News
$1M in Disaster Relief Grants Awarded to Two Benton County Communities
Benton Development Group announced that more than $1M in disaster relief grants had been awarded for communities in Benton County. Atkins will receive $620,000, and Belle Plaine has been awarded $475,000. The Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded the grants from funds provided by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Disaster Recovery Grant in response to the 2020 Derecho.
Nominate Conservation Leaders for the 2023 Iowa Farm Environmental Awards
Individuals and families will be recognized at the 2023 Iowa State Fair Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon invite Iowans to nominate individuals or families in their communities for the 2023 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award.To be considered for inclusion at the 2023 awards ceremony held at the Iowa State Fair, nominations will be accepted through Monday, May 1, 2023.
Iowa Lottery CEO, former Benton County resident, battling Colon Cancer
Matt Strawn, 49, the CEO of the Iowa Lottery, announced he was diagnosed with colorectal aka colon cancer following a screening in January. Strawn has served as the CEO since 2019 A Benton County native, formerly from Van Horne, said, "Following a recommended screening in late January, I received a colorectal cancer diagnosis. While this is news that no one expects to hear, I am grateful to share that the cancer was detected at a stage where the goal for my treatment is a full cure. Vinton Man charged with Kidnapping, Domestic Abuse and other charges
Matthew David Milligan, 43 of Vinton was arrested in Independence on Wednesday, February 22. Milligan is facing multiple charges including kidnapping and assault stemming from a domestic situation at an Independence hotel.The Independence Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance at the Comfort Inn and Suites, Swan Lake Boulevard in Independence. 3rd Ward Council Applicants, Deadline 4:00 pm on Friday, February 24
Notice is Hereby Given:That the Council of the City of Vinton, Iowa intends to fill a vacancy of the 3rd Ward Council position by appointment at the March 9, 2023 council meeting at 7:00pm held in Council Chambers, Vinton City Hall.Anyone that lives in the 3rd ward that is interested in filling this vacant Council seat may attend the next Council meeting or contact the Mayor or any council member to express their interest.
Legislation in Des Moines would eliminate breed discrimination in Iowa
Iowans Against Breed Bans have a bill ready to present to lawmakers in Des Moines. This legislation does the following: 1. Removes language in Iowa code that requires law enforcement to shoot dogs not wearing a rabies tag. (The new language will provide law enforcement with more flexibility.) 2. Adds additional ways to determine if a dog is someone’s property.
Athena's Pink Stiletto Soiree Fundraiser for area Hospitals, March 29
Hi! It's back! Athena's Pink Stiletto Soiree! The Soiree will be happening again this year on Wednesday, March 29th, 6:30 - 8:30, at the Belle Plaine Museum. This is Athena's major annual fund raiser where all the proceeds go to support, alternating every two years, either Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton or Memorial Compass Hospital in Marengo. The hospitals use this money for women's health programs to help pay for breast and pelvic screening. Shellsburg Housing Needs Survey
The City of Shellsburg is participating in an assessment concerning our housing needs. ISU Extension is facilitating this process and has developed a survey for our community. Broad community input is needed from current residents, anyone working in Shellsburg and prospective residents. The brief survey will take just a few minutes to complete, but your ideas and concerns are important and we encourage you to fill it out.
V-S FFA Chapter Holds Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
By: Co-Reporter, Alana FlemingOn February 10th, 2023 the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter held their annual spaghetti dinner. They had a meal including spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, lettuce salad, cookies, and lemonade. This is the chapter’s third year hosting this event and was another successful year. Two-time noodle-maker of the year, Andrew Brummer worked hard in the kitchen perfecting his craft. Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Brings home the Gold
Competing in the Sub-District LDE Contests, the Vinton-Shellsburg Future Famers of America student participants brought home the following awards:Conduct in Chapter Meetings: 2nd Gold Advancing to DistrictsAndrew Allsup, Will McKenna, Cooper McClintock, Ben McGowan, Eli Ollinger, Ben Buhr, Wes McKennaParliamentary Procedure: 1st Gold Advancing to D