V THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 Vol. 132 | No. 00
videtteonline.com
NEWS 5
ISU TO BE IN-PERSON FOR FALL SEMESTER
SPORTS 7
DESPITE COVID, FOOTBALL PRESEASON GOING WELL
‘A whole nation is hurting’ Protests against racism, police brutality bring wind of change across nation — including B-N
ELIZABETH SEILS | ALEX GANT | RAFAEL MENCHACA Editor in Chief | Photo Editor | News Reporter
G
eorge Floyd spent the last nine minutes of his life with Officer Derek Chauvin’s knee on his neck. He called for help, he called for his mother and eventually died from asphyxiation. His final moments, which were captured on video, have sparked outrage across the country along with the death of Breonna Taylor, who was killed during a no-knock raid inside her home while she slept. In Bloomington, protester and Chicago native Dion Allen said the violence he has witnessed throughout his life and that infamous video bring him pain. “When I seen Floyd taking his last breath, and he called for his mama,” Allen said, “that hurt my heart. That hurt my heart as a man, as an American, and as a human being.” He and hundreds of others in BloomingtonNormal have protested and met to discuss how their community can learn from recent events. See PROTESTS on Page 3 Bloomington resident Dion Allen shares his story of police brutality and racism during sunset at a June 4 demonstration. PHOTOGRAPH BY ALEX GANT | Photo Editor
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020
Support for minority-owned businesses BLM urges shoppers to back assorted local retailers
Pet Supply Plus owner Michael Fere is one of four owners of the blackowned business in Normal. He and his team own a total of seven stores across multiple states.
COMPILED BY KELLIE FOY News Editor | @kellie_foy
Many members of the Black Lives Matter movement are advocating for their communities to show more support for local black-owned businesses. The BLM movement is calling on communities for this increase in support as protests continue to take place across the nation. The BLM movement in the Bloomington-Normal area is shining light on how to support the movement by providing the community with a list of many of these local businesses. Listed below are some of the businesses that individuals can support.
Food/Dining Bandana’s BBQ located at 502 IAA Drive in Bloomington. The business can be reached at (309) 662-7427. Jazz Up Front located at 107 W Front St. in Bloomington. The business can be reached at (309) 200-8216. Sweet Sunday’s Online Bakery located at 403 S Madison St. Suite G in Bloomington. The business can be reached at (309) 8397973. The Coffeehouse located at 114 E Beaufort St. in Normal. The business can be reached at (309) 452-6774.
Alex Gant | Photo Editor
Shopping Burpo’s Boutique located at 106 W Washington in Bloomington. The business can be reached at (309) 828-7776. Butter Twice and Again located at 120 E Beaufort St. in Normal. Pet Supplies Plus located at 1720 Bradford Lane in Normal. The business can be reached at (309) 585-1035. Rogers & Hollands Jewelers located at 1615 E Empire St. #1100 in Bloomington. The business can be reached at (309) 662-4500. 310-1067. Divine Cleaning Services of Central Illinois in Bloomington. The business can be reached at (309) 706-1778.
Health/Wellness/ Sport
STAFF LIST
Features Editor Andrea Ricker
Night Editors Katie Beste Kelvin Pough
Sports Editors Jake Fogal Jake Sermersheim
Social Media Lauren Hamlin
Art Director Flynn Geraghty Ad Sales Manager Brianna Wilkens Business Manager Grant Olson Office Manager Daniela Jaime
Unit 2 in Bloomington. The business can be reached at (309) 287-1873.
Media Shawn Da Don (Mobile DJ Service) located in Bloomington. They can be reached at (708) 829-1468. Southside Don Productions can be reached at (708) 214-3871. Street Science Radio in Bloomington. More information can be found at http:// streetscienceradio.com/. Tony Jones Media (Video Production and Graphic Design) can be reached at (309) 242-4049.
Photography
Rashod Taylor Photography can be reached at (309) 212-0341. 1221 Photography. More information can be found at 1221 Photography’s Facebook page.
Other
Debra T Thomas Learning Center 2, INC located at 1711 RT Dunn Drive in Bloomington. The business can be reached at (309) 557-0065. No Limits Real Estate located in Bloomington. The business can be reached at (309) 838-1790. Thornton Rave Steel Fabrication, LLC located at 118 Merle Lane in Normal. The business can be reached at (309) 451-4660.
