Monday, May 11, 2026
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Community Asked to be Part of Annual Graduation Celebrations

Plans are underway for the annual initiative to recognize area students who have beaten the odds to succeed by graduating from high school while living in foster care, living on their own, who are homeless, or who may not otherwise be able to celebrate their accomplishments.

Benton County Conservation seeks volunteers and donations

Interested in volunteering or sponsoring? Volunteer opportunities include gardening, trail work, special events, helping with environmental education programming, staffing the nature center, and assisting with various projects.
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A Special Thanks to Campground Hosts

By Scott Bahmann, Rodgers Park Ranger As a park ranger in a county park, besides law enforcement, I am held accountable for many things during the camping season.
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Kris Howes-Vonstein named 2019 Iowa Teacher of the Year Runner Up

On Tuesday, February 26, 2019 VSCSD Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock, Middle School Principal Shelly Peterson and seventh-grade science teacher, Kris Howes-Vonstein, traveled to Des Moines for the annual Outstanding Iowa Teachers Recognition Luncheon.

Update on the River Parks

By Jon Geiger, Park Ranger We are excited to announce that Hoefle-Dulin County Park has received a new playground. Many years ago this park had a swing set and a slide that had become worn out and no longer met the criteria for a safe playground.
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Don’t Make Them, Take Them

By Zach Parmater, Conservation Tech Everyone is always talking about the amount of time kids spend on electronics this day and age. Just take the devices away and shoo your children outside.

Well, I Guess It’s Your Money....

“Hey boss, someone smashed the gate at Minne Estema.” How’s that for a Monday morning greeting at the office? The River Parks Ranger, Jon Geiger, was waiting for me when I arrived at work that morning.
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Clean up continues from the winter storms

The Vinton street crews continue to clean up following the storms and winds that moved through the area over the weekend.Along with cleaning the streets, they are also working to clear the city parking areas of the ice build up.
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Vinton Shellsburg Winter Formal a nice break from the Season

The Winter Formal was held at the Vinton Shellsburg High School on Friday evening in the commons area.Many of the high school students enjoyed an evening together and had a chance to chase away the winter blahs while dancing to the music.