Western Courier | April 23rd, 2018

Sports: Acklin's future as the draft approaches.

Edge: J. Cole's new album.

Sports: Softball takes down Omaha.

Monday, April 23, 2018 - Vol. 118 Issue 81

GoFundMe page draws criticism Contract negotiation tensions carry over to social media

By Nicholas Ebelhack

editor-in-chief

Contract negotiation tensions extended to social media last weekend as a GoFundMe.com page drew criticism from Western Illinois University employees.

Following the April 18 announcement of the University Professionals of Illinois local 4100 chapter strike authorization vote, which passed with 72 percent of voters voting in favor of authorization, a GoFundMe page was created and has been shared 90 times.

The page, found at www. gofundme.com/wiu-upi and created by Steven Frankel of Aurora, Ill. , is seeking donations to support the potential for a strike. While no donations have been received as of Sunday, the page has drawn criticism over Facebook, including Western’s Vice President of Advancement and Public Services Brad Bainter.

“I’m pretty low-key and as loyal and supportive of Western as anybody and hoping things work themselves out quickly,” Bainter wrote. “But after looking at the UPI GoFundMe page it’s time to start calling out the lies of the UPI ‘leadership.’”

Whereas the GoFundMe page claims that “The Administration at WIU is de-

By William Turkington courier staff

Western Illinois University will be hosting its third annual Western Challenge on April 24 to raise money for various university programs.

The Western Challenge is a 24 hour online fundrais-

manding salary cuts and other concessions from the faculty and staff Union that will drive away employees and hurt the quality of education and the economic situation of the entire Macomb community. At the same time, they have been giving themselves raises and refuse to take the same pay cuts they are asking of the Union.”

Bainter, however, wrote that the administration has made sacrifices that are overlooked by the UPI leadership, saying that UPI President Bill Thompson has made “an outright lie,” and claiming that the people who believe in the claims are “drinking the UPI KoolAid,” which he posted along with a picture of the KoolAid man.

“I didn’t get a raise last year and took 8 furlough days,” Bainter said. “I didn’t get a raise the year before that and I gave back 3 weeks pay in 3 months. Bill Thompson took a 3 percent raise that year as did the UPI membership.

I’m happy to sacrifice for my alma mater but I’m not going to have my sacrifices - and those of hundreds of Western employees - belittled by Bill Thompson and the UPI.”

Strike page 2

ing campaign that challenges alumni, students, and faculty to give back to support their favorite areas of the university, while also inspiring others to do the same. This year ’s challenge is to engage 1,500 donors during the 24 hour period.

Donors can choose from

GOFUNDME.COM

The GoFundMe.com page which has drawn criticism from members from the university community.

Western’s innumerable schools or colleges, athletic programs, or a general university fund to designate their gift to. This effort also includes the Western Illinois Quad Cities campus.

Tim Hallinan is Western’s Director of Annual Giving and is very excited for this

year ’s Western Challenge. He works with the campus organization “Phonathon” that helps coordinate this event.

“This year, we are highlighting the power of collective giving to keep students our top priority,” Hallinan said.

“Participating in the Western Challenge with a gift of any

amount sends a clear message that regardless of one's affiliation with our University, our common focus is our outstanding students and their success.”

Challenge page 3

2

Monday, April 23, 2018

NEWS

Apresents ΣΦ

WesternCourier.com

The Consent Games

JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER

By Tea Wheat courier staff

Alpha Sigma Phi is the newest fraternity on campus and it has already made a positive impact on the Western community. The fraternity has their first philanthropy event on campus coming up this week, which is in support of RAINN (the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network).

The events placement is not by coincidence; April is sexual assault awareness month

and Alpha Sigma Phi is avid about the importance of discussing this subject.

“As a fraternity we have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual misconduct, as it should be," Jason Adams, the social chair of Alpha Sigma Phi said.

Alpha Sigma Phi’s passion to end sexual assaults and sexual misconduct on campus is an integral part of why the members of the organization decided to create The Consent Games.

The Consent Games will be

a competition between teams, with the ultimate goals of raising money for their philanthropy RAINN and educating the community of Western Illinois University on consent and sexual assault. While this is a difficult topic for many to discuss, the fraternity is taking all precautions necessary to ensure that the event will be not only fun and competitive, but also a place where participants and spectators feel comfortable discussing and learning about this topic.

The Consent Games will be comprised of three events,

which will cover the topics of sexual assault and consent. These events will test participants’ knowledge of the subject and will educate through both hands-on and indirect activities.

The Consent Games will be held in the Multicultural Center at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 26. Registration will take place the day of the event and teams of four can participate. The cost to participate is $5 per team member and all proceeds go to RAINN. RAINN is the nation’s largest

Strike

Thompson replied in the c omments section of the post, stating that the administrators still received benefits during the last few fiscal years.

“This is public record,” Thompson said. “It’s in the budget. Simply compare budgeted salaries from year to year. Not every administrator received a raise. Nor did all faculty.”

The two continued to dispute each other in the comments section.

The page drew criticism from other Western employees, including Associate Vice President of Student Services John Biernbaum.

“Dear Faculty propagating that Administration is taking raises. STOP IT!!! At best its uninformed. At worst it is an outright lie,” Biernbaum wrote in a Facebook post.

Negotiations will continue

today, as the two sides will enter another negotiation session with a federal mediator. UPI intends to march to the mediation session from Dividends in Stipes Hall at 2 p.m., in addition to hosting a rally at the in the Quad Cities at Quad Cities Complex 2222 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Additionally, in preparation for the potential strike, UPI has planned a series of picket training sessions.

“We hope that Monday's negotiations go well,” reads the UPI Facebook page, “but as we move forward we need to be prepared.”

The picket training sessions are planned for Tuesday through Thursday from 12:10 p.m. to 12:50 pm. in Malpass library, with additional sessions planned for 3:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.

Tuesday in Malpass, 2 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. in Horrabin 7 on Wednesday, and 12:10 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. on Thursday in Malpass.

PUBLISHING AND CIRCULATION

ADVERTISING POLICY

from front page

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 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

anti-sexual violence organization. In addition to the registration fee to participate in the event, Alpha Sigma Phi is also accepting donations.

“In light of recent media attention on both Greek Life and sexual assault in this country, sexual assault has become too important of a topic to ignore," Adams said.

"It needs to be addressed, and as an organization we hope that The Consent Games will begin to start this vital conversation here at Western Illinois University.”

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.

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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.

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One copy of the Western Courier is free.

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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.

