Western Courier | March 21st, 2018

Opinions: Get out of the dorms and live off campus.

Sports: NFL free agency moves shake up the league.

Sports: Baseball back in action.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018 - Vol. 118 Issue 67

2018 Illinois Primary Results Republican Gov. Primary Bruce Raunner

Democratic Gov. Primary J.B. Pritzker

McDonough County Sheriff Nicholas Petitgout

51.5%

45.6%

64.36%

Jeanne Ives

Daniel Biss

Justin Lundgren

48.5%

26.3%

25.81%

Chris Kennedy

Bryan Baca

88% of precincts reporting

Results as of 10:59 p.m 3.20.18

88% of precincts reporting

By Steven Barnum assistant news editor

9.83%

24.1%

100% of precincts reporting

SGA asks uTech to act

By Marc Ramirez assistant news editor

Student Government Association Director of Technology Rome Hamm (bottom) presents legislation asking Western Illinois University uTech to consider finishing the migration of student account services from Zimbra to Google as Speaker of the Senate Patrick Quinlan (top) facilitates.

The Student Government Association discussed University Technology, known as uTech, and the thought of them prioritizing helping students prepare their day to day routines and assist in implementing a finals class schedule on each students account during Tuesday’s meeting.

During the Spring and Summer of 2016, University Technology made a transition from Zimbra to Google apps. These apps range from email to calendar programs. Similar to the current my WIU Portal, Zimbra was used to access email, Western Online, and Word applications. The transition was made to increase accessibility and increase student storage.

SGA Director of Technology, Rome Hamm, proposed Bill of Resolution 2017-2018.006 for University Technology to make it a priority to implement class schedules for Western students directly into a student’s Google Calendar similar to that of Zimbra.

“When I was talking to University Technology at the beginning of last semester, I had the Google Calendar already

St. Patrick's Day arrest made

implemented so I could already see my class schedule nicely within the calendar,” said Hamm, “It was really helpful for me, it had exactly what time your classes were, what rooms they would be, and also had your final schedule programmed in for you.”

Instead of Zimbra, Hamm had the opportunity to access Google calendar as a uTech employee. According to Hamm, this was a helpful tool that should be made available to all students at Western.

Hamm continued to mention that University Technology currently has a graduate student working on the issue. The main priority for the department is to continue working to improve Western Online, then implement the use of the Google Calendar, therefore uTech may be able to get the project kicked off and finished by the end of the semester.

“Hopefully with the passing of this it will show that this is also important to us students,” said Hamm.

SGA page 3

A Hancock County resident was arrested for drug possession on St. Patrick’s Day. Michael J. Morgan was pulled over by a night shift patrol deputy at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, according to McDonough County Sheriff Rick Vanbrooker, after the 30 year old failed to use a turn signal.

The suspect’s vehicle was pulled over just north of Route 9 on Highway 67. A routine traffic stop ensued until the deputy grew suspicious of criminal activity.

Morgan, who cooperated when asked if his vehicle could be searched, was in possession of methamphetamine residue, paraphernalia, and a taser.

It was after that discovery that the deputy placed Morgan under arrest. After the suspect was lodged in the McDonough County Jail, an additional search found that he was also in possession of over three grams of Methamphetamine, three grams of cannabis, and 12 Methylphenidate Hydrochloride pills.

While the suspect was charged with possession of a controlled substance, intent to deliver, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, he also received tickets for driving under the influence of drugs, improper lane usage, failure to signal intent to turn and possession of cannabis under 10 grams.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

2

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

NEWS

WesternCourier.com

City Council discusses road plans

file photo

Members of the City Council discuss allcoating money to help further improve roads.

Steven Barnum

is $990,000.

The plan, which IDOT will assistant news editor A tax for maintain- help fund, includes funding roads in the area was ing for materials like salt among the topics discussed for roads and running snow during Monday’s city plows during the winter. The plan would run from May 1 council meeting.

According to the Illinois of this year through April 30 Highway Code, roads of 2019, which is the upcomand highways in the state ing fiscal year. Ultimately, the must be maintained with resolution was adopted. money received from Bids for a project dubbed the Illinois Department “The 2018 Street Improvement Project” are scheduled to of Transportation (IDOT).

Each year, the city of Macomb take place on Wednesday, must approve how money March 21. received from IDOT is spent.

“There’s a desire to get that The motor fuel tax resolution award out quickly”, said would bring in over $670,000, Mayor Mike Inman, referand the budget for the plan ring to the urgency to get the

WC Located on the third floor of the Heating Plant Annex on the south end of campus across from Sherman Hall.

