The 2016 Firecracker 4-person best shot 18 hold golf tournament will take place July 2nd-4th, at the Vinton Country Club. Details: $80 / Team – Carts available to rent Play any time Saturday-Monday 8:00 AM-Close Play more than once with a new team Pay at the bar & pick up an envelope with instructions Cash or checks only Monday rounds must be completed by 5 P.

Will Schmitt will perform a free "Spirit of Chautauqua" concert on Wednesday, June 29, at the Benton County Nature Center, 5718 20th Avenue Drive, just west of Rodgers Park northwest of Vinton.

New to the 2016 Benton County 4-H Fair is a silent auction put on by the Benton County 4-H Foundation. Funds raised will be used for scholarships, 4H camps, trips, judging events etc.

Are you an avid gardener, but would like to know more about gardening, plants and horticulture? Would you like to meet people who share your interest in gardening? If so, you may be interested in becoming a MASTER GARDENER.

Dysart residents invite everyone to join them for their July 4 celebration. The events actually begin with the community church service at the gazebo in the city park on Sunday, July 3.

Party in the Park begins on Thursday, with free hot dogs at Farmers Bank starting at 5 p.m., followed by the traditional 6:30 p.m. Kiddie Parade to the courthouse lawn for games, music by Strait Run and a Farmers Market.

The Center Point Friends of the Library first-ever Garden Walk was blessed with gorgeous weather and gorgeous gardens Saturday, June 18. The following generous hosts opened their gardens for the Library fund-raiser: Vern and Carma Almandinger (Center Point Garden Club members), Karen and Craig Bacheler at Interstate Grain Service, Dusty Sylver and Mike LeClaire, Teresa and Dan Scheeler, and Dennis and Linda Schlicht.

YIPPEE HIPPIE DAY is scheduled for Saturday July 9, from Noon - 6 p.m. at the Vinton Guild of Fine Arts Studio, in the Old West Elementary ( 811 D Ave ),  Room 28   Dress in Hippie attire & groove to far out music from that era while you release your creative inner spirit! There will also be Lava lamps, incense & black lights!   11 art projects to do including: Stained Glue Glass, Paint with Hippie Stencils, Zentangle your initials, Tie Dye, Decorate Shirt/Canvas Shoes with Permanent Fabric Markers ( you are responsible for bringing shirts/ shoes ) & receive a temporary tattoo!  30 spaces available.

With the blood supply at a critically low level, LifeServe Blood Center is urging eligible blood donors to schedule an appointment as soon as they’re able in order to ensure lifesaving blood is on the shelf.

The Thrivent Financial for Lutherans chapter of Tama County is among the latest who’ve donated to help to raise funds for benefit to help a Dysart grandmother live with a crippling disease.