News
Caution urged as Iowans cleanup damaged trees

August 10, 2020 Derecho Windstorm Info from Benton County EMA
This past week has been particularly trying for Benton County citizens, government and emergency responders. The devastating Derecho Windstorm left 90% of Benton County without power and at least 90% of the county’s residents with wind damage ranging from minor to severe. Benton County Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Hansen stated this has been the most difficult disaster incident in his career to coordinate due to the severe impact to ten communities, the widespread damage to rural areas and the long term lack of communications capabilities caused by infrastructure damage from the storm.
Reynolds formally requests expedited Presidential Major Disaster Declaration
Gov. Kim Reynolds formally requested an expedited Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Iowa communities and counties that have been severely impacted by the devastating derecho storm that occurred on Monday, August 10th, 2020. “From cities to farms, Iowans are hurting, many still have challenges with shelter, food, and power.
Benton County Derecho Storm Resource Group opens in Downtown Vinton
The old yogurt shop, the former Clingman Pharmacy or 200 W 4th St in Vinton is the location of the new site specifically [st] up for the Benton County Derecho Storm Resource Group. At this time the group is collecting supplies or donations for families that need a helping hand at this time. There is not an account [st] up for donations, but they can be made through the Benton County Coalition, or cash or gift cards can be dropped off at the location.
Shellsburg Trailer Park Hit by Storm

Food replacement assistance available for low income residents
For those that have lost food due to the disaster that affected our area last week, there may be assistance available at this link. According to the DHS website, the application deadline is September 25, 2020."IAGP offers grants to families whose household’s annual income is at 200% or less of the federal poverty level. Each qualifying household MAY receive up to $5,000.
V-S to delay the first day of school due to storm damage/Facemasks required
The first day of school will be August 31st. This is due to the storm damage throughout the district.We will utilize the built-in snow days on January 18th, February 15th, April 6th, and Friday, May 28th. The calendar has additional hours already built in to cover the 5th day. We will operate with the plan of any inclement weather days will be continuous learning days.
Benton County Disaster Coalition Seeking Funds to Help Disaster Impacted Familie
The Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition is seeking monetary donations to assist families impacted by the August 10th storm. The Coalition responds to multi-dwelling disasters to assist families in the county who have unmet needs after all other sources of funds have been exhausted. Individual insurance, federal and state assistance would be utilized first and if a family still had unmet needs existing that creates a hardship for the family, then the Coalition will do what they can to provide financial support.
Mediacom reports fiber cuts, service down but iVinton passes "stress test"
At Tuesday evening's VMCU (Vinton Municipal Communications Utilities) meeting, Dave Fridley of Farr Technologies gave an [upd] on the condition of the iVinton project. During the building of iVinton the design of iVinton was created for situations like we experienced this week. The network is connected to two major veins of communication out of Vinton.
Burn ban in place for Shellsburg
From the city of Shellsburg: Please share as much of our posts as possible. Not everyone has access to Facebook, if you can relay the messages to your neighbors, family and friends. Current burn ban until further notice. Majority of fallen brush is very green and will smoke heavily. There is also too much brush through the town yet. We do have trash bins/ Yardies wandering around town.