Western Courier|February 23rd , 2018

Opinions: Continuing the gun control debate.

Sports: USA women's hockey shocks the world.

Sports: Women topple North Dakota State

Friday, February 23, 2018 - Vol. 118 Issue 59

Macomb School District sued for $10 mil Former students claim sexual harassment and assault ignored

BECCA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR

Two former Macomb Senior High School students claim that they had been sexually harassed and assaulted while students at the school by an unnamed male minor. The incidents allegedly were reported to school officials but not properly dealt with, resulting in a $10 million lawsuit filed Friday.

By Nicholas Ebelhack editor-in-chief

A civil suit has been filed against Macomb School District 185, along with the district’s school board, Macomb Senior High School Principal John Rumley and Assistant Principal Ed Fulkerson by two former students in the U.S. District Court for the Central

District of Illinois on Friday, seeking a jury trial and compensation of $10 million.

The student’s attorney, Jeff Green, claims in the suit that a teen boy, identified as MP, who was a Macomb High School student from 2014 to 2017 sexually assaulted the teen girls. The girls are identified as Jane Doe, who was a minor at the time of the in-

cident, and Jane Roe, who is still a minor. The minor girl’s mother is also mentioned in the suit, noted as Julie Roe. According to Green’s suit “Defendants received multiple credible reports that MP sexually harassed, assaulted, and violently penetrated Plaintiff Jane Doe, and, two years later, Plaintiff Jane Roe, yet Defendants allowed MP

to attend school without discipline or restriction.”

Green claims that the Defendants ignored Jane Doe and her mother ’s four separate reports of battery, stalking and serial harassment. When approached by Jane Doe, Rumley allegedly responded “guys are going to do what guys are going to.”

The suit then reads that MP’s

sexual misconduct escalated to rape, which Defendants learned of but did not investigate. Fulkerson allegedly told Jane Doe’s mother that “the situation was Jane’s fault, and he would not disrupt his school for ‘girls that accuse people of things.’”

Lawsuit page 3

Students represent CAS

BECCA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR

Students represent their respective academic disciplines at the College of Arts & Sciences Student Speakers Series, giving students to present their research that they have been working on during their academic careers.

2

Friday, February 23, 2018

NEWS

WesternCourier.com

28 animals seized in Industry home Jimmy pierson/production manager

Marc Ramirez

assistant news editor A little over a month ago, McDonough County State’s Attorney Matt Kwacala seized 22 dogs and six cats from a residence in Industry, IL. On Monday, Jan. 29, Jessyca Amanda Cale, 34, of 302 E Brush Alley, Industry, IL, was arrested on misdemeanor warrant for animal cruelty. The seized animals were transferred to the McDonough County Animal Shelter causing them to nearly reach capacity.

McDonough County Sheriff Rick VanBrooker considered the conditions in the trailer to be poor. This statement was later confirmed by the Animal Shelter as they said the animals were living in very poor conditions. Staff at the shelter have seperated the sick animals from animals previously residing in the shelter to prevent any transferring of illnesses.

"Shelter staff has been working tirelessly to prevent the spread of any possible diseases from these 22 to any of our dogs and to treat current illness and return these dogs to a healthy state,”reads a post from the McDonough County Animal Shelter Facebook page. “Due to the risk of spreading any illness from the sick dogs to our healthy adoptable dogs, Shelter staff has placed all 22 dogs into quarantine where they will remain until we are 100 percent sure the risk of infecting any other dogs is

gone. We have limited any interaction with these dogs

to staff only.”

Eleven adult dogs, eleven puppies, and six cats were originally taken from the house however four dogs are believed to be pregnant, one however has been confirmed pregnant. Due to the ongoing court case involving the abuse and neglect of these animals they will not be up for adoption until the case is resolved.

“The defendant (Jessyca Cale) is set for a pre-trial conference on March 13, and a condition of her bond is that she cannot take in or possess any companion animals until further order of the court,” said Kwacala.

Cale however is seen to be innocent until proven guilty of all current charges. Cale’s inital bond was posted at $10,000; however, was lowered to $3,000, meaning her bail out was a balance of $300.

