Hammock has it going with the Huskies. | Getty

Coach Thomas Hammock’s Huskies — one of the most surprising success stories in college football — keep outlasting one opponent after another.

Two minutes and 57 seconds. Otherwise known as an eternity.

That’s how long it took for officials to uphold Northern Illinois’ go-ahead two-point conversion in the final minute of a season-opening 22-21 upset win at Georgia Tech.

“It felt so long because you weren’t sure, right?” Huskies coach Thomas Hammock said two happy months later. “You’re on the road, playing a Power 5 opponent. There were so many variables, you didn’t know which way it would go.”

After Rocky Lombardi’s touchdown pass to roommate Clint Ratkovich, Hammock kept his offense on the field. For a coach coming off a winless 2020 season, it was a bold move. A run stopped short, a pass batted down — either would be crushing.

But Lombardi rolled right and, a split-second before being blasted by a blitzing linebacker, found a friend in the back of the end zone. Tyrice Richie twisted his body to snag a ball thrown slightly behind him, his left hand hit the turf while cradling the ball — which bounced a bit — and then, well, you know how it goes. Confusion. Tension. A desperate waiting game. Let’s round up and call it three minutes of purgatory.

NIU blocked a 60-yard field goal try on the final play to seal the first college victory many on the team had experienced. The Huskies were the second-youngest team in the country last season — starting 11 true freshmen — when they went 0-6 amid the preparation challenges and pervasive strangeness of pandemic football.

“Thanks for believing,” Hammock told his players in the locker room. “This is your validation.”

From the start, Hammock has told this team how hard it would be to win. You don’t go from 0-6 to blowing people out. Instead, the Huskies — one of the most surprising success stories in the country — have outlasted one opponent after another. They upset Toledo 22-20 with five field goals from John Richardson, the last one coming with 26 seconds to go. They upset Central Michigan 39-38 with a comeback from 18 points down and another last-minute field goal, this one by backup kicker Kanon Woodill. Both those wins came on the road, too.

The Huskies are bowl-eligible at 6-2 and the only Mid-American Conference team with an unbeaten record in league play. Hammock, in his third season at his alma mater, is building something in a way predecessors Rod Carey and Dave Doeren didn’t have to.

“I’m not going to say I didn’t think this was possible,” Hammock said. “I thought if we were able to [compete] early, the players would handle the moment the right way given what they’ve been through.”

And speaking of strangeness, November — the MAC’s silly season — has arrived. That means games on days of the week the football gods never intended. For NIU, it means three straight Wednesday games, starting this week at Kent State, followed by a Tuesday regular-season finale. All four contests will be on ESPN2 or ESPNU, giving college fans — even those of down-and-out Illinois and Northwestern — a chance to watch a pretty good in-state team get after it.

Nineteen years ago, one game into his own senior season, Hammock — a two-time 1,000-yard running back who scored 25 touchdowns at NIU — had to stop playing after being diagnosed with a heart condition. He spent the next few months soaking up what he could from his coaches while an idea of what he might do with his life started kicking around in his head.

He began as a graduate assistant at Wisconsin, to where he eventually returned as running backs coach and led one of the greatest groups — Montee Ball, James White, Melvin Gordon — the college game has seen. After that came five years in the NFL as running backs coach of the Ravens, who ranked second in the league in rushing in 2018, Hammock’s last season.

All that was great, but steering his own ship back in DeKalb has been better. When he interviewed for the job, he told the administration that Year 3 was when they’d really learn what a Hammock-led program was all about.

“It took some time,” he said, “but now you can see it.”

It was worth the wait.

JUST SAYIN’

State football rankings, current edition: 1. NIU, 2, Southern Illinois, 3. Illinois, 4. Northwestern, 5. Bears.

Get a load of the SIU, 6-2 and ranked No. 7 in the Football Championship Subdivision.

“Shame on you,” wrote an emailer because I haven’t shown any love to the Salukis.

What was it George W. Bush said? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me … you can’t get fooled again.

o On second thought, are the Bears too high at No. 5? Loyola Academy up in Wilmette is looking mighty tough.

o So, Scottie Pippen has a memoir — entitled “Unguarded” — coming out in which he rips Michael Jordan, the Bulls organization and the “Last Dance” documentary series?

If that’s his diabolical plan to get me to watch all 10 episodes again, it’ll probably work.

Also, wouldn’t “Unguarded” have been a better name for a Dickey Simpkins memoir?

o Congratulations to Illinois center Kofi Cockburn, who was voted an AP preseason All-American along with Gonzaga’s Drew Timme, UCLA’s Johnny Juzang, Villanova’s Collin Gillespie and Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis. Cockburn also was named the Big Ten’s preseason player of the year in a media vote.

This is where I — an AP voter — admit that my first-team votes went to Timme, Juzang, Gillespie, Syracuse’s Buddy Boeheim and Ohio State’s E.J. Liddell.

Cockburn is terrific, but Liddell — a two-time Illinois Mr. Basketball and two-time state champion at downstate Belleville West — is the Big Ten’s best all-around player. His inside-outside scoring ability and defensive versatility will have him in the Wooden Award hunt until the very end.

