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  • Successful National Senior Center Month 2024 celebrated with Lifestyle Expo and Senior Games

    Successful National Senior Center Month 2024 celebrated with Lifestyle Expo and Senior Games

    The month of September has been officially recognized as

    National Senior Center Month by the National Council on Aging, and this year, our community came together to celebrate the invaluable contribution of senior centers across the country.

    Events such as the 50+ Lifestyle Expo and Senior Games not only showcased the talents and vitality of our senior population but also promoted healthy living, social engagement, and lifelong learning.

    The vibrant Lifestyle Expo, that took place on Sept. 17 at the Tipton County Fairgrounds, attracted just under 150 attendees, featuring 42 exhibitors. Participants had the opportunity to explore an array of health and wellness resources, learn about technology and home products, and enjoy

    engaging presentations on topics including scams and fraud, as well as balance and fall prevention.

    Interactive sessions encouraged attendees to experience new hobbies, demonstrating that it’s never too late to start something new.

    “In celebrating National Senior Center Month, we aim to highlight the important role senior centers play in promoting wellness and connection in our community,” said Cara Kellerman, event organizer. “The Lifestyle Expo was a remarkable success. Attendance was up more than 56 percent from the inaugural event; showing a growing interest. We are committed to providing attendees and local seniors with the resources and support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.”

    Additionally, the Senior Games that took place on Sept. 24 and 26, brought together more than 100 members of the Encore Center. Members competed in a wide range of activities including

    Bingo, The Price is Right (and other game shows), Mini Golf, Corn Hole and even card games.

    The games featured great prizes and emphasized the importance of staying active with friendly competition, fostering camaraderie among participants.

    The events succeeded in fostering community engagement and raising awareness about the diverse programs and services offered by senior centers nationwide. Local organizations and businesses partnered with Encore to ensure that every aspect of the month was thoughtfully curated

    with the actively aging population in mind.

    Encore extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, volunteered, and contributed to making this year’s National Senior Center Month a resounding success. Together, they reaffirm the commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors in the community through continued support and innovative programs.

    For more information about our senior center activities and programs, please visit www.encoreceneter.org, www.facebook.com/encorecentertipton, or call 765-675-4746 extension 12.

    (The mission of the Tipton County Council on Aging is to enrich the quality of life for Tipton County adults 60+ by providing programs and services that support independence, healthy aging, and social connection.

    The center is located at 900 E Jefferson St., Suite A, in Tipton and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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  • After years of restrictions, some on Kauai want night football games back

    After years of restrictions, some on Kauai want night football games back

    LIHUE (HawaiiNewsNow) – There’s renewed discussion on Kauai over when high school football games are played.

    Some want to bring back those beloved Friday night lights, but finding both short and long-term solutions hasn’t come easy.

    It’s an issue dating back to 2010. Seemingly every season, there’s a debate over whether to prioritize protecting endangered birds or protecting young athletes from intense afternoon heat.

    The Kauai Interscholastic Federation confirmed there will be no nighttime games for 2024 at the recommendation of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Service.

    Rancee Thronas comes from a family of athletes and started an online petition to bring back Friday night lights.

    “I Just think it’s time to get everybody together – specialists, scientists – and just figure out a way where we can make sure the birds are taken care of but also the keiki and the families watching,” Thronas said.

    She says playing in the afternoon sun presents significant risks.

    “You’re at these games, everybody’s so hot. We’re worried about our kids and it’s a safety issue. It’s getting hotter every year and we talk about it,” she said. “I’m like, ‘OK what do we have to do to get someone to notice?’”

    This renewed discussion also comes in light of the Navy’s plan to increase inert bombing exercises at Ka’ula island, a bird sanctuary some 60 miles southwest of Kauai.

    “It’s just perfect timing because it shows an example where the federal government is allowing them to bomb an island — that’s already happening — where these birds are from and nesting, but we’re just asking to turn on stadium lights for a few hours once a week,” Thronas said.

    Friday night games were first moved to Saturday afternoons in 2010 to protect Newell’s shearwaters and other native birds. Football season coincides with fledgling season, and the county faces steep fines for every downed bird disoriented in stadium lights.

    The county even set aside $4.6 million to retrofit lights with domes, but that still wasn’t enough.

    An agreement back in 2017 did bring back four nighttime games based off risks linked to the lunar calendar. But this year, the KIF says officials with the Fish and Wildlife Department deemed the 2024 season high risk, therefore, the stadium lights will remain off.

    Kauai’s Director of Parks and Recreation Pat Porter said in an email, “While our efforts have always prioritized the safety and enjoyment of our residents, we remain committed to exploring balanced approaches that align with the needs of our athletes, families, and the greater good of our island.”

    The KIF athletic league added that coaches, trainers and staff are prepared to prevent and treat heat-related illnesses during games, and they remain committed to both athlete safety and environmental protections.

