ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers have hired Shiraz Rehman as assistant general manager after he spent the past seven years in baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs.
Here’s a link to the post at the Southern Illinoisan.
Saluki Football vs. Indiana State notes & links
October 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Tom Weber
By Tom Weber, SIUSalukis.com
Homecoming and Hall of Fame game
Story Links
| Indiana State (2-4, 0-3 MVFC) at Southern Illinois (1-5, 0-3 MVFC) | |
| Date & Time | Oct. 20, 2018 | 2 p.m. CT |
| Location | Carbondale, Illinois | Saluki Stadium (15,000) |
| TV/Video Stream | ESPN+, Darren Kinnard, Mike Trude, Connor Onion |
| Live Stats | Provided by SIU |
| Radio | Saluki Radio Network with Mike Reis (play-by-play), Gene Green (analysis) and Connor James (analysis) |
| Radio Stream | TuneIn (free) |
| Southern Illinois | Game Notes (PDF) | Stats | Media Guide (PDF) |
| Indiana State | Game Notes | Stats (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) |
| MVFC | Weekly Notes | Stats |
| All-Time Series | Salukis lead, 28-27 (H: 15-12, A: 13-15) |
| Social Media | @SIU_Football  | @SIUSalukis  | Saluki Football  |
Homecoming/Hall of Fame Weekend
Saturday versus Indiana State is SIU’s Homecoming and Hall of Fame game. The distinguished, seven-person Hall of Fame class will be formally inducted in a ceremony on Friday night and then make public appearances during Homecoming festivities on Saturday. They will ride in the Homecoming parade and be introduced at the first-half quarter break of the game. The 2018 class features Jermaine Dearman (Men’s Basketball), Mallory Duran-Sellers (Softball), P.J. Finigan (Baseball), George Loukas (Football), Jeneva McCall (Track & Field), Bryan Mullins (Men’s Basketball) and Bruce Weber (Men’s Basketball Head Coach).
Series versus Indiana State
Indiana State has won its last three trips to Saluki Stadium in 2012, 2014 and 2016. The average margin of victory in those three games was 15 points. The visiting team has won five of the last six meetings between the schools, with SIU winning in Terre Haute in 2013 and 2017.
S Jeremy Chinn has created 12 turnovers in the last 18 games
In the last 18 games, S Jeremy Chinn (6-2, 211, Jr.) has six interceptions and six forced fumbles. A preseason All-MVFC pick, he is tied for second all-time at Southern in forced fumbles (6), trailing only Tyler Williamson (8, 2012-14). Chinn has started 23-straight games at safety for SIU — the longest active starting streak on the team.
RB D.J. Davis — MVFC All-Purpose Yardage leader
RB D.J. Davis (5-8, 168, Jr.) is a prolific rusher, receiver and return man, who leads the league in All-Purpose yardage per game (152.3). He is sixth all-time at SIU with 3,499 career all-purpose yards (1,179 rushing, 641 receiving, 1,667 return). He opened the season with four-straight 100-yard rushing games. The last Saluki to do that was Deji Karim, who had five-straight 100-yard games in 2009.
WR Raphael Leonard — MVFC Receptions leader
With seven more catches last week at Illinois State, WR Raphael Leonard (6-2, 193, Sr.) leads the MVFC with 35 receptions and has already surpassed last year’s season total of 34 catches. He has caught at least one pass in all 17 games he has played at Southern. Prior to SIU, Leonard played at East Mississippi Community College in 2016, where he was part of Season 2 of the popular Netflix documentary Last Chance U.
DE Anthony Knighton — MVFC Sacks leader
DE Anthony Knighton (6-4, 253, So.) leads the MVFC in sacks (5.5) and is the active team leader in career sacks (12.0) and tackles for loss (18.0). He has started all 17 games in his career and also has two forced fumbles, five pass breakups and one blocked kick. In 2017, he was runner-up for MVFC Freshman of the Year after recording 6.5 sacks.
