Money available for homeownersThe Butler County Housing and Redevelopment Authority has a new program to help certain homeowners in Center and Oakland townships make improvements to their houses.Low to moderate income homeowners are eligible for up to a $15,000 grant to make needed updates. The money can be used for items and work such as windows, roofing, electrical work, plumbing, heating and structural problems.The project is funded by $190,000 in state money and $100,000 from the county.Ed Mauk, executive director of the authority, said people can apply for the program immediately.“It’s open now,” Mauk said.He said about 15 homeowners will be able to receive funding.The authority has three similar programs, one for the southwestern part of the county, one for the central and eastern part of the county, and one for Jefferson Township.More information on the project and eligibility is available at www.housingauthority.com.

2 parks receive state grantsTwo park projects in Butler County have received state grants.The county got $87,000 for further development at Alameda Park, including work on Jade’s Dog Park. This includes a shade shelter, work on ADA access, a project sign, landscaping and other improvements.Penn Township got $270,000 for further development at Harcrest Park, The work includes an access road, parking lot, restroom, pavilions, playground equipment, landscaping and other improvements.Gov. Tom Wolf announced the grants recently, which are a part of $28 million in state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grants.

Harmony square to get new trees HARMONY — The borough square will get new dogwood trees soon.Borough council President Greg Such said the borough will get 5.5-foot tall trees for $75 a piece.“I’ve had dogwoods at my house for 35 years,” Such said.This past fall linden trees were removed from the four corners of the square where Main Street intersects with Mercer Street.The four new dogwood trees will replace those.Council voted Tuesday evening for the four trees.Such said he suggests volunteers plant the trees.

Salvation Army closed after floodingThe Salvation Army on West Cunningham Street is closed due to flooding issues.Major Irene Thibault said the flooding took place sometime after 8 p.m. Tuesday and was discovered Wednesday. She said the center is not sure exactly what the cause of the flooding is.Thibault said the center will not be cleaned up likely until Feb. 12.The center’s food pantry, soup kitchen and youth activities are canceled. Thibault said they are working to figure out if worship services this Sunday will need to be canceled.Thibault said insurance will help cover the cost of repairs.