    Hawaii News Now asked the county if they would explore the idea of investing in enclosed stadiums, and they said that wasn’t in the works, but they would be open to the idea if it ever aligned with financial resources.

    Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

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  • After years of restrictions, some on Kauai want night football games back

    After years of restrictions, some on Kauai want night football games back

    LIHUE (HawaiiNewsNow) – There’s renewed discussion on Kauai over when high school football games are played.

    Some want to bring back those beloved Friday night lights, but finding both short and long-term solutions hasn’t come easy.

    It’s an issue dating back to 2010. Seemingly every season, there’s a debate over whether to prioritize protecting endangered birds or protecting young athletes from intense afternoon heat.

    The Kauai Interscholastic Federation confirmed there will be no nighttime games for 2024 at the recommendation of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Service.

    Rancee Thronas comes from a family of athletes and started an online petition to bring back Friday night lights.

    “I Just think it’s time to get everybody together – specialists, scientists – and just figure out a way where we can make sure the birds are taken care of but also the keiki and the families watching,” Thronas said.

    She says playing in the afternoon sun presents significant risks.

    “You’re at these games, everybody’s so hot. We’re worried about our kids and it’s a safety issue. It’s getting hotter every year and we talk about it,” she said. “I’m like, ‘OK what do we have to do to get someone to notice?’”

    This renewed discussion also comes in light of the Navy’s plan to increase inert bombing exercises at Ka’ula island, a bird sanctuary some 60 miles southwest of Kauai.

    “It’s just perfect timing because it shows an example where the federal government is allowing them to bomb an island — that’s already happening — where these birds are from and nesting, but we’re just asking to turn on stadium lights for a few hours once a week,” Thronas said.

    Friday night games were first moved to Saturday afternoons in 2010 to protect Newell’s shearwaters and other native birds. Football season coincides with fledgling season, and the county faces steep fines for every downed bird disoriented in stadium lights.

    The county even set aside $4.6 million to retrofit lights with domes, but that still wasn’t enough.

    An agreement back in 2017 did bring back four nighttime games based off risks linked to the lunar calendar. But this year, the KIF says officials with the Fish and Wildlife Department deemed the 2024 season high risk, therefore, the stadium lights will remain off.

    Kauai’s Director of Parks and Recreation Pat Porter said in an email, “While our efforts have always prioritized the safety and enjoyment of our residents, we remain committed to exploring balanced approaches that align with the needs of our athletes, families, and the greater good of our island.”

    The KIF athletic league added that coaches, trainers and staff are prepared to prevent and treat heat-related illnesses during games, and they remain committed to both athlete safety and environmental protections.

    Hawaii News Now asked the county if they would explore the idea of investing in enclosed stadiums, and they said that wasn’t in the works, but they would be open to the idea if it ever aligned with financial resources.

    Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

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  • Top college football games to watch in October with Playoff stakes

    Top college football games to watch in October with Playoff stakes

    As the calendar turns from September to October, the stakes ramp up in conference races for potential College Football Playoff contenders. The season’s first month brought quality nonconference matchups and an SEC classic between Georgia and Alabama. This month establishes separation among the CFP contenders and bowl-caliber squads.

    For this week’s CFP breakdown, let’s examine the four types of games that will shape the month. They include those with massive implications, with both teams not only having a shot to reach the CFP but also to host a first-round game or earn a bye. The second category identifies the sneaky-important matchups that have the potential to become pivotal. The third category establishes potential CFP elimination games in which the loser likely falls completely out of the CFP chase. The fourth pits teams with CFP hopes against those who could thwart iconic seasons.

    This post highlights eight games — two in each category — while listing 24 games that have the potential to shake up the CFP field.

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Is Alabama a lock? Who’s rising and falling in the College Football Playoff race

    Massive implications

    Ohio State at Oregon, Oct. 12

    Georgia at Texas, Oct. 19

    Both games could reach 10 million viewers, which is a major reason both conferences expanded. But more than just ratings are involved. Not only are CFP ramifications at stake, but these matchups also provide a window into how conference championship chases could unfold. The Big Ten battle royale features No. 3 Ohio State at No. 6 Oregon, while No. 2 Texas hosts No. 5 Georgia.

    The Buckeyes (4-0) and Ducks (4-0) last played in 2021, and Oregon ran the ball at will with 269 rushing yards in a 35-28 win. Now, both teams are under the Big Ten umbrella and feature former Big 12 transfer quarterbacks (Ohio State with former Kansas State star Will Howard; Oregon with ex-Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel). It could be the first of two, perhaps even three, meetings between Ohio State and Oregon.

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Big Ten superlatives: MVP player? Which undefeated team will crack first?

    Texas-Georgia carries perhaps even more importance, at least for the Bulldogs (3-1). After falling short in a shootout with Alabama, Georgia likely would miss the SEC championship with another loss. Though that wouldn’t end the Bulldogs’ Playoff hopes, it would prevent them from gaining a bye or perhaps hosting a first-round game. As for Texas (5-0), which plays Oklahoma the previous week, wins in both games would just about lock up a Playoff spot based on the remaining schedule.

