News
4-H Summer Science Discovery Camp explores the environment and empowers youth
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. Farmers Mercantile Hall -Sidewalk Renovation Project
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. Highway 218 is now open!
Roadwork on Highway 218 north of Vinton is now complete! Benton County Board of Supervisor Notes 7/16/24
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. Open House planned for ECICOG Housing Opportunities in Atkins July 21
The United Way of Iowa recently released its “United Way ALICE” report for Iowa. In 2021 the report documents 10,075 households in Benton County. Of these, 29% are unable to meet a basic needs budget. In Iowa, 381,266 households – 31 percent of the state’s total – are unable to afford the state’s cost of living, according to the United Way June 29, 2024 ALICE Report for Iowa.
Highway 150 west of Urbana is now Open
Traffic has resumed on Highway 150 just east of Prairie Creek Church. The new bridge construction has been completed and there is no longer a detour on the road.
Incoming Storm this Afternoon and Heat Advisory for Today
Benton County Emergency Management released the following information concerning incoming weather for today, July 15, 2024. There is a heat advisory for this area with a heat index of 100° to 110°. Take frequent breaks in air conditioning. There will also be scattered storms throughout this afternoon north I-80 and probably severe storms in the late afternoon into the evening.
Hansen retires following 25 Year Career
After 25 years as the Benton County Emergency Management Coordinator, Scott Hansen, will finally not have to worry about the weather. Or flooding. Or whether or not he should sound the tornado sirens. But out of habit he will no doubt be still thinking about all these things. Beginning July 1, 1999, the year before the dreaded and uncertain Y2K. In a time when computers were still relatively new and no one had a clue what to expect, Hansen began his career. VSCSD Facility Update
Dear Vinton-Shellsburg Staff and Community,I am writing to provide an update on our ongoing facilities planning process, which has been a significant focus for our district as we strive to support the success of all students and staff through improved infrastructure.As part of our continuous improvement plan, we have made notable progress. We recently completed the Tiny Vikes Early Learning Center and are finishing up essential building system updates at the Middle School.
Shellsburg Couple Arrested, a Second Time
A second set of arrests were carried out by the Benton County Sheriff's Department for a married couple from Shellsburg. Stacy Diveley was arrested on the same charge that brought her a prison term just a week earlier. She was arrested for one count of Child Endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor. She was tried in June for her original crimes, found guilty and sentenced to no more than 7 years in prison on July 1, 2024.