Government

The Iowa House and Senate passed a bill to the Governor's desk in the early hours on Thursday morning according to State Representative Tom Gerhold. The bill prohibits K-12 schools from mandating masks. It also prevents cities and counties from mandating masks in businesses. This bill was signed and is in effect immediately rather than the usual July 1 implementation date as is normal practice, the Governor requested this change.

After another debate on mask wearing in the county buildings, the Benton County Supervisors voted continue to follow the suggestions of the Iowa Court system, who is following the CDC recommendations. The CDC guidelines suggest that unvaccinated people should wear masks while those that have been vaccinated are not required to wear them. The meeting was divided on the requirement with several department heads saying that they feel personal responsibility should play into the decision of the board, some saying that their employees feel it should be a personal choice.

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May 11, 2021The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Bierschenk and Primmer present. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at the conference room at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public were provided the zoom access capability to join in during open session and livestream at https://www.

Minutes of the Special MeetingBoard of DirectorsVinton-Shellsburg Community SchoolsMay 17, 2021Call to OrderPresident Levis called the regular meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. in the Central Office Board Room.Roll Call / Pledge of AllegianceRob Levis, Sue Gates, Kathy Van Steenhuyse, Jake Fish, Mike Timmermans, Tom Burke on-line,Becky Williams, Kyle Koeppen, Superintendent, and Brenda Barkdoll, Board Secretary/Treasurer werePresent.

The Iowa Department of Public Health issued a statement concerning the requirement to wear masks at school. The CDC representing the United States as a whole has issued guidelines for vaccinated adults while the Iowa Department of Public Health has changed their recommendations for Iowa. The current COVID numbers in Region 6 of which Benton County is a part of, are at an all time low.

Vinton Police Department Log for Week of May 10 - 16, 2021.All Charges are subject to review by The Benton County Attorney’s Office. An arrest or criminalcharge is merely an accusation, and the Defendant is presumed innocent, unless proven guilty. Intrastate Warrants are issued by Law Enforcement Agencies for crimes happening in their jurisdictions.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING May 18, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Benton County Board of Supervisors Room ** Agenda is not printed in any particular order; only time specific items will be addressed at certain times https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa 1. 9:00 A.M. Call to Order 2. 9:05 a.m. Barb Greenlee Re: [ST] land use hearing date for Tarrell and Rhonda Price part of Parcel A in SE ¼ NW ¼ Sec 25-T86N-R9W 3.

The Iowa Department of Public Health and the Department of Education released new COVID recommendations late Friday afternoon. All of our COVID policies are board directed. A special board meeting is scheduled for Monday at 5:00 pm to address the newest recommendations. Attached is the agenda for the meeting and the letters from the state.Agenda: Vinton-Shellsburg Community School DistrictMay 17, 2021 - 5:00 PMCentral Office Board Room, 1502 C Ave.

Vinton-Shellsburg Retirees and Award Winners were honored at a public open house reception on Wednesday, May 12th at the Central Office. The 2020 Retirees included the following:Mark Dulin – 35 yearsRose Kern – 33 yearsDeb Garbers – 31 yearsGib Ziemer – 29 yearsDeb Cummings – 21 yearsDeb Schirm – 21 yearsSusan Kakac – 20 yearsRoger Bistline – 13 yearsMary Jo Hainstock – 11 years2021 RetireesGordon Floyd – 18 yearsBev Ahlemeyer – 17 years Teachers of the Year  Lindsey Otto Lindsey Otto is an amazing friend, parent, and community member but this is about how Lindsey is an outstanding educator.