    Others: Oklahoma vs. Texas in Dallas, Oct. 12; Penn State at USC, Oct. 12; Alabama at Tennessee, Oct. 19; Missouri at Alabama, Oct. 26


    Boise State has high hopes to win the Mountain West behind the nation’s leader in rushing yards and TDs: Ashton Jeanty. (Brian Losness / Imagn Images)

    Sneaky important

    Nebraska at Indiana, Oct. 19

    Boise State at UNLV, Oct. 25

    Only once since 2007 has Indiana won at least seven games in a season. Nebraska is the only power-conference program not to qualify for a bowl since 2016. Both facts could crumble in Bloomington. Should Indiana (5-0) take care of Northwestern this week, the Hoosiers will battle Nebraska (4-1) to reach a seventh victory. Likewise, if the Huskers knock off unbeaten Rutgers, they’ll play IU for a bowl berth. In the big picture, the winner stays in strong contention for a CFP spot. Narrowly, it’s a rich contrast in quarterbacking styles between senior transfer Kurtis Rourke (Indiana) and true freshman Dylan Raiola (Nebraska).

    The Group of 5’s top two teams clash in Las Vegas with a likely spot in the Mountain West championship at stake. No. 25 UNLV (4-0) won at Big 12 opponents Houston and Kansas and crushed Fresno State 59-14 last week. The Rebels look like a legitimate CFP team and perhaps not a first-round party favor for one of the top at-large squads. Likewise, No. 21 Boise State (3-1) was a field goal away on the game’s final play from taking Oregon to overtime. The Broncos feature the nation’s leading rusher, Ashton Jeanty. This matchup (and perhaps a rematch in the Mountain West title game) will impact the Group of 5 CFP spot more than any other in the regular season.

    Others: Iowa at Ohio State, Oct. 5; Missouri at Texas A&M, Oct. 5; Arizona at BYU, Oct. 12; BYU at UCF, Oct. 26

    Possible eliminator

    Kansas State at Colorado, Oct. 12

    Oklahoma at Ole Miss, Oct. 26

    Colorado (4-1) and Kansas State (4-1) once were stalwarts of the old Big 12 North Division, with one or the other competing for the championship in six straight seasons from 2000 to 2005. They’ve met 66 times as Big Eight, then Big 12 foes before the Buffaloes left for the Pac-12 in 2011. Now they’ve returned to the Big 12, and this could mark the league’s most exciting matchup. Colorado features Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter and likely first-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and Kansas State boasts quarterback Avery Johnson and several quality receivers. Both teams have a loss, and another one could severely dent their at-large potential.

    Oklahoma (4-1) and Ole Miss (4-1) each have a loss, and they could have a second one by the time they meet in late October. If that’s the case, this truly is an elimination contest. Kentucky shocked Ole Miss last weekend, and Oklahoma lost two weeks ago to Tennessee. It’s strange to see these teams meet under the SEC banner, and they’ve played each other just once previously, in the 1999 Independence Bowl. This game promises to have fireworks based on OU quarterback Michael Hawkins’ comeback against Auburn and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart’s high-flying numbers.

    Others: SMU at Louisville, Oct. 5; Utah at Arizona State, Oct. 12; Michigan at Illinois, Oct. 19; LSU at Texas A&M, Oct. 26

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Ubben: These 10 college football teams are off to a better start than expected

    Upset watch

    Iowa State at West Virginia, Oct. 12

    Florida State at Miami, Oct. 26

    The Big 12 once tried to staple Iowa State and West Virginia together as a season-ending series, but it didn’t take. Last year was the first time they hadn’t played since the Mountaineers (2-2) entered the Big 12, but there’s usually a little sizzle when they face off. This year, the No. 16 Cyclones (4-0) are rolling on defense (7.3 points per game), but they’ve lost three of their last four in Morgantown. West Virginia plays 11 power-conference opponents this year and opened with top-10 Penn State at home. It also lost late in a shootout at Pitt. The battle-tested Mountaineers are no pushover and will knock off some Big 12 contenders in October.

    Florida State (1-4) easily is the nation’s most disappointing team. At worst, the Seminoles expected to have one loss right now, not four. But if there’s anything that will give FSU juice, it’s a chance to knock off No. 8 Miami (5-0). The Seminoles have won three straight in the series, and there’s nothing like familiarity to bring out the best in a disappointed competitor. Miami barely eked out a win against Virginia Tech when a Hail Mary pass was ruled incomplete after a long video review. But if we’ve learned anything with this series, anything is possible (wide), right?

