Local News

ISBE Releases School Report Cards

THE STATE’S ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT CARD IS OUT…GIVING PARENTS AND EDUCATORS A CLEAR SNAPSHOT OF LOCAL SCHOOLS.

STATE SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT TONY SMITH SAYS THE REPORT CARD IS A VALUABLE TOOL FOR LOOKING UP THINGS LIKE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, AVERAGE CLASS SIZE, DISTRICT FINANCES AND GRADUATION RATES. THERE IS ALSO INFORMATION ABOUT THE STUDENT POPULATION…WHICH SMITH SAYS AS A WHOLE…IS BECOMING MORE DIVERSE.

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SMITH SAYS IT’S A GOOD WAY FOR STATE LEADERS...TEACHERS AND FAMILIES TO SEE WHAT ISSUES NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.

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STATEWIDE…50 PERCENT OF STUDENTS ARE MINORITIES, 54 PERCENT COME FROM LOW INCOME HOMES…AND 85 PERCENT OF STUDENTS GRADUATE IN FOUR YEARS. TO GET ALL THE STATISTICS ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL…VISIT THE WEBSITE: ILLINOIS REPORT CARD DOT COM.

Weekly Weather Summary

This weekend will start wet but should clear up nicely as we head into next week.

State Climotologist Jim Angel says as we turn the calendar, October is looking like it is going to go down as one of the driest on record.

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State Police To Be On Lookout For Drunk Drivers This Weekend

STATE AND LOCAL POLICE ARE BEEFING UP EFFORTS TO CATCH DRUNK DRIVERS OVER THE HALLOWEEN WEEKEND.

EXTRA PATROLS WILL BE USED TO KEEP DRUNK DRIVERS OFF THE ROAD…AS WELL AS LOOK FOR SPEEDERS, DISTRACTED DRIVERS AND THOSE NOT BUCKLED UP. ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION SPOKESPERSON BRIAN WILLIAMSEN SAYS THEY ARE ESPECIALLY CONCERNED SINCE HALLOWEEN FALLS ON A SATURDAY NIGHT.

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WILLIAMSEN SAYS DRIVERS CAN EXPECT TO SEE MORE PATROLS AND ROADSIDE SAFETY CHECKS THIS WEEKEND. HE ADDS THEY ARE ESPECIALLY CONCERNED THIS YEAR BECAUSE HALLOWEEN FALLS ON A SATURDAY.

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FROM 2010 TO 2014 IN ILLINOIS…16 PEOPLE DIED AND MORE THAN 14 HUNDRED PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN CAR CRASHES ON HALLOWEEN. FIVE OF FATAL ACCIDENTS INVOLVED ALCOHOL.

Syndergaard, Wright Put Mets On Board in World Series

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David Wright and Curtis Granderson homered, rookie Noah Syndergaard pitched six effective innings and the New York Mets roughed up the Kansas City Royals 9-3 Friday night, cutting their World Series deficit to 2-1.

Shut down in Kansas City, the Mets came out swinging in the first Series game at Citi Field. Wright launched a two-run homer in the first inning and finished with four RBIs as New York broke loose for 12 hits.

Syndergaard set a serious tone with the first pitch, firing a 97 mph fastball to the backstop that sent Alcides Escobar to the dirt and got the crowd buzzing.

Syndergaard struggled early, but the Mets took the lead after a back-and-forth start, chased Yordano Ventura and pulled away.

The Mets will try to even things in Game 4 on Halloween night, when hometown rookie Steven Matz starts against Chris Young, who won the opener in relief.

Wild Top Blackhawks in High Scoring Game

 width=Jason Zucker scored 18 seconds into the game and assisted on Nino Niederreiter's winner to lead the Minnesota Wild to a 5-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night.

Ryan Carter, Charlie Coyle and Jared Spurgeon also had goals for Minnesota, which dealt its playoff nemesis Chicago its second straight loss.

Mikko Koivu added three assists, and Devan Dubnyk made 25 saves, as the Wild won their fifth straight at home to start the season.

Jonathan Toews scored twice for the Blackhawks, which finally snapped a 5-on-5 scoring drought. Brent Seabrook and Artem Anisimov had a goal each for Chicago and Scott Darling stopped 25 shots.

The Blackhawks have beaten Minnesota in the second round of the playoffs the past two seasons.

Pistons Down Bulls Friday

 width=Marcus Morris scored 26 points, Andre Drummond had 20 points and 20 rebounds and the Detroit Pistons took control at the start of overtime to beat the Chicago Bulls 98-94 on Friday night.

The Pistons are 3-0 for the first time since winning their first four games in 2008-09. They have been impressive on defense so far, and they held Chicago's Derrick Rose scoreless until the fourth quarter. They have held every opponent to less than 95 points this season.

Detroit scored the first seven points of overtime, taking a 90-83 lead on Anthony Tolliver's 3-pointer.

Rose finished with eight points, and Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 23. Chicago was trying for its first 3-0 start since 1996-97, when they won their first 12 games.

Daylight Savings Ends This Week

It's time to move those clocks back to standard time this weekend.

Ending at 2 am Sunday morning, clocks will revert back to standard time, out of daylight savings time.

Did you know daylight savings time during the day, more radio stations in neighboring areas can broadcast on the same frequency without interfering with each other. Because of this situation, there are hundreds of stations licensed to operate only in the daytime.

 width=Daylight Saving Time can affect the bottom line of these daytime-only radio stations: during parts of the year it can cause the stations to lose their most profitable time of day--the morning drive time.

The gain of an hour of daylight - and thus broadcast time - in the evening does not fully compensate for the morning loss.

Did you also know, in Antarctica, there is no daylight in the winter and months of 24-hour daylight in the summer. But many of the research stations there still observe Daylight Saving Time anyway, to synchronize with their supply stations in Chile or New Zealand.

Following the 1973 oil embargo, the U.S. Congress extended Daylight Saving Time to 8 months, rather than the normal six months. During that time, the U.S. Department of Transportation found that observing Daylight Saving Time in March and April saved the equivalent in energy of 10,000 barrels of oil each day - a total of 600,000 barrels in each of those two years.

Likewise, in 1986, Daylight Saving Time moved from the last Sunday in April to the first Sunday in April. No change was made to the ending date of the last Sunday in October. Adding the entire month of April to Daylight Saving Time is estimated to save the U.S. about 300,000 barrels of oil each year.

Beginning in 2007, Daylight Saving Time commenced on the second Sunday in March and ended on the first Sunday in November, thereby saving even more oil.

Facts courtesy of acurite.com.

High School Football Post-Season First Round Scores

Class 1A:

#3Arcola 57, #14 Hardin 16,F

#7 St. Teresa 12, #10 Winchester 20, F

#2Gibson City 49, #15 Mt. Olive 13, F

#8 Greenfield 0, #9 LeRoy 30, F

#5 Pawnee 42, #12 Decatur Lutheran 8, F

#1 Tuscola 49, #16 Camp Point 7, F

#1 Toulon 28, #16 Tremont 7, F

 

Class 2A:

#1 Tri-Valley 22, #16 Savanna 0, F

#13 Hamilton West Hancock 22, #4 Dee-Mack 54, F

#5 Unity 27, #12 El Paso 13, F

#5 Shelbyville 21, #12 Auburn 43, F

#7 Maroa 33, #10 Westville 12, F

#14 Cerro Gordo-Bement 8, #3 Sangamon Valley 28, F

 

Class 3A:

#16 Peoria Heights 13, #1 Wilmington 55, F

#4 Paxton 28, #13 Williamsville 23, F

#5 Central Catholic 27, #12 DuQuoin 0, F

#2 Virden 27, #15 Pleasant Plains 20, F

#7 Marshall 24, #10 Tolono 42, F

#6 Monticello 42, #11 Trenton 21, F

#14 Sullivan-Okaw Valley 21, #3 Newton 46, F

 

Class 4A:

#1 Phillips 41, #16 Kingston 7, F

#9 Johnsburg 44, #8 Pontiac 19, F

#14 Mt. Zion 14, #3 Taylorville 36, F

 

Class 5A;

#16 Limestone 7, #1 Washington 36, F

#9 Sterling 44, #8 Metamora 12, F

#13 Jacksonville 40, #4 Champaign Central 80, F

#12 Decatur Eisenhower 39, #5 Highland 80, F

#14 Normal U-High 32, #3 Peoria 54, F

 

Class 6A:

#16 Champaign Centennial 0, #1 Lincoln-Way North 41, F

#15 Palos Heights Shepard 6, #2 Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin 53, F

#10 Normal West 21, #7 Peoria Notre Dame 43, F

#14 Chatham Glenwood 0, #3 Lemont 27, F

 

Class 7A:

#29 Pekin 7, #4 Batavia 56,F

#27 Schaumburg 28, #6 Normal Community 34, F

 

 

Vendor Cuts Ties With Department of Corrections

The Illinois Department of Corrections is turning over five tractor trailers to a vendor that is cutting ties with the state because of a lack of payment.

A spokesperson for IDOC says because of the quote “failure of the majority party to pass a balanced budget with much needed reforms” the Department will turn over the trucks to the Larson Group.

A representative for the Springfield, Missouri, based trucking company was not available for comment. IDOC says the trucks were used to transport goods for the Illinois Correctional Industries, the organization that employs Illinois inmates to make a variety of products, and that ICI will use current vehicles in their fleet to for weekly food runs.

In an email IDOC says they strongly urge Democrats in the General Assembly to work with the Governor to craft a budget that funds critical services and implements reforms to quote “put Illinois on a path of solvency.”

Speaker Michael Madigan spokesman Steve Brown says the vendor cutting ties with IDOC is another quote “bungle” and budget bills were sent to the governor who chose to veto rather than use his reduction veto authority.

Bureaucracy Hindering Corrections Hiring

Measures meant to diminish improper political influence has lead to bureaucratic barriers in hiring at the Illinois Department of Corrections.
That’s a complex problem the John Howard Association of Illinois says needs straightforward solutions.

In a policy paper released Thursday, the prison watchdog group says despite Governor Bruce Rauner’s executive order from earlier this year giving Central Management Services the authority to quote “replace, modify or terminate” the current state hiring practice, staff administrators at the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice reported their hiring procedures remained unchanged.

The report says understaffing of key positions is a serious, longstanding problem and failure to fill vacancies undermines institutional and public safety, prevents inmates from receiving essential services and increases state spending through overtime.

Clinton Maroons Fall to Belleville

As heard on WHOW, the Clinton Maroons fell Saturday night to the Belleville Crusaders by a score of 62-27. The Maroons were led by Alec Cooley with 21 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown. Noah Griffin was 8 of 17 passing for 75 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Dalton Whitted had 3 catches for 37 yards and 2 touchdowns. Logan Winter had 3 catches for 32 yards and a touchdown. Chris Schwartz was the Country Financial Representative Stephan York Maroons Player of the game.

The Clinton Maroons end the season 5-5.

Monticello Sages Defeat Trenton-Wesclin

The wind, rain, and a poorly played first half couldn't slow down Brandon Wildman and his offense Saturday afternoon

as the Monticello Sages stormed past Trenton-Wesclin Saturday afternoon, 42-21.

Trailing 21-7 going into the half, Monticello understandably felt things could have easily been 7-0 if not for huge

touchdown runs of 57 and 44 yards by Warriors tailback Brandon Robinson coupled with a special teams turnover by

Monticello, which led to the 21-7 deficit late in the first half.

The Sages scored 35 unanswered points in the second half, battling torrential rains and winds all afternoon, and most

of the damage was done through the air, ironically enough.

Wildman finished an exceptional performance 20-36 for 216 yards and 4 TD.

All four touchdown passes went to Noah Freemon. Freemon hauled in 10 catches for 123 yards.

Tyus Welter had five catches and 55 yards.

Jacob Burton finished with 16 carries and 64 yards, including two TDs.

Monticello will take on the winner of tonight's (Saturday) game between Sullivan Okaw Valley and Newton.

We'll have details of next week's game as they are released on dewittdailynews.com and Regional Radio.

Clinton Police Report For Oct. 30

ON 10/28/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED LORENZO SIMS 24, CHICAGO ON A MCLEAN COUNTY WARRANT. SIMS WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

Daily Fantasy Football Draws Attention

You’ve seen the commercials if you watch sports on TV or listen to games on the radio. And now a pair of democratic Illinois Lawmakers are proposing regulations for fantasy sports websites like DraftKings and Fan Duel.

State Representative Mike Zalewski and Senator Kwame Raoul don’t want to label the sites gambling. But says the companies need policies for audits and baring employees from competing.

Zalewski says he isn’t trying to shut the sites down, rather just looking for a way to make sure they are operating fairly.

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The legislation would prohibit individuals younger than 18 to play, but it would not seek to tax the sites to bump up revenue for the state.

Illinois Apple Crop Very Good

While the wet spring this year caused some problems for a lot of farmers in Illinois, it was great for the apple crop. Chris Curtis is the owner of Curtis Orchard in Champaign county.

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The wet weather in the first half of the growing season did cause some disease problems with the pumpkin crop, but there are still plenty of pumpkins left for Halloween and Thanksgiving this year.

As more consumers are interested in buying locally grown foods, there is no better way to buy local than watch it picked right off the tree

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If you are interested in locally grown foods in your area, go to specialtyGrowers.org, and check out the Prairie Bounty section which lists all specialty growers and farmers markets in Illinois.

Who is Winning Budget Battle?

The leading state Republican and the spokesman for the leading state Democrat differ on what they’ve compromised on.

Governor Bruce Rauner says he’s narrowed down items on his agenda, including taking so-called “right-to-work” off the table. But the Governor insists on other reforms before agreeing to tax increases to shore up the state budget. Rauner said he won’t discuss publicly what his so-called red line is but told the Southern Illinoisan newspaper editorial board earlier this month that local control of prevailing wage and collective bargaining tied to a property tax freeze is important. Rauner also put emphasis on workers compensation reform.

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Rauner says he’s getting pushback on his requested reforms because of special interests. Steve Brown, spokesperson for Speaker Michael Madigan, said Democrats have compromised on a variety of issues like freezing lawmaker pay and privatizing the Department of Commerce and Economic opportunity, among others.

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Brown also says the General Assembly passed quote “significant” changes to workers compensation but Republicans criticized the workers comp measure passed earlier this year as not addressing what defines an injury eligible for payouts.

DeWitt County Angel Tree Applications Due Friday

Low income residents who want to make sure their children have a merry Christmas are encouraged to check out the DeWitt County Angel Tree program.

According to Sue Calvert, Direct of Angel Tree in DeWitt County, the program aims to provide low income residents and their children with the opportunities of Christmas they may not otherwise be able to afford.

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Applications for this year are due by Friday, October 30. Calvert explains the families in the program are screened and there are income guidelines.

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To get a hold of an application, contact Anita Russell at Community Action at 217-935-2455.

Calvert hopes anyone who thinks they might qualify for the program to inquire about the program.

Halloween Safety Reminders

Candy, costumes and scary decorations are apart of the fun this weekend across the country.

As kids, young and old, hit their respective community streets for Halloween Saturday night, area law enforcement has some reminders for parents and children. Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers reminds residents to practice patience during the evening hours of Halloween, as hundreds of kids will be hitting community streets.

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The Chief recommends children be accompanied by an adult and to travel in neighborhoods you are familiar with. Chief Lowers also recommends glow sticks for the kids to make them more visible.

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The Chief encourages the kids to have patience as well. He explains the streets will be very congested in many neighborhoods across central Illinois this Saturday. He says between increased traffic and the costumes they wear, there's tripping hazards and other accidents that could ultimately happen.

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Chief Lowers recommends giving kids gum to chew on before they head out to trick-or-treat to keep them from eating candy while they are out.

He also advises parents looking over candy before allowing their kids to eat it to make sure everything is packaged properly and does not recommend giving homemade treats.

Clinton Heads To Belleville To Take on Althoff Catholic in Football Playoffs

 width=The Clinton Maroons football team is in the playoffs for the first time in 11 years.

The Maroons are back in the postseason after a wild, come from behind win over Sullivan Okaw Valley last Friday night. Maroons head coach John Hayden called the atmosphere from the Sullivan game "electric" and "playoff like".

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Coach Hayden says the team all year has had the playoffs as their goal and is glad to see the hard work they've put in pay off for them.

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The Maroons battle Althoff Catholic at Lindenwood University in Belleville. Game time is at 7:30 pm Saturday.

Hear all the action on 92.3 FM WHOW and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Grizzlies Beat Pacers

 width=Marc Gasol scored 20 points and Mike Conley added 13 points and 10 assists in his return home Thursday night, helping the Memphis Grizzlies rally for a 112-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

The Grizzlies (1-1) had seven players score in double figures and closed it out by finishing the game on an 18-7 run.

George Hill had 20 points for the Pacers while Paul George and C.J. Miles had 18 each. It wasn't quite enough for the Pacers to avoid their first 0-2 start in six years.

The Pacers appeared to take command when they pulled out to a 75-66 lead with 1:44 left in the third quarter.

But the Grizzlies answered with 11 straight points to retake the lead early in the fourth. After the Pacers took a 96-94 lead on George's free throws with 4:03 left, Gasol tied it with a short runner that sparked the final scoring flurry.

World Series Resumes in New York Tonight

 width=The Kansas Royals battled back and then outlasted the New York Mets in Game 1 of baseball's World Series. Then dominated the Mets with two big innings to route the Mets 7-1.

The Royals exceptional play at Kauffman Stadium should be of no surprise, as they went 51-30 at home in the regular season. On the road though, the Royals finished 44-37 while the Mets finished the regular season 49-32 at Citi Field.

Which is where the series shifts starting Friday night. New York will turn to flame throwing rookie Noah Syndergaard.

Kansas City counters with Yordano Ventura.

Games four and five (if necessary) are set for Saturday and Sunday.

Blues Win; Blackhawks Lose

 width=Colton Parayko scored the tiebreaking goal just about midway through the third period to lift the St. Louis Blues to a 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night.

Vladimir Tarasenko also scored and Jake Allen stopped 22 shots to help the Blues win for the sixth time in the last eight games (6-1-1)

Hampus Lindholm scored and Frederik Andersen finished with 31 saves as the Ducks closed out a winless five-game road trip (0-4-1). Anaheim was outscored 15-5 on the trip, including a 4-3 loss at Dallas on Tuesday night.

Tarasenko tied the score at 6:18 of the second with his sixth goal of the season, and Parayko put the Blues ahead with about 9 1/2 minutes left in the third with his fourth goal.

>>Jets Blast Blackhawks

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Michael Hutchinson stopped 45 shots and Andrew Ladd scored on the power play to lead the Winnipeg Jets to a 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.

Bryan Little set up a pair of goals for the Jets, who stopped the Blackhawks' four-game winning streak.

The Jets (6-3-1) were ahead 2-1 going into the third period on goals by Blake Wheeler and Ladd.

Mark Scheifele added to the lead at 8:04 when he took a pass from rookie Nikolaj Ehlers and beat goalie Corey Crawford on the short side.

Patrick Kane scored the game's first goal, his sixth of the season at 1:26 into the game on a power play for Chicago (6-4-0).

Crawford had come into the game with a pair of shutouts in his four straight wins. He stopped 28 shots.

Bears, Packers Return To Field Sunday; Rams Host 'Niners

While the Minnesota Vikings can make the case that their defense is one of the best in the NFL, the Chicago Bears' is in danger of unraveling.

A week of rest would typically help teams regroup, but the Bears instead lost another contributor to a defense that is tied for last in the NFL with 29.8 points allowed per game. Chicago cut defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff after his animated discussion with general manager Ryan Pace was publicized, adding to a depleted unit that lost Ego Ferguson to a season-ending injury the week before.

 width=The Bears signed former Pittsburgh and Jacksonville lineman Ziggy Hood to fill the spot, but coach John Fox's concern level keeps rising as his team searches for its first division win.

Alshon Jeffry returns to the offense for the Bears. Jeffery had been out since the opener with a pulled hamstring but returned before the bye week to catch eight passes for 147 yards and a touchdown.

Chicago totaled a season-high 444 yards with Jeffery back in the mix, 353 coming on the arm of Jay Cutler. The only other time the Bears' offense exceeded 400 yards was when Jeffery was active in Week 1.

The Vikings can win a third straight game for the first time since 2012 on Sunday, but to do so they'll need to earn their first victory in Chicago.

Minnesota (4-2) just finished off a season sweep of last-place Detroit with a 28-19 win, its first NFC North road victory in nine tries dating back to 2012. If their defense keeps trending upward, the Vikings can end another lengthy drought.

The Vikings have won three of five against the Bears, but they have lost their last seven in Chicago and 13 of their last 14 on the road in this series. The Bears averaged 32.9 points during their seven straight home wins over Minnesota, but a stout defense is the reason for the Vikings' early-season success.

The win over the Lions marked Minnesota's fifth game limiting opponents to no more than 20 points. The Vikings are tied with Denver at 17.0 points per game allowed, behind only division-leading Green Bay (16.8).

They held Detroit to 274 total yards and sacked Matthew Stafford seven times a week after the Lions poured 546 on the Bears.

 width=>>Packers Clash With Broncos on Sunday Night Football

Though two records stand exactly the same, and equally unblemished, one just doesn't have the same feel as the other.

While the Green Bay Packers remain a favorite in the NFC, questions swirl around the Denver Broncos despite an identical record on the opposite side of the league.

Which team is a true contender might become more clear Sunday night when the conference powers come off bye weeks to meet in Denver.

This is just the fourth time in NFL history that two undefeated and untied teams have met this deep into a season, the last happening in 2007 when New England (8-0) beat Peyton Manning and Indianapolis (7-0). Minnesota and St. Louis met with 6-0 records in 1973 with the Vikings winning, and the Akron Pros (7-0) and Buffalo All-Americans (6-0) played to a scoreless tie in 1921.

It just doesn't feel like a dominant season for Denver (6-0), which posted a 26-23 overtime victory at Cleveland on Oct. 18 that was fueled again by a defense that ranks toward the top of the league in most major categories.

That unit has scored a touchdown in four of six games while racking up 18 takeaways and 26 sacks by a dozen players.

>>Rams Host 'Niners Sunday

The St. Louis Rams have never allowed the lingering talk of relocation to be a distraction.

 width=Though that's been a hot topic around the city again this week, the Rams remain focused on trying to beat the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Sunday and move above .500 this late in the season for the first time in nine years.

The Rams (3-3) will try to build on last Sunday's 24-6 home win over Cleveland by capitalizing on their chance to be above .500 on Nov. 1 or later for the first time since sitting 4-3 in 2006.

After gaining nine yards on six carries in his NFL debut against Pittsburgh in Week 3, Gurley has averaged 6.4 per carry while rushing for 433 in the last three contests. He also scored his first two touchdowns.

Quarterback Nick Foles has thrown one TD while posting a 41.7 passer rating in the last two weeks. No receiver has more than 20 catches and the team ranks 31st while converting 28.8 percent of its third-down chances.

The Rams average 18 points and 298.8 yards per game. Only San Francisco (2-5) at 14.7 points and 295.6 yards is worse.

St. Louis has been held below 100 rushing yards in four of the last five meetings with San Francisco, but the 49ers yielded a season-high 176 on the ground in a 20-3 loss to Seattle on Oct. 22. They also lost hard-hitting safety Antoine Bethea to a season-ending shoulder injury.

Held to seven or fewer points for the third time this season, San Francisco totaled 142 yards - its lowest since recording 133 against Minnesota on Nov. 5, 2006.

>>Pats Crush Dolphins

Even when they look sluggish, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots still dominate.

Brady threw for 356 yards and four touchdowns - two to Julian Edelman - and the Patriots beat the Miami Dolphins 36-7 on Thursday night to become the first of the NFL's five unbeaten teams to reach seven wins.

Stephen Gostkowski broke Adam Vinatieri's franchise record for consecutive field goals by connecting from 52 and 36 yards to make it 26 in a row. Rob Gronkowski had 113 yards receiving and a touchdown, and Dion Lewis had 93 yards receiving and one score.

The loss was the first for Miami (3-4) under interim coach Dan Campbell. The Dolphins scored 82 points in wins over the lowly Titans and Texans in Campbell's first two games after replacing Joe Philbin.

But they were completely overmatched against the defending Super Bowl champions.

It could be an even bigger loss for the Dolphins because four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Cameron Wake was carted off the field with an Achilles tendon injury.

The Patriots are 7-0 for the second time in franchise history and first time since going 16-0 in 2007. They've scored at least 28 points in every game and 30 or more in six straight.

Illini, ISU, EIU Back Saturday Afternoon

 width=>>Illini Head To Penn State

Penn State defenders spent much of the last two games lunging at ball carriers only to bounce off or wiff.

Those missed tackles have been a problem for a defense that's been solid under coordinator Bob Shoop. Penn State allowed 68 points and nearly 900 yards to No. 1 Ohio State and Maryland in part because of mobile quarterbacks J.T. Barrett and Perry Hills.

Up next is Illinois (4-3, 1-2 Big Ten) and although quarterback Wes Lunt isn't a runner, he's usually well protected. The Illini defense has allowed just eight sacks so far.

While Penn State players missed 13 tackles against Maryland and handfuls more against Ohio State, generating pressure hasn't been an issue. The Nittany Lions (6-2, 3-1) lead the country with 31 sacks. Carl Nassib added to his NCAA leading 12.5 when he sacked Hills late in the fourth quarter to all but preserve Penn State's 31-30 win over Maryland last week.

The Fighting Illini ranked 112th in total defense each of the last two seasons and surrendered 481 and 456 yards per game in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Illinois is currently 33rd in total defense and is giving up 344 yards per game. Interim coach Bill Cubit said against the sack-happy Lions ''We've got to make sure we protect the quarterback.'' He also said he expects senior safety Clayton Fejedelem to play after a deep bruise to his knee.

Illinois will be without starting tight end Tyler White (knee). Running back Josh Ferguson is unlikely to play, missing his third straight game with a shoulder injury

 width=>>Redbirds Welcome Another Nationally Ranked Opponent To Hancock Stadium

For the fourth time in the last five weeks, No. 3 Illinois State (6-1, 4-0 MVFC) will face off against a ranked FCS opponent, this time when it hosts No. 21 Indiana State (4-3, 2-2 MVFC) at Hancock Stadium for a Halloween battle.

Coming off a 48-28 win versus Western Illinois last week, Junior wideout Anthony Warrum continued his streak of eye-popping performances with seven receptions for 170 yards and connected twice with Tre Roberson for scores through the air against the Leathernecks. He also added a fumble recovery for a touchdown, and his performance earned him Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors.

A game that proved to be a defensive battle throughout was decided on a last-second field goal, as Nick Aussieker connected on a 20-yard field goal with three seconds left on the clock to give No. 15 Illinois State a 20-18 come-from-behind win over No. 20 Indiana State at Memorial Stadium last year.

The game will kick off at noon, and will be broadcast live on CSN Chicago and ESPN3.

 width=>>Eastern Illinois Hosts Murray State

Eastern Illinois remained undefeated in the Ohio Valley Conference race as the Panthers moved to 4-0 in the conference with a 51-20 win over Tennessee Tech.

This week, the Murray State Racers come to Charleston for an Ohio Valley Conference clash. The Racers are 1-3 in conference and 2-5 overall.

After a rough start to the season, the Panthers have rebounded for four straight wins and sit atop the Ohio Valley with Jacksonville State and Eastern Kentucky.

Game time Saturday is 1pm.

Hear all the action on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW and online at dewittdailynews.com.

>>No. 5 TCU Blasts West Virginia

Trevone Boykin passed for 388 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another 84 yards with a hurdling 2-yard score to help fifth-ranked TCU beat West Virginia 40-10 on Thursday night for its 16th straight victory.

Josh Doctson had 11 catches for 183 yards and two touchdowns for the Horned Frogs. They improved to 8-0 and made quite an impression in their final game before the first weekly College Football Playoff rankings of the season come out.

West Virginia is 3-4. The Mountaineers have lost all four of their Big 12 games - previously losing to No. 14 Oklahoma, No. 12 Oklahoma State and No. 2 Baylor - all teams TCU has to play in November.

 width=>>Oregon Gets Wild Win Over Arizona State

Bralon Addison scored on a 20-yard pass in the third overtime on a play upheld by review and Arrion Springs intercepted Mike Bercovici's pass in the end zone, lifting Oregon to a wild 61-55 win over Arizona State Thursday night.

Two teams clinging to hopes in their respective divisions, the Sun Devils and Ducks traded explosive plays in a game that featured 1,243 total yards.

It came down to a pair of plays in the third overtime.

Addison appeared to touch the back line on his TD catch, but the officials upheld the original call upon review. Oregon (5-3, 3-2 Pac-12) failed on the mandatory 2-point conversion, but Springs sealed it by stepping in front of Bercovici's intended receiver, sending the Ducks racing onto the field.

Oregon tied the game with 12 seconds left in regulation when Dwayne Stanford pulled down Vernon Adams' fourth-down, desperation pass for an 8-yard touchdown.

Monticello Sages Enter Postseason With High Hopes

 width=The Monticello Sages enter the postseason with their best season on under head coach Cully Welter.

The Sages finished 8-1 and will host Trenton-Wesclin. The Warriors finished their season 6-3. They are from the Cahokia Conference.

The Sages are coming off a 48-24 win at Monmouth-Roseville Friday night.

The Sages are the sixth seed in the south quadrant of the bracket of Class 3A. Trenton-Wesclin is the 11-seed.

Action this afternoon gets underway at 2 pm. Hear all the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

First round action for area teams...

Class 1A:

#16 Tremont (5-4) vs. #1 Toulon Stark County (9-0) at Wyoming Sat. 1:00 pm
#16 Camp Point Central (5-4) at #1 Tuscola (9-0) Sat. 2:00 pm
#9 LeRoy (6-3) vs. #8 Greenfield-Northwestern (6-3) at Greenfield Sat. 1:30 pm
#12 Decatur-Lutheran (5-4) at #5 Pawnee (8-1) Sat. 1:00 pm
#15 Mt. Olive (5-4) at #2 Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin-Sibley) (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 31, 3:00 pm
#10 Winchester West Central (6-3) at #7 Decatur St. Teresa (6-3) Sat. 2:30 pm
#14 Hardin Calhoun (5-4) at #3 Arcola (9-0) Sat. 2:00 pm

Class 2A playoff action...

#16 Savanna West Carroll (5-4) at #1 Tri-Valley (9-0) Sat. 2:00 pm
#13 Hamilton West Hancock (6-3) at #4 Dee-Mack (7-2) Fri. 7:00 pm
#12 El Paso-Gridley (6-3) vs. #5 Mendon Unity (7-2) Sat. 2:00 pm
#12 Auburn (6-3) at #5 Shelbyville (7-2) Sat. 1:30 pm
#10 Westville (7-2) at #7 Maroa-Forsyth (7-2) Sat. 1:00 pm
#14 Cerro Gordo-Bement (5-4) vs. #3 Sangamon Valley (8-1) Fri. 7:00 pm

Class 3A...

#16 Peoria Heights (5-4) at #1 Wilmington (9-0) Fri. 7:00 pm
#16 Fairfield (5-4) at #1 St. Joseph-Ogden (9-0) Sat. 2:00 pm
#13 Williamsville (5-4) at #4 Paxton-Buckley-Loda (8-1) Sat. 1:00 pm
#12 DuQuoin (5-4) at #5 Bloomington Central Catholic (8-1) Sat. 2:00 pm
#15 Pleasant Plains (5-4) at #2 Virden North Mac (9-0) Sat. 2:00 pm
#10 Tolono Unity (6-3) at #7 Marshall (8-1) Sat. 2:00 pm
#14 Sullivan-Okaw Valley (5-4) at #3 Newton (9-0) Sat. 7:00 pm

Class 4A Action....

#9 Johnsburg (7-2) at #8 Pontiac (7-2) Fri. 7:00 pm
#14 Mt. Zion (6-3) at #3 Taylorville (9-0) Fri. 7:00 pm

Class 5A...

#16 Limestone (5-4) at #1 Washington (9-0) Fri. 7:00 pm
#9 Sterling (7-2) at #8 Metamora (7-2) Sat. 1:00 pm
#13 Jacksonville (6-3) vs. #4 Champaign Central (8-1) Sat. 1:30 pm
#12 Decatur Eisenhower (6-3) at #5 Highland (8-1) Sat. 1:00 pm
#14 Normal U-High (6-3) vs. #3 Peoria(8-1) at Peoria Stadium Fri. 7:00 pm

Class 6A...

#16 Champaign Centennial (5-4) at #1 Lincoln-Way North (9-0) Fri. 7:00 pm
#15 Palos Heights Shepard (5-4) at #2 Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin (9-0) Fri. 7:30 pm
#10 Normal West (6-3) vs. #7 Peoria Notre Dame (7-2) at Peoria Richwoods Sat. 2:30 pm
#14 Chatham Glenwood (5-4) at #3 Lemont (8-1) Sat 5:00 pm

Class 7A...

#29 Pekin (5-4) at #4 Batavia (8-1) Fri. 7:00 pm
#27 Schaumburg (5-4) at #6 Normal Community (8-1) Fri. 7:00 pm

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for Oct. 30

Jail Population: 24

Paper Services: 1

Warrants: 0

Isaac Sheppard, 24, Peoria Heights was issued a Citation for Speeding 62 MPH in a 45 MPH Zone. Sheppard was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Samantha Schleifenbaum, 19, Argenta was issued a Citation for Speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Schleifenbaum was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Exelon Puts Off Decison on Future of Clinton Power Plant For A Year

Exelon Corporation today announced they will defer any decision about the future operations of its Clinton nuclear plant for one year and plans to bid the plant into the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) capacity auction for the 2016-2017 planning year.

MISO’s announcement this week acknowledging the need for market design changes in southern Illinois is a key factor in the company’s decision to defer for an additional year. On Oct. 27, MISO posted an issues statement saying reforms to its capacity market process may be required to drive future investments and help ensure a reliable electricity supply for consumers, and it plans to engage stakeholders to consider such reforms.

 width=Other factors driving the decision include recent positive results from the Illinois Power Agency’s capacity procurement for 2016 and the long-term impact of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan, among others.

Exelon president and CEO Chris Crane said in a release this morning, quote - “We are encouraged by MISO’s statement and the potential for market reforms that are necessary to ensure long term reliability in southern Illinois. However, the Clinton plant remains unprofitable and more needs to be done.” - end quote.

The decision to defer for a year on the future of the Clinton nuclear plant also will provide Illinois policymakers with more time to consider policy reforms and potential legislation that will level the playing field for all forms of carbon-free electricity and best position the state of Illinois to comply with the EPA’s Clean Power Plan.

The EPA’s Clean Power Plan, which mandates significant reductions in carbon emissions from power plants, will require states and the power sector to find the most cost-effective solutions to achieve the required reductions.

A report issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Illinois House Resolution 1146 determined that the loss of two nuclear plants in the state would increase emissions by about 24 million short tons, more than doubling the emissions reductions required under the EPA’s carbon reduction rules and making it twice as costly to comply. The Illinois EPA calculated the incremental societal cost of losing two plants at more than $10 billion -- a figure that does not include the additional billions of dollars early retirements would cost in the form of higher energy bills, reduced electric reliability and lost jobs.

MISO holds a capacity auction annually to ensure enough power generation resources are available to meet demand in its region covering southern Illinois and much of the Midwest. The next MISO capacity auction for planning year 2016-2017 is scheduled for late March 2016.

DeWitt County Moving Closer to Opening New Animal Shelter

Renovations on what has become known as the "East Annex" in DeWitt County will soon be the home for Animal Control of DeWitt County.

County Board Chair David Newberg explains they have purchased a stainless steel operating table as well as kennels to be put in place.

[audio:102915102023-102915countyupdate1.mp3] [/audio]

The marina project at Clinton Lake is nearing completion. At the start of the year, the County faced a daunting task to bring the marina up to compliance with the American Disabilities Act, and Newberg indicates, next month, all those will be completed.

[audio:102915102027-102915countyupdate2.mp3] [/audio]

Newberg indicates there is not a firm timeline for a move in date for the Animal Control office to the new building but remains hopeful that will happen prior to the new year.

Clinton Schools Score High on Financial Audit

 width=The leader of the Clinton School district is reporting a strong report from their most recent financial audit.

Clinton Superintendent Curt Nettles explains the Clinton audit was another good audit. This is something districts must do on a yearly basis, and Nettles notes there were only minor procedural notes they will need to adjust.

[audio:102915102009-102915clintonaudit1.mp3] [/audio]

The first year Superintendent says the previous administration deserves a lot of credit for the excellent scores because the audit is for the previous year. Nettles indicates the budget ended balanced with a good amount of cash reserves on hand.

[audio:102915102013-102915clintonaudit2.mp3] [/audio]

The district receives a financial profile number and according to Nettles there are five categories considered in that score, which includes five categories. He indicates they received a 3.9/4.

[audio:102915102016-102915clintonaudit3.mp3] [/audio]

When looking at an overview of the Clinton budget, over 80% of their revenues come from local sources. It is because of that, Nettles believes the state needs to back off on some of their mandates and allow for more local control.

[audio:102915102020-102915clintonaudit4.mp3] [/audio]

Nettles says the document is public and would be willing to sit down with anyone and explain what is in it and go through the various details of the audit report.

As he looks at this year's budget, Nettles points out, the uncertainty in Springfield has created a lot of questions about where their budget will ultimately end up. He says state payments currently are on time, however, if a budget is reached, he could see them pulling the plug on a great deal of their revenues after the start of the year.

Royals Take 2-0 World Series Lead

 width=Johnny Cueto pitched a two-hitter, Eric Hosmer drove in two more runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Mets 7-1 Wednesday night to take a 2-0 lead in the World Series.

Cueto struck out four, walked three and reinforced why the Royals got the dreadlocked ace from Cincinnati in late July. The crowd at Kauffman Stadium fed off the excitable righty, standing and chanting his name.

Nineteen hours after his sacrifice fly won a 14-inning thriller, Hosmer hit a tiebreaking, two-run single off Jacob deGrom in a four-run fifth. He has 15 RBIs in 13 games this postseason.

Citi Field hosts the World Series for the first time in Game 3 Friday night. Mets rookie Noah Syndergaard faces Yordano Ventura in a matchup of young aces who throw 100 mph heat.

DeGrom had been 3-0 this postseason, with each win on the road.

>>Nationals To Name Bud Black Manager


The Nationals will name Bud Black their new manager, CBS Sports MLB Insider Jon Heyman has confirmed. James Wagner of the Washington Post first reported the news. The team may not confirm the news for several days because MLB frowns on clubs making major announcements during the World Series.

Earlier this week Heyman reported the Nationals appeared to be down to two finalists for the job: Black and Dusty Baker. GM Mike Rizzo had said he would seek an experienced manager after firing Matt Williams, who had never managed in MLB when he was hired.

The Nationals entered season as NL East favorites, if not World Series favorites. They instead went 83-79 and missed the postseason. Williams shouldered much of the blame, especially after his poor handling of the Jonathan Papelbon/Byrce Harper choking incident.

Black, 58, was fired by the Padres this summer after the team stumbled out of the gate following their splashy offseason. Black spent eight and a half years in San Diego and led the team to a 649-713 (.477) record. That has more to do with the talent on the roster than Black's shortcomings.

Black won the 2010 NL Manager of the Year award with the Padres and is very highly regarded within in the industry. There was some thought he would jump into a front office role this offseason rather than return to managing, but obviously that is not the case.

With the Nationals hiring Black, there are now three managerial openings in baseball: the Dodgers, Marlins and Padres. Miami is expected to hire former Dodgers skipper Don Mattingly some point soon.

Illini WR Dudek To Seek Redshirt; Minnesota Coach Kill Retires

 width=Illinois receiver Mike Dudek will apply for a medical redshirt after missing most of the season with a torn ACL in his right knee. Sports information director Kent Brown says the sophomore will not play this season.

Interim coach Bill Cubit has said for weeks that it was unlikely.

>>Jerry Kill Retiring From Minnesota Coaching Position

Minnesota announced Wednesday morning coach Jerry Kill is retiring, effective immediately, because of "medical concerns."

At an emotional press conference Wednesday, Kill said he was retiring on the advice of his doctors. He was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2005, has suffered seizures on the sideline during games, and as recently as 2013, was forced to take a seven-game leave of absence to focus on his health. Kill confirmed Wednesday that he suffered two recent seizures.

Despite his health struggles, Kill enjoyed great success with the previously moribund Gophers, taking them to three consecutive bowl games and earning the Big Ten's 2014 Coach of the Year honor. The Gophers' 5-3 Big Ten record that year marked the program's first winning league season since 2003. Kill retires with a 29-29 record at Minnesota and a 156-102 overall coaching record, much of it spent rebuilding similarly downtrodden programs at Northern Illinois and FCS Southern Illinois.

Bulls Start Season 2-0

 width=Jimmy Butler scored 24 points, Nikola Mirotic had 18 and the Chicago Bulls won for the second time in two nights to open the season, beating the Brooklyn Nets 115-100 on Wednesday night.

Pau Gasol added 16 points and Derrick Rose 15 for the Bulls, who followed their season-opening victory over Cleveland by shooting 54 percent and leading by as many as 19. They built a big early lead, blew most of it with a defenseless second quarter and quickly pulled away again in the third.

Brook Lopez had 26 points and Andrea Bargnani had 17. The Nets opened their 40th season in the NBA by falling into a quick 7-0 hole and trailing the rest of the way. They missed all nine 3-point attempts.

The Nets had won their first home game in all three seasons since moving to Brooklyn. Seven of their first 10 games this season are on the road, including a back-to-back this weekend at San Antonio and Memphis.

Vikings' Peterson Battling Injuries, Will Play Sunday vs Bears

 width=Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is fighting injuries to his hip, finger and ankle. The Vikings listed all three body parts on the injury report Wednesday. Peterson was held out of practice. The hip and ankle problems were new this week. The Vikings play at Chicago on Sunday.

Cerro Gordo-Bement Feels Good Heading Into Postseason Play With 5-4 Mark

 width=Generally a 5-4 mark will barely get teams into the high school football post season, however, one school feels their 5-4 mark is not indicative of how good of a team they are.

The Cerro Gordo-Bement Broncos played a schedule that featured six of their nine opponents that are in the playoffs. Head Coach Andy Kerley says they've taken on a mindset of, any team, any time.

[audio:102915102004-102915cgbfoot1.mp3] [/audio]

For many coaches the appeal of the playoffs is matching up with teams you normally wouldn't see and getting a different look by playing on Saturday afternoons, however, Coach Kerley isn't necessarily disappointed by the fact they drew a Little Okaw Valley opponent.

[audio:102915102007-102915cgbfoot2.mp3] [/audio]

Cerro Gordo Bement and Sangamon Valley will kick off at 7 pm on Friday night.

Coach Kerley says his group has been very healthy all year and that run of good luck has carried into the postseason.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for Oct. 29

Jail Population: 27

Paper Services: 2

Warrants: 0

Makayla Jorden, 21, Atlanta was issued a Citation for Speeding 97 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Jorden was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Nikki Price, 20, Clinton was issued a Citation for Speeding 84 MPH in a 65 MPH Zone. Price was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Lacey Lord, 24, Clinton was issued Citations for Failure to Reduce Speed/ Accident and Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Lord was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

James Dennis, 26, Champaign was Arrested and Charged with Driving Under Influence of Alcohol. Dennis posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Local Leaders React To Exelon Delayed Decision

 width=Early Thursday morning, Exelon announced they would delay a decision on the future of their Clinton nuclear facility for one year.

According to Brett Nauman, Communications Director of Exelon, the plant has delayed their decision because of a potential change in the market that would greatly change their future outlook. He also points to the continued discussions in Springfield about the legislation that would also be beneficial to the company.

[audio:10291513842-103015exelonreax1.mp3] [/audio]

Ruth Stauffer heads the DeWitt County Development Council and she says a closure would not only mean a loss of jobs but there would be impacts to the negative for the school district, the housing market, the tax base, and many others.

[audio:10291513848-103015exelonreax2.mp3] [/audio]

While he recognizes this doesn't mean the County or any other entities are out of the woods, DeWitt County Board Chair David Newberg calls the delayed decision great news. He feels it gives County leaders and many others time to continue to take the steps necessary to ensure the power plant can remain in the community and remain viable.

[audio:10291513850-103015exelonreax3.mp3] [/audio]

Superintendent of Clinton Schools, Curt Nettles, says the postponement of an Exelon decision is a good thing for the school district and feels it allows for opportunities for the company to remain in the community. Nettles points out, there are a lot of reasons having Exelon in the community is beneficial.

[audio:10291513854-103015exelonreax4.mp3] [/audio]

Clinton City Administrator Tim Followell released the following statement Thursday afternoon, quote - "I am pleased to see Exelon defer any decision on the future of Clinton Power Station. The plant and its employees mean so much to this community, whether you're referencing the highly skilled jobs, the nearly $13-million in taxes paid by the plant or the thousands contributed to charitable organizations." End quote.

Chicago relying on $800 million from state

The City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Transit Authority budgets combined rely on $800 million in financial relief from state government that has yet to materialize. Illinois News Network has more:

[audio:10281582013-ChicagoFunding.mp3] [/audio]

Drone Task Force Named

A task force on unmanned aerial systems, also known as drones, has been named and a report is due out next summer.

Governor Bruce Rauner appointed a 18 people to the Unmanned Aerial System Oversight Task Force and says they will prepare comprehensive recommendations for the safe and lawful operation of UAS in the state.
Among the members are individuals from the law enforcement, transportation, aeronautics, agriculture, retail, insurance and energy sectors.

The task force was created with Senate Bill 44 and is expected to deliver a report with recommendations to the Governor by July 1st, 2016.

Governor Calls For Open Meeting With Legislative Leaders

Calling legislative leaders, the Governor wants to meet. But, there’s one holdout until a pending meeting agenda is released.

In a letter to the four legislative leaders Governor Bruce Rauner says the state must come together to agree on a package of structural reforms that quote “can save taxpayers billions alongside a balanced budget.” Speaker Michael Madigan spokesman Steve Brown says the Speaker wants to see what will be discussed at the meeting before committing to attend.

[audio:10281582011-Brown.mp3] [/audio]

The Governor’s office says they will be circulating an agenda in advance of the meeting but did not indicate when. Other legislative leaders are reported to be willing to meet for the scheduled meeting.

The Governor’s office says they will host the morning meeting Wednesday November 18th in either Chicago or Springfield and will coordinate on the most appropriate media access to include allowing the meeting to stream online.

Madigan spokesman provides expectation of meeting

The governor hopes to hash out details of a balanced budget with reforms during a meeting he’s scheduled for next month between himself and legislative leaders but the spokesman for one legislative leader hopes the meeting is about the budget and nothing more.

In a letter to the four legislative leaders late last week Governor Bruce Rauner said he wants to meet either in Springfield or Chicago Wednesday November 18th. Speaker Michael Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said Madigan won’t commit to the meeting until he sees an agenda, but hopes the meeting will focus only on the budget.

[audio:10281582015-MadiganBrown.mp3] [/audio]

However the governor’s letter said he wants to meet to find a balanced budget alongside structural reforms. Other legislative leaders reportedly are willing to meet with the governor in what Rauner said will be an open meeting with media access.