Dawg Bites
- LB Bryce Notree (6-2, 235, So.) leads the team with 56 tackles, including 37 stops in the last four games. He had 11 as a freshman last year. Notree also has 4.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, and an interception.
- SIU’s defense ranks 12th in the nation in sacks per game (3.17). The team’s 19 sacks is on pace to top last year’s mark of 23 sacks.
- SIU’s quarterbacks are the team’s No. 2 and No. 3 leading rushers — Sam Straub (148) and Matt DeSomer (119). They have accounted for 22 percent of the team’s rushing yardage.
- The Salukis committed 12 turnovers in their first four games, but only one in their last two. They are now -2 in the turnover battle for the season.
- RB Jonathan Mixon (5-11, 230, Sr.) is the team’s active scoring leader with 16 career touchdowns (96 points). He has missed three games this year due to injury and parts of two others.
- QB Matt DeSomer has rushed for 100 yards twice in his career (versus Youngstown State in 2017 and 2018). The school record for career 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback is three, set by Fred Gibson in 1987-88.
- TE Logan Crouse made his first career start last week at Illinois State. He is a 22-year-old true freshman who played three seasons of pro baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system.
- K Nico Gualdoni (6-0, 227, So.) is 9-for-10 on field goals in his career, with a career long of 39 yards, and 30-for-30 on PATs. He has not missed inside of 40 yards (9-for-9).
- The offensive line allowed only four sacks during Weeks 1-4 (183 pass attempts), but yielded six during Weeks 5-6 (68 pass attempts). Last year, the Saluki offensive line surrendered just 10 sacks for an MVFC leading average of 0.91 sacks per game.
- Prior to last week, SIU led at halftime of its first five games and out-scored its opponents by 30 points in the first half.
Only one senior on defensive two-deep
Of the 22 players on the current defensive two-deep, only one player is a senior (LB Withney Simon). There are seven juniors, seven sophomores and seven freshmen.
Active Salukis in the NFL
Miami Dolphins LB Chase Allen
Age 24 … Signed as free agent in 2017 … Has played in 20 career games with 5 starts … 43 career tackles … Ranks 12th in career tackles at SIU (324).
Tennessee Titans TE MyCole Pruitt
Age 26 … Drafted by Minnesota Vikings in 5th round in 2015 … Has played 26 career games with 3 starts … 12 career receptions … Is SIU’s all-time receptions leader (22).
- Safety Ryan Neal is a rookie on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad and cornerback Craig James is a rookie on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad.
QB Sam Straub returns
QB Sam Straub (6-4, 247, Sr.) missed the Youngstown State game with a concussion, but returned last week at Illinois State. Straub also missed the last three games in 2017 with a broken wrist. In 16 career starts, Straub has passed for more than 300 yards eight times and has a 7-9 career record. He holds the school record for career 300-yard passing games (8), career 30+ completion games (4), and ranks eighth at SIU in career passing yards (4,323) and sixth in touchdown passes (37). His career high in passing is the school-record 450 yards versus Western Illinois on Nov. 19, 2016.
Darrell James climbing career receiving list
With 1,749 career receiving yards, WR Darrell James (6-0, 209, Sr) needs 61 yards to pass Justin Roebuck into fourth place all time at SIU. James has caught at least one pass in 23-straight games — the team’s longest active streak.
WR Landon Lenoir with breakout season
Entering the year with nine catches, slot receiver Landon Lenoir (5-11, 190, So.) has already caught 27 passes this season, is second on the team in catches and has caught at least two balls in every game. Lenoir has two relatives currently in the NFL. Brother Lance Lenoir (age 23), who holds the Western Illinois school record for career touchdown catches (28), is currently a member the Dallas Cowboys. Cousin Laquon Treadwell (age 23) is a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings.
