Gov. Rauner, State of Illinois honor trailblazing women

March 29, 2018 By Leave a Comment

 

Women’s History Month celebration part of statewide Fairness and Equality Campaign


EAST PEORIA – Gov. Bruce Rauner, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce today hosted “A Celebration of Trailblazing Women,” honoring the accomplishments of five Peoria-area women in celebration of Women’s History Month. The event was held as part of IDHR’s Fairness and Equality Campaign in recognition of the Illinois Bicentennial.

“The women honored today are shining trailblazers who have made incredible impacts on the Peoria community and in the State of Illinois,” said Gov. Rauner. “Their accomplishments light the way for all Illinoisans and remind us of the strong foundations that women have laid for us. We are proud to honor them during this Bicentennial year.”

“Today is a time to not only celebrate the positive impacts women have made in Illinois,” said IDHR Acting Director Janice Glenn. “It’s also a time to reflect on our challenges, and how we can continue to promote fairness and equality for women and fight discrimination.”

“The Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce is proud to be honoring and celebrating the great contribution of Women in the region,” said President and CEO of Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce Larry Ivory.

Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, the first female president of Illinois Central College and a trailblazer in her own right, served as keynote speaker for the event.

Five women were honored with IDHR’s Trailblazer Award for their work in education, women’s health and business.

  • Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Peoria Public Schools
  • Cori Rutherford, Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
  • Karen Cotton, Illinois American Water
  • Angela Henry, Traveler Weekly Newspaper
  • Jimena Lopez, Whole Women’s Health

IDHR’s 2018 Fairness and Equality Campaign is part of Illinois’ Bicentennial Celebration. As part of the campaign, IDHR is asking 200 municipalities across Illinois to pledge their support for the Department’s core values of fairness, equality, inclusion and non-discrimination.

Those interested in learning more about IDHR’s Fairness and Equality Campaign can contact IDHR at IDHR.Webmail@illinois.gov. Units of local government interested in the campaign can submit an online interest form at www.surveymonkey.com/r/FairEqual.

ABOUT ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL

Illinois became the 21st state in the union on Dec. 3, 1818. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the state and a reminder of why we are #IllinoisProud. 

For a schedule of events held across the state for the Illinois Bicentennial, or to get details on how to become a partner, go to: https://illinois200.com/.

Filed Under: Featured

Pastor Rick Warren: Three realities about heaven

March 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Three Realities About Heaven
By Rick Warren — Mar 28, 2018
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Devotional image from Rick Warren

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand” (Colossians 3:1 NLT).

We have many misconceptions about what Heaven is like. You won’t be an angel. You won’t have wings. You’re not going to be a little chubby cherub, wear a white robe, or float on clouds.

We need a right view of Heaven. The Bible says in Colossians 3:1, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand” (NLT).

So what does the Bible say about these “realities of Heaven”?

  1. Heaven is where God lives and rules. The Bible calls Heaven “the dwelling place of God,” “the house of God,” and “the city of God.” It’s where God lives, but Jesus also calls Heaven “the Kingdom of God” or “the Kingdom of Heaven” 31 times in Scripture.
  2. Heaven is a real place. Heaven isn’t a state of mind. It isn’t a state of being. And it isn’t a place where your essence floats around like a ghost. In fact, the Bible says in Heaven there will be streets, trees, water, and homes. Many Scriptures allude to the fact that animals are there. We’ll have our physical bodies, renewed through our resurrection. Matthew 6:20 says we’re storing up treasures in Heaven. You can’t store up treasures in a place that isn’t real.
  3. Heaven is designed for you and me. God didn’t design Heaven for himself. He designed it for us. When God started thinking about Earth, he started thinking about Heaven. The Bible says God made the entire universe because he wanted a family to spend eternity with. Heaven is the place he’s designed for his family. We weren’t meant to live on Earth. You and I were made for Heaven!

When it comes to Heaven,“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV). The realities of Heaven far exceed any of our misconceptions!
Filed Under: Columns

Pastor Rick Warren: God knows you and calls you by name

March 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment
God Knows You and Calls You by Name
By Rick Warren — Mar 27, 2018
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Devotional image from Rick Warren

“When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name! ‘Zacchaeus!’ he said” (Luke 19:5 TLB).