Monday, April 23, 2018

@WesternCourier

Campus Crime Reports

Challenge from front page

The event raised $63,000 in 2016 and saw that amount more than double in 2017 with $131,000 in donations. Even with these large totals, Hallinan doesn’t want people who are not able to give in large amounts to be discouraged from giving anything at all.

“It's not necessarily about how much one gives; it's about participation,” Hallinan said. “With hundreds of different funds and scholarships people can support, it's really just a matter of

Legend Cannabis

Alcohol by a Minor

Burglary/Theft

Fire Alarm

Other Report

•On April 11 at 8:40 a.m.

OPS and the Macomb Fire Department responded to a fire alarm in the Beu Health Center. No smoke or fire were found and no injuries were reported.

•On April 11 at 11:58 a.m. a student reported the theft of her backpack, valued at $20, a $12 gift card, $20 and headphones, valued at $100 from Currens Hall between 11:4011:50 a.m. The incident is under investigation.

•On April 11 at 4:20 p.m. an employee reported the theft of a smoke detector in Tanner Hall. The incident is under investigation.

•On April 13 at 2:21 a.m. one student in the 200 block of North Western Avenue was judicially referred for cannabis. One student was judicially referred for cannabis and having an open alcohol container in a vehicle.

•On April 13 at 3:15 p.m. an individual reported the theft of a backpack from a Morgan Hall office. The backpack was recovered in another Morgan Hall room. The only items reported missing were headphones, valued at $15. The incident is under investigation.

•On April 14 at 6:59 p.m.

Anthony Bongeorno, 19, of 504 Bayliss Hall, was arrested in Bayliss on a McDonough County warrant and for illegal possession of alcohol by a minor. He was transported to the McDonough County Jail at 7:13 p.m. where he was lodged pending bond.

•On April 15 at 4:22 a.m. Alex Alfred, 18, of 619 Henninger Hall, was arrested in Henninger for use of account and/or code with intent to defraud after he allegedly used an account not belonging to him to make two purchases from a local business. He was transported to the McDonough County Jail at

4:33 a.m. where he was lodged pending bond. Four other students were judicially referred for behavior in connection with the incident.

•On April 16 at 12:24 p.m. non-student Eric D. Drew, 19, of Urbana, was arrested in Bayliss Hall for use of an account/code with the intent to defraud for allegedly using a credit card that did not belong to him. He was lodged in the McDonough County Jail at 12:51 p.m. pending bond.

•On April 16 at 1:52 p.m. a student in Morgan Hall was judicially referred for guest responsibility.

•On April 16 at 5:20 p.m. a student in Henninger Hall was judicially referred for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a weapon (knife).

•On April 17 at 9:52 p.m. three students on University Drive were judicially referred for suspicion of cannabis possession.

•On April 18 at 2:10 p.m.

OPS and the Macomb Fire Department responded to a fire alarm in Bayliss Hall. No smoke or fire were found and no injuries were reported.

•On April 18 at 11:36 p.m. one student in Thompson Hall was judicially referred for possession of cannabis and paraphernalia.

•On April 19 at 1:25 a.m.

Jairo Ruiz-Acuna, 23, of 236 W. Elting St., was arrested on Pierce Street for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and illegal possession of a controlled substance. He was transported to McDonough County Jail at 2:51 a.m. where he was lodged pending bond.

•On April 19 at 1:46 a.m. Luke Glynn, 20, of 405 Thompson Hall, was issued a notice to appear May 29 for a Macomb City ordinance violation for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor on Western Avenue.

FIND US ON @westerncourier THE WESTERN COURIER

NEWS 3 deciding what area, or areas, of Western matter the most to you and expressing that support with your gift.”

Western has also recently launched its Alumni Plaza Project, which will feature engraved bricks purchased from students, student groups and alumni.

Engraved brick purchases on April 24 will also count towards the Western Challenge total.

Hallinan would like to encourage everybody to visit the campaign page at wiu.edu often on April 24 to follow the donor totals right up until midnight. In addition to the campaign page, anybody

who would like to promote this event is encouraged to do so on various social media platforms using the hashtag "#LeathernecksGive" and follow the event’s Facebook page: “The Western Challenge.”

“We are thrilled to see more students and student groups participate in the Western Challenge,” Hallinan said. “Either as "#LeathernecksGive" Advocates, making a gift themselves, or both!”

If you have any questions about donating, please email your inquiries to westernchallenge@ wiu.edu or call (309) 298 1874.

Monday, April 23, 2018

4 OPINIONS

WesternCourier.com

It's no secret why we go to war

What is war good for? Depending on your political views it is either good for absolutely nothing or everything.

Whether the war in the Middle East has already been fought and won or fought and lost is also dependent on a person's political views. What isn't dependent on political views is the truth.

Mainstream media would have the entire world believing that the increasing call for war is on behalf of the children of Syria, who were brutally killed using chemical weapons, but to get to the real unbiased truth let us start by examining the last two wars that the

United States has waged in the region, Afghanistan and Iraq.

After Sep. 11, 2001, there was no doubt that war was certain, what wasn’t certain was how to wage that war against Al-Qaeda. How could such a large and modern military power like the United States Armed Forces find and destroy such a well-hidden, and well-organized guerilla style fighting force like Al-Qaeda?

The problem wasn’t necessarily finding them; the problem was what to do when they were found across various nations in the Middle East? Especially if those countries were either negli-

gent or outright supportive of the terrorist organization.

International law prohibits direct military intervention or aggression against any country unless there is a direct national security threat. So, to prevent international outcry, the United States needed to declare a direct threat to national security that was stemming from those very countries where Al-Qaeda was stationed. Weapons of mass destruction are a very direct threat that demands immediate military intervention in defense of national security. There has never been any concrete evidence that Afghanistan, the Iraq government or Al-Qaeda for that matter ever had access to weapons of mass destruction. Yet, we went to war to destroy Al-Qaeda and destroy Al Qaeda we did.

Looking at the past to wars the United States participated in and

the reasons or excuses used to circumvent international law there remains one solid question that needs answering. Why would the United States attack the Syria Regime for using chemical weapons on their own people? The part of a national threat to the security of the United States is clearly missing here. ISIS has already been defeated and just a few weeks ago President Trump announced his plans for the withdrawal of the remaining military forces from Syria. Yet, to answer the important question of why the president has not withdrawn and instead has revamped the military in the region requires a comprehensive look at the region known as the Middle East.