Grand slam propels Red Sox to 2-1 ALCS lead over Astros
October 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a grand slam, Nathan Eovaldi hushed Houston a day after some social media trash talk and the Red Sox beat the Astros 8-2 on Tuesday to take a 2-1 lead in the AL Championship Series.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
Column: Joe Maddon’s agent rips media speculation on Cubs manager’s future: ‘You guys fired everything up’
October 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The Joe Maddon Farewell Tour is off to a rocky start and already in danger of being canceled.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
Report: Local governments across Illinois spent millions on lobbying, waste
October 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment
A new report has raised questions about $16 million in spending by local governments at a time when pension payments are eating up resources for other services at the local level.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
8 arrested, $50,000 and 17 pounds of meth seized in drug bust spanning Southern Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri
October 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Eight people have been arrested and $50,000 and more than 17 pounds of meth have been seized by authorities in a drug bust that spanned the tristate area.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
A big day for endorsements for 12th District candidates
October 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment
EAST ST. LOUIS — At disparate parts of the district, candidates for Illinois’ 12th District got glowing endorsements to try to further mobilize their base in a tight race.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
Kenneth “Little Disciple” James Norris — Benton, IL
October 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Kenneth “Little Disciple” James Norris, 80, of Benton, IL, passed away at 4:00 p.m., on Monday, October 15, 2018, at Benton Healthcare and Rehab.
He was born on September 27, 1938, to Ira and Mabel (Huggins) Norris in Perry County, IL. Kenneth was a Baptist Minister and ran the Little Disciple Ministry. He loved gospel and country music. Kenneth enjoyed being outdoors and feeding the squirrels.
Kenneth is survived by his six children, Debra (Gerald) Norris-Suttle, Sherry Norris, Tammy (Ben) Norris-Steele, Phillip (Cassie) Norris, Kent Norris, Paula (Trisha) Cornet; twelve grandchildren, Veronica Norris, Joseph Norris, Adam Melvin, Kaid Norris, Ben Steele, Jr., Meghan Brooke Steele, Phillip Norris, Jr., Patrick Norris, David Norris, Cora Norris, Keith Norris, Cody Cornet and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Mabel Norris; one son, Mark Norris; two brothers, Relmond Norris and Norman Norris; and one sister, Nancy Kinkaid.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St, Benton, IL.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Jennifer A. Lang — Benton, IL
October 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Jennifer A. Lang, 56, of Benton, IL, passed away at 2:44 p.m., on Sunday, October 14, 2018, at her residence.
She was born on November 6, 1961, to Richard and Vera (Bunker) Lang in Ann Arbor , MI.
Jennifer loved traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her family and friends. She was especially fond of her pet cats.
Jennifer is survived by her one brother, Richard G. Lang, Jr.; one nephew, Bryan Lang; and companion, Earl Glisson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Sr. and Vera I. Lang; and two brothers, Steve and Barry Lang.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Services will be held at a later date.
Memorials contributions may be made to Second Chance Rescue of Franklin County and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Gov. Rauner announces $1.5 million in Recreational Trails Program grants
October 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Bruce Rauner today announced nearly $1.6 million dollars has been awarded for recreational trail development projects in 11 Illinois communities, helping them meet the growing demand for improved trails and outdoor recreation facilities.
“These projects will help provide safe places for children and families, hikers, bike riders and horseback riders to enjoy the outdoors,” Rauner said.
Funding for the grants is supported by the federal government’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which provides up to 80 percent reimbursement to local grant recipients for the cost of the trail projects. Grant recipients provide the balance of the funding for the projects.
The RTP grant program in Illinois is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
“We are pleased to partner with the local government sponsors of these trail construction, improvement, and maintenance projects that will benefit trail users in communities throughout the state,” said IDNR Director Wayne Rosenthal.
“These projects are going to add to the state’s impressive collection of trails and strengthen multimodal connections in several of our great communities,” said IDOT Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “Not only will they improve transportation, but they will also enhance the quality of life for residents and families.”
