Jason Chaplin

COUNTY

American Girl doll is Sewing Guild prize

The Woodford County Neighborhood Group of the American Sewing Guild will once again hold a drawing for an American Girl Doll. This year, the doll that has been selected is Mary Ellen, a girl who lived in the 1950s. The members of the guild will make clothing and accessories to be included in the prize. Tickets will be available from Karen Fyke, (309) 360-6772, and at a booth at the Market on the Courthouse Lawn on June 17. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5. The drawing will be held Nov. 16. For more information, call (309) 360-6772.

Sheriff’s drug collection nets 224 pounds

On April 29, 2017, the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office, Woodford County Health Department and Roanoke Pharmacy teamed up with the DEA for National Drug Take Back Day. Together, 224 pounds of unwanted/expired over-the-counter medication as well as prescription medication were collected.

Woodford County has been attempting to curb the opioid crisis that is spreading nationally as well as locally, with astronomical numbers of deaths from overdosing. Citizens are urged to clear their medicine cabinets of medication that is no longer needed or expired.

The Woodford County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public about a 24-hour drop box at the Woodford County Courthouse 111 E. Court St., Eureka, where they can drop off old and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Sharps and needles are not accepted.

GERMANTOWN HILLS

Students compete in world contest

A group of Germantown Hills Middle School students will represent Illinois when they compete in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, a problem solving competition.

The competition will be held later this month at Michigan State University. Students from across the United States as well as Canada, China, Germany, Mexico and India are expected to attend.

Nicholas Francis-Miller, of Germantown Hills, is a first-place winner on the state team. He and his team presented a solution to a problem they worked at length to resolve. The team, comprised of third, fourth and fifth grade students at Germantown Hills Middle School, won a local competition before advancing to the state competition. State winners advance to the world finals.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics.

ROANOKE

EPA wants changes to proposed water plant

Roanoke’s Water and Sewer Committee will review final plans for the construction of a proposed water plant at a special meeting. The May 17 meeting’s agenda will include discussion of changes to the plans the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency said are needed. After the changes are reviewed, bids can be sought for building the plant.

MINONK

Principal wins regional honor

Jason Chaplin, principal of Fieldcrest South Elementary School, has been named Elementary Principal of the Year for the Central Illinois Valley region by the Illinois Principals’ Association. He was nominated for his leadership in the school community and relationship-building skills uniting students, staff, parents and the community, and particularly for his leadership and poise through difficult times at South and in the district. He was honored at the IPA’s annual spring recognition breakfast.

EUREKA

Freshmen named Reagan Fellows

Eureka College has selected four incoming freshmen from the class of 2021 as Reagan Fellows in the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program. The new fellows are April Cruz of Chicago, Patrick Leaf of Joliet, Cameron Mitchell of Peoria, and Allyssa Post of Morris. The award, based on leadership, service and academic excellence, includes a full‐tuition scholarship over four years and global travel and professional mentorship opportunities.

–Woodford County News Briefs–