There is no doubt that Middle Eastern countries sit on some of the largest oil reserves in the entire world. There is also no doubt

that just about all major countries in the world want those oil fields. Britain, Russia, France and the United States are but a few countries that have in the past or currently are militarily involved in the region. Finally, there is no doubt that Syria is the gateway to those oil reserves that connect the Middle East to the trading routs of the Mediterranean. As it currently stands, Russia and Syria have successfully defeated the Syrian rebels that are backed economically and militarily by the United States and are but a few weeks away of declaring total victory.

If this occurs, Russia will have a solid grip on the oil fields and the trade route for those oil reserves.

The real reason that a War with Syria appears just about imminent is the same reason as it always has been; it's for the oil.

Letter to the Editor

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

Dear Editor, Like all WIU students, I received an email from Kathy Neumann, Provost and VicePresident for Academic Affairs, to offer the University’s spin to the news that faculty have voted to authorize a strike.

In this email, she mentioned the University’s supposed goal of “reaching a sustainable and fiscally responsible agreement” with the UPI Local 4100 Chapter. By extension, she apparently feels that faculty demands are irresponsible and unsustainable.

Coming on the heels of years and years of flat faculty wages and pay cuts, I fail to see how faculty are being unreasonable in resisting yet more wage cuts.

What, you didn’t know administration is demanding another round of wage cuts? I didn’t either until I read the sordid details in the University-provided negotiation update.

Sustainable and fiscally responsible are words thrown out to shield from the public eye that university officials are asking faculty to give and give, with no end in sight.

What kind of sacrifice have university officials made? Have university administrators taken real wage cuts, as in a contractual reduction in total compensation that, in terms of real dollars or as a percentage of income, compares to the financial Armageddon faculty members have endured?

I get the sense in educating myself about this issue that

WIU administration feel like faculty are trying to take the money and run and are somehow not as invested in WIU students and this institution as they are.

This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Many faculty members have built homes and lives in Macomb, care deeply about their students, and in some cases, are so connected to Illinois and WIU through their respective disciplines that leaving at this point would be impractical.

These investments of time, talent and treasure matter, and should be worth something at the bargaining table. Instead, I get the sense that university administration is upset because faculty won’t accept a bigger pay cut than administration wants them to accept.

WIU administration has a ready platform at its disposal to share a one-sided perspective of what is billed as an epic battle of good versus evil.

Obviously, I’m overdramatizing administration’s point of view with somewhat bombastic language. My point is still just as valid: administration is using WIU systems to share its perspective. Faculty have essentially remained silent throughout this process (other than the recent no-confidence vote and Wednesday’s strike authorization vote).

As a taxpayer and as a student, I feel somewhat caught in the middle of a herculean battle between two sides who truly

care about students. Based on what I’ve seen thus far, my allegiances lie with faculty. They’ll still be here in the fall, probably far into the future.

What does it say about administration’s allegiances, especially those of the university president, when I read that he is a finalist for a new job at Boise State University? Nothing says dedication like trying on a Boise State lifejacket while clinging to the edge of WIU’s ship.

What I find most interesting as a WIU student is that administration has done an incredible job of saying, “It is our expectation that learning continues and you receive the quality education for which you have paid” but administration has utterly failed to guarantee that current students will receive academic credit for classes for which they have paid regardless of what happens with the current labor dispute.

My message to university officials is simple: resolve this labor dispute quickly without continuing to disrupt the financial lives and job satisfaction of faculty – or by jeopardizing the academic records of students.

The very least you can do is minimize the pain our dedicated faculty members will be forced to endure. Exacerbating this pain by hurting students is irresponsible, cruel, and sends a message to students that a win at all cost attitude is one they should embrace, Ken Speegle Student, English

Monday, April 23, 2018

CONT. E.2

By: Shyanne Thomas The self-proclaimed king of rap has finally returned with another album. On April 16, fans became suspicious of Cole because of his social media accounts having a purple profile photo. Later in the day, he announced a surprise free show in New York City, but there were some rules: no phones, cameras or bags. It was first come, first serve.

After the show, he tweeted “New album. KOD 4/20”. Ladies and gentlemen, KOD is here and let’s decipher it.

CONT. E.2

JIMMY PIERSON, PRODUCTION MANAGER

E2 EDGE

Monday, April 23, 2018

WesternCourier.com

Drake breaks his musical silence

JIMMY PIERSON, PRODUCTION MANAGER

It’s been over a year since we last received a Drake project, but the time has finally come for another album. Drake has officially announced his newest album, “Scorpion,” with the expected release month of June. However, no official date has been released.

Drake blessed us with “More Life” in March of 2017. In his own words, this wasn’t an album, but merely a playlist. It clearly wasn’t an official album as there were songs that Drake didn’t even appear on. In the final song, “Do

Not Disturb”, he ends the playlist on this line: “I’ll be back in 2018 to give you a summary”. We all knew something would be announced this year but it was just a matter of when.

We haven’t had much of a shortage of Drake news, however.

Since the release of “More Life,” he released “Signs” in June of 2017 as a collaboration between the 31-year-old rapper and popular fashion company, Louis Vuitton, as part of their Men’s SpringSummer 2018 fashion show. He

also collaborated with the NBA a couple times. He hosted their first-ever NBA Award show, also in June, and appeared in a documentary that chronicled the life and career of NBA superstar Vince Carter.

Towards the end of 2017, pictures emerged of Drake working in the studio with multiple rappers, including Trippie Redd, and snippets of songs were leaked on social media. In January. Drake dropped a surprise mini-EP titled Scary Hours. This EP featured just two songs, “God’s Plan” and “Diplomatic Immunity”. A music video for “God’s Plan” was later released and it touched the hearts of millions. In the video, Drake says he was given nearly a mil-

KOD

with pain or other things. When the first actual song, “KOD” plays, it is very clear that this is an entirely new Cole. The beat features a trap beat with Cole’s rhyme scheme completely changing from his traditional style. With the three meanings Cole provided us, we can categorize this song as being rapped

by King Overdosed because of the lyrics.

“Photograph” comes next.

This song discusses how social media has completely changed dating. People find love by swiping right on people rather than finding someone in person. After the first three songs, it’s obvious Cole

is addressing issues in today’s society once again.

The first feature of kILL edward follows in “The Cut Off”. Here, he discusses how he had to lose a few friends because they were using him. In “ATM” and “Motiv8”, Cole talks about his relationship with his money.

A music video has also been released for “ATM” and provides more insight on the song meaning. “Kevin’s Heart” is sung in the perspective of someone in love with drugs and he relates that to cheating on a partner. Fans speculate that the title is a play on the name of actor Kevin Hart and how he was unable to remain faithful in

from E1

KOD has three different meanings: kids on drugs, king overdosed and kill our demons.

