News

     The young couple had never been to boomtown before. But as they stood near the railing at the botton of the grandstands at the Benton County Fairgrounds, they made it clear they intend to return.      "We are definitely coming back here next year," said he.      "I don't care if I see any other fireworks show all year as long as I can see this one," said she.

    Six hundred pounds of coffee creamer, 25 pounds of black powder, 80 man hours of work and an incredibly complex motherboard and network of wires to build the show that began Boomtown 2011.     And it was over in just six seconds.      Raymond Garris of Washburn and his crew from Wildfire Fireworks Shows created a "train wreck" tribute using fireworks and fireballs as a tribute to "Head-On" Joe Connolly, who in his lifetime wrecked 146 trains for audiences of tens of thousands at the Iowa State Fair and other events in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

     The Benton County Auditor's Office is announcing the polling places for the school board elections. The Benton County office handles the elections for Vinton-Shellsburg, Belle Plaine and Benton Community, while the Center Point-Urbana election is handled by Linn County and Union (La Porte) by Black Hawk County.   BENTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL PRECINCTS Polls Open 12:00 noon – 8:00 p.

     The Vinton Kiwanis Club was looking for a new fund-raising event for the fall months when member Elise Healzer suggested a 5K the morning of Boomtown.     Soon, the club began work on the "Bring the Noise" event, which included the 5K walk/run as well as a Fun Run for children.      Approximately 40 people participated in the event.

     The Vinton City Council, as required by law, voted to update its city precinct map during its council meeting last night. Only a tiny number of residents, however will notice the change.      After every 10 year census, city and county governments are required, as are state legislatures, to update their precinct maps so that each voting area has an equal population.

    Boomtown, said Mark Pingenot as he helped other Bar-Y personnel set up a display along the dirt race track at the Benton County Fairgrounds, is "always bigger and better."     How much bigger?     "I don't know," replied Pingenot. "Ask Chuck."     So, we asked Chuck, Yedlik, the Bar-Y owner and one of the organizers of the annual fireworks event in Vinton, how much bigger this year's show will be than last year's.

Found in the Vinton area. The owner of either of these dogs, need to call the shelter at 472-4623 or email dfriendsoftheshelter@yahoo.com to find out how to reclaim.

Vinton Today kids Leah and Lydia Close found these birds in the barns of a neighbor while doing chores this week. They saw several nests, but only a couple that were full of chirping babies. 

   Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a major disaster declaration for several Iowa counties including Benton, Clay, Dickinson, Marshall, Story and Tama counties.  This declaration triggers the release of federal funds to help communities in this area recover from the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding which occurred July 9 – 14, 2011.

Here's a schedule of events for the weekend, if we didn't mention something, let us know and we'll be glad to add it in!  For the latest Boomtown news, click here! Friday AND Saturday City Wide Garage Sales Click for list   Friday evening  The TGIF event at the Fairgrounds kicks off with a beer tent which opens at 6 p.