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Republicans Dawn Pettengill (Iowa House District 75) and Todd Wiley (Benton County Supervisor) were among the victors in Tuesday's election, in which Iowa politicians reached two historic political milestones. "I am looking forward to serving," said Wiley. "I’m also looking forward to being able to serve without having to campaign for a while.

By Jeffrey Meyers, Prevention Speialist On October 21st the Area Substance Abuse Council held its 20th Annual Take Charge conference, an event specifically designed for active high school students who want to be leaders in their schools and communities. This year featured a high turnout, comprising over 100 youth from schools in Linn, Benton, and Jones County.

The 5th Annual Virginia Gay Hospital Tree Walk is now in progress. On Monday, Nov. 3, hospital employees and others began setting up the trees and displays, which are being offered for sale via silent bid. Bid sheets are on display near each entry. Bidding ends at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25. There will be at least 53 items, mostly trees and a few wreaths, to see and bid on.

Introduced to Vinton-Shellsburg High School students as “someone who was part of history that isn't even in your textbooks yet,” Imam Hassan Selim told those students that what happened after he joined the “Arab Spring” movement to overthrow the government of Egypt caused him the kind of regret that made him wonder, “Maybe I should have just gone home.

Editor's Note: We asked the two candidates for Benton County Supervisor, Ed Sass and Todd Wiley, to share their thoughts on the position and issues the county faces. Below, in his own words, is Sass's response. My name is Ed Sass (53) and I am seeking the office of Benton County Supervisor, District 1. I am a lifelong resident of Benton County and Shellsburg, Iowa.

Editor's Note: We asked Todd Wiley and Ed Sass to share their thoughts about the position of Benton County Supervisor before Tuesday's election. Wiley's response, in his own words, is below: Todd Andrew Wiley, Candidate for Benton County Supervisor, District 1. Other than a few years at Iowa State University and a two year stint selling swine genetics in Eastern Iowa, I have been a life-long resident of Benton County.

On November 2, 2014 at approximately 12:40 the Benton County Sheriff’s Office was called to a grain bin site at the intersection of 26thAvenue and 73rd Street for a juvenile that had gotten trapped inside a gravity box wagon as it was being unloaded.  Two children ages 9 and 12 were playing inside the wagon as it was being unloaded by the father.

Area students wore a variety of costumes to school; many of their parents dressed up in unique costumes for work on Friday, to celebrate Halloween. See more photos below: Tilford VGH Community trick-or-treat

During the week of Halloween, the Vinton Lutheran Home Communities staff and residents had a “spooktacular” time dressing up and taking part in different theme activities each day. Monday- Hillbilly Day; Tuesday- Super Hero Day; Wednesday- Animal Day; Thursday- Costume Day; Friday- Sports Gear.   On Thursday night the Cedar Valley Ranch, Windsor Manor and Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab joined the Vinton Lutheran Home Nursing Facility and Assisted Living for the annual Halloween Ball with entertainment provided by Classic Delivery.

If someone comes to your door offering to help you vote, especially if they present you with a ballot to mark and sign, be very cautious/suspicious and contact the police with any identifying information you have. The only ways to vote before November 4th are: A) Go to your county auditor's office and vote early (you can do this through November 3rd) B) Request an absentee ballot.