The album has 12 songs with two of them having a feature from someone named kILL edward. But here’s the twist, this isn’t another person. It’s still Cole but with a distortion in his voice. So technically, this is his third album without a feature.

The first song is an intro, which sets up the whole album.

A female voice is heard speaking over a jazzy beat saying to choose wisely on how you deal

lion to film a music video. But rather than spend it on typical music video things, he gave it all away. He did this in a number of ways. He provided a University of Miami student a scholarship of $50,000, entered a grocery store and announced that anything the customers wanted was on him, purchased vehicles for groups, took some women shopping, and even just handed out wads of money to random families. Every last dime was given away.

“God’s Plan” sat on top of the Billboard Hot 100 since its release until he replaced himself on that list. Drake released “Nice For What” in early April and a video to accompany it. The video featured prominent female figures

such as Olivia Wilde, Tiffany Haddish, and Emma Roberts.

He also appeared on a song with Migos and on another with BlocBoy JB. Drake has an incredible influence on today’s generation and we all expect “Scorpion” to be a smash hit like his previous four studio albums. Although we don’t have a specific date to look forward to now, we can just be excited for June to arrive and hopefully we will receive an official date before then.

Drake will undoubtedly go down as one of the most influential and entertaining artists we have ever seen and we can assume “Scorpion” will back that up.

his relationship.

“BRACKETS” is a more political song. He talks about taxes and how taxpayers should be able to choose where their money goes. “Once an Addict (Interlude)” talks about Cole’s mother and her struggle with alcoholism. In “FRIENDS”, he tackles the issues on drugs and provides reasons as to why people should stop doing them and how harmful and detrimental they can be. “Window Pain (Outro)” features a little girl talking about how her cousin was shot and killed. Cole discusses what he wants in life and what he wants for people around him.

In the final song, “1985 (Intro to the Fall Off),” Cole addresses today’s rappers. He gives them advice on how to earn their money and how to keep their spot in the rap game.

Overall, KOD did not disappoint. Its overall message is strong and clear. Drugs do nothing but harm to people and their relationships with others. Cole experimented with trap beats and a new rhyme scheme and in my opinion it was a successful attempt.

We had to wait a year and a half for a new Cole album so let the new wait begin. But in the meantime, let us listen to his record on repeat and enjoy it.

E3 EDGE

Monday, April 23, 2018

WesternCourier.com

Kendrick Lamar wins a Pulitzer Prize for his album DAMN

JIMMY PIERSON, PRODUCTION MANAGER

There is no doubt that Kendrick Lamar is one of the greatest artists of our generation and of all time.

Lamar now has another accolade to add to his extremely impressive list of awards. As of April 16, 2018, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is a Pulitzer Prize winner for his album “DAMN.” This award comes just two days after the one-year anniversary of the album.

“DAMN.” was something very different from his last two albums. It was an album that people saw on two different ends of the spectrum. There are people that argue it is his worst album (although when talking

about Lamar albums, this isn’t necessarily a horrible thing), and then there are people that argue it was his greatest album out of his four studio albums. It tackles many issues within his own life and life within America in general.

In some songs, he samples audio clips taken from Fox News in which the news anchors discuss how they believe Lamar’s rap music as a whole does more damage to AfricanAmerican culture than anything else. They also question Lamar’s intentions when they cite a lyric from a song on his previous album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” that talks about police brutality.

In other songs, Lamar talks about life growing up in Compton, California, and also discusses an incident in which Lamar’s father and current Top Dawg Entertainment owner Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith has a coincidental run-in with each other when Lamar was just a child, in which Tiffith robbed a KFC restaurant that Lamar’s father worked at.

Lamar, himself, has also stated that this album contains what he believes is his best song, “FEAR.” Throughout the span of Lamar’s career, he has taken home a total of 86 awards, twelve of those being Grammys. In the year following the release of “DAMN.” The album has brought in six awards, counting the Pulitzer Prize, and has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

The Pulitzer Prize is the most prestigious award due to the history of the award.

By becoming the winner of the award, Lamar is the first rapper to win the prize and he is also the first non-classical and non-jazz artist to win. In their own words, they chose “DAMN.” because it is a “virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life” “DAMN.,”

by Lamar.

There is no question Lamar was very deserving of the award due to how real the album is in how he explains his life and racism in America. Lamar’s name will always be mentioned when people discuss which musicians were great storytellers and that not only goes for this album, but all

four of his albums.

If anyone has not listened to the album in its entirety yet, it is highly suggested that you take some time to sit and truly listen to what he is saying. Listen to the stories of his childhood, the story of his father and current label owner, and his views on the current state of our government. This album absolutely does not disappoint and will leave you jaw-dropped with the final song. If you’re feeling adventurous, play it backwards. Start with the final song and work your way to the first. Even backwards, it follows a timeline and still makes perfect sense.

Lamar has made history several times throughout the span of his career and winning the Pulitzer Prize launches him further into the discussion of who the greatest rapper of all-time is.

A Perfect Circle makes a perfect comeback

JIMMY PIERSON, PRODUCTION MANAGER

For 14 years now, longtime fans of A Perfect Circle have waited for the day when the band would stop trolling them on when they were going to make a new album, and actually start recording one. Well on Friday many of these fans’ wishes came true.

Their fourth studio album “Eat the Elephant” was released, and has taken the rock community by storm.

During the current age that we live in where it’s all about technology, fake news, selfobsession and a disconnect from life itself, lead vocalist Maynard James Keenan has heard the struggles his fans face, and created a 12 song album discussing

his philosophies on the matters mentioned above.

The first song off the album “Eat the Elephant” strips down A Perfect Circle’s usual trademark sound. Guitarist Billy Howerdel plays silently in this piece, while the drums complement Keenan’s singing. It has a soft indie rock sound. It’s the type of music you’d hear when the bar is about to close and is trying to calmly get the drinkers out. Keenan sings about the fear of embarking on a new path, but frozen in his own goals and hoping he’s made the right decisions throughout his life.

“Eat the Elephant” weaves into “Disillusioned” perfectly, by encouraging their listeners to “put

the silicon obsession down” and reconnect with people around them. This song starts to introduce the listener back into what they are known best for, having heavy musical elements in their music along with unpredictability, but they don’t display all their heavy elements just yet.

“The Doomed” is another piece that brings in all their heavy charm It’s has an odd mix of electronic and war metal elements in the rhythm section. Following “The Doomed” is “So Long, And Thanks for All the Fish.” This song is a tribute to the late great entertainers who have brought a lot of joy in our lives including Gene Wilder (“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”), David Bowie, Muhammad Ali and Carrie Fisher.

