AMES, Iowa -- Cow-calf producers who want to learn more about improving returns from their enterprise are invited to attend any in a series of strategy-focused workshops in early 2017 hosted by the Iowa Beef Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

From producer panelists to academic and private industry representatives, the 2017 Iowa Forage and Grassland Council (IFGC) Conference will offer a wealth of information and experience to attendees.

By Melissa Schwan, Vinton Unlimited Director Have you had your card punched yet today? Congratulations to Sarah Mathis our week 4 winner in the "˜holiday lights' promotion! Sarah has won Vinton Value Dollars! The "˜Holiday Lights' punch card program officially ends on December 24th.

As 2016 comes to a close there is much to reflect on. With those reflections come goals and visions for 2017. Sometimes we are looking for guidance in what direction to move forward.

4th STREET DINER NEWS 4th Street Diner HACAP North Benton Center 202 East Fourth St Vinton, IA 52349 319-472-4761 Serving Buffet from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Sunday thru Friday.

Did you know that among the most needed items for food banks are personal care items like toilet paper, bar soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes? Monkeytown has issued a "1,000 ROLL CHALLENGE" to the Vinton community as part of their Care Now community betterment initiative: "Bring us rolls of bath tissue, and we'll match your donation, roll for roll up to 500 rolls and donate them to the Benton County Food Pantry! That's 1,000 ROLLS of bath tissue going to our own area food bank by the end of December.

Melissa Schwan, Director of Vinton Industries and Vinton Unlimited along with Emily Upah, Executive Director of Benton Development Group, accept a check from Jon Kremer, Market President for U.

The designation of Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) has been conferred upon Tressa Walton of Wilson-Hite Insurance in Vinton, IA, after her successful completion of five, one-day courses covering all areas of insurance risks and exposures, followed by extensive examinations.

Clickstop and Benton Development Group (BDG) Executive Director, Emily Upah were honored at the Kirkwood Hotel in Cedar Rapids last week for being instrumental in "being ahead of the curve in creating and maintaining workforce talent.

MENU   There will be no evening meals for the winter months of December, January or February. HACAP 4th St. Diner is for everyone! The suggested contribution for those 60 and over (and their spouse) is $3.