Government
Area Businesses helped by Small Business Relief Grants
The Benton Development Group was able to share with the Vinton City Council that while the Small Business Relief Grant is now closed, a few area businesses were able to gain assistance.The first round of grants began on April 7th. Since then the following businesses have or will receive awards:Bobby T's Inc. $25,000 (Atkins)Bully's Angle Inn $25,000 (Walford)The Vinton Pizza Ranch $25,000 Keystone Turners $15,000 La Reyna of Vinton $10,000Jolyne's City Looks $7,000 (Vinton)Drahos Shoe Store $15,000 (Belle Plaine)Early Beginnings Inc.
Covid update: Wednesday 4/22/2020
Today, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH)
has been notified of 107 additional positive cases for a total of
3,748 positive cases. There have been an additional 522 negative
tests for a total of 24,496 negative tests to date, which includes
testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs.
According to IDPH, an additional 7 deaths were also reported, 272
are currently hospitalized, and 1,428 Iowans have recovered.
U.S. Attorney's Office for Northern District of Iowa and IRS-CI warn of fraud
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), St. Louis Field Office, are warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the COVID-19 economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money. Peter Deegan, U.
City Council Agenda 4/23/20
To listen to the meeting at any of the following numbers: 1-646-558-86561-312-626-67991-301-715-85921-346-248-77991-669-900-91281-253-215-8782or go to zoom.us/j/96484879363Click to view the agenda. Click to view the packet of information, which makes it easier to follow along.For those unable to view the agenda here are the highlights:Renewal of liquor licenses for the American Legion and Fareway.
Prime the Primary: Race for the U.S. Senate
Are you wondering which Senate candidate to support in the June 2 primary?Join Rob Hogg (Senator-IA33) as he hosts a virtual forum with the 5 candidates running to be the next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate:Michael Franken, Kimberly Graham, Theresa Greenfield, Eddie Mauro, Cal WoodsSunday, May 3, 2020 3:00-4:30 pmZoom event: Register to participate at https://forms.
Additional COVID-19 cases in Iowa, additional deaths confirmed
Today, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 482 additional positive cases for a total of 3,641 positive cases. There have been an additional 1,313 negative tests for a total of 23,974 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. According to IDPH, an additional 4 deaths were also reported, 214 are currently hospitalized, and 1,293 Iowans have recovered.
VMCU and VMEU Meeting Notes
Click to view meetingVinton Municipal Communications Utilities began the meeting last Tuesday evening via Zoom. Sailing through the beginning of the meeting approving minutes, agendas and etc., the meeting quickly moved to an update from Dave Fridley of Farr Technologies. iVinton should have all of the conduit and have every home that has signed up ready to receive fiber to their homes by the end of May.
Gov. Reynolds launches Test Iowa Initiative
Today, Governor Kim Reynolds launched the Test Iowa Initiative to expand testing capacity to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Iowa. The state is partnering with Nomi Health and its subsidiary DOMO which has already launched a similar initiative in the state of Utah. Gov. Reynolds made the announcement at today’s news conference. Watch here.
Finkenauer: Iowa Agriculture Won’t be Forgotten as We Battle COVID-19
by Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer There is no family or community in our great state that hasn’t been touched over the last few weeks by the coronavirus pandemic and the economic hardship that has come with it. But as I’ve held tele-townhall meetings and talked with constituents and stakeholders across the First District, I’ve noticed two things: First, Iowans are tough, and they care a heck of a lot about their neighbors and communities.
Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 4/14/20
COVID-19 not only is affecting businesses and employees, but it will also affect the budget used to repair roads.As the Benton County Supervisors sat down to their weekly meeting last week, on the agenda was to discuss the budget for secondary roads. Myron Parizek the County Engineer shared that the fuel tax revenue that we rely heavily on could go down slightly.