News
Consumers are Warned of a Vehicle Sales Scam
The Iowa Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Investigation & Identity Protection and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird are warning the public to be aware of a fraudulent vehicle sales scam. A criminal entity, using the website https://pettymotors.com/, has been attempting to impersonate Petty Motors, Inc., a licensed and legitimate car dealership in Knoxville, Iowa. May as Crisis Intervention Awareness Month in Benton County
For the second year, the Benton County Supervisors have declared May as Crisis Intervention Awareness Month in Benton County. This is a statement of the dedication and support of crisis intervention work in the County. Thank you to the Supervisors and our wonderful Auditor, Hayley!Below is a copy of the proclamation. EMS declared an Essential County service
The Benton County Board of Supervisors declared emergency medical services to be an essential county service at their regular meeting today with appointments to the advisory council set for next week.This is a huge step moving forward for the future of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Benton Co. In 2021, Governor Reynolds signed legislation SF 615 allowing EMS Departments in Iowa a chance to be declared an essential service putting them on the same level as fire departments and law enforcement across the State. Fuel up for Summer Fun!
The Free Summer Lunch Program will be serving FREE breakfast and lunch again this summer. Children ages 1-18 are welcome to participate free in the program. No registration or identification is required. Children ages 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone 19 and older may purchase breakfast for $2.00 and lunch for $3.00.At the Shellsburg school, both breakfast and lunch will be served Monday through Thursday.
Eastern Iowa Honor Flight announces flight to Washington DC. Flight #47
Eastern Iowa Honor Flight announces flight to Washington DC.
Flight #47 to include 91 veteransOn Wednesday, May 24, 2023, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will
launch Flight #47. The mission of this non-profit organization is to provide veterans with a
“once in a lifetime” opportunity to visit monuments and memorials built in honor of their service
and sacrifice.
Century and Heritage Farm Program Applications due June 1
Farm families will be recognized during a ceremony at the Iowa State FairIowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reminds eligible farm owners to apply for the 2023 Century and Heritage Farm Program through June 1.The program was created by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to recognize families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively, and to honor the strength and resiliency of Iowa’s multi-generational farm families.
Rural School Districts Partner to Expand Work-Based Learning
Results from a new program show a significant impact on rural students and communities Kirkwood Community College’s Workplace Learning Connection (WLC) has entered into a partnership with Benton, Vinton Shellsburg, and Williamsburg Community School Districts to expand rural work-based learning opportunities in the region. As part of the partnership, a new work-based learning coordinator position has been created, which will be shared between the three school districts to expand these valuable opportunities for students.
BDG Secures Priority for Benton Broadband Funding
Benton Development Group (BDG) has secured priority for funding fiber broadband projects that could serve more than 1,000 Benton County homes, farms, and businesses. The announcement of priority status for four areas in Benton County was made on Friday by the Office of Chief Information Officer for the state of Iowa. The state is poised to award grants of more than $680 million for locations without a fiber connection and homes and businesses with slow broadband access. Area children attend the 2023 Bike Rodeo
The annual Bike Rodeo brought teeny tiny tots and children a few years older. The event was coordinated by the Vinton Parks and Rec Department and the Vinton Kiwanis Club. Both were on hand to direct traffic. The Vinton Police Department was also on hand to perform safety checks for each of the children. Officers checked helmets to make sure they were properly worn, and making sure tires were inflated, and the bikes were ready to go. A Warrant, stolen vehicle, high speed chase, grass fire and finally, Jail
On Friday, May 5, 2023, Harry Lyle Meader III, 49, of Cedar Rapids, was arrested following a high-speed pursuit that reached speeds of over 100 mph. Meader was wanted through Linn County on felony charges and was spotted driving a stolen Chevy Trailblazer. Meader led police on a pursuit that ended off-road in rural Tama County where he fled on foot into a wooded area and was rapidly apprehended.