Redfield On Upcoming Meeting Between Lawmakers

A longtime political analyst says a scheduled public meeting between the Governor and legislative leaders may sound like a good idea but is full of pitfalls.

Retired University of Illinois, Springfield, politics professor Kent Redfield says it’s unrealistic to have serious negotiations in public because any quote “horse trading” would more than likely happen behind closed doors. Redfield also says there’s the problem of politicians wanting play to the cameras.

[audio:10281582016-Redfield.mp3] [/audio]

Redfield says there could be problems with the meeting if the Governor takes over the agenda and says the big news will come from the quote “talks around the talks”.

Governor Bruce Rauner called for a meeting next month in either Springfield or Chicago with the four legislative leaders to work on the budget impasse alongside structural reforms.

Secretary of State Office Working With Vendors

The Secretary of State's office says not much has changed since they sent the Governor, legislative leaders and other constitutional officers a note about a host of problems during the ongoing budget impasse--at least when it comes to vendors providing the state services absent getting paid.

[audio:10281582017-SOS.mp3] [/audio]

The state is now nearly Month No. 5 of the new fiscal year without a budget in place.

Former Teammates Turned Coaches Lead Respective Teams Into Postseason

The LeRoy Panthers and Tri-Valley Vikings football programs have a lot more in common than just the fact they happen to play in the Heart of Illinois conference and used to coop for football.

LeRoy Coach BJ Zeleznik and Tri-Valley coach Josh Roop were once captains for the LeRoy Panthers football teams, and now find themselves battling once a year on the gridiron. Coach Zeleznik calls the rivalry between LeRoy and Tri-Valley a friendly rivalry.

[audio:10281582000-102815leroytrivalley1.mp3] [/audio]

For Coach Roop, when his team goes to LeRoy for football games, he says it is like a homecoming for him. He says there is a lot of respect between the two programs.

[audio:10281582003-102815leroytrivalley2.mp3] [/audio]

Heading into the playoffs, the likeliness of a LeRoy, Tri-Valley matchup in a win or go home scenario will not happen. Tri-Valley received a bid in Class 2A and LeRoy wound up in Class 1A.

Coach Roop says his teams are usually a run first team, but this year they have been able to open things up because of their quarterback play.

[audio:10281582005-102815leroytrivalley3.mp3] [/audio]

Tri-Valley ran the table this year (9-0), Coach Roop points to their season opener against Fieldcrest as the point in their season that really got his attention about how good his team could be.

[audio:10281582007-102815leroytrivalley4.mp3] [/audio]

Tri-Valley defeated LeRoy in week 7, 21-0. The Heart of Illinois Conference has seven playoff teams, and according to Coach Zeleznik, the HOI offers 1A schools like there's, great prepartion for postseason play.

[audio:10281582010-102815leroytrivalley5.mp3] [/audio]

Tri-Valley received the top seed in the northern bracket of Class 1A and will host Savanna West Carroll Saturday afternoon at 2 pm. The winner takes on the winner between Rushville-Industry and Taylor Ridge-Rockridge.

LeRoy will head to Greenfield to take on Greenfield-Northwestern Satruday afternoon at 1:30 pm. The winner advances to take on the winner of top-seeded Tuscola and 16th-seeded Camp Point Central.

Hear from both LeRoy Coach BJ Zeleznik and Tri-Valley Coach Josh Roop on our WHOW morning show shortly after 9:30 am this morning.

Bears WR White Not Close To Return

The first pick of the Ryan Pace era in Chicago likely won't see the field until the 2016 season.

 width=In August, rookie wide receiver Kevin White underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his shin. The Bears placed White, the seventh overall pick in the draft, on the PUP list hoping he would be able to return late in the season. Now seven weeks into the season, White doesn't seem to be close to making his NFL debut.

While at a Bears community event Tuesday, White told reporters that he's "a long way off" from returning to the field.

Dealing with more than just White's injury at wide receiver, the Bears offense currently ranks 24th in passing yards per game, though that can also be attributed to Jay Cutler's injury in the early portion of the season, which forced Jimmy Clausen into action. Furthermore, with Alshon Jeffery now apparently healthy for really the first time all season and with Cutler playing efficiently, the Bears offense could take off.

Still, the Bears will miss White's presence on the field. In White's final season at West Virginia, he caught 109 passes for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Bears will have until the end of Week 11 to activate White. If they don't, he'll be officially out for the entire season.

 width=>>Reports Indicate Colts Mulling Firing Chuck Pagano

Chuck Pagano's days in Indianapolis appeared to be numbered, and at this point, it's a matter of when, not if he gets fired. CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reported last month of the growing friction between Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson.

And the coach's job security wasn't helped by one of the worst special-teams plays in recent history against the Patriots in Week 6 followed by a punchless effort seven days later in a home loss to the Saints.

The good news for Pagano: he has a job ... for now.

The bad news for Pagano: the Colts' bye week is Nov. 15 and they have to face the Panthers and Broncos between now and then. Two more blowout losses will almost certainly be the end of the road, which would make for an amazing turn of events. Pagano won 11 games in each of his first three seasons in Indy, and took the Colts to the AFC Championship Game in January.

>>Giants Resign Jason Pierre-Paul

The Giants have re-signed defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to a one-year deal, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The team confirmed the signing Tuesday evening.

General Manager Jerry Reese says they are excited to see Pierre-Paul return and credits the hard work of the defensive end.

Pierre-Paul, who suffered a fireworks-related hand injury in early July, visited with the team the past two days and will continue his recovery with the club. The hope is he can return in late November as he continues to come back from losing part of his hands in a fireworks explosion.

Pierre-Paul says he's excited to rejoin the team.

Pierre-Paul has played 75 games for the Giants during his five-year career, racking up 42 sacks while forcing eight fumbles and intercepting two passes, both of which were returned for touchdowns.

Royals Outlast Mets in Wild Game 1

Alcides Escobar started the World Series with a jolt. Five hours later, he ended the longest opener ever with a jump -- into the arms of his joyous Kansas City Royals teammates.

Saved by Alex Gordon's tying home run in the ninth inning off Mets closer Jeurys Familia, the Royals won in the 14th when Eric Hosmer's sacrifice fly scored Escobar for a 5-4 win over New York late Tuesday night.

This tied for the longest Series game in history, and in 5 hours, 9 minutes, it had a little bit of everything packed in. A lot of everything, actually.

 width=Escobar hit an inside-the-park homer on the very first pitch from Matt Harvey. Later, a power failure caused the national TV audience and the team's replay rooms to go dark.

The nearer it got to midnight -- and beyond -- the more oddly the ball bounced.

In the 11th, Salvador Perez grounded a single that hit the third-base bag and caromed high in the air. In the 12th, Daniel Murphy struck out on a pitch that got past Perez -- it ricocheted off the backstop to the Royals catcher, who threw out Murphy at first.

Then in the 14th, Escobar reached on an error by third baseman David Wright. Ben Zobrist's single put runners at the corners and an intentional walk to Lorenzo Cain loaded the bases.

Hosmer atoned for a key error by lifting a flyball to medium-deep right field, and Escobar barely beat Curtis Granderson's throw home.

It was 12:18 a.m. at Kauffman Stadium, and Game 2 is Wednesday night.

Jacob deGrom starts for the Mets against Johnny Cueto. It's a hairy matchup: DeGrom's flowing tresses vs. Cueto's mop of dreadlocks.

>>Volquez's Father Passes Away Prior To Game 1

Alcides Escobar checked his phone after Game 1 of the World Series, and he saw a text from Edinson Volquez.

"Thank you guys for winning that game for me," Volquez wrote after the Royals downed the Mets 5-4 in 14 innings Tuesday night.

Volquez had left Kauffman Stadium after putting in six innings, not knowing during the game that his father, Danio Volquez, had died at age 63 earlier in the day. The elder Volquez reportedly had been treated for heart disease. Royals manager Ned Yost said Volquez's family, communicating through Royals general manager Dayton Moore, requested that Volquez not be told about his dad's death until after he had pitched.

Volquez allowed three runs, six hits and a walk with three strikeouts before giving way to the Royals bullpen, which allowed just an unearned run over eight innings.

Some teammates, such as right-hander Chris Young, found out before the game because Yost wasn't certain if Volquez would end up starting. The Volquez news hit him hard, he said, but Young also pitched a game this season the same day his own father, Charles Young, died after having cancer. And Young knew about his dad going into that game.

Volquez's teammates spoke for him at the end. Ben Zobrist, who came over in a trade in late July, said the Royals will come together over this as they have other personal and team crises.

"We're going to celebrate the win," Zobrist said, "for Eddie and his family."

Blues Blank Defeat Lightning

 width=Jake Allen stopped 26 shots for his sixth career shutout as the St. Louis Blues beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0 on Tuesday night.

Scott Gomez and Troy Brouwer scored as the Blues beat the Lightning for the fourth straight time, and sixth in the last seven meetings.

Ben Bishop, who was teammates with Allen on Peoria of the AHL for two seasons, had 22 saves for the Lightning.

Gomez gave the Blues the lead with 4:01 left in the first as he tipped in a long shot from rookie defenseman Colton Parayko past Bishop. Brouwer added an empty-netter with 40 seconds left in the game.

Bulls Beat Cavs in Season Opener

Nikola Mirotic scored 19 points and Derrick Rose added 18 to lead the Chicago Bulls to a season-opening 97-95 victory over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers with President Barack Obama watching on Tuesday night.

Pau Gasol blocked a potential tying layup by James in the closing seconds. Jimmy Butler then broke up an inbounds pass intended for James as time expired.

The president sat courtside for most of the game as his beloved Bulls knocked off the defending Eastern Conference champions and gave coach Fred Hoiberg a narrow win in his first game.

James scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Cleveland, but the Cavaliers came up short against the team they knocked out in the conference semifinals last season.

>>Noah Leaves Game For Bulls

You want to be able to make it through the first game, at least, without an injury. Especially when you are coming off an injury-plagued season like Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah. He has been moved to the bench in the first year of Fred Hoiberg coaching the team, but he's still a very important member of the team that will need to help facilitate on offense and cover up on defense.

With 8:53 left in the fourth quarter of opening night, Richard Jefferson drove baseline, banged knees with Noah, and the Bulls' big man dropped to the floor. He'd leave the game immediately and watch the rest of the game from the bench.

Clinton School Leader Updates Community On Evaluation

 width=In a continued effort to update the strategic plan of the Clinton School District, the Board of Education began with a self-evaluation process earlier this month.

Superintendent of Clinton Schools, Curt Nettles, calls the session very positive and felt he learned a great deal about the various board members and how to better work with them.

[audio:10281581956-102815boardeval1.mp3] [/audio]

Board President John Blythe felt the session will create better communication. It was pointed out, the service was of little expense to the district.

[audio:10281581957-102815boardeval2.mp3] [/audio]

The Board of Education has done a similar evaluation in the past. Board members felt it would be prudent to engage in a similar session once again with several new board members.

Clinton High School 1st Quarter Honor Roll

HIGH HONOR ROLL


SENIORS
CALL, LAURA D.
CHITWOOD, JEREMIAH A.
COOPER, MALLORY C.
ENGLAND, DOUGLAS M.
ESTES, ALEXIS R.
HENDRICKER, JORDAN W.
HENNENFENT, DARYN H.
HICKS, KATHRYN E.
JONES, BRENNA L.
KAHLE, RENEE C.
KLITZING, GUNNAR K.
LEBRE, TESSA J.
LOVE, JASON M.
LOVETT, BETSY J.
MCMATH, ALEK K.
MITCHELL, SAMANTHA J.
NEAL, ANNA M.
NEAL, ELIZABETH R.
NEWBERRY, FAYTHE R.
PEEK, ALICIA A.
SMITH, JUSTIN M.
STEWARD, HALEY E.
TOOHILL, PARKER J.
UNDERWOOD, COLLIN T.
WAYNE, VICTORIA R.
WILLOUGHBY, BLAISE C.

 width=JUNIORS
AUGHENBAUGH, GREGORY T.
CALVERT, QUINLAN S.
DONELSON, RILEY C.
FABRIS, ISAAC M.
GAMSBY, AARON J.
GRIFFIN, NOAH A.
INMAN, MAGGIE V.
KROEGER, JACOB B.
LINDQUIST, DEBORAH L.
PETERSON, ALEXIS J.
STERR, JULIA C.
WHITE, LUCAS J.
WOOD, LILLIAN M.

SOPHMORES
BURTON, JOSHUA C.
CHANEY, NICOLE S.
ETTIEN, SAVANNAH L.
FILKIN, MADISON L.
FINFROCK, MEGAN E.
HENNENFENT, DANYE L.
HENNENFENT, DAYLE L.
HICKMAN, MAC L.
ORNELAS, CAMERON S.
PATEL, NIRAV
PATTERSON, KYLI R.
RAUCH, AUSTIN D.
REEVES, BRYCE L.
ROBINSON, RIVER K.
SAULSBERY, ALYSSA M.
THAYER, BREANNA N.
THRASHER, MANDY J.
WERTS, MAGGIE K.
WESTFALL, SETH S.
WHITE, MILLIE K.


FRESHMEN
BENTON, OLIVIA J.
BOUGHTON, GRACIE M.
CALVERT, ZAYIN S.
COOPER, TESS E.
DUPONT-BARLOW, RYTY L.
FOSTER, MASON C.
GOERGEN, CASEY E.
HOLTMAN, LINDSEY M.
JAMES, ANNMAREE E.
LINDQUIST, CHRISTINE L.
LONG, BRANDON J.
LONG, DEREK A.
LUX, EMMA R.
MILLS, ANNA N.
MURPHY-LEACH, JORDAN M.
OVERTON, MATTHEW A.
REYNOLDS, CHRISTIAN A.
ROSENBERGER, ALEXIS M.
SHAW, ALEXANDRIA F.
TOOL, AMANDA R.
TORBERT, JAKE R.
WILLIAMS, HANNAH C.
WORKMAN, CLAUDIA L.

A HONOR ROLL


SENIORS
BATESON, KOBY D.
BROOKS, ABIGAIL S.
BUTLER, KRYSTA R.
CLARK, AMARA R.
DUNCAN-SAVAGE, SCOUT
DWYER, LANEY D.
FRYMAN, KERSTEN B.
HENNESSEY, RACHAEL L.
HENSON, LAUREN E.
HINTZ, KASEY L.
HUFFMAN, NATHAN S.
MYERS, TAMSIN C.
NEAL, DAVID L.
OVERTON, JACOB C.
PEACOCK, RYAN C.
PHILLIPS, RICHELLE J.
SCHWARTZ, WILLIAM C.
SHOBE, JOHN D. III
STEPHENSON, CALLIE J.
THRASHER, MEGAN C.
WELCH, PEYTON L.

JUNIORS
CONN, WESLEY K.
HARMON, LIVIA N.
HARROLD, JAMES L. III
HERNANDEZ, JUANA L.
HICKMAN, CHELSEY J.
HUNT, OWEN C.
JOHNSON, ALEXANDRA D.
JOHNSON, MACI K.
LAPITAN, SAVANNAH R.
LEE, JI HOON
MCDONALD, MAKENZIE L.
MOWRY, SHELBY L.
MUSSELMAN, SYDNEY A.
NETTLES, LEVI C.
NEWMAN, BRADEN M.
OBERMEYER, AMBER M.
OSWALD, ALLISON R.
SHEPHERD, PAIGE N.
THOMAS, JENA R.
VALENCIA, JAZMIN
WARGEL, LANDON T.
WILSON, VICTORIA E.

SOPHMORES
AYERS, ADDISON M.
BENSON, NOAH E.
ERVIN, EMILY A.
FATHEREE, MITCHELL D.
HAYDEN, GARRETT C.
KANE, JONATHON J.
LANE, BREANNA M.
LEBLANC, ADREANA S.
LUKACH, ELIZABETH D.
MAXWELL, KATELYN J.
OVERBEY, KATHLEEN H.
REYNOLDS, CHASE A.
SCOLES, KAILEE R.
STEVENS, MADISON
TAYLOR, ASPYN K.
WADE, JACOB A.
WALKER, CONNOR M.
WARREN, HALLE L.
WERTZ, EMMA N.
WOOLDRIDGE, HANNAH L.

FRESHMEN
ALSUP, CAMDYN R.
ARMSTRONG, MACKENZIE A.
BENZ, DYLAN J.
BIERBRODT, OLIVIA G.
BRODEN, KATHERINE R.
BRODEN, LAUREN M.
CASTILLO, JULIAN N.
CHAMPLEY, CALLIE R.
CLIFTON, SYDNEY M.
FOUGHT, KAITLYN E.
FRYMAN, KAYEDEN S.
HAYNES, PEYTON D.
HICKMAN, CLARA E.
HICKS, SARAH V.
KINDER, ALLISON R.
KNAPP, RAVEN X.
MYERS, KILEY L.
PATELSKI, KADY A.
PATTERSON, KANE J.
PETERSEN, LOGAN J.
PISTER, ANDREA N.
POLEN, ZOIE J.
RICH, SAMUEL M.
STEVENS, MADELYN J.
STONE, ABIGAIL M.
TAYLOR, EMILY N.
THOMAS, MYA N.
UNDERWOOD, SYDNEE E.
WARGEL, KINSER P.
WERTZ, CAMERON J.
WERTZ, RUSTIN D.
WOOD, EVELYN M.

B HONOR ROLL


SENIORS
ALEXANDER, COLLIN R.
ATTEBERRY, SIERRA N.
BALES, NICKLAUS M.
BARRY, ERIKA L.
BENSON, RIKKIE L.
BORING, TAMARYN J.
CASAREZ, ABIGAIL
CHAPMAN, JOSEE S.
CHAPMAN, JUSTICE N.
CORSA, VICTORIA R.
FOLLOWELL, JORDAN L.
GAMSBY, BAILEY D.
GILLMAN, MADISYN A.
GLIDDEN, MICHELLE T.
HAMPTON, MOLLY N.
HAYDEN, KAITLIN E.
HENDERSON, MARA N.
HICKMAN, NOLAN A.
HOSPELHORN, NICHOLAS R.
JOLLEY, HUNTER S.
KARR, TREVOR J.
KORZENEWSKI, DANIEL A.
MARTIN, KERI A.
MASSEY, MIRANDA F.
MAXWELL, WILLIAM C.
MILLER, MARISSA B.
MOORE, COLLEEN R.
MORRIS, AMANDA J.
PARRISH, JESSE C.
PRUITT, KAITLIN A.
PRUSER, KALLI C.
RODAS, AUNDRAYA R.
SAMS, AARON C.
SILTMAN, KAITLYN A.
STEVENS, SHEA E.
TARBOX, ELIZABETH J.
TOOHILL, ASHLEY R.
UNDERWOOD, MARANDA J.
WHARTON, ZACHARY A.
WHITE, TANNER M.
WILSON, KATHRYN S.
WOOD, LOGAN W.

JUNIORS
ALSUP, KEEGAN C.
BENTON, CLAIRE S.
BIEBER, PRESTON C.
BRUSS, MADISON M.
BURKE, TANNER M.
CLARK, GRACE E.
COLE, ALYSSA
COOLEY, ALEC G.
EDMUNDS, JORDAN L.
FURROW, FLOYD E. III
GLASS, MEGHAN N.
HAAS, KATHERINE L.
HARVEY, TAYLOR N.
HUDSON, TIMOTHY P.
IRVIN, KYLE T.
JOHNSON, AUSTIN L.
JOHNSON, CAMBRIA M.
KARR, SABRYNN E.
KAUFMAN, LEVI J.
KOSHINSKI, PEYTON M.
MCCUBBIN, CORWIN P.
MCKINZEY, CHELSEA E.
MILLER, JILLIAN E.
MOORE, SEAIRAH G.
MOORE, TAYLOR L.
MURPHY-LEACH, KALEB M.
OCAMPO, ASHLEY N.
OSGOOD, JADE J.
PARAC, MICHAEL A.
PISTER, HANNAH M.
POURCHOT, JACOB T.
RETZER, SCARLETTE M.
RUSHER, KARMA D.
SCOTT, WILLIAM D.
SMITH, PATRICIA R.
TERRY, MALARIE L.
TOOHILL, KEVIN E.
TOWNSEND, RAEGAN E.
WALL, FAITH S.
WHITLOCK, BROOKE M.
WHITTED, DALTON J.
WINTER, LOGAN M.
WRIGHT, SHAE M.

SOPHMORES
BAKER, AUSTIN L.
BALLENGER, HANNAH N.
BENNETT, SAMUEL S.
BORLAND, LUKAS G.
BROWN, TILER M.
CARSON, BRYSON T.
CASAREZ, BRENTON A.
CHAPMAN, SIERRA N.
DEBORD, KEVIN
DEFEBAUGH, TATUM R.
DEFEBAUGH, TESSA K.
DIAL, CARSEN P.
EARL, DYLAN G.
FOSTER, ETHAN W.
HANES, COLE R.
HANSEN, ANDREW J.
HARVEY, BAILEY A.
HECTOR, SANDRA J.
JACOBS, GABBRIELLA R.
JOHNSON, KYLE D.
KANE, NATHANIEL S.
KARR, BLAKE W.
KERN, TENNYSON R.
MAGANA, EDGAR
MESSENGER, RACHAEL A.
MILLER, JAYDEN J.
MOORE, EMMA R.
MORRIS, HANNAH F.
MORRIS, MICHAEL J.
MURPHY, DANIEL A.
PHILLIPS, GLENN R.
PRUSER, ALLY N.
RAFFETY, KARLI R.
RIVA, JACOB S.
RUNYEN, CADE E.
SARTIE, JENNA R.
SHOBE, LUKE M.
SMITH, DALTON T.
TOTH, MADALYN E.
TURNEY, WYNN J.
WATERS, SOPHIA R.
WICKENHAUSER, SIERRA A.
WILLOUGHBY, HANNAH C.

FRESHMEN
ADAMS, TREVOR D.
BLACK, AVERY M.
BRADY, STEPHEN K.
BUZICK, HALEY J.
CASE, CALLAHAN W.
CONN, JUSTICE N.
COOLEY, HUNTER L.
DAY, SHELBY L.
DIAL, RAYMI L.
DUNCAN-SAVAGE, WILLIAM J.
EVELAND, EZRA L.
GREEN, JACALYN D.
HACKETT, AUSTIN L.
HENSON, GILLIAN C.
HINTZ, NICHOLAS T.
HORN, TRENT A.
JASTER, CAYLIN R.
JENKINS, MATTHEW R. JR
JORDING, JARED A.
KNAPP, JAMAICA M.
KUNTZ, KAITLYN E.
LYONS, AMELIA J.
MCGHEE, ANDREW L.
MCGHEE, ERIN T.
MCMATH, KOLTON M.
MOORE, HARRISON D.
MORSE, JACOB W.
NORTH, ALYVIA S.
OSORIO, AMAIRANI I.
PATTERSON, KYLE A.
PRUSER, RILEY M.
REYNOLDS, TREVOR E.
RICHARDS, BAILYN I.
SCOGIN, ASHTON P.
SMITH, NATHANIEL J.
STURGEON, KAITLIN E.
THOMAS, REID J.
THOMPSON, PATRICIA J.
TOOHILL, SPENCER J.
WALKER, NATHAN A.
WINTER, KOLBY W.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Warrant of the Week

 width=This week we are seeking tips to locate Shawn Coventry.  Coventry failed to appear in court to face charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Shawn Coventry is a 34 year old white male who is six foot tall, weighing 230 pounds with Brown Hair and Brown Eyes. He was last known to live in Decatur, IL.  If you know the whereabouts of Shawn Coventry or any other person wanted on warrants in DeWitt County, the Clinton Area Crimestoppers will take anonymous tips at 217-935-3333.  A cash reward may be available for information leading to an arrest.

Clinton Leaf Clean Up Program To Open Up Next Week

 width=The leaves are flying in central Illinois and the Clinton Public Works leaf cleanup crews are going to be hitting city streets starting next week.

Steve Lobb is Public Works Director for the City of Clinton. He indicates to Regional Radio News, the Clinton Streets Department will begin a prolonged dedication to leaf pick up across the community.

[audio:10271584506-102715leafclean1.mp3] [/audio]

According to Lobb, the City is broken down into five zones and then each one is in theory, taken on per day. Lobb indicates there may be days where more than one zone can be cleaned in a day.

[audio:10271584513-102715leafcleanup2.mp3] [/audio]

Lobb explains leaf piles don't have to be a certain size. He encourages raked leaves to be pushed as close to the curb line as possible.

[audio:10271584509-102715leafclean3.mp3] [/audio]

A copy of the zones can be seen today at dewittdailynews.com.

Lobb encourages residents to keep as much alternate debris out of the leaf piles as possible. He recognizes there are going to be things that residents cannot prevent, but he asks the piles be leaves only.

Reports Indicate Purdue's Swanigan Not Yet Eligible

Purdue big man Caleb Swanigan is not yet eligible for the upcoming season, according to a report from Bleacher Report.

 width="We're still working through the process," coach Matt Painter said. He declined to comment further.

Swanigan was the No. 18 recruit in the country according to 247Sports, and is Purdue's highest rated incoming player since they brought in fellow McDonald's All-American Mike Robinson in 1996. He's one of the best rebounders in the incoming 2015 freshman class, and has a soft touch around the rim.

The 6-foot-8, 250-pound forward could be a difference-maker in the middle for the Boilermakers this year, who are currently the No. 26 team in CBSSports.com's Top-25 (and one). If he is unable to go, it's worth noting that the Boilermakers are better equipped to play without him than most teams would be. The team already has All-Big Ten performer A.J. Hammons at center, plus one of the better young big men in the Big Ten in Isaac Haas. Those two could combine to handle the bulk of the minutes at the 5 with all-everything swiss-army knife Vince Edwards sliding down to the 4 if for some reason Swanigan can't go from Day One.

Twins' Torii Hunter Retires

Twins outfielder Torii Hunter retired Monday after playing in parts of 19 major-league season.

 width=Hunter, 40, was originally drafted by the Twins in 1993 as the 20th overall pick out of Pine Bluff (Ark.) High School. Hunter spent 12 of his 19 big-league seasons in a Twins uniform. The 12th of those seasons was 2015, in which Hunter hit 22 home runs during a late-career reunion with Minnesota. In between his two stints with the Twins, Hunter spent five seasons with the Angels and two with the Tigers. While Hunter never won a World Series, he was a member of eight different playoff teams.

Over the span of his career, Hunter batted .277/.331/.461 in 2,372 games with 353 homers; 498 doubles; 195 stolen bases; and 2,452 hits. He also made five All-Star appearances and won nine Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers. As an outfielder, Hunter ranks 14th all-time with 5,263 putouts.

Johnson, Palmer Lead Cardinals To MNF Win

 width=Chris Johnson rushed for 122 yards, 62 on a play where he rolled over the belly of a big defender and kept on running, and the Arizona Cardinals barely held off a late rally to beat the Baltimore Ravens 26-18 on Monday night.

Baltimore (1-6) drove to the 4 in the final seconds before Tony Jefferson's interception deep in the end zone clinched the victory for NFC West-leading Arizona (5-2).

Arizona led 26-10 before Asa Jackson's blocked a punt to set up Joe Flacco's 1-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Juszczyk. The 2-point conversion pass to Nick Boyle made it an eight-point game with 4:26 to play.

Baltimore got the ball back and Flacco quickly moved the team downfield before the final ill-fated throw.

Blackhawks Beat Ducks; Blues Lose Schwartz

 width=>>Toews Lifts Blackhawks To OT Win

Jonathan Toews scored 51 seconds into overtime, Corey Crawford made 39 saves and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Anaheim Ducks 1-0 on Monday night in a rematch of last season's Western Conference finals.

Crawford earned his second straight shutout and No. 14 for his career as the Blackhawks closed out a perfect 4-0 homestand. They also beat Tampa Bay 1-0 in overtime on Saturday night on Toews' first goal of the season.

Taking advantage of the open ice for the NHL's new 3-on-3 overtime, Toews skated in and beat Frederik Andersen over his left shoulder.

The Ducks were shut out for the second straight game and became the first NHL team since the New York Americans in 1930-31 to be shut out five times in their first eight games of the season. Andersen finished with 23 stops.

 width=>>Blues Lose Schwartz

The injuries keep coming for the St. Louis Blues.

The team announced on Saturday morning that forward Jaden Schwartz will be sidelined for at least the next 12 weeks due to a fractured ankle that he suffered in practice on Friday during a warmup drill.

A first-round pick (No. 14 overall) by the Blues in 2010, Schwartz has developed into one of the team's better forwards and is coming off of back-to-back seasons that saw him score at least 25 goals and record 50 points. In seven games this season before the injury he had four assists.

St. Louis' forward group has been hammered by injuries so far this season. Patrik Berglund was sidelined before the season even began due to shoulder surgery and is expected to be out until at least January. Then this past week Paul Stastny was sidelined for at least five weeks due to a broken foot.

When healthy the Blues have what is one of the deepest groups of forwards in the league, but between the injuries and the offseason trade of T.J. Oshie to Washington four of their top-eight scoring forwards from a year ago are not in their lineup at the moment.

Maroa-Forsyth Trojans Hoping For Another Deep Playoff Run

 width=It's as consistent as Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July, the Maroa-Forsyth football program is once again in the postseason.

Once again, under the guidance of Josh Jostes, the Trojans are back in the fold for playoff football and Jostes says the key to their program's success is the continued dedication by the student athletes and the coaches in their program.

[audio:10271584514-102715mffootball1.mp3] [/audio]

In years past, Maroa-Forsyth has been a very healthy team, however, Coach Jostes indicates, this year, they've been hit by the injury bug which has been perhaps, their biggest challenge to date.

[audio:10271584516-102715mffootball2.mp3] [/audio]

Maroa-Forsyth has been among four teams in the top 10 in the state rankings between Class 2A and 3A from the Okaw Valley Conference. In a three week stretch, the Trojans saw the three others, in Tolono Unity, Monticello and St. Joseph-Ogden. Coach Jostes indicates they took a lot away from that three week stretch.

[audio:10271584517-102715mffootball3.mp3] [/audio]

The Trojans once again host a playoff game in the first round. They received the seventh seed in Class 2A and will host 7-2 Westville. Game time for Saturday has been set for 1 pm.

State Senator Says Lack of Budget on Speaker Madigan's Shoulders

 width=One local lawmaker says the source of a lack of a budget falls on the shoulders of House Speaker Mike Madigan.

State Senator Chapin Rose continues his stance that the budget stalemate is on the shoulders of the Speaker, who has been in office for three decades. The Sen. Rose points out the Speaker was difficult to deal with for the last Republican Governor of Illinois.

[audio:10261584303-102615roseonbudget1.mp3] [/audio]

Sen. Rose doesn't just put the stalemate on the Speaker. He explains Republicans had hoped the business relationship between Gov. Bruce Rauner and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel would transpire into the latter bringing Madigan in for bargaining.

[audio:10261584306-102615roseonbudget2.mp3] [/audio]

According to Sen. Rose, the lack of a budget in place is the ultimate example of an inability to govern. He says Democrats, who have a super-majority in both chambers of the General Assembly, don't need the Governor to pass a budget.

[audio:10261584309-102615roseonbudget3.mp3] [/audio]

The Senator believes the elimination of ever changing districts in Illinois would eliminate a super-majority. He's there are several examples of why one party have exclusive control over another is a bad thing.

DeWitt County Puts Budget On File

The DeWitt County Board Thursday night put this upcoming fiscal year's budget on file.

Compared to last year, this budget looks much better. That's according to Board Chair David Newberg. He explains this year's budget is balanced and they've been able to restore their cash reserves to about a month and a half.

[audio:10261584253-102615countybudget1.mp3] [/audio]

Newberg says there is a lot of positive aspects to this year's budget. He indicates there will be no cuts and they plan on reducing the tax rate.

[audio:10261584255-102615countybudget2.mp3] [/audio]

For the County, a majority of the budget comes from levies. Newberg explains there are several different levies in place, but they also get funds from the state and federal governments.

[audio:10261584257-102615countybudget3.mp3] [/audio]

Newberg credits the dedication and hard work of the department heads and County Board members. He says their hard work is allowing the County to "get the fiscal house back in order".

[audio:10261584300-102615countybudget4.mp3] [/audio]

Newberg believes the budget for this year that is now on file was one of several positive happenings at the latest County Board meeting. He feels the meeting last Thursday was as good of a meeting as they have had under the new Board.

Rangers Put Out Flames

 width=Dan Girardi broke a tie late in the second period on a night when he passed Mark Messier for 10th on the Rangers' all-time games played list and New York beat the Calgary Flames 4-1 on Sunday.

Oscar Lindberg, Kevin Klein and Derick Brassard also scored. The Rangers (6-2-2) have won three of their last five and earned points in all five games.

Antti Raanta made 22 saves in New York's third of 17 back-to-back sets this season - they lost to the Flyers in a shootout Saturday night. The Rangers have won six of their past seven against the Flames.

In his 769th game with New York, Girardi scored his first this season to put the Rangers ahead 2-1 with 3:03 left in the second. Recently demoted to the third defense pairing with Keith Yandle, Girardi snuck down to the right circle and snapped a rebound of Emerson Etem's shot past Jonas Hiller.

Jiri Hudler scored the Flames' lone goal.

NHL Scoreboard
-----------------------
LA 3
EDM 2

MIN 4
WPG 5

Smylie Kaufman Wins Shriners Open

Two weeks into the new season, rookies are ruling the PGA Tour.

Smylie Kaufman became the second straight rookie to win Sunday when he closed with a 10-under 61 and then waited more than two hours to see if anyone could catch him in the Shriners Hospital for Children Open.

 width=That felt tougher than any of the seven birdies and one eagle he made over the final 11 holes at the TPC Summerlin.

Kevin Na played a role in both rookies winning.

Emiliano Grillo won the Frys.com Open last week, and Na made it easier on him in the second playoff hole at Silverado by taking bogey on the par-5 18th.

This time, Na caught Kaufman with a 25-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole, only to flub a chip just short of the par-3 17th and make bogey. His 15-foot birdie putt to force a playoff caught part of the right lip and kept going.

Kaufman, a 23-year-old from LSU, played the last four holes in 4 under. That included his 3-wood to 15 feet for eagle on the par-4 15th, and a 20-foot birdie putt on the final hole that turned out to be the winner. He started the final round seven shots behind and finished at 16-under 268.

Two other rookies, Brett Stegmaier (69) and Patton Kizzire (63), were part of a six-way tie for second.

Rickie Fowler finished with a 68 to tie for 25th at 9 under. Jimmy Walker, playing alongside Na in the second-to-last group, had a 78 to fall into a tie for 50th at 4 under.

Al Golden Fired As Coach of Miami (FL); Top 25 Polls Largely Unchanged

 width=It seems that Miami's 58-0 loss to Clemson on Saturday was the final straw. The school announced Sunday that Al Golden has been relieved of his duties as football coach.

Miami athletic director Blake James said in a statement Sunday, quote - "Coach Golden has led our program through some very difficult times and he has done so with class, integrity and a true desire to see our students succeed on the field, in the classroom and in the community."

"However, we have a proud tradition of excellence at Miami, not just in football but in all sports, and we want to compete for ACC and national championships. I simply believe that now is the time to bring the Hurricane Family together and rally behind our young men."

Golden went 32-25 in his five seasons with the Hurricanes, never finishing with more than nine wins in a season. He led the team to two bowl games, but for a fan base that expects national titles, it simply wasn't enough.

Assistant coach Larry Scott, Miami's tight ends coach and running game coordinator, will serve as interim coach until the end of the season.

>>Clemson Moves Up in Latest AP Poll

While Week 8 provided some memorable finishes, most notably Georgia Tech's thrilling last-second blocked field goal returned for a game-winning touchdown, there was very little shake up in the AP Top 25.

 width=Florida State's slide (down eight spots to No. 17) following the loss at Georgia Tech was only topped by Utah, falling 10 spots to No. 13 after losing at USC. Most of the Utes' first-place votes from a week ago (16) appear to be back with the Buckeyes, now that J.T. Barrett has reassumed control of the offense with his five-touchdown performance in a return to the starting lineup.

Other big moves include Clemson's move up into the top five after beating Miami 58-0 and slight improvements in the rankings for the undefeated American trio of Memphis (No. 16), Houston (No. 18) and Temple (No. 21).

>>Ohio State Gains on No. 1 In Latest Coaches Poll

Ohio State, with J.T. Barrett back in the starting lineup at quarterback, remains the nation's No. 1 team after trouncing Rutgers 49-7 on Saturday night in Piscataway. After seeing some of their first-place votes get distributed elsewhere over the last several weeks, the Buckeyes' hold on No. 1 (49 of 62 first-place votes) has improved.

Utah and Florida State, both unbeaten heading into the weekend, lost in different ways. The Utes, down seven spots to No. 14, struggled with turnovers and were overwhelmed early by USC while Florida State, dropped six spots to No. 15.

Texas A&M and Cal both fell out of the top 25 following conference losses to Ole Miss and UCLA, respectively. The biggest moves up came from the Bruins and Pitt, both moving up four spots to break into the top 25.

Bulls' Rose Ready For Opener; Flip Saunders Dies

Chicago head coach Fred Hoiberg confirmed on Sunday that Derrick Rose will indeed play in the season opener, telling reporters that the guard has been "awesome" and "our most vocal guy in practices," per CSN Chicago's Mike Singer.

Hoiberg said quote - "I don't know if he's going to have a restriction on how many minutes."

 width=Having to undergo surgery to repair a fractured left orbital bone suffered on the first day of training camp, Derrick Rose has not had a lot of time practicing or playing in new Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg's offense. Rose finally got his experience playing in Hoiberg's system on Friday night in an exhibition matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.

Wearing a mask and still having difficulty at times seeing properly, Rose played only 10 minutes but scored a quick 8 points (4-6 FG). Rose didn't play cautiously, he attacked the basket when presented with the opportunity, unafraid to draw contact.

After the game, Rose raved about Hoiberg's offense and indicated that he will be ready to play in Chicago's season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

>>Wolves President, Coach Flip Saunders Dies

Minnesota Timberwolves president and coach Flip Saunders died Sunday, the team announced. Saunders, 60, had been battling Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Saunders coached the Timberwolves from 1995 to 2005, then spent three seasons with the Detroit Pistons and three with the Washington Wizards. He returned to Minnesota as team president in 2013, and named himself the coach of the team in 2014 after Rick Adelman retired. Saunders' career coaching record is 654-592.

In August, the Wolves announced that Saunders was undergoing chemotherapy and had been diagnosed with cancer eight weeks earlier. Sam Mitchell has taken over as interim head coach.

Saunders will be remembered as a basketball junkie -- he started out as the coach of Golden Valley Lutheran College in 1977 and didn't get his first NBA job until 1995 in Minnesota. In between, he was an assistant at Tulsa and the University of Minnesota, and he spent seven seasons as a head coach in the CBA. In the NBA, he was known as an offensive tactician and one of the first to utilize zone defense in the early 2000s.

Mets Tab Harvey For Game 1; Cespedes Ready For Game 1

The New York Mets now know they'll be heading to Kansas City to face the Royals in Games 1 and 2 of the World Series. With several days off, manager Terry Collins could set up his rotation however he wanted it. Here's how he has chosen:

1. Matt Harvey
2. Jacob deGrom
3. Noah Syndergaard
4. Steven Matz

 width=Collins told reporters that he wanted Syndergaard to pitch at home and for deGrom to have an extra day. While deGrom would have been on five days' rest for Game 1 anyway, an extra day certainly doesn't hurt this late in the season.

The four young guns have gone 6-2 with a 2.65 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 54 1/3 innings this postseason, easily the best work of any playoff rotation. By comparison, the Royals' rotation has a 5.56 ERA this postseason (they get the job done in other areas, of course).

Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes had to depart Game 4 of the NLCS early due to a shoulder injury -- with controversy attached, since he had golfed earlier that day -- but the World Series doesn't start until Tuesday. He told reporters at a workout/press conference Saturday that he feels better.

If Cespedes couldn't go at any point in the series, the Mets can go with defensive star Juan Lagares in center field, flanked by Curtis Granderson in right and Michael Conforto in left. As things stand, however, that shouldn't be necessary.

Cespedes, 30, hit .291/.328/.542 with 42 doubles, six triples, 35 homers and 105 RBI this season. This postseason he's hitting .265/.286/.471 with a double, two homers and seven RBI.

Rams Roll Browns

 width=Rookie Todd Gurley rushed for 128 yards and his first two touchdowns, helping the St. Louis Rams put away the punchless Cleveland Browns 24-6 on Sunday.

St. Louis (3-3) had four sacks and recovered four fumbles. The Rams scored 10 points off miscues on Cleveland's first two series, a 17-yard fumble recovery by Rodney McLeod and a field goal after the first of William Hayes' two sacks and strips of Josh McCown on the day.

Johnny Manziel got mop-up duty for the Browns (2-5) after McCown left for the locker room favoring his right arm with about four minutes left.

Gurley scored on runs of 1 and 16 yards. He has topped 100 yards rushing in each of the last three games.

>>Harris' Kickoff Return For TD Sends Giants Past Cowboys

 width=Dwayne Harris sped 100 yards with a kickoff return against his former Dallas teammates seconds after the Cowboys had tied Sunday's game, and the New York Giants moved atop the NFC East with a 27-20 victory.

Harris spent four seasons in Dallas without running back a kickoff for a score. But he tied a Giants record set in 1994 by romping untouched to the end zone.

New York (4-3) snapped a five-game slide against Dallas (2-4) thanks to big plays by its defense and special teams. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie had two interceptions, returning one 58 yards for a touchdown.

The Cowboys, losers of four in a row without injured offensive stars Tony Romo and Dez Bryant, got a big game from Darren McFadden. Starting running back Joseph Randle left early with a strained back, and McFadden rushed for 152 yards and a TD.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Weekend Report

Jail Population: 29

Paper Services: 4

Warrants: 0

Derek Atkinson, 24, Decatur was Issued Citations and Arrested and Charged with Driving Under Influence Alcohol and Improper Parking on Roadway. Atkinson posted the necessary bond and was released.

Michelle Latham, 33, Mahomet was Arrested and Charged with Possess Drug Paraphernalia and Possess Cannabis <2.5 Grams. Latham posted the necessary bond and was released.

Joshua Lange, 37, Tolono was issued Citations for Speeding 74 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone and Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Lange was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Jon Thoms, 50, Bloomington was issued a Citation for Speeding 71 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Thoms was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Christopher Ullrich, 22, Rockford was issued a Citation for Speeding 76 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Ullrich was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Riley Klaus, 21, Atlanta was issued a Citation for Speeding 73 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Klaus was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Dylan Duniphan, 18, Clinton was issued a Citation for Speeding 76 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Duniphan was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

DJWH Director of Nursing Passes Away Unexpectedly

 width=Kathy J. Isaac 60 of Clinton, IL passed away 12:30 PM October 24, 2015 at the Dr. John Warner Hospital, Clinton, IL.

Services will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Jim Dann officiating. Burial will follow at the Lisenby Cemetery, Lane, IL. Visitation will be 5 – 7 P.M. Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL. Memorials may be directed to the Dr. John Warner Hospital Foundation.

Isaac was the Director of Nursing at the Dr. John Warner Hospital where she was employed for 13 years.

She also spent time at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, IL for 23 years as a nurse in the ICU and Risk Management.

Start Time For Clinton, Althoff Catholic Set

The time has been set for the first Clinton Maroons playoff football game in 11 years.

The Maroons will play Althoff Catholic HS in the first round of the IHSA Playoffs on Saturday October 31st at 7:30pm at Lindenwood University in Belleville, IL.

A fan bus will be available for any HS student who wants to go to the game. Students will need to pick up a permission slip in the HS Athletic Office and return it with a $10 cash deposit.

The $10 deposit will be given back to the student when they get on the bus on Saturday. This is to ensure every student has enough money to get into the game and have money for food.

The fan bus will leave at 4:30pm from the front of the HS and will return immediately after the game.

Sages Pull Away Late for Wet Victory Over Monmouth-Roseville

A wet night in Monmouth forced the Monticello Sages to abandon their high powered passing attack; which proved to be no problem as the Sages pulled away from Monmouth-Roseville late for a 48-24 win.

Junior QB Caleb Hanson played a majority of the snaps, leading the Sages offense up and down the field most of the night.

 width=Hanson and Sr running back Jacob Burton did most of the damage. Burton finished with 4 total touchdowns and 122 yards on the ground and an 18 yard reception.

Hanson had 11 carries for 66 yards.

Brandon Wildman finished the game 8-for-18 for 193 yards and 2 TD with an interception.

Through the air, Noah Freemon had 8 catches for 81 yards. He also kicked an impressive 31-yard field goal.

Tyus Welter hauled in 2 catches for 111 yards, both catches touchdown catches.

Nathan Graham rushed for a 13 yard score and finished 46 receiving yards on three catches.

The Sages finish the regular season 8-1.

Find out tonight who the Monticello Sages will host in week 1 of the IHSA football playoffs. You can get the latest on the playoff pairings and hear from area coaches on the WEZC Playoff Preview Show from 7-9 pm on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Clinton Is In The Playoffs!

One of the biggest questions going into tonight's IHSA Football pairings was if the Clinton Maroons would end their 11 year playoff drought.  After Friday night's come from behind win over Sullivan, the Maroons became playoff eligible with a 5-4 overall record.  Just after 5p Saturday, the IHSA posted the list of the 256 teams that have qualified for this years playoffs.  The Clinton Maroons are in!  

Clinton's 35 playoff points (based off of opponent's wins) tied them with 5 other 5-4 teams across the state.  The next tiebreaker used by the IHSA is "Defeated Opponent's Wins."  Clinton's 10 in that category put them slightly ahead of Toledo's 8, and secured the Maroons the final spot in the 256 team field.

The actual pairings for the 2015 IHSA Playoffs will be released beginning at 8p.  

Join 95.9FM WEZC for the Prairie Farms Dairy Playoff Preview show beginning at 7pm for a full breakdown of the pairings.  We will also talk with several coaches from across central Illinois that are headed to the postseason.

Illinois State, Eastern Illinois Win; Illini Lose

 width=>> Illinois St. uses ground game to beat Western Illinois 48-28

Marshaun Coprich ran for 206 yards and two scores as Illinois State defeated Western Illinois 48-28 on Saturday.

Coprich's 83-yard romp_the longest of his career- with 5:40 remaining sealed the win for the Redbirds (6-1, 4-0 Missouri Valley Conference). Coprich might have scored again earlier in the fourth, but the Leathernecks' Brett Taylor forced him to fumble at the goal line. The ball bounced directly into the hands of Illinois State's Anthony Warrum in the end zone for the score.

Warrum finished with 170 yards receiving on four catches and a receiving touchdown.

Western Illinois (4-3, 3-1) led once when Devon Moore ran for a 10-yard score to put the Leathernecks up 28-21 with 8:25 left in the third quarter.

Tre Roberson threw for 211 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Redbirds.

The Leathernecks' Trenton Norvell was 27 of 47 for 313 yards passing with two touchdowns.

>> Houston steps in to lead Badgers past Illinois, 24-13

 width=Bart Houston came off the bench to throw for 232 yards and two touchdowns, and Wisconsin beat Illinois 24-13 on Saturday.

