News

Benton County deputies and the Brandon Fire Department responded to a call regarding an overturned semi just off 26th Avenue southeast of Brandon at around 5:30 Thursday. Nobody was reported seriously injured, but several firefighters worked to clean up the spilled diesel fuel.

A pickup driver escaped injury, but had a wild ride on Thursday morning, when he lost control of his pickup truck on 58th Street (The High Road) just east of Highway 150. The truck remained on its wheels although traveling down a steep ditch. Vinton fighters and North Benton Ambulance joined law enforcement in responding to the accident, which remains under investigation.

Eagle lovers look forward to seeing the familiar white tail and head of the bald eagle as the birds return to Iowa each winter as the official bird of the United States looks for feeding areas. Low water levels have affected fishing for both men and eagles; perhaps the weather of 2012 will make sights like these more common in the area this fall and winter.

  The Benton County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 that is aimed at reducing underage drinking and substance use. The vote makes Benton County the fifteenth county in the state to adopt a Social Host Ordinance regarding alcohol, and only the second in the state to include controlled substances.

Three area residents have been arrested for possession of meth, after a traffic stop in Waterloo. Charged with the Class C Felony of possession are Jolene Bush, 38, of Vinton, Johnnie Tharp, 32, of Vinton, and Dustin Barkdoll, 32, of Garrison. The Class C designation signifies that the suspects were found in possession of up to 5 kilograms of meth.

  The quilters of Bethlehem Lutheran Church recently shipped the products of their labors to Lutheran World Relief (LWR) for distribution where there is need around the world. This shipment included 73 quilts. LWR says that a quilt is not only useful for bedding and warmth but can be: * a baby carrier, tied around a mother’s back; * a market display, spread on the ground and piled with vegetables; * a sack for transporting those goods to market; * a sunshade; * a shawl; and most importantly * a constant reminder that someone, far away, cares a lot.

This week VSHS honors two weeks' worth of Vikes of the Week.     Oct 11th Vikes of the Week: Stephen Kalina and Noah Armell- (Mrs.Kerns)- stepping up in her class and being leaders. Elliana Lane ( Mr. Tandy) A freshmen girl dropped her stuff all over the halls during passing time, and Elliana was the only one who stopped to help her pick it up Sawyer Digman (Mr.

People from all over Iowa, including more than 60 Vinton area residents, participated in a state-wide meeting on the future of the Iowa Braille School and the Iowa School For the Deaf. Via the Iowa Communication Network, the participants in several locations were able to see and hear the speakers from other parts of the state.  Virtually every speaker had the same message for the Board of Regents and its study committe: Do not make any changes that may make it harder for deaf or blind students.

  The Benton County Sheriff’s Office participated in the October 19th – October 20th 2013“Operation Night Owl”.  This project is part of a grant from the Governors Traffic Safety Bureau.  The Benton County Sheriff;s Office received a 2012-2013 grant that provides $3,900for radars an d Alco-Sensors; $500 educational materials; and $18,400 for overtime patrol for a total of $22,800.

  The 3rd Annual Veteran's Patriotic Christmas Parade takes place on Thursday, November 15th beginning at 6pm. Anyone and everyone is invited to take part by creating and entering a float or by watching as the parade goes by. Please note, that if you have a float, Santa has already been invited and will be here from the North Pole riding on the Fire Truck at the end of the parade.