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Holly Mathews (left) and Jonathan Ceballos were killed in a shooting Sunday that wounded at least nine other people. | Provided/GoFundMe

“I really hope they get these guys. This isn’t right, this isn’t right at all,” said Sharyl Mathews, mother of Holly who was killed early Sunday.

At 22, Holly Mathews had her life figured out.

She was in her senior year of college, studying to be an arborist while working two jobs. Two weeks ago, she became engaged and was choosing bridesmaids.

“Her time was precious,” said her mom Sharyl Mathews, days after her daughter was gunned down during a Halloween party where 10 other people were shot early Sunday. “It’s hard to breathe. My daughter was my whole world.”

Mathews had gone out with a friend to a house party in Frankfort. They left around midnight and, at the suggestion of the friend, stopped by another party in Joliet Township.

“They felt a bad vibe and were there for only 10 minutes,” Sharyl Mathews said.

Before they could leave, two gunmen opened fire from an elevated porch into the crowd of around 200 people in the backyard of a home in the 1000 block of East Jackson Street.

Provided photo
Holly Mathews (right) and her mother Sharyl Mathews (left).

Mathews was shot in the ribs and was pronounced dead in the yard. A man, also 22, was killed. Nine other people were hospitalized, and one remains in critical condition.

Sharyl Mathews said she fell to the ground when the sheriff’s office knocked on her door with the news. “We love her very much,” she said by phone Tuesday. “I don’t know how to go on without her.”

The other person who died was Jonathan Ceballos, remembered by family as “a great brother, friend and son.”

“I remember how much you used to love riding horses, going to Mexico, how we used to play soccer together all the time and how you always made people laugh,” his younger brother Carlos Ceballos wrote in an online fundraiser.

“I honestly can’t believe you were taken from us at such a young age,” he said. “You didn’t deserve this.”

Police had been called at least three times about noise at the party but had not tried to disperse the crowd. Police said the shooting appeared to be gang-related but offered no details.

No arrests have been made, though Mathews said police told her they are sifting through evidence. “I really hope they get these guys,” she said. “This isn’t right, this isn’t right at all.”

‘Always smiling’

Mathews recalled how sweet her daughter was to be around. “She was always smiling. She made friends with everyone. She was goofy and funny,” she said.

Her daughter was creative, and could paint, draw and construct mosaics. Mathews was very close to her 17-year-old sister and “best friend,” her mother said.

After a fire at the family home last year, Holly Mathews moved in with her partner. He proposed to her two weeks ago while they vacationed in Utah. Her boyfriend had helped her get a job at his workplace, a tree trimming tool manufacturer, and sparked her interest in being an arborist, her mother said.

She switched her major from nursing but continued working a second job as a nursing assistant at a rehab center.

“She was a workaholic,” her mother recalled. “She was on track to be successful. They were talking about buying their own house. And now it’s gone.”

Mathews’ funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home in Joliet.

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Workers begin to remove the Cleveland Indians sign from above the scoreboard at Progressive Field. | Ron Schwane/AP

The removal of the letters is expected to take several days. The sign will be placed in storage while the club evaluates options for a permanent spot for it. A new “Guardians” sign will replace the old one and be erected before opening day 2022.

CLEVELAND — The Indians began removing the team’s scripted logo atop the giant scoreboard at Progressive Field on Tuesday as they transition their name to the Guardians.

Crews started dismantling the letters, beginning with the “I” on the 80-foot-long sign. It’s another step in the offseason change for the Major League Baseball team, which has been called the Indians since 1915.

The removal of the letters is expected to take several days. The sign will be placed in storage while the club evaluates options for a permanent spot for it.

A new “Guardians” sign will replace the old one and be erected before opening day 2022.

The American League franchise announced earlier this year it was changing its name in a move prompted by a national reckoning on racist names and symbols.

The team already has removed other signage inside and outside the downtown ballpark. The team’s official name switch is expected to take place in a few weeks, when Guardians merchandise will go on sale.

The changeover hit a snag last week when a roller derby team known since 2013 as the Cleveland Guardians sued the baseball team in federal court, alleging the switch infringes on its trademark.

In a statement, the Indians said they don’t believe there is a conflict between the parties and they remain confident in their position to move forward with the name change.

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Kyle Rittenhouse, center, is accused of killing two people and wounding a third during a protest over police brutality in Kenosha in August 2020. | Sean Krajacic/The Kenosha News via AP pool

But Rittenhouse’s attorney told the jury that his client acted in self-defense.

KENOSHA, Wis. — Jurors heard starkly different portrayals of Kyle Rittenhouse — instigator or victim — in opening statements Tuesday at his trial on charges of shooting three men on the streets of Kenosha during a turbulent protest against racial injustice.

A prosecutor said Rittenhouse set the bloodshed in motion when he started a confrontation with the first man gunned down that night, and killed him with a bullet to the back.

But Rittenhouse’s attorney told the jury that his client acted in self-defense after the first man tried to grab Rittenhouse’s gun and others kicked him in the face and clubbed him in the head with a skateboard.

“You as jurors will end up looking at it from the standpoint of a 17-year-old under the circumstances as they existed,” defense attorney Mark Richards said.