Grants may be awarded for the acquisition of land from willing sellers, trail construction and rehabilitation, purchase of equipment for trail development and maintenance, restoration of areas damaged by unauthorized trail use, construction of trail-related support facilities (such as parking and restrooms), and educational programs.
The projects were recommended for funding by the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, composed of representatives of statewide motorized and nonmotorized trail user organizations, statewide agency organizations, organizations involved in greenways and trails, and metro-area greenways and trails coalitions.
Recreational Trails Program grant recipients, grant amounts and project descriptions are listed below.
Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants
City of Aurora (Kane County), $140,000 for replacement of a crumbling concrete staircase which connects the south end of the East Branch of the Fox River Trail with New York Street in downtown Aurora. The Fox River Trail extends nearly 60 miles from Oswego north to near the Wisconsin border. The city will install a metal stairway to replace the concrete steps.
City of Charleston (Coles County), $76,100 for trailhead improvements related to the existing 12-mile Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail. Includes the development of new concrete parking with an accessible parking area at Country Club Road, new concrete parking with accessible parking at Decker Springs Road, and new concrete parking with accessible space at the TGM elevator entrance.
Cook County Forest Preserve District, $200,000 for repairs to the underpass at 119th and LaGrange Road and repair of the adjacent trail in Palos Hills. The underpass is on an 8.1-mile trail loop and has a stone aggregate surface. This loop connects to the 20-mile Sag Valley Trail System, which also connects to the 40-mile Palos Trail.
DuPage County Forest Preserve District, $200,000 to construct .6 miles of equestrian/multi-use trail along the northern boundary of St. James Farm. The trail will expand the preserve’s equestrian recreational opportunities and provide links to an existing carriage walk along Winfield Road and to a future trail through Cantigny Park.
Macon County Conservation District, $180,800 to repair three bridges spanning the Sangamon River and Stevens Creek. Wood material used in bridge construction is reaching the end of its useful life and is in need of replacement, while embankment settling and scour erosion require regrading and riprap replacement. The project will replace deteriorated wood and fencing and reshape the bridge embankment.
Village of Mahomet (Champaign County), $98,000 for a concrete trail south from the parking lot through 120 yards of bottomland forest. The launch site will include a small overlook with a bench, interpretive signage, and a turnaround to accommodate visitors with disabilities. The launch will create a concrete ramp with an incline to water level for kayak and canoe launching.
Prairie State College District 515, (Cook County), $135,800 for a 1-mile walking trail. The trail loop will be located in a 30-acre nature preserve.
Rockford Park District, (Winnebago County), $104,000 to develop a 1.2-mile trail at Alpine Hills Adventure Park to provide a unique year-round “gateway” trail for beginner level mountain biking.
Shabbona Township, (DeKalb County), $72,000 for acquisition of approximately 5.7 acres of dedicated right-of-way through purchase, land donations or through intergovernmental agreements between the applicant and four other public bodies. This strip of land will be used to provide 2.5 miles of new paved path connecting the Village of Shabbona to other outdoor recreational opportunities.
Southern Illinois University – Touch of Nature Center, (Jackson/Williamson counties), $200,000 to construct a 5-mile multi-use mountain bike trail that will eventually be part of a 30-mile park. These trails will be natural surface and primarily built by removing the top layer of soil. They will be easily accessible to mountain bikers, hikers and trail runners, but built with mountain biking as the intended primary use.
Village of Tinley Park (Cook County), $192,000 to address the maintenance needs of the existing 2.5-mile multi-use trail which will include patching, resurfacing and restriping the path. Maintenance activities also include minor drainage improvements, small culvert replacement, ditch regrading and landscape restoration.
Application forms for the next round of grants are available by contacting the IDNR Division of Grant Administration, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, or by calling 217-782-7481, TDD 217-782-9175, Ameritech Relay 800-526-0844, or on the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov. The annual deadline to submit an RTP application is March 1.
