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Welcome tough conversations during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to Support Iowa SurvivorsBy Paul D. Pate, Iowa Secretary of StateThere are some topics that are difficult to discuss. One of those topics is sexual assault. April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and provides an opportunity for us to embrace uncomfortable conversations to support victims of this crime.

By Robin Opsahl The Iowa Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a bill that would add an exemption to the time limit on filing child sexual abuse lawsuits, allowing former Boy Scouts in the state to be a part of the national settlement against the organization.Senate File 2431, approved unanimously by the committee Thursday, would extend the statute of limitations on civil actions involving child sexual abuse — specifically for “claims against the bankruptcy state of a congressionally chartered organization.

It's that time of the year. When winter has passed, for the most part, and the huge earthmoving trucks are popping up to create smooth sailing in our little town. If you've noticed, work just west of the former Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, the extension of J Ave. is taking place. The street will be expanding from 9th to 13th Streets. Something that has been on the city's to-do list.

The Benton County Pork Producers made two more donations of pork this past week to area Benton County food banks.  On Wednesday, 39 pork loin roasts were donated to the Shellsburg Food Pantry to be included in their Easter Boxes for local residents.  Then on Thursday, 39 pork loin roasts were donated to the South Benton County Food Pantry in Belle Plaine to be shared with friends during their food distribution on Friday.

Learn more about this great project that happened at Hannen Lake!"Hi my name is John Sebetka. I am a member of BSA Scouts Troop 8 out of Cedar Rapids. I live outside of Newhall in Benton County. I recently did my Eagle Project at Hannen Lake in Benton County. I chose to do my project at Hannen Lake because we used to camp and fish here all the time when I was young and we had several Cub Scout events here.

In the ongoing efforts to raise money to acquire the Wildcat Bluff Addition, Benton County Conservation Foundation has received an additional donation that will be doubled by the Meyers’ Family Conservation Fund challenge. Gwen and Don Eells of Vinton, Iowa have donated $10,000 to the Wildcat Bluff Addition. Gwen stated they are “excited to support a project that stays right here in Benton County.

Each year, Blessed Hope Community Church holds a Faith in Action in town mission trip. The church is making plans now for their 2024 trip. Labor Projects are needed, nominate someone today! Could you or someone you know benefit from free labor services such as yard work, cleaning, light construction, painting/scraping, etc.?Nominations for projects are due by May 3, 2024!If you don't consider BHCC your home church but are interested in helping to provide labor services, reach out to Haley!Contact Haley at (319) 558-6880 with any questions or to submit a verbal nomination.

In a post, the Benton County Sheriff's Office put out a warning to area residents. "We continue to receive reports of Fraud by various methods of scammers. Unfortunately, we are often faced with the same outcome, unrecoverable losses. Please take the time to educate yourself and family members about the warning signs of a scam. We have received reports of scams involving large monetary prizes, brand-new vehicles, grandchild incarceration, technical support, and so many more.

Farmers Savings Bank & Trust, in conjunction with Community Bankers of Iowa (CBI) is sponsoring the 2024 CBI Poster Contest to motivate elementary school students to learn about personal finances. Since 1999, Community Bankers of Iowa has sponsored the Money Smart Week Poster Contest as part of Community Banking Month festivities and the Money Smart Week awareness campaign hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to increase financial literacy among children.

Each year, the local VFW Auxiliary Post 8884 enters essays written by area elementary students into a contest sponsored by the VFW organization. The state is divided into a total of 10 VFW districts across the state. Vinton-Shellsburg School District entered more essays than any other school district. Students squashed the competition with a whopping 295 entries! Jeanette Henry of the VFW Auxiliary said that the 3rd-5th Grade teachers are the ones that make this such a huge success for the local VFW.