In one part of the song Keenan sings, “Now Willy Wonka, Major Tom/Ali and Leia have moved on, signal the final curtain call/in all

this atomic pageantry.” If you’re like me, those lyrics give you goose bumps every time you hear it.

The seventh track off the album, “By and Down the River,” is the one song that lets Howerdel take the driver’s seat and lead the song through his guitar playing.

For a long time now, Howeredel has been in the backseat with his playing for many years. Instead of A Perfect Circle focusing in on Keenan’s songwriting ability, they decided to listen to their fans, and let someone else take charge, which made the sound flow better.

These songs are the most memorable off A Perfect Circle’s newest album.

The other songs were either forgettable or had way too many electronic elements. Overall for an album that has been in the making for 14 years now, it had some strong elements that correlates to how the modern age sounds, along with the message for people to

focus on the true meanings of life and to try to keep their sanity through the process.

Even though this album sets the bar high, I’m more of a fan of Keenan’s other alternative metal/art rock band, Tool.

I like how their sound is compared to A Perfect Circle.

A Perfect Circle has a calmer approach to their music, whereas Tool is very bold and one of those bands that you know you’ve heard one of their songs before, because of their haunting sounds and piercing lyrics.

Keenan hasn’t stepped out of the recording studio just yet. In between touring and promoting A Perfect Circle’s new album, he is working on a new album with Tool, one that too has been in the works for 12 years. Our fingers are crossed that Tool’s new album will be released long before we become old and gray.

E4 EDGE

Monday, April 23, 2018

WesternCourier.com

Fleetwood Mac drops longtime guitarist Being in any band is like a revolving door. You come in and not too long after making your appearance in the band, you get kicked out or just leave on your own.

On April 9, the soft rock group, Fleetwood Mac, decided to fire their longtime guitarist Lindsey Buckingham after a disagreement over the bands upcoming tour. They will be replacing Buckingham with Mike Campbell of Tom Petty &

The Heartbreakers and Neil Finn of the Crowded House.

Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac in 1974, around the same time singer Stevie Nicks joined the group. He wrote and sang many of the loveable tunes we know including “Go Your Own Way,” “Tusk” and “Second Hand News.” He remained active with the band, by helping them write the music and touring with them for two decades.

When the news broke, Fleetwood Mac issued a statement but did not mention how devastated they were to let go of Buckingham.

Instead they focused on the new guitarists who will join them on this upcoming tour, and how excited they are to have them in the group.

“We are thrilled to welcome the musical talents of the caliber of Mike Campbell and Neil Finn into the Mac family."

Fleetwood Mac said "With Mike and Neil, we’ll be performing all the hits that the fans love, plus we’ll be surprising our audiences with some tracks from our historic catalogue of songs.

Fleetwood Mac has always been a creative evolution. We look forward to honoring that spirit on this upcoming tour.”

Music magazines like Rolling Stone have tried to reach out to the remaining members for comments about the issue, but haven’t received an answer at this time. If there is one thing that Fleetwood Mac thrives on is the constant drama that surrounds them.

Back in January of this year, the group accepted an award from the MusiCares Person of the Year at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Buckingham told the crowd that him and his fellow band mates have made some of their best music when they all were

at each other’s throats, and that they know they’re dysfunctional, but their chemistry together is what makes their music so great.

This five-group band (prior to adding the two new guitarists) defines the ultimate rock and roll band. With so many confrontations, affairs and drugs it’s no wonder they all at some point had to “Go Their Own Way.” If you’re a fan of the group, more news will come to light within the next couple of weeks, because the manager of Fleetwood Mac has not responded as to what exactly happened that caused the sudden change in the original lineup. The band is currently touring in Europe from April to late May.

New Fallout 4 mod is in the works Fallout 4 is a post-apocalyptic video game released in 2015 by Bethesda Game Studios. Its been 3 years since the games release, which has given the modding community plenty of time to develop mods, or modifications, for the game.

“Mods” are community-made or fan-made add-ons or expansions to popular video games. There is currently a mod in development for "Fallout 4" which is an ambitious, large-scale project. It takes place in Seattle, Washington, 200 or more years after a nuclear war.

"Fallout 4" takes place in Boston, and one of the game’s

Downloadable Content expansions (DLC), Far Harbor, takes place in Bar Harbor, Maine. This mod will be for PC only, not PS4 or Xbox One, and will be called "Fallout: Cascadia."

Fallout: Cascadia’s development team is full of talented graphic designers, voice actors, level designers, concept artists, programmers, sound designers, and more. They are working together to create a great mod that faithfully recreates Seattle and the surrounding areas. This mod takes place chronologically in the future compared to other Fallout games, in the year

2329. This means trees are re-growing and civilization is rebuilding after years where there was no plant life.

Fallout takes place in a post nuclear war world.

Cascadia takes place during a time when the world is recovering.

However, conflict and turmoil still plague the wasteland.

The developers are also bringing back the old dialog system and revamping it.

No longer will you only be able to choose from four vague speaking options.

Now, you can select from a list of what your character wants to say just like you could in "Fallout 3" and "New Vegas."

This might mean that the player character no longer has a voice actor. This is ok because in "Fallout 3" and "New Vegas"

the character didn’t have a voice actor either.

If you follow the official social media accounts, including YouTube, of the Fallout: Cascadia development team, you can see that they are really creating something amazing. They have some trailers on their YouTube channel and broadcast live multiple times per week. They show off their game development process of those live streams.

Recently, the team posted a picture on twitter of a beautiful scenic overlook in the world of Cascadia. It looks amazing.

There is no release date set for this mod.

They say whenever its finished, it will be released. This means that we don’t know how long we will have to wait for Cascadia to come out.

The other thing the people behind

Fallout Cascadia are doing is bringing back the old S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system, which is the in-game system that defines what your character is like.

Recently, another large mod of "Fallout 4" called "Fallout 3" in "Fallout 4" got shut down. “Fallout 3 in Fallout 4” was supposed to be a remake of "Fallout 3" in "Fallout 4’s" game engine. However, due to issues with copyright, it was shut down. When this happened, the Cascadia team posted on social media that their mod will keep going, and be “for the fans – forever free” This mod is only for computer/ PC only. If you have an Xbox One or PS4 you will not be able to play it. This is because the addons, resources and textures they are creating are not supported by consoles. I can’t wait for "Fallout: Cascadia!"

Do Disney's live-action remakes maintain the magic?