Wisconsin starting quarterback Joel Stave left the game late in the first quarter with a head injury. But the Badgers (6-2, 3-1 Big Ten) didn't miss a beat with Houston.

The junior found his favorite target, Alex Erickson, for a 9-yard touchdown with 9:42 left in the game to give Wisconsin a 24-13 lead and effectively put the game away.

Erickson led the Badgers in receiving with 10 catches for 96 yards and had four rushes for 81 yards.

Wes Lunt had 278 yards passing with one interception for Illinois (4-3, 1-2).

The Badgers also lost starting center Dan Voltz in the second half with a leg injury.

>> Eastern Illinois beats Tennessee Tech 51-20

 width=Jalen Whitlow threw for 160 yards and a touchdown as Eastern Illinois rolled over Tennessee Tech 51-20 on Saturday.

Malik Harrison ran for 123 yards and a score and Shepard Little added a pair of rushing touchdowns for the Panthers (4-3, 4-0 Ohio Valley Conference).

Whitlow threw a 16-yard scoring pass to James Brooks late in the second quarter to help Eastern Illinois to a 17-10 halftime lead.

Devin Church ran for a touchdown early in the second half and Little scored on a 12-yard run, stretching the Panthers' lead to 31-13 with a minute left in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Jarvis Williams scored on a 24-yard interception return and backup QB Austin Green hit Paul Gossage from 33 yards to make it 44-13. Harrison's 83-yard touchdown run with 2:40 to play sealed the win.

Colby Brown had 115 yards passing for the Golden Eagles (2-6, 1-4).

2015 IHSA Football Playoffs Set; Maroons Head To Belleville; Sages At Home

 width=

The 2015 IHSA Football Playoff picture is set.

 

Saturday night teams from across the area found out where they will be traveling, or who they will be hosting in the first round of the IHSA football playoffs next week.

 

The Clinton Maroons used a come from behind win over Sullivan Friday night to qualify for the playoffs. Their 5-4 season was rewarded with a first round trip to 9 & 0 Belleville Althoff Catholic, who is the top seed in Class 4A. The Maroons end an 11 year playoff drought with the birth. The day and time for the game is expected to be announced Monday afternoon.

 

The Monticello Sages finished the regular season with an 8-1 overall record. That earned them a first round home game in Class 3A against 6 & 3 Trenton Wesclin. You'll be able to hear all of the Sages playoff games on 95.9FM WEZC and online at DeWittDailyNews.com.

 

Other area teams in the 2015 IHSA Football Playoffs include:

 

In Class 1A -
#1 seed Tuscola at 9 & 0 hosting #16 seed Camp Point Central
#9 seed LeRoy at 6 & 3 traveling to #8 seed Greenfield-Northwestern who's also 6-3
#12 seed Decatur LSA at 5-4 traveling to #5 seed Pawnee who's 8-1
#2 seed GCMS at 9-0 hosting #15 seed Mt. Olive who's 5-4
#7 seed Decatur St. Teresa at 6-3 hosting #10 seed Winchester West Central who's also 6-3
#3 seed Arcola at 9-0 hosting #14 seed Hardin Calhon at 5 -4

 

In Class 2A -
#1 seed Tri-Valley at 9-0 hosting #16 seed West Carroll at 5-4
#12 seed El Paso-Gridley at 6-3 traveling to #5 seed Mendon Unity at 7-2
#7 seed Fieldcrest at 7-2 hosting #10 seed Knoxville at 6-3
#1 seed Pana at 9-0 hosting #16 seed Georgetown-Ridge Farm at 5-4
#5 seed Shelbyville at 7-2 hosting #12 seed Auburn at 6-3
#7 seed Maroa-Forsyth at 7-2 hosting #10 seed Westville at 7-2
#14 seed Cerro Gordo-Bement at 5-4 traveling to #3 seed Sangamon Valley at 8-1

 

In Class 3A -
#13 seed Williamsville at 5-4 traveling to #4 seed Paxton-Buckley-Loda at 8-1
#5 seed Bloomington Central Catholic at 8-1 hosting #12 seed DuQuoin at 5-4
#10 seed Tolono Unity at 6-3 traveling to #7 seed Marshall at 8-1
#14 seed Sullivan-Okaw Valley at 5-4 traveling to #3 seed Newton at 9-0

 

In Class 4A -
#4 seed Rochester at 8-1 hosting #13 seed Alton Marquette at 6-3
#14 seed Mt. Zion at 6-3 traveling to #3 seed Taylorville at 9-0

 

In Class 5A -
#4 seed Champaign Central at 8-1 hosting #13 seed Jacksonville at 6-3
#12 seed Decatur Eisenhower at 6-3 traveling to #5 seed Highland at 8-1
#14 seed Normal University at 6-3 traveling to #3 seed Peoria at 8-1

 

In Class 6A -
#16 seed Champaign Centennial at 5-4 traveling to #1 seed Frankfort Lincoln-Way North at 9-0
#2 seed Sacred Heart Griffin at 9-0 hosting #15 seed Palos Heights Shepard at 5-4
#10 seed Normal Community West at 6-3 traveling to #7 seed Peoria Notre Dame at 7-2

 

Again, the dates and times of all the first round playoff games are expected to be officially announced by the IHSA Monday afternoon.

 

Lower Gas Prices Coming

Crude oil prices have been steady to declining since June of this year, due to a combination of soft worldwide demand and sharply increased oil production here in the U.S.

As a result, Growmark’s Harry Cooney says gas prices will likely fall even further as we head towards the winter months..

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Propane is a byproduct of the refinering process. So the huge increase in domestic production of crude, plus lower demand for propane for grain drying this fall have led to record supplies of propane on the market. This means low cost heating this winter for propane users

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Diesel prices should track lower along with gasoline prices.

Madigan on Illinois' Credit Rating

The state has taken another hit to its financial standing. Moody’s credit rating agency has downgraded the state on more than $26 billion in general obligation bonds.

Speaker of the House Mike Madigan says the message is clear from those groups pass a budget, not a turn-around agenda.

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The end result of Moody’s downgrade and a similar one from Fitch on Monday is the state will pay more to borrow money. The new rating is now Baa1 from A3. It’s not junk status but it’s getting close. The agency said that their expectations are the lack of a budget and no-end in sight on the stalemate will continue to erode Illinois financial outlook.

Rauner Gets Deal Done With Three Unions

The Governor has labor deal with some of the unions that represent state workers.

His administration says today that a tentative four year agreement is done between the state and the International Union of Operating Engineers, the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry, and the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers.

The agreement will need to be ratified by the workers covered by those unions. Those unions represent a few hundred workers.

Rauner still has an expired labor contract with AFSCME covering 30,000 state employees.

Unemployment Insurance Deal Coming Together

An upcoming speed bump for unemployment insurance has the business community, labor and legislators working to find a deal that is fair for all. That’s according to the Democratic Chairman of the House Labor and Commerce Committee Jay Hoffman.

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Unemployment Picture Tricky

What’s the cause of the drop in unemployment while the state is also losing jobs?

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IDES says sub-state data paints an even bleaker picture for areas outside of the Chicago area that have lost a net 10,000 jobs over the past year.

United Way: Human Service Agencies on Brink

United Way of Central Illinois President John Kelker isn't a weather man and he doesn't work for the Farmer's Almanac, but he's predicting a long, cold winter for human services agencies if the state continues to operate without a budget.

A new survey conducted by all 52 United Way of Illinois chapters shows the budget stalemate has become a crisis for most at risk citizens. The survey claims children, low-income families and the mentally ill continue to suffer the worst. United Way of Central Illinois President John Kelker says it's time for lawmakers and the Governor to put an end to the endless budget saga.

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84 percent of human services agencies reported they have cut the number of clients they serve. That's up from 34 percent in July. 79% of respondents have cut programs, most impacting children and working adults.

Cash is getting tight as well. About a third of agencies say they have one month or less of cash reserves, 8 percent have used all of their reserves and a quarter of the respondents have turned to lines of credit to get by. 22 percent of agencies have laid off staffers.

Miller Park Zoo Hosting Annual Zoo Spooktacular

If you're looking to get a head start on your Halloween celebrations, you'll want to be sure and check out the Miller Park Zoo's annual, Spooktacular event this Sunday.

Superintendent of the Miller Park Zoo, Jay Tetzloff indicates this event is easily their best attended of the year. He explains they encourages kids, and adults, to dress up and come out and spend some time at the zoo on Sunday.

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Because of the popularity of the event, Tetzloff encourages those attending to arrive early. He says their attendance jumps exponentially before the event to during the event.

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There will be a costume parade that starts at 2:30 pm.

Zoo Spooktacular starts at noon and goes until 3pm. It is free with a paid admission to the zoo.

CHS, CJHS Bands To Perform Together Friday

 width=The Clinton High School Marching Band will wrap up their season tonight with a final performance at tonight's Clinton High School football games.

Band Director Nathan Wheeler indicates this year's show is to the music of the popular James Bond movies. He explains tonight, the Clinton Junior High band will join them on the field and with the addition of the junior high band, the two will add to their musical selections.

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Having the junior high band join the high school band tonight is something special for Wheeler and he hopes it gets the band students in junior high students a taste of what it will be like to perform in front of the Clinton High School crowds.

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The Clinton High School Band has been working on this year's show since May. Wheeler explains that is when they got their music, to start learning it, and a few weeks before the school year, they begin to work on their marching routine.

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Wheeler is in his second year at the helm of the Clinton High School band program.

The Maroons host the Sullivan Redskins for their final home game of the season. At 4-4, the Maroons need a win to give themselves a chance at the playoffs.

Depleted Blackhawks Down Florida

 width=Patrick Kane and Brent Seabrook each had a goal and two assists, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Florida Panthers 3-2 on Thursday night in their first game since top defenseman Duncan Keith had right knee surgery.

Artem Anisimov also scored for the Stanley Cup champions, and Corey Crawford made 16 saves while improving to 5-1 in seven career starts against Florida.

Keith had a meniscal tear repaired on Tuesday, sidelining the two-time Norris Trophy winner for four to six weeks. It could be a huge blow for the Blackhawks, who were already thin on defense and play in one of the NHL's best divisions, but they responded with a smart, measured performance on the first night of Keith's extended absence.

Jaromir Jagr and Vincent Trocheck scored for Florida, which has dropped three in a row. Roberto Luongo made 24 saves.

NLCS Viewed By Most Since 2010

 width=The NL Championship Series had its largest television audience since 2010 despite lasting just four games.

The New York Mets' sweep of the Chicago Cubs in a matchup of big-market teams averaged 7.9 million viewers on TBS. The network said Thursday that was the most since the six-game Giants-Phillies series five years ago on Fox.

The audience was up 55 percent from last year's four-game ALCS on TBS between the small-market Royals and Orioles.

>>Mattingly, Dodgers Part Ways

Don Mattingly and the Dodgers will part ways. The Dodgers made an official announcement Thursday afternoon.

The decision is being described as mutual.

Dodgers higher-ups like Mattingly very much, but it was apparent there wasn't support for the long term. Word is Mattingly felt he was treated very well by baseball president Andrew Friedman and others, but the sides ultimately decided it was better to move on.

Mattingly won three consecutive division titles with the Dodgers, becoming the first Dodgers manager ever to do that and also make the playoffs in three straight. But Mattingly bore the heavy burden of outsized expectations.

The Marlins are known to have interest in Mattingly, and there are three other jobs open, as well. Mattingly wants to keep managing.

The Marlins could offer Mattingly an opportunity for more authority than he had in L.A., which was little. The Nationals have shown interest in Mattingly in the past but they seem a lot further down the road with their managerial search.

Rams Battle Browns in St. Louis; Bears, Packers On Bye

 width=Todd Gurley figures to be primed for his first home start after two spectacular efforts on the road preceded the St. Louis Rams' bye week.

He may be licking his chops to face a Cleveland Browns (2-4) defense that is the NFL's worst in stopping the run.

The Rams, who have the league's worst offense, figure to use a run-heavy game plan with Gurley when they host the Browns on Sunday.

Coach Jeff Fisher said Gurley is still not at 100 percent. Gurley has two rushes of at least 50 yards while the rest of the league has combined for six.

He represents a big challenge for a Cleveland defense allowing a league-worst 149.8 rushing yards per game. The Browns gave up 152 yards on the ground in last Sunday's 26-23 overtime home loss to Denver.

Robert Quinn and fellow defensive end Chris Long did not practice Wednesday, with Long unlikely to play.

 width=>>Bears, Packers on Bye in Week 7

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers head into week 7 of the NFL season at different places, but both find themselves on bye.

The Bears are coming off a devestating week six, in which they were beaten by the winless Lions in Detroit by a game winning field goal in overtime. The Bears, at 2-4, have entered obvious rebuild mode on defense after dealing defensive end Jared Allen and linebacker Jon Bostic.

The Packers however, go into the bye as perhaps the best team in the NFC.

Having their main success behind the right arm of MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have found success so far this year on the ground.

Behind backs Eddie Lacey and James Starks, the Packers are top 5 in the league in rushing yards per game at 127.3.

While injuries to the Packers receiving core could easily have slowed their offense, the revival of James Jones' career has helped Green Bay remain balanced.

The Packers are undefeated at 6-0 and sit atop the NFC North.

 width=>>Bears Cut Ratliff, Sign Ziggy Hood

The Chicago Bears have signed defensive lineman Ziggy Hood and cut defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff.

Hood signed a four-year deal with Jacksonville in March 2014, but he missed the first part of the season after he hurt his foot in the exhibition finale. Hood was released from the injured list on Tuesday after he passed a physical.

The 6-foot-3 Hood was a first-round pick by Pittsburgh in the 2009 draft out of Missouri. He has 12 1/2 sacks and 164 tackles in six seasons with the Steelers and Jaguars.

Ratliff was suspended for the first three games of this season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. He started at nose tackle in each of Chicago's last two games and had seven tackles.

Ratliff, a four-time Pro Bowl selection in Dallas, had 6 1/2 sacks last season for the Bears.

The team announced the moves Thursday.

>>Seattle Dominates 'Niners

Russell Wilson threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Lockett late in the first half, Marshawn Lynch jumped the pile for a 1-yard score, and the Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 20-3 on Thursday for their fourth straight win in this rivalry.

The Seahawks whipped San Francisco (2-5) in Levi's Stadium on a Thursday in prime time 11 months after Richard Sherman chomped turkey on the field here last Thanksgiving night following a 19-3 victory.

Wilson completed 10 of his first 12 passes and finished with 235 yards passing. He was sacked five times to push his NFL-leading total to 31.

Lynch ran for 122 yards despite vomiting on the sideline in the first half as Seattle (3-4) won its first road game in four tries, avoiding another fourth-quarter collapse.

In a game lacking its usual intrigue with both teams trying to save their seasons and with Pete Carroll missing coaching nemesis Jim Harbaugh, Wilson made the key plays and Colin Kaepernick struggled once again facing Seattle.

>>Cowboys Not Ruling WR Bryant Out For Sunday

Dez Bryant has been sidelined with a broken foot since Week 1 but coach Jason Garrett said Thursday that the Cowboys' all-world wide receiver is "day to day," and that no one has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Giants, reports NFL.com's Desmond Purnell.

Garrett said before practice that Bryant "is running and cutting at full speed," according to Fort Worth Star-Telegram Charean Williams.

On Tuesday, Garrett said that Bryant could play this weekend "if he had a couple of really good days of practice," though Bryant was a non-participant on Wednesday.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who has been decidedly optimistic throughout Bryant's recovery, said that this could be the week the wideout returns to the field.

The Cowboys are 1-3 in Bryant's absence -- the team also lost quarterback Tony Romo to a fractured clavicle in Week 2 -- and the offense, which currently ranks 21st in the NFL, could use a spark. Bryant's return would also make life immeasurably easier for Matt Cassel, who will make his first start for Dallas on Sunday.

Illinois Welcomes Wisconsin To Town For Homecoming; Illinois State, Eastern Home For Homecoming

 width=Coming off the bye week, the Fighting Illini will welcome the Wisconsin Badgers to town for Homecoming.

Wearing their special "gray ghost" uniforms honoring the Galloping Ghsot, Red Grange, the Illini are coming off a tough loss to Iowa two weeks ago.

The bye week allowed Illinois to find health. Head Coach Bill Cubit indicated earlier this week star wideout Geronimo Allison will play after suffering a mild concussion against Iowa. Freshman runningback Ke'Shawn Vaughn had a scare in the game against Iowa, however, he was able to return in that game is a go for the Homecoming contest with the Badgers.

Bad news for the Illini is it appears senior runningback Josh Ferguson is still not ready for game action. Cubit indicated Ferguson will likely miss this weekend's game.

Additionally, wide receivers Mike Dudek and Justin Hardee are both out. It is becoming more likely with each passing week, Dudek (SO) will likely sit the entire season out and redshirt.

Sophomore wideout Marchie Murdock has been ruled out as well.

For the Badgers, their bread and butter for many years has been their run game, however, because of injuries to Cory Clement, the Badger run game has been towards the bottom of the Big Ten this year. Clement is questionable for Saturday's contest.

The availability of Clement for Saturday's game against Illinois remains unclear as the running back recovers from sports hernia surgery.

Coach Paul Chryst said before practice Thursday that Clement had taken hits in earlier in the week but had yet to be tackled.

Clement rushed for nearly 1,000 yards last season as the backup to Heisman Trophy runner-up Melvin Gordon. He was slated to take the starting job.

Clement had surgery on Oct. 1, and the team initially said that the junior might miss four to six weeks.

Saturday's game kicks off at 2:30 pm and can be seen on the Big Ten Network.

>>Redbirds Host Western Illinois For Homecoming, Hall of Fame Weekend

 width=Coming off its fifth-straight win, No. 3 Illinois State (5-1, 3-0 MVFC) returns home to Hancock Stadium to host in-state rival No. 20 Western Illinois (4-2, 3-0 MVFC) on Homecoming at ISU. The Redbirds and Leathernecks will square off with the top spot in the Missouri Valley Football Conference standings on the line.

After battling an outstanding Iowa Hawkeyes team in a season-opening loss (Sept. 5), Illinois State has been on a roll ever since. The Redbirds have now rattled off five-straight wins, including back-to-back victories over a pair of Top-10 Missouri Valley Football Conference foes in Northern Iowa (Oct. 3) and Youngstown State (Oct. 10). The Redbirds bring a 3-0 MVFC start to Hancock Stadium.

WIU is off to a 4-2 start in 2015, with a pair of wins against nationally-ranked FCS opponents. The Leathernecks opened the season with a 33-5 win over No. 25 Eastern Illinois and picked up a win at the UNI Dome against No. 12 Northern Iowa last week.

The WIU offense is loaded with play makers at every position. Quarterback Trenton Norvell has thrown for 1,471 yards and nine touchdowns, with Lance Lenoir serving as his favorite target as he has recorded 519 yards and scored twice. Running back Nikko Watson rounds out the three-headed monster on the ground, with an average of 5.1 yards per carry and 584 yards and six touchdown in just four games played.

Senior placekicker Nick Aussieker nailed the game-winning field goal, as No. 9 Illinois State erased a 21-point second-half deficit to come from behind for a 37-34 win at Western Illinois.

The game will kick off at 2 p.m., and will be broadcast live on CSN Chicago and ESPN3.

 width=>>Eastern Welcomes Tennessee Tech For Homecoming

It's Homecoming in Charleston this weekend.

The Panthers put an undefeated mark in the Ohio Valley Conference up against Tennesee Tech who is 2-15 overall, and 1-3 in the Ohio Valley.

The Panthers are coming off an overtime win against Tennessee State last weekend.

Saturday's game is set for a 1 pm kickoff and can be heard on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW.

Clinton Needs Win For Shot At Playoffs; Monticello At Monmouth-Roseville

 width=It's the final week of the high school football season and the Clinton Maroons are in need a big win in week 9 if they want a chance at the postseason.

Coming into the night at 4-4, the Maroons need a win over Sullivan-Okaw Valley tonight at Clinton High School, and then a lot of help to have their name called tomorrow night in the IHSA pairings release.

Among schools that could qualify for the postseason, the Maroons have the least amount of playoff points among 4A schools with 32, which is five behind the next 4A school, which is Coal City.

If Clinton was able to fall into Class 3A, they would have a better chance at the postseason. According to IHSA.org, the Maroons are currently listed as a 4A school.

The Redskins will be looking to improve their playoff outlook tonight with a win. SOV comes into play at 5-3 and a win could put them in position to possible host a playoff game next week.

Hear all the action tonight on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Elsewhere in the Central Illinois Conference tonight...

Meridian at Tuscola
Shelbyville at Central A & M
Sullivan-Okaw Valley at Clinton
Warrensburg-Latham at Decatur St. Teresa

 width=>>WEZC Rejoins Monticello For Playoff Tune Up

The Monticello Sages football program has been a top 10 football team in Class 3A all season, and tonight they will blaze the trail to Monmouth-Roseville for a non-conference battle.

The Sages enter play at 7-1 and are seeking to get themselves on track as they look forward to another playoff birth under head Coach Cully Welter.

Monmouth-Roseville will come into tonight looking to pick up a fifth win and better their positioning for a playoff birth.

Hear all the action tonight on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com. Game time is 7 pm.

In the Okaw Valley tonight...

St. Joseph-Ogden at Prairie Central
Illini West at Tolono Unity
Rantoul at Olympia
Maroa-Forsyth vs. Cerro Gordo-Bement at Cerro Gordo
Paxton-Buckley-Loda at Champaign St. Thomas More

Across the area...

Heart of Illinois

Fisher at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley
Heyworth at El Paso-Gridley
LeRoy at Ridgeview
Tremont at Flanagan-Cornell-Woodland

Big Twelve

Champaign Central at Champaign Centennial
Danville at Urbana
Normal West at Bloomington
Peoria Manual at Peoria Richwoods
Peoria Notre Dame at Peoria

Central State Eight

Chatham Glenwood at Jacksonville
Decatur Eisenhower at Springfield
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin at Rochester
Springfield Southeast at Decatur MacArthur

Mid-Illini

Limestone at Pekin
Dunlap at Canton
Metamora at East Peoria
Washington at Morton

Non-conference action tonight....

Argenta-Oreana at Dwight
Illinois Valley Central at Taylorville
Decatur Lutheran at Oblong
Dee-Mack at Rockford Christian Life
Macomb at Bloomington Central Catholic
Sangamon Valley at Martinsville
Normal U-High at Moline
Oakland Tri-County at Arcola
Olympia Fields Rich Central at Normal Community
Palestine at Tri-Valley (Sat.)
Toledo Cumberland at Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond
Varna Midland River Valley at Peoria Heights
Villa Grove-Heritage at Bismarck-Henning

Local Leaders Remember Former DeWitt Sheriff Don Massey

 width=DeWitt County lost a former leader earlier this week.

Former DeWitt County Sheriff Don Massey passed away Wednesday at the age of 90. DeWitt County Board Chair David Newberg remembers Massey as a man that cared a lot about the community and for the people he served.

[audio:102315103327-102415massey1.mp3] [/audio]

Sheriff Jered Shofner indicates he started his career in the Sheriff's office after Massey had retired but he says Massey was always willing to spend time with him and share his knowledge of the position.

[audio:102315120958-102415massey2.mp3] [/audio]

Massey was a second generation farmer southeast of Clinton and had served in the U.S. Army in Okinawa, Japan. He became a part time DeWitt County Deputy Sheriff in 1968 and served until he was elected Sheriff in 1978. He served two terms as DeWitt County Sheriff retiring in 1986.

Services will be 1:00 P.M. Monday, October 26, 2015 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, Il. with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Burial will follow at Mausoleum Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL with military honors. Visitation will be 4 – 7 P.M. Sunday, October 25, 2015 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, Il.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Christy Massey Foundation Inc. for the park renovation project.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for Oct. 23

Jail Population: 32

Paper Services: 2

Warrants: 0

Dennis Burton, 41, Deland was Arrested and Charged with Driving While License Suspended. Burton was issued Citations for Driving While License Suspended, Operating Uninsured Vehicle and Operating Vehicle with Registration Suspended-No Insurance. Burton posted the necessary bond and was released.

Charles Copples, 47, Decatur was issued a Citation for Speeding 72 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Copples was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report For Oct. 22

Jail Population: 33

Paper Services: 3

Warrants: 0

Treva Blankenship, 24, Decatur was issued a Citation for Speeding 71 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Blankenship was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Jefferson Smith, 63, Decatur was issued a Citation for Speeding 69 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Smith was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Rita Frazer, 47, Clinton was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Frazer was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Nancy Jobe, 55, Charleston was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Jobe was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

 

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

RECAP: Maroons Come From Behind To Top Redskins

As heard on 92.3 FM WHOW, the Clinton Maroons scored two touchdowns with less than three minutes to play in the 4th quarter to top the Sullivan Redskins Friday night, 42-38.

It was a back and forth game throughout, with the Maroons leading at the half 21-19.  Clinton added to the lead to start the third quarter, but Sullivan-Okaw Valley responded with two long touchdown runs to go up 32-28 early in the 4th quarter.  Another Redskin touchdown made it 38-28 with only 6:22 to play, but the Maroons fought back to score with 2:40 to play.  Trailing 38-35 Clinton opted for an onside kick that they recovered.  They marched down the field, and scored the go ahead touchdown when Junior Quarterback Noah Griffin lept over the pile on the goal line with just seconds remaining.  The extra point made it a 42-38 final.

Clinton was led on offense by Griffin, who was 21 of 26 passing for 253 yards and 3 touchdowns through the air.  He also added 2 rushing touchdowns, including the game winner.  The performance earned him the nod for the Stephan York Country Financial Maroons Player of the Game.

Clinton Junior Running Back Alec Cooley also had a stellar game.  Rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.  Cooley also set the Clinton High School single season rushing record, surpassing Ontario Sneed's previous record of 1609 yards in one season.  Cooley unofficially has 1721 yards on the year to go along with 20 rushing touchdowns.

Senior Wide Receiver Tanner White also had a tremendous game, hauling in 10 catches for 129 yards and 3 TDs.

Sullivan was led by quarterback Ty Molzen.  The Senior ran 11 times for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns.  He was 7 of 11 passing for 121 yards with a TD and an interception.

The game was vital for both teams playoff hopes.  Both Clinton and Sullivan now sit at 5-4 on the season and 3-4 in the CIC.  The five wins makes each team elligible for the postseason, but it will come down to a matter of playoff points (determined by opponent's win totals) to see if they get a playoff berth. 

The IHSA Playoff Pairings will be announced beginning at 8pm Saturday.  You can hear full coverage of the playoff pairings, and interviews with area coaches on the Prairie Farms Dairy Playoff Preview Show on 95.9FM WEZC Saturday from 7-9pm.  It will also be streamed online by clicking the WEZC sports stream icon on the homepage of DeWittDailyNews.com.

Lawmaker Urgin Meeting of All Legislative Leaders

The Governor and legislative leaders have been meeting off and on to resolve the budget stalemate at the statehouse, but its been way more off than on.

One lawmaker wants that to change and is doing what she can to get them together on a much more regular schedule. Democratic Senator Julie Morrison of suburban Deerfield has introduced a bill that would require the Governor and four leaders to participate in a weekly pubic meeting.

[audio:10231581928-onceaweek.mp3] [/audio]

Reports have the four tops and the Governor not all sitting down together for a meeting since May. Speaker Mike Madigan said this week, he and the Governor have met three times in the past four or five weeks.

Leaders Return From Trip To Cuba

A delegation from Illinois recently returned from Cuba. The trip was lead by two US Representatives, Democrat Cheri Bustos and Republican Rodney Davis. They along with leaders from state ag organizations and other business groups spent four days in Cuba looking at economic opportunities for the state’s economy.

Farmers in Western Illinois are on board with opening up trade opportunities with Cuba. Jeff Kirwan of New Windsor says another potential customer would benefit Illinois producers.

[audio:10231581919-CUBAKIRWAN.MP3] [/audio]

Viola area farmer Chad Bell agrees.

[audio:10231581917-CUBABELL.MP3] [/audio]

Both Bell and Kirwan met with Western Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos this week. She just returned from a trade mission to Cuba along with fellow Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis.

Political Expert Says Compromises Are Available

As the State of Illinois continues into unprecedented territory, one political expert says the situation is only worsening the future of the state.

Kent Redfield is a political science expert at the University of Illinois Springfield and says there are compromises to be made, however, he says the governor may be asking for too much when it comes to collective bargaining for public employees.

[audio:10221582242-102215redfieldstate1.mp3] [/audio]

Redfield says the long term effects on the state are going to take at least a decade to dig out of. He believes warnings made by former state leaders need to be taken seriously by Governor Rauner.

[audio:10221582245-102215redfieldstate2.mp3] [/audio]

Earlier this week, Illinois was downgraded on the Fitch Ratings and Redfield indicates when the state goes to borrow money, that is only going to put them farther behind than they already are.

[audio:10221582248-102215redfieldstate3.mp3] [/audio]

Many Republicans have backed the tactics used by Governor Rauner lately, and Redfield indicates the party will continue to back the Governor, especially because he bankrolled the party during the last campaign.

Clinton Burning Regulations Reminder

As the fall nights begin to get cooler, the popularity small evening fires are still prominent.

Because of this and extremely dry weather in central Illinois the last several weeks, local authorities are reminding residents to be very careful right now. Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers indicates those need to be put out by 11 pm.

[audio:10221582238-102215cityfire1.mp3] [/audio]

As leaves begin to fall this fall, the Chief reminds residents, burning of brush and leaves is not allowed in city limits.

[audio:10221582240-102215cityfire2.mp3] [/audio]

The City has the yard waste facility on Cain Street that can be taken advantage of by any community resident.

Additionally, the Chief notes the City Streets Department will soon begin their leaf pickup program for the fall.

Cavs, Former Lottery Pick Tristan Thompson Reach Agreement

Tristan Thompson and the Cleveland Cavaliers finally have a deal, as first reported by the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Chris Haynes and confirmed by agent Rich Paul to Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears. The forward has agreed to re-sign for five years and $82 million.

 width=Thompson and the Cavaliers had been in a standoff after reportedly being "close" to an agreement on the first day of free agency. At training camp, LeBron James -- a fellow Paul client -- called the situation "a distraction," and said that Thompson had "extreme" value to the Cavs.

The dollar value here means that Cleveland does indeed consider him extremely valuable, even though he is arguably a luxury for a team that signed Kevin Love to a long-term deal.

While Thompson -- an excellent offensive rebounder and mobile big man -- doesn't fit the profile of a typical $82 million man, the contract isn't totally crazy. That's because Thompson would have the opportunity to make as much if not more next summer, when the salary cap increases, and the Cavs want to give themselves the best chance possible to win the title this year.

Even if Thompson spends the next five years coming off the bench, Cleveland is a better and more versatile team with him on the roster.

NFC West Rivals Clash on Thursday Night Football

 width=The Seattle Seahawks believe they are better than their losing record might indicate.

Following a second straight fourth-quarter collapse, the visiting Seahawks can prove that Thursday night as they try to avoid their first three-game skid in four years by continuing their recent success against the San Francisco 49ers.

Seattle (2-4) opened with consecutive road losses to St. Louis and Green Bay, but regrouped to beat struggling Chicago and then-winless Detroit at home. The Seahawks appeared to be headed for a third straight win before blowing a 24-7 fourth-quarter lead and falling in overtime at Cincinnati on Oct. 11. At home Sunday, Seattle led 23-14 over Carolina before allowing Cam Newton to engineer a pair of 80-yard touchdown drives in falling 27-23.

The two-time reigning NFC champions haven't dropped three in a row since Weeks 7-9 in 2011. They lost two straight last October and did some soul searching before winning nine of the final 10 entering the playoffs.

49ers quarterback Kolin Kaepernick has completed 53.3 percent of his passes with three TDs, nine interceptions and been sacked 18 times while posting a 54.1 rating to go 1-5 as a starter against Seattle. However, he's taken some of the public scrutiny off himself by throwing four TDs and no INTs in the last two games after being picked off five times without throwing for a score in the previous two.

Teammate Anquan Boldin has 17 receptions for 194 yards and one TD in his last five games overall against the Seahawks. However, he's caught 13 for 209 yards in the last two weeks after recording 15 for 124 in the first four.

Seattle's Marshawn Lynch returned from missing 2 1/2 games with a hamstring injury to gain 54 yards on 17 carries last week. He's averaged 4.8 per carry while gaining 304 yards in the last three, including the playoffs, with San Francisco.

The Seahawks hope to have linebacker Bobby Wagner (pectoral) back after he missed Sunday's loss.

Blues C Stastny Out Five Weeks With Broken Foot

The St. Louis Blues are off to a strong start to the season at 5-2-0, but their recent six-game road trip proved costly. Paul Stastny, the team's top center sustained a broken right foot on Oct. 16 and has been placed on injured reserve. He will be re-evaluated in five weeks.

 width=This is particularly sour news considering how well Stastny started the 2015-16 season playing alongside Vladimir Tarasenko and Alexander Steen. The 29-year-old had five points to start the season including a goal and four assists.

It was a great start coming off of a somewhat disappointing 2014-15 campaign, Stastny's first with the Blues after signing a four-year, $28 million deal. He had 46 points in 74 regular-season games and notched just one goal in six postseason contests.

Jori Lehtera has been spending time between Tarasenko and Steen in Stastny's absence. Not having both Stastny and Patrik Berglund is far from ideal, but there's a lot of talent through the first three lines and Lehtera should be an adequate replacement on the top line. That should help the Blues weather the storm without two of their better forwards for the next several weeks.

Stastny's injury also should keep veteran Scott Gomez in the lineup for the foreseeable future. Signed after a successful tryout with the club in the preseason, Gomez has appeared in three games and has registered one assist.

Losing players is never good, but this club has structured their forward lineup well enough to manage injuries and maintain competitiveness.

Mets Sweep Cubs, Reach World Series

Daniel Murphy homered in his record sixth straight postseason game and the New York Mets reached the World Series for the first time in 15 years, beating the Chicago Cubs 8-3 Wednesday night for a playoff sweep.

Manager Terry Collins' team never trailed for a single inning in taking all four games in the NL Championship Series.

New York, seeking its first title since 1986, will play Game 1 of the World Series at either Kansas City or Toronto on Tuesday night. The Royals lead the AL Championship Series 3-2.

 width=Murphy broke the postseason mark set by Houston's Carlos Beltran in 2004 with a two-run drive in the eighth inning.

Lucas Duda homered and drove in five runs. Travis d'Arnaud also connected as the Mets advanced to their first World Series since 2000.

Kris Bryant homered for Chicago, but a championship drought dating to 1908 continues. Joe Maddon's young team had many believing this might be the year, but the Cubs did little against the Mets' fresh aces.

>>Murphy Named NLCS MVP

Wednesday night at Wrigley Field, the Mets clinched the 2015 NL pennant with their Game 4 win over the Cubs (NYM 8, CHC 3). New York swept the best-of-seven series. They'll play either the Blue Jays or Royals in the World Series beginning next week.

To the surprise of no one, Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy was named the series' Most Valuable Player. He had an incredible series, going 9 for 17 (.529) with four home runs in the four games. Murphy has gone deep in six straight games dating back to the NLDS.

In nine postseason games overall, Murphy has gone 16 for 38 (.421) with seven home runs. He went 4 for 5 with a home run in the Game 4 win over the Cubs.

>>Toronto Forces Game Six With Wednesday Win

Marco Estrada pitched one-hit ball into the eighth inning, giving Toronto's tattered bullpen a rest and leading the Blue Jays over the Kansas City Royals 7-1 Wednesday to close to 3-2 in the American League Championship Series.

Troy Tulowitzki broke open the game with a three-run double off Kelvin Herrera in the sixth, giving him seven RBIs in the series. Edwin Encarnacion had walked with the bases loaded against Edinson Volquez, who seemed flustered by close calls against the Royals.

Estrada faced the minimum 20 batters before Lorenzo Cain walked with two outs in the sixth. Closer Roberto Osuna was perfect in the ninth.

Toronto forced the series back to Kansas City, where Yordano Ventura will start for the defending AL champions on Friday against David Price.

Wisconsin RB Questionable for Illinois Game

Wisconsin running back Corey Clement is yet to return from the sports hernia surgery he had in late September. Clement was expected to miss four to six weeks, but was actually cleared to return last week in Wisconsin's game against Purdue.

 width=Clement did not play against the Boilermakers.

Clement sayd via Madison.com, quote - "Cory's status can only be determined when I wake up Saturday. You guys will probably see how it's going to go if I decide to take the first reps."

Clement also said that while he's feeling better this week, he still hasn't been able to really go full speed in practice and "open up."

Wisconsin could certainly use him. The Badgers run game just hasn't lived up to the standards the program has set for itself. Wisconsin currently ranks 12th in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game, and ninth in yards per carry. Wisconsin hasn't finished lower than second in the Big Ten in either category since 2009...when it finished third.

So the return of Clement could go a long way in improving Wisconsin's offense, and the team's dwindling chances at a division title. While Wisconsin is only a game behind Iowa in the standings, in practice it's a two-game deficit as the Hawkeyes beat Wisconsin earlier this season.

>>Texas Signs Richest Deal With Nike

 width=Texas has agreed to a brand new apparel contract with Nike, according to Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports.

The Austin American-Statesman first reported Wednesday that "University of Texas officials have reached a 15-year agreement with Nike in what is expected to be the richest shoe and apparel deal in college sports," with the contract still requiring final approval from the UT System Board of Regents.

In July, Michigan announced its new $169 million apparel contract with Nike, the richest in college sports.

Texas has been expected to re-up with its longtime apparel partners at Nike, who the American-Statesman reports had the right to match any offer made by a competitor (such as fast-rising, cash-splashing Under Armour).

With Texas "the No. 1 seller of T-shirts, hats and other merchandise for nine straight years, according to the Collegiate Licensing Company rankings," Nike's incentive to keep the Longhorns in the fold was obvious.

Clinton YMCA, Baum Chevy Buick Say Test Drive Fundraiser Huge Success

 width=It was a day that surpassed expectations.

That's the message from organizers of a collaborative effort between the Clinton YMCA and Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton. Lindsay Campbell with Baum Chevy Buick indicates 20 minutes into the drive, they had reached their goal of 25.

[audio:102215102620-102315baumydrive1.mp3] [/audio]

Rob Deleon with the Clinton Y calls the partnership with Baum a blessing. He says the money donated helps to subsidize the funds they put back into scholarships for their kids and for the supplies need to operate their programs.

[audio:102215102621-102315baumydrive2.mp3] [/audio]

 width=Those who took test drives Wednesday afternoon were able to check out a Chevy Camaro, Chevy Equinox, Chevy Malibu, Chevy Colorado, and a full sized Chevy Silverado.

Durbin speaks in favor of treatment for non violent drug offenders

Senator Dick Durbin continues to urge Congress to focus on treating non violent drug offenders as opposed to using prison time alone as a solution.

Durbin addressed the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015. Durbin says the cost of incarceration is a habit Washington needs to kick.

[audio:10211583227-Durbinheroin1.mp3] [/audio]

Four years ago, the Sentencing Commission learned that 55,000 federal inmates were doing time with mandatory minimum sentences for a drug crime. Durbin notes that's more than half of all federal drug offenders, and more than one quarter of all federal prisoners.

He negotiated the legislation which mean less time for certain nonviolent drug offenses and more time for violent criminals. Mandatory minimum sentences would be demphasized with judges gaining greater discretion at sentencing for lower-level drug crimes and greater efforts would be made to help prisoners re-enter society.

State Rep. Wants Attacks on Veterans To Be Hate Crime

State Representative Jerry Costello II is drafting legislation inspired by the deadly July attack on military personnel in Chatanooga, Tennessee.

The Smithon (St. Clair County) Democrat has filed a bill to add attacks on retired or current military personnel as a hate crime.

[audio:10211583225-Costello1.mp3] [/audio]

It's not addressed in the legislation but Costello is weighing in on military personnel who aren't allowed to carry weapons in places like recruiting centers.

[audio:10211583226-Costello2.mp3] [/audio]

Costello served with the 82nd Airborne during Operation Desert Storm.

Property Tax Freeze Concerning To Area School Leader

A piece of legislation in Springfield has one area Superintendent concerned about the future of their local revenues.

Much has been made about the property tax freeze that Governor Bruce Rauner wants in place but now area school leaders say, that piece of legislation concerns them.

One such leader is Mike Williams, Superintendent of Maroa-Forsyth Schools. He explains under the legislation, any governing body could not increase their levies for two years.

[audio:10211583214-102115mftaxfreeze1.mp3] [/audio]

According to Williams, the growth in the communities of Maroa and Forsyth would not be able to be tapped into under this law. He explains any development that could happen would fall under their current local revenues.

[audio:10211583216-102115mftaxfreeze2.mp3] [/audio]

One possibility that would really hurt the district would be the potential wind farms that could go up in Macon County. Williams indicates they could not ask for an increase of funds despite the increase in the property values.

[audio:10211583219-102115mftaxfreeze3.mp3] [/audio]

For school districts like Maroa-Forsyth that benefit from the one-cent education sales tax, many districts have committed to paying off debt in the district with a majority of those funds. Williams notes, the property tax freeze bill would also impact that aspect of their budget.

[audio:10211583222-102115mftaxfreeze4.mp3] [/audio]

Williams points out, this issue is something that will more than impact his school district or other distrcits. It will impact every single government entity.

Stable Lamar Odom Trasnferred To LA Hospital

 width=After a scary few days for former NBA player Lamar Odom, things have taken a turn for the better. There is still a long way to go for his health and recovery, but Odom's condition was reportedly stable enough this week for him to be discharged from Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas and transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Monday.

The report from Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News confirms earlier reports from E! Online about the transfer of Odom. After being found unconscious in Nevada last Tuesday, Odom was reported to be on life support and needed machines to breathe for him while he was in a coma. It was reported he had a drug overdose that put him in that condition.

Since then has has awoken from the coma and been able to communicate with friends and family. He was taken off a breathing machine and while his condition is still quite serious and the severity of his health isn't fully known or reported, things appear to have gotten better for him for the time being.

Odom had reportedly been visited in the hospital in Las Vegas by former teammates from the Lakers and Clippers.

NFL Notes

>>Seahawks RB Jackson Fine After Drag Racing Accident

Seahawks running back Fred Jackson crashed his car after leaving the Seahawks' training facility Tuesday.

 width=Contrary to a report that the accident was a result of "drag racing" with fellow Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reports Jackson just pulled out of the team facility a little fast and wasn't racing anybody.

ProFootballTalk's Curtis Crabtree and Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times tweeted pictures of what appears to be Jackson's car after the accident.

Jackson would later give his own confirmation of the chain of events, saying quote - "Thanks 2 everyone worried about me. I lost control of my car. My teammates, including Marshawn, stopped 2 check on me. They weren't racin me".

Jackson joined the Seahawks before the season after spending eight years with the Bills. He has 10 carries for 52 yards this season but didn't log a carry in Sunday's loss to the Panthers.

 width=>>Jerry Jones Says Star WR Bryant May Return Sunday

It seemed like a real long shot to see Dez Bryant on the field before the mid point of the season after the Cowboys receiver left in Week 1 with a broken foot. Reports of his absence ranged from four weeks to an absurdly long 12 weeks.

The Cowboys appeared to be targeting the Week 7 post-bye game against the Giants in their ideal situation. According to Jerry Jones on CBS Sports Radio's 105.3 the Fan they're going to try and give Dez a go this weekend.

Jones said quote- "We'll take a good look at him tomorrow and at the end of the week. If he's comfortable to putting it down and driving off of his foot then we're comfortable with him playing."

Meyer Names JT Barrett Ohio State Starter

J.T. Barrett's spot in the Ohio State offense in 2015 has gone from backup quarterback to red-zone specialist to starter for the Buckeyes' game at Rutgers on Saturday night, coach Urban Meyer announced Tuesday.

 width=Meyer said -- a day after refusing to name one player over the other -- that Barrett has "earned the right" to start over Cardale Jones against the Scarlet Knights. This announcement comes just days after Jones was replaced by Barrett in a win against Penn State.

Against the Nittany Lions, Jones recorded minus-16 rushing yards and averaged just 5.6 yards per attempt on 15 passes. Barrett ran for 102 yards and did not miss on any of his four passing attempts, leading Meyer to say that Barrett "played great" in relief of Jones.

What Barrett is able to provide the Buckeyes is a rushing threat on the outside, which opens up the zone read game with star running back Ezekiel Elliott. That advantage that Barrett gives the offense first was installed in the red zone offense a few weeks ago, and now Meyer has decided to give the keys to the offense back to the 2014 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

While Jones' passing numbers on the season are better than Barrett's, the offense has been able to get in a better rhythm, at least in recent weeks, with last year's starter under center.

Habs Blank Blues; Blackhawks Lose Duncan Keith

 width=Carey Price made 38 saves for his second shutout in his last three starts and Alex Semin scored his first goal as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the St. Louis Blues 3-0 on Tuesday night.

Max Pacioretty and Torrey Mitchell also scored for the Canadiens, who stretched their team-record winning streak to start the season to seven games.

It broke the Blues' (5-2-0) four-game winning streak.

Price, the league's most valuable player and top goaltender last season, has allowed only six goals in six starts. It was the 36th shutout of his career.

He posted a 25-save shutout against the New York Rangers on Oct. 15.

His save of the night was a spectacular glove effort early in the second frame on Vladimir Tarasenko.

>>Blackhawks Lose Duncan Keith

 width=Duncan Keith, the reigning Conn Smythe winner, however, will be on the shelf for the next four to six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn right meniscus according to the team.

Keith had appeared in all six of Chicago's games this season. He notched two assists and has averaged over 24 minutes of ice time a night.

The team's workhorse defenseman is going to be relied on heavily this season due to the relative shallowness of Chicago's defense. The team is also without veteran Michal Rozsival who continues progressing in recovery from an injury sustained last postseason.

Over his career, the Blackhawks' alternate captain has logged an average of 25-plus minutes of ice time. Additionally, Keith has been an incredibly durable defenseman for the club. He has never missed more than eight games in a season until now.

Keith has averaged nearly four more minutes of ice time than his next closest teammate so far this year, which means Brent Seabrook and Niklas Hjalmarsson should see their workloads increase significantly. Trevor Daley, who has had some early struggles early on, will also probably see his ice time feature more high-leverage situations. Young defensemen Trevor van Riemsdyk, David Rundblad and Viktor Svedberg are all going to have to step up in some way as well if Chicago has to weather this storm without Keith.

Mets Take Commanding 3-0 Lead On Cubs

Daniel Murphy homered for a record-tying fifth straight game in the postseason, sending Jacob deGrom and the New York Mets over the Chicago Cubs 5-2 on Tuesday night for a 3-0 lead in the National League Championship Series.

 width=Yoenis Cespedes and David Wright each had three hits for the Mets. Cespedes scored the go-ahead run on a two-out wild pitch by Trevor Cahill on a strikeout of Michael Conforto in the sixth inning.

Murphy tied the homer streak mark set by Carlos Beltran in 2004.

DeGrom pitched seven effective innings to improve to 3-0 in his first postseason. Jeurys Familia closed for his fifth save of the playoffs.

