Brown Dawg’s Kids Club To Debut At Fan Fest On August 24th At Saluki Stadium

August 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Tom Weber – Associate Athletic Director/Communications

CARBONDALE, IL— The brand-new Brown Dawg’s Kids Club makes its official debut on Thursday, Aug. 24, at the seventh-annual Saluki Fan Fest. A free event open to the public, Fan Fest takes place on the field at Saluki Stadium from 6:30-8 p.m. Prairie Farms will be serving free ice cream while supplies last.

Photos by SIU Media Services

The first 200 children (age 12 and under) to register for Brown Dawg’s Kids Club will receive a free membership t-shirt and laminate pass, which entitles the member to a host of benefits.

Saluki football players and coaches, cheerleaders, shakers and mascots will be on hand greeting fans and serving as host of activities for the whole family. Saluki Athletics hopes to see all Saluki fans at the seventh-annual Fan Fest. Below are highlights of the event:

FREE Brown Dawg Kids Club membership and t-shirt
FREE ice cream, chocolate milk, juice and giveaways provided by Prairie Farms, while supplies last
FREE Schedule Posters and Cards
Inflatables and bounce house
Players and coaches available for autographs
Saluki Shakers, Cheerleaders and mascots Grey Dawg and Brown Dawg on-hand
Saluki football players will lead drills in throwing, catching and kicking as well as a football obstacle course
Dress Like a Saluki photo opportunities
LEGO-building station

Get Your Tickets!

Season-ticket holder ticket pick-up and refreshments in north end zone Saluki Football Tag Day – Fans have the opportunity to purchase 2017 Season Tickets.

Tickets for all Saluki home games on sale.

About Brown Dawg’s Kids Club

*Free Membership!
*Exclusive Kids Club laminate membership to wear
*Free Kids Club t-shirt to first 200 members who sign up. (Shirt must be picked up at Kids Club table at Fanfest on Aug. 24 or at a home Football game).
*Face-painting station at the Kids Club table so you can really show your Saluki pride!
*Entered into a drawing to be Kid Captain of the Game at Saluki Football or Men’s Basketball game.
*Free admission to Saluki Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Softball and Baseball games, by wearing your Kids Club laminate.
*Free reserved ticket to Football game on Nov. 4 versus Missouri State, in which members are invited to help form the pre-game tunnel on the field.
*Free general admission ticket to Men’s Basketball game on Dec. 19 versus North Carolina A&T, in which members are invited to help form the pre-game tunnel on the court.
*Brown Dawg’s Kids Club is proudly sponsored by 710, Southern Illinois Healthcare and the Bank of Carbondale.

 

 

 

Filed Under: College Sports, Slider, Sports

SIU WORKS ON SITUATIONAL FOOTBALL DURING TEAM’S FIRST FALL SCRIMMAGE

August 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by John Lock, Associate Sports Information Director, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale Media Services

CARBONDALE,  IL – The Southern Illinois football team held its first scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday morning in Saluki Stadium.

Freshman Max Edwards of Johnston City (Maroon Middle) crossing the offensive line. (Tom Weber, SIU media services)

The scrimmage was the seventh practice of the season and just the third in full pads. The Salukis spent the first half of practice on individual and team drills before moving on to a 65-play situational scrimmage.

“For our team to take that next step, we need to recognize the situations,” head coach Nick Hill said. “We have good players, but it’s making them realize the down and distance. Where are we at on the field? What’s the game plan for these different situations? If we can take a step forward in that, we’ll be a better team.”

The first situation of the day was with the ball on the 25-yard line. After that, they were all special situations, including the two-minute drill, red zone, and both goal lines.

“We weren’t at the point yet to crank it up and do a game-like scrimmage,” Hill said. “This was good for us. It was a practice-like setting, and we’ll get better and have good film from it.”

Southern’s first-team defense was particularly impressive. Facing SIU’s first-string offense, which led the MVFC in total offense each of the last two years, Southern’s defense allowed just 58 yards in 23 plays (2.5 yards per play).

SIU’s first team defense didn’t allow a touchdown, including three-straight stuffed runs while the offense worked on its goal-line package. Cody Crider made two big plays, a TFL and a sack on third downs. Jefferson Vea picked off a pass for the defense’s only forced turnover.

Offensively, the biggest plays came from the second unit. Tanner Hearn hit Raphael Leonard on a double move for a 97-yard touchdown. Cameron Walter ripped off a 43-yard rush, as well, which set up a touchdown. On the third team, Brandon George hit E’mare Hogan for a pair of long gains, including one sensational leaping catch.