Mail: 1 University Circle, WIU, Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: 309-298-1876 Fax: 309-298-2309 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays E-mail: micour@wiu.edu Member: Illinois College Press Association, National Association College Press

project started.

The Committee of the Whole Power to Act will award the bid during their next meeting on Monday, March 26.

A proposal to transfer money from the town’s water fund to the project fund was also discussed. The transfer, which would be in the amount of $230,000, would simplify things according to City Administrator Dean Torreson.

The council authorized the transfer.“This will pay for the northwest water project that will start soon,” Torreson said, “This is a way to keep better track of project costs that come out of a

STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Nicholas Ebelhack NA-Ebelhack@wiu.edu assistant news editor Marc Ramirez MA-Ramirez3@wiu.edu assistant news editor Steven Barnum SS-Barnum@wiu.edu opinions editor Ryan Zurek RP-Zurek@wiu.edu sports editor Devon Greene DJ-Greene@wiu.edu assistant sports editor Haley Richards H-Richards@wiu.edu edge editor Baylee Brynteson BM-Brynteson@wiu.edu copy editor Brie Coder B-Coder@wiu.edu

proofreader Valerie Clemens VN-Clemens@wiu.edu proofreader Alexis Lowe AL-Lowe@wiu.edu proofreader Tacuma Venzant T-Venzant@wiu.edu photo editor Becca Langys RE-Langys@wiu.edu assistant photo editor Sara Remar SE-Remar@wiu.edu production manager Jimmy Pierson JM-Pierson@wiu.edu business manager Faith Rucker F-Rucker@wiu.edu advertising manager Patryk Mazur P-Mazur@wiu.edu adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu

separate fund.”

During this weeks meeting, the mayor also listed names that he would like to appoint as members of the 2018 Heritage Days Committee.

Those names are John Armstrong, Rachel Lenz, Jock Hedblade, Jan Armstrong, Marsha McCormick, Chris Krohe, Kristin Terry, Jeremy Kitch, Megan Winters, Kayla Morphey, Lin Stults and Stan Clayton, and they were all concurred to be on the committee by the council. Echoing the council’s support was Alderman John Vigezzi, congratulating both those who have been on the committee

and those who are new.

Per Alderman Gayle Carper, a meeting for a Macomb housing project took place on Monday night. The housing will be in wards four and five.

“I’m really happy to announce that the city of Macomb housing grant we received is moving ahead,” Carper said, citing the opportunity for safer housing in town.

In closing, the council encouraged the public to vote in the election that took place yesterday. The election was headlined by a governor ’s primary in both parties.

PUBLISHING AND CIRCULATION

ADVERTISING POLICY

The Western Courier is published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the regular school year, excluding holidays, finals week and semester breaks. The WC updates the website weekly during the summer. All content reflects the editorial discretion of the students operating the newspaper and must be interpreted as unofficial university communication. While every attempt is made to determine the validity of advertising contained herein, the advertising in the WC is not to be construed as endorsements of any specific products or services. The WC assumes no responsibility or liability resulting from the content of paid advertisements. Subscription price is $36 per year mailed third-class bulk rate from Macomb.

The WC is printed by The Galesburg Register-Mail in Galesburg, Ill.

COPYRIGHT 2017

No reproduction or reuse of material is permitted without written consent of the WC. All rights reserved. To request permission to reprint any material from this publication, please contact Nicholas Ebelhack or Will Buss at 309-298-1876.

The WC does not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, handicapped status, veteran or sexual orientation, nor does it knowingly print ads that violate any local, state or federal laws.

One copy of the Western Courier is free.

Additional copies $1.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The WC needs your help to maintain accuracy. If you find a factual error, call the WC office at 309-298-1876 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Please ask to speak to an editor to ensure the inaccurate information can be corrected as quickly as possible.

@WesternCourier

SGA

from front page

Coauthor on the Bill of Resolution was Alexander Lopez, Senator of the Latin American Student Organization. Lopez also added that the adoption of a systematic calendar could help aid students with their education.

“This would help students build their finals schedules without having to write it out,” Lopez said.

“Students would be able to see it there on their phones, laptops or tablets and not have to keep a physical written out copy them.”

Bill of Resolution 2017-2018.006 was passed unanimously by the legislative body.

Another important topic mentioned during the legislative ses-

Wednesday, March 21, 2018 sion was that inteviews for the open provost spot art Western will begin later this week. The provost serves as the vice president of academic affairs and as the chief academic officer of the University.

