News

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.

 The Veterans of Foreign Wars of The United States Post 8884  in  Vinton, Iowa has acquired a building for a Post Home.  We are excited to get it renovated to a beautiful home the community can be proud of.    There are some fundraising ideas happening this fall. However we need some help in remodeling the inside.  We are asking for some volunteers to help with this.

Every time a disaster comes to Vinton, and it seems like it's too frequent, there is never a doubt in my mind that the people of Vinton will be there to help each other. From the first day that the storm hit until now, people have gotten out their chainsaws, and went to work. The streets were lined with pickups and filled with debris from the storm.

Scams seem to follow disasters. Don’t let your guard down and suffer another disaster such as identity theft or paying fees for services that are never provided.Remember, FEMA never charges for services nor does it endorse any commercial business, product or service. All federal employees have an official badge/ID. Ask to see it.The following are some common post-disaster fraud practices to avoid.

On Monday, Celebration Park was the location for the new Vinton-Shellsburg teachers to meet other teachers that they will be working within the school district.Joining the district this year are the following staff members:At the High School: Gabrielle Power, Ag/ FFA Teacher; Amber Hermanson, Special Education Teacher; Neil Whitehead, Spanish/Alt. HS Teacher.

State forestry experts are encouraging Iowans to proceed with caution as they begin cleaning up the extensive tree damage from Monday’s historic storm.“Hopefully the power will be back on but checking for downed power lines is a must,” said Emma Hanigan, urban forestry coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “Be careful when working with trees and limbs that are snapped off, twisted and tangled together.

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.

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.

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.