The Mets can advance to the World Series for the first time in 15 years with one more victory over Chicago in Game 4 of the best-of-seven matchup Wednesday night. Rookie Steven Matz gets the start for the Mets while Jason Hammel goes for the Cubs.

Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler homered for the Cubs, who have scored just five runs in the series.

>>Royals Pound Blue Jays, On Brink of Second Straight World Series Birth

Ben Zobrist hit a two-run homer on knuckleballer R.A. Dickey's fourth pitch of the game, Alex Rios connected an inning later and the Kansas City Royals routed the Toronto Blue Jays 14-2 Tuesday to move one win from a second straight World Series.

Kansas City moved ahead 3-1 in the best-of-seven AL Championship Series and can win the pennant Wednesday, when Edinson Volquez starts against Toronto's Marco Estrada in a Game 1 rematch.

Lorenzo Cain scored on a passed ball and Mike Moustakas had a sacrifice fly in an LCS-record four-run top of the first.

Kansas led 5-2 in the seventh before breaking away.

Blue Jays infielder Cliff Pennington relieved in the ninth inning, becoming the first primarily position player to pitch in the postseason, STATS said.

Clinton Crimestoppers Seeking Information in Counterfeit Money Circulation

The Clinton Police Department is seeking your help and information in solving fraud complaints from many of our local businesses.

 width=On and around October 21st 2015, the Clinton Police Department responded to reports from several local Clinton businesses who reported un-identified suspect or suspects passing counterfeit United States currency, namely in denominations of twenty dollar bills.

The Clinton Police Department is reminding the public to be extra vigilant to counterfeit money being circulated in our community and to notify the Clinton Police Department immediately if questionable currency is located . If citizens are interested in educating themselves as to the authenticity of their money, they are encouraged to visit the website www.uscurrency.gov

Crimestoppers will pay a cash reward of up to $1000.00 when a felony arrest is made as a result of information that you have provided. Anyone with any information regarding these counterfeit bank notes or any other crimes or wanted fugitives is asked to contact the Clinton Area Crime stoppers at 217-935-3333.

Crimstoppers phone line is not recorded and does not utilize caller identification.

Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name.

Fitch Downgrades Illinois' Credit Rating

A major credit rating agency has downgraded Illinois' rating on outstanding bonds because of the state budget crisis.

Fitch Ratings on Monday lowered the rating on $26 billion in general obligation bonds from A- to BBB+. That's a few levels above what's considered "junk" status.

Fitch cites lawmakers' failure to pass a budget for the July 1 fiscal year, above-average debt and "exceptionally high" unfunded pension liabilities.

Catherine Kelly is spokeswoman for Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. She says Rauner is fighting to "put the state on the path to fiscal health," but the Democrat-led Legislature is standing in his way.

Rikeesha Phelon is spokeswoman for Democratic Senate President John Cullerton. She says Illinois can't afford for Rauner "to prioritize his corporate class agenda over basic budget math and governing."

Kyle Schwarber's Bat Makes Southern Illinois Famous

 width=For decades, the Gallatin County town of Ridgway has been called the Popcorn Capital of the World but a dozen years ago that identity took a major hit when Agrilink closed the town's popcorn plant.

Now a Father and Son duo along with a Cubs slugger and a number of his Major League colleagues are putting Ridgway back on the map by producing baseball bats with plenty of "pop".

Just over a decade ago, Randy Drone and son Kyle teamed up to launch Dinger Bats. Kyle Drone used his experience and contacts from working in the Cubs organization while Randy Drone met with Major Leaguers in Spring Training.

The little bat company that could has gone on to land big names like Adam Jones, Hunter Pence, JJ Hardy and Starling Marte. Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber was sold on Dinger shortly after going pro. Kyle Drone said it didn't take Schwarber long to have success with his Dinger bat.

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Drone says superior customer service for batters and turnaround time has lured and kept MLB players on their roster.

Perhaps the most magical moment for Dinger came when Schwarber hit a home run in the NLDS that landed atop the Cubs massive new outfield video board.

Drone says the moment didn't go unnoticed.

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Dinger doesn't employ as many folks as the old popcorn plant but three people work with Kyle Drone at the bat factory and the company has a full time marketing and business development chief along with a growing number of sales personnel.

Local Unemployment Figures Remaining Strong

Unemployment rates locally look very strong as released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security last week.

DeWitt and Logan Counties unemployment dropped from July to August to under 5-percent, coming in at 4.9%.

Piatt County unemployment held steady from July to August at 4.9%.

McLean County had an unemployment rate in August of 4.5%.

Unemployment in Macon County in August was 6.8%, the second highest in central to Mason County's 7%.

The state's highest unemployment rate was in Alexander County, at 8.1%, who had the highest jump from July to August.

Brown County had the state's lowest unemployment rate of 3.4%, and Washington County had a 3.5% unemployment rate in August.

The Illinois unemployment rate was 5.6% compared to the 5.2% national average.

Mild Weather Returning to Central Illinois

Some areas of Illinois saw their first frost this past weekend. Is that the first sign of the end of mild autumn weather?

Chris Miller with the National Weather Service Lincoln office says winter isn’t closing in just yet, last weekend’s chilly temps will likely be the last frost we see until sometime in November.

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Miller explains the National Weather Service is always looking for volunteer spotter. Becoming an official weather spotter involves taking a free two hour course offered in communities around the state by the NWS.

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In addition to helping the weather service, spotter training can help your own peace of mind. When you look out the window at threatening weather the training will help you know whether it’s time to worry or not.

Clinton High School To Begin Analyzing 'Wall of Honor' Nominations

 width=The process of selecting individuals to Clinton High School's 'Wall of Honor' will soon be underway for induction this winter.

Candidates are nominated by community members and according to Clinton High School Principal Jerry Wayne, those nominations are then considered by a panel within the school. He explains they work very hard to ensure the most qualified individuals are then inducted.

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When nominations come in, Wayne recognizes the individuals have done great things but he points out, it can be very difficult to differentiate what is worthy of a spot on the Wall of Honor.

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For Wayne, the Wall of Honor is a great recognition of the alumni that have passed through Clinton High School. He says the point of the Wall of Honor is to also be more than just an athletic Hall of Fame.

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Along with Wayne, there are two representatives of the Clinton Athletic Booster Club including their president, a CHS graduate, and a community business owner.

Wall of Honor inductees are recognized at a banquet at a home Clinton High School boys basketball game.

City Continues To Discuss Yard Brush Pick Up System

 width=As the City of Clinton continues their discussion and decision making on the future of the yard waste clean up service offered by the Streets Department, City officials seem to be leaning to keeping it in place but tighter regulation.

Clinton Mayor Roger Cyrulik (right) indicated Monday night at the Clinton City Council meeting, something needs to be done. He explains they are balancing keeping the service in place but finding tighter regulations to make things more efficient.

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 width=According to Commissioner John Wise, (left) the new rules are coming together to prevent able bodied residents from who have the resources to properly remove their own brush, however, choose to leave an over-abundance of brush for city crews.

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Wise points to the City getting out of the trash collecting business because of the abuse they started to see from residents in that service. He believes a system is needed.

Other business from the Monday night meeting...

>>The Council approved a minor subdivision at 400 East Johnson for a cell tower.

>>The Council approved a contract for the sale of the Spurgeon's building.

>>The Clinton Fire Department had a purchase approved for fire gear at a cost of $1715.

>>The Clinton Fire Department had a purchase approved for tires from Walker Tire at a cost of just over $1070.

Former Rangers G Raanta Blanks San Jose In First Start With Rangers

 width=Antti Raanta made 22 saves for his fourth career shutout in his Rangers debut to lead New York to a 4-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Monday night.

Marc Staal, Mats Zuccarello, Jesper Fast and Viktor Stalberg scored for New York, which snapped a three game winless streak (0-2-1) after opening the season with three wins.

Raanta was playing for the first time since being acquired from Chicago in a draft-day trade in June.

Martin Jones finished with 24 saves in his first loss of the season as the Sharks lost their second straight after opening the season with four wins. Jones had allowed just two goals in the Sharks season-opening winning streak and came in leading the NHL in goals-against average (0.49), save percentage (.982) and shutouts (2).

Coach K To Step Down As Team USA Coach After Rio Olympics

 width=Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski says he is still planning to step down from his post as Team USA men's basketball coach following the 2016 Olympics.

Krzyzewski was named the coach of the men's basketball program back in 2005, and has amassed a 75-1 record in his time, including Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012. He's been involved with USA Basketball in some capacity since 1979.

Bears Elevate CB From Practice Squad; NFL Notes

 width=The Chicago Bears have elevated cornerback Bryce Callahan from the practice squad to the active roster and waived safety Demontre Hurst.

Callahan played in the first two games this season for the Bears after entering the league with them as an undrafted rookie out of Rice. He spent the past four weeks on Chicago's practice squad.

Hurst appeared in 18 games the past two years with Chicago. He had 36 defensive tackles, one interception and nine special-teams stops.

The Bears announced the moves Monday.

>>Eagles Fly By Giants

DeMarco Murray ran for 109 yards and a touchdown, Nolan Carroll returned one of Eli Manning's two interceptions for a score and the Philadelphia Eagles beat the New York Giants 27-7 Monday night.

Sam Bradford threw for 280 yards and a 32-yard TD pass to Riley Cooper, but had three interceptions to keep New York in the game.

The Eagles (3-3) have won two straight to move from last place in the NFC East into a tie for first with the Giants (3-3). The teams meet again in Week 17.

Neither team looked sharp in front of a prime-time audience. They combined for seven turnovers and 21 penalties.

The Giants gave the Eagles first downs on a roughing-the-passer penalty and a running-into-the-kicker penalty to keep both of their TD drives going.

>>Rookie QB Mariota Has Sprained MCL

Though Marcus Mariota played the majority of the Titans' game after taking a late and low shot to his left knee on Sunday, his status for the team's upcoming game against the 5-1 Falcons could be in jeopardy. Mariota underwent an MRI following the Titans' loss to the Dolphins and according to coach Ken Whisenhunt on Monday, Mariota suffered a sprained MCL.

Whisenhunt didn't reveal whether or not Mariota will be able to gut it out again on Sunday, instead saying that they'll have to see how it goes at practice throughout the week.

Even if Mariota is able to play, his mobility could be limited against the Falcons. Atlanta's defense is currently ranked 12th in the league with 14 sacks. Meanwhile, the Titans have given up the eighth most sacks in the league. Against the Dolphins, Mariota fumbled twice and lost both of those fumbles.

Mariota's injury occurred when Olivier Vernon hit his knee during a late hit that the officials flagged.

Cubs, Mets Notes; Blue Jays Blast Royals, Trim Series To 2-1

>>Mets Send deGrom To Hill Looking For 3-0 Lead Against Cubs

Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber and Jason Hammel played hacky sack with a baseball, and manager Joe Maddon chatted amiably with his players and staff as he made his way around Wrigley Field on Monday afternoon.

 width=Down 2-0 to the New York Mets in the NL Championship Series, the Chicago Cubs are sticking with what worked for them during a breakthrough season.

It might not matter if the Mets continue to pitch as well as they did in New York. Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard shut down Chicago's powerful lineup in the first two games of the series, putting New York in an ideal position to make it to the World Series for the first time in 15 years - a quaint little drought compared to the Cubs' seven mostly empty decades since they last played in the Fall Classic.

According to STATS, the winner of the first two games of a best-of-seven series in the baseball playoffs has advanced 83 percent (63 of 76) of the time, and the Mets have Jacob deGrom heading to the mound for Game 3 on Tuesday night.

DeGrom is coming off a pair of impressive victories in the NL Division Series, albeit for different reasons.

The 27-year-old was dominant in Game 1 at Los Angeles, striking out 13 while pitching seven scoreless innings in New York's 3-1 win. Then he came back for Game 5 and worked six effective innings despite not having his best stuff.

The Game 3 starter for Chicago, is more dependent on location for his success. The Dartmouth graduate threw six shutout innings in each of his last two starts of the season, but was yanked in the fifth inning of his Game 2 start at St. Louis in the division series.

Job No. 1 for Hendricks against New York is stopping Daniel Murphy, who is one away from matching Carlos Beltran's record of homering in five straight postseason games.

 width=>>Mets Say Swelling in Harvey's Right Shoulder Is Concern

A scary moment for right-hander Matt Harvey during Game 1 of the NLCS has become a lingering source of concern for the New York Mets. And it's got nothing to do with innings limits or Harvey's status as a post-op Tommy John patient.

Harvey struck out nine, allowing two runs and four hits over 7 2/3 innings in New York's 4-2 victory, but was hit on his right arm by a Dexter Fowler line-drive in the top of the sixth inning. Harvey recovered nicely to throw out Fowler at first base and stayed in the game for 10 more batters. Harvey said afterward that he "felt fine" but also that the ball "dented" his arm in the tricep.

Two days later, continued swelling in the area has the Mets making backup plans if, for any reason, Harvey doesn't feel ready to go for a potential Game 5 on Wednesday. They lead the Cubs 2-0 in the best-of-7 series.

Manager Terry Collins described Harvey as being "pretty sore and pretty swelled up" at a press conference before the Mets worked out at Wrigley Field late Monday afternoon. He also suggested that Bartolo Colon and Jonathan Niese should be standing by, just in case:

Harvey has a 2.84 ERA in two playoff starts after going 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA and 188 strikeouts in 189 1/3 innings during the regular season.

The 202 innings Harvey has logged is the fifth-most ever in a season for a pitcher coming back from Tommy John. John Lackey has worked the most post-TJ innings -- 215 1/3 -- in 2013.

>>Blue Jays Survive Late Kansas City Comeback, Trim Series To 2-1

Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson each homered in a six-run third inning, and Toronto's bats broke out at home for an 11-8 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night that trimmed the Blue Jays' deficit to 2-1 in the AL Championship Series.

Ryan Goins also connected and had a two-run single, one game after his misplayed pop fly set off Kansas City's winning rally Sunday.

Veteran knuckleballer R.A. Dickey will try to get the Blue Jays even in the best-of-seven series Tuesday afternoon. He faces Kansas City's 6-foot-10 right-hander Chris Young in Game 4.

In the first ALCS game in Toronto since 1993, Tulowitzki connected for a three-run shot off Johnny Cueto, and Donaldson hit a two-run drive off Kris Medlen as the Blue Jays hit their first home runs of the series.

Cueto failed to retire a batter in the third inning, allowing eight runs and six hits in the worst postseason start of his career.

Illini Football Notes; Ohio State QB Situation Uncertain Once Again

>>Illini WR Dudek Unlikely To Play This Season

Illinois coach Bill Cubit says he doubts standout receiver Mike Dudek will play this season. And the coach isn't sure when starting running back Josh Ferguson will return.

Cubit said Monday that Dudek is at best two weeks away from returning after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in April. At that point the Illini (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten) would only have four regular-season games left.

 width=As a freshman last year, Dudek led Illinois with 76 catches for 1,038 yards.

Cubit said Ferguson is questionable for Saturday's game against Wisconsin (5-2, 2-1) with the right-shoulder sprain suffered Oct. 3 against Nebraska.

Receiver Justin Hardee remains doubtful. He has been out all season with a broken foot.

>>Start Time Set For Halloween Matchup With Penn State

The Big Ten conference says the Oct. 31 game between Penn State and Illinois will kick off at noon Eastern time.

The conference said Monday that television plans are still yet to be decided. The game at Penn State will be shown on either ESPN2 or ESPNU. That decision will be made after this Saturday's games.

Illinois (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten) hosts Wisconsin while Penn State (5-2, 2-1) plays at Maryland.

 width=>>Ohio State Coach Urban Meyer Not Naming Starting QB

Seven weeks into the 2015 season, Ohio State's starting quarterback position is right back where it started: in limbo between Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett.

Barrett's outstanding performance as the designated "red zone quarterback" in the Buckeyes' 38-10 dismantling of Penn State on Saturday seems to have re-opened the starting quarterback battle, with Urban Meyer telling the media after the game he would need to "evaluate" the position and would "let you guys know" a decision on Monday. But Meyer demurred again with the press Monday, saying he had not yet had the chance to address the situation with Barrett and Jones directly and was not ready to make any firm announcements.

Jones didn't accomplish much against the Nittany Lions, throwing for an average of 5.6 yards on his 15 attempts and rushing for minus-16 yards in the ground game. Barrett, meanwhile, hit all four of his passes for 30 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 102 yards and two more touchdowns against what had been a stingy Penn State rush defense.

Former Officer Manager Facing Federal Charges of Wire, Mail Fraud

A Clinton physician's former office manager was arrested and arraigned Friday in US District Court in Springfield.

46 year old Veronica Luster of Clinton, entered a plea of "not guilty" on 2 counts of mail fraud and nine counts of wire fraud. Luster was released on her own recognizance.

A jury trial of Dec. 1 was set.

Luster was accused of misusing company money from Dr. Farrukh Kureishy's office in June of 2014.

She left Dr. Kureishy's office in March of 2014.

Multiple calls to the Springfield FBI Office went unreturned.

Illini G Kendrick Nunn Out 8 Weeks After Thumb Surgery

 width=Illinois junior guard Kendrick Nunn will be out for about eight weeks because he needs surgery to repair a ligament in his left thumb.

The Illini said Tuesday that Nunn will have the surgery Wednesday. He suffered the injury during practice Oct. 13.

Nunn has been a starter for close to two full seasons. Coach John Groce had said he was looking to Nunn this season to help lead a team heavy with freshmen.

Nunn struggled to be consistent last season after some summer injuries, but he still averaged 11.1 points.

Blackhawks Lose Duncan Keith

Duncan Keith, the reigning Conn Smythe winner, however, will be on the shelf for the next four to six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn right meniscus according to the team.

 width=Keith had appeared in all six of Chicago's games this season. He notched two assists and has averaged over 24 minutes of ice time a night.

The team's workhorse defenseman is going to be relied on heavily this season due to the relative shallowness of Chicago's defense. The team is also without veteran Michal Rozsival who continues progressing in recovery from an injury sustained last postseason.

Over his career, the Blackhawks' alternate captain has logged an average of 25-plus minutes of ice time. Additionally, Keith has been an incredibly durable defenseman for the club. He has never missed more than eight games in a season until now.

Keith has averaged nearly four more minutes of ice time than his next closest teammate so far this year, which means Brent Seabrook and Niklas Hjalmarsson should see their workloads increase significantly. Trevor Daley, who has had some early struggles early on, will also probably see his ice time feature more high-leverage situations. Young defensemen Trevor van Riemsdyk, David Rundblad and Viktor Svedberg are all going to have to step up in some way as well if Chicago has to weather this storm without Keith.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for Oct. 20

Jail Population: 30

Paper Services: 0

Warrants: 1

Christina Godinet, 32, Clinton was Arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging her with Failure to Pay or Appear/ Possession of Methanphetamine. Godinet posted the necessary bond and was released.

Tron Wright, 44, Decatur was issued a Citation for Speeding 71 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Wright was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Hilary Brown, 23, Bloomington was issued a Citation for Speeding 73 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Brown was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Clinton YMCA, Baum Chevrolet Buick Teaming Up For Fundraiser

 width=Check out the latest and greatest in Chevrolet automobiles and help a local community organization at the same time Wednesday afternoon.

The Clinton YMCA and Baum Chevrolet Buick in Clinton are teaming up Wednesday afternoon for their second benefit drive. Rob Deleon with the Clinton YMCA indicates this is the second year they have teamed up with Baum to raise money for their youth sports programs.

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The goal for this year's drive is around 50 drivers. Deleon says they need a minimum of 25, which is Chevrolet policy.

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Deleon says the funds raised from the drive will go to things like supplies for their programs, primarily the soccer program.

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The test drive event takes place from 4 pm to 6 pm Wednesday in the south parking lot of their building.

Deal Close To Focus Rail Consolidation in Springfield

Springfield area leaders in state, county and city government say a deal to consolidate rail traffic on one set of tracks over another is moving forward.

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Governor Says Pensions Must Be Addressed

During a town hall meeting in Decatur, Illinois’ Governor repeated his call for structural reforms and a balanced budget and also laid out a few details about how he wants to reform pensions. Illinois News Network has more:

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llinois has an unfunded pension liability of $111 billion and growing.

Library Introduces New Math Program

Fun and mathematics is the name of the game at the Warner Public Library.

A new program the Warner Library is introducing will combine fun and games along with math. Paula Lopatic, Children's Librarian with the Warner Library says those who join this math club, are going to have a lot of fun.

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Lopatic explains they heard about the grant through librarians at other libraries. The grant outlines programs and activities and provides the materials. She feels the program targets good and bad math students and makes it fun.

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 width=The eight week program starts next Monday, October 26. Lopatic encourages those who register to make sure they can make all 8 of the sessions. They are each Monday.

To learn about the Crazy 8s math club, contact the libary at 935-5174, stop in at 310 North Quincy Street, or visit www.vwarner.org.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Dept. Picking Up Unused Prescription Drugs

 width=The DeWitt County Sheriff's Office is starting a program that piggy-backs something in place within the Clinton Police Department.

DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner (right) indicates they are doing an unused prescription drug pick up. He explains they will send a Sheriff's Deputy to the homes of disabled residents of DeWitt County to dispose of those prescription drugs.

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The Sheriff reminds residents who are able to get out and about, the Clinton Police Department accepts prescription drugs at their lobby. Those can be dropped off at any time, day or night.

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The Sheriff says the use of prescription drugs and narcotics are a major problem not just in the United States, but DeWitt County. The Sheriff says many of those drugs have a massive value on the black market.

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According to the Sheriff, the targets of home burglaries have shifted greatly since he started in law enforcement 25 years ago.

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The Sheriff indicates, it's not always outside thieves owners of those medications need to worry about, but rather a member of your own family.

To get a Sheriff's Deputy to your home for drug pickup, contact the Sheriff's office at 217-935-9507.

Argentina Rookie Wins PGA Tour Season Opener

 width=Emiliano Grillo of Argentina won his PGA Tour rookie debut Sunday at the Frys.com Open by holing a 25-foot birdie putt on the 18th for a 3-under 69, and then making the most out of a second chance in the playoff to beat Kevin Na.

Nearly as impressive as his closing birdie was the way the 23-year-old Argentine bounced back from a shocking miss.

Grillo had a 3-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to win and was stunned when it caught the left lip and spun away. Then, he drove into the fairway bunker on the 18th on the second extra hole with Na in the fairway.

The next mistake belonged to Na.

He used driver off the fairway for the second time and hooked it behind a tree, leaving him little chance of getting his third shot on the green. Na wound up with a bogey. Grillo hit a bold approach shot over the edge of a bunker to just inside 10 feet. Needing two putts for the victory, he made it for birdie.

Earlier this year, Grillo missed a short birdie putt to win the Puerto Rico Open, and wound up losing in a playoff.

Grillo has won his last two tournaments in thrillers. He made a 25-foot birdie putt on final hole of the Web.com Tour Championship two weeks ago and earned $180,000. This one was worth a lot more.

Not only did he earn $1.08 million, he's going to the Masters next April.

Justin Rose was tied for the lead at the turn and was poised to rely on his experience until he missed a 3-foot par putt at No. 12 and dropped two more shots coming for a 72. He wound up three shots out of the playoff.

Rory McIlroy shot a 9-under 279 and finished tied for 26th.

Michigan State Coach Says College Basketball Should Be More Like NBA

A well-renowned college coach who flirted on multiple occasions with jumping to the NBA is now saying he hopes college basketball becomes more like the pros.

Tom Izzo spoke at Big Ten media day on Thursday, and amid discussing why this season's MSU team, ranked 11th in thie country, is one of the best group of shooters he's ever had, the 60-year-old leader of the Spartans also shared his thoughts on college basketball's need for further growth.

 width=He wants his sport to adapt, to take the current college basketball rulebook and remake it just like the NBA's -- quarters and all.

"If I was the czar for the day, I'd try to get every rule like the NBA, personally," Izzo told assembled media in Chicago. "I just think that we'd have a better working relationship."

This philosophy comes as college basketball is set to undergo major changes to its on-the-court protocol. This past spring saw legislation approved to reduce the shot clock from 35 to 30 seconds, but perhaps most importantly, a true emphasis on physical contact and a heavy review of how blocks and charges are called. The charge arc underneath the basket has also been expanded from three to four feet, which is the same size as the NBA has used for decades.

Izzo is very much in favor of the new steps being taken, especially the shot clock going to 30, but in his mind it's still not enough in order to enhance college basketball's watchability and its connectivity to the NBA.

Most of college basketball fans prefer the game to the pros for the very reasons that its styles differ from how NBA is played. Still, Izzo said he'd be up for four 10-minute quarters instead of two 20-minutes halves.

"You know, I get disappointed on the committees I'm on," Izzo said. "I think you always hear, 'Well, you don't want to be like the NBA.' Why not? That's what the kids want."

Ohio State Still No. 1; Memphis Breaks Top 25

>>AP Poll Welcomes Memphis

With the top seven teams from last week's poll all victorious, there wasn't too much upheaval at the top of the Week 7 AP Top 25, though three new teams debuted in the poll's bottom 10 spots.

Among them were Memphis, left out of last week's balloting despite the Tigers' 5-0 start. There was no doubt after their upset of Ole Miss on Saturday, however, and the Tigers entered at No. 18, one of four Group of Five teams in the Week 7 poll along with No. 19 Toledo, No. 21 Houston, and No. 22 Temple. The Rebels slipped 11 spots to No. 24.

 width=Ohio State continued its reign at No. 1 after comfortably beating Penn State, pulling 28 first-place votes of a possible 61. The top five was rounded out by No. 2 Baylor, new No. 3 Utah, No. 4 TCU and new No. 5 LSU, up one spot after beating previous No. 8 Florida. Clemson dropped one spot to No. 6.

UCLA, Northwestern and Boise State each dropped out of the poll, making room for new entrants Memphis, Temple and No. 25 Pitt. After losing to Michigan State on a last-second fumble return, Michigan dropped only three spots into a tie at No. 15, making the Wolverines the only two-loss team in the poll's top 23.

>>Coaches Poll Welcomes Temple, Memphis

The latest coaches poll Top 25 didn't see much of a shakeup after its top nine teams all won on Saturday, and Ohio State remains the poll's comfortable No. 1 with 45 of a possible 63 first-place votes.

The Buckeyes rolled Penn State 38-10 to stay 59 points ahead of No. 2 Baylor. No. 3 TCU, No. 4 Michigan State and No. 5 LSU rounded out the top five with 17 first-place votes between them.

The poll's biggest drop belonged to Ole Miss, which lost at undefeated Memphis and slipped from No. 12 to No. 23, while Justin Fuente's Tigers went from No. 22 to No. 17, the poll's biggest rise. After losing in agonizing fashion to Michigan State, previous No. 14 Michigan fell to No. 17.

Entering the poll this week were No. 22 Houston, No. 24 Temple and No. 25 Georgia, while previous No. 18 UCLA, No. 20 Boise State and No. 21 Northwestern dropped out.

Blues Beat Jets

 width=Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice and Brian Elliott made 26 saves in the St. Louis Blues' 4-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday.

Tarasenko gave the Blues a 3-2 lead on a delayed penalty midway through the third period, firing a shot past goalie Ondrej Pavelec and into the corner of the net for his fifth goal of the season.

Scottie Upshall and Carl Gunnarsson also scored for St. Louis. The Blues have won four straight to improve to 5-1-0.

Nikolaj Ehlers and Mathieu Perreault scored for Winnipeg, and Pavelec stopped 37 shots. The Jets dropped to 4-2-0.

ISU, EIU, Western All Win Saturday

 width=>>Illinois State Dominates Missouri State

Tre Roberson passed for 304 yards and three touchdowns, leading Illinois State to a 38-2 victory over Missouri State on Saturday.

Anthony Warrum caught all three of Roberson's touchdown passes for Illinois State (5-1, 3-0 Missouri Valley Conference), scoring on receptions of 20 and 34 yards in the first quarter and a 75-yarder in the second. Warrum finished with a career-high 194 yards on seven receptions. Marshaun Coprich rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns, setting the Redbirds' record for career all-purpose yardage with 4,136.

Missouri State (1-5, 0-3) avoided the shutout when George Moreira was stopped for a 2-yard loss in the end zone for a safety. Jason Randall carried it 17 times for 62 yards for the Bears and Breck Ruddick added 57 yards on seven attempts.

Illinois State led 31-0 and had 379 total yards by halftime.

 width=>>Eastern Illinois Survives Tennessee State

Nick Bruno kicked a 26-yard overtime field goal and Jourdan Wickliffe intercepted Ronald Butler's pass on the ensuing possession helping Eastern Illinois to a 25-22 victory over Tennessee State on Saturday.

Devin Church finished with 125 yards rushing and two touchdowns for the Panthers (3-3, 3-0 Ohio Valley Conference) and Jalen Whitlow had 120 yards passing with a touchdown, a 62-yard strike to Addison Bounds.

Trailing 19-14 with 10:55 left Church raced in from 25 yards out to give Eastern Illinois a 22-19 lead. Tennessee State answered back on the subsequent possession, driving 32 yards on eight plays to set up a career-long 50 yard field goal by Lane Clark which sent the game into overtime.

Butler finished with 125 yards passing and 104 yards rushing with two total TD's for the Tigers (3-3, 0-3).

 width=>>Western Illinois Knocks Off Northern Iowa

Nathan Knuffman kicked a field goal and David Griffith made a game-clinching interception, all in the final 3:18, as Western Illinois defeated Northern Iowa 24-19 on Saturday.

The Leathernecks (4-2, 3-0 Missouri Valley Conference) led all the way, taking a 7-0 first-quarter lead when Aaron Diggs snagged an interception and ran 95 yards to score. Knuffman's final field goal was from 23 yards.

Northern Iowa (2-4, 0-3) rallied with a pair of TDs after halftime - Deiondre' Hall scoring on a 32-yard interception return, and Aaron Bailey punching across from the 5. Bailey's TD pulled the Panthers to 21-19 after a two-point conversion pass failed with 6:35 remaining. Hall's second pick this season makes four career interceptions, breaking the school record.

Trenton Norvell completed 25 of 36 passes for 263 yards. Nikko Watson gained 115 yards on 35 carries.

UNI's Sawyer Kollmorgen and Aaron Bailey were each intercepted once and combined for 170 yards passing.

Packers Survive Chargers; Bears, Colts Lose

 width=>>Packers Hold On For Win Over Chargers

The Green Bay Packers stopped San Diego on fourth-and-goal from the 3 with 15 seconds left and overcame a career day by Philip Rivers to hold off the Chargers 27-20 on Sunday.

Rivers set career highs with 43 completions, 65 attempts and 503 yards passing. He threw for two touchdowns for the Chargers (2-4). But he needed one more completion.

Rookie cornerback Damarious Randall lunged to poke away Rivers' short pass to Danny Woodhead near the front right pylon in the final seconds.

The fans inside Lambeau Field erupted with a collective sigh of relief. Green Bay (6-0) survived its biggest scare of the year to stay unbeaten.

The Packers started strong and finished barely in front. Running back James Starks had touchdowns on a 65-yard run and a 5-yard pass in the first quarter.

 width=>>Bears Force OT, Can't Hold On Against Detroit

Matt Prater kicked a 27-yard field goal with 2:29 left in overtime, and the Detroit Lions beat the Chicago Bears 37-34 on Sunday for their first victory of the season.

Matthew Stafford heaved a 57-yard pass to Calvin Johnson to set up the kick for the Lions (1-5). Johnson finished with six receptions for 166 yards.

The Bears (2-4) had chances for a third straight comeback win.

Chicago's Robbie Gould kicked a 29-yard field goal as time expired in regulation. The tying score was set up by Darius Slay getting called for interference after Jay Cutler's 25- and 24-yard passes to Alshon Jeffery.

Stafford threw a go-ahead, 6-yard touchdown pass to a leaping Johnson in the end zone with 21 seconds left in the fourth following consecutive penalties.

 width=>>New England Tops Indianapolis

Tom Brady threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns and New England took advantage of a botched fake punt in the Patriots' 34-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night.

The Patriots improved to 5-0 for the first time since 2007. It was the first meeting between the rivals since the ''Deflategate'' storm erupted after the AFC title game in January.

For a half, the teams traded jabs.

But New England seized control in the second half.

Brady's 25-yard touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowksi gave New England a 27-21 lead. And when the Patriots stopped the Colts (3-3) on an odd-looking and ill-advised fake punt, the scrambling Brady eventually found LeGarrette Blount for an 11-yard scoring pass that made it 34-21.

Andrew Luck was 30 of 50 for 312 yards and three touchdowns in his first game back from an injured right shoulder.

Mets Best Cubs For 2-0 Series Lead

 width=Daniel Murphy hit his fifth playoff homer and rookie Noah Syndergaard outpitched Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta, sending the New York Mets to a 4-1 victory Sunday night and a 2-0 lead in the NL Championship Series.

Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson robbed Chris Coghlan of a homer, stole two bases and scored twice. Murphy became the first player since Tampa Bay slugger Evan Longoria in 2008 to homer in four consecutive postseason games.

The best-of-seven series shifts to Wrigley Field on Tuesday night, with New York ace Jacob deGrom scheduled to pitch against Kyle Hendricks. The wild-card Cubs need a comeback to capture their first pennant in 70 years.

Arrieta gave up hits to his first three batters and was pulled after five innings - matching his shortest start of the year.

Slumping star David Wright put the Mets in front with a hit-and-run double in the first. Murphy followed with a two-run shot.

Clinton Police Weekend Report

ON 10/17/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED CADE R. BRAY 38, CLINTON FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY AND POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA AND HARMONY BRAY 37, CLINTON FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY. BOTH SUBJECTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

DeWitt County Sheriff's Weekend Report

Jail Population: 33

Paper Services: 5

Warrants: 0

Elizabeth Grace, 34, Bloomington was issued a Citation and Arrested for Driving while License Suspended. Grace posted the necessary bond and was released.

Jon Johnson, 27, Clinton was issued a Citation for No Valid License and Arrested and Charged with Poss Amount Controlled Substance, Possess Cannabis <2.5 Grams, Drivers License Expired More than A Year and Possess Drug Paraphernalia. Johnson posted the necessary bond and was released.

Amy Cohoon, 25, Excelsior Springs, MO was issued Citations for Improper Lane Usage and Driving Under Influence. Cohoon was Arrested and Charged with Driving Under Influence of Alcohol. Cohoon posted the necessary bond and was released.

Kerry Welch, 64, Urbana was issued Citations for Illegal Transportation Alcohol and Speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Welch was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

David Hanson, 52, Chicago was issued a Citation for Pulling a Boat with No Valid Registration. Hanson was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Laura Smith, 50, Decatur was issued a Citation for Speeding 71 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Smith was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Gerald Pauetto, 63, Oakley was issued a Citation for Disobey Stop Sign. Pauetto was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

David Abejide, 19, Lincoln was issued Citations for Drivers License Cancelled and Speeding 80 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Abejide was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Bryan Stone, 37, Bloomington was issued a Citation for Operating Vehicle while Using Electronic Communication Device. Stone was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Harvey and Murphy lead Mets over Cubs 4-2 in NLCS opener

Matt Harvey limited Chicago to four hits over 7 2-3 innings, Daniel Murphy and Travis d'Arnaud homered off Jon Lester and the New York Mets beat the Cubs 4-2 Saturday night in the opener of the NL Championship Series.

Harvey allowed two runs and struck out nine, leaving after Kyle Schwarber's 459-foot home run. Jeurys Familia finished for the save, with Murphy making a diving stop at second base for the final out.

Murphy put the Mets ahead in the first, matching a team record by homering in his third straight postseason game. Starlin Castro tied the score in the fifth with an RBI double over center fielder Juan Lagares, but Curtis Granderson's RBI single gave the Mets a 2-1 lead in the bottom half.

D'Arnaud homered in the sixth, a drive that clanked off the celebratory home run apple behind the center-field wall, and Granderson made it 4-2 with a seventh-inning sacrifice fly that chased Lester.

Major league wins leader Jake Arrieta starts for the Cubs on Sunday night against rookie Noah Syndergaard.

STATE REGULATORS ARE WARNING ABOUT THE DANGERS OF HALLOWEEN CONTACT LENSES

MALLS, BEAUTY SUPPLY STORES AND ONLINE RETAILERS SELL MANY SPECIAL CONTACT LENSES THIS TIME OF YEAR…GIVING THE WEARER MONSTER…CAT…ZOMBIE OR GLOWING EYES. BUT STATE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION SPOKESPERSON TERRY HORSTMAN SAYS THEY CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS.

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HORSTMAN SAYS MANY OPTOMETRISTS AND OPTHAMOLIGSTS IN ILLINOIS HAVE REPORTED SEEING PATIENTS WITH INFECTIONS AND CORNEAL SCRATCHING FROM THESE HALLOWEEN LENSES.

WHILE IT LOOKS PRETTY COOL TO HAVE IN CONTACTS THAT MAKE YOUR EYES GLOW OR LOOK LIKE A ZOMBIE…STATE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION SPOKESPERSON TERRY HORSTMAN SAYS THEY CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS. HE SAYS THEY ARE OFTEN MANUFACTURED OVERSEAS USING A DYE THAT MAY BE TOXIC TO THE EYE.

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HORSTMAN SAYS THE ONLY PLACE YOU SHOULD BE GETTING SPECIALIZED AND COLORED CONTACTS IS THROUGH AN EYE DOCTOR.

 

Statewide Employment Numbers Mostly Steady

Statewide the jobs picture is a mixed bag according to a report from the Department of Employment Security. Overall the unemployment rate fell but the state lost jobs. A monthly report released today shows that the unemployment figure is 5.4 percent down just point two percent from August. Inside those numbers is a statewide loss of 6,900 jobs. The nationwide unemployment rate is 5.1 percent.

Weekly Weather Summary

October has been warm and dry so far, with possible frost to come this weekend. State climatologist Jim Angel has more:

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MOTORISTS NEED TO BE ALERT FOR DEER CROSSING THE ROAD

NEARLY HALF OF ALL DEER-VEHICLE CRASHES IN ILLINOIS HAPPEN IN OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER. STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPOKESPERSON BRIAN WILLIAMSEN SAYS THAT’S WHY YOU SHOULD BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHILE DRIVING…KEEPING AN EYE OUT FOR DEER.

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DEER WILL OFTEN CROSS AND DOUBLE BACK SO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE LEFT THE AREA BEFORE PROCEEDING. ILLINOIS COUNTIES WITH THE MOST DEER-VEHICLE CRASHES INCLUDE COOK, MADISON, WILL AND SANGAMON.

STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPOKESPERSON BRIAN WILLIAMSEN SAYS LAST YEAR IN ILLINOIS THERE WERE MORE THAN 15 THOUSAND DEER-VEHICLE CRASHES…INJURING 570 PEOPLE AND LEAVING FOUR DEAD.

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NEARLY HALF OF ALL DEER VEHICLE CRASHES OCCUR DURING THE MONTHS OF OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER IN ILLINOIS. WILLIAMSEN REMINDS THAT IF ONE DEER CROSSES THE ROAD…MORE ARE LIKELY TO FOLLOW. MANY WILL DOUBLE BACK SO YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE LEFT THE AREA BEFORE CONTINUING.

Comptroller Will Skip Pension Payments

The state of Illinois may be skipping out on an upcoming payment or two, all blamed on the lack of a state budget. But this payment, $560 million was intended to go to the worst funded pension system in the nation.

On Wednesday Comptroller Leslie Munger says that November and December’s payment maybe skipped. She simply says that state is short on cash.

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Munger says the bills keep coming in but there is less money to pay them.

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The state has been making the payments along with 14 court ordered and consent decrees to other obligations along with sending cash to bond holders. In total the state owes $3.4 billion on bond payments and $6.7 billion for the pension funds.

Debate Over Pension Debt, Budget Impasse Continues

What came first, the current budget impasse or pension payment delays?

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Comptroller Leslie Munger said Wednesday the ongoing budget impasse means there is not enough cash to make November’s pension payment of $560 million. Though the payment will be delayed, retirees will still get their monthly check.

Lottery Retailers, Players at Odds

Though the Lottery says it’s too early to tell if there’s been a drop in players, at least one store is seeing a slowdown since the gaming operation announced they can’t pay out on any winnings over $600 until a budget is passed.

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It’s well into the fourth month of the fiscal year and there’s still no budget in place.

Opponents Say Automatic Voter Registration Won't Increase Participation

Supporters of a measure that would make voter registration automatic when someone updates their drivers license or state ID say it’s common sense, but opponents think the measure is based on a false premise and could be harmful.

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Illinois currently operates on an opt-in system.

Survey Suggests Rural Economies Slowing

A third consecutive overall index drop in a monthly rural bankers survey suggests an economic slowdown is ahead for rural parts of 10 Western and Plains states.

The Rural Mainstreet Index sank to 44.4 this month from 49.0 in September and 50.0 in August. The overall index is computed from various economic category scores, and survey organizers say any score below 50 suggests that factor will decline.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the overall index reflects "weakness stemming from lower agriculture and energy commodity prices and from downturns in manufacturing exports."

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

Clinton Rotary's Apple n' Pork Stand Benefits Community

If the breeze is right on an Apple n' Pork weekend, you can smell the Clinton Rotary's pulled pork on parts of Center Street, but the smell dominates the CH Moore Homestead grounds.

The Rotary's pulled pork sandwiches bring in several thousand dollars from their weekend sales and according to Rotarian Tom Reddington, they partner with the high school's interact club to benefit them. He says Apple n' Pork is their biggest fundraiser.

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The Rotary Club will gross around $20-thousand from the weekend and Reddington indicates once they net around $8-thousand to $10-thousand in a year, that money will use the money for local causes like the YMCA's "Right Stuff For Kids" and international uses as well.

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The Rotary Club partners with the Clinton High School Interact Club more than just on the weekend of Apple n' Pork. According to Reddington, they try to spend time with them several times a month and introduce them to community work and what Rotary Club is.

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Reddington points out Rotary is best known for their work in eradicating polio. He says thanks to those efforts, only three countries still have cases of polio.

To learn more about the Clinton Rotary Club, visit clintonilrotary.org.

Clinton Schools Superintendent Still Waiting on Complete PARCC Results

The first year of the PARCC assessments given to students did not go well and one school leader is quick to point out, those figures are still not final.

According to Clinton Schools Superintendent Curt Nettles, many districts, for a variety of reasons, were unable to administer the PARCC tests online, which is slowing the official results. He says because of that, he will reserve judgment.

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Many administrators take issue with the PARCC tests because higher education institutions do not yet recognize the tests for their standards. Nettles indicates while students still have the chance to take the ACT and ISAT tests, he feels more needs to be done to include higher education.

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Nettles also points to wanting to have more local control. He feels as though schools need to be more accountable to their local constituents though he thinks there should be less accountability to the state.

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The common core standards recently adopted by Illinois and many other states, seeks to build on what students are learning year after year, however, upper level students have not been through the entire process, though the curriculum and PARCC assessments would reflect that.

Nettles says those students took the tests simply to create a standard to have some accountability.

He does not believe potential poor scores by students will effect their status will colleges.

Nettles anticipates Clinton, and schools across the state, to improve in the years ahead.

Kentucky, North Carolina Top Coaches Preseason Poll

 width=Kentucky and North Carolina finished in a tie for No. 1 in the first coaches poll balloting of the 2015-16 season, with Maryland, Duke and Kansas rounding out the top five.

The Tar Heels earned one more first-place vote (12) than the Wildcats, but each team collected 749 points from the ballots of 32 Division I coaches. The Terps, Devils and Jayhawks were the only other teams to collect first-place votes.

The ACC and Big 12 have three teams in the top ten. Gonzaga starts the year ranked 11th followed by Wichita State.

A couple surprises to the top 25 could be Cal and Vanderbilt at 14 and 20, respectively. The SECs LSU is ranked 19th.

With only Maryland being the only Big Ten team in the top 10, the conference has four teams in the top 25 overall.

Saints Stun Falcons on TNF

 width=Drew Brees passed for 312 yards, Ben Watson racked up a career-high 127 yards receiving to go with a fourth-down touchdown catch, and recently reeling New Orleans handed the Atlanta Falcons their first loss this season, 31-21 on Thursday night.

Michael Mauti, who grew up near New Orleans after his father, Rich, played for the Saints, blocked a punt and recovered it for a touchdown.

Mark Ingram ran for two short touchdowns, and New Orleans' defense recovered three fumbles - two inside its own 20.

Devonta Freeman rushed for 100 yards, including a 25-yard TD, for Atlanta (5-1). Matt Ryan passed for 295 yards and two TDs. He also was sacked five times, including three for defensive end Cam Jordan.

The Saints never trailed, racing in front on the opening series, an 80-yard drive capped by Ingram's first TD.

Mauti made it 14-0 when he smothered Matt Bosher's punt, scooped up the ball as he landed and sprang into the end zone.

Blues Double Up Oilers; Caps Blast Blackhawks

 width=Paul Stastny and Alexander Steen scored in the third period to lead the St. Louis to a 4-2 win over Edmonton on Thursday night, spoiling the Oilers' home opener.

Jori Lehtera and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored for the Blues, who beat Edmonton for the eighth straight time. Stastny, Steen and Lehtera also each had an assist, and Brian Elliott stopped 24 shots.

Lauri Korpikoski and Taylor Hall scored for the Oilers, fell to 0-4-0. No. 1 draft pick Connor McDavid was held without a point in his first regular season game in Edmonton. Cam Talbot had 25 saves.

Steen sent a shot in front that deflected off Stastny and in for a power-play goal at 4:20 of the third to extend the Blues' lead to 3-1.

Hall pulled Edmonton back within one a little more than two minutes later, but Steen sealed it with a one-time with 2:09 left.

>>Caps Blast Blackhawks

 width=

Braden Holtby stopped 26 shots, Alex Ovechkin scored a goal in his return to the Washington lineup and the Capitals beat the punchless Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on Thursday night.

John Carlson, T.J. Oshie and Matt Niskanen also scored the Capitals, who welcomed back Ovechkin following a one-game disciplinary absence.

Coming off a 3-0 loss to Philadelphia one night earlier, the Blackhawks trailed by three goals in this one before Viktor Svedberg got his first goal of the season at 3:13 of the third period. That ended a scoreless drought of 107 minutes, 46 seconds for the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Ovechkin sealed the victory at 14:18, scoring from the left side of the net after a back-and-forth with teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Murphy, deGrom Lead Mets Past Dodgers; Cubs Await

Daniel Murphy shocked the sleeping Dodgers by stealing an uncovered third base and went on to score the tying run. Two innings later, Murphy hit a go-ahead homer off Zack Greinke that led the New York Mets over Los Angeles 3-2 Thursday night and into an NL Championship Series matchup with the Chicago Cubs.

New York and pitcher Jacob deGrom trailed 2-1 in the fourth inning of the decisive Game 5 of their NL Division Series when Murphy singled and the Dodgers shifted three infielders to the right side and left no one near third with left-handed hitting Lucas Duda at the plate. When Duda walked on a 3-1 pitch with one out, Murphy jogged to second and suddenly sprinted to third.