The first open session will take place at the Macomb campus for the first candidate Thursday, March 22 in Stipes 501. Candidate George Arasimowicz will be answering questions students and people in the community may have.

SGA Director of Public Relations Colton Markey believes that this would be a great opportunity to ask each candidate what they are planning to do to better the University and what they have done in the past to ensure they are the right pick for the job.

NEWS 3

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

4 OPINIONS

WesternCourier.com

Find a cheaper place to live

When people come to college, some are excited to live in dorms while others just can’t wait to get out of them. A lot of times, the freshmen look up how to set up their dorm rooms and are dying to know who their new roommates are. Some people are lucky enough to even get a single dorm room in their first years of college. At Western Illinois University, you have to live in the dorms for two years or have at least 60 credits. That seems fair since the school gets a chunk

Dear President Thomas, I am disappointed in the response to the recent rash of fist-fighting on campus. I understand that you felt a need to strongly denounce such conduct; let us consider the matter adequately denounced, and move forward.

The fact of the matter is that people are people all over the world. Fighting is an activity not unknown to mankind. At its root, the issue here is one of lack of official sanction. Considering official sanction, such as the bombing of the opera house in Dresden, the genocide of the German people following World War II (while decrying the genocide of the Jewish people), biological warfare against Native American peoples, the Tuskegee experiments, et al., it appears as if official sanction is virtually worthless, if not outright baneful.

Let us then pause a moment to be grateful for the lack of official sanction of these events.

Through the course of my many years, I have learned to be cautious of judging others. In order to judge another, I must first sit in judgment of myself, and I am intimately aware of my own failings, maintaining an awareness of my goals and intent through those times, with knowledge of prevailing conditions and context of those acts. And I find that most, if not all, of the worst things I have done I did when I acted in ignorance.

Let us then pause a moment to take joy in our rightful hope— that ignorance is a disorder curable with proper treatment; though a number of resistant strains show little to no improvement by available means.

So, we have two distinct prob-

of money from on campus housing. Living in the residence halls can be a blessing and a curse. In my opinion, if it came down to it, I would most likely not live there again.

As the semester comes to an end, people are looking at where they’ll be living next year. This can be stressful. I know this by personal experience because houses fill up fast, leases get signed and even the good dorms might be taken. I lived in the residence halls for two years.

I lived in Bay-Henn freshman year and Thompson sophomore year.

One day, I was randomly looking at my financial aid because I live off campus this year, and was I shocked. I found out that I was paying around $5,000 to live in the dorms. This included room and board. That is half of my tuition. I figured it was expensive because living in a normal house is expensive when you count all the utilities and food, but I didn’t realize it was $5,000 a semester. The good side to this though is you get a minimum of $1,800 on your meal plan for the semester. The downside for me was the dining hall food, and the convenience store food which was super expensive.

I liked that the meal plan is a

swipe card and you can use it as many times as you want, but that really adds up. Kitchens are available in the residence halls, but if I wanted to cook something, I would most likely have to go to Walmart.

All in all, this could add up, and I remember spending tons of money on food freshman and sophomore year. I’m also not a fan of sharing a room. It’s hard to accommodate with your roommate's schedule.

I personally just like having my own space.

This year, I chose to live in my sorority house and I am saving over $5,000. We do have a chef and meals are provided similarly to the residence halls, but the rent is so cheap that I am able to buy food when needed. Living off campus

was the smartest idea for me because I was able to take more classes so I can graduate on time. The money that I would have used for the dorms is currently applied towards my tuition, books and class choices. Financially, a burden was lifted off of my shoulders, because I knew I could afford to come back to school, have the opportunity to live off of campus and take the amount of classes needed to graduate. If someone is looking to save money, they definitely should live off campus.

Depending on where you live, you can save lots of money. If I was given the option to live in the dorms again I would decline it because I am finally financially stable.

lems upon us, and it is proper that we should give them both our attention to the extent amenable toward ensuring future outcomes in accord with established goals.

First, dealing with those students involved in those altercations is necessary. An interim suspension appears a given, though we must be careful to avoid equating unwarranted aggression with defending oneself. Chances are, were I walking to the library and someone took a swing at me, I would be likely to swing right back, thinking little of it, though going to my car to get a jack handle to do the swinging would strike me as out-of-line. So, a bit of caution is in order.

I am of the mind that police involvement should end with breaking up the fight, with, perhaps, the exception of the non-student. It is one thing to err and err badly, and quite another to bear a stain that cannot be washed away. President Thomas, the very fact that these, my fellow students, engaged in such conduct is indication that they are needy of your leadership and guidance, and, most likely, now more than ever before.

