January 15, 2003 - Peg Toliver

Great news for the community arrived with the announcement that, in late December, local resident Bill Honeg donated 30 acres of land to the city to expand Lake Eureka Park. The land which lies at the west end of the park will be labeled William Honeg Park. It contains one of the largest areas of Native Giant Bluestem in the state. This prairie grass (pictured at the right) would have been a common site for our pioneer ancestors on the plains. The property, which includes some timber and a small creek bed, provides habitat for deer, fox, coyotes, pheasants and other species. This addition expands the park to over 270 acres (36 of which are occupied by the Lake).

Honeg's intention in donating the land is to preserve it from development and make it available for the public to enjoy. Eventually, the city may develop a network of nature trails through this area. Mayor Laura Siscoe stated "We hope to use it for nature studies or to offer learning experiences for students and residents." (Woodford County Journal Vol 132, No. 2, January 9, 2002).

Many thanks to the Honeg Family for this wonderful gift to our community.

The lake has been covered in ice for most of December and January except for a respite early in the new year when we had unseasonable spring-like temperatures. Hikers walking around the lake may hear deep groans and creeking sounds this month as the lake lies frozen. It's not the mumblings of some giant snow monster -- Its the Lake talking! Beneath the ice the water continues to shift causing creeking and groaning in the great mantle of ice. A small section of water has remained open to accomodate the geese and ducks in the area just across from the boat launch. On days without snowfall, if you find a clear patch of ice, it will provide a window to activities in the water below .

Christmas Eve 2002 started out dry, but by nightfall, we were covered with a beautiful white blanket of snow and treated to a White Christmas after all. Sledders enjoyed the snow while it lasted over Christmas vacation. Since then we've had two winter storms, but the bulk of the snow fell south of us.

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