Rookie shortstop Corey Seager, the closest infielder, was almost all the way toward second.

 width=Murphy's opposite-field RBI double in the first drove in the game's first run. Murphy homered in the sixth for a 3-2 lead, driving a 93 mph pitch about a dozen rows into the right-field seats.

Murphy, who had three hits, batted .333 in the series and homered three times off Greinke and Kershaw. He can be a free agent after the season ends.

DeGrom (2-0), the 2014 NL Rookie of the Year, struck out seven and walked three to earn his second road win of the series.

He allowed four straight singles in the first, when Justin Turner and Andre Ethier drove in runs for a 2-1 lead. Fellow starter Noah Syndergaard started warming up as early as the second inning, and deGrom pitched his only 1-2-3 inning in the sixth.

Jeurys Familia was perfect in the first six-out save of his big career.

>>Mets Tab Harvey For Game 1

After starting Jacob deGrom and using Noah Syndergaard for an impressive inning in relief to beat the Dodgers in Game 5 of the NLDS, Mets manager Terry Collins announced Thursday that Matt Harvey will get the call in Game 1 of the NLCS against the Cubs.

Jon Lester will be the Cubs' Game 1 starter.

Harvey, 26, was 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA and 188 strikeouts in 189 1/3 innings this season. He got the win in Game 3 of the NLDS thanks in part to great run support. He gave up three runs (two earned) on seven hits while walking two and striking out seven.

Harvey saw the Cubs one time this season and he was brilliant, working seven scoreless innings while only allowing three hits. He struck out nine.

>>Blue Jays Fan Who Hit Baby With Debris Arrested

The seventh inning of the ALDS was marred Wednesday by Blue Jays fans who threw beer and cans other garbage onto the Rogers Centre field following a weird play in which the Rangers took the lead.

Fans threw stuff onto the field again after Bautista's home run.

According to the Canadian Press, one fan has been arrested after throwing beer and hitting a baby.

Toronto police say a man has been charged with mischief after a baby was hit by the spray of a thrown beer can at Wednesday's Blue Jays game.

Const. Victor Kwong says Albert Grummitt was arrested Wednesday night and has since been released. He is due in court on Nov. 24.

Police say the baby was with her mother in the front row of the Rogers Centre when the can was tossed their way.

Illini On Bye; ISU, EIU On Road

 width=The Illinois Fighting Illini enters week seven of the college football season with a bye week, and for the Illini, it couldn't come at a better time.

The Illini come off a losing effort against Iowa last Saturday, a 29-20 decision where the Illini had a chance with the football with 3:20 to play in the game and trailing 26-20, but on the first play of the drive, freshman runningback Ke'Shawn Vaughn fumbled and the Hawkeyes recovered, all but sealing the win.

The Illini come into the bye with a number of injuries they're dealing with.

Most notably, senior runningback Josh Ferguson is dealing with a shoulder injury he suffered in the Nebraska game and did not dress for the Iowa game.

Vaughn was injured in the third quarter against Iowa but returned after passing concussion protocol tests.

Of course the Illini continue to be without receivers Justin Hardee and Mike Dudek.

After the bye, the Illini are home for Homecoming hosting Wisconsin.

Wisconsin hosts Purdue this week. The Badgers are 4-2.

 width=>>ISU Looks To Continue Winning Ways Against Missouri State

Coming off huge wins against Northern Iowa (21-13) and Youngstown State (31-29), the Illinois State Redbirds football team looks to continue their winning ways this weekend against Missouri State.

The Redbirds have improved to 4-1 on the season and are off to a 2-0 start in the Missouri Valley Football conference. The first two Redbird wins have come against top-10 FCS football programs.

The Bears, at 1-4 overall and 0-2 in MVC play, have dropped their last four games.

Saturday's game kicks off at 2 pm.

 width=>>Eastern Hits Road For Ohio Valley Football Clash

After a slow start to the 2015 football season, the Eastern Illinois football program has picked it up in recent weeks, winning their first two Ohio Valley football conference games against Austin Peay and Southeast Missouri.

Now the Panthers hit the road for their second road test in three weeks as they take on Nashville, TN based Tennessee State.

The Panthers at 2-3 overall and 2-0 in OVC play look to spoil the Tigers Homecoming as the Tigers have dropped two of their last three and are 0-2 in OVC play.

Saturday's game kicks off at 6 pm and can be heard on the Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW.

Maroons Head To Meridian

 width=Coming off a 58-55 loss to Warrensburg-Latham last Friday night for homecoming, the Clinton Maroons playoff hopes took a huge hit, but Clinton will try to rebound tonight as they head to Meridian.

The Hawks enter play tonight 0-7 on the season while the Maroons are 3-4 and need win tonight and again next week at home against Sullivan-Okaw Valley (4-3).

Tonight's game kicks off at 7 pm. Hear all the action on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Elsewhere in the Central Illinois Conference:

Decatur St. Teresa at Shelbyville
Central A & M at Sullivan-Okaw Valley
Tuscola at Warrensburg-Latham

>>Cerro Gordo-Bement on WEZC

Coming off two runaway victories the last two weeks, the Cerro Gordo Bement Broncos will have their hands full as hosting Arcola in Bement.

The Broncos have outscored their opponents 100-24 in the last two weeks and host an Arcola team that has allowed 18 points all season.

Tonight's game is Homecoming for Bement.

Coming into play at 5-2, the Broncos hope to solidify their spot in the postseason with a victory, though their playoff points put them in excellent shape for another postseason birth.

Picking up a sixth win won't come easy. After undefeated Arcola comes to town, the Broncos host Okaw Valley titan Maroa-Forsyth next week.

Tonight's game with Arcola can be heard on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Elsewhere in the Little Okaw this week...

Northwest

Argenta-Oreana at Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond
Sangamon Valley at Decatur LSA

Southeast

Martinsville at Toledo Cumberland
Oakland Tri-County at Villa Grove-Heritage
Palestine at Oblong

Okaw Valley

Champaign St. Thomas More at Maroa-Forsyth
Rantoul at Monticello
Tolono Unity at St. Joseph-Ogden

Heart of Illinois

Tri-Valley at Heyworth
Fisher at Dee-Mack
LeRoy at Tremont
Fieldcrest at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley

Corn Belt

Bloomington Central Catholic at Mahomet-Seymour
Eureka at Prairie Central
Pontiac at Normal U-High
Olympia at Illinois Valley Central

Big Twelve

Bloomington at Danville
Champaign Centennial at Peoria Manual
Peoria at Normal West
Peoria Notre Dame at Normal Community (Sat.)
Urbana at Peoria Richwoods

Central State Eight

Chatham Glenwood at Decatur Eisenhower
Decatur MacArthur at Rochester
Jacksonville at Lincoln
Springfield Lanphier at Springfield
Springfield Southeast at Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin

Mid-Illini

Canton at Morton
Dunlap at Limestone
East Peoria at Washington
Pekin at Metamora

Non conference action this week...

Carlyle at El Paso-Gridley (Sat.)
Ridgeview vs. Hayti, MO
Flanagan-Cornell-Cornell-Woodland at Big Rock Crossroads Academy (Sat.)
Peoria Heights at Farmington
Woodstock at Champaign Central

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for Oct. 16

Jail Population: 33

Paper Services: 2

Warrants: 1

Leonardo Damian-Vazquez, 24, Bloomington was issued a Citation for Speeding 78 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Damian-Vazquez was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Brandon Carter, 20, Clinton was Arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging him with Failure to Pay or Appear. Carter unable to post the necessary bond remains lodged in the DeWitt County Jail.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

WEZC Airing Pigskin Playoff Preview Show October 24

WEZC 95.9 FM will again originate and simulcast its long-standing “Pigskin Playoff Preview” show featuring the Illinois High School Association state football playoff pairings, on Saturday, October 24th from 7 to 9pm. The show will also be streamed by clicking the WEZC icon at dewittdailynews.com.

The show will feature the first information on what local high school teams make it into the IHSA football playoffs, and who their first round opponents will be. The show will also include live interviews with coaches whose teams make it into the playoffs.

The show was first created by the Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller in 1988, and has originated locally from MMG radio stations ever since.

RECAP: Maroons Defeat Meridian

In a game heard Friday night on 92.3FM WHOW, the Clinton Maroons used a stellar rushing attack to down the Meridian Hawks, 40-14.

Clinton fell behind the winless Hawks early, trailing 14-7 early in the second quarter, but the Maroons were able to turn things around and score 5 unaswered touchdowns to bring home their fourth win of the season.

Alec Cooley led the Maroons rushing attack.  The Junior carried the ball 23 times for 233 yards and 4 touchdowns.  He now has over 1500 yards rushing on the season, and 19 rushing touchdowns.  Junior Quarterback Noah Griffin added 5 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown in the win.  Griffin was 4 of 6 passing for 53 yards and an interception.

Meridian was led by Sophomore running back Gage Holgarth with 19 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown.  The Hawks' Junior Quarterback Clint Hennington rushed 8 times for 39 yards and a score.  He was 8 of 18 passing for 73 yards, and a pick.

Junior Linebacker Dalton Whitted was the Stephan York Country Financial Maroons Player of the Game.  He had a standout game on defense totalling 2 sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery to go along with numerous tackles.

The win puts Clinton at 4-4 on the season, and 2-4 in the Central Illinois Conference.  It also keeps the Maroons playoff hopes alive heading into next week's Senior Night matchup with Sullivan.  

Meridian is 0-8 on the year, and 0-6 in the CIC.

The game was the first ever to be played at the new football stadium at Meridian High School.

Week 8 Football Scores

Central Illinois Conference:

Decautr St. Teresa 36, Shelbyville 21, F

Central A&M 6, Sullivan-Okaw Valley 34, F

Tuscola 45, Warrensburg-Latham 21, F

 

Little Okaw (Northwest):

Argenta-Oreana 44, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond 18, F

Sangamon Valley 27, Decatur LSA 22, F

 

Little Okaw (Southeast):

Martinsville 8, Toledo Cumberland 62, F

Oakland Tri-County 26, Villa Grove-Heritage 76, F

Palestine 0, Oblong 40, F

 

Okaw Valley:

Champaign St. Thomas More 0, Maroa-Forsyth 44, F

Rantoul 20, Monticello 50, F

Tolono Unity 14, St. Joseph-Ogden 34, F

 

Heart of Illinois:

Tri-Valley 55, Heyworth 6, F

Fisher 8, Dee-Mack 41, F

LeRoy 42, Tremont 21, F

Fieldcrest 0, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 52, F

 

Corn Belt:

Bloomington Central Catholic 42, Mahomet-Seymour 21, F

Eureka 7, Praire Central 42, F

Pontiac 16, Normal U-High 9, F

Olympia 25, Illinois Valley Central 24, F

 

Big Twelve:

Bloomington 26, Danville 0, F

Champaign Centennial 42, Peoria Manual 0, F

Peoria 39, Normal West 64, F

Peoria Notre Dame 21, Normal Community 42

Urbana 19, Peoria Richwoods 46, F

 

Central State Eight:

Chatham Glenwood 56, Decatur Eisenhower 31, F

Decautr MacArthur 6, Rochester 61, F

Jacksonville 64, Lincoln 6, F

Springfield Lanphier 47, Springfield 14, F

Springfield Southeast 24, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin 54, F

 

Mid-Illini:

Canton 53, Morton 40, F

Dunlap 15, Limestone 19, F

East Peoria 7, Washington 40, F

Pekin 22, Metamora 25, F

 

Non-Conference:

Carlyle 24, El Paso-Gridley 28, F

Ridgeview 28, Hayti, MO 43, F

Woodstock 21, Champaign Central 51, F

East Peoria 7, Washington 40, F

Arcola Routes Cerro Gordo Bement Friday Night

 width=The Arcola Purple Riders dominated from start to finish in a 61-0 win over Cerro Gordo Bement Friday night.

Arcola found the end zone twice in the first 62 seconds of game and never looked back.

Wyatt Fischel finished with 4 total touchdowns. Carrying the ball 10 times, he had 170 yards and two scores along with a fumble recovery and a pick six.

Clayton Strader was 2 for 6 with 53 yards and a touchdown through the air.

He carried the ball six times for 79 yards and two touchdowns.

CGBs Dalton Groehler was the lone bright spot, rushing 25 times for 123 yards.

The Broncos are now 5-3 on the season. 

Congressman David: Bipartisanship Not Dead

Coverage of Congress and some of its saber rattlers would lead you to believe life on Capitol Hill is a 24/7 war between Democrats and Republicans.
Bipartisanship is sometimes hard to find, but GOP Congressman Rodney Davis of Taylorville assures it will still exists.

[audio:10151575912-Rodneybipartisanship.mp3] [/audio]

Democrats are targeting his Congressional seat because his district is seen as half Republican, half Democrat.

Gov. To Stop Discussing Talks With Lawmakers

Is the lack of a state budget really even news anymore?

The budget stalemate has dragged on into October with little hope for a resolution. But Governor Bruce Rauner says that he’s changing tact in the budget battle, not with demands about passing his Turn Around Agenda, rather talking he’s going to stop talking about the discussions he’s having with lawmakers.

[audio:10151575912-RAUNERMEDIA.mp3] [/audio]

In the past Rauner’s accounting of the time and frequency of budget meetings has contradicted the accounting of meetings by Democtratic leaders. The Governor says that structural reform is still needed before a budget can be passed.

Local Administrator Says PARCC Scores Should Be Taken With Grain of Salt

This week we've outlined the responses of area administrators to the news that the first year of the PARCC testing did not go over well.

According to Superintendent of Maroa-Forsyth Schools, the first year scores need to be taken with a grain of salt. He explains the tests are new in so many ways and he wants to see the individual scores before they get concerned.

[audio:10151575902-101515mfparcc1.mp3] [/audio]

According to Williams, the PARCC tests ultimate objective is to better test students and have a standard that level across the state and nation. Williams believes schools and students cannot be judged on one test.

[audio:10151575906-101515mfparcc2.mp3] [/audio]

In order to not be judged on one test that administrators, including Williams, call a single point in time, he feels there needs to be a way for districts to tell their individual stories. He believes eventually the PARCC tests will do that but for now, there are a lot of holes.

[audio:10151575908-101515mfparcc3.mp3] [/audio]

Williams believes the PARCC assessments are going in the right direction. He says changes are in place for this year that should allow for improvements but he says it will need to be continuously evaluated.

[audio:10151575910-101515mfparcc4.mp3] [/audio]

Williams feels the state needs to stick with the PARCC assessments if that is the model they want to follow. He believes it does no good to jump from assessment to assessment.

Former USC Coach Tweets Thanks For Support

 width=It's been a long few days for Steve Sarkisian, but on Wednesday evening he took to Twitter to speak publicy for the first time since his dismissal at USC.

Sarkisian sent out three tweets, thanking people for their support, and wishing the Trojans luck against Notre Dame this week.

"I would like to thank everyone for their huge outpouring of support and well wishes. This is a very difficult time for my family and me. I am facing these challenges the best I can and your support helps immensely. I wish my Trojans the best against Notre Dame and for the remainder of the season. No one will be cheering them on more than me. Fight On!"

Sarkisian was fired on Monday, a day after being placed on an indefinite leave of absence.

He was in his second season at USC, and had a record of 12-6.

Odom Fighting For His Life

 width=ESPN is reporting former NBA star Lamar Odom is fighting for his life in a Las Vegas hospital after being transported there after being found unresponsive in a Nevada brothel.

According to an ESPN source, "the next 48 hours are critical," and that the Nye County (Nev.) Sheriff's Department would hold a news conference at 7 p.m. ET to update the Odom situation.

Odom was transported to a hospital from a Nevada brothel after being found unconscious according to Nye County Sheriff Sharon A. Wehrly.

Atlanta, New Orleans Clash on TNF

Looking for a second 6-0 opening in four years, the Atlanta Falcons try to win consecutive road games against the New Orleans Saints for the first time in 13 seasons Thursday night.

 width=After Washington kicked a tying field goal at the end of regulation Sunday, Robert Alford returned an interception 59 yards in overtime to give the Falcons a 25-19 victory.

Despite three turnovers against the Redskins, Atlanta is tied for fifth in the league with a plus-5 turnover ratio. Julio Jones failed to record a receiving touchdown for the second straight week after totaling four in the first three but recovered a Devonta Freeman fumble in the end zone for a score Sunday.

The Falcons are 3-9 at New Orleans since last winning back-to-back games there in 2001 and '02.

New Orleans is trying to avoid its worst start since going 1-7 in 1999.

They rank last in the NFL with 409.0 yards allowed per game, are tied for 29th at 28.6 points given up and tied for 28th with a minus-5 turnover differential.

Drew Brees, still dealing with a shoulder problem, is 7-2 against the Falcons at New Orleans but threw two INTs and a TD in last season's loss there.

Maryland's Melo Trimble Named Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year

The Big Ten released its preseason awards on Wednesday afternoon, naming Maryland's Melo Trimble preseason player of the year.

 width=Trimble, who averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, was a unanimous choice for the preseason All-Big Ten team along with Michigan State's Denzel Valentine, Purdue's A.J. Hammons, and Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes.

Joining that group of players on the preseason All-Big Ten team are Iowa's Jarrod Uthoff, Maryland's Jake Layman, Wisconsin's Bronson Koenig, Indiana's James Blackmon Jr. and Yogi Ferrell, and Michigan's Caris LeVert.

Most of the members on this team have been named to the All-Big Ten teams before. Ferrell was named to both the coaches' and media's first team last year. Trimble was first team on the media's poll and the second team on the coaches' poll. Hammons was on the second team of both ballots. Hayes and Valentine were on the third team from both the media and coaches. Layman made the third team by the media, and Uthoff made it on the third team of the coaches. LeVert made the second team back in 2014.

Nine of the 10 players in this group featured in CBSSports' Top 100 (and one) players in college basketball for 2015-16. Trimble was the highest-rated player at No. 7. The second-highest was Hayes at No. 12, with Denzel Valentine, Caris LeVert and Yogi Ferrell also featured in the top 20. Jarrod Uthoff is the only player not featured in the Top 100 (and one).

>>SMU Players To Issue Statement To NCAA

The NCAA announced last month that SMU's men's basketball program will, among other things, not be allowed to compete this postseason because of rules violations uncovered during an investigation. The school subsequently stated it will not appeal the postseason ban, meaning the players will not participate in the 2016 NCAA Tournament even if they win every game between now and then, and seniors like Nic Moore and Markus Kennedy are essentially guaranteed to never play in the NCAA Tournament again.

 width=SMU's players have mostly refrained from commenting since the announcements.

But the players issued a statement Wednesday exclusively to CBS Sports.

Part of the statement reads as follows:

We, the student-athlete members of the SMU Basketball family, wish to express our profound disappointment and vehement disagreement with the sanctions levied upon us as student-athletes, and with the conclusions drawn by the NCAA Committee on Infractions about our men's basketball program and our coach, Larry Brown. We believe the NCAA exercised questionable judgment in punishing innocent people, and we strongly disagree that a dedicated group of blameless, amateur athletes should bear the overwhelming weight of the consequences in this case. We also wish to make known that the NCAA's conclusion that the SMU Men's Basketball program is not compliant with NCAA rules is simply incorrect.

Royals, Blue Jays Advance To ALCS; Mets, Dodgers Meet To Face Cubs

Johnny Cueto threw eight dominant innings Wednesday night which allowed the resilient Royals to rally once more for a 7-2 victory over the Houston Astros that sent them back to the American League Championship Series.

Cueto allowed two hits, a single by Evan Gattis followed by Luis Valbuena's second-inning homer, before retiring the final 19 batters he faced. He struck out eight without a walk in the kind of clutch performance the Royals expected when they got him from the Reds.

When Wade Davis breezed through the ninth, the Royals poured onto the field to celebrate.

The Royals trailed the Astros 2-1 in the fifth when Alex Rios led another comeback with a go-ahead, two-run double. Eric Hosmer and Ben Zobrist also drove in runs, and Kendrys Morales capped the festive night with a three-run homer off Dallas Keuchel in the eighth to put it away.

Toronto earned its first trip to the American League Championship Series since Carter's World Series-ending drive in 1993, overcoming one of the craziest plays in playoff history when Bautista hit a three-run homer after three Texas Rangers errors for a 6-3 victory Wednesday in the deciding Game 5 of the Division Series.

Bautista's homer capped an event-filled, 53-minute seventh inning that took a turn when Toronto catcher Russell Martin's seemingly routine throw back to the pitcher deflected off batter Shin-Soo Choo and allowed the tiebreaking to score.

The Blue Jays filed a protest after an umpire review ruled Rougned Odor was allowed to cross home plate. Toronto fans pelted the field with debris during the 18-minute delay.

The Rangers started the bottom half by making errors on three straight groundballs, and Toronto rallied. Benches cleared twice in the Blue Jays' half of the inning.

Roberto Osuna got the final five outs for his first postseason save.

 width=>>Mets, Dodgers Look To Punch Ticket To NLCS

The New York Mets will visit the Los Angeles Dodgers for Game 5 of their NLDS tonight. The Cubs await the winner, while the Blue Jays and Royals are gonna square off over in the AL.

Zack Greinke did face the Mets earlier this season, getting the ball in Game 2. He allowed two home runs in the second inning, but that was pretty much it. In all, he gave up those two runs on just five hits while walking none and striking out eight.

In Game 1, Jacob deGrom outdueled Clayton Kershaw by allowing a run on five hits and a walk in seven innings. He struck out 13. This was a carry-over from deGrom's success against the Dodgers in the regular season.

The one time deGrom saw the Dodgers during the regular season was on July 26. He went 7 2/3 scoreless innings and only coughed up two hits. They were both singles. He struck out eight.

The game is set for 8:07 p.m. ET/5:07 p.m. PT. It will air on TBS.

Philly Blanks Chicago

 width=Michal Neuvirth stopped 30 shots in his second straight shutout, leading the Philadelphia Flyers to a 3-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night.

Sam Gagner, Claude Giroux and Matt Read scored to lead the Flyers to their 12th straight regular-season home victory over Chicago. The Flyers have not lost to the Blackhawks in Philly during the regular season since Nov. 9, 1996.

The Blackhawks beat the Flyers in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final and clinched with a Game 6 win in Philly.

Filling in for Steve Mason, Neuvirth was sensational in his ninth career shutout. Mason missed a second straight game because of unspecified family reasons and there was no word when he would return.

Special Weather Statement From National Weather Service

BREEZY SOUTHWEST WINDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH AND GUSTS UP TO 25 TO 35 MPH WILL GRADUALLY TURN WEST TO NORTHWEST DURING MID AND LATE AFTERNOON. THESE WINDS WILL COMBINE WITH LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
LEVELS APPROACHING 25 PERCENT WILL PRODUCE AN ELEVATED FIRE DANGER THROUGH SUNSET. THESE STRONG WINDS SHOULD DIMINISH THIS EVENING AFTER SUNSET.

THE FIRE DANGER IS MAINLY AGRICULTURAL CORN AND SOYBEAN FIELDS THAT ARE BEING HARVESTED. GIVEN THE WINDY AND DRY CONDITIONS... ANY FIRE WILL BE ABLE TO GROW AND SPREAD RAPIDLY SIMILAR TO THE CONDITIONS WE HAD ON COLUMBUS DAY. THEREFORE...ANY OUTDOOR BURNING SHOULD BE POSTPONED TO ANOTHER DAY. 

Cubs Rule SS Russell Out Of NLCS With Hamstring Injury

 width=Cubs shortstop Addison Russell will not play in the NL Championship Series because of a strained left hamstring.

Manager Joe Maddon also says Jon Lester will start the series opener on Saturday night, followed by Jake Arrieta in Game 2 on Sunday. Lester is 6-5 with a 2.66 ERA in 15 career postseason games, including 13 starts.

The Cubs will find out their opponent for the next round when the Dodgers host the New York Mets in Game 5 of their division series on Thursday night.

Russell left Game 3 of the NLDS against the Cardinals due to tightness in his left hamstring. Maddon says it's a moderate strain, and the team will be pragmatic with the injury.

Javier Baez, who replaced Russell after he left in the previous round, will be the starting shortstop in the NLCS.

Economic Uncertainty Slows Illinois Job Growth

The Illinois economy is growing slower than the nation as a whole.

Since the 2008 downturn, a strong agricultural economy kept some job growth going, and even with the current softening of the ag economy, Dr. Geoffrey (Jeffrey) Hewing, head of the Economics Outlook Laboratory at the Univ. of Illinois says rural job growth continues to outpace urban job growth in the state.

[audio:10141580743-IlEconomy1.mp3] [/audio]

Even if taxes go up, says Hewing, that is less significant than the uncertainty we have because of the standoff in Springfield.

[audio:10141580744-IlEconomy2.mp3] [/audio]

Hewing adds all the talk about the state’s poor business climate, and financial struggles impact business and job growth, but by far the biggest deterrent to economic growth in Illinois is lack of a roadmap to solving the budget issue.

New Senator Supports Budget Showdown

As the current state budget mess drags into fall, there is a new state Senator to examine the issues.

Chuck Weaver of Peoria has been sworn in to replace Darin LaHood who left the Senate to become a US Congressman. Weaver a Republican from Peoria says that he is on the side of the Governor’s so far in the ongoing standoff.

[audio:10141580748-weaverrauner.mp3] [/audio]

Weaver was sworn in last week to represent Illinois’ 37th Senate District. He is filling out Darin LaHood’s term, which expires in November of next year.

Rauner Wants To Sell Downtown Chicago State Office Building

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner wants to hold a public auction to sell the James R. Thompson Center, which houses state government offices in downtown Chicago.

Rauner made the announcement Tuesday in the 16-story glass-paneled building's large atrium, calling the building "ineffective" and a "very wasteful, very inefficient use of space." He said selling the building and moving state workers elsewhere could save the state between $6 million and $12 million annually. He called it a "good move" for taxpayers.

Earlier this year, Rauner's administration asked for an appraisal of the building. Rauner said the center "can be replaced by a very positive, very impactful new building."

The Thompson Center opened in 1985 and was designed by architect Helmut Jahn. Parts of the building have fallen into disrepair and require work.

Local Schools Leader Says Key To PARCC Is Finding Silver Lining

 width=As school leaders await the arrival of the first wave of PARCC testing results, area school leaders continue to convey their thoughts on the new assessments.

Superintendent of Warrensburg-Latham Schools, Dr. Kristen Kendrick-Weikle, indicates she is taking the advice of the State Superintendent and not comparing the tests to other assessments given in years past. She feels the advice is sound because the tests are different.

[audio:10141580735-101415wlparcc1.mp3] [/audio]

Despite the first year that has been anything but positive for the PARCC tests, Dr. Kendrick-Weikle says the kinks and bugs of the system will get themselves worked out.

[audio:10141580738-101415wlparcc2.mp3] [/audio]

While Dr. Kendrick-Weikle believes the PARCC testing could be a useful tool, she does have some frustrations. The PARCC tests cost the state money to give out and she says there may be a scenario where they cannot afford all the tests.

[audio:10141580741-101415wlparcc3.mp3] [/audio]

Response to the first year of the PARCC testing and its results are widely mixed among area school leaders. Some see the PARCC as a positive tool, it just needs adjusting, others say it is not a good method at all.

We'll here more in the coming days from area administrators on the PARCC testing.

Authorities Warning of Increased Deer Activity in Rural Areas

With the harvest well ahead of schedule in central Illinois, deer are going to be much more active.

DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner says the deer activity this time of year annually picks up, resulting in increased deer, vehicle accidents. Those can be avoided by simply slowing down and staying alert.

[audio:10141580729-101415deeracc1.mp3] [/audio]

Often times, deer will come out onto the roadway at the last minute in a heavily wooded area and there is little a driver can do to avoid them. According to the Sheriff, the best thing for a driver to is actually hit the deer.

[audio:10141580732-101415deeracc2.mp3] [/audio]

The Sheriff continues to remind drivers, especially in rural parts of central Illinois, to slow down and be aware of heavy machinery for the harvest.

 width=

Cowboys To Turn To Matt Cassel After Bye Week

 width=According to ESPN's Ed Werder, the Cowboys will start Cassel against the Giants two Sundays from now, as the team is currently on its bye week. Weeden started all three games after Tony Romo went down with a broken clavicle during the second game of the season.

The Cowboys lost all three games that Weeden started, but it's tough to pin all of those losses solely on Weeden. In his three and a half games as the Cowboys' starter, Weeden didn't necessarily play well, but he did complete 72.4 percent of his passes for 739 yards, two touchdowns and two picks. And, against the Falcons and Saints, the team put up a combined 48 points.

But against the Patriots, Weeden reverted back to his old horrible self, averaging less than five yards per attempt and compiling a passer rating of 67.

Meanwhile, Cassel started the season in Buffalo, where he competed for the Bills' starting gig over the summer. After losing out to Tyrod Taylor, Cassel was traded to the Cowboys in the wake of Romo's injury. Now Cassel has his shot to hold down the Cowboys' starting job until Romo returns, which can't happen until Week 11 at the very earliest.

Rose To Miss Entire Preseason, Opener Uncertain

 width=Before the regular season got going for the Chicago Bulls, they were already back in the familiar position of wondering when their star point guard would be back on the court. Before the first preseason game could come for Chicago, Derrick Rose had suffered a fracture of his orbital bone and was in need of surgery. There was going to be a two-week waiting period after the surgery and then we'd know more about his timetable for return.

Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters on Tuesday that the team will "most likely" not have Rose for any of the eight preseason games with four remaining on the calendar, and the season opener could be in jeopardy. He's not ruled out of the season opener but it's not looking great at the moment.

>>Former NBA Star Odom Found Unconscious, In Serious Condition

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom was airlifted from a Nevada brothel after being found unconscious, Nye County Sheriff Sharon A. Wehrly confirmed in a statement released to the media Tuesday night:

"At approximately 3:15 pm on October 13, 2015, a call came into the Nye County Dispatch Center from Richard Hunter, Media Director for Dennis Hof's Bunny Ranch, requesting an ambulance for an unresponsive male experiencing a medical emergency at the Love Ranch in Crystal, Nevada, approximately twenty miles north of Pahrump, Nevada in Nye County.

"An ambulance from Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue Service arrived at 3:34 pm and the patient, identified as Lamar Odom was stabilized and transported to Desert View Hospital arriving at 4:16 pm. Nye County Sheriff's Office Detectives Cory Fowles and Michael Eisenloffel arrived and conducted an investigation on scene.

"After being treated by the physicians, arrangements were made to transport him by Mercy Air helicopter. However, Mr. Odom was unable to be transported by air due to his stature. He was immediately transported by Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue Ambulance to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada for further treatment."
The Los Angeles Times reports that the owner of the brothel indicated that Odom had been in a "somber mood," and had not been seen with any illegal drugs. E! News reports that Odom has not regained consciouness and the situation "does not look good."

Odom, 35, played 14 seasons in the NBA, winning two championships with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010. In 2013, reports surfaced that Odom was dealing with a "serious" drug problem, which he later denied.

Blues Escape Flames

Colton Parayko scored his first two NHL goals to lead the St. Louis Blues to a 4-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night.

The 22-year-old defenseman broke a 2-2 tie at 4:47 of the second period on a 55-foot wrist shot that eluded Flames goaltender Jonas Hiller. The goal came on the power play of the game for the Blues (2-1-0), who had been short-handed four times in the first period.

Parakyo scored again with 32 seconds left in the second on another long shot from the same distance, this one changing directions slightly on the way and slipping under Hiller's arm.

 width=It was the third-straight goal for St. Louis, which entered the period down 2-1, but tied it at 2:49 when Troy Brouwer scored on a breakaway. Scottie Upshall also scored for the Blues.

Mason Raymond, Jiri Hudler and David Jones scored for Calgary (1-2-0). The Flames, who fell to 0-2 at home.

>>Fabbri Played Three Shifts After Suffering Concussion

Robby Fabbri had a promising start to his NHL career for the St. Louis Blues when the 19-year-old scored the game-winning goal in his pro debut last week. Unfortunately for Fabbri and the Blues, he is currently sidelined with a concussion after he was hit in the head by Minnesota's Chris Porter on Saturday night.

Hitchcock said quote- "We're going to miss Robby. I was surprised about the concussion because he had three great shifts after the concussion."

Fabbri was the Blues' first-round pick, No. 20 overall, in 2014. With him sidelined it's expected that veterans Scottie Upshall or Scott Gomez, both of whom were in Blues camp on tryout deals, will get an opportunity in the lineup.

Cubs Eliminate Cardinals Behind Long Ball

Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez homered and the fresh Cubs clinched a postseason series at Wrigley Field for the first time ever, beating the St. Louis Cardinals 6-4 Tuesday to win the NL Division Series in four games.

Rizzo's solo drive to right off losing pitcher Kevin Siegrist in the sixth put Chicago back on top 5-4 after St. Louis scored two in the top half.

 width=As if the fans were already hollering at the top of their lungs after that home run, they were really screaming after Schwarber's monstrous shot leading off the seventh. The ball landed on top of the right-field videoboard and wound up nestled against a railing on the front edge.

The late drives by Rizzo and Schwarber along with Baez's three-run homer off John Lackey in the second came after Chicago set a postseason record with six long balls in Monday's win.

And with the ball flying out again, the Cubs won for the 12th time in 13 games.

Cubs starter Jason Hammel allowed two runs and three hits. He exited after giving up a leadoff walk to Jhonny Peralta in the fourth.

Seven relievers combined to hold the Cardinals to two runs and five hits the rest of the way. Trevor Cahill picked up the win and Rondon worked the ninth for the save.

Hammel settled down after giving up a two-run homer to Piscotty on the game's fourth pitch. He also singled in a run with two out in the second before Baez connected against Lackey, the man the Cardinals were counting on to keep their season going, to make it 4-2.

Lackey gave up four runs and four hits over three innings after outpitching former teammate Lester in a dominant series opener.

St. Louis scored two in the sixth to tie it. But the rally ended with Tony Cruz - who drove in a run with a two-out double - getting thrown out at home by Jorge Soler trying to score on Brandon Moss' RBI single to right.

>>Kershaw, Dodgers Force Decisive Game 5 vs Mets

Clayton Kershaw finally came through with the season on the line Tuesday night, saving Los Angeles from another early playoff exit by pitching the Dodgers to a 3-1 victory over the New York Mets that forced their NL Division Series to a deciding Game 5.

Working on only three days' rest, Kershaw shut down the Mets for seven innings and Justin Turner delivered a key hit against his former team. The series shifts back to Los Angeles on Thursday night, with fellow Dodgers ace Zack Greinke scheduled to start against Jacob deGrom.

The winner will host the wild-card Chicago Cubs in the NL Championship Series opener Saturday.

 width=Kershaw's one-out single led to a three-run third. Adrian Gonzalez blooped an RBI single and Turner added a two-run double, providing support for the lefty ace.

The reigning NL MVP and three-time Cy Young Award winner snapped a five-start losing streak in the playoffs - the longest in Dodgers history.

He struck out eight, walked one and yielded only three hits, quieting another revved-up crowd at Citi Field as the night wore on. Daniel Murphy hit his second solo homer off Kershaw in the series, both coming in the fourth inning.

Kenley Jansen got four outs for his second save. With two runners on in the eighth and the count full, he retired Murphy on a fly to right. The right-hander then worked a 1-2-3 ninth as the Dodgers ended a seven-game losing streak in road playoff games.

Steven Matz was pitching in a big league game for the first time in 19 days after a balky back sidelined him late in the season. Still, he looked sharp early before Kershaw got the first hit of the game. With two outs, Howie Kendrick grounded a single up the middle and Gonzalez dumped an RBI single into center.

Turner then lined a 2-0 curve into the left-field corner to make it 3-0, tormenting his former team yet again.

Matz grew up a Mets fan on Long Island, about 50 miles from Citi Field, and his family attended the game. He went 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA in six major league starts this season, but the team saw enough to pitch him in the playoffs - in part because Matz threw gems to help clinch championships at Class A in 2013 and Double-A last year.

>>Rangers, Blue Jays Meet in Game 5 in Toronto

The Toronto Blue Jays stacked a pair of former Cy Young Award winners to prolong their stay in the AL Division Series.

For the deciding Game 5, they'll turn to a starter who was once expected to miss the entire season.

Marcus Stroman, who tore a ligament in his left knee during a spring training fielding drill in March, will get the ball when the Blue Jays host the Texas Rangers in a winner-take-all affair on Wednesday afternoon.

Stroman went 4-0 with a 1.67 ERA after rejoining the rotation in mid-September. He'll face Texas lefty Cole Hamels.

The Rangers also hope to have four-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner Adrian Beltre in the lineup again Wednesday. The slugger left Game 1 with a strained back but returned with two hits in Game 4. Banister said Tuesday that he hadn't heard anything new from his training staff about Beltre's condition.

>>Astros Turn To McHugh In Game 5 vs Royals

The Royals traded away three top prospects to acquire Johnny Cueto for the playoffs, even though his winning pedigree has been established almost entirely in the regular season.

He'll have an opportunity to change that Wednesday night.

The right-hander with the creative cadre of deliveries will take the mound for Kansas City in Game 5 of the AL Division Series against the Astros. The Royals forced the decider at Kauffman Stadium by rallying from a four-run deficit in the eighth inning Monday at Houston.

The Astros will counter with Collin McHugh, who threw a gem in winning the series opener.

The Royals have won nine of their past 10 elimination games, and now have momentum on their side. Their rousing comeback to force the series back to Kansas City drew comparisons to their comeback against Oakland in last year's wild-card game, when they dug out of a similar four-run hole in the eighth inning against Jon Lester and the A's.

McHugh allowed two runs - both on homers by Kendrys Morales - and six hits over six innings against the Royals in Game 1, shrugging off a 49-minute rain delay in the process. With a vicious slider and unflappable confidence, he calmly took care of a potent Kansas City lineup.

Clinton Police Report For Oct. 14

ON 10/13/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED CHRISTOPHER M. UNDERWOOD 18, CLINTON FOR FORGERY AND THEFT. UNDERWOOD WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

Michael's Gourmet Shoppe at Clinton IGA Holds Ribbon Cutting

Clinton IGA's latest addition to their store, Michael's Gourmet Popcorn Shoppe, held a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday morning.

Michael's is located in the corner of the deli/bakery area of the grocery store on Van Buren Street. Veronica Luster says they offer gourmet popcorn varieties at a lower cost to the consumer. Along with various popcorns, they also do caramel apples and chocolate covered pretzels.

[audio:10141524952-101515gourmetpop1.mp3] [/audio]

While Michael's will certainly cater to individuals and their needs, Luster indicates they hope to work with community groups for fundraising. She adds they can also do catering for parties or weddings.

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Michael's Gourmet Popcorn Shoppe is just one of the many changes at Clinton IGA. They have recently finished a project to go all LED inside and plans are underway to begin changing the lighting outside as well.

For more information on Michael's Gourmet Popcorn Shoppe, check out their Facebook page.

Image courtesy of Ed Cicenas of EMC Photography:

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Police Group Places Blame For Budget Impasse on Governor

There's no shortage of finger pointing in Springfield with the budget saga and now the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police is jumping into the fray.

They are concerned about funds for police training that are now on hold because of the stalemate. FOP State Lodge President Chris Southwood is placing the blame for what they call a hostage situation with Governor Rauner.

[audio:10131582401-FOP1.mp3] [/audio]

Southwood also is disappointed with the lack of stopgap measures.

[audio:10131582402-FOP2.mp3] [/audio]

A press release from the FOP says "Governor Rauner, don't shoot the hostage. Negotiate in good faith with the Illinois General Assembly to end this budget crisis.”

The Rauner Administration has released a statement. "Given the violence in Chicago and challenges facing the state, taxpayers will undoubtedly be disappointed to hear this type of imagery invoked against the governor while he is standing up for them. Taxpayers understand that state government has been broken for years and want reforms to the status quo. Unfortunately, while the governor continues to offer compromises, the super majority running the legislature continues blocking reforms to fix the budget and grow jobs."

Local School Leader Does Not Like PARCC Tests

It's not because the scores are anticipated to be very low in the first year of the new PARCC testing in Illinois that one local school leader does not like the testing.

The first year of the PARCC assessments in Illinois are anticipated to be very low. In preparation of that, the State Board of Education has released a warning to area school leaders of that information, however, it's not because of those scores that Lincoln High School Superintendent Robert Bagby does not like the tests. He says it is because the tests are 'meaningless' compared to assessments of the past.

[audio:10131582354-101315lincolnparcc1.mp3] [/audio]

Now that Bagby knows the test scores are expected to be very low, with a majority of Illinois students not meeting the standards, he believes it makes the validity of the testing that much more questionable.

[audio:10131582358-101315lincolnparcc2.mp3] [/audio]

Bagby says the School Board of Education is in a tough spot because of recent transitions, however, he feels the low scores are not adequately reflecting the hard work of the teachers and students in Illinois schools.

[audio:10131582400-101315lincolnparcc3.mp3] [/audio]

Bagby indicates his students did very well last year. He explains Lincoln students scored better than the state average in each subject except for science.

Bagby says he puts a lot of stock into the ACT.

Clinton Farmers Market Taking Advantage of Apple n' Pork Crowds

Attendees of the Apple n' Pork Festival in Clinton each year can take advantage of trams that run from one side of the community to the other.

One of the stops of those trams is on the downtown Clinton Square, where for the summer and fall months, the Clinton Area Farmers and Artisans Market, CAFAM, sets up each Saturday. Elizabeth Burns with the CAFAM, explains they allow vendors who have set up once during their season to come and be a part of the Apple n' Pork weekend.

[audio:10131582349-101315cafampork1.mp3] [/audio]

The early rains of the growing season really hampered the availability of fruits and vegetables this spring. Burns notes though, the late season of the market was very strong with seasonal pumpkins.

[audio:10131582352-101315cafampork2.mp3] [audio]

The farmers market just wrapped up for the season this past weekend however, to be a part of future markets next year and qualify for a tent at the Apple n' Pork Festival, contact the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce to have the information forwarded to the leaders of the Clinton farmers market.

Burns says they are going to be working hard this winter to find more vendors and increase the variety and options for their regular attendees.

College Football Notes

>>Reports Say South Carolina Coach Spurrier Retiring

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier has decided to retire, ending his storied career at the age of 70, according multiple reports.

Spurrier's Gamecocks fell 45-24 to LSU on Saturday, moving South Carolina to 2-4 (0-4 SEC) on the season.

His college coaching career will end with a record of 228-89-2 combined in 26 seasons at Duke (three), Florida (12) and South Carolina (11).

>>Florida QB Grier Suspended The Remainder of the Season

Florida starting quarterback Will Grier will miss the rest of the 2015 season and could sit out up to a full year of action after testing positive for a banned substance.

 width=Grier and coach Jim McElwain confirmed at a Monday press conference that the NCAA has given Grier its mandatory full calendar year suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. An emotional Grier said his positive test had been caused by an over-the-counter supplement he'd failed to have OK'd by Gators medical staff before ingesting.

Grier said quote - "I really hope that people can learn from my mistake, I'm really sorry to everyone. Just really sorry."

McElwain said Florida will appeal the length of the suspension to the NCAA, hoping to reduce it from its current 12 months. A redshirt freshman, Grier is allowed to practice with the Gators but not travel with the team.

The Gators, among the nation's biggest surprises and ranked No. 8 in Sunday's AP Top 25, face No. 6 LSU in a key SEC game Saturday.

Since taking over the starting job against Tennessee, Grier has emerged as a steady option for the Gators under center and was already on pace to have the best statistical season for a Florida quarterback since Tim Tebow. Through six games Grier has totaled 1,204 yards and 10 touchdowns on 65.8 percent passing at 7.5 yards per attempt.

Sophomore Treon Harris, who has been suspended already this season as well, will likely take over the quarterbacking duties with Grier sidelined.

>>USC Coach Sarkisian Fired Among Alcohol Scandal

USC announced the firing of coach Steve Sarkisian on Monday, this coming one day after athletic director Pat Haden put Sarkisian on an indefinite leave of absence from the program.

Haden released the following statement Monday:

"After careful consideration of what is in the best interest of the university and our student-athletes, I have made the decision to terminate Steve Sarkisian, effective immediately.

"I want to thank Clay Helton for stepping into the interim head coach role, and I want to add how proud I am of our coaching staff and players and the way they are responding to this difficult situation.

"Through all of this we remain concerned for Steve and hope that it will give him the opportunity to focus on his personal well being."

Sarkisian was in his second season as the Trojans' coach and posted a 12-6 overall record at USC. This season, USC has a 3-2 record including a 17-12 loss on Saturday at home to Washington. Things were bad on the field for the Trojans this season, but clearly Sarkisian was battling much bigger issues off of it.

Rose Could Be Cleared For Activity Within A Week

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Derrick Rose may be cleared to begin activity within a week, and be able to practice shortly thereafter, Chicago Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said Monday.

The Bulls haven't ruled Rose out for the opening game of the regular season against Cleveland Oct. 27. He had surgery Sept. 30 on a fractured left orbital bone suffered in practice a day earlier.

"Derrick, hopefully in another week, will be able to start getting active again, and then hopefully start practicing shortly thereafter," Hoiberg said.

Rose was at the United Center for the Bulls' preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans Monday night, but likely wouldn't be on the bench, Hoiberg said.

Hoiberg said quote - "He's still getting a little bit of blurred vision, so I feel it's best for him to watch the game in the back. But I know he's excited to be here and be with the guys in the locker room."

Cubs Hit Six HRs, Blast Cardinals For Series Lead; Mets Win

>>Cubs Hit Six HRs, Blast Cardinals For Series Lead

Jorge Soler, Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber connected as the Cubs set a postseason mark with six home runs and beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-6 on Monday for a 2-1 lead in the NL Division Series.
Jake Arrieta struck out nine before departing in the sixth inning, and the bullpen finished the job in the first playoff game at Wrigley Field in seven years.

 width=Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo and Dexter Fowler also went deep for Chicago.

A third straight win for the Cubs on Tuesday afternoon, and the once woebegone franchise will advance to the NLCS for the first time in 12 years.

The Cardinals, who led the majors with 100 wins this season, have won at least one playoff series in each of the last four years.

Jason Hammel starts at home in Game 4. John Lackey, who won the opener, pitches for the Cardinals.

Jason Heyward and Stephen Piscotty homered for St. Louis, which got to Arrieta for four runs in his worst start in four months. But the Cardinals were unable to keep the Cubs in the ballpark.

St. Louis trailed 8-4 before Piscotty hit a two-run shot with two out in the ninth, a scary moment for a towel-waving crowd of 42,411 used to playoff heartache. But Hector Rondon retired Matt Holliday on a harmless bouncer to second, and the party was on.

Schwarber, Castro and Bryant homered against Michael Wacha in his first playoff appearance since he threw the final pitch of the 2014 postseason for the Cardinals, a game-ending, three-run shot for Travis Ishikawa in the NLCS against the Giants.

Bryant's two-run drive made it 4-2 with one out in the fifth and chased Wacha in favor of Kevin Siegrist. But Rizzo followed another long ball, a drive to right for his first hit of the playoffs.

Even Adam Wainwright got into the act, serving up Soler's two-run shot in the sixth. Soler, who struggled with injuries for much of the year, is 4 for 4 with two homers, four RBIs and five walks in the series. He is the first player in major league history to reach safely in his first nine postseason plate appearances.

