Local News

Chicago Bulls Pick Bobby Portis; Bring Back Hinrich

>>Chicago Bulls introduce first round pick Bobby Portis

With the Chicago Bulls already loaded in the frontcourt, Bobby Portis understands playing time won't come easy.

Portis, the Bulls' first-round draft pick and reigning SEC Player of the Year out of Arkansas, said Monday he is prepared to do whatever it takes to play his way into a rotation that includes Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic.

General manager Gar Forman said at Portis' introductory news conference that the versatile rookie will have to work for everything he gets.

The 6-foot-11, 248-pound power forward averaged 17.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game last season. Portis says he was the player always chosen last growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas - something he used as motivation all the way to becoming the 22nd overall pick.

>> Veteran guard Hinrich returning to Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls say guard Kirk Hinrich has exercised his player option and will return next season.

Terms were not disclosed in Monday's announcement.

A 12-year NBA veteran, the 34-year old Hinrich has played in 833 regular-season games and averaged 11.4 points, five assists, three rebounds and 1.15 steals per game. He also has played in 65 playoff games.

>>Blackhawks agree to terms with D David Rundblad

The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with defenseman David Rundblad on a two-year extension through the 2016-17 season.

The 24-year-old Rundblad had three goals and 11 assists in 49 games with the Blackhawks last season along with a career-best plus-17 rating. He saw time in five playoff games as the Blackhawks relied primarily on four defensemen to win the Stanley Cup championship.

The Swede has 23 points (four goals, 19 assists) in 104 career NHL games over four seasons with Ottawa, Arizona and Chicago.

Trout hits 20th HR, Angels top Yankees; AL and NL Players of the Week

>> Trout hits 20th HR, Angels top Yankees

Mike Trout and C.J. Cron both hit solo homers, and C.J. Wilson pitched six quality innings to lead the Angels past the Yankees 4-1 in the opener of a three-game series.

Wilson (6-6), who surrendered six runs against the Yankees earlier this month, limited them this time to one run on five hits to earn the win.

The Angels have won four of their last five, and the Yankees dropped their second in a row thanks to going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

Brett Gardner recorded three hits to lead New York's offense, while CC Sabathia (3-8) allowed all four runs on six hits over 7 1/3 innings of work.

Albert Pujols slapped a double down the right-field line in the first inning to knock in Johnny Giavotella, and the Yankees tied it up in the third courtesy of Alex Rodriguez's RBI single.

Carlos Beltran struck out to leave the bases loaded, however, and Trout sent a Sabathia pitch into the rocks beyond the center-field wall for his 20th home run in the bottom half.

>> Yankees' Gardner named AL Player of the Week

New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner was named the American League Player of the Week on Monday.

Gardner batted .500 with 13 hits, two home runs, four doubles, six RBI, nine runs, five walks and a .581 on-base percentage in 31 plate appearances last week.

He finished first in hits, runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage (.885) and total bases (23) in the AL, while tying for first in batting average, to claim the third weekly award of his career.

>> Rockies' Arenado named NL Player of the Week

Colorado Rockies third baseman and major league RBI leader Nolan Arenado was named the National League Player of the Week on Monday.

Arenado batted .391 with an MLB-best seven home runs last week. He also led both leagues with 14 RBI, a 1.348 slugging percentage and 31 total bases in just six games.

It was the second career weekly award for the two-time Gold Glove winner.

 

>> National League Game Capsules

Arizona 10, Los Angeles 6
Cincinnati 11, Minnesota 7
Oakland 7, Colorado 1

>> American League Game Capsules

Texas 8, Baltimore 1
Boston 3, Toronto 1
Cleveland 7, Tampa Bay 1
Houston 6, Kansas City 1
LA Angels of Anaheim 4, New York 1

5 Royals in line to start All-Star Game

Five players on the Kansas City Royals are in line to start the All-Star Game, down from seven last week and eight the week before.

Over the past week, Toronto's Josh Donaldson moved ahead of Kansas City's Mike Moustakas to lead American League third baseman with more than 11.73 million votes -- tops in all of baseball.

Royals designated hitter Kendrys Morales also lost his voting lead, to Seattle's Nelson Cruz.

Kansas City second baseman Omar Infante, shortstop Alcides Escobar, catcher Salvador Perez and outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon are still in line to be starters.

Detroit's Miguel Cabrera kept his lead on Kansas City's Eric Hosmer among first basemen and Angels star Mike Trout continues to lead outfielders in voting.

For the first time, All-Star voting is being conducted exclusively online. Fans are allowed to vote up to 35 times from one email address through the end of balloting at 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday.

The game is scheduled for July 14 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

Frazier pulls closer to Carpenter in NL voting

With just days remaining in voting for the National League All-Star starters, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier has made things interesting at the hot corner.

Frazier pulled within 63,000 votes of St. Louis' Matt Carpenter for the lead among NL third basemen. Carpenter has 6,252,327 votes compared to 6,189,347 for Frazier.

This year's All-Star Game will take place July 14 in Frazier's home city of Cincinnati.

Nothing has changed at the other NL positions from last week's voting. Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper continues to lead all players with a record 11,363,949 votes. He is followed in outfield voting by the injured Giancarlo Stanton (6,062,318) of the Miami Marlins and the Cardinals' Matt Holiday (5,454,953).

San Francisco's Buster Posey still leads catchers with 7,990,423 votes. St. Louis' Yadier Molina is next with over 6.2 million votes.

Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt has a comfortable lead at first base with over 7.3 million votes. Adrian Gonzalez (3.6 million) and Joey Votto (3.5 million) are next.

Miami's Dee Gordon also holds a nice lead at second base with over 6.3 million votes, compared to 4.7 million from St. Louis' Kolten Wong.

At shortstop, the Cardinals' Jhonny Peralta (7,151,624) also holds a lead of nearly three million votes over San Francisco' Brandon Crawford (4,267,238).

Watson up to No. 3 in world rankings

Bubba Watson defeated Paul Casey on the second playoff hole Sunday to win the Travelers Championship and that helped Watson move up to No. 3 in the world rankings.

Watson, a two-time Masters winner, improved two spots in the rankings thanks to his eighth PGA Tour win.

Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth remained the top two players. With Watson's climb to third, Dustin Johnson dipped one to fourth. Jim Furyk and Henrik Stenson both moved up one to fifth and sixth.

Justin Rose tumbled three places to seventh and was followed by Jason Day, who remained No. 8 this week. Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia exchanged places with Fowler up to ninth.

Adam Scott stayed put at No. 11 and was again trailed by Jimmy Walker, J.B. Holmes, Hideki Matsuyama and Patrick Reed.

Matt Kuchar and Chris Kirk moved up one spot apiece to 16th and 17th, while Louis Oosthuizen tumbled two places to 18th. Billy Horschel and Phil Mickelson were 19th and 20th again this week.

Despite his loss, Casey improved from 35th to 23rd. Pablo Larrazabal won for the fourth time on the European Tour and jumped 49 places to No. 69.

South Carolina board approves extension for Staley

South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley will make a guaranteed salary of $1.1 million next season under terms of a two-year contract extension approved Friday by the school's board of trustees.

Staley, who was hired in May 2008, led the Gamecocks to the first Final Four appearance in program history this past season.

The new two-year deal extended Staley's contract through the 2020-21 season and included a $200,000 raise.

The former WNBA star and three-time Olympic gold medalist has led a turnaround in her seven seasons at South Carolina, which finished in the top five in the SEC just twice in 11 seasons before her arrival.

The Gamecocks have won the last two regular-season SEC titles and captured the team's first SEC Tournament championship this year.

Hours To Deadline, Lawmakers Discuss Government Operations

With no spending plan in place and just hours before a budget deadline, lawmakers are back this week where they’ll be discussing what a government shutdown looks.

[audio:6301585947-BUDGET.mp3] [/audio]

State Senators Offer Insight Into Population Loss

New numbers indicate some larger areas of the state are on the biggest population losers list, and the reasons vary from lost jobs, an aging population and even high property taxes.

Among the top of the list--featuring areas like Decatur, Moline, and North Chicago — is Rockford, according to a report from Northern Illinois University’s Center for Governmental Studies.

[audio:6301585957-ROCKFORD1.mp3] [/audio]

The study also highlighted growth in cities like Chicago, Naperville, Champaign and elsewhere but overall said Illinois saw nearly 10,000 fewer residents in 2014 than the year before.

Weekly Crop Report

RAIN CONTINUES TO DELAY FIELDWORK AS WE HEAR IN THE WEEKLY CROP REPORT.

SOGGY GROUND AND ABOVE AVERAGE PRECIPITATION LEFT ONLY ONE DAY SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK SAYS STATE CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER.

[audio:6301585949-crop1.mp3] [/audio]

93 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS HAVE NOW BEEN PLANTED AND THREE PERCENT HAS EMERGED. TWO PERCENT OF CORN IS SILKING AND THE FIRST CUTTING OF ALFALFA IS NOW 85 PERCENT COMPLETE.

[audio:6301585950-crop2.mp3] [/audio]

WINTER WHEAT HARVEST ADVANCED TO 38 PERCENT COMPLETE.

AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE INCREASED TO ONE PERCENT SHORT, 36 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND 63 PERCENT SURPLUS.

Clinton Tree To Get EAB Treatment

This morning in Clinton, Illinois' champion Ash tree will receive protective injections of TREE-dge. to help prevent it from being infected by the deadly Emerald Ash Borer.

The tree, owned by Kelly and Debby Howry in Clinton has been considered the biggest of its kind in the state since 1988. At nearly 100 feet and a mammoth girth that nearly equals its age in inches, local arborist will donate their services to keep this prize example healthy.

The treatment lasts for two years or more and is known to be effective and is in use throughout the midwest protecting Ash trees and saving communities money from in comparison to the cost of cutting themdown and replanting saplings.

The ash borer is native to Asia and wasn't found in North America until 2002. According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the ash borer's larvae kill trees by feeding on the inner bark.

Ash borers have so far been found in much of Illinois, mainly in northern and central Illinois.

DeWitt County Habitat For Humanity Prepares Next Home

The DeWitt County chapter of Habitat For Humanity is diving head first into their next home and one of their leaders says organizing the build on this home is much smoother.

Norman Emery is part of the Habitat Board in DeWitt County. He explains they have a foundation prepared and are nearly ready to get the sides of the homes up.

[audio:6301585933-63015habitathome1.mp3] [/audio]

Emery says in the past, getting their homes built has taken a lot of time and resources to finish. He feels they are being more proactive this year to get the home built in a smooth, and timely fashion.

[audio:6301585937-63015habitathome2.mp3] [/audio]

According to Emery, having relationships with contractors in the community is something they can never take for granted. He says it is vital they make their appreciation known for the things they do with them.

[audio:6301585941-63015habitathome3.mp3] [/audio]

The DeWitt County Chapter's new site is at 815 East Webster Street in Clinton. They have a family for the home and hope construction at the stie begins to pick up after the 4th of July holiday.

Clinton Fire Department Kept Busy Monday

In almost non-stop fashion, the Clinton Fire Department Monday responded to one call after another after another.

Just before noon on Monday, the Fire Department was called to a downed power line on East Jefferson Street. Fire Chief David Dallas indicates Ameren was called and they took care of it from there.

[audio:6301521446-7115fdmonday1.mp3] [/audio]

Around 2 pm Monday, the Fire Department was then called to Washington Street for a gas leak. Chief Dallas explains a contractor was working in the area and hit a gas line. The Chief took the time to encourage anyone working on a project requiring digging to use the state hotline titled "Julie".

[audio:6301521450-7115fdmonday2.mp3] [/audio]

Streets around the Haunted House in Clinton were shut down for nearly two hours as crews worked to secure the natural gas leak.

The third of the four calls on the day was a vehicle accident on Route 54. According to Chief, they were still at the site of the gas leak and received a call to a vehicle accident on Route 51. A car had caught fire after rear-ending a truck hauling flammable liquids.

[audio:6301521452-7115fdmonday3.mp3] [/audio]

The final call of the day was a house fire on Monroe Street. The Chief indicates a fire in the attic of the home was barely visible upon their arrival, but it was significant enough, there was extensive damage to the home.

[audio:6301521454-7115fdmonday4.mp3] [/audio]

Crews from Kenney, Wapella and Maroa were called to the structure fire yesterday evening.

CrimeStoppers Investigating Burglary

The Clinton Police Department is seeking the publics help and information in solving a residential burglary and criminal damage to property that occurred in the 400 block of W. Washington St. in Clinton.

 width=On or around June 25th 2015, Clinton Police Officers responded to a reported burglary and learned an unknown person or persons forcibly entered the residence. It appears that suspects gained entry to the residence by kicking out a basement window; and once inside, did further damage to property and stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim.

Crimestoppers will pay a cash reward of up to $1000.00 when a felony arrest is made as a result of information that you have provided. Anyone with any information regarding this burglary or any other crimes or wanted fugitives is asked to contact the Clinton Area Crime stoppers at 217-935-3333.

CrimeStoppers phone line is not recorded and does not utilize caller identification.

CrimeStoppers wants your information, not your name.

Normal Cornbelters Defeat River City Rascals

The Normal Cornbelters defeated the River City Rascals by a score of 6-3 and 6-5 in a doubleheader on Tuesday night. 

Tune in tomorrow night, July 1, as the Cornbelters take on the River City Rascals. You can hear the game live on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Cardinals Defeat Cubs; Sox Fall

 width=

>>Cardinals complete sweep of Cubs

Carlos Martinez pitched six innings of one-run ball and the St. Louis Cardinals completed a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs with a 4-1 win on a rainy Sunday night at Busch Stadium.

The hottest team in baseball overcame more than two hours of delays to win their ninth straight home game for the first time since 2009.

Martinez (9-3) stayed warm during the delay by throwing practice pitches in the tunnel every 15 minutes, and he managed to get through six innings with just 84 pitches. He gave up a run on two hits with six strikeouts.

Cubs starter Jason Hammel (5-3) also made it through the delay, but was roughed up for four runs over four-plus innings.

Chicago, which finished 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position, has dropped five straight games.

Xavier Scruggs plated the game's first run with an RBI single to center in the bottom of the second inning. Chicago answered a half-inning later on Anthony Rizzo's sacrifice fly.

The Cardinals surged ahead in the home fourth. Jhonny Peralta led off the inning with a two-bagger to right-center, and Jason Heyward followed with his own to make it 2-1. Two batters later, Yadier Molina doubled to the wall in right to score Heyward.

Two more doubles from Kolten Wong and Matt Carpenter in the bottom of the fifth produced another Cardinals run.

 width=

>>McCann's blast in 9th lifts Tigers past White Sox 

James McCann smacked a walk-off solo homer in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox in the rubber match of a three-game set.

The Tigers trailed 4-0 after seven innings and registered just two hits against Chicago starter Jeff Samardzija before plating four in the eighth.

McCann stepped up with one out in ninth and cracked his blast over the wall in left against Zach Putnam (1-3) to win it for Detroit.

McCann finished with two hits and a pair of runs scored for the Tigers, who have won five of their last seven games.

Joakim Soria (3-0) tossed a scoreless top of the ninth to earn the win.

Melky Cabrera belted a solo shot among his three hits for Chicago, which dropped the final two games of the set.

The White Sox plated the first two runs of the game in the fourth and added two more in the sixth.

Jose Abreu led off with a double in the fourth and advanced to third on Yoenis Cespedes' fielding error in left. Abreu scored on Avisail Garcia's sacrifice fly to left. Cabrera followed by launching his solo shot halfway up the seats in left-center.

National League Game Capsules

Washington 3, Philadelphia 2 (Game 1)
Philadelphia 8, Washington 5 (Game 2)
Atlanta 2, Pittsburgh 1
New York 2, Cincinnati 1 (13 innings) (Game 1)
New York 7, Cincinnati 2 (Game 2)
San Francisco 6, Colorado 3
Arizona 6, San Diego 4
Milwaukee 5, Minnesota 3

American League Game Capsules

Toronto 3, Texas 2
Detroit 5, Chicago 4
Boston 5, Tampa Bay 3
Baltimore 4, Cleveland 0 (Game 1)
Baltimore 8, Cleveland 0 (Game 2)
Houston 3, New York 1
LA Angels of Anaheim 3, Seattle 2 (10 innings)
Kansas City 5, Oakland 3  

MLB announces new Home Run Derby format

Major League Baseball announced Sunday that the 2015 Gillette Home Run Derby, to be held at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, will have a new format.

The eight-player contest will be conducted as a single-elimination tournament in which the loser of each bracket is immediately eliminated. Brackets in the first round will be seeded based on 2015 home run totals through July 7th, with ties broken by awarding the higher seed to the batter with more home runs hit since June 15th. If a tie remains, a coin flip will determine the higher seed. In each matchup, the higher seed will hit second.

During each of the three rounds, each batter will have five minutes to hit as many home runs as possible, and any swings that do not result in a home run will not be counted. Timers will count down from five minutes beginning with the release of the first pitch, and any home run hit after the timer reaches one minute remaining will stop the timer immediately when the ball lands in home run territory. The timer will not start again until the batter hits a ball that does not land in home run territory, or swings and misses at a pitch.

It's also noted that batters may be awarded bonus time during their turn based on the length of their home runs hit. For example, if a batter hits two home runs during a turn that each equal or exceed 420 feet, one minute of bonus time will be added. If one home run during a turn equals or exceeds 475 feet, 30 seconds of bonus time will be added. It is possible for a batter to earn a total bonus of one minute and 30 seconds.

If there's a tie in any round, there will be a 90-second swing off with no clock stoppage of bonuses awarded.

Finally, each hitter gets one timeout per round, which will last 45 seconds.

The 2015 Gillette Home Run Derby be held on July 13th.

LeBron James opts out of contract with Cavaliers

LeBron James has opted out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers and will become a free agent on July 1, according to an ESPN report.

After his first season back in Cleveland, James is declining the $21.6 million player option for next season on his deal.

After the 2015-16 season, the salary cap and value for a maximum contract are expected to rise with an influx of revenue thanks to the league's new television contract with ESPN and Turner Sports.

The 30-year-old star averaged 25.3 points, 7.4 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game in his return to the Cavaliers after four seasons with the Miami Heat. James led the Cavs to their second NBA Finals appearance in team history and averaged 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists in Cleveland's six-game loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Blackhawks ship Raanta to Rangers; NHL Draft Notes

 width=The Chicago Blackhawks traded goaltender Antti Raanta to the New York Rangers Saturday following the conclusion of the 2015 NHL Entry draft.

The Blackhawks received forward Ryan Haggerty in exchange for the Finnish netminder.

Raanta posted a 7-4-1 record with a 1.89 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage with one shutout last season. The 26-year-old was demoted to Rockford of the AHL after Scott Darling took over the primary backup duties in Chicago.

Haggerty, 22, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Rangers and totaled 15 goals and 18 assists in 76 games during his first professional season with New York's AHL affiliate in Hartford.

Earlier on Saturday, the Rangers traded backup goaltender Cam Talbot and the 209th pick in the draft to Edmonton for the 57th, 79th and 184th selections.

>> Cam Talbot dealt by Rangers to Oilers

Goaltender Cam Talbot was acquired by the Edmonton Oilers in a trade with the New York Rangers at the draft on Saturday.

The Rangers received the 57th, 79th and 184th picks from the Oilers in exchange for Talbot and the 209th pick.

Talbot, 27, has just 57 games of NHL experience, but he has posted a 2.00 goals-against average, a .931 save percentage and eight shutouts.

>> Oilers take McDavid with No. 1 pick

Ending months of speculation and sticking to the script, the Edmonton Oilers selected highly touted center Connor McDavid with the first overall pick at the NHL Draft on Friday night.

McDavid capped his third season in juniors by placing second on the Erie Otters in goals (44), assists (76) and points (120), adding a team-high 49 points over 20 postseason contests.

Erie advanced to the Ontario Hockey League finals before losing to Oshawa, but McDavid came away with the Red Tilson Award as the OHL's top player as well as the Gretzky Award as the top playoff performer and was additionally named the player of the year in all of Canadian juniors.

In addition, the native of Ontario posted three goals and eight assists in seven games to help Canada secure the World Junior Championship.

The 18-year-old phenom moves on to the next phase of his career having collected 285 points (97G, 188A) over 163 games.

Buffalo held the second pick and also surprised no one by snagging Boston University center Jack Eichel, the reigning Hobey Baker Award winner. He's the highest selected NCAA player since James van Riemsdyk went second to the Flyers in 2007.

Watson tops Casey to win Travelers title

Bubba Watson rolled in a birdie putt on the second playoff hole Sunday to defeat Paul Casey and win the Travelers Championship for a second time.

Watson carded a 3-under 67 to join Casey at 16-under-par 264. Casey, who was one group ahead of Watson, fired a 5-under 65 to get in first at minus-15.

The duo headed back to the 18th at TPC River Highlands for the first extra hole. Casey hit first and found the fairway, while Watson's tee shot landed in the right rough.

Casey found sand with his approach and Watson dropped his second about 18 feet from the hole. Casey blasted to seven feet. After Watson's birdie putt missed on the left edge. Casey drained his par effort and Watson tapped his in as well.

They headed back to the 18th for the second playoff hole. Casey found sand with his tee shot and his approach. Watson landed in the fairway off the tee and stuffed his second shot to seven feet.

Casey blasted over the green, then had to take a drop from a cart path. He chipped his fourth across the green, then rolled his bogey try by the hole.

Kyle Busch wins road race at Sonoma

Four months after he suffered multiple injuries during a crash at Daytona International Speedway, which forced him to miss the first 11 races, Kyle Busch scored a much-needed victory to keep his hopes alive in making this year's Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

Busch passed Jimmie Johnson for the lead with five laps to go and then held off his elder brother, Kurt Busch, on the final lap to win Sunday's Toyota/Save Mart 300 at Sonoma Raceway -- a 1.99-mile, 12-turn road course in Northern California.

Clint Bowyer placed third, while Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano rounded out the top-five. Johnson, who led the most laps with 45, did not pit during a round of stops under caution with nine laps remaining. He faded shortly after the final restart with seven laps to go and wound up placing sixth.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne, Ryan Newman and Sam Hornish Jr. finished seventh through 10th, respectively.

Jeff Gordon placed 16th in his final race at Sonoma, which is located just miles away from his hometown of Vallejo, California. Gordon, a four-time series champion, won at this road course five times, which is more than any other driver.

Leading Republican Senator Says No Revenue Before Reforms

What will the grand bargain to bring about a balanced budget look like?

[audio:6291585043-VETO4.mp3] [/audio]

Governor Bruce Rauner says in an opinion piece published by the Chicago Tribune the road to fiscal sanity starts with his veto of an out-of-balance budget that included no reform. Rauner say that there needs to be job-creating economic reforms, a property tax freeze with the ability for local governments to control costs, term limit and redistricting reforms, and comprehensive pension reform.

Local Lawmakers Calls Recent Series of Meetings A Joke

 width=During legislative hearings last week, the Illinois Senate held several hearings regarding higher education in Illinois, and one local lawmakers calls the hearings "a complete joke".

Senator Chapin Rose says the committee as a whole meetings held last week regarding higher education were a waste of time. He explains he wanted to ask questions of a University of Illinois representative because of their relevance to his district, but wasn't allowed to.

[audio:6291585029-62915higheredhear1.mp3] [/audio]

The Senator calls the whole process a waste of time and wonders why are they are there. He points on a number of occasions, they've not had enough Senate members present to conduct any business.

[audio:6291585034-62915higheredhear2.mp3] [/audio]

Sen. Rose adds, they also had the Illinois Director of Higher Education in to speak to them, but he couldn't finish his questioning of the Director.

Clinton Lawyers Argue Exelon Has Weak Arguments For Devaluing Plant

 width=The Clinton Exelon Nuclear Power Station lawyers and lawyers representing the Clinton School District have been at odds over the value of the power station for several years now.

According to lawyers that represent the school district, a hearing at the Property Tax Appeal Board level is near. According to lawyers Scott Ginsburg and Ken Florey, who represent the district, and presented an update of the appeals process to the Clinton Board of Education June 16, there are three arguments Exelon has and they believe they are false or flawed.

Florey indicates Exelon argues their license expiring in 2026 will cost them money, however, the district argues, nuclear energy is the most efficient way to produce energy, and wonders why they would shut that down.

[audio:6291585010-62915exelonargue1.mp3] [/audio]

According to Ginsburg, Exelon is the world's third leading producer of nuclear energy. He says there is an evaluation benefit Exelon has left out of their arguments for devaluation, and that is only Exelon can make money off the plant, which devalues it.

[audio:6291585015-62915exelonargue2.mp3] [/audio]

Florey explains Exelon also argues they will have to pay for their own shutdown. He calls that argument ridiculous because part of the public's taxes go towards shutting down the plant should that time come.

[audio:6291585020-62915exelonargue3.mp3] [/audio]

One final piece of evidence the lawyers hope to use in their favor is sales of similar properties in the United States. According to Ginsburg, between 2006-2010, the average of the last five power plants in the US, it matches their assessment of the Clinton Exelon Nuclear Power Plant.

[audio:6291585026-62915exelonargue4.mp3] [/audio]

The lawyers believe Exelon will indeed have their license renewed, in fact, they point out Exelon has already submitted an application to do so. They do note if that application was not filed, their stock prices would fall but believe that is in their favor also.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Weekend Report

Jail Population: 31

Paper Services: 9

Warrants: 0

Lloyd Westbrook, 47, Wapella was issued a Citation for Speeding 78 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Westbrook was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Nicole Kimbro, 21, Hillsboro was issued a Citation for Speeding 76 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Kimbro was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Dustin Matthews, 25, Normal was issued a Citation for Speeding 72 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Matthews was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Milo Flagg, 30, Decatur was issued a Citation for Speeding 78 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Flagg was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Jordan Followell, 27, Weldon was issued a Citation for Speeding 74 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone and Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Followell was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

William Yokley, 22, Deland was issued a Citation for Speeding 71 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Yokley was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Jacob Taylor, 37, Wapella was issued a Citation for Speeding 64 MPH in a 45 MPH Zone. Taylor was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Herbert Wessler, 68, Hillside was issued a Citation for Speeding 63 MPH in a 45 MPH Zone. Wessler was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Michelle Ewing, 44, Mt Zion was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Ewing was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Martin Litwiller, 20, Paxton was issued a Citation for Speeding 72 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Litwiller was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Eric Haney, 44, Bloomington was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Haney was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Brian Glover, 47, Decatur was issued a Citation for Speeding 76 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Glover was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Kimberly Phillips. 57, Mt. Zion was issued a Citation for Speeding 71 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Phillips was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

 

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Rauner Calls Budget Veto Road To 'Fiscal Sanity'

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says he's vetoed budget bills lawmakers sent him in order to start the road back to "fiscal sanity."

Legislative Democrats backed a spending plan that's as much as $4 billion short on revenue. But the Republican governor vetoed 19 bills Thursday. Both sides have previously they're interested in a compromise and legislators have been working in overtime sessions in Springfield.

He says signing the budget would be kicking the can down the road and he wants there reforms, including term limits and redistricting.

Rauner says he's also interested in a pension overhaul this year that takes elements of a plan backed by Senate President John Cullerton and his own administration.

Peoria Museum Reports Financial Health in Third Year

Officials at the Peoria Riverfront Museum believe their budget will be in the black when the facility wraps up its third year next week.

That's a long way from the museum's first two years.

According to reports, the museum's board had to use about $1.5 million in reserves over those two years to balance the budget.

Museum CEO Sam Gappmayer said attendance this year has been good. The museum will surpass its goal of 160,000 visitors this year.

Gappmayer said the resurgence of Peoria's downtown has helped. But he said the museum has also tried new ideas such as programs aimed at niche audiences such as veterans or fans of classical music.

University of Illinois Projects Higher Freshman Class

University Of Illinois officials say initial data suggests enrollment is up for the incoming freshman class, including more Illinois residents and minority students.

Reports indicate, the number of students who've accepted admission increased 8 percent from this time last year. Chuck Tucker, vice provost for undergraduate education, says that includes 12 percent more state residents.

The number of black students planning to attend is 35 percent higher than a year ago. There's also a 14 percent increase in Latino students.

The university has been criticized for a declining black student population, which was below 5 percent last year. The Illinois resident population had also declined, from nearly 90 percent in 2004 to 71 percent last fall.

Officials say they've taken steps to draw students, including more scholarships.

Rauner, Unions Come To One Month Agreement

With just a few days before the expiration of a contract with the state’s largest employees’ union, a deal has been struck -- to extend the contract for one month.

[audio:6271595605-UNIONGOVERNOR.mp3] [/audio]

House Approves Privatization of DCEO

A plan to privatize Illinois' economic development agency and beef up its responsibilities has cleared the House.

Representatives voted 60-6 Tuesday for the changes. The measure would allow the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to be turned into a public-private partnership, an idea Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner initially supported.

The plan would also make the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum a stand-alone agency instead of falling under the Historic Preservation Agency, which would be abolished. The agency's duties would be absorbed by DCEO.

But the measure sponsored by Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan contains a three-year sunset, which Republicans oppose.

Advocates say the plan would make DCEO more efficient. But opponents say states have been plagued by scandal after reconfiguring economic development responsibilities.

University of Illinois President to Chari Technology Group

New University of Illinois President Timothy L. Killeen has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition.

The coalition is a statewide group of companies such as Caterpillar Inc., and State Farm Cos. and research institutions such as the university and Argonne National Laboratory. The group works to promote economic growth in the state.

Mark Harris is CEO of the coalition. He says that the new university president's mandate to help build the state's economy matches that of the organization.

Killeen took over at Illinois in May. He has talked regularly since being named president about the university's role in driving economic development in Illinois.

Senate Leaders React To Budget Veto

Leading Senators from both parties are evaluating what the next steps are after the Governor vetoed all but one budget bill for the coming fiscal year.

With five days before Fiscal Year 2016 is set to begin, Governor Bruce Rauner signed the K-12 funding bill but vetoed everything else. Illinois News Network has more:

[audio:6271595613-VETO3.mp3] [/audio]

Normal Cornbelters Fall to Joliet Slammers

The Normal Cornbelters fell to the Joliet Slammers by a score of 6-4 and 9-6 in a doubleheader on Saturday night.

Tune in tomorrow afternoon, June 28, as the Cornbelters take on the Joliet Slammers. You can hear the game live on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com

Rising Illinois River Is Headache For Riverside Businesses

The Illinois River has a way of spoiling summer plans and that means a bad break for tourist driven businesses like those in Grafton.

The Great River Road is covered by floodwaters in parts of the Jersey County town but many businesses remain open, Raging Rivers, just south of Grafton, has lost a few dates to the soggy June weather but Connie Clark, Director of Group Sales, says they are open for business and visitors have proven willing to take a different route if needed to have some fun in the sun.

[audio:6261582735-Raging1.mp3] [/audio]

Clark is hopeful a change in the calendar will change their fortunes.

[audio:6261582735-raging2.mp3] [/audio]

In another Grafton note, town leaders voted down a proposed ban on outdoor music at businesses with a liquor license.

Community College Transparency Measure Fails On Concurrence

Supporters say the measure makes decisions about special deals being struck at community colleges more transparent.

Opponents say the measure is an improper one-size-fits-all approach that takes away some of the power of various community college boards.

Either way, a vote to concur with a Senate amendment to House Bill 3593 failed Tuesday.

[audio:6261582728-COLLEGETRANSPARENCY.mp3] [/audio]

Meanwhile, a resolution requesting the State’s Auditor General audit the College of DuPage passed several months ago and will be one of the final audits from current Auditor William Holland before he retires at the end of the year.

House Votes on Property Tax Freeze

Democrats say a property tax freeze bill they brought for a vote mirrored the Governor’s measure, just without the major element the Governor says would allow local governments the ability to control costs.

Regardless the measure failed to get enough support with 36 representatives voting present.

[audio:6261582733-PROPERTYTAX.mp3] [/audio]

House Bill 692 failed with a vote of 41-21 with 36 voting present.

With New Board Member, DeWitt County Board Reshuffles

With the introduction of a new County Board member in May, the DeWitt County Board had to re-adjust their their committee assignments.

Dan Ballenger, who resigned the board in the spring to serve on the City Council, was the head of two committees and because of that, County Board Chair David Newberg indicates, they will have new leads of those committees, and the others have been adjusted as well.

[audio:6261582709-62615committenew1.mp3] [/audio]

With the re-introduction of the committee system with the new board, Newberg indicates they faced a few challenges because there were some members that had never served on a committee before.

[audio:6261582712-62615committenew2.mp3] [/audio]

The committee system was done away with under the previous board because a majority felt the full board did not know what was happening at the individual committee level, but Newberg argues every board member has access to those meeting minutes and can attend the meetings as well.

[audio:6261582714-62615committenew3.mp3] [/audio]

Newberg points out every committee has represenation from each district.

Clinton Chamber Bringing Back Summer Concert Series

The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce is bringing back a monthly event through the summer.

The summer concert series is something that had gone away in recent summers, but according to Chamber Executive Director, Marian Brisard, they are bringing the summer concerts back, something she is very excited about.

[audio:6261582717-62615summerconcerts1.mp3] [/audio]

Brisard feels the summer concerts are going to be a great avenue to showcase the new overhangs on the square, which events such as the summer concert series, is ultimately why they were installed.

[audio:6261582721-62615summerconcerts2.mp3]comment here[/audio]

The summer concert series will feature a concert once a month on Friday nights. Brisard says they received great support from the Clinton business community to step up and make the concerts happen.

[audio:6261582725-62615summerconcerts3.mp3] [/audio]

Concerts get underway at 7 pm and will go until 10 pm. Brisard says the concerts are free of charge and encourages anyone to bring lawn chairs out and enjoy music, food and beverages down on the square.

Cardinals, Sox Win; Cubs Crushed

 width=

>>Lynn pitches Cardinals to sweep of Marlins

Lance Lynn came off the disabled list to throw six shutout innings and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Miami Marlins 5-1 on Thursday night to sweep a three-game series.

Lynn (5-4) had six strikeouts and allowed just two hits and four walks in his first start since June 7 after recovering from a right forearm strain.

Pete Kozma had three hits and scored two runs and Kolten Wong drove in two for the Cardinals, who wrapped up a 5-3 road trip.

Adeiny Hechavarria homered off Carlos Villanueva in the ninth inning for Miami's only run.

Dan Haren (6-5) remained winless in his last four starts after allowing four runs on seven hits.

The Marlins dropped a fourth straight game, falling to 1-7 in their last eight.

They scuffled against Lynn, who gave up singles to Hechavarria in the third inning and Giancarlo Stanton in the fourth. Matt Belisle retired the side in order in the seventh and Randy Choate and Seth Maness pitched the eighth.

 width=

>>White Sox hold off Tigers in 10 innings

Carlos Sanchez cleared the bases with a triple in the 10th inning to lead the Chicago White Sox to an 8-7 win over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday to start a four-game series.

Adam LaRoche drove in two runs, and Adam Eaton hit a solo home run for the White Sox, who had lost eight of their last nine road games.

Zach Duke (3-2) got the win with a scoreless inning of relief, and starter Carlos Rodon allowed four runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings with seven strikeouts.

Ian Kinsler and J.D. Martinez each homered for Detroit, who is coming off a 3-4 road trip.

Starter Alfredo Simon allowed five runs on six hits and three walks in 6 1/3 innings, but the loss went to Joba Chamberlain (0-2) after allowing Sanchez's 10th-inning triple.

Chamberlain was summoned to pitch the 10th after closer Joakim Soria held Chicago off the board in the ninth. He got LaRoche to ground out to start the inning, but a walk to Melky Cabrera and breaking ball that grazed Avisail Garcia's elbow started a rally. Alexei Ramirez struck out, but J.B. Shuck's infield hit set up Sanchez for the go-ahead triple.

 width=

>>Frias, Dodgers shut down Cubs

Carlos Frias threw five scoreless innings to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-0 win over the Chicago Cubs and split of a four-game series.

Frias (5-5) ended a four-start winless streak with five strikeouts and seven hits and three walks allowed in his five frames. The Dodgers used four relievers to throw an inning apiece to keep Chicago off the board.

Howie Kendrick's two-run double put Los Angeles up in the first, and Jimmy Rollins had a pair of hits and run scored.

Jon Lester (4-4) stumbled through four innings for the Cubs, allowing all four Dodgers runs on four hits and four walks with five strikeouts.

Lester, who is 0-3 over his last six starts, was in immediate trouble. Rollins bunted for a single with one out, and the ace lefty walked consecutive batters to load the bases. Kendrick then delivered with a hard double down the right- field line to score two runs. Lester struck out the next two to get out of the inning, but enough damage was already done.

The Cubs could not get anything out of a two-on, two-out opportunity in their half of the first, and Los Angeles went right back to work in the second. Frias was on first after he could not advance a runner on a sacrifice bunt, and Kike Hernandez tripled over Chris Denorfia's head in center field to score the pitcher. Rollins then picked up his second hit of the day with an RBI single to make it a 4-0 game.

 


>>National League Game Capsules

New York 2, Milwaukee 0
Colorado 6, Arizona 4
San Francisco 13, San Diego 8
Washington 7, Atlanta 0
Cincinnati 5, Pittsburgh 4 (13 innings)

 

>>American League Game Capsules

Baltimore 8, Boston 6
Oakland 6, Texas 3
Houston 4, New York 0

T-wolves take Kentucky's Towns with No. 1 pick

With a chevron suit jacket draped over his shoulders, Karl-Anthony Towns walked up to the stage as the top cat on Thursday night.

The Minnesota Timberwolves selected the freshman Kentucky big man Towns with the No. 1 pick of the NBA Draft.

Then the intrigue really began.

The Los Angeles Lakers threw a curveball and took freshman Ohio State point guard D'Angelo Russell at No. 2, passing on freshman Duke center Jahlil Okafor.

The Philadelphia 76ers then scooped up Okafor at No. 3.

The two big men Towns and Okafor were considered to be the consensus top two NBA prospects for months.

Towns was the third Wildcat to be taken with the No. 1 selection since 2010. Washington took John Wall with the top pick in 2010 and Anthony Davis went No. 1 to New Orleans in 2012.

The 19-year-old Towns averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in just over 21 minutes per game as part of Kentucky's platoon system last season. He's a highly skilled player who can affect games on both ends of the floor.

The Timberwolves already have the last two No. 1 picks on their roster. Cleveland selected Andrew Wiggins with the No. 1 pick in last year's draft but traded him to Minnesota as part of the Kevin Love deal last August. Anthony Bennett, the top choice in 2013, was also included in the package.

The Chicago Bulls picked Arkansas forward Bobby Portis at No. 22 and the Portland Trail Blazers landed Arizona forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson at No. 23.

NHL Draft more than just a two-man show

The talk surrounding this year's NHL Draft has been all about two players.

But just because Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel are grabbing all the headlines doesn't mean the draft isn't deep.

McDavid and Eichel are considered to be game-changing, generational talents and the hockey media has seized on the duo because they are what makes this draft special. Like it or not, these two will be linked together for a long time as pundits compare and contrast the players throughout their NHL careers.

If the Edmonton Oilers do anything besides use the No. 1 overall pick on McDavid, it would go down as one of the more shocking moments ever at the NHL Draft. So it's safe to say the uber-talented centerman is headed to the "City of Champions," where he'll try to do what a trio of recent Edmonton No. 1 overall picks couldn't -- get the Oilers back to the playoffs.

It would be nearly as surprising if the Buffalo Sabres didn't take Eichel with the No. 2 pick. The Boston University product and reigning Hobey Baker Award winner is pretty spectacular as far as consolation prizes go, and you better believe a kid with his array of skills is going to be hell-bent on proving he's second to nobody, including McDavid.

Over the next several years, we'll be treated to story after story updating the developments of both McDavid and Eichel. Think Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, who were selected No. 1 overall in 2004 and 2005, respectively, but were linked together forever after both players made their NHL debuts in 2005-06.

McDavid and Eichel are all but certain to be gone two picks into this weekend's draft in Sunrise, Florida.

NHL unveils 2015-16 schedule

The National Hockey League released its full schedule for the 2015-16 season on Thursday and opening night will feature the raising of the Chicago Blackhawks' third Stanley Cup championship banner in six years.

Four games are on the schedule for opening night, Wednesday, Oct. 7, including Chicago's home contest against the New York Rangers.

The Blackhawks will also help the New York Islanders open their new home, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, on Oct. 9. The Islanders had played in the Nassau Coliseum since their inception in 1972.

Another highlight of the season will be the league's annual showcase, the Winter Classic, on New Year's Day. This year's outdoor game will take place at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, as the Boston Bruins welcome the Canadiens. Boston will be the first team to twice host a Winter Classic, as the Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers played the 2010 Classic at Fenway Park.

Two other outdoor games are scheduled for this season. Minnesota will host Chicago at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus Sunday, Feb. 21, while the Colorado Avalanche will welcome the Detroit Red Wings to Coors Field in Denver the following Saturday.

The league will take a break from Jan. 28 - Feb. 1 for All-Star weekend in Nashville.

Once again, the NHL season will conclude with all 30 teams in action on Saturday, April 9.

Watson up 2 with 62 at Travelers

Bubba Watson opened up a 2-shot lead at the Travelers Championship following a strong 8-under 62 in Thursday's opening round.

The two-time Masters champion is seeking his eighth career victory on the PGA Tour and his second of the season.

Watson has experienced a lot of success at this event in the past. He picked up his first career victory on the PGA Tour here in 2010 and also has three top-10 finishes in eight appearances at TPC River Highlands.

There is plenty of firepower chasing Watson on a packed top of the leaderboard. Keegan Bradley, Harris English, Seung-Yul Noh, Brian Stuard and Jason Gore are all tied for second following 6-under 64s.

Playing alongside Watson, Zach Johnson shot a 5-under 65 and is tied for seventh with Scott Langley, Chris Stroud, Robert Garrigus, Carl Pettersson, Tom Gillis, Scott Brown and Will MacKenzie.

Defending champion Kevin Streelman, who finished with a record seven straight birdies last year to win, carded a 1-under 69 and is tied for 76th.

Clinton Police Report for June 25

Arrests:
On June 25, 2015 Clinton Police arrested Cody L. Bryant, 25, Clinton, on a Dewitt County Warrant for Failure to Appear/Violation Order of Protection. Bryant was transported to the Dewitt County Jail and released to corrections pending the posting of bond.
On June 25, 2015 Clinton Police arrested Matthew R.D. Weidner, 25, Barrington Hills, for disorderly conduct. Weidner was transported to the Dewitt County Jail where he was released to corrections pending the posting of bond.

Citations:

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for June 25

Jail Population: 29

Paper Services: 3

Warrants: 0

Cara Stoerger, 40, Monticello was issued a Citation for Speeding 74 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Stoerger was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Marvin Mlbride, 54, Waukegan was issued a Citation for Failure to Yield 1 Full Lane to Emergency Vehicle. Mlbride was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Casey Fisher, 26, Clinton was Arrested and Charged with Driving while License Suspended. Fisher was issued Citations for Driving while License Suspended and Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Fisher unable to post the necessary bond remains lodged in the DeWitt County Jail.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Clinton School Superintendent Looks Back At Career

 width=With his final days as the leader of Clinton Schools numbered, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Holmes is reflecting as he nears retirement.

The long time school leader says things haven't always been easy. He says early on when he arrived, tough decisions had to be made. He says they've been able to handle everything the state of Illinois has handed them.

[audio:6251585142-62515holmesreflect1.mp3] [/audio]

One area of his tenure Dr. Holmes reflects on positively is the new buildings that have gone up under his watch. The Superintendent feels they have done good work with a new junior high school and elementary school, all the while, keeping the property tax rate the same.

[audio:6251585143-62515holmesreflect2.mp3] [/audio]

The Clinton Community Educational Foundation, CCEF, is one other area Dr. Holmes feels is a positive for the district. He notes that was accomplishment that has benefited the district a great deal.

[audio:6251585145-62515holmesreflect3.mp3] [/audio]

Dr. Holmes also feels the staff he is leaving behind is excellent. He feels they care about the students they are teaching and work hard every day to make sure they are learning and are becoming better students no matter their background or what they bring to the table.

