Fort Festival of Trees kicks off at library

Fort Recovery’s annual tree festival has started.

Fort Festival of Trees continues this week during normal business hours at Fort Recovery Public Library. Patrons may cast a vote for one of 19 decorated trees on display. The tree with the most votes earns the title of People’s Choice Award, and the decorator’s name is added to a plaque at the library. Library hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. 

The library’s hours on Dec. 31 are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is closed on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Next generation

Indiana high school seniors and college students pursuing careers in teaching may now apply for the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. The renewable scholarship established in 2016 pays $10,000 per year up to four years for students committing to teaching in Indiana for at least five years. 

Scholarships will be awarded to students who have graduated or will graduate from an Indiana school. Applicants must also rank in the top 20% of their high school graduating class, have a top 20% ACT or SAT score, or have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

The 2026-2027 application is available online at scholartrack.che.in.gov through Feb. 28. Applicants will be notified of their scholarship status by April 2026. For questions, email the Indiana Commission for Higher Education at [email protected].

Blue Christmas

Trinity Lutheran Church will host a Blue Christmas prayer service this month. The service begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at the church, 301 Wayne St., Fort Recovery.  The public is invited to attend.