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By: Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc.

Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc. (ROI) has launched the next round of Digital Towns grant funding, aimed at supporting programs that improve digital literacy and technology usage across the Indiana Uplands.

Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000, with up to $75,000 available for projects that encompass a regional scope.

Help us spread the word to eligible organizations, including libraries, nonprofits, schools, main streets organizations, and others. Applications are due by September 13,

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We want your feedback! We'd like to invite you to fill out our Event Feedback Survey.

This survey will help us continue to improve our festival in the future!

It is anonymous and only general demographic information is collected.

Click SURVEY to be redirected.

We wanted to take a mintue to thank everyone for attending the festival despite the stormy weather. It's the dedication and support of wonderful people like you that make our festival a success, regardless of the challenges we face. Your willingness to brave the elements to join us speaks volume about your commitment and enthusiasm for our beloved tradition. We are incredibily grateful for your participation and for helping us create memorable experiences for our community! Thank you once again for your support and for being a part of our community.

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Washington County lawmakers encourage families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.

State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) said the program provides monetary scholarships to students with disabilities that can be used toward educational resources to best meet their learning needs. Funds can be used for pre-approved educational programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees at private schools, curricular materials, and other expenses related to the student’s education.

"It is imperative that we give our children every opportunity to succeed," Engleman said. "Education Scholarship Accounts give parents of children with disabilities more options and resources to find the perfect setting that fits their student's needs."

State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) said scholarships are available to students between the ages of 5 and 22 who reside in Indiana, require special education services and meet certain financial requirements.

"Families who care for children with a disability face many challenges, but providing a positive educational experience shouldn't be one of them," Lucas said. "ESAs help Hoosier students with unique needs succeed while also relieving some of the financial burden for their parents."

According to State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford), scholarship funds are not considered income and do not impact any other financial aid like Medicaid that students may already receive.

"Students with disabilities may require additional help such as tutoring or supplemental learning materials," May said. "It's important that these families can acquire the resources that will help their children achieve academic success."

During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers supported expanding ESAs to the siblings of students who have disabilities, even if those siblings do not have a disability. Students without a disability requiring special education services can receive state tuition support up to $8,000, and students who require special education services support can receive up to $20,000.

Applications for eligible students are available until Sept. 1. For more information, including a list of providers and qualified schools, and to apply, visit in.gov/tos/inesa.

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The 2024-25 Hunting & Trapping Guide features teal hunting tips and tricks, interviews with some of Indiana’s waterfowl hunters, plus a duck-stuffed jalapeño popper recipe from our grassland gamebird biologist. Grab your copy to read the latest information and regulations for all hunting and trapping.

Pick up a copy at a nearby Fish & Wildlife Area, your local license retailer, and the Natural Resources Building during the State Fair or view the guide online. While you’re at it, purchase your fall hunting license.

This guide provides a summary of Indiana hunting and trapping regulations. This guide is not intended to be a complete digest of regulations. If you need complete versions of Indiana rules and regulations for hunting, they can be found in Indiana Code or in Indiana Administrative Code Title 312.

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The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) today announced the availability of grant funding for recycling and household hazardous waste (HHW) collection and disposal from the agency’s Community Recycling Grant Program (CRGP).

“IDEM is proud to partner with communities in improving recycling efforts. Community Recycling Grants can provide startup funding or a financial boost for programs and ideas that make recycling easier and more cost-effective for Hoosiers,” said IDEM Commissioner Brian Rockensuess.

Indiana counties, municipalities, solid waste management districts, universities, schools, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to submit a Community Recycling Grant application requesting $1,000 to $100,000 in funding.

The CRGP is accepting applications from Aug. 1, 2024 – Sept. 6, 2024.

Eligible projects should focus on education and promotion of recycling, processing of recyclable materials, waste reduction or HHW and organics management (including yard waste management and composting).

The Community Recycling Grant Program is funded through IDEM’s Solid Waste Management Fund. Grant funding is intended to create successful, cost-effective, and sustainable programs. Applicants must demonstrate a direct or indirect increase in waste diverted from landfills as a result of the project.

To apply, visit IDEM’s website at idem.IN.gov/recycle/resources/indiana-community-recycling-grant-program. For additional information, contact 800-451-6027 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Final funding determinations will be made in late-December 2024.

About IDEM
IDEM (idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.