CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 04: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks shoots against the Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center on February 04, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
The Chicago Blackhawks have been on a bit of a run this season. Most of us pegged them to be right there with the Detroit Red Wings at the bottom of the division. It makes sense as Jonathan Toews and Kirby Dach are both out and the goaltending was awful on paper. Then, the season started and they were bad, like 0-3-1 bad. Now, after a weekend against the Columbus Blue Jackets, it is clear that they could be for real.
On Thursday, they played a very entertaining game. The Hawks lost in regulation by a final score of 6-5. It was a stunning late third-period goal that sunk the Hawks in that one but there was a lot of good. The normal offensive threats along with the young players played a big part in making it close but they fell just short. After the game, we knew that Saturday’s matchup might be a bit of a different story.
Of course, it was as Chicago won the game by a final score of 3-2 in overtime. Five total goals are a lot different than 11 as the game before which is probably appreciated by all of the coaches. The Hawks needed a bit of a comeback to win as they were down 2-1 going into the third period but they did get it done. Alex DeBrincat stays hot as he scored the overtime game-winning goal, again. This kid is on fire which is great to see after his down year last year.
After the past few games, it is clear that Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane should be in the MVP conversation.
In that first Columbus game on Thursday, Patrick Kane had one goal and two assists for three points. In the Saturday night win, Kane had two assists. The five points in two games brought his total on the season to 22 (seven goals and 15 assists). Now, he is tied with Toronto Maple Leafs star, Mitchell Marner, for third in the league. He only trails Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers who are probably the two best offensive players in the league right now.
Because of the way he has played this year, he has to be in the conversation now for the Hart Trophy which goes to the league’s most valuable player. The NHL words the award as the player who is decided to be the most valuable to his team. Well, as good as some of the youngsters have been in Chicago, there is no doubt who leads the way.
There are other phenomenal players in the National Hockey League. There is a lot of hockey to be played still but Kane is fully in the MVP conversation now. He makes it where Chicago has a chance to win every game. We know how important the goaltending has been as well which is important but Kane is the guy here. He impacts the game in a positive way every single night.
A lot of the conversation could come down to the playoff picture. It shouldn’t, but it does. The Tampa Bay Lightning lead the division with 21 points. Chicago is tied with the Florida Panthers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Carolina Hurricanes for second with 18. Florida and Carolina have played four fewer games because of COVID-19 protocol so you can expect them to elevate themselves. However, the Hawks are in the conversation for that last spot and if they make it Kane will the biggest reason why.
Kane has played the second-most minutes of any forward so far this season. The only forward who has played more is Connor McDavid who is the best player in the world by far and much younger. Kane still has a lot to give to a hockey team and could end up being an MVP nominee if he keeps this level of production. He and his teammates are back in action on Monday night when they take on the Detroit Red Wings.
Once his NCAA waiver was approved, Minooka High School graduate Isaiah Hill proved to be a multi-threat weapon for Eastern Illinois. (photo courtesy EIU Athletics)
When Eastern Illinois opens its spring Ohio Valley Conference season Sunday at UT-Martin, the Panthers will have a key offensive piece that wasn’t in place when they kicked off the 2019 fall campaign.
EIU added talent-laden receiver Isaiah Hill back then, but had to endure the NCAA transfer waiver process. While the governing body weighed its decision, Hill — who transferred from South Dakota State — sat in limbo for the first four EIU games.
“We were banking on getting the waiver,” Hill told Prairie State Pigskin. “I was very excited for the season. I had worked hard all summer. When I first got the news that I wasn’t going to be able to play, it hurt. This is something that I’d waited my whole life for. It was heart-breaking when I found out I wasn’t going to be playing the first four games.”
It’s no secret that FCS transfers often sit deep in a pile under a stack of FBS decisions.
Yet, the former South Dakota State ‘scout team player of the year’ soldiered on.
“What I loved about it was that even when he wasn’t eligible or cleared to play on our offense, he was on our scout team and he was making us better every single day,” said EIU offensive coordinator John Kuceyeski. “That just speaks to his character. He didn’t take that time to sit there and pout. He took the time to get better and make the team better.”
Hill said, “I wasn’t going to let my teammates down. I was going to be the same person that they recruited. I was going to work hard no matter what.”
Highly recommended
Hill, a Minooka High School graduate, entered the transfer portal not because he was upset with his time at South Dakota State, but rather because of family situations back in Illinois.
“South Dakota State was a great experience. I loved my coaches and friends there, ” Hill said. “I’m from Joliet. When I entered the portal I really wanted to be closer to my family.”
