The Eureka High School Competitive Dance Team took sixth place at the Illinois Drill Team Association State Competition held Feb. 10 in Springfield. (Photo courtesy of CUSD 140)

COUNTY

Sheriff’s office hiring deputies

The Woodford County Sheriff’s Office is looking for experienced dedicated part-time deputies. Applicants must of be high moral character, trustworthy and possess the willingness to serve the citizens of the county, Applicants must be full- or part-time certified as a police officer with the Illinois Training and Standards Board. Successful applicants must pass an extensive background check and drug screening.

Once hired, applicants will undergo a field training program that will familiarize future deputies with department policies and procedures as well as the geography of the county. New deputies will be asked to work all shifts and holidays. Part-time shifts are typically eight hours long, however some are 11-hour shifts.

Applications can be found on the county’s website, woodford-county.org, or can be picked up in person at the Sheriff’s office. Competed applications should be sent to the attention of Chief Deputy Dennis Tipsword at dtipsword@woodford-county.org.

Public Health Award nominations due March 16

Woodford County Board of Health is seeking nominations for the next Public Health Award recipient. Ideal candidates are people who have dedicated their time to help improve the health and well-being of the community. Also, persons who volunteer at one of the health departments many drills, clinics or programs are good candidates. Maybe it was an employee that went above and beyond their responsibility to help others in the community.

Nominees for the annual award may include agencies, groups, individuals, media or organizations whose contributions to Woodford County have improved the public’s health.

Applications are also available online at www.woodfordhealth.org. Nominations must be received by March 16, and may be submitted by hard copy to the Woodford County Health Department, 1831 S. Main St, Eureka 61530. An electronic nomination may be submitted to Hillary Aggertt at haggertt@woodford-county.org

A narrative describing the contributions of the nominee should be no longer than three pages, excluding this cover page.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Youth Music Illinois presents A Musical Masquerade

Youth Music Illinois’ featured fundraising event, A Musical Masquerade, will be held from 6-9 p.m. March 2, at the Life Together Center, 3601 North Sheridan Road, Peoria.

A Musical Masquerade will feature live entertainment by Youth Symphony student musicians led by David Commanday, music director, food by A Matter of Taste, distinctive silent and live auction items and more than 30 wine and 12 craft beer tastings presented by Leo Wine of Super Liquors. WCBU personality Lee Wenger will be the master of ceremonies. The proceeds of this event help keep the program’s tuition low and accessible to as many student musicians as possible. 

For 53 years Youth Music Illinois has provided musical education and performance opportunities for grade and high school students throughout Central Illinois, through the generous support of companies and individuals who support the power of live performance.

Order tickets online at youthmusicillinois.org/tc-events/musical-masquerade/

EUREKA

Football player receives UMAC award

Michael Slingsby was presented with his 2017 Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) All-Conference football First Team Award by Eureka Coach Kurt Barth on Jan. 27 during Eureka College’s banquet.

Slingsby played right guard for Eureka and started 41 straight games for the Eureka Red Devils. Slingsby’s senior year highlights include Eureka College winning its first conference title in the UMAC and the conference’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA tournament. 

Slingsby and the other offensive line members’ efforts allowed the Red Devils to produce a record-breaking ground attack for the Red Devils to rank sixth in the country through the 2017 regular season. Slingsby was part of Eureka’s offensive line that churned out a school-record 2,987 rushing yards in 2017, smashing the previous program record by more than 700 yards. The Red Devils produced 4,322 yards of total offense this season. 

Eureka finished as the top scoring offense with 41.3 points per game in UMAC play and 430.7 yards of offense per game, which was third most in the league. Slingsby helped Eureka tally 40 rushing touchdowns. Slingsby also was a part of a line that allowed just three sacks for the 2017 regular season which placed them tied for first in the nation. Eureka’s offense also led the nation in time of possession 36 minutes, 16 second per game.

Slingsby completed his college playing career by playing in the Dream Bowl on Jan. 15 at Salem Football Stadium, Salem, Va. The Dream Bowl is a college football all-star game, showcasing the best FCS, D-II and D-III players from across the country.

–Woodford County News Briefs–