Community Christan School Set to Open in August
by Michelle Nutting
With Roseville Elementary school closing its doors after the 2009-2010 school year, churches around the Roseville area have taken action to give Roseville residents another option for an elementary education. The community came together on Thursday night at the Roseville Community Church to discuss the new school.
Feasibility Committee member, Paul Peterson lead the discussion about what stage the school is currently in and what needs to happen next. The school will be located in the classroom section of the Roseville Community Church and will open its doors in August. Peterson explained that all building requirements, minus a few changes such as adding exit lights and door holders, have been met. Peterson is optimistic about the size of the school saying, “There will be plenty of classrooms.” Tasha Skees of Roseville explained how the school came about. “It was brought up a long time ago but action was never taken. But with the Roseville Elementary school closing, 3 elders decided it was time.”
However starting a new school creates some challenges. “We are looking for tuition to be between $2950 and $3500, but we are hoping to be as close to the $2950 mark as possible” said Peterson. “The tuition is not an upfront payment; the school board is looking at a monthly payment plan, with a higher cost upfront.” This tuition would not include books for the students, unless the school board decides on a curriculum where books are included. “If the school board chooses a curriculum with books included, parents will not have to pay $250.” However, the school still needs general classroom supplies as well as volunteer help in every aspect. Peterson stated that some generous gifts have already been donated to the Roseville Community Christian School. “We have received computers, which haven’t arrived yet, lumber for a playground, as well as labor help for the kitchen. The list goes on and on.”
The community has also considered the idea of having a scholarship fund for students. Skees has high hopes for the school. “I think it would be wonderful. My daughter is only two so she won’t be going there for awhile but it affects the town as a whole.”
The number of students they expect to attend the school is still unknown. If you are interested in donating or if you need any further information, please contact the Roseville Christian Church at 309-426-2131.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
SWINE FLU RERUNS?
H1N1 AGAIN?
By Ross Donnan
The general anxiety of the H1N1 virus that struck America recently has essentially melted away with the snow. There were two separate spikes in the number of cases confirmed around the U.S., and CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the Illinois Department of Health have always been predicting of a third spike or “wave” which is expected with a pandemic Flu. The first wave occurred in April 2009, and the second in October 2009, and officials are predicting a third wave in March-May of 2010.
The seasonal Flu usually hits its second peak around March to May, and the Administrator of the Warren County Health Department Jenna Link claims “We saw a slight peak in influenza A (which is not H1N1 just Influenza) activity the end of March first week in April but these are not confirmed H1N1 cases.” For Warren County “Things have been pretty quiet” says Link, “but the H1N1 vaccine has now been added to the seasonal Flu vaccine, so that should help.”
Just because we have not been hearing much about the virus does not mean we are out the woods quite yet. Officials say to keep getting vaccinated because the numbers of infection are low, which means there is limited exposure to H1N1 and people can build immunity. This also does not mean to stop taking all the necessary precautions to keep from getting ill, just because there is a lull in the amount of infection does not mean it won’t spike again. The CDC claims that when college students return home, they may bring the infection with them and spread it to family and friends.
SSo for now, we don’t have to brace ourselves for a third “wave”, but as previously mentioned the public should not let down its guard. Although some may feel as though the illness was overplayed, the reality is that it affected 41 million people nation wide and is connected to 10,000 deaths and localized cases are being reported daily. Although the numbers are fewer, the effects are just as devastating as before, so just keep washing those hands a lot.
By Ross Donnan
The general anxiety of the H1N1 virus that struck America recently has essentially melted away with the snow. There were two separate spikes in the number of cases confirmed around the U.S., and CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the Illinois Department of Health have always been predicting of a third spike or “wave” which is expected with a pandemic Flu. The first wave occurred in April 2009, and the second in October 2009, and officials are predicting a third wave in March-May of 2010.
The seasonal Flu usually hits its second peak around March to May, and the Administrator of the Warren County Health Department Jenna Link claims “We saw a slight peak in influenza A (which is not H1N1 just Influenza) activity the end of March first week in April but these are not confirmed H1N1 cases.” For Warren County “Things have been pretty quiet” says Link, “but the H1N1 vaccine has now been added to the seasonal Flu vaccine, so that should help.”
Just because we have not been hearing much about the virus does not mean we are out the woods quite yet. Officials say to keep getting vaccinated because the numbers of infection are low, which means there is limited exposure to H1N1 and people can build immunity. This also does not mean to stop taking all the necessary precautions to keep from getting ill, just because there is a lull in the amount of infection does not mean it won’t spike again. The CDC claims that when college students return home, they may bring the infection with them and spread it to family and friends.
SSo for now, we don’t have to brace ourselves for a third “wave”, but as previously mentioned the public should not let down its guard. Although some may feel as though the illness was overplayed, the reality is that it affected 41 million people nation wide and is connected to 10,000 deaths and localized cases are being reported daily. Although the numbers are fewer, the effects are just as devastating as before, so just keep washing those hands a lot.
SWINE FLU RERUNS?
H1N1 AGAIN?
By Ross Donnan
The general anxiety of the H1N1 virus that struck America recently has essentially melted away with the snow. There were two separate spikes in the number of cases confirmed around the U.S., and CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the Illinois Department of Health have always been predicting of a third spike or “wave” which is expected with a pandemic Flu. The first wave occurred in April 2009, and the second in October 2009, and officials are predicting a third wave in March-May of 2010.
The seasonal Flu usually hits its second peak around March to May, and the Administrator of the Warren County Health Department Jenna Link claims “We saw a slight peak in influenza A (which is not H1N1 just Influenza) activity the end of March first week in April but these are not confirmed H1N1 cases.” For Warren County “Things have been pretty quiet” says Link, “but the H1N1 vaccine has now been added to the seasonal Flu vaccine, so that should help.”
Just because we have not been hearing much about the virus does not mean we are out the woods quite yet. Officials say to keep getting vaccinated because the numbers of infection are low, which means there is limited exposure to H1N1 and people can build immunity. This also does not mean to stop taking all the necessary precautions to keep from getting ill, just because there is a lull in the amount of infection does not mean it won’t spike again. The CDC claims that when college students return home, they may bring the infection with them and spread it to family and friends.
SSo for now, we don’t have to brace ourselves for a third “wave”, but as previously mentioned we should not let down our guard. Although some may feel as though the illness was overplayed, the reality is that it affected 41 million people nation wide and is connected to 10,000 deaths and localized cases are being reported daily. Although the numbers are fewer, the effects are just as devastating as before, so just keep washing those hands, a lot.
By Ross Donnan
The general anxiety of the H1N1 virus that struck America recently has essentially melted away with the snow. There were two separate spikes in the number of cases confirmed around the U.S., and CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the Illinois Department of Health have always been predicting of a third spike or “wave” which is expected with a pandemic Flu. The first wave occurred in April 2009, and the second in October 2009, and officials are predicting a third wave in March-May of 2010.
The seasonal Flu usually hits its second peak around March to May, and the Administrator of the Warren County Health Department Jenna Link claims “We saw a slight peak in influenza A (which is not H1N1 just Influenza) activity the end of March first week in April but these are not confirmed H1N1 cases.” For Warren County “Things have been pretty quiet” says Link, “but the H1N1 vaccine has now been added to the seasonal Flu vaccine, so that should help.”
Just because we have not been hearing much about the virus does not mean we are out the woods quite yet. Officials say to keep getting vaccinated because the numbers of infection are low, which means there is limited exposure to H1N1 and people can build immunity. This also does not mean to stop taking all the necessary precautions to keep from getting ill, just because there is a lull in the amount of infection does not mean it won’t spike again. The CDC claims that when college students return home, they may bring the infection with them and spread it to family and friends.
