By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn Wednesday March 18, students participated in the Drive Your Tractor to School Day. 13 tractors took part in this unique tradition.

The Iowa DNR, in partnership with Alliant Energy, offers various hardwood, ornamental, and evergreen tree species for $25 each. Alliant Energy customers can buy up to two of the following trees: Sugar Maple Hackberry Thornless Honeylocust - Skyline Swamp White Oak Serviceberry - Autumn Brilliance Eastern White Pine Tree pick up is offered at Benton County Nature Center (5718 20th Ave Dr, Vinton) on Thursday, April 23, 4:00-6:00 p.

Keegan Schwab, has always had a passion for learning about the world. As a result, he placed second in a regional National Geography Bee, which is an incredible achievement for someone in the 6th grade.

On the third Saturday, Wesley's Mobile Food Pantry provides food to area families. Last month, approximately 70 area families benefited from the generousity of the organization.

By Austin Wille, North Unit Park RangerHello! My name is Austin Wille, the North Unit Park Ranger for Benton County Conservation. I will be stationed at Rodger’s Park in Vinton, but work at all the parks and recreation areas all across the county as needed.

Through the Safe Haven Law, a baby girl, born March 6 is now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be placed with a foster family until permanent placement is determined.

More than 240 Iowa Nurse Leaders Gather at the State Capitol for Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership Day on the HillOn Wednesday, March 11, more than 240 nursing leaders and advocates, representing 76 Iowa hospitals and health systems across the state, gathered at the Iowa State Capitol for the Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership (IONL) annual Day on the Hill.

Editor's Note: For residents of BENTON, IOWA, JONES AND WASHINGTON Counties. ---The East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG), in partnership with the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and the East Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund, is pleased to announce the availability of the First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program, designed to help low- to moderate-income households achieve affordable homeownership.

Left to right:Dakoda Sellers — representing Vinton City CouncilKyle Koeppen — representing the Vinton Shellsburg School DistrictKristine Horst — representing Vinton UnlimitedDeb Wilberg — representing Farmers Savings Bank & Trust Absent: Anne Williams representing the Vinton Area Ministerial Association.

The George G Lucky American Legion Auxiliary Post 57 of Vinton, Iowa recently donated funds in the amount of $11,919.90 to the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa for the purchase of three Blanket Warmer Cabinets.