If you recognize this as that same principle which holds that it is not when rights are well-established, agreed on, and observed that one need rely on authority to uphold them, but when one voices an unpopular view, worships a different god, or votes for an opposing candidate that one most needs their rights protected— then you are quite correct.

My own suggestion follows two established management principles: 1) At times, one can gain more control through allocation of tasks, and 2) those most near a problem are often most likely to recognize

issues with proposed solutions.

Whereas I would be inclined to suggest involvement of the student government, in this particular case, I find the recurring fundamental misunderstandings of Mr. Gradle quite disconcerting, and therefore propose to maintain a low level of involvement by the SGA. I propose that the SGA form a committee to review the facts, permitting the suspended students to appear to offer what justifications they might, resolving these with available video, to make formal recommendations as to the deserving sanction imposed on each student; the SGA selecting among those students who were present at these various altercations to do so. The SGA would then forward these recommendations on for institutional approval, after having read them into the record.

Let the students sit in judgment of the students. I have every reason to believe you will be quite pleased with the results.

Let us not forget that these are students under discussion, and not rabid animals. President Thomas, your benevolence should remain available to these who sorely need it, though it should not be too easily available, while shielding them from the worst of the harm. They learn by watching, and they know what a measured approach looks like, to some degree. Now is a time for leadership; these students have already demonstrated they have a discernible need for it.

And this brings us to the second problem, which I am uncertain of a meaningful resolution for, as it requires some introspection; and I find, on the whole, an aversion to such introspection generally.

It is often the case that our crimi-

nal justice system acts as a means of assigning personal responsibility to societal problems; we would do well to avoid the same. What was our part in these fights? Why did these students hold grievances they felt inadequately expressed but through violence? Why were they not separated before they came to blows? What could we have done differently? What resources were available to these students, and why did they feel unable to use them?

Are we devoted to denying a context for their actions? Will we permit these same conditions to prevail on future occasions, unimpeded? Do you suppose that, if we say bad words at them emphatically enough, conditions and context will simply disappear?

President Thomas, the current decline in enrollment has given you an unprecedented opportunity. Generally speaking, a smaller vessel will have greater maneuverability. Institutional changes not

feasible before now show greater viability. The one thing for certain is that it is unclear how long this window of opportunity will last.

If history is any indicator, it will not remain open forever. Now is the time for leadership.

President Thomas, your best source for information on these issues at present is those very same students who were involved in the fighting. They can provide you insight free of conjecture. This will be integral in achieving a lasting resolution beyond the immediate incidents. These are pieces of the puzzle of a lasting peace. In this way, your benevolence toward them is very much to your own benefit. I advise you to not neglect it.

Finding solutions feels a lot better than dwelling on problems.

Thank you for your time.

Letter to the Editor

Sincerely, William M. Hart General Studies Major

Editorial Policy The editoral views of the Western Courier shall be confined to this editorial and are to be separate from news coverage otherwise noted. The editoral presented is based on the ideas and views of the WC editoral board.Columns are the opinions of the columnists alone and should not be construed as the opinions and beliefs of the WC staff as a whole.

Letters & Local Forum Policies E-mail letters to the Editor and Local Forum messages to micour@wiu.edu.

Letters should not be more than 350 words in length. The author’s name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Failure to include such information will lead to the letter being discarded. The WC staff will edit letters in cases of timeliness, obscenity length and grammer, and we do not guarantee publication of all letters.

2018 Spring Semester Editorial Board Editor-in-Cheif - Nicholas Ebelhack Edge Editor - Baylee Bryntesson Opinions Editor - Ryan Zurek

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

@WesternCourier

OPINIONS 5

Cambridge Analytica findings are more serious than you think The safety of our personal information on the Internet has been a concern ever since the Net was first introduced.

It ranges from sharing too much personal information on our social media accounts, all the way to the government can accessing everything in our lives through technology.

The leaking of personal information has even taken a lighter turn recently with the viral spread of the tweets joking that the FBI agents are watching us through our webcams.

However, over the last week, another common social media site has come under hard scrutiny.

Facebook has been under a lot of pressure concerning their privacy measures with their user ’s data. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun approaching and questioning Facebook with concerns about their connection to a data analysis firm,

Cambridge Analytica. Cambridge Analytica is a London based firm that collaborates with businesses and political parties who want to “change audience behavior.” They collect large amounts of consumer data and provide information to these parties about specific groups that would be beneficial for them to target.