Nostalgia is something that we all love. Reliving some of our favorite memories through re-releases of TV shows and movies. Disney for the past few years has been known to capitalize on such feelings, and with an influx of liveaction remakes of animated classics Disney continues to help us relive our childhood and most likely ruining it at the same time.

Live-action remakes are nothing new in the Disney world, as in 1996, "101 Dalmatians" was released.

This movie was a remake of the 1961 film "One Hundred and One Dalmatians." The film had an all-star cast including Hugh Laurie better known for his role in House, Mark Williams who

would go on to play Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter series, and Glenn Close who has been in multiple projects.

It would give birth to an original sequel more than four years later with "102 Dalmatians."

After this, it would be 14 years before another live-action remake of an animated film.

"Maleficent" which is based on "Sleeping Beauty."

It is pretty much the story from Maleficent’s point of view. I actually enjoyed her not being the bad guy. Basically, it showed how she became a villain based on betrayal and then the eventual redemption. I keep this separate from "Sleeping Beauty" because of the unchar-

acteristic actions of certain characters. I love a good redemption story though. They’re talks of making a sequel to it, which is most likely going to be an original story.

In 2015, "Cinderella," a remake of the beloved 1950 animated film of the same name, was released. This version of the story is a lot sadder it actually shows a younger Cinderella before her mom died. I haven’t seen the whole thing but from what I have seen and heard somethings are better in this movie while other things not so much. I will say this though they made it, so you genuinely hated the evil stepmother and stepsisters.

"The Jungle Book" remake in 2016 had a few memorable cast members. I enjoyed how they had the movie started just like the original movie and it also had some of the exact same music which was awesome. There were a few things I wasn’t crazy about the lack of the famous marching elephants with Colonel Hathi and the others. I was

also very disappointed about them not having the Beetle’s Vultures as they were one of the best parts of the original movie. Beauty and the Beast was the most recent remake, it had an all-star cast and had the songs and music you loved from the original movie.

There were a few parts that I liked from the original that were taken out of the remake, but other than that it was good. Now we look to the future as the more beloved Disney films are getting a live-action remake. "Aladdin," "Lion King" and "Mulan" are the most notable. The Aladdin remake has some controversy but I’m sure it will be good.

There is no doubt however that some of the dialogue used in the original will not be entertained in the remake (you can probably guess what I’m talking about). "Mulan" is one I’m also looking forward to.

I have always been drawn to strong female characters. Being interested in Chinese culture also makes this one to see. However rumors of a couple main charac-

ters not being in the film including “the powerful, the pleasurable, the indestructible Mushu!”.; and the announcement that none of the songs from the original movie will be in it, makes it loose a lot of its appeal. However they do have till 2020 so maybe they can learn from their mistakes.

Of course, the one that will be the most anticipated and most complained about movie (mostly by me) "The Lion King" liveaction remake. The Lion King is one of the most beloved Disney movies ever (better than Frozen, sorry kids). I personally can quote the whole movie, so any changes will be noticed, but that is what happens when a beloved show or movie is remade.

Think about what your parents and grandparents had to go through with some of their shows and movies. There are a lot of other remakes that are rumored to be in the works, and the success of this next crop of remakes could determine whether or not more will be made.

Monday, April 23, 2018

@WesternCourier

OPINIONS 5

Professors deserve better

It’s almost impossible to be anywhere on campus in the past week and not hear about the potential union strike that could be looming in the near future.

After over a year of contract negotiations without any result, the local chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois here at Western voted last week to authorize a strike if negotiations still continue with no results. The professors have to wait 10 days from after the vote to strike, which puts a potential start date in the heart of dead week.

While a strike could still be avoided, the recent events have led everyone around campus to brace for what could

be coming. While a strike may not affect every classroom on campus, the timing is causing many, especially seniors, to stress. Whether or not a class would continue would depend on the professor and the ability of the department to fill any vacancies.

Now let’s be honest, if it was at any other point in the year, most students probably wouldn’t care and would be happy about it. They would be able to sleep in, not worry about lectures and hopefully no homework. The fact that it’s towards the end of the semester, especially the spring semester, makes things much more complicated though.

While it’s obvious it was

planned at this time for a reason, it’s still putting many students on edge. Depending on how much or what percentage of the course is left, there’s a chance of receiving an incomplete for the course.

While this is better than getting a zero, it prevents seniors from getting their final grades submitted, which could hurt them later. Thankfully I’m not a senior, my sympathies are with the senior class, because I know how it feels to just have to sit there and wait for something to happen. This timing provides the union with the best chance of getting the contract they want but it’s risky.

The thing is the professors do deserve to have a good wage.

The faculty at Western are very knowledgeable and are more than willing to help students out when they need help or advice. Whether it’s a subject from class or just advice on

life. The faculty at Western deserve the wage they’ve earned.

Unfortunately with the chaos in recent years in the colosseum known as Springfield, the budget has been tight and the university has been trying to make cuts wherever they can, including salaries. The main goal is to keep the university going and running smoothly and the university hopes that everyone is willing to make sacrifices for that goal, so the students can leave with their degree and be prepared for life.

Hopefully a strike can be avoided, but it doesn’t seem like anyone has an idea of what to expect in the coming weeks. If the strike does end up happening, let’s just hope the weather stays nice, so that way students can enjoy it with an outdoor activity like a picnic or barbecue, which sounds really good to me if we’re not able to take our finals.

Macomb is too small Letter to the Editor This weekend I took a trip to Peoria for the first time. I was astonished by how much the small town had to offer.

There was a variety of stores, a shopping mall and an abundance of restaurants and food places. In comparison to Macomb, Peoria is a wonderland.

We don’t have anything here to accommodate those who are used to living in bigger cities. If Macomb had more to do off of the WIU campus, to me, it would feel more like home.

For one, a lot of space is taken up by unnecessary duplicates of businesses. There’s two McDonalds’, two Burger Kings (on campus and off campus), and they are currently building another CVS. Why in the world do we need another CVS, of all things?

A fair amount of that space could have been used to build new attractions for the town.

Maybe an arcade, or a fun environment for students to hang out at off campus.

There are not many things to do here in Macomb off campus, with it being such a small town and all. I think the mayor should try to invest more of the town’s budget into building more places to evoke student interest, which can also be open to residents too.

A strip mall would be nice for college students to visit and shop during our free time. Also, more popular food joints and restaurants will expand the options to choose from when we’re dining out.

Not only will students and residents enjoy their time here, but it will increase the number of visits of non-residents and spark the interest of potential students.

Don’t get me wrong, Macomb has a couple of attractions for entertainment. I personally take full advantage of the movie theatre and skating rink whenever possible.

