News

The first day of school for many of the children took place on Tuesday, for Kindergarten and on Wednesday for preschoolers. For the first time in 5 months, children gathered at the local schools and made their way to their classrooms. Teachers were eager to get back to work, in a normal way and the children lined up outside, were obviously ready to be back as well.

For Deputy Sheriff and officer with Belle Plaine Jeff Harnish, it was just another day at work. Except on this day, August 10th. It won't be one he will be forgetting. He had just finished a stop on Highway 30 when he noticed the wind was picking up. He searched for a place to find some shelter. Pulling in across the road from a stand of trees which also sheltered a pig barn and silo, he saw a straight truck had also pulled over to escape the wind as well.

Many people have been concerned about the residents of the trailer park just south of Shellsburg.   If anyone is available and interested in lending a helping hand there, here's an organized opportunity.    The Mennonite Disaster Service folks have spent several days working on properties in and around Shellsburg and we appreciate their assistance.

With close to 25 vendors in downtown Vinton, the weather cooperated with a cool breeze, but nothing of the sort from earlier this month. Residents were able to get their fix of Scratch Cupcakes, funnel cakes, and various hot meals this weekend from the food vendors downtown. Vendors shared their wares with the community and stores provided sales to shoppers.

After 3 years, the hard work of so many people has finally paid off. Until Thursday morning, (well officially midnight Thursday night) the Braille School Property had been owned by the State of Iowa Board of Regents. The city, until now has had no say in what happened with the property, which included Kiwanis Park. The almost 40-acre 11 building campus has been the focal point of several people over the last several years.

It's not news that Iowa farmers were hit with a second kick in the shins with the storm 2 weeks ago. The first hit came with COVID and the shut down of processing plants for the farm animals. It is however news when the Governor shows up in her jeans and with her work gloves to help clear tree branches. Then you another woman shows up, State Representative Ashley Hinson, and this is indeed 2020 when almost anything can and will happen.

Shellsburg, one of the towns affected by the Derecho is in need of donations to help in the community. Anyone who desires to assist with the storm relief efforts can make checks out to:SACG (Shellsburg Area Community Group), and write in “storm relief” in the note.Please send to:P0 Box 71Shellsburg, IA 52332They are 501(c)3 so donations are tax deductible.

The Vinton Community Foundation presented Happy Time Child Development Center with a grant to help purchase a new AED Defibrillator for the childcare center.  On behalf of the Vinton Community Foundation, Jessica Helms of Farmers Savings Bank & Trust presented the check to Happy Time Director Kellie Roberts and Assistant Director Alicia Silberger on Friday, August 21, 2020.

It's been really busy and everyone's plans have been altered due to the derecho storm! Perhaps your behind on shopping for school clothes or have fewer finances than you thought?  The Salvation Army of Benton County is offering its residents $40 vouchers to buy school clothes. The voucher can only be used at The Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center at 5824 Council St.

The Salvation Army service extension unit in Vinton, IA is helping Benton County residents.  Food was provided daily from August 12th until August 19th when most of the residents’ electricity had returned. “The Salvation Army is grateful for all the donations that citizens and businesses of Benton County and the surrounding area have provided to help our residents” Julie Hansen, Salvation Army EDS Volunteer and Vinton Resident, “We are all in this together and we want to help as much as we can, even though resources are limited.