investigation into the connection between spinal health and cognitive function. The question arises; which comes first, the loss of balance or the decline in function? Is there a cause-and-effect relationship at play? Is there an underlying factor that contributes to both? At present, experts recommend paying attention to changes in posture among individuals as a potential means to slow down or reverse health deterioration.

Maintaining a lifestyle that includes nourishing foods, caring for your spine through chiropractic care, and engaging in appropriate levels of physical activity can help keep our bodies strong and resilient for a longer time. When our spine is properly aligned, it facilitates communication between the brain and the rest of the body, thereby optimizing bodily functions.

Regular chiropractic adjustments can assist in maintaining alignment, reducing the impact of conditions, and potentially strengthening areas of the body to prevent injuries and ensure mobility. Consult with Dr. Faith regarding lifestyle changes that can enhance your brain and body function.

The possibility of leading a healthy life has become increasingly attainable. Therefore, it is essential for us to prioritize our well-being by starting with something as simple as maintaining good posture. It is advisable to have checkups with Dr. Faith for your spine not only when you experience symptoms but also as a preventive measure.

The correlation between posture and brain health is not just an assumption but a well-researched reality. It is time we recognize the importance of our posture, as an aspect of overall well-being positively influences both our mental and physical health for years to come.

The best time to start taking care of your spinal health is right now. No matter what age or condition you are in, Simply Well Chiropractic in Cincinnati can help you achieve your wellness goals. Give Dr. Faith a call at  (513) 271-1233 or visit simplywellchiro.com to schedule an appointment today!

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