LaPorte City Public Library May Newsletter

LAPORTE CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
April 22, 2026 1:24 pm

Board Minutes from April 20, 2026Meeting Commencement: The La Porte City Public Library Board of Trustees met in regular session on April 20, 2026. President Heather Chingren called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM with members Brynna Hemsath, Renee Jesse, Mindy Rottinghaus, Terri Vopelak, and Linda Weidemann present.

Part 2: Fighting to Save the Nation, One Farm at a Time

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 21, 2026 12:06 pm

                   Lance Lillibridge, a Vinton farmer, stood at Columbia College in the heart of New York City in front of a room full of those with a PhD.

Part 1: Meeting the Lillibridges

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 20, 2026 11:48 am

In October of 2025, local farmer Lance Lillibridge shared a post that got the attention of many. It started with the words, "I am a pissed off farmer - like most in the U.

Seen around town: Pelicans

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 20, 2026 11:45 am

This flock of pelicans created a beautiful photo opportunity when they landed at Dudgeon Lake, north of Vinton. Russell Lindberg captured this photo of the birds over the weekend.

Making Room for the Next Generation

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 20, 2026 10:14 am

Will McKenna, son of Nichole and John, shared a speech he gave as part of a FFA Public Speaking project. As required, it addressed several agricultural topics entitled, "Making Room for the Next Generation.

Statewide Hands-Free Traffic Enforcement Results

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
April 17, 2026 12:07 pm

For Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) partnered with the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force (CITSTF), and law enforcement agencies across the state to enforce Iowa's Hands-Free Driving Law.

A new gold rush: States stockpile bars, encourage gold-backed debit cards

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
April 17, 2026 12:07 pm

By Kevin HardyMore states are piling up gold bars, or encouraging residents to use gold-backed debit cards, to hedge against inflation.Several states, including Western ones with rich mining histories, have been stockpiling gold as part of their broader state savings.

Serving for Success: FFA Members Raise $14,665 in Volunteer Auction

FFA
April 17, 2026 9:22 am

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaOn March 31, 2026, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter hosted its annual Volunteer Auction, bringing together students and community members for one of the chapter’s biggest fundraisers of the year.

BCHPC Announces K–12 Art Contest Honoring the Nation's Birthday

VINTON TODAY
April 17, 2026 9:13 am

The Benton County Historic Preservation Commission is pleased to announce the launch of its 2026 K-12 Art Contest, inviting students across Benton County to celebrate the nation's birthday through original artwork.

Keep an Eye on the Sky

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
April 17, 2026 9:06 am

Be sure to pay attention to the weather from lunchtime until bedtime tonight. Watch for alerts that are sent and take them seriously. There is an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) for severe storms this afternoon and evening.