[audio:6251585149-62515holmesreflect4.mp3] [/audio]

Dr. Holmes feels the leadership in the district is also being left in good hands. He explains when he put in his retirement, he realized he needed to make several hires, and other than one, he feels they made all the right decisions.

[audio:6251585152-62515holmesreflect5.mp3] [/audio]

In his post-retirement days, the Superintendent says he is leaving all his options open. He looks forward to the fact he can choose what he wants to do. He looks forward to spending time with his family as well.

Miller Park Zoo Welcomes New Snow Leopards

The Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington recently welcomed into the world two baby snow leopards.

According to Zoo Superintendent Jay Tetzloff, their staff has been hands on with them the last few weeks because they are separated from their mother. Tetzloff says the two cubs will never be in exhibit with their parents either.

[audio:6251585155-62515snowcubs1.mp3] [/audio]

The two female baby snow leopards are still a few months away from having their own exhibit. According to Tetzloff, they are being raised in their veterinary office at which point they will be put out on exhibit.

[audio:6251585156-62515snowcubs2.mp3] [/audio]

The snow leopard cubs will stay at the zoo until next fall. Tetzloff heads a national team that decides what to do with all the snow leopard's that need a home and he says they will be deciding where they go at a later date.

Illinois County Fairs Face Loss of State Funding

The possible loss of state funding for county fair prizes and rehabilitation projects could affect county fair budgets across Illinois.

Gov. Bruce Rauner listed those as part of his proposed cuts if the Republican and Democratic lawmakers don't agree on a budget deal starting July 1. Reports indicate lawmakers have yet to send him the 2016 budget, which is unbalanced by more than $3 million, and Rauner has said he won't sign it.

McHenry County Fair Board president Ken Bauman says he's worried that the loss of $45,000 that the fair stands to lose starting next year could reduce its overall quality.

He says state funding for this year's fair accounted for more than 7 percent of its total budget.

Champaign Officer Charged With Assaulting Past Girlfriends

Authorities say the Champaign police officer selected last year's officer of the year has been charged with sexually assaulting two former girlfriends.

According to reports, 31-year-old Jerad Gale has been charged aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault and aggravated domestic battery in Champaign County and criminal sexual assault in neighboring Piatt County.

Gale has not entered a plea and said in court Wednesday that he does not yet have an attorney.

Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz said Gale was arrested Tuesday. One former girlfriend contacted police last month accusing him of assaulting her in November 2013.

The Piatt County charge stems from alleged incident in July 2012.

Lawsuit Settled Over Disabled Student Athletes in Illinois

The Illinois attorney general has announced a settlement with the Illinois High School Association that would allow student athletes with disabilities full opportunities to compete in certain sports.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office announced the settlement Wednesday. The settlement would allow disabled student athletes to compete and earn points toward a team state championship in swimming, diving and track and field. Madigan's office says the settlement resolves a lawsuit brought in 2012 by a disabled high school swimmer from Oak Park.

Under the settlement the IHSA must maintain records for disabled student athletes the same way it does for all sports, among other actions.

The IHSA is the organization that oversees high school sports in Illinois. A spokesman didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the settlement.

EPA To Hear Testimony From Hundreds on Renewable Fuels Plan

Federal environmental officials say hundreds have signed up to testify on a renewable fuels proposal that ethanol supporters say would have stifling implications for their industry.

Last month the Environmental Protection Agency announced a plan to reduce renewable fuels requirements by 4 billion gallons in 2015 and more than 3 billion in 2016. The agency says volumes required by a 2007 law are impossibly high.

The EPA is conducting the hearings Thursday in Kansas City, Kansas, with plans to announce its final decision in November.

At least two governors, busloads of FFA members and farmers from several states are planning to rally against the proposal at a nearby park.

Ethanol backers say the EPA caved in to the demands of the petroleum industry, which is generally opposed to the standards.

Northwest Illinoi County Health Department Using 'Walking Dead'

There are lessons to be learned from pop culture and for staffers at the Mercer County Health Department, those lessons can come from the popular AMC series "The Walking Dead".

[audio:6251585200-walkingdead1.MP3] [/audio]

The Mercer County Health Department's Jennifer Hamerlinck says you can call it a pandemic or biological disaster, or call it whatever, but she says some agencies are using "The Walking Dead" scenarios as training exercises.


[audio:6251585201-walkingdead2.MP3] [/audio]

AMC's “The Walking Dead” returns for a sixth season this fall.

House Rejects Severance Packages Legislation

The Illinois House has rejected legislation that would cap the size of severance packages community colleges can offer to departing administrators.

Reports indicate the proposed law would have prohibited college boards from giving departing presidents more than one year's salary and benefits. It also would have limited standard contracts to four years and required public notice and approval of any new, amended or renewed employment deals.

The legislation was prompted by a $763,000 severance package offered by the College of DuPage to end president Robert Breuder's contract three years early.

The bill initially passed the House unanimously. However, it failed to get the necessary three-fifths votes needed to approve a watered-down Senate version that passed last month.

The Illinois Council of Community College Presidents and Illinois Community College Board opposed the legislation, arguing contracts should be decided by trustees.

Virginia Tops Vandy For First College World Series Title

Pavin Smith's three RBI and a strong start from Brandon Waddell enabled Virginia to end the ACC's 50-year title drought at the College World Series with a 4-2 win over defending champion Vanderbilt in Wednesday's deciding Game 3.

Smith belted a two-run homer off Dodgers first-round pick Walker Buehler and laced a single that snapped a 2-2 tie in the fifth inning. Waddell overcame a shaky first inning to hold the Commodores to four hits over seven frames and help Virginia secure its first-ever national title.

The Cavaliers came very close a year ago, falling to Vanderbilt in three games in the championship series. They were down a game in this year's event before forcing the winner-take-all matchup with a 3-0 victory Tuesday behind a combined shutout from Adam Haseley and John Sborz.

The title is just the second by an ACC member school. Wake Forest captured the other all the way back in 1955.

Smith's blast that followed a leadoff walk to Kenny Towns knotted the score at 2-2 in the top of the fourth, and the Cavaliers never relinquished momentum after moving ahead an inning later.

The freshman first baseman came through again in his next at-bat, shooting a single through the left side that brought in Haseley, who drew a walk against John Kilichowski to begin the fifth and just beat Jeren Kendall's throw home from left field to score the go-ahead run.

Towns had kept the game tied a half-inning prior with a sensational diving stab of Tyler Campbell's hard grounder to third with a Vanderbilt runner on third and two out.

Waddell protected the lead from there, retiring 11 straight after Penn Murfee's double in the fourth. Nathan Kirby finished it off by striking out five over the final two innings.

UVa tacked on an insurance run when Haseley singled in the seventh and crossed the plate on Towns' two-out hit after being moved up on Daniel Pinero's sacrifice bunt.

Cards Win; Cubs, Sox Lose

 width=

>>Cardinals Down Marlins in Extra Innings 

Kolten Wong smacked a two-run homer in the third inning and Jason Heyward added a three-run shot in the seventh, as the St. Louis Cardinals topped the Miami Marlins 6-1, despite another long ball from the powerful Giancarlo Stanton.

The Marlins right fielder, who went 3-for-4, hit a 454-foot blast in the second inning for his major league-leading 27th homer of the season. He has 12 homers in June, tying his own club record (May 2012) and Dan Uggla's (May 2008) for most in any month.

Jaime Garcia (3-3) yielded five hits and one run and had four strikeouts over seven innings for the NL Central Division leaders.

Heyward homered for a third straight contest and the Cardinals won for the fourth time in five games.

Mat Latos (2-5) surrendered only three hits, but gave up five runs in seven innings, as the Marlins lost for the sixth time in seven contests.

Stanton, who smacked a mammoth homer in Tuesday night's series-opening 4-3 loss, got hold of a first-pitch fastball and sent a rocket over the wall in center to start the second.

Wong homered to right with Randal Grichuk aboard. Jhonny Peralta singled to start the seventh and Mark Reynolds walked ahead of Heyward's crush of a 1-0 offering over the wall in right field for a 5-1 margin.

Garcia retired 11 straight batters until Stanton singled to begin the seventh. J.T. Realmuto singled with one out, but Garcia retired the next two batters.

The Cardinals tacked on another run in the eighth courtesy of Matt Carpenter's RBI base hit, which scored Garcia. He singled to begin the inning, but came out of the game after cramping upon crossing the plate.

 width=

>>Dodgers Bats Come Alive, Beat Cubs

Justin Turner smacked a three-run homer and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs 5-2 in the third of a four- game set.

Adrian Gonzalez cracked a solo shot for the Dodgers, who had dropped seven of their last nine games coming in. Starter Mike Bolsinger, a Chicago native, allowed two runs on six hits with six strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings.

J.P. Howell (3-1) tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Kenley Jansen blanked the Cubs in the ninth to notch his 10th save of the season.

Liam Hendricks (2-4) surrendered four runs on four hits and a walk over five frames for Chicago, which had its four-game winning streak halted.

The Dodgers raced out to an early lead after plating a run in the second and three more in the third. Gonzalez's leadoff shot to left-center began the scoring in the second. Bolsinger hit a one-out double in the third, Joc Pederson walked two batters later and Turner launched his three-run blast into the seats in left-center to give LA a 4-0 lead.

Chicago got a pair of runs back in the fifth. Pinch-hitter Mike Baxter led off with a single and Addison Russell plated him with a double to left. Chris Denorfia followed with a base hit to put runners at the corners and Russell scored when Anthony Rizzo grounded into a double play.

Pederson's RBI single in the eighth gave the Dodgers an insurance run.

 

National League Scoreboard
---------------------------------------
Cincinnati 5, Pittsburgh 2
Washington 2, Atlanta 1 (11 innings)
Milwaukee 4, New York 1
Arizona 8, Colorado 7
San Francisco 6, San Diego 0

 

 width=

>>Sale Brilliant Once Again But Sox Lose

Phil Hughes pitched eight solid innings and the Minnesota Twins scored six runs against Chris Sale in a 6-1 win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

Hughes (6-6) pitched his fourth straight quality start, only allowing a run on six hits with five strikeouts and no walks.

Brian Dozier and Kurt Suzuki each had two hits, an RBI and a run scored to help the Twins take the rubber game of the three-game set.

"Chris Sale throws a lot of strikes," said Dozier. "We made it a point today that anything over the white of the plate we were going up there hacking, and we did that."

Sale (6-4) came up short in his quest to become the first major league pitcher ever to strike out 12-plus batters in six straight starts. He finished with 10 punchouts and allowed six runs -- five earned -- on eight hits and a walk in 6 2/3 innings.

"I didn't leave him out there so he could go get a record," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. "If he didn't feel like he was strong enough and tired, then he was going to come out."

Adam LaRoche's second-inning home run accounted for Chicago's only run.

Sale was sharp through three innings with six strikeouts and only facing one batter over the minimum. He lost Chicago's 1-0 lead in the fourth, though, when Dozier led off with a double and scored on Torii Hunter's double with one out. After a Trevor Plouffe walk, Eduardo Nunez's two-base hit plated Hunter, and the Twins led 3-0 after Suzuki's sacrifice fly.

The Twins padded their lead in the seventh with another three-run inning. Suzuki led off with a double and moved to third on Vargas' single. Both runners came around to score when Shane Robinson singled to center field and the ball rolled under Adam Eaton's glove, allowing Robinson to reach third base. Dozier later singled Robinson in to extend Minnesota's lead to 6-1.

American League Scoreboard
----------------------------------------
Cleveland 8, Detroit 2
Toronto 1, Tampa Bay 0 (12 innings)
NY Yankees 10, Philadelphia 2
LA Angels of Anaheim 2, Houston 1 (13 innings)
Boston 5, Baltimore 1
Oakland 8, Texas 2
Kansas City 8, Seattle 2

Cards To Activate Lynn From DL To Start Finale in Miami

Lance Lynn returns to the St. Louis Cardinals rotation on Thursday when they go after a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins at Marlins Ballpark.

Lynn landed on the disabled list June 12 with a forearm strain that's bothered him since his second start. He's 4-4 on the year with a 3.07 ERA.

Lynn, who's had at least 15 wins in three straight seasons and logged 200-plus innings in each of the last two, went 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in the three starts before the injury.

Miami will counter with veteran right-hander Dan Haren, who is 6-4 with a 3.19 ERA. Haren lost his second straight start on Friday in Cincinnati, as he allowed two runs and four hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Kevin Love To Opt Out of Cleveland Contract

Kevin Love has opted out of the final year of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers and will become a free agent on July 1, according to multiple reports.

Love told the Cavaliers on Wednesday he will decline the $16.7 million player option remaining on his deal for next season, ESPN reported.

The three-time All-Star forward joined the Cavs in a blockbuster trade last August but did not make it to the NBA Finals with them after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the first round against Boston.

Love had surgery on April 29 and was projected to miss up to six months.

The longtime Minnesota Timberwolves star averaged 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists over 75 games in his first season with the Cavs, making the playoffs for the first time in his career.

Blazers Trade Batum To Hornets

The Portland Trail Blazers finalized a trade to send forward Nicolas Batum to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for guard Gerald Henderson and forward Noah Vonleh.

Batum, who spent his entire seven-year career in Portland, averaged 9.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists over 71 contests last season. He's due to make $11.86 million in the final year of his contract for the 2015-16 season.

The Blazers will clear up $3 million in cap space with the trade, allowing them more flexibility in an attempt to re-sign LaMarcus Aldridge.

Vonleh, a 19-year-old power forward, was the ninth overall draft pick by the Hornets last year. He played in only 25 games and averaged 3.3 points and 3.4 rebounds.

The 27-year-old Henderson, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, is also entering the final season of his deal, which will pay him $6 million for 2015-16. He spent his first six NBA seasons with Charlotte. He averaged 12.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 80 games last season.

NHL Hands Out Yearly Awards

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price dominated the 2015 NHL awards show on Wednesday, capping the evening by taking home the Hart Trophy as the league's Most Valuable Player.

Price, who had previously taken the Lindsay Award and the Vezina Trophy earlier on, led the NHL in wins (44), goals-against average (1.96) and save percentage (.933), becoming the first goaltender to pace the League in all three categories since Chicago's Ed Belfour in 1990-91.

The 27-year-old Vancouver native collected 139 first-place votes and 1.498 points, beating Alex Ovechkin handily for second place (888 points) and outclassing Islanders captain John Tavares (739) who finished third.

Calgary Flames bench boss Bob Hartley was honored with the Jack Adams Award, given annually to the league's top coach. Hartley led the youth-oriented Flames to a 20-point improvement over the previous regular season and guided the club to their first playoff berth since 2009. He became the first head coach in Flames franchise history to be selected, garnering 37 first-place votes and 237 points overall.

In a bit of a surprise pick, Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad was selected for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie for the 2014-15 season over fleet forwards Johnny Gaudreau and Mark Stone.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson took home the James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top defenseman. Karlsson, who also won the award in 2012, led all defensemen in points with 66 and ranked second among his counterparts with a career-high 21 goals in 82 games. He also finished third in the league in average ice time (27:15 per game).

For the third time in the last four seasons, Boston's Patrice Bergeron was tabbed as the Frank J. Selke trophy recipient, awarded to the league's best defensive forward. Bergeron won an NHL-best 60.2 percent of his league-high 1,951 faceoffs, while posting 23 goals and 32 assists over 81 regular-season games for the Bruins. He joined Pavel Datsyuk, Jere Lehtinen, Guy Carbonneau and Bob Gainey as the lone players to be named a Selke winner at least three times.

Goaltender Devan Dubnyk of the Minnesota Wild was selected as the winner of the Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

In other award decisions, Calgary's Jiri Hudler won the Lady Byng for gentlemanly play, Tampa boss Steve Yzerman was voted NHL's best general manager, Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews garnered the Messier Award for leadership and Henrik Zetterberg of the Red Wings claimed the King Clancy for humanitarian contributions to the community.

Travelers Championship Opens In Connecticut

After a thrilling U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, the PGA Tour returns to the east coast for the Travelers Championship.

Bubba Watson and Sergio Garcia, who are both ranked in the top-10 in the world, are among 38 players that competed at the U.S. Open last weekend, who were expected to make the trek east to TPC River Highlands.

Kevin Streelman was eight strokes behind the leaders after 36 holes, but went 64-64 on the weekend to rally for his second PGA Tour title. While the win for Streelman was his second on tour, six of the last nine winners were first-time PGA Tour champions.

Streelman and Garcia are both in the field this week as are Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace, Cameron Smith and Brandt Snedeker, who all finished in the top-10 last week at Chambers Bay.

Peter Uihlein, who was the No. 1 ranked amateur in collegiate days, will be playing on a sponsors exemption this week. Current amateurs Lee McCoy, who missed the cut at the U.S. Open, and Jon Rahm, who is currently the top-ranked amateur in the world, will also compete this week.

Record Money Up For Grabs At British Open

This year's British Open champion will earn more than 1 million pounds for the first time in the storied history of the event.

The Royal & Ancient announced the increase in prize money for 2015 on Wednesday and the champion will receive 1.15 million pounds, which equates to about $1.8 million in U.S. dollars.

This year's total purse is 6.3 million pounds, up 900,000 pounds from 2014.

"The Open is one of the world's pre-eminent sporting events," said R&A chief executive Peter Dawson in a statement Wednesday. "The Championship represents the pinnacle for the world's greatest golfers and this increase is appropriate for an event with The Open's global appeal."

This year's British Open will take place from July 16-19 on the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland.

Normal Cornbelters Defeat Windy City Thunderbolts

The Normal Cornbelters defeated the Windy City Thunderbolts by a score of 4-3 on Thursday night.

Tune in tomorrow night, June 26, as the Cornbelters take on the Joliet Slammers. You can hear the game live on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Tax Breaks For Small Businesses Included in Minimum Wage Bill

With a looming budget deadline and no deal in place Senators in a Committee of the Whole Tuesday will hear about several measures to boost Illinois’ minimum wage up to $11 an hour by 2019. Illinois News Network has more:

[audio:6241583927-MINWAGE2.mp3] [/audio]

The Senate will hear from several different panels on a minimum wage increase, but also a measure that would require all employees get earned sick time as a condition of employment.

Virginia Forces Decisive Game 3 In CWS

Virginia and Vanderbilt will play a winner- take-all Game 3 on Wednesday to culminate another tight College World Series.

Adam Haseley gave Virginia a fantastic spot start and the Cavaliers scored three unearned runs in the sixth inning to earn a 3-0 victory on Tuesday.

 width=Haseley, a freshman center fielder who started four games during the regular season but had not pitched since May 23, threw five-plus innings of shutout ball for Virginia's depleted rotation.

Josh Sborz was just as effective with four scoreless innings of relief, and the Cavaliers took advantage of a generous bounce and a costly error to break a scoreless tie in the sixth.

A grounder up the middle was tailor made for an inning-ending force out, but the ball hit the second base bag and left runners on first and second. Zander Wiel's miscue at first loaded the bases, and Ernie Clement and Thomas Woodruff followed with run-scoring hits, the latter bringing in a pair to highlight a three-hit night.

Philip Pfeifer took the loss after Vanderbilt's ace Carson Fulmer led Vanderbilt to a 5-1 win in the series opener on Monday.

The Commodores, who beat Virginia in three games in the last season's final, are looking to become the seventh team to win back-to-back national titles.

NHL Votes For 3-On-3 OT; Salary Cap Set

The NHL's Board of Governors will vote Wednesday on recommendations from the league's general managers to have 3-on-3 play in overtime next season.

 width=The current format is 4-on-4, but the GMs are advocating a change along with another recommendation to expand video replay. That would allow coaches to challenge goals scored off of potential offside or goalie-interference plays.

The NHL has had its 4-on-4 rule since 1999. A total of more than 44 percent of its games were decided in that format last season. A change in the 3-on-3 concept will likely reduce the number of shootouts.

The American Hockey League (AHL) currently has a 4-on-4 format for the first three minutes of a seven-minute overtime period. After that, it's reduced to a 3-on-3 situation.

The NHL and the NHLPA announced on Tuesday that the salary cap for the 2015-16 season will be $71.4 million, with an adjusted midpoint of $62.1 million and a lower limit of $52.8 million.

The new number is an increase over the $69 million cap for the 2014-15 season.

This summer's free agent period begins July 1.

Brady's Appeal Hearing Concludes

fter nearly 11 hours, Tom Brady had his appeal hearing conclude Tuesday evening, as the star quarterback made his case over his suspension.

 width=The hearing on "Deflategate" took place at NFL headquarters and came before commissioner Roger Goodell. Brady was joined by attorney Jeffrey Kessler.

No word was forthcoming about when a decision would be made regarding a possible reduction in Brady's four-game suspension that was handed out May 11. No further hearings are scheduled.

The NFL Network reported Brady's team was given four hours to present its case, but the procedure lasted much longer.

The star New England Patriots quarterback was implicated in the Wells report investigating deflated balls in the AFC Championship Game.

The Patriots were also fined $1 million and docked two draft picks. The punishment was announced five days after the release of the long-awaited Wells report, which detailed what it called a "deliberate effort" by two Patriots employees to release air from footballs prior to the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts in January.

Baseball Notes

>>Cardinals Headline All-Star Game Vote; Harper Sets Record

Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper has set a new all-time single-season National League voting record in the latest All-Star balloting update.

Harper now has 9,224,370 votes, surpassing the previous mark of 7,621,370 set by San Francisco's Buster Posey in 2012.

Posey has received 6,510,231 total votes while extending his lead at catcher over six-time All-Star Yadier Molina of the Cardinals (5,251,040).

Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins has moved into second place among outfielders. Stanton, who has received 4,824,989 votes, is bidding for his first career starting assignment. Matt Holliday of the Cardinals, who has received 4,716,941 votes, holds the third outfield slot.

 width=At third base, Matt Carpenter of the Cardinals continues to lead with 5,504,534 votes, while Todd Frazier of the host Cincinnati Reds has moved into second place with 4,308,446 votes.

Joining Carpenter on the left side of the infield at shortstop is his Cardinals teammate Jhonny Peralta, who has received 5,864,485 votes to remain ahead of San Francisco's Brandon Crawford (3,688,042).

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon continue to lead at their respective positions.

This year's All-Star Game will take place July 14 at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park.

>>Nationals Activate Strasburg From DL

The Washington Nationals reinstated right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg from the 15-day disabled list to start against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.

Strasburg returns to the club after missing 21 games due to neck tightness that caused him to leave his last start on May 29 against Cincinnati after just one-plus inning of work.

The right-hander has struggled this season, recording a 3-5 record with a 6.55 ERA in 10 starts before landing on the disabled list.

Ross, the younger brother of San Diego Padres pitcher Tyson Ross, went 2-1 in three starts during his first stint in the majors.

>>Braves Place Slugger Freeman On DL

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a right wrist injury.

Freeman last played on June 17 against Boston and has already missed four games because of the injury. He had played 243 consecutive games before sitting out last Thursday.

An MRI exam during Atlanta's off day on Monday revealed only a contusion.

Freeman leads the Braves with 12 homers and 41 runs batted in while also topping the club with a .299 batting average in 66 games.

The Braves have recalled outfielder Joey Terdoslavich from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill the vacant roster spot. Kelly Johnson started the last four games at first base with Freeman sidelined.

Caterpillar To Lay Off 50 More Workers in East Peoria

Caterpillar Inc. says it will lay off 50 more workers at its East Peoria plant in addition to the 120 layoffs announced last week.

Company spokeswoman Lisa Miller says all 170 layoffs are effective June 29 and are the result of "weak market conditions." She says Caterpillar plans to offer support services to the impacted employees.

The announcement, made Monday, marks the third round of layoffs this year at the plant in East Peoria. An additional 120 workers were laid off in January.

According to reports, Caterpillar announced in May that it would lay off 150 workers at its Decatur plant due to weak demand for the mining equipment manufactured there.

Cubs, Cards, Sox Win

 width=>>Cubs Outlast Dodgers

Chris Denorfia drove in the game-winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift the Chicago Cubs to a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second of a four-game set on Tuesday.

Mike Baxter and Matt Szczur each singled and pinch-hitter Dexter Fowler worked a walk to load the bases off Joel Peralta (1-1) to start the 10th. Travis Wood came on to run for Fowler and Kenley Jansen took over on the mound.

Jansen got Addison Russell to ground into a fielder's choice that retired Baxter at home for the first out, but Denorfia hit a deep sacrifice fly to center field in the next at-bat, plating Szczur for a Cubs win.

Chris Coghlan doubled and Jason Motte (5-1) earned the win after tossing a flawless 10th for the Cubs, who won their fourth straight game.

Starter Jason Hammel pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and two walks with six strikeouts in the no-decision.

Yasiel Puig's triple was just one of three Los Angeles hits. Zack Greinke's winless streak stretched to nine starts after giving up just three hits and two walks while fanning five over six frames.

 width=>>Martinez, Cardinals Top Marlins

Mark Reynolds provided the tie-breaking RBI hit in the seventh inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals overcame Giancarlo Stanton's 26th homer of the season and held on for a 4-3 win over the Miami Marlins.

Xavier Scruggs doubled in two runs and scored the go-ahead run. Jason Heyward belted a solo homer for the Cardinals, who won for the third time in four games.

Carlos Martinez (8-3) had nine strikeouts and gave up eight hits and three runs over seven innings to win for the fifth time in his last six decisions.

Stanton's titanic two-run blast to left field, a 484-foot shot in the first inning, and Adeiny Hechavarria's RBI single in the second wasn't enough run support for Jose Urena, who yielded six hits and three runs over five frames.

Sam Dyson (3-3) gave up a single to Scruggs to start the seventh. Martinez then squared to bunt, but was hit on the right shoulder by a pitch. One out later, Randal Grichuk was hit by a pitch on the rear end to fill the bases. Reynolds then smacked a ball that deflected off the foot of Dyson. Shortstop Hechavarria barehanded the ball, but his throw was wide and late to first.

The Marlins put men on the corners in the eighth, but Kevin Siegrist struck out Justin Bour to end the inning.

Pinch-hitter Donovan Solano singled off Trevor Rosenthal with one out in the ninth, but the closer came back to get Dee Gordon to ground into a double play for his 22nd save.

National League Scoreboard
--------------------------------------
Philadelphia 11, NY Yankees 6
Pittsburgh 7, Cincinnati 6
Washington 3, Atlanta 1
Milwaukee 3, New York 2
Colorado 10, Arizona 5
San Diego 3, San Francisco 2 (11 innings)

 width=>>Sox Bats Come Alive For Win Over Minnesota

Jose Abreu went 4-for-5 with two runs scored to help the Chicago White Sox to a 6-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.

Jeff Samardzija (5-4) went seven innings and allowed two runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts for the White Sox, who have won three of four.

Chicago had gone winless in its previous five games at Minnesota this season, including Monday's series-opening loss.

Geovany Soto had a pair of RBI, while Adam Eaton, Melky Cabrera and Gordon Beckham each drove in a run.

Eddie Rosario hit a home run for the Twins and Kurt Suzuki knocked in the other run. Mike Pelfrey (5-4) took the loss after giving up three runs on 10 hits over 6 2/3 frames.

Chicago tied the game at 1-1 on Soto's RBI knock in the fourth, then Suzuki doubled home Torii Hunter in the home fourth for a 2-1 edge.

Soto knotted the score once again with a run-scoring hit in the sixth and Chicago gained the lead for good with four runs over the final three innings.

Abreu singled with two outs in the seventh and Adam LaRoche walked prior to Cabrera's RBI single to center. The White Sox again used some two-out hitting in the eighth as Eaton followed Carlos Sanchez's ground-rule double with a double of his own to make it 4-2. Hunter's throwing error in the ninth allowed Abreu to score and Beckham accounted for the final margin with a pinch-hit double.

Jake Petricka pitched the final 1 2/3 innings to record his second save of the season.

American League Scoreboard
----------------------------------------
Detroit 7, Cleveland 3
Tampa Bay 4, Toronto 3
Baltimore 6, Boston 4
Oakland 8, Texas 6
Houston 13, LA Angels of Anaheim 3
Seattle 7, Kansas City 0

DNR Officials Warn of High Waters In Creeks, Ponds

Department of Natual Resources officials and local law enforcement are dealing with a new problem so far this summer.

Because of massive amounts of rain to date, area streams, rivers and creeks are well above their banks and that is creating new challenges for law enforcement locally. According to John Williamson, DNR conservation police officer, people not properly prepared are taking to waterways with strong currents and are finding themselves in grave danger.

[audio:6241583904-62415waterdanger1.mp3] [/audio]

According to Williamson, when the waters rise in these waterways the currents begin to pick up and not only can they carry people off along with heavier, more deadly objects.

[audio:6241583908-62415waterdanger2.mp3] [/audio]

For agencies such as DNR or the fire departments that get paged to these calls, they must find a way to better educate people on the dangers or rising waters and safety in these areas. Williamson says it is interesting because it is a new challenge they haven't faced before.

[audio:6241583912-62415waterdanger3.mp3] [/audio]

DNR has joined forces with local emergency response agencies to formulate a plan of action if these occurrences continue to happen. Williamson feels they did several good things in responding to the recent situations, but also feels there are things that need improved.

[audio:6241583916-62415waterdanger4.mp3] [/audio]

Williamson says before you put a kayak or water raft on a moving body of water, get used to the equipment. He says practice paddling and get to know how it reacts to that.

He also emphasizes the importance of life jackets. He points to recent tragedies in west central Illinois where lives were lost in moving bodies of water and the victims weren't wearing life jackets.

UPDATED: Weather Cooperates For Successful 2015 Chamber Golf Outing

 width=Organizers of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce's annual golf outing could not have ordered up a better day. With temperatures hovering near 80 degrees and cloudless skies, dozens showed up to suppor the Clinton Chamber of Commerce.

According to Executive Director, Marian Brisard, dozens of businesses and groups come together to make the event possible. She indicates the event is slowly growing and feels it is because it is geared to be a community event.

[audio:6241583857-62415golfrecap1.mp3] [/audio]

Jason Frantz is one of the organizers of this year's event. He says things came together nicely for the event that saw 15 teams participate. He believes the event continues to grow because it is a good time but also because of the networking aspects that take place during the afternoon as well.

[audio:6241583900-62415golfrecap2.mp3] [/audio]

Brisard appreciates the efforts of their committee that put the event together and also those that stepped up to volunteer and make donations to make the event happen again in 2015.

Prize winners from the Tuesday golf outing:

Longest Drive - Ryan Knos (Douglas Dodge)

Closest to the Pin #4 - Byrce Lynch (Taylor and Lynch, Attorneys at Law)

Closest to the Pin #9 - Ryan Dalton (Utterback Real Estate)

Closest to the White Line #5 - Dustin Peterson (Peterson Insurance)

Longest Putt #2 - Joseph Adams (Bartlett Management Services, INC)

50/50 Raffle Winner - Allison Shuppara (Richland Community College)

"The Score Changer" - Dave Newberg (Ban Corporation)

"One Little Camera, 1000 Ways To Play" - Dorothy Harrold, Covenant Animal Clinic/Harrold Financial Services)

"Yo Quiero Clinton" - Jim Harrold (Covenant Animal Clinic/Harrold Financial Services)

"Chip a Duck" - Doug Brauer (Richland Community College)

Gun Raffle Winner - Dave Bogdonas (Bloomington, IL)

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for June 24

Jail Population: 31

Paper Services: 0

Warrants: 0

Vicki Grider, 53, Weldon was issued a Citation for Failure to Yield at Intersection. Grider was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for June 23

Jail Population: 31

Paper Services: 0

Warrants: 1

Imani Goin, 21, Decatur, was arrested on a Macon County Warrant charging her with Failure to Appear.  Goin posted the necessary bond and was released.

Sean Phalen, 25, Clinton, was issued a citation for speeding (71 mph in a 55 mph zone).  Phalen Promised to Comply and was released.

Sidney Cooper, 21, Clinton, was issued a citation for speeding (76 mph in a 55 mph zone).  Cooper Promised to Comply and was released.

Donald Sturgeon, 28, Lincoln, was issued a citation for speeding (86 mph in a 55 mph zone).  Sturgeon Promised to Comply and was released.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Weather Service: Area in Enhanced Risk for Severe Weather Wednesday Night, Thursday Morning

 width=

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has announced an enhanced risk for severe weather in the Regional Radio listening area, from 10pm Wednesday until 6am Thursday.

The biggest threat are damaging winds, torrential rainfall, and frequent lightning.

Stay tuned to Regional Radio for the latest watches and warnings. Be prepared to go to a place of safety if threatening conditions are cited.

Fulmer Leads Vandy Past Varginia In Game on of CWS Finals

 width=In what was likely his final collegiate start, Vanderbilt ace Carson Fulmer struck out eight in a dominant effort to pitch the Commodores to a 5-1 win over Virginia in Game 1 of the best-of-three College World Series finals.

Fulmer allowed just two hits and two walks in 7 2/3 innings, demonstrating why he was selected eighth overall in the Major League Baseball draft two weeks ago. The junior right-hander matched Tyler Beede's school record with his 14th win of the season.

With two outs in the eighth inning and Vanderbilt holding a 5-0 lead, UVa leadoff man Adam Haseley doubled to center and Daniel Pinero worked a walk. An emotional Fulmer handed the ball to lefty reliever Ben Bowden, who kept the shutout bid intact by getting Matt Thaiss to fly out to short center field.

Jack Gerstenmaier broke up the shutout with a pinch-hit RBI single off Kyle Wright in the ninth inning, but Kevin Doherty struck out swinging and Ernie Clement popped to center to end it.

Dansby Swanson and Bryan Reynolds each had two hits, an RBI and a run scored for Vanderbilt, which can close out its second straight CWS title with a win over Virginia on Tuesday.

Connor Jones gave up four runs on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings for Virginia.

Browns Claim QB Pryor

 width=The Cleveland Browns have claimed quarterback- turned-wide receiver Terrelle Pryor off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals waived Pryor last Thursday.

The Ohio State product started nine games at quarterback for the Raiders in 2013 and threw for 1,798 yards with seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 11 overall contests that season. He was traded to Seattle just prior to last year's NFL Draft but was released by the Seahawks and did not play in 2014.

At 6-foot-4 and 233 pounds, Pryor will compete for a roster spot at wide receiver for the Browns.

To make room on the roster, Cleveland waived defensive back Landon Feichter.

After Second Major, Spieth Closing In On World No. 1

 width=Jordan Spieth won his second straight major championship at the U.S. Open, but remained No. 2 in the world rankings.

Spieth trailed No. 1 Rory McIlroy by 3.65 average points last week, but narrowed the gap to 1.72 average points thanks to his win at Chambers Bay.

Following those two was Dustin Johnson, who 3-putted for par on the final hole to end one behind Spieth. Johnson improved four places to No. 3.

Justin Rose and Bubba Watson traded places with Rose up to fourth. Former U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk tumbled three places to No. 6 and Henrik Stenson was down one to seven.

Jason Day, who battled through vertigo to finish tied for ninth, improved a pair to eighth and that pushed Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler down to nine and 10.

Adam Scott and Jimmy Walker exchanged places with the former Masters winner up to 11th. J.B. Holmes, Hideki Matsuyama and Patrick Reed were 13th through 15th again this week.

Louis Oosthuizen, who shared second with Johnson at Chambers Bay, jumped 11 to No. 16 and Matt Kuchar was up one to 17th. Chris Kirk dropped a pair to 18th, Billy Horschel improved one to 19 and Phil Mickelson was down three to 20th.

Last year's U.S. Open winner Martin Kaymer slid out of the top-20 to 21st, while three-time U.S. Open champ Tiger Woods dropped 10 spots to No. 205.

Exelon Lends Hand in Improving Clinton Parks

Friday morning, dozens of Exelon employees turned out to help community a pair of parks in Clinton.

Volunteers from the Clinton Exelon Nuclear Power station turned out to Kiwanis Park to help spruce up and even repair much needed areas of the wearing equipment. According to Exelon Communications Director, Brett Nauman, the volunteers also lent a hand at Woodard Park.

[audio:6231592557-62315parkfix1.mp3] [/audio]

Clinton City Administrator Tim Followell indicates the planning for Exelon to provide assistance at the parks was in the works for around a month and he wasn't sure what to expect for a turnout but was very pleased by the numbers they drew.

[audio:6231592602-62315parkfix2.mp3] [/audio]

Followell says the work done by the Exelon volunteers Friday was very appreciated and feels they are a model for what companies should do when they say they want to give back.

Nauman says it is great to have a partner in the City of Clinton and to be able to give back to them in that partnership.

MLB Notes

>>Former Player, MLB Network Host Darryl Hamilton Shot To Death

Former major league outfielder and MLB Network analyst Darryl Hamilton was found dead Sunday in an apparent murder- suicide.

According to police in Pearland, Texas, on Monday, officers responded to a 911 call late Sunday afternoon to find Hamilton dead near the main entry of a house located on the 11500 block of Island Breeze Street. It appeared as if Hamilton was the victim of several gunshots.

A woman, Monica Jordan, was also found by police dead inside the house with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Pearland police added that there was a 14-month old child in the home when officers responded. The child was unharmed. Hamilton and Jordan were the parents of the infant.

No other information has been released and the investigation is ongoing.

Hamilton, who had worked for MLB Network since 2013, played 13 years in the major leagues, accumulating a .291 batting average with 51 home runs and 454 RBI. He played for Milwaukee, Texas, San Francisco, Colorado and the New York Mets.

After his career as a player, Hamilton worked for MLB Advanced Media and in MLB's Baseball Operations Department before moving on to TV work.

 width=>>Report Says Pete Rose Gambled During Playing Days

Pete Rose is hoping for reinstatement to baseball, but a new report on his old gambling habits might hinder his chances.

ESPN's "Outside the Lines" said it has obtained documents from a notebook containing records that Rose bet on baseball while he was a player.

Rose was permanently banned from baseball in 1989 after an investigation revealed he bet on the sport while managing the Cincinnati Reds.

The all-time hits leader had admitted he gambled on other sports, but had maintained he never bet on baseball until coming clean in 2004. He said it was only while he was a manager and never while playing.

However, ESPN said copies of a notebook seized from the home of former Rose associate Michael Bertolini during a U.S. Postal Inspection Service raid in October 1989 show Rose made bets on baseball while still a player-manager in 1986.

The documents, from March 1986 through July of that year, show Rose placed bets on numerous baseball games, including those he played in with the Reds.

Rose played in 72 games with the Reds during the 1986 season, his last as an active player. He finished his brilliant 24-year career with a big league record 4,256 hits.

>>Royals Continue To Dominate All Star Ballot

Seven players on the Kansas City Royals are in line to start the All-Star Game even after a Major League Baseball official said last week that millions of improper votes had been canceled.

That number is down from eight players last week after Detroit slugger Miguel Cabrera, the two-time AL MVP, reclaimed the lead at first base over Kansas City's Eric Hosmer.

Second baseman Omar Infante, third baseman Mike Moustakas, shortstop Alcides Escobar, outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon, catcher Salvador Perez -- the overall vote leader -- and designated hitter Kendrys Morales are still in line to be starters.

Angels star Mike Trout leads the voting among outfielders, the only other non- Royal besides Cabrera currently holding a starting spot.

Bob Bowman, the CEO of MLB Advanced Media, told Yahoo! Sports last week that up to 65 million fan votes had been scrubbed because of concerns over fake or improper voting.

For the first time, voting is being conducted exclusively online. Fans are allowed to vote up to 35 times from one email address.

The game is scheduled for July 14 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

>>Nats Scherzer Named NL Player of the Week

Washington ace Max Scherzer was named the National League Player of the Week on Monday after throwing his first career no-hitter over the weekend.

Scherzer was one out away from throwing the 24th perfect game in major league history against Pittsburgh on Saturday before hitting Jose Tabata with two outs in the ninth.

Instead, he finished off the second no-hitter by a Nationals pitcher in the last nine months.

The right-hander, who was signed to a seven-year, $210 million deal in January, threw a one-hitter against Milwaukee in his previous start on June 14, becoming just the fifth pitcher to allow one hit or fewer in consecutive complete games and the first since 1944.

>>Red Sox Betts Named AL Player of the Week

Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts was named the American League Player of the Week on Monday.

Betts batted .581 (18-for-31) with eight runs scored, two home runs, three doubles, two triples and seven RBI over seven games. He led all major league hitters in batting average, hits, on-base percentage (.594) and total bases (31).

In Sunday's matinee with the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, the 22- year-old went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and two RBI, while finishing a single shy of the cycle.

Others considered for the award were Toronto's Jose Bautista, Baltimore's Manny Machado, Detroit's J.D. Martinez and Anibal Sanchez, Oakland's Stephen Vogt and Tampa Bay's Brad Boxberger.

>>Red Sox To Retire Pedro Martinez's No. 45

The Boston Red Sox will retire Pedro Martinez's No. 45 on July 28, just two days after the right-handed pitcher is enshrined in Cooperstown, NY.

The ceremony will take place at Fenway Park before the Red Sox-White Sox game. The No. 45 will be the ninth on the right field facade of Fenway Park.

Martinez played for the Red Sox for seven seasons (1998-2004) and was a key part of the 2004 team that brought a World Series title to Boston for the first time since 1918.

Martinez went 117-37 with a 2.52 ERA during his time with the Red Sox. In addition to having the best winning percentage (.760) in franchise history, Martinez ranks third in strikeouts (1,683) and sixth in wins (117).

The Dominican Republic native went 219-100 with a 2.93 ERA and 3,154 strikeouts in 476 career games (409 starts) for the Dodgers, Montreal Expos, Red Sox, Mets and Phillies.

Martinez returned to the Red Sox organization in January 2013 and has spent the last two and a half years as special assistant to the general manager.

Clinton Chamber Gears Up For Annual Golf Outing

Business and community leaders will converge on the Clinton Country Club this afternoon for the annual Clinton Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing.

Golfers from area businesses and local leaders will join together to support the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. Marian Brisard, Clinton's Chamber Executive Director explains there will be a 50/50 contest and other things happening throughout the event.

[audio:6231592548-62315golfouting1.mp3] [/audio]

Brisard applauds those that took care of this year's golf outing through the Chamber Board. She indicates the organizers have made the outing not only a good time for attendees but also a great networking opportunity.

[audio:6231592551-62315golfouting2.mp3] [/audio]

At last year's outing, there was a hole-in-one made during the outing, however, there was no hole in one sponsor, this year that changes. Brisard says they are swapping the hole-in-one challenge for the putting challenge.

[audio:6231592553-62315golfouting3.mp3] [/audio]

Today's golf outing gets underway at 11:30 am with lunch and check. The 18-hole shotgun start is set for 1 pm.

Tune in this afternoon for live coverage from the event on The Big 1520 AM/92.3 FM and streamed live online at dewittdailynews.com.

Cubs Beat Kershaw, Dodgers; Sox Pummeled

 width=>>Bryant Homers Twice And Cubs Beat Kershaw, Dodgers

The Chicago Cubs overcame the weather, a darkened Wrigley Field and, most impressively, Clayton Kershaw in the opener of a four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday.

Kris Bryant hit a go-ahead two-run homer off the reigning NL Cy Young and MVP and added a late solo shot in leading the Cubs to a 4-2 victory.

Matt Szczur also homered off Kershaw (5-5), who fell back to .500 after giving up three runs over seven innings of work.

The Cubs used five relievers after starter Tsuyoshi Wada exited with cramping in his left deltoid muscle. Wada was pulled off giving up a solo home run to Enrique Hernandez and a single to A.J. Ellis to start the third.

Travis Wood (4-3) picked up another win in relief with 3 1/3 innings of one- hit ball, while James Russell, Pedro Strop, Hector Rondon and Jason Motte closed out Chicago's third straight win.

While home runs lit up the scoreboard, roughly half of the actual lights at the stadium went out during the bottom of the sixth inning.

 width=>>Vargas, Twins Pummel Sox

Kennys Vargas drove in four runs on a career-high four hits to lead the way in the Minnesota Twins' 13-2 rout of the Chicago White Sox at Target Field.

