Annual coloring calendar contest showcases student artists and Iowa agricultureIowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recognized 16 Iowa students today whose artwork was selected for inclusion in the 2023-2024 Choose Iowa Coloring Calendar.

And the Grand Prize winner for the You Light Up My July punch card was . . . KIM JOHNSON!! Kim received a grand prize gift basket valued at almost $1,200! Thank you, Kim, for shopping local!! Thank you to following businesses for participating: Benton County Historical SocietyBrickside Brew-n-ChewCarmeron’s Clothing Carquest, Casey’sClipper Corner SalonDollar Fresh Ehlinger’s Express Ervin’s MotorFlowers by Nature’s Corner Henkle Creek Mercantile Koops Sales & Service Kwik Star LaGrange Pharmacy Las Lomitas Mexican Grill McDowell’sMichael & Dowd New Beginnings Salon & SpaOld Hospital PubSimply Blooming TooTactical Creations The Bridal Garden The NicheTheisen’sTootsies Ice Cream & More US Cellular/Echo Vision Viking Plaza Viking Sewing Center Winsor CBDYappy Hour Pet sPaw.

First Christian Church of Center Point will be closed on Sunday 20th August. In 1993, Rev John Caughron became pastor of FCC Center Point and served the church as Pastor until 2012, then in the next 8 years, did two more stints as interim pastor until, in 2020, he retired for the final time, and the church honored him with the title Pastor Emeritus for his constant presence and commitment to the church.

Fareway is getting in on the fun for this year's Kiwanis 5K. For every cart full of groceries donated to the Operation Backpack Program for kids program, Fareway's own Ryan will be running the race while push a shopping cart through the race.

August 13, 2023Participants from around the country competed in the Open Singles and Farmers’ Championship divisions of the Horseshoe Pitching Tournament held Thursday, August 10, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair.

Did you know that 4-H helps to feed the community? "Over the last three years, the Linn and Benton County 4-H programs have partnered to donate over 1300 pounds of poultry to the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP).

ADULT DIVISION- BLACK & WHITETheme - Sunrise, Sunset1) Sarah Becker, Grimes2) Gavin Jensen, Des Moines3) Taylor Hagie, ClarionHonorable Mention) Aaron Rothrock, AnkenyHonorable Mention) Bill Roach, West Des MoinesHonorable Mention) Katie Oosterhuis, Des MoinesPeople1) Jim Grace, Albany, Mo.

For those in the adult world, trash day means a day of dragging the garbage can and or the recycle bin to the road. Just another thing on the to-do list.

Wesley United Methodist Church Food Pantry will be held on Saturday, August 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.The church is located at 516 2nd Ave. in Vinton.

Last week Benton County held a formal open house for folks to come and explore the services available to all of the Benton County residents. The Benton County Sheriff's Office brought along a trailer with hidden paraphernalia that might be used by people who have a substance abuse issue.