USDA Rural Development has funding availabile for very low- and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area.    The Direct Home Loan program offers financing to qualified very-low and low-income applicants that are unable to qualify for traditional financing. No down payment is required, and the interest rate could be as low as one percent with a subsidy. Applicants must meet income and credit guidelines and demonstrate repayment ability. The program is available in rural communities of generally 35,000 people or less.    The maximum loan amount is $20,000 at a one percent interest rate, repayable for a 20-year term and can be used to improve or modernize homes and do essential repairs. Grants of up to $7,500 are available to homeowners 62 and older and must be used to remove health or safety hazards, such as fixing a leaking roof, installing…

Summer reading at the Mabel Public Library will feature Tails and Tales! Expect to see live tails and lots of tales to check out and even one field trip! The dates are as follows: July 20, 22, 27, 29 & August 3, all beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Mabel Public Library. All ages (kids through adults) are welcome!