“We ask that the public, please be patient with us throughout this matter as we take the necessary precaution to ensure the health of all the animals in our care, as well as in the county,” reads the McDonough County Animal Shelter Facebook page. “So when visiting the shelter, please understand that we are not currently allowing the public to view or interact with these 22 dogs. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may present, and we thank you for your understanding.”

THE DEEP HOLLOW Saturday March 3, 2018 7:00 pm

Tickets: online at TSPR.com By phone: 298-1873 or 800-895-2912 Tri States Public Radio Members—$10 General Public —$15 Canned good for local food pantry

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

STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Nicholas Ebelhack NA-Ebelhack@wiu.edu assistant news editor Marc Ramirez MA-Ramirez3@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 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

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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.

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Friday, February 23, 2018

Lawsuit from front page

Complaints were then filed against MP again in the fall of 2016, during which time he was a 17-year-old senior, of him sexually battering and raping Jane Roe. Weeks later, MP and Jane Roe encountered each other again at a Macomb Park, where Green claims Roe was sexually assaulted, captured on a nearby security camera.

Defendants were then claimed to have review the evidence, but “took no steps to protect Jane Roe, despite knowing of MP’s previous reported harassment, battery, and violence against Jane Doe and that criminal charges were filed against him for his sexual abuse against Jane Roe.” Both Jane Doe and Jane Roe would transfer to alternative schools as a result of the incident, which Green claims “offered fewer classes, provided no live classroom interaction with teachers or other students, and where there were no extracurricular activities or clubs.”

The suit additionally claims that Julie Roe provided Fulkerson with a copy of a no contact order, to which

NEWS 3 Fulkerson rolled his eyes and said “we deal with these all the time,” and Macomb Senior High School would not follow the order and allow MP to continue attending the school.

Instead, the suit says that instead of having MP change his schedule or restrict his activities, Jane Roe was required to “change her schedule and eat lunch in a different location than where she usually had lunch, and for her to wait in each classroom for five minutes after the bell rang before heading to a new class, so she could hopefully avoid encountering MP in the hallways.”

Jane Roe would then transfer to an alternative school.

In the summer of 2017, MP agreed to serve a period of time in juvenile detention and issue an apology to Jane Roe to dismiss the criminal case against him. The case then claims that an agreement was made for MP to enter the military after graduation, but was discharged due to misconduct after a week.

Julie Roe made a statement at a hearing on the criminal proceedings against MP. “I have seen (Jane Roe’s) smile fade,” Julie Roe said.

“I have watched her fall into

a hole of sadness that I cannot pull her from. While I watched her disappear, you, (MP), have continued your life without interruption. You participated in the school clubs, went to the school dances and extracurricular activities, you graduated and walked at the ceremony to receive your diploma. All those things she has been deprived of, you have continued to enjoy.”

The suit files for seven violations of the law, including violation of the Educational Amendments of 1972, violation of the plaintiffs’ constitutional and federal rights, willful and wanton misconduct under Illinois state law and premises liability under Illinois state law.

The Western Courier reached out to the Macomb School District for comment on Thursday, but they were unavailable for comment. Superintendent Patrick Twomey responded in an interview with the McDonough County Voice in an article published Monday, stating, “the school district has received a copy of the complaint, but has not been formally served. We are reviewing the allegations and do not have any comment at this time.”

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Friday, February 23, 2018

4 OPINIONS

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It's time for sensible gun control It is pretty obvious that the topic of gun violence can become a heated discussion, especially with the recent Florida situation. Seventeen lives lost, and many more injured due to a school shooting that happened on Feb. 14, 2018, in Florida.

This massive school shooting is one of the top ten deadliest mass shootings in America to date. It’s very sad that there have been so many shootings in the last few years. There was the Vegas shooting a while back which was the

largest mass shooting to date. We can’t forget about the Orlando Nightclub shooting. There are so many more statistics and so many more shootings, but there are several things that these shootings have in common.

The people who committed these crimes were able to purchase the guns legally. How they got the guns is a different story, but the point is that they were able to get the guns in the first place and were able to successfully plan out the mass

shootings. The sad thing is that I don’t necessarily think that guns should be banned from America completely, but the people who are able to conceal guns should have to pass way more background checks and psychological or mental evaluations.