Rittenhouse, now 18, is charged with killing two men and wounding a third during the summer of 2020 with an assault-style rifle. The one-time aspiring police officer could get life in prison if convicted.

The teenager traveled to Kenosha from his home in Illinois, just across the Wisconsin state line, after protests broke out over the shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake, by a white Kenosha police officer. Rittenhouse said he went there to protect property after two nights in which rioters set fires and ransacked businesses.

The first witness was his sister’s boyfriend, Dominick Black, who bought the rifle for Rittenhouse months before the shootings because he was not old enough to own one at the time.

Black testified that he and Rittenhouse went to downtown Kenosha to help protect a car dealership from property damage, after cars at another lot owned by the same business were burned the night before. Black said he thought nobody would start trouble if they saw him with his assault-style rifle.

Black said he was on the rooftop when he heard gunshots but didn’t know Rittenhouse was involved until Rittenhouse called and said, “I shot somebody, I shot somebody.”

Afterward, Black said, Rittenhouse was “freaking out. He was really scared. He was pale, shaking a lot.” Black said Rittenhouse told him that he acted in self-defense because “people were trying to hurt him.”

In his opening statement, prosecutor Thomas Binger described the unrest in Kenosha as “two of the roughest nights that our community has ever seen,” and said outsiders were drawn to the city “like moths to a flame.”

Yet Binger repeatedly stressed that amid the hundreds of people in Kenosha and the anger and chaos in the streets, “the only person who killed anyone is the defendant, Kyle Rittenhouse.”

“When we consider the reasonableness of the defendant’s actions, I ask you to keep this in mind,” Binger said, after explaining to the jury that a claim of self-defense can be valid only if Rittenhouse reasonably believed he was using deadly force to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.

The prosecutor said that it is not known exactly what words were said, but it is clear that Rittenhouse started a confrontation that caused the first person shot that night, Joseph Rosenbaum, to begin chasing Rittenhouse across a parking lot.

Binger emphasized, too, that Rosenbaum, 36, was killed by a shot to the back after he threw a plastic bag. The prosecutor noted that the first two bullets hit Rosenbaum in the lower extremities, causing him to fall forward.

Richards, the defense attorney, argued that it was Rosenbaum who “lit the fuse that night.” Rosenbaum yelled an expletive at Rittenhouse and lunged for his gun before Rittenhouse fired at him, according to the defense.

Rittenhouse fired four shots in less than a second because Rosenbaum was “trying to take Kyle’s weapon from him to use against him,” Richards said.

Binger, the prosecutor, said that after shooting Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse fled the scene instead of rendering aid, despite portraying himself as a medic earlier in the night. But Richards said Rittenhouse didn’t stop to help because the crowd wanted to “kill him,” and instead ran toward police.

The crowd at that point clearly believed Rittenhouse was an active shooter, according to the prosecutor.

Moments after shooting Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse shot and killed Anthony Huber, 26, a protester from Silver Lake, Wisconsin, who was seen on bystander video hitting Rittenhouse with a skateboard. He wounded Gaige Grosskreutz, 27, a protester from West Allis, Wisconsin, who had a gun in his hand as he stepped toward Rittenhouse.

The defense also apparently pushed back against the notion that Rittenhouse was an outsider drawn to Kenosha by a call to arms on right-wing social media. Richards said Rittenhouse had strong ties to Kenosha — his father lived there and Rittenhouse worked in Kenosha County as a lifeguard — and had seen livestreams of what was happening.

As his attorney displayed photos and video clips from the night of the shootings, Rittenhouse, wearing a dark pinstriped suit and tie, leaned on his elbows to view the images on a desktop monitor. He sat ramrod straight as audio of gunfire was played, and occasionally turned toward jurors, seeming to scrutinize their reactions.

His mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, sat behind him.

The most serious count against Rittenhouse, first-degree intentional homicide, is Wisconsin’s top murder charge.

Rittenhouse has been painted by supporters on the right — including foes of the Black Lives Matter movement — as a patriot who took a stand against lawlessness by demonstrators and exercised his Second Amendment gun rights. Others see him as a vigilante and police wannabe.

He is white, as were those he shot, but many activists see an race as an underlying issue in the case, in part because the protesters were on the streets to decry police violence against Black people.

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Carla Sumerlin with her son Torrence Sumerlin. | Provided

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Good afternoon. Here’s the latest news you need to know in Chicago. It’s about a 5-minute read that will brief you on today’s biggest stories.

This afternoon will be mostly sunny with a high near 45 degrees. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 30. Tomorrow will be sunny with a high near 45.

Top story

Mom wants help finding son’s killer: ‘I never thought anyone would kill him over a pair of shoes’

Carla Sumerlin feels like she needs to do something to help catch her son’s killer.

So last week she sent letters to everyone on the 2400 block of West Polk reminding them that her son’s life was taken on that block and asking for anyone with information to contact the police.

Torrence Sumerlin, 26, an avid gym shoe collector, was there about 10:20 a.m. on August 26 to meet someone to sell a pair of Air Jordans.

Instead two people who’d been hiding nearby rushed him as he stood by his open trunk and shot Sumerlin in the chest.

Carla Sumerlin said she worried about previous such meetups to sell shoes and would call her son and ask him, “You OK? You want me to stay on the phone? Where are you?” and her son would assure her he was in a safe area.