Cubs shortstop Addison Russell left in the fourth with tightness in his left hamstring. He said he is day to day.

St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina winced on a swing-and-miss in the fourth inning, and then was checked on by a trainer and Matheny. Molina missed the last part of the regular season due to a strained ligament in his left thumb. Piscotty and second baseman Kolten Wong were shaken up after a collision in foul territory in the fifth.

>>Harvey Not Sharp But Mets Blast Dodgers, Take Series Lead

 width=Curtis Granderson drove in five runs with two doubles off the wall, Travis d'Arnaud and Yoenis Cespedes homered, and New York's dangerous bats busted loose for a 13-7 victory Monday night that gave the Mets a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-five NL playoff.

Before a bloodthirsty crowd of 44,276 in the first postseason game at Citi Field, the Mets broke their postseason scoring record as public enemy No. 1 Chase Utley watched from the Los Angeles bench. New York quickly erased an early three-run deficit and made a winner of a mediocre Matt Harvey in his playoff debut.

Back in the postseason for the first time in nine years, New York can reach the NL Championship Series with another win at home Tuesday night behind rookie pitcher Steven Matz.

Clayton Kershaw has dropped five consecutive postseason decisions, the longest skid in Dodgers history. He was outpitched by Jacob deGrom in a 3-1 defeat at Los Angeles in the series opener.

Left-hander Steven Matz is a hometown favorite after growing up on Long Island about 50 miles from Citi Field. He went 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA in six major league starts this season but hasn't pitched since Sept. 24 because of a balky back.

Clinton Police Holiday Weekend Report

CITATIONS
10/08/15
CORY J. SPENCE 32, CLINTON OPERATING UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED

10/10/15
ALEXIS B. HOWELL 20, CLINTON OPERATING UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED
DOROTHY K. WOODWARD 43, CLINTON UNAUTHORIZED USE OF PARKING SPACE RESERVED FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED

ON 10/10/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED BRIDGET K. NIMMO 25, CLINTON FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL, DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL WITH A B.A.C. GREATER THAN .08, POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA AND POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. NIMMO WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

DeWitt County Sheriff's Holiday Weekend Report

Jail Population: 33

Paper Services: 3

Warrants: 1

Karin Popovic, 47, Schamburg was issued Citations for Driving while License Suspended and Disobey Stop Sign. Popovic was Arrested and Charged with Driving on Suspended License. Popovic posted the necessary bond and was released.

Randy Waters, 22, Waynesville was Arrested and Charged with Domestic Battery/ Physical Contact. Waters unable to post the necessary bond remains lodged in the DeWitt County Jail.

Michael Edge, 51, Clinton was Arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging him with Dump Garbage, Trash, Refuse. Edge posted the necessary bond and was released.

Kristina Shoufler, 36, Clinton was Arrested and Charged with Domestic Battery/ Physical Contact. Shoufler unable to post the necessary bond remains lodged in the DeWitt County Jail.

Clint Derango, 23, Farmer City was Arrested and Charged with Contributing Delinquency Minor. Derango posted the necessary bond and was released.

Ryan Hart, 20, Leroy was Arrested and Charged with Consumption of Liquor/ Minor. Hart posted the necessary bond and was released.

Alyssa Terven, 19, Downs was Arrested and Charged with Consumption of Liquor/ Minor. Terven posted the necessary bond and was released.

Jack Goodman, 46, Clinton was issued Citations for Failure to Report Accident to Police Authority and Driving while License Revoked. Goodman was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Monticello Superintendent Reacts To PARCC Test Information

 width=It's been a few weeks since the Illinois Board of Education released a preliminary warning that the first year of the PARCC testing did not go well and area school leaders are reacting.

One area administrator says there's a lot of reasons for the low scores in year one. Superintendent of Monticello Schools, Dr. Vic Zimmerman believes some of those variables include the PARCC testing being a part of a new way of teaching and tests being administered online.

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Before jumping to conclusions, Dr. Zimmerman cautions those who hear the figures to remember the PARCC tests are not the only thing schools are measured by.

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Rather than look at it from a doom and gloom perspective, the Monticello schools' leader believes the PARCC testing will eventually come around to adequately reflect the learning of Illinois students.

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Throughout the week, we'll continue to hear from area educators and their thoughts on the first year of the PARCC testing results.

Liberty Village Hosting Informational Meeting on Villas

If you're approaching retirement or are seeking a peaceful spot to spend your free days, Liberty Village of Clinton has an opportunity for you.

Allison Skelton with Liberty Village in Clinton explains they have an area of their campus dedicated to villas. She explains the villas are independent homes designated on the campus in lots that are available for purchase.

[audio:10121591119-101215villasmeet1.mp3] [/audio]

This week, those interested in purchasing a property can attend an informational meeting. According to Skelton, they will have their building developer there along with a representative from the city and other people with information.

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The informational meeting is tomorrow night at 6 pm at the Warner Library.

For information about the Villas or inquiries about building, contact Jennifer Westbrooks at 309-212-3441.

DeWitt County Youth Focus of Wapella Christian Church Tent at A & P

Thanks to effort by Wapella Christian Church, the annual Apple n' Pork Festival each year is graced with a season favorite, corn on the cob.

Pastor Phil Yackey indicates efforts for Apple n' Pork usually come down to the final week, as they bring in all the corn and then go to work getting it prepared for the hundreds that stop by their tent.

[audio:10121591129-101215wapellacorn1.mp3] [/audio]

Behind the scenes, the church will have three kettles that they boil the corn in. Pastor Yackey indicates they can boil between 60 and 70 gallons of water, and it takes a little less than two hours to get it boiling.

[audio:10121591135-101215wapellacorn2.mp3] [/audio]

According to Pastor Yakey, the funds the corn on the cob brings in for Apple n' Pork weekend end up in the budget for their youth group.

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Pastor Yackey indicates their goal from year to year is around $4-thousand for their youth group.

USA Wins Presidents Cup

The United States won its ninth Presidents Cup overall and sixth straight on Sunday in South Korea. It was a lot more complicated than that, though. For the first time in Presidents Cup history, the tournament was decided by the final match (Bill Haas vs. Sangmoon Bae).

The US took home the cup by winning 15.5 to 14.5 over the International squad.

 width=Louis Oosthuizen completed a 4-0-1 week with a nasty eagle on the final hole to split a point with Patrick Reed. The tough thing for Reed to swallow is that he never trailed throughout. He just never could put the South African away.

Rickie Fowler made four bogeys in 13 holes. Adam Scott didn't have to really do anything but make pars to beat Fowler. He did a little better than that.

It looked like Dustin Johnson was going to put Lee out of his misery early on Saturday, but Danny Lee kept fighting and fighting. He actually took a 1 up lead after the 14th hole, but Johnson closed him out with three straight holes won. It turned out to be big for the Americans.

JB Holmes birdied the 17th to make the match all square, but Hideki Matsuyama birdied the 18th to give the Internationals yet another point.

Bubba Watson yakked away the final hole after an unbelievable chip shot from the front of the green. This is the second straight day Watson has missed a short one on the final hole for a full point.

Phil Mickelson was lights out all week. He went 3-0-1.

Zach Johnson left Jason Day 0-4-1 for the week after beating him 3 and 2 on Saturday. Johnson went 5 up thru 11 holes before Day won three straight. But Johnson held him off and eventually put him away setting up the drama at the end.

It was quite a tournament for what, at the beginning of the week, looked like it was going to be a blowout.

College Football: Baylor Closing in On Ohio State in For No. 1 in AP; Michigan Moves Up In Coaches Poll

Even as first-place votes are redistributed elsewhere, Ohio State has kept its hold on the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press Top 25. The Buckeyes pulled away late against Maryland in a game that was much closer than the 49-28 final suggests.

 width=The result in the AP Top 25 was more momentum for Baylor, which jumped TCU for the No. 2 spot and now has 13 first-place votes. Only Utah, with 16 first-place votes but sitting at No. 4, also seems to be in position to overtake Ohio State for the top spot.

Alabama was in trouble against Arkansas, trailing 7-3 in the third quarter, before Jake Coker rebounded from a rough start and led the Tide to a 27-14 win. That victory kept Nick Saban's group in the top 10 (though down two spots to No. 10) along with LSU, Florida and Texas A&M, giving the SEC four teams in the top 10, though none in the top five.

On a weekend where several top teams were tested, two name-brand programs with title expectations were not lucky enough to emerge unscathed.

Georgia was ranked No. 16 in the coaches poll heading into Neyland Stadium against a dangerous Tennessee team. The Bulldogs not only lost star running back Nick Chubb to a scary leg injury -- Mark Richt said he is "optimistic" Chubb will not need surgery -- but lost their spot in the SEC East title picture and the Top 25. The other team of note to fall this weekend was Oklahoma, losing to Texas in what was the biggest win of the Charlie Strong era in Austin. The Sooners did not fall out of the Top 25, hanging on at No. 19.

Michigan saw the biggest move up in the Coaches poll this week after a third straight shutout win, moving up seven spots to No. 14 and setting up a huge gave in Week 7 against No. 4 Michigan State.

Tied 1-1, Cubs/Cards Shift Series To Wrigley

 width= width=St. Louis manager Mike Matheny says the Cardinals are preparing for Game 3 of the NL Division Series in "the same boring way" they have all season long.

The Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs are tied at one game apiece heading into the first playoff game at Wrigley Field in seven years. Oh, the Cubs also will have Jake Arrieta on the mound on Monday night for his first start since he shut out Pittsburgh in the wild-card game.

Matheny says the Cardinals have been counted out before against ace pitchers in the postseason, and then had success. But the NL Central champions are heading for quite a challenge in Arrieta, who hasn't lost at home since July 25.

Arrieta says the Cubs are "in a great spot."

Bears Storm Back For Win Over KC; Packers Beat Rams

>>Bears Storm Back For Win Over Kansas City

Jay Cutler led the Bears to two touchdowns in the closing minutes Sunday, the second an alert toss to Matt Forte with 18 seconds remaining, giving Chicago an 18-17 comeback win after Kansas City lost star running back Jamaal Charles to a potentially season-ending knee injury.

 width=Playing without wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal because of injuries, along with three starting offensive linemen, the Bears (2-3) trailed 17-3 early in the third quarter.

That's when Charles went down while trying to make a cut, his right knee twisting at an ugly angle. The preliminary diagnosis was a torn ACL and Charles will have an MRI on Monday.

With him out, the Bears quickly seized the momentum.

After Robbie Gould's second field goal got them going, Cutler led an 88-yard drive that he capped with a 22-yard pass to Marquess Wilson with 3:05 left. The 2-point conversion came up short, but the Bears defense responded by forcing a quick three-and-out.

With help from a pass interference call on Chiefs rookie Marcus Peters, the Bears quickly moved down the field. That's when Cutler took a snap from the shotgun, dropped the ball, picked it up and spotted Forte running past safety Husain Abdullah in the end zone for the go-ahead score.

The Chiefs (1-4) tried a 66-yard field goal that came up short as time expired.

>>Green Bay Tops Rams

Aaron Rodgers threw for two touchdowns and 241 yards, and the defense had three sacks and four interceptions to hold off the St. Louis Rams for a 24-10 victory on Sunday.

 width=Rodgers was 19 of 30 with long scoring strikes to receivers Ty Montgomery and James Jones for the Packers (5-0).

Rodgers ended the first quarter as linebacker James Laurinaitis' diving pick of a tipped ball for the Rams (2-3).

Rodgers threw another interception in the second quarter before losing a fumble in the third on a sack.

Rookie cornerback Quinten Rollins returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown for a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, and picked off another pass at the 7 with 23 seconds left. Safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix intercepted a tipped pass in the end zone on third-and-goal at the 7.

Greg Zuerlein was 1 for 4 on field-goal tries, hitting from 42 but missing his other three attempts, all coming from at least 50 yards. One kick in the second half was blocked by Datone Jones.

The mistakes wasted another strong effort for Rams rookie Todd Gurley, who for the second straight week had his best production, with 159 yards rushing on 30 carries.

Foles was 11 of 30 for 141 yards and a touchdown. His longest completion came on a 68-yarder to Stedman Bailey late in the fourth quarter.

Clinton Fire Department Battles Three Fires in Less Than 24 Hours

It was a wild weekend for the Clinton Fire Department those who aided in the chaos.

Things started early Saturday afternoon with a controlled burn east of Clinton. Clinton Fire Chief David Dallas indicates less than 30 minutes into that call, they received the call of an unrelated structure fire a few miles away.

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According to Chief Dallas, the field fire was a controlled burn that had gotten out of hand because of the wind. He says the weather that afternoon made things a little bit of a challenge, on top of having to split their crews to tend to the structure fire.

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Crews contained the field fire within an hour, however, crews would not leave the structure fire until approximately 7 pm. Chief Dallas indicates it was a total loss. He says a cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Mutual aid was called in from Maroa, Wapella, Kenney, Randolph Township, Farmer City, Weldon, Argenta, Oreana, Hickory Point, among others and Waynesville manned the Clinton Fire station while they were out.

Chief Dallas says the day was very busy and thanks the help of the outside departments for their assistance and appreciates the work of his crew for their dedication to community this weekend. He says many guys worked on short rest but says most fire fighters that were called, were able to respond.

Illinois State beats Youngstown State 31-29

Marshaun Coprich ran for 131 yards and a touchdown and Illinois State held on to beat Youngstown State 31-29 on Saturday night.

Coprich ran for a 19-yard touchdown to stretch the Cardinals' lead to 31-23 with 4:18 remaining. The Penguins pulled to 31-29 when Hunter Wells threw a 13-yard score to Martin Ruiz. The two-point conversion failed, and so did Youngstown State's on-side kick attempt with 32 seconds left.

Coprich entered the game averaging 159 yards and two touchdowns a game in the Redbirds (4-1 overall, 2-0 Missouri Valley) last three contests.

Youngstown State (3-2, 1-1) led when Shane Kuhn scored from a yard out, and Wells found Jacob Wood for the two-point conversion to make it 20-17 to start the fourth quarter.

Illinois State's Tre Roberson threw for 130 yards and a score, and ran for 90 yards with a touchdown.

Eastern Illinois tops Southeast Missouri 33-28

Jalen Whitlow threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns and Eastern Illinois beat Southeast Missouri 33-28 on Saturday.

Whitlow was 19 of 29 on the day and found Addison Bounds five times for 107 yards, including touchdown passes of 11 and 65 yards in the third quarter, the second of which put the Panthers (2-3, 2-0 Ohio Valley) up 27-7.

The Redhawks (2-4, 1-1) answered with a pair of scores - Dante Vandeven found Lewis Washington from 8 yards out, then scored on a 1-yard plunge - to trim the deficit to 27-21. Vandeven had 217 yards passing and 55 rushing.

But Whitlow capped a 10-play, 73-yard fourth-quarter drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Devin Church to make it a two-score game. Southeast Missouri came right back with Paul McRoberts' 8-yard touchdown reception to make it 33-28 with 5:30 left, but Vandeven's last-second Hail Mary attempt was knocked down. McRoberts had nine catches for 132 yards.

No. 22 Iowa holds off Illinois 29-20

Jordan Canzeri rushed for 256 yards on a school-record 43 carries and No. 22 Iowa held off Illinois 29-20 on Saturday for its sixth straight win.

C.J. Beathard had 200 yards passing and two TD for the Hawkeyes (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten). They've already taken down four Power Five opponents heading into next week's game against No. 13 Northwestern.

Canzeri's 75-yard touchdown run put Iowa ahead 23-13 late in the third quarter. Geronimo Allison pulled Illinois back within three on a 53-yard TD reception, but freshman Ke'Shawn Vaughn's fumble with 3:09 left doomed the Illini.

Wes Lunt threw for 317 yards and a touchdown for Illinois (4-2, 1-1).

ILLINOIS TREASURER MIKE FRERICHS? OFFICE IS LOWERING THE FEES FOR ITS POPULAR COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM.

BRIGHT DIRECTIONS IS A 529 SAVINGS PLAN THAT CAN BE USED FOR TUITION, ROOM AND BOARD AND OTHER COLLEGE EXPENSES. TREASURER FRERICHS SAYS THEY ARE LIFTING THE 10 DOLLAR SET UP FEE AND THREE DOLLAR QUARTERLY MAINTENANCE FEES…AS WELL AS SLASHING MANAGEMENT FEES BY 43 PERCENT.

[audio:10111580745-101115brightfees1.mp3] [/audio]

MORE THAN 100 THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE BRIGHT DIRECTIONS ACCOUNTS IN ILLINOIS. FRERICHS HOPES TO ALSO ELIMINATE FEES FOR HIS OFFICE’S SISTER PROGRAM…BRIGHT START.

[audio:10111580746-101115brightfees2.mp3] [/audio]

FRERICHS’ SAYS THEY ARE WORKING TO ALSO ELIMINATE THE FEES FOR THEIR OTHER COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM…BRIGHT START. MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT ILLINOIS TREASURER DOT GOV.

OCTOBER IS ILLINOIS COLLEGE APPLICATION MONTH

AREA HIGH SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES AND OTHER LOCATIONS WILL BE HOSTING PROGRAMS ALL MONTH TO DISCUSS THE COLLEGE SELECTION, APPLICATIONS AND FINANCIAL AID. I-SAC SPOKESPERSON LYNNE BAKER SAYS TYPICALLY, STUDENTS WANT TO APPLY TO SEVERAL COLLEGES ON THEIR LIST BY NOVEMBER FIRST.

[audio:10111580802-101115collegeapp1.mp3] [/audio]

SENDING IN COLLEGE APPLICATIONS BY NOVEMBER FIRST CAN OFTEN BOOST A STUDENT’S CHANCES OF BEING ACCEPTED SO I-SAC SPOKESPERSON LYNNE BAKER RECOMMENDS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ANY HELP OFFERED TO GET THAT DONE. THAT INCLUDES ADVICE FROM YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR AND CHECKING OUT THE WEBSITE: COLLEGE CHANGES EVERYTHING DOT ORG WHICH LISTS HIGH SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN APPLICATION MONTH ACTIVITIES.

[audio:10111580855-101115collegeapp2.mp3] [/audio]

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AREA WORKSHOPS AND OTHER TIPS FOR GETTING THROUGH THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS…VISIT: ISAC DOT ORG.

BUDGET IMPASSE HAVING DIRE EFFECT ON STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES' OPERATIONS.

THE EFFECTS RANGE FROM LAYOFFS AND LESS COURSE OFFERINGS…TO SCHOOLS NOT BEING ABLE TO HOLD BIOLOGY LABS BECAUSE VENDORS WON’T DELIVER SUPPLIES WITHOUT GETTING PAID. ILLINOIS BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JAMES APPLEGATE SAYS THE LACK OF STATE FUNDING WILL BE FELT FOR YEARS TO COME.

[audio:10111580858-101115dire1.mp3] [/audio]

ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT LARRY DIETZ SAYS HE'S ALSO WORRIED THAT STUDENTS WILL FLOCK TO OUT OF STATE SCHOOLS BECAUSE OF THE BUDGET UNPREDICTABILITY IN ILLINOIS.

NO STATE BUDGET MEANS HIGHER EDUCATION ISN’T RECEIVE STATE FUNDING. THAT’S LED TO COURSES BEING CUT, STAFF AND TEACHER LAYOFFS, DELAYING MAINTENANCE PROJECTS AND MORE. IN ADDITION…ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT LARRY DIETZ SAYS THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE BUDGET ISN’T GOOD FOR BUSINESS.

[audio:10111580858-101115dire2.mp3] [/audio]

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS SAY ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THAT MAP GRANTS AREN’T BEING FUNDED. SCHOOLS HAVE TAKEN STUDENTS AWARDED THE GRANTS FOR THE FALL SEMESTER, EXPECTING TO GET THE MONEY LATER…BUT ARE STRUGGLING WITH WHAT TO DO WITH MAP STUDENTS FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER.

Sloppy Sages Dispense St. Thomas More

 width=A young Monticello Sages defense continued to carry them in a 26-6 win Friday night at Champaign St. Thomas More High School.

A sloppy performance from their offense mustered just enough efficiency to put the Sabres away late, despite a steady 19-6 lead throughout the second half.

Usually efficient senior quarterback Brandon Wildman finished 16 of 34 for 260 yards with two interceptions.

The difference in Wildman's game was his legs. Wildman carried the ball 14 times for 70 yards and two touchdowns.

Jacob Burton had 14 carries for 62 yards and two touchdowns.

Noah Freemon had eight receptions for 168 yards. Tyus Welter hauled in six catches for 101 yards.

The Sages improve to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play. 

New layer...

Lackey dominates, Cardinals beat Cubs 4-0 in NLDS opener

John Lackey outpitched old teammate Jon Lester, allowing two hits into the eighth inning, and rookies Tommy Pham and Stephen Piscotty each homered late as the St. Louis Cardinals cooled off the Chicago Cubs with a 4-0 victory Friday night in the opener of their NL Division Series.

In front of a standing room only crowd of 47,830 - the second-largest at 10-year-old Busch Stadium - thousands of Cubs faithful mixed into the red throng for the first postseason game between the two long-time rivals.

Game 2 of the best-of-five series is Saturday. The Cardinals turn to lefty Jaime Garcia (10-6), who made 20 starts coming off risky thoracic surgery. Kyle Hendricks (8-7) makes his postseason debut for the NL wild-card winners.

Matt Holliday had an RBI single in the first, giving St. Louis a lead after just three at-bats. Pinch-hitting, Pham homered off Lester and Piscotty had a two-run shot off Pedro Strop in the eighth.

US Rep. Davis Says Collegues Have 'Bungled' Planned Parenthood Issue

Congressman Rodney Davis isn't subtle about his pro life stance, but he believes fellow Republicans in the House are getting out of hand with the "defund" message.

[audio:101015102119-plannedparenthood.mp3] [/audio]

Davis is headed to Cuba this weekend in a bid to boost trade opportunities for Illinois farmers.

Domestic Violence Agency in DeWitt County Hosting Candlelighting Cereomony

DOVE Inc of DeWitt County will host their annual candlelight ceremony this Monday as a part of National Domestic Violence Awareness month.

According to Megan Neville of DeWitt County DOVE Inc, the ceremony honors those who lost their lives from domestic abuse and provides support to those who continue to seek protection in their own lives.

[audio:101015102616-101015candlelight1.mp3] [/audio]

Neville calls the setting calm and peaceful. She explains they have survivors that sometimes provide testimony.

[audio:101015102620-101015candlelight2.mp3] [/audio]

The annual DOVE Candlelight Ceremony is Monday at First Christian Church in Clinton starting at 6 pm.

Week 7 Football Scores

Central Illinois Conference:

Decatur St. Teresa 34, Tuscola 63, F

Meridian 6, Central A&M 56, F

Shelbyville 41, Sullivan-Okaw Valley 33, F

 

Okaw Valley:

Maroa-Forsyth 8, St. Joseph-Ogden 28, F

Rantoul 6, Tolono Unity 42, F

 

Little Okaw Valley (Northwest):

Arcola 42, Sangamon Valley 0, f

Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond 22, Decatur Lutheran 54, F

Cerro Gordo-Bement 53, Argenta-Oreana 12, F

 

Little Okay Valley (Southeast):

Oakland Tri-County 18, Palestine 24, F

Oblong 40, Martinsville 0, F

Villa Grove-Heritage 28, Toledo Cumberland 21, F

 

Heart of Illinois:

Ridgeview 0, Tremont 31, F

Tri-Valley 21, LeRoy 0, F

El Paso-Gridley 21, Fieldcrest 28, F

Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 42, Heyworth 0, F

Dee-Mack 62, Flanagan-Cornell-Woodland 18, F

 

Corn Belt:

Illinois Valley Central 14, Eureka 10, F

Prairie Central 7, Bloomington Central Catholic 42, F

Normal U-High 21, Mahomet-Seymour 13, F

Pontiac 36, Olympia 12, F

 

Big Twelve:

Danville 20, Champaign Central 27, F

Peoria 56, Bloomington 35, F

Peoria Manual 14, Normal West 64, F

Peoria Notre Dame 48, Urbana 22, F

Peoria Richwoods 6, Normal Community 55, F

 

Central State Eight:

Decatur Eisenhower 40, Springfield Southeast 14, F

Lincoln 8, Decatur MacArthur 34, F

Rochester 49, Jacksonville 13, F

Springfield 21, Chatham Glenwood 37, F

Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin 48, Springfield Lanphier 0, F

 

Mid-Illini:

Limestone 26, Canton 14, F

Metamora 30, Dunlap 31, F-OT

Morton 10, East Peoria 13, F

Washington 39, Pekin 7, F

Blues Win Season Opener

 width=Rookie Robby Fabbri scored the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period to help the St. Louis Blues beat Edmonton 3-1 Thursday night, spoiling Oilers rookie Connor McDavid's NHL debut.

Vladimir Tarasenko had the tying goal for the Blues near the midpoint of the second period, and Troy Brouwer added an empty-netter with 18 seconds remaining in the third. Brian Elliott finished with 23 saves.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored in the first period for Edmonton and Cam Talbot had 28 saves.

McDavid, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, took 22 shifts, played 18:07 and was on the ice for Brouwer's goal. He had two shots on goal, and struggled on faceoffs - winning only three of 13.

Veterans Lead Colts Past Texans; Bears At KC; Packers Host Rams Sunday

34-year-old receiver Andre Johnson caught two touchdown passes from the 40-year-old Hasselbeck, the second for 2 yards in the fourth quarter, to help the Indianapolis Colts beat the Houston Texans 27-20.

Released by Houston in March after 12 seasons with the team, Johnson had six catches for 77 yards.

The Colts (3-2) extended their AFC South winning streak to an NFL-record 16 games.

 width=Hasselbeck was filling in for Andrew Luck, who missed his second straight game with a shoulder injury.

Brian Hoyer, who replaced Ryan Mallett for Houston (1-4) in the second quarter, threw a pass up for grabs that was intercepted by Mike Adams with less than 2 minutes left.

Johnson extended the lead to 27-17 with the 2-yard reception with about 10 1/2 minutes left. The Texans intercepted Hasselbeck's pass in the end zone earlier in that drive, but the play was negated because of defensive holding on Eddie Pleasant. A second penalty, this one for pass interference gave the Colts a first down at the 1.

Mallett got the wind knocked out of him on an illegal hit midway through the second quarter and was replaced by Hoyer. Mallett looked to be OK soon after that, but coach Bill O'Brien stuck with Hoyer. He finished with 312 yards passing with two touchdowns. Both of the touchdowns were to rookie Jaelen Strong and they came on his first two NFL receptions.

Arian Foster, who was shaken up in the second quarter but returned after halftime, had 44 yards rushing and 77 yards receiving in his second game back after groin surgery.

DeAndre Hopkins had 11 receptions for 169 yards for Houston.

T.Y. Hilton led the Colts with 88 yards receiving.

>>Bears Head To Kansas City

The fourth game of the season brought opposite feelings for the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs.

Panic started to settle in for the Chiefs, who have lost three straight after a season-opening win. Relief finally came for the Bears, who avoided setting the longest losing streak in franchise history.

 width=Kansas City will try to keep the sky from falling Sunday against a Chicago team looking for its first road win since last October.

The Bears (1-3) didn't have any victories since November until a 22-20 win over Oakland last Sunday. It was the first win in the John Fox era, and he was happy to see his players enjoy it after getting outscored 74-23 in their previous two games.

Jay Cutler threw another fourth-quarter pick, his second in two full games and third overall, but he completed 5 of 8 passes for 41 yards during a game-winning drive that ended with Robbie Gould's 49-yard field goal with 2 seconds left.

Cutler returned from a hamstring injury suffered during a 48-23 loss to Arizona on Sept. 20, and top receiver Alshon Jeffery hopes to return this week from the same injury that has kept him out three games.

The question now is the health of the offensive line, which lost center Will Montgomery for the season when he broke his left leg early against the Raiders. The Bears, already without tackle Jermon Bushrod (concussion/shoulder), shifted Matt Slauson from guard to center and moved the newly acquired Patrick Omameh into Slauson's regular spot.

>>Packers, Rams Meet in Green Bay

The Green Bay Packers still possess one of the NFL's most prolific offenses, but an improving defense has the squad feeling particularly good about its best start in four years.

Following breakout performances by Todd Gurley and Tavon Austin, the St. Louis Rams feel they're making similar strides on the other side of the ball.

 width=As the Packers go after their 12th consecutive home win, the inconsistent Rams will try to remove a team from the unbeaten ranks for the second straight week Sunday.

Aaron Rodgers leads the league with 11 touchdowns passes and a 125.9 passer rating while leading Green Bay to the NFL's sixth-best scoring average at 28.3 per game.

The reigning MVP has no interceptions this year and none in 574 attempts compared to 48 TDs over his last 19 games at Lambeau Field, including three playoff contests. His last interception at home came against Minnesota on Dec. 2, 2012.

The Packers (4-0), however, may be most pleased with how they're playing defensively after holding an opponent to three points or less for only the second time since the 2011 season. They limited San Francisco to 196 total yards in last Sunday's 17-3 road win.

The Rams are moving Akeem Ayers from strong-side to weak-side linebacker and have signed veteran Jo-Lonn Dunbar, who started for them at strong-side the past three seasons but was released at the end of the preseason.

St. Louis is tied with Green Bay for second in the NFL with 17 sacks, though the Rams have been susceptible against the run. They rank 26th at 120.3 yards allowed per game.

That's an area of concern against a Packers team that ranks third in the NFL with 136.3 rushing yards per game. Eddie Lacy is coming off a season-high 90-yard effort.

It's uncertain whether wide receiver Davante Adams will return from an ankle injury.

Green Bay has won four straight against the Rams, but the most recent came in 2012.

Cubs, Cardinals Meet For First Time in Postseason; Wild Card Game Most Viewed Ever

 width=The Cubs and Cardinals, for the first time in history, will meet in a postseason series. Yes, the two august National League rivals who've been competing directly with one another since 1892, have never before clashed on the playoff stage.

It was impossible for teams in the same league to meet in the postseason until the era of divisional play began in 1969.

Since these two started crossing swords, they've played each other 2,363 times (the Cubs, thanks in part to their fattening up on the terrible Cardinal teams of the early 20th century, lead the all-time series 1,197-1,147 plus a few ties). Those are all regular season contests, though.

This is the postseason.

>>Cubs, Pirates Wild Card Game Most Viewed in Four Years

The Chicago Cubs' return to the playoffs has drawn the largest television audience in the short history of baseball's wild-card game.

 width=

The Cubs' 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night in the NL wild-card game on TBS averaged 8.3 million viewers, topping the previous high of 7.6 million set a night earlier for the Astros' win over the Yankees in the AL game on ESPN.

The viewership is up 48 percent from the 5.6 million for last year's NL game between the Giants and Pirates on ESPN and 60 percent from the 5.2 million for the AL game on TBS between small-market Kansas City and Oakland.

It's the most for a Major League Baseball game on cable since the 2011 NL Division Series between the Cardinals and Phillies.

Baseball added the wild-card round in 2012.

81-Year Old Clinton Woman Killed in House Fire

DeWitt County Coroner, Randall J. Rice, Clinton Police Dept. and fire Dept. and the State Fire Marshall are investigating the death of Annie Lucille Bolan age 81 of Clinton, Il.

At approximately 1:39 AM October 9, 2015 a medical assist alert was dispatched to CenCom. Upon arriving to the home officers saw the home was on fire. They located the victim and brought her outside of the home but she could not be revived.

An autopsy will be scheduled.

Illini At No. 22 Iowa; ISU At No. 7 Youngstown State; Eastern Ho

>>Illinois Travels To No. 22 Iowa

Iowa is ranked for the first time in five years.

With a win in Iowa City on Saturday, Illinois could make the Hawkeyes stay in the Top 25 a short one - and serve notice that it's an early contender in the Big Ten West.

The 22nd-ranked Hawkeyes (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten) host the Illini in a matchup that's much more intriguing than it looked like it would be in August.

 width=Iowa has been revitalized by the sweeping changes made by longtime coach Kirk Ferentz. Its defense has been among the best in league, holding Wisconsin to just a pair of field goals in last week's 10-6 win.

Illinois (4-1, 1-0) is fresh off what was technically a 14-13 upset of Nebraska at home last week.

>>Illini RB Ferguson Confirmed Out Saturday

Illinois said Thursday that starting running back Josh Ferguson will miss the Illini's game Saturday at No. 22 Iowa because of a shoulder injury.

Interim coach Bill Cubit had said earlier this week that he doubted Ferguson would play.

Ferguson injured the shoulder early in Illinois' 14-13 victory over Nebraska and did not return. The senior has 397 yards and three touchdowns on 71 carries for the Illini (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten).

Freshman Ke'Shawn Vaughn took over for Ferguson on Saturday and was the only other Illini back to carry the ball. Vaughn had 98 yards on 24 carries.

Cubit has said Illinois will need junior Henry Enyenihi to help pick up the rushing load at Iowa (5-0, 1-0).

 width=>>Illinois State At No. 7 Youngstown State

Coming off a huge win at home against top-10 Northern Iowa last Saturday, things don't get any easier for the Illinois State Redbirds this weeks as they head to Youngstown, OH to take on former-Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini and the Youngstown State Penguins.

The Penguins jumped out to quick lead and rode a strong defensive effort to a 31-3 win over South Dakota last Saturday at the DakotaDome in the conference opener for both teams.

After a tough start to the season against the Iowa Hawkeyes, senior All-American running back Marshaun Coprich has bounced back and looks like the runner that led the FCS in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2014. Over the past three games, Coprich has averaged 159 yards per game and scored at least two touchdowns in each contest.

Derek Rivers leads a stout Penguin defense and ranks third in the MVFC with 7.5 tackles for loss on the season. His three sacks are also tied for fourth in the league and he has 19 tackles and a forced fumble on the season as well.

Last year at Hancock Stadium, coming off their first loss of the season, No. 12 Illinois State bounced back, dropping No. 10 Youngstown State by a score of 35-21.

Game time Saturday is 6 pm local time and the game can be viewed on ESPN3.

 width=>>Eastern Illinois Hosts SEMO

Eastern Illinois and Southeast Missouri enter the weekend as two of the four unbeaten teams in the Ohio Valley Conference race.

Both teams opened OVC play last weekend with EIU winning on the road at Austin Peay and SEMO beating Murray State at home.

The Panthers are 1-3 overall. SEMO is 2-3.

Eastern Illinois defense limited Austin Peay to 41 yards passing during Saturday's win over the Governors. It marked the first time since Nov. 10, 2012 that EIU has held an opponent under 50 yards passing.

EIU's pass defense is first in the OVC and ninth in the FCS allowing just 146.5 yards per game through the air.

Game time is 1 pm from Charleston, IL. Hear all the action on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW.

Maroons Host Warrensburg-Latham For Homecoming; Monticello Back on WEZC

 width=>>Maroons Host Warrensburg-Latham For Homecoming

For Homecoming 2015, the Clinton Maroons welcome the Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals to town.

With three games to play and needing two wins, the Maroons control their own destiny as they head to the stretch run of the high school football season.

Tuscola can wrap up the conference with a win against Decatur St. Teresa tonight. Both teams are 4-0 in conference play.

Warrensburg-Latham comes into the season at 2-4 on the year and 1-3 in the Central Illinois Conference.

Tonight's game gets underway at 7 pm. Hear all the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

After tonight the Maroons hit the road to take on a winless Meridian team then come home and host Sullivan Okaw-Valley.

Elsewhere in the CIC tonight...

Decatur St. Teresa at Tuscola
Meridian at Central A & M
Shelbyville at Sullivan-Okaw Valley

 width=>>WEZC Rejoins Monticello

The Monticello Sages hit the road tonight to take on Champaign St. Thomas More.

Coming off a thrilling 9-6 win over Maroa-Forsyth on Homecoming night at Monticello, the Sages have secured a playoff spot.

St. Thomas More is 2-4 on the season and 1-2 in Okaw play.

The Sages are 5-1 overall and 2-1 in conference action.

Hear tonight's game on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

In the Okaw tonight...

Maroa-Forsyth at St. Joseph-Ogden
Rantoul at Tolono Unity

Other action around the area tonight...

Little Okaw Valley (Northwest)

Arcola at Sangamon Valley
Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond at Decatur Lutheran
Cerro Gordo-Bement at Argenta-Oreana

Little Okaw Valley (Southeast)

Oakland Tri-County at Palestine
Oblong at Martinsville
Villa Grove-Heritage at Toledo Cumberland

Heart of Illinois

Ridgeview at Tremont
Tri-Valley at LeRoy
El Paso-Gridley at Fieldcrest
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley at Heyworth
Dee-Mack vs. Flanagan-Cornell-Cornell-Woodland at Woodland High School

Corn Belt

Illinois Valley Central at Eureka
Prairie Central at Bloomington Central Catholic
Normal U-High at Mahomet-Seymour
Pontiac at Olympia

Big Twelve

Danville at Champaign Central
Peoria at Bloomington
Peoria Manual at Normal West
Peoria Notre Dame at Urbana
Peoria Richwoods at Normal Community)

Central State Eight

Decatur Eisenhower at Springfield Southeast
Lincoln at Decatur MacArthur
Rochester at Jacksonville
Springfield at Chatham Glenwood
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin at Springfield Lanphier

Mid-Illini

Limestone at Canton
Metamora at Dunlap
Morton at East Peoria
Washington at Pekin

Drive One For Your School Starts Today

 width=The Clinton Athletic Boosters and Anderson Ford in Clinton are teaming up for their annual Drive One For Your School fundraiser.

According to President of the Clinton Athletic Boosters Brian Ennis and Clinton Board of Education member, John Blythe, the test drive is a 100-percent pressure free atmosphere driving a Ford vehicle and in turn, Ford makes a donation back to the Athletic Boosters.

[audio:10091581226-10915driveone1.mp3] [/audio]

The Booster Club stands to gain $6-thousand from this year's drive. Ennis explains if 100 administrators, faculty, or schoo board members of the Clinton district take a test drive, owner Randy Anderson will add his own bonus to the figure.

[audio:10091581228-10915driveone2.mp3] [/audio]

According to Ennis, the Booster Club has been very supportive of both junior high and high school sports programs in recent years, so for them, this event will be about replenishing their funds.

[audio:10091581231-10915driveone3.mp3] [/audio]

This will be the sixth year for the Drive One for Your School. Blythe stresses this money comes from the Fords Motor Company and essentially calls the event a chance at "free money".

Ennis thanks Anderson and his staff for the time they dedicate to making the event a success and invites the entire community out Friday and Saturday for a test drive.

Test drives can be taken Friday from 9 am to 6 pm then again Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report For October 9

Jail Population: 33

Paper Services: 3

Warrants: 0

Arben Imeri, 19, Clinton was issued a Citation for Speeding 81 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Imeri was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Atlee Rogahn, 24, Argenta was issued a Citation for Disobey Stop Sign. Roghan was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Jeanne Howard, 64, Bloomington was issued a Citation for Speeding 79 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Howard was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Chelsie Stukins, 27, Decatur was issued a Citation for Disobey Stop Sign. Stukins was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Cassandra Angell, 23, Clinton was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Angell was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Braden Sims, 19, Decatur was issued a Citation for Speeding 77 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Sims was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

 

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

RECAP: Maroons Fall To Cardinals In Shootout

In a game heard Friday night on WHOW, the Clinton Maroons fell to the Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals in a 58-53 Homecoming shootout.

In a game that saw 111 total points put on the board, neither team's defense seemed to have answers for stopping the opponent's offense.  

Warrensburg got on the board first with a 79 yard touchdown pass on their second play from scrimmage, and the scoring race was on from there.  The Cardinals took a 43-25 lead into the half, and despite the Maroons scoring 21 unanswered points to end the game, the cushion proved to be too much to overcome.

Both teams put up eye-popping numbers on offense.  The Cardinals were led by Senior Quarterback Jacob Napier, who went 15 of 28 passing for 472 yards, 6 touchdowns, and an interception.  Sophomore Runing Back Dionte Lewis ran the ball 19 times for 76 yards and a touchdown.  Lewis added 9 catches for 388 yards and 5 TDs.  He also had an 80 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, bringing his TD total for the night to 7!

As for the Maroons, they were led by Senior Tanner White.  He ran the ball 3 times for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns.  White also had 4 catches for 79 yards and a circus catch for a TD.  Tanner White was the Stephan York Country Financial Maroons Player Of The Game.

Quarterback Noah Griffin had 16 carries for 154 yards and 2 TDs on the ground.  He was 8 of 16 passing for 161 yards, 1 touchdown, and an interception.  Running Back Alec Cooley added 20 carries for 125 yards and 3 TDs for the Maroons.

With the loss, Clinton falls to 3-4 on the season, and 1-4 in the Central Illinois Conference.  The Maroons also see their playoff hopes take a big hit with the setback.  Warrensburg-Latham keeps their playoff hopes alive with the win.  The Cardinals improve to 3-4 on the year, and 2-3 in the conference.

Clinton travels to winless Meridian next Friday night at 7pm.  Hear the game on 92.3FM WHOW and online at DewittDailyNews.com.

Budget Impasse Could Push into 2016

As Illinois hobbles into its’ fourth month without a FY16 budget, the effects of operating a state government in the midst of a fierce budget impasse are coming to light with each passing day-even for Illinois legislators.

Professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Springfield Dr. Kent Redfield says the length and severity of Illinois’ impasse could play a role in 2016 elections for both sides of the aisl

[audio:10081582655-redfieldelect.mp3] [/audio]

Both the Illinois House and Senate remain out of session until October 20th.

Illinois State Budget Being Hurt By State Stalemate

As the state marches on without a budget, Illinois' public universities are working to make their concerns over the impasse heard louder in Springfield.
Illinois State University Director of State Government Relations Johnathan Lackland says an advocacy group is being formed to take the issues directly to the legislature.

[audio:10081591434-LacklandAdvocacy1.mp3] [/audio]

Lackland says an advocacy group is forming which could involve Board of Trustee members, students, and alumni.

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He says this idea is focused on the universities presenting a unified voice, but that doesn't mean ISU can't also take its individual concerns to lawmakers in a seperate effort.

Senators Provide Differing Opinions on Budget Impasse

One Senator says the state is being held hostage while another says the state needs to be more business friendly, showing the continued divide between leading Democrats in the General Assembly and a Republican Governor and GOP lawmakers.

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Republican Governor Bruce Rauner has for months insisted that the legislature approve his turnaround agenda which includes a property tax freeze with local cost controls, workers’ compensation and tort reform, term limits and an independent map making commission for legislative redistricting. Democrats contend the Governor’s proposed reforms are non-budget issues.

Budget Impasse Could Push into 2016

As Illinois hobbles into its’ fourth month without a FY16 budget, the effects of operating a state government in the midst of a fierce budget impasse are coming to light with each passing day-even for Illinois legislators.

Professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Springfield Dr. Kent Redfield says the length and severity of Illinois’ impasse could play a role in 2016 elections for both sides of the aisl

[audio:10081582655-redfieldelect.mp3] [/audio]

Both the Illinois House and Senate remain out of session until October 20th.

DJWH Taking on Minor Facilities Updates

The Dr. John Warner Hospital continues their efforts to modernize their facilities.

While the goal of the modernization is small and inexpensive work, one area the hospital will tackle in the near future is their outdoor lighting. According to DJWH Board President, Aaron Kammeyer, the parking lot lighting is their target because of poor lighting and inconsistencies.

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Among the first projects in a rejuvenation for a modern look in the hospital is the entry way. Kammeyer says the goal is to make the city owned facility more inviting.

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Kammeyer adds they are also seeking ways to become more efficient. He says energy costs could be cut down as they have aging systems, which are costing them more money because of maintenance.

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Kammeyer explains they are going to expand the hours of operations at the Family Medical Center for a while. Monday through Friday they will remain open until 7 pm and then being open Saturday from 8 am to 3 pm.

He says it all comes back to trying to meet the needs of the community.

Baum Chevrolet Buick Classic Car Show Raises Over $10K For DOVE

Baum Chevrolet Buick's annual Apple n' Pork Classic Car Show annually benefits a family or organization in need.

This year, the Clinton business chose their next door neighbor as their benefactor. Lindsay Campbell with Baum Chevy Buick explains this year's proceeds went to their neighbor to the east, DOVE Inc of DeWitt County.

[audio:10081582511-10815carshowdove1.mp3] [/audio]

This year's show was record setter for the show. According to Campbell, over 250 registrations for the day's judging all went back to DOVE, and they did a 50/50 raffle, and special for this year was a custom built 1991 Chevrolet S10.

[audio:10081582517-10815carshowdove2.mp3] [/audio]

Megan Neville, with DOVE of DeWitt County, says they are very thankful for the generosity of their neighbors in Baum Chevrolet Buick and says it will help keep their doors open for the time being.

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According to Neville, the lack of a state budget has put organizations like DOVE, who deal with domestic abuse, in jeopardy. So much so that organizations in southern Illinois have closed their doors. Neville says DOVE of central Illinois is prepared to take on some of those impacted, but she says it will hurt so many more people.

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Once the show wrapped up and the two sides were able to talk, Campbell called the discussion emotional. She explains members of DOVE were there volunteering and describes what it was like to see how thankful they were.

[audio:10081582524-10815carshowdove5.mp3] [/audio]

Neville says they were able to get up and speak at the event about DOVE and what all they do.

Neville indicates she had a great time volunteering judging the vehicles and seeing all the different classics that came on the lot and called the energy of the event "a lot of fun".

US Rolling At President's Cup

 width=It wasn't exciting until the very end. And even that ended with a US victory. The United States rolled early and often during the first day of the 2015 Presidents Cup. In fact, the International side only held a lead in one of the five matches.

Jason Day and Steven Bowditch got frisky late against Phil Mickelson and Zach Johnson, but it wasn't nearly enough for a completely outclassed International team that went down 4-1 after the first day of play in South Korea.

The long-hitting US team of Holmes and Watson birdied four of the first five holes and six total in just 16 holes. Hideki Matsuyama and Adam Scott just had no chance when Holmes and Watson were hitting putts like they were.

For the US, Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker birdied three of the first four holes.

Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth turned up the heat on the back nine. It was far too much for Danny Lee and Marc Leishman to take. Lee actually chunked a chip on the final hole of the match and Leishman couldn't pour in a putt from 50 feet.

NCAA Football Notes

>>Flood Moves LSU, South Carolina Game

South Carolina's home game against LSU has been moved to Baton Rouge because of the flooding throughout the Columbia area.

The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET. Television information has not been set at this time.

Steve Spurrier said the Gamecocks have been able to practice on dry fields this week, though classes were canceled at the beginning of the week due to the state of emergency from the flooding.

LSU is listed as a 13.5-point favorite against the Gamecocks.

>>Tennessee Dismisses Star WR

Tennessee wide receiver Pig Howard has been dismissed for a violation of team rules, Butch Jones announced Wednesday on the SEC teleconference.

Howard led the Vols in receptions each of the last two seasons (54 catches for 618 yards and three touchdowns combined) but was limited this season because of injuries (ankle and concussion) and a one-game suspension for a violation of team rules from earlier in the year.

