News

Every once in a while, something comes across the "news wire" which brings up all the feels. Today it was an old news clip about bats in the attic of the old East School. I haven't been in that building since 5th grade when we walked over there for lunch. That was just a few weeks ago. This walk down memory lane has Joan Sainsbury in it from 1980, according to the date, and it was fun to see her again! My only regret is that they didn't show the third floor a little more, that apparently housed a gym, something I've never seen and probably never will since the building is now on the "it's too dangerous to enter" list.

Not everyone could bet on winning in a competition at the Iowa State Fair. The Grovert sisters can. Nora and Jenna Grovert have competed every year (except the year the fair was down during 2020) Every year, they've placed in the top four slots. This year, the two won 2nd place in the 12-17 age category for the "most alike twins" in the Twins Triplets and More Contest.

Tuesday's meeting of the Benton County Supervisor's began at 9:00 a.m.  All three supervisors were present, Rick Primmer, Tracy Seeman and Gary Bierschenck. The agenda and minutes were approved. Also approved was a Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Kacena Family Tree Farm, Inc.Discussion and approval was held concerning the Benton County Handbook for sections 4.

The resignation of Sue Wilber, HR Director was discussed at the Supervisor's meeting on Tuesday.According to the agreement, (attached below) she will receive $140,000, plus her salary through October 15, 2024, as well as health insurance, unpaid vacation, and payment of tuition in the Leadership Iowa Program. The county will also NOT contest an application for unemployment benefits.

By: Co-Reporter, Izzie BirkerThis year's Vinton-Shellsburg officer retreat occurred on Thursday, July 25th-Saturday, July 27th. These officers went on this trip to McGregor, Iowa, to work on their team skills and problem-solving, before working on getting to know each other before the new year started. The officers got to do many fun things throughout the weekend such as mini golfing, go-karting, hiking, swimming, and boating on the Mississippi.

Donald Trump received the most votes in the presidential category in Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate’s 2024 State Fair Straw Poll. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Ashley Hinson, Zach Nunn, and Randy Feenstra won the congressional polls for districts one through four. Throughout the Iowa State Fair, more than 3,200 votes were cast for preferred presidential candidates at the Iowa Secretary of State’s booth.

Elli Blackford of Clarke County was crowned the 2024 Iowa State Fair Queen Saturday evening on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor iHeart Radio. The 2024 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation is presented by Nature Hill with Spirulux.The daughter of Ty and De Blackford, Elli was chosen out of the 103 contestants who advanced from local county competitions.

Did you know that in Vinton you can now pay your utility bills online through the City of Vinton website? As a gal that is continually online, I SHOULD have known this. I knew that iVinton could be paid that way, but for some reason it didn't click that the utility bill is also online as well. Simply go to the City of Vinton website... CLICK HERE and look for the City of Vinton and iVinton logos.

Early spring of 2024, Iowa River Apparel (Marengo, IA) owner, Paul Stults, approached the Benton County Conservation Foundation (BCCF) with hopes of offering a Hannen Lake Park shirt fundraiser. The BCCF was excited to see the enthusiasm and supported Paul in his endeavors for the fundraiser. Paul joined the BCCF, saw the momentum of the shirt sales, and with his wife, Sherri Stults, and many volunteers, put on a benefit supper for Hannen Lake Park.

While the spraying season is winding down, aerial applicators are still working by seeding cover crops via aircraft. You may continue to hear the hum of an aircraft's engine until early fall. One of the most promising conservation practices aerial applicators can assist farmers with is aerially applying cover crop seeds, which are grasses, legumes, small grains, and other low-maintenance crops planted specifically to improve soil health and biodiversity.