News
Avoid Scams After Natural Disaster
With all the storm damage this week, local citizens are reminded to avoid scams when finding someone to conduct repairs. The first step is to contact your insurance agent. Finding a contractor could be a challenge with the extensive damage in our area. Watch out for contractors who offer to do post-disaster work on the spot and expects payment in advance.
Benton County Health Department Reminds Residents to Play it Safe During Cleanup
Many parts of Iowa were affected by a severe storm that swept through the state Monday, causing power outages for hundreds of thousands of people. As utility crews work around the clock to restore power, and Iowans continue cleaning away storm debris, the Benton County Health Department reminds everyone to take safety precautions to avoid injury and protect their health.
Thank you to the Street Crews, the Electric Crews and Vinton
"You need to write a big thumbs up article about the Vinton City power and roads crew. These guys were out within minutes after this storm passed through while it was still raining. Great Job!"Ok, I'll do that, I was thinking that I should anyway."Actually, all city services have been top-notch for the many years I have lived here since 2003. Also, the few minutes warning over the city PA system was much appreciated.
U.S.Cellular down across the state of Iowa
In a statement on Twitter, U.S. Cellular said, "Due to damage caused by the storms that hit today, you may be experiencing disruptions. We are working diligently to keep you connected and restore your service."So far there is not an estimate of how long they thing service will be down.
Storm Damage affects Benton County
Vinton faired pretty well in comparison to our neighbors a bit south of us. With power out across the town for over an hour for some, crews were able to restore power. There were no reported injuries, so that alone is the best news. South of Vinton the damage seemed to worsen.The Shellsburg road found the road signs flattened most of them to ground level. Redlinger Places at the Iowa State Fair
Maren Redlinger and her horse Ruger won Champion Gelding halter and Reserve Grand Champion Halter overall at the Iowa State Fair! Kassie Kenny and Shelby McDonald are also in attendance and having good shows as well. Benton County Historical Society makes decision to sell the Ray House
The Benton County Historical Society struggles with supporting the properties they own in the area, as well as finding volunteers to support the efforts of the group. To date, the Benton County Historical Society owns three properties which include the Train Depot, the Horridge House and the Ray House.As part of the need to downsize, the organization has decided to list the Ray House for sale at a price tag of $150,000. Iowa's Annual Tax Sale Holiday this Weekend
This yearly holiday is held the first Friday and Saturday of August.Please Be Aware That...Iowa Code section 423.3(68)(a)(2) states the sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August and ending at 12:00 am midnight the following day.The holiday does not include Sunday.Businesses that are open on these days are required to participate.
COVID-19 Case update, 46 Active cases in Benton County
IIn the U.S. to date, there have been 4,823,890 cases, with 158,250 deaths with a rate of 48.37 per 100,000 people, or a 3.3% case fatality according to John Hopkins as of Friday, August 7, 2020 at 12:11 a.m.Benton County cases of COVID has reached 146 total cases since March.Of the 146, 100 have recovered, leaving 46 active cases in the county (there has been one death of an 83 year old man from Blairstown in early April.
Vinton Community Foundation Awards Old School Produce and Be You Bravely
The Vinton Community Foundation presented Old School Produce Partners—a 501-c-3 Non Profit with a grant on Monday August 3rd, 2020 to assist with the costs of running the garden which grows and distributes fresh produce to local food pantries in our community. Present at the presentation of the check were Eileen Schmidt, Greg Walston, Nathan Hesson (VCF Director), Emily Reisch, Barb Ender-Wright, Wayne Shannon, John Kemp, and Janet Woodhouse (VCF Director).