The news over this past week and into this week has to do with the transfer of data between Facebook, Cambridge Analytica and the past 2016 campaign for President Trump. According to reports on USA Today and the NY times, over 50 million Facebook profiles had data harvested off of them for the collection of data in 2014 leading up to 2016. According to the NY Times, large amounts of money came from the Trump Campaign to fund Cambridge Analytica throughout

this. Cambridge Analytica offered to pay Facebook users a small sum for their participation in a personality quiz. Through that quiz, they scraped information from the user ’s personal profiles and the profiles of their friends.

The researcher at Cambridge Analytica behind all of this claimed it was for academic purposes instead of political use. Facebook, although claiming to have no knowledge about all of this, failed immensely at keeping their user ’s data secure. Because of this, Facebook is going to have meetings throughout this week with lawmakers briefing them on their relationship with Cambridge Analytica. As of last Friday, Facebook has suspended Cambridge Analytica from performing through Facebook until the investigation is finished.

The idea of political parties illegally obtaining information from citizens to find ways to work the election makes the idea of our true democracy a hard one to swallow. However, what could come across even worse is the

idea that the information we put on Facebook isn’t being kept private, even if we select that we want it to be private.

The NY times reported, even when users were taking these quizzes and selecting that they didn’t want to share on their profile information, it was still being collected.

From the moment the Net was first created, we have been warned of what not to post and how much information to put out there. Whether its Twitter, Facebook or whatever other social media sites we occupy, let’s set an example by not sharing too much information online.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

6 SPORTS

Baseball from back page

Junior Deion Thompson is also a big offensive leader for Western Illinois. Thompson has a .273 batting average on the season accompanied by a .345 slugging percentage.

Thompson is also tied for second in the Summit League in stolen bases with seven.

Thompson also has one home run, one double and ten RBIs so far this year.

McShane is also having a stellar year in the outfield having a 1.000 fielding percentage. Thompson is also

doing pretty well at third base posting a .882 fielding percentage. What prevents Thompson from achieving the perfect fielding percentage are four errors on the season.

Leading the Saints in batting average is junior outfielder Drake Lubin. Lubin tops the list for the Saints posting a .386 batting average with six doubles, one home run and 11 RBIs this season. Lubin has started every game this season for the Saints and has 25 runs and 32 hits in his 82 at bats which leads the team in both categories.

Twitter: thefluffy66

WesternCourier.com

ANGEL STRACK/COURIER STAFF

Deion Thompson keeps an eye on the pitcher as he waits on base.

Softball from back page

Sam Ralphs prepares for her at bat.

JASMYNE TAYLOR/COURIER STAFF

CLASSIFIEDS

WC

For Rent

For Rent

Submit a classifieds ad to Micour@wiu.edu

1 & 2 bedroom apartments, new $250 signing bonus on 10 and 12 month leases. Two blocks from campus. Bus stops nearby. Free water, garbage and parking. Laundry onsite. Clean, well maintained and secure. Call Ted 309-837-5600 or visit markertrental.com.

Spacious 2-5 bedroom homes for rent. 10 month lease available. Great locations, close to bus stops, plenty off street parking, all new windows, AC, energy efficient furnace, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, free washer/dryer. Well maintained (24 hrs.) by local landlord.

Call 309-255-1233.

Houses for Rent 2016/2017: A&D Real Estate has several 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses for rent, all with at least 2 bathrooms, recently rennovated and located close to campus. Call for a tour or visit our website at www.wiucollegerentals.com. Local landlord with a focus on clean and updated housing with personal service for your college housing needs. 309-313-1122.

FALL INTO SAVINGS with Charleston Boulevard Apartments! Now offering SPECIAL RATES through Dec. 2017! Call for specific details 309-833-4545!.

NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2016-2017 Our houses have hard wood floors, ceramic tile, central air, washer and dryer and are close to campus with plenty of parking. We offer a ten month lease so you don’t pay for the months you aren’t here. Please call 309-255-1959 for a showing.

Now showing for 2017 & 2018 year 2, 3, and 5 bedrooms homes all close to campus. Call 309-331-4565.

Westen Investments has only two 4-Bedroom brich houses available. Call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing! We will show to 2-3 person groups as well!

STC Investments now leasing for the 18/19 school year. We have 1-6 bedroom apartments/houses ready for you to call home! Check out our selection at www.stcinvestments.com.

You can also find us on Facebook to see daily posts!

“It is all about bouncing back, we needed momentum,” said head coach Beth Golitko. “It was all about trusting each other and keeping it simple at the plate.