“I always worried about him but I never thought anyone would kill him over a pair of shoes,” she said.

The assailants never even grabbed the shoes, said Carla Sumerlin, speculating that her son’s size and physique might have spooked the would-be robbers.

“He was an athlete. He worked out every day,” she said.

Read Mitch Dudek’s full story here.

More news you need

A person was arrested and remained in police custody as of this morning after two 13-year-old boys were shot, one of them fatally, on Halloween in northwest Indiana. Trick-or-treating had officially ended in the town shortly before the shooting occurred, an official said.

The Chicago Park District voted today to release a special counsel report on the “management response” to the burgeoning lifeguard scandal. The report will be made public this afternoon and a press conference is planned for later today.

Some Chicago Public Schools teachers say they were “blindsided” by the district’s enforcement of a 2019 privacy law that’s led them to lose access to key computer programs used to teach students. Sneha Day has more on how CPS’ interpretation of the law has cut off teachers from popular educational software.

Veterans Day is coming up, so the National Women Veterans United group celebrated contributions and stories of women veterans. Maudlyne Ihejirika has more on last weekend’s event, which featured keynote speaker Jessica Lynch, a former U.S. soldier and prisoner of war.

A bright one

Community projects see hope with new city pilot program

For 20 years, Heaven Gallery has opened its Wicker Park doors to artists and curators around the city.

Now, using art in a call for social justice, the gallery is highlighting the work of Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) artists in its Equity Arts Project.

“We know that creative neighborhoods have artists and they have arts organizations, but they’re constantly being displaced and moved around,” said Alma Wieser, president for Equity Arts and director of Heaven Gallery.

The project looks to end that displacement and provide “wealth building pathways” through mentorships, curating programs and exhibitions.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Heaven Gallery, located at 1550 N. Milwaukee Ave. in the West Town neighborhood, is one of 11 community-based projects to earn funds through the new Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Pilot Program announced Oct. 20.

But the project has been threatened by the owners placing the building at 1550 N. Milwaukee Ave. up for sale. Developers began circling in 2019, and only the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic kept the gallery safe from being sold for a while. Then, this fall, an uptick in crime in the neighborhood once again put a pause on interested developers moving forward.

And now, Equity Arts has been given another chance.

On Oct. 20, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Pilot Program in partnership with Elevated Chicago and Enterprise Community Partners.

Designed to promote healthy, walkable and affordable neighborhoods, 11 community-driven projects have been selected.

“Our ultimate goal with the ETOD program is to maximize the benefits that high-quality, affordable and reliable transit provides to our communities,” said Lightfoot in a press release. “Each of these 11 projects will help us fulfill this mission in an equitable and community-conscious way, as well as help to improve the overall wellbeing of our residents.”

Read Cheyanne M. Daniels’ full story here.

From the press box

DeMar DeRozan, who put up 37 points in the Bulls’ comeback win over Boston last night, brings a welcomed dose of calm to the roster.

Justin Fields showed against the 49ers what he can do operating mainly off otherworldly instincts. Now it’s on the Bears’ coaching staff to put the rookie in a position to take the offense to the next level, Mark Potash writes.
For all the excitement over Fields’ play Sunday, the Bears still scored just 22 points in a loss. Maybe fans should cool off on the excitement a bit, Rick Telander writes.
Based on an early excerpt from Scottie Pippen’s memoir, he’s not a big fan of Michael Jordan these days.

If the Broncos could trade Von Miller, can the Bears trade Khalil Mack?

Your daily question ?

How do you feel about Scottie Pippen taking shots at Michael Jordan and the Bulls in his new memoir?

Send us an email at [email protected] and we might feature your answer in the next Afternoon Edition.

Yesterday, we asked you: When do you think it’s acceptable to start hearing Christmas music? Here’s what some of you said…

“The day after Thanksgiving at the very earliest. Anyone who is doing it now is plain wrong.” — Abby Oliver

“When the individual enjoys it! I prefer to listen to it the day after Thanksgiving through New Years, but if you enjoy it sooner, listen away.” — Beverly Hajek Cooper

“Day after Thanksgiving until at least New Year’s Day.” — Joanna Urban

“December 24 starting at 6:15 p.m.” — Kenneth M Bobo

“November 1st. At Home was playing Christmas music today. It was lovely!” — Kaye Westmoreland-McCluskey

“December 1st, and not a day sooner! November is the turkey’s month!” — Bradley Nawara

“Whenever a person wants to start hearing Christmas music is the right time to start hearing Christmas music.” — Harris Brokke

Thanks for reading the Chicago Sun-Times Afternoon Edition. Got a story you think we missed? Email us here.

Sign up here to get the Afternoon Edition in your inbox every day.

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Las Vegas Metro Police investigators work at the scene of a fatal crash involving Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III. | Eric Jamison/AP

According to police, Ruggs was driving a Chevrolet Corvette a little before 3:40 a.m. when it crashed into the rear of a Toyota Rav4 on a busy thoroughfare in a residential area several miles west of the Las Vegas Strip.

LAS VEGAS — Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III is facing a driving under the influence charge after a fiery vehicle crash early Tuesday in Las Vegas that left a woman dead and Ruggs and his female passenger injured, authorities said.

