Government

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season. The assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, and type of housing. View eligibility guidelines.

“Families impacted by the Derecho on August 10th need to register with FEMA before the October 19th deadline even if they do not have insurance estimates yet”, reminds Scott Hansen, Emergency Management Director.If insurance does not cover all repair expenses, then a family can be eligible for a FEMA individual assistance grant. For losses not covered by insurance, FEMA can provide grants to homeowners for basic home repairs to make a primary residence habitable, for temporary rental assistance for people who need to relocate, and other needs, such as replacing essential personal property that was damaged.

9-22-20 a regular meeting of the Shellsburg City Council was called to order by Mayor Speckner at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers.  Roll call was answered by Blattler, Vogt, Chapman, Reeves, and Thorkildson.  Vogt motioned to approve the amended consent agenda.  Blattler second. All ayes.  The bank reconciliation and revenues will be reviewed at the next meeting.

United Ways of Iowa is partnering with Strategic Marketing Services and the Institute for Decision Making at the University of Northern Iowa to launch a survey aimed at better understanding the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery on individual Iowa households.

 Thomas Gerhold of Atkins has been designated a “Friend of Agriculture” by the Iowa Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (PAC).  Gerhold is seeking House District 75 that includes all of Benton County and Hilton, Honey Creek, Marengo, and Washington Townships in the northern part of Iowa County. “I am honored and proud to receive this designation from the Iowa Farm Bureau and will continue to work hard for the farming community in the district and statewide to promote agriculture”, Gerhold said.

Vendor Publication Report Benton County, IA Payment Date Range: 09/09/2020 - 09/22/2020Vendor Name Vendor Number Payable Description Total PaymentsACE REPORTING 50421 Co Atty Depositions 315.20ADAM RODENBERG 49382 Rodenberg Mileage Reimb 503.72ALLIANT ENERGY 10530 SR utilities 411.61ALTORFER INC 02600 SR parts 4,110.38AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES INC 49660 ME Office Supplies 220.

Ruby Bodeker for House District 75Ruby Bodeker is a strong candidate for Iowa House District 75 because she truly cares about family farms, conservation, and water quality.  I know she is willing to fight to see that an educated balance that can thrive in today’s economy.  Basically Ruby Bodeker is a shoe-in for me in this election. The first time I met Ruby, she was walking into the Benton County nature center to volunteer with her kids.

 ​ September 22, 2020The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman present. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m.   Members of the public were provided the zoom access capability to join in during open session and watch live at the county’s YouTube channel.

At the top of the Council's agenda was to swear in Melissa Schwan as Vinton's new City Clerk. With her husband and children in attendance, Mayor Bud Maynard swore Schwan into office. Schwan's first day will be October 5th.Committee ReportsOther business conducted included Committee Reports which included an up-date on the Public Safety Building. There was a meeting last Wednesday with those who will be using the building, law enforcement and Fire Departments as well as the Ambulance.

Like many communities in Benton County, Shellsburg was hard hit by the August 10th derecho. There have been many expenses for the city during storm recovery such as the trucking of tree and building debris, generator costs and staff overtime. Shellsburg will be eligible for federal and state disaster assistance, but if we can document contributions of volunteer time, it will increase our funding.