Et Cetera

It's always fun to eavesdrop in on Facebook conversations. Especially when it involves Vinton, or the history of Vinton. This week Darran Sellers noticed something in the river that looked odd, and it begged the question, "Has anyone else seen this in the river? It's on the east side of the bridge by the north shore."Residents weighed in guessing that maybe it was from old bridges that had been placed and later removed.

Benton County Resident Jan Logan, Van Horne, was published in the Iowa Poetry Association-Poets published in Lyrical Iowa 2022The Iowa Poetry Association (IPA) announces the publication of its annual poetry anthology Lyrical Iowa. The poems in this year's edition of Lyrical Iowa are anchored in lived experiences, cultural memories, and hopes and dreams for the future, according to Editor Marilyn Baszczynski.

Huge Harold, Written and illustrated by Bill PeetReviewed by Connie Bennett, Vinton Public Library ClerkChildren's bookEasy; pictures!     I first discovered Bill Peet when my oldest children were growing up in the seventies.  My personal favorite was The Caboose Who Got Loose, although I loved them all!  There are many other selections, and we read them all, repeatedly!  At the present time, Vinton Public Library has my favorite, as well as Cowardly Clyde, and three new acquisitions.

By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead                   By Julie Anne PetersReviewed by Connie Bennett, Vinton Public Library ClerkYoung Adult, Intense     This book deals with some very hard subjects, and is certainly not for everyone.

The Violent StormBy William W. JohnstoneReviewed by Connie Bennett, Vinton Public Library ClerkWestern: Large PrintMild Profanity/ViolenceFrom the “Will Tanner, US Deputy Marshall” Series comes this tale of retribution and violence, which, of course, are nothing new to Deputy Marshall Tanner. In addition to the obligatory rustlers that must be subdued to protect the local ranchers, in this installment, there are bad guys selling whiskey to the Indians, an old woman with a set of cattle-rustling sons, a convict on the warpath seeking revenge, and Will’s lovely lady waiting not-so-patiently at home.

HatchetBy Gary PaulsenReviewed by Connie Bennett, Vinton Public Library ClerkJunior FictionPublished by Simon and Schuster 1987Is there any middle-aged reader among us who has missed this classic, three-time Newberry Honor Winner? We listened to this book in audio format about 20 years ago and promptly added a new favorite to our collection. Although written in 1987, Gary Paulsen has written a story that is almost timeless, and I enjoyed this re-reading as much as the original encounter with our 9 year old son.

The Vinton Public Library has begun to share book reviews. This is the first in the series. ---The Woman in the LibraryBy Sulari GentillReviewed by Connie Bennett, Vinton Public Library ClerkMystery/RomanceSome Raw LanguageIn the Boston Public Library, four people choose to sit at a large table. One, a writer, tells the story from her point of view.

The student listed below graduated from Mount Mercy University this August:  Atkins, Beth Hlas, Master of Arts For over 90 years, Mount Mercy has grown in size and reputation, adapting to meet the changing educational needs of the Cedar Rapids community. Its 1,600+ students come from around the globe, creating a vibrant, diverse and open-minded campus community.

Iowa State University awarded degrees to 693 graduates this summer. Students earning degrees during the summer have the opportunity to participate in fall or spring commencement ceremonies. The following is a graduate from your area:Victoria Wood, Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology and Health, Magna Cum Laude

From day-to-day life on the family farm to the ever-changing industry, agriculture has proven to be one of America's most compelling stories. There is no better way to capture this story than through the lens of photographers from across the country.The Capture the Heart of America Photo Contest is open to amateur and professional photographers from all over the United States.