According to police, Ruggs was driving a Chevrolet Corvette a little before 3:40 a.m. when it crashed into the rear of a Toyota Rav4 on a busy thoroughfare in a residential area several miles west of the Las Vegas Strip.

The Toyota caught fire and the driver died, police said. She was not immediately identified.

Ruggs, 22, “showed signs of impairment,” police said in a statement that said he will be charged with felony DUI resulting in death.

Ruggs and his passenger were hospitalized. Ruggs’ injuries were described by officials as not life-threatening. His passenger was not immediately identified.

Charges were not immediately filed. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said he was aware of the crash and would await results of the police investigation.

Probation is not an option in Nevada for a conviction on a charge of DUI causing death, which carries a possible sentence of two to 20 years in state prison.

Ruggs’ attorneys, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, said that on behalf of their client they also were investigating the crash “and ask everyone to reserve judgment until all the facts are gathered.”

The Raiders released a statement saying the team is aware of the crash involving Ruggs. “We are devastated by the loss of life and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family,” the team said. “We are in the process of gathering information and will have no further comment at this time.”

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy issued a statement saying, “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim of this horrific tragedy. We will continue to gather facts and monitor the matter under our policies, but our thoughts at this time are with those impacted by this devastating incident.”

Ruggs is a second-year wide receiver who was taken 12th overall in the 2020 draft after a productive three-year career at Alabama, including helping the Crimson Tide win the national championship as a freshman in 2017.

Ruggs has 24 catches for a team-high 469 yards and two touchdowns this season. As a rookie in 2020, he had 26 catches for 452 yards and two touchdowns.

Ruggs, from Montgomery, Alabama, caught 12 passes for 229 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman with Alabama in 2017. He caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa in the 26-23 victory against Georgia in the championship game.

The crash occurred three weeks after Jon Gruden abruptly resigned as Raiders coach over emails he sent before being hired by the team in 2018. Gruden stepped down after The New York Times reported that he frequently used misogynistic and homophobic language in those emails directed at Commissioner Roger Goodell and others.

The AFC West-leading Raiders (5-2) have won two in a row under interim coach Rich Bisaccia and now return to the field this week without their leading receiver in yardage. They’ll visit the New York Giants (2-6) on Sunday.

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Bears general manager Ryan Pace did not make a trade Tuesday. | Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Bears didn’t make a trade before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. deadline.

The Bears didn’t make a trade before Tuesday’s 3 p.m. deadline.

That means wide receiver Allen Robinson, backup quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Nick Foles and others will ride out the rest of the season on a team that currently sits at 3-5 and is in the midst of a three-game losing streak.

General manager Ryan Pace’s decision to stand pat wasn’t surprising. Bears chairman George McCaskey said he wanted to see progress from both Pace and coach Matt Nagy when deciding whether or not to employ them beyond this season. A fire sale would have been the opposite of progress,

The Bears weren’t motivated by trying to tank, either, given that they owe the Giants their 2022 first-round pick as a result of the Justin Fields trade.

The NFL trade deadline came and went with few shockwaves Tuesday. Steelers linebacker Melvin Ingram, who has only one sack over the past two seasons, was the biggest name moved Tuesday. He went to the Chiefs for a sixth-round draft pick.

A day earlier, the Broncos traded star edge rusher Von Miller to the Rams.

Pace’s history suggested he wouldn’t deal at the deadline. He hasn’t traded a veteran player during the regular season in six years. In his first season in charge, in 2015, Pace dealt edge rusher Jared Allen and inside linebacker Jon Bostic to the Panthers and Patriots on the same September day, landing sixth-round picks for each.

The Bears were coming off one of the most embarrassing losses of the John Fox era — a 26-0 defeat in Seattle during which backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen threw for 63 yards. The Bears punted to end each drive and ran three plays in Seahawks territory.

In the six years since, Pace has made only two in-season trades. Both were to add, not trade, veterans. On Oct. 26, 2017, he gave up a conditional pick to the Chargers for receiver Dontrelle Inman; he’d catch 23 balls for 334 yards in eight games paired with rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky.

On Oct. 5, he traded a 2023 sixth-round pick to the Dolphins for returner Jakeem Grant, who has been dynamic for the Bears.

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James Baranski said that despite the weather “the big lake” “starting to pop” last week for smallmouth bass. | Provided

The arrival of fall and its change in feeding patterns brings the time for crappie, steelhead, muskie, and perch (on southern Lake Michigan); those threads headline this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.

The arrival of fall and its change in feeding patterns brings the time for crappie, steelhead, muskie, and perch (on southern Lake Michigan); those threads headline this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.

James Baranski messaged the photo at the top and this Saturday afternoon:

Smallies were starting to pop last week on the big lake dale. Only managed 5 in the churned water but got 3 x 4lb, 1 x 3lb and a 2

I should say so.

You know what, the smallmouth is worth a full-length view.

Provided
James Baranski said that despite the weather “the big lake” “starting to pop” last week for smallmouth bass; and this one is worth a full-length view.

LAKEFRONT PERCH

Repots pickup on perch on southern Lake Michigan.