Yes, there is the popular phrase, “guns don’t kill people, people kill people,” but that is part of the problem with America today. That phrase may be true, but that doesn’t mean that people aren’t taking the 2nd Amendment way too far. There have been more mass shootings in the last decade than there have ever been. If the NRA and government were more strict on these conceal laws, things might change around here.

I’m sure people will still find their way to commit shootings as they would with any other illegal act, but I feel like if the conceal and carry law was a bit more strict, it would be easier to regulate and prevent future mass shootings.

The problem with the government is that they’re not opening their eyes and seeing the real problem. I’m not sure how many mass shootings it will take for them to figure out how to put their foot forward and fix this crisis. People should not be allowed to carry and conceal any form of a hand or machine gun unless they pass a psychological exam.

There are lots of criminals out there who could get the insanity plea in court. You should not let

someone who is mentally unstable conceal and carry any type of weapon ever. You don’t know when they will have a bad day, or when they’ll be triggered by something.

You don’t know what is building up inside of them or what could set them off.

Yes, people may kill people, but I believe it is a lot easier to think about killing someone when the most deadliest weapon is able to be carried around freely in certain states. I believe that America needs to be more strict with their conceal and carry law. We have the right to bear arms, but the government needs to open their eyes and realize how many mass shootings have occured. If we don't do something, people are going to keep dying.

Gun control won't do anything After the recent school shooting in Florida, the push for gun reforms is back on the rise. Just like after Sandy Hook back in 2012, and Columbine in 1999, many of the survivors and victims’ families are speaking out to try to turn the governments attention to the gun control issue.

Yesterday, President Trump, VP Pence, and Education Secretary DeVos all met with a small handful of the survivors and their parents to hear their concerns about the gun control laws in the United States. During this meeting, they pleaded for stricter gun control in an attempt to try to lower mass violence in American Schools. I

agree that making it more difficult for teens to get access to firearms is a must, but increasing gun control for all of the United States is not necessary.

When it comes to teenagers accessing a firearm and shooting up a school, there is a lot more going on than just them being able to get their hands on the weapon.

According to the American Counseling Association, large percentages of the country's past school shooters have had a history of being severely bullied, attempting suicide, or having a mental illness.

In 2013, 78 percent of the United States past school shooters have made suicide attempts before ac-

tually opening up any violence to their school. Of the past shooters as well, 61 percent had a documented history of experiencing extreme depression symptoms.

Depression and suicide attempts are a big issue among American teens and if these started to become more strongly addressed than there is a high chance we could see the rate of school shootings decrease as well.

The American Counseling Association also reported that of the school shooters, 71 percent were known to have been victims of bullying. Going off of that, 87 percent of school shooters from the years 2015 and earlier had even left behind evidence that they were previously victims of extreme bullying. Based off of these statistics, there are tons of underlying problems besides gun control that need addressed if we are wanting to reduce our mass violence.

In response to so many people speaking out about gun reforms, Trump has recently proposed the idea of allowing teachers in schools to be armed in an effort to increase school safety. I personally think this is a wonderful idea. Increasing gun control will not stop people from finding a way to get ahold of weapons. Take the UK for example, according to listverse. com, since the UK has enacted a Second Firearms Act of 1997 and eliminated all handgun civilian ownership and sale, the intentional homicide and murder rates have actually increased. People began killing others by other means including fire, poison, and knives, or they simply found ways around the gun laws to get their hands on firearms. If someone wants to cause harm to people, they will find a way whether there are stricter gun control laws or not. At least if people are allowed to have fire-

arms they can protect themselves from these kind of people.

I think by allowing teachers to be armed while in the schools it could deter students from bringing in weapons to schools. It will also make the teachers feel safer while at work. If every teacher was armed while at the school it would also allow them to be able to protect the other students in the case a shooter was to enter the school.

When it comes to mass violence there is a lot more to address than just trying to make guns harder to get access to. If we want to lower the rate of school shooting, we need to begin by addressing the reasons these individuals feel the need to go on these shooting rampages at all. Stricter gun control will do nothing when it comes to stopping someone who already has their mind made up on wanting to kill.

