News
Clean up continues 9 days after storm
Vinton city crews have been working 12 hour days to remove tree debris caused by last Monday's storm. Many professional tree removal companies have also been spending much time in the area, cutting and removing damaged or uprooted trees from private properties in the area. Many areas still remain virtually untouched since last Monday. How to plan financially for the coming school year
Back to school time presents financial challenges to most families with school-aged children. While there are no magical solutions to those challenges, here are four key actions that will make it a little easier to meet those challenges:
1) Identify and prioritize needs
When it comes to kids’ clothing, the picture is always changing, because kids grow and clothes wear out.
Alliant Energy customers in Iowa and Minnesota set new peak for energy use
Electricity demand tops peak level set in 2003
Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy company, set an electric peak for customers in its west region, which includes Iowa and Minnesota. This group set a new record peak of 3,701 megawatts at 6 p.m. Monday, July 18.
“This kind of hot humid weather taxes and tests our electrical grid.
Reader asks, 'What made this storm different?' NWS answers
If you haven't had the opportunity to see the tower that use to stand so tall north of town on the high road, you need to experience it. This tower has stood at least for 40+ years and has stood through many storms.
What made this storm different?
Editor's Note: The National Weather Service answers some of those questions, with a review of the storm and the radar loop showing its severity. All participating customers included in state-wide event
Interstate Power and Light Co. (IPL), an Alliant Energy company announced today that it will cycle air conditioners for all participating Iowa customers. Weather conditions are such that from 1-7 p.m. today customers enrolled in the Appliance Cycling Program will have their air conditioner cycled in 15 minute intervals to reduce overall energy usage.
Alliant Energy encourages energy efficiency during extended hot weather
Saving electricity benefits everyone, reduces impact on utility bills
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - July 19, 2011 - Alliant Energy is reminding customers some simple steps can make staying cool easier and more affordable during this extreme heat.
“With the hotter weather, most people’s top priority is staying cool,” said Jeanine Penticoff, director of Alliant Energy’s energy efficiency department.
School board reviews storm damage; expels student for bomb threat
The Vinton-Shellsburg School District seems to be continuing a de facto tradition of welcoming new high school principals to town by experiencing historic weather events the same week the new guy arrives.
Three years ago, it was Kirk Johnson and the Flood of 2008. Last week, it was Matt Kingsbury and the Storm of 2011. Cut-a-thon benefits new nature center
With post-storm clean-up underway at Vinton's Riverside Park where the money was raised, stylists from local salons present proceeds from a July 9 Cut-a-Thon to the Benton County nature center fