News

We Appreciate You !The Salvation Army of Benton County says “Thank You!” to those who have already committed to help ring the bell.A Positive Impact Both WaysVolunteering has a positive impact on those being helped obviously. However there is a significant benefit to the volunteer also:* improved psychological health – lessens depression and loneliness, mood elevation* improved social relationships* sense of purpose needed – promotes happiness* sense of connectedness to others and the community* improved physical health results from the aboveTo sign up to ring the bell, call 319.

The holiday lights punch card is now running through Christmas Eve. The participating businesses are: Brickside Brew-n-ChewCameron’s ClothingCarQuestCasey’sClipper CornerDollar FreshEcho Vision-US CellularEhlinger’s ExpressErvin Motor CompanyFarewayFlowers by Nature’s CornerHenkle Creek MercantileKoop’s Sales & ServiceKromminga MotorsKwik StarLaGrange PharmacyLas Lomitas Mexican GrillMcDowell’s Building MaterialsMichael & Dowd Furniture & AppliancesNew Beginnings SalonPizza RanchPourville Art Studio & GalleryS & B Tack ShackSimply Blooming TooStark StrengthTactical CreationsThe Bridal GardenThe NicheTheisen’sTootsies Ice Cream & MoreTotal BalanceViking Sewing CenterWinsor CBDYappy Hour Pet sPawDouble punch days will be November 25 (Small Business Saturday), and December 16.

Customers to Vinton, can buy a special tote bag for $10. This tote can be used EVERY Tuesday from now through December 2024 to receive special discounts at participating businesses. Participating businesses for Tote Bag Tuesday and their specials include:(Please note: When necessary a substitute special may be offered.)42 North Winery - $2 off with purchase of 2 bottles or moreBrickside Brew-N-Chew - $.

Present at this week's meeting were all of the Benton County Supervisors Rick Primmer, Tracy Seeman and Gary Bierschenk. Baffling BidsBids were accepted for the sale of Sheriff vehicles. Jim Primmer made bids on all of the vehicles at "$100 above the highest bid not to exceed..." various amounts. As his bids were the only bids recieved, he purchased the following: 2009 Chevy Impala.

The VGH Annual Tree of Lights Tree Walk accepted the final bid on items on Saturday, November 18th at 11:00 A.M.  We are grateful for the amazing creativity of our VGH Staff, Community Businesses and Individuals who donated their Christmas creations providing holiday cheer! The displays were exceptional! Thank you to all who came out to view and bid on items, your generous support raised over $10,000 providing much-needed equipment in our facility to provide quality care.

In papers filed on Monday morning, members of the former members of the Board of Health have petitioned the court regarding the termination of the board members. The petition cites Iowa Code 21.6 which can be read HERE.In the action, the "Plaintiffs request the Court to issue an order declaring that any personnel action and resulting from unofficial closed door meetings or other means are in violation of Iowa Code Chapter 21, and specifically restraining and enjoining Benton County from taking any personnel action regarding the named Plaintiffs and from appointing any new or replacement board until this Court has had the opportunity to rule on this case.

Two Vinton-Shellburg High School students were recognized both locally and nationally on Friday. The students had created a project concerning the Cold War targeting the use of MIA and POW. The National Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary recognized the students with a special certificate of appreciation for unwavering support for Uncommon Heroes.

City officials in Shellsburg hosted an official ceremony on Thursday, November 16th to honor the historic Sells Street bridge and officially open the new Smith Street bridge.   Mayor Lonnie Speckner provided information about the Sells Street bridge being built in 1915 and serving the community for 108 years.   That bridge will now become a pedestrian bridge.

The Bear Creek Church, located at 5177 26th Ave., Brandon on V71 just south of Brandon, has been undergoing some much-needed preservation work on the building. Built in 1900. the building has been maintained as best as it could through various groups of volunteers. The goal is to make the country church into a presentable location for small weddings and gatherings.

On Veterans Day, a group of more than 100, met at the newly constructed Veterans Memorial. Created next to City Hall, the third time was a charm in securing a final location for the tribute. It can be seen as you drive past on the highway, so in hindsight, it was probably the best possible location for the monument. The Grand Lodge of Iowa officiated the ceremony and several spoke at the ceremony.