Butch Jones did not elaborate on the reasons for Howard's dismissal, again calling it a violation of team rules.

Colts Travel To Houston For Thursday Night Football

Andrew Luck could be ready to return and help the Indianapolis Colts continue their success against the rest of the AFC South.

However, there's no guarantee the star quarterback will play when the visiting Colts try for a 16th consecutive victory within the division Thursday night against the Houston Texans.

 width=Coach Chuck Pagano said Luck "looked good" throwing passes at practice Tuesday and increased his workload, but remains uncertain. He continues to recover from an injured right shoulder that forced him to miss his first NFL game last Sunday, a 16-13 overtime victory over Jacksonville.

Backup Matt Hasselbeck, 30 of 47 for 282 yards with a touchdown against the Jaguars, didn't practice Tuesday because he is sick.

Coach Chuck Pagano has been pleased with Luck's progress.

Luck has made the trip to Houston, and said Tuesday he's preparing to start. The team re-signed quarterback Josh Johnson as insurance Wednesday.

Looking for a sixth straight win over the Texans, the Colts will have receiver Andre Johnson on their side for the first time in the series. Johnson, who set team records for receptions (1,012), receiving yards (13,597) and receiving touchdowns (64) during his 12 seasons in Houston, asked to be released after he was told his role would be limited in 2015. He signed with Indianapolis in March.

Houston yielded 184 combined receiving yards to Leonard Hankerson and running back Devonta Freeman in Sunday's 48-21 loss at Atlanta.

However, it's the Texans' offense that has been a bigger issue through the first quarter of the season. They rank 24th with 19.3 points per game and committed four turnovers - two fumbles returned for TDs - against the Falcons.

Despite going 12 of 27 for 150 yards with an interception before being benched Sunday, Ryan Mallett remains Houston's starter.

Arian Foster gained 10 yards on eight attempts in his season debut Sunday. Playing from behind, the Texans ran for 54 yards after gaining 186 one week earlier in a 19-9 win over Tampa Bay.

When Mallett goes to the air he'll again look for DeAndre Hopkins, who ranks among the NFL leaders with 409 receiving yards after recording 157 on nine catches against the Falcons.

Blackhawks Drop Opener To Rangers

 width=Oscar Lindberg, Kevin Klein and Derek Stepan scored in the first period, and the New York Rangers ruined Chicago's Stanley Cup party with a 3-2 victory over the Blackhawks on Wednesday on the first night of the NHL season.

J.T. Miller had two assists and Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves for New York.

Cheered on by a sellout crowd of 22,104, with many dressed in their usual red jerseys, the Blackhawks raised the banner for the franchise's sixth NHL title during a colorful pregame ceremony.

All-Star winger Patrick Kane, the subject of a sexual assault investigation in western New York, heard loud cheers when he skated onto the ice for the Cup celebration. Kane has not been charged.

Artemi Panarin scored in his first NHL game for Chicago, which is trying to become the first team to defend the title since the Red Wings in 1997-98. Teuvo Teravainen also scored, and Corey Crawford made 24 stops.

Arrieta Goes the Distance As Cubs Win Wild Card Game

Jake Arrieta allowed four hits in nine dominant innings and Chicago rolled to a 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the NL wild-card game on Wednesday night.

Arrieta struck out 11 without a walk. He also dusted himself off getting plunked by Pittsburgh reliever Tony Watson to send the Cubs to the NL Division Series in St. Louis starting on Friday.

 width=Dexter Fowler homered and scored three times for the Cubs. Kyle Schwarber, a rookie who began his season in Double-A, added a towering two-run shot off Pittsburgh starter Gerrit Cole as Chicago raced to an early lead and let Arrieta do the rest.

Pittsburgh was knocked out after finishing second in the majors with 98 victories this year. Last season, the Pirates also were shut out on four hits at home in the wild-card game, losing to Madison Bumgarner and the San Francisco Giants.

Arrieta laughed off an odd sequence in the seventh when Watson's fastball hit him in his left side. The benches and bullpens cleared when Watson was issued a warning, leading to little more than a few heated exchanges along the first base line.

Pirates utility player Sean Rodriguez, who'd already been pulled, was ejected and proceeded to give an unsuspecting water cooler a series of one-two combinations, eventually sending it tumbling to the ground.

Joe Maddon started Kris Bryant in left and Schwarber in right and Tommy La Stella at third - positions each had played only sparingly during the regular season - because it was the lineup that presented the most firepower.

Chicago went 8-11 this year against the Cardinals, their longtime rival. John Lackey is set to start the opener for St. Louis against Chicago's Jon Lester. The two were teammates on the 2013 Boston Red Sox team that won it all.

Maroons Golfer Reynolds Ties For 3rd at Regionals

 width=The Clinton Maroons Golf team were at Regionals Tuesday at Mahomet-Seymour and sophomore Chase Reynolds had a score that qualifies him for Sectionals as an individual.

Reynolds shot a 76 on the par 72 course, tied for third. Monticello's Noah Wright also shot a 76 on the day.

As a team, Normal U-High took top honors with a team score of 306, well ahead of second place Mahomet-Seymour and Bloomington High School (324).

Monticello placed fifth with a score of 331 and Maroa-Forsyth shot a 340 as a team, good for seventh.

Sectionals are Monday at Lincoln.

State Officials To Be in Clinton Friday for Flag Ceremony

The Illinois Lt. Governor, Rep. Bill Mitchell, and State Sen. Chapin Rose are scheduled to be among the dignitaries in Clinton Friday morning for a special American flag ceremony.

According to Mayor Roger Cyrulik, the Daughters of the American Revolution along with the Clinton Auxiliary Unit 103 will host the leaders to rally support for honoring the American flag on a daily basis.

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Mayor Cyrulik hopes to begin a movement of understanding of why the American flag is important to the country and why it should be in schools and communities across the country.

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Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, Sen. Chapin Rose and Rep. Bill Mitchell will be on the square. The ceremony starts at 9 am.

Fire Truck Parade Recap

 width=Around 20 fire trucks from 15 area fire departments took part in the Clinton Fire Department's annual Fire Truck parade Wednesday night.

According to Assistant Fire Chief Jason Karr, Cerro Gordo was the farthest away and Kenney headlined a three-way tie for their "Best in Show" award.

[audio:100815112621-10915truckparaderecap1.mp3] [/audio]

The Fire Truck parade and Clinton High School homecoming events were going on at the same time Wednesday, however, Karr indicates they were able to make things work and felt the turnout was still very good along the route.

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Check out DeWittDailyNews.com for more sites and sounds from the Wednesday night fire truck parade.

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DeWitt County Sheriff's Report For October 8

Jail Population: 33

Paper Services: 3

Warrants: 0

Arben Imeri, 19, Clinton was issued a Citation for Speeding 81 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Imeri was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Atlee Rogahn, 24, Argenta was issued a Citation for Disobey Stop Sign. Roghan was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Jeanne Howard, 64, Bloomington was issued a Citation for Speeding 79 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Howard was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Chelsie Stukins, 27, Decatur was issued a Citation for Disobey Stop Sign. Stukins was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Cassandra Angell, 23, Clinton was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Angell was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Braden Sims, 19, Decatur was issued a Citation for Speeding 77 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Sims was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

 

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Durbin Content As Second in Command

Senator Dick Durbin was recently bypassed in the race to succeed Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid.

Durbin's former Washington roommate Chuck Schumer is set to succeed Reid when he leaves office in early 2017. Durbin says he is happy to avoid a major lifestyle change.

[audio:10071581933-DurbinonSchumer.mp3] [/audio]

Durbin will remain in the Whip post, maintaining his status as the second most powerful Democrat in the Senate.

Favorable Weather Ahead

Mostly favorable harvest weather has allowed Illinois farmers to get about half the corn and soybean crops into the bin as of this week, and DTN meteorologist Bryce Anderson says mild and dry weather will continue into next week.

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As we look beyond next week, Anderson sees above normal temperatures and no sign of frost into late October. That should give a boost to late developing beans in southern Illinois.

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Monticello Schools Return To Community For Building Discussions

 width=After a failed November referendum to determine the future of Monticello School facilities, administrators in the district have been since trying to find a way to determine what the community wants. Dr. Vic Zimmerman is the district's Superintendent. He says they have continued to engage the community about what they want to see.

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This time around the district has two options for the voters, which include a new building for the high school and a depiction of that building along with a location. The other is a move for the high school to the recently built middle school.

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Wednesday, October 8 at 7 pm at Monticello High School, the School Board will host a town hall meeting to inform the community of all the options. Dr. Zimmerman indicates they will have cost projections for a new building.

Fire Truck Parade Tonight in Clinton

Tonight is the annual Fire Truck Parade in Clinton.

Fire departments from all over central Illinois converge at Clinton High School to start the parade route and end up circling the square showing off new and old fire trucks.

This year's fire truck parade, as always coincides with fire prevention week in Illinois. According to Fire Prevention officer with the Clinton Fire Department, Andy Edmunds, they do a lot of outreach within the Clinton and surrounding communities.

[audio:10071581850-10715firesafe1.mp3] [/audio]

Fire Chief David Dallas indicates tonight's fire truck parade will take their usual route, and end on the square where they will park and the Clinton Fire Department will have their smokehouse for the kids to go through.

[audio:10071581852-10715firesafe2.mp3] [/audio]

The fire department will be in the schools next week for Fire Prevention week and Chief Dallas indicates they spend a lot of time with the kids doing activities, showing them their equipment and raising awareness of fire prevention.

[audio:10071581854-10715firesafe3.mp3] [/audio]

The Fire Truck parade kicks off around 7 pm.

Pictures below of last year's parade:

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Cowboys Hardy Ready To Return To Field

 width=For the first time since last September, Greg Hardy will play in an NFL game. Now a member of the Cowboys, Hardy finished serving his four-game suspension after missing nearly all of last season on the Commissioner's Exempt List due to a domestic violence incident.

On Sunday, Hardy will be tasked with hunting down Tom Brady as the 2-2 Cowboys host the 3-0 Patriots.

Hardy said via USA Today quote - "I hope I come out guns blazing. I'm very excited to get out there and see what I can do."

Prior to joining the Cowboys, Hardy was a standout with the Panthers, recording 26 sacks over the 2012 and 2013 seasons. But in the summer of 2014, Hardy was found guilty of assault and communicating threats in a case that involved an ex-girlfriend. Hardy appealed the decision and, in February, the charges were dismissed when the woman -- who accused Hardy of throwing her on a futon filled with guns and threatening to kill her, per NFL.com -- couldn't be found, as she had reached a civil suit agreement with Hardy.

Hardy was suspended 10 games by the NFL, but an independent arbitrator reduced that suspension to four games, meaning he'll be suiting up on Sunday.

Rockets' Harden: 'I Know I was the MVP'

 width=For months during the 2014-15 season, Stephen Curry was leading the Golden State Warriors to the best record in the league and a fairly historic domination of the entire NBA. Meanwhile, James Harden was leading the Houston Rockets to the No. 2 seed in the vaunted Western Conference, despite numerous injuries to Dwight Howard and his teammates. We ended up with the debate of whether Curry's dominance was more valuable to the Warriors than Harden's resilience.

Curry ended up running away with the MVP award voting, garnering 100 of the 130 first place votes. Harden finished second with 25 of the remaining 30 first place votes. The Warriors went on to defeat the Rockets in the conference finals in five games and win their first title since 1975. While many were convinced the award went to the proper recipient, Harden still doesn't believe the MVP voted ended up the way he did. He says he knows he was the MVP and feels he deserved it over Curry. From Fran Blinebury of NBA.com:

Harden said Tuesday quote - "I know I was the MVP. That's 100 percent given all the things that happened last season."

UCLA LB Jack Leaves School, To Enter NFL Draft

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UCLA star linebacker Myles Jack, who suffered a torn meniscus two weeks ago, has withdrawn from school and will enter the 2016 NFL Draft. UCLA coach Jim Mora Jr. announced Jack's withdrawal from UCLA during his press conference on Tuesday morning.

Jack was projected to be a possible top-10 pick before his injury, and despite the injury, he will forego his senior season at UCLA and enter the draft. Mora said he cautioned Jack about his stock potentially falling due to questions about fit and the injury.

Yesterday Mora said quote - "My personal opinion is, I think he's a tremendous football player and tremendous athlete, but I think it's very risky to do this. Having been on that side, there's going to be a lot of speculation about what he is and where he fits."

However, Jack has been starring for the Bruins since he was a freshman, so unlike most juniors, he had two full years of tape coming into this season.

Jack had 76 tackles as a freshman and backed it up with 87 tackles in his sophomore season. In the two games played as a junior, Jack had already amassed 15 tackles. For his career, he has four interceptions from his linebacker position.

Mets, Dodgers Notes

>>Mets Harvey Apologizes For Missing Team Workout

Matt Harvey somehow managed to ruffle feathers and find controversy, even though the Mets are several days away from Game 1 of the NLDS, and he isn't scheduled to pitch for a week.

 width=Harvey was the only Mets player late for a workout Tuesday at Citi Field, saying he was held up in traffic on the way to the ballpark, specifically that he was stuck in one of New York's infamous tunnels between the boroughs. Mets manager Terry Collins told him to turn around and go home because he probably would miss the event, but Harvey showed up anyway in order to apologize to teammates and issue a statement.

Just what the Mets wanted, on what was basically a day off, with just a light workout planned, ahead of the start of the playoffs. They don't actually play against the Dodgers in Los Angeles until Friday night, and Harvey isn't set to pitch until next week when the series heads to New York.

Collins says that Harvey will be fined for being tardy, and is still scheduled to start Game 3 on Monday night.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson and star David Wright were not happy with Harvey, whose story of dominance on the mound has been clouded by recurring controversy.

Harvey came to a media platform after the workout and gave up his mea culpas:

Harvey said quote - "I basically -- you know, there's no excuse -- I screwed up. I wasn't here. I showed up a little late. I've talked to Sandy, I've talked to Terry, and my teammates, and apologized to them. I've apologized to everybody. I'm here to get my workout in and be with the team. Unfortunately today, I screwed up. There's not really anything else to say. They know what happened. I've told everybody and apologized to everybody. It won't happen again and it hasn't happened before."

 width=>>Dodgers To Turn To Kershaw in Game 1 of NLDS

We knew the first two pitchers in the Dodgers' playoff rotation would be Cy Young contenders Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw. As it turns out, though Greinke probably has a leg up in the Cy Young vote, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly has elected to go with Kershaw as the Game 1 starter in the NLDS round against the Mets.

Not surprisingly, the club announced the Greinke would be going in Game 2. As for Game 3, it'll be left hander Brett Anderson.

Kershaw, 27, would be the obvious ace on most teams. He's won three of the past four Cy Youngs along with the 2014 NL MVP. This year, he was 16-7 with a 2.13 ERA and 301 strikeouts -- the most in MLB since 2002.

Having Greinke (19-3, 1.66) around forced Mattingly into actually making a decision, though.

Anderson, 27, was 10-9 with a 3.69 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 116 strikeouts in 180 1/3 innings. He led the majors with a 66.3 percent groundball rate this season.

Cubs Return To Postseason Tonight

The hot, young talent. The emerging ace with the electric stuff. The relentlessly upbeat manager. The giddy relief that comes with washing away years of futility.

Yeah, Andrew McCutchen has seen this script before.

 width=Two years ago, it was star center fielder and the rest of the Pittsburgh Pirates who found themselves as baseball's new darlings when they crashed the playoffs for the first time in two decades.

Now it's the Chicago Cubs, whose rebuilding project hit warp speed somewhere between Joe Maddon's hire last winter and rookie slugger Kris Bryant's arrival in April.

The Pirates can change the subject quickly Wednesday night in the NL wild-card game. The winner gets the St. Louis Cardinals in the Division Series starting Friday.

The clubs that combined for 195 wins both believe they can make a run provided they can survive baseball's version of a high-wire coin flip.

Heady territory for two franchises that have spent most of this millennium taking turns at the bottom of the NL Central.

Those days have long since passed in Pittsburgh, making its third straight playoff appearance. The Cubs hope to say the same thing in Chicago regardless of a history filled with curses - from billy goats to black cats to Steve Bartman - and a World Series drought at 107 years and counting.

The weight of failure, however, hardly appears to be wearing on a team so loose Cy Young candidate Jake Arrieta took to Twitter to tweak the Pirates' fan base after a parody account warned him of what was coming at what is sure to be a rowdy PNC Park.

Arrieta tweeted back ''whatever helps keep your hope alive, just know it doesn't matter.''

Arrieta will face a kindred spirit in Pittsburgh starter Gerrit Cole.

Unlike Arrieta, a late bloomer, Cole has been groomed for this stage from the day the Pirates took him with the first overall pick in the 2011 draft. He hasn't missed a beat any step of the way and made the All-Star team for the first time this summer while becoming the first Pittsburgh pitcher to reach 19 victories since 1991.

Both the Pirates and Cubs spent most of the summer stalking but never quite catching the Cardinals. A win provides a second chance.

Keuchel Leads Astros Past Yankees in Wild Card Game

 width=Pitching on three days' rest for the first time in his career, Dallas Keuchel baffled New York for six innings of three-hit ball. Colby Rasmus and Carlos Gomez homered, and the Astros beat the Yankees 3-0 Tuesday night in the American League wild-card game.

The orange-clad Astros, who secured their spot in this winner-take-all game on the last day of the regular season, advanced to the Division Series against the defending AL champion Royals starting Thursday night in Kansas City.

Rasmus sent Masahiro Tanaka's first pitch of the second inning soaring into deep right field. Gomez, who only had five plate appearances after missing nearly two weeks with a strained chest muscle in mid-September, connected on the first offering of the fourth.

AL hits leader Jose Altuve had an RBI single off All-Star reliever Dellin Betances in the seventh.

Reliever Tony Sipp walked one, and Will Harris and Luke Gregerson were each perfect for an inning to finish the three-hitter. The boos from the 50,113 stunned fans in the crowd grew with each out as Gregerson closed for a save.

Manager AJ Hinch will set his rotation for the Division Series. Houston went 4-2 against the Royals this season.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for October 7

Jail Population: 33

Paper Services: 0

Warrants: 1

Denise Bennett, 34, Farmer City was issued a Citation for Speeding 80 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Bennett was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Scott Bowles, 52, Bloomington was Arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging him with Failure to Appear on Petition to Revoke Probation. Bowles posted the necessary bond and was released.

 

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Governor Responds To Treasurer's Letter

The state’s budget impasse continues into Month No. 4 of the new fiscal year without a spending plan and that could impact a variety of things, including the state’s investments.

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LaHood Replacement Named in House

The 37th District State Senate Selection Committee has picked Peoria City Councilman Chuck Weaver to replace Darin LaHood. Weaver was one of 10 applicants for the appointment.

The vacancy for the State Senate seat was created when LaHood submitted his resignation after being elected to Congress on September 10th.

The Selection Committee was comprised of Republican county chairmen from the 10 counties in the 37th District including, including Mercer County’s Brian Anseeuw.

Congressman Davis Speaks Out on Speaker Choice

Republicans are choosing sides in the race for House Speaker with John Boehner set to hang up his gavel. Congressman Rodney Davis says Republicans need to avoid an in party fight, out in the open.

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Davis believes the way for Speaker is with a California Congressman or bust.

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Rep. Bradley Says No Budget 'Killing' Downstate

The list of impacts because of an ongoing budget impasse are mounting to include more than just the closure of the Illinois State Museum and the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta.

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There are also reports that organizations providing services for sexual assault and domestic violence victims warn they may have to cut services or shut down, police departments are struggling to fund training for officers, and there are reports of 9-1-1 call systems not getting revenue from the state, among others.

Changes Coming To Lincoln College in Bloomington

Lincoln College is selling its campus in Normal. The announcement comes as part of a $7.6 million dollar, 12 year reinvestment plan.

Lincoln College President Dr. David Gerlach says the college will lease the main academic building back from the buyer after its sold, but the change will mean some layoffs.

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Dr. Gerlach says the college is going to put the Normal campus on the market and sell other assets to raise funds for the $7.6 million dollar reinvestment plan.

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The college is going to eliminate one-year certification programs in cosmetology, esthetics, teacher training and massage therapy at the Normal campus and expand its Accelerated Bridge to Education program.

He adds the moves are part of a plan aimed at turning Lincoln College into Lincoln University.

The college plans to add at least 12 additional baccalaureate degrees and a few master’s degree programs and will also explore a move into the NCAA or NAIA.

DeWitt County CENCOM Not Receiving Mandated Tax Dollars

Area 9-1-1 officials are now feeling the impact of the lack of a state budget.

You may not realize it, but you are paying a tax on your cell phone bills each month that returns to emergency response offices across the state. Tony Harris is DeWitt County's 9-1-1 Coordinator and he explains that tax goes into a statewide pot and then is distributed to individual counties, however, due to the state budget situation, those funds are frozen.

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For the DeWitt County 9-1-1 office, their challenge is not necessarily funding but rather where the funds are coming from. Harris explains residents will not see any impact by the lack of funding coming from that tax, however, drawing money from their reserves could hurt the future of a mandated project for all 9-1-1 offices.

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Harris estimates their reserves could carry the office until the end of the year before they would have to sit down and make major decisions about the future of their financial situation. With that in mind, Harris indicates they have zero plans to eliminate staff or make changes in services and stresses the public in DeWitt County will not see any changes.

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While the future of the state budget looks questionable, which would mean less revenue for the County, Harris remains confident in their planning for the future. He says they already have the ball rolling for Next Generation 9-1-1.

Homecoming Week in Clinton

 width=It's Homecoming Week in Clinton.

Clinton High School Principal Jerry Wayne explains they have themed days in their building. Things started with America Day Monday and the students have come up with different ways to be creative throughout the week. Students across the Clinton district are encouraged to participate as well.

[audio:10061572343-10615homecoming1.mp3] [/audio]

The after school activities start with a new event Tuesday. Wayne explains they are doing a "Mr. Maroon Pagaent. He indicates one of their new staff members did this in a different district and it was big hit so high school administrators have agreed to try it this year. All the after school activities culminate with the Homecoming parade Friday afternoon.

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Wayne hopes the community will come out for the varsity football game Friday night. The Maroons host Warrensburg-Latham and are 3-3 on the season. With three to play, the Maroons need two wins to qualify for post season play.

MNF Recap; Dolphins Fire Coach

>>Seahawks Take Down Lions

With one big punch, Kam Chancellor showed his importance to the Seattle Seahawks.

With one little touch, K.J. Wright provided another Monday night controversy in the same end zone where the infamous ''Fail Mary'' took place.

Chancellor knocked the ball free from Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson at the 1-yard line when it appeared the Lions were going to take the lead, and Seattle held on for a 13-10 win.

 width=With Detroit on the verge of capping a 91-yard drive with the go-ahead touchdown with less than 2 minutes remaining, Chancellor came from the side and punched the ball from Johnson's arm as he was being tackled by Earl Thomas. It bounded into the end zone where it was guided over the back line by K.J. Wright for a touchback and Seattle's ball at the 20.

It was an ugly performance by the home team, filled with offensive mistakes and two fourth-quarter fumbles by Wilson, the second returned 27 yards for a touchdown by Caraun Reid to pull Detroit to 13-10.

But in the end, Seattle's defense came through.

Seattle has not allowed an offensive touchdown in the two games since Chancellor ended his holdout. It has forced 18 punts during that stretch.

Wilson threw for 287 yards and rushed for another 40 yards, but was sacked six times. Wilson's most memorable play was spinning free of two near sacks and finding Kearse for 34 yards in the second quarter, and then hitting Doug Baldwin on a 24-yard TD on the next play.

Matthew Stafford finished 24 of 35 for 203 yards, 73 of those coming on Detroit's final drive.

>>Dolphins Fire Coach Philbin

To the surprise of almost no one, the Dolphins fired Joe Philbin on Monday morning.

Dan Campbell, the Dolphins tight end coach, is expected to serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Philbin's tenure as Miami's coach was entirely underwhelming, with the former Packers quarterbacks coach going 24-28, somehow surviving the Richie Incognito bullying scandal and ensuing Wells Report.

Kris Bryant Jersey Tops Sales; Yankees Notes

>>Yankees Host Astros For AL Wild Card Game

For Dallas Keuchel, pitching on three days' rest for the Houston Astros in the American League wild-card game is just one more chance to prove a season's worth of doubters wrong.

To advance to the Division Series and face the Royals in a best-of-five matchup that begins Thursday night in Kanas City, the Yankees will have to figure out how to beat the AL's only 20-game winner in a winner-take-all playoff Tuesday night after going scoreless against him in 16 innings this season.

Keuchel (20-8) might have trouble walking the streets of Manhattan these days with his distinctive bushy beard giving him away to fans, but he's been elusive on the mound in a season that has made him a Cy Young Award candidate.

 width=And first-year manager A.J. Hinch, who pressed all the right buttons in guiding the surprising Astros to their first postseason in 10 years, is confident his 27-year-old ace will handle the short rest without a problem.

The storied Yankees were also a bit of a surprise; not much was expected from an aging roster with pitching questions the year after Derek Jeter hung up his spikes. But led by the resurgent Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira (who is injured), New York sat atop the AL East late into the summer before slumping down the stretch.

Keuchel will be facing a New York lineup that has limped into the postseason, losing six of seven games.

In better times for the Yankees, Keuchel shut them out with a six-hitter in Houston on June 25. He repeated that impressive performance in the Bronx, pitching three-hit ball for seven innings on Aug. 25.

>>Yankees Sabathia Enters Alcohol Rehab Facility, To Miss Postseason

Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia has checked into an alcohol rehab center, the team announced. He will not be available to pitch in the postseason.

In a statement Monday, Sabathia said quote-"Today I am checking myself into an alcohol rehabilitation center to receive the professional care and assistance needed to treat my disease.

"I love baseball and I love my teammates like brothers, and I am also fully aware that I am leaving at a time when we should all be coming together for one last push toward the World Series. It hurts me deeply to do this now, but I owe it to myself and to my family to get myself right. I want to take control of my disease, and I want to be a better man, father and player."

Sabathia, 35, was expected to be on the team's wild-card roster as an emergency long reliever. He was also in line to start Game 1 of the ALDS should the Yankees advance.

Sabathia went 6-10 with a 4.73 ERA in 167 1/3 innings this season, though he had been pitching much better since returning from a knee injury a few weeks ago. He had a 2.17 ERA in five starts and 29 innings after coming off the DL.

Earlier this season Sabathia was nearly involved in a street brawl outside the nightclub in Toronto. He chalked it up to being "a bad decision on my part," though there were no indications he was battling alcoholism.

Cashman noted Sabathia could have taken an unspecified leave of absence from the team but chose to make it public. "He's trying to tackle this in a very open way," the GM said.

 width=>>Cubs' Bryant Jersey Top Seller in MLB

Kris Bryant hasn't played a single game in the postseason but already he's a winner.

In a news release, Major League Baseball says that more Majestic jerseys bearing the Chicago Cubs star rookie's name have been sold from the league's online shop than any other player.

Major League Baseball says the 23-year-old Bryant is the youngest player and the first rookie to ever top the list in the five years the rankings have been released.

The Cubs and the Giants are the only teams with more than two players on the list. Cubs' first baseman Anthony Rizzo is No. 8. The Giants have the three players on the list: Madison Bumgarner at No. 2, Buster Posey at No. 3 and Hunter Pence at No. 7.

Illinois Football Notes

>>Illini RB Ferguson Doubtful For Saturday vs No. 22 Iowa

Interim Illinois coach Bill Cubit says he doubts injured running back Josh Ferguson will be able to play Saturday against No. 22 Iowa.

Cubit said Monday that the starting back was due to see a doctor later Monday. But Cubit said that he wasn't optimistic the right-shoulder injury would allow Ferguson to play.

Illinois (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten) lost Ferguson in the first quarter of last Saturday's 14-13 win over Nebraska. The senior has 397 yards and three touchdowns on 71 carries.

 width=Freshman Ke'Shawn Vaughn took over for him Saturday and was the only other Illini back to carry the ball. Vaughn had 98 yards on 24 carries.

Cubit said Illinois will need little-used junior Henry Enyenihi to help pick up the rushing load at Iowa (5-0, 1-0).

>>Group Says Officials Made Mistake in Illinois Game

The Big Ten officials' organization says a third-quarter officiating mistake cost Illinois a down in its 14-13 win Saturday over Nebraska.

Collegiate Officiating Consortium Coordinator of Officials Bill Carollo said Monday that replay officials should have given Illinois another down when they reviewed a situation in which field officials lost track of the down and distance.

Instead the play that Illinois thought was third down was judged to be fourth down. Illinois had to turn over the ball at its own 44-yard line.

Carollo said "errors of this nature have a significant impact on game assignments, bowl assignments and overall year end status."

Illinois defensive end Dawuane Smoot said Monday the mistake motivated the crowd and defense.

Clinton Police Report for October 2

ON 09/30/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED LOLA P. BARR 21, BLOOMINGTON FOR CRIMINAL TRESPASS TO RESIDENCE. BARR WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

Monticello Schools Projecting Surplus Budget

 width=It's not a huge projection, but Monticello schools are anticipating a surplus budget.

Schools Superintendent Dr. Vic Zimmerman (right) indicates they are projecting a budget surplus of over $50-thousand. Dr. Zimmerman indicates it's the first surplus budget they've had since he's taken over.

[audio:10051585146-10515monticellosurplus1.mp3] [/audio]

The Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax, or CPPRT, is the biggest source of revenue for Monticello Schools and Dr. Zimmerman indicates that revenue is expected to be a little higher this coming year.

[audio:10051585148-10515monticellosurplus2.mp3] [/audio]

According to Dr. Zimmerman, the CPPRT revenue is up and down along with the business climate of the state. He explains when they are fortunate to get more of those revenues, they don't spend them, instead, they tuck them away for a rainy day.

Hunters Invited To Public Range

DeWitt County hunters will have the chance to prepare for firearm deer season at the Sheriff’s firing range next month.

DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner indicates they've received a lot of public interest in this event and there are going to be six different lanes to work with officers from the DeWitt County Sheriff's office or a DNR CPO.

[audio:10051585150-10515rangeday1.mp3] [/audio]

Interested hunters must reserve a 30 minute slot between 8am and 4 pm. Reservations can be made by calling 217-935-9507 during business hours, or by email to sheriffshofner@dewittcountyill.com Hunters are asked to arrive 15 minutes early for a safety briefing. The Sheriff’s range is located on 9930 Revere Road, Clinton, directly east of the DeWitt County Highway Department.
The program is limited to DeWitt County residents.

Kiwanis Funnel Cakes A Staple At Apple n' Pork

The Clinton Kiwanis Club's funnel cakes are seemingly everywhere you look Apple n' Pork weekend.

The generous group in Clinton helps to provide support for non-profit groups that benefit children. According to Dick Kortiz, they provide funds for groups like Write Stuff For Kids and the Boy Scouts.

[audio:10051585140-10515kinaniscakes1.mp3] [/audio]

For a group like Kiwanis, the Apple n' Pork Festival is one of the biggest fundraisers they have and Koritz says no matter how much of a burden the Apple n' Pork weekend may be to Clinton residents, it cannot be replaced in any way.

[audio:10051585140-10515kinaniscakes1.mp3] [/audio]

Koritz indicates Kiwanis meets on Tuesday nights.

Spieth Named PGA Tour Player of the Year

 width=Jordan Spieth is the 2014-15 PGA Tour Player of the Year. The award was announced Friday morning. It would have been unprecedented for a golfer who won as much as Spieth (including two majors) to not win this award.

The past four Player of the Year awards have gone to Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, McIlroy and now Spieth. That's a pretty solid stretch for golf's top award.

Spieth cleaned up in 2015 with five wins, the Masters, the US Open and over $22 million in on-course earnings. He joins Tiger Woods (nine times), Rory McIlroy (twice), Jim Furyk, Luke Donald, Vijay Singh and Padraig Harrington as winners of the award since 2000.

It was quite a season for the hottest kid in American golf.

College Football Polls Update

 width=>>AP Poll: Alabama, Florida Jump in Rankings

The wildest week of the 2015 college football season saw the biggest shakeup yet in the AP Top 25.

The poll saw four new teams enter the top 10, following losses from Ole Miss, Notre Dame, UCLA and Georgia. Clemson is your new No. 6, Alabama jumps to No. 8, Texas A&M bounces up to No. 9, and Oklahoma is your new No. 9.

But Florida was the poll's highest riser, going from No. 25 all the way to No. 11 after upsetting the previously third-ranked Rebels. The biggest drop belonged to UCLA, which fell from No. 7 to No. 20. Ole Miss landed at No. 14, Notre Dame at No. 15, and Georgia at No. 19 after ranking eighth last week.

Ohio State remained No. 1, though they pulled only 38 first-place votes, a four-vote drop from Week 4. Baylor took the second-most first-place votes with 10, good enough to place No. 4. TCU moved up two spots to No. 2, while Michigan State slipped two spots to No. 4.

New to the poll this week are No. 22 Iowa, No. 24 Toledo and No. 25 Boise State. Dropping out of the poll were Wisconsin, West Virginia and Mississippi State.

 width=>>Coaches Poll: Top Ten For 'Bama, Utah

A wild Saturday that saw four top-10 teams lose has led to a major shakeup in the coaches poll Top 25.

Ole Miss, Georgia, Notre Dame and UCLA all exited the top 10, making room for new No. 6 Clemson, No. 7 Utah, No. 9 Oklahoma and No. 10 Alabama.

Florida was the poll's highest riser, leaping from No. 23 to No. 12 after upsetting the Rebels, who fell from fifth to No. 13. Georgia and UCLA tied for the poll's biggest fall, both dropping 10 spots from No. 6 and No. 10.

Ohio State retained its spot at the top of the poll despite losing 11 first-place votes, pulling 50 of a possible 62. They were followed by new No. 2 TCU, No. 3 Michigan State, No. 4 Baylor and new No. 5 LSU.

Entering the poll were No. 21 Michigan, No. 23 Iowa, No. 24 Boise State and No. 25 Memphis, taking the place of Wisconsin, Mississippi State, West Virginia and Oregon.

Cubs Win Season Finale; Cards Swept in DH; Sox Shut Out

 width=>>Cubs Win on Season's Last Day

Entering their first postseason since 2008, the Cubs are brimming with confidence even if they must still head to PNC Park for the NL wild card game on Wednesday.

Chicago ended the regular season with a three-game sweep in Milwaukee. Maddon set a franchise record for most wins in his first year with the Cubs with 97.

Starter Dan Haren (11-9) allowed three hits and a walk in six innings. Anthony Rizzo had a two-run single with the bases loaded in the first to reach a career-high 101 RBIs on the season.

Shane Peterson drove in the Brewers' only run with an RBI ground-rule double in the third.

Travis Wood pitched a hitless ninth for his fourth save.

After making his last regular season start on Friday, ace Jake Arrieta (22-6) would work on normal rest to start the NL wild card game against Pittsburgh. The team was planning to travel to Pittsburgh on Monday evening.

>>Braves Sweep Sunday Double-Header From Cardinals on Season's Last Day

Shelby Miller ended his 24-start winless streak, holding his former Cardinals teammates to three hits through eight scoreless innings and leading the Atlanta Braves over St. Louis 6-0 in Sunday's doubleheader opener.

Miller (6-17) struck out seven and walked three. He had been 0-16 since winning at Miami on May 17 despite a 3.83 ERA in that span. He finished with a 3.02 ERA, best among Atlanta starters, and topped 200 innings for the first time.

 width=

Adonis Garcia hit two homers and Andrelton Simmons added a two-run drive. Atlanta has 100 homers this season, fewest in the majors.

St. Louis, which won its third straight NL Central title, opens the Division Series at home Friday against the Chicago Cubs or Pittsburgh.

John Lackey (13-10) allowed three runs over four innings in a postseason tuneup.

St. Louis started its normal lineup, but manager Mike Matheny replaced four starters - Matt Carpenter, Matt Holliday, Jhonny Peralta and Jason Heyward - by the sixth inning.

Adam Wainwright pitched a scoreless eighth inning, giving up a walk. Matheny said before the game he wanted to use Wainwright in the opener because rain was forecast for the second game. Rain began to fall in the ninth inning.

Despite the loss, the Cardinals (100-61) have their first 100-win season since 2005, when they finished 100-62. They won 105 games in 2004.

Stephen Piscotty was 0 for 4 in his return to the lineup six days after he sustained a concussion in an outfield collision with teammate Peter Bourjos.

Matt Wisler pitched four-hit ball over 8 2/3 innings, and the Atlanta Braves beat St. Louis 2-0 Sunday to complete a doubleheader sweep.

St. Louis was held to seven hits in the doubleheader.

Wisler (8-8) won each of his last three starts, allowing a combined three runs.

Pinch-hitter Brandon Moss doubled with one out in the ninth to become the Cardinals' first runner in scoring position off Wisler. Jon Jay hit a groundout to first, Tommy Pham walked and Edwin Jackson struck out Randal Grichuk to end the game.

Hector Olivera's single drove in Michael Bourn in the first off Lance Lynn (12-11), who allowed one run and seven hits in five innings.

John Lackey (13-10) allowed three runs over four innings in a postseason tuneup.

>>White Sox End Season With Shutout Loss To Detroit

The Detroit Tigers didn't have much to say about their 6-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. They are looking to forget about this season as quickly as possible.

The Tigers finished a first-to-worst tumble, ending the year in last place in the AL Central after winning the division for four straight years. Most of the talk in the Tigers' clubhouse was about next year.

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Sunday was different, with the strong pitching of Daniel Norris (3-2) possibly showing a bit of the future. Norris pitched one-hit ball over five innings and Tyler Collins broke open the game with a bases-clearing triple.he Tigers (74-87) were hurt by injuries and shaky pitching in falling to last place for the first time in seven years.

Chicago also was happy to end the year after finishing 76-86, fourth in the Central. That was a slight improvement over last year, when the Sox won 73 games.

Norris didn't give up a hit until Trayce Thompson's triple in the fourth. Collins hit his bases-loaded triple in the seventh inning after White Sox reliever Daniel Webb gave up a single to Bryan Holaday and walks to Dixon Machado and J.D. Martinez.

White Sox starter Frankie Montas (0-2) was pulled after four innings after giving up one run on two hits and three walks. Montas struck out seven.

The Tigers got a run in the first on a double by Nick Castellanos that scored Anthony Gose, and added one in the fifth when Gose led off with a triple and later scored on Martinez's sacrifice fly. Detroit added a run in the eighth on Josh Wilson's RBI single.

American League batting champion Miguel Cabrera didn't play for Detroit on Sunday after hitting a home run in Saturday's loss to the White Sox. Cabrera finished the season with a .338 average, well ahead of Boston's Xander Bogaerts. Cabrera is the first player to win the AL batting title four times in a five-year span since Wade Boggs won four straight from 1985-88.

Chicago's Chris Sale finished the season as the American League strikeouts leader with 274 after his seven-strikeout outing on Friday. That was second-most in the majors behind Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers.

CF Adam Eaton will undergo arthroscopic surgery to clean up his left shoulder on Monday. He said he hopes to be able to fish two to three weeks after the procedure.

Packers Get By 'Niners; Bears Beat Surprising Raiders; Rams Pick Up Big Road Win

>>Rodgers, Packers Get Past 49ers

 width=With his receiving corps banged up and depleted, Aaron Rodgers still made all the big throws to keep Green Bay unbeaten and exactly where it expected to be a quarter into the season.

It just took a little while to get warmed up before things got rolling.

Rodgers passed for 224 yards and a touchdown, ran 17 yards to set up a key second-half score, and the Packers beat the hapless San Francisco 49ers 17-3 on Sunday for their first 4-0 start in four years.

Clay Matthews added his own flair when he sacked Colin Kaepernick in the third quarter, he kissed his right biceps Kaepernick-style to punctuate the play - one of Green Bay's six sacks to give them 13 in the past two games.

James Jones wound up with five receptions for 98 yards in the fifth meeting between the rivals since 2012, while Randall Cobb had his streak of seven games with either a touchdown or 100-plus yards receiving snapped. Eddie Lacy ran for 90 yards and converted two fourth downs. Cobb and Richard Rodgers also had five catches apiece.

Kaepernick, who had played some of his best games against the Packers, went 13 for 25 for 160 yards and a 55.4 passer rating. Carlos Hyde was held to 20 yards on eight carries.

 width=>>Rams Score Huge Road Win

St. Louis Rams rookie RB Todd Gurley rushed for all but two of his 146 yards after halftime and the Rams held on to hand the Cardinals their first loss of the season, 24-22 on Sunday.

Gurley saw his most extensive action as a pro and his 52-yard run set up what was the winning touchdown.

Nick Foles threw for three TDs, two after Arizona turnovers, and St. Louis' defense held the Cardinals (3-1) to field goals on four of five trips inside the red zone.

Arizona had a third-and-2 at the Rams 43 in the final minutes, but Carson Palmer overthrew receivers on consecutive plays to turn the ball over on downs.

The Rams (2-2) are 2-0 against the NFC West.

St. Louis scored after Arizona rookie David Johnson fumbled away the opening kickoff, the first time the Cardinals have trailed this season, and never relinquished the lead. Johnson also dropped a touchdown pass, but had some big plays late in the game.

Carson Palmer completed 29 of 46 passes for 352 yards with one touchdown and one interception for Arizona.

With the Rams clinging to a 17-15 lead, Gurley burst through the line and broke a couple of tackles for a 52-yard gain to the Arizona 16, and Foles threw 12 yards to Austin and the lead was 24-15 with 8:16 to play.

Gurley could have had more, but slid to the ground to help run out the clock late.

The Cardinals finally got their only touchdown when Palmer lofted a 19-yard pass to Johnson for the score that made it 24-22 with 4:38 left.

St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher said inside linebacker Alec Ogletree broke an ankle in the first half and will require surgery. Fisher said he didn't know if Ogletree would be lost for the season, that he might be listed as injured designated to return.

>>Bears Top Surprising Raiders

As soon as Jay Cutler threw an interception, it looked like the Bears were about to follow the familiar script.

Then he and Robbie Gould rewrote the ending to give Chicago its first win under John Fox.

 width=Cutler threw for two touchdowns and redeemed himself following that interception by helping set up a 49-yard field goal by Gould in the closing seconds Sunday, leading the Bears to a 22-20 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders (2-2) grabbed the lead on a field goal by Sebastian Janikowski with just over two minutes remaining set up by an interception by Charles Woodson. He picked off a pass thrown behind Martellus Bennett deep in Oakland territory.

But Cutler led Chicago (1-3) from its 20 to the Oakland 32 before Gould nailed the winner in the closing seconds.

Derek Carr threw for 196 yards as Oakland lost after winning two in a row.

Cutler completed 28 of 43 passes for 281 yards after missing a game because of a strained hamstring. Matt Forte had 91 yards rushing and 64 receiving. Martellus Bennett caught 11 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. Marquess Wilson added 80 yards receiving. Eddie Royal caught a touchdown on the game's opening possession.

For Oakland, Carr completed 20 of 33 passes with two touchdowns and an interception.

Amari Cooper, tops among NFL rookies in catches and yards receiving, had just four receptions for 49 yards. Latavius Murray, coming off a career-high 139-yard performance at Cleveland last week, ran for 49 yards. He had a hand in two turnovers, fumbling a pitch and juggling a pass into Pernell McPhee's arms for an interception. And he got benched toward the end of the game.

he Bears lost C Will Montgomery to a broken leg on the opening possession. Matt Slauson then moved from left guard to center. ... S Antrel Rolle injured his right ankle making a tackle early in the third quarter when a teammate hit him and left the game.

Clinton Police Weekend Report

ON 10/02/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED GLENNA A. SEARS 60, CLINTON FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL. SEARS WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

ON 10/04/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED NATHAN J. NAPPE 25, MAHOMET FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA AND POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. NAPPE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 


ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

DeWitt County Sheriff's Weekend Report

Jail Population: 34

Paper Services: 7

Warrants: 0

Augusta Pischel, 36, Sullivan was Arrested and Charged with Driving on Revoked License. Pischel was issued Citations for Speeding 70 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone and Driving While License Revoked. Pischel posted the necessary bond and was released.

Christian Smith, 18, Joliet was issued a Citation for Speeding 72 MPH in a 45 MPH Zone. Smith was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Uppal Neeraj, 33, Gamanna, OH was issued a Citation for Speeding 66 MPH in a 45 MPH Zone. Neeraj was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Jake Loftus, 23, Leroy was issued a Citation for Speeding 80 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Loftus was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Melanie Downs, 41, Auburn was issued a Citation for Speeding 74 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Downs was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Suzy Brown, 36, Morris was issued a Citation for Speeding 74 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Brown was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Donovan Comp, 21, Decatur was issued  Citations for Failure to Give Information After Striking Property and Improper Lane usage. Comp was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

 

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Exelon, Clinton Police Department Announce Partnership For K-9 Unit

The Clinton Police Department and the Exelon Clinton Nuclear Power Station officially announced a partnership in assisting the Department to acquire their K-9 unit, Charlie.

Charlie is a female black lab and according to Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers, following the retirement of their former K-9 Lasko, the department wanted to continue their program, but needed the help of community partners. He notes, that is where Exelon stepped up to assist.

[audio:10051580942-10615exelonintro1.mp3] [/audio]

The Chief explains Charlie will not be an aggressive K-9, and will be used for what the department calls 'soft tracking'. Chief Lowers explains she is now patrolling and will be used in the schools for outreach purposes.

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 width=Ted Stoner (pictured center) is the Clinton Exelon Nuclear Power Station Plant Manager. He says it is a privilege to help out the department and believes that is what Exelon's role is in the community.

[audio:10051580948-10615exelonintro3.mp3] [/audio]

Other business from the Monday night Clinton City Council meeting...

>>The Council approved a contract with the Clinton Fire Department.

>>Sale of surplus property was approved at 310 North Madison Street.

>>A service agreement was approved for the Clinton Police and Fire Commissions.

Illinois State rides Coprich to 21-13 win over Northern Iowa

Marshaun Coprich had 169 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns to lead Illinois State past Northern Iowa 21-13 on Saturday.

With 3,743 yards, Coprich became Illinois State's career rushing leader, breaking Toby Davis' mark of 3,704 yards.

The Redbirds (2-1, 1-0 Missouri Valley Conference) never trailed. Coprich scored Illinois State's first two touchdowns to give it a 14-0 lead. Aaron Bailey connected with Michael Malloy on a 45-yard pass play to make it 14-7.

Illinois State responded with a three-play, 75-yard drive capped by Jamal Towns' 10-yard run to make it 21-7 before halftime. Coprich, averaging 127 yards per game, had a 61-yard run on the drive to set up the score.

Bailey was 7 for 17 with 108 yards passing with one touchdown and two interceptions for Northern Iowa (2-2, 0-1). Tyvis Smith had 14 carries for 54 yards.

Eastern Illinois gets first win, tops Austin Peay 40-16

Jalen Whitlow threw for two touchdowns and Devin Church caught a touchdown pass and ran for two more as Eastern Illinois broke into the win column with a 40-16 victory over winless Austin Peay Saturday.

The Panthers (1-3, 1-0 Ohio Valley) scored 27 points in the second quarter and led 34-10 at halftime.