Steve Palmisano at Henry’s Sports and Bait texted on Tuesday:

Lake perch reports picking up significantly on south side. 87th

Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:

Perch in the cal park area and up into the river will start real soon fisherman be ready.

The time is near.

Navy Pier COO Brian Murphy emailed last week that the north side of Navy Pier is open for fishing, good news for when the perch arrive.

Bob Jurgeto messaged some details on Monday:

Hi Dale,

The other day in a post you mentioned whether or not Navy Pier would be open for perch. I went there this morning to give it a try and had no problem. The discount parking is in effect for fisherman $9.00 out by 10 AM. No fish caught but had to give it a try.

LAKEFRONT PARKING

Chicago Park District’s parking passes for the fisherman’s parking lots at DuSable and Burnham harbors are on sale at Henry’s Sports and Bait in Bridgeport and Park Bait at Montrose Harbor.

Readers suggest SpotHero app downtown. Otherwise, here are some basics: Foster (free street parking or pay lot); Montrose (now a mix of metered and free street parking); Belmont (pay lots on north and south sides); Diversey (pay lot or street parking); DuSable Harbor (pay lot or fisherman’s lot); Northerly Island/Burnham Harbor (meters, pay lot or fisherman’s lot); 31st/Burnham (meter parking between McCormick Place and 31st Street Harbor); Oakwood/39th (meters); 63rd Street/Casino Pier (pay lot); Steelworkers Park (free street parking at east end of 87th); Cal Park (free parking).

AREA LAKES

A few trout are still being caught, but we are now several weeks in.

I would expect this to be the week when the focus switches to crappie.

Provided
A big shiner Johnny Wilkins caught on a local pond.

Johnny Wilkins tweeted the photo above and this:?

@BowmanOutside

? – no trout, but 56 bluegill and a golden shiner bigger than some trout I’ve caught 13 1/2 inch beastie – released to spawn and feed the pond residents. Johnny – in Lombard…

I enjoy that catch.

Provided
Ken “Husker” O’Malley with a fall crappie, it’s that time.

Ken “Husker” O’Malley emailed the photos above and below, and this:

Hey Dale,

Here is a recap of this past weeks fishing.

Area lakes-the fall bite, while a little late starting, is on.

Crappie are very good on a variety on plastics worked under a slip float. Best colors have been chartreuse and pink. A few nice bluegill can be taken as well. Focus on outside weedlines and bays that the winds has been beating on for a few days.

Bass have been good on lipless crankbaits. With all the recent rain, work inflows with current as fish have been stacked up there.

Here is the nature pic of the week. Area colors in full bloom.

TTYL

—

Ken “Husker” O’Malley

Husker Outdoors
Waterwerks fishing team

Provided by Ken “Husker” O’Malley
Fall is here and not just color is changing.

CALUMET SYSTEM

Last week, BoRabb Williams messaged that the crappie were on fire.

CHAIN O’LAKES AREA

Arden Katz said the Chain was 52-53 degrees over the weekend with white bass (to 14 1/2 inches) and yellow bass “on fire,” plus a couple crappies and drum, in 10-14 feet on Marie and Bluff trolling small minnows at .5 to .8 mph.

Staff at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said panfish are going shallow around docks; walleye eating the minnows that are hit around the white and yellow bass; pike good everywhere; sucker bite starting for muskie.

NOTES: Check updates on water conditions at foxwaterway.com or (847) 587-8540. The Stratton Lock and Dam is closed for the season.

CHICAGO RIVER

Jeffrey Williams emailed the photo below and this last week:

this guy saved me from the skunk

Provided
Jeffrey Williams with a quality crappie from the Chicago River.

COOLING LAKES/STRIP PITS

Braidwood, Heidecke, Mazonia (except Monster stays open all year) and LaSalle are closed for the season.

DOWNSTATE

POWERTON: Fishing is closed for waterfowl season.

SPRING LAKE: Boat fishing is closed on the main lake; boat fishing is allowed from the Sky Ranch Road ramp to Maple Island buoy during waterfowl seasons. Bank fishing along South Lake Road is not allowed until after 1 p.m. during waterfowl season.

EMIQUON PRESERVE: During waterfowl seasons (Emiquon is in the central zone), non-waterfowl hunting boating (which includes fishing) is not allowed until noon. Access permits and liability waivers are required. They are available Tuesday to Saturday at Dickson Mounts Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing.

HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Closed for the season. Check regulations at http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-paddling-fishing.

FOX RIVER

Dicky’s Bait Shop in Montgomery reported water levels are staying up and flowing, crappie were hitting on waxworms and jigs and around bridges and brush, some smallmouth action on largemouth minnows in the same area; some walleye around Oswego.

Pete Lamar emailed:

Hi Dale,

. . .

I tried fishing a nearby lake yesterday afternoon, but the winds had built by then. Casting was difficult-and unsafe-so I pulled the plug. I did fish the Fox tribs after some of the rain we had. The rain looked to have done a lot of good: levels were up; there was some color, but not so much that the streams were unfishable; fish had returned to more typical lies than during the low water we’d had. I caught some respectable smallmouths on the edges of fast water. There are also some nice rock bass around.

. . .

