News

By Cami CoonsWild deer with chronic wasting disease have been detected in 25 counties, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which is seeking help from Iowans to spot the disease and limit its spread. The DNR is hosting a public meeting Dec. 5 on statewide management and surveillance efforts.Chronic wasting disease was first detected in Iowa in 2013 and is fatal to infected deer, though it has not been shown to infect humans.

After 18 months of dedicated work and unprecedented community support, Benton County Conservation is thrilled to announce the procurement of funds for the Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area expansion! As of now, this land remains private. With the funding secured, the next step will be completing the transfer of the property over the next several months to make this property available for public use.

At last weeks Benton County Supervisors' meeting, they had a packed agenda covering everything from public health to road improvements.Tackling Opioid AddictionThe board took a significant step toward addressing opioid addiction by approving a new program in partnership with the Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC). A memorandum of understanding was presented to the board, and County Attorney Ray Lough explained that a committee had worked hard to craft a thoughtful plan that offers the most help.

As the holiday season descends upon Vinton, the city transforms into a winter wonderland thanks to the dedication and creativity of city employees and local businesses. From twinkling lights adorning the streets to festive displays in shop windows, every corner of Vinton exudes the magic of Christmas.The City of Vinton employees work tirelessly each year to hang wreaths, and place snowflake decorations on 4th St.

Library Announcements A Call for Helping Hands: Are you in need of volunteer hours for the Silver Cord? Do you have free time on your hands? We can use your help! The Library is seeking adult volunteers aged 18 and up and young volunteens aged 13-17. You can set your own volunteer schedule, and we always have projects. Library Staff are auditing patron records, which is a standard procedure to ensure our records are accurate.

Stop by the library book sale and browse through our selection of adult titles. Books are sold on a first come, first served basis; all proceeds benefit future library programming. The sale is located in our board room on the lower level. Hard copy books are $1.00, paperbacks are $0.50.

By: Robin Opsahl and Cami KoonsGov. Kim Reynolds plans to propose banning cellphones in Iowa K-12 schools as a top priority heading into the upcoming 2025 legislative session.The governor first announced her intent to bring up the issue in the January 2025 Condition of the State address last week during an interview with the Gray Media Iowa Capitol Bureau.

Vinton Today will be taking off on Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday. However, as usual, should any urgent news cross my desk, it will be published and shared via the email. Any obituaries that come in will be shared only if the funeral or visitation for the resident will be held before Monday. Enjoy the day off and the rest of the weekend with your family.

We’ve all lived this driving experience: you’re cruising along and up ahead you spot a stalled vehicle on the shoulder. Maybe the emergency hazards are on, but maybe not. You have precious seconds to assess the situation and take action. What do you do? You should slow down or move over as soon as safely possible. Crowding a stalled or working vehicle, or failing to let other drivers change lanes, can create the perfect storm for collisions.

Nearly $416,000 in 50 percent cost-share grants were recently awarded to 138 Iowa rural fire departments to help their efforts to protect Iowan’s and their property from wildfires. The grants offer valuable funding assistance for wildfire suppression, personal protective and communications equipment.The following fire departments will receive 2024 Volunteer Fire Assistance grants: Alta, Alta Vista, Amana, Andover, Anita, Anthon, Atalissa, Avoca, Baxter, Bayard, Belle Plaine, Birmingham, Britt, Camp Township, Cantril, Chariton, Cherokee, Clarinda, Colesburg, Correctionville, Cresco, Creston, Cushing, Dayton, Delhi, Deloit, Denmark, De Soto, Dexter, Donahue, Donnellson, Drakesville, Duncombe, Early, Elkader, Estherville, Everly, Farragut, Fort Atkinson, Fostoria, Frederika, Gilman, Glenwood, Glidden, Grant and Lee Township, Grant, Granville, Greene, Gruver, Hamburg, Harpers Ferry, Hartwick, Haverhill, Hawarden, Hills, Holland, Hubbard, Humeston, Inwood, Iowa Falls, Jamaica, Jesup, La Motte, Lake Mills, Lake View, Larchwood, Lehigh, Lisbon, Logan, Luzerne, Malcom, Manchester, Maquoketa, Marengo, Menlo, Meriden, Milford, Modale, Monticello, Montour, Montpelier, Moravia, Moulton, Moville, Nevada, New Albin, New Hampton, New Vienna/Luxemburg, Nora Springs, North English, Norway, Oak Township, Oakland, Ogden, Olds, Olin, Onawa, Orange City, Oxford Junction, Oxford, Palo, Parkersburg, Peterson, Polk City, Quimby, Readlyn, Riverton, Rockford, Russell, Saint Ansgar, Shelby, Shenandoah, Sibley, Sidney, Sigourney, Silver City, Solon/Tri Township, Springbrook, Saint Olaf, State Center, Stuart, Tabor, Tama, Tiffin, Toledo, Tripoli, Underwood, Van Horne, Vining, Vinton, Wallingford, Wapello, Waukon, Webster City, West Union, Westside, Wyoming and Yale.