Vargas hit one of four Minnesota homers as the Twins dealt the White Sox a seventh straight road loss and continued their recent dominance of Chicago. Joe Mauer, Eduardo Nunez and Brian Dozier also went deep in Minnesota's seventh win in its last eight matchups with its AL Central rival.

Dozier finished 2-for-5 with three RBI and Byron Buxton produced three hits and three runs scored in the prized rookie's first game out of the leadoff spot.

The offensive barrage was backed by six effective innings from Tommy Milone (4-1), who yielded 10 hits but held the White Sox to two runs. Chicago stranded 10 runners in losing for the ninth time in its last 11 overall.

John Danks (3-8) allowed three of Minnesota's homers and was pelted for nine runs -- five earned -- over 5 1/3 innings to extend his career-long troubles against the Twins.

Adam LaRoche went 2-for-4 and knocked in both Chicago runs on a third-inning single.

American League Scoreboard
-----------------------------
Detroit 8, Cleveland 5
Toronto 8, Tampa Bay 5
Philadelphia 11, NY Yankees 8
LA Angels of Anaheim 4, Houston 3
Kansas City 4, Seattle 1

Mansion Roof Bids To Be Let Out Soon, Prevailing Wage Will Be Paid

Interested contractors can soon get their hands on construction specifications for roof repairs at the Executive Mansion in Springfield, and they can expect prevailing wage. Illinois News Network has more:

[audio:6231592604-MANSIONROOF.mp3] [/audio]

No state money will be used for the repairs and renovations.

Blues' Armstrong Named Team Canada GM For World Cup

 width=St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong will be in charge of Canada's entry for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Hockey Canada made the announcement Monday, giving Armstrong the general manager duties for the team that will compete in a two-week tournament that will feature eight teams in September 2016.

Armstrong has been the Blues' general manager since 2010 and will be part of a Hockey Canada management team for the eighth time. He also served as general manager for the 2009 IIHF World Championship team that won a silver medal and was part of the group that helped Canada win gold at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics.

Some Budget Bills Being Sent To Governor

Four budget bills are on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature, but it’s likely he won’t approve.

[audio:6221585001-BUDGETBILLS.mp3] [/audio]

Durbin Wants More Done With Guns, Mental Health

After the mass shooting at a black church in Charleston some lawmakers are looking again for answers to stop the all too familiar news.

Senator Dick Durbin says that there needs to be a way to keep the hands of those with serious mental illness gun free. Durbin wants background checks for gun purchases to include more safeguards.

[audio:6221584957-DURBINGUN1.MP3] [/audio]

Durbin knows the trouble with such a plan comes at trying to draw a distinction at what mental illness is enough to prevent someone from buying a gun.

[audio:6221584958-DURBINGUN2.MP3] [/audio]

Durbin says there are many forms of mental illness that don’t pose a threat to someone owning a gun, but more needs to be done and wants to do everything reasonable and humanly possible to keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill.

Social Security Offers Retirement Planning Tools

If you're nearing retirement or starting the planning process, Social Security is hoping you will remember then when doing so.

Kevin Rice with Social Security encourages those nearing retirement or even young people starting to think about saving for retirement to utilize a few of the tools they have available for them.

[audio:6221584918-61615ssretire1.mp3] [/audio]

Rice says there is a new tool they offer at their website that is through the Department of the Treasury called myra.com. He explains this is for a worker who may not have a retirement account through their employer but can set up a retirement account that would withhold money from their paycheck.

[audio:6221584921-61615ssretire2.mp3] [/audio]

The earlier you start planning for retirement the better. Rice encourages young people to start that process and to start by evaluating your current situation. He also notes, it's not too late to start planning for retirement either.

[audio:6221584923-61615ssretire3.mp3] [/audio]

Social Security also offers a retirement tool called the "Retirement Estimator". According to Rice, it takes some basic information from you and uses that to collect records and will show you how much you can expect to receive from Social Security at the time of your retirement.

To get access to the "Retirement Estimator" and many other tools through Social Security, visit their website, www.socialsecurity.gov.

Low Tax Rate Could Be Benefit For Monticello Schools Future

 width=As the community and school board in Monticello continue to decide what the future of their school buildings looks like, one thing continues to be a point of emphasis in the community: their low tax rate.

Superintendent of Monticello Schools, Dr. Vic Zimmerman indicates, they have one of the areas lowest tax rates. He says when you look across the Piatt, Macon and Champaign County area, they are significantly lower than a handful of others.

[audio:6221584927-61715monticellotax1.mp3] [/audio]

In Monticello, the districts benefit from the Corporate Property Replacement Tax, or CPPRT, and the Superintendent recognizes that fact, but he doesn't discount the work the school board has done to maintain it's low level.

[audio:6221584929-61715monticellotax2.mp3] [/audio]

If the district was to raise their property tax 65-cents, that would be around $1.2-million dollars in revenue. He indicates that combined with the fact their middle school is nearly paid off would be plenty of money to fund a new school building in Monticello.

[audio:6221584932-61715monticellotax3.mp3] [/audio]

Voters in Monticello last November rejected a proposal for a new high school after months of community engagement by the district. Now the district is all but back to the drawing board to try and find out why the referendum failed and what the future of the buildings should be.

Meanwhile, in the same voting cycle, voters approved a one-cent sales tax that can only go towards Piatt County school facilities.

Clinton Board of Education Approves Baseline Testing for Concussions

Last Tuesday night at the Clinton Board of Education meeting, the School Board approved baseline testing for all their student athletes at the high school.

Activities Director Barry Gurvey made the proposal and explains it is a test given to athletes when they are healthy, before their sport starts, and establishes a baseline of normal brain activity.

[audio:6221584934-62215braintest1.mp3] [/audio]

Gurvey indicates the tests would then be useful if an athlete is to receive a head injury. He explains they would do the test again if an injury occurs and compare the tests to find out the severity of the injury, and also when the athlete could return to the sport.

[audio:6221584936-62215braintest2.mp3] [/audio]

According to Gurvey, six of eight teams in the Central Illinois Conference are doing. He also points out this is a test that an athlete cannot "cheat on" to lower their score because it is very advanced.

[audio:6221584939-62215braintest3.mp3] [/audio]

The initial investment is $600 for 300 tests and 60 post-injury tests. Gurvey indicates there were 238 individual athletes that participated in athletics last year at the high school.

He called the program "a no-brainer" and it is fully supported by the school's athletic trainer. Gurvey also points out this gives students the proper treatment should they encounter a head injury as there are not many medical professionals locally that deal with this kind of injury.

The school board unanimously approved the measure.

Speith Claims US Open, Second Major This Year

Jordan Spieth 2-putted for birdie on the 72nd hole Sunday and won the U.S. Open Championship when Dustin Johnson 3-putted for par on the same hole.

Spieth closed with a 1-under 69 despite a double-bogey on 17. The Masters champion finished at 5-under-par 275 at Chambers Bay.

 width=Johnson, who turns 31 on Monday, had a 12-foot putt for eagle and the win, but rolled that putt three feet by the hole. Johnson's birdie putt that would have forced a Monday playoff slid by the left edge and Spieth was the champion.

Spieth joined Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan and Craig Wood as the sixth player to win the season's first two majors.

Johnson posted an even-par 70 to share second place with former Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen. The South African birdied six of the last seven holes for a 3-under 67. Johnson and Oosthuizen tied for second at minus-4.

Spieth watched playing partner Branden Grace knock his drive out of the bounds off the 16th tee. Spieth's tee shot at the drivable, par-4 came up short in the right rough.

His chip stopped shorter than he hoped. Spieth poured in the 27-footer for birdie and a 3-shot lead as Grace made double-bogey to fall to minus-3.

However, Spieth made a mess of the 17th. His tee ball landed right of the green in thick rough. He chipped to 45 feet, then 3-putted for double-bogey.

Suddenly, Spieth was tied for the lead with Oosthuizen, who drained a 10- footer for birdie at 18 to post 4-under.

As Spieth was on the 18th tee, Johnson dropped his tee shot six feet from the cup at 17. He converted that birdie chance to join Oosthuizen and Spieth at 4-under par.

Spieth found the fairway at the 18th, then knocked his second to 16 feet. His eagle chance stopped inches from the hole. He tapped in for birdie to move one clear, and it was up to Johnson.

Johnson, who coughed up the 54-hole lead at Pebble Beach in 2010, also found the fairway, then blasted a 5-iron from 246 yards out to 12 feet. His eagle effort missed on the left edge and trickled three feet by the cup. Johnson's birdie putt missed left as well to give Spieth the title.

Bears, NFL Notes

 width=>>Bears Sign Former Dolphins RB Thomas

The Chicago Bears signed former Miami Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas to a one-year contract Thursday.

The Bears also signed safety Sherrod Martin to a one-year deal and waived kicker Jeremiah Detmer, quarterback Pat Devlin and tight end Jacob Maxwell.

Thomas, 27, started three games in four seasons for the Dolphins, who drafted him in the second round in 2011. He rushed for 1,480 yards and 10 touchdowns in 52 games for the team, including 168 yards and two scores in 12 games last season.

Martin spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, posting 16 tackles and one interception in 13 games, including two starts. The 30-year-old safety was drafted by Carolina in the second round in 2009 and spent four years with the club. He has eight career interceptions in 72 games.

>>Bengals Waive Former Ohio State QB Pryor

The Cincinnati Bengals waived quarterback Terrelle Pryor on Thursday.

The Ohio State product started nine games for the Raiders in 2013 and threw for 1,798 yards with seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 11 overall contests that season. He was traded to Seattle just prior to last year's NFL Draft but was released by the Seahawks and did not play in 2014.

A.J. McCarron and Josh Johnson are the quarterbacks behind starter Andy Dalton on the depth chart.

>>Giants Sign First Round Pick

The New York Giants signed tackle and the ninth overall pick in the NFL Draft, Ereck Flowers, on Thursday.

The Miami-Florida product, who did not use an agent to strike the deal, is slotted to be the starting left tackle on opening day after Will Beatty tore his pectoral muscle lifting weights on May 18.

Flowers may potentially be the third rookie to start on the Giants' offensive line in as many years, joining Justin Pugh (2013) and Weston Richburg (2014). New York begins the season in Dallas on Sept. 13.

Sox, Cubs Win; Cards Rocked

 width=>>Beckham Sends Sox To Walk-Off Win

Gordon Beckham homered on the first pitch of the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Chicago White Sox a dramatic 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers in the finale of a three-game series.

Beckham's homer to left on a 70 mph changeup from Alex Claudio (1-1) came in his first at-bat of the game. He entered as a defensive replacement in the 10th and started a double play that got Chicago out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the 11th.

Melky Cabrera had a career-high five hits for the White Sox, who won the last two games of the series on the heels of an eight-game losing streak.

Starter Jose Quintana went seven innings, giving up two runs on five hits and two walks, and Jake Petricka (2-2) pitched the 11th for the win.

Ryan Rua hit his first homer of the year for Texas, a solo blast in the first inning, and Leonys Martin added a game-tying solo shot in the seventh.

The White Sox had just six baserunners in the first five innings against Yovani Gallardo and didn't score until he was out of the game, taking a 2-1 lead on Alexei Ramirez's RBI single and Conor Gillaspie's sacrifice fly off Ross Detwiler in the sixth.

But Martin led off the seventh with his fifth homer of the season, a blast to right that made it 2-2.

Cabrera got his fifth hit in bottom of the 10th, a two-out single, but was erased at second base on Ramirez's grounder.

The White Sox escaped a bases-loaded jam with another double play in the 11th when Hanser Alberto bounced to the third baseman Beckham, who went home for the first out.

American League Scoreboard
-----------------------------
Detroit 12, New York 4
Baltimore 13, Toronto 9
Cleveland 1, Tampa Bay 0
Boston 13, Kansas City 2
Oakland 3, LA Angels of Anaheim 2
Houston 6, Seattle 2

 width=>>Arrieta Leads Cubs Over Minnesota

Jake Arrieta fired his second career shutout and the Chicago Cubs blanked the Minnesota Twins 8-0 in the rubber match of a three-game set.

Arrieta (7-5) struck out seven and scattered four hits for the Cubs, who had dropped three of their last five games coming into the contest.

Dexter Fowler smacked a grand slam, Anthony Rizzo cracked a solo homer among his two hits and two runs scored and Starlin Castro added three hits, an RBI and a run scored in the triumph.

Kyle Gibson (4-6) surrendered two runs on six hits and three walks with six punchouts for Minnesota, which dropped the last two games of the series.

The Cubs plated a run in the third and added another in the fifth to open the scoring.

Rizzo walked to lead off the third and after Kris Bryant struck out, Miguel Montero's single to right-center put runners on the corners. Rizzo scored on Castro's sacrifice fly to center.

Rizzo's blast to center to start the fifth made it 2-0.

Chicago broke the game open with a six-run eighth.

Castro singled and Chris Coghlan doubled off the top of the wall in right- center to put runners on second and third. Chris Denorfia was intentionally walked and Kyle Schwarber reached out and poked a base hit to left to push across Castro and Coghlan.

Addison Russell walked and Fowler launched his grand slam into the seats in right to make it 8-0.

 width=>>Phillies Stop Cardinals

The Philadelphia Phillies turned to a 25-year-old rookie to help end a historically poor stretch of play, and Adam Morgan delivered.

Morgan pitched 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball and the Phillies picked up a 9-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals to avoid a series sweep.

Morgan (1-0) gave up six hits and struck out six in his major league debut, earning the first win for a Phillies starter since May 23, when Cole Hamels won in Washington. Starters had gone 0-16 during a 4-21 stretch since then.

St. Louis outscored Philadelphia 22-5 over the first two games of the series, and the Phillies had a minus-53 run differential over their last 11 games, but the bats woke up on Sunday. Maikel Franco and Ben Revere had three hits apiece and Andres Blanco hit his second home run of the season.

The Phillies handed Michael Wacha (9-3) just his second road loss of the season after pounding the young ace for five runs on eight hits over five innings.

National League Scoreboard
----------------------------
Cincinnati 5, Miami 2
Washington 9, Pittsburgh 2
Arizona 7, San Diego 2
Colorado 10, Milwaukee 4
Atlanta 1, New York 0
Los Angeles 10, San Francisco 2

Clinton Police Weekend Report

CITATION 06/19/15
MATTHEW BROWNLEE 40, LATHAM NO VALID REGISTRATION. BOND POSTED

ON 06/19/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED JONATHAN M. THAYER 31, CLINTON FOR SPEEDING 41 MPH IN A 30 MPH ZONE, DISOBEYED TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE, FLEEING OR ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE A PEACE OFFICER, DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCHOL, DRIVING UNDER THEN INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL WITH A B.A.C. GREATER THAN .08, AND NO VALID DRIVERS LICENSE. THAYER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

ON 06/21/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED KERRI L. NIHISER 33, CLINTON FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY AND VIOLATION OF ORDER OF PROTECTION. NIHISER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for June 12-14

Jail Population: 31

Paper Services: 5

Warrants: 1

Bobbie Graham, 40, Weldon was Arrested and Charged with Agg Battery/Police/Sheriff/DUT and Contempt of Court. Graham unable to post the necessary bond remains lodged in the DeWitt County Jail.

James Russell, 20, Clinton was Arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging him with Criminal Trespass to State Land. Russell unable to post the necessary bond remains lodged in the DeWitt County Jail.

Alejandro Guerrero, 39, Eureka was issued a Citation for Speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Guerrero was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Mary Toohill, 39, Wapella was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Toohill was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Tykia Taylor, 41, Decatur was issued a Citation for Speeding 67 MPH in a 45 MPH Zone. Taylor was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Democrats Say Still Time To Find Solutions

Even though there are just a handful of days remaining before the next budget year is scheduled to begin, Democrats says there’s still time to find solutions.

In response to the second round of announced fund and grant suspensions to the tune of $420 million set to take place July 1.

[audio:6211582920-NEKRITZSMIDDY.mp3] [/audio]

Governor spokesman Lance Trover said in message attached to Friday’s announced suspensions that the Governor has compromised repeatedly but Speaker Michael Madigan continues to block any real reform.

Second Round of Funding Suspensions Announced

Another round of fund suspensions scheduled for the beginning of next month brings the total to nearly a billion dollars, but that’s not even a quarter of what is estimated to be a nearly $4 billion hole in the coming fiscal year budget passed by Democrat majorities.

With two weeks left before the next fiscal year is set to begin and no balanced budget in place Governor Bruce Rauner announced a slew of freezes totalling $420 million. That’s in addition to $400 million in fund suspensions announced earlier this month.

[audio:6211583615-RAUNERCUTS.mp3] [/audio]


Democrat majorities in both the House and Senate passed a budget that has a multi-billion hole without offering up any new revenues.

Republicans Say Funding Suspension Necessary

Thought reducing social service funds isn’t savory, Republicans seem to be on board with the Governor in his second round of fund suspensions announced Friday saying they’re necessary to right the state’s fiscal ship.

[audio:6211583916-IVESMOFFIT.mp3] [/audio]

The second round of announced suspensions set to take place July 1 includes some of same funds that were suspended, then restored, in the current budget year.

Democrat majorities passed a budget that is over $3 billion out of balance with the next fiscal year set to begin in just over two weeks.

Applegate Says Efficiency and More Money Must Be Plan for Higher Education

Efficiency or more money? That is the question to solving a funding problems at the state’s public universities, according to Illinois Board of Higher Education Executive Director Dr. James Applegate.

[audio:6211584126-HIGHERED2.mp3] [/audio]

Tuesday’s hearing that lasted several hours and did not produce any remedies to the unbalanced budget for the coming fiscal year with less than two weeks before the July 1st deadline.

Significant Audits Coming

Even though he’s announced he’s on the way out the door by the end of the year, the current Auditor General says expect his office to continue producing thorough audits of various state agencies.

[audio:6211584312-AUDITOR2.mp3] [/audio]

Holland has been the auditor since 1992.

Economy Improves in Rural Parts of 10 States But Still Weak

The economy has improved slightly in rural parts of 10 Western and Plains states, but a new survey suggests little growth ahead.

The overall Rural Mainstreet index improved to the neutral score of 50 in June from last month's 49.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the strong dollar is continuing to hurt crop prices and exports, so farm income is down in the region.

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

The survey indexes range from 0 to 100. Any score below 50 suggests decline in that factor in the months ahead.

The weak crop prices and current bird flu outbreak have bankers worried. The confidence index registered 45.9 in June, up from 41.5 in May, but still negative.

Caterpillar To Lay Off 120 Workers At East Peoria Site

Caterpillar Inc. has announced a second round of layoffs this year affecting 120 more workers at its East Peoria plant.

The company said Wednesday that the layoffs will take effect June 29 and the action was being taken "to bring production in line with demand."

According to reports, a Caterpillar spokeswoman indicates the products built at the plant are used in the mining and construction industry, which continues to face "weak market conditions."

Another 120 workers were laid off at the East Peoria plant in January. Caterpillar announced in May that it would lay off 150 workers at its Decatur plant due to weak demand for the mining equipment manufactured there.

Company officials indicated in a first-quarter earnings report in April that 2015 was going to be another tough year for Caterpillar.

Illinois Democrats Start Sending GOP Gov. Budget Bills

Illinois Democrats are sending Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner budget bills even as both sides remain deadlocked over a spending plan.

The House and Senate this week each sent two of nearly two dozen budget bills to Rauner's desk. Senate President John Cullerton's office says more will follow next week.

Rauner and Democrats, who control the Legislature, are at a budget impasse for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Democrats approved a plan that's over $3 billion short of anticipated revenue. They want Rauner to OK a tax increase, but Rauner first wants other reforms.

Legislators are meeting in overtime sessions with few signs of progress.

A spokeswoman said Thursday that Rauner has already said the budget is "unacceptable" and there's no reason that a deal can't be reached by July.

Budget Negotiations Continuing

Even though the Speaker of the House says the number one issue facing the state of Illinois is the budget deficit, there still is no balanced budget deal in place with less than two weeks before the beginning of the next fiscal year.

[audio:6211584913-BUDGETSTALEMATE.mp3] [/audio]

The next budget year is set to begin July 1.

Bloomington Cornbelters Fall to the Lake Erie Crushers

The Bloomington Cornbelters ended the series against the Lake Erie Crushers Sunday afternoon, losing by a score of 3 to 1.

 

Tune in Tuesday June 23rd as the Cornbelters take on Windy City at 6:20p. You can hear the game live on 95.9 FM WEZC.

Sen. Durbin Salutes Blackhawks

 

Senator Dick Durbin is saluting the Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks.

In a city impacted by deadly violence in recent years, he told fellow Senators the NHL club has become a unifying force.

[audio:62015102454-DurbinHawk1.mp3]Durbin[/audio]

Durbin marveled at the turnaround since a change in management.

[audio:62015102456-DurbinHawk2.mp3]Durbin (cont.)[/audio]

Durbin and Republican colleague Mark Kirk introduced a Senate resolution Wednesday honoring the Blackhawks.

PTSD For Medical Cannabis Passes House

 

A measure to add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to the list of conditions eligible for medicinal marijuana under the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program passed the House, but not with a provision to keep approved patients’ FOID cards safe. Illinois News Network has more:

[audio:62015102640-POTFOID.mp3][/audio]

The measure, having been concurred without the amendments, now heads to the Governor’s desk.

House Committee Debate Gets Heated

Things got heated during Tuesday’s House Committee of the Whole when the issue of public jobs versus private jobs was addressed.

[audio:62015102938-DCEOJOBS.mp3][/audio]

The House Committee of the Whole featured two panels that lasted nearly five hours, however there was no action towards bringing about a balanced budget. The next budget year begins in less than two weeks.

Sen. Rose Receives Health Care Award

/shared/inc/client/22/articles/images/62015104244-ChapinRose.jpg

 

Earlier this wee the Illinois Hospital Association (IHA) presented its eighth annual Rural Legislator of the Year Award to Republican State Senator Chapin Rose for his strong commitment and support of small and rural hospitals.

According to a release, Senator Rose has been a strong supporter of rural health care, working with local hospital leaders to understand the unique needs and challenges they are facing. IHA President and CEO Maryjane A. Wurth says the Senator engages with small and rural hospital leaders to understand their unique opportunities and challenges, and how they are leading the way to transform health care.

During this legislative session, Sen. Rose worked collaboratively with IHA and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to create legislation. The CARE (Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable) Actwhich helps to ensure that family caregivers in Illinois have improved education and resources to care for their loved ones at home after a hospital stay. The bill passed overwhelmingly in both the Illinois House (116-0) and Senate (51-0).

Steven D. Tenhouse, CEO, Kirby Medical Center, Monticello, says the Sen. has been a champion for health care in Piatt County.

IHA's Rural Legislator of the Year Award recognizes state and/or federal leaders for their efforts to pass legislation and support initiatives that improve the ability of rural hospitals to serve their communities.

Brady Realtors Heading Collection For Fireworks Display

Brady Realtors in Clinton has led the charge in recent years to raise money to make sure the community has a display of fireworks for the Fourth of July.

Nan Crang, with Brady Realtors indicates their collection for 2015 is underway and the collection buckets are scattered across the community. She says every year, the community has stepped up to make fireworks happen in Clinton.

[audio:62015103240-62015fireworks1.mp3][/audio]

Crang says every little bit helps in their efforts. Anything from change at the grocery stores to single dollar bills go a long ways. She adds, the Clinton City Council each year makes up a donation that makes up a little less than half of the funding needed for the yearly display.

[audio:62015103242-62015fireworks2.mp3][/audio]

To make a contribution to the fireworks fund for 2015, you will find the change buckets at establishments across the community or you can drop a contribution by Brady Realtors in Clinton on the downtown square.

Crang also encourages residents to take time on the Fourth to participate in the Celebrate Clinton Association's Fourth of July festivities that happen all day on the square.

OH SO NOW THE ALL-STAR GAME IS A JOKE?

The latest American League All-Star ballots were released on Monday and there were eight Kansas City Royals in the starting lineup.

Cue up the outrage.

Instead of blaming the dopey fans who chose to give their votes to Omar Infante and his borderline .200 average, how about we mock the fact that the game still "counts."

Is it any more ridiculous that Infante might start opposed to some last-place team placing a middle reliever on the roster because it fills a quota? At least Infante may actually benefit from home-field advantage in the World Series.

The All-Star Game was always one of the few things MLB does right. In relation to the other major sports, the Mid-Summer Classic is the game that actually resembles a real contest.

But then came the 2002 game at Miller Park and everything changed. Of course, commissioner Bud Selig called that game a tie after 11 innings because both teams had run out of substitute players.

Still, all these years later, it's amazing that actually happened.

And in effort to save face and wipe the egg off of Selig's face, the whole "make it count" thing started.

That was 13 years ago. It's mind-boggling that home-field advantage for the World Series is still in play and no other changes have been made. At the very least the silly rule that every team needs to be represented needed to go.

It will be interesting to see what happens here if things stay the way they are.

It's not like something like this hasn't happened before. A similar incident took place in 1957 that saw the Cincinnati Redlegs have all but one position player elected to the game.

After an investigation showed that Cincinnati fans were indeed stuffing the ballot, Commissioner Ford Frick intervened and removed two of the players from the starting lineup. He even went one step further and took the vote out of the fans' hands.

Would Rob Manfred do the same?

I'm going to say no. Something tells me that it all gets worked out by next week. Somehow, someway either Detroit's Miguel Cabrera will overtake Eric Hosmer, or Nelson Cruz of Seattle will pass Kendrys Morales.

Actually I hope Infante starts just to show how silly all this is. Like Kansas City manager Ned Yost, who by the way will be the AL's manager in Cincinnati on July 14, said over the weekend, "if you don't like it, vote more."

Next year, though, don't be surprised if we some sort of three-tier system ala the NFL Pro Bowl that includes fans, players, coaches and maybe even the precious Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Manfred may have other fish to fry, however. In case you haven't heard the St. Louis Cardinals are being investigated by the F.B.I. and Justice Department for hacking into the internal networks of the Houston Astros.

That is certainly a problem Frick never had to deal with.

Vanderbilt cruises past TCU and into CWS finals

Walker Buehler was excellent over 6 2/3 innings to lead the Vanderbilt Commodores to the College World Series finals with a 7-1 win over TCU on Friday night.

Buehler struck out eight and allowed a run on four hits in his outing, while Rhett Wiseman homered and Bryan Reynolds added two RBI.

Tyler Alexander picked up the loss after giving up three runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 frames for the Horned Frogs, who were eliminated with the loss,

Vanderbilt got on the board with one in the first, then put the game away with two runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings.

Reynolds, who went 3-for-4 in the win, drove Ro Coleman home with a single in the first for a 1-0 lead.

The Commodores opened the third inning with four straight singles, with Reynolds' knock scoring Wiseman. Jeren Kendall added an RBI hit two batters later for a 3-0 edge.

Wiseman hit a two-run homer in the fourth, then Will Toffey and Jason Delay had each had an RBI in the fifth as Vanderbilt's lead stretched to 7-0.

Buehler, meanwhile, retired the first 10 batters he faced and carried a shutout into the seventh when the Horned Frogs finally cracked the scoreboard.

Connor Wanhanen walked to lead off the inning and Dane Steinhagen moved him over to third on a single two batters later. Derek Odell plated Wanhanen with a sacrifice fly and Buehler's night ended when he allowed a base hit to Keaton Jones in the next at-bat.

John Kilichowski tossed 2 1/3 scoreless frames behind Buehler to secure the win.

Vanderbilt will face the winner of the Florida-Virginia game on Saturday.

Earlier, Richie Martin had three hits and two RBI, Logan Shore pitched into the seventh inning and Florida avoided elimination with a 10-5 win over the Cavaliers.

The Gators, who lost 1-0 to Virginia on Monday, survived to play the Cavaliers for a third time on Saturday with the winner moving on to the best-of-three finals.

Shore gave up four runs, eight hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings but was backed by a stout offensive performance.

Harrison Bader and Mike Rivera also knocked in two runs apiece for the Gators, who had 11 hits as a team and scored nine of their 10 runs in two big innings.

Nathan Kirby, the Virginia left-hander who was taken No. 40 overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in this month's Major League Baseball draft, was charged with four runs -- three earned -- in 2 2/3 innings.

Matt Thaiss and Kenny Towns drove in two runs apiece for the Cavaliers, who could have advanced to the finals for a second consecutive year with a win.

White Sox try to get off the schneid

The Chicago White Sox try to put an end to their free fall on Saturday afternoon as they clash with the Texas Rangers in the second of a three-game set at U.S. Cellular Field.

Not only is Chicago dead last in the American League Central standings, 11 games out of contention, the team is now 10 games below .500 after accepting an eighth straight defeat on Friday.

Perhaps most painful about having the worst record in the AL entering the weekend is the fact that the White Sox failed to take advantage of yet another masterful performance by pitcher Chris Sale during the 2-1 setback.

The hurler, who failed to factor into the decision, completed eight innings of shutout ball, allowing a mere two hits while striking out 14. He became just the third player since 1900 to register at least 12 strikeouts in five consecutive outings. Sale has now struck out at least 10 batters in six straight contests as well.

Unfortunately, even with Sale striking out the side in the eighth, manager Robin Ventura decided to go to his bullpen, which proved to be costly move as David Robertson blew his fourth save of the season and was saddled with his second defeat in six decisions.

"Sale has a long way to go in this season, and you're trying to take care of him," said Ventura. "Other guys have jobs to do too. It's tough."

On offense, the White Sox scattered nine hits, two each by Jose Abreu and Tyler Flowers, the latter hitting his fourth home run of the campaign to account for the lone run.

Mitch Moreland, one of only two batters for Texas not to strike out, knocked in both runs for the Rangers as they moved to 2 1/2 games of Houston for first place in the AL West.

"These guys believe that they can win," noted Rangers manager Jeff Banister. "They battled. They didn't get to Sale, but they were able to chip away and use up the pitch count and get him out of the game so that they were going to somebody. They're not going to quit, they're not going to give in, they're going to play till the end."

Texas starter Colby Lewis captured the win, his seventh, by scattering nine hits and allowing only the one run, fanning seven over eight innings of action. Shawn Tolleson stepped up in the ninth to secure his 10th save.

Saturday's matinee will feature Nick Martinez pitching for the Rangers and Carlos Rodon taking the ball for Chicago.

In the case of Martinez, the right-hander pitched well in his most recent outing last weekend versus Minnesota, but failed to factor into the decision. He allowed three runs on eight hits and a pair of walks, striking out five, over seven innings.

Since winning back-to-back outings versus Cleveland and New York, Martinez has registered just a single victory in his last four attempts, with one of those being a loss against the White Sox on June 3 at home when he was shelled for seven runs on nine hits in only 3 1/3 innings.

For his career, Martinez is 0-2 with a massive 12.96 ERA over a combined 8 1/3 innings.

As for Rodon, the rookie left-hander is just 22 years of age and was the third overall pick in the 2014 draft by Chicago. He registered his second career victory on June 9 versus Houston at home, but then was saddled with his first loss six days later when he stumbled against Pittsburgh on the road.

Versus the Pirates, Rodon made it through only 3 2/3 innings, knocked around for seven runs on nine hits and a walk, while striking out three.

Earlier this month the hurler clashed with Texas on the road, notching an impressive 10 strikeouts over six innings, yet he failed to factor into the decision even as he allowed only a single run on five hits and three walks.

Lackey hopes for first road win of season in Philly

John Lackey tries for his first road victory of the season when he leads the St. Louis Cardinals against the Philadelphia Phillies Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park.

Lackey is 0-3 with a 6.27 ERA in six road starts in 2015. The right-hander's actual road skid goes back nine starts (0-5) since beating Pittsburgh on Aug. 25, 2014. Since joining the Cardinals at the trade deadline last year, Lackey is 1-6 with a 6.49 ERA in 11 road starts.

In his most recent start, Monday against Minnesota, Lackey pitched eight strong innings. He allowed two runs on five hits to win for the third time in four starts.

During his career, Lackey is 2-4 with a 3.46 ERA in six games against the Phillies.

Aaron Harang aims to snap a career-high tying personal five-start losing streak for the Phillies. The righty suffered a defeat at Baltimore on Monday when he allowed four runs on five hits over six innings. Harang also lost five straight starts during the 2009 season.

Harang's drought spans six starts, back to a May 14 win over the Pirates. He's 7-16 with a 4.39 ERA in 28 starts versus the Cardinals. Harang has dropped his last seven decisions, a span of nine starts, against St. Louis. His last win versus the Cardinals came May 9, 2009, when he was a member of the Reds.

On Friday, Jhonny Peralta drove in three runs as the Cardinals pounded out a 12-4 win. Yadier Molina and Kolten Wong each clubbed two-run home runs while Randal Grichuk was 3-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored for the Cardinals, who have won six of their last eight.

"We catch some heat sometimes when you can't put up the big offensive numbers," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "With a lineup like this it's going to happen. You're not going to be able to throw a 12 up every night, but it's in there."

Tyler Lyons (2-0) won his second straight start as he allowed three runs on seven hits in five innings.

Ryan Howard hit a three-run home run and Cesar Hernandez drove in a run for the Phillies, who had snapped a nine-game losing streak with a victory on Thursday.

Phillippe Aumont's (0-1) first career start was a rough one as he was pounded for six runs on five hits and seven walks in just four innings on the mound. He was making the start in place of an injured Cole Hamels, who was scratched due to a mild right hamstring strain.

"You make mistakes and they live off those mistakes," Aumont said.

The Cardinals swept a three-game series over the Phillies at home from April 28-30.

Lester Seeking First Win in 6 Starts

Jon Lester eyes his first win in six starts on Saturday when the Chicago Cubs play the middle test of their three-game series with the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.

Lester is 0-3 in his last four appearances, but pitched well enough to get the win on Sunday against Cincinnati, as he allowed just a run and five hits in seven innings. However, he did not factor in the decision of his team's 2-1 win and is 4-5 on the year with a 3.99 ERA.

"Tonight was better. Tonight was back to being me," Lester said. "Any time you have two starts like I did [before Sunday], you're going to have some mental questions, you're going to have some doubts and sit there going, 'What am I doing wrong?' You have to believe in what you've done, and what I've done in the past, and what's gotten me here."

Lester has faced the Twins 11 times (10 starts) and is 3-4 against them with a 3.86 ERA.

Minnesota, meanwhile, will counter with righty Trevor May, who is 4-5 with a 4.26 ERA. May lost his second straight start on Monday in St. Louis, as he allowed three runs and five hits in five innings.

"Today I didn't do my job as well as I should. It was a little frustrating," May said. "I left a couple of balls up to some guys, and a couple times I made good pitches and they hit them. That's kind of the name of the game. I wish I had a couple back, but that's how things go sometimes."

On Friday, Trevor Plouffe doubled twice and drove in four runs to power Minnesota to a 7-2 victory. Brian Dozier and Eddie Rosario each finished with two hits and two runs scored and Eduardo Escobar also drove in a run for the Twins, who have won three in a row.

Phil Hughes (5-6) was brilliant in his eight innings on the mound, permitting just one run and two hits while striking out four and walking none.

"Tonight he was excellent," Plouffe said of Hughes. "Whenever he's on the mound, we know we have a good chance."

Anthony Rizzo hit two solo home runs for the Cubs, who have dropped their last two games and three of their last four.

Kyle Hendricks (2-3) gave up seven runs -- six earned -- on 11 hits over five- plus innings in defeat.

"I just wasn't making pitches. I just didn't have it today," Hendricks said. "I need to expand more early."

Minnesota last faced the Cubs back in 2012 when it took two of three from them.

25 From Illinois Charged in Federal Health Care Fraud Sweep

Doctors, nurses and a Medicaid recipient are among the 25 Illinois residents facing federal criminal charges as part of a nationwide health care fraud sweep that ensnared nearly 250 people.

The defendants include a Chicago dermatologist accused of fraudulent billing and seven employees of area home health care companies.

The federal government imposed a first-of-its-kind moratorium on enrollment of new home health providers in metropolitan Chicago in 2013.

Eleven of the 12 people charged in southern Illinois worked as personal care assistants to Medicaid recipients. One is accused of submitting phony bills for services reportedly provided while in Costa Rica.

Federal authorities announced the crackdown results Thursday as part of a cross-country dragnet involving allegedly fraudulent billings of Medicare and Medicaid totaling more than $700 million.

Caterpillar To Lay Off 120 Workers At East Peoria Site

Caterpillar Inc. has announced a second round of layoffs this year affecting 120 more workers at its East Peoria plant.

The company said Wednesday that the layoffs will take effect June 29 and the action was being taken "to bring production in line with demand."

According to reports, a Caterpillar spokeswoman indicates the products built at the plant are used in the mining and construction industry, which continues to face "weak market conditions."

Another 120 workers were laid off at the East Peoria plant in January. Caterpillar announced in May that it would lay off 150 workers at its Decatur plant due to weak demand for the mining equipment manufactured there.

Company officials indicated in a first-quarter earnings report in April that 2015 was going to be another tough year for Caterpillar.

Economy Improves in Rural Parts of 10 States But Still Weak

The economy has improved slightly in rural parts of 10 Western and Plains states, but a new survey suggests little growth ahead.

The overall Rural Mainstreet index improved to the neutral score of 50 in June from last month's 49.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the strong dollar is continuing to hurt crop prices and exports, so farm income is down in the region.

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

The survey indexes range from 0 to 100. Any score below 50 suggests decline in that factor in the months ahead.

The weak crop prices and current bird flu outbreak have bankers worried. The confidence index registered 45.9 in June, up from 41.5 in May, but still negative.

Illinois Democrats Start Sending GOP Gov. Budget Bills

Illinois Democrats are sending Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner budget bills even as both sides remain deadlocked over a spending plan.

The House and Senate this week each sent two of nearly two dozen budget bills to Rauner's desk. Senate President John Cullerton's office says more will follow next week.

Rauner and Democrats, who control the Legislature, are at a budget impasse for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Democrats approved a plan that's over $3 billion short of anticipated revenue. They want Rauner to OK a tax increase, but Rauner first wants other reforms.

Legislators are meeting in overtime sessions with few signs of progress.

A spokeswoman said Thursday that Rauner has already said the budget is "unacceptable" and there's no reason that a deal can't be reached by July.

Illinois Unemployment Holds Steady in May

Illinois' unemployment rate held steady again in May as the state added temporary and government jobs but lost manufacturing positions.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that the May unemployment rate was 6 percent. That's the same level as it was in April and just higher than the 5.5 percent May national rate.

According to the department, professional and business services firms added a net 6,900 jobs in May. Many of those companies provide temporary workers. Leisure and hospitality employment rolls grew by 3,300 jobs and government employers added a net 2,300 jobs.

The state's manufacturers lost more jobs than any other sector, 2,500 in all. Trade, transportation and utilities companies cut a net 2,300 jobs.

The number of unemployed people dropped .3 percent in May to 392,000.

Social Security Officials Remind Newly Weds To Remember Them After the Celebration

The season of weddings is in full swing and as couples across the country repeat their vows and celebrate new beginnings, Social Security has some reminders once the celebration has concluded.

Kevin Rice with Social Security says brides need to check in with social security for their name change. He explains your name change needs to be registered with Social Security for their records, but most importantly, for yours.

[audio:6181585244-61915ssnamechange1.mp3] [/audio]

Rice explains there are a couple avenues that can be taken to register a name change. The application can be accessed on their website, socialsecurity.gov, or you can stop in. He adds you'll need to present a form of legal identification and a copy of the marriage license.

[audio:6181585248-61915ssnamechange2.mp3] [/audio]

When providing a copy of the marriage license, Rice indicates it has to be the original. Social Security cannot accept a scanned copy of it.

[audio:6181585252-61915ssnamechange3.mp3] [/audio]

Rice adds, any time there is a name change of any kind, they need proof of that name change along with the identification.

For all things Social Security and more information on the name change process, visit their website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Blackhawks Celebrate Win with Parade and Rally

The Blackhawks celebrated their third Stanley Cup title in the last six seasons on Thursday with a brief parade through the streets of Chicago, culminating in a rally at Soldier Field.

Three days after the Original Six franchise won the NHL championship with a 2-0 home victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6, fans lined the streets of downtown to fete their hockey heroes once more.

The celebration kicked off just after 10 a.m. CT at Washington Boulevard and Racine Avenue, roughly one mile from United Center, and continued eastward until concluding at the intersection of Monroe Street and Michigan Avenue.

"It's amazing as a Hawks fan my whole life. To see it come full circle like this is unbelievable," said Chicago backup Scott Darling, a University of Maine product and the first native of the city to see his name inscribed on the Stanley Cup.

A capacity crowd then greeted the Cup champions at the venerable football venue. A table set up nearby to the podium displayed the four trophies won by the organization, including the Campbell Bowl awarded to the Western Conference playoff champions and the Jennings Trophy -- given to the goaltending duo which allowed the fewest goals during the regular season.

Reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner and top defenseman Duncan Keith modified a quote from "Game of Thrones" reflecting the triumph of his team and the glory of the moment, then added: "What a team. What a city. There's nothing like winning a Cup on home ice in front of your fans! "You guys are what make it special! Let's keep this red machine rolling!"

Though the volume of more than 60,000 spectators was consistently high when players such as Keith, captain Jonathan Toews and star forward Patrick Kane spoke, it surged noticeably when two of the Blackhawks' older veterans -- retiring defenseman Kimmo Timonen and forward Marian Hossa -- lifted the Cup.

"This is the win we got at home. This is the win for you, our fans, and the city of Chicago," noted Blackhawks principal owner Rocky Wirtz.

St. Louis Cardinals' Scandal Continues

The St. Louis Cardinals knew months ago they were the focus of a federal investigation over an alleged security breach of a computer network belonging to the Houston Astros and hired a law firm to conduct an internal investigation that is ongoing, team officials said Wednesday.

"These are serious allegations that don't reflect who we are as an organization," Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr. said in a statement. "We are committed to getting to the bottom of this matter as soon as possible, and if anyone within our organization is determined to be involved in anything inappropriate, they will be held accountable."

According to DeWitt, the Cardinals knew "several months ago" they were the focus of an FBI and U.S. Justice Department investigation into the alleged hacking of the Astros' servers for internal information about trades, statistics and scouting reports.

The computer system was built by Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow, who ran a similar program when he worked in the Cardinals front office from 2003-11.

According to the New York Times, which broke the story Tuesday, investigators believe Cardinals personnel were able to access the Astros' system by using passwords previously employed by Luhnow when he was working for the Cardinals.

The Astros acknowledged last June that they had been victimized by hackers and contacted Major League Baseball, which notified the FBI. The team was made aware of the alleged hack after internal documents showing front office communications were posted online.

DeWitt said the Cardinals hired former U.S. attorney Jim Martin and the law firm Dowd Bennett "to assist the team in providing requested information to the federal government and to conduct an internal inquiry to attempt to identify any employee that may have engaged in the alleged conduct."

"The alleged conduct has no place in our game," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement. "We hold ourselves to the highest standards in every facet of our organization. It has been that way forever and is certainly true today. We are committed to finding out what happened.

"To the extent we can substantiate that these allegations have merit, we will take appropriate action against anyone involved."

Martin said the internal investigation is not complete. He told The Associated Press he is "100 percent confident that this does not touch upper management and does not involve people like John Mozeliak and Bill DeWitt."


The St. Louis Cardinals aim to bounce back when they target a series win over the Minnesota Twins Thursday at Target Field.

The Cardinals won the first two meetings with the Twins at Busch Stadium and were riding a five-game winning streak until Wednesday's 3-1 loss.

Carlos Martinez pitched well in defeat and gave up two runs -- one earned -- and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out six and walked three in falling to 7-3 on the season.

"He kept us in the game," said Cardinals manager Mike Matheny. "We've got to score more runs."

Jason Heyward had two hits and drove in the Cards' lone run with an RBI single in the top of the second inning.

St. Louis saw its lead atop the NL Central drop to four games ahead of streaking Pittsburgh, which has won eight in a row. The Cardinals will visit Philadelphia and Miami next on this sojourn.