PHONE OR FOLLOW
2020-2021 Editor in Chief Elizabeth Seils Photo Editors Alex Gant Maia Huddleston
Rivian customer engagement center coming to Normal Rivian announced Tuesday that it will be locating a customer engagement center in Normal. The center will allow the team to train in and around vehicles to provide first-hand knowledge to Rivian customers. The customer engagement team will serve as the customer’s guide through the ownership journey. Rivian owners will be able to interact with the center digitally or by phone. “We’re thrilled to locate the customer engagement center in Normal,” Tony Caravano, Rivian’s senior director of retail and customer experience, said in a statement. “Imagine being in contact with our customers every day while having the ability to watch our teams build their vehicles.” GRACE KINNICUTT | NEWS EDITOR
Comprehensive Health Services Hair/Beauty located at 303 N Cutting Edge BarHershey Road Suite ber Studio located B in Bloomington. at 5 Westport Court The business can Unit C in Bloomingbe reached at ton. The business (309) 808-4409. can be reached at Jessica Jackson Alex Gant | Photo Editor (309) 200-0043. As nationwide protests in support of the Black Massage located at Massage Mantra 305 E. Front St. in Lives Matter movement continue for another located at 305 E Bloomington. The week, BLM encourages individuals to support Front St. in Bloommany of the local black-owned businesses business can be ington. The business in their communities. The Coffeehouse in reached at (309) Uptown Normal is one of these businesses in can be reached at 200-9480. the area. (309) 200-9480. Train with Second II None Donovan Muldrow Barbershop located at 1001 Six Points Road (Personal Training) located at 401 Bronco Unit 2 in Bloomington. The business can be Drive Unit C in Bloomington. The business reached at (309) 310-2620. can be reached at (708) 214-3871. Underground Barbershop located at 1531 Screen printing/Apparel/Printing services E College Ave. in Normal. The business can Lala Teez located in Normal. The business be reached at (309) 585-0351. can be reached at (309) 706-2159. Cleaning Silver Back Apparel Company & One Above and Beyond Cleaning in BloomingStop Print Shop located at 705 N East St. ton. The business can be reached at (309)
News Editors Kellie Foy Grace Kinnicutt
NEWS IN BRIEF
Marketing Team Manager Erynn Schroeder Business Adviser Madeline Smith General Manager John Plevka
Editor 309.438.8745 Display Ads 309.438.8742 Business 309.438.5929 Classifieds 309.438.7685 Fax 309.438.5211 General Manager 309.438.7688
Twitter @The_Vidette Facebook @The-Vidette Instagram @the_vidette YouTube @videttevideo
Rayfield Archive accepting COVID-19-related materials The Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives are officially accepting submissions for coronavirus-related history, taking steps to document COVID-19’s effect on daily life for Illinois State University students and the surrounding community. These archives, a program run to document the history of ISU and campus life, seek to preserve historical documents related to the university, including but not limited to photographs, letters and journal entries. In the wake of the pandemic, the Rayfield Archives have opened a secure online form for students to submit online documents, for those who want to contribute. The history of ISU these archives hold is often utilized for historical research, for famous past events. Due to limited staffing, in-person meetings are by appointment only, but they do have a collection of online archives, such as past ISU yearbooks and an archive of past Videttes. The decision to open the archive up for the history of COVID-19 in the BloomingtonNormal area can be traced back to the 1918 flu pandemic. For this stretch of time, the university only has previous editions of the Vidette to look back on in speaking to the experiences of Illinois State students. “When our future researchers ask for resources on COVID-19 pandemic, the Rayfield Archives will hopefully be able to provide first-hand accounts of Redbird resilience,” said April Anderson-Zorn, a university archivist. “Through digital diaries, podcasts and, of course, social media, we can document how we coped and adapted to a life-altering situation that isn’t just playing out in our community but on the world stage.” JAKE DAHL | FEATURES REPORTER
The Vidette
The Vidette is published Tuesdays every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The Summer Vidette is published in June and July. Students are responsible for the content of the Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in whole or part, those of the Illinois State University administration, faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2020 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020
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Statements from local groups, leaders
A s students at a historically white institution, we realize our experience is vastly different from our counterparts, this is not by chance. Therefore, the turmoil we see unfolding is not just an American problem, but an ISU problem as well. ISU needs to act now.”
Student Government Association, Black Student Union and Black Homecoming Committee
Above and right: More than protests, Black Lives Matter BloNo is looking to start community conversations. On Sunday, community members gathered to discuss the needs and concerns of Bloomington-Normal. They discussed strategies and updated on future projects for BLM BloNo. Bloomington resident Shaunti Brooks shares her frustration with other members of the community. Other groups, like NextGen Initiative, are hoping to speak with police, schools, local leaders and other groups to promote change.
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T h e senseless death of George Floyd has given rise to some of the country’s deepest forms of fear, sadness, anguish and outrage. This isn’t about the cops that are trying to protect us, this is about the ones that are targeting people by the color of their skin. We should all be treated equal as we come from the same creator and do not have the right to take an innocent life!” Illinois State University men’s basketball team
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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
T h e r e is no room on our campus for bigotry and hatred, and I ask each of you to embrace and carry out ISU’s core values of fostering an inclusive environment characterized by cultural understanding and engagement, ethical behavior, and a commitment to social justice.” ISU President Larry Dietz in a May 31 statement
On June 3, another protest was held in downtown Bloomington. Several hundreds of men, women and children came out in support of the movement. Justin Turner leads the eight minutes of silence for George Floyd. One protester holds a sign with Floyd’s last words written on it. While marching, protester Amon Brock holds hands with another. The protest was entirely peaceful. During the march, a man threw a harmless smoke bomb into the crowd in an apparent attempt to incite violence. Witnesses diffused the situation and the man eventually turned himself in.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALEX GANT | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
PROTESTS
Continued from Page 1
It began as protests, starting in downtown Bloomington and marching through the city. Now, Black Lives Matter BloNo and other advocacy groups are working on ways to support black businesses and focus on those incarcerated in the McLean County Law and Justice Center. With protesting, the risk of spreading COVID-19 increases. The tight constrictions of marching and gathering often do
not allow for social distancing. The McLean County Health Department released guidelines for participants to protect themselves from COVID-19 while continuing to demonstrate. Additionally, MCHD encourages any protesters to get tested at the community-based testing center in Bloomington. “I feel like my whole life has been leading up to this moment,” Bloomington native Dominique Stevenson said. “My mom always said make sure what you’re fighting for is worth dying for.” Stevenson and several others are looking
to start conversations with law enforcement, schools, local governments and whatever groups they can about their movement. Stevenson and his brothers are forming the NextGen Initiative to facilitate those conversations and make change. “We want to know what everybody’s thinking,” he said. “What’s in your heart is always what’s going to come out. So, we’re trying to sit down and have real discussions — not arguments, but discussions with people that can steer this community in a completely different way. “
Across the country, similar groups are trying to make change. There have been protests in all 50 states, as well as several other countries. The widespread hurt and anger, Allen said, makes it impossible to ignore the issue. “When black people are hurting, other people can turn their head, close their blinds, lock their doors and turn off the TV,” Allen said. “But when a whole nation is hurting, you have no choice but to hear these people and we are being heard.”
