News

District Convention On March 15, 2014 the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter went to the North Fayette High School for District Convention. The chapter had 18 members attend Districts and participate in a variety of Career Development Events. Listed below are the events and results of the day. Creed Speaking--Drew Wiley--Gold Advance to State Chapter Program--Karley Kenney, Hannah Seitz, and Emily Cashman--Silver Experience the Action--Emily Reisch, Sydney Walker, Katie Isbell, Emily Howe, and Grace Milroy--Silver Ag Issues--Jessica Alderson, Amanda Burkey, Olivia Walker, and Jacob Patrilla--Bronze Farm Business Management--Kyle Henkle, Riley Ries, John Eden, and Dillon Brummer--5th Place Team Greenhand Quiz--Ben Eden--11th Place Treasurer's Book--Riley Ries--Gold Secretary's Book--Karley Kenney--Silver Reporters Scrapbook--Emily Cashman--Gold District Officer Candidate--Riley Ries Overall the chapter had a very good day at Districts.

The members of the Vinton Fire Department, along with their wives and children, helped prepare, cook and serve all-you-can-eat fried Alaskan pollock and French fries during Friday's fish fry.  The aerial ladder truck was on display outside; inside a drawing of the new fire truck currently being built in Floriday attracted the attention of guests as they filed through the kitchen.

Boy Scout Troop 47 thanked the Vinton Lions Club for their sponsorship, by presenting a copy of their Charter to Club President Alan Woodhouse at the Lions March 26 meeting. The Lions have sponsored the local Scout troop continuously for 81 years.  From Left, Jay Lash, Troop 47 Committee Chair; 2013 Eagle Scouts Andrew Sampson and Matthew Lash; and President Woodhouse, who earned the rank of  Eagle Scout in the same troop in the 1960s.

After hearing a request to approve “Social Host Ordinance” aimed at curbing under age use of alcohol and other drugs, the Vinton City Council agreed to “tweak” the ordinance before considering approving it. ASAC Prevention Specialist David Condry and members of the Benton County Above the Influence Coalition have been urging county and city officials to approve the measure, which creates a civil penalty for those who knowingly allow their property to be used as sites for under age drinking or drug use.

Facing a May 1 deadline imposed by the Vinton City Council, Joe Schott has been working on the historic Seed House building at the intersection of First Avenue and Second Street just south of the Cedar River.  In November, the council had issued the deadline for Schott to replace windows and finish the roof of the building, which sustained flood damage in 2008 and significant wind damage during the storm of 2011.

The Vinton City Council learned on Thursday, March 27, that they have exactly four days and three months to find a new health plan for city employees. Because of changes in the Blue Cross plan, the city policies no longer meet the Affordable Care Act guidelines; the insurer notified the city recently that the plan serving city employees and their dependents will be canceled July 1.

During its meeting on Thursday evening, the Vinton City Council gave the necessary approval for several 2014 events: First Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Street will be closed this Sunday, March 30, for the Benton County Speedway car show, which will feature several dirt track cars and the drivers who will race them in Vinton each Sunday evening throughout the racing season.

The Vinton Community Foundation board members are pleased to announce they are now accepting grant applications from non-profit Vinton area groups, for the 2014-grant program. The following grant applications may be applied for: the Vinton Community Foundation, the L.J. Kirkland Trust, and the City of Vinton Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) Fund. Board members include David Wessling, chairman, represents Vinton Unlimited; Mary Jo Hainstock, vice-chairman, represents the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School; Dottie Anderson, represents Farmers Savings Bank & Trust; Phil Borleske, represents the Vinton Area Ministerial Association; and Lisa Vermedahl, represents the Vinton City Council.

An eastern Iowa woman, over age 90 and in the first stage of dementia, is sadly asking her caregivers about the whereabouts of one of her friends. It’s too hard to explain to this woman that her “friend” is in jail, after scamming her out of $95,000, said Karen Huber. Huber, the director of Home Instead, collaborated with Sue Travis of the Farmers Savings Bank Heritage Club to organize a presentation for senior citizens on the dangers of scams and Internet fraud Thursday morning in Vinton.

Farmers put food on our plate, produce fiber, fuel and renewable resources, while protecting our land, air and water.  National Agriculture Day was March 25, 2014.  Ag Day is about recognizing, and celebrating, the contributions of agriculture and the value it plays into maintaining a strong economy. The Benton County Farm Bureau Federation celebrated National Ag Day at Fareway in Vinton.