SSo for now, we don’t have to brace ourselves for a third “wave”, but as previously mentioned we should not let down our guard. Although some may feel as though the illness was overplayed, the reality is that it affected 41 million people nation wide and is connected to 10,000 deaths and localized cases are being reported daily. Although the numbers are fewer, the effects are just as devastating as before, so just keep washing those hands, a lot.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
SCHOOL VANDALS REMAIN AT LARGE
THE CLEANUP
By Emily Friedrich
It was a community effort to clean up the extensive damage to the two vandalized schools in Monmouth. It was an especially large undertaking for Immaculate Conception, the small parochial school, which had to close its doors on Monday. It took a small army of thirty workers from a disaster restoration service out of Chicago along with the Immaculate Conception crew to make the building safe enough for students on Tuesday. MRHS was able to have a quick enough turnaround time to open doors on Monday.
The damage to the two schools vandalized over the weekend was extensive. Police and school officials say that tens of thousands of dollars worth of property were destroyed at the two schools. Over half of the computers at Immaculate Conception were ruined, many of which were brand new. The MRHS auditorium was awash in chemicals, as the vandals discharged fire extinguishers. 560 chairs in the auditorium had to be individually scrubbed down.
Middle school teacher Teri Bruner says she feels personally violated. “That’s what makes you feel so vulnerable when something like this has happened. I feel like I’ve been hit in the stomach just as hard as can be.”
MRHS Principal Jeff Bryan says the incident has bigger implications for the community. “You don’t hear kids say look what they did to the school, it’s look what they did to our school.” He understands just how personally the students and community are taking it. “They want whoever’s done it to get caught.”
Both schools are in the process of replacing valuable items, but each expressed it’s not the material items that count. “We’re going to be okay. We can replace the things that were damaged. No one was hurt and those are the important things,” said Bruner. Her goal is to make sure her students still feel comfortable at school. “We want them to feel safe. We want to acknowledge that we have had a tragedy and something happened, but we’re going to be okay because of that in spite of what occurred. We want them to know that things that were damaged were things and not people.”
Among the items that are replaceable, Bryan says it’s the sentimental items that cannot be replaced are what hurts the most. He was not surprised at how many people called the High School inquiring about the well-being of the 1983 state football championship trophy. “I really feel like of all the things a vandal can do, to damage the kid’s trophies, you’re asking to get caught.”
No arrests have been made so far, but the Monmouth Police Department is following leads. Local authorities were able to collect forensic evidence like fingerprints from some of the trophies at MRHS and footprints at ICS. Bryan is optimistic. “Somebody will start talking about it and bragging. Some kids will hear about it, and they’ll tell us about it.”
By Emily Friedrich
It was a community effort to clean up the extensive damage to the two vandalized schools in Monmouth. It was an especially large undertaking for Immaculate Conception, the small parochial school, which had to close its doors on Monday. It took a small army of thirty workers from a disaster restoration service out of Chicago along with the Immaculate Conception crew to make the building safe enough for students on Tuesday. MRHS was able to have a quick enough turnaround time to open doors on Monday.
The damage to the two schools vandalized over the weekend was extensive. Police and school officials say that tens of thousands of dollars worth of property were destroyed at the two schools. Over half of the computers at Immaculate Conception were ruined, many of which were brand new. The MRHS auditorium was awash in chemicals, as the vandals discharged fire extinguishers. 560 chairs in the auditorium had to be individually scrubbed down.
Middle school teacher Teri Bruner says she feels personally violated. “That’s what makes you feel so vulnerable when something like this has happened. I feel like I’ve been hit in the stomach just as hard as can be.”
MRHS Principal Jeff Bryan says the incident has bigger implications for the community. “You don’t hear kids say look what they did to the school, it’s look what they did to our school.” He understands just how personally the students and community are taking it. “They want whoever’s done it to get caught.”
Both schools are in the process of replacing valuable items, but each expressed it’s not the material items that count. “We’re going to be okay. We can replace the things that were damaged. No one was hurt and those are the important things,” said Bruner. Her goal is to make sure her students still feel comfortable at school. “We want them to feel safe. We want to acknowledge that we have had a tragedy and something happened, but we’re going to be okay because of that in spite of what occurred. We want them to know that things that were damaged were things and not people.”
Among the items that are replaceable, Bryan says it’s the sentimental items that cannot be replaced are what hurts the most. He was not surprised at how many people called the High School inquiring about the well-being of the 1983 state football championship trophy. “I really feel like of all the things a vandal can do, to damage the kid’s trophies, you’re asking to get caught.”
No arrests have been made so far, but the Monmouth Police Department is following leads. Local authorities were able to collect forensic evidence like fingerprints from some of the trophies at MRHS and footprints at ICS. Bryan is optimistic. “Somebody will start talking about it and bragging. Some kids will hear about it, and they’ll tell us about it.”
Monday, April 26, 2010
SCHOOL VANDALISM FOLLOW
The following information was gathered by reporter Ashley Lutz while covering the school vandalism story:
ICS is no longer requesting help from the public with the actual cleanup at the school. However, some students at the school have organized a garage sale for the community where you can either buy or donate items for them to sell. All the money is going to ICS. The garage sale is May 1st on 717 Fairway Dr. from 8 to 2 The woman in charge is Lori Ferguson. Cell: 309-2217970 or home: 309-7342753
ICS is no longer requesting help from the public with the actual cleanup at the school. However, some students at the school have organized a garage sale for the community where you can either buy or donate items for them to sell. All the money is going to ICS. The garage sale is May 1st on 717 Fairway Dr. from 8 to 2 The woman in charge is Lori Ferguson. Cell: 309-2217970 or home: 309-7342753
TWO MONMOUTH SCHOOLS HIT BY VANDALS
MAJOR DAMAGE AT BOTH SCHOOLS
By Maureen Soso
Monmouth Police took the unusual step of issuing a press release following public demands for more information about major vandalism at two Monmouth schools over the weekend.
Police say that unknown suspects broke into Monmouth Roseville High School and Immaculate Conception School during the overnight hours of Friday April 23rd 2010 andthe early hours of Saturday April 24th 2010.
Almost every room in both schools - including libraries, classrooms, locker rooms, and kitchens - were ransacked resulting in thousands of dollars in damage. Both schools also had trophies and trophy cases as well as computers and other electronic equipment destroyed.
Five Monmouth Police Officers and two Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators are on the scene. The investigators say that evidence was recovered at both schools. Despite the weekend crimes, Monmouth-Roseville High School was in session today, while Immaculate Conception will resume classes tomorrow.
By Maureen Soso
Monmouth Police took the unusual step of issuing a press release following public demands for more information about major vandalism at two Monmouth schools over the weekend.
Police say that unknown suspects broke into Monmouth Roseville High School and Immaculate Conception School during the overnight hours of Friday April 23rd 2010 andthe early hours of Saturday April 24th 2010.
Almost every room in both schools - including libraries, classrooms, locker rooms, and kitchens - were ransacked resulting in thousands of dollars in damage. Both schools also had trophies and trophy cases as well as computers and other electronic equipment destroyed.
Five Monmouth Police Officers and two Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators are on the scene. The investigators say that evidence was recovered at both schools. Despite the weekend crimes, Monmouth-Roseville High School was in session today, while Immaculate Conception will resume classes tomorrow.
MONMOUTH ENTERS A DIVERSE ERA
THE NEW FACES OF MONMOUTH
By Ashley Lutz
Diversity is on the rise in the city of Monmouth, Il, and its largely due to the need for workers at one of Monmouth’s largest employers, which has difficulty finding Caucasian workers to apply for jobs.
Liz Voyles, the President of New World Immigration Services, says “This is mainly due to the ongoing need for laborers at Farmland Foods.” She says it is common for Mexicans and African refugees with green cards to work at the meat packing plant.
Families like Alma and Claudia Conches moved to Monmouth for better working experiences. Alma Conches and her family moved here from Mexico when she was only in sixth grade. She explains how hard the transition was, especially without knowing English. “School was tough at first, but I would stay after to work with one of the Spanish teachers who taught me English” Conches states.
Conches explains how she has noticed the rise in diversity. “When we first moved here, there were not too many other Mexican families. Now I see them all around.” She also talked about the two Mexican restaurants in town and the growing amount of Mexican grocery stores. Conches adds, “It is nice to see things that remind me of Mexico, even thought I do not live there any more.”