The Salukis head into their second week of practice and will have a more complete scrimmage next Saturday night. The team’s season opener is Sept. 9 in Saluki Stadium vs. Mississippi Valley State.

Filed Under: College Sports, Slider, Sports

Fowler meets with Ben Carson in Cairo and makes his rounds across the 59th district

August 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press release from Senator Dale Fowler

I am unsure of the gentleman on the left, then HUD director, Dr. Ben Carson, Senator Fowler and Congressman Mike Bost. (photo from Sen. Dale Fowler)

HARRISBURG, IL – Cairo’s ongoing housing situation drew national media attention to Southern Illinois this week, as U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson visited the confluence community. Small businesses were also on the mind of State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) as he made the “rounds” within the 59th Senate District.

Dr. Carson’s visit to the region marks the first time in many years that a federal-level cabinet secretary has visited. While the plight of the residents of Elmwood and McBride housing complexes was the focus of Carson’s stop in Alexander County, the Secretary also met with Senator Fowler.

Senator Fowler had the opportunity to chat about the proposed Alexander County – Cairo Port Terminal and the positive economic impact that is could have on the entire region. Senator Fowler viewed the Secretary’s visit as a positive, showing a much higher level of interest in the situation than the former federal administrators from early 2009 to early 2017.
Small business and local visits dominated the Senator’s attention after Secretary Carson’s visit on August 8. A number of small businesses have been started in Golconda, Marion, and other points across the 59th. Golconda will again have access to hardware and other home fixtures after entrepreneurs reopened the once-shuttered location in the downtown Ohio River Community. Additionally, in the always bustling Marion, a local woman has opened a new t-shirt and children’s clothing store.

Senator Fowler made a trip to the rural Alexander Community of Olive Branch to view firsthand the economic impact of nearly 20,000 acres of farm land being taken out of production. The situation in Alexander County is because of the Len Small Levee breech from a number of years ago. As a result, the County is losing precious local property tax dollars, because several thousand acres have been silted over with sands from the Mississippi River making planting commodities nearly impossible. Additionally, 90 homes in the river bottoms have been made nearly unlivable and local residents are hoping the federal government will be able to repair the levee.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

West City Fire Department gets first responders

August 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36120340/west-city-fire-department-gets-first-responders

WSIL Photo

WEST CITY, IL (WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link above to the full story and video.  Here is an excerpt below)

The West City Fire Department now has the ability to respond better to emergencies.
The department now runs first responders in its fire district.

Firefighters now have special certification and training for a variety of emergency situations.

Deputy Chief Tim McGuire says it will give citizens the best service possible.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Slider, West City News

Fall like weekend….enjoy it

August 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Cooler and drier northerly low level flow will take over today, providing another mild weekend with lower humidity. No rain is in the forecast until perhaps early Monday. Clouds will diminish slowly today, but could thicken over parts of southeastern Missouri and western Kentucky on Sunday. (NWS Paducah)

Forecast for eclipse day, partly cloudy with a high of 86

Seven Day Forecast

Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. North wind 5 to 9 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. North wind 3 to 5 mph.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. East northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Light east northeast wind.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind.
Monday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South southeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Wednesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 3 to 7 mph.
Wednesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 7 mph.
Thursday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind around 7 mph.
Thursday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. West southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Friday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. West wind around 6 mph.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

That’s the way it was…..February 26, 1979

August 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment

By Steve Dunford

This is a column that I did not plan on writing.  I figured I would have spent tonight in my recliner watching the red hot Cardinals.  When I have something that is burning, I have learned that I need to sit at the keyboard to get it out of my system.

There was a total eclipse that went through the northern states and Canada.  Below is a clip from Walter Cronkite on CBS news telling “the way it was” on that day.

Long time legendary CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite. He closed every news cast, with his catch phrase, that’s the way it is. (BBC Photo)

One thing that was interesting on the video, was the Canadian Broadcasting Company did a story with a caged rooster.  After the eclipse passed it crowed.  I am interested in the reaction of the animals.

I was nine years old at the time.  I remember the eclipse was 1/4 around here, but the biggest story was the blizzard of 1979.  For those of you that have followed this page for a while realize I am a weather nerd.

I am going to rewind a couple days.  The eclipse happened on a Monday.  I had to look up the date to refresh my memory.

Don McNeely when he gave the weather, heavy rain and thunderstorms were in the forecast.  He disagreed with the National Weather Service forecast, which was in Cairo at the time.  He said we could possibly see some snow.