Friday, February 23, 2018

@WesternCourier

OPINIONS 5

Animals can help Try out a new dating you live a better life experience

Monday mornings may be a pain in the butt, but Monday nights are the best time of the week, because of the show "The Bachelor" The main goal of this show is for the eligible bachelor or bachelorette to find love, from a pool of different men or women that the producers have picked for them, based off of their profiles. As the weeks go by, a few men or women get eliminated based on the bachelors or bachelorettes preference and connection with the contestants.

On Feb. 22, Phi Sigma Sigma hosted their annual PhiSingled Out philanthropy event, which resembled the hit TV show “The Bachelor.”

Unfortunately, Phi Singled Out does not have their own TV show so the philanthropy event took place in one night.

This successful philanthropy event hosted by the Phi Sigmas helped raise over $800 towards a scholarship fund for a lucky social work major.

Not only was the event successful by raising money, it was also successful with helping people find love. Although the event resembles the show, it has some personal touches to make the philanthropy event unique. To start off, the contestants have no clue who the bachelor or bachelorette looks like. Having the bachelor or bachelorette hidden keeps the game exciting and thrilling.

The bachelor or bachelorette gets to ask a variety of questions that the contestant answers based on their personal preference, for example, do you prefer sweet or salty?

The contestants then move to their preferred side represent-

ing their likes in hopes that the bachelor or bachelorette has the same taste as them.

Soon after the bachelor reveals which side he chooses, he eliminates the contestants with the opposite answer. As the number of contestants get smaller, the bachelor has the chance to ask more specific questions that may lead to the ultimate decision such as are you a St. Louis Blues or Chicago Blackhawks fan?

After thinking long and hard, the bachelor chooses someone they believe they are most compatible with based off of the questions answered by the contestants, not by the looks. This event, and events like it help people get to know each other in a positive way by revealing interesting facts that usually do not come up in a simple conversation.

The event promotes a dating lifestyle that is not merely based on looks but on similarities and personality. Today in society we are all very focused on the looks of one another rather than what truly matters which is personality. How many times have you “swiped left” on someone’s Tinder profile because they just did not look like your type? Who knows, maybe that person who doesn't look like your type is exactly your type. Because we are so focused on the looks of an individual we don’t realize the great aspects someone holds within.

As a group of young adults, we should focus on promoting healthy dating. With a healthy dating lifestyle, relationships are happier as well as last longer.

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.

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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

Many people are starting to find out that emotional support animals are a vital part of their daily lives, as a person who finds much comfort and entertainment from animals this sounds like pure happiness.

A person acquiring an emotional support animal must be considered emotionally disabled, this must be diagnosed and confirmed by a therapist or psychiatrist. In that case, this allows a person to have a licensed animal to provide emotional support for them.

In order to get a license for your animal to be legally allowed in certain places, you will have to register them and have them checked for diseases as well as make sure they receive their shots and any other procedures needed.

Animals play a large role in people’s daily lives. Moving to a new place where animals are not typically allowed can be a tough adjustment. Such as moving into a residence hall

or any apartment that does not allow pets, many people can find that their daily lives change dramatically. It has been said that animals do help those who suffer from anxiety and depression, find comfort and a stress relief from their pets. Some people have a hard time adjusting to their life on campus, or even off campus when they come to college, as they can feel lost and lonely at times. Animals are able to ease the feeling of loneliness and their needs help satisfy their owner by giving them a sense of companionship and value needed in order to survive. Having something to take care of gives a person a sense of purpose, the animal can reciprocate by giving emotional support.

One of the handful of students here at Western, Sammy, has an emotional support animal in her dorm room, a pet rat named Javier. After seeing many different people in charge of housing and

dining services, she took her rat to the animal hospital to have Javier checked and approved to live at Tanner Hall with her. This process took several months but she realized that Javier is such an important part of her life that it was worthwhile. She receives a lot of attention from other students since it's unusual to see someone with a pet rat, let alone in a residence hall here at Western. Javier is described to be humorous and entertaining as he likes to climb all over his cage and enjoys french fries from McDonald’s. Sammy can’t imagine what her daily life would be like if she did not have Javier living with her.

Personally I think emotional support animals are a unique concept and are often overlooked. We do not realize how important our pets are in our daily lives until we move to a new place without them.

As a person with two animals at home and has grown up with several animals through the years, I will always have a pet (or two) with me since they have made my life much more interesting than it would be if I did not have them.