    Others: Pitt at North Carolina, Oct. 5; Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech in Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Oct. 19; Auburn at Missouri, Oct. 19; Michigan State at Michigan, Oct. 26

    (Top photo of Texas’ Colin Simmons and David Gbenda: David Buono / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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  • USA Rugby: Simon Amor gets Sevens job ahead of home Olympic Games : Planet Rugby

    USA Rugby: Simon Amor gets Sevens job ahead of home Olympic Games : Planet Rugby

    Former England coach and Sevens legend Simon Amor has been appointed as the new head coach of the USA men’s Sevens program, succeeding the outgoing Mike Friday.

    It is a new era for the men’s team following the departure of Friday, who held the role for 10 years in what was a largely successful period for the side.

    USA have opted to replace him with another Englishman as former Sevens star Amor comes in, with a home Olympic Games in 2028 an exciting goal to build towards.

    Honoured to take over

    “I am extremely honoured to lead the Men’s Eagles Sevens program and build on the last 10 years of work from Mike Friday and Phil Greening,” he told USA Rugby.

    “With a home Olympics, as well as home Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups all on the horizon, this is an incredibly exciting time to make a transformational impact on the game of rugby in the USA.

    “I am looking forward to relocating to San Diego to support the players and staff in getting better every day. I am equally as motivated to engage with the USA Rugby community, to help capitalise on this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

    Since retiring from playing, Amor has coached London Scottish, England Sevens and Great Britain Sevens, Hong Kong and Japan Sevens. He also had a brief stint in the England XVs coaching set-up during the Eddie Jones era in 2020.

    The 45-year-old will be looking to hit the ground running in the upcoming World Rugby SVNS Series, which kicks off in November in Dubai, with Amor keen to impress.

    “Inspired by the Women’s Eagles Sevens team in Paris, our ultimate goal is to medal at LA2028 with our first step targeting the top eight of an incredibly competitive HSBC World SVNS Series this year,” he said.

    World Rankings: Why the Springboks remain second despite winning the Rugby Championship

    “With only a few weeks until Dubai, alongside the retirement of some great players who have been the backbone of the team for many years, we know the challenge is high. However, having seen the players in the pathway, so undoubtedly is our potential.

    “Our first-year focus will therefore be about learning and establishing 100% commitment, which will lay the foundations for us to build on our journey to LA2028.”

    USA Rugby General Manager of High Performance, Tamara Sheppard, was thrilled by the appointment of Amor and is excited to see how Amor leads the team.

    “We are delighted to welcome Simon as the next head coach of our Men’s Sevens program,” she said.

    “USA Rugby is venturing into an all-important period with the 2028 Olympics on home soil, so we couldn’t be prouder to have Simon’s leadership and experience at the forefront of this journey.

    Perfect fit

    “After an extensive candidate evaluation process, Simon’s proficiency in player development and pedigree for Olympic success was perfect for our young and exciting Men’s Sevens program.”

    USA Rugby CEO, Bill Goren, added: “First and foremost I want to extend a warm welcome to Simon on behalf of USA Rugby. We are excited to enter a new era with his experience and tutelage at the helm of our Men’s Sevens program.

    “Our aspirations for growing rugby sevens are bright leading into LA2028, Simon has exactly the merit and dedication we’re in search of to reach those goals.”

    READ MORE: Autumn Nations Series: Fixtures and kick-off times for Test rugby’s end-of-year action

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  • Epic Games sues Google and Samsung over phone settings, accusing them of violating antitrust laws

    Epic Games sues Google and Samsung over phone settings, accusing them of violating antitrust laws

    LOS ANGELES — Video game maker Epic Games sued Google and Samsung on Monday, accusing the tech companies of coordinating to block third-party competition in application distribution on Samsung devices.

    At issue is Samsung’s “Auto Blocker” feature, which only allows for apps from authorized sources, such as the Samsung Galaxy Store or Google Play Store, to be installed. The feature is turned on by default but can be changed in a phone’s settings. The tool prevents the installation of applications from unauthorized sources and blocks “malicious activity,” according to Samsung.

    In a lawsuit filed in San Francisco federal court — Epic’s second against Google — the company said Auto Blocker “is virtually guaranteed to entrench Google’s dominance over Android app distribution.” Epic, developer of the popular game “Fortnite,” filed the suit to prevent Google from “negating the long overdue promise of competition in the Android App Distribution Market,” according to the complaint.

    “Allowing this coordinated illegal anti-competitive dealing to proceed hurts developers and consumers and undermines both the jury’s verdict and regulatory and legislative progress around the world,” Epic Games said in a post on its website.

    Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Samsung said it “actively fosters market competition, enhances consumer choice, and conducts its operations fairly.”

    “The features integrated into our devices are designed in accordance with Samsung’s core principles of security, privacy, and user control, and we remain fully committed to safeguarding users’ personal data. Users have the choice to disable Auto Blocker at any time,” Samsung said, adding that it plans to “vigorously contest Epic Game’s baseless claims.”

