News

This week we're excited to host a special Violin Storytime, featuring Mira Gibbons! Mira shares her love of music with children by visiting libraries and playing her violin. We are also wrapping up our World Photography Day Photo Contest. There's something for everyone at the Vinton Public Library!On Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 5-6 p.m. and Tuesday, August 15 from 2-3 p.

Several area fire departments, EMS, the Salvation Army, and Benton County EMA all quickly responded to a fire on Saturday evening in Newhall. The fire occurred southwest of Newhall at 2595 72nd St. on the Jeffrey and Amy Boddicker farm.Hay bales caught on fire at the farm but the cause is unclear at this time. At least one area farmer drove his tractor from several miles away to assist the dozens of firemen on the scene to douse the flames.

The Salvation Army of Benton County is offering vouchers for school clothing to be used at the Salvation Army Clothing Store at 5824 Council St NE, Cedar Rapids Iowa 52402. The store is closed on Sundays. Open Monday through Saturday 10 am to 7 pm. Saturday, August 12th will be 50% off clothing sale. Absolutely no cash back will be given. One time use only.

By: Co-Reporter, Izzie Birker “It was really fun, I made a lot of memories that I hope to look back on some day. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go to take it, because they won’t regret it”. This was said by Senior FFA member Rachel Rollinger. Rachel was one of the seven fearless FFA members that set off to Washington DC for WLC, held by the National FFA.

By Sherry Crawford, Vinton Food PantryNever underestimate the power of a lemonade stand - especially if it belongs to Brantley and Hudson Dvorak.The Vinton Food Pantry depends on donations to survive. Since it was incorporated in 1985, the pantry has worked to provide food for families in need. Thanks to community support and a steady, dedicated group of volunteers, it has been open every week – sometimes two days, sometimes one.

Editor's note: As I started my story about the DeSantis visit on Saturday, this note from Peggy came in. This kind of topped saying, "Ron DeSantis was here...so from her front row seat...By Peggy KelleyIt has been way over an hour since the biggest surprise in my life happened.  Thank Heavens I could hear my south porch doorbell over the vacuum! Two people in their mid-20s asked me if I was a Ron DeSantis supporter.

BY: ASHLEY MURRAY A deadline for a year’s worth of backdated benefits is fast approaching for U.S. veterans suffering illnesses after exposure to open burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxins.Nearly a year ago, President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act, a law supporters describe as the largest expansion of veteran benefits in U.S. history. The law eases the path to expanded coverage, alleviating veterans from having to prove conditions like respiratory illness and cancer are a result of breathing toxic burn pit fumes or exposure to radiation or chemicals like tactical herbicides.

This week, we lost a local war hero. John Gualtier was a proud United States Army veteran who served as a combat medic during World War II. For his service, John earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Serving in France, Austria and Germany. John later re-enlisted and served stateside during the Korean War.John's dad, a World War I veteran tried to spare his son from seeing, the same horrors that he had seen and experienced.

The Shellsburg community is seeking the public's help to preserve a downtown mural. The mural is in bad shape, but it is an important part of our downtown’s history and culture, and we want to make sure it is saved. General Mills is not interested in assisting. The Shellsburg Area Community Group (SACG) has not found a grant for this type of project.

BY: CLARK KAUFFMANJudge compares information sharing to video-store rentalsA federal judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit alleging an Iowa newspaper publisher violated customers’ privacy rights through information sharing with Facebook.The Iowa-based newspaper chain Lee Enterprises is facing a potential class-action lawsuit alleging it has shared readers’ personal information, including the videos they watch on Lee websites, with Facebook in violation of federal law.