Friday, February 23, 2018

6 SPORTS

Basketball from back page

Sophomore forward Reilly Jacobson scored the first basket of the second half and took a onepoint lead over Western. However, the Leathernecks began to heat up and went on a 7-0 run to take a 42-34 lead. The Bison refused to lie down easily though as Gaislerova continued her hot shooting with another three, her fifth of the game, which closed the gap to 44-39. A three from senior guard Taylor Thunstedt put even more pressure on the Leathernecks, coming back within two.

The shooting ability of the Purple and Gold began to shine bright as senior guard Michelle Farrow and Blumer sunk two threes to put the Leathernecks back up eight. These baskets fueled a 10-0 scoring run

WesternCourier.com

that led them to their biggest lead of the night at 54-42.

The momentum continued to sway back and forth as NDSU went on a 7-0 run of their own to fight back into the game. The Bison couldn't make a comeback though, and trailed by 10 with only one quarter to play.

Higginbotham broke out of her rough night to score the first basket of the fourth quarter for the Leathernecks. Braun followed her lead with a layup to give Western their largest lead of the game at 63-49.

Western’s tempo dominated the fourth quarter as they scored and defended at a very high level.

Clemens controlled the pace of the game and finished with 24 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals en route to a 17 point victory on the road.

Twitter: devondeadlysins

GOLEATHERNECK.COM

Jacey Roper takes the baton in a relay.

Track from back page

Morgan Blumer squeezes past a defender for a layup.

FILE PHOTO

So, what are some other things you should look out for? An interesting thing to keep an eye on is the men’s pole vault. Competing in that event is South Dakota University’s Chris Nilsen. The sophomore from Kansas City, Missouri was just named the National Athlete of the Week and is ranked eighth in the world, as he just recorded the fifth highest NCAA pole vault at 19-00.25 (5.80 meters). He looks to beat that record and sweep the event.

Three pole vaulters from SDU

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!

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are ranked in the National Top 20. That includes Nilsen and his fellow teammates Ethan Bray and Helen Falda. The pole vault competition will surely not want to be missed.

Last year North Dakota State swept the championships winning in the women and men’s divisions. It was the third consecutive year that they’ve done so, and they look to repeat yet again. This will be the fourth time the championships are held at NDSU, and the home team wants to make their town proud.

Heptathlon and Pentathlon

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.

events will kick off the championships at 9:30 a.m. of Friday.

Events will be spread out over the next two days, but majority of the qualifying as well as some final events will continue until Friday at 7:20 p.m. Things will kick off again Saturday at the same time, and finals events will take place at 3:55 p.m., with the 4x400 Relays.

If you would like to keep upwith the action there will be livestreams on The Summit League’s website, as well as continuous updates from their Twitter page.

Twitter: bradjp08

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

Friday, February 23, 2018

@WesternCourier

Women's hockey brings home the gold

They got the gold, and now the game. Last night the country watched in awe as the women’s hockey team played its arch rivals Canada for the gold medal. This game made history and weight for USA, as they received the gold medal which was taken from them both in the 2014, and 2010 games as Canada got the gold in both.

In 2010, Canada took the gold after USA blew a late lead and lost in overtime. The tears froze on the Vancouver ice as they fell from USA hockey star Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson, who cried while the silver medal was placed around her neck. For the second time, US hockey had come close, but failed to accomplish the task they desired most. This time they would not fail.

USA struck first as Hilary Knight scored late in the first period during the third power play of the game. The second period was led

by Hayley Irwin, as she pushed the puck in next, early in the second off of a tip in from a fluttery shot by Blayre Turnbull. Tied at 1-1, Canada looked to its captain Marie-Philip Poulin who took the puck and put finesse on the wrist shot that made waves in the back of the net with six minutes in the second period. Third period was desperation time for U.S.A. The team did not let their emotions get the best of them, as they stayed

cool, calm and collective setting up multiple chances to even this game up. Finally, with 13 minutes into the third period LamoureuxDavidson took a breakaway to show the world one of the best goals in U.S.A. women’s hockey history tying up the game 2-2.