All of Zacchaeus’ life, he’d been ridiculed and rejected, first for his appearance and then for his sinful life. But Jesus did more than just look at him. By calling Zacchaeus by name, Jesus showed that he knew him. Imagine the shock Zacchaeus must have felt! How did Jesus know his name?

God not only knows where you are, he also knows who you are. He knows what you’re going through, why you’re going through it, and how you feel about it. He knows you better than you know yourself. He cares about you personally.

The name Zacchaeus means “pure one.” That’s the last thing that comes to mind when you think of a corrupt government official. He was anything but pure. And yet Jesus, calling Zacchaeus by name, was saying, “Hey, pure one, I’m coming to your house today.” Jesus was affirming what he saw in Zacchaeus, not what Zacchaeus was.

You may be afraid to get close to Jesus because you think he’s going to scold you for all the things you’ve done wrong. But Jesus wants to affirm you. He wants to let you know how much he loves you.

“Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15-16 NLT).

When Jesus died on the cross and stretched out his arms and the soldiers put nails through his hands, your name was engraved there. When you get to Heaven, there will be no scars on anyone except Jesus. He’s going to have those scars for eternity to remind us how much he loves us, a way to say, “Do you think I could forget you? Not a chance! This is how much you matter to me.”

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick>>

Talk It Over

  • What does it mean to affirm someone?
  • How does it make you feel to know that God affirms you and could never forget you?
  • What can keep you from getting close to Jesus?
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Filed Under: Columns

Saluki Football spring scrimmage — offense establishes the run, while defense limits the pass

March 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

 

CARBONDALE, Ill. — In a crisp, 58-play scrimmage on Saturday at Saluki Stadium, the Southern Illinois offense had success running the football, while the defense had the upper hand versus the pass and also forced two turnovers. 

The running back duo of Daquan Isom and Nate Strong averaged just over five yards per carry today and neither player was stopped for negative yardage. Isom rushed 12 times for 60 yards and scored the only touchdown of the scrimmage when he broke two tackles and scampered into the end zone from 12 yards out on the final play.

“As the scrimmage went on, I realized there were some holes I could make happen if I hit them and made the right move,” said Isom, a 5-foot-8 senior, who led the team in rushing last season with 491 yards.

A transfer from Missouri, Strong carried five times for 26 yards and showed flashes of why he originally signed with a Southeastern Conference power.

“He’s looked better every single day,” said head coach Nick Hill. “He’s just learning the plays and getting in football shape. He didn’t play last season and he tweaked a muscle in winter conditioning so he didn’t get a full winter conditioning. You can see him starting to grasp it and what he could be.”

The field general for the offense this season will be senior quarterback Sam Straub, who completed 7-of-17 passes for 71 yards, but made several impressive throws on a cold, rainy day that showed he’s fully recovered from a wrist injury that prematurely ended his 2017 season. Hill called Straub his “assistant offensive coordinator.”

“He has great control of the offense,” Hill said. “Now, it’s got to be the fine details. He’s a really intelligent quarterback and can even take it a step further of seeing things and getting us in the right plays.”

Straub’s best pass was a 41-yard completion to wide receiver Raphael Leonard, a perfectly thrown deep ball down the right sideline. He later threw an interception in the end zone, though the ball was on target and bounced off the helmet of receiver Matt Quarells into the hands of safety Michael Elbert.

Southern’s four quarterbacks combined to complete 14-of-27 passes and five catches were made by sophomore E’Mare Hogan. He hauled in a 27-yarder over the middle on a pass from Stone Labanowitz. 

“He’s an entirely different E’mare from the fall to the spring,” Hill said. “You can see what he can be. He’s an elite-level athlete and probably the fastest player on our team.”

The defense was stingy in the passing game, though, allowing eight yards per catch and few yards after the catch. Junior cornerback Tory Lewis had two pass break-ups, and the secondary, in general, kept separation to a minimum.

“Tory is playing at the best level he’s played since he’s been here,” Hill said. “We’re letting (the corners) do a little more pressing, getting their hands on receivers. All of them are so physical, none of them are small, they’re all big, long arms. That can cause problems when you come up and challenge receivers. It’s been a good battle.”