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020
Change starts with hard truths B
l a c k lives matter. This is not a political statement, though it may seem to be. This is a declaration of human rights. It’s a statement that should roll off the tongue as naturally as “all men are created equal,” for both say the same thing. And while as a whole media organizations are meant to be neutral, this is far from a neutral issue. The deaths of countless black men and women across the country are abhorrent and despicable. The anger, sadness and pain brought up in the past couple weeks are the cries for help from a nation that is suffering every day. The disease of racism in our country spreads far and wide over centuries. And for too long, many white American citizens have turned a blind eye to the systemic injustice done to minorities. America has work to do. Illinois has work to do. Bloomington-Normal has work to do. Illinois State University has work to do. Even The Vidette has work to do. It is work that goes beyond adding students of color to the photos on
campus websites. It goes beyond a diversity seminar, or an empty promise to students to fulfill an obligation. Not too long ago, black students took to the Quad to share their anger and frustration with the university, saying they did not feel appreciated by their institution. The Vidette was there and heard the pain that day. We were there in the aftermath when Illinois State officials sat with leaders to hear them out and we will continue to be there as students work for equality on campus.
Change is uncomfortable. It should be. To outright say The Vidette needs to work on diversity is nerve-wracking, but it’s true. In times like this, it isn’t about saving face. It’s about being honest and making change. Many places need to work on diversity and to acknowledge it is a crucial step in actually making that goal happen. The Vidette only asks that this request is met with compassion and help. We can’t speak for the past, but we can work toward a better future.
We are making a commitment to make sure every voice on campus is heard and respected. In the same spirit, we encourage all those who are privileged, or benefit from privilege, to look inside themselves and see how they can change. Schools, registered student organizations and individual students should use this time to introspect and make change in their departments. It will bring discomfort, but a moment of discomfort is incomparable to a lifetime of racist treatment. With that being said, we also want to uplift black voices on campus and not speak over them. We would do a disservice to not mention The Onyx Connect, a media organization that focuses on “promoting black and brown student excellence in the media at Illinois State University,” as its Twitter says. The Onyx Connect offers a lens and perspective that we aim to have in our publication, but currently do not. The Vidette sincerely hopes we can learn from them, and perhaps work together to help represent Illinois State Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director University.
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by ELIZABETH SEILS, a member of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the University.
Covering protests is more than taking pictures MY VIEW ALEX GANT | Photo Editor
I
t has been over two weeks since the murder of George Floyd. Since then, protests have been surging not only across the nation, but the world. Amid all the peaceful protests, some of them have turned violent. The protesters themselves have not only turned violent, but also the police. Police have responded to peaceful protesters with rubber
bullets and tear gas. The 1960s civil rights demonstrations were the last time that the press have found themselves in between so much violence. Journalists have found themselves in the crossfire of all the violence. They have been injured and even arrested by police after clearly showing their credentials. One photographer was even blinded in one eye from a rubber bullet. The question journalists are asking themselves is whether or not it is safe to go to these protests. It is their job to be in the middle of these conflicts, but are some of the protests too dangerous? Since the beginning of the protests I have been able to go to sev-
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eral here in Bloomington, as well as Davenport, Iowa. At the protest I did my normal journalist stuff, like take pictures and ask a few people questions here and there. But what made my experience different from most journalists is that I made my time at the protest more than just a collection of pictures and a few quotes for content. I made my time there have a purpose. At the Davenport protests, I was not with any newspaper or media outlets. I was there for myself and to help spread the message. I listened to individuals’ stories and experiences. They were so moving and eye opening, that I felt them internally. I did the same thing here in
VIDETTE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Vidette welcomes letters to the editor, provided they are no longer than 250 words and are typed and double-spaced. Letters that exceed the 250-word limit can be published at the editor’s discretion,but shorter letters take precedence. Letters containing name calling and insults will not be published. Letters must be signed and contain the major or official title of the writer, the year in school if presently enrolled, address and a daytime telephone number for verification. Letters without phone numbers will not be considered for publication. Names may be withheld upon request, but only after approval by the editor. Letters are subject to editing for style and space at the editor’s discretion. Letters sent via email to: vidette@ilstu.edu are accepted, provided they include a telephone number for verification.
Bloomington while working with The Vidette, being very personal and real with everyone I met. After taking the time to have a real conversation with people, they felt comfortable to have me around. They started to ask me when I was coming back or if I would be at the next protest. I was more than just a journalist to these people; I was their friend. It is important to me to make these connections by being personal because it guarantees that I won’t ever forget them. I will remember each and every one of the stories until the day I die because of the impact that they had on me. These connections are also important because people often see
the media as people trying to twist words or manipulate the truth. If they see and understand my purpose to be there and understand why I am different, then they won’t see me as the enemy. I could have been just as easily looked at as just another guy in the crowd with a camera. I also could have just as easily gotten the pictures I needed and then left. But I didn’t. I stayed at the protest until they were over no matter how long they were because with all the violence happening in the world, the little things go a long way. ALEX GANT is a Photo Editor for the Vidette. He can be reached at amgant1@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @AexGant16.