The rest of the third period had everyone on the edge of his or her seat, but no team capitalized on an opportunity and the teams went into overtime. For a moment this game felt like Deja vu. Just four years ago these same teams went into overtime for the same goal, which was to get the gold.

However, this year, neither team was able to score in the overtime period and forced the game to move into a shootout.

The goalie for Canada: twotime gold medal winner Shannon Szabados, and for U.S.A. 20-yearold Maddie Rooney. American, Gigi Marvin lit up the arena scoring first in the shootout. Her Canadian counterpart, Meghan Agosta, evened it up. Canada took the lead with an amazing goal from Melodie Daoust, but Amanda Kessel responded right back, saving the game for the United States.

Finally, a deke by Lamoureux and one more stop by Rooney sealed the gold around the necks of the women hockey team. After so much pain and loss, USA finally won gold.

This victory may be the best thing for these women, but it was not their first. In March of 2017 USA Women’s hockey team decided to boycott the world championships, which would ruin the highly anticipated event on home ice. USA hockey failed to create a different team that would not include the expected because no one agreed to join. USA women’s hockey stars had showcased to the entire world the imbalance of wage and compensation for their dedication to the sport and country. While the men’s team flew business class, stayed in highclass hotels, received insurance, and paid year-round close to over $100,000.

The women’s team was only paid for the months surrounding the Olympics. They all had to work multiple jobs just to continue their dreams as Olympic gold medalists. The boycott needed to happen to fix these injustices and it worked. Later in March, USA hockey created a contract closing the gap on wages that extend to all 365 days of the year, insurance for the players, and better accommodations while traveling on the road. This deal celebrates USA hockey players and women around the world fighting for equality.

As this country continues to battle for women’s rights and equality this is just one of many stories where women are fighting to be considered equal. This deal showcases the power of USA women’s hockey, and the gold medal is just a cherry on top of a true victory they wanted most.

Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson leaps in celebration,

WIKIMEDIA.COM

Baseball hits road for second series of season

By David Koier courier staff

Drue Galassi at bat for the Leathernecks.

JASMYNE TAYLOR//COURIER STAFF

The Western Illinois University Leathernecks look to score their first win, as they take on the Murray State Racers this weekend.

The Leathernecks just finished up an on road series this past weekend, and fell to the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee.

Leading Western in hits during the series was junior outfielder Steve McShane. McShane went five for 11 against the Blue Raiders during the series. McShane also managed to accumulate three walks, one double and one run.

Junior pitcher Ian Koch had some success from the mound last Friday. Koch pitched six innings for the Leathernecks allowing only two runs (one earned) off of only three hits and one walk. Koch also struck out seven. With that being his only appearance during this new season Koch is posting a very impressive 1.50 ERA. Even though Koch had these impressive stats, the Purple and Gold did fall to Middle Tennessee 2-0.

Returning for the Leathernecks this season is sophomore infielder star Drue Galassi. Galassi had a good 2017 season. He had a .262

batting average and a .482 slugging percentage. Galassi set a Western Illinois baseball record during a game against Southern IllinoisEdwardsville last season driving in 10 runs during that game. This feat also was the second-most runs driven in one game during the 2017 season among Division I players.

Galassi also led the Purple and Gold in home runs hitting eight during the last year’s season. He was also honored with being named Collegiate Baseball Co-National Player of the Week and Summit League Player of the Week on April 24, 2017. He was given this honor for his stellar performance against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and for a stunning series against the Mastodons of Fort Wayne.

Another player to look out for this weekend is sophomore outfielder Grant Hannant. Hannant transferred to Western from Illinois Central and has already made an impact. Hannant went four for seven this weekend with one RBI, one run and a walk. His best game came on Saturday when he went three for five and scored a run. With a .571 batting average, Hannant will be a player on offense that Murray State will have to lookout for this weekend.

Defensively speaking, the Leathernecks are looking fairly well so far this season. The team averages a stellar .960 fielding percentage with 11 out of the possible 25 players having a 1.000 fielding percentage. Hopefully the Purple and Gold can keep this defensive trend alive this weekend and pull out a win against the Racers.

Murray State went 1-2 last weekend against the Jayhawks of Kansas University. Leading the Racers offensively in that series was junior catcher Mike Farnell.