We talked about staying focused on the process and staying relaxed and the outcome will be what we need it to be. We took the pressure off of ourselves and the bats came alive.”

As of now, Western is sitting at the bottom of the conference. North Dakota State University leads the Summit League with a record of 17-7.

In second is South Dakota State University at 14-9.

Indiana University-Purdue

LARGE STUDENT RENTALS 5 and 6 Bedroom Homes are still available!! Ask for our $1000.00 Discount program! Firsrt come first serve for the last large homes that are open for the fall.

NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2017-2018 Our houses have wood floors, ceramic tile, W/D, central air, and are close to campus with plentry of parking. We offer low rent and a 10 month lease to save you money! Call 309-255-1959 for a showing.

Small 1BR apt near campus and downtown. All utilities included. (Electric, Water, DISH, Garbage) $500/month, $300 deposit. Available immediately. Also have 2BR, you pay electric. $600/month, $350 deposit available September 1st. Please contact 309-255-4367 for a showing.

CLEAN, REMODELED, AND WELL MAINTAINED HOUSES AND APTS FOR RENT IN GREAT LOCATIONS. UTILITIES PAID FOR APARTMENTS. RENTING NOW FOR FALL 2017.

ALSO RENTING TWO APTS FOR SPRING 2016. CALL JASON AT 309-221-3985.

Timbercrest Apartments 1587 Riverview Drive Now showing 1 & 2 Bedroom Units. Very clean, close to WIU campus with bus stop in front of building. Washer/dryer available in most units, all other appliances included, FREE INTERNET, ceiling fans in every room, pet friendly. All units have off street parking and private decks overlooking campus. Both 10- and 12-month leases are available. Openings for Summer 2017 and school year 2017/2018. Deposit required. Phone (309)833-3192 and leave message.

Westen Investments has just one 3-Bedroom ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED (Water, Sewer, Trash, Gas, Electric, and Internet) Apartment left! That’s right you just pay for rent, and the rest of it is on us! Call our office at 309-833-5995 to check it out.

Looking for 2 roommates to share a 3-bedroom furnished house beginning in August for 2018-19. 10- to 12-month contract. New carpet, air, garage w/ storage, laundry. $300 each per month, plus utilities. Call Sharon at 309-338-3888.

University Fort Wayne is in third with a record of 12-19. Next are University of Nebraska-Omaha in fourth and the University of South Dakota in fifth.

The rankings as of now are strictly based on overall records. Conference games will begin next weekend. The Purple and Gold will head to Vermillion, South Dakota at the end of March for a two-game series. Following this game against Bradley, the Leathernecks only have 13 more games until the Summit League tournament. The top four teams will make it to the conference tournament at the end of the season. This year ’s tournament will be held May 8- 12 in Fargo, North Dakota.

Twitter: hayfourrr

RATES $5.50 per issue (open rate) $4.00 per issue (campus rate)

For Rent Available now: Close to campus, clean studio apartments, excellent condition, reasonable rent, and partly furnished.

Ceiling fans and a/c. Professionally maintained. No pets.

Semester leases offered. Call 309 837 4369 and leave your phone number if not there. Email: MandKhousing@gmail.com ALL APARTMENTS - ALL INCLUSIVE Get control of your budget. Know exactly what you are spending each month. Each apartment includes free a/c, free heat, free electricity, free water, free cable tv, free hi speed internet, and free off street parking. Laundry on site.

No noise policy. Bus stop across the street. Close to campus. Well maintained. Studios are $460/mo, One bedrooms are $620/mo. Call Doug at 309-255-8179 for an appointment.

Westen Investments still has affordable 1-4 Bedroom Apartment/Houses available. Be sure to check out our website (www.westeninvest.com) to see our available listings, and call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to win prize giveaways!

APARTMENT FOR RENT: FOR QUIET PERSON. ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT LOCATED AT 314 West Carroll ST Macomb, Ill 61455. Available end of August 2017-new carpeting yearly lease SMALEST FURNISHED IN MACOMB $345.00/month - HEAT & AC INCLUDED private entrance, off-street parking included call for appointment309-837-4748 or 255-5075 woodburning fireplace, ask for Paul.

For Rent: Little Swan Lake, 30 min from campus. 2br, 2bth, heated double car garage with work area. $600 per mo.

(309) 335-2206 after 6:00 pm, may leave message anytime.