Indians hold off Cubs at rainy Progressive Field

Giovanny Urshela singled home the go-ahead run in the seventh inning as the Cleveland Indians beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 on Thursday night.

Michael Brantley had two hits and an RBI for the Indians, who split the two- game series with the Cubs at Progressive Field.

Cubs reliever Travis Wood (3-3) was lifted after giving up consecutive one-out singles in the seventh and the scored tied at 3-3. Urshela then greeted Justin Grimm with a lined shot to left field, scoring Yan Gomes, who left the game with cervical tightness.

Zach McAllister (2-2) struck out four in 1 1/3 innings to pick up the win. Bryan Shaw recorded the final out in the eighth, stranding two runners. He came back out for the ninth and retired the Cubs in order to earn his first save of the season.

"They all did a really good job," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said about his relievers.

The Indians jumped on Cubs right-hander Jason Hammel for two runs in the first. Brantley doubled in Jason Kipnis, and Francisco Lindor scored on a passed ball by Miguel Montero.

Hammel, who made his 200th career start, settled down and struck out the next three batters to avoid further damage.

"I got to set a better tone early," Hammel said.

Kyle Schwarber notched Chicago's first hit with a one-out single in the third and went to third on a two-out single by Dexter Fowler. Lindor cut off right-fielder Brandon Moss' throw and tried to get Fowler as he slid back into first base. His throw, though, hit the runner and skipped away, allowing Schwarber to score.

David Murphy doubled off Hammel to begin the fourth, advanced on a wild pitch and scored on Gomes' sacrifice fly for a 3-1 Cleveland lead.

The Cubs tied the game in the fifth on Schwarber's first major league home run, an opposite-field blast to left center off Cleveland starter Danny Salazar.

It started pouring later in the inning after Chicago loaded the bases with two outs.

The game was delayed one hour and 16 minutes and when play resumed, Cody Allen got Montero to fly out to left field for the final out.

 

Pirates down ChiSox for 8th straight win
Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Gerrit Cole pitched seven strong innings and the Pittsburgh Pirates took a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.

Cole (11-2) became the first 11-game winner in the majors as he was charged with two runs on three hits with three walks and four strikeouts for the Pirates, who have won a season-high eight straight games.

"I always go out there to give us a chance to win, but that's a team accomplishment," Cole said of his win total.

Josh Harrison, Jung-Ho Kang and Gregory Polanco drove in a run each in the victory.

Geovany Soto hit a solo homer while Melky Cabrera also drove in a run for the White Sox, who are on a season-worst seven-game losing streak.

"It's starting to be buckle down time when we need to put together a string of good games and it has to be sooner than later before the trade deadline starts creeping up on us," White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton said.

Jeff Samardzija allowed two runs on 10 hits over seven innings, while Jake Petricka (1-2) was handed the loss.

The Pirates struck in the fourth inning to take the lead. Harrison singled to start and moved to second on a Starling Marte groundout. Andrew McCutchen then singled to put runners on the corners, and Kang followed with a single for a 1-0 lead. Pedro Alvarez then hit into a double play to end the frame.

Chicago answered in the home half as Jose Abreu doubled to lead off, moved to third on an Adam LaRoche fly out and came home on Cabrera's sacrifice fly.

Pittsburgh went back in front in the fifth when Harrison lofted a fly ball to center with the bases loaded to score Jordy Mercer for a 2-1 advantage.

Soto tied the game once again in the seventh when he hit his fourth homer of the season, but the Pirates went back on top in the eighth.

Singles from Kang and Alvarez left runners at the corners and Polanco's groundout scored Kang for a 3-2 advantage.

Sean Rodriguez tossed a 1-2-3 eighth inning, and Mark Melancon did the same in the ninth for his 23rd save of the season.

Applegate Says Efficiency and More Money Must Be Plan for Higher Education

Efficiency or more money? That is the question to solving a funding problems at the state’s public universities, according to Illinois Board of Higher Education Executive Director Dr. James Applegate.

[audio:6181572247-HIGHERED2.mp3] [/audio]

Tuesday’s hearing that lasted several hours and did not produce any remedies to the unbalanced budget for the coming fiscal year with less than two weeks before the July 1st deadline.

Budget Negotiations Continuing

Even though the Speaker of the House says the number one issue facing the state of Illinois is the budget deficit, there still is no balanced budget deal in place with less than two weeks before the beginning of the next fiscal year.

[audio:6181572241-BUDGETSTALEMATE.mp3] [/audio]

The next budget year is set to begin July 1.

Madigan Reacts To Rauner Ad Campaign

When House Speaker Michael Madigan talks about government, he sometimes might remind you of Spock from Star Trek.

He talks about government in terms of logic, not emotion and is rarely seen expressing emotion regardless of the political climate. Tuesday's launch of Governor Rauner's ad campaign attacking Madigan and Democrats handling of the budget has generated a similar response.

[audio:6181572248-Madiganonads.mp3] [/audio]

Madigan continued to use the words moderation and extreme throughout a visit with the capitol press corps.

[audio:6181572247-Madiganmoderate.mp3] [/audio]

The House remains in continuous session.

Remnants of Tropical Storm Bill Raise Flooding Threats

Already-soaked states in the nation's midsection are bracing for additional rainfall and possible flooding as the remnants of Tropical Storm Bill head their way.

Flood advisories were posted from Arkansas and Oklahoma into Illinois. High water could last into the weekend.

Areas of Texas that were hit by a series of storms around Memorial Day weekend got some relief Wednesday when a pocket of dry air entered the storm, lowering rainfall totals. Still, the second named tropical system of the year dropped more than 11 inches of rain southwest of Houston.

As the system headed north, Oklahoma residents were filling sandbags, bracing for a heavy corridor of rain.

National Weather Service hydrologists and meteorologists warned that the remnants of Bill could cause new floods in the same rivers that spilled over their banks during recent weeks.

Senate Discusses College Affordability

College affordability was the focus of a Senate Committee of the Whole earlier this week.

During the hearing, representatives from academia talked about the need for continued investment of tax dollars in public education while Republican Senators asked for the institutions to find ways to share the sacrifice.

[audio:6181572244-HIGHERED1.mp3] [/audio]

Tuesday’s hearing lasted several hours and did not produce any remedies to the unbalanced budget for the coming fiscal year with less than two weeks before the July 1st deadline.

Significant Audits Coming

Even though he’s announced he’s on the way out the door by the end of the year, the current Auditor General says expect his office to continue producing thorough audits of various state agencies.

[audio:6181572239-AUDITOR2.mp3] [/audio]

Holland has been the auditor since 1992.

USDA Program Promotes Products Such As Plant Based Bottles

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it's expanding a program to develop the use of plant-based plastic, rubber and fiber used in manufacturing.

The USDA is offering loan guarantees initially designed for ethanol plants to companies that replace petroleum-based materials with plant-based plastics and other components used in manufacturing a wide range of products from Coca Cola bottles to seat cushions used in Ford cars.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says a report released Wednesday shows bio-based industries can boost the rural economy by providing new jobs and returning manufacturing to the U.S.

The report, mandated by the 2014 farm bill, was written by professors at Duke University and North Carolina State University. It says plant-based manufacturing contributed $369 billion to the nation's economy in 2013 and created four million jobs.

DeWitt County Sheriff Defends Police Forces

As America debates whether there is a problem with police officers in America, one local law enforcement official says despite the media reports, the numbers domestically indicate differently.

DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner recently spoke about violence in America involving law enforcement. He indicates the Public Agency Training Council compiles statistics each year on violence in America involving law enforcement.

[audio:6181572225-61715sheriffstats1.mp3] [/audio]

According to the Sheriff, the statistics would indicate 33-percent of assaults against police officers are with a deadly weapon. He feels there is plenty of evidence to support police officers defending themselves.

[audio:6181572229-61715sheriffstats2.mp3] [/audio]

Based on the statistics, the Sheriff also points out, there should be over 3-thousand annual instances of police officers using deadly force, however, that just isn't the case.

[audio:6181572232-61715sheriffstats3.mp3] [/audio]

Many incidents across the country have involved white police officers and minorities. According to Sheriff Shofner, those statistics reveals the picture painted by mainstream media isn't necessarily accurate.

[audio:6181572235-61715sheriffstats4.mp3] [/audio]

The Sheriff says it is often the only thing people see are the incidents broadcast on television or published online but the thousands of other peaceful interactions are not reported on. He feels this has painted a false reality of what is happening across the country.

US Open In Great Northwest

 width=The best players in the world are geared up this week for the second major championship of the season, the U.S. Open.

Chambers Bay Golf Course is set to play host to its first ever major championship. It was also the site of the 2010 U.S. Amateur, which was won by Peter Uihlein.

Martin Kaymer returns as the defending champion after running away with an 8- shot victory at Pinehurst No. 2 last year. It was the German's second career major title as he also took home the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Kaymer also became the first player ever to win the Players and U.S. Open in the same year.

Another big name that has been reeling recently is world No. 1 and 2011 champion Rory McIlroy, who missed his last two cuts at European Tour events. However, the Ulsterman does have three victories on the season and a total of seven top-10 finishes in 11 events worldwide, including a runner-up.

Masters champion Jordan Spieth is seeking his third win of the season and his second consecutive major title. The No. 2 ranked player in the world is having a career season with nine top-10s and seven top-5s in 16 starts, not to mention three runner-up finishes.

Six-time runner-up Phil Mickelson looks to finally break his winless streak and complete the career grand slam with a victory at Chambers Bay. Mickelson has not won since the 2013 Open Championship, but he comes in playing well of late with three top-4 finishes in his last five events, including a tie for second at the Masters.

Tiger Woods is back in the U.S. Open field after the three-time champion missed last year due to back surgery.

Bulls Name Boylan As Top Assistant; NBA Notes

 width=The Chicago Bulls have hired Jim Boylen as new coach Fred Hoiberg's top assistant.

Boylen has 29 years of coaching experience - 17 in the NBA. He will serve as Chicago's associate head coach.

He spent the past two seasons on Gregg Popovich's staff in San Antonio and was the coach at the University of Utah for four years, leading the Utes to a 69-60 record and the 2009 NCAA Tournament. Boylen was also an assistant with the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers and Michigan State.

The Bulls announced the hiring on Wednesday, about two weeks after they hired Hoiberg away from Iowa State to replace the fired Tom Thibodeau.

>>Suns' Granger Excercises Player Option

Phoenix Suns forward Danny Granger has exercised his contract's player option worth $2.1 million for the 2015-16 season.

The 32-year-old former All-Star was acquired by the Suns in February's three- team trade that sent point guard Goran Dragic to Miami, but never appeared in a game for Phoenix. In 30 games for the Heat before the trade, Granger averaged 6.3 points on 40.1 percent shooting.

In his 10-year career, Granger has averaged 16.8 points per game on 43.4 percent shooting with 4.9 rebounds for the Pacers, Clippers and Heat.

>>Hornets Excercise Option on Henderson

Charlotte Hornets guard Gerald Henderson has exercised his $6 million player option to remain with the team next season.

Hornets general manager Rich Cho announced Henderson's decision on Wednesday.

Henderson, 27, has spent his first six NBA seasons with Charlotte since the team drafted him No. 12 overall in 2009 out of Duke.

He played a career-high 80 games this past season, tops on the team, and averaged 12.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He has averaged 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 391 career games with 292 starts.

Cubs Route Tribe; Sox, Cards Lose

 width=>>Cubs Route Tribe Behind 4 Home Runs

Kris Bryant and Chris Denorfia hit two of the Chicago Cubs' four home runs in a 17-0 rout of the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night.

Bryant clubbed a grand slam off a position player to cap a seven-run ninth inning, while Denorfia hit a three-run shot and an RBI double.

Tsuyoshi Wada (1-1) and Yoervis Medina combined on a four-hit shutout. Wada scattered four singles over seven innings with two walks and six strikeouts.

With the game out of reach and the bullpen all but empty, Cleveland manager Terry Francona used utility player Ryan Raburn and outfielder David Murphy to pitch the ninth.

>>Pirates Keep Rolling With Win Over White Sox

The Pittsburgh Pirates finally gave up a run but nevertheless ran their winning streak to a season high-tying seven games with a 3-2 victory over the struggling Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

 width=The Pirates posted shutouts in five of their previous six games, including two of the White Sox at PNC Park, and saw Jeff Locke run the team's scoreless streak to 35 innings before Chicago pushed two across in the sixth.

Locke (4-3) limited the damage to those two runs while striking out eight and scattering three hits and two walks. Arquimedes Caminero, Tony Watson and Mark Melancon each pitched a scoreless inning of relief behind Locke.

Jung-Ho Kang's two-run homer in the first inning spoiled an otherwise solid start from John Danks (3-7), who lasted seven innings and allowed three runs on five hits.

The White Sox, losers in six straight, came in getting outscored an MLB-worst 53-19 in the opening frame and went down 3-0 just four batters into the game.

Josh Harrison led off with a double and scored on Andrew McCutchen's one-out base hit, and Kang went the other way for his fourth home run of the season.

Locke set down the first nine Chicago hitters and allowed just one hit through five innings. The left-hander nearly retired the side in order in the sixth, but Adam Eaton took a payoff pitch off the plate to earn a two-out walk.

Melky Cabrera smacked a double down the third-base line, and Eaton scored easily from first to end Pittsburgh's lengthy scoreless streak.

The run was also the White Sox's first in 31 innings, and after Jose Abreu walked, Avisail Garcia singled home Cabrera to get Chicago within a run.

Locke, though, retired Adam LaRoche, and Pittsburgh's bullpen closed out the win. Melancon pitched a 1-2-3 ninth and collected his 22nd save.

 width=>>Minnesota Edges St. Louis

Tommy Milone pitched seven strong innings, and Eduardo Nunez drove in a couple runs in the Minnesota Twins' 3-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday.

Milone (3-1) allowed St. Louis to go on top in the second frame, but he retired 17 of the final 19 he faced on his way to a one-run, seven-inning outing with five strikeouts and no walks.

Nunez's sacrifice fly in the fourth inning provided the go-ahead run, and he beat out an infield hit in the eighth to add an insurance run.

Glen Perkins recorded the sixth save of four outs or more in his career despite allowing back-to-back singles to start the ninth.

Carlos Martinez (7-3) took the loss after having won four straight decisions. He allowed two runs -- one earned -- on five hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings with six strikeouts.

St. Louis went ahead in the second inning when Mark Reynolds led off with a double and Jason Heyward's single brought him home.

The Twins answered in the fourth. Trevor Plouffe led off with a double and moved up to third on Eddie Rosario's single. With Nunez at the plate, Reynolds dropped a pickoff attempt at first, allowing Plouffe to score and Rosario to reach third base. Nunez then hit a sacrifice fly to put Minnesota in front 2-1.

Milone settled in and did not yield much the rest of the way. Heyward's leadoff single in the fifth was erased on Peter Bourjos' double play, and Yadier Molina was thrown out to end the seventh when he tried extending his single into a double.

Interleague Scoreboard
--------------------------------
Baltimore 6, Philadelphia 4
NY Yankees 2, Miami 1
Tampa Bay 5, Washington 0
Toronto 8, NY Mets 0
Atlanta 5, Boston 2
Kansas City 10, Milwaukee 2
Houston 8, Colorado 4
Arizona 3, LA Angels of Anaheim 2
Oakland 16, San Diego 2
Seattle 2, San Francisco 0
Texas 5, LA Dodgers 3
Cincinnati 8, Detroit 4 (13 innings)

Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Conference Recap

 width=Over 100 area farmers, land owners, and agribusiness professionals turned out in Clinton Thursday morning to learn about the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

The Illinois Council on Best Management Practices and the Illinois Farm Bureau co-hosted the event Thursday at the Warner Library in Clinton. Jennifer Tirey (Ty - ree), Executive Director of the Council on Best Management Practices, explains the goal of the event was to introduce the forthcoming Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy to those operating in the Clinton Lake Watershed. She says the high turnout for Thursday's meeting...and similar meetings being held across the state...shows producers want to know more about the Strategy.

[audio:6181585255-nlrsmeet1.mp3] [/audio]

The goal of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy is to promote voluntary efforts to reduce the amount of nutrient runoff within Illinois. Lauren Lurkins, of the Illinois Farm Bureau, explains the impact of implementing conservation practices aimed at reducing runoff have both environmental and financial benefits for farmers.

[audio:6181585257-nlrsmeet2.mp3] [/audio]

DeWitt County farmer Dave Steward was among those in attendance. He sees the Strategy as a way agriculture can show voluntary efforts can have a positive impact rather than the need for increased government regulations. He says the discussion of incorporating cover crops to reduce runoff caught his attention.

[audio:6181585300-nlrsmeet3.mp3] [/audio]

The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy is a collaborative effort between the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and numerous farmer led organizations in the state. The final document is expected to be released to the public in July. In order to spur interest and education about the Strategy, the Council on Best Management Practices is hosting several "roadshows" across Illinois. In fact, meetings are also scheduled for June 22nd in Decatur and June 24 in Bloomington.

To learn more about the Strategy or the upcoming meetings, visit www.illinoiscbmp.org.

County Board Approves Lease For Paramedic Services

 width=The former Black's property in just outside Clinton will have two organizations on the property come the end of the year.

Thursday night at the regular County Board meeting, the Board approved a lease with Paramedic Services of Illinois (PSI) at the former Black's property, where the DeWitt County Animal Shelter has been approved to be housed. The lease agreement however was not approved without first, some opposition.

DeWitt County Board Member Sherry Brown feels the lease agreement looks "really bad" because PSI is a taxing body of the County and those revenues would be coming back to the County.

[audio:6181585228-61915psilease1.mp3] [/audio]

The property will be leased to PSI at $15-hundred per month and Board Chair David Newberg believes it could have been leased at a lot more than that but points to the benefits of having PSI at that location.

[audio:6181585234-61915psilease2.mp3] [/audio]

Brown believes if the property was going to give the County a profit, then they should have advertised it and taken bids. She has no issue with giving them the property but would rather have sold it to them as excess property the County has.

Board member Terry Hoffman carried on the argument of selling the property to which Newberg and several Board members pointed out the motion that was before them wasn't to discuss selling it but to enter into a lease agreement.

[audio:6181585241-61915psilease3.mp3] [/audio]

The motion passed 7-2 as Hoffman and Brown voted against the measure.

Other news from the Thursday night meeting...

>>The County approved the hiring of Angela Sarver as the new Zoning Administrator in DeWitt County replacing Mike Bradford. Her salary will be $37-thousand with a start date of July 13.

>>The Board approved new committee assignments as former Board member Dan Ballenger resigned and Cole Ritter was recently sworn in. Ballenger headed the Public Safety and Marina Committees. Cris Rogers takes over as Chair of the Public Safety committee and Terry Ferguson takes over as the Chair of the Marina Committee.

Democrats Say Still Time To Find Solutions

Even though there are just a handful of days remaining before the next budget year is scheduled to begin, Democrats says there’s still time to find solutions.

In response to the second round of announced fund and grant suspensions to the tune of $420 million set to take place July 1.

[audio:6171581800-NEKRITZSMIDDY.mp3] [/audio]

Governor spokesman Lance Trover said in message attached to Friday’s announced suspensions that the Governor has compromised repeatedly but Speaker Michael Madigan continues to block any real reform.

Former Governor Discusses Budget

History is known to repeat itself and in case of the ongoing budget stalemate, if the events of 1991 would be repeated, many would see that as a positive.

Governor Jim Edgar says a key to reaching a deal on July 19th, 1991 was keeping tongues in check, and it could be a key now.

[audio:6171581823-Edgar1.mp3] [/audio]

Edgar says after a slow start, he and House Speaker Michael Madigan were able to let bygones be bygones.

[audio:6171581824-Edgar2.mp3] [/audio]

Edgar helped orchestrate a financial reversal of fortunate as the state went from a $1 billion deficit to a $1.5 billion surplus and the state was even able to establish a rainy day fund.

Rauner Launches Attack Ad On Madigan

After weeks of speculation, Governor Rauner is back in campaign mode with the ongoing budget stalemate. He has launched a $1 million wave of ads critical of House Speaker Michael Madigan.

[audio:6171581829-Turnaround.mp3] [/audio]

The ads are running in television markets across the state.

Republicans Say Funding Suspension Necessary

Thought reducing social service funds isn’t savory, Republicans seem to be on board with the Governor in his second round of fund suspensions announced Friday saying they’re necessary to right the state’s fiscal ship.

[audio:6171582253-IVESMOFFIT.mp3] [/audio]

The second round of announced suspensions set to take place July 1 includes some of same funds that were suspended, then restored, in the current budget year.

Democrat majorities passed a budget that is over $3 billion out of balance with the next fiscal year set to begin in just over two weeks.

4-H Supporter Says Cuts Must Be Made

With the second round of cuts announced Friday, the total approaches $1 billion. But more fund suspensions and other management actions are expected.

[audio:6171581803-BOURNE4H.mp3] [/audio]

Proposed Cuts By Gov. Rauner Would Effect Local Fairs, 4-H Groups

 width=The targets of the latest round of proposed cuts by Governor Bruce Rauner in the ongoing budget battle has targeted County Fairs and programs offered through the University of Illinois Extension services, including 4-H.

With a July 1 deadline looming for a budget to be passed, cuts proposed would greatly impact University of Illinois Extension services, but to what extend is unknown. That's according to Logan, Menard and Sangamon County U of I Extension Director, John Fulton.

[audio:6171581811-61715extcuts1.mp3] [/audio]

Looking ahead, Fulton indicates the future of fairs in central Illinois is unknown. He says much of the funding they get goes towards things like insurance or operations, and how each fair decides to make up that gap is going to be up to each individual fair board.

[audio:6171581813-61715extcuts2.mp3] [/audio]

Fulton says the cuts proposed would be devastating to the University of Illinois Extension and their dozens of programs. He says a clearer picture will be available once the details come out if a budget agreement is not reached.

Clinton Girls Track Team Wraps Up Another Successful Campaign

 width=At the Clinton Board of Education regular meeting Tuesday, the high school girls varsity track team was recognized for yet another successful campaign.

Head Coach Randy Anderson says this year they had athletes from four events move on the state track meet in Charleston, Illinois. He says that is quite an accomplishment for Clinton because they have been bumped to Class 2A, which pits them against schools that are much larger.

[audio:6171581816-61715trackrecap1.mp3] [/audio]

Among the athletes that moved on to the state meet, several set personal bests there and Anderson indicates they had to overcome several obstacles not only to get to state, but to compete there as well.

[audio:6171581821-61715trackrecap2.mp3] [/audio]

Other athletes recognized at the Tuesday Board of Education Meeting were the boys and girls junior high school track teams.

The Board of Education also heard a proposal from Activities Director Barry Gurvey for an additional freshman volleyball coach.

Gurvey also discussed introducing baseline testing for concussions at the high school.

Lawyers representing the school district briefed the Board of the ongoing Exelon negotiations.

We'll have more on those stories in the coming days on Regional Radio News.

US Open Field Rounded Out

 width=Kevin Kisner and Andy Sullivan earned spots in this week's U.S. Open Championship via the world rankings, while four alternates from sectional qualifying rounded out the field.

Kisner enters the week ranked 55th in the world thanks in part to four top-10 finishes in his last six starts. He lost in a pair of playoffs in the last seven weeks.

He lost to Jim Furyk at the Heritage and fell to Rickie Fowler in an extra session at the Players Championship. This will be Kisner's second major championship start. He missed the cut at Pinehurst last year.

Sullivan, world No. 58, won twice earlier this season on the European Tour, with both wins coming in South Africa. He has three straight top-20 finishes at events in England, Northern Ireland and Ohio.

The Englishman will be competing in his first major championship.

The USGA had held six spots for players that possibly could have moved into the top-60 in the world rankings. With Kisner and Sullivan the only ones earning spots in the field via the world rankings, four alternates - Kevin Chappell, Jimmy Gunn, Steve Marino and Josh Persons - were added to the field at Chambers Bay.

Hockey Notes

 width=>>Stanley Cup 2nd Most Watched Ever

This year's Stanley Cup Final is the second most-watched on record.

The series won by the Chicago Blackhawks over the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games averaged nearly 5.6 million viewers on NBC and NBCSN. It trails only the six-game 2013 series between Chicago and the Boston Bruins, which averaged almost 5.8 million. NBC said Tuesday the audience was up 11 percent from the 5 million for last year's five-game series between the Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers.

Nielsen's records go back to 1994.

Monday's Game 6 drew more than 8 million viewers to make it the fourth-largest audience for an NHL game on record.

Game 6 averaged a 41.0 rating and 57 share in the Chicago area, a record for the market. That means that 41 percent of homes with televisions and 57 percent of households with TVs in use at the time were tuned to the clincher.

 width=>>Tampa Bay Reveals Injuries

Two key Tampa Bay Lightning players dealt with debilitating injuries throughout the Stanley Cup Finals, and both were finally able to disclose the serious nature of each following a Game 6 defeat to the Chicago Blackhawks.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, starting goaltender Ben Bishop played through a torn groin suffered in Game 2, while speedy winger Tyler Johnson's offense dried up because of a broken right wrist sustained in Game 1.

Bishop, of course, departed Game 2 on two occasions due to a then unknown and undisclosed issue, eventually giving way to backup Andrei Vasilevskiy. He got the start, and won, Game 3, but sat out in favor of Vasilevskiy in a Game 4 loss before coming back to complete the final two contests in the series.

Johnson led the entire NHL in goals (13) and points (23) during the Bolts' surge to the final round, but he totaled just one score in his last 10 postseason appearances.

Warriors Win First Title In 40 Years

A beaming Stephen Curry raised his arms in the air with both index fingers pointed to the sky. Seconds later, the NBA MVP received a congratulatory handshake from LeBron James.

After the final buzzer sounded, NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala retrieved the game ball, clenched it tightly against his hip and joyfully began to jump up and down.

The 40-year drought is over.

 width=Curry had 25 points, eight assists and six rebounds, Iguodala added a season- high 25 points and the Warriors claimed their first NBA title since 1975 with a 105-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 on Tuesday night.

Draymond Green posted the franchise's first playoff triple-double since Guy Rodgers in 1962 with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

It's the franchise's fourth NBA championship.

James had 32 points, 18 boards and nine helpers for Cleveland and averaged a staggering 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game in the series.

Thrust into the starting lineup for the first time all season in Game 4, Iguodala helped Golden State win the final three games after trailing 2-1 in the series.

Kerr boldly took Andrew Bogut out of the starting lineup and elected to insert his super-small lineup to begin Game 4. The 6-foot-7 Green started at center.

Not only did Kerr make the move for pace purposes, Iguodala is also Golden State's best wing defender.

Iguodala, who poured in 22 points in the 102-83 Game 4 rout, averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and four assists per game in his first NBA Finals appearance.

The first-year coach Kerr took over for Mark Jackson, who led Golden State to playoff appearances in two of his three years as the headman, but never got past the conference semis.

James, meanwhile, will have to wait until next year to end the 51-year misery of title-starved Cleveland. The city's three pro teams have gone a combined 144 seasons without winning a championship.

Bears' Bennett Back With Team For Minicamp

 width=Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett is working out with the team for the first time under coach John Fox after staying away from optional offseason workouts while trying to get a new contract.

Bennett finds the new offense within his grasp and both quarterback Jay Cutler and Fox were impressed by what they saw of him in Tuesday's first practice.

Bennett initially said Tuesday he would be at training camp when it opens July 29, but then added, "There's always a possibility," referring to the chance of being a holdout.

Cubs Promote Schwarber; Cards Win; Cubs, Sox Blanked

 width=>>Cubs Promote C Schwarber To DH, Then To Triple-A

The Chicago Cubs have promoted touted prospect Kyle Schwarber from Double-A Tennessee.

Schwarber is available for Tuesday night's game against Cleveland and will serve as the designated hitter when the Cubs spend the next five days in American League ballparks.

The 22-year-old was selected by the Cubs with the fourth overall pick in last year's draft. The catcher hit .320 with 13 homers and 39 RBIs in 58 games with Tennessee.

The Cubs plan to send Schwarber to Triple-A Iowa for more seasoning after the run of games at Cleveland and Minnesota.

Reliever Brian Schlitter was optioned to Iowa to make room on the roster. Schlitter is 1-2 with a 7.36 ERA in 10 appearances for the Cubs this year.

 width=>>Wacha Pitches Cardinals Past Twins

Michael Wacha pitched through one rain delay, but the second one ended his outing in the St. Louis Cardinals' 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins.

The tarp first came on the field after Wacha (9-2) allowed a run in the first inning. He settled in after that, but he was forced to exit during the second delay in the seventh and finished with two runs allowed on three hits and a walk in 6 1/3 innings with five strikeouts.

Matt Carpenter reached base three times for the Cards, and Mark Reynolds' two- run double in the third was the difference as St. Louis won both games in the first leg of a four-game home-and-home series with the Twins.

Kyle Gibson (4-5), who pitched collegiately at the University of Missouri, allowed three runs on six hits and two walks in six innings. Trevor Plouffe and Kurt Suzuki each hit RBI doubles for the Twins.

 width=>>Indians Blank Cubs

Trevor Bauer twirled a gem and Carlos Santana hit a three-run homer to lead the Cleveland Indians in a 6-0 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Bauer (6-3) struck out seven in seven scoreless innings for Cleveland, which improved to 18-15 away from home this season. Bauer gave up four hits and three walks.

Rookie shortstop Francisco Lindor, who made his major league debut in a reserve role on Sunday, drove in his first run in his first career start. Santana finished with four RBI, Michael Brantley knocked in Cleveland's other run and Jason Kipnis scored three times.

Jake Arrieta (6-5) matched a career high with six walks in a losing effort. He was charged with four runs in five innings of work.

Arrieta struck out Bauer and Lindor in the third, but Kipnis and Brantley drew walks to put two on for Santana. He crushed a high fastball into the seats in right on the second pitch he saw.

Bauer singled to start the fifth and Kipnis replaced him on first base on a fielder's choice. Kipnis stole second for the second time of the night and scored on Lindor's single into right-center to make it 4-0.

Brantley plated Kipnis with a double in the seventh, and Santana's two-bagger scored Lindor in the ninth to produce the final tally.

Kyle Schwarber, one of Chicago's many prized young prospects, made his major league debut in the ninth inning and struck out on three pitches. The catcher was called up from Double-A Tennessee on Tuesday.

 width=>>Sox Shut Out Again

Charlie Morton tossed seven shutout innings and Pittsburgh continued to shut down its opponents with a 3-0 win over the Chicago White Sox.

The Pirates posted back-to-back shutouts to open this two-game home-and-home set and have produced three straight whitewashes and five in their last six games.

Morton (5-0) allowed just four hits and a walk while striking out three, and Francisco Cervelli and Sean Rodriguez added solo home runs for the Pirates, who have won six straight.

Jose Quintana (3-7) allowed all three runs on nine hits over six innings for the White Sox, who have lost five straight and will look to turn things around when they host the Pirates for the next two games.

The Pirates struck in the third as Starling Marte singled to lead off, stole second and came home on Andrew McCutchen's RBI single for a 1-0 lead.

Rodriguez homered with one out in the fourth, and Cervelli led off the sixth with a shot over the wall in left-center for a 3-0 advantage.

After working out of a first and second jam in the opening inning, Morton allowed just one runner to reach second over the rest of his start.

Interleague Scoreboard
--------------------------------
Houston 8, Colorado 5
Oakland 6, San Diego 5
San Francisco 6, Seattle 2
Boston 9, Atlanta 4
Miami 12, NY Yankees 2
Washington 16, Tampa Bay 4
Texas 3, LA Dodgers 2
Kansas City 7, Milwaukee 2
Baltimore 19, Philadelphia 3
Cincinnati 5, Detroit 2
NY Mets 3, Toronto 2
LA Angels of Anaheim 4, Arizona 1

Cardinals Target of FBI Probe

Front office officials of the St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly the target of an FBI and U.S. Justice Department investigation into a security breach of the Houston Astros' computer network.

 width=Last June, the Astros acknowledged they were victimized by hackers who accessed their servers for information, including talk about possible trades. Once the Astros learned of the breach, they contacted Major League Baseball security who, in turn, notified the FBI.

The New York Times on Tuesday cited law enforcement officials as saying investigators have evidence that Cardinals officials broke into a special database created by the Astros for internal discussions about trades, statistics and scouting reports.

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow worked in the Cardinals' front office from 2003 through the 2011 season, serving in scouting and player development. He was hired by the Astros to run their baseball operations department in December 2011.

According to the Times, Luhnow and the Cardinals built a computer system to house baseball operations department information. Once he left for the Astros, Luhnow created a similar network that, investigators say, Cardinals' officials were apparently able to access by employing passwords previously used by Luhnow.

The Astros apparently became aware their system had been compromised when documents displaying front office communications were posted online.

Illini Guard To Redshirt, Then Trasnfer

 width=Illinois basketball coach John Groce (GROHS) says reserve guard Mike LaTulip will sit out the next season and transfer for his final season of eligibility.

Groce said Monday that he and LaTulip had discussed the decision. The coach said he supported the move.

LaTulip will be a senior this fall. According to the university, he anticipates getting his bachelor's degree in the upcoming school year and then transferring. Under NCAA rules that would allow him to play immediately after transferring.

Groce said he and his staff would help LaTulip find a destination that is a good fit.

LaTulip started his career as a walk-on but was awarded a scholarship for most of his junior season. He played in 44 games over three seasons.

IL NRLS Roadshow in Clinton Preview

Farmers and landowners from across the Clinton Lake watershed are encouraged to attend an important meeting Thursday morning in Clinton.

The Illinois Council of Best Management Practices and the Illinois Farm Bureau are hosting an "Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Roadshow" event at Clinton's Warner Library. Lauren Lurkins, of the Illinois Farm Bureau, will be presenting the meeting. She explains the event is aimed at better educating local producers on the new Strategy, and how they can implement it on their operation.

[audio:6171511303-nlrsroadshow1.mp3] [/audio]

According to Lurkins, many of the suggestions in the Strategy are likely already being used to some extent on local farming operations. However, she says the goal is to increase practices such as cover crops and drainage water management to not only reduce nutrient runoff, but in turn help the farmer's bottom line.

[audio:6171511306-nlrsroadshow2.mp3] [/audio]

The "Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Roadshow" event at Clinton's Warner Library takes place Thursday morning at 9:30. There is no charge to attend. To learn more about the program, contact the DeWitt County Farm Bureau at 935-2126.

LaHood Endorsed By Former Gov. Edgar

State Senator Darin LaHood continues to take big strides forward in the race for succeed ex-Congressman Aaron Schock. He was endorsed Monday by former Governor Jim Edgar.

Edgar says he was impressed by LaHood's past performance in Edgar Fellows, an executive leadership training program.

[audio:61615101427-EdgaronLahood2.mp3] [/audio]

LaHood was thrilled to land the former Governor's seal of approval.

[audio:61615101427-LaHoodonEdgar.mp3] [/audio]

Edgar says he and wife Brenda will vote early and is encouraging others to follow suit in advance of the July 7th Republican Primary.

Blue Ridge School Leader Calls 2014-15 School Year 'Exciting'

With summer now in full swing for area students, school leaders have had the chance to sit back and reflect on the previous year in education.

Blue Ridge Superintendent, Susan Wilson feels 2014-15 was very exciting. She points to success of their sports teams to the strides they made academically to the introduction of technology into the classrooms as areas that were highlights this past year.

[audio:61615101412-61515blueridge14151.mp3] [/audio]

According to Wilson, the new Illinois learning standards, also known as common core, have been a focal point of the district for the better part of five years. She indicates they've worked with the Regional Office of Education to make sure they are headed in the right direction.

[audio:61615101416-61515blueridge14152.mp3] [/audio]

Wilson indicates they've had a handful of other subjects that have had to adjust to new standards, and feels the department heads for those areas have worked hard to make the adjustments. She applauds the dedication of the staff to meet the challenge of adjusting to the new standards.

After St. Jude Classic Win, Gomez Vaults in World Golf Rankings

 width=Fabian Gomez ran away with a 4-shot victory at the St. Jude Classic on Sunday and that vaulted the Argentine to No. 131 in the world rankings.

Gomez moved up 157 spots from 288th to 131st following his first career victory on the PGA Tour.

Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth remained firmly in control of the one and two spots in the world, while Jim Furyk and Bubba Watson both stayed put as well at three and four.

Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson swapped spots, with Rose up one to five. Despite withdrawing last week due to illness, Dustin Johnson is still at No. 7.

Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler traded places as Garcia rose to eight. Jason Day, Jimmy Walker, Adam Scott, J.B. Holmes, Hideki Matsuyama, Patrick Reed and Chris Kirk are Nos. 10-16 for another week.

With his tie for third in Memphis, Phil Mickelson improved two spots to 17, dropping Matt Kuchar and defending U.S. Open champion Martin Kaymer down a slot each. Billy Horschel was No. 20 once again.

Hornets To Send Forward Stephenson To Clippers

 width=The Los Angeles Clippers made a splash on Monday night, acquiring capricious swingman Lance Stephenson from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for small forward Matt Barnes and reserve center Spencer Hawes.

Stephenson spent his first four NBA seasons with the Pacers after they selected him 40th overall out of Cincinnati. He played sparingly in his first two seasons, then carved out a starting role by his third year and enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2013-14, averaging 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists for a team that took the LeBron James-led Miami Heat to seven games in the Eastern Conference finals.

The 6-foot-5 Stephenson signed a three-year contract with Charlotte last offseason and battled a number of injuries during a campaign that can only be described as disappointing. His averages dipped to 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game on 37.6 percent shooting and 17.1 percent from behind the arc.

If he can get back to form, Stephenson will help bolster a Clippers bench that ranked last in the NBA in scoring this past season.

Virginia, Miami Winners In CWS Action Monday

Brandon Waddell was excellent over seven- plus innings to help the Virginia Cavaliers to a 1-0 win over Florida on Monday night.

Waddell scattered two hits and three walks, but he got into some trouble in the eighth. Dalton Guthrie walked to begin the inning before Ryan Larson ended Waddell's night with a single that put runners at the corners. Josh Sborz was called on to work out of the jam.

 width=Harrison Bader grounded to Sborz for the first out of the inning, then Richie Martin lined out to second and Josh Tobias grounded out to end the frame.

Sborz fired a scoreless ninth to secure his 15th save of the season.

With the bases loaded in the home sixth, Robbie Coman lifted a sacrifice fly to center for the game's only run.

A.J. Puk suffered the loss after giving up a run in 5 1/3 innings for the Gators, who will play Miami in an elimination game on Wednesday.

Earlier, Jacob Heyward went 3-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk-off single to lead the No. 5 Hurricanes to a 4-3 win over Arkansas.

The Hurricanes will play another elimination game on Wednesday against the loser of Monday's clash between Virginia and No. 4 Florida, which crushed Miami by a 15-3 margin on Saturday.

Willie Abreu led off the ninth with a double before being lifted for pinch- runner Carl Chester. After Heyward, the younger brother of Cardinals outfielder Jason Heyward, was unable to lay down a bunt to move Chester up a base, he lined a single into the left-center field gap to easily score the winning run.

In each of the final three innings, the Razorbacks had at least one runner reach scoring position, including their half of the ninth when they stranded the bases loaded.

Although Miami leads the nation in runs scored, the game was a pitchers' duel early between the Hurricanes' Thomas Woodrey and Arkansas' Keaton McKinney.

MLB Notes

>>Padres Fire Manager Bud Black

The San Diego Padres have fired manager Bud Black, the team announced on Monday.

After a busy offseason that saw new general manager A.J. Preller remake the roster by acquiring players such as Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers, James Shields, Craig Kimbrel, Derek Norris, Will Middlebrooks and Melvin Upton Jr., San Diego started the season 32-33 and sits six games behind NL West-leading Los Angeles and four behind the Cubs for the National League's second Wild Card.

Dave Roberts, who played two seasons of his 10-year career with the Padres, will take over the team while it searches for an interim manager for the remainder of the season. The former outfielder served as Black's bench coach since the start of the 2014 season.

In nine years with the Padres, Black held a 649-713 record and was named the 2010 National League Manager of the Year, but the Padres never reached the playoffs under Black.

Black was hired on Nov. 8, 2006 and was the second-longest tenured manager in the NL behind Bruce Bochy, who left the Padres to manage the rival Giants weeks before Black's appointment.

>>Padres Wil Myers Headed Back To DL

San Diego Padres outfielder Wil Myers is headed back to the disabled list with a lingering wrist injury, the club announced on Monday.

 width=Myers is dealing with tendinitis in his left wrist, an ailment that has already caused the young outfielder to miss 28 games on a prior DL stint.

The 24-year-old was activated from the disabled list last Thursday and played in three straight games before sitting out Sunday's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In his first season with San Diego, Myers is batting .277 with five home runs, 19 RBI and 30 runs scored. He was acquired from Tampa Bay in the offseason.

The Padres recalled right-handed pitcher Cory Mazzoni from Triple-A El Paso to take Myers' place on the active roster.

>>Rangers Rookie DeShields Headed To DL

The Texas Rangers placed outfielder Delino DeShields on the 15-day disabled list Monday, one day after the rookie injured his hamstring while chasing a fly ball.

DeShields crashed into the left-field wall when retrieving a drive off the bat of Minnesota's Shane Robinson during the sixth inning of Sunday's game against the Twins. Robinson tripled on the play and DeShields came up limping and holding the back of his left thigh.

Selected from the Houston Astros in the Rule 5 draft this past offseason, DeShields had emerged as Texas' starting left fielder with slugger Josh Hamilton currently sidelined. The speedy 22-year-old leads the team with 13 stolen bases and owns a .358 on-base percentage in 48 games.

With DeShields out, top prospect Joey Gallo will make his first career start in left field when the Rangers host the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday. Additionally, Texas recalled second baseman Rougned Odor from Triple-A Round Rock.

Odor opened the season as the Rangers' everyday second baseman but was sent to the minors on May 11 after hitting just .144 in 29 games.

>>Heston, Stanton Share NL Weekly Honors

San Francisco Giants pitcher Chris Heston and Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton were named co-winners of the National League Player of the Week award on Monday.

Heston threw the first no-hitter in the majors this season in a 5-0 win over the New York Mets last Tuesday. The right-hander recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts as he became the first rookie to toss a no-hitter since Boston's Clay Buchholz on Sept. 1, 2007.

Stanton led the majors with five home runs, 12 RBI and a 1.280 slugging percentage. The right fielder collected 13 hits while batting .520.

>>O's Machado AL Player of the Week
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was named the American League Player of the Week on Monday.

Machado batted .458 (11-for-24) with two home runs, drove in five runs and scored nine times over six games.

Others considered for the award were Detroit's Miguel Cabrera, Toronto's Russell Martin and the Angels' Albert Pujols.

>>Royals Continue To Dominate AL All-Star Ballot

The Kansas City Royals dominance in the balloting for the American League's All-Star team has increased in the latest tabulations, with the defending league champions now in line to have eight of the nine starters for the upcoming Midsummer Classic.

Omar Infante joined teammates Salvador Perez, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Alcides Escobar, Lorenzo Cain, Alex Gordon and Kendrys Morales as leaders at their respective positions.

Infante, who is hitting only .204 without a home run and just 17 RBI in 53 games, has moved past Houston's Jose Altuve to take over the top spot at second base and is currently ahead of the reigning AL batting champ by just over 300,000 votes. Altuve, who hit .341 last season to become the first batting champion for the Astros, is currently hitting .290 with five homers and 27 RBI in 61 contests for the AL West-leading Astros.

Perez continues to pace all AL players in votes received with 7,202,292 and owns a commanding advantage at catcher. Moustakas and Escobar also are in front comfortably at third base and shortstop, respectively.

Cain and Gordon continue to rank first and third, respectively, in the outfield, with Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim star Mike Trout holding second as the only non-Royal to presently hold down a starting spot. Another Kansas City player, Alex Rios, currently occupies fourth place among outfielders.

Hosmer is less than 500,000 votes clear of Detroit's Miguel Cabrera in the race at first base, while Morales has a lead of nearly 550,000 over Seattle's Nelson Cruz at designated hitter.