Alma’s cousin, Claudia Conches has a similar story. Her family moved here a little after her uncles moved to DeKalb, IL. She was six years old when her family picked up and moved to Monmouth because of the work opportunities also. “Monmouth was the first place my parents felt comfortable with their jobs” says Conches.
By Ashley Lutz
Diversity is on the rise in the city of Monmouth, Il, and its largely due to the need for workers at one of Monmouth’s largest employers, which has difficulty finding Caucasian workers to apply for jobs.
Liz Voyles, the President of New World Immigration Services, says “This is mainly due to the ongoing need for laborers at Farmland Foods.” She says it is common for Mexicans and African refugees with green cards to work at the meat packing plant.
Families like Alma and Claudia Conches moved to Monmouth for better working experiences. Alma Conches and her family moved here from Mexico when she was only in sixth grade. She explains how hard the transition was, especially without knowing English. “School was tough at first, but I would stay after to work with one of the Spanish teachers who taught me English” Conches states.
Conches explains how she has noticed the rise in diversity. “When we first moved here, there were not too many other Mexican families. Now I see them all around.” She also talked about the two Mexican restaurants in town and the growing amount of Mexican grocery stores. Conches adds, “It is nice to see things that remind me of Mexico, even thought I do not live there any more.”
Alma’s cousin, Claudia Conches has a similar story. Her family moved here a little after her uncles moved to DeKalb, IL. She was six years old when her family picked up and moved to Monmouth because of the work opportunities also. “Monmouth was the first place my parents felt comfortable with their jobs” says Conches.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
LATE SPORTS SCORES
BASEBALL
April 24, 2010 vs. Knox
Game 1
Monmouth 8, Knox 1
Game 2
Monmouth 12 (11-18, 4-4), Knox 2
The Scots kept their playoff hopes alive and moved Roger Sander to within one win of his 300th career victory in an 8-1, 12-2 double-header sweep of Knox. Robbie Hinkle had a day for the Scots, going 7-for-9 with eight RBIs while banging out four doubles and a three-run homer.
SOFTBALL
April 24, 2010 vs. Grinnell
Game 1
Monmouth 8 (11-19, 7-5), Grinnell 0 (6)
Game 2
Rained out
Monmouth clinched their third straight Midwest Conference Tournament berth with an 8-0 win over Grinnell. Charlotte Hoffmann scored the only run Kelsey Williams would need in the second inning. Hoffmann raced home with the game's first run on Daphne Beal's base hit.
April 24, 2010 vs. Knox
Game 1
Monmouth 8, Knox 1
Game 2
Monmouth 12 (11-18, 4-4), Knox 2
The Scots kept their playoff hopes alive and moved Roger Sander to within one win of his 300th career victory in an 8-1, 12-2 double-header sweep of Knox. Robbie Hinkle had a day for the Scots, going 7-for-9 with eight RBIs while banging out four doubles and a three-run homer.
SOFTBALL
April 24, 2010 vs. Grinnell
Game 1
Monmouth 8 (11-19, 7-5), Grinnell 0 (6)
Game 2
Rained out
Monmouth clinched their third straight Midwest Conference Tournament berth with an 8-0 win over Grinnell. Charlotte Hoffmann scored the only run Kelsey Williams would need in the second inning. Hoffmann raced home with the game's first run on Daphne Beal's base hit.
Friday, April 23, 2010
RETURNING THE FAVOR
CLEAN UP TEAM FOR THE DAY
By: Brittney Parker
While driving through Monmouth early Saturday morning, between the neighborhood garage sales and children playing in the parks, the Monmouth College football team could be seen raking leaves, picking up sticks, planting flowers, and trimming back trees.
This past weekend marked the football team’s second annual community clean up. The players signed up in groups of three and four and were assigned to work at one of sixteen places. Property owners contacted Coach Steve Bell to request clean up crews. As far as what the players are required to do at the homes, Bell said, “It all depends on the owners. Some just need yard work done, like planting flowers, and some ask them to move heavy furniture.”
The player’s were not necessarily finished after they finished working at one house. Senior Trevor Newton explained that “We have to call coach and ask him where to go next. He sends us to a house nearby to help those guys out. We really aren’t done until noon, and there’s no slacking off.”
“It’s cool to be able to help a community that has always supported us. It’s just another way for us to be able to give back,“ according to junior Fletcher Morgan. Morgan raked a yard full of leaves then moved heavy items from the basement to outside. “The bags of homemade cookies we got were a nice surprise in the morning... definitively got me moving,” says Morgan while eating a handful of chocolate chip cookies during a break.
Sophomore Corey Bishop said, “It kinda brings us closer and makes us work on teamwork, which shows when we get on the field. We have to learn to work together and communicate effectively. I guess that shows in the success we’ve had for in past years.” He goes on to say, “Even though it’s a lot about football, it helps us realize that we don’t just go to Monmouth College for football, there is a lot more to it.”
A major reason for the clean up within the community is to do just that, show the players that it is important to help out and give back to the people that support them.
By: Brittney Parker
While driving through Monmouth early Saturday morning, between the neighborhood garage sales and children playing in the parks, the Monmouth College football team could be seen raking leaves, picking up sticks, planting flowers, and trimming back trees.
This past weekend marked the football team’s second annual community clean up. The players signed up in groups of three and four and were assigned to work at one of sixteen places. Property owners contacted Coach Steve Bell to request clean up crews. As far as what the players are required to do at the homes, Bell said, “It all depends on the owners. Some just need yard work done, like planting flowers, and some ask them to move heavy furniture.”
The player’s were not necessarily finished after they finished working at one house. Senior Trevor Newton explained that “We have to call coach and ask him where to go next. He sends us to a house nearby to help those guys out. We really aren’t done until noon, and there’s no slacking off.”
“It’s cool to be able to help a community that has always supported us. It’s just another way for us to be able to give back,“ according to junior Fletcher Morgan. Morgan raked a yard full of leaves then moved heavy items from the basement to outside. “The bags of homemade cookies we got were a nice surprise in the morning... definitively got me moving,” says Morgan while eating a handful of chocolate chip cookies during a break.
Sophomore Corey Bishop said, “It kinda brings us closer and makes us work on teamwork, which shows when we get on the field. We have to learn to work together and communicate effectively. I guess that shows in the success we’ve had for in past years.” He goes on to say, “Even though it’s a lot about football, it helps us realize that we don’t just go to Monmouth College for football, there is a lot more to it.”
A major reason for the clean up within the community is to do just that, show the players that it is important to help out and give back to the people that support them.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
CONFLICTED VICTORY
ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS
by Lucas Pauley
On Saturday April 3 Senior Dan Higgins broke the school record for javelin with a toss of 208’7 at the Washington Invitational in St. Louis, Mo. Breaking the record was bittersweet for Higgins because the record had been held by his coach, Roger Haynes, who set the record in 1982. The record granted Higgins the title of Midwest Conference Men’s Field Performer of the Week.
“It was hard to break my own coach’s record but it was an amazing feeling to be able to break a record that has stood for so long,” Higgins said.
Higgins has been constantly improving over the past three years. In 2008 and 2009, Higgins was the javelin conference champion. He also qualified for nationals the past two years by a process of provisional qualifying, but did not get to go. Even so, after struggling with an injury to his left oblique all of the 2009 season, Higgins recorded a 193’8, which was his personal best at the time.
Higgins returned to Monmouth in January to student teach at West Central Middle School in Biggsville, Ill. Because Higgins had not completed all his years of athletic eligibility Higgins knew that he had a chance to improve on the progress he had made over the past two years. “I realized I was here for a reason so I might as well take full advantage of the opportunity,” Higgins said.
Higgins has enjoyed his time at West Central this semester, where he is student teaching the physical education classes for the middle school. Balancing the tasks of being a student teacher and a student athlete has proved to be an interesting adjustment to his life at home.“It has definitely been a challenge. I wake up at 6:30 in the morning and I usually don’t get back to my down until 7 at night. But I find myself having fun the whole time,” Higgins said.
Once Higgins knew that he was returning to school he began to watch a lot of film of Olympic javelin throwers and worked hard to improve his concentration while on the field. The preparation has paid off for Higgins, but he has had his sights set on more than just breaking the conference record.