Spacious 3 Bedroom Upper in Duplex close to campus and Jackson St. All utilities furnished and appliances Includes cable and internet 18/19 school year $375.00 per Br Ph 309 255 8086 Please leave message

Sports 7

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

@WesternCourier

Free agents in the NFL and the upcoming season

WIKIMEDIA.COM

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins carries the ball on a play.

Amid March Madness and baseball spring training, the NFL has been shaken up by the opening of the free agency. Last season in the NFL, we saw a team that did not win a single game, and a backup quarterback hold up the Lombardi trophy after beating one of the most dominant sports franchise in the past 20 years, the New England Patriots. So now the question is who will compete, and who will not?

Starting off with the worst team in the NFL, the Cleveland Browns have only won one game in the past two years and are looking to turn things around this year. Instead of just free agents, the Browns made multiple trades to bolster their roster in hopes of creating a team worthy of competing in the NFL. They are focused on looking for high potential offensive weapons and experience on defense. First was acquiring the speedy wideout Jarvis Landry from the Miami Dolphins. Landry led the NFL in receptions last year with 112 and has eclipsed over 1,000 reception yards twice before. The 25-yearold has impressive stats and will also add explosiveness and speed to widen out the core that already contains the speedy Josh Gordon.

Then, the Browns continued looking to the sky to find a quarterback that will help the team add depth and skill to a position it has lacked in many years. The Browns have had over 27 starting quarterbacks in just 18 years, and what might be number 28 next season in

Tyrod Taylor. The young quarterback comes from the Buffalo Bills who have not had flashy numbers with only 2,799 yards and 14 TD, but only four interceptions. The 28-year-old quarterback has much to improve upon, but still has starting quarterback capability, and can help the Browns turn around their failing team.

Finally, on offense, the Browns acquired RB Carlos Hyde from the San Francisco 49’ers. Hyde has shown talent in San Francisco. He has not put up all-star numbers, but averages 4.2 yards per carry. In the AFC North, the consistent running back numbers are important in getting wins. The Browns put in an offensive push to gain talent and succeeded.

On defense, they added a secondtier defensive back from Oakland named T.J. Carrie, Chris Smith an average defensive lineman and Chris Hubbard a strong offensive lineman. This team already made waves in free agency with nine picks in the upcoming draft and five picks in the first two rounds, they look to come out strong, young and aggressive and just maybe have a winning season.

Moving from the worst to the best, the NFC and AFC champions have not dropped a level in free agency. First, the New England Patriots have added talent to a roster that had super bowl winning talent already. After losing Dion Lewis, they added Jeremy Hill, who has had success in Cincinnati but was replaced by younger talent.

They added pass rusher Adrian Clayborn from Atlanta, which will help them increase their chances of making it to the super bowl.

Meanwhile, the Eagles added defensive line talent and look to hold up the Lombardi trophy once more. Another improving competitive team is Minnesota, who added Kirk Cousins to a team that almost made it to the NFC championship game. Teams at the top look to compete once more and remain the best in the league.

Of course in free agency there are teams that have inspired new hope to their organization, but there are those that seem to have failed and must hit the reset button and look to rebuild and endure a bad season.

The Indianapolis Colts had a lot of cap space to spend on free agency, but instead decided to wait and look for a different season to try and compete. This would mean that Jim Irsay is looking at the draft in order to find talent. The Baltimore Ravens have not acquired big name talent that will be needed to compete in the AFC North and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Dolphins are a team that due to bad signings, had to release more players than they could acquire.

Jarvis Landry, Ndamukong Suh and more were added to the free agency.

While other teams have added talent, these teams are looking worse and are looking to rebuild after this year.

The NFL has a new wave of energy as the Browns, Bears, Chargers, Broncos and others are at the struggling top of the field, where as teams like Seattle, Green Bay and others have struggled in this offseason. No one knows where this season will go, but one thing is for sure and that’s new faces will rise, and some leaders will fall.

Women's golf excels in Florida tournament SORRENTO, Fla. — Due to weather, the Western Illinois women's golf team wrapped up play at the Morehead State University Citrus Challenge with a two-round total for sixth place out of 14 teams.

Western Illinois shot a teambest 618 over a two-round span for 2018 (+43) behind champion Florida Gulf Coast (+21), Murray State and Keiser University (+33), Austin Peay (+34) and Morehead State (+42).

“We had a good second round and a very solid third,” said head coach Lia Biehl Lukkarinen. “The third round won't count because not all of the teams were able to finish today, but we did have some good things to build on.”

