By Lisa Franck Two high school juniors have been chosen to represent East-Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative in Washington, D.C., June 9 to June 15.

Always take time to enjoy the sunset, even when (and especially when) you are caring for someone who is seriously ill. Tucked securely - for now - in the basement of a 9-story bank tower in a big Texas city is an 1800-and-something silver dollar.

The softball toss is a popular event in the annual VPRD Live Healthy Iowa meet. By Brad Barker, VPRD Over 100 area youth ranging in ages from 5 to 14 years old participated in the Vinton Parks & Recreation Department sponsored Live Healthy Iowa Kids Track Meet on Monday, May 8 at the Karr Athletic Complex.

Morgan Janae Eggert from Atkins, Iowa, received a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University, Nebraska, on Saturday, May 6, 2017. The university awarded undergraduate or graduate degrees to 306 May graduates.

Morgan Eggert of Atkins, Iowa, was honored by Concordia University, Nebraska, as a senior who achieved outstanding academic accomplishments during their college career at its annual Academic Honors Reception on May 5, 2017.

Michelle Aberle of Walker, IA, is one of 55 graduating seniors at Iowa State University this spring to earn a Leadership Studies certificate in addition to an undergraduate degree.

From the Benton County Cattlemen May is Beef Month in Iowa! Governor Terry Branstad signed the May Beef Month proclamation on April 18 in recognition of the importance of Iowa's beef industry to the state's economy.

More than 200 Central College students presented research during the spring Undergraduate Research Smposium. The following area students were included: Jamie Retz of Newhall participated in the Independent Study in Chemistry symposium with the presentation "Manganese-catalyzed transfer Hydrogenation reactions," Mitchell Knock of Atkins participated in the Exercise Physiology Lab symposium with the presentation "The effect of music on an isometric contraction," Taylor McGowan of Dysart participated in the Research Investigations in Chemistry symposium with the presentation "Computational study of the mechanism between the methylamine and 2,3-dichloro-1,4-napthoalenedione," Dane Salow of Walker participated in the Biology Seminar symposium with the presentation "White-Nosed syndrome in bats," Kailey Phillips of Keystone participated in the Globalization, Development and Social Change symposium with the presentation "The Children's BandAID foundation - Haiti," Founded in 1853, Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private, residential four-year liberal arts college known for its academic rigor and strength in global experiential learning, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), sustainability education, athletics success and tradition, and leadership and service.

Vicky Buckingham has just completed the quilt for the 2017 Benton County Relay for Life raffle. With the word "HOPE" spelled in various shades of purple, the official Relay for Life color, the quiltmeasures 38 by 46 inches, says Vicky.

Threemonths ago, Vinton-Shellsburg student Kenna Kurth received recognition for her "crazy sportsmanship." Now, the daughter of Tim and Shawna Kurth has received another honor.