Library hosting writing contest this summer

Jay County Public Library’s writing contest is in full swing.

The library is hosting a contest through July 20 for all ages. Children who have completed kindergarten through eighth graders may write a short comic strip for a chance to win a prize, with first place winners to receive writing kits. (There are three separate age groups with different rules.) Teenagers in ninth grade through adults may write a short story for a chance to win. First place winners will receive writing bundles.

Winners will be announced July 29. To learn more, stop by the library’s information table.

A variety of other activities and events are ongoing at the library this summer, including an indoor story trail featuring “Make More S’mores” by Cathy Ballou Mealey and a letter hunt adventure through June 29.

Golden Hoosier

Nominations are being accepted from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration's Division of Aging’s 2024 Golden Hoosier Award.

The award honors Indiana seniors who go above and beyond to help others. It is the highest honor the state bestows on its seniors.

Anyone who is an Indiana resident and is 65 or older is eligible for the honor.

To make a nomination, email [email protected]. The deadline is July 14.

Scholarships available

Scholarship funding is available for high school students interested in pursuing work-based learning and credentials.

High school sophomores, juniors and seniors can apply for a Career Scholarship Account and receive up to $5,000 to pursue apprenticeships, applied learning experiences, work-based learning and credentials.

About 2,000 scholarships are available for the 2024-25 school year. The funding can be used for class expenses for student's apprenticeships/internship program; postsecondary education and/or training; equipment for student's apprenticeship/internship program; certification and credentialing examinations; career coaching and navigation services and transportation.

For more information, or to enroll, visit in.gov/tos/csa. The deadline to apply is Oct. 1.

Planetarium shows set

Charles W. Brown Planetarium at Ball State University has a series of shows scheduled this month. The offerings at the planetarium include the following in June:

•Our Night Sky, a look at navigating the night sky via stars and constellations, at 5 p.m. Fridays June 14 and June 21.

•Moons: Worlds of Mystery, a look at the moons of the solar system, at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays June 14 and June 21 and Saturdays June 15 and June 22.

•One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure, a program that follows Big Bird and Elmo exploring the night sky, at 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays June 15 and June 22.

Living Worlds, a look at what makes Earth livable and where those conditions could be found elsewhere, at 5 p.m. Saturdays June 15 and June 22.