Scholarship awarded
A local student received a scholarship from an agriculture firm.
Helena Agri-Enterprises recently awarded its Homegrown Scholarship to Zoe Needler of Montpelier.
Needler, a Southern Wells High School senior, plans to attend Purdue University to study animal science. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The Helena program offers scholarships to seniors in 14 states who will be majoring in agriculture-related programs. Applications had to write essays regarding their impact on their community as well as their passion for agriculture.
Helena’s management team selected the scholarship winners.
Supporting Kart
Area businesses will be participating in Kate’s Kart’s annual ice cream social fundraiser.
On June 24, two dozen businesses will either have specials or donate a percentage of their sales to Kate’s Kart, a not-for-profit organization that provides books for hospitalized children. Volunteers from the organization will also be handing out Kate’s Kart items at participating businesses.
Hartford City’s The Tasty Spoon will participate in the fundraiser.
Seeking nominations
Indiana Chamber of Commerce is looking for nominations for its 2023 NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year Award.
The award goes to an Indiana community for “significant contributions to its local business climate and overall image during the past year.” The award will be presented at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner on Nov. 14 in Indianapolis.
“It will be exciting to once again honor a community that’s taking charge in promoting prosperity and enhancing the quality of life of its residents,” said Indiana chamber president and CEO Kevin Brinegar in a press release. “I’m always amazed to see the different strategies used, many of which can be replicated by others.”
Home sales drop
Indiana Association of REALTORS (IAR) reported recently that home sales dipped in April.
According to the association’s data, 6,170 homes were sold in Indiana in April, down 19% from the previous year. Also, fewer homes were available for sale, with inventory dropping by 30% over the last two months. (New listings in April were down 20% from 2022.)
“Inventory isn’t as tight as 2021 or early 2022 but buyers should be prepared to be decisive if they find the right home,” said IAR president Lynn Wheeler in a press release. “We continue to see fewer new listings hitting the market with most current homeowners locked into lower mortgage rates and moving more cautiously.”
Airport certified
Indianapolis International Airport recently became a KultureCity certified facility.
KultureCity is a not-for-profit focused on “sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities.” As part of the certification, Indianapolis airport staff receive training to recognize airport patrons with sensory needs and how to handle sensory overload situations.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the world as fully as possible, and travel is one way that we do that,” said Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director Mario Rodriguez in a press release. “Our community partnership programs like KultureCity, Soaring for Autism and other dedicated efforts are opportunities to provide excellent customer service to everyone, including those with disabilities and sensory conditions.”