Kansas City's eight projected starters would set an All-Star Game record if the voting holds. The New York Yankees had six in the 1939 edition.

The 2015 All-Star Game is scheduled for July 14 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

Cardinals Win, Cubs Rained Out; Sox Pounded

 width=>>Cardinals Down Struggling Twins

Mark Reynolds and Yadier Molina hit back- to-back solo homers in the fourth inning to power the St. Louis Cardinals past the Minnesota Twins 3-2 in the opener of four straight interleague games between the teams.

The home runs complemented a bounce-back outing for John Lackey (5-4), who was torched his last time out but went eight strong innings in the club's fourth straight win.

Kurt Suzuki and Brian Dozier both knocked in a run for the Twins, who have lost six of their last seven. Trevor May (4-5) allowed all three runs over his five-inning start.

The game was delayed 20 minutes by rain, and the offense from both sides stayed in the clubhouse early on as the first 15 hitters were all retired.

Randal Grichuk ended the string with a triple to open the third as Byron Buxton made a valiant effort only to crash into the center-field wall trying to make the catch.

Jon Jay followed with a run-scoring bloop single, and Reynolds and Molina took May into the bullpen beyond the left-field wall in the fourth.

Trevor Plouffe, who turned 29 on Monday, doubled in the seventh and scored Minnesota's first run when Suzuki singled through the middle.

The Twins scratched out another run in the eighth when Buxton, the club's top prospect, legged out a stand-up triple for his first big-league hit.

Buxton scored without a play at the plate on Dozier's sacrifice fly, but the Twins did not make much noise in the ninth.

After Kevin Siegrist plunked Torii Hunter, Matt Carpenter made a diving stop at third for the final out to secure Siegrist's second save.

>>Rain Cancels Cubs, Indians Game

Monday's game between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field has been postponed due to a forecast of rain throughout the evening.

The game will be made on Monday, August 24 at a time to be determined.

 width=>>Pirates Blister Rookie Rodon, Sox

Josh Harrison and Starling Marte set the tone at the top of the lineup as the Pittsburgh Pirates crushed the Chicago White Sox 11-0 in the first of four interleague games between the teams.

The Pirates' offense finally caught up with a pitching staff that has posted four shutouts during a five-game winning streak.

Francisco Liriano (4-5) threw the latest gem and was nearly as impressive as when he no-hit the White Sox on May 3, 2011. The left-hander faced one over the minimum in his eight innings, struck out 12 and allowed just two hits and one walk.

The offense was more than enough, as Harrison and Marte both accounted for four of Pittsburgh's 18 hits and combined for five runs scored and three RBI.

Francisco Cervelli and Jung-Ho Kang each went 2-for-4 and knocked in a pair, while Andrew McCutchen finished with two hits, two runs scored and an RBI.

Most of the damage was done against rookie Carlos Rodon (2-1), who had given up just three earned runs over his previous four starts but did not make it out of the fourth inning in this one.

The first six hitters he faced all reached base, with McCutchen and Kang hitting similar RBI singles through the left side, Cervelli tripling to right to plate a pair, and Jose Tabata capping the five-run inning with a run- scoring base hit.

Interleague Scoreboard
---------------------------
Baltimore 4, Philadelphia 0
Detroit 6, Cincinnati 0
NY Mets 4, Toronto 3 (11 innings)
Miami 2, NY Yankees 1
Tampa Bay 6, Washington 1
Atlanta 4, Boston 2
Texas 4, LA Dodgers 1
Houston 6, Colorado 3
Kansas City 8, Milwaukee 5
Arizona 7, LA Angels of Anaheim 3
Oakland 9, San Diego 1
Seattle 5, San Francisco 1

Blackhawks Win Stanley Cup

>>Blackhawks Win Thid Stanley Cup In Six Years

For the third time in six seasons, the Chicago Blackhawks are Stanley Cup champions.

Duncan Keith, the team's iron man and anchor on the blue line, scored late in the second period and Corey Crawford was marvelous in net as the Blackhawks posted a 2-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the Finals on Monday night.

Crawford turned in a 25-save shutout and Patrick Kane also lit the lamp for the Blackhawks, who won the Stanley Cup on home ice for the first time since 1938.

 width=Ben Bishop, who battled an injury throughout the series, made 30 saves for the Lightning.

After several quality chances, Chicago's most reliable defenseman finally broke the scoreless deadlock.

Keith moved in from the neutral and took Kane's saucer pass at the blue line. The star defenseman fired a shot from the top of the slot, but Bishop made the save. Keith danced around Lightning forward Cedric Paquette and wristed the rebound over the Lightning netminder's glove.

Brent Seabrook nearly gave Chicago a two-goal lead after Tampa Bay's Ondrej Palat went off for elbowing with 47 seconds left in the period, but his shot rang off the post.

Kane sealed the win with 5:14 left in regulation. Brandon Saad dropped the puck back to Brad Richards at the left circle. Kane accepted a no-look pass from Richards and fired the puck into the net.

The Lightning had an opportunity to mount a rally when Chicago's Andrew Desjardins was called for tripping with 3:39 to play.

Bishop was pulled with three minutes remaining to make it a 6-on-4 advantage, but the Lightning couldn't solve Crawford, who became the second goaltender in the last 40 years to post a shutout in a Stanley Cup Finals clincher on home ice.

When the horn at the United Center sounded, Crawford threw off his mask and was surrounded by his teammates, who celebrated the sixth championship in franchise history.

Chicago captain Jonathan Toews handed the Stanley Cup off to defenseman Kimmo Timonen first. The 40-year-old defenseman, who was acquired from Philadelphia at the trade deadline, won his first title to cap a solid career. Timonen is retiring after playing 16 NHL seasons.

>>Duncan Keith Named Cup MVP

Duncan Keith's performance in the 2015 playoffs was one for the ages.

Keith, Chicago's anchor on the blue line, garnered a unanimous vote for the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason's top performer and was key in helping the Blackhawks hoist the Stanley Cup for the third time in six seasons.

His Game 6 was a microcosm of his performance in these playoffs. He scored the game-winning goal in Monday's Cup clinching victory and was on the ice for more than half the game.

The two-time Norris Trophy winner is the ninth defenseman to win the Conn Smythe and first since Anaheim's Scott Niedermayer in 2007.

He finished the postseason with a league-leading 18 assists and 21 points, matching the most in franchise history by a defenseman since Hall of Famer Chris Chelios did so in 1992.

St. Louis District Dairy Council Providing Funds For Healthier Meals in Schools

Time is running out for area schools to apply for a grant through the St. Louis District Dairy Council for upgrades to the cafeteria in area schools.

According to Monica Nyman with the St. Louis District Dairy Council, the program, “Dollars for Dairy in the Classroom”, provides funds to junior and senior high schools in central Illinois to cover the costs of purchasing dairy products for the classroom, including milk, cheese and yogurt.

[audio:6151582124-61515dairygrant1.mp3] [/audio]

The program is to support the efforts of classroom teachers focusing on lessons about the selection of and cooking with dairy products. Nyman explains the funds can have a very versatile effect in any school.

[audio:6151582125-61515dairygrant2.mp3] [/audio]

Each teacher will be eligible to receive up to $1 per student, up to $100 in reimbursement per teacher, per semester to cover the costs of purchasing dairy products for the classroom, including milk, cheese and yogurt. Milk and cheese must be domestic and from a dairy cow.

Applications are due June 19 and can be accessed through the St. Louis District Dairy Council website, at www.stldairycouncil.org.

Community Efforts Lead To Change For Potent Odor in Clinton

A trucking company's waste pond outside of Clinton has been the source of a potent smell in Clinton and last week, it was announced by the EPA they are going to be working to fix the problem.

"Feces-like" is the way one resident described the atrocious odors permeating from H&M Trucking in Clinton. Brad Nixon says he and his family have stopped leaving the front door of their home for anything other than to get in a vehicle. He calls the smell "overpowering".

[audio:6151582130-61515truckpond1.mp3] [/audio]

Because of the smells and problems with the ponds, residents have turned to two places, the City of Clinton and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Tim Followell, Administrator for the City of Clinton explains because the property of the company is just outside city limits, the City's power over the situation is restricted.

[audio:6151582135-61515truckpond2.mp3] [/audio]

Kim Biggs with the Illinois EPA confirms they have received a great deal of complaints from Clinton residents about the issue. She says they are working with the company and have been doing so for the past few months.

[audio:6151582137-61515truckpond3.mp3] [/audio]

According to Biggs, the EPA has been to the site several times. She indicates the company has applied for a special permit that would separate the solids from the wash water with what is going in the pond.

[audio:6151582140-61515truckpond4.mp3] [/audio]

Followell emphasizes this effort is not to close down H&M Trucking or target their business. He says this is something the community needs to support the company through to do what is best for both parties.

[audio:6151582144-61515truckpond5.mp3] [/audio]

Nixon also echoes Followell's sentiments. He says he is a Clinton resident who is pro-business and just wants the problem fixed.

Biggs says the EPA will work alongside H&M Trucking until the case is closed and says the company has been "very cooperative" with the Agency.

Representatives of H&M Trucking were contacted for this story. They have been advised to not make comments to the media.

Kurt Busch Wins Rain Shortened Race At Michigan

In a race that was stopped four times due to inclement weather, Kurt Busch won Sunday's rain-shortened Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

This scheduled 400-mile race was called after 138 laps had been completed. Severe weather moved over this 2-mile racetrack, forcing NASCAR to display the red flag for the fourth time. Busch, who started 24th, took the lead for the first time on lap 133 when Kyle Larson was forced to pit for fuel. Four laps later, rain began falling on the track. The final two laps ran under caution, as the rain intensified.

 width=The first red-flag, displayed after 13 laps had been completed, lasted 59 minutes, while the second stoppage occurred six laps later and was 34 minutes in length. The third red flag, happening 45 laps into the race, was just under 36 minutes.

Larson, who was attempting to win a Sprint Cup Series race for the first time in his career, gambled on fuel in hopes of the rain arriving at the track while he was in the lead. He held off Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Busch following a restart on lap 130. Larson ended up finishing 17th.

Busch, the driver of the No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet, led only the final six laps for his second win of the season. His first victory this year occurred in April at Richmond, a race delayed one day because of rain. It's the first multi-win season for Busch since 2011, driving for Roger Penske's team at the time.

On Friday, Busch wrecked his primary car during practice and was forced to use a backup car for the remainder of the weekend.

Earnhardt Jr. finished second, while Martin Truex Jr., who won last weekend's race at Pocono, placed third. Matt Kenseth and Joey Logano rounded out the top-five.

Michigan native Brad Keselowski was sixth, followed by Jamie McMurray, Paul Menard, Trevor Bayne and Clint Bowyer.

Kevin Harvick, the defending Sprint Cup champion, led the most laps with 63, but Harvick suffered a flat right-front tire and had to pit on lap 121, putting him one lap down. Harvick wound up finishing 29th.

Fabian Gomez Cruises To Win At Memphis

Fabian Gomez closed with a 4-under 66 Sunday and rolled to a 4-stroke win at the St. Jude Classic.

Gomez ended his first PGA Tour title at 13-under-par 267.

 width=Greg Owen, who shared the third-round lead with Gomez, managed an even-par 70 at TPC Southwind to take second place at minus-9.

Phil Mickelson, the 2013 runner-up, fired a 5-under 65 to soar into a share of third place. He was joined at 8-under-par 272 by Seung-Yul Noh (65), Michael Thompson (66), Matt Jones (68) and Brooks Koepka (70).

Reigning FedExCup champion Billy Horschel also closed with a 65 to grab piece of eighth place. He ended alongside Boo Weekley (65), Russell Knox (66) and Chad Campbell (68) at minus-7.

Despite the victory, Gomez will not be eligible for next week's U.S. Open as he started this week at No. 288 in the world and he won't climb inside the top 60 to qualify.

The PGA Tour heads to Washington next week for the season's second major, the U.S. Open Championship, where Martin Kaymer will defend his title at Chambers Bay.

Curry Leads Warriors One Step Closer To NBA Title

 width=Stephen Curry outdueled LeBron James in the fourth, scoring 17 of his 37 points in the quarter as Golden State pulled away from the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 104-91 win in Game 5 on Sunday night.

Curry was 13-of-23 from the floor and 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. The NBA MVP was just 15-of-41 from long distance coming in and had yet to reach the 30- point plateau.

James posted his second triple-double of the Finals with 40 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. He netted 16 points in the fourth.

It was James' sixth career triple-double in the NBA Finals, two away from matching Magic Johnson for the most in NBA history.

The Warriors can win their first NBA title in 40 years with a victory in Cleveland Tuesday.

Rams Sign Top Pick Gurley, Entire Draft Class

The St. Louis Rams have reached agreements with their 2015 NFL Draft picks, including first-round pick Todd Gurley.

 width=St. Louis drafted the running back from Georgia with the No. 10 pick despite a torn knee ligament that ended his 2014 season with the Bulldogs and still has him out of action.

In 30 games with Georgia, Gurley totaled 3,285 rushing yards and 615 receiving yards with 42 total touchdowns.

Other Rams signings include offensive linemen Rob Havenstein, Jamon Brown, Andrew Donnal and Cody Wichmann, quarterback Sean Mannion, defensive lineman Martin Ifedi and linebacker Bryce Hager.

The Rams also drafted receiver Bud Sasser in the sixth round, but he was waived after signing when a physical revealed a pre-existing heart condition that team doctors believe will prevent him from playing.

Castro Lifts Cubs Again; Cards/Royals Rained Out; Sox Lose Despite Sale's Strong Performance; Baseball Notes

 width=>>Castro Lifts Cubs Past Reds

Starlin Castro got his second walk-off hit in two days, lifting the Chicago Cubs to a 2-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds in 11 innings on Sunday night.

Castro, who won Saturday's game with a hit in the ninth, stroked a 1-1 sinker from Burke Badenhop (0-2) into the left-center field gap to score Chris Coghlan, who had hit a one-out double.

The Cubs took three of four in the series against their NL Central rivals and have won six of their last eight overall.

They escaped a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the ninth inning and threw a runner out at home plate in the sixth.

Billy Hamilton had a career-high five stolen bases for the Reds, including two in the 10th inning to land at third base after a walk. But Brandon Phillips struck out and Joey Votto lined out to leave him there.

Brian Schlitter (1-2) got the last two outs in the top of the 11th for Chicago to earn the win after Zac Rosscup walked two.

The offenses scuffled against two familiar starting pitchers, but managed to eke out a run against both.

Cubs left-hander Jon Lester, who entered the game on a three-start losing streak, pitched against the Reds for the third time this season and gave up five hits and no walks in seven strong innings.

Reds righty Anthony DeSclafani, who won his previous three starts, faced the Cubs for a third time this year and yielded six hits and two walks in 6 1/3 frames.

 width=>>Cardinals, Royals Finale Washed Out

The series finale between the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals on Sunday was postponed due to rain.

The game was tentatively pushed back two hours from the original start time, but rain in the forecast forced the postponement.

The Cardinals won the first two games of the series.

National League Scoreboard
---------------------------------------
New York 10, Atlanta 8
Colorado 4, Miami 1
Pittsburgh 1, Philadelphia 0 (11 innings)
Washington 4, Milwaukee 0
Arizona 4, San Francisco 0
Los Angeles 4, San Diego 2 (12 innings)

 width=>>Despite Strong Performance From Sale, Sox Lose

Chris Sale made one just mistake and Asdrubal Cabrera crushed it into the left-field seats.

Cabrera's two-run homer in the seventh inning lifted the Tampa Bay Rays to their second-ever sweep of the Chicago White Sox with a 2-1 victory on Sunday.

The Rays were scuffling against Chicago's ace before Steven Souza Jr. drew a leadoff walk in the seventh. Souza, among the league leaders in strikeouts, was down 1-2 in the count and patiently took three pitches off the plate.

Sale compounded the walk by grooving a fastball that Cabrera didn't miss.

Cabrera's third home run of the season was enough to take the finale of the three-game series.

Nathan Karns and three relievers limited the White Sox to a 1-for-9 effort with runners in scoring position.

That hit came in the second when Carlos Sanchez followed Gordon Beckham's double down the left-field line with an RBI single through the right side.

Karns pitched six innings, struck out eight and scattered seven hits, while C.J. Riefenhauser (1-0), Steve Geltz and Kevin Jepsen all pitched a scoreless inning in relief. Jepsen picked up his fifth save with a 1-2-3 ninth.

Sale (6-3) was handed the hard-luck loss despite striking out 12 and allowing just three hits and three walks over 6 2/3 innings. He has at least 12 strikeouts in each of his last four starts, a feat that had not been accomplished since Pedro Martinez went four in a row with Boston in 2001.

American League Scoreboard
----------------------------------------
Detroit 8, Cleveland 1
Toronto 13, Boston 5
New York 5, Baltimore 3
Houston 13, Seattle 0
Minnesota 4, Texas 3
Oakland 8, LA Angels of Anaheim 1

>>Top Prospects Promoted Over Weekend

The Cleveland Indians have joined the recent trend of calling up top prospects to the major leagues, selecting the contract of highly regarded shortstop Francisco Lindor from Triple-A Columbus prior to Sunday's series finale in Detroit.

Lindor, who entered 2015 rated the No. 4 overall prospect by MLB.com, fills a roster spot made available when the Indians placed designated hitter Nick Swisher back on the 15-day disabled list due to continued knee troubles.

The 21-year-old Lindor was hitting .279 with two home runs, 22 RBI and five triples in 57 games at Columbus. The No. 8 overall pick of the 2011 MLB Draft owns a .278 average with 21 homers and 89 stolen bases over 414 career games in the minor leagues.

Swisher missed the first month of this season while recovering from surgery on both his knees performed in August. The 12-year veteran has hit just .198 with two home runs and eight RBI in 30 games since returning to action on May 5.

Byron Buxton scored the winning run in his major league debut, crossing the plate on Eddie Rosario's double in the ninth inning as the Minnesota Twins beat the Texas Rangers 4-3 on Sunday afternoon.

Buxton, a 21-year-old outfielder seen by many as baseball's top prospect, was called up Sunday from Double-A Chattanooga, where he was hitting .283 with 12 triples, six home runs and 20 stolen bases in 59 games.

The former No. 2 overall draft pick failed to reach base in his first three at-bats, striking out twice. He bunted in the ninth with the go-ahead run at second base after Eduardo Escobar's leadoff double off Shawn Tolleson (1-1).

>>Blue Jays Put Former Top Prospect Sanchez on DL

The surging Toronto Blue Jays will be without starting pitcher Aaron Sanchez for at least two more weeks after placing the improving rookie on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right lat muscle.

The team announced the move, which is retroactive to June 6, after it recorded its 11th straight win in Sunday's 13-5 rout of the Boston Red Sox. Right- hander Scott Copeland will be recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to take Sanchez's next scheduled start, slated for Tuesday against the New York Mets.

Sanchez also had his previous turn skipped due to the injury, with Copeland drawing the assignment and allowing one run over seven innings in the Blue Jays' 7-2 triumph over Miami on Wednesday.

Sanchez had yielded two runs -- one earned -- and six hits over a career-high eight innings to defeat Houston in his most recent outing on June 5. The 22- year-old has gone 4-2 with a 2.91 ERA in seven starts since May 2.

Blackhawks Look To Clinch Stanley Cup Tonight

 width=The Chicago Blackhawks are one win away from their third Stanley Cup title in six seasons, and their depth has played a key role against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Kris Versteeg and Antoine Vermette combined for the winning goal in Chicago's 2-1 victory in Game 5 on Saturday night. Vermette was a healthy scratch for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against Anaheim, and Versteeg has played in 11 of the Blackhawks' 22 playoff games.

Next up is Game 6 on Monday night in Chicago, when the Blackhawks will have the opportunity to clinch the title at home for the first time since 1938.

Defenseman Brent Seabrook says Sunday that it's not just another hockey game, but the team has to try to treat it that way.

Clinton Police Weekend Report

CITATIONS
06/13/15
ALEXIS N. REMMERS 18, CLINTON DISOBEYED STOP SIGN. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED

06/15/15
JESSICA D. GOODRICH 26, CLINTON NO VALID DRIVERS LICENSE. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED

ON 06/14/15 CLINTON POLICE INVESTIGATED A PROPERTY DAMAGE ACCIDENT AT MAIN & TAYLOR. A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY JENNIFER HAMILTON 26, CLINTON WAS EASTBOUND ON MAIN ST. A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY DANIEL L. WALSTON 56, CLINTON WAS NORTHBOUND ON TAYLOR. WALSTON STOPPED AT THE STOP SIGN AND WAS PREPARING TO TURN LEFT ONTO MAIN. WALSTON STATED HIS VISION WAS OBSCURED AND DID NOT SEE HAMILTON WHEN HE PROCEEDED INTO THE INTERSECTION, WHERE THE TWO COLLIDED. HAMILTON WAS ISSUED A CITATION FOR DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

DeWitt County Sheriff's Weekend Report

Jail Population: 32

Paper Services: 15

Warrants: 1

Jon Evans, 22, Farmer City was Arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging him with Obstruct Driver’s View/ 1st & 2nd/ FTA. Evans posted the necessary bond and was released.

Tyker Amm, 27, Ottawa was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Amm was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Tonya Evans, 41, Farmer City was issued a Citation for Speeding 83 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Evans was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Gary Jerabek, 49, Bolingbrook was issued a Citation for Speeding 71 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Jerabek was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Oliver Kuntz, 20, Gridley was issued a Citation for Speeding 71 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Kuntz was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Benjamin Mize, 23, Decatur was issued a Citation for Speeding 73 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Mize was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Edward Phifer, 42, Pontiac was issued a Citation for Speeding 78 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Phifer was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Kalon Shoemaker, 24, DeWitt was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle Shoemaker was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Veronica Garcia, 29, North Bay Village, FL, was issued a Citation for Failure to Reduce Speed/ Accident. Garcia was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Ricky Brown, 46, Wapella was issued a Citation for Speeding 76 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Brown was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Clinton Mayor Back To Work After Lengthy Illness; Praises DJWH

 width=An illness several weeks ago to Clinton's highest elected official left him away from his leadership position for several weeks and in that time the Mayor says he was impressed with the staff of the Dr. John Warner Hospital.

Clinton Mayor Roger Cyrulik came down with a blood infection several weeks ago and was forced into surgery in Bloomington then was admitted to the city-owned Dr. John Warner Hospital. The Mayor came away impressed with the staff of the hospital and the care they provided him during his stay.

[audio:6151580511-61615mayorhospital1.mp3] [/audio]

The Mayor indicates his recovery is coming along as he still experiences some soreness from time to time. He notes his experience at the hospital was very indicative of the things management continues to express publicly.

[audio:6151580516-61615mayorhospital2.mp3] [/audio]

In his time at the hospital, the Mayor indicates not only was the staff great to him, but they gave raving reviews to CEO Paul Skowron and the ideas he has for the future of the city-owned facility.

[audio:6151580518-61615mayorhospital3.mp3] [/audio]

The Mayor says things at home have been slow as he tries to get back to a normal routine but appreciates the concerns expressed over social media and those that reached out to him.

Comptroller Offers Impact on Impact of No Budget

Comptroller Leslie Munger isn't sugarcoating the impact of the lack of a budget deal. She has determined which bills the state can pay and which it can't if a budget isn't in place by the start of the fiscal year July first.

[audio:6141574612-Munger2.mp3] [/audio]

If the lack of budget drags on deeper into summer, Munger says the impact will clearly be felt in every town and county in Illinois...

[audio:6141574613-Munger3.mp3] [/audio]

The state would be able to pay on its debt and pension payments, state retirees would receive their benefit checks, temporary assistance for needy families would continue, as well as funds for the aged blind and disabled. Funding for most local governments would also remain in place.

Differing Opinions on Legality of State's Share of LIHEAP

Is the Governor’s pending suspension of the state’s share of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP (lie-heap), funds legal? That depends on who you ask.

[audio:6141574603-LIHEAP3.mp3] [/audio]

Business Community Calling For Real Comp Reforms

You can’t even call it reform. That’s the message from several associations representing businesses when talking about a workers’ compensation measure making its way through the General Assembly.

House Bill 1287, if passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor, would do several things including create a taskforce to investigate savings from a 2011 reform measure, codify current legal practice and set procedures to determine injuries incurred from previous employment.

[audio:6141574616-WORKERSCOMP3.mp3] [/audio]

A Senate committee will take up the issue, but a Senate Democrat spokesperson says don’t expect the measure on the Senate floor Tuesday.

House Debates Democrat Sponsored Property Tax Freeze

Another day and nothing the Governor is expected to support was accomplished in Springfield.

With three weeks left before the next budget year is set to begin, a measure Democrats say mirrors Governor Bruce Rauner’s proposals on freezing property taxes while also addressing local control of prevailing wage was shot down with Republicans voting present.

[audio:6141574559-HOUSEPROPTAX.mp3] [/audio]

Lawmakers need three-fifths majority to pass legislation while they’re in continuous session.

Federal LIHEAP Funds Would Be Available

If Illinois suspends the state’s share of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP (lie-heap), funds, more than $170 million of federal funds would still be available.

[audio:6131594850-LIHEAP21.mp3] [/audio]

The next budget year, and the suspension of the state’s share of LIHEAP, begins July 1st.

Rauner on Property Taxes

Despite several votes on a workers’ comp measure last week and a property tax freeze Tuesday, lawmakers are not addressing the Governor’s top priorities.

That’s according to Governor Bruce Rauner who held a press conference featuring several witnesses Tuesday afternoon testifying about property taxes just a few blocks from where state Senators were also hearing from witnesses on the same issue.

[audio:6131594859-RAUNERROPTAX1.mp3] [/audio]

The next budget year begins July 1. Rauner said lawmakers were not being sincere in their efforts to address property taxes and other issues like workers’ compensation.

Weekly Weather Summary

Several inches of rain fell earlier this week and according Jim Angel, State Climotologist, the rain chances remain high into next weekend.

[audio:6131594910-wx1.mp3] [/audio]

Study Shows Illinois Corrupt Women Are Corrupted By Associates

Bringing women into politics won’t necessarily cut down on corruption. That’s according to a research paper from a Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, graduate student with the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

[audio:6131594847-CORRUPTWOMEN11.mp3] [/audio]

Durkin Weighs In On Budget Standoff

A little detour from the familiar talking points in the ongoing state budget debate.
House Minority Leader Jim Durkin says Democrats are not negotiating in good faith and if they think Governor Rauner will bend easily because he's a political rookie, they have another thing coming.

[audio:6111530536-durkin1.mp3] [/audio]

Durkin says state workers who wonder about paydays after July first, shouldn't blame his party.

[audio:6111530536-Durkin2.mp3] [/audio]

Durkin continues to say the last tax hike, the 2011 temporary income tax increase, was a failure and didn't deliver on promises to help with the economy among others.

Grilling Safety Tips From University of Illinois Extension

The summer grilling season is in full swing and as you turn the heat up on those grills, health officials hope you'll take the time to grill carefully and safely.

Caitlin Huth is the Health and Wellness Educator with the University of Illinois Extension says the obvious starting point is to make sure you have all your tools cleaned, and necessary materials stocked and ready. She says as you're cooking, make sure the meats are cooked thoroughly by using a food thermometer.

[audio:6121580633-61215cookout1.mp3] [/audio]

Huth encourages you to incorporate fruits and vegetables with your meat choices. She explains not only does it provide a healthier option for your meal but the fruits and vegetables will often soak up some of the rub or marinades you may be using.

[audio:6121580637-61215cookout2.mp3] [/audio]

Grill maintenance is very important as you grill this summer. Huth says cleaning the grates is very important. She also recommends a deep cleaning of the grill every so often.

[audio:6121580641-61215cookout3.mp3] [/audio]

For other helpful tips and tricks during this grilling season, Huth updates several blogs about food and nutrition through the University of Illinois Extension website. Do a Google search for the University of Illinois Extension Macon County office for their site and to find her blogs.

New DJWH Board Focused On Raising Awareness of City-Owned Facility

 width=If you ask any Clinton resident about the Dr. John Warner Hospital, almost every one is going to know where it is, but the goal of the latest Board of Directors is to raise the awareness of what happens inside the city-owned facility.

Aaron Kammeyer is the President of the Board of the DJWH, he says they want to begin to raise awareness about what services they offer. He explains they are doing this through a variety of means.

[audio:6111530541-61215hospitalaware1.mp3] [/audio]

Kammeyer feels the biggest challenge at the hospital is public awareness. He points to the hospital's emergency room as what it is best known for, but he says there is a lot more to the facility than that and hopes to make the community aware of the many services available.

[audio:6111530544-61215hospitalaware2.mp3] [/audio]

By emphasizing social media and the billboard, Kammeyer says those are ways they can communicate with the younger generation. He explains the youth of the community are the future and he hopes to begin tapping into the younger residents and hopes to draw them to the hospital.

[audio:6111530547-61215hospitalaware3.mp3] [/audio]

Kammeyer returns to the hospital board after a few years absence. He says he will work to keep learning about the inner-workings of the hospital and wants to keep the community informed of what the Board is doing.

Three Tied For Lead At St. Jude Classic

 width=Brooks Koepka posted a 6-under 64 Thursday to grab a share of the lead after the opening round of the St. Jude Classic.

Koepka was joined atop the leaderboard at TPC Southwind by Ryan Palmer and Greg Owen. Koepka earned his first tour win at the Phoenix Open earlier this year, while Palmer owns three tour wins and Owen is seeking his first PGA Tour victory.

Brian Davis opened with a 5-under 65. He shares fourth place with Scott Brown, Richard Sterne and Steven Alker.

Defending champion Ben Crane had the lead after five straight birdies, but he bogeyed three of the last five holes for a 4-under 66. He was joined in eighth place by Tom Gillis, Fabian Gomez, Tommy Gainey and Alex Prugh.

Dustin Johnson, who was the highest-ranked player in the field, withdrew after nine holes due to an illness.

Curry Leads Warriors To Route of Cavs

 width=Stephen Curry andAndre Iguodala scored 22 points apiece and the Warriors routed the Cleveland Cavaliers 103-82 to tie the NBA Finals at two games apiece.

Steve Kerr elected to insert his super-small lineup to start the game, starting Iguodala for the first time all season and beginning with the 6-foot-7 Draymond Green at center.

Iguodala not only continued to play stellar defense on LeBron James, who was limited to 20 points on 7-of-22 shooting, but he also posted a season-high point total. James is 18-of-54 from the floor when being guarded by Iguodala in the series.

Andrew Bogut, meanwhile, played less than three minutes.

Game 5 is slated for Sunday night in Oakland, where the Warriors have dropped just four games all season -- including the postseason. One of those defeats, though, came against Cleveland in Game 2.

James, averaging 41 points, 12 rebounds and 8.3 assists over the first three games in the series, was two assists shy of a triple-double. He pulled down 12 rebounds and didn't score in the fourth quarter.

James played with a cut on the right side of his head after diving into a camera late in the first half following a hard foul along the baseline by Bogut.

Cleveland shot 33 percent (29-of-88) from the floor and made just 4-of-27 from beyond the arc.

Cubs Win; Baseball Notes

 width=Miguel Montero staked the Cubs to an early lead with a three-run homer and Chicago rode that momentum to a 6-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday at Wrigley Field.

Dexter Fowler went 2-for-4 with a solo homer into the just-opened right-field bleachers, and Travis Wood (3-2) picked up the win in relief of Tsuyoshi Wada, who was pulled after surrendering a leadoff homer to Chris Dominguez in the fourth.

The combination of Wood, Justin Grimm, James Russell, Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon retired 15 of the final 16 Reds hitters as Chicago pulled out its fourth win in five games.

Michael Lorenzen (1-2) recorded a two-run triple for the Reds but was not as effective on the mound, giving up all six runs -- five earned -- on five hits over 4 1/3 innings.

An Anthony Rizzo double and Kris Bryant walk set the stage for Montero's home run in the first inning.

Fowler found the right-field seats leading off the third. The famous bleachers were undergoing construction up to this point in a vast renovation plan for the iconic stadium.

National League Scoreboard
---------------------------------------
San Diego 6, Atlanta 4 (11 innings)
New York 5, San Francisco 4
Miami 6, Colorado 0
Milwaukee 6, Washington 5

American League Scoreboard
----------------------------------------
Cleveland 6, Seattle 0
Oakland 7, Texas 0
Baltimore 6, Boston 5
LA Angels of Anaheim 6, Tampa Bay 2

>>Nationals Put Slugger Zimmerman on DL

The Washington Nationals have placed Ryan Zimmerman on the 15-day disabled list due to a lingering foot injury that has contributed to the first baseman's struggles at the plate.

Zimmerman has been dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot for much of the season, during which the veteran infielder has recorded career lows with a .209 average and a .346 slugging percentage. He was mired in a 1-for-25 slump prior to sitting out Wednesday's series finale against the New York Yankees.

The 30-year-old's 34 RBI still ranks second to Bryce Harper among Nationals players in 2015.

Outfielder Matt den Dekker was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to fill the available roster spot.

>>Nationals Acquire P Carpenter From Yankees

The Washington Nationals acquired right- handed reliever David Carpenter from the New York Yankees on Thursday in exchange for minor league infielder Tony Renda.

Carpenter was designated for assignment by the Yankees on June 3 after posting a 4.82 ERA in 22 appearances out of the bullpen. The five-year major league veteran has a career 3.73 ERA in 210 games for Houston, Toronto, Atlanta and the Yankees.

Renda, a second-round pick by Washington in 2012, was hitting .267 in 54 games for Double-A Harrisburg.

The Nationals, in Milwaukee to play the Brewers, activated pitcher Sammy Solis from the 15-day disabled list and optioned him to Harrisburg to make room for Carpenter.

They transferred Nate McLouth to the 60-day disabled list as he recovers from right labrum surgery last August.

>>Padres Activate Slugger Myers From DL

The San Diego Padres activated outfielder Wil Myers off the 15-day disabled list Thursday.

Myers had been sidelined with a wrist injury and last played May 11. He missed six games before heading to the DL on May 19 and just completed a three-game minor league rehab stint at Triple-A El Paso, going 5-for-15 with a home run.

In his first season with San Diego, Myers entered Thursday's action batting .291 with five homers and 19 RBI in 32 games. He was acquired from Tampa Bay in the offseason.

The Padres opened a roster spot by optioning pitcher Kevin Quackenbush to El Paso.

>>Yankees Put P Miller on DL, Recall Prospects

The New York Yankees made it official Thursday and placed pitcher Andrew Miller on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left forearm.

Miller is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks because of the injury, leaving the closer role for Dellin Betances.

The Yankees recalled pitcher Chris Martin from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to fill the spot in the bullpen and the need for a right-handed reliever. In addition, New York also recalled outfielder Mason Williams to replace infielder Jose Pirela, who was optioned to the minors after Wednesday's game against Washington.

Pirela became the odd-man out as an infield reserve when Brendan Ryan was activated off the disabled list before Wednesday's game.

The back-end combo of Miller and Betances has played a key role in the Yankees' surge to the top of the American League's East Division. The duo have combined for a stellar 0.61 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 58 2/3 innings of work this season.

Miller, signed to a four-year, $36 million contract by New York during the offseason, has converted all 17 of his save chances as a Yankee and posted a 1.03 ERA in 26 appearances. Opponents are just 8-for-89 (.090) against him this season.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for June 12

Jail Population:  31

Paper Services: 2

Warrants: 1

Megan Westerfield, 30, Waynesville, was arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging her with Op Veh Regis Suspended/2nd/FTA.  Westerfield posted the required bond and was released.

Thomas Koshinski, 33, Clinton was issued a citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle.  Koshinski was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Governor Rauner Announces 2nd Round of Potential Cuts If No State Budget

 width=Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner late Friday afternoon released a 2nd round of potential actions, should he and the Illinois General Assembly not reach agreement on a new state budget by the July First deadline.

Rauner announced a laundry list of potential delays and cuts, including:

--Notifing all State of Illinois vendors to prepare for the potential of a longer delay in receiving payments for goods and services provided to the State.

Effective July First, the governor is planning to:

--Suspend capital projects, including construction at state facilities, schools and colleges.

--Suspend all capital grants for legislators’ earmarks and non-bonded or “pay as you go” capital projects. This freeze does not include road and other Department of Transportation projects.

--Significantly reduce use of outside legal counsel by eliminating and/or reducing legal contracts.

Governor Rauner also announced various actions at many state agencies, including several at the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Those actions, effective July First, include:

--Suspending funding to county fairs for premiums and fairground rehabilitation projects.

--Suspending funding for agricultural extension and 4-H clubs for premiums at agricultural shows.

--Suspending funding for premiums for Agricultural Education Fairs.

--Suspending funding for the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service.

--and suspending funding to the Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Governor Rauner and the leaders in the Illinois General Assembly continue their lobbying thru the media, blaming each other for the logjam.
-0-

Business Community Calling For Real Comp Reforms

You can’t even call it reform. That’s the message from several associations representing businesses when talking about a workers’ compensation measure making its way through the General Assembly.

House Bill 1287, if passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor, would do several things including create a taskforce to investigate savings from a 2011 reform measure, codify current legal practice and set procedures to determine injuries incurred from previous employment.

[audio:6111581638-WORKERSCOMP3.mp3] [/audio]

A Senate committee will take up the issue, but a Senate Democrat spokesperson says don’t expect the measure on the Senate floor Tuesday.

Comptroller Offers Impact on Impact of No Budget

Comptroller Leslie Munger isn't sugarcoating the impact of the lack of a budget deal. She has determined which bills the state can pay and which it can't if a budget isn't in place by the start of the fiscal year July first.

[audio:6111581940-Munger2.mp3] [/audio]

If the lack of budget drags on deeper into summer, Munger says the impact will clearly be felt in every town and county in Illinois...

[audio:6111581942-Munger3.mp3] [/audio]

The state would be able to pay on its debt and pension payments, state retirees would receive their benefit checks, temporary assistance for needy families would continue, as well as funds for the aged blind and disabled. Funding for most local governments would also remain in place.

House Debates Democrat Sponsored Property Tax Freeze

Another day and nothing the Governor is expected to support was accomplished in Springfield.

With three weeks left before the next budget year is set to begin, a measure Democrats say mirrors Governor Bruce Rauner’s proposals on freezing property taxes while also addressing local control of prevailing wage was shot down with Republicans voting present.

[audio:6111582324-HOUSEPROPTAX.mp3] [/audio]

Lawmakers need three-fifths majority to pass legislation while they’re in continuous session.

Rauner on Property Taxes

Despite several votes on a workers’ comp measure last week and a property tax freeze Tuesday, lawmakers are not addressing the Governor’s top priorities.

That’s according to Governor Bruce Rauner who held a press conference featuring several witnesses Tuesday afternoon testifying about property taxes just a few blocks from where state Senators were also hearing from witnesses on the same issue.

[audio:6111582742-RAUNERROPTAX.mp3] [/audio]

The next budget year begins July 1. Rauner said lawmakers were not being sincere in their efforts to address property taxes and other issues like workers’ compensation.

Workers Comp Measures Not Reform According To Illinois Group

Right now they’re listed as opponents, but the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association could come around to support a workers’ compensation measure if does a complete 180.

The State Senate is in session Tuesday, but before that they’ll take up a bill the House passed last week addressing workers’ compensation.

[audio:6111581638-WORKERSCOMP3.mp3] [/audio]

The Governor has said what he’s seen is not real reform and Republicans say it’s likely the Governor would veto the measure if it gets to his desk.

Freezing Property Taxes Would Handcuff Schools

 width=As the State of Illinois continues to hash out a budget, among several agenda items Governor Bruce Rauner has pushed for through the budgeting process has been a property tax freeze.

According to Lincoln High School Superintendent Robert Bagby, a property tax freeze would severely hamper their district in future years because of their decreasing rate year by year.

[audio:6111581558-61115taxfreeze1.mp3] [/audio]

Bagby explains while the Board of Education in Lincoln has done the right things in working towards lower taxes for their taxing body, the state is going to handcuff them by freezing that rate at such a low level.

[audio:6111581602-61115taxfreeze2.mp3] [/audio]

Despite the possibility of losing those dollars, Bagby says he wouldn't change the way they have lowered property taxes. He calls the decision the right one and feels now the district is being punished for making the right choices.

[audio:6111581607-61115taxfreeze3.mp3] [/audio]

Bagby feels many districts are being bailed out with the money Lincoln High School has cut because others weren't willing to be frugal.

[audio:6111581608-61115taxfreeze4.mp3] [/audio]

Compounding the issue of the property tax freeze is the fact federal and state dollars continue to shrink. Bagby says eventually they may not be able to rely on any of them.

Home Safety Tips For Vacationers

The summer vacation rush will soon be in full swing and local enforcement officials have some friendly reminders to keep your home secure while you're away.

As families head out for their annual summer vacations, Clinton Police Detective Todd Ummel says there are a lot of things to be aware when you are gone. While social media is a great place to share photos and stories, but Ummel points out, anyone can see those and know you are away.

[audio:6111581613-61115traveltips1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

As it relates to keeping your homes secure while on vacation, Det. Ummel explains there are several ways to keep things secure. He says having a friend or relative that is nearby by checking on your house frequently is a good idea. He also recommends keeping things as normal in the home as possible.

[audio:6111581616-61115traveltips2.mp3] [/audio]

Outside your home, Det. Ummel says it is best to stop your mail and newspaper service. He says piling up mail or multiple newspapers on the front porch are giveaways of an unoccupied house. He also encourages any vehicles that may be parked outside to be locked but also have any valuable removed, specifically garage door openers.

[audio:6111581625-61115traveltips3.mp3] [/audio]

Other helpful tips Det. Ummel offers are to have someone set your trash out and bring the can in when it has been picked up. He points out that is also a tell-tail sign of an absent home owner. He says encourage your children to use discretion when discussing future trips.

The Police Department also offers a service where they will frequent your neighborhood and check on your home while on vacation. Det. Ummel says the process is as easy as giving them a call to provide dates when you are gone and who will have access to the home plus other information you may want to provide. The phone number for the police department is 935-9441.

PGA Tour Moves to Memphis

 width=The PGA Tour is set for its final event before the U.S. Open as players head to Memphis, Tennessee for the FedEx St. Jude Classic.

Ben Crane ended a long, winless drought last year when he beat out Troy Merritt by one shot at Tournament Players Club at Southwind. Crane had not won since the 2011 McGladrey Classic. The victory was the fifth of Crane's career and he has not won since.

Crane will give it another go this week as he looks to successfully defend his title.

While many are taking this week off in preparation for the U.S. Open, there are still a number of big names in the field, including WGC-Cadillac Championship winner Dustin Johnson. He serves as the highest ranked player in the field at No. 7.

Phil Mickelson is looking to get one more tournament under his belt as well before heading to the U.S. Open, a major title that has eluded him throughout his career.

Blackhawks Fight Back, Even Stanley Cup Finals At 2-2

Brandon Saad put the Blackhawks ahead for good in the third period and his teammates held off a frantic late push from the Lightning to even the Stanley Cup Finals at two games apiece.

 width=Following an offensive zone faceoff win, Saad drove the puck up the left side and moved in on net. He lost the puck while traversing across the crease, but recovered it and backhanded a shot through Vasilevskiy's pads for a 2-1 lead at 6:22 of the third period.

Corey Crawford provided a solid performance in net, making 24 saves to lift Chicago to a victory over Tampa Bay in Game 4 at United Center on Wednesday night.

Jonathan Toews scored his first goal of the series for the Blackhawks, who improved to 4-0 in Game 4s and 8-2 at home this postseason.

Alex Killorn provided the Lightning's lone marker and Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 17 shots during a surprise playoff start, the first of his career, in place of an injured Ben Bishop, who is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

Vasilevskiy became the sixth goaltender to make their first playoff start in the Stanley Cup Finals.

The first four games of the Finals have been decided by one goal for the first time since 1968, when Montreal swept St. Louis.

The best-of-seven series will continue Saturday with Game 5 at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay.

All Local Baseball Teams Win

 width=>>Sox Power Past Astros

Jose Quintana pitched seven quality innings and got backed by three home runs as the Chicago White Sox completed a three- game sweep of the Houston Astros with a 4-1 win on Wednesday.