Senior Allie Leingang just missed the top-10, posting an 11th place finish with a tworound total of 152 (+8) to lead the Leathernecks. Right behind Leingang was Ashley Dumbler,

who tied for 12th with a tworound total of 153 (+9).

At the No. 4 spot, freshman Bridget Connolly tied for 23rd with a 79 and 76 to post a 155 (+11). Senior Alex Krehbiel shot an 82 and 77 (159) to finish 15-over, while Cassidy Jurkaites capped off the team score tied for 46th with a two-round slate of 161 (+17).

Nicole Hamilton-Cross posted the second-lowest score out of the individual field, as she shot a 158 (+14) with rounds of 81 and 77. Mariah Peters and Katy Schmitt tied for 53rd and 58th with scores of 164 (+20) and 166 (+22). Katie McTaggart followed in 70th place with a 177 (83, 94).

The Leathernecks return to the home state as they make a quick trip to Peoria, Ill. for the Bradley Spring Invitational, which takes place at Weaver Ridge Golf Club from March 30-31.

GoLeathernecks.com Ashley Dumbler watches the ball after she swings the club.

GOLEATHERNECKS.COM

Baseball searches for second win

By David Koier courier staff

MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois Leathernecks baseball team faces off against the Saints of Maryville University Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Alfred Boyer Stadium in Macomb. The Leathernecks are coming off of a conference series against the North Dakota State Bison.

The Leathernecks won their first game of the season last Saturday and split a doubleheader with the Bison on Sunday, ultimately taking the series two games to one. The Purple and Gold head into today’s game with a 2-13 overall record.

The Saints are 8-13 on the season, heading into Wednesday’s matchup on a four-game losing streak.

Maryville’s last series came in the form of a doubleheader this past Saturday against the Bellarmine University Knights.

The Knights won both games from a doubleheader 14-6 and 13-2 respectively.

Junior left fielder Steve McShane leads the Leathernecks in batting average, batting a

whopping .333 this season. He is third on the team with a base percentage of .400 and has three RBIs this season.

A star pitcher this year for the Purple and Gold is senior Ryan Dunne who earned Summit League pitcher of the week for his performance this past Sunday against North Dakota State. This is Dunne’s first career pitcher of the week award and he truly earned it. Not only did he pitch eight complete innings, but he only surrendered three hits and did not allow one of those hits until after the fifth inning. Unfortunately, he was not awarded the win, but it was still an amazing performance

by Dunne.

Dunne is also one of the overall top pitchers in the Summit League this season. With 32, Dunne leads the Summit League in total strikeouts.

That’s not the only Summit League leaderboard that Dunne is a part of. Dunne has a 4.22 ERA this season which places him fifth on the Summit League ERA leaderboard.

Baseball page 6

Ryan Dunne throws a pitch on his way to his Summit League pitcher of the week honor.

GOLEATHERNECKS.COM

Softball looks to conquer Braves Haley Richards

assistant sports editor

Jasmine Lara rounds third base.

JASMYNE TAYLOR/COURIER STAFF

The Western Illinois softball team will head to Peoria, Illinois to take on Bradley University this afternoon.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Peterson Hotels Field. The Leathernecks are currently 7-21 on the season, while the Braves are 11-14 overall.

The Purple and Gold has already seen Bradley once earlier this season in the Petersen Hotels Invitation held in February for opening weekend. Western lost to Bradley by a close score of 5-4.

In that game, the Leathernecks came out with a quick lead after sophomore catcher Meghan Henson hit a two-run home run over the center field in the second inning. Bradley then came back and scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning.

Western Illinois then followed that with two runs to take back the lead. Bradley then tied the game in the fourth inning and eventually ended up on top after the scored a run in the sixth inning.

Currently leading the

Leathernecks offensively is senior outfielder Sam Ralphs with a batting average of .450. Followed by sophomore outfielder Jasmine Lara with a .348 batting average and junior infielder Hailey Duwa at .337. Sophomore infielder Halle Hollatz leads the team with 13 RBIs. Pitching wise, Emily Ira currently holds the team’s best ERA at 3.34 and Megan Lotarski is next at 3.90.

Leading the Braves offensively is senior utility player Maria Schroeder with a batting average of .363. Close behind her is freshman infielder Stacia Seeton at .359 and sophomore infielder Allison Apke at .339.

As far as pitching for Bradley, sophomore Emma Jackson leads with an ERA of 3.32 and junior Megan Mahaffy at 3.77.

The Leathernecks are currently on a one-game winning streak after defeating Murray State University in the Kansas Tournament.

This is the last game before Western will face a Summit League opponent.

Softball page 6