In addition to the interception, Elbert led the defense with seven tackles. The unit had 11 tackles for loss in the scrimmage, including four sacks. Linebacker Bryce Notree had a strip-sack of Labanowitz.

“The defense has come out every single day with an intensity that I like,” Hill said. “They fly around, play with a lot of energy, they’re physical and they can run.”

The scrimmage was the first of three, full-contact scrimmages during spring ball, in which college teams can practice 15 times. SIU completed its seventh practice today and has another scrimmage scheduled next Saturday at 10 a.m., plus the annual Spring Game at 2 p.m. on April 7.

RUSHING

Daquan Isom: 12-60, 1 TD
Nate Strong: 5-26
Chris Perkins: 4-9
Brandon George: 4-9
Stone Labanowitz: 2-6
Matt DeSomer: 1-4
D.J. Hampton: 1-0

PASSING

Sam Straub: 7-17, 71 yards, 1 INT
Stone Labanowitz: 3-4, 40 yards
Brandon George: 4-6, 9 yards

RECEIVING

E’Mare Hogan: 5-45
Raphael Leonard: 2-44
Sam Bonansinga: 2-0
Sam Thompson: 1-15
Landon Lenoir: 1-10
Matt Quarells: 1-6
Hunter Milligan: 1-0

DEFENSE

Michael Elbert: 7 T, 1 INT
Bryce Notree: 5 T, 2 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble
Jaylen Waters: 5 T
Raquan Lindsey: 4 T, 2 TFL, 1 Sack
Withney Simon: 4 T, 1 TFL
Jeremy Chinn: 3 T, 1 TFL
Tory Lewis: 3 T, 2 PBU
Qua Brown: 3 T, 1 TFL
Bryson Strong: 3 T
Titus Booker: 3 T
ZeVeyon Furcron: 2 T
Airan Reed: 2 T, 2 TFL, 1 Sack
Anthony Knighton: 2 T, 1 TFL
James Ceasar: 2 T
Travis Pickert: 2 T, 2 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 PBU
Luke Giegling: 1 T
Jaylin Wilson: 1 T
Coleton Jeralds: 1 T
Nick Raby: 1 T
Filed Under: Sports

Illinois lawmakers target generic drug price gouging

March 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

In an effort to bring some relief to Illinoisians dealing with health care cost burdens, lawmakers are targeting generic drug companies accused of price gouging.

 

Here’s  link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Filed Under: Featured

New mental health push at statehouse could end Illinois’ regional superintendents’ offices

March 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Illinois’ regional superintendents are back under the microscope at the Illinois Capitol. And they are, once again, worrying about their future.

Here’s the link at Illinois News Network.

Filed Under: Featured

Bateman takes the helm of RLC volleyball

March 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

INA, Ill. – Reggie Batman has officially be named Rend Lake College’s new Lady Warriors Volleyball Head Coach. He comes to RLC after spending four years coaching at Marion High School and five years coaching the club volleyball squad.

Bateman was first approached about the opening by a few of his former players who are currently playing for the Warriors.

ReggieBatemanWReggie Bateman, new head volleyball coach for the RLC Lady Warriors

“A lot of people in and around local volleyball know of me, so I had a few people reach out to me and say they felt like I was a good fit. At first, I was a little hesitant, but I always preach to my girls that you never know something until you try it. So, I decided to give it a shot. Don’t ever doubt yourself,” Bateman said.

He said once the cat was out of the bag, word spread like a wildfire. During his club coaching duties, other coaches were approaching him to congratulate him on the new position. Bateman also said many of his former players have also reached out to express congratulations.

In addition to his RLC responsibilities, Bateman will still coach club volleyball in Marion. But, due to NJCAA restrictions, he will be moving to a lower age bracket to ensure not recruiting violations take place.

On the court, Bateman says his coaching style is just pushing his players to give 110-percent.

“That’s my philosophy on life though. The minute you wake up, you need to be giving it 110-percent. You don’t want to go to bed thinking that you could have done more or you missed an opportunity. That’s what I want my team to bring to the court. You just have to lay it all out there. You don’t want to end a game with regrets,” expressed Bateman.

