News
Nepotism case: Supervisors agree to 90-day extension, will review policy
While still divided on the overall question of how restrictive the Benton County nepotism policy should be, the three supervisors unanimously agreed to a 90-day extension for Secondary Roads mechanic Josh Burkhart.
In November, Burkhart received a termination notice informing him that his marriage to Kari Benson, the daughter of county maintenance vehicle driver Mike Benson, put him in violation of the county's nepotism policy.
Vinton Garden Club News 11/17/15
The Vinton Garden Club member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., District II and Central Region met at 12 pm November 17, 2015 at Rosie Boisen home. She treated us to a delicious dinner. Our speaker was John Frazier owner of Frazier Tree Farm. He gave a very informative talk on “new varieties of trees and some tips on the older trees in Iowa.
Florists Kalina, Cashman decorate Terrace Hill again for Christmas
Vinton florists Joanna Kalina and Emily Cashman helped decorate the State Capitol for Christmas again this year.
The pair, who design floral arrangements for Nature's Corner, had been among a group of florists decorating Terrace Hill last year and were invited again this holiday season.
"Joanna is on the board for the Iowa florist association and she was asked to do a room again, as she did one last year," Emily explains. Variety of trees, decorations fill VGH lobby; Tree Walk bidding ends tomorrow
While most of the entries in this year’s Virginia Gay Hospital Holiday Tree Walk are considered “Christmas” decorations, there are a few items for those who celebrate other holidays, as well.
One of the trees available for bidders through the 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24 deadline is the “All Season Tree” donated by VGH Human Resources Director Kim Frank. Nepotism policy: Marriage may result in county employee's termination
Benton County Secondary Roads Department mechanic Joshua Burkhart may lose his job for an action that would not affect his employment in most other Iowa counties, but is specifically prohibited for Benton County employees: He married the daughter of another Secondary Roads Department employee.
Josh and Kari Burkhart, the daughter of Mike Benson, were married on Oct. VPRD announce Turkey Coloring Contest Winners
The Vinton Parks & Recreation Department recently held their annual Turkey Coloring Contest for children in 3rd grade and younger. The top three winners in each division were awarded prizes, presented with their laminated contest entry and also got to ride the fire truck with Santa in the downtown parade for the Lighted Patriotic Christmas Parade. Holiday season begins with parade; open houses set for Sunday
The Lighted Patriotic Christmas Parade brought many people to downtown Vinton Thursday evening. Many decorated vehicles and floats with lights and holiday themes. Santa greeted children in the courthouse after the parade.
The annual Holiday Open House will take place in many businesses on Sunday afternoon, from noon to 4 p.m. There will be refreshements, entertainment, prizes and special bargains at many retail locations. Murdered man, 23, remembered as enthusiastic sports fan, 'nice kid'
A 23-year-old former Vinton-Shellsburg student who was murdered in rural Cedar Rapids this week is being remembered for his enthusiasm for the VS volleyball team he accompanied on bus rides to games.
Jimmi-Jon Lee Lint, who suffered from developmental disabilities, had been orphaned following the death of his mother in 2007, and his father in 2011.
Reminder: blood drive at Virginia Gay Hospital today
Area residents are reminded that today is the Life Serve blood drive at Virginia Gay Hospital. Life Serve is Virginia Gay’s blood service and blood donated at Virginia Gay stays in our local area, helping friends, neighbors and loved ones.
LifeServe is committed to providing premier service to volunteer blood donors and access to a safe, quality blood supply for hospitals and patients. iVinton continues work on telecommunications
Vinton Municipal Electric Utility met last week with Mayor John Watson and Kurt Karr about the next steps needed to improve Vinton’s telecommunications infrastructure. The utility board authorized a study group of six to begin steps toward making recommendations to the utility board.
Members of the study group include one city council member, Ray Knopf, Jason Hicok, Kim Meyer, Kurt Karr, and Rick Ohrt.