There are some pretty good food places too. However, all

of these are known only to the locals. There is no Yummy Chen's or Chicks anywhere else. Maybe some nationally known places will make students, especially those from out of town, feel a sense of familiarity to Macomb. McDonalds is typical. But a Popeye’s, Portillos or a Steak N’ Shake are all potentially good additions that could be added to the town. All I’m asking for is just a little bit more to choose from for those of us who are unfamiliar with the locally owned businesses.

I am not trying to turn Macomb into another Peoria.

There are a lot of great things about this town. But coming from a big city and having to adjust to a smaller town makes me more conscious of how much I’m missing. I’m used to being able to go out and explore, knowing there is so much to do outside of the comfort of my own home.

I felt more at home in Peoria because there were a lot more places that were wellknown to me, and a significant amount of things to do.

Maybe Macomb should consider expanding, and make all of us big city students feel at home.

Dear Editor, Early this year, a city official made the comment: Macomb is moving forward. So you brought in 3 or 4 minimum wage food joints. All this has done is create more stress and hardship in the eating-places already here. Just stop and think how many businesses have closed in the last six months.

Macomb has three major problems: 1. TAXES – Outlandishly high taxes, especially on real estate. It seems like every time you turn around somebody wants to add more tax to something. I heard that McDonough County is one of the five highest tax counties in the state. Why? Maybe our city officials need to take a closer look at how the money from local, state, and federal funds are manipulated.

2. REAL ESTATE – The real estate is totally over-priced. Why do you think there are so many homes for sale? Better yet, start at the old Farm King building, drive down East Jackson, around the square, out West Jackson, and take a long hard look at all of the empty buildings and empty store fronts that at one time held businesses there. High taxes and high priced real estate do not attract new businesses.

3. JOBS – Minimum paying jobs

do not help keep the young people in Macomb. What Macomb needs are decent paying jobs like Pella, McDonough District Hospital, NTN Bower Roller Bearing, and Western Illinois University.

These places can only provide so many jobs. Speaking of Western, what is going on? The President gets a contract extension, professors get laid off, but more administrative people are hired. Administrative people and the President do not make a university. It is the outstanding professors giving the students a better and stronger education. Do you think the professors who were laid off are going to sit around and wait to see what Western is going to do? No, they will go teach someplace else. Now when you need to fill those teaching jobs, think of all the time and expense for interviews. Are you sure you will get the same quality of professors you had before? No. Also, why is Western so advertised in the Chicago and East St. Louis area?

It’s about time Macomb takes a real look at themselves. Keep on and Macomb will be a retirement community with golf carts running up and down the streets.

Time waits on no one.

Norm Thomas Macomb Resident

Monday, April 23, 2018

6 SPORTS

WesternCourier.com

Acklin

from back page

“It’s been fun,” Acklin said.

“I try not to get too caught up into it because it really doesn’t matter until I get picked up by a team. I’m trying to stay humble through this process.”

Acklin sees himself as an Adam Thielen type of player.

Acklin compares well with Thielen in body type although he gives up two inches to the Vikings receiver. Acklin was faster than Thielen in the 40-yard dash, three-cone drill and short-shuttle. Thielen had a breakout year in 2017 with the Vikings. He pulled in 91 passes for 1,276 yards and was a solid first or second option alongside Stefon Diggs.

Thieland’s success proves there is a place on NFL rosters for players like Acklin.

The former Leatherneck has been labeled as a NFL draft diamond in the rough by outlets like CBS. He’s been touted as a late-draft steal to a priority free agent but with the draft only three days away, Acklin is optimistic going forward.

“I feel good,” Acklin said.

“I’m not living or dying by being drafted. As long as I get picked up by a team, I don’t really care about all that.”

An opportunity like this doesn't come around too often, but Acklin is doing all that he can do to make sure he can to capitalize on all that he’s worked towards during his time wearing the Purple and Gold.

Twitter: devondeadlysins

Jaelon Acklin celebrates his touchdown.

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!

.

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.

The nicer apartments are going fast, excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. Reasonable prices. Studio, 1-3 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.

ANGEL STRACK/COURIER STAFF

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 Still have some nice large locations available at reasonable prices. Excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. 1-8 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Pets at some locations. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.

Sports 7

Monday, April 23, 2018

@WesternCourier

Softball tames Mavericks

By Michael Harms courier staff

Omaha gave Western its first conference loss over the weekend. Playing a double header on Saturday and one game on Sunday, Western went into the series the favorite, posting a 15-23 record, but an undefeated 5-0 in conference. Omaha was the challenger at a 14-26 posting and a 2-6-conference record.

The first game started off slow.

Without a single hit, and only one woman getting on base Omaha waited until the second inning to get on board. Sophomore third baseman Emma Dargy got her third double on the season and then scored giving the Mavericks a 1-0 lead at the top of the second. Western Illinois responded back as junior Hailee Duwa homered to left center evening it up.

The rest of the action came in the fourth as Western started to pull away.

Kelsey Marlow sent Alyssa Ealy home on her double after Ealy singled. Then Duwa get her second RBI on the day after she doubled, which sent Marlow home. After a couple more hits, Duwa made her way around the bases giving Western a three run lead at 4-1.

The damage was done, and Omaha could not find a way to get back in the game due to Emily Ira’s strong pitching. She

pitched all seven innings and had a strong outing. Allowing only four hits and striking out 10, she earned the win for Western. This ties her with second highest tally in strikeouts for the season the other 10-strikeout performance coming against Western Carolina, where the Leathernecks won 8-0. The leathernecks closed out the game getting one more run ending the first matchup with a score of 5-1.

The second game was more challenging for the Leathernecks.

Omaha took it to the Leathernecks early on, eager to prove they can compete. Leadoff hitter Natalie Mostek got on base with a single, and then Savannah Fisher singled to center bringing Mostek in to put the first mark on the board.

After that the star of the game went to freshman Aubrey Hacke.

She pitched with determination and patience that proved too difficult for the Leatherneck bats.

Western only got four hits on the game and could not bring in a run. The run in the first inning held strong and Omaha handed Western its first conference loss of the season.

Sunday proved that Western would not be held down by just one defeat. The first inning saw no action, but the second inning did. Duwa had a leadoff single, and then topped off by Halle Hollatz fourth home run of the season starting off Western with

a two run lead. Ira showed she could bat as well as she pitches, with a double down the line scoring one more. The third continued to show Omaha unable to get a bat on the ball, and even in the fourth they had not gotten a hit.