The newest RLC head coach has already begun the recruiting process for next season’s team. He excited for the coming season, but is tempering that excitement with cautious optimism. He said he understands there might be bumps in the road and anticipates it being a bit of a rebuilding process while he gets his system established, but he is looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish at this level.

He feels confident in the recruiting network he has built over the years coaching club ball. Already, he is having colleges reaching out to share potential prospect leads.

Bateman grew up in Chicago before transferring to SIU to earn his degree. While in Carbondale, he played on their club volleyball team.

“Southern Illinois kept brining me back. I’d leave and go home to Chicago for a few years and just end up wanting to come back to Southern Illinois. I’d leave again and then want to come back. Something just kept pulling me back here,” Bateman explained.

Filed Under: Sports

Rosters announced for Lions Club All-Star Game at RLC

March 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

INA, Ill. – The rosters are set for the 40th Annual Benton Lions Club All-Star Basketball Classic, Friday night at Rend Lake College’s James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium. The girls’ game will tip-off first at 6 p.m., followed by the boys’ game at 8 p.m.

The event features the best in boys’ and girls’ high school basketball from the area. The price of admission is only $5 for adults and $3 for students. A dunk contest will take place in between games and three-point shoot-outs will happen at halftime of each game. MVP awards will be presented at the conclusion of each game.

Boys Game

Boys Gold Team (Home)

Coaches: Eric Griffin (Meridian)

Roster:

15 Ja`Quan Jones Meridian
20 Darnell Lowe Meridian
25 Demond Vasser Meridian
35 Isaiah Thompson Massac Co.
12 Blake Drue Harrisburg
24 Cason Hight Century
11 J. C. Moll Pinckneyville
30 Grant Jausel Pinckneyville
25 Jeremy House Murphysboro
23 Jaron Gaston Murphysboro
10 Bronson Nesler Herrin
50 Jayden Lewis Fairfield
20 Gavin Arnhart-Powell Egyptian
15 Kaleb Cox Joppa
3 Levi Vinson Crab Orchard
5 Justin Johnson Carterville
35 Keagan Thrash West Frankfort
13 Justin Saddoris Marion
14 Matt Rubenacker Hamilton Co.
23 Damond Crosby Salem
Boys Purple Team (Away)

Coaches: Matt Morgan (Zeigler-Royalton) & Pete Gordon (Thompsonville)

Roster: 

10 Lukas Gunter Sesser-Valier
23 Preston Launius Sesser-Valier
43 Addison Page Sesser-Valier
30 Marcus Davis Century
20 Charles Neal Webber
14 Dylan Stratton Webber
20 Jake Parr Anna-Jonesboro
3 Sheldon McGrath Anna-Jonesboro
23 Isaiah Saulsberry Harrisburg
41 Braden Attebury Eldorado
11 Peyton Massey Goreville
23 Tanner Dunn Goreville
42 Kobi Dagg Fairfield
25 Ben Mitchell Galatia
15 Austin Stevens Galatia
12 Jaxon King Wayne
44 Jared Meyerhoff Trico
41 Cord Brown Salem
20 Dawson Linder Salem
12 Jake Whipple Hamilton

Girls Game

Girls Gold Team (Home)

Coaches:Doug Althoff (Nashville)

Roster:

15 Rachel Kell Nashville
3 Paige Kasten Nashville
44 Karly Stanowski Nashville
11 Meridith Flamm Cobden
30 Lindsey Holhubner Vienna
12 Lotte Miller Harrisburg
32 Kayla Walker Murphysboro
35 Paige Tucker Sesser-Valier-Waltonville
34 Lauren Coakley Massac
24 Jada Hale Sesser-Valier-Waltonville
10 Megan Beery West
15 Brooke Wilderman Sesser-Valier-Waltonville
4 Katherine Drone Hamilton
Girls Purple Team (Away)

Coaches: Jerry Johnson (Meridian) & Keyth Blissett (Meridian)

Roster: 

1 Alexis Crain Meridian
4 Ra`Kyah Jeter Meridian
20 Cymone Ballard Meridian
32 Ra`Keya Jeter Meridian
23 Grace Haney DuQuoin
21 Jessica Hopson Harrisburg
22 Abby Bayer Marion
11 Madison Russell Herrin
12 Marissa Russell Herrin
41 Lucille Smith Wayne
34 Taylor Thompson Mt.
4 Savannah Childers Mt.
11 Arie Ciganovich Murphysboro

Information submitted by Benton Lion’s Club. For more information, please call 618-435-5555. 

