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 “One thing becomes clearer as one gets older and one’s fishing experience increases, and that is the paramount importance of one’s fishing companions.” – John Ashley CooperIf you're a small child and your dad wants to go fishing with you, the request might bring an eye roll or a "do we HAVE to?" But when dad is older and he really wants to go fishing just one more time, you move heaven and earth to bring that wish.

The Quilt of Valor program is one of those programs that I always look forward to attending. This week, I had the opportunity to meet a new circle of Qult of Valor presenters in the area, out of Garrison. The group met to honor Roger Midthun. Teresa Bednar-Schadle was responsible for creating the quilt, getting the paperwork to the Quilt of Valor program and also presenting the quilt.

Shelby Williams the Benton County Conservation Director, spoke to the Vinton Kiwanis at their Tuesday meeting. She shared with the group that plans are underway to purchase 180 acres of land next to the Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area located 2 miles south of Urbana running along the Cedar River. This would bring the total size of the park to nearly 300 acres.

For the week of Monday, May 15th through Saturday, 20th, you have the opportunity to support your local Salvation Army Service Extension Unit.Please say “Yes” to rounding up at the check-out at Fareway. This will help provide resources to fulfil requests for assistance with rent, utilities, etc. We appreciate and say a heartfelt “thank you” in advance for your compassion and generosity!Things We DoIn 2022 we assisted nearly 100 families in Benton County with* rent, utility bills, medical bills, repairs, etc* donated just under $2,000 to our 3 local school districts --calculators, zipper binders, clothing and gym shoes for students in need.

As I watched the families and the members of the Class of 2023, and the generous members of our community come together to honor this Vinton-Shellsburg class, I couldn't help but feel proud of our community. I have no idea how other towns celebrate their graduates, but it feels like Vinton tries to step it up every year. Principal Matt Kingsley opened the Scholarship and Awards Ceremony for the class of 2023 in the high school auditorium It was estimated that there would be $120,000 in scholarships awarded to the graduates.

Celebrating VGH Employee Years of Service! Hospital Week is a great time to honor our amazing, compassionate and dedicated staff. In addition, VGH is also celebrating 100 Years in the community.Michele shared a note of appreciation:“Today’s date holds some special significance for me. We will celebrate 35 employees receiving awards for varying years of service to Virginia Gay Hospital.

 Today, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the following bills into law:  SF 84: A bill for an act relating to the criminal offenses of sexual exploitation of a minor and stalking committed while utilizing a technological device, the enticement and sexual exploitation of minors and the dissemination of obscene material to minors and the utilization of undercover law enforcement officers or agents posing as minors, and providing penalties.

Brylee Bruce of Vinton-Shellsburg High School and Jaden Patterson of Center Point-Urbana High School was recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg for outstanding academic achievement at the 21st Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony on April 30 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) ,and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honored 422 high school seniors from across Iowa.

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.

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.