    Epic launched its Epic Games Store on iPhones in the European Union and on Android devices worldwide in August. The company claims that it now takes “an exceptionally onerous 21-step process” to download a third-party app outside of the Google Play Store or the Samsung Galaxy Store. But a support page on Epic’s website shows a four-step process to remove the Auto Blocker setting.

    Epic won its first antitrust lawsuit against Google in December after a jury found that Google’s Android app store had been protected by anti-competitive barriers that damaged smartphone consumers and software developers.

    The game maker says the “Auto Blocker” feature was intentionally crafted in coordination with Google to preemptively undermine the jury’s verdict in that case.

    “Literally no store can compete with the incumbents when disadvantaged in this way,” Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said on X. “To have true competition, all reputable stores and apps must be free to compete on a level playing field.”

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  • Women’s Hockey: No. 9 Huskies lose back-to-back home games against No. 2 Minnesota  

    Women’s Hockey: No. 9 Huskies lose back-to-back home games against No. 2 Minnesota  

    Coming off an overtime victory in their preseason exhibition game against Quinnipiac last weekend, the Huskies looked to continue their strong start against Minnesota in their first two regular-season games of the season. However, UConn faced multiple challenges throughout the weekend resulting in a 0-2 start to their season. 

    In the home opener on Friday night, Minnesota dominated the game from the start, scoring all their goals in the first period. Forward Abbey Murphey opened the scoring for the Golden Gophers just twenty seconds into the first period. Two minutes later, Minnesota scored yet again thanks to sophomore Emma Kreisz, who was named to the NCAA Rookie of the Year Watch List due to her breakout freshman year last season. The Huskies struggled to keep the puck out of their zone resulting in Minnesota scoring two more goals in the first period. The Huskies went into the second period trailing 0-4. 

    UConn looked to turn things around in the second period and did so seven minutes into the period, as junior forward Megan Woodworth scored the first regular-season goal for the Huskies. Despite this, the Huskies failed to get pucks on net and lost to the Golden Gophers 1-4.  

    UConn women’s hockey kicked off their season at home against the University of Minnesota on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. The huskies fight until the end of the game, but ultimately lose 4-1.UConn women’s hockey kicked off their season at home against the University of Minnesota on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. The huskies fight until the end of the game, but ultimately lose 4-1.

    On a positive note, the Huskies had an impressive penalty kill in the last six minutes of the game, when Jada Habisch was sent to the penalty box for a major. Senior goalie Tia Chan made several impressive saves and ended the night with 34 total saves, 27 of them from the second and third periods.  

    Minnesota’s ability to outshoot the Huskies and win 27 out of the 49 faceoffs resulted in their victory, leaving the Huskies looking for a comeback in their game the next day.  

    UConn and Minnesota faced off again Saturday afternoon. The Huskies changed the outcome from the previous game, taking an early lead in the first period. Senior forward Riley Grimley opened the scoring just seven minutes into the first period with a power play goal, giving UConn the lead and the confidence to take on the rest of the game.  

    The second period was scoreless for both teams as UConn goalie Megan Warrener made a career-high 45 saves, 14 of them in the second period to keep the Golden Gophers off the score board. 

    Minnesota was awarded a penalty shot with less than five minutes left in the second period, but Warrener protected the net and sent the Huskies into the third period still up 1-0.

    UConn women’s hockey kicked off their season at home against the University of Minnesota on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. The huskies fight until the end of the game, but ultimately lose 4-1.

    Minnesota responded quickly though, scoring just 26 seconds into the third period to tie the game. However, senior forward Brianna Ware put the Huskies right back in the lead 21 seconds later scoring her 8th career goal. The back-and-forth battle continued with Minnesota and UConn. While both sides were split in faceoff wins, the Golden Gophers still had a significant more number of shots to the net, outshooting the Huskies with 48 shots compared to UConn’s 13.  

    With only six minutes remaining in regulation, Minnesota forward Natalie Mlynkova kept the the Golden Gophers alive by scoring a goal to send the game into overtime. 

    Minnesota beat the Huskies to the net as Abbey Murphey, the leading goal scorer for Minnesota, scored the overtime winner.  

    The back-to-back losses are not the way the Huskies were looking to start their season, but they still remain the top pick to finish in first place by the Hockey East preseason polls.   

    Heading into their next game, the Huskies will need to work on getting pucks to the net as Minnesota outshot them in both games. Goalies Chan and Warrener came up big for the Huskies blocking several shots in each game to give the Huskies a chance. Fans should keep an eye on Habisch, the leading goal scorer for the Huskies last season, to remain a powerful force throughout this season. 

    The Huskies will look to turn their season around in their next two game home series against Pennsylvania State this Friday and Saturday. The Penn State Nittany Lions are in a similar situation to the Huskies as they are also coming off a two-game losing streak to Northeastern. Both UConn and Penn State will be looking to get their first regular-season win and it no doubt will be a battle on both ends. 

    Puck drop for both games will be at 3 p.m. this Friday and Saturday at the Toscano Family Ice Forum. 

