News

At today's Lions Club meeting, local firefighter and horse enthusiast, Shelby Van Weelden, captivated the audience with a remarkable presentation about her recent 600-mile horseback ride across Mongolia. This adventurous journey took place on semi-wild horses, with riders receiving a new horse every 100 miles, drawn by lottery. Shelby shared the unpredictability and excitement of never knowing what kind of horse she would get until it was time to mount.

UPDATED:On Tuesday night, an area Union High School student passed away as the result of a car accident in Black Hawk County. The accident happened following a volleyball game in Jesup. The Union School District has canceled all extracurricular and co-curricular activities through Sunday, September 15. The following statement was released by the school district/ John Howard, Superintendent said,"Dear Union Families:It is with tremendous sadness that I share this update with you.

Laurie Orner along with her husband Mike and their sons Brock, Brady and Brant raise a small herd of 20 cattle outside of Shellsburg. Naturally, the scenery lends itself to the sort of photo contest that Ortner entered a few months ago. In a contest organized by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, the "I am an Iowa Cattleman" the contest brought more than 200 entries of cattle of every kind.

At Tuesday's Benton County Supervisor meeting, an item on the agenda included the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Kirsten Nelson. Nelson was the first HR Director in Benton County. The board voted to approve the dismissal.So far, the two lawsuits filed by HR Directors, have resulted in cash payments of $170,000 this year alone. The total cost is higher considering additional benefits granted in the Sue Wilber case.

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday with a relatively short agenda. Present were Rick Primmer, Tracy Seeman and Gary Bierschenk. Following a call to order, the board approved the agenda, minutes, claims. The ARPA claims were then approved as follows:Wirtanen Concrete (Transportation Concrete Work) - $5,490True North Consulting (County 911 Radio Project) - $4,428 Tracy Seeman (Transportation Concrete Work) - $8,663.

Skilled artists around Iowa competed in the Hand Knitting of the Fabric and Threads Competition judged before the start of the 2024 Iowa State Fair. Each piece is judged upon design, workmanship and finishing.Lisa Case of Iowa City was awarded Best of Show and Sweepstakes awards.The Fabric and Threads exhibits are on display every day of the Fair from 9 a.

High Point Exhibitor honors were awarded to Taylor McCreedy of Atlantic FFA, Atlantic, at the FFA Horse Show judged Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the 2024 Iowa State Fair and Thursday, August 8, the first day of the Fair.Khloe Glew of Maquoketa Valley FFA, Delhi, received Reserve Grand High Point Exhibitor honors.Additional results follow:Champion Barrel Racing: Dally Orman, Agri-Power FFA, EddyvilleReserve Champion Barrel Racing: Addison Kerwin, Baxter FFA, BaxterChampion Flag Race: Emerson Hiemstra, Pleasantville FFA, PleasantvilleReserve Champion Flag Race: Abbey Votava, Pella FFA, PellaChampion Pole Bending: Haiden Spray, Pella FFA, PellaReserve Champion Pole Bending: Addison Dow, Brokaw FFA, ClarindaChampion Draft Breeds: Riley Benda, Central Trail FFA, LeonReserve Draft Breeds: Riley Benda, Central Trail FFA, LeonChampion Trail Class: Morgan Hanson, IKM-Manning FFA, ManningReserve Champion Trail Class: Taylor McCreedy, Atlantic FFA, AtlanticChampion Heavy Hitch Draft Team: Riley Benda, Central Trail FFA, LeonChampion English Walk Trot: Khloe Glew, Maquoketa Valley FFA, DelhiReserve Champion English Walk Trot: Taylor McCreedy, Atlantic FFA, AtlanticChampion English Pleasure: Taylor McCreedy, Atlantic FFA, AtlanticReserve Champion English Pleasure: Morgan Hanson, IKM-Manning FFA, ManningChampion English Equitation: Morgan Hanson, IKM-Manning FFA, ManningReserve Champion English Equitation: Taylor McCreedy, Atlantic FFA, AtlanticChampion Open Walk/Trot: Madison Higgins, Greene County FFA, JeffersonReserve Champion Open Walk/Trot: Shay Henson, Martensdale-St.

Flight to include nearly 90 veterans from throughout Eastern IowaOn Tuesday, September 17, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will launch Flight #52. Since the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight began operations in 2009, 51 flights have transported nearly 5,000 veterans, along with their guardians to Washington, DC. The trip entails visits to the WWII, Korean, Vietnam memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath dedication.

Twenty-nine local, area and regional organizations benefit from a legacy left to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.The church council had designated a $57,000 portion of the total amount given to Bethlehem by the late Esther Ann Hite, who had been a long-time and active member of the Vinton congregation.Parishioners were asked to suggest potential recipients of those funds; council members then contacted each of those groups about current or potential projects they were raising money for.

Dairy farms competed for top honors in the Brown Swiss Dairy Cattle show judged Thursday, August 8, at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.Adam Kruse of Holy Cross received Grand Champion Female honors and Lane Domeyer of Delhi received the Reserve Grand Champion Female.Complete results below:Brown Swiss321 - Spring Heifer Calf -- March 1 - May 31, 20241) Rick Kruse, Earlville2) Joe Gibbs, Epworth3) Lee-Anns Swiss, Dewitt4) Adam Kruse, Holy Cross5) Sondra Derby, Drakesville6) Cassie Sawyer, MarshalltownWinter Heifer Calf -- Dec.