“I am feeling really confident right now and hope to break my own record and hopefully go to nationals and do even better,” Higgins said.
Higgins, who is currently third in the nation for the javelin throw, says he is going to continue to prepare just as he has been doing all season.
I just want to focus even more on my concentration as I prepare for the rest of the season and nationals,” Higgins said.
With his throw this past weekend Higgins has automatically qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships which begin on Saturday, May 27 in Berea, Ohio.
by Lucas Pauley
On Saturday April 3 Senior Dan Higgins broke the school record for javelin with a toss of 208’7 at the Washington Invitational in St. Louis, Mo. Breaking the record was bittersweet for Higgins because the record had been held by his coach, Roger Haynes, who set the record in 1982. The record granted Higgins the title of Midwest Conference Men’s Field Performer of the Week.
“It was hard to break my own coach’s record but it was an amazing feeling to be able to break a record that has stood for so long,” Higgins said.
Higgins has been constantly improving over the past three years. In 2008 and 2009, Higgins was the javelin conference champion. He also qualified for nationals the past two years by a process of provisional qualifying, but did not get to go. Even so, after struggling with an injury to his left oblique all of the 2009 season, Higgins recorded a 193’8, which was his personal best at the time.
Higgins returned to Monmouth in January to student teach at West Central Middle School in Biggsville, Ill. Because Higgins had not completed all his years of athletic eligibility Higgins knew that he had a chance to improve on the progress he had made over the past two years. “I realized I was here for a reason so I might as well take full advantage of the opportunity,” Higgins said.
Higgins has enjoyed his time at West Central this semester, where he is student teaching the physical education classes for the middle school. Balancing the tasks of being a student teacher and a student athlete has proved to be an interesting adjustment to his life at home.“It has definitely been a challenge. I wake up at 6:30 in the morning and I usually don’t get back to my down until 7 at night. But I find myself having fun the whole time,” Higgins said.
Once Higgins knew that he was returning to school he began to watch a lot of film of Olympic javelin throwers and worked hard to improve his concentration while on the field. The preparation has paid off for Higgins, but he has had his sights set on more than just breaking the conference record.
“I am feeling really confident right now and hope to break my own record and hopefully go to nationals and do even better,” Higgins said.
Higgins, who is currently third in the nation for the javelin throw, says he is going to continue to prepare just as he has been doing all season.
I just want to focus even more on my concentration as I prepare for the rest of the season and nationals,” Higgins said.
With his throw this past weekend Higgins has automatically qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Championships which begin on Saturday, May 27 in Berea, Ohio.
Monday, April 19, 2010
CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON
MONMOUTH, Ill. – The Monmouth College track team recorded three school records and two athletes come within a whisper of NCAA Championship’s automatic qualifying standards at last Saturday’s meet at Augustana College where the women placed third and the men fifth.
Tyler Hannam (Woodhull, Ill./Alwood) equaled the Fighting Scots’ high jump record and cleared the NCAA provisional qualifying height in the process. The junior won the event by two full inches and cleared 6’10-3/4” to tie national champion Eric Ealy’s school mark from 1986. Hannam’s nation’s-best height was just a quarter inch from the automatic qualifying height. Nick Byom and Sean Wells each cleared 6’6” to take third and fifth, respectively.
Recuperating through the indoor season has paid off for Luke Reschke (Geneseo, Ill./Geneseo) who eclipsed his own 400-meter dash school record. Reschke turned in the top time in the nation of 47.52 to win by nearly a second. His time was just two-hundredths off the automatic qualifying standard. He also placed third in the 200 with a time of 21.99. Shane Reschke ran a 49.78 in the 400 to finish seventh in the 400.
Monmouth’s third record-setting performance came on the women’s side where Rachel Bowden (Lexington, Ill./Lexington) set the new standard in the 800. The freshman clocked a 2:20.58 to take eighth in the field of 25.
Thrower Gloria Lehr recorded an improved provisional mark in the discus. Her lifetime-best throw of 146’11” placed her second and moved her to third in the national rankings. Lehr and Amanda Streeter added more points in the shot put. Lehr was sixth at 41’4-1/2’ and Streeter turned in a throw of 39’1-1/4” to take eighth. Streeter also had a career-best 151’0” in the hammer throw to place seventh.
The Scots took four of the top seven places in the women’s high jump after each cleared 4’11-3/4”. Sarah Stinson was third, Kaci Lierman tied for fourth, Chelsey Widdop took sixth and Heather Hull placed seventh.
Morgan Leffel led three Scots in the scoring for the women’s long jump. Leffel soared a winning distance of 16’9-3/4” to win by four inches. Widdop placed third at 15’11” and Alison Andrews was eighth at 15’6”. Leffel also ran a PR in the 400 where she was fifth in 1:00.39.
Javelin thrower Brittany McCline unleashed a personal-best to place second in that event. McCline’s mark of 125’2” improved her previous best by nearly five feet. Lehr placed second at 124’9” and Hull was eighth at 106’6”
Just six inches kept Whitney Didier from winning the pole vault. Didier cleared 11’2-1/5” to place second. Widdop and Didier were 5-6 in the 400 hurdles. Widdop clocked a 1:10.06 and Didier a 1:10.86.
Jae Moore scored points in two sprints. Her 12.72 in the 100 placed her fourth and she ran a 26.52 in the 200 to finish sixth.
The Scots will be competing at the Drake Relays and the Loras Open this weekend.
Tyler Hannam (Woodhull, Ill./Alwood) equaled the Fighting Scots’ high jump record and cleared the NCAA provisional qualifying height in the process. The junior won the event by two full inches and cleared 6’10-3/4” to tie national champion Eric Ealy’s school mark from 1986. Hannam’s nation’s-best height was just a quarter inch from the automatic qualifying height. Nick Byom and Sean Wells each cleared 6’6” to take third and fifth, respectively.
Recuperating through the indoor season has paid off for Luke Reschke (Geneseo, Ill./Geneseo) who eclipsed his own 400-meter dash school record. Reschke turned in the top time in the nation of 47.52 to win by nearly a second. His time was just two-hundredths off the automatic qualifying standard. He also placed third in the 200 with a time of 21.99. Shane Reschke ran a 49.78 in the 400 to finish seventh in the 400.
Monmouth’s third record-setting performance came on the women’s side where Rachel Bowden (Lexington, Ill./Lexington) set the new standard in the 800. The freshman clocked a 2:20.58 to take eighth in the field of 25.
Thrower Gloria Lehr recorded an improved provisional mark in the discus. Her lifetime-best throw of 146’11” placed her second and moved her to third in the national rankings. Lehr and Amanda Streeter added more points in the shot put. Lehr was sixth at 41’4-1/2’ and Streeter turned in a throw of 39’1-1/4” to take eighth. Streeter also had a career-best 151’0” in the hammer throw to place seventh.
The Scots took four of the top seven places in the women’s high jump after each cleared 4’11-3/4”. Sarah Stinson was third, Kaci Lierman tied for fourth, Chelsey Widdop took sixth and Heather Hull placed seventh.
Morgan Leffel led three Scots in the scoring for the women’s long jump. Leffel soared a winning distance of 16’9-3/4” to win by four inches. Widdop placed third at 15’11” and Alison Andrews was eighth at 15’6”. Leffel also ran a PR in the 400 where she was fifth in 1:00.39.
Javelin thrower Brittany McCline unleashed a personal-best to place second in that event. McCline’s mark of 125’2” improved her previous best by nearly five feet. Lehr placed second at 124’9” and Hull was eighth at 106’6”
Just six inches kept Whitney Didier from winning the pole vault. Didier cleared 11’2-1/5” to place second. Widdop and Didier were 5-6 in the 400 hurdles. Widdop clocked a 1:10.06 and Didier a 1:10.86.
Jae Moore scored points in two sprints. Her 12.72 in the 100 placed her fourth and she ran a 26.52 in the 200 to finish sixth.