THEY SAID IT
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When black people are hurting, other people can turn their head, close their blinds, lock their doors and turn off the TV, but when a whole nation is hurting, you have no choice but to hear these people and we are being heard.” Dion Allen, protester
EDITORIAL BOARD ELIZABETH SEILS Editor in Chief | @SeilsElizabeth ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @GKinnicutt
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
RESTORE ILLINOIS PHASES PHASE I Rapid Spread Strict stay-at-home and social distancing guidelines are put in place, and only essential businesses remain open. Every region has experienced this phase once already and could return to it if mitigation efforts are unsuccessful.
PHASE 2 Flattening
PHASE 3 Recovery
Non-essential retail stores reopen for curbside pickup and delivery. Illinoisans are directed to wear a face covering when outside the home and can begin enjoying additional outdoor activities like golf, boating and fishing while practicing social distancing.
Manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops and salons can reopen to the public with capacity and other limits and safety precautions. Gatherings of 10 people or fewer are allowed. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
PHASE 4 Revitalization
PHASE 5 Illinois Restored
Gatherings of 50 people or fewer are allowed, restaurants and bars reopen, travel resumes, child care and schools reopen under guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.
The economy fully reopens with safety precautions continuing. Conventions, festivals and large events are permitted, and all businesses, schools and places of recreation can open with new safety guidance and procedures. SOURCE: Restore Illinois
Dietz: Campus open for fall Classes expected to be face-to-face, hybrid and online teaching formats GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @GKinnicutt
In a campus-wide email to returning students, Illinois State University President Larry Dietz assured recipients that campus will be open for the fall 2020 semester. Classes will be a mix of face-to-face, hybrid and online teaching formats. Dietz also addressed that there will be new guidelines in place due to the pandemic. The new guidelines will protect the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff. There will be limits placed on meeting and gathering sizes to accommodate the guidelines set in place by the state along with a high emphasis on cleanliness and preventing COVID-19. “Your journey to Normal this fall means you will be entering the ‘new normal’ at Illinois State,” Dietz said in a statement. “We want you to learn, experience, and grow — and we also want you to be safe and healthy the entire academic year.” Students can find further details about the operations for a safe and healthy return for the fall semester in Redbirds Return: A Progress Report for Fall 2020.
COMPLETE TEXT OF DIETZ EMAIL Dear Returning Students, The answer is YES, Illinois State will open its campus for the fall 2020 semester. We’ve missed you, and we can’t wait until you’re back at your university home. Face-to-face, hybrid and online teaching formats are being readied, the revitalized Bone Student Center will welcome you, the Student Fitness Center will make sure you’re in great physical condition for a busy semester, and the fall beauty of the Quad will once again inspire you. And yes, there will be many new guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to our mission to provide you with the premier university educational experience, our focus will also be on ensuring your health, safety and well-being. There are additional protocols designed to protect you and the faculty and staff members you will encounter every day. There will be limits placed on the size of meetings and gatherings. And a high emphasis will be placed on cleanliness and coronavirus prevention. Your journey to Normal this fall means you will be entering the “new normal” at Illinois State. We want you to learn, experience and grow — and we also want you to be safe and healthy the entire academic year. Further details about operations during the fall 2020 semester can be found in our Redbirds Return: A Progress Report for Fall 2020. As always, you can contact the appropriate office or department with any specific questions. For general questions about the university management of COVID-19, you can visit the coronavirus link off the university’s homepage or email us at coronavirus@ilstu.edu. We look forward to seeing you soon for another great year at Illinois’ first and finest public university. Respectfully, Larry H. Dietz
Let’s get digital in tracing COVID-19 GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @GKinnicutt
Apple partnered with the State of Utah to design an app that collects and traces where COVID-19 is spreading. The app, Healthy Together, can be found on the Apple App Store for free. It is designed for individuals to track how they are feeling every day, help find local testing sites or areas if the person needs to or should get tested and how to stay safe and keep the community safe. Individuals can do daily self-check-ins where the app asks what symptoms the user is experiencing and if they should call the doctor and get tested. “I would use the app because I would want to know if I needed to get tested and how high the risk of it is in my area,” said senior Celina Aquino. “Everyone should use it. It’s easy and free to use and keeps yourself safe and potentially others safe too.” With restrictions beginning to ease and more people venturing outside and hanging with friends, the app can help officials determine when to ease lockdown measures or put them in place again if they see that COVID-19 is growing in certain areas across states. “I think this app is a great idea. If
everyone puts their symptoms in, it will give more accurate results for the number of suspected cases and the number of confirmed cases, which is very important in determining what the next steps should be in terms of quarantine and social distancing,” said senior Isabelle Mahr. The problem in a contact tracing app comes down to people who don’t have smartphones and getting individuals to actually use it. IPhone users have access to a free contact tracing app, but the Google Play Store for Android users is not pushing a contact tracingbased app. The United States is also not pushing a contact tracingbased app to be utilized in fighting the spread of COVID-19. In Illinois and many states, contact tracing is based upon the individual who tested positive’s knowledge of who they have been around and where. For Illinois, a contact tracer will interview people who tested positive and ask questions about who the person has been in contact with within the past 48 hours. As places begin to reopen and people start to venture outside, the tracing of COVID-19 is important to help isolate positive cases and continue to slow the spread of the virus from growing in big numbers again.
