OFAF scholarship available

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Forestry Association Foundation announced they are accepting applications for the annual E.B. Miller Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is offered to Ohio high school graduates pursuing an education at an approved university, college, junior college, or technical university that offers a forest resource curriculum.

The initial gift to the scholarship fund was made in memory of E.B. Miller, a third-generation sawmill man and untiring promoter of Ohio’s forestry industry. In memorializing Miller with their gift to the OFAF Scholarship Fund, founders believe the forest industry must continually strive to attract the most talented people to our industry.

“The future will always require highly-qualified professionals to address the industry’s challenges, stated Executive Director Jenna Reese. “For these reasons, the OFA Scholarship Fund was established to offer monetary assistance toward forest resource education to exceptional individuals.”

The deadline to apply is April 15. Selection of grant recipients will be made by the scholarship committee of the Ohio Forestry Association Foundation. Winners will be announced in June. For information or to apply, visit ohioforest.org/page/Scholarship.

Registration open for summer camp

PITTSBURGH — Summer camp registrations are open at the Kamin Science Center for children 4 to 14.

The camp offers hands-on, high-energy learning experiences designed to ignite curiosity and build confidence.

Campers will launch rockets, explore space, tackle engineering design challenges and create hands-on maker projects in project-based environments led by educators.

Educators will create experiences to help children build their confidence through play, problem-solving, experimentation and discovery while having fun doing so, according to officials.

Half-day camps for ages 4-5 are being offered for younger scientists just beginning their STEM journey.

Full-day camps for ages 6 to 14 will be held to gain immersive, hands-on experiences that dive deeper into science, technology, engineering and creativity.

Pre- and post-camp care will be available, offering flexible options to support families.

A limited number of camp scholarships are available.

As the science center continues to reimagine and expand its experiences for the region, summer camp remains one of its most popular and impactful programs, providing more than 2,000 children each year with the unique opportunity to learn, explore and grow. Spots fill quickly, so families are encouraged to register early.

For information or to register, visit KaminScienceCenter.org/Summer-Camps.

Weirton to hold Festival of Nations

WEIRTON — The 13th-annual Festival of Nations will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 21 at the Millsop Community Center in Weirton.

Presented by the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, the event will offer free admission and free parking, with additional parking and shuttle services offered at the Weirton Event Center.

The handicapped-accessible facility will offer an afternoon of continuous performances which includes ethnic dances, vocal and instrumental music from various nationalities, ethnic foods and merchandise sold by vendors in attendance and display tables.

This year’s themes are to celebrate America 250, organizers stated, adding guests will be able to travel the world without a passport, enjoy watching a melting pot in action, learning about unity in diversity and making the city of Weirton a better place to live.

For information, visit weirtonareamuseum.com.

Pond stocking sale

STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District is coordinating a fish pond stocking program as a service to local landowners. Orders are being taken until March 20, with pickup scheduled from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. March 27 at the Hopedale firehouse, located at 103 Firehouse Lane in Hopedale.

Order forms are available at jeffersonswcd.org or by calling the office at (740) 264-9790. Sales can be placed online or by mailing in a check with the form.

A properly stocked and managed pond will provide years of quality fishing, officials explained.

Those with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Division of Wildlife and documents from the Ohio State University Extension office, state “some of the finest fishing in Ohio for largemouth bass, bluegills and channel catfish can be found in local farm ponds.”

An initial stocking of a combination of these fish is usually recommended for new or renovated ponds. Properly managed largemouth bass and bluegills will produce self-sustaining populations, whereas channel catfish usually require periodic restocking. Stocking the recommended sizes and numbers of fish is important for good fishing, officials continued, noting fingerling fish are recommended for stocking new or renovated ponds. Starting a pond off by stocking larger fish is tempting, but can lead to an “unbalanced” pond with too many fish of one kind and too few of another.

For guidance on species selection or managing a pond, contact the office or download the Ohio Pond Management Handbook at wildlife.ohiodnr.gov.

McDonald’s to offer new burger

STEUBENVILLE — McDonald’s restaurants is bringing its boldest burger yet to the United States.

Beginning today, the Big Arch Burger will be available for a limited time. The Big Arch gives patrons more of the flavor they crave, including two quarter-pound beef patties, three slices of melted white cheddar cheese, crispy and slivered onions, lettuce, pickles and Big Arch sauce between toasted sesame and poppy seed buns.