Quintana (3-6) allowed just a run on six hits for the White Sox, who handed Houston its season-high seventh straight defeat. His only blemish came in the second inning, when Jake Marisnick plated Chris Carter with a sacrifice fly to left.

Adam LaRoche and Geovany Soto hit solo home runs and Jose Abreu launched a two-run shot to account for Chicago's offense.

Velasquez yielded three hits and walked four batters but struck out five and left after five scoreless innings.

American League Scoreboard
----------------------------------------
Baltimore 5, Boston 2
Seattle 9, Cleveland 3
Tampa Bay 4, LA Angels of Anaheim 2
Kansas City 7, Minnesota 2
Oakland 5, Texas 4
Toronto 7, Miami 2
Washington 5, NY Yankees 4 (11 innings)

 width=>>Cubs Rock Tigers

Chris Coghlan and Miguel Montero each hit a three-run homer as the Chicago Cubs routed the Detroit Tigers, 12-3, in the finale of a two-game set at Comerica Park.

Jake Arrieta (6-4) was solid on the mound for Chicago, allowing three runs with eight strikeouts over six innings.

Anthony Rizzo knocked in two runs for the Cubs, who wrapped up a nine-game road trip with a 5-4 record.

Shane Greene (4-6) continued to struggle for Detroit. Greene took a loss in his fourth straight start after surrendering five runs in three innings of work. Detroit relievers didn't do much better at keeping the Chicago bats quiet as the visitors put the game away with a six-run seventh inning.

Yoenis Cespedes clubbed a three-run homer off Arrieta to account for the Detroit offense.

The Tigers had their three-game winning streak snapped.

 width=>>Cardinals Avoid Sweep In Colorado

Carlos Martinez pitched out of trouble in every inning before giving up a home run on his last pitch and the St. Louis Cardinals hung on to beat the Colorado Rockies 4-2 on Wednesday to avoid being swept in a three-game series.

Martinez (7-2) extended his unbeaten streak to five consecutive starts. He gave up eight hits, including a two-run homer to Ben Paulsen with one out in the seventh inning that finally ended a run of escapes for the right-hander.

Randal Grichuk stroked a solo homer and Matt Carpenter and Mark Reynolds also drove in runs for the MLB-leading Cardinals, who finished off a 4-3 road trip.

Colorado right-hander Chad Bettis (2-1) suffered his first loss of the season after allowing three runs on six hits and two walks in five innings. The Rockies had won each of his first five starts after he was called up from the minors last month.

It was just the sixth loss in the last 18 games for the Rockies since they fell a season-worst 10 games under .500 on May 23.

National League Scoreboard
--------------------------------------
Cincinnati 5, Philadelphia 2
Pittsburgh 2, Milwaukee 0
San Francisco 8, New York 5
Atlanta 4, San Diego 1

ISU's DeJong, Headen Selected in MLB Draft

 width=Illinois State's Paul DeJong and Will Headean have been selected in Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft. DeJong was a fourth-round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals, while Headean was a 13th-round selection of the San Diego Padres.

DeJong, the 131st overall selection, was the first Redbird selected in the draft, marking the second year in a row a Redbird was taken in the fourth round. DeJong posted a .326 batting average, .427 on-base percentage and .547 slugging percentage over three seasons as a member of the team. He tallied 42 doubles, 23 home runs and 113 RBIs, while playing five different defensive positions. The Cardinals list him as a third baseman.

Headean, the 387th overall pick, was the second left-handed pitcher taken by the Padres in the draft. In three seasons as a Redbird, he owns a career record of 10-13 and a career 4.40 ERA. He has appeared in 48 games, with 28 starts. He has walked 101 and struck out 192 over 196.1 innings of work, while limiting opponents to a .243 batting average.

In 2015, Headean was 5-5 with a 3.99 ERA. He pitched in 17 games, with 15 starts, covering 94.2 innings. He struck out 86 batters and held opposing hitters to a .236 average.

Illini Baseball Notes

>>Three Illini Collect NCBWA All-American Honors

A school-record three Fighting Illini baseball players were named NCBWA All-Americans on Wednesday. Junior LHP Tyler Jay notched first-team honors as a relief pitcher, junior LHP Kevin Duchene collected second-team honors as a starting pitcher and senior David Kerian was a second-team selection at first base.

 width=All three Illini were selected in the 2015 MLB Draft and were named Louisville Slugger All-Americans by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper earlier this year. Jay is the first Illini since Justin Parr in 2013 to earn first-team accolades. Duchene, who was a Freshman All-American in 2013, and Kerian both were honored with the laurel for the first time by the NCBWA.

>>Six More Illini Selected on Day Three of MLB Draft

On the final day of the 2015 MLB Draft, six more Illini were drafted, setting a school record with nine total selections, which led the Big Ten and was tied for third in the nation. The previous Illinois school record was six selections in 1985.

Catcher Jason Goldstein (No. 284 - 17th round) was taken by the Los Angeles Dodgers followed by shortstop Adam Walton (No. 613 - 20th round) by the Baltimore Orioles, RHP Nick Blackburn (No. 659 - 22nd round) by the New York Mets, LHP Rob McDonnell (No. 762 - 25th round) by the Los Angeles Dodgers, RHP Drasen Johnson (No. 767 - 26th round) by the Colorado Rockies and outfielder Ryan Nagle (No. 817 - 27th round) by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Illini had the third most players selected in NCAA Division I behind Oklahoma (11), UC-Santa Barbara (10) and tied with Arizona State, Florida, and Vanderbilt.

Illinois Broadcasting Giant Passes at 91

 width=Radio broadcasters across Illinois are mourning the death of a pioneer. Hayward Talley, who built WSMI-AM 1540 in Litchfield in 1950, WSMI-FM 106 in 1960, and WAOX radio in 1999, died on Wednesday. He was 91.

Miller Media Group president Randal J. Miller, who was employed by Talley from 1976 to 1980, said he was one of Miller's mentors, and blazed the trail in local radio for many broadcasters in Illinois and across the nation.

Miller added that many people who went thru the WSMI shop, ended up being broadcast owners across the country.

"Illinois has lost one of its finest citizens today," remarked Dennis Lyle, president & CEO of the Illinois Broadcasters Association, saying Illinois lost one of its finest citizens with the passing of Talley. Lyle added the broadcast world lost one of the finest local broadcasters ever. Quoting Lyle, "He never forgot, nor let anyone else forget, the responsibility broadcasters have in being the protective stewards of their community's airwaves."

Talley was named the IBA Vincent T. Wasilewski "Broadcaster of the Year" in 2002 and while the award was given to Hayward, the award could have been given to the team of Hayward and Emma Talley, his wife and business partner. Emma and their sons Brian and Kevin survive.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for June 11

Jail Population:31

Paper Services: 12

Warrants: 0

Brian Cory, 41, Decatur was issued a Citation for Speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Cory was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Atilio Hernandez, 37, Aurora was issued a Citation for Speeding 72 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Hernandez was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Albert Mancini, 66, Itasca was issued a Citation for Speeding 73 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Mancini was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Ty Smith, 21, Decatur was issued a Citation for Fail Secure Child Under 8. Smith was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

EPA Addresses Odors At Clinton Trucking Facility

State Representative Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth) announced Thursday that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is taking action to address odor complaints at a trucking facility on the west side of Clinton.

Ongoing odor complaints have been linked to two outdoor lagoons used to hold washwater and biosolids washed out of trucks. According to the IEPA, one of the problems detected at the facility is that the solids in the lagoons have not been breaking down as fast as they should, due to a lack of oxygen in the material. To address this, the IEPA has been working with the company to apply various odor treatments to the lagoons, including the recent installation of aerators to help break down the material quicker, thereby reducing the odors.

Thursday, Rep. Mitchell said quote-“My office has received a number of complaints about odor problems at this facility located near Clinton High School. I reached out to the Illinois EPA to see what was being done to address this problem. I am pleased to announce that the Agency will be issuing a permit to install a totally enclosed separation tank on site, which should eventually resolve the issue.. I want to thank the IEPA and concerned citizens for working with me to address these complaints.”-end quote.

The enclosed separation tank is designed to separate out all the solids before the washwater is pumped into the lagoons, an action the IEPA believes will eliminate most of the odor problem as the cleaner separated washwater replaces the material already in the lagoons.

The IEPA has already scheduled a follow-up inspection of the trucking facility for June 23. Nearby residents have been contacted and have agreed to keep logs to monitor the odors, which will be reviewed by the IEPA.

Regional Radio News is investigating the complaints and will have further details in the coming days.

Central Illinois Businesses Using Drones

A Bloomington business has received permission to operate Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or drones, to conduct aerial survey and photography of agriculture. T and K L-L-C owner Tim Norman explains what using drones can offer to local farmers.

[audio:6101582017-DRONE1.mp3] [/audio]

Illinois Farmers can now choose to have the condition of their crops studied by drones. Norman says the business plans to charge farmers a flat rate per year.

[audio:6101582017-DRONE1.mp3] [/audio]

The use of drones will have a broader environmental impact that will benefit everyone, not just customers. The business is planning to charge farmers a flat fee per year for the .

Norman adds the drones offer farmers a deeper and more thorough look at their crops, which will come in handy when insurance claims need to be made.

DeWitt County Animal Agency Excited for New Shelter

A DeWitt County group aimed at finding homes for animals in the community is excited about the prospects of a new animal shelter.

Second Chance for Pets, who works closely with DeWitt County Animal Control, is a non-for-profit group dedicated to finding abandoned animals and stray animals homes. Heather Wantland with Second Chance stresses they are a separate entity from Animal Control, meaning the new animal shelter is not going to be there building nor is the current shelter's facility.

[audio:60915122814-6915shelter1.mp3] [/audio]

While Second Chance for Pets and DeWitt County Animal Control are two separate groups, Wantland says they work together very well. Second Chance works as an advocate group for the animals they bring and use their site for meet and greets.

[audio:60915122818-6915shelter2.mp3] [/audio]

Even though DeWitt County Animal Control and the County will have the most use out of the new animal shelter, Wantland says that doesn't mean Second Chance for Pets isn't excited about the building. She says they are excited to have more room for the animals that come to them needing homes from now on.

[audio:60915122821-6915shelter3.mp3] [/audio]

To learn more about Second Chance for Pets, visit their website, secondchanceforpets.com.

DeWitt County Sheriff Weighs In On Law Enforcement Legislation

A local law enforcement official is weighing in on the legislation in Springfield that is headed to Governor Rauner, saying the legislation would greatly effect the usefulness of the increasingly popular body cameras.

According to DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner, the legislation addresses legitimate concerns in law enforcement. He points to provisions regarding the investigations of officers and the hiring of those officers in other places.

[audio:6101582308-61015sheriffleg1.mp3] [/audio]

The Sheriff says the way the legislation deals with body cameras is going to backfire. He explains the bill wants all interaction with the community recorded and believes many agencies will not seek using body cameras.

[audio:6101582319-61015sheriffleg2.mp3] [/audio]

Sheriff Shofner interprets the legislation as recording everyday encounters with citizens even if they may not be contentious at all. He feels those decisions should be made at a local level when putting rules in place for body cameras, rather than a state level.

[audio:6101582319-61015sheriffleg2.mp3] [/audio]

The Sheriff points out this was a bill that was put together in a bipartisan manner. Sheriff Shofner says it is concerning because a lot of republicans have voted for this measure given it is a good time to crack down on police actions with recent events involving law enforcement officers.

[audio:6101582319-61015sheriffleg2.mp3] [/audio]

The Sheriff says body cameras can be a very useful tool in law enforcement. He points to the effectiveness of the cameras in DeWitt County in that no cases that body cameras were used have gone to trial. He says the evidence is strong.

MWR Swaps Crew Chiefs

Michael Waltrip Racing revealed on Tuesday that it has switched the crew chiefs and engineers for its No. 15 and No. 55 teams in the Sprint Cup Series.

Effective immediately, Brian Pattie will become the crew chief for Ragan's No. 55 Toyota. Ragan is substituting for Brian Vickers in that car for the remainder of this season since Vickers is presently taking blood-thinning medication for blood clots, which prevents him from being able to race.

 width=Billy Scott will take over crew chief duties for the No. 15 Toyota, driven by Clint Bowyer.

Additional changes at MWR include a reorganization of lead, secondary and support engineers for each team. Car chiefs, road mechanics and pit crews will remain with their originally assigned teams.

Pattie has been Bowyer's crew chief since the No. 15 team at MWR was established in 2012. He has scored three wins with the team and finished second in the '12 Chase for the Sprint Cup championships as well as seventh in the 2013 Chase.

Scott has been the crew chief for the No. 55 since August 2013. He previously served under crew chief Rodney Childers as that team's lead engineer.

Bowyer is currently 17th in the point standings, with just three top-10 finishes for the season. Ragan is ranked 23rd in points.

Sprint Cup is competing at Michigan International Speedway this weekend.

Louisville's Pitino Gets Extension

 width=Louisville has extended the contract of men's head basketball coach Rick Pitino for an additional four years through the 2025-26 season.

Financial terms were not available.

Pitino had seven years remaining on his current deal. He has a record of 368-126 with 12 NCAA Tournament appearances in 14 seasons at Louisville, making him the third-winningest coach in school history.

The 62-year-old New York native guided the Cardinals to the 2013 national championship, making Pitino the only coach to win a national title with two different schools. He led Kentucky to the 1996 championship.

Louisville was 27-9 this past season, falling just short of another Final Four berth with a loss to Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament East Regional final. The Cardinals have been to the Elite Eight five times in the last eight years.

In 30 seasons as a collegiate head coach with five different schools, Pitino has a record of 722-254. Seven of his teams have reached the Final Four -- three each with Louisville and Kentucky, as well as Providence in 1987.

James, Cavs Hold Off Warriors in Game 3

 width=Seconds before the opening tip, LeBron James looked over at Jim Brown and bowed to the legendary running back sitting in the front row.

The Hall of Famer last quelled the hunger of title-starved Cleveland 51 years ago.

James has the city halfway from its long-awaited celebration.

James was two assists shy from another triple-double, recording 40 points and 12 rebounds, and the Cavaliers held off the Golden State Warriors 96-91 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Cleveland nearly squandered a 20-point, third-quarter cushion Tuesday night after letting an 11-point lead slip away in the final three-plus minutes of regulation in Game 2 before winning in overtime.

Stephen Curry hit a 3-pointer to trim the Golden State deficit to a point with 2:45 left, but the Cavs scored the next seven points and kept the Warriors at bay the rest of the way to take a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4 is Thursday in Cleveland.

Baseball Notes

 width=>>Cardinals' Holiday Placed on DL

The St. Louis Cardinals placed outfielder Matt Holliday on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday.

Holliday, who is hitting .303 with three home runs and 26 RBI along with 10 doubles in 52 games this season, exited Monday's game against the Colorado Rockies with a right quad strain.

To fill the roster slot, the Cards summoned pitcher Miguel Socolovich from Triple-A Memphis.

The 28-year-old Venezuelan right-hander has gone 2-0 with a 1.17 earned run average in seven previous appearances in the majors this season. He also put together a 1-1 record and 0.54 ERA in 10 games with Memphis.

>>Cubs Sign Veteran Reliever Soriano

 width=

The Chicago Cubs and free-agent reliever Rafael Soriano agreed to terms on a minor league contract Tuesday.

Soriano spent the past two seasons as the closer for the Washington Nationals, recording 75 saves. He was 4-1 with 32 saves and a 3.19 ERA in 2014.

The 35-year-old right-hander has a career record of 22-28 with 207 saves and a 2.85 ERA in 585 games, all but eight as a relief pitcher. He began his big league career with the Seattle Mariners in 2002 and has also pitched for the Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees.

Soriano was an American League All-Star with the Rays in 2010 when he registered a personal-best 45 saves.

>>Harper Leads NL All-Star Voting

Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper continues to lead NL vote-getters in the latest All-Star balloting update.

 /><img style=Harper's voting tally increased to 3,690,414, while Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt has taken over the lead at first base from Adrian Gonzalez of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Goldschmidt, who was elected a starter by the fans in 2014, has received 2,010,049 total votes en route to surpassing Gonzalez, who has a total of 1,882,725 votes.

With 2,639,744 votes, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina has reclaimed the top spot behind the plate, surpassing Giants backstop Buster Posey, who trails by fewer than 5,000 votes.

The Cardinals' Matt Holliday and Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton were second and third in voting for outfielders.

Cardinals shortstop Jhonny Peralta and third baseman Matt Carpenter each increased their lead at their respective positions.

Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon, who was an All-Star for the first time in 2014, rounds out the NL leaders.

Sox Win; Cubs, Cards Lose

 width=>>Abreu, Rodon Lead Sox Past Astros

Chicago rookie Carlos Rodon outdueled Houston ace Dallas Keuchel and the White Sox beat the Astros 4-2 on Tuesday.

Rodon (2-0) labored, needing 116 pitches to get through six innings of work, but he managed to keep the suddenly cold Astros off the scoreboard. The 22-year-old allowed four hits and two walks with five strikeouts.

Keuchel (7-2) pitched a shutout with a career-high 11 strikeouts against Chicago on May 30, but he was reached for a pair of runs and got betrayed by his offense in this one. Keuchel was responsible for two runs on seven hits over seven innings.

Houston has dropped a season-worst six straight games, and has scored more than two runs just once during the run.

The White Sox got to Keuchel in the sixth inning. Alexei Ramirez led off with an infield single down the third base line, and Jose Abreu followed with a two-run home run to right-center. It was just the fourth long ball that Keuchel has allowed this season.

Chicago pushed across a pair of crucial insurance runs in the eighth against Houston's bullpen. Two singles and a walk against Chad Qualls led to Melky Cabrera's two-run double over Preston Tucker's head in left field. Josh Fields came on for Qualls and struck out the side, but the damage was done.

Chris Carter doubled to start the top of the ninth against Zach Duke before Carlos Correa, who made his major-league debut on Monday, smacked his first career home run to cut Houston's deficit in half.

David Robertson got Luis Valbuena to fly out to deep right, then struck out Colby Rasmus and George Springer to end the game and record his 12th save.

American League Scoreboard
----------------------------------------
Baltimore 1, Boston 0
Seattle 3, Cleveland 2
LA Angels of Anaheim 8, Tampa Bay 2
Toronto 4, Miami 3
NY Yankees 6, Washington 1
Kansas City 2, Minnesota 0
Texas 2, Oakland 1

 width=>>Sanchez, Tigers Blank Cubs

Anibal Sanchez ended a two-start losing streak with 7 2/3 scoreless innings as the Detroit Tigers downed the Chicago Cubs 6-0 in the opener of a two-game set.

Sanchez (4-7) struck out seven and scattered six hits and two walks to help the Tigers win a third straight game.

Miguel Cabrera went 3-for-3 with a walk, RBI and run scored in the win, while Ian Kinsler and Nick Castellanos each drove in two for Detroit.

Cubs starter Jon Lester (4-5) was charged with five runs on nine hits over 4 1/3 innings. Lester has been given a loss in each of his last three starts, and the Cubs are winless in his last four outings.

The Cubs had their two-game winning streak halted.

Rajai Davis doubled to begin the home first, moved up on a passed ball by Cubs catcher David Ross and scored the game's first run on Cabrera's single to center.

In the top of the second, Ross lifted a high fly ball to left center in which Davis leaped and snared out of the air before crashing into the fence.

Detroit opened the game up through the fourth and the sixth innings.

Cabrera and Yoenis Cespedes singled to start the bottom of the fourth, then both scored later in the frame on Castellano's base hit to left.

The Tigers put up two more in the fifth, knocking Lester from the game, but could have gotten more. Jose Iglesias singled to lead things off and was cut down by Ross attempting to steal second before Davis tripled to center. Kinsler knocked Davis in with a double and J.D. Martinez sent an RBI single into left later in the frame for a 5-0 advantage.

Josh Wilson doubled to begin the Tigers' sixth and came around on Kinsler's two-out RBI knock off Edwin Jackson.

Sanchez got the first two outs of the eighth before allowing a single to Dexter Fowler and consecutive walks to Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant. Joba Chamberlain came on and struck out Miguel Montero to end the inning.

 width=>>Rockies Edge Cardinals

Jorge De La Rosa pitched seven innings to lead the Colorado Rockies in a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in the second of a three-game series.

De La Rosa (3-2) allowed two runs on three hits with a pair of walks and eight strikeouts for the Rockies, who have won three of their last four. Nolan Arenado hit a two-run home run while DJ LeMahieu and Carlos Gonzalez each drove in a run.

Peter Bourjos hit a solo home run and drove in two and Jhonny Peralta added a solo homer for the Cardinals, who have dropped three of their past four. Michael Wacha (8-2) gave up four runs on nine hits with 10 strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings.

St. Louis didn't get its first hit until the fifth inning when Randal Grichuk led off with a single, moved to second on a wild pitch, took third on Jon Jay's groundout and scored thanks to a single from Bourjos.

The Cardinals made it a 2-0 game in the sixth on Peralta's two-out solo shot, but the Rockies answered in the home half as Gonzalez singled with one out and Arenado followed with his 15th home run of the season.

Colorado then went on top in the seventh inning. Wilin Rosario singled with one out and came home two batters later on a LeMahieu double. Troy Tulowitzki was then given an intentional walk and Randy Choate took the mound. Gonzalez followed with an RBI single to left for a 4-2 advantage.

Bourjos led off the eighth with his second home run of the season and the Cardinals loaded the bases later in the frame with two outs, but Scott Oberg got Yadier Molina to fly out to deep center to end the frame.

John Axford tossed a scoreless ninth to pick up his 11th save of the season.

>>Giants Rookie Fires No Hitter Against Mets

Chris Heston, a 27-year-old rookie making his 13th career start, threw the 17th no-hitter in Giants history on Tuesday night, striking out 11 in a 5-0 win over the New York Mets.

Heston (6-4) hit two batters in the fourth inning and one in the ninth, the only baserunners he allowed in the first no-hitter by any pitcher this season. He struck out the last three batters of the game.

Heston also had a two-run single while Joe Panik and Matt Duffy hit solo home runs for San Francisco, which has won three of its last four games.

Noah Syndergaard (2-4) allowed four runs on 10 hits over six innings for the Mets, who have dropped three of their past four games.

The last time the Mets were no-hit was Sept. 8, 1993, by the late Darryl Kile, pitching for the Houston Astros.

National League Scoreboard
--------------------------------------
Milwaukee 4, Pittsburgh 1
Cincinnati 11, Philadelphia 2
Atlanta 6, San Diego 5
Los Angeles 3, Arizona 1

Duchene, Kerian Taken on Day 2 of MLB Draft

On the second day of the 2015 MLB Draft, junior starting pitcher Kevin Duchene was picked in the fifth round by the Oakland Athletics (No. 158 overall) and senior first baseman David Kerian was selected in the ninth round by the Washington Nationals (No. 284 overall).

 width=Duchene was a Louisville Slugger second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten starting pitcher in 2015. The Joliet, Illinois, native ranked second in the Big Ten with an 11-2 record and third in ERA (1.75), strikeouts (88) and innings pitched (102.2) this season.

Duchene made an immediate impact at Illinois, being named a Freshman All-American and Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2013. He earned ABCA/Rawlings second-team All-Mideast Region and All-Big Ten honors after going 9-1 with a 2.79 ERA in his debut season. His nine wins set the school record for most wins by a freshman.

For his career, Duchene ranks second in Illinois history with a 2.11 ERA and tied for seventh with 24 wins. His 24-4 (.857) overall record is tied with Tanner Roark (12-2, .857) for the sixth-best winning percentage in the UI record book.

Kerian was 2015 Louisville Slugger second-team All-American and 2015 Big Ten Player of the Year led the conference with 16 home runs, a .367 average, .462 on-base percentage, .667 slugging percentage and 138 total bases to go along with a team-high 52 RBI. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection at first base for the second time in his career, also earning the honor as a sophomore in 2013.

For his career, the Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, native hit .316 with 19 home runs and 126 RBI. He finished with a .410 on-base percentage, .480 slugging percentage and .991 fielding percentage. He also scored 104 runs and tallied 42 stolen bases.

Illinois had three players drafted in the first nine rounds for the first time in program history. Kerian and Duchene joined junior Tyler Jay (No. 6 overall - Minnesota Twins).

Clinton Police Report for June 10

ON 6/10/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED MICK A. E. LOWE-PRUDHOMME 22, CLINTON FOR POSSESSION OF CANNABIS AND POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. LOWE-PRUDHOMME WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

Illinois Comptroller Says Lack of State Budget Has Dire Consequences

 width=In a news conference this (Wed) morning, Illinois Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger announced that the Illinois General Assembly's failure to reach a budget agreement with Governor Rauner by July First will reap severe consequences for residents and organizations throughout the state.

Munger told reporters that legislators and the Governor should be reminded that this isn't a game to be won or lost.

Regardless of budget negotiations, the Comptroller will be able to continue making payments authorized under the current fiscal year, FY15, budget - including the state's existing $5 billion backlog.

However, when the FY15 bills are paid, Munger says she will not have appropriation authority to make new payments that fall under the new fiscal year, FY16, which begins July 1. Ramifications include:

--New Medicaid provider payments will stop
--Nonprofits and small employers will be unable to receive expedited payments
--State employees will start missing paychecks July 15
--General State Aid payments to schools will not be delivered as scheduled on August 10
-- and new payments to state vendors will stop

Munger added that continuing appropriations and other legal provisions will allow her to meet some FY16 obligations, including the following payments: debt, pension, retiree benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Assistance for the Aged, Blind and Disabled, and most local government payments.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for June 10

Jail Population: 33

Paper Services: 1

Warrants: 0

Thomas Hall, 34, Argenta was Arrested and Charged with Battery/ Cause Bodily Harm. Hall unable to post the necessary bond remains lodged in the DeWitt County Jail.

 

 

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Lingmerth Makes Jump To 71 in World Rankings

David Lingmerth defeated Justin Rose on the third playoff hole at the Memorial on Sunday for his first career victory and that helped the Swede jump all the way up to No. 71 in the world rankings.

Lingmerth used his win to vault well into the top-100 from 212 to 71, a total of 141 spots.

Rory McIlroy and Masters champion Jordan Spieth remain in firm control of the one and two slots, while Jim Furyk's tie for fifth last week allowed him to jump a pair up to No. 3.

With Furyk's ascension, Bubba Watson and Henrik Stenson both fell one to four and five. Despite his runner-up finish, Rose stayed put at six. Dustin Johnson and Players champion Rickie Fowler swapped spots, with Johnson up one to seven.

Sergio Garcia, Jason Day, Jimmy Walker, Adam Scott, J.B. Holmes, Hideki Matsuyama, Patrick Reed and Chris Kirk remained Nos. 9-16. Matt Kuchar and Martin Kaymer traded places, while Phil Mickelson and Billy Horschel rounded out the top-20 for another week.

NCAA Approves Rules Changes for 2015-16

 width=

The NCAA approved several sweeping changes to men's college basketball on Monday, most notably reducing the shot clock from 35 to 30 seconds.

The men's basketball rules committee recommended a package of changes last month with an effort to improve the pace of play and improve scoring in the men's game.

The shot clock was last adjusted for the 1993-94 season when it was reduced from 45 seconds to 35 seconds.

In addition to the shot clock reduction, a few other changes include the expansion of the restricted arc under the basket from three feet to four feet, the elimination of a team timeout in the second half and the removal of the ability for a coach to call timeout when the ball is live.

Expansion of the restricted arc under the basket was implemented on a trial basis for the postseason NIT this spring and data compared to the 2013 tournament showed a decrease in the number of block/charge calls from 2.77 to 1.96.

Flopping will also be reviewable upon replay, the five-second rule when a player dribbling is closely guarded has been eliminated, and dunking in pregame warmups and at halftime will be allowed.

Bears Sign CB Tracy Porter; NFL Notes

 width=The Chicago Bears signed cornerback Tracy Porter to a one-year contract on Monday.

Porter has bounced around over the past three seasons after playing his first four years with New Orleans. He appeared in just three games last season with Washington and spent 2013 with Oakland after a six-game stint in 2012 with Denver.

The 28-year-old Indiana product was selected by the Saints in the second round of the 2008 draft and helped New Orleans win Super Bowl XLIV against Indianapolis when he returned a Peyton Manning interception 74 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown to seal a 31-17 win over the Colts.

In 68 NFL games, including 60 starts over seven seasons, Porter has 10 interceptions -- three of which he has returned for touchdowns -- with 288 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks.

>>Pats Release LB Spikes

 width=The New England Patriots released Brandon Spikes on Monday, just hours after Massachusetts State Police began an investigation into an abandoned car belonging to the linebacker.

According to a Massachusetts State Police release on Sunday, troopers responded to a report of a vehicle in the median strip of Route 495 in Foxboro and were notified by a representative of the OnStar on-board navigation system that the operator of the vehicle reported hitting a deer. Troopers found the vehicle, a 2011 Mercedes Maybach, abandoned in the median strip with damage to its front end. Whoever had been driving it was no longer at the scene.

An investigation indicated the Mercedes is registered to Spikes. No deer was located.

The police report stated that troopers soon after responded to another report of a vehicle in the same area as the abandoned car, whose occupants reported that they had been rear-ended by another vehicle they did not see. All three occupants of the second vehicle -- a 51-year-old man, a 32-year-old woman and a 12-year-old boy -- were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

Police said no charges have been filed, but the investigation to determine if there is any connection to the reported incidents is continuing.

Bishop Lifts Lightning Past Blackhawks

 width=Cedric Paquette scored the deciding goal late in regulation and Ben Bishop battled in net as the Lightning willed their way to an all-important victory in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Bishop made 36 saves to backstop Tampa Bay to a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center Monday night.

The Lightning netminder was a game-time decision after leaving Saturday's Game 2 victory twice during the third period. He appeared to be in pain, struggling to get to his skates on several occasions, but stayed in net and helped his team take a 2-1 series lead.

Ryan Callahan tallied a goal and an assist, Ondrej Palat also scored and Victor Hedman supplied two assists for the Lightning, who won their fourth straight road game.

Road teams that win Game 3 in the Stanley Cup Finals after the series is tied are 13-0 in NHL history.

Brad Richards and Brandon Saad each scored for the Blackhawks, while Corey Crawford stopped 29 shots in defeat.

The series continues Wednesday with Game 4 in Chicago.

Baseball Notes

 width=>>Kershaw, deGrom NL Co-Players of the Week

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw and New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom were named National League Co-Players of the Week on Monday.

Both Kershaw and deGrom were tied for the NL lead in wins (2), innings pitched (15.0) and strikeouts (18) last week while their matching 1.20 ERAs were tied for the third-lowest among qualifying NL hurlers. Both pitchers each allowed just three free passes during the week.

This is Kershaw's sixth career weekly honor, having won most recently for the week of June 8-14, 2014.

The 26-year-old deGrom was named National League Player of the Week once last year for the week ending July 27.

Philadelphia's Maikel Franco, Joc Pederson of the Dodgers, Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki and Pittsburgh's Mark Melancon also were considered for the award.

>>Rays' Chris Archer AL Player of the Week

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer was named the American League Player of the Week on Monday.

Archer finished the week ending June 7 by going 2-0 with an 0.60 earned run average and 26 strikeouts over just 15 innings pitched. He ended up becoming the first pitcher in the modern era to record three consecutive starts of at least 10 strikeouts without issuing a walk in each.

Others considered for this week's award were Twins starter Mike Pelfrey, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia and Orioles outfielder Adam Jones.

Sale Leads Sox; Cards Avalanched By Rockies

 width=>>Sale Leads Sox Past Astros

Chris Sale stayed locked in and pitched the Chicago White Sox past the Houston Astros 3-1 at a rainy U.S. Cellular Field on Monday.

Sale (6-2) turned in another lights-out performance with eight innings of one- run ball. The flame-throwing lefty allowed just five hits, walked one and struck out 14 to become the first player franchise history to record four straight starts of 10-plus punchouts. He's also the first player since Randy Johnson in 2001 with three consecutive games of at least a dozen strikeouts.

Avisail Garcia belted a two-run homer to back Sale's effort and help snap the club's two-game slide.

The loss somewhat spoiled the major-league debut of 20-year-old shortstop Carlos Correa. The first overall pick in the 2012 draft immediately became the youngest player in baseball and recorded an RBI single in his second at-bat.

The Astros dropped their fifth straight despite another quality start from Lance McCullers (2-1), who was saddled with the loss for the first time in his young career.

Jonathan Villar nearly made a running catch at the wall in the home second, but the ball popped out of his glove. Adam LaRoche was credited with a leadoff double and later scored the game's first run on a Melky Cabrera base hit.

Sale appeared to get out of a second-and-third, no-out jam in the fourth with a pair of strikeouts and a groundout by Correa. Correa was originally called out on his grounder in the hole at short, but replay showed he beat the throw by a half-step and was awarded a memorable first hit.

The run ended a string of 22 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings for Sale, but his offense gave him the lead right back when Garcia, with a man on second, drilled an outside pitch the other way and over the right-field wall for a go- ahead homer in the bottom half.

Sale struck out the side in the eighth to offset a one-out double by George Springer, and David Robertson closed out the gem with his 11th save in the ninth.

American League Scoreboard
-----------------------------
Toronto 11, Miami 3
Kansas City 3, Minnesota 1

 width=>>Rockies Avalanche of Runs Downs Cardinals

Troy Tulowitzki and Nolan Arenado homered and David Hale pitched seven quality innings in the Colorado Rockies' 11-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in Monday's series opener.

Hale (2-0) allowed three runs on six hits with seven strikeouts for the Rockies, who have now won every other game in the last nine.

Ben Paulsen went 3-for-5 and scored three times in the rout, as Colorado outhit the Cardinals 16-8.

The Rockies did most of their damage against John Lackey (4-4), who was responsible for 10 runs -- eight earned -- on 12 hits in just four innings. They plated five in the first and five more in the fourth.

Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday left the game with a right quad strain as St. Louis was 5-1 in its previous six games.

National League Scoreboard
----------------------------
Milwaukee 2, Pittsburgh 0
Cincinnati 6, Philadelphia 4
San Diego 5, Atlanta 3 (11 innings)
Los Angeles 9, Arizona 3

Illini's Tyler Jay Taken 6th Overall in MLB Draft; Vandy SS Swanson No. 1 Pick

 width=>>Illini's Jay Taken 6th Overall

The Minnesota Twins have selected left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay from the University of Illinois in the first round of the 2015 first-year player draft.

Minnesota chose Jay with the sixth overall selection.

The 21-year-old junior becomes the second-highest drafted player in University of Illinois history, and the highest since shortstop Jim Vopicka was taken fifth overall in the 1966 draft by the Angels.

The native of Lemont, Illinois, posted a record of 5-2 with a 1.08 ERA, 76 strikeouts and seven walks in 30 appearances (two starts) for the Illini this season.

In 2015, the 6-foot-1 left-hander was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and Louisville Slugger First-Team All-American. The Illini closer holds the school record for saves in a single season (14, 2015) and in a career (24).

>>Vandy's Dansby Swanson Goes No. 1 Overall in MLB Draft

The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Vanderbilt shortstop Dansby Swanson with the first overall pick in the 2015 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Swanson joins Justin Upton (2005) as the only No. 1 overall selections in franchise history, and is the first collegiate position player chosen by the D-backs in the first round since Stephen Drew (15th overall) in 2004.

 width=For the first time in the 50 years of MLB's draft, a shortstop was selected with each of the first three picks.

Houston picked second as compensation for not signing its No. 1 overall pick a year ago, Brady Aiken. The Astros went with Alex Bregman of LSU.

The Colorado Rockies took Brendan Rodgers of Lake Mary High School third overall.

Swanson's Commodores defeated the University of Illinois Monday afternoon to return to the College World Series to defend their title. He seamlessly switched from second base to shortstop this season as a junior.

The 21-year-old Swanson, a two-time All-American at Vanderbilt and finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, took home Most Outstanding Player honors at the 2014 College World Series as the Commodores won their first championship.

Swanson became the second Vanderbilt player to be selected No. 1 overall (David Price in 2007). He was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 38th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign.

The Rangers broke the shortstop trend with the fourth pick, taking University of California - Santa Barbara right-handed pitcher Dillon Tate.

The Astros got to pick again at No. 5 and took Florida high school outfielder Kyle Tucker, the brother of Houston left fielder Preston Tucker.

With the sixth pick, the Minnesota Twins picked up Illinois pitcher Tyler Jay. The Boston Red Sox then grabbed outfielder Andrew Benintendi with the seventh pick. The Chicago White Sox took Swanson's teammate Carson Fulmer with the eighth pick.

The Chicago Cubs picked up Cincinnati outfielder Ian Happ at No. 9. The Philadelphia Phillies rounded out the top-10 with high school shortstop Cornelius Randolph.

The Indians selected Aiken with the 17th pick. After failing to sign with the Astros, Aiken enrolled at IMG Academy so he would be eligible for this year's draft rather than attend college.

Senate Back To Work Tuesday

The Illinois Senate reconvenes Tuesday and they will tee up one "Turnaround Agenda" item Governor Bruce Rauner seems unwillingly to budge on, property tax reform.

Senate President John Cullerton decided the full Senate will gather for a hearing on a proposed property tax freeze. Rauner continues to say property taxes are the catalyst for an Illinois exodus.

[audio:6091584154-Raunerpropertytax.mp3] [/audio]

Senate Democrats already have turned down Rauner-backed legislation that would permanently freeze property taxes and require voter approval to increase them. Democrats say such a plan would hurt schools.

Rep. Turner Spearheading Police Reforms

State lawmakers reached a deal on a police reform package last month that now awaits the Governors signature.

Representative Art Turner of Chicago says it's a broad based effort to deal with issues that have been magnified since police involved incidents and the public response in Ferguson, Missouri and Baltimore.

[audio:6091584154-Turner1.mp3] [/audio]

The legislation doesn't require body cameras but sets guidelines for use of them. Turner notes the legislation also brings more independent oversight in high profile cases.

[audio:6091584156-Turner2.mp3] [/audio]

The legislation also calls for additional training and $6 million in funding for crime labs. A database would also be established to help police departments to search for officers who were terminated with cause or for officers who resigned during a pending investigation.

Clinton YMCA Teaming Up With Avantis To Benefit Summer Campers

 width=A popular local restaurant and a Clinton non-profit are teaming up next week to benefit one of the biggest programs in the organization.

The Clinton YMCA in cooperation with Avanti's in Bloomington/Normal are having a fundraiser to benefit their summer programs. According to Rennie Cluver, Executive Director of the Clinton Y, this fundraiser is for scholarships in the name of former Director Jann Martin.

[audio:6091584133-6915avantisy1.mp3] [/audio]

Cluver indicates they are tying the fundraiser into their "Strong Kids Campaign" and putting the funds raised towards allowing camp participants to be a part of their "Camp Osage" at a reduced rate.

[audio:6091584136-6915avantisy2.mp3] [/audio]

The 'Y' receives no funding from federal or state government. Cluver says a lot of their money comes from their "Strong Kids Campaign" and other fundraiser along with community donors.

Tickets for the Avantis fundraiser need to be purchased by Wednesday, June 10. Tickets are $7 a piece and can be picked up between 4:30 and 7 pm at the YMCA parking lot.

Farm Progress Expanding Decatur Site

 width=The "Super Bowl of Agriculture" returns to central Illinois in just a few months, and this year's visitors to the Farm Progress Show will see an expanded show site in Decatur.

Matt Jungmann (Young-man), National Events Manager for Penton Farm Progress, indicates preliminary plans are currently underway to permanently expand the Progress City site in Decatur. He says the popularity of the Farm Progress Show with both visitors and exhibitors continues to grow, thus calling for the need for more space.

[audio:6091584148-fpsexpansion1.mp3] [/audio]

Over the past two years the Farm Progress Show has utilized an "annex" that featured additional exhibitors not included on the permanent show sites in Decatur and Boone, Iowa. Jungmann says this proposed expansion will not be additional annex space, but an actual expansion of the permanent Decatur site.

[audio:6091584149-fpsexpansion2.mp3] [/audio]

While final plans have not been officially announced, Jungmann expects the expansion to be in place for this fall's show. He credits all of the entities involved with making the project possible.

[audio:6091584149-fpsexpansion2.mp3] [/audio]

The Farm Progress Show returns to Progress City in Decatur September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Learn more at farmprogressshow.com.

Clinton Police Report for June 9

ON 6/8/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED CHRISTA L. PARSON 34, CLINTON ON A VERMILLION COUNTY WARRANT. PARSON WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

ON 6/8/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED WILLIAM D. RIVERA 33, CLINTON FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY. RIVERA WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

ON 6/8/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED MAURICIO V. RAMIREZ 49, CLINTON FOR BATTERY. RAMIREZ WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

DeWitt County Sheriff's Weekend Report

Jail Population: 35

Paper Services: 3

Warrants: 1

Kayelee Ridgeway, 21, Beason was Arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging her with Consumption of Liquor/ Minor/ Failure to Appear. Ridgeway posted the necessary bond and was released.

Kyle Ernst, 28, Maroa was issued a Citation for Operate Vehicle Registration Suspended and No Insurance. Ernst was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Christian Birmingham, 27, Maroa was issued a Citation for Speeding 73 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Birmingham was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Erica Alford, 38, Mt Zion was issued a Citation for Speeding 76 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Alford was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Michael Davis, 63, Kenney was issued a Citation for Speeding 85 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Davis was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Lynn Cali, 56, Monticello was issued A Citation for Speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Cali was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for June 9

Jail Population: 35

Paper Services: 3

Warrants: 1

Kayelee Ridgeway, 21, Beason was Arrested on a DeWitt County Warrant charging her with Consumption of Liquor/ Minor/ Failure to Appear. Ridgeway posted the necessary bond and was released.

Kyle Ernst, 28, Maroa was issued a Citation for Operate Vehicle Registration Suspended and No Insurance. Ernst was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Christian Birmingham, 27, Maroa was issued a Citation for Speeding 73 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Birmingham was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Erica Alford, 38, Mt Zion was issued a Citation for Speeding 76 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Alford was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Michael Davis, 63, Kenney was issued a Citation for Speeding 85 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Davis was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Lynn Cali, 56, Monticello was issued A Citation for Speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Cali was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Abortion Rates Fall in Illinois, Follow National Average

Abortions in Illinois are declining, echoing a national trend.

Between 2010 and 2013, abortions decreased 2.6 percent in Illinois to 40,750. That is the lowest figure yet during a decades-long drop in abortions in the state.

Illinois has less restrictive abortion laws than neighboring states. Each year, roughly 3,000 women from other states travel to Illinois for abortions, adding to the Illinois totals.

Carole Brite of Planned Parenthood of Illinois attributes the state decline to women choosing effective birth control methods and limiting unintended pregnancies.

Emily Zender of Illinois Right to Life says the state has more than 50 resource centers that offer alternatives to abortion.

A national Associated Press survey of states showed a decrease in abortions of about 12 percent since 2010 overall.

Indiana Advertisement Highlighted On House Floor

Indiana is open to taking Illinois businesses away from the Land of Lincoln and that’s something some lawmakers want to stem in their efforts to turnaround Illinois.

[audio:60815101558-INDIANAADHOUSEFLOOR.mp3] [/audio]

Democrat majorities passed a workers’ comp measure Thursday that is headed to the Senate, where it’s expected to be amended and then kicked back to the House on concurrence. Governor Bruce Rauner said the measure he’s reviewed is not real reform. Lawmakers are in overtime as they try to work to get a balanced budget in place before the July 1st start to the next fiscal year.

Scovill Zoo Offers Traveling Zoo For Groups Over Summer

A local zoo is offering groups the opportunity to have a variety of animals join them for a short time this summer.

Ken Frye is the Director of the Scovill Zoo in Decatur, he explains they do shows all over the area for groups of all types. He notes availability in June is limited but July and August has plenty of openings available.

[audio:60815101456-6815mobilezoo1.mp3] [/audio]

Frye explains the mobile zoo is a very informal program they have. He says they want the groups to be interactive with the animals and to ask questions as well. He indicates depending on the trainers that go out will depend on the animals they bring.