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  • Something to watch for each Daily Chronicle team during Week 5 games – Shaw Local

    Something to watch for each Daily Chronicle team during Week 5 games – Shaw Local

    As the season shifts from almost half-finished to more than half-finished, we look at a key element of each Daily Chronicle area team in Week 5.

    Dekalb's Mariyan Dudley runs the ball during a game against Plainfield South Friday Sept. 6, 2024 at Plainfield South High School

    Dekalb’s Mariyan Dudley runs the ball during a game against Plainfield South in September 2024 at Plainfield South High School (Adam Jomant for Shaw Local News Network/Adam Jomant)

    DeKalb: Getting the ground game going

    It’s been tough for the Barbs during their 0-4 start, in particular their rushing attack. In a 39-6 loss to Lincoln-Way Central last week, they ran 24 times for just 25 yards.

    Coach Derek Schneeman said he feels the offensive line is actually playing fairly well. He said the running backs have some areas in which they can up their game. Mariyan Dudley led the way with nine yards on six carries against the Knights. The week prior against Kaneland, he ran six times for 34 yards to lead the team, which carried 19 times for 29 yards.

    “I think the offensive line is actually doing well all things considered when we score them out,” Schneeman said. “Some of it is just making proper reads as the running backs and trusting what they’ve been coached to do. It’s really just consistency. There are just one or two breakdowns that have been hampering us – could be up front, could be a misread, sometimes it’s just a cut by a running back going somewhere the play isn’t designed to be. We have to focus on basics, get back to the run power offense and focus on early summer stuff to make sure we’re trying to improve and become a little more consistent.”

    Oswego East's Aiden Fell, center, blocks Sycamore's Cooper Bode, as Oswego East's Zamarion Taylor (28) gains extra yards before being ruled down at the end of the play on Friday Sept. 6, 2024, during the game held at Sycamore High School.

    Oswego East’s Aiden Fell, center, blocks Sycamore’s Cooper Bode, as Oswego East’s Zamarion Taylor (28) gains extra yards before being ruled down at the end of the play during the game held at Sycamore High School. (David Toney for Shaw Local News /David Toney)

    Sycamore: Battle-tested through four weeks

    For the past two weeks, Sycamore (4-0) hasn’t needed a fourth-quarter comeback to win games like they did in Weeks 1 and 2 against DeKalb and Oswego East.

    Of course, the wins against Mahomet-Seymour and Rochelle still came down to the fourth quarter and were one-score games, like every Spartans’ game has been this year.

    “It’s making an old man out of me,” joked Sycamore head coach Joe Ryan. “But it’s nice to be on this side of those types of games. It’s nerve-wracking as a coach but the players don’t feel that way. They play through it.”

    The close games may keep on coming for the Spartans. They play only one team currently with a losing record over the last five contests of the year, this week against Ottawa (1-3).

    “It’s big when it gets later in the season,” Ryan said. “A lot of games we’re going to be decided by one score or at least, so at least we’ve been in some and understand how those types of situations work.”

    Kaneland's Carter Grabowski tries to get around DeKalb's Davon Grant during their game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Kaneland High School in Maple Park.

    Kaneland’s Carter Grabowski tries to get around DeKalb’s Davon Grant during their game Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Kaneland High School in Maple Park. (Mark Busch)

    Kneland: Carter Grabowski does it all

    There’s almost nothing Carter Grabowski hasn’t done for the Knights (0-4) this year.

    The defensive back, running back and kick returner leads the team with 32 tackles and two interceptions. He leads the team with 60 carries, 312 yards and four touchdowns. And after Friday’s win at Ottawa, he has a 92-yard kickoff return under his belt.

    Coach Michael Thorgesen said Grabowski is one of Kaneland’s most impactful two-way players in a long time.

    “He’s been the leading tackler for us multiple times this year,” Thorgesen said. “He runs so hard. Not to mention the return touchdown last week. We knew he could be an impact player, but he’s really owning it I guess I’d say. He serious on both side of the ball. Obviously he likes running and scoring touchdowns but he likes defense too. He’s just a football player, that’s for sure.”

    Genoa-Kingston's Owen Zaccard (33) fights for yards as Oregon's Ethan Mowry (3) and Keaton Salisbury (10) defend during action against Oregon on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 at Landers-Loomis Field in Oregon.

    Genoa-Kingston’s Owen Zaccard (33) fights for yards as Oregon’s Ethan Mowry (3) and Keaton Salisbury (10) defend during action against Oregon on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 at Landers-Loomis Field in Oregon. (Earleen Hinton)

    Genoa-Kingston: Finishing drives on offense

    The Cogs (2-2) have managed just seven points in their last two games, both losses after a 2-0 start to the year. Even with the offensive slowdown, they are still averaging more than 20 points per game.

    Coach Cam Davekos said as the Cogs host Winnebago on their homecoming, they have to start finishing drives offensively.