It was a different story in the other dugout as Western had much to celebrate. Sophomore Sydney Hollings sent one deep to left field. The solo shot is her third of the season. Western ended the fourth up five. A different story started to develop in the fifth.

Ira had a no hitter going. She entered the sixth inning with six strikeouts and only two women had gotten on base. The sixth was three up and three down continuing the excitement for Ira. The sixth showed more offense from Western as efforts from Sam Ralphs, Ira, Beatty and Marlow scored two more. Seven to zero Ira entered the seventh eager to complete the no hitter, but Omaha had other plans. With one out and one on, Faith Romero had a pinch-hit and put one down the line for a single ruining Ira’s no hitter. She still ended up with the win and had an impressive day.

The three-game series may have gave Western its first conference loss, but showed how dominate they can be. Next up to face the Leathernecks is Missouri in a two game series here in Macomb on April 25.

Hailee Duwa gets on base

ANGEL STRACK/COURIER STAFF

Track notches eleven personal bests

By Brie Coder copy editor

BECCA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR

Jasmine Swanagan prepares to throw shotput.

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Western Illinois men and women’s outdoor track and field teams couldn’t be beat this weekend at the Tom Botts Invitational. There were many new personal bests that occurred, which is raising the bar for other competitors in the next upcoming weeks.

On Friday, junior Jasmine Swanagan, and sophomores Abigail Richter and Ross Smetzer each posted the best marks for their Leatherneck careers. Swanagan had a 45.79 meter throw in the women’s hammer throw. While Smetzer came in at 16:00.06 in the men’s 5000-meter run, placing him in 12th. Richter too came in at 12th place in the women’s 5000-meter run with a time of 17:58.81.

Freshman Nick Olson had a top-five finish for the Purple and Gold in the men’s javelin, by throwing 51.01 meters. He was the only male athlete to compete in the field events on Friday.

For the women’s field events, freshman C’Andria Campbell tossed the hammer 42.25 meters, which was good for 17th place overall. Freshman Amelia Peterson led four of Western’s female competitors in the women’s long jump,

with a mark of 5.05 meters.

Following behind Peterson in that event was junior Khalyia Lawson (5.04), sophomore Megan Reed (4.66) and freshman Victoria Adesola (4.38).

In the women’s running events, sophomore Nicole Beebe also competed in the 5000-meter run and crossed the finish line with a time of 18:31.71. For the women’s 1500 run, freshman Hailey Tranchitella posted a 4:51.42 mark, and following behind her was sophomore Jacey Roper at 5:05.64.

Concluding Friday’s events was the men’s 5000-meter run.

Like Smetzer, junior Lucas Lingle and senior Grant Kaiser came in on some impressive times. Lingle placed fifth in the event, and Kaiser finished at 16:12.70.

Saturday had the same results, with 11 new personal bests. Many came from the men and women runners.

The first to impress her other Leatherneck teammates, was senior Jamieria Stennis. She who was one of the 36 competitors in the 800-meter run. Stennis clocked in at 2:16.84, which placed her in eighth overall.

The next running event, the 200-meter dash captured five collegiate bests. Senior Raytoria Richardson highlighted the event by her tenth

place performance at 24.95.

Following her was sophomore Bo Brasseur (25.75) and sophomore Rachel Hilton (26.77). For the men, sophomore Justin Montalto came in at 22.34 and freshman Jace Norman with 22.72.

Western also posted a seasonhigh with the women’s 4X400 relay, where Reed, Brasseur, Richardson and Stennis all recorded an effort time of 3:57.59. Rounding up the track events were the hurdles where both sophomore Josh Kirby (15.54) and Adesola (1:13.65) placed third in the 110-meter and 400-meter events.

Three Leathernecks also had top-10 finishes on the final day of the invitational. Senior Jasmine Brown finished in fifth in the triple jump with a 11.49 meter mark. Sophomore Brady Shows had a 42.58meter throw in discus, placing him in eighth. Lastly sophomore Michael Rinella was the only Purple and Gold competitor in the pole vault. He was able to clear the bar with a height of 4.31 meters.

It was an overall great weekend for the Leathernecks and their momentum will carry on, when they compete in Des Moines, Iowa in the Drake Relays starting this Wednesday and concluding on Saturday.

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Acklin prepares for draft

ANGEL STRACK/COURIER STAFF

Jaelon Acklin runs past defender and rushes for more yards.

By Devon Greene sports editor

As the draft draws closer, prospects that weren’t on scout’s radars during the regular season begin to make names for themselves. Former Leatherneck standout receiver Jaelon Acklin is one of those prospects that has opened eyes on the road to the draft.

Following his senior year where he set school records in receptions and receiving yards with 84 catches and a total of 1,399 yard receiving, Acklin was riding high into bowl season. He ranked fourth in the entire FCS in receiving yards and was a

first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection.

However, when it was time for invitations to be sent out, Acklin’s name was not on any of the postseason rosters.

“I felt like I was disrespected as a player just because I only had one year of production,” Acklin said. “I used that to fuel my fire and whenever I was training, that’s all I really thought about. Everything started to work out fine after my pro-day where I finally got the opportunity that I wanted.”

In Acklin’s pro-day, he put scouts all over the country on notice. He recorded a 3.94 second run in the short-shut-

tle, a 6.62 second run 3-cone drill and put up a 39.5-inch vertical jump. The combination of those three statistics together have only been done by two wide receivers since 2000. Acklin also ran a 4.46 second 40-yard dash, which would’ve been tied for third place at the NFL Combine.

Acklin saw his pro-day as an opportunity to show all those who have doubted him this offseason what he can do if he was given a shot.

“I think that my pro-day numbers really opened up some eyes,” Acklin said. “I think that my negatives coming out of college were that I wasn’t that athletic, and I was

more of a possession receiver.

I think after I went out there, I solidified that I was more than that. I was just hoping that scouts would see that and maybe take a chance on me.”

After his pro-day, scouts and NFL teams certainly did start to consider Acklin as a viable addition to their franchises. He’s been talked to by multiple franchises like the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, St. Louis Rams and has met with the New York Jets.

On his way to the 2018 Bruce Craddock Memorial Spring Game, he got a call from the head coach of the Baltimore

Ravens, John Harbaugh.

Acklin even got to talk with the man that redefined the slot position in the NFL, former New England Patriot and Denver Bronco, Wes Welker.

Welker is the wide receiver coach for the Houston Texans and has worked with NFL greats like Randy Moss and young up-and-comers like DeAndre Hopkins. All of these contacts from people that athletes dream of talking to one day may overwhelm some but Acklin has kept a level head through it all.

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