News

On Sunday, April 21, St. Mark Lutheran Church welcomed Katelyn Fleming as a communicant member through the Rite of Confirmation.  Katelyn is pictured with Pastor Adam Baumann.

Belle Plaine is among 14 area urban water projects. The Belle Plaine Wellfield Wetland Restoration Project will receive an investment of $250,000 to build a stormwater wetland at Belle Plaine’s wellfield. This project will improve the water quality of stormwater runoff from 385 acres of rural and urban areas. The completed wetland will have the capability to retain and facilitate the slow release of water from storm events, an important component of reducing the quantity of nutrients in the water.

Former Benton County Auditor, Jill Marlow addressed the Benton County Supervisors during the budget hearing on Tuesday for the county's Fiscal Year 2025. She had several questions for the Board. The hearing is a time for the public to bring their questions to the board concerning the budget. The agenda only allowed 15 minutes for this discussion.

Resolution #24-34DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS WEEDSBe It Resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Benton County, Iowa that pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 317, Code of Iowa, it is hereby ordered:1. That each owner and each person in the possession or control of any lands in Benton County shall cut, burn or otherwise destroy all noxious weeds thereon, as defined in this chapter, at such times in each year and in such manner as shall prevent said weeds from blooming or coming to maturity, and shall keep said lands free from such growth of any other weeds as shall render the streets or highways adjoining said land unsafe for public travel.

The City of Urbana has published a list of questions and answers concerning the construction of a new water storage system. The information is shared below. QUESTIONS ANSWERED I’ve heard water rates are going to increase. Is that true? Before a rate increase can go into effect, it will need to be approved by three readings of the City Council.

Each Tuesday in May, Vinton Fareway & Roy’s Hometown Grocery shoppers have a chance to win a pack of T-bone steaks, courtesy of Benton County Farm Bureau.Customers can enter the “T-Bone Tuesday” drawing at the meat counter—no purchase necessary. One winner will be contacted each week to claim the prize.“This promo is a fun way for us to say, ‘thank you’,” says Michael Hopper, Benton County Farm Bureau president.

By Robin OpsahlA bill regulating — but not banning — traffic camera use by local law enforcement was sent to Gov. Kim Reynolds by the Senate with bipartisan support Monday.House File 2681 passed 46-1 Monday, with Sen. Lynn Evans, R-Aurelia, voting against he measure. The bill gives the Iowa Department of Transportation oversight of how Iowa cities and counties implement automatic traffic enforcement (ATE) systems, like traffic cameras.

Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa today announced it has received $92,000 from the Wells Fargo Foundation to support local youth financial literacy programs.The grant will support hands-on learning programs that teach students foundational money management skills like earning, saving, budgeting, spending wisely, and investing, in addition to sponsoring the organization's capstone program, JA BizTown® Mobile.

By Robin Opsahl

Eastern Iowa Honor Flight announces 50th flight named for WWII veteran Mike Wilson Flight #50 to include 88 veterans and special guests On Wednesday, May 1, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will launch Flight #50. Since the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight began operations in 2009, 49 flights have transported 4,418 veterans, along with their guardians to Washington, DC.