Et Cetera
AmeriCorps NCCC Team Cedar 5 Heads Back to Nature
By Caitlin Greig
AmeriCorps NCCC team Cedar 5 is finishing off their year of service by working with the Nature Conservancy of Illinois at the Emiquon Preserve in Lewistown, IL until November 8, when they head back to Vinton for the final time. While in Illinois, they are doing invasive species removal of trees not native to the area, such as Russian Olive and Honey Locust. United Way on today's news of deficit in mental health services
With today’s news that Linn County faces a $5.3 million deficit for mental health services, United Way of East Central Iowa is concerned that Eastern Iowans will be vastly underserved.
“We know that one in four people potentially have a mental health issue,” said United Way CEO Lois Buntz. “With cuts in state funding to Linn County it’s becoming more and more important for the public to get involved.
NCCC Fights Water with Water: Minot, ND
By: Phil Schaefer and Gaby Nieves
AmeriCorps NCCC team Maple 4 is currently living and serving in Minot, North Dakota for its fourth project. The team is working with Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) to help repair homes that were flooded this summer. On June 24, the Souris River exceeded record flood levels in Minot, North Dakota. Register to Win $1,000 College Savings Iowa Account is Approaching
State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald wants to remind Iowans it is their last chance to celebrate College Savings Month by registering their child to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account. "I encourage everyone to register for the giveaway and explore the benefits of using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa, to save for their loved ones future higher education expenses," stated Fitzgerald.
Great Iowa Treasure Hunt Gearing Up for Fall Publication
Fall is a busy time of year in Iowa. Students are returning to school, and farmers are beginning to harvest their fields. State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald is also hard at work preparing the fall publication of the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. (or online here)
"I encourage everyone to search for their name in the paper," said Fitzgerald.
Steve Meyer receives recognition for 30 years of service
On Monday, Sept 12th the Garrison Fire Dept held a surprise party in honor of Steve Meyer's service of 30 years serving the fire department.
Steve has been the Garrison Fire Chief since December of 1985 and a member since 1981.
Steve received a 30 year service award from Ellen Hagen of Jewell, Iowa who is the past president of the Iowa Fireman's Association. Road Safety, a Shared Responsibility
Getting harvest from the field to market can be dangerous work, but doing it in traffic on Iowa’s highways and county roads extends the hazards to other drivers and their passengers. Conditions creating additional risks on Iowa roadways during harvest are drivers who don’t understand how to avoid collision with agricultural equipment, those who are driving distracted and heavier than normal traffic on rural highways due to flooding and construction detours.
'Design-a-Decal' is long-standing contest
'Design-a-Decal' is long-standing contest that creates fun and teachers use student-designed stickers to encourage good work
Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) members around the state have used ISEA's student-designed stickers to celebrate student achievement and good work for over 26 years. Now in its 27th year, the popular Design-a-Decal program helps give statewide recognition to budding art students when their winning designs are printed on stickers and teachers use them to give positive feedback to their students.
Boston couple already feels at home after visiting Vinton for less than a week
John and Carol Manson of Boston are a bit surprised to find out how quickly they have become celebrities in Vinton.
Many people have seen them walking the streets and nature trails together, with John using his cane to determine obstacles he can't see.
The couple chose to spend a week visiting Vinton after deciding that the Iowa State Fair would be too crowded.
Forrest Bolte to celebrate 85th birthday
Forrest Bolte will celebrate his 85th birthday on Saturday. A card shower is planned and can be sent to him at 307 E 2nd St, #4, Vinton or emailed to FGBolte@mchsi.com