Hybrid learning: The new future of the education system MAIA HUDDLESTON Photo Editor | @maiawrites
As Illinois begins reopening with safety precautions, what will the education system look like for future teachers and students? Associate Dean of the Illinois State University College of Education Barbara Meyer said she thinks remote learning will continue, even in middle and high schools. “There could be staggered schedules to allow for more social distancing. With a teacher shortage already in place, I do not see how schools could have a class size that
is half of what we have now,” Meyer said. She said the goal is to continue allowing students to learn as much as possible. Dr. Barbara “The school Meyer year may start earlier; it may be shorter in the building with online learning also taking place. There are so many possibilities, and each school district and school will need to decide what is best for their
communities,” Meyer said. Meyer said school districts and individual schools will need to decide on the best plan for their communities. While these changes may seem drastic, Meyer said they are necessary. “Most viruses are cyclical. They will come back. Hopefully there will be a vaccine to make it less fatal or to reduce the symptoms, but everyone will still need to be careful,” Meyer said. According to Meyer, the virus sped up the process of making major improvements to the education system. Some of these improvements include an emphasis on hygiene and
social-emotional support services. “I hope more communication between caregivers and teachers will take place through virtual space,” Meyer said. Meyer also said many schools are investing in new technology to support student learning. “Many schools are going to find ways for students to have this access in their classrooms, and possibly at home, even if they cannot afford it,” Meyer said. Meyer thinks teachers will have to do more thorough assessments of student abilities this fall. She said teachers will have to work
one-on-one with students to determine where they are in the learning process after abruptly switching to remote learning this spring. “We don’t want students to get discouraged. We want them to learn both academically and socially, and sanitarily and healthily, as much as possible,” Meyer said. Still, Meyer believes a return to normal may never occur in the education system. “I don’t think we will ever go back to the way things were a year ago. Education can be adaptable as long as teachers, parents and community are flexible,” Meyer said.
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
Features
A taste of normalcy
Local restaurants, bars begin the reopening process
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020
Summer of social distancing ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea
Alex Gant | Vidette Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
Medici in Uptown Normal was able to open outdoor seating early this month, just in time for the summer weather. ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea
R
estaurants are slowly starting to open their doors again, allowing guests to enjoy the summer sun with outdoor seating
Alex Gant | Vidette Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
Emack & Bolios employees Katie Spaulding and Emma Morgan work at the side window, serving cold treats to customers.
options and a taste of what used to be normal. Illinois is currently in Phase 3 of Gov. JB Prtizker’s “Restore Illinois” plan. This allows for more non-essential businesses to open to the public with safety precautions. Bloomington-Normal restaurants and bars began offering outdoor seating to help guests enjoy their food while staying socially distant. When quarantine first began, Medici closed for a couple weeks before offering carryout, delivery and curbside pickup options. The Uptown Normal restaurant now has its patio open, with tables at least 6 feet apart. “We had to shuffle tables around to make sure we met all the requirements with sanitation, spacing and social distancing,” Medici General Manager Joe Slane said. “I think the guests are just happy to be back and being able to sit, be waited on and go dining,” Slane said. “They seem to be very respectful of the expectations we have and they’re understanding of the challenges we’re facing.” Restaurants also follow a number of safety precautions, not only for the well-being of staff but customers as well. “We ask guests to wear a mask when they’re in the common area or bathroom,” Slane said. “To get to our patio you have to go through our indoor area, so we set up lanes inside for going in and going out, so that guests don’t cross much.” Even common things such as condiments on a table or salt and pepper shakers are different now. Restaurants are opting for single-use
products and condiment packs rather than a container that travels from table to table. “Things that used to be pretty common have changed,” Emack & Bolios employee Carter Calarco said. “We don’t have creamer sitting out anymore for people’s coffee. If a customer wants napkins, we get it for them since we are wearing gloves and a mask.” Most of Emack & Bolios’ orders take place through a walk-up window on the side of the building. They have an outdoor seating area, along with the option of phone-in pickup orders. If customers have a mask, they can come inside the restaurant to order, however, they cannot dine in. “[As staff,] we’re washing our hands after every order and we wear masks to keep ourselves and other people safe,” Calarco said. However, an issue of concern for these two Uptown Normal restaurants is staffing. “A lot of our employees are on campus, so when quarantine started nobody was really [here],” Calarco said. “Recently we’ve been able to have more people come back so we can have a normal schedule.” Slane adds that Medici has a very limited staff as the restaurant was only offering delivery, pickup and curbside options. “Being able to open the outside is helpful quite a bit,” Slane said. “We’re still not near the sale numbers that we used to be.” uEXPANDED STORY @ Videtteonline.com
Adaptive counseling during times of need ISU continues to provide mental health resources
as they’ve taken courses in the spring or are planning on taking them in the fall. Emergency services are available 24/7 over the phone. Along with that, Zoom meetings have been taking the place of regular face-to-face sessions. “[Last semester] in addition to [our ANDREA RICKER other resources] we quickly started Features Editor | @ricker_andrea offering some workshops on coping with the anxiety related to COVID-19 ncertainty of the future and situation, and those were very well anxieties surrounding COreceived,” Colbs said. “We also VID-19 and other concerns in offered a drop-in relaxation room the world can take a toll on one’s mental where people could learn strategies health. However, Illinois State Univerto cope with the anxiety and uncersity Student Counseling Services have tainty.” Vidette Archives adapted digitally to provide resources The department plans to offer even ISU Student Counseling Services will continue to have online services and care to those who need it. more services in the coming semesfor the fall semester, in order to safely provide care to students. “We’ve never stopped offering help ter. and we won’t. The way it’s delivered just switched to online. These new digital resources “We’re getting ready to offer some might look a little different,” Student Counseling will continue to be offered in the fall and opportunities that are specific to special populaServices Director Sandy Colbs said. throughout the summer. tions,” Colbs said. In response to classes switching online last Students do not have to be enrolled in sumsemester, the Student Counseling Center also uEXPANDED STORY @ Videtteonline.com mer courses to be eligible for counseling, as long
U
This summer is definitely going to be like past years. Even though vacation and travelling plans might have to wait until next year, there are still plenty of activities to do while enjoying the summer weather. “I realized quarantine has made me do things I normally wouldn’t,” Illinois State University senior Tony Cipolla said. “I’ve picked up daily bike rides, fishing, reading, spring cleaning and even looking into graduate schools, things I wouldn’t have had the energy for before.” Cipolla adds that “The time spent outside being active has improved my mental health.” While it may be tempting to stay inside and play “Animal Crossing” or watch some Netflix, there are a lot of options out there, for those looking for a fun way to exercise this summer or a creative outlet.
