Short story contest being held in Geneva - Chicago Tribune

Budding and experienced Geneva writers can once again share their original work through the Geneva Write Now short story contest.

The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission's second annual contest is open to adults and students in middle school and high school. There is no specific theme, but mentioning Geneva in the storyline is required.

Family-friendly fiction or creative nonfiction stories with a maximum 1,200 words will be accepted, officials said.

Writers can submit entries through 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28 on the city's website at www.geneva.il.us or can mail a typed hard copy to City of Geneva, Cultural Arts Commission, 22 S. First St., Geneva, IL 60134.

The Cultural Arts Commission will review the submissions, and a panel of local literary experts will choose the winners in late March, officials said.

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The contest is limited to the first 100 entries received.

Geneva Chamber of Commerce gift certificates totaling $1,000 will be awarded to the top three winners in each age category. The winning stories also will be published on the city's website and highlighted on social media.

Full contest details can be found on the city's website. Questions can be directed to Cate Tracy, the city's business development analyst and Cultural Arts Commission liaison, via email at culturalarts@geneva.il.us.

St. Charles offering scholarships

The city of St. Charles, in partnership with the Illinois Municipal Utilities Association, is offering four $1,000 scholarships to eligible high school students in St. Charles.

To qualify, applicants must be high school seniors whose parents or legal guardians are residential customers of city of St. Charles utilities. Eligible students must submit an application and essay of 500 words or less addressing one of four utility-related questions, officials said.

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Applications and essays are due March 11. The application, list of essay questions and eligibility requirements can be downloaded at http://www.imea.org/IMUA_Scholarship.aspx

For more information, contact DeeDee Bunch at Illinois Municipal Utilities Association by phone at 217-789-4632 or email dbunch@imea.org.

DuPage County to offer assistance with water bills

DuPage County Community Services is offering help to residents who are behind on water and wastewater bills.

DuPage residents can call to set up an appointment starting Jan. 24 at DuPage County Community Services, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, to apply for assistance.

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis by appointment only.

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Eligible households must have a past-due bill of at least $250 and be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. This includes a 30-day income of $2,147 for an individual, $2,903 for a two-person household and $3,660 for a three-member household.

Those deemed eligible can receive one-time assistance on their water or wastewater bills or help reconnecting their water service. To apply, residents must provide proof of income, a Social Security or taxpayer identification number and a copy of their current water bill.

To make an appointment, call 630-407-6500 or 800-942-9412.