By Shelby Williams, Director  When budget season rolls around, it’s not uncommon to hear that conservation will be “getting the axe.” Parks and natural areas are sometimes viewed as extras, something nice to have, but not essential.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn Friday September 5th, 6 FFA members competed in the State Dairy Cattle and Foods Evaluation. State Dairy Cattle is a contest where members evaluate dairy cattle based on physical traits and performance records to determine the most productive and high-quality animals.

Attorney General Brenna Bird announced today she joined a coalition of 25 states filing an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court, urging it to review the constitutionality of Massachusetts’ firearm licensing requirements for nonresidents.

My Veteran Hero program honors veterans with a free hat customized with an embroidered emblem representing each veteran's military branch.The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation is proud to unveil its latest initiative honoring veterans - the My Veteran Hero Hat.

Bloomsbury Farms in Atkins celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a corn maze.   Each year, the family chooses a different theme for the design that this year the maze celebrates the farm itself.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded several grants to Iowa schools and libraries as part of DGLF grant program. The Vinton Public Library received a $1000 grant for the youth literacy program.

The Iowa State Fair released the following results for 2025 Iowa State Fair: Static/Creative Arts/PhotographyAmrie Wittmer - Blue Ribbon4H Club - Jackson Better FarmersDepartment: StaticDescription: 8x10 matted photo of an American flag hanging from a barn window frameDivision 103: Creative ArtsClass 10320: PhotographyAmrie Wittmer - Professional Photographers of Iowa (PPI) Gallery Award4H Club - Jackson Better FarmersDepartment: StaticDescription: 8x10 matted photo of an American flag hanging from a barn window frameDivision 103: Creative ArtsClass 10320: PhotographyAmrie Wittmer - Blue Ribbon4H Club - Jackson Better FarmersDepartment: StaticDescription:  8x10 black matted photo of 3 eggs in a nestDivision 103: Creative ArtsClass 10320: PhotographyAmrie Wittmer - Blue Ribbon4H Club - Jackson Better FarmersDepartment: StaticDescription:    8x10 black double matted photo of 3 girls eating ice cream conesDivision 103: Creative ArtsClass 10320: PhotographyJenna Grovert - Blue Ribbon4H Club - North Eden Willing WorkersDepartment: StaticDescription:    8x10 flush mounted photo of slinky in a circle, half white, half black background.

By Addyson Sweeney and Audrey Seiler  CPU FFA members have the opportunity each summer to participate in both the Benton and Linn county fairs. Members show livestock and help in the FFA learning barns.

All Benton County Veterans are invited to contact the Benton County Veterans Affairs office to sign up for a Thanksgiving Dinner. Everything you need for a nice Thanksgiving Dinner will be provided and can be picked up the Tuesday before Thanksgiving! The deadline to sign up is Friday, November 7, 2025.