Kuceyeski picked up the phone and called SDSU defensive line coach and friend Christian Smith.
Isaiah Hill
“Christan said we don’t want him to leave. We’d take a 100 of him,” Kuceyeski said. “He’s leaving because of some things going on at home. He’d be an unbelievable get for you. Knowing that before I even met Isaiah was huge, and then having him on campus for his official visit we really just spent a ton of time together. It was truly about the relationship.”
That relationship was cemented when Hill met EIU receivers coach Mark Philmore II.
“He seemed like one of the coolest people I know,” Hill said. “I felt he was someone I could trust, someone who would be real with me all the time. He’s stayed the same ever since he’s recruited me. All of the coaching staff is very family oriented. I trust them.”
Philmore knew Hill was a special player from day one.
“When he transferred in, he didn’t get the best news in regards to being able to play right away. He didn’t get his waiver from the NCAA. It didn’t stop him at all,” Philmore said. “Two of the four weeks he was unable to play, he was voted as scout team player of the week, one being on offense and the other being on special teams. That shows you right then and there the type of young man that he is.”
Taking flight
When Hill’s waiver was finally granted by the NCAA, the Panthers were opening Ohio Valley Conference play. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder had an immediate impact.
“It doesn’t take an expert to realize his skill set. He’s got a different gear. He can really run and make the plays,” Kuceyeski said.
Philmore added, “He’s internally driven, and he craves for knowledge of the game and how he can improve his skill.”
In his first two OVC games Hill had 14 catches for 88 yards. In his third game he scored touchdowns both rushing and receiving.
Hill followed that up with his true breakout performance Oct. 15 at UT-Martin. He hauled in 15 catches for 157 yards and a touchdown.
“It doesn’t take an expert to realize his skill set. He’s got a different gear. He can really run and make the plays,” Kuceyeski said.
Despite playing in just eight games, Hill led EIU with 58 receptions for 571 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed nine times for 26 yards and two more TDs. Hill scored a touchdown in five straight games and was named to the All-OVC Newcomer Team.
What’s next?
Now entering his redshirt junior season, Hill strives to get even better.
“All summer I worked on getting more detail in my routes, getting off the line. My routes are so much more crisp. I worked on getting out of my breaks in three steps or less,” Hill said.
Philmore has pushed him in a number of ways.
(photo courtesy of eiupanthers.com)
“How can he get in and out of his break that much faster? How can it do it in two steps rather than three? With this particular coverage, how can he set up this safety up for this corner route?” the receivers coach and former Northwestern player said. “He’s always craving for knowledge, which as a coach you love.
“And now the big thing for him is being able to take his motor, his want to have success and bring another guy along in the room. Being a leader vocally as well as showing it with his play. Adding the creativity piece, that’s been his biggest improvement from last year to this year.”
Hill also brings what he learned playing with star receiver and NFL prospect Cade Johnson at South Dakota State.
“His work ethic is above everyone else’s. He’s always asking questions. He was an All-American, but he was also the one who was asking questions and setting an example for the younger guys. I try to emulate him,” Hill said.
Special teams standout
Like many teams in college football, Eastern uses many of its top players on special teams. Hill returns both kickoffs and punts.
“When I’m on kick return and punt return I just want to be smart and protect the football. Make the big play when I need to,” Hill said. “I’ve been begging to be put on anything that helps the team, whether it’s to be the gunner or on the kickoff and go down and tackle somebody. I’ll do whatever they need me to do. If I’m going to get to that next level, I’m going to show them what I can do.”
Scouting report focus
After his impressive OVC debut, opposing coaches are very aware of Hill’s big play ability.
“If you watch the film he’s not lining up in the same place every play, so it’s difficult for defenses to be aware of where he is,” Kuceyeski said. “If I’m a defensive coordinator I’m going to help on coverage whether it’s with a linebacker or safety to make sure I’m not in a 1-on-1 scenario, because if they do give us that we’re going to take it every single time. From our standpoint that’s a win based on his athleticism, skill set and ability to make a play.
“You’ve got to be aware of where he is at all points in time.”
Hill knows it isn’t all about his numbers. The more focus he draws from opposing defenses will only help EIU as a team.
“It’s not all about me. It’s about all of the receivers in the room being able to bring something to the table,” he said. “When we’re all playing well and getting open, there’s going to be times when we all eat.”
That eating occurs both on the field from a success standpoint and literally off the field where he rooms with senior quarterback Harry Woodbery and fellow receivers Matt Reyna and Tyler Hamilton.
