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By Clark KauffmanThe state panel charged with ensuring transparency in government is being sued for allegedly violating Iowa’s Open Meetings Law.Briana Reha of Polk County is suing the Iowa Public Information Board and its members for the manner in which they approved a pay raise for the board’s executive director, Erika Eckley.The lawsuit alleges that on June 25, IPIB posted an agenda for its June 27 board meeting.

(The complete list of winners at the Benton County Fail will be posted at a later date.)The 2024 Benton County Parade of Champions includes the following:POULTRY1. Champion Market Broiler Special - Jeremy Wallace2. Reserve Champion Market Broiler Special - Geen Antwoord3. Champion Poultry Exhibit - Madison Rouse4. Reserve Champion Poultry Exhibit - Madison Rouse5.

 All Charges are subject to review by the Benton County Attorney’s Office. An arrest or criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the Defendant is presumed innocent, unless proven guilty. Intrastate Warrants are issued by Law Enforcement Agencies for crimes happening in their jurisdictions. Two Adult Arrests the week of July 8-14, 2024 July 10​Anna Dee Burgess, 32, Vinton, IA​​​Intrastate Warrant-Theft 2nd Degree-Shoplifting July 13​​​Jared Joseph Evans, 29, Cedar Rapids, IA​​​Driving While Barred One Juvenile Referral for the week of June 8-14, 2024 Zero Code Enforcement Violations for the week of July 8-14, 2024 Five Traffic Citations for Offenses were issued the week of July 8-14, 2024  Seven Traffic Warnings for Offenses were issued the week of July 8-14, 2024 One Reported Motor Vehicle Accident for the week of July 8-14, 2024 For the Week of July 8-14, 2024– 78 complaints/calls for service were handled by the Vinton Police Department.

The Van Horne Lions Club presented a check on behalf of the club to the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight. The $500 donation will be used to fly Veterans to the nation's capital, Washington D.C. Thank you to the Lions Club for your support! Pictured are chapter President Lou Albers and Treasurer Theresa Thompson. Roger Uthoff accepts the donation on behalf of Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.

During Wednesday morning's Storytime for children at the Vinton Public Library, Justin Hughes, the middle school band director, brought a variety of instruments to the library. He introduced just a few types of instruments and explained a bit about each category. The brass, woodwind and percussion instruments all captured the interest of the more than 30 children present.

Benton County, Iowa – Benton County Extension and Outreach’s 4-H Summer Science Discovery camp brought natural resources and environmental education to 126 kindergarten through fifth grade students this summer. Community program sites include Vinton, Atkins, Urbana, Keystone, Van Horne, Belle Plaine, and Blairstown.Summer 4-H learning experiences, like Summer Science Discovery Camp, help reduce summer learning loss for youth.

Many of you are familiar with the Farmers Mercantile Hall in Garrison. The location provides hours of entertainment for those who love to spend an afternoon enjoying various types of music organized at the venue. It is also a great location if you need to throw a family potluck and just don't have a space large enough at the house.A plan has been developed to renovate the sidewalks at the Farmers Mercantile Hall in Garrison.

Roadwork on Highway 218 north of Vinton is now complete!

The Benton County Board of Supervisors called their regular Tuesday meeting to order. Present were Rick Primmer, Tracy Seeman and Gary Bierschenk.Most discussion was held at the end of the meeting concerning a fifth week of vacation for long-term employees. Melinda Schoettmer, Benton County Treasurer presented her Semi Annual Report for approval. Discussion and hiring approval was given for the department for Jake Winsor to fill the opening in the Treasurer's Department.