[audio:60815101550-6815mobilezoo2.mp3] [/audio]

To learn more about the mobile zoo or to discuss booking a date for them to come to your group, give the Scovill Zoo a call at 217-421-7435 or visit scovillzoo.com.

Senior Fan Drive Going on Now at DeWitt County Friendship Center

The weather is warming outside, which means it is probably time to turn that air conditioner on.

For most, turning on the A/C isn't a second thought, but for others, the decision is turning on the A/C or paying for groceries or medications or the electric bill. According to Sissy Leggett, Executive Director of the DeWitt County Friendship Center, seniors who face this decision in Clinton and DeWitt County have an outlet once again this year to help keep their homes cool.

[audio:60815101428-6815fandrive1.mp3] [/audio]

Last week, Ameren announced a rate hike in the delivery charges for electricity, which is going to increase everyone's bill across their service area. Leggett says in some years they could give out as many as 80 fans and feels it very important they be an outlet for seniors to be able to stay cool this summer.

[audio:60815101436-6815fandrive2.mp3] [/audio]

To donate box fans to the Friendship Center or to inquire about receiving one for your home, contact them at 217-935-9411 or stop in to 410 East Main Street in Clinton.

Truex Jr. Gets Long Awaited Victory At Pocono

Martin Truex Jr. snapped a two-year winless streak in the Sprint Cup Series with a dominating performance in Sunday's Axalta "We Paint Winners" 400 at Pocono Raceway.

Truex, the driver of the No. 78 Chevrolet for Furniture Row Racing, a single- car team based in Denver, Colorado, led 97 of 160 laps, including the final 27. He held off Kevin Harvick, the defending series champion, in the closing laps, beating Harvick to the finish line by 1.3 seconds.

 width=It was the third career victory for Truex in Sprint Cup but his first win since June 23, 2013 on the Sonoma, California road course (69 races ago). He drove for Michael Waltrip Racing at the time.

Truex, a 34-year-old Mayetta, New Jersey native, became the 10th different driver to win a race in the series this season and therefore virtually guaranteed himself a spot in the 16-driver field for the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. Truex has led the most laps in each of the past four races.

Harvick has finished in the runner-up spot eight times this season. He placed second last Sunday at Dover. Harvick won back-to-back races at Las Vegas and Phoenix in March.

Harvick and Truex, currently 1-2 in the point standings, have each scored 13 top-10 finishes in the first 14 races this season.

Jimmie Johnson finished third after he cut a tire and sustained damage to his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet just past the halfway point.

Joey Logano had to start from the rear of the field due to a rear-end gear change prior to the race and then received a pit-road speeding penalty in the early going, but Logano bounced back nicely to finish fourth. Kurt Busch, the pole sitter, was fifth.

Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin completed the top-10. Earnhardt finished 11th in his attempt to win a third straight race at this track. Kahne placed 13th and Gordon 14th.

Lingmerth Beats Rose in Playoff At Memorial

David Lingmerth parred the third playoff hole Sunday to defeat Justin Rose and win the Memorial.

Lingmerth closed with a 3-under 69 to post 15-under-par 273. Rose birdied the 17th to match him at minus-15, then parred the last to cap a round of even-par 72 at Muirfield Village.

The duo returned to the 18th for the first extra hole. Both players missed the green with their approach shots. After Rose rolled in an 18-footer for par, Lingmerth matched him from 10 feet out.

 width=They returned to No. 18. Rose had the advantage as he hit the green, while Lingmerth was in a greenside bunker. Lingmerth blasted to four feet. Rose 2- putted for his par and Lingmerth converted his par effort and they were off to the 10th

Rose hit his drive into thick rough right of the fairway, then missed the green left. Lingmerth found the putting surface from the fairway, but was 40 feet from the hole.

Lingmerth rolled his birdie try six feet by the cup. Rose chipped to about 20 feet and missed his par effort left. Lingmerth poured in his par putt to win for the first time on the PGA Tour.

Francesco Molinari had the lead on the front nine, but was done in by a double-bogey on the 17th. He closed with a 71 to share third-place with Masters champion Jordan Spieth, who fired a 65, the low round of the day by two strokes. They ended at 13-under-par 275.

Last year's winner Hideki Matsuyama closed with a 2-under 70. He was joined in fifth place by 2002 champ Jim Furyk (71) and Marc Leishman (69). Tony Finau (67), Kevin Kisner (70) and Keegan Bradley (70) tied for eighth at minus-11.

Five-time winner Tiger Woods was 3-under through 12 holes, but played the final six holes in 5-over par for a 2-over 74. He finished in last place at 14-over-par 302.

CFB: Boston College, Georgia Tech To Open In Ireland

Boston College and Georgia Tech will open the 2016 college football season in Ireland.

 width=The announcement was made in Dublin at a press conference with Prime Minister Enda Kenny.

Boston College will be the home team for the Sept. 3 matchup. It will be the second visit to Ireland for the Eagles, who played in the country in 1988. The 38-24 Boston College victory over Army was the first American football game played in Europe.

It will be the sixth Football Bowl Subdivision game in Dublin. Pittsburgh beat Rutgers in 1989 and Notre Dame topped Navy in 1996. The contest resumed in 2012 when Notre Dame again beat Navy, and the most recent Ireland game was played in 2014 when Penn State edged UCF, 26-24.

Georgia Tech will play internationally for the first time, although head coach Paul Johnson was the offensive coordinator for Navy when the Midshipmen played Notre Dame in 1996.

Georgia Tech owns a 6-2 series advantage, but the 2016 matchup will be the first for the ACC opponents since 2012.

James, Cavs Get By Golden State in Game 2

LeBron James emphatically slammed the ball down on the floor and let out a euphoric roar.

Written off by many, the Cavaliers are heading back to Cleveland with the NBA Finals tied at a game apiece.

The two-day rest period can't end soon enough.

 width=James recorded his fifth career NBA Finals triple-double, Matthew Dellavedova sunk a pair of go-ahead free throws with 10.1 seconds remaining in overtime and the Kyrie Irving-less Cavaliers gutted out a 95-93 win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 on Sunday night.

James finished with 39 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists following his NBA Finals career-high 44-point performance in Game 1.

After hitting his foul shots the scrappy Dellavedova, filling in for the injured Irving, then played stupendous defense on Stephen Curry at the other end as he had all night, contesting a tough step-back jumper from the left baseline.

Curry, who scored 19 points, didn't make a shot (0-for-8) and turned the ball over four times when guarded by Dellavedova.

James split a pair of foul shots with 4.4 seconds on the clock to give the Cavaliers a 95-93 lead and Golden State, which didn't have a timeout left, never got off a final shot as Iman Shumpert stole Curry's pass up the floor.

Game 3 is Tuesday.

Cubs, Cards Win; Sox Lose

 width=>>Cubs Top Nationals

Chris Coghlan had two hits, including a go-ahead, two-run single in the fifth inning, in the Chicago Cubs' 6-3 win over the Washington Nationals.

Starlin Castro also had a two-hit, two-RBI game, and Kris Bryant reached base four times as Chicago won the season series 4-3.

Kyle Hendricks (2-2) allowed three runs -- two earned -- on six hits in five innings in the win. Jason Motte recorded his first save since 2012 when he was tied for the NL lead with 42.

For the first time since April 29, Jordan Zimmermann (5-3) failed to record a quality start. He was tagged for four runs on 10 hits and two walks in just five innings of work, and Blake Treinen allowed two insurance runs for the Cubs.

After Castro singled home Coghlan in the second, Washington did not take long to respond. Wilson Ramos reached base on a Castro error to start off the home half, and Ian Desmond followed with a two-run homer to right-center field to put Washington in front 2-1.

Zimmermann worked out of a jam with two runners on in the third, but Jonathan Herrera's two-out hit in the fourth tied the game. An inning later, the Cubs went ahead for good. Hits from Anthony Rizzo and Bryant and a walk to Miguel Montero loaded the bases with no outs, and Coghlan cashed in with a two-run single.

The Nationals responded immediately when Clint Robinson, Denard Span and Yunel Escobar hit consecutive singles to bring in a run. Bryce Harper came to the plate, but he flew out to center field and Washington did not score again.

Treinen gave two runs right back in the sixth. A two-out double from Rizzo and walks to Bryant and Montero loaded the bases, and a wild pitch allowed Rizzo to come home. After Coghlan was intentionally walked to reload the bases, Castro singled home Bryant, but the inning ended when Montero was thrown out at home.

 width=>>Cardinals Rally Past Dodgers

Jhonny Peralta homered among his three hits and the St. Louis Cardinals used a three-run eighth inning to rally past the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 Sunday night in the finale of a four-game set.

Peralta drove in two runs and scored twice, while Mark Reynolds hit an RBI double for the Cardinals, who have won five of their last six games.

Starter Lance Lynn allowed two runs on six hits over five frames in the no- decision, but was backed by stellar pitching from his bullpen.

Mitch Harris, Kevin Siegrist (3-0), Randy Choate, Matt Belisle and Trevor Rosenthal combined to allow just one hit and one walk over four innings of relief. Rosenthal earned his NL-leading 19th save of the season with a flawless ninth.

The Cardinals went ahead in the eighth. Matt Carpenter worked a walk to start the frame off Adam Liberatore and raced home after Matt Holliday doubled to off Juan Nicasio (1-2) and Yasiel Puig misplayed the ball in right field.

Peter Bourjos came on to run for Holliday and promptly trotted home on Peralta's grounder through hole. Two batters later, Reynolds hit an RBI double for a 4-2 St. Louis lead.

National League Scoreboard
--------------------------------------
Cincinnati 4, San Diego 0
Philadelphia 6, San Francisco 4
Pittsburgh 3, Atlanta 0
Minnesota 2, Milwaukee 0
New York 6, Arizona 3
Miami 3, Colorado 2 (10 innings)

 width=>>Homers Pace Tigers Past ChiSox

J.D. Martinez and Yoenis Cespedes both homered to help the Detroit Tigers to a 6-4 win over the Chicago White Sox in the finale of a three-game set.

Martinez had three RBI and Cespedes drove in two for the Tigers, who followed up David Price's complete game on Saturday for their second straight win since a season-long eight-game skid.

Alfredo Simon (6-3) earned the win after allowing four runs -- one earned -- with seven strikeouts over eight innings.

Tyler Collins went 3-for-3 with two runs scored in the win.

Chicago starter Jeff Samardzija (4-4) was tagged for six runs on 10 hits in 7 1/3 frames.

Collins contributed an RBI single in the first inning to give Detroit an early 1-0 lead.

That margin would not last as Chicago responded with three in the home first thanks to a costly error by Miguel Cabrera. Jose Abreu singled with two outs and Adam LaRoche reached first on Cabrera's fielding error. Avisail Garcia followed with his sixth homer of the year to make it 3-1.

The White Sox received another two-out run in the second when Carlos Sanchez walked and scored on Adam Eaton's triple to left.

The Tigers cut into the deficit in the fourth on Martinez's RBI knock that scored Collins.

Detroit quickly regained the lead on two swings of the bat in the sixth. Cespedes poked his eighth homer of the season after Cabrera grounded into a double play, then Martinez sent a two-run homer to center for a 5-4 lead later in the inning.

Cespedes chased Ian Kinsler home in the eighth with a single to make it 6-4.

Joakim Soria entered in the ninth and recorded his 16th save of the season.

American League Scoreboard
----------------------------------------
New York 6, LA Angels of Anaheim 2
Toronto 7, Houston 6
Baltimore 7, Cleveland 3
Boston 7, Oakland 4
Kansas City 4, Texas 3
Tampa Bay 3, Seattle 1

Storms Postpones Illinois/Vandy Game 2

The second of a three-game series of the super regional between Vanderbilt and Illinois has been postponed until Monday because of stormy weather.

 width=Officials told everyone to leave Illinois Field in Champaign on Sunday night as the skies darkened and lightning started flashing. The forecast calls for storms with high winds.

Jeren Kendall drove in three runs and Carson Fulmer pitched six nearly flawless innings as defending national champions Vanderbilt steamrolled Illinois 13-0 in the opening game of their best-of-three super regional Saturday night.

Fulmer (13-2) allowed four hits in 6 1-3 innings, striking out five and walking five.

Left-hander Kevin Duchene (11-2) took the loss for the Illini (50-9).

Game is scheduled for today at 3 p.m. CT. ESPN2 will televise the game live.

Game Three (if necessary) will be played on Tuesday, June 9. Start time and television are TBA.

Florida, Miami and Virginia all swept their best-of- three Super Regional matchups Saturday to advance to the College World Series. Florida has won nine straight games heading into the College World Series.

Arkansas and LSU each won their best-of-three Super Regional series Sunday to advance to the College World Series.

Clinton Police Weekend Report

CITATIONS
06/06/15


CORY J. SPENCE 31, CLINTON FAILURE TO WEAR SEAT BELT. BOND POSTED


MICHELE M. DENNO 26, CLINTON FAILURE TO WEAR SEAT BELT-PASSENGER. BOND POSTED


STEVEN DEVORE 41, CLINTON FAILURE TO WEAR SEAT BELT. BOND POSTED


ALICIA L. MITCHELL 22, CLINTON OPERATING UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE. NOTICE TO APPEAR ISSUED

Thunderstorms Drop Several Inches of Rain Across Central Illinois

Thunderstorms that rumbled through Illinois Sunday evening and into the early morning hours dropped several inches of rain in much of the area.

According to Teresa Barnett, DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency Director, DeWitt County was under a Thunderstorm Warning which resulted in downpours across the County. She says every part of the County was effected by the storm.

[audio:60815115955-6915storms1.mp3] [/audio]

In DeWitt County there were some reports of damage from the storm. Barnett indicates reports came in of anything from tree limbs down to power poles that were down.

[audio:60815115958-6915storms2.mp3] [/audio]

Barnett says there was no out of the ordinary flooding. She points to typical flooding areas in Clinton at Van Buren Street at the viaduct that flooded but that was the only report she received.

Reports of several inches of rain came in from across the area via cocorahs.org.

According to cocorahs, in Clinton, a report of 2.14 inches came in and near Farmer City, there was a report of just over an inch of rain.

 width=In Lincoln, several reports came in ranging from 1.25 inches to 1.75 inches. West Logan County had reports of over 2-inches of rain and northern Logan County had reports of almost at nearly 5-inches.

In Bloomington-Normal, reports ranged from 3.25 inches to 3.6-inches of rain. Elsewhere in McLean County, near Heyworth reports of over three-inches came in while in northwest McLean County, reports ranged from 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches.

According to cocorahs.org, Piatt County was spared. Report ranged from just short of 1.25 inches in Monticello to just over an inch near DeLand. Other reports in Piatt County ranged from 1.25 inches to just short of two-inches in other areas.

Champaign County, in Champaign-Urbana recorded totals ranging from 2 inches to 3.5 inches and across the county as well.

Reports were limited in Macon County from Sunday's rain but just outside Decatur, an 1.5 inches of rain was reported there.

BREAKING NEWS: Severe Storms Expected Sunday Night

 width=

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for the Regional Radio listening area until 8 o'clock Sunday night.  Severe thunderstorms formed over west central Illinois Sunday afternoon and are moving thru the listening area into the evening hours.  If threatening conditions are sighted, be prepared to move to a place of safety.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio and dewittdailynews.com for the latest.

BREAKING NEWS: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Extended Until 3am Monday

 width=

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the entire Regional Radio listening area until 3am Monday.


A line of thunderstorms earlier Sunday, dumped over 2 inches on parts of Central Illinois, causing street flooding in many communities.


If threatening conditions are sighted, be prepared to move to a place of safety. Stay tuned to Regional Radio and taylorvilledailynews.com or dewittdailynews.com for the latest weather information.

Flash Flood Warning in Effect Tonight, Early Tomorrow

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a Flash Flood Warning for several counties in the Regional Radio listening area, tonight into early Monday morning.

The Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 2am Monday, for Piatt, McLean and Dewitt Counties, until midnight for Vermilion, Champaign, and Logan counties, 

The Weather Service says that some 2-point-5 inches of rain has fallen during the day on Sunday, with another inch expected Sunday night into Monday morning.

Do not drive thru standing water on any roadway.

Stay tuned to WHOW THE BIG 1520 AM/92.3 FM or WEZC "Your EASY Choice!" 95.9 FM, and dewittdailynews.com, for the latest weather information.

Therapy Dogs To Be Used During Children's Testimonies

ILLINOIS COURTS COULD USE SPECIALLY TRAINED DOGS TO MAKE YOUNG VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE MORE COMFORTABLE UNDER A BILL HEADED TO THE GOVERNOR’S DESK.

THE LEGISLATION IS SPONSORED BY SENATOR SCOTT BENNETT OF CHAMPAIGN…WHO SAYS BEING INTERVIEWED BY PROSECUTORS AND GIVING TESTIMONY CAN BE OVERWHELMING FOR KIDS.

[audio:60615103948-facilitydogs1.mp3] [/audio]

LAKE COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY MICHAEL NERHEIM SUPPORTS THE IDEA.

[audio:60615103950-facilitydogs2.mp3] [/audio]

THE BILL, WHICH ALSO APPLIES TO THOSE WHO ARE MENTALLY OR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED, STILL NEEDS TO BE SIGNED INTO LAW BY THE GOVERNOR.

Clinton Streets Department Busy After Wet Spring

As we hit the summer months, the Clinton Streets Department is playing a catch-up after a wet spring delayed a few projects.

According to Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements, Nan Crang, their re-graveling of the alleyways in Clinton have been delayed because of all the rain we received in April and May.

[audio:60615103946-6615yardwork.mp3] [/audio]

The Clinton yardwaste facility is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm to 6 pm. Then Saturdays from 8 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm.

Local Senator Says Things Will Get Worse Before They Get Better

State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, said the budget deadlock will likely get worse before it gets better. He expects a budget deal later this summer that won't solve all of Illinois problems but would be a major step forward.

[audio:60615103946-BARICKMAN1.mp3] [/audio]

Barickman adds Republicans shouldn't tie their hands by taking any tax increase off the table, but he says there will have to be spending reforms.

[audio:60615103947-BARICKMAN2.mp3] [/audio]

If Democrats hear from their constituents this summer and aren't willing to make cuts, they'll likely face the consequences in the 2016 and 2018 elections.

Barickman says though, the glass is still half full.

Gov. Bruce Rauner has already warned his cabinet that the next fiscal year could begin with a budget.

Illini Athletics Set To See the State

Fighting Illini athletics hope to visit all 102 counties in Illinois this summer. One of the stops--the Rhubarb Festival in Aledo where Kyle Messman and the U-of-I athletics staff have a blue and orange tent set up.

[audio:60615103953-ILLINITRAVEL.MP3] [/audio]

Messman is a native of Philo, Illinois. He just received his undergrad degree last month and is now enrolled in Illinois' graduate program.

Plan To Separate Lincoln Museum, Library Advances

The Illinois Senate agrees to separate the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum from the control of Historic Preservation officials.

Now it's up to Governor Rauner to decide if the ten year old complex will be under the control of its own agency. State Representative Tim Butler weighs in.

[audio:60615103947-Butlermuseums.MP3] [/audio]

There are signs of trouble because the Rauner administration still wants what was previously negotiated, a plan to convert the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity into a public/private partnership.

The Illinois House voted that down saying more study was required.

The same legislation shifts the Illinois State Museum to the control of the Historic Preservation Agency.

Weekly Weather Update

After a wet May, we could be in store for more rain later this weekend. State Climotologist Jim Angel says expect warmer weather next week and the weekend could see rain lasting into early next week.

[audio:60615104005-wx.mp3] [/audio]

House Passes Workers Comp Measures

The proposed measures addressing workers’ comp don’t move the ball forward to make the state’s business climate more welcoming--and actually could make things more litigious.

That’s according to Republicans in the Illinois House as they voted against several amendments to a measure Democrats say was an effort to find compromise with Governor Bruce Rauner.

[audio:60615103953-HOUSEWORKERCOMP.mp3] [/audio]

The amended measure, House Bill 1287, passed along party lines and now heads to the Senate.

Democrats, Republicans At Odds Over Budget

Leaders from both chambers and parties said Sunday they plan on working with each other to find solutions to Illinois budget crisis but they differ on what the solutions should be.

Either way, a budget passed by Democrats that doesn’t have enough revenue to cover the bills is headed to the Governor’s desk. It’s not expected to not get very far as Governor Bruce Rauner has said he will veto an unbalanced budget.

Without a balanced budget by Sunday’s deadline, negotiations on solutions to Illinois budget crisis are expected to continue into the summer.

State Air Fleet Getting Grounded

Air traffic between Springfield and Chicago is going to be cut. But if you’re not a high ranking state official or lucky state employee you will never notice.

Governor Bruce Rauner is grounding the state’s fleet of aircraft to save $3 million in the upcoming fiscal year. Reports indicate found documents showing Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Comptroller Leslie Munger are frequent passengers.

The passenger list also includes Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton.

Rank and file lawmakers are on the planes quite a bit, 3 Chicago area democrats rode the planes more than 10 times over the first four months of this year.

Bobcat Hunting Legislation Advances

It's up to Governor Rauner to decide if bobcat hunting has a future in Illinois.

The Illinois House approved a plan to allow hunting and trapping of bobcats, which have seen their population rebound in recent years.

Rauner, a hunter himself, hasn't offered any sign of a position on the issue.

State-issued permits would allow no more than 300 bobcats to be taken during a season running from Nov. 1 to Feb. 15.

Thursday House Session Could Pick Up Workers' Comp

After several days away from the Capitol, Illinois lawmakers will be are headed back to Springfield to finish where they left off. Illinois News Network has more:

[audio:6051582134-WORKERSCOMPREFORM.mp3] [/audio]

Meanwhile the Appropriations-Human Services Committee will hold a subject matter hearing on the Human Services Department employing Beth Purvis as the Secretary of Education. Recent media reports highlighted Purvis’ $250,000 salary coming out of Human Services. After committees the House will hold their scheduled session at 1pm Thursday. Governor Rauner did not call for a special session so there is no per diem or travel reimbursements for lawmakers.

Power Rates To Increase For Central Illinois Residents

Residents in Southern and Central Illinois that receive power from Ameren will soon notice a 30-percent increase in electricity supply rates.

The price spike is due to a rise in capacity costs, which are what consumers pay to ensure power plants are able to deliver electricity on the highest-demand days of the year. The increase has left many wanting answers, including the Citizens Utility Board.

[audio:6051581546-amerenincrease1.mp3] [/audio]

Chilsen said the numbers don't add up.

[audio:6051581546-amerenincrease2.mp3] [/audio]

Chilsen added that residents must now cut back on their energy use to save money.

Lincoln's BBQ Event to Open Today

If you're headed to the downtown Lincoln square this weekend, bring your appetite.

The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned barbeque competition on the square brings professional cooks from all over the country. According to Nicole Cox, Director of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, they will be on the square through the day today with the competition to take place tomorrow.

[audio:6051581542-6515bbqcomp1.mp3] [/audio]

The KCBS competition has judges come in for the competition on Saturday. The competitors make their presentations Saturday and the judges consist of local dignitaries and many others. According to Cox, the judges have to apply and are appointed by the KCBS.

[audio:6051581543-6515bbqcomp2.mp3] [/audio]

The winner of the BBQ cookoff receives $15-thousand. Cox says that has made the event very popular but she also believes the KCBS affiliations is a big boost as well.

[audio:6051581545-6515bbqcomp3.mp3] [/audio]

The BBQ competition in the previous four years of it's existence was part of the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival, which was later in the summer. Now it is it's own stand alone event and Cox says while there was some apprehension in the community, the businesses that suppor them have been behind the shakeup 100%.

Business Climate Hurt By Poor Budget

Public sector budget mismanagement sends a bad signal to the private sector seeking a place to invest--that’s according to Illinois’ Governor.

Before the end of the regular scheduled session the Democrat-dominated General Assembly passed a spending plan of more than $36 billion when it’s estimated the state will only bring in around $32 billion. The Governor has said he is open to new revenue, but only if there are significant government reforms like term limits and changes to the redistricting process.

[audio:6051581532-RAUNERBIZCLIMATE.mp3] [/audio]

The Governor also is pushing for reforms to workers’ comp and civil liability cases.

Annual Relay For Life Event This Weekend in Clinton

 width=If you drive by Clinton High School this weekend, you might notice a lot of traffic near the football field.

Tha annual DeWitt County Relay For Life to benefit the American Cancer Society takes place from noon until midnight Saturday.

Relay For Life is a national, yearly event dedicated to those who are fighting cancer, to those who have fought and won the battle, and to honor those who have passed on from the evil disease.

Teams walk around the track of Clinton High School to represent the journey of someone with cancer.

14 teams make up this year's field and so far, of the 117 participants, they have raised just short of $17-thousand.

Clinton Art Show to Have New Venue in 2015

A successful art fair in 2014 will have a new venue this year.

The Arts at the Mansion event is the second year event hosted by the Arts Clinton, Ltd. which was held at the Clinton Antique Mall last year. According to Don Gruber, organizer of this year's event, they are shifting their venue to the DeWitt County Museum and will feature over a dozen professional artists from across the state.

[audio:6051581534-6515artshow1.mp3]comment here[/audio]

During the planning stages for this year's event, Gruber indicates the Musuem asked if they would shift their site to the CH Moore Homestead grounds. He gladly accepted the offer and feels it's going to be a great venue.

[audio:6051581536-6515artshow2.mp3] [/audio]

A wide variety of art displays will be able to be purchased from vendors across the state. Gruber indicates they have artists coming from as far as the Moline area and hope to get around 1000 people through this weekend.

[audio:6051581539-6515artshow3.mp3] [/audio]

The art show will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. Works will be available for purchase and visitors can meet the artists. Black Kettle Barbeque will be on site, serving barbeque sandwiches, chips, drinks and more.

Also, the museum’s annual quilt show, Quilted Keepsakes, will be taking place the entire month of June. Over fifty quilts are on display throughout the house. Tours of the mansion include the quilt show, house, carriage barn, and the farm museum.

For more information regarding the art show, contact Donald Gruber at 217-935-3041. For information regarding the quilt show or museum, call 217-935-6066 or visit www.chmoorehomestead.org.

Matsuyama, Van Pelt Share Lead At Memorial

 width=Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama and Bo Van Pelt both fired 8-under 64s Thursday and share the lead after one round of the Memorial.

Both leaders have one PGA Tour win.

Jason Dufner was tied for the lead heading to the 18th at Muirfield Village Golf Club, but found water off the tee. That led to a closing double-bogey, which dropped him into a tie for third at minus-6. He was joined there by Russell Knox, who bogeyed the ninth, his last.

Ryan Moore and Brendon Todd headline a group of seven players tied for fifth at 5-under 67. They stand alongside Ken Duke, Harris English, Kevin Kisner, David Lingmerth and Kyle Reifers.

Major champions Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose and Keegan Bradley are among nine players tied for 12th at minus-4.

Five-time winner Tiger Woods rebounded from a tough start for a 1-over 73. That left him tied for 85th place.

Woods bogeyed three of his first four holes from the 10th. He had another bogey, a double-bogey and two birdies the rest of his opening nine. Woods played his second nine at minus-3 with three birdies and six pars.

Warriors Snag Game 1 of NBA Finals

Steve Kerr said the Golden State Warriors were lucky to get to overtime, let alone win.

LeBron James surpassed his NBA Finals career-high point total and Iman Shumpert's double clutch follow-up jumper at the regulation buzzer barely clanked off the front of the rim.

Once the Warriors got to the extra session, the first-year head coach boldly brought out his super-small, scrappy lineup.

 width=The Cleveland Cavaliers never had an answer.

Stephen Curry had 26 points and the Warriors nearly shut out the Cavaliers in overtime en route to a 108-100 win in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

James, who scored 44 points, drove in for a meaningless layup with 8.9 seconds remaining for the Cavs' only points in the final five minutes.

The Cavs then went 1-of-9 from the field in overtime and missed 12 of their last 13 shots from the floor overall.

Cleveland also lost All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving in the extra session with a re-aggravation to his left knee while attempting to cross over Klay Thompson. Irving missed two games of the conference finals due to the injury.

Irving will undergo an MRI Wednesday.

Thompson, fully recovered from a concussion in Game 5 of the West finals against the Rockets, posted 21 points and six rebounds for the Warriors, who are in their first NBA Finals since 1975.

Iguodala's 15-point effort led a Golden State bench that outscored Cleveland's 34-9.

Irving finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals, Timofey Mozgov tallied 16 points and seven boards and James added eight rebounds and six helpers for the Cavaliers, who swept the Atlanta Hawks to reach the Finals.

Cards, Cubs, Sox Win Thursday

 width=>>Wacha, Cardinals Dominate Dodgers

Jhonny Peralta went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored, Michael Wacha threw seven innings of one-run ball, and the St. Louis Cardinals downed the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-1 in a battle of first place teams.

The only loss suffered by Wacha (8-1) this season came against the Dodgers last week, and he rebounded by limiting them to seven hits in the rematch. He did not walk a batter and struck out five.

Jason Heyward and Kolten Wong both had two-run hits, and the NL Central front- runners built off a 7-2 homestand by winning the opener of this four-game set.

Dodgers starter Carlos Frias (4-3) pitched into the seventh inning but not before surrendering five runs -- three earned -- on 10 hits and three walks.

He would have made it out of the third unscathed had it not been for Justin Turner's two-out error. The Cardinals took advantage with three straight singles, with Peralta and Mark Reynolds each driving in a run.

St. Louis tacked on three more runs in the fifth. Matt Holliday plated Wong with a sacrifice fly, and Heyward's two-out, two-run base hit made it 5-0.

 width=>>Arrieta Leads Cubs Past Nationals

Jake Arrieta struck out eight over six strong innings to lift the Chicago Cubs to a 2-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Thursday.

Arrieta (5-4) allowed one run on six hits with zero walks for the Cubs, who scored both of their runs in the first inning.

The Nationals had runners on first and second with two outs in the ninth, but catcher David Ross picked Washington's Clint Robinson off first base to seal the victory.

Washington starter Gio Gonzalez (4-3) gave up two runs on four hits while striking out six and walking four over six frames. The left-hander had not surrendered an earned run over his previous four starts against the Cubs.

After a 1 hour, 51-minute rain delay, the Cubs scored a pair of runs in the first. Dexter Fowler singled, Kris Bryant walked and Anthony Rizzo singled to load the bases with no outs. Junior Lake walked to force in a run. Another run scored when Starlin Castro grounded into a double play. Gonzalez limited the damage by getting Matt Szczur to ground out.

Anthony Rendon went 2-for-4 in his season debut after missing 53 games with a left knee sprain and a left oblique strain. He started the game at second and moved to third base when Yunel Escobar left after one inning because of an apparent injury. Danny Espinosa came on to play second.

Pedro Strop tossed a scoreless eighth and Hector Rondon closed the door in the ninth for his 10th save of the season.

National League Scoreboard
--------------------------------------
Cincinnati 6, Philadelphia 4
New York 6, Arizona 2

 width=>>Rangers Nip Sox In Extras

Shin-Soo Choo drove in the winning run in the 11th inning to lead the Texas Rangers in a 2-1 win over the Chicago White Sox in the finale of a three-game set.

With Dan Jennings (1-2) on the mound for Chicago, Leonys Martin led off the 11th with a single and was moved to second on a Hanser Alberto sacrifice bunt. After Delino DeShields was issued a free pass, Choo singled to left and Martin came home for the win.

Prince Fielder drove in the other run and Tanner Scheppers (2-0) got the win for a scoreless inning of relief for the Rangers, who have won five of their last six. Yovani Gallardo allowed a run on three hits with two walks and four strikeouts in six innings.

Gordon Beckham drove in the only run of the game for the White Sox, who have lost three of their last five. Carlos Rodon gave up a run on five hits while walking three and striking out 10 in six innings.

Texas worked a run across in the first inning as DeShields led off with a double and, after Choo walked, scored on a Fielder single. Rodon struck out the next three batters to escape the jam.

American League Scoreboard
----------------------------------------
Oakland 7, Detroit 5
Baltimore 3, Houston 2
Minnesota 8, Boston 4
Cleveland 6, Kansas City 2 (8 innings)
Tampa Bay 2, Seattle 1

 width=>>All-Star Game Coaching Staffs Named

National League All-Star manager Bruce Bochy of the San Francisco Giants and American League All-Star skipper Ned Yost of the Kansas City Royals announced on Thursday the managers who will serve as their coaches at the 86th All-Star Game.

One of Bochy's decisions will please the hometown crowd in Cincinnati, host of the contest on July 14, as Bryan Price of the Reds was named to the NL staff, along with Don Mattingly of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Price will be part of an All-Star coaching staff for the first time, while Mattingly previously served on Joe Torre's 2004 AL coaching staff while with the New York Yankees. Mattingly was also a six-time All-Star as a player in New York.

Giants assistant coach Shawon Dunston, bullpen coach Mark Gardner, first base coach Bill Hayes, third base coach Roberto Kelly, batting coach Hensley Meulens, pitching coach Dave Righetti and bench coach Ron Wotus also will join the NL staff at Great American Ball Park.

Paul Lessard, head athletic trainer of the Reds, and Scott Gehret, assistant athletic trainer of the Colorado Rockies, will tend to the NL All-Stars.

Yost selected Houston's A.J. Hinch and Seattle's Lloyd McClendon as his coaches. Hinch, in his first season with the Astros, will make his All-Star coaching debut. McClendon was part of Dusty Baker's NL staff in 2003.

In addition, the coaches from the Royals -- pitching coach Dave Eiland, catching coach Pedro Grifol, bullpen coach Doug Henry, third base coach Mike Jirschele, first base coach Rusty Kuntz, hitting coach Dale Sveum and bench coach Don Wakamatsu -- will work with the AL stars.

Adam Nevala, head athletic trainer of the Los Angeles Angels, and Paul Harker, assistant athletic trainer of the Tampa Bay Rays, will round out the AL staff.

Illini Welcome Defending National Champs To Illinois Field

 width=If the Vanderbilt Commodores are going to reach Omaha, Nebraska, and have a chance to defend their national championship at the College World Series, they must do something this program has never managed.

Win a Super Regional on the road.

Not that coach Tim Corbin and the Commodores sound the least bit daunted by the pressure of trying to follow up their feat of a year ago when they won Vanderbilt's first national title in a men's sport.

Junior pitcher Walker Buehler said Thursday winning the title last summer was cool and fun but the Commodores know they haven't done anything yet this season. He says getting that chance now means playing good baseball this weekend at Illinois.

Illinois won its first-ever NCAA Regional, going 3-0 while hosting the first NCAA Champaign Regional at Illinois Field. The Illini advanced to the Super Regional for the first time in school history.

Clinton Police Report June 5

CITATION
06/03/15
HEIDI WILSON 40, DECATUR SPEEDING 74 MPH IN A 55 MPH ZONE. BOND POSTED

ON 6/5/15 CLINTON POLICE ARRESTED LISA M. BUNDY 48, CLINTON FOR DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED AND OBSTRUCTING IDENTIFICATION. BUNDY WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE DEWITT COUNTY JAIL AND RELEASED TO CORRECTIONS.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

DeWitt County Sheriff's Report for June 2

Jail Population: 32

Paper Services: 3

Warrants: 0

Fredrick Wolf, 51, Boerne, TX was issued a Citation for Speedig 86 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Wolf was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Kelsey Dyke, 24, Ogden was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Dyke was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

What Would State Shut Down Mean

If the state fails to hammer out a budget before the next fiscal year begins July 1st, many are asking when and will I get my check from the state?

Longtime University of Illinois Springfield political science professor Kent Redfield says that July first date isn't exactly a suggestion.

[audio:6031533616-Redfieldstatepay1.mp3] [/audio]

Redfield says some state workers may not have to worry about their next check.

[audio:6031533617-Redfieldstatepay2.mp3] [/audio]

Redfield notes retirees won't be impacted because their benefits come from state pension funds.

DNR Officials Discuss Baby Animals

Whether you live in the cities or countrysides of central Illinois, you've likely noticed baby animals running around this time of year.

As you encounter these animals, Department of Natural Resources officials have some friendly reminders as you do so. Ben Schultz, a DNR Conservation Police Officer says to first and foremost, leave them alone. He encourages not touching them or feeding them.

[audio:6031533556-6415babyanimals1.mp3] [/audio]

You may notice these animals finding shelter near or around your home. According to Schultz, it's their way of finding a safe place to have these animals. He says leave them alone and eventually they will move on.

[audio:6031533559-6415babyanimals2.mp3] [/audio]

Schultz says the DNR website has great information on dealing with animals that may be lingering around your home or getting help to animals that may need special attention.

He encourages checking out dnr.illinois.gov for whatever natural resource information you may need.

Lincoln's Annual BBQ Event This Weekend

If you are into barbeque, beer or whiskey, Lincoln is the place to be this weekend.

Five years ago, the community of Lincoln introduced a barbeque event to the annual Art and Balloon Festival that took place late in the summer. Now the event, called "Pigs and Swigs", is going to be a stand alone event. According to Nicole Cox, Director of the Lincoln Chamber and Cara Barr, Activities Organizer with the Chamber, they will have the barbeque competition, craft beer tastings and the annual Sunday car show.

[audio:6031533603-6415bb1.mp3] [/audio]

Thanks to the Young Professionals Network of Logan County, there will be a beer tasting this weekend as well. According to Cox, they were able to secure some local breweries as well as well known regional brewers.

[audio:6031533605-6415bb2.mp3] [/audio]

The event was one of the big draws as a part of the annual Art and Balloon Festival, and Cox says the weekend got to be packed with so much, organizers decided to break the event up into four separate events, opening up with the "Pigs and Swigs" this weekend.

[audio:6031533607-6415bb3.mp3] [/audio]

For all things "Pigs and Swigs" this weekend, check out www.pigsandswigs.com.

PGA Tour Shifts To Dublin Ohio

 width=After a two-week stint in Texas, the PGA Tour heads to Ohio this week for the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield.

Last year, Hideki Matsuyama parred the first playoff hole to defeat Kevin Na and win for the first time on the PGA Tour. While Matsuyama has proven his worth since, he is still seeking his second victory.

Masters champion and world No. 2 Jordan Spieth is the highest ranked player in the field, while Rickie Fowler is making his first appearance on the PGA Tour since winning the Players three weeks ago.

Also making his first start since the Players is five-time Memorial champion Tiger Woods, who tied for 69th at TPC Sawgrass in early May. This will be Woods' fifth start of the season as he looks to win this event for a sixth time. 

NBA Finals Open Tonight

The NBA Finals are almost upon us.

After a week of buildup, and healing, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers will fight for an NBA title, beginning Thursday night at Oracle Arena in Oakland.

The two best teams in the league, at the moment, also feature two of the biggest stars, if not the biggest.

 width=LeBron James is LeBron James. He is appearing in his fifth consecutive NBA Finals after four straight in Miami, a run which yielded two titles. Five straight championship appearances is something that hasn't been done since the Bill Russell Celtics.

Steph Curry is the reigning MVP. He earned the association's highest individual honor and, through State Farm and his daughter Riley, has become one of the darlings of the sport.

These two teams had a relatively easy time reaching the Finals round. The Warriors, who matched the sixth-best regular-season win total in league history, swept Round 1 versus the New Orleans Pelicans, needed six games to dispatch the Memphis Grizzlies and five in the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets.

The Cavs went through less stress in the postseason. They swept the Boston Celtics, beat the Chicago Bulls in six, then swept the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Golden State's Klay Thompson suffered a nasty concussion in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals when Houston's Trevor Ariza bit on a fake and kneed Thompson in the side of the head.

The Warriors announced a few days later that Thompson had suffered a concussion. As of Tuesday morning, Thompson, an All-NBA third-teamer, had not been cleared for Game 1, but he did participate in practice.

The Warriors don't have a single player on the roster who has been in the title round. The person with the most Finals experience involved with Golden State is head coach Steve Kerr, who won five titles in his playing career with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs.

Sox, Cubs Win; Cards Lose

 width=>>White Sox Take Down Rangers

Jose Abreu capped a six-run second inning with a two-run homer, and the Chicago White Sox jumped on Nick Martinez early and cruised to a 9-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday.

Abreu added an RBI single in the fourth as the White Sox improved to 5-5 on an 11-game road trip that ends Thursday in the finale of this three-game series.

Tyler Flowers also smacked a two-run shot, and Carlos Sanchez and Adam Eaton each knocked in two runs to back a strong start from Chris Sale (5-2), who struck out 13 over seven frames and allowed just three hits and two walks.

Martinez (4-2) came in with a sparkling 2.03 ERA but saw it increase by nearly a run after getting touched for seven runs on nine hits over 3 1/3 innings.

American League Scoreboard
----------------------------------------
Boston 6, Minnesota 3 (Game One)
Minnesota 2, Boston 0 (Game Two)
New York 3, Seattle 1
Oakland 6, Detroit 1
Houston 3, Baltimore 1
Kansas City 4, Cleveland 2
Tampa Bay 6, LA Angels of Anaheim 5 (10 innings)
Toronto 8, Washington 0

 width=>>Cardinals Slug Brewers

The St. Louis Cardinals scored five runs in the first inning and held on for a 7-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.

Matt Carpenter, Jhonny Peralta and Yadier Molina all had two hits in support of John Lackey (4-3), who got the win with three runs allowed on 10 hits in seven innings.

Jimmy Nelson (2-6) allowed all seven Cardinals runs, six earned, in five innings.

Gerardo Parra had four hits, including a solo homer, but the Brewers were without right fielder Ryan Braun, who was away from the team to get an injection in his ailing right thumb.

The Cardinals won the last two games of the three-game series.

They sent all nine batters to the plate in the first inning. The first six reached base, including Peralta and Mark Reynolds with RBI hits. Between those hits, third baseman Hector Gomez's error on a ground ball from Randal Grichuk potentially cost Milwaukee a double play, and Molina and Jason Heyward added to the big inning with sacrifice flies.

 width=>>After Tempers Flare, Marlins Beat Cubs

Giancarlo Stanton and Jeff Baker hit back-to- back home runs and the Miami Marlins took the finale of a three-game set from the Chicago Cubs 7-3 on Wednesday.

Martin Prado drove in two runs and Adeiny Hechavarria scored twice for Miami, which got 5 2/3 innings of three-run ball from Dan Haren (6-2).

Jon Lester (4-4) was roughed up for six runs on nine hits in just five innings for Chicago, while Junior Lake hit his first home run of the season starting in place of the injured Jorge Soler.

The lead grew to 6-0 after Stanton and Baker hit back-to-back homers in the fifth.

Lake put Chicago on the board with a two-run homer a half-inning later. Lake gestured at the Miami dugout during his home run trot Wednesday night, which inspired a bench-clearing confrontation led by Marlins ace Jose Fernandez.

After rounding third base, Lake put his index finger to his lips as if gesturing for silence while he looked at the Marlins. Several Miami players along the railing screamed at Lake in response and then ran onto the field, with Fernandez vaulting over the railing to lead the way even though he's on the disabled list.

Surrounded by their teammates, Lake and Fernandez screamed at each other near home plate before they were pulled away toward their respective dugouts. No one was ejected.

Lake was slow starting into his trot after he homered, and pitcher Dan Haren glared at him from the mound.

Starlin Castro followed with a triple and three batters later, pinch-hitter Matt Szczur chased Haren from the contest with an RBI single that cut the deficit in half.

Prado's RBI infield single in the sixth produced the final run.

National League Scoreboard
--------------------------------------
Arizona 9, Atlanta 8
Pittsburgh 5, San Francisco 2
Philadelphia 5, Cincinnati 4 (11 innings)
Colorado 7, Los Angeles 6
San Diego 7, New York 3

Blackhawks Score Twice Late, Stun Lightning

 width=The Blackhawks hung around long enough, and that patience paid off with a pair of late third-period goals less than two minutes apart to shock the Lightning on home ice in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Teuvo Teravainen scored to spark the comeback and assisted on Antoine Vermette's game winner as Chicago topped Tampa Bay 2-1 on Wednesday night.