“We have a good time together, but we all work on getting better. Harry is always throwing the ball to us whether it’s going to the fieldhouse or we’re in the backyard. He likes to make us watch film with him. He points out things about our routes,” Hill said. “We’ve got that camaraderie.”
Blog co-authors Barry Bottino and Dan Verdun bring years of experience covering collegiate athletics. Barry has covered college athletes for more than two decades in his “On Campus” column, which is published weekly by Shaw Media. Dan has written four books about the state’s football programs–“NIU Huskies Football” (released in 2013), “EIU Panthers Football (2014), “ISU Redbirds” (2016) and “SIU Salukis Football” (2017).
A house caught fire Feb. 13, 2021, in Geneva. | Adobe Stock Photo
A woman and dog were rescued from the home, and the blaze was brought under control after about an hour, fire officials said.
A fire tore through a house Saturday in west suburban Geneva, rendering it uninhabitable for the time being.
A neighbor called the fire department about 6:15 p.m. after seeing a house in flames in the 0N700 block of Wenmoth Lane, Geneva fire officials said.
A woman and dog were rescued from the home, and the blaze was brought under control after about an hour, fire officials said. The woman was hospitalized as a precaution, but no serious injuries were reported.
The fire seriously damaged the second floor, attic and attached garage of the home, officials said, and smoke and water damage was severe throughout.
Though the total damage estimates were not immediately clear, the house was deemed uninhabitable following the fire.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
The Executive Director is a full-time, exempt employee appointed by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director oversees all aspects of the Center’s day-to-day operation in accordance with current federal/state/local laws, regulations/standards, and consistent with Community Adult Day Care Center’s policies and guidelines. This involves overseeing all financial, legal, fundraising, planning, marketing, programming, client supervision and staffing functions. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.
1 Fiscal Responsibilities:
Develop and oversee an annual budget; develop and implement financial policies/practices; establish and monitor accounting systems and cost controls; meet net operating income goals; and make monthly reports to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors
Maintain, complete and prepare:
• Budget and inventory
Bank deposits and bank records
Monthly bills
• Records for private pay clients and co-pay clients on the state or county funded programs
Receive payments and deliver reports to Treasurer
Monthly financial reports
Annual and quarterly payroll tax returns
• Insurance policies
Policies as required by the Board of Directors and the State of Illinois
Make recommendations in writing for revisions and/or new policies and procedures
Report to the President and/or Treasurer all accidents, disasters, fires or other situations
involving insurance matters
Attend regular Board of Directors meetings
Supervision of Staff
Oversee human resource functions including staff recruiting, training and development and staff supervision, performance evaluation and record keeping. Promote job satisfaction
Oversee all mandated continuing education of staff members; encourage additional staff learning opportunities
Provide regular in-service programs regarding all aspects of the aging process
Supervise Program/Activity Coordinator*s efforts and plans for programming for socialization and recreation appropriate to client needs
Prepare and publish employee schedules
Update job descriptions
Meet with staff on a regular basis both individually and as a group
Prepare employee performance evaluations annually or as requested by the Board of Directors
3. Responsibility to Clients and their Families
Assure client satisfaction and comfort by managing a proactive client relations program and
encourage family involvement. Determine eligibility of prospective clients and client discharges.
Interview clients and families
b. Determine client eligibility according to established policy and assessment
Oversee all client plans, objectives, evaluations and goals in collaboration with the nurse
Maintain client records
Oversee food service activities
Maintain client confidentiality, respect and dignity
Provide adequate information as to Center’s goals, objectives, policies and procedures
Keep regular contact with family and provide counseling and support as needed
Encourage family participation in the aHivities of the Center
Operational Function and Records
Oversee all operational functions to assure efficiency, quality client care and high levels of client
and family satisfaction.
Keep updated records on all phases of the operation
Supplies
Equipment
All agency inquiries
• Client files including medications
CADC Policies and Procedures
b. Record/report all incidents and accidents to appropriate agencies
Maintain updated personnel files 5. Public Relations
Lead fundraising and development activities. Develop and implement a program to solicit charitable grants. Initiate fundraising events and engage in the cultivation of individual and institutional donors.