Bike riding Now may just be the perfect time to break out a bicycle, even if it’s been awhile. Go for rides around the neighborhood or see what trails are close by.
Drive-in theaters While standard movie theaters may be closed, there are still options for those wanting a fun movie night. The Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre in Gibson City is a 35-minute drive from Bloomington. The movies shown will be “The Goonies” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” from Friday through June 18. Tickets are $8 and a food permit for each vehicle is $5.
Rollerskating Another fun way to stay active this summer can be picking up roller skating or roller blading. Whether it’s dusting off an old pair of skates or learning for the very first time it can be a new hobby to dive into during free time. “I wanted to pick up roller skating as a way to motivate me to exercise more,” ISU senior Alisa Christensen said. “I’ve been debating buying a pair for about a year or so and this felt like the perfect time. I still need a lot more practice, but so far it’s been really fun to find places around campus to go skate.”
Chalk art For those looking for a relaxing creative outlet, maybe see if you have some old sidewalk chalk lying around. Make some temporary art while enjoying the summer sun.
Taking a walk Of course, the typical “quarantine walk” is a great way to get outside this summer. Bored of walking around the neighborhood or campus? See what trails might have opened up near home. The Constitution Trail in Normal is still open of for those looking to walk or jog in the summer sun.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
Spack, Lyons optimistic for upcoming season despite abnormal offseason
A league of their own
JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @JakeSermersheim
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fter an offseason that sent the NCAA off the rails, every team is looking to get back to a normal program. For Illinois State University football, the team hopes the transition will be easy. Head coach Brock Spack thinks his team was built to withstand the unforeseen offseason. “The majority of our team is back, especially in important spots,” Spack said. “Players are very mature and know what they need to do, what to improve on, how to study tape, etc. For a team to make an adjustment like this, for this kind of issue this is the best team to do that.” The early March shut down of spring sports halted a successful start to the offseason for the Redbirds. ISU finished its winter workouts and was waiting to build on their strong start with spring workouts starting March 15 “It’s been really different. We were having a great offseason until we hit the COVID shut down. Our team had really good winter conditioning,” Spack said. “I have been really proud of our players. Our kids are working hard, trying to make the best of a bad situation. What I’m hearing is that our players are in good shape and doing well.” Without a spring practice, the Redbirds had to run through their offseason program remotely over Zoom. With no physical reps, ISU was able to slow down the learning process. “The good news with that is we were able to slow it down from a classroom standpoint,” Spack said. “We took our time and really hit the details of each position and of the system. Obviously missing spring practice and missing the reps is what you really miss about spring. What I hear is that we will have six weeks of preseason instead of four. [Organized team activity]-style practices for a couple of weeks.” The lack of spring practice will change how the rest of the offseason will play out. ISU will have to gradually work its way back without the physical spring. ISU athletic director Larry Lyons predicts a mid-June return to campus for student athletes. Once
SPORTS IN BRIEF Sy Chatman commits to men’s basketball Illinois State University men’s basketball adds forward Sy Chatman for the 2021-2022 season, from the University of Massachusetts. Chatman is set to sit out the 2020-2021 season due to the NCAA’s transfer rule residency requirement. In a full season as a freshman, Chatman averaged 3.7 points per game and 2.2 rebounds. During his time in high school,
Vidette archive
Illinois State University football head coach Brock Spack.
the Redbirds get back to team workouts summer training camp will be extended. Normally a four-week program will be extended to a six-week training camp. Padded practices will start in the final two weeks. “We are working through plans right now. How we manage with strength and training,” Lyons said. “Once we get a plan, we have to run it by a couple of groups. We would have to open facilities that are technically closed.” Even though the Redbirds and the NCAA are planning to return to team facilities for practices in the very near future, a regular-season return is still not set in stone. Lyons expects a formal announcement soon about the return. Despite this he notes the situation is still fluid. “In terms of college athletics, the speed of the decisions that were made in March were unprecedented,” Lyons said. “Now the planning process is harder. It was easy to close, but much harder now with a lot of uncertainty. We are trying to stay in the same lane as the university.” With social distancing guidelines still in place, the Redbirds and the rest of the NCAA have an upin-the-air situation about fans in attendance. Lyons remains optimistic, thinking at least some fans will be in Hancock Stadium. “If football is back, I am hopeful we have fans in the stands,” Lyons said. “We have 90 days to figure that out. Things change so rapidly. We have some options in our back pocket.” Chatman attended Cretin-Derham Hall in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he won a state championship in his senior year. During his final season, Chatman averaged 17.7 points per contest and pulled down 8.1 rebounds. ISU head coach Dan Muller announced the addition to his team on Monday by stating, “Sy is a young man who has incredible potential.” “He is an athletic forward who has great skill. Sy won a state championship in Minnesota and we believe his best basketball is in front of him. I’m very excited to be a big part of the next chapter of Sy’s life as a Redbird.”