Pete

GREEN LAKE AREA, WISCONSIN

Guide Mike Norris emailed:

Fishing Report – 11/01/2021

Mike Norris

Big Green Lake – As I have been predicting, the big fall bite is on with surface water temps falling into the mid to upper 50’s. My clients and I are catching smallmouth bass, northern pike and an occasional walleye while drifting with live bait. The depth we are locating fish in varies between 6 and 35 feet. With favorable weather early last week, I guided a suburban Chicago client to a chunky 6 lb. 2 oz. smallmouth bass last week that measured twenty-two inches long. Where I find one bass, there are usually more, as my clients and I are experiencing multiple double headers. I should see this bite last a couple more weeks.

I still am focusing on guiding for trophy smallmouth bass right now. To book a guide trip reach out to me via my Facebook page at mike.norris.7773 or email me through my website at www.comecatchsmallmouth.com

GREEN/STURGEON BAYS, WISCONSIN

Click here for the Wisconsin DNR weekly report.

ILLINOIS RIVER

The river is projected to fall off flood stage around Starved Rock area later this week.

KANKAKEE RIVER

River is on a steady drop at Wilmington after the high water.

George Peters emailed the photo below and this:

Happy Halloween Dale! Spent some time at the mouth of a small creek that enters the high water of the kkk. The clear creek water drew this19″ fish in close to the bank to feed on minnows. This fish of the week took a white twister tail jig in 55 degree water. G. Peters

Provided
George Peters with a good smallmouth bass from the Kankakee River.

LAKE ERIE

Click here for the Ohio DNR Report.

LAKEFRONT

See perch notes at the top.

As the lead photo from James Baranski shows, big smallmouth are going.

Weather should settle down this week and allow fishing to rebound some.

Steelhead are around the harbors, at least being seen. Darkening Chinook are around, too, especially for snaggers.

SALMON SNAGGING: Here are the details from the IDNR:

4) Snagging for chinook and coho salmon only is permitted from the following Lake Michigan shoreline areas from October 1 through December 31; however, no snagging is allowed at any time within 200 feet of a moored watercraft or as posted: A) Lincoln Park Lagoon from the Fullerton Avenue Bridge to the southern end of the Lagoon. B) Waukegan Harbor (in North Harbor basin only). C) Winnetka Power Plant discharge area. D) Jackson Harbor (Inner and Outer Harbors).

d) Disposition of Snagged Salmon and Paddlefish. All snagged salmon and paddlefish must be removed from the area from which they are taken and disposed of properly, in accordance with Article 5, Section 5-5 of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code.

MADISON LAKES, WISCONSIN

Click here for the update from D&S Bait.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN

Kurt Justice at Kurt’s Island Sport Shop in Minocqua emailed:

As October exits (one of the warmest most of us can remember), and we move into November, our weather seems to be getting back on track. Saturday (10/30) was a warm (55 degrees) flat calm, sunny day – looks like about it for the rest of the week.

Musky: Good – With water temps ranging 48-55 degrees, working gliders, jerks and medium sized rubber baits moving and catching fish along first breaks in 10-14′ of water (deeper (14-24′)) on large lakes. Suckers and trout on quick strikes picking up the slack when follows don’t take.

Walleye: Good – Locations depending on lake type. Shallower lakes and mid-sized lakes with green cabbage seeing a good bite developing on windward weed lines and at dusk. Daytime concentrate on outside edges of weeds in 12-14′. On larger lakes the deep-water bite in 22-40′ using appropriate weight jigs (1/8 – 1/2 oz) to work chubs, suckers and even 1/2 crawlers, as well as, jigging Raps and Shiver Minnows to score Walleyes.

Crappies: Good-Fair – Best over deep wood and along coontail edges of 14-18′. Medium fatheads under slip-floats best. A few reports early in week of Crappies holding over cabbage flats in 8-12′.

Northern Pike: Good-Fair – Most anglers targeting using jig and chubs as water cools. A few incidentals by Musky anglers.

Bluegills, Yellow Perch – Few reports, most from anglers Walleye or Crappie fishing.

Angler participation has been dropping off, as expected. With the warm October, expect open water to remain for a while. This week’s temps, lows forecasted for low to mid-20’s with mid-week highs in mid-30’s turning to mid to upper 40’s by weekend. Still, plenty of open water opportunities.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop – Like us on Facebook

NORTHWEST INDIANA

Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:

Lake trout and whitefish starting to be caught off Michigan city peir. Blade baits,spoons and bait fished on bottom best.

Perch in the cal park area and up into the river will start real soon fisherman be ready.

Crappie in lake George in Hobart around the bridges and log jams using minnows

ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN

Click here for the Wisconsin DNR’s report, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday.

SHABBONA LAKE

Concessions are closed for the season. Site hours through Jan. 31 are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN LAKEFRONT

Click here for the southern Lake Michigan reports from the Wisconsin DNR.

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said river is high and muddy and, with north winds, the pier and Lake Michigan are slow. New Buffalo has some lake trout action on jigging for boaters nearshore.

Paddle and Pole hosts the Berrien Springs Fish Ladder Camera.

WISCONSIN RIVER

Provided
Rob Abouchar with his biggest smallmouth bass of the season on the Wisconsin River.