Whitlow was 15 of 30 for 266 yards, finding Church from 21 yards out and Isaiah Nelson with a 31-yard strike, both in the second quarter.

Church scored from 13 yards out to cap the opening drive, then capped the second-quarter scoring spree with a 1-yard dive. Church finished with 12 carries for 81 yards and Shepard Little added 19 carries for 96 yards, including a 6-yard dash for a touchdown to open the second-quarter barrage.

Kendall Morris ran 74 yards for a second-quarter touchdown for Austin Peay (0-5, 0-2) and had 141 yards on 25 carries.

Late Allison TD delivers Illinois win over Nebraska, 14-13

Quarterback Wes Lunt hit Geronimo Allison with a 1-yard touchdown pass with 10 seconds left in the game to lead Illinois past Nebraska Saturday, 14-13.

Illinois (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten) trailed by 10 at the half and never led until Allison's late touchdown catch. Placekicker Taylor Zalewski converted the extra point after missing two first-half field goals.

Lunt finished the day 23-45 for 251 yards and two touchdowns, the first a 22-yarder to Marchie Murdock early in the final quarter.

Allison caught eight passes for 91 yards and the winning touchdown.

Nebraska (2-3, 0-1 Big Ten) led 10-0 at the half.

Backup Nebraska running back Devine Ozigbo led the Cornhuskers with 70 yards on seven carries and a touchdown.

The win was Illinois' first against Nebraska since 1924.

Former Gov. Quinn Gives Speech in Central Illinois

Former Gov. Pat Quinn has made a public appearance in central Illinois, saying he still believes an income tax increase is needed to cover expenses and end the budget stalemate.

As reported, the Chicago Democrat spoke Thursday at an event celebrating the opening of the University of Illinois' Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education.

Quinn lost re-election last year. He says he's not running for office. He wants to volunteer and address consumer issues.

Quinn pushed for an extension of the 2011 temporary income tax increase while in office. It rolled back in January.

He says Gov. Bruce Rauner should "step forward" and end the stalemate.

A Rauner spokeswoman says Illinois has already seen what happens when a governor approves a tax hike without other reforms.

 

Bourne announces candidacy, says filing process unbalanced

The youngest state Representative says she’s going to run for a full term but in her announcement on a Springfield radio station she said the nominating process is unbalanced, favoring established parties. Illinois News Network has more:

[audio:10041581317-10315bourne.mp3] [/audio]

The deadline for established party candidates to file nominating petitions is November 30th. Non-established party petitions can’t be circulated before March 29th and must be filed by June 27th of next year.

State owes City of Springfield utility $2.3 million

Springfield’s municipally owned utility, which is also struggling with their own financial problems, is owed more than $2 million from the state in utility bills that haven’t been paid since August. Illinois News Network has more:

[audio:10041581615-10315state.mp3] [/audio]

Clinton Water Department To Flush Water Mains

Starting Monday, the Clinton City Water Department plans to flush the water mains.

Specific times of the work is not determined as it will take place as time permits for staff.

The Water Department indicates there may be some discoloration in the water and ask residents give time for the water to clear up.

Questions can be directed to the Water Department by calling 217-935-3432.

October is Pork Month

October has arrived and means it’s National Pork Month!. The Illinois Pork Producers Assoc has a number of events scheduled, including special pork deals at restaurants and grocery stores around the state, but IPPA Executive Director Jennifer Tirey says most activities are taking place at the local level, driven by local pork producer volunteers.

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For a list of events and pork special offerings at restaurants and grocery stores go to ILPORK.com

University of Illinois Extension Offering Fall Gardening Series

The fall series of University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening program, which focuses on environmental stewardship and backyard food production, is underway.

The next session of the series is titled, Vegetative Propagation.

The program is offered October 6 at 1:30 p.m. Sessions will be presented via computer at the DeWitt County office in Clinton.

The last topic in the fall series is Abiotic Plant Problems on Landscape Plants set for October 20.

There is no cost for these sessions however advance registration is needed at least two days prior. Phone or email the local U of I Extension office for more details, 217-935-5764, dtibbs@illinois.edu.

This session is also available for home participation by pre-registering at web.extension.illinois.edu/hmrs/4seasons/.

State BOE Offers Tools For Ananyzing PARCC Results

THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION IS OFFERING SOME TOOLS TO HELP EDUCATORS AND PARENTS DECIPHER RESULTS FROM THE NEW “PARCC” TEST.

PARCC IS THE LATEST ASSESSMENT TEST FOR STUDENTS…DESIGNED TO MEASURE COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS. PRELIMINARY NUMBERS HAVE BEEN RELEASED AND A MORE DETAILED BREAKDOWN IS EXPECTED IN COMING MONTHS. THE BOARD’S WEBSITE WILL OFFER SOME HELP IN ANALYZING THOSE RESULTS SAYS SPOKESPERSON LANIE (lane) EVANS.

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EVANS EXPLAINS THEIR “PARCC PLACE” WEBSITE AND TOOLKIT CAN HELP PARENTS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS ANALYZE THOSE RESULTS.

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VISIT PARCC PLACE ONLINE VIA THE WEBSITE, ISBE.NET.

Durbin continues to look at fallout of pending Boehner resignation

Senator Dick Durbin continues to weigh the fallout of House Speaker John Boehner's imminent plans to leave Congress. Even before yesterdays announcement the government would keep running into December, Durbin expressed his belief Boehner's departure delayed a government shutdown...

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Durbin isn't exactly singing the praises of Congressman Kevin McCarthy as Boehner's possible successor....

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McCarthy announced his bid for Speaker on Monday.

Week 6 Football Scores

Central Illinois Conference:

Meridian 7, Shelbyville 47, F

Sullivan-Okaw Valley 14, Decatur St. Teresa 42, F

Warrensburg-Latham 35, Central A&M 42, F

 

Little Okaw Valley (Northwest):

Argenta-Oreana 34, Sangamon Valley 56, F

Decatur Lutheran 6, Arcola 58, f

 

Little Okaw Valley (Southeast):

Martinsville 16, Villa Grove-Heritage 62, F

Oakland Tri-County 32, Oblong 18, F

Toledo Cumberland 46, Palestine 0, F

 

Okaw Valley:

Champaign St. Thomas More 13, Tolono Unity 47, F

Maroa-Forsyth 6, Monticello 9, F

St. Joseph-Ogden 28, Rantoul 6, F

 

Big Twelve:

Bloomington 69, Peoria Manual 20, F

Champaign Central 63, Peoria Richwoods 18, F

Normal West 52, Peoria Notre Dame 56, F

Normal Community 21, Peoria 41, F

Urbana 21, Champaign Centennial 33, F

 

Central State Eight:

Decatur MacArthur 20, Jacksonville 62, F

Rochester 59, Lincoln 0, F

Springfield Lanphier 46, Decatur Eisenhower 14, F

Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin 45, Chatham Glenwood 10, F

Springfield Southeast 34, Springfield 14, F

 

Corn Belt:

Bloomington Central Catholic 39, Illinois Valley Central 3, F

Eureka 23, Pontiac 33, F

Mahomet-Seymour 17, Prairie Central 6, F

Olympia 14, Normal U-High 29, F

 

Heart of Illinois:

El Paso-Gridley 33, Dee-Mack 41, F

Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 41, Ridgeview 0, F

Fieldcrest 40, Flanagan-Cornell-Woodland 0, F

Tremont 28, Fisher 14, F

 

Mid-Illini:

Limestone 33, Metamora 42, F

Canton 18, East Peoria 19, F

Dunlap 14, Washington 28, F

Pekin 35, Morton 14, F

 

Non-Conference:

Chicago Senn 8, Tri-Valley 63, F

Heyworth 14, Milford 24, F

LeRoy 50, Watseka, F

Clinton Haunted House Opens in One Week

It's haunted house season in Illinois, and Clinton is home to one of the top haunted houses in the area.

The Clinton Chamber's Terror on Washington Street Haunted House opens one week from tonight and organizers are rearing for another big season. Chae Mills with the Clinton Chamber says Chamber staff and many volunteers have been hard at work to get this year's house ready.

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Part of the appeal of the Terror on Washington Street Haunted House is the always changing inside. Mills explains they have made their entrance a new room instead of being their introductory area like in years past.

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During the haunted house season, the Chamber opens up the house in a less frightful manner. Mills explains they do what they call friendly ghost tours, mostly for the younger kids. Those happen in the middle of October.

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The Chamber has partnered with the Haunted House in Decatur to provide a deal to those who will be going to both houses. Mills says a duel entry fee of $18 is charged for entrance to both houses.

For further details on the Clinton Haunted, times of operation and any other special events, check clintonhauntedhouse.com.

DJWH Continues To Report Strong Finances

The Dr. John Warner Hospital continues to report a strong financial standing.

President of the Dr. John Warner Hospital Board, Aaron Kammeyer, indicates the hospital's finances year to do date are steady but he notes, they continue to seek ways to generate more revenue.

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This month, the hospital anticipates adding two new doctors. According to Kammeyer, both doctors are going to be performing surgeries at the hospital, which will generate a lot of revenue.

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Kammeyer says CEO Paul Skowron and the hospital administrators closely examine their referrals throughout the year. He says they base their needs for additional services based on those referrals and also what patients have to say.

Anaylsts Ponder Breaking Point of Budget Impasse

Will it take someone dying or maybe a credit downgrade to end the budget impasse in Illinois?

A couple of analysts are wondering what it will take to bring lawmakers together to pass a budget approaching the beginning of the fourth month of the new fiscal year without a spending plan in place.

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The Secretary of State last week issued a letter to constitutional officers and legislative leaders with a list of concerns, including paying bills and providing services to taxpayers in the absence of a state budget.

Rep. Mitchell Blasts Legislature For Three Week Absense

The House and Senate chambers are quiet and will stay that way for the next three weeks.

Months into a new fiscal year, there's no sign of a budget deal and State Representative Bill Mitchell says it's not the time to take a break from Springfield.

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Rep. Mitchell has called for compromise between the Democratic controlled General Assembly and the Governor's office saying no one will get everything they want out of the budget debate.

Micro Loans Can Help Rural Business Start Ups

Many small, rural communities struggle to keep or grow local businesses. At the same time, many young people would like to remain in the community, but lack of job opportunities forces them to move to larger cities.

A lot of younger adults have business ideas, but lack the capitol to get started. That’s where micro lending can come in. Most banks aren’t interested in making risky, small business loans to rural startups unless the borrower has collateral and a long credit history, but Chris Merrett of the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University says there are lenders out there looking to help budding entrepreneurs.

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The institute has a USDA rural development grant designed to provide assistance to small, startup businesses in rural areas.

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If you have, or know someone with a good idea, but are in need of a little start up capitol, get in touch with the Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University in Macomb.

Second Chance For Pets Showcased Adoptable Animals At Apple n' Pork

If you made your way up and down Center Street at this last weekend's Apple n' Pork Festival, you might have noticed some dogs with "Adopt Me" vests on.

DeWitt County's Second Chance for Pets adoption group brought out their pets out that are up for adoption. According to Heather Wantland with Second Chance, a lot of their pets come to them through owner relinquishment.

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Second Chance for Pets doesn't just help pets find a home, they also help control the pet population. Wantland explains they do a monthly spay/neuter clinic for anyone in any county. They can also help provide emergency medical care or provide food for those in a tough spot.

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Wantland indicates they are in desparate need of foster homes. She says being a foster home for a dog is a great way to keep pets out of their shelter and in a comfortable situation.

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Wantland believes the biggest challenge facing their organization is the pets that aren't spayed or neutered and the accidental breeding. She encourages anyone with a pet that is not spayed or neutered to take advantage of their low cost, monthly spay neuter clinic.

To learn more about Second Chance for Pets, check out their Facebook page or visit www.secondchanceforpets.com.

Authorities Continue To Emphasize Safety on Rural Roadways

It's the heart of the harvest season in Central Illinois.

Last week, ag officials promoted safety as you make your away around the rural parts of central Illinois as the harvest continues and DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner says most of DeWitt County roads are likely to see heave machinery on them.

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For motorists in smaller vehicles, the Sheriff stresses slowing down and getting to your destination safely. For all motorists, the Sheriff Shofner stresses keeping the phones put away.

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Sheriff Shofner points out, rarely, when there is a vehicle-farm equipment accident is it the fault of the heavy equipment operator. He says sometimes the operators of heavy equipment might not see the motorists around them.

[audio:10021563831-92815countyharvest3.mp3] [/audio]

The Sheriff points out there are a lot of winding roads and places with steep hills. He encourages motorists to obey the passing and no-passing zones. And as always, buckle your seatbelt.

Baseball Notes

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>> Jackson drives in 5; Cubs beat Reds 10-3


Austin Jackson drove in a career-high five runs and Jon Lester set a Chicago season record for strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher, leading the playoff-bound Cubs to a 10-3 victory over the last-place Cincinnati Reds Wednesday, their fourth straight win.

The Cubs will play the Pirates in next week's NL wild-card game, as St. Louis clinched the NL Central Wednesday.

Lester's strikeout of Ivan De Jesus Jr. in the fifth inning was his 203rd of the season, snapping the franchise record for a left-hander set by Ken Holtzman in 1970. Lester (11-12) finished with nine strikeouts and retired the last 20 batters he faced.

The Reds lost their 11th straight, equaling their longest losing streak since dropping 12 straight in 1993.

Starlin Castro homered and had four hits for Chicago.

Anthony DeSclafani (9-13) allowed five runs in five innings.

 

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>> Hosmer, Royals beat White Sox 5-3 in 10 innings


Eric Hosmer hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the 10th inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 5-3 on Wednesday night to clinch home-field advantage in an AL Division Series.

Ben Zobrist singled with one out, and Hosmer drove a pitch from David Robertson (6-5) into the bullpen in right field to give the Royals the lead. For Hosmer, it was his 18th homer of the season.

Alex Gordon and Mike Moustakas also homered for Kansas City, which had already clinched the AL Central title. They will host the first two games of their ALDS, and a Game 5 if necessary.

Combined with Toronto splitting its doubleheader in Baltimore, the Royals pulled within a game of the Blue Jays for home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs. Toronto did win the season series, giving it the tiebreaker over the Royals.

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>> Cardinals earn 100th win to clinch NL Central

For the third straight season, the St. Louis Cardinals are champions of the NL Central. The team clinched their third straight division title with Wednesday night's win over the Pirates.

Wednesday's win improved the Cardinals to 100-59 with three games remaining. They're the first team to win 100 games since the 2011 Phillies. St. Louis last won 100 games back in 2005, when they went 100-62. The close the season with three games against the Braves.

The Cardinals clinched a postseason berth a few days ago but now have the NL Central locked up, meaning they've avoided the dreaded winner-take-all wild-card game. The Pirates and Cubs will now for certain play the wild-card game -- both have clinched a playoff spot -- with the winner facing the Cardinals in the NLDS.

>> MLB Scores

Toronto 15, Baltimore 2
Pittsburgh 8, St. Louis 2
Minnesota 7, Cleveland 1
Philadelphia 7, New York Mets 5
Oakland 8, Los Angeles Angels7
Boston 9, New York Yankees 5 in 11 innings
Tampa Bay 6, Miami 4
Atlanta 2, Washington 0
Chicago Cubs 10, Cincinatti 3
Arizona 3, Colorado 1
Texas 6, Detroit 2
Milwaukee5, San Diego 0
Kansas City 5, White Sox 3
San Francisco 5,Los Angeles Dodgers 0
Houston 7, Seattle 6

Bulls star Derrick Rose has surgery, no timetable on return

Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose had surgery to repair his left eye socket Wednesday, a day after being elbowed in the face.

Coach Fred Hoiberg says the operation to repair a left orbital fracture "went as expected." He would not put a timetable on Rose's return or rule him out for the opener Oct. 27 against Cleveland.

Hoiberg says the 2011 NBA MVP was elbowed in the face by one of the team's big men after making a "great baseline drive" and passing to the corner.

NBA announces addition of replay center referees for video review

The NBA has been working hard on trying to make the replay review process during games as streamlined and accurate as possible. They introduced the replay center to try to help out with the proper angles and making the process a lot quicker, as not to really interrupt the flow of NBA games in an egregious way. They're adding more depth and quickness to the process now, announcing they will staff the replay center with current NBA referees to make decisions on certain replay situations.

The league announced replay center referees will be responsible for out-of-bounds calls, shots at the end of a period, shot-clock violations on made baskets, goal-tending calls and four other types of plays. Reviews will still be triggered by the officials on the court, but once those plays are marked for review, the replay center officials will relay the administration of the call.

This is a big improvement to the process in theory, and will hopefully bring more accuracy, clarity and quickness to NBA games.

Court shuts down plan to pay athletes, says NCAA violates antitrust law

In a significant opinion from the Ed O'Bannon case, the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision that NCAA rules restricting payment to college athletes violate antitrust laws, but also determined that a federal judge erroneously allowed players to be paid up to $5,000 per year in deferred compensation.

The panel vacated US District Judge Claudia Wilken's injunction from August 2014 related to athletes receiving extra compensation for the use of their names, images and likenesses. The Ninth Circuit upheld Wilken's ruling giving schools the choice to give athletes scholarships that cover the full cost of attendance -- money that is currently being applied throughout college sports.

The NCAA won a victory by avoiding Wilken's injunction that would have allowed deferred payments to players. But the appellate decision related to antitrust laws could set the stage for the NCAA to attempt to appeal O'Bannon to the Supreme Court. The Ninth Circuit disagreed with the NCAA's interpretation of a 1984 Supreme Court decision that the association has used as a defense for decades in relation to its amateurism rules.

 

Illini Host Nebraska For Big Ten Opener

Off a tough 27-25 win over Middle Tennessee State, the Illinois Fighting Illini host Nebraska for their Big Ten opener.

Nebraska comes in with a 2-2 record after a heartbreaking last second loss to Brigham Young University and a loss to Miami (FL).

Game time from Memorial Stadium Saturday is 2:30 pm on the Big Ten Network.

Illinois State Hosts Top Ten MVC Rival Northern Iowa

The Northern Iowa Panthers and Illinois State Redbirds clashed twice last season. Once in the regular season at Northern Iowa and again the postseason when the Redbirds got the best of the Panthers on their way to an FCS tournament title run.

The two squads renew their rivalry Saturday when the Panthers come to Bloomington/Normal for Family Weekend on campus.

The Redbirds are coming off a bye week after a tough road win in Charleston over Eastern Illinois.

The Redbirds enter play 2-1 with a loss to Iowa and an easy win at home over Morgan State, 67-14.

The Panthers also enter play 2-1 with a loss to Big 12 opponent Iowa State. Otherwise the Panthers haven't had the easiest time either.

The Panthers won 38-35 against Eastern Washington at the UNI-Dome followed by a trip to San Luis Obispo, California and picked up a win over Cal Poly, 34-20.

The Panthers were also off last week.

Game time is noon Saturday.

Bears Host Raiders Sunday; Bears Quarterbacks

The Oakland Raiders can match their win total from last season Sunday against a Chicago Bears team that's already begun reshaping the roster while trying to avoid its first 0-4 start in 15 seasons.

Oakland (2-1) hasn't had a winning season or been to the playoffs since 2002, but that didn't stop Del Rio from expecting things to change when he was hired in January.

One week after Derek Carr threw a go-ahead touchdown pass with 26 seconds left in a 37-33 win over Baltimore, Woodson's interception with 38 seconds remaining helped snap an 11-game road skid with last Sunday's 27-20 victory at Cleveland.

Oakland, which didn't post its third and final victory last season until Dec. 21, hasn't won three in a row overall or consecutive road contests since 2011. It last took three of its first four while going 4-0 in 2002.

Del Rio hopes the talented, young trio of Carr, Latavius Murray and rookie Amari Cooper continues to pace an offense that's made strides since being held to 246 yards in the opening 33-13 loss to Cincinnati.

Carr has thrown for 665 yards with five TDs and one interception in last two weeks while Cooper has 15 receptions for 243 yards and a score in those games. Murray gained 109 yards on 26 carries in the first two contests then ran for 139 on the same amount of attempts last Sunday.

Though the Bears are in danger of going 0-4 for the first time since 2000, they also seem to have an eye on the future.

This week, Chicago traded underachieving pass rusher Jared Allen to Carolina for a 2016 sixth-round pick, linebacker Jonathan Bostic to New England for an undisclosed pick and waived safety Brock Vereen. The Bears also signed safety Chris Prosinski and linebacker LaRoy Reynolds to perhaps bolster a special teams unit that's allowed a kickoff to be returned for a TD in each of the last two weeks.

In the final year of his contract, Matt Forte remains in Chicago for the time being. He'll look to rebound after following his 141-yard season-opening rushing effort against Green Bay by gaining 135 on 35 carries in the last two games.

Clausen, meanwhile, is 23 of 40 for 184 yards with an interception and has been sacked four times since replacing the injured Cutler in Week 2.

Regardless who is under center, the Bears might have a good chance to rebound against a Raiders defense that's last in the NFL allowing 414.7 yards per contest.

Chicago yields a league-high 35 points per contest, but could get a boost if nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff is available. The veteran's three-week suspension for a league substance abuse violation has ended but it's uncertain if the ankle injury he suffered during the preseason will prolong his return.

Oakland won the most recent meeting, 25-20 at home Nov. 27, 2011.

 

>> Bears Quarterbacks

 

The Chicago Bears hope to get quarterback Jay Cutler back for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders and are preparing to go with Jimmy Clausen again if he is not ready.

Cutler practiced Thursday on a limited basis for the second consecutive day after sitting out last week's 26-0 loss at Seattle because of a pulled hamstring.

He responded "we'll see" when asked if he will play against the Raiders.

Cutler was injured trying to tackle Arizona's Tony Jefferson on a 26-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first half of a 48-23 loss at Soldier Field on Sept. 20.

Clausen struggled in last week's 26-0 loss at Seattle - the first shutout against Chicago since 2002.

Football Notes

>>Packers Head West To Face 49ers

In Week 3, Aaron Rodgers decimated what was considered a respected defense entering the season. Next up is a team that's allowed 90 points and nearly 900 yards of offense in its last two games.

The Green Bay Packers head to San Francisco on Sunday with hopes of overcoming possibly their most nagging opponent over the past three seasons.

Given the combination of Rodgers' early season dominance and the 49ers' recent form, it might not take much.

The 49ers (1-2) have ended two of the Packers' last three seasons and won four straight in the series including the two postseason games, though they didn't meet last year as San Francisco's NFC prominence fell into decline.

That's continued this season with back-to-back losses, and last Sunday's 47-7 defeat in Arizona was the team's most lopsided in 10 years.

Green Bay (3-0), conversely, held at least a two-possession lead from the 5:47 mark of the second quarter on in Monday's 38-28 home win over Kansas City.

>>Rams At Arizona

When Carson Palmer was carted off his home field last November after suffering a season-ending knee injury against the St. Louis Rams, he expected to be back healthy and preferably still the quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals.

Preparing to face the Rams for the first time since that injury, Palmer has accomplished both tasks and will try to lead the Cardinals to their second 4-0 start in four seasons Sunday.

Palmer tore his ACL during a 31-14 win over St. Louis on Nov. 9.

A winner of nine straight starts, Palmer has thrown for 803 yards with nine TDs, two interceptions and been sacked once for a team that's 3-0 for the second straight season.

Arizona has won three straight over St. Louis (1-2) and scored at least 30 points in the first two of those games with Palmer under center. In the most recent meeting without him, the Cardinals held on for a 12-6 victory Dec. 11. In Palmer's last three against the Rams, Fitzgerald has 29 catches for 288 yards and three TDs.

Though St. Louis held Pittsburgh to 259 yards and knocked quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out of last week's game, they fell 12-6 for a second consecutive defeat.

Mostly because the Rams have scored one touchdown, recorded 471 total yards and gone 4 for 22 on third down while totaling 16 points in the last two contests. St. Louis' four offensive touchdowns are tied for the fewest in the league.

Tenth overall pick Todd Gurley managed nine yards on six carries in his NFL debut last Sunday, but is expected to see an increased workload this week.

RECAP: Tuscola Downs Clinton

As heard Friday night on WHOW, the Tuscola Warriors remained perfect on the season as they downed the Clinton Maroons, 54-18.

The Maroons kept the game tight in the first half, trailing 26-12 at the intermission, but the potent Warriors offense proved too much in the second half as they pulled away for their sixth straight win.  

Senior Quarterback Nick Bates put on a show for the Warriors.  He ran the ball 12 times for 158 yards and 2 scores.  He also found success through the air completing 10 of 16 pass attempts for 273 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Sophomore Dalton Hoel was Bates' favorite target as he hauled in 5 catches for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Maroons were once again led on offense by Junior Running Back Alec Cooley.  He carried the ball 26 times for 166 yards and a touchdown.  Junior Quarterback Noah Griffin rushed 8 times for 50 yards and a TD.  He was 17 of 24 passing for 194 yards.

Senior Safety Louis Hicklin returned from injury for the Maroons, and made quite an impact.  He was one of the Maroons top tacklers throughout the contest.  Hicklin was named the Stephan York Country Financial Maroons Player of the Game.

Clinton falls to 3-3 on the season, and 1-3 in the Central Illinois Conference.  Tuscola improves to 6-0 overall, and 4-0 in the CIC.

The Maroons host Warrensburg-Latham next Friday night for Homecoming.  You can hear the game on 92.3FM WHOW and online at DewittDailyNews.com.

Clinton Home For Tuscola Tonight; Cerro Gordo Bement Returns To WEZC Airwaves

The Clinton Maroons come home for perhaps the biggest test of the year as they host Tuscola.

Tuscola comes in at 5-0 and leading the Central Illinois Conference. The Maroons have not faired well in games against teams with a winning record getting blown out, 52-7, by the 4-1 Shelbyville Rams and getting run, 51-14, over by the Decatur St. Teresa Bulldogs.

The Maroons still have playoff hopes coming in with a 3-2 record but are seeking their first signature win of the year.

Tuscola and St. T sit atop the conference at 3-0 in CIC play. The Maroons are 1-2 in CIC play.

Hear tonight's game on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW and online at dewittdailynews.com. Game time is 7 pm.

Elsewhere in the CIC tonight:

Meridian at Shelbyville
Sullivan-Okaw Valley at Decatur St. Teresa
Warrensburg-Latham at Central A & M

 

>>Cerro Gordo Bement Returns To WEZC Airwaves

 

The Cerro Gordo Bement Broncos football team will be back on the air tonight as they take the road and play Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond in Arthur.

The Broncose are 3-2 on the season. The Broncos hit the road the next two weeks before finishing the year at home.

Hear tonight's game from Arthur on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com. Game time is 7 pm.

Elsewhere in the Little Okaw this week...

Little Okaw Valley (Northwest)

Argenta-Oreana at Sangamon Valley
Decatur Lutheran at Arcola

Little Okaw Valley (Southeast)

Martinsville at Villa Grove-Heritage
Oakland Tri-County at Oblong
Toledo Cumberland at Palestine

In the Okaw Valley tonight...

Champaign St. Thomas More at Tolono Unity
Maroa-Forsyth at Monticello
St. Joseph-Ogden at Rantoul

Big Twelve

Bloomington at Peoria Manual (Sat.)
Champaign Central at Peoria Richwoods
Normal West vs. Peoria Notre Dame at Dozier Park
Normal Community vs. Peoria at Peoria Stadium
Urbana at Champaign Centennial

Central State Eight

Decatur MacArthur at Jacksonville
Rochester at Lincoln
Springfield Lanphier at Decatur Eisenhower
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin at Chatham Glenwood
Springfield Southeast at Springfield

Corn Belt

Bloomington Central Catholic at Illinois Valley Central
Eureka at Pontiac
Mahomet-Seymour at Prairie Central
Olympia at Normal U-High

Heart of Illinois

El Paso-Gridley at Dee-Mack
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley vs. Ridgeview at Colfax
Fieldcrest at Flanagan-Cornell-Cornell-Woodland
Tremont at Fisher

Mid-Illini

Limestone at Metamora
Canton at East Peoria
Dunlap at Washington
Pekin at Morton

Non-Conference action this week...

Chicago Senn at Tri-Valley (Sat.)
Heyworth at Milford
LeRoy at Watseka

Cerro Gordo Bement Blasts Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond

Dalton Groehler carried the load for the Cerro Gordo Bement Broncos Friday night as they thrashed Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond 47-14.

All in the first half, Groehler had 14 carries for 161 yards and three touchdowns.

 width=Dalton Wooldridge was 3-for-4 for 75 yards and two touchdowns, all to Frankie Foran.

JR Menezes finished with six carries and 26 yards and one score.

Leading 41-0 at the half, the Broncos gradually pulled their starters and by the time the second half started, all the CGB regulars watched from the sideline.

The Broncos improve to 4-2 on the season and take on Argenta Oreana next Friday.

Our next Broncos football broadcast is October 16 in Bement as CGB hosts Arcola for Homecoming in Bement.

Hear all the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Hear Monticello Sages football action next Friday from Champaign as the Sages take on St. Thomas More at 7 pm.

The Sages defeated Maroa Forsyth Friday, 9-6.

Blackhawks release Visnovsky, Kopecky from tryout deals

The Chicago Blackhawks made a couple of roster moves Monday when they released veterans Lubomir Visnovsky and Tomas Kopecky from their training camp tryout contracts.

Kopecky, who won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks during the 2010 season, spent the past four seasons playing in Florida and was facing long odds to make the Blackhawks roster even after a summer of roster moves that saw the team's depth get ripped apart due to the salary cap. But even with all of that movement the Blackhawks were able to replenish a lot of that depth with the additions of Artem Anisimov, Marko Dano, Ryan Garbutt and the free-agent addition of Viktor Tikhonov and Artem Panarin from Europe.

They're also going to get additional contributions from Teuvo Teravainen after he started to show signs of a breakout in the playoffs.

When he was originally brought in, Visnovsky seemed to have at least a decent shot at cracking the roster given the losses of Johnny Odouya and Kimmo Timonen over the summer. Even though he's 39 and has been significantly limited by injuries in recent years he can still move the puck well when healthy and provide some offense from the blue line.

But his fate seemed to be sealed when the Blackhawks elected to bring veteran defenseman Michal Rozsival back earlier this month on a one-year deal.

With Monday's cuts the Blackhawks roster seems to be taking shape with 22 players under contract (13 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies) and still a little more than $319,000 in salary cap space, via General Fanager.

MLB: Sox To Get Video Board Upgrades

The Chicago White Sox plan to change the look of U.S. Cellular Field next season.

The team announced Thursday that it will put three new video boards in the ballpark. The main center-field scoreboard will be replaced, as will the auxiliary screens in left and right field. The changes will be paid for by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which owns the stadium.

White Sox senior vice president for sales and marketing Brooks Boyer said the board in center field would be between 7,000 and 8,000 square feet, replacing what's currently the smallest screen of its kind in the major leagues. The screens in right and left will be around 2,500 square feet.

Boyer said the ballpark that opened in 1991 would undergo other changes for next year, but he didn't elaborate. He said new screens have been on the team's wish list for a "long time," adding the new video boards the Chicago Cubs installed at Wrigley Field weren't a motivation.

"It's great that the Cubs got their new boards," Boyer said. "More motivated by the fact that right field and left field were falling apart and the center field one was the smallest in baseball."

MLB: Cubs Win, Sox Lose, Cards Idle

>>Cubs Top Reds
Evidence of the Reds' growing pains showed in a decisive pitch by rookie John Lamb to Austin Jackson that led to another loss.

Jackson hit a three-run homer in the third inning, Anthony Rizzo added an RBI double and the Chicago Cubs kept alive their slim hopes for home-field advantage in the wild-card game with a 5-3 victory over Cincinnati on Thursday. It was the Reds' 12th straight loss. Chris Denorfia also drove in a run and the Cubs overcame two errors to move within two games of idle Pittsburgh in the race for home field in Wednesday's NL wild-card playoff game. Both teams have three to play - Chicago in Milwaukee and the Pirates against the Reds in Pittsburgh. Jason Hammel (10-7) turned in five shutout innings to match his single-season career high in wins. He allowed five hits and zero walks to reach 10 wins for the fourth time. Hector Rondon, the sixth Cubs reliever, pitched the ninth for his 29th save.


>>KC Tops Sox
Jonny Gomes drove in three runs, and the banged-up Royals moved into a tie with Toronto for the AL's best record with a 6-4 victory over Chicago on Thursday.

John Danks dropped his third consecutive start as Chicago lost for the seventh time in nine games. Danks (7-15) was tagged for six runs and 11 hits - matching a season high - in five innings. Jose Abreu's two-run single in the seventh trimmed Kansas City's lead to 6-4 and gave him 101 RBIs on the year. The Cuban slugger became the second player in major league history with 30 or more homers and 100-plus RBIs in each of his first two seasons, joining Albert Pujols. White Sox: LHP Chris Sale (12-11, 3.48 ERA) needs three strikeouts to break Ed Walsh's season franchise record of 269 set in 1908. Sale faces Detroit RHP Alfredo Simon (13-11, 5.18 ERA) on Friday night.


>> STL Off Thursday. At Atlanta today.
St. Louis Atlanta 7:35 pm Garcia (10-5) - 2.36 ERA Teheran (10-8) - 4.16 ERA

NFL: Bears, Packers, Rams Ready For Weekend

>>Bears Host Raiders Sunday

The Oakland Raiders can match their win total from last season Sunday against a Chicago Bears team that's already begun reshaping the roster while trying to avoid its first 0-4 start in 15 seasons.

Oakland (2-1) hasn't had a winning season or been to the playoffs since 2002, but that didn't stop Del Rio from expecting things to change when he was hired in January.

One week after Derek Carr threw a go-ahead touchdown pass with 26 seconds left in a 37-33 win over Baltimore, Woodson's interception with 38 seconds remaining helped snap an 11-game road skid with last Sunday's 27-20 victory at Cleveland.

Oakland, which didn't post its third and final victory last season until Dec. 21, hasn't won three in a row overall or consecutive road contests since 2011. It last took three of its first four while going 4-0 in 2002.

Del Rio hopes the talented, young trio of Carr, Latavius Murray and rookie Amari Cooper continues to pace an offense that's made strides since being held to 246 yards in the opening 33-13 loss to Cincinnati.

Carr has thrown for 665 yards with five TDs and one interception in last two weeks while Cooper has 15 receptions for 243 yards and a score in those games. Murray gained 109 yards on 26 carries in the first two contests then ran for 139 on the same amount of attempts last Sunday.

Though the Bears are in danger of going 0-4 for the first time since 2000, they also seem to have an eye on the future.

This week, Chicago traded underachieving pass rusher Jared Allen to Carolina for a 2016 sixth-round pick, linebacker Jonathan Bostic to New England for an undisclosed pick and waived safety Brock Vereen. The Bears also signed safety Chris Prosinski and linebacker LaRoy Reynolds to perhaps bolster a special teams unit that's allowed a kickoff to be returned for a TD in each of the last two weeks.

In the final year of his contract, Matt Forte remains in Chicago for the time being. He'll look to rebound after following his 141-yard season-opening rushing effort against Green Bay by gaining 135 on 35 carries in the last two games.

Clausen, meanwhile, is 23 of 40 for 184 yards with an interception and has been sacked four times since replacing the injured Cutler in Week 2.

Regardless who is under center, the Bears might have a good chance to rebound against a Raiders defense that's last in the NFL allowing 414.7 yards per contest.

Chicago yields a league-high 35 points per contest, but could get a boost if nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff is available. The veteran's three-week suspension for a league substance abuse violation has ended but it's uncertain if the ankle injury he suffered during the preseason will prolong his return.

Oakland won the most recent meeting, 25-20 at home Nov. 27, 2011.

>>> BEARS QUARTERBACKS

The Chicago Bears hope to get quarterback Jay Cutler back for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders and are preparing to go with Jimmy Clausen again if he is not ready.

Cutler practiced Thursday on a limited basis for the second consecutive day after sitting out last week's 26-0 loss at Seattle because of a pulled hamstring.

He responded "we'll see" when asked if he will play against the Raiders.

Cutler was injured trying to tackle Arizona's Tony Jefferson on a 26-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first half of a 48-23 loss at Soldier Field on Sept. 20.

Clausen struggled in last week's 26-0 loss at Seattle - the first shutout against Chicago since 2002.


>>Packers Head West To Face 49ers

In Week 3, Aaron Rodgers decimated what was considered a respected defense entering the season. Next up is a team that's allowed 90 points and nearly 900 yards of offense in its last two games.

The Green Bay Packers head to San Francisco on Sunday with hopes of overcoming possibly their most nagging opponent over the past three seasons.

Given the combination of Rodgers' early season dominance and the 49ers' recent form, it might not take much.

The 49ers (1-2) have ended two of the Packers' last three seasons and won four straight in the series including the two postseason games, though they didn't meet last year as San Francisco's NFC prominence fell into decline.

That's continued this season with back-to-back losses, and last Sunday's 47-7 defeat in Arizona was the team's most lopsided in 10 years.

Green Bay (3-0), conversely, held at least a two-possession lead from the 5:47 mark of the second quarter on in Monday's 38-28 home win over Kansas City.

>>Rams At Arizona

When Carson Palmer was carted off his home field last November after suffering a season-ending knee injury against the St. Louis Rams, he expected to be back healthy and preferably still the quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals.

Preparing to face the Rams for the first time since that injury, Palmer has accomplished both tasks and will try to lead the Cardinals to their second 4-0 start in four seasons Sunday.

Palmer tore his ACL during a 31-14 win over St. Louis on Nov. 9.

A winner of nine straight starts, Palmer has thrown for 803 yards with nine TDs, two interceptions and been sacked once for a team that's 3-0 for the second straight season.

Arizona has won three straight over St. Louis (1-2) and scored at least 30 points in the first two of those games with Palmer under center. In the most recent meeting without him, the Cardinals held on for a 12-6 victory Dec. 11. In Palmer's last three against the Rams, Fitzgerald has 29 catches for 288 yards and three TDs.

Though St. Louis held Pittsburgh to 259 yards and knocked quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out of last week's game, they fell 12-6 for a second consecutive defeat.

Mostly because the Rams have scored one touchdown, recorded 471 total yards and gone 4 for 22 on third down while totaling 16 points in the last two contests. St. Louis' four offensive touchdowns are tied for the fewest in the league.

Tenth overall pick Todd Gurley managed nine yards on six carries in his NFL debut last Sunday, but is expected to see an increased workload this week.

CFB: ILLINI & ISU Prep For Saturday Games

>>Illini Host Nebraska For Big Ten Opener

Off a tough 27-25 win over Middle Tennessee State, the Illinois Fighting Illini host Nebraska for their Big Ten opener.

Nebraska comes in with a 2-2 record after a heartbreaking last second loss to Brigham Young University and a loss to Miami (FL).

Game time from Memorial Stadium Saturday is 2:30 pm on the Big Ten Network.

>>Illinois State Hosts Top Ten MVC Rival Northern Iowa

The Northern Iowa Panthers and Illinois State Redbirds clashed twice last season. Once in the regular season at Northern Iowa and again the postseason when the Redbirds got the best of the Panthers on their way to an FCS tournament title run.

The two squads renew their rivalry Saturday when the Panthers come to Bloomington/Normal for Family Weekend on campus.

The Redbirds are coming off a bye week after a tough road win in Charleston over Eastern Illinois.

The Redbirds enter play 2-1 with a loss to Iowa and an easy win at home over Morgan State, 67-14.

The Panthers also enter play 2-1 with a loss to Big 12 opponent Iowa State. Otherwise the Panthers haven't had the easiest time either.

The Panthers won 38-35 against Eastern Washington at the UNI-Dome followed by a trip to San Luis Obispo, California and picked up a win over Cal Poly, 34-20.

The Panthers were also off last week.

Game time is noon Saturday.

HS FBALL: Maroons Host Tuscola; CGB Back On WEZC, & Area Schedule

>>Clinton Home For Tuscola Tonight

The Clinton Maroons come home for perhaps the biggest test of the year as they host Tuscola.

Tuscola comes in at 5-0 and leading the Central Illinois Conference. The Maroons have not faired well in games against teams with a winning record getting blown out, 52-7, by the 4-1 Shelbyville Rams and getting run, 51-14, over by the Decatur St. Teresa Bulldogs.

The Maroons still have playoff hopes coming in with a 3-2 record but are seeking their first signature win of the year.

Tuscola and St. T sit atop the conference at 3-0 in CIC play. The Maroons are 1-2 in CIC play.

Hear tonight's game on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM WHOW and online at dewittdailynews.com. Game time is 7 pm.

Elsewhere in the CIC tonight:

Meridian at Shelbyville
Sullivan-Okaw Valley at Decatur St. Teresa
Warrensburg-Latham at Central A & M

>>Cerro Gordo Bement Returns To WEZC Airwaves

The Cerro Gordo Bement Broncos football team will be back on the air tonight as they take the road and play Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond in Arthur.

The Broncose are 3-2 on the season. The Broncos hit the road the next two weeks before finishing the year at home.

Hear tonight's game from Arthur on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com. Game time is 7 pm.

Elsewhere in the Little Okaw this week...

Little Okaw Valley (Northwest)

Argenta-Oreana at Sangamon Valley
Decatur Lutheran at Arcola

Little Okaw Valley (Southeast)

Martinsville at Villa Grove-Heritage
Oakland Tri-County at Oblong
Toledo Cumberland at Palestine

In the Okaw Valley tonight...

Champaign St. Thomas More at Tolono Unity
Maroa-Forsyth at Monticello
St. Joseph-Ogden at Rantoul

Big Twelve

Bloomington at Peoria Manual (Sat.)
Champaign Central at Peoria Richwoods
Normal West vs. Peoria Notre Dame at Dozier Park
Normal Community vs. Peoria at Peoria Stadium
Urbana at Champaign Centennial

Central State Eight

Decatur MacArthur at Jacksonville
Rochester at Lincoln
Springfield Lanphier at Decatur Eisenhower
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin at Chatham Glenwood
Springfield Southeast at Springfield

Corn Belt

Bloomington Central Catholic at Illinois Valley Central
Eureka at Pontiac
Mahomet-Seymour at Prairie Central
Olympia at Normal U-High

Heart of Illinois

El Paso-Gridley at Dee-Mack
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley vs. Ridgeview at Colfax
Fieldcrest at Flanagan-Cornell-Cornell-Woodland
Tremont at Fisher

Mid-Illini

Limestone at Metamora
Canton at East Peoria
Dunlap at Washington
Pekin at Morton

Non-Conference action this week...

Chicago Senn at Tri-Valley (Sat.)
Heyworth at Milford
LeRoy at Watseka

ConAgra Moving To Chicago

ConAgra Foods will receive an unspecified amount of Illinois tax credits in exchange for 150 new jobs in the state as it moves its headquarters from Omaha, Nebraska, to Chicago.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity confirmed Thursday that Con Agra will benefit from a corporate-recruitment tool that Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner put on hold in June amid an ongoing budget impasse with Democratic state lawmakers.

Online retail giant Amazon was offered similar incentives for a new Joliet warehouse in August that will create 1,000 full-time jobs.

In both cases, state officials say that the Economic Development for a Growing Economy benefits were offered before the program was scaled back.

Con Agra plans to cut about 1,500 jobs overall as part of a corporate restructuring.

Cooler Weather Doesn't End Severe Weather Threat

As Illinoisans swap out flip-flops for sweaters this fall season, Chris Miller with the National Weather Service in Lincoln reminds us that the arrival of cooler temperatures doesn't necessarily mean the end of severe weather.

Miller says severe weather outbreaks occur even between the months of October and February-citing a devastating outbreak of tornadoes that leveled the Illinois towns of Washington and Gifford in November of 2013.

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Miller explains the fuel behind these odd weather phenomenon’s.

[audio:10021570953-10215FALL2.mp3] [/audio]

Central Illinois may have lucked out most during the peak of severe weather-Miller says there have been just 11 confirmed tornadoes on the ground across the region this year.

Governor Shuts Down State Museum, Facilities

The Governor’s administration is responding to criticism of closing down several state facilities while workers continue to show up to work. Illinois News Network has more:

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Despite being closed to the public beginning Thursday, nearly 50 curators and educators at the Illinois State Museum will continue their work with museum’s collections as well as scientific research. That’s according to a spokesperson with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources which oversees the main Springfield branch and other locations throughout the state.

[audio:10021571928-10215museum2.mp3] [/audio]

CAT Announces Layoffs

Caterpillar Inc. says it is indefinitely laying off 230 workers at its plant in East Peoria.

According to reports, the layoffs will start Oct. 12 and that they make a total of 500 Caterpillar factory workers laid off in East Peoria so far this year.

The Peoria-based manufacturer announced last week that it is planning another round of job cuts that could exceed 10,000 people through 2018. The company said it will cut as many as 5,000 people mostly by the end of this year from its salaried and management workforce.

Spokesman Lisa Miller says Caterpillar "must continue to align production with demand" in addition to the "cost reduction and restructuring actions" announced last week.

Bloomington Brothers Get Decades Behind Bars

Two central Illinois brothers in their teens have been sentenced to decades in prison for an armed robbery during which they shot and injured two men.

Reports indicate that 19-year-old Derrick Wade was handed a 30-year prison term Thursday. His brother, 17-year-old Keshon Wade, received 21 years.

They were charged in a Nov. 8 armed robbery after going to a Bloomington apartment to help two other young men produce a video. The ended up shooting one man in the back and the other in the leg and neck. The Wade brothers had allegedly demanded money and a camera.

Prosecutor Adam Ghrist said it's never a happy day when young people go to prison. But he said this was "an example of problems with gun violence and youth."

DeWitt County Sheriff Hosting Hunter Range Day

On November 7th, DeWitt county hunters will have the chance to prepare for firearm deer season at the Sheriff’s firing range. Sheriff Jered Shofner announced that the first “Hunters range day” will be sponsored by his office , Clinton Police Department, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Police.

Interested hunters must reserve a 30 minute slot between 8am and 4 pm. Six slots are available for each time period. Reservations can be made by calling 217-935-9507 during business hours, or by email to sheriffshofner@dewittcountyill.com Hunters are asked to arrive 15 minutes early for a safety briefing.

The Sheriff’s range is located on 9930 Revere Road, Clinton, directly east of the DeWitt County Highway Department. The program is limited to DeWitt County residents.

Clinton FFA Uses Apple n' Pork Funds For Scholarships

One of the most popular foods at the annual Apple n' Pork festival is the Clinton FFA's pork chop stand. Located on the 4-H fairgrounds, thousands venture across the covered bridge of the homestead grounds to the fairgrounds for the FFA's annual offering.

Jameson Holt is the Clinton chapter of FFA's leader and says they use the fund they raise to support their students efforts at the FFA annual convention and other endeavors they take on throughout the year.

[audio:10021570954-10215ffapork1.mp3] [/audio]

The Clinton FFA Chapter has around 80 members and Holt attributes much of that health to community support, but also to a new program they started down in the junior high school ranks. Holt indicates he has about 17 Jr. High students this year.

[audio:10021570956-10215ffapork2.mp3] [/audio]

The Clinton FFA was also raffling off a couple of restored tractors that Central Illinois Ag received via a trade. Those drawing will be next June at the State FFA Convention.

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