LABAT
Continued from Page 8
“She put a few meets together where she did really well, but she never put a meet together where she did her best at all four events. If she had done that, I honestly believe she probably would have been the Conference All-Around Champion. If you take her top scores and add them together, there’s no one in the conference that even comes close to what she had, except for maybe Gabby (senior Gabrielle Cooke),” said Conkling. “The capability was there for
Alex Gant | Photo Editor
After the Prospect League and Midwest Collegiate Championship seasons were canceled, the ownership group that runs the Normal CornBelters, Quincy Gems, Hannibal Hoots and Bloomington Bobcats founded the Kernels League. All games are played at the Corn Crib in Normal.
CornBelters management founds Kernels League JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @JakeSermersheim
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s summer collegiate baseball leagues around the country suspend operations due to COVID19, the Normal CornBelters plan to push forward with the creation of their own league. The CornBelters announced the creation of the Kernels League last week via the CornBelters’ Twitter page after it was announced that the league they played in last season, the Prospect League, will not be having a season. Taking place at the CornBelters’ home field, the Corn Crib, the Kernels League will be a four-team league made up of the Bobcats, CornBelters, Gems and Hoots. “Before the news that the league was canceled was available to the public, one of our owners, Matt Stembridge, who is president of operations for us here in Normal, came up with this idea towards the end of May,” CornBelters Director of Ticket Sales Matt Durkin said. “We instantly fell in love with it and have been running full throttle with the Kernels League ever since.” The league begins on July 1 and will run until August 9 with teams playing in a round-robin style season with all teams playing on the same day in a doubleheader format. The first game will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the second game coming right after. Players will come from around the central Illinois area. This allows the league to avoid finding host families to house players like summer leagues normally rely on. While rosters have not been announced yet, Durkin says they should be released for all four teams either later this week or early next week.
Vidette archive
Drew Himmelman preparing to block during the 2019 season.
Football lands on preseason HERO poll HERO Sports announced their Top 25 FCS preseason poll for the 2020 season. Among the 25 teams, Illinois State sits in the No. 12 spot.
her to have a really stellar conference meet.” With high expectations for this freshman phenomenon, many can only wonder what the final scores may have been. Having already proven so much in just her first year, Labat looks forward to next year, surely with eyes on taking the step up from MIC Newcomer of the Year to MIC Gymnast of the Year. JAKE FOGAL is a Sports Editor for The Vidette. He can be contacted at vidette_jpfoga1@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @jfogal5.
Durkin noted the advantages of having players from around the area. “Playing wise you are going to get extremely competitive baseball. Our rosters are made up of the best collegiate talent in the area, talking college players from the likes of Bloomington-Normal, Peoria and Springfield to help shape our four teams,” Durkin said. “That does not mean that they play college ball here necessarily, but all are baseball players that call central Illinois home in some capacity. Whether it is their hometown or where they spend a good chunk of the school year.” Once play begins, regulations will be in place for fans and workers. While the league is still waiting for official word about whether fans will be in the stands, Durkin guesses the Corn Crib would be at about half capacity. Regulations will await those fans who make the trip to the Corn Crib. Fans will be asked to maintain a social distancing length of 6 feet and wear a mask when they are unable to. Fans will also be spaced out around the stadium. Fans have been itching to get back to the stadium, according to Durkin. “The fan support has been great so far! Since we announced the league back on June 4, the ticket orders have been coming in rapidly, our phones have been ringing nonstop, and people have been pretty active with Kernels on social media,” Durkin said. “We are really excited to be able to give baseball to the Bloomington-Normal this summer, and it sounds like the community is really loving the idea too.”
Accompanying the Redbirds are four other Missouri Valley Conference foes, including North Dakota State, who leads the preseason poll after taking home the title last season. Rounding out the top three are the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, followed by Northern Iowa. Southern Illinois settles in at No. 22 spot, rounding out the five MVC teams that were selected.
Women’s tennis adds two transfers to fall roster Continuously prepping for next season, Illinois State University women’s tennis head coach Maja Kovacek announced that Division I transfers Alicja Zduniak and
Penelope Abreu are joining the team for the upcoming season. Zduniak joins the Redbirds after serving it up at Coastal Carolina University during her junior year. Going 9-10 in single matches and 10-7 in doubles matches, Zduniak has one year of eligibility remaining as a graduate transfer. After two seasons at St. Bonaventure, Abreu heads to ISU with two years of eligibility remaining. Throughout her sophomore year, Abreu posted a 7-9 singles record and was 7-10 in doubles. During her freshman year, Abreu made quite the impression, picking up 13 singles wins and 11 doubles victories.
CLASSIFIEDS Phone 309 438 7685 • Fax 309 438 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Help Wanted Office Administrator/Clerical Part-TimeWe seek an energetic, enthusiastic, and well-organized person for the position of Office Administrator/Clerical part-time. This is a part-time position of 20 to 25 hours per week at $450, depending on workload. Need to be detail-oriented, possess good customer service skills, some cash & items handling skills.Apply Billwilliams0029@gmail.com
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020
‘Stubborn
in a good way’ Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
Illinois State University sophomore gymnast Angelica Labat poses on the highbeam during the 2019-20 season. Labat finished the year as the Midwest Independent Conference Newcomer of the Year and earned a spot on the MIC First Team.