The Scots will be competing at the Drake Relays and the Loras Open this weekend.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
LATE BASEBALL SCORES
April 18, 2010
Game 1
Monmouth 8, Univ. Chicago 7
Game 2
Univ. Chicago 19, Monmouth 7 (8-16, 2-4)
Fresh off a double-header sweep of Knox, Monmouth split a Sunday twinbill with the University of Chicago, taking the opener 8-7, but falling in Game 2, 19-7. Trailing 7-3 in the fifth inning of Game 1, the Scots took advantage of a hit batsman and an error to put four runs on the board. Brad Winkler supplied the big blow with a two-run base hit to trim it to 7-6. Tom Shaver then tied the game at 7-7 with a sac fly. Tied in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded, Kyle Higginson singled in Brett Peterson with the winning run to give Phil Scott the win in relief. Monmouth never lead in Game 2, spotting the Maroons four first inning runs in the seven inning contest. Mitch Comstock and Caleb Ruyle drove in two runs each.
Game 1
Monmouth 8, Univ. Chicago 7
Game 2
Univ. Chicago 19, Monmouth 7 (8-16, 2-4)
Fresh off a double-header sweep of Knox, Monmouth split a Sunday twinbill with the University of Chicago, taking the opener 8-7, but falling in Game 2, 19-7. Trailing 7-3 in the fifth inning of Game 1, the Scots took advantage of a hit batsman and an error to put four runs on the board. Brad Winkler supplied the big blow with a two-run base hit to trim it to 7-6. Tom Shaver then tied the game at 7-7 with a sac fly. Tied in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded, Kyle Higginson singled in Brett Peterson with the winning run to give Phil Scott the win in relief. Monmouth never lead in Game 2, spotting the Maroons four first inning runs in the seven inning contest. Mitch Comstock and Caleb Ruyle drove in two runs each.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
COUNTY BOARD
COUNTY FACES GRANT REDUCTIONS
by Kerri Yost
Jenna Link of the Warren County Health Department outlined areas of concern regarding the county’s health at the County Board meeting this week. The Department is expected to lose two grants due to state budget cuts with “the women’s health grant taking a big hit,” explained Link.
Link also feared that the department may lose grant funding to test for West Nile Virus in the area. This is due to the low number of reported cases of the virus in Warren County. Areas with more cases of the virus are prioritized.
The department is also still closely watching Influenza A and H1N1 as there was a spike in influenza cases reported in the county in the previous two months. Although there is a large amount of H1N1 vaccine still available, much of it is outdated and will need to be destroyed. Link says that the demand for the vaccine was drastically overestimated last year and, “there will be a lot of vaccine that will go to waste.”
A presentation was also given by Ken Crain of Key Builders regardubg the possibility of fixing the roof at the courthouse. “Honestly, I would recommend replacing the entire roof,” said Crain, rather than just try and patch it again. After much discussion, further information about cost and options was requested from Crain to be presented at the Building and Grounds committee meeting on May 5.
by Kerri Yost
Jenna Link of the Warren County Health Department outlined areas of concern regarding the county’s health at the County Board meeting this week. The Department is expected to lose two grants due to state budget cuts with “the women’s health grant taking a big hit,” explained Link.
Link also feared that the department may lose grant funding to test for West Nile Virus in the area. This is due to the low number of reported cases of the virus in Warren County. Areas with more cases of the virus are prioritized.
The department is also still closely watching Influenza A and H1N1 as there was a spike in influenza cases reported in the county in the previous two months. Although there is a large amount of H1N1 vaccine still available, much of it is outdated and will need to be destroyed. Link says that the demand for the vaccine was drastically overestimated last year and, “there will be a lot of vaccine that will go to waste.”
A presentation was also given by Ken Crain of Key Builders regardubg the possibility of fixing the roof at the courthouse. “Honestly, I would recommend replacing the entire roof,” said Crain, rather than just try and patch it again. After much discussion, further information about cost and options was requested from Crain to be presented at the Building and Grounds committee meeting on May 5.
Friday, April 16, 2010
A PEER REVIEW
“ATTEND THE TALE OF SWEENEY TODD…”
A Theatre Review by Tynan Sinks
There’s a buzz in town about the spring musical Sweeney Todd that premiered Thursday in The Wells Theater at Monmouth College. And rightfully so. Residents and students can only experience a full musical once every two years, and this one is well worth the wait.
From the moment you step into the theater, you are transported to dark and dreary 19th century London. The chorus members’ ominous and foreboding energy grabs you from the opening number and carries you throughout the show. Though the show has little choreography, every move that the actors make is calculated and so well rehearsed that they give the show momentum from the very beginning. The standout performance of the evening was given by Emily Frazer, the female lead Mrs. Lovett. With her strong understanding of the character she was playing and her impeccable comedic timing, she commanded your attention throughout the entire performance. Dane Feenstra impresses the audience yet again. With his effortless vocal talent, he embodies his character Anthony, and was a delight to watch. Mike Carioto showed the greatest dimension, leaving the audience stirred with his interpretation of the character Tobias.
The lead male character, Todd, was played by Nick Munson. Nick’s vocal range continues to impress, though his performance of the brooding and angry character of Todd was less than believable. Danielle Kita played Johanna, but showed little understanding of the conflict that her character was experiencing, though she too was a vocal high point of the production. The set design of this production is one of the best that Monmouth has ever seen. The backdrop of warehouse windows, Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop, Pirelli’s wagon, all came to life before the eyes of the audience. Another visually stunning moment was the “City on Fire” sequence when the chorus helps move the show along to its immanent climax.
As a whole, Sweeney Todd is one of the strongest productions that Monmouth has seen in recent years.
A Theatre Review by Tynan Sinks
There’s a buzz in town about the spring musical Sweeney Todd that premiered Thursday in The Wells Theater at Monmouth College. And rightfully so. Residents and students can only experience a full musical once every two years, and this one is well worth the wait.
From the moment you step into the theater, you are transported to dark and dreary 19th century London. The chorus members’ ominous and foreboding energy grabs you from the opening number and carries you throughout the show. Though the show has little choreography, every move that the actors make is calculated and so well rehearsed that they give the show momentum from the very beginning. The standout performance of the evening was given by Emily Frazer, the female lead Mrs. Lovett. With her strong understanding of the character she was playing and her impeccable comedic timing, she commanded your attention throughout the entire performance. Dane Feenstra impresses the audience yet again. With his effortless vocal talent, he embodies his character Anthony, and was a delight to watch. Mike Carioto showed the greatest dimension, leaving the audience stirred with his interpretation of the character Tobias.
The lead male character, Todd, was played by Nick Munson. Nick’s vocal range continues to impress, though his performance of the brooding and angry character of Todd was less than believable. Danielle Kita played Johanna, but showed little understanding of the conflict that her character was experiencing, though she too was a vocal high point of the production. The set design of this production is one of the best that Monmouth has ever seen. The backdrop of warehouse windows, Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop, Pirelli’s wagon, all came to life before the eyes of the audience. Another visually stunning moment was the “City on Fire” sequence when the chorus helps move the show along to its immanent climax.
As a whole, Sweeney Todd is one of the strongest productions that Monmouth has seen in recent years.
TAX DAY PROTEST
TEA PARTY COMES TO MONMOUTH
By Samantha Latora
An estimated 200 people clad in red, white, and blue, gathered on Monmouth College’s Dunlap Terrace Thursday to participate in and observe the Tax Day Tea Party. Protestors held signs high in the air saying “Obama Commander in Thief”, “This Change Sucks”, and “Stop spending money we don’t have”
Senior Monmouth College student, Seth Cocquit organized the rally. “The purpose of this event is to spread awareness to students and to the community that there are alternatives to the current leadership in Washington D.C.,” Cocquit stated. Another Monmouth College student, Stephanie Arrowsmith, said “This event is for the people of the community to discuss feelings against big government and their distribution of our money.” Arrowsmith agrees that something must be done, “Politicians are getting raises when there are people in our country and other countries who are starving.”