Legendary KFVS-TV meterolgist Don McNeely. (Southeast Missourian photo)

We woke up to several inches of snow.  There were two feet plus in some places.  There were very high winds.  We had thunder snow and intense lightning.  The graphics were not great in 1979.  When Channel 12 broke in they would put a cloud on the screen.  The series of beeps for the crawler across the screen existed back then.    I remember Mike Shain saying bulletin bulletin bulletin several times.

Several people lost power in Southern Illinois.  We lost it Monday afternoon.  We attempted to go down to my grandparents who had a fireplace.  There were drifts four feet high.  I felt for my dad as he had to pack me to the car.

The roads were impassable.  We had a big Monopoly game.  With two brothers cooped up in a house, there were a few game boards turned over.

I remember on the day of the eclipse,  the local radio and TV stations were bleeding over each other.  I loved the game shows Tic Tac Dough and the Price is Right.  I remember watching Bob Barker and Wink Marindale on the CBS affiliate out of Philadelphia.

I was playing with the radio and TV that day.  I was amazed of all the stations I was pulling in.  WLS-FM was coming in.

The video of Walter Cronkite helped me recall the events of that day.  When you watch the video, check out the KFVS feed of cars that were abandoned on I-55 around Jackson Missouri.

While composing this, I believe the memories came back to me.  What I am about to say, I do not mean to cause alarm.   My entire life I have lived by the boy scout motto, be prepared.

When I watched the Dukes of Hazzard as a kid, I was mesmerized by Boss Hogg’s car phone.  There are very few of us that does not have a wireless device.  If there was that much havoc with radio signals that day,  just think of how it could affect cell coverage.

Here is two advantages that I will have in eclipse coverage.  I still have a land line.  The number is 937-0253.  I also have cable internet.  I might have service, and faster speed if lines are overloaded.

I am going to do my best to be the eclipse information source for you.  From that Friday on, I will be monitoring the situation.  During the flooding it was the most rewarding but at the same time was the toughest to cover.  It was hard seeing pictures of people that I know were in danger.  I thank you for the confidence you shown in me.  I want to further earn your trust in the upcoming story of the century.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Columns, Opinion, Slider

Alumnus returns to Schneider Hall 47 years later for eclipse weekend

August 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Andrea Hahn, Southern Illinois University News Service

CARBONDALE, IL – For some, the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus is not only one of the best places in the world to see the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse, it is also the only place to relive a slice of personal history.

Ray Roth lived on the seventh floor of Schneider Hall during the 1970-71 academic year. He was a journalism student, and SIU was an exciting place. He anticipates it will be at least as exciting during “Eclipse Weekend,” when he sleeps – again – in his old room at Schneider Hall.

Roth said a friend told him about the eclipse and that Carbondale was “one of the better places to see it.” He also heard that Chicago, where he makes his home now, can expect about 85 percent totality. Initially that seemed good enough.

But the more he read about the eclipse, the more he heard what to expect, the more a trip to Carbondale seemed like a good idea. Once he heard Schneider Hall was open for guests, and that he could even perhaps reclaim his former room, his decision was easy. Consequently, Roth will be in his old room in Schneider Hall eclipse weekend, living and remembering history at the same time.

“It seems like a once-in-a-lifetime event,” he said. “A bucket list sort of thing.’”
Schneider Hall is one of the three “towers” on the far east side of campus. Students first moved into Schneider Hall in 1968. Roth was among the first few groups of students to live in the high-rise. As an eclipse guest, he’ll be one of the last. Schneider Hall is scheduled for demolition to make way for updated housing.

“I’m kind of sorry to see the old place go,” he said. “They are iconic. They are the first parts of Carbondale you see coming down Illinois 13 and you can see them from all over town. We used to go up to the lounge on the 17th floor for the view.”

Roth and his wife, Terry Ntovas-Roth, an SIU alumna, visit Carbondale from time to time. It’s like visiting an old friend, he says. They are nostalgic for the old downtown feel, different now after some road routing changes, but familiar landmarks remain.

“PK’s has always been here it seems,” Roth said. “And Italian Village is where it always was. I remember Paglia’s as the first place where we could get free refills on Coke. We’d go there once a week, it was a real treat. Dairy Queen is exactly the same.”

Roth didn’t have a car his freshman year. His friend, Mike, did — such as it was. It didn’t have a reverse gear, so to back up everyone piled out and pushed. And the brakes screeched, making trips to Giant City State Park memorable white-knuckle events. But he didn’t really need a car, Roth said.

