News

I regret to inform you that, due to the ongoing weather conditions, school will be canceled for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, January 10th. I want to express my gratitude to our custodial and maintenance crew for their exceptional hard work today in clearing the snow. They will be at it again tomorrow morning.Please be advised that all city and county plows will be off the roads until morning starting at 5:00 pm, except for the main state highways.

The Compensation Board met to discuss the proposed raises for the county department heads. A seven minute meeting was held. Representing each department and the terms they are serving are listed below:Representing Sheriff Ron Tippett - Lynn Schoenmann, who replaced Anders Norgaard upon his passing in September. This term ended 6/30/23County Supervisors (Tracy Seeman, Rick Primmer, and Gary Bierschenk) - Mike Barnes, term ends 6/30/27 and Mark Zahradnik, term ends 6/30/25County Attorney, Ray Lough - Michael Kirkpatrick.

Katie Cox. of Virginia Gay Hospital, has been selected as a 2024 Great Iowa Nurse. She is being recognized for extraordinary service to patients, leadership through practice, mentoring, serving as a role model for others, and dedication to the nursing profession. CONGRATULATIONS!

Salvation Army has a successful 2023 Red Kettle Campaign. We are grateful for the willingness of folks to ring the bell! We know some days it was cold or drizzling, and yet we often hear people say, “I enjoy doing this. It's actually fun!” The Salvation Army of Benton County received $21,139.49 this Christmas season from the 2023 Red Kettle Campaign.

The 4th Street Diner is closed today. There will be no meals. 

Update: Van Horne Clinic closing at noon, Atkins Clinic closing at 1pm & Urbana Clinic closing at 1:30PM & Vinton Clinic 3:30 Today.

As we prepare for the impending winter storm, I want to inform you of the necessary precautions we are taking to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community.Due to the anticipated severe weather conditions, all schools within the district will be closed on Tuesday, January 9th. Our buildings and grounds team will be commencing the first round of snow plowing at 7:00 am on Tuesday morning, continuing through the day, with a second round of plowing scheduled for Wednesday morning.

A note from the City of Vinton : S&J Sanitation garbage and recycling pickup scheduled for Tuesday will be delayed ONE day due to the winter storm.

It looks like we'll have some significant snow for the first time this winter. Here's a reminder of the city ordinances relating to snow removal. -Snow is NOT to be put on the city streets from driveways or business parking lots. In other words, if it lands on your driveway, you own it and it can only be placed on your property until it melts. -Remember not to leave your car on the streets during snow storms or until the roads have been plowed.

We want to announce the winners of the gift card drawings. Those individuals who rang the bell 3 or more hours were eligible. Thank you to the area businesses who donated the gift cards! All of you, businesses and ringers alike, helped us reach our goal of $20,000 (Total--$21,139.49.) Pizza Ranch - 2 Free Buffets - Myla Mefford Subway- 2 Free 6” inch subs - Roger Beau, Katie Zavadil, Isla Newbrough LaGrange Pharmacy- $25 Gift Card - Doug Yenser Theisen's- $50 Gift Card - Dianna Wiese, Lisa Boffeli, Karla Guastaferro Ehlinger's Express $25 Gift Card - Ann Schmelzer,  Lee Schwenker, Barb Beau, Deb McFarland Kwik Star- $50 Gift Card - Pat Floyd, Chante OhrPictured: Valerie and Eric Struves, along with their children, Waylon and Willow enjoy the day ringing as a family.