Several community members, including Professor Dick Johnston, Joyce Fox, David Peterson, and Larry Mason spoke at the gathering. Warren County resident Joyce Fox boldly stated, “I am not insured and I don’t want Obama care.” Gina O’Sullivan, of Monmouth, Illinois said she is tired of the way the government is being run. “I hope enough people wake up and realize the government isn’t ours anymore. If we don’t fight, we will lose completely.”
A single protestor carrying signs protesting against the Tea Party movement circulated through the crowd and condemned not only the movement, but Fox News, and the Tea Party’s racist roots in a boisterous voice. A security guard quietly asked him to leave. He did so, but not without first raising his voice on several other topics.
By Samantha Latora
An estimated 200 people clad in red, white, and blue, gathered on Monmouth College’s Dunlap Terrace Thursday to participate in and observe the Tax Day Tea Party. Protestors held signs high in the air saying “Obama Commander in Thief”, “This Change Sucks”, and “Stop spending money we don’t have”
Senior Monmouth College student, Seth Cocquit organized the rally. “The purpose of this event is to spread awareness to students and to the community that there are alternatives to the current leadership in Washington D.C.,” Cocquit stated. Another Monmouth College student, Stephanie Arrowsmith, said “This event is for the people of the community to discuss feelings against big government and their distribution of our money.” Arrowsmith agrees that something must be done, “Politicians are getting raises when there are people in our country and other countries who are starving.”
Several community members, including Professor Dick Johnston, Joyce Fox, David Peterson, and Larry Mason spoke at the gathering. Warren County resident Joyce Fox boldly stated, “I am not insured and I don’t want Obama care.” Gina O’Sullivan, of Monmouth, Illinois said she is tired of the way the government is being run. “I hope enough people wake up and realize the government isn’t ours anymore. If we don’t fight, we will lose completely.”
A single protestor carrying signs protesting against the Tea Party movement circulated through the crowd and condemned not only the movement, but Fox News, and the Tea Party’s racist roots in a boisterous voice. A security guard quietly asked him to leave. He did so, but not without first raising his voice on several other topics.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
BACK TO THE ROUTINE AT SCHOOL BOARD
CAUTION RULES AT LATEST MEETING
by Maureen Soso
Times are tough and luxury items were nowhere to be found on Tuesday night’s Monmouth-Rosedale school board agenda. While some of the items subject to approval were routine, like the approval of new school personnel, other topics came under fire. One hot-button issue discussed and disapproved was the changing of the names of local schools to encourage unity among the community. A move that would have required new funding. “We shouldn’t spend any money until we get our financial legs under us,” said David Clark. While several other board members believed it would bring a positive shift to the Monmouth culture, the majority ruled it would be unnecessary and bring about expenses that the district cannot afford.
While most of the meeting was filled with questions about budget, the school board seemed to be moving in a very cautious but correct direction for this upcoming school year. One major hole in their agenda came from the Governor Quinn’s Proposal of the Illinois 2010-2011 budget. Since there is a chance that the Illinois legislature could act on a six month budget, there could be a significant change in the school’s budget come January. Therefore, the 1% sales-tax increase approval was also set aside until further information was brought to the board.
Another school issue being voted on was the upcoming 2010-2011 school calendar, and board members approached the topic with severe caution. Several suggestions were made in regards to correlating breaks among school districts as well as different levels, but members were disagreeing on who to shape the break toward: students, parents, or faculty. While members took precaution as to not anger any of the groups, a motion was made to forward the decision until surveys were sent out to parents asking them their opinion.
The meeting adjourned after over two hours, with a lot of vital information for the upcoming year still not set in stone.
by Maureen Soso
Times are tough and luxury items were nowhere to be found on Tuesday night’s Monmouth-Rosedale school board agenda. While some of the items subject to approval were routine, like the approval of new school personnel, other topics came under fire. One hot-button issue discussed and disapproved was the changing of the names of local schools to encourage unity among the community. A move that would have required new funding. “We shouldn’t spend any money until we get our financial legs under us,” said David Clark. While several other board members believed it would bring a positive shift to the Monmouth culture, the majority ruled it would be unnecessary and bring about expenses that the district cannot afford.
While most of the meeting was filled with questions about budget, the school board seemed to be moving in a very cautious but correct direction for this upcoming school year. One major hole in their agenda came from the Governor Quinn’s Proposal of the Illinois 2010-2011 budget. Since there is a chance that the Illinois legislature could act on a six month budget, there could be a significant change in the school’s budget come January. Therefore, the 1% sales-tax increase approval was also set aside until further information was brought to the board.
Another school issue being voted on was the upcoming 2010-2011 school calendar, and board members approached the topic with severe caution. Several suggestions were made in regards to correlating breaks among school districts as well as different levels, but members were disagreeing on who to shape the break toward: students, parents, or faculty. While members took precaution as to not anger any of the groups, a motion was made to forward the decision until surveys were sent out to parents asking them their opinion.
The meeting adjourned after over two hours, with a lot of vital information for the upcoming year still not set in stone.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
34 VOICES
Highway 34 Delays Spur Student Action
by Andy Drea
U.S. Highway 34 between Monmouth and Burlington, Iowa is unique for many reasons. It happens to be the only stretch of Highway 34 in Illinois that is two lane. At one point, it also runs alongside West Central High School, so it is traveled by high school students every day. With a large amount of traffic, especially from inexperienced teenage drivers, and only two lanes, it should be no surprise that another reason for it’s uniqueness is the volume of accidents or “close-shaves” the road sees on a daily basis.
“Car wrecks happen almost daily on that road,” said Monmouth College freshman Lauren Gerst, who attended West Central High School. “It’s really bad.” Because of these issues, the Illinois Department of Transportation has committed itself to improving the road. However, problems with consruction have pushed parts of the project back.“I’m not surprised,” said Gerst, who has been interested in the highway’s issues since May 2007 when she was sitting in her Spanish class and saw a head-on collision between a semi-trailer truck and a Chevy Suburban right in front of her school. “It was an ‘enough’s-enough’ kind of thing,” Gerst said. Over the summer after the accident, she and a few other people discussed organizing an extracurricular group at school. When they returned for the fall, they organized the group: 34 Voices.
In the later two years of her high school career, Gerst gave speeches in Burlington about the road. She and a few other students lobbied in Springfield to Senators and Representatives for money for the road, which found it’s way in to last year’s capital bill. The group even discussed the matter with Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN). Now, though Gerst and many of the group’s founding members have graduated and the group has been on hold as of late.
“They haven’t been active recently,” said West Central Superintendent Ralph Grimm. “There’s no reason to be active.” The hold up in the road’s construction, according to Grimm, is the lack of the money allocated for the project from the State of Illinois, which was a part of 2009’s Capital Bill. The money would be generated by selling capital bonds. “Every delay that occurs in selling those bonds and making that money available delays construction and continues to put students and staff at risk,” said Grimm. “It’s simply a matter of funding.”
But once progress picks up again, Grimm believes the students will “stand ready to mobilize again.” Already in the group’s short history at the high school, they have organized letter writing campaigns and compiled and delivered petitions.
“That’s the next step we’re kind of aiming toward,” said Gerst. “I worked on Highway 34. I lived on Highway 34. I went to school on Highway 34. I couldn’t just avoid it. They can’t ignore us forever.”Until the project moves forward, the school district still worries about the volume of vehicles and the speed at which the travel as they pass the school. “We have a signific ant number of trucks that go by there every day,” said Grimm. “We’ve been extremely lucky. An accident can happen at any time.”
by Andy Drea
U.S. Highway 34 between Monmouth and Burlington, Iowa is unique for many reasons. It happens to be the only stretch of Highway 34 in Illinois that is two lane. At one point, it also runs alongside West Central High School, so it is traveled by high school students every day. With a large amount of traffic, especially from inexperienced teenage drivers, and only two lanes, it should be no surprise that another reason for it’s uniqueness is the volume of accidents or “close-shaves” the road sees on a daily basis.