Farnell went two for five with one RBI, only playing in two games in the three-game series. Farnell also did well defensively during the series posting a 1.000 fielding percentage.

Another hot bat for the Racers is graduate first baseman Ramsey Scott. Scott started all three games and went three for ten from the plate. He drove in three RBIs as well as scoring four of his own off of two home runs and a double.

The series between the Leathernecks and the Racers begins this Friday and goes till Sunday. Games are being played at Murray State. twitter: thefluffy66

Leathernecks trample the Bison

By Devon Greene sports editor

Emily Clemens eyes her matchup as she sits in her defensive stance.

FILE PHOTO

The Western Illinois University women’s basketball team locked up the third seed in the Summit League with a 77-60 victory over the North Dakota State University Bison on the road last night.

Junior Olivia Braun broke the ice and scored the first bucket of the game with a floater off an Emily Clemens assist. Bison’s sophomore forward Autumn Ogden responded and scored the first basket for North Dakota State after a cold start for both teams. The Leathernecks and Bison combined for only four points through the first 3:30 of the game.

North Dakota State broke out of their slump after hitting two threes that gave them a 9-2 lead with 5:12 left in the first quarter. Braun and Clemens began to ignite with three minutes left in the first quarter and propelled Western’s offense. Braun sunk a midrange jumper that broke Western’s cold spell and Clemens followed by nailing a tough reverse layup that brought the Purple and Gold within six. The Leathernecks kept trampling back with a three-point basket from junior forward Taylor Higginbotham.

The Leathernecks took back the

lead with one-minute left in the first quarter with a deep three from senior guard Morgan Blumer.

Western finished the first quarter on a 7-0 run that rallied them to a 16-13 lead over the Bison.

The Bison opened up the second quarter firing on all cylinders due to freshman guard Michelle Gaislerova. She nailed two straight three pointers to swing the game back in North Dakota State’s favor.

The back and forth battle continued as both teams looked outside and exchanged three pointers.

Western had trouble getting to the free throw line, which is an extremely uncharacteristic trait from the Purple and Gold, as they lead the Summit League in free throws, attempted this season. Clemens was the first Leatherneck to visit the line as it took 18 minutes for Western to get to the charity stripe.

Western nursed a one-point lead going into halftime after a physical, hard fought first half.

Clemens was the leading force for the Leathernecks in the first half with 13 points. Gaislerova led the pack for the Bison with 16 points at half.

Basketball page 6

Track sprints toward championships

By Bradley Piros courier staff

MACOMB, ILL. – The Western Illinois University track and field teams are looking to hit the ground running as they compete in the Summit League 2018 Indoor Track and Field Championships this Friday and Saturday. The Leathernecks have had an impressive season up until now, but now it’s time to go out and show what they can really do.

They’ll be competing against all of the other five Summit League schools, as it’s shaping up to be a great competition.

As of right now, North Dakota State University is the favorite to win the whole thing, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to do it without a good fight from everyone else.

Western is coming off of a rather bumpy meet; the last time out for Leathernecks was just last weekend as they traveled to the University of Illinois to compete in the annual Orange and Blue Open. They didn’t place all that well, because they were up against some good competition like Missouri Baptist University and the Butler Bulldogs, along with not having their normal starting squad. Either way, a

couple Leathernecks still shined individually to pick up some points.

The best finish of the day was from sophomores Abigail Richter and Nicole Beebe as they finished 2nd and 3rd in the 1-mile run. They crossed the finish line simultaneously with a time of 5:16.19. Fellow sophomore Jacey Roper also competed in this event, picking up a 9th-place finish with a time of 5:34.28.

In field events, sophomore Michaela Busch finished 3rd in the high jump, with a mark of 5-02.25 (1.58 meters). Freshman Claire Young finished in 5th with a jump of 5-00.25 (1.53 meters). Fellow freshman Amelia Peterson finished 5th in the long jump with a mark of 15-11.75 (4.87 meters).

Other than these couple of performances, it was a quiet weekend for Western, as they watched Northern Illinois University and Illinois State University completely cruise past the competition. They look to learn from this tough meet and better themselves for this weekend’s championship.

Women page 6

Josh Kirby looks ahead to the finish line to close out his race.

GOLEATHERNECKS.COM