News

Benton Development Group has been busy solving two big challenges for Benton County communities - housing availability and deteriorating commercial buildings. Using expertise in Catalyst Grants and disaster recovery funding, BDG recently secured funds for creating apartments in Belle Plaine’s King Theater. “Our role is to be aware of funding opportunities and to pull everyone together so worthwhile projects meeting the needs of Benton County get off the ground,” explains Kate Robertson, Executive Director of Benton Development Group.

Greater access to homegrown biofuels saves drivers moneyIowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board recently approved 126 project applications from Iowa gas stations for new and expanded E15, E85, and biodiesel infrastructure projects. Totaling nearly $6.35 million dollars, the projects are located across 61 Iowa counties and will allow drivers to save more money by providing more access to lower cost and cleaner burning homegrown biofuels.

David and Karen Petersen of Bloomsbury Farm in Benton County was one of the 44 Iowa farm families recognized by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon with an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards at the 2024 Iowa State Fair. The award acknowledges farmers who take voluntary actions to improve and protect our state’s natural resources, including our soil and water, serving as leaders within their communities.

Scott Hansen, Former Benton County Emergency Manager, received the IAEM USA Region 7 Lifetime Achievement Award. IAEM is the International Association of Emergency Management. Region 7 which includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.The award is given to a professional possessing at least 15 years of dedicated service to the field of emergency management at the local, county, state, or federal level.

The Vinton Fire Department will lead "Operation EDITH" this Thursday at 7:00 p.m., as part of Fire Prevention Week. The program, an acronym for Exit Drill In The Home, is a fire-safety initiative designed to encourage families, especially those with young children, to discuss and practice fire escape plans at home.Why Focus on Children?Statistics highlight the importance of fire safety education for children.

Benton County Auditor, Hayley Rippel spoke to the Vinton Kiwanis club sharing all things election-related. She's been with the Auditor's office for 26 years and has served as the Auditor for 8 of those years. Rippel also serves on the board of the Iowa Association of County Auditors as secretary and was just elected for a term as treasurer which will begin in January.

The Kiwanis Club of Vinton recently held its annual installation ceremony to induct new officers and board members, while also honoring long-serving members for their dedication to the organization. The event, attended by local Kiwanis leaders, members, and guests, marked another year of service for the community-focused group.In a special ceremony, Past President Kellie Roberts was joined by Pam Landon, Division 9 Lt.

Patients and ACO participants at Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH) may soon notice a new way of receiving important health-related updates. VGH has announced the launch of a new communication system, allowing patients to receive text or email messages directly from the hospital’s team. The initiative is designed to enhance the patient experience by providing timely, clear, and convenient communication.

Black Hawk and Linn County Conservation hosted a ribbon cutting at Urbana City Hall to celebrate the paving completion of the original 52-mile Cedar Valley Nature Trail. This recreation corridor was initially developed from an abandoned rail line between Hiawatha and Evansdale decades ago. The commemoration also marked 40 years since the initial trail dedication, further underscoring the value of community recreational trails.

By Clark KauffmanThe Iowa dentist who was convicted in April of public intoxication after performing a root canal on a patient is still waiting for the Iowa Dental Board’s final action in the case.Late last year, the Iowa Dental Board charged Paymun Bayati, 59, of Waterloo, with practicing dentistry in a manner that is harmful or detrimental to the public and with violating provisions of Iowa related to the practice of dentistry.