Filed Under: Sports

Lions Club All-Star Basketball Classic set for RLC March 30

March 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment

INA, Ill. – The rosters are set for the 40th Annual Benton Lions Club All-Star Basketball Classic, Friday night at Rend Lake College’s James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium. The girls’ game will tip-off first at 6 p.m., followed by the boys’ game at 8 p.m.

The event features the best in boys’ and girls’ high school basketball from the area. The price of admission is only $5 for adults and $3 for students. A dunk contest will take place in between games and three-point shoot-outs will happen at halftime of each game. MVP awards will be presented at the conclusion of each game.

Boys Game

Boys Gold Team (Home)

Coaches: Eric Griffin (Meridian)

Roster:

15 Ja`Quan Jones Meridian
20 Darnell Lowe Meridian
25 Demond Vasser Meridian
35 Isaiah Thompson Massac Co.
12 Blake Drue Harrisburg
24 Cason Hight Century
11 J. C. Moll Pinckneyville
30 Grant Jausel Pinckneyville
25 Jeremy House Murphysboro
23 Jaron Gaston Murphysboro
10 Bronson Nesler Herrin
50 Jayden Lewis Fairfield
20 Gavin Arnhart-Powell Egyptian
15 Kaleb Cox Joppa
3 Levi Vinson Crab Orchard
5 Justin Johnson Carterville
35 Keagan Thrash West Frankfort
13 Justin Saddoris Marion
14 Matt Rubenacker Hamilton Co.
23 Damond Crosby Salem
Boys Purple Team (Away)

Coaches: Matt Morgan (Zeigler-Royalton) & Pete Gordon (Thompsonville)

Roster: 

10 Lukas Gunter Sesser-Valier
23 Preston Launius Sesser-Valier
43 Addison Page Sesser-Valier
30 Marcus Davis Century
20 Charles Neal Webber
14 Dylan Stratton Webber
20 Jake Parr Anna-Jonesboro
3 Sheldon McGrath Anna-Jonesboro
23 Isaiah Saulsberry Harrisburg
41 Braden Attebury Eldorado
11 Peyton Massey Goreville
23 Tanner Dunn Goreville
42 Kobi Dagg Fairfield
25 Ben Mitchell Galatia
15 Austin Stevens Galatia
12 Jaxon King Wayne
44 Jared Meyerhoff Trico
41 Cord Brown Salem
20 Dawson Linder Salem
12 Jake Whipple Hamilton

Girls Game

Girls Gold Team (Home)

Coaches:Doug Althoff (Nashville)

Roster:

15 Rachel Kell Nashville
3 Paige Kasten Nashville
44 Karly Stanowski Nashville
11 Meridith Flamm Cobden
30 Lindsey Holhubner Vienna
12 Lotte Miller Harrisburg
32 Kayla Walker Murphysboro
35 Paige Tucker Sesser-Valier-Waltonville
34 Lauren Coakley Massac
24 Jada Hale Sesser-Valier-Waltonville
10 Megan Beery West
15 Brooke Wilderman Sesser-Valier-Waltonville
4 Katherine Drone Hamilton

Girls Purple Team (Away)

Coaches: Jerry Johnson (Meridian) & Keyth Blissett (Meridian)

Roster: 

1 Alexis Crain Meridian
4 Ra`Kyah Jeter Meridian
20 Cymone Ballard Meridian
32 Ra`Keya Jeter Meridian
23 Grace Haney DuQuoin
21 Jessica Hopson Harrisburg
22 Abby Bayer Marion
11 Madison Russell Herrin
12 Marissa Russell Herrin
41 Lucille Smith Wayne
34 Taylor Thompson Mt.
4 Savannah Childers Mt.
11 Arie Ciganovich Murphysboro

Information submitted by Benton Lion’s Club. For more information, please call 618-435-5555. 

Filed Under: Breaking News

Don Gasaway: Here’s how to catch that big bluegill this year

March 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Sports
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