That, in fact, is an added bonus to staying on campus for the eclipse. Roth has his old room, a meal package (just like old times!) and a parking space. It’s an easy walk to the stadium where all the eclipse-related action is. Roth said he admires the new Saluki Stadium and Saluki Way, and he’s happy to see Shryock Auditorium is still a central point of campus. It was always one of his favorite buildings.

“Campus was a little bit edgy when I was a freshman,” he said. “The Vietnam War was going on there was a real sense of youth culture and political involvement. The music that’s on all the classic rock stations now was playing everywhere. Jethro Tull played the SIU Arena on tour for their “Thick as a Brick” album, and REO Speedwagon played in one of the clubs before they got big.

“There used to be a restaurant, I think in Grand Tower,” Roth said. “Ma Hale’s. They served a family-style, all-you-can-eat chicken dinner, and everyone always wanted to go. The seventh floor of Schneider Hall took up a collection and we rented a bus to get us there. That was one of the best meals I ever had.”

Roth said black lights were the thing for dorm decoration in his day. He got a Jimi Hendrix poster after the guitarist died. It said, “See you in the next beyond.”

He no longer has the poster. Instead, Roth will bring his son, Alex, along for memory making and memory sharing. Alex has never been to Carbondale.

“I went through the whole thing with him, taking him to college open houses, dropping him off and picking him up,” Roth said. “I’m looking forward to showing SIU to him, and to staying in Schneider Hall.”

Oh yeah, and the eclipse, too.

For contacts about other alumni returning to Schneider Hall, contact Jon. L. Shaffer, jshaffer@housing.siu.edu.

Filed Under: Featured, Slider

New Hampshire hospital evacuated after suspected chemical leak

August 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-hampshire-emergency-room-evacuated-after-chemical-leak-live-updates/

The scene outside Exeter Hospital in Exeter, New Hampshire, after the emergency room and operating room were evacuated on Aug. 11, 2017. CBS Boston

EXTER, NH – (CBS News.  Please click on the link above for the full story, updates, and live video stream.  Here is an excerpt of the story below.)

Seventeen staff members were evacuated from the Exeter Hospital operating room in New Hampshire after they began to feel dizzy.

In a statement, Exeter Hospital said staff and patients in the operating room complained of dizziness Friday morning due to “an unknown cause.” The hospital said it closed the emergency and operating rooms “out of an abundance of caution.”

The Epping Fire Department said it was dispatched for a carbon monoxide problem.
The emergency room, which is located near the operating room, was evacuated as a precaution, CBS Boston reports, even though no patients in that area complained of dizziness.

Filed Under: Breaking News, National News, Slider

Former Logan Grade School Students Donate Bench in Honor of Beloved Third Grade Teacher

August 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wfgazette.com/news/former-logan-grade-school-students-donate-bench-in-honor-of/article_edd1ca6e-7a21-11e7-9026-4f43eb1e8692.html

William McPherson, WF Gazette photo.

WEST FRANKFORT, IL – (William McPherson, West Frankfort Gazette.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Students of the late Zella Boner Spani presented a memorial bench to the Frankfort Historical Museum in her honor last Wednesday.

Donors to the memorial bench included Theresa Julian, Marla Julian Boyer, David Lawrence, Janice Hill Adkins, Andy Brown, Rusty McClain, Gayla Rogers Mondino, and Marian Rotramel Smith.

Museum director and fellow teacher Sylvia Tharp, who worked with Spani, were also on hand for the dedication along with several other friends of the museum.

Filed Under: Featured, Slider, West Frankfort News

Cardinals issue statement regarding the Rally Cat

August 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Cardinals-MLB photo

As everyone observed during Wednesday night’s game, Lucas Hackmann, a member of our grounds crew, secured the stray cat in the outfield and exited the playing surface at the left field gate and walked up towards the main concourse at Gate 3. He then let the cat down outside of Gate 3 near the Stan Musial statue and went immediately to first aid to attend to his scratch and bite injuries.

At that point, as our ushers tried to contain the cat, a fan grabbed it and claimed it was hers. As she left the ballpark, our security team caught up with her and asked her some questions. She then abruptly left with the cat. We understand from media accounts that the woman intended to take it home and care for it, but lost track of it in City Garden.

We are hopeful someone will find the cat and contact us so we can properly care for it. Our grounds crew is working on developing a stray animal protocol to ensure the safety of both crew and animal should this happen again. In the meantime, the Cardinals are looking to scratch and claw their way back to the top of the division standings.

Filed Under: Slider, Sports
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