    “We haven’t done a good job of that the last two games,” Davekos said. “We have to get back to what we do best and that’s making sure we get 3 to 4 yards at a time running the ball and finish drives. We can’t shoot ourselves in the foot with penalties.”

    Hiawatha's Tim Pruitt tries to fight through a host of South Beloit tacklers during their game Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Hiawatha High School in Kirkland.

    Hiawatha’s Tim Pruitt tries to fight through a host of South Beloit tacklers during their game Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Hiawatha High School in Kirkland. (Mark Busch)

    Hiawatha: Defense back on track

    Although they gave up 30 points in a loss to South Beloit last week, coach Kenny McPeek liked what he saw from his defense.

    They gave up 54 points against West Carroll and Polo in Weeks 2 and 3. McPeek said two of the touchdowns came late in the game against a depleted Hawks team. But with the team nearing full health, he said he expects a strong performance against River Ridge (0-4) this week.

    “Our defense wasn’t bad against South Beloit, they got 16 against our starting defense,” McPeek said. “Tackling lower is everything and we’re doing a better job. We’re just staying low and getting better every week.”

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  • Antwerp 1920 Olympics: The Hunger Games

    Antwerp 1920 Olympics: The Hunger Games

    On the heels of World War I and a global pandemic (sound familiar?), in a city that had been occupied by the German army, starved and devastated—the Games would go on.

    The Antwerp Games: In the Shadow of Death

    The VII modern Olympic Games was held in Antwerp, Belgium from April 20, 1920 to September 12, 1920.

    Just 526 days after World War 1 ended November 11, 1918 (the deadliest war in recorded human history to that point) the Olympic Games were somehow held in a devastated Antwerp Belgium. The countries that had lost in WWI (1914-1918): Germany, Austria, Bulgaria and Turkey were banned from participating.

    Also, Soviet Russia had just emerged from the 1917 revolution and civil war and chose not to attend the Games.

    Somehow, the International Olympic Committee and the city of Antwerp and government of Belgium would stage the games after a war that lasted 1567 days in which on average 12,572 people would die every day.

    1914: Antwerp Shelled by German Army

    Antwerp had been besieged by the German Army in 1914 and shelled by their artillery mercilessly for twelve days before finally surrendering to German military occupation for four long years.

    War and a Pandemic: A Tough Act to Follow

    In addition the world was still convulsing from the great Influenza pandemic which infected approximately 500 million people, lasting from Spring 1918 through 1919. The disease would cause the fatalities of more than 50 million people worldwide.

    Lastly, Europe was literally starving by the time the war had ended. After the Armistice was signed in November 1918 and the war ended, President Wilson appointed Herbert Hoover to head the European Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. Hoover was able to channel 34 million tons of American food, clothing and supplies to war-torn Europe

    That then was the backdrop of the VIIth games in April 1920: destruction, economic devastation, famine, and a pandemic all leading to the death of 69 million people in the six years prior.

    In addition the turnout of athletes would be down due to the economic depression worldwide as well as the absence of many european athletes who were killed and maimed during the war.

    Olympic Athletes Reflect on Hardships

    The 1920 Games were rough then in many ways: Cash-strapped Belgium was hardly ready to welcome athletes, let alone large numbers of fans. Walker Smith, an American track and field athlete, described sleeping on cots “without mattresses” in dormitories housing 10 to 15 men per room.

    The food situation was similarly bleak, with athletes given only a roll, coffee and “one little sardine” for breakfast. They were forced to buy their own food — Belgium was still receiving aid because of food shortages.

    Sporting facilities, too, were in shambles. The Olympic Stadium was barely finished when the games began — the track was incomplete and many of the races were conducted in muddy conditions.

    Swimmers faced even tougher circumstances: the Belgians had not built a pool but instead constructed a wooden frame in an existing waterway.

    Aileen Riggin, the gold medalist in the women’s three-meter springboard event, remembers diving into a canal, part of the city’s ancient defences, and into water being shared by all the nautical sports:

    “We were heartsick when we saw it. A 50-meter pool was not asking too much, but of course Belgium did the very best they could. This was right after the war. It was so cold that many swimmers had to be rescued from hypothermia. They were unconscious, and some of them were really in a bad way and had to be dragged out.

    Despite these hardships, the 1920 Olympics are still recognized for their lasting contributions to sport, gender equality, unity, and peace.

    For example, the 1920 Olympics were the first in which the Olympic Oath was voiced, the first in which doves were released to symbolize peace, and the first in which the Olympic Flag was flown to display the unity of the world’s continents through its 5 rings.

    So the 1920 Antwerp Games should be remembered as the greatest example in modern times of the Olympics that should have been canceled, delayed (like Tokyo in 2020) or relocated to a different host city…but they weren’t. Against all odds and in spite of great hardship they were held in Antwerp as a symbol of hope and healing for the nations.

