EUREKA

Reagan Fellow competition Feb. 20

Semifinalist candidates selected to compete in Eureka College’s 2016 Reagan Fellowship competition will take part in the on-campus competition (known as Reagan Weekend) Feb. 20. Candidates are invited to arrive on campus Feb. 19 to take part in the social and entertainment activities scheduled.

Named for a Eureka alumnus who became one of the greatest world leaders of the 20th century, the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership is Eureka College’s premier scholarship. The program is the only one of its kind in the country, founded by President Ronald Reagan during his first term in office.

Reagan Fellows receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship at Eureka College, as well as stipends to cover the program’s special travel and mentoring opportunities. Up to six Fellows are selected annually from a nationally competitive pool of applicants.

EC surveys future American opportunity

A new survey shows that more than 90 percent agree that America gives them the freedoms and opportunities to use their talents and skills to pursue their dreams.

This statistic is part of the results of Eureka College’s first American Opportunity Index. The index gauges attitudes of Americans about their future and the opportunities available to them. Is America still viewed as the land of opportunity?

Results from the 2016 Index illustrate respondents’ current views on the concept of American Opportunity is at 66 percent of its full potential. The findings are based on seven metrics: personal access, equality of access, compared to past generations, compared to other nations, attitude about the future, belief in the future of American Opportunity and leadership.

“As the smallest college to graduate a president of the United States and as a college that provides opportunities for all our students, we believe it is essential to assess the general perspectives of the American people on opportunity,” said Eureka College President, Dr. J. David Arnold. “The results from the 2016 American Opportunity Index are also a litmus test whether index respondents share President Reagan’s optimism about the future — do they, like President Reagan, view America as a ‘shining city on a hill.’”

A random sampling of more than 1,000 adults took the seven-question survey conducted by McLaughlin & Associates, a national research and polling firm. The results have a margin of error of +/-3.1 percent.

Although those surveyed agreed that America gives them the freedoms and opportunities to use their talents and skills to pursue their dreams, the respondents are more divided when asked if they have the same freedoms and opportunities to pursue their dreams as compared to their parents and grandparents; 45 percent of those surveyed say they do not. Forty-two percent disagreed that future generations will have the same freedoms and opportunities to pursue their dreams compared to today.

When asked if our leaders make sure Americans have the freedom and opportunity to use their talents and skills to pursue their dreams, only 57 percent agreed.

This survey was conducted on behalf of Eureka College with the support of The Ronald W. Reagan Society of Eureka College. The results were released in conjunction with the celebration of Ronald Reagan’s 105th birthday.

“The results from the survey are fascinating and groundbreaking,” said President and Partner of McLaughlin & Associates, Jim McLaughlin. “We are very excited to help Eureka College launch the first-of-its kind Index on American Opportunity, a value so central to its mission.”

Tara Cromer displays her first book, “Finding You,” which is on the shelf at the Eureka Public Library. Cromer is a Eureka resident and will be promoting her book at a Feb. 27 book signing at the library.

Local first-time author will tell how she did it

Eureka resident Tara M. Cromer is finding new acclaim with her first book, “Finding You.” The Eureka Public Library will fete her with a book-signing event 11 a.m. Feb. 27, at the library, 202. S. Main St.

The book is a romance with a twist that guarantees to leave the reader hanging until the last word. Purchase a copy, have it signed, and listen to Cromer tell the tale of her journey to publishing her first book.

Those planning to attend are asked to call the library at (30) 467-2922 by Feb. 26, to register for the event.

WOODFORD COUNTY

It is still winter in Illinois, you know

The Woodford County Health Department is encouraging the public to make winter preparedness kits for their homes and cars. Although central Illinois has experienced a somewhat mild winter so far, snow and ice have started to fall more frequently and the temperature has been plunging, health department officials warn.

Winter storms often cause power outages that can last for several days and make roads unsafe for travel. Making plans before a storm hits can help mitigate the effects of a winter storm and keep families safe.

Gathering together a few common household items and storing them in the car can make all the difference to a person who becomes stranded in the middle of a winter storm. Some basic items include:

• Water
• Energy bars
• Blankets
• First aid kit
• Extra hats/gloves/socks and
• Booster cables. 

For a full list of items that should be included in a winter preparedness kit please visit FEMA’s Winter Weather Site to learn more, at www.ready.gov/winter-weather

For more news from the Woodford County Health Department, visit its website at www.woodfordhealth.org and “Like” the department on Facebook.

STATE

Illinois declines marijuana treatment for 8 conditions

The Illinois Department of Public Health recently announced that it has approved 4,400 patients for the pilot program. That includes 32 children. Advocates say that number could be higher but Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration has decided not to allow patients suffering from eight conditions such as autism, irritable bowel syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, osteoarthritis and other pain-related conditions to use medical marijuana. The Department of Public Health recently announced that no new conditions would be added despite pleas from patients, advocates and medical marijuana business owners. The Medical Cannabis Alliance of Illinois issued a statement calling the decision “a gross injustice to patients.”

The pace of approvals is about the same as December. Marijuana industry players are watching the numbers closely as they push for more outreach to doctors, who have been reluctant to approve patients, the Associated Press reported. Qualifying patients pay an annual fee of $100 for a marijuana card and need a doctor’s written certification.

Regulated marijuana sales began in Illinois on Nov. 9. The pilot program is set to expire at the end of 2017 unless new legislation is passed.

–Woodford County Area News Briefs–