An otter pup, born recently at Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City, is staying close to its mother as it gets used to its new world. The pup is expected to make its first public appearance this summer. The photo of the pup nursing was taken by Elly Cowan, naturalist at the park.

STATE

Report: Illinois farmers  prefer corn over soybeans

The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says Illinois farmers are expected to continue planting more corn than soybeans even as the trend changes nationally.

The USDA’s prospective planting reports estimate says there will likely be 11 million corn acres planted in Illinois this year, about 200,000 fewer acres than last year. The USDA predicts 10.6 million soybean acres this year, which is about the same as 2017.

Returns for soybeans are higher than for corn, which has been attributed to U.S. farmers’ move away from corn and toward soybeans since 2012. The USDA predicts there will be 88 million corn acres and 89 million soybean acres planted nationwide this year.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Fake pot bleeding cases up in two area counties

Illinois public health officials say the number of people in Illinois who have experienced severe bleeding after using synthetic marijuana increased to 81 cases as of April 4.

Health department data show the majority of cases are in Peoria County, Tazewell County and the Chicago area. Some have tested positive for an anticoagulant often used as rat poison. The updated number includes two deaths.

The substance is often referred to as Spice, K2 or fake weed. It is a human-made, mind-altering chemical that is either sprayed on dried shredded plant material to be smoked or sold as a liquid to be vaporized and inhaled. Public health officials say the product is not safe and if anyone has purchased it they shouldn’t use it.

EUREKA

Special alums in spotlight during EC’s Alumni Weekend

Four Eureka College alumni will be honored during the college’s 2018 Alumni Weekend set for April 13-April 15.

The 2018 Alumni Award recipients are: Chuck Germann ’68, who will receive the Alumni Award of Merit; Janelle Reents ’92, the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award; Jesse Helton ’02, the Outstanding Young Alumni award, and Craig Gerdes ’71, the Alumni Board President’s Award for Service.

The Alumni Award of Merit exists to recognize lifetime excellence in one’s profession or service to his or her community. Chuck Germann is retired after working for Eureka Transportation Services, Inc., and has served as a city of Eureka alderman since 2013. He is an active alum who has passed on his love for Eureka College to his children and grandchildren. His sons, Derek and Stephen, as well as his granddaughter Janelle are Eureka College graduates. He is a lifelong donor and a member of the President’s Circle.

The Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award exists to recognize alumni of Eureka College for a single or multiple acts of outstanding achievement in their profession, or in service to his or her community, or for a sustained period of outstanding achievement at least 16 years from graduation. The 2017 Eureka College commencement speaker, Janelle Reents is the president of Monical Pizza Corporation.

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award exists to recognize excellence in one’s profession or service to his or her community within 15 years of graduation. Since graduating from Eureka College in 2002, Jesse Helton earned his master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. After being a tenured faculty member at the University of Illinois, Helton accepted a position at St. Louis University as an assistant professor of social work. Helton and his wife Rachel are avid supporters of Eureka and members of the President’s Circle.

The Alumni Board President’s Award for Service recognizes dedication of one’s time and effort to the advancement of the college. During his time at Eureka, Craig Gerdes was a four-year men’s basketball student-athlete and was inducted into Eureka’s Hall of Fame in 1991. Gerdes was an educator and coach at Eureka Middle School for 33 years where he coached World Series Champion Ben Zobrist and professional football player Andy Studebaker. Upon retirement from EMS, Gerdes returned to EC to coach cross country and baseball. Gerdes is a member of the President’s Circle and an active donor to the College.

In addition to the Alumni Award recipients, two individuals have been selected as Honorary Alumni. The Eureka College Honorary Alumnus/na Award recognizes a non-student who has provided great effort in the advancement of Eureka College, its students and/or mission. Anne Fox, retired CEO of the Central Illinois chapter of the American Red Cross, and Bonnie Darnall, retired educator in special education in District 140, will become Honorary Alumni in 2018.

A full schedule of weekend events is available at eureka.edu/alumniweekend.

HANNA CITY

Debut of new baby otter may occur in summer

Mother Annie and Father Oakley are keeping a low profile as they care for their new otter pup, born last month at Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City.

The pup is staying close to its mother for the first month or so of its life. When it is time, park staff will be able to examine the animal and learn its gender.

The pup was born March 18, and is expected to make its first public appearance during the summer at the 1,800-acre outdoor park, 3826 W. Sowell Road, Hanna City.

In the meantime, park staff is posting periodic photos on the park’s social media accounts. A naming contest might be held when the baby is ready to appear in public.

–Woodford County News Briefs–