The work of University of Illinois Extension-Woodford County Master Gardeners is in full bloom for all to see outside the Woodford County Courthouse in Eureka.

COUNTY

Courthouse is in bloom for spring

The work of University of Illinois Extension-Woodford County Master Gardeners is in full bloom for all to see outside the Woodford County Courthouse, 115 N. Main St., Eureka. All of the flower bulbs planted last fall have created a picturesque landscape for spring.

Last fall, flower bulbs were planted with the intention to welcome the community members to the new growing season. The bright red, yellow and white flowers and fresh green colors are in addition to an already established herb garden and drought-tolerant perennial planting.

EUREKA

Kiwanis hold auction for Children’s Miracle Network

Children’s Miracle Network will benefit from a Quarter Auction May 8, at the Parish Hall of Eureka Christian Church, 302 S. Main St., Eureka.  Doors will open at 5 p.m., and bidding will begin at 6 p.m.

The Eureka Greater Area Kiwanis, with assistance from the Eureka High School Key Club, is sponsoring the fundraiser. The auctioneer will be Susan Bressner of Eureka.

Admission is $3 per person and entitles the entrant to one bidding paddle and a door prize ticket. Additional bidding paddles cost $2 each. A 50/50 raffle will be conducted as well, and food is available for purchase. The entry fee for children is the same as for adults. For more information, call (309) 467-4750.

Quest, EC link is strengthening

A partnership between Eureka College and Quest Charter Academy alumni could soon turn the alums into teachers for the charter school, under a new arrangement between the charter school and the college. The two schools are expanding and formalizing the partnership that began with the late Caterpillar Inc. CEO Glen Barton, who served on the boards of both schools.

The partnership ranges from simple projects such as college visits specifically for Quest students to joint staff collaborations on curriculum development and other services for Quest’s college preparatory programs. But the focus is on developing a pipeline from Quest to Eureka, particularly for students who want to become teachers.

Eureka College students who receive the college’s Barton scholarship are required to volunteer at Quest. Four Eureka alumni already teach at the charter school, including three past recipients of the Barton scholarship.

With only its second graduating class this year, Quest alumni haven’t begun to graduate from college yet. But one of the goals is to produce Quest graduates who go full circle by graduating from Eureka and returning to teach at the charter school.

Library offers antique appraisals

Professional antique appraiser Mark Moran will be at the Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main St., Eureka, to assess area antiques May 5. People who want to know the value of their prized possessions should make an appointment between 4-7 p.m. Registration for an appointment costs $15. Space is limited. Call (309) 467-2922. Qualified items for appraisal include, but are not limited to, fine art, furniture, glassware, photographs, toys, clocks costume jewelry, books and sporting memorabilia. Items that will not be appraised include weapons, Nazi memorabilia, coins and paper money, fine jewelry and Beanie Babies.

BENSON

Children’s car seats checked for free

Free car seat checks will be offered 9 a.m.-12 p.m. May 6 at Benson Village Park at Ill Route 116. Certified car seat technicians will provide a one-in-one opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn about child passenger safety and have their car seats checked. Bring the child or children who will be riding in the car seat, the vehicle owner’s manual and the car seat instruction manual, if possible. To schedule an appointment, call (309) 307-3334.

MORTON

Pros, cons of food delivery plans weighed

What’s all the hype about meal subscription boxes such as Blue Apron and Hello Fresh? Come to the Morton Public Library, 315 W. Pershing, Morton, to hear about people’s experiences, pros and cons, and find out what might work best for you and your family. The session will be held at 5 p.m. May 16. Call (309) 263-2200 for more information.

–Woodford County News Briefs–