Rob Abouchar emailed the photo above and this:

Hi Dale,

With low temps in the teens and highs in the 30’s predicted for the Northwoods in Merrill Wisconsin we hit the river one more time in the boat with Joe The Grasseater Schatz. The balmy almost 60 degree dead calm day belied the forcast to come but made for a fantastic day. The sunrise was spectacular and the conditions were perfect for one more day of fishing and trying to get the elusive Musky on a senko. The Smallmout bass were hitting in the perfect conditions and I landed my biggest bass of the season, a 21 inch beast that gave me a run for my money as it took drag and went airborne in the low 50 degree water. The bass hit a green pumkin senko with purple and green flake dipped in Chartreuse Garlic Dip n glow. Joe had some beautiful bass also on a new color Senko called Mowed Grass. Very appropriate for a guy known as the Grasseater. I caught a nice Pike on a white and red Mepps musky killer on a mid river hump. I had a vicious follow and assault of my senko by a good sized Musky as I retrieved it back to make another cast after flipping a dock. Unfortunately the fish missed the hook. The musky on a Senko will have to come from the shoreline as the boat is pulled and back in Island lake. There were a couple boats fishing for Musky but the anglers were outnumbered by the nimrods. We knew it was just about time when a hunter let loose with some shots near one of our favorite honey holes. We returned later to the same spot and landed some big bass…The big Possums walk late.

On the reggae front our Polish bass player T.V. Newscaster, real estate agent Sergius Zagrebski has a studio and producer lined up to do some recording of my original reggae music. Also looking for more gigs as the previous three were met with great approval. Big Up!!! Also had a nice session with the old Brain Massage band for some rock/reggae/blues /psychedelic jams. It was kinda like riding a bike. The boys wanna get the band back together.

Tight Lines and Good Health Rob

That just makes me happy, one several levels: fishing, seasons, outdoors and musical.

WOLF RIVER, WISCONSIN

Guide Bill Stoeger in Fremont texted:

Water temperature has dropping into the low 40’s with nighttime temps in the 20’s. Water levels are down, keeping crappie biting in the trees along deeper water. Walleye action is a bit slow, but improving.

Read More

Englewood Arts Collective artist Jerrold “Just Flo” Anderson stands in front of his mural after its unveiling outside Planned Parenthood’s Englewood Health Center at 6059 S. Ashland Ave. in the Englewood neighborhood, Tuesday morning, November 2, 2021. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Englewood artist Jerrold “Just Flo” Anderson wants his new mural to start to change the perception of the neighborhood. Among those depicted are two-parent families and essential workers.

Jerrold Anderson always thought of himself as an artist.

From sketching to rapping, creativity has always been among his strengths. It helped give him his street name — Just Flo. And now, that creativity is on display across the South Side.

Anderson’s newest piece, unveiled Tuesday, is splashed across Englewood’s Planned Parenthood, 6059 S. Ashland Ave.

“There’s so much good in Englewood that goes unseen,” said Anderson, 41, to a crowd gathered for the festivities. “I wanted to try to show our community coming together. Englewood has had a lot of ups and downs through the years, it’s no secret. But I don’t want us to forget the light that shines in all of us that this community is reflecting.”

In the mural, a police officer, construction worker and firefighter wave and smile. On opposite ends of the painting, two families stand, the parents embracing their children.

In one corner, a woman’s face is upturned, her hands pressed together. In the other, a man’s blue eyes are filled with emotion.

And above it all, in scrawling calligraphy: “Englewood.”

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
“I wanted to show a representation of young people, parents, essential care workers and everyone else who make up the pieces of an ever-growing and evolving neighborhood,” said artist Jerrold “Just Flo” Anderson. “I am showing how we are striving to be the change we all need to see.”

“The artwork that Just Flo created captures a snapshot of the community that we’re showcasing,” said Deonn Strathman, director of community engagement for Planned Parenthood of Illinois. “This mural will serve as a welcoming beacon for years for patients and visitors in the Englewood community.”

Anderson’s mural, commissioned by Planned Parenthood through the Englewood Arts Collective, is part of the #GoodInEnglewood campaign, started by Rashanah Baldwin 12 years ago to change public perception of the neighborhood.

“We are not dodging bullets. We are not on welfare. We are not hanging out on the corners,” Baldwin said Tuesday. “This shows good in Englewood. Seeing the two-parent family household, that image is so beautiful. I love it … and hope to see more of our spaces reclaimed.”

It took a month of sketching, revising and listening to community input to complete the mural.

Anderson, who’s lived in Englewood for 10 years, said it was a “humble blessing … to see so many different people — young, old — driving past and showing love” as the mural came together. It showed him people in Englewood just want “an opportunity to communicate.”

Anderson’s other artwork can be found under the name Just Flo at Whole Foods on 63rd Street and Halsted, under the viaduct on 58th Street and Halsted, at 63rd and Morgan and at a new grocery store to open soon on 63rd Street.

Cheyanne M. Daniels is a staff reporter for the Sun-Times via Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster the paper’s coverage of communities on the South Side and West Side.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A new mural by Jerrold “Just Flo” Anderson was unveiled Tuesday. It’s painted on the side of Planned Parenthood’s Englewood Health Center, 6059 S. Ashland Ave.Read More