“Car wrecks happen almost daily on that road,” said Monmouth College freshman Lauren Gerst, who attended West Central High School. “It’s really bad.” Because of these issues, the Illinois Department of Transportation has committed itself to improving the road. However, problems with consruction have pushed parts of the project back.“I’m not surprised,” said Gerst, who has been interested in the highway’s issues since May 2007 when she was sitting in her Spanish class and saw a head-on collision between a semi-trailer truck and a Chevy Suburban right in front of her school. “It was an ‘enough’s-enough’ kind of thing,” Gerst said. Over the summer after the accident, she and a few other people discussed organizing an extracurricular group at school. When they returned for the fall, they organized the group: 34 Voices.
In the later two years of her high school career, Gerst gave speeches in Burlington about the road. She and a few other students lobbied in Springfield to Senators and Representatives for money for the road, which found it’s way in to last year’s capital bill. The group even discussed the matter with Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN). Now, though Gerst and many of the group’s founding members have graduated and the group has been on hold as of late.
“They haven’t been active recently,” said West Central Superintendent Ralph Grimm. “There’s no reason to be active.” The hold up in the road’s construction, according to Grimm, is the lack of the money allocated for the project from the State of Illinois, which was a part of 2009’s Capital Bill. The money would be generated by selling capital bonds. “Every delay that occurs in selling those bonds and making that money available delays construction and continues to put students and staff at risk,” said Grimm. “It’s simply a matter of funding.”
But once progress picks up again, Grimm believes the students will “stand ready to mobilize again.” Already in the group’s short history at the high school, they have organized letter writing campaigns and compiled and delivered petitions.
“That’s the next step we’re kind of aiming toward,” said Gerst. “I worked on Highway 34. I lived on Highway 34. I went to school on Highway 34. I couldn’t just avoid it. They can’t ignore us forever.”Until the project moves forward, the school district still worries about the volume of vehicles and the speed at which the travel as they pass the school. “We have a signific ant number of trucks that go by there every day,” said Grimm. “We’ve been extremely lucky. An accident can happen at any time.”
Op-Ed Page
Childhood Obesity
An Editorial by Brittney Parker
The city of Monmouth is failing to collect and provide critical information to its residents about childhood obesity, despite increasing awareness and concern about the problem
Several national magazines have published cover stories on the problem recently, and First Lady Michelle Obama has made childhood obesity a personal crusade. But even with this raised awareness, it’s virtually impossible to find statistics about obesity in Monmouth and Warren County. There are no government or medical offices that can offer statistics on how serious the problem is here.
Schools in the county are doing their part by requiring students to regularly attend gym classes and outdoor recess. But prevention can only succeed if the problem is studied and classified. So far, no one appears to be doing that.
An Editorial by Brittney Parker
The city of Monmouth is failing to collect and provide critical information to its residents about childhood obesity, despite increasing awareness and concern about the problem
Several national magazines have published cover stories on the problem recently, and First Lady Michelle Obama has made childhood obesity a personal crusade. But even with this raised awareness, it’s virtually impossible to find statistics about obesity in Monmouth and Warren County. There are no government or medical offices that can offer statistics on how serious the problem is here.
Schools in the county are doing their part by requiring students to regularly attend gym classes and outdoor recess. But prevention can only succeed if the problem is studied and classified. So far, no one appears to be doing that.
Monday, April 12, 2010
ARE NEWSPAPERS OBSOLETE?
THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM
Monmouth College, in conjunction with its Communication Studies Department, will sponsor an all-star panel discussion on the ‘future of journalism.’ Three esteemed alumni panelists with extensive expertise in the journalism field will join moderator and Visiting Professor Joe Angotti. This program is funded through the college’s Buch Fund for alumni returning to campus and by the Public Affairs Committee.
Set to occur on Thursday, April 15 at 7pm in Wallace Hall 114, the alumni panelists will discuss their perceptions of the direction that modern journalism is taking. Several key questions will be addressed, including:
- What will happen to newspapers?
- Where will we get our news?
- Will there be a need for trained and experienced journalists in the internet age?
Joining Angotti in the discussion will be former Monmouth alums, Jane Carlson, Jay Dickerson, and John Sharp. “I expect this to be a fervent, lively and highly educational forum,” said Angotti. “The overall alterations in the dynamics of the news profession, coupled with the rapid changes in technology, the business of journalism is changing rapidly.”
The Panel
Jane Carlson - graduated from cum laude Monmouth College in 1998 with a degree in English. At MC, she was editor-in-chief of The Oracle for two years, twice received the college’s Rosanna Graham Webster award for creative writing. From 2006 to 2009, she worked at The Register-Mail, first as education reporter and then as features editor. Jane returned to her alma mater in 2009 in a joint position as director of student publications, for which she advises the student newspaper and literary magazine, and a development research officer identifying and qualifying prospective donors to the college.
Jay Dickerson - graduated from Monmouth College in 1999 with a double major in English and Communications and Theater Arts. He worked as the editor of the Tri-County Press in Cuba City, Wis., from 2000-2001; as features editor at the Gaylord Herald Times in Gaylord, Mich., from 2001-2003; and since 2003 has served as the editor of The Galena Gazette in Galena, Ill. He and his wife Hillary, a 2000 Monmouth College graduate and the editor of the Republican Journal in Darlington, Wis., live in Galena and have three daughters.
John Sharp - is the City Hall beat reporter with the Peoria Journal Star as well as an adjunct journalism instructor and student publications adviser at Illinois Central College in East Peoria. He is a 1998 graduate at Monmouth College, having double majored in Speech Communications and Business Administration. John also has a Master of Arts degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois at Springfield. He co-authors a Monday political column called Word on the Street and the daily blog, Word on the Web.
Monmouth College, in conjunction with its Communication Studies Department, will sponsor an all-star panel discussion on the ‘future of journalism.’ Three esteemed alumni panelists with extensive expertise in the journalism field will join moderator and Visiting Professor Joe Angotti. This program is funded through the college’s Buch Fund for alumni returning to campus and by the Public Affairs Committee.
Set to occur on Thursday, April 15 at 7pm in Wallace Hall 114, the alumni panelists will discuss their perceptions of the direction that modern journalism is taking. Several key questions will be addressed, including:
- What will happen to newspapers?
- Where will we get our news?
- Will there be a need for trained and experienced journalists in the internet age?
Joining Angotti in the discussion will be former Monmouth alums, Jane Carlson, Jay Dickerson, and John Sharp. “I expect this to be a fervent, lively and highly educational forum,” said Angotti. “The overall alterations in the dynamics of the news profession, coupled with the rapid changes in technology, the business of journalism is changing rapidly.”
The Panel
Jane Carlson - graduated from cum laude Monmouth College in 1998 with a degree in English. At MC, she was editor-in-chief of The Oracle for two years, twice received the college’s Rosanna Graham Webster award for creative writing. From 2006 to 2009, she worked at The Register-Mail, first as education reporter and then as features editor. Jane returned to her alma mater in 2009 in a joint position as director of student publications, for which she advises the student newspaper and literary magazine, and a development research officer identifying and qualifying prospective donors to the college.
Jay Dickerson - graduated from Monmouth College in 1999 with a double major in English and Communications and Theater Arts. He worked as the editor of the Tri-County Press in Cuba City, Wis., from 2000-2001; as features editor at the Gaylord Herald Times in Gaylord, Mich., from 2001-2003; and since 2003 has served as the editor of The Galena Gazette in Galena, Ill. He and his wife Hillary, a 2000 Monmouth College graduate and the editor of the Republican Journal in Darlington, Wis., live in Galena and have three daughters.
John Sharp - is the City Hall beat reporter with the Peoria Journal Star as well as an adjunct journalism instructor and student publications adviser at Illinois Central College in East Peoria. He is a 1998 graduate at Monmouth College, having double majored in Speech Communications and Business Administration. John also has a Master of Arts degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois at Springfield. He co-authors a Monday political column called Word on the Street and the daily blog, Word on the Web.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
LATE SPORTS SCORES
SOFTBALL
April 14, 2010 vs. Augustana (2) at Rock Island, Ill.