Develop and assist with fund raising activities
b. Prepare and maintain Center publications
Develop and maintain Center website and social media sites
William Natale is an Emmy-award-winning TV producer/director and author of “1968 – A Story As Relevant Today As It Was Then,” (a tale that takes place in Chicago based in part on a true story). Natale served as the director and associate producer for “Water Pressures,” featuring HBO ENTOURAGE star Adrian Grenier, shot on location in India and various cities in the U.S. “Water Pressures,” was broadcast on over 224 PBS stations. Natale was the Chairman of the Broadcast Promotional Marketing Executives (BPME now known as Promax). Natale served as the Marketing & Promotion Director for NBC5 Chicago and the VP/Director of Corporate Communications for WTTW. He also has experience in the education field as the Executive Director for both the downtown and Lombard campuses of the IL Media Schools (vocational colleges that teach broadcast media arts). He also served as the Executive Producer for the Internet Streaming Corporation and WATCH312.com – working with talented individuals such as Candace Jordan (aka Candid Candace). Natale is a native Chicagoan and proud father of three adult children, two daughters and a son.
Mundelein’s Scottie Ebube (44) reacts after scoring against Notre Dame. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times
There’s a new team at the top after Notre Dame’s loss to Mundelein.
The season is off to an interesting start. The atmosphere at some games is dismal. It isn’t anyone’s fault, it is just the way things are right now.
It makes it hard for the players to get going and is a rough, lonely watch. I’m lucky to get to see high school basketball in person right now, so I won’t be complaining.
But the last two games I covered, St. Rita at Rolling Meadows and Mundelein at Notre Dame, were fantastic. Two non-traditional powerhouses began living up to the hype they’ve received. It was a ton of fun to be at both games and gives me some hope for the season.
Although I have to admit that on the drive home last night I started to feel a little cheated that we won’t get a chance to see Max Christie end his career in Champaign. Same for Mundelein, a team and community that would relish a trip to state. There are so many mixed feelings this season.
New additions:
Lyons (3-0): Everyone is raving about junior Tavari Johnson. The guard helped the Lions open the season with wins against Morton, York and Downers Grove South.
Fremd (3-0): The Vikings are off to a nice start with wins against Hoffman Estates, Palatine and Conant.
Dropping out:
Waubonsie Valley (3-1):: Overall a successful start to the season, but the loss to Wheaton-Warrenville South knocks out the Warriors for now.
St. Ignatius (2-1): Losing to Loyola on the road is clearly not an indication that the Wolfpack is overrated. Expect them to make it back in soon. They have a great chance to get a resume-building win on Monday at St. Rita.
If I ask you if you eat real food, you will probably say yes. Of course, you do not eat artificial food. If I ask you if you eat processed food, you may give me a different answer. Some processed food contains artificial ingredients. They can also be high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats. None of these ingredients are ideal for your health. You should consider making real food a staple in your diet.
There is not a total consensus regarding what makes up real food. Most dietitians consider real food as food that is not processed, free of chemical additives, and rich in nutrients. Food packaged with healthy ingredients can be considered real food. Do not be tricked by the “all natural” label on food packages. Read the ingredients to determine if the food is healthy.
Consuming real food has overall health benefits. Real food contains antioxidants that support heart health. Eating real food can assist with maintaining a healthy weight. It contains fiber that can lower blood sugar levels. Eating sustainable real food is good for the environment and some of it is cheaper than processed foods.
Fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, dairy, eggs, meat, fish, seafood, nuts, and seeds are considered real food. Some people believe you should purchase organic fruit, vegetables, and meat. Since organic is expensive another option is to purchase locally grown fruit and vegetables which are usually cheaper.
If you decide you want to consume mostly real food, you do not have to eat the same things repeatedly. Consuming real food can be exciting. There are a lot of real food options available. You can get creative with meals and find recipes online for dishes made of real food.
I know processed food is convenient and some of it taste good. If you consume it, you should do so in moderation. Processed food to eat in moderation includes packaged bread, processed cheese products, breakfast cereals, frozen meals, cakes, pastries, crackers, chips, sausage, bacon, candy, ice cream, and sodas. Some of my favorite food is on the list of unhealthy processed food. I do my best to eat mostly healthy real food with occasional treats. You may think that you cannot eat real food 100% of the time. What about 75%? You can start a journey to improve your eating habits and gradually improve in time.
I have been interested in preventive medicine since my childhood. In the 70s, my aunt would take me with her to meet with a doctor who emphasized preventive medicine. A lot of the things that doctor discussed then has become standard today.
This amazing exhibit opened in Paris in 2018 to rave reviews. You may have caught a glimpse of it in the Netflix series, “Emily in Paris.” Now it’s currently touring the U.S. and Toronto with a stop in Chicago and has been recently extended through September 6.