How ISU gymnast Angelica Labat perfected her freshman season JAKE FOGAL Sports Editor | @jfogal5
beginning of the season, not due to the talent that Labat equipped, but more so who she was on the inside. ost would agree with the “Angelica is the type of kid that is very saying “Practice makes quiet, and she doesn’t open up right away. perfect,” regardless of We were concerned about that on the what the task at hand was. recruiting trip because she didn’t really say Illinois State much and she seemed off in her University gymnast Angelica “She’s the type of own little world, but that is just Labat takes that saying serithe way she is,” said Conkling. kid that will tell ously and strives to perfect the Whether she was in her own you straight up, ‘I world or daydreaming of her art of practicing. Flying under the radar out want to win, I want next four years in Horton Fieldof high school to the Midwest Labat reminisced on to be good, I want house, Independent Conference Newher ISU visit differently than the team to be comer Gymnast of the Year, Conkling. Labat quickly found her foot“I chose ISU because when good.’ She’s just ing at Illinois State. While I came on my visit everybody that kind of athlete acted like they already knew head gymnastics coach Bob Conkling admits to being late that wants success me, and I know it sounds kind on finding the gem that was of corny, but it actually felt like and she works Labat, both seem grateful for family. And that is my second hard for it.” the eventual success that was family now.” found. Soon after joining the RedBob Conkling, ISU “One of my former gymnasts gymnastics coach bird family, the work was just that is a coach out in the area beginning for Labat. With 14 that Angelica lives in texts me years of coaching at ISU, Conand says, ‘You need to look into this Angelica kling had more than enough experience to Labat, she’s a superstar,’” Conkling said. coach Labat, but she would practically coach “We got her out here and had her for a herself throughout the early stages of the visit and offered her. It was pretty much that season. quick.” “Angelica, she’s stubborn in the gym, and While Conkling took a chance on the gym- it’s stubborn in a good way,” Conkling said. nast out of Virginia, concerns arose at the “She really wants to finish strong, if she is
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Fishing for a hobby in a sports-less world
MY VIEW MATT PETROVICH | Sports Reporter
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uarantine sent everyone fishing for a hobby. From day to day not knowing what will happen next with work or school, people everywhere
began to search. My search led to a 4.5-pound bass on the end of a fishing pole. May 14, it was a simple cast out to the left side of the pond. There wasn’t a cloud in sight. A pictureperfect day called for a perfect catch. After what felt like a lifetime, it was the last cast of the day. Reeling in steady I felt a bit closer to the surface. It was a largemouth bass that looked as if it was from prehistoric time. The fish was gigantic. The way the fish ate the lure was like something I have never seen before. Once on the surface it smacked the lure and jumped out of the water like a thing of beauty. The rush of adrenaline that poured through my veins was as
struggling with a release move or a routine, she gets a little frustrated. She’s the type of kid that will tell you straight up, ‘I want to win, I want to be good, I want the team to be good.’ She’s just that kind of athlete that wants success and she works hard for it, and she is determined that she is going to help the team win and she is determined that she is going to do her part.” Conkling later confessed that it took his coaching staff quite some time to learn how to coach Labat. Despite never being seen whining nor complaining, Labat’s increasingly frustrated mentality seemed to overwhelm her from time to time due to her inability to be perfect. “I’d say, ‘let’s just call it quits and move on,’ and she’ll just get back up and do it again and again until she gets it right,” said Conkling. Many couldn’t have envisioned the glorious freshman campaign that Labat was capable of, but as the stubbornness built up, perfection was the only outlet. As the season progressed, honors began piling up on the freshman’s plate. Racking up eight awards on the shortened season headlined by the MIC Newcomer of the Year, but also two MIC Gymnast of the Week honors, two MIC Angelica Labat
if I was watching my favorite tea, win a championship — it was once in a lifetime. The comparison that came to mind was watching a slipping Kris Bryant smile as he threw over to first for the final out in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. It was something you had to experience for yourself. Fishing was never a huge part of my life until the unexpected happened to cause the world to quarantine. Before the pandemic, life always consisted of sports; 24/7, 365 days a year, it was sports. Too many sports made people’s world go round and suddenly it all ended without a farewell. The best tournaments of all sports were either canceled or postponed. No longer did March
Performance of the Week awards and three MIC Newcomer of the Week awards. Labat recalled what her original goals and aspirations were heading into the 20192020 season. “My expectations were to help the team in every way possible, I realized that it is more of a team sport now then it is individual like it was in club. So, everything I did, I did it for the team,” Labat said. With the last two weeks left of competition suspended, including the MIC Championship hosted by ISU, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Labat was quick to turn the spotlight off of her and more toward her teammates. “I felt bad for all of the seniors, not only here but at every school. I was hoping that we would get something to make up for it,” said Labat. Instead of being focused on the lost opportunity to be named a champion in the conference, Labat realized that she still had three more chances to compete at the MIC Championship, while the graduating seniors didn’t. Conkling knew that Labat had a chance to triumph at the Conference Championship if she could compete consistently down the stretch. See LABAT on Page 7
Madness mean buzzer-beaters and upsets, but face masks and social distancing. With the NHL and NBA postponing their seasons and still to this day dealing with the fight of returning to normality and with all the stress the pandemic has brought, I could have used a game or two to feel in the moment again. While on the search to fill the void of no sports, fishing for a hobby seemed like the option to make. With sports, the thrill of watching your team win is what is all about. The journey from quarter to quarter, pitch to pitch will never get old and is truly what makes sports pure. Fishing is more than a hobby. The journey it brings is relatable
to watching a game play out. From the moment the line is in the water, the first catch of the day will give appreciation to everything that was done to reach the pinnacle point. Fishing is all about patience, like quarantine, but most importantly like sports. The beauty that is truly in the struggle of this pandemic can be found in anything we seek to find it in. Fishing opened a horizon I didn’t know existed. There is nothing quite like a line in the water, sun on your back and the fresh air on your face. MATT PETROVITCH is a Sports Reporter for The Vidette. He can be contacted at mdpetro1@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @matt_petrovitch.