Corey Crawford made 22 saves in a solid performance for the Blackhawks, who are attempting to win their third Stanley Cup in the past six seasons.

Chicago also won Game 1 when winning hockey's most coveted trophy in 2010 and 2013.

Alex Killorn scored on a skillful redirection and Ben Bishop stopped 19 shots in defeat for the Lightning, who are making their first Finals appearance since defeating Calgary in 2004.

The series continues with Game 2 at Amalie Arena on Saturday night.

Football: Six Illini Preseason All-Big Ten

 width=Six Illinois players were named to Phil Steele's preseason All-Big Ten teams, released this week. Senior linebacker Mason Monheim was a first-team selection, one of six Fighting Illini recognized.
Senior wide reciever Geronimo Allison and senior offensive lineman Ted Karras were Second Team selections.

Senior Runningback Josh Ferguson and senior defensive lineman Jihad Ward were Third Team picks.

And junior linebacker T.J. Neal was a Fourth Team selection.

Monheim led the Fighting Illini in tackles in 2014 with 111 and has 294 career stops during his first three seasons. Allison hauled in 41 catches for 598 yards and five touchdowns in 2014, while Karras is a three-year starter and unquestioned leader on the offensive line. Ferguson is one of the top dual-threat backs in the nation (735 rush yards/427 receiving yards and 10 total TDs in 2014), Ward is primed for a breakout senior season after notching 8.5 TFLs, 3.0 sacks and recovering four fumbles last season, and Neal ranked fourth on the team with 98 tackles and had 6.5 TFLs in his first year as a starter.

Baseball: Illini Super Regional Nearly Sold Out

 width=Illinois's surging baseball team has sold most of its tickets for this weekend's Super Regional against Vanderbilt.

The Illini will face the Commodores Saturday, Sunday and, if need be, Monday in a series at Illinois Field on campus in Champaign. The first team with two wins advances to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

According to reports, reserved tickets for the series were sold out by early Tuesday morning. The school said some general admission tickets were left.

Illinois (50-8-1) moved to the Super Regional by winning three straight last weekend at the Champaign regional. The Illini have won 50 games in a season for the first time in their history.

Vanderbilt (45-19) won the regional it hosted with three consecutive wins.

Cornbelters Defeat Windy City

The Bloomington Cornbelters defeated the Windy City Thunderbolts 3 to 2, marking their 9th straight win in a row, a new franchise record. 

 

Tune in Friday June 5 as the Cornbelters take on the Southern Illinois Miners. You can hear the game live on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com

Warner Library Summer Reading Club Underway

 width=It's all fun and games at the Warner Library this summer.

The Clinton library's annual summer reading club is underway and this year's theme is "Read to the Rythm". Paula Lopatick, with the Warner Library, says it's never too late to register. Registration started last Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day even though school was in session.

[audio:6021514733-6315summerread1.mp3] [/audio]

Activities, games and programs are scheduled from the start of the summer to the very end. According to Lopatick, their programs range from casual reading times to programs that inspire the imagination.

[audio:6021514739-6315summerread2.mp3] [/audio]

Lopatick has also loaded the calendar with a lot of exciting and interactive programs including Nitro Joe's Science Show, Silly Safaris Live Animal Show and Stomp Rocket Workshop.

[audio:6021514745-6315summerread3.mp3] [/audio]

While the summer is full of fun and games, Lopatick says they also want the kids to focus on reading. Prizes are given away and times are blocked out for reading. She says kids reading away from the school setting is very important for their learning when they return to school in the fall.

[audio:6021514749-6315summerread4.mp3] [/audio]

Lopatick wants reading to be fun for kids. She says whatever kids want to read is what they should read.

To get registered for the summer reading club, stop in at the Warner Library at 410 North Quincy Street in Clinton. Registering is easy and there is no deadline to be a part of the program.

For a calendar of events, visit the Library's website at vwarner.org or find them on Facebook.

Clinton's New Elementary School Waves Good Bye To Inaugural First Year

 width=After the first year in their new building, leaders of the Clinton's one-year old Elementary School are reflecting on the first year in their facility.

Principal of Clinton Elementary School, Mary Diener believes one of the biggest advantages to bringing grades two-through five into one building is having all those teachers being able to work together now, all in one place.

[audio:6021514719-6315schoolyear11.mp3] [/audio]

The school year was ushered in with Grandparents Day. According to Diener, all students and their grandparents were served breakfast and then the students had the opportunity to show them their classroom and some of the things they were working on.

[audio:6021514722-6315schoolyear12.mp3] [/audio]

In the midst of the year's progression, the students were introduced to a new administrator. Dawn Timmerman was brought on as the school's Assistant Principal. She explains she's been in the district for a while, and moved into her role as assistant principal temporarily, then later it became permanent.

[audio:6021514726-6315schoolyear13.mp3] [/audio]

This past Veteran's Day, the kids put together a special program for the Veterans of the community. Diener explains they started their day with breakfast and then put together a special presentation honoring those who served.

[audio:6021514729-6315schoolyear14.mp3] [/audio]

Diener notes they also hosted a family night before school let out for the summer, and she thanks all the kids, families and community members who came out for the event. She felt it was a huge success.

Leinart, Crouch Headline College HOF Ballot

Former Heisman Trophy winners Matt Leinart, Eric Crouch and Rashaan Salaam are among 76 Football Bowl Subdivision players on the ballot for election into the 2016 class of the College Football Hall of Fame.

 width=Leinart, the 2004 Heisman recipient and a two-time First-Team All-American at Southern California, is on the ballot for the first time. He led the Trojans to three straight national championship games from 2003-05, helping the school to consecutive Associated Press titles in '03 and '04.

Crouch captured the 2001 Heisman as a senior quarterback at Nebraska after leading the Cornhuskers to the national title game that season. He still owns the NCAA record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 59 and led the Huskers to a record of 42-9 with four bowl berths during his career.

Salaam took home the 1994 Heisman as a junior at Colorado, leading the nation with a school-record 2,055 rushing yards while scoring 24 touchdowns that season.

A trio of Pro Football Hall of Famers, running back Eric Dickerson (SMU), linebacker Derrick Brooks (Florida State) and defensive back Rod Woodson (Purdue), are also listed on the ballot, as are former NFL stars Ray Lewis (Miami-Florida), Brian Urlacher (New Mexico), Morten Andersen (Michigan State), Jerome Brown (Miami-Florida), Keith Byars (Ohio State), Randall Cunningham (UNLV), Bert Jones (LSU), Antwaan Randle El (Indiana) and Andre Tippett (Iowa).

Other notable names on the ballot included Terrell Buckley (Florida State), Kerry Collins (Penn State), Tim Couch (Kentucky), Raghib Ismail (Notre Dame) and former Arizona Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson -- an All-American wide receiver at Michigan State in 1978.

Rams, NFL Notes

>>Rams Add Former QB Jeff Garcia To Coaching Staff

 width=The St. Louis Rams have added former NFL quarterback Jeff Garcia to their coaching staff.

Garcia will serve as an offensive assistant, primarily with receivers coach Ray Sherman. He spent the 2014 season coaching quarterbacks for the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL.

In a 17-year career that included NFL stops with San Francisco, Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay, as well as a successful four-year run in the CFL, Garcia threw for nearly 42,000 yards.

The San Jose State product was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was also a four-time CFL All-Star and the league's 1997 MVP. He led Calgary to a Grey Cup title in 1998, then joined the 49ers in 1999.

>>Panthers, Newton Agree To Mega-Deal

The Carolina Panthers announced on Tuesday that quarterback Cam Newton signed a new five-year contract extension.

Multiple reports indicate the pact, which is set to expire in 2020, is worth $103.8 million and includes $60 million guaranteed. Additional sources revealed the deal will pay Newton $67.6 million over the first three years, the most in league history for that span.

Newton led the Panthers to a second consecutive NFC South title despite a 7-8-1 record and guided the club to their first postseason victory since 2005. He finished with 3,127 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over 14 games, while adding 539 rushing yards and five more TDs.

>>AP Returns To Vikings

Adrian Peterson is back with the Minnesota Vikings for the first time in almost nine months and says his return to the team went "smooth."

Peterson returned for organized team activities on Tuesday after missing last week's initial spring workout sessions due to friction with upper management.

"I had a long time to really think about things and ultimately what it came down to was getting back in the building," Peterson said.

"I've been working really hard to keep my body in shape and it came down to getting back in the building, being around my teammates, being around the coaches and getting back into the swing of things," he said. "So I reached out and gave them a heads up that, hey, I'll be in town and I'll be coming in."

Peterson missed nearly all of last season after he was indicted in Texas on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child, having admitted to hitting his 4-year-old son with a tree branch last May.

On Tuesday, Peterson, who has been undergoing counseling, said he "made a mistake."

"I know a lot of people don't view it that way based on what they've seen, but ultimately that's what it was and my son knows that," he said. "He knows I love him and my other kids know the same."

Peterson said the first person he apologized to was his son.

Bulls Officially Name Fred Hoiberg Head Coach

The Chicago Bulls made it official Tuesday and named Fred Hoiberg as their new head coach.

 width=Reports over the weekend indicated that Hoiberg agreed to a five-year deal worth about $25 million to leave the comforts of Iowa State for the hot seat with the Bulls.

Hoiberg spent five seasons as head coach at Iowa State. He led his alma mater to a record of 115-56 with NCAA Tournament appearances each of the last four years.

The 42-year-old Nebraska native played for the Bulls from 1999-2003 as part of 10-year NBA career that also included stops with Indiana (1995-99) and Minnesota (2003-05).

He underwent surgery in June 2005 to correct an enlarged aortic root, then joined the coaching staff of the Timberwolves after an attempt to come back as a player and remained in Minnesota's front office until taking the job at Iowa State.

Chicago moved quickly to find a replacement for Tom Thibodeau, who was fired late last week amid friction with the front office despite five successful seasons.

Gallo Leads Rangers in Major League Debut; Cards Win, Cubs Lose

>>Gallo Opens Big League Career With Record Performance

Joey Gallo finished a triple shy of the cycle in his major league debut as the Texas Rangers romped to a 15-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series.

Gallo made his debut in place of injured third baseman Adrian Beltre and went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer, four RBI and three runs scored.

Carlos Corporan clubbed a three-run homer and drove in five and Shin-Soo Choo added a solo blast and two RBI for the Rangers, who have won their last four. Colby Lewis (5-3) allowed two runs on six hits in seven innings for the win.

Adam Eaton hit a two-run homer for the White Sox, who have lost three of their last five. Jeff Samardzija (4-3) was tagged for nine runs on 12 hits in just five-plus innings.

American League Scoreboard
----------------------------------------
Washington 2, Toronto 0 (Game 1)
Toronto 7, Washington 3 (Game 2)
Oakland 5, Detroit 3
Boston 1, Minnesota 0
Houston 6, Baltimore 4
Cleveland 2, Kansas City 1
Tampa Bay 6, LA Angels of Anaheim 1
New York 5, Seattle 3 (11 innings)

 width=>>Cardinals Blank Brewers

Mark Reynolds had the only RBI of the night to back a stellar outing from Lance Lynn as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 1-0 on Tuesday.

Lynn (4-4) was brilliant in his outing, scattering five hits and striking out five in 7 2/3 scoreless innings.

Matt Holliday had his streak of reaching base safely to begin the season halted at 45 games after he was ejected in an 0-for-3 effort. The streak was the fifth longest to begin a season in MLB history and his 47 straight games dating back to last season was eight off Stan Musial's club record set in 1943.

Tyler Cravy (0-1), making his MLB debut, was charged with one run on four hits with six strikeouts in seven innings.

After getting blanked 1-0 in the series opener, St. Louis got on the board with one in the second. Randal Grichuk doubled with one out and Reynolds singled two batters later for a 1-0 lead. Reynolds was thrown out at second to end the inning.

Lynn, meanwhile, needed just that as he limited just two Brewers to reach second through seven innings.

In the home seventh, Holliday's streak ended after he was thrown out by homeplate umpire Joe West for arguing balls and strikes. Matheny was then subsequently ejected for coming to Holliday's defense.

 width=>>Ozuna, Stanton Lead Cardinals Past Cubs

Marcell Ozuna gave the Miami Marlins the lead for good with a double in the fifth as they defeated the Chicago Cubs 5-2 in the second of a three-game set at Marlins Park.

Brad Hand was serviceable once again for Miami, tossing six innings of two-run ball. Hand (1-1) threw five scoreless frames in his first start of the season last time out at Pittsburgh.

Giancarlo Stanton homered and Adeiny Hechavarria also knocked in a run for Miami, which had lost two straight.

Kyle Hendricks (1-2) took the loss for the Cubs after he went six innings and allowed four runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts.

Anthony Rizzo and Junior Lake each had an RBI in the loss.

National League Scoreboard
--------------------------------------
Colorado 6, Los Angeles 3 (Game 1)
Los Angeles 9, Colorado 8 (Game Two)
Philadelphia 5, Cincinnati 4
Arizona 7, Atlanta 6
San Diego 7, New York 2
Pittsburgh 7, San Francisco 4

Veteran Blackhawks, Youthful Lightning Open Stanley Cup Playoffs

 width=The Chicago Blackhawks headed south this week to secure a dynasty, and the Tampa Bay Lightning are the only obstacle left.

Jonathan Toews and his teammates have already raised the Stanley Cup twice in the past five seasons. They're just four wins away from a third NHL title that would establish them as the most accomplished club of their era.

The opener of the Stanley Cup Final is Wednesday night in Tampa Bay.

City Purchased Property Pays Off With New Save-A-Lot Store

 width=The City of Clinton has come under much scrutiny in recent years for their purchases of property and lots around the community and one local leader is chiming in.

Monday night the City Council officially sold land owned to a holding company for the building of a new Save-A-Lot store. According to City Commissioner Tom Edmunds, those properties were purchased because run down buildings were being neglected.

[audio:60315104820-6415cityprop1.mp3] [/audio]

With eyes to the future, the City purchased a parcel of land on South Quincy Street. According to Edmunds, the Council hopes to eventually replace the water tower that sits just across the block from the current property.

[audio:60315104822-6415cityprop2.mp3] [/audio]

Edmunds indicates the current water tower is very old and will eventually need to be replaced. He feels putting money into fixing it is only "putting good money after bad" as the water tower continues to age.

[audio:60315104825-6415cityprop3.mp3] [/audio]

Edmunds stresses the project of a new water tower is a very long term project. He felt the opportunity was too good to be passed up given it's proximity to the current tower.

Cornbelters Defeat Windy City Thunderbolts

The Bloomington Cornbelters defeated the Windy City Thunderbolts 6 to 3. This marks their 8th win in a row, a new franchise record.

 

Tune in Thursday June 4 as the Cornbelters take on the Windy City Thunderbolts. You can hear the game live on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

NHL Notes

 width=

>>Rangers F Zuccarello Suffered Brain Injury

The New York Rangers offered their end-of- season injury updates on Monday, with one alarming diagnosis.

Forward Mats Zuccarello, who was pronounced out indefinitely with an upper body injury late in the first round, was later found to have suffered a brain contusion.

While revealing the injury is not yet completely healed, the club expects the 27-year-old Norwegian to make a full recovery in time for training camp.

According to the New York Post, Zuccarello said he temporarily lost the ability to talk and move one of his arms, and also required speech therapy.

Zuccarello left New York's 2-1 overtime series-clinching Game 5 win against Pittsburgh in the first period after taking a puck off the side of his head.

The top-line right wing had a pair of assists in the series and did not play again as the Blueshirts lost a seven-game Eastern Conference finals matchup against Tampa Bay. In 78 regular-season appearances, he picked up 49 points (15G, 34A).

In addition, the Rangers revealed that defenseman Ryan McDonagh suffered a fractured right foot in Game 4 of the conference finals, while blueliner Dan Girardi was the victim of a Grade 1 medial collateral ligament sprain in that same contest.

Defenseman Marc Staal also played through a hairline fracture in an ankle which occurred at some point in the regular season.

>>Devils Name New Head Coach

The New Jersey Devils are set to announce John Hynes as their next coach at a press conference on Tuesday.

According to The Record, New Jersey has an agreement in place with Hynes but have to settle on draft-pick compensation with the Penguins, whose AHL team is coached by Hynes.

The 40-year-old has coached the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins since 2010, when he was promoted to the position by now Devils general manager Ray Shero, who previously held the same position with Pittsburgh.

New Jersey fired coach Pete DeBoer, since hired by San Jose, on Dec. 26 and went the rest of the season with co-coaches Scott Stevens and Adam Oates behind the bench along with team president Lou Lamoriello.

PGA: Bowditch Vaults To 64 In World Rankings

 width=Steven Bowditch coasted to a 4-shot victory at the Byron Nelson Championship on Sunday and that helped him jump all the way up to No. 65 in the world rankings.

Bowditch, who earned his second career victory, vaulted well into the top-100. The Australian improved 62 spots from 127 to 64.

Despite missing his second consecutive cut on the European Tour at last week's Irish Open, Rory McIlroy remains in firm control of the No. 1 ranking. Masters champion Jordan Spieth sits comfortably at No. 2 as well.

Bubba Watson and Henrik Stenson swapped spots, with Watson up one to three and Stenson down to four. Jim Furyk and Justin Rose held steady at five and six, respectively.

Players champion Rickie Fowler and WGC-Cadillac winner Dustin Johnson both jumped a pair and are up to Nos. 7 and 8. Sergio Garcia and Jason Day each fell two to Nos. 9 and 10.

Jimmy Walker and Adam Scott traded places, pushing Walker up to 11 and Scott down to 12. J.B. Holmes, Hideki Matsuyama and Patrick Reed are Nos. 13-15.

Chris Kirk and Martin Kaymer exchanged places, while Matt Kuchar, Phil Mickelson and Billy Horschel rounded out the top-20 once again.

Hammel Paces Cubs; Cardinals Shut Out

 width=>>Hammel Strikes Out 11 As Cubs Top Marlins

Jason Hammel struck out a career-high 11 batters as he pitched the Chicago Cubs to a 5-1 victory over the Miami Marlins in the opener of a three-game series on Monday night.

Hammel (4-2) allowed a run on five hits and issued no walks in 6 2/3 innings.

He was bidding to throw at least seven innings in five consecutive starts for the first time in his career, but when a bloop single by Donovan Solano put men on the corners, Cubs manager Joe Maddon went to the bullpen.

James Russell got a groundout from pinch-hitter Ichiro Suzuki to end the threat.

Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant each had an RBI and Dexter Fowler scored two runs for the Cubs, who began a nine-game trip with just their third win in seven tries.

Miami's Jose Urena (0-2) lasted six innings in his second major league start. He allowed three runs on four hits, walked three and struck out four.

 width=>>Fiers, Brewers Blank Cardinals

Mike Fiers pitched six scoreless innings and the Milwaukee Brewers blanked the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0 on Monday.

Fiers (2-5) struck out six, yielding just four hits and two walks to help the Brewers win the first of this three-game series. Milwaukee has dropped six straight series against St. Louis.

Jaime Garcia (1-2) suffered the tough-luck loss despite allowing just one hit after the first inning. He was charged with the lone run, striking out four in seven innings.

National League Scoreboard
--------------------------------------
Los Angeles 11, Colorado 4
Atlanta 8, Arizona 1
New York 7, San Diego 0
Pittsburgh 4, San Francisco 3
Toronto at Washington, postponed

American League Scoreboard
----------------------------------------
Houston 5, Baltimore 2
LA Angels of Anaheim 7, Tampa Bay 3
New York 7, Seattle 2
Minnesota at Boston, postponed

>>Brewers Lucroy Comes Off DL

The Milwaukee Brewers will have catcher Jonathan Lucroy back in the lineup when the struggling club begins a three- game series Monday in St. Louis.

Lucroy, sidelined for the past six weeks by a broken toe, was activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to Monday's game against the Cardinals.

The 2014 All-Star suffered the injury when a foul tip off the bat of Cincinnati's Zack Cozart struck him in the foot during an April 20 game against the Reds.

Lucroy just completed a four-game rehab assignment with Class A Brevard County in which he went 4-for-16 with three runs scored.

YMCA Readies For Summer Camp

 width=Clinton students this week are celebrating the first week of summer, which means staff for one local organization are busy for the summer.

Camp Osage is the yearly summer program put on by the Clinton YMCA. Executive Director Rennie Cluver says his staff work diligently to keep kids that come out for the program busy each day throughout the summer.

[audio:6021581409-6215osage1.mp3] [/audio]

Camp Osage is very flexible for families with varying schedules. Cluver says any time kids need to be picked up they can be and the drop off times are flexible as well.

[audio:6021581412-6215osage2.mp3] [/audio]

Cluver believes Camp Osage offers something for everyone. He says it's not just for kids who want to run around or play sports all day. He says they have time for arts and crafts and even notes they are going to be teaching the ukelele this summer as well.

[audio:6021581414-6215osage3.mp3] [/audio]

The kids will go on field trips on Friday's. Cluver says they've been to a water park in Bloomington and other places around the area.

To learn more about Camp Osage, stop in to the Clinton Y at 417 South Alexander Street, or call them at 935-8307. You can also check out their website for more information at www.clintoncommymca.org.

DeWitt County Sheriff's Weekend Report

Jail Population: 35

Paper Services: 4

Warrants: 0

Michael Runyon, 28, Maroa was issued a Citation for Expired Registration and Speeding 72 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Runyon was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Jason Payton, 43, Bloomington was issued a Citation for Speeding 73 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Payton was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Ward Khambdeng, 46, Urbana was issued a Citation for Speeding 72 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Khambdeng was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Raymond Dial, 28, Wapella was issued a Citation for Speeding 72 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Dial was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Dalotn Dupont, 23, Oakley was issued a Citation for Speeding 75 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone. Dupont was issued a Promise to Comply and was released.

Jason Shofner, 33, Kenney was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Shofner was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

James Rapp, 54, Heyworth was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Rapp was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

Amy Gall, 34, Normal was issued a Citation for Operating Uninsured Vehicle. Gall was issued a Notice to Appear and was released.

 

 

 

ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

Governor Rauner Orders Start of State Agency Shutdown

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner Tuesday afternoon announced several measures that state agencies are or will be doing, in the wake of the budget impass in Springfield.


The Illinois General Assembly last week passed a budget that's nearly 4-billion dollars short of what's needed to pay the state's bills. Rauner didn't sign the budget sent to him, and as a result he announced the following measures Tuesday afternoon:
At the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, effective immediately:
The immediate suspension of all future incentive offers to companies for business attraction and retention. This includes EDGE Tax Credits, Large Business Attraction Grants, Employer Training Investment Program Incentive Grants and Prime Sites Grants.
That agency will defer application approvals for film tax credits and High Impact Business designations.
And, the Governor says all commitments previously made in any of these programs will be honored.
The Governor also is preparing for the July 1 suspension of the State Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (SLIHEAP). The federal portion of the program, funded at about $170 million, will continue.

At the Illinois Department of Transportation, effective immediately:

The Illiana Expressway will not move forward at this time. As a result, the Illinois Department of Transportation will remove the project from its current multi-year plan. It is the determination of IDOT that the project costs exceed currently available resources. The Department will begin the process of suspending all existing project contracts and procurements.

Rauner also instructed I-DOT to “ground” all state plane passenger service starting July First. Planes will be maintained and available for emergency services.

At the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, Rauner ordered the beginning of the process of identifying one or two juvenile correctional facilities for closure. The Governor says the Illinois Juvenile system has a surplus Capacity at approximately 1,200 beds, with less than 700 occupied.

At the Department of Corrections, Rauner ordered the start of the process of closing the Hardin County Work Camp. Approximately 180 inmates will be moved, and about 60 Work Camp staff are affected.

At the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Governor ordered implementation of an audit review of nursing home reimbursements to ensure payments comply with recently implemented new rate structure. He also ordered the agency to recover overpayments to nursing homes and implement financial penalties for improper billings.

At the Illinois State Police, the Governor ordered an immediate freeze on all vehicle purchases.

At the Illinois Department on Aging, Rauner filed emergency rules to enact means testing to Aging’s Community Care Program. No income limit currently exists. He also told the agency to increase the Determination of Need (DON) Score required to obtain services through Aging’s Community Care Program.

At the Illinois Department of Human Services, as a result of the lack of a state budget, the Governor told the agency to pursue cost control strategies through emergency rules to the Childcare Program, increase copays for parents using the program; and freeze intake and create waiting lists. DHS will also begin background checks for relatives providing child care. Background checks are currently required for child care licensed centers, group homes and non-relatives who provide care.

And, at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Rauner instructed that agency not to award Open Space Land Acquisition Development Grants in FY16, and The Department will begin the process to suspend operations and close the five state museums to visitors. The state will continue to maintain and secure the museums to protect the artifacts and exhibits.

Legislative leaders in Springfield are expected to be in session thru the summer until a new state budget is reached.

Monticello Schools Preparing For Next Decision for Buidlings

After a failed referendum asking Monticello voters if they wanted to build a new high school, officials in the district are preparing for the next round of community engagement.

Prior to the November election, the district extensively engaged the community to find out what they wanted. According to Dr. Vic Zimmerman, they ran numbers for remodeling their current facilities and they also ran numbers to build a new building and let the community tell them what they wanted.

[audio:6011581058-6115montbuild1.mp3] [/audio]

 width=After the community gave the district the proverbial thumbs up to put the referendum on the ballot then shot it down, officials in Monticello went back to the community to find out why it was voted down. Dr. Zimmerman indicates they came back with a number of concerns.

[audio:6011581102-6115montbuild2.mp3] [/audio]

Dr. Zimmerman felt as though the district had all their bases covered when it came to passing the referendum and getting community approval. He explains the costs of the building likely aren't to change and he says there's limit areas they can put their high school in the community.

[audio:6011581107-6115montbuild3.mp3] [/audio]

Now the district must now all but start over. Dr. Zimmerman says they are planning a new round of community engagement to find out what is next. He indicates they gave their architects a range of 50 projects to get some prices on that they would potentially take on.

[audio:6011581112-6115montbuild4.mp3] [/audio]

Dr. Zimmerman indicates they are hoping to have a more detailed plan to present to the community next March.

While the district's building referendum failed, Piatt County passed a sales tax referendum that would provide additional revenue strictly for their facilities.

New DJWH Board President Says Management Firm Isn't Priority Right Now

 width=The latest President of the Dr. John Warner Hospital Board says the subject of a management firm isn't a top priority at the moment for him.

Aaron Kammeyer earlier this month was named the new President of the city-owned hospital board and he says right now, he's focused on other things than whether to bring on a management firm. He wants to get his feet wet as president and begin to learn the issues facing the hospital.

[audio:6011581049-6115kammeyermanag1.mp3] [/audio]

In his time previously on the DJWH Board, Kammeyer and his peers were a part of a strategic plan update and he indicates interim CEO, Paul Skowron has looked at the strategic plan and feels there are lots of ideas that can still be applicable for the hospital after a few years of its development.

[audio:6011581046-6115kammeyerman4.mp3] [/audio]

Kammeyer previously served on the Board and says his short stint was an eye-opening and learning experience. he says a lot of the projects the previous Board worked on have come to fruition since that time.

[audio:6011581052-6115kammeyermanag2.mp3] [/audio]

The new board has some familiar faces, but many, like Kammeyer, have been off the board for a short period of time. He feels despite the absense, the working relationships they developed should carry over to this term.

[audio:6011581055-6115kammeyermanag3.mp3] [/audio]

Kammeyer asked his fellow Board members to meet with Skowron to get an idea of where the hospital is at financially, from a moral stand point and to find out what Skowron has in mind for the city-owned facility going forward.

Johnson Wins 10th Race At Dover

 width=Jimmie Johnson benefited from a late-race pit strategy to win Sunday's FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks at Dover International Speedway.

Johnson, the six-time Sprint Cup Series champion, has now won at this one- mile, concrete-surfaced track 10 times, including victories in three of the last four races here.

Starting 14th, Johnson was not much of a factor until the last 50 laps. During a caution with less than 30 laps left, Harvick and Johnson opted not to pit and remained 1-2, respectively, in the running order. All others on the lead lap pitted.

Johnson pulled ahead of Harvick for the lead following a restart with 23 laps to go and then held off Harvick in two more restarts, including one for a green-white-checkered finish. Johnson beat Harvick to the finish line by 0.4 seconds for his fourth win of the season and the 74th of his Sprint Cup career. He led only the final 23 laps.

Kyle Larson finished third, followed by Kasey Kahne, Aric Almirola and Martin Truex Jr, who ran in front for a race-high 131 laps.

Jamie McMurray finished seventh, while Paul Menard Clint Bowyer and Jeff Gordon completed the top-10. Gordon won the most recent race at Dover last September.

Bowditch Leads Wire To Wire To Claim Byron Nelson Championship

 width=Steven Bowditch carded four birdies on the back nine Sunday to pull away from the field and win the Byron Nelson Championship by four strokes.

Bowditch closed with a 5-under 64 to end at 18-under-par 259. This was his second win on the PGA Tour, and his second victory in the state of Texas. He also won the Texas Open in San Antonio last season.

Charley Hoffman and Jimmy Walker had chances to put pressure on Bowditch, but Hoffman ran out of holes and Walker stumbled to a pair of bogeys early on the back nine. Hoffman (65), Walker (66) and Scott Pinckney (66) shared second place at minus-14.

Zach Johnson fired a 6-under 63 at a shortened TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas to grab fifth place at 13-under-par 264. Brandt Snedeker (64) and Jon Curran (68) tied for sixth at minus-12.

Rams RB Suspended

 width=St. Louis Rams running back Trey Watts will be suspended for the first four regular season games of the 2015 season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

Watts, an undrafted free agent from Tulsa, appeared in 14 games for the Rams in 2015 and carried the ball seven times for 30 yards and added three receptions.

The 24-year-old will be allowed to participate in offseason activities and the preseason.

Bulls Working On Hiring Iowa State's Fred Hoiberg

The Chicago Bulls are reportedly working on a five-year contract with Fred Hoiberg so he can become the new coach of the team.

Sources told ESPN that the deal would be complete by the middle of next week, at the latest.

 width=The 42-year-old Hoiberg, who played for the Bulls from 1999-2003, has been the coach at Iowa State the last five seasons. His coaching record with the Cyclones stands at 115-56. Iowa State has made the NCAA Tournament each of the last four seasons.

The Bulls need a replacement for Tom Thibodeau, who was fired on Thursday. Thibodeau spent the past five seasons as the team's head coach and led the Bulls to a record of 255-139. Chicago reached the playoffs in each of his five seasons and advanced as far the conference finals in the spring of 2011 at the conclusion of his first year.

However, the Bulls suffered a pair of first-round exits and two second-round losses over the next four seasons, and friction between the coach and front office apparently developed.

The New York Daily News reported the parameters of Hoiberg's deal was already being discussed while Thibodeau was still employed by the Bulls. The newspaper reported Hoiberg's contract with the Bulls is believed to be worth about $25 million.

The newspaper additionally reported Hoiberg is just waiting to be cleared medically before he accepts the job. He underwent a replacement of his aortic valve on April 17 this year.

Cards, Cubs, Sox Win Sunday

 width=>>Martinez Gives Cardinals Emotional Win Over Dodgers

Carlos Martinez pitched seven strong innings as the St. Louis Cardinals grabbed a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in a rubber match of a three-game series.

Martinez (5-2) allowed just one hit and walked three while striking out eight. Jhonny Peralta hit a two-run homer and drove in three for the Cardinals, who have won six of their last seven.

Joc Pederson's solo home run in the eighth accounted for the only offense for the Dodgers, who have lost three of their last four. Brett Anderson (2-3) gave up a pair of runs on five hits in six innings to take the loss.

St. Louis got the only runs it needed in the first inning, as Matt Carpenter singled with one out and Peralta followed with his eighth home run of the season for a 2-0 lead.

Los Angeles didn't have a runner advance past second base until the eighth inning, when Pederson hit his 13th home run of the season.

Walks to Jon Jay and Carpenter in the bottom of the eighth were followed be a single from Peralta for a 3-1 lead.

Trevor Rosenthal pitched around a pair of two-out walks in the ninth for his 15th save of the season.

 width=>>Cubs Down Royals In 11th

The windy conditions at Wrigley Field helped David Ross plate the game-winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning of the Chicago Cubs' 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Ryan Madson (0-1) issued consecutive walks to Dexter Fowler and Kris Bryant to start the decisive frame. Jason Frasor replaced him on the mound, and Anthony Rizzo delivered what appeared to be a game-winning drive into left, but Alex Gordon's off-balance throw arrived at the plate just in time for Salvador Perez to tag a sliding Fowler.

After a lengthy video review confirmed the call and Starlin Castro was walked intentionally to load the bases, Ross popped an off-speed pitch into short left field. Shortstop Alcides Escobar retreated on the ball but with his back turned, misplayed it in the wind as Bryant scored the game-winning run.

Chicago starter Tsuyoshi Wada earned his third straight no-decision to start his season after yielding the lone run on two hits over 5 2/3 innings. Zac Rosscup (2-1) picked up the win after finishing the top of the 11th inning.

Yordano Ventura gave up one run and struck out six over seven strong frames for Kansas City.

Gordon had three of Kansas City's four hits, as the Royals lost for the fifth time in six games.

National League Scoreboard
--------------------------------------
New York 4, Miami 3
Cincinnati 8, Washington 2
Colorado 4, Philadelphia 1
Atlanta 7, San Francisco 5
Milwaukee 7, Arizona 6 (17 innings)
San Diego 7, Pittsburgh 1

 width=>>Danks Leads Sox Past Astros

John Danks went the distance and Conor Gillaspie knocked in a pair of runs as Chicago took down Houston by a 6-0 count in the rubber match of a three-game series.

Danks (3-4) allowed 10 hits but walked only one, fanning six over his 118- pitch outing that tied a season high.

Adam LaRoche homered and scored two runs, with Tyler Flowers and Carlos Sanchez adding an RBI apiece for the White Sox, who won the series and have taken four of six overall.

Roberto Hernandez (2-4) was tagged in the loss for five runs -- four earned -- and eight hits over 5 2/3 frames for the Astros, who haven't won a series since taking two of three from Oakland on May 18-20.

American League Scoreboard
----------------------------------------
Tampa Bay 9, Baltimore 5
Minnesota 6, Toronto 5
Texas 4, Boston 3
Oakland 3, New York 0
Cleveland 6, Seattle 3 (12 innings)
LA Angels of Anaheim 4, Detroit 2

Michigan Edges Bradley To Eliminate Braves From Postseason

Jacob Cronenworth and Jackson Glines had two hits apiece and Evan Hill threw 6 2-3 solid innings to lead Michigan to a 4-3 win over Bradley in an elimination game at the Louisville Regional on Sunday.

 width=The third-seeded Wolverines (39-24) advance to play the host Cardinals, the third overall seed in the NCAAs, later Sunday. They'll have to beat Louisville, which is unbeaten in regional play so far, twice to advance to the Super Regional.

The loss ends the season for the second-seeded Braves (36-21).

Hill (2-2), a junior left-hander, gave up two runs, one earned, on seven hits with six strikeouts and one walk.

Evan Gruener hit a solo home run with one out in the top of the ninth to pull the Braves within a run, but Carmen Benedetti came in to earn his third save of the season.

Bradley starter Brent Strong (5-6) gave up four earned runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out three in 4 2-3 innings.

Illinois Beats Notre Dame 3-0 To Advance To Regional Final

Drasen Johnson threw a three-hitter to help Illinois beat Notre Dame 3-0 on Sunday in the NCAA regional tournament.

 width=Johnson (10-3) threw 106 pitches, and only allowed one base runner after the fifth inning, a single by Ryan Bull. Adam Walton, Reid Roper and Ryne Roper drove in runs for the Illini (49-8).

Ryan Smoyer (9-1) was the loser for the Irish (37-22).

Cavan Biggio and Bull each had two hits for Notre Dame. The Irish will face Wright State on Sunday night, with the winner advancing to play Illinois on Monday.

The Illini have won 18 consecutive home games, the longest current streak in the NCAA. Illinois, 24-2 at Illinois Field this season, had a Big Ten-record 27-game winning streak from March 30 to May 20.

Illinois will play Wright State in the NCAA Champaign Regional final on Monday at 1 p.m. at Illinois Field.

Clinton Police Report for June 1

On 5/30/15 Clinton Police arrested Kerri L. Nihiser 33, Clinton, for Violation of Order of Protection. Nihiser was transported to the Dewitt County Jail where she was lodged pending an appearance in court.


Citation(s):


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

Democrats, Republicans At Odds Over Budget

Leaders from both chambers and parties said Sunday they plan on working with each other to find solutions to Illinois budget crisis but they differ on what the solutions should be.

Either way, a budget passed by Democrats that doesn’t have enough revenue to cover the bills is headed to the Governor’s desk. It’s not expected to not get very far as Governor Bruce Rauner has said he will veto an unbalanced budget.

[audio:60115115946-CULLERTONRADOGNO.mp3] [/audio]

Without a balanced budget by Sunday’s deadline, negotiations on solutions to Illinois budget crisis are expected to continue into the summer.

Local Lawmakers Criticize Democrats For Overtime Session

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner says he won't sign the 2016 budget approved by Democrats or consider a tax increase to close a $3 billion deficit until Democrats pass some of his priorities and local lawmakers are weighing in on the impasse in Springfield.

Republican Senator Chapin Rose says after a decade of dominance in the Illinois General Assembly, Democrats can't stop spending money. He criticizes them for not being willing to work with the Governor on spending reforms.

[audio:60115115910-6215budgetcrit1.mp3] [/audio]

Republican Senator Bill Brady says it was clear three weeks ago, Democrats were abandoning the negotiating process. He calls the budgeting process "fiscal irresponsibility".

[audio:60115115912-6215budgetcrit2.mp3] [/audio]

Sen. Brady felt as though things were going in a positive direction up until about three weeks ago. He calls what the Democrats have done "steamrolling" a budget through that is constitutionally irresponsible.

[audio:60115115915-6215budgetcrit3.mp3] [/audio]

Sen. Rose says there is one common denominator over the past decade and even before that. He points to Mike Madigan's reign as Speaker of the House for several decades as part of the problem.

[audio:60115115917-6215budgetcrit4.mp3] [/audio]

Gov. Rauner says he won't approve the budget or a tax hike until Democrats pass some of his pro-business priorities.

Gov. Rauner adds there's been "no sincere effort" by Democratic leaders to compromise. Democrats say Rauner's agenda hurts the middle class.

Bobcat Hunting Legislation Advances

It's up to Governor Rauner to decide if bobcat hunting has a future in Illinois.

The Illinois House approved a plan to allow hunting and trapping of bobcats, which have seen their population rebound in recent years.

Rauner, a hunter himself, hasn't offered any sign of a position on the issue.

State-issued permits would allow no more than 300 bobcats to be taken during a season running from Nov. 1 to Feb. 15.

UPDATED: Illini Claim First Ever Regional Title

 width=

>>Illini Claim First Ever Regional Title

Ryne Roper hit a two-run double and top-seeded Illinois defeated Wright State 8-4 Monday to advance to the Super Regionals.

Sixth-ranked Illinois will face the winner of Monday's Vanderbilt-Radford game.

Roper's double gave the Illini (50-8) a lead it never relinquished in a four-run fifth inning. Will Krug and Ryan Nagle each drove in a run in the inning. It was the 25th come-from-behind win of the season for Illinois.

J.D. Nielsen (3-1) was the winner. Tyler Jay earned his 14th save of the season, allowing one hit and striking out five.

E. J. Trapino took the loss for Wright State (43-17). Sean Murphy and Mark Fowler each drove in two runs for the Raiders.

Wright State manager Greg Lovelady was ejected in the sixth inning for arguing a collision at the plate between Illinois' David Kerian and Raiders catcher Murphy. A half-inning later, Wright State shortstop Mitch Roman also was ejected after making a comment to an umpire about the same incident.

>>Illini To Meet Defending Champs Vanderbilt

Defending champion Vanderbilt was among the 10 programs that advanced in the NCAA baseball tournament on Monday.

Vanderbilt made easy work of the Nashville Regional and clinched their spot with a dominating 21-0 rout of Radford. The Commodores will play Illinois, which won its first regional by defeating Wright State 8-4 in the finale.

City Approves Measures For Save-A-Lot Location

Monday night at the Clinton City Council meeting, the Council approved several measures in order to allow Save-A-Lot and it's ownership to move forward in building at a new location.

Sitting in for Mayor Roger Cyrulik Monday, Commissioner Tom Edmunds explains from a City standpoint, this is their portion of the TIF funds to go to owner Dave Jackson for the site development.

[audio:6011580332-6215storemove1.mp3] [/audio]

The Council Monday as it relates to the future of the new Save-A-Lot (pictured below) location also approved the reallocation of TIF funds and the sale of real estate to 4-J Holdings. 4-J Holdings is a holding company for the Save-A-Lot store. The property is in the possession of the city, and had to be sold so they could build on the property.

In other news from the Monday City Council meeting...

>>The Council approved the purchase of a lots in the 100th block of South Quincy Street for $50-thousand.

>>The Council approved the plans of the multi-use trailway master plan.

 width=

Rauner Won't Sign Budget

It’s hard to see a way towards a state budget by the end of the weekend.

Yesterday, Governor Bruce Rauner told Democrats he will not sign the budget that they have been crafting. That spending plan is about $3 billion out of whack when it comes to spending and revenue. Rauner says that he won’t have anything to do with it.

[audio:6011581123-raunerbudget.mp3] [/audio]

Rauner says that compromise starts with a freeze on property taxes and passing his reforms on workers compensation.

Archives:

2024-03 | 2024-02 | 2024-01 | 2023-12 | 2023-11 | 2023-10 | 2023-09 | 2023-08 | 2023-07 | 2023-06 | 2023-05 | 2023-04 | 2023-03 | 2023-02 | 2023-01 | 2022-12 | 2022-11 | 2022-10 | 2022-09 | 2022-08 | 2022-07 | 2022-06 | 2022-05 | 2022-04 | 2022-03 | 2022-02 | 2022-01 | 2021-12 | 2021-11 | 2021-10 | 2021-09 | 2021-08 | 2021-07 | 2021-06 | 2021-05 | 2021-04 | 2021-03 | 2021-02 | 2021-01 | 2020-12 | 2020-11 | 2020-10 | 2020-09 | 2020-08 | 2020-07 | 2020-06 | 2020-05 | 2020-04 | 2020-03 | 2020-02 | 2020-01 | 2019-12 | 2019-11 | 2019-10 | 2019-09 | 2019-08 | 2019-07 | 2019-06 | 2019-05 | 2019-04 | 2019-03 | 2019-02 | 2019-01 | 2018-12 | 2018-11 | 2018-10 | 2018-09 | 2018-08 | 2018-07 | 2018-06 | 2018-05 | 2018-04 | 2018-03 | 2018-02 | 2018-01 | 2017-12 | 2017-11 | 2017-10 | 2017-09 | 2017-08 | 2017-07 | 2017-06 | 2017-05 | 2017-04 | 2017-03 | 2017-02 | 2017-01 | 2016-12 | 2016-11 | 2016-10 | 2016-09 | 2016-08 | 2016-07 | 2016-06 | 2016-05 | 2016-04 | 2016-03 | 2016-02 | 2016-01 | 2015-12 | 2015-11 | 2015-10 | 2015-09 | 2015-08 | 2015-07 | 2015-06 | 2015-05 | 2015-04 | 2015-03 | 2015-02 | 2015-01 | 2014-12 | 2014-11 | 2014-10 | 2014-09 | 2014-08 | 2014-07 | 2013-03 | 2013-02 | 2013-01 | 2012-12 | 2012-11 | 2012-10 | 2012-09 | 2012-08 | 2012-07 | 2012-06 | 2012-05 | 2012-04 | 2012-03 | 2012-02 | 2012-01 | 2011-12 | 2011-11 | 2011-10 | 2011-09 | 2011-08 | 2011-07

Townhall Top of the Hour News

Local Weather - Sponsored By:

CLINTON WEATHER

Local News

DeWittDN on Facebook