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Immersive Van Gogh is a visually spectacular digital art exhibition that invites you to “step inside” the iconic works of post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh like never before. It evokes his highly emotional and chaotic inner consciousness through art, light, music and movement. You will stand in awe of this magnificent immersion as you get carried away in a sea of stimulation.
With more than 50 projectors illuminating over 14,000 square-feet, visitors are surrounded by Van Gogh’s brushstrokes and colors, including animated details from Self Portrait with Felt Hat (1888), The Bedroom in Arles (1889), Irises (1889) and The Starry Night 1889).
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Immersive Van Gogh is a glorious experience that will envelop your visual and audio senses. Bring a pal and sit on one of the circles on the floor. Then step up to the balcony and get a different perspective. Take in the classical music, Edith Piaf’s “No Regrets” and other spectacular sounds.
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“Immersive Van Gogh is a new way of encountering art, as literally surrounds viewers on all sides with the brilliant work of one of the greatest painters of all time,” said Immersive Art Space Co-Producer Corey Ross. “Merging state-of-the-art technology, theatrical storytelling, animation and some of the finest works of art ever created, Immersive Van Gogh is a uniquely mesmerizing experience that seemingly transports the viewer into the artist’s mind to see these timeless works as never before.”
The hour-long, walk-through experience has been designed with optimum health and safety protocols. Capacity is limited and masks are required at all times. Additional safety precautions include touchless ticket-taking, temperature checks upon arrival, hand sanitizer stations, social distancing markers throughout the venue and digitally projected social distancing circles on the gallery floors to ensure appropriate spacing.
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The IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH EXHIBIT is displayed at the Lighthouse Art Space, 108 Germania Place in Chicago. More than 180,000 guests have enjoyed it since its debut in Toronto during the pandemic in July 2020.
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Ticket prices start at $39.99 for adults ($24.99 for children 16 or younger) with untimed and flexible ticket options available. Use public transportation or park in the nearby James House parking garage. For more information, visit Immersive Van Gogh, or call 844-307-4644. Follow the exhibition on social media at @vangoghchicago, on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The Chicago Bears have been heavily involved in Carson Wentz rumors as of late, but to what extent?
For the past week and a half or so, fans have been enamored with rumors regarding Wentz and the Bears. There have been countless tweets, reports and simple hunches involving the Bears trading for Wentz.
We have seen everything from folks saying the Bears are offering “at least” a first-round pick, to others stating they have heard the Bears are going to be involving multiple offensive players in a deal for Wentz. There have also been some reports that the Bears were a favorite to land him and that a deal could have been done soon, but that was days ago.
Even Ron Jaworski, a famed Eagles fan favorite, has gone out and said that the Colts were offering two first-round picks, and maybe more, for Wentz.
So, what’s the truth in all this? Or, is it just smoke?
The reports coming out about the Eagles wanting at least a first rounder for Wentz seem to be laughable now, as Philadelphia has not gotten what they have wanted in offers for their estranged quarterback.
Sunday morning, there was a report that came out via NBC’s Pro Football Talk via the Philadelphia Inquirer that should clear most of this up.
“…league sources doubt [G.M. Howie] Roseman has been offered a first-round pick of any sort for Wentz, this year or in the future.”
If this is true, and the Eagles have indeed not been offered a first-round pick in any potential trades for Wentz, then the past couple of weeks have been for show. It’s all been smoke coming from Philadelphia to try and drive up the price, when there are only a handful of teams interested.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has gone on record to say that there are not just two teams involved, but maybe as many as five. The Colts and Bears have the most interest according to the majority of reports, but any talk about a first-round pick can now be mostly put to rest.
After the saga has continued to rage on for far too long, the Eagles likely won’t get anything close to what they wanted for Wentz at the beginning. It was a nice attempt to inflate his price, but in the end, it appears even Ryan Pace is too smart for Philadelphia’s shenanigans.
Speaking of Pace, he is in a position where he must find a new quarterback for Chicago — and a capable one at that. The Bears general manager is on his last leg in Chicago, and head coach Matt Nagy might be in the same boat.
If Wentz ends up being their answer, that could be the move which ultimately sinks the ship. Pace could be hoping a turnaround is in order for Wentz, but not many fans are seeing that happening.
Many schools livestream games on the NFHS Network, which often charges fans to watch. However, several local schools stream games on their own that are free to watch. Some schools do all the games, some just home games and some select games.
If your school streams games, please send a link to the channel or home page to [email protected]. Here’s a list of all the schools that have submitted links so far.