Game 1
Augustana 4, Monmouth 3
Game 2
Augustana 9, Monmouth 1 (8-14, 4-3)
The Scots led briefly in both games, but fell in a twinbill to Augustana 4-3 and 9-1. Brittany Forney's second inning single produced the opening game's first run, but Augustana answered with one of their own in the bottom of the third. Single runs in the fifth and sixth gave Monmouth a 3-1 lead, but the Vikings plated three runs on four hits in the bottom of the sixth to post the win. After Lauren Bergstresser scored in the first inning of Game 2 on a Morgan Seiler single, it was all Augustana thanks to five Scots errors allowing seven unearned runs. A five run sixth ended the game early.
GOLF
MONMOUTH, Ill. – The Monmouth College women played some of their best golf this spring and captured their own Fighting Scots Spring Invitational at Gibson Woods Golf Course last weekend.
The Fighting Scots cruised to an 18-stroke victory after a scheduling change forced them to host their own tournament. Monmouth’s 395 was paced by senior medalist Lynsey Barnard’s 92. Kristin Humphrey took third with a 94. A 98 placed Nicole Hurst fifth. Senior Kendra Catteron toured the course with a 111 to tie for ninth and Kayla Winbigler took 11th after carding a 120.
SOFTBALL
April 11
St. Norbert 7, Monmouth 0 (8-12, 4-3)
April 10 (triple header)at Janesville, WI
Monmouth 9 Lawrence 5
Monmouth 8 Carroll 5
Beloit 2, Monmouth 1
April 14, 2010 vs. Augustana (2) at Rock Island, Ill.
Game 1
Augustana 4, Monmouth 3
Game 2
Augustana 9, Monmouth 1 (8-14, 4-3)
The Scots led briefly in both games, but fell in a twinbill to Augustana 4-3 and 9-1. Brittany Forney's second inning single produced the opening game's first run, but Augustana answered with one of their own in the bottom of the third. Single runs in the fifth and sixth gave Monmouth a 3-1 lead, but the Vikings plated three runs on four hits in the bottom of the sixth to post the win. After Lauren Bergstresser scored in the first inning of Game 2 on a Morgan Seiler single, it was all Augustana thanks to five Scots errors allowing seven unearned runs. A five run sixth ended the game early.
GOLF
MONMOUTH, Ill. – The Monmouth College women played some of their best golf this spring and captured their own Fighting Scots Spring Invitational at Gibson Woods Golf Course last weekend.
The Fighting Scots cruised to an 18-stroke victory after a scheduling change forced them to host their own tournament. Monmouth’s 395 was paced by senior medalist Lynsey Barnard’s 92. Kristin Humphrey took third with a 94. A 98 placed Nicole Hurst fifth. Senior Kendra Catteron toured the course with a 111 to tie for ninth and Kayla Winbigler took 11th after carding a 120.
SOFTBALL
April 11
St. Norbert 7, Monmouth 0 (8-12, 4-3)
April 10 (triple header)at Janesville, WI
Monmouth 9 Lawrence 5
Monmouth 8 Carroll 5
Beloit 2, Monmouth 1
Thursday, April 8, 2010
TURNING SHAME TO FAME
MONMOUTH'S WALL OF FAME
By Tynan Sinks
(MONMOUTH) In many towns across America, young people are hard pressed to find artistic outlets. Many young men and women take to the streets and make the walls of their city the canvas for their work. Monmouth is no different. It is not hard to find street art on many of the town’s buildings. Most of these forms of self expression are illegal and looked down upon by local residents. Many of the young artists tend to get arrested and punished for their actions.
When the back alley wall of The Buchanan Center for the Arts was being defaced, however, Director Susan Twomey decided to take a different approach to solve the problem. After seeing a piece of graffiti that was particularly high on the wall, she was worried not only for her building, but for the safety of the people who were tagging it. She left a note asking the artist to come in and talk with her about a more positive outlet for their artwork.
After meeting with three young men ages sixteen to nineteen, she invited them to come up with a mural design for the back wall of the Buchanan Center, and they agreed. “I could tell that they were good guys from the start,” said Twomey, “because if they weren’t, they would have never come in to talk to me.” Only a few days later, one of the young men came in with an initial mural design. Twomey took it to the board of directors, who were at first a bit skeptical about her idea, but soon felt a sense of pride in the concept of giving the artists an outlet for their work. After a few minor changes to the design, they unanimously approved the idea.
The idea was not embraced so quickly by the community though. At first, Twomey met with quite a bit of adversity because she was working so closely with these young people who many viewed as hoodlums. “Don’t you want them arrested?” One local man asked her, “That’s the only way they’re going to learn.” But Susan believed there were other ways. That’s not to say she wasn’t apprehensive though, “At first, I wanted anonymity,” She explained. She did not want to become too close with any of them in case one of them got into trouble with the law. Despite that, she and the boys soon built a bond of trust.
Susan was not the only one who began to trust them. As the project went on, locals started to see them frequently working hard on the mural and began to view them more as artists than gang members. Many people began to drop off donations for more paints and supplies to help the mural grow. It began to feel like the community was standing behind these young artists and their work. Most of the young people had rough home lives, and began to view the Buchanan Center as something of a safe haven for not only their work, but also themselves, and started hanging around the Center in their free time. “I began to refer to them as my lost boys,” Twomey said. They started hanging around the Buchanan Center for the Arts started to become something of a second home for many of the young people involved in the project, spending their free time there, doing homework, and working on art projects of their own.
Today, the first phase of the mural has been completed and it has evolved into an ongoing project between the Buchanan Center, The Lost Boys, and the community. As spring warms into summer, you can be sure to see some of Monmouth’s most talented local young artists hard at work on this remarkable mural that is bringing a new awareness and understanding to the community.
By Tynan Sinks
(MONMOUTH) In many towns across America, young people are hard pressed to find artistic outlets. Many young men and women take to the streets and make the walls of their city the canvas for their work. Monmouth is no different. It is not hard to find street art on many of the town’s buildings. Most of these forms of self expression are illegal and looked down upon by local residents. Many of the young artists tend to get arrested and punished for their actions.
When the back alley wall of The Buchanan Center for the Arts was being defaced, however, Director Susan Twomey decided to take a different approach to solve the problem. After seeing a piece of graffiti that was particularly high on the wall, she was worried not only for her building, but for the safety of the people who were tagging it. She left a note asking the artist to come in and talk with her about a more positive outlet for their artwork.
After meeting with three young men ages sixteen to nineteen, she invited them to come up with a mural design for the back wall of the Buchanan Center, and they agreed. “I could tell that they were good guys from the start,” said Twomey, “because if they weren’t, they would have never come in to talk to me.” Only a few days later, one of the young men came in with an initial mural design. Twomey took it to the board of directors, who were at first a bit skeptical about her idea, but soon felt a sense of pride in the concept of giving the artists an outlet for their work. After a few minor changes to the design, they unanimously approved the idea.
The idea was not embraced so quickly by the community though. At first, Twomey met with quite a bit of adversity because she was working so closely with these young people who many viewed as hoodlums. “Don’t you want them arrested?” One local man asked her, “That’s the only way they’re going to learn.” But Susan believed there were other ways. That’s not to say she wasn’t apprehensive though, “At first, I wanted anonymity,” She explained. She did not want to become too close with any of them in case one of them got into trouble with the law. Despite that, she and the boys soon built a bond of trust.
Susan was not the only one who began to trust them. As the project went on, locals started to see them frequently working hard on the mural and began to view them more as artists than gang members. Many people began to drop off donations for more paints and supplies to help the mural grow. It began to feel like the community was standing behind these young artists and their work. Most of the young people had rough home lives, and began to view the Buchanan Center as something of a safe haven for not only their work, but also themselves, and started hanging around the Center in their free time. “I began to refer to them as my lost boys,” Twomey said. They started hanging around the Buchanan Center for the Arts started to become something of a second home for many of the young people involved in the project, spending their free time there, doing homework, and working on art projects of their own.
Today, the first phase of the mural has been completed and it has evolved into an ongoing project between the Buchanan Center, The Lost Boys, and the community. As spring warms into summer, you can be sure to see some of Monmouth’s most talented local young artists hard at work on this remarkable mural that is bringing a new awareness and understanding to the community.
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