Business

    More workers could be eligible for a special tax credit this year and not know it. As a result, they may overlook claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, which can put anywhere from $2 to more than $5,600 into their pockets. People move into and out of EITC eligibility based on changes in their earnings, their parental status or their marital status according to Phyllis Zalenski, Family Resource Management Program Specialist, Iowa State University Extension.

  Unpredictable weather patterns, volatile markets and rising inputs costs will certainly challenge producers in 2011.  Iowa State University Extension in cooperation with program sponsors are offering the 2011 Ag Market Outlook Seminars.  The seminars are scheduled for Wednesday, March 9.   Elwynn Taylor, ISU Climatologist; will discuss the 2010 weather patterns and what may lie ahead in 2011.

  Vinton Unlimited had the privilege of welcoming the following businesses as new members in 2010: 5th Street Koffee Haus- 102 E 5th Street – Offering fresh brewed coffee, cappuccino, lattes, and many other items to get your day started off right.  They also serve a lunch menu with various sandwiches and soups.  Whole Earth Enterprises, LLC- 3097 62nd Street, Shellsburg - A natural health clinic that offers massage therapy, Reiki treatments and training, Reflexology, consultations and; River Rock Massage - a web-based business supplying stone massage information and equipment to therapists Format L.

  Vinton Unlimited would like to welcome Laura McClure and her employees during this busy tax season as the newest member of Vinton Unlimited. McClure Financial Services is located at 218 W. 4th Street in Vinton and we are excited to have her as a new addition to Vinton’s Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Group. Laura took over for Karen Fountain and is currently occupying the same building Karen was in.

  For Sale, Installation, and Maintenance of   ERGONOMIC CONSOLE FURNITURE for the Public Safety Answering Point   The Benton County Iowa Sheriff’s Office is establishing a new county‑wide Communication Control Center at the new Benton County Law Enforcement Center. This solicits a proposal for the sale, installation and maintenance of console cabinetry for two dispatch positions, common equipment placement and storage within the communication center.

  Serving Buffet from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Monday through  Friday. A choice of salads is available on the buffet. Everyone is WELCOME! Suggested contribution for  individuals 60 years old or older, and their spouse  (regardless of age) is $2.75 for the meal. Individuals  who are not yet 60 are WELCOME but need to pay $3.

  A successful agricultural operation needs more than a good owner/manager, quality animals, and appropriate facilities. Knowing the “how, when and why” of employee management also is a vital component that not everyone can claim. The Iowa Beef Center (IBC) and Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) at Iowa State University (ISU) are coordinating and hosting employee management workshop series this winter designed to provide this information.

    Plan will reduce customer bills in 2011, includes no electric base rate case for three years   CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – January 12, 2011 –Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE: LNT), expects Iowa customers to see lower electric bills in 2011 as a result of the company’s 2010 electric rate case.

  Kirkwood Community College will be open for classes and operations under a normal schedule Tuesday, Jan. 11.  Should any changes occur during the day, notice will be provided to local media, the Kirkwood website and Kirkwood Alert system.

  Kirkwood Study Abroad trip set for Costa Rica May 2011 trip to focus on environmental, cultural and ethical experiences For 11 days this spring, 15 Kirkwood Community College students and community members will take part in an intensive, diverse learning experience in Costa Rica. Kirkwood will host an educational trip to the Central American country to learn first-hand about tropical ecology, the environmental impact of industrialization and global trade, and global ethics issues.