ISDA funding available

Funding is available for those involved in the specialty crop industry.

Indiana State Department of Agriculture announced Monday that it is seeking project proposals from the specialty crop industry for funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Applicants can include non-profit and for-profit organizations, governments and public or private colleges and universities. Grants are available in the areas of market enhancement; access, education and training; and research.

“It is more important now than ever to leverage these financial opportunities, and I want to encourage all eligible businesses or organizations to apply,” said ISDA director Bruce Kettler. “These dollars will go a long way in ensuring Indiana’s robust specialty crop sector remains thriving for years to come.”

For more information, visit the ISDA website at in.gov/isda. The deadline to apply is March 25.

Library spring break

With travel still not as convenient or safe because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the library is offering other options for a spring break escape.

Jay County Public Library will have a variety of activities available for local residents March 22 through 26.

Events for the spring break week kick off March 22 with outdoor and giant games available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the library. It will also off an “Ag in the Classroom” session led by Jay County Farm Bureau at 1:30 p.m.

Other plans include:

March 23 — Students in sixth through 12th grade will be invited to the library at 1:30 p.m. to help make fleece blankets for local children.

March 24 — Super-Mario Kart tournament on Nintendo Switch for children ages 8 through 12 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. (Sign up by calling or visiting the library.) Craft stations will also be set up from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

March 25 — Super Smash Bros. tournament on Nintendo Switch for ages 13 through 18 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. (Sign up by calling or visiting the library.) Also, LEGOs will be available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

March 26 — Board and card games will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.



Offering help

As part of College Goal Sunday, Ivy Tech Community College is offering assistance from financial aid professionals. The event is set for 2 p.m. Sunday.

Students can get help with filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that is required for federal grants, scholarships and loans. The form must be filed by April 15 in order to be eligible for Indiana financial aid.

For more information, visit CollegeGoalSunday.org.