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  • Can AI make video games more immersive? Some studios turn to AI-fueled NPCs for more interaction

    Can AI make video games more immersive? Some studios turn to AI-fueled NPCs for more interaction

    LOS ANGELES — For decades, video games have relied on scripted, stilted interactions with non-player characters to help shepherd gamers in their journeys. But as artificial intelligence technology improves, game studios are experimenting with generative AI to help build environments, assist game writers in crafting NPC dialogue and lend video games the improvisational spontaneity once reserved for table-top role-playing games.

    In the multiplayer game “Retail Mage,” players help run a magical furniture store and assist customers in hopes of earning a five-star review. As a salesperson — and wizard — they can pick up and examine items or tell the system what they’d like to do with a product, such as deconstruct chairs for parts or tear a page from a book to write a note to a shopper.

    A player’s interactions with the shop and NPCs around them — from gameplay mechanics to content and dialogue creation — are fueled by AI rather than a predetermined script to create more options for chatting and using objects in the shop.

    “We believe generative AI can unlock a new kind of gameplay where the world is more responsive and more able to meet players at their creativity and the things that they come up with and the stories they want to tell inside a fantasy setting that we create for them,” said Michael Yichao, cofounder of Jam & Tea Studios, which created “Retail Mage.”

    The typical NPC experience often leaves something to be desired. Pre-scripted interactions with someone meant to pass along a quest typically come with a handful of chatting options that lead to the same conclusion: players get the information they need and continue on. Game developers and AI companies say that by using generative AI tech, they aim to create a richer experience that allows for more nuanced relationships with the people and worlds that designers build.

    Generative AI could also provide more opportunities for players to go off-script and create their own stories if designers can craft environments that feel more alive and can react to players’ choices in real-time.

    Tech companies continue to develop AI for games, even as developers debate how, and whether, they’ll use AI in their products. Nvidia created its ACE technologies to bring so-called “digital humans” to life with generative AI. Inworld AI provides developers with a platform for generative NPC behavior and dialogue. Gaming company Ubisoft said last year that it uses Ghostwriter, an in-house AI tool, to help write some NPC dialogue without replacing the video game writer.

    A report released by the Game Developers Conference in January found that nearly half of developers surveyed said generative AI tools are currently being used in their workplace, with 31% saying they personally use those tools. Developers at indie studios were most likely to use generative AI, with 37% reporting use the tech.

    Still, roughly four out of five developers said they worry about the ethical use of AI. Carl Kwoh, Jam & Tea’s CEO, said AI should be used responsibly alongside creators to elevate stories — not to replace them.

    “That’s always been the goal: How can we use this tool to create an experience that makes players more connected to each other?” said Kwoh, who is also one of the company’s founders. “They can tell stories that they couldn’t tell before.”

    Using AI to provide NPCs with endless things to say is “definitely a perk,” Yichao said, but “content without meaning is just endless noise.” That’s why Jam & Tea uses AI — through Google’s Gemma 2 and their own servers in Amazon — to give NPCs the ability to do more than respond, he said. They can look for objects as they’re shopping or respond to other NPCs to add “more life and reactivity than a typically scripted encounter.”

    “I’ve watched players turn our shopping experience into a bit of a dating sim as they flirt with customers and then NPCs come up with very realistic responses,” he said. “It’s been really fun to see the game react dynamically to what players bring to the table.”

    Demonstrating a conversation with a NPC in the game “Mecha BREAK,” in which players battle war machines, Ike Nnole said that Nvidia has made its AI “humans” respond faster than they previously could by using small language models. Using Nvidia’s AI, players can interact with the mechanic, Martel, by asking her to do things like customize the color of a mech machine.

    “Typically, a gamer would go through menus to do all this,” Nnole, a senior product marketing manager at Nvidia said. “Now it could be a much more interactive, much quicker experience.”

    Artificial Agency, a Canadian AI company, built an engine that allows developers to bring AI into any part of their game — not only NPCs, but also companions and “overseer agents” that can steer a player towards content they’re missing. The AI can also create tutorials to teach players a skill that they are missing so they can have more fun in-game, the company said.

    “One way we like to put it is putting a game designer on the shoulder of everyone as they’re playing the game,” said Alex Kearney, cofounder of Artificial Agency. The company’s AI engine can be integrated at any stage of the game development cycle, she said.

    Brian Tanner, Artificial Agency’s CEO, said scripting every possible outcome of a game can be tedious and difficult to test. Their system allows designers to act more like directors, he said, by telling characters more about their motivation and background.

    “These characters can improvise on the spot depending on what’s actually happening in the game,” Tanner said.

    It’s easy to run into a game’s guardrails, Tanner said, where NPCs keep repeating the same phrase regardless of how players interact with them. But as AI continues to evolve, that will change, he added.

    “It is truly going to feel like the world’s alive and like everything really reacts to exactly what’s happening,” he said. “That’s going to add tremendous realism.”

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