News

The Iowa Attorney General’s office and the Iowa    Department of Health and Human Services warn Iowans to be on the lookout for spam text messages regarding EBT Departcards. EBT cards are used to distribute government benefits like food assistance, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps.    Both agencies have recently received reports from Iowans of text messages that indicate their EBT cards are locked.

The Benton Community School District is seeking the approval of voters in the district to pass a 48.5 million dollar referendum. Property owners would be taxed at $4.04 for each $1,000 of the value of their property. For every $100,000 or assessed value, $405 would be added to the property taxes each year. This amount is in addition to approximately $10 million in sales tax revenue to cover the balance according to the school's website.

40-8 is an independent , by invitation, honor organization of male and female, US veterans.The 40-8 is committed to charitable and patriotic aims. Our purpose is to uphold and defend the United States Constitution, to promote the well-being of veterans and their widows and orphans, and to actively participate in selected charities, and endeavors, which include programs that promote child welfare and nurse training.

The Wesley Methodist Church food pantry has 107 registered households, sometimes serving 127 people a month. Last month the church served over 200 people! If you can help the pantry, they accept monetary or food donations by the case. Maybe you, your family, your group of friends, or your church  would like to donate for the upcoming holiday season.

The roundabout on Highway 150, at the Urbana corner is now open for business!Be cautious as you approach the corner, the speed limit is 20 mph on the roundabout. There are four exits off of the roundabout. There are exits for 31st Avenue, Urbana and of course Highway 150 North (to Independence) and Highway 150 South (to Vinton).Use caution as you approach the corner, as of Monday afternoon there were still workers in the area.

During Friday's Holiday Open House, Santa made his way to see the children at Farmers Savings Bank & Trust. Avery and Henry Halstead stopped to visit with Santa and tell him their requests for Christmas this year. Area residents were able to stop in and have a $3.00 donation made to the church of their choice and enter for a chance to win Vinton bucks.

Breck Coffland, Chapter ReporterThe Benton Community FFA participated in four CDEs (Career Development Events) this fall at various locations throughout the state of Iowa.In August, eight members went to Dyersville Beckman high school to compete at the District Meats Evaluation. Team Blue consisting of Breck Coffland, Noah Kaiser, Haddie Kroneman, and Elijah Kaiser received second place.

I've had the question posed to me a lot since summer. "When is the roundabout going to be done at the Urbana corner?" I've learned to explain that just because there's a date it doesn't necessarily mean that the road will be open. Lately, I've answered  with, "Two weeks ago."It all started in July 2020 when the state asked for input on a roundabout at the Urbana corner at the intersection of Iowa 150 with 31st Avenue and 55th Street in Benton County.

Have you ever said, “It's too cold out to ring the bell!?” We can move the kettle inside Fareway when that would be helpful! Call Julie at 319.329.7119 to sign up to help ring the bell!This last year we helped over nearly 100 separate Benton County families. Some examples of help include a person who needed some clothes to go to their first job interview since ending incarceration.

The Vinton Lions Club recent Chili supper raised funds to support Eastern Iowa Honor Flight. Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Board President Dick Bell and Vinton native Roger Uthoff, Advisor to the Board were at the Wednesday meeting receiving a check for $3,900 from Vinton Lions President Scott Barron and Treasurer Dr. Alan Woodhouse. For the sacrifice and service they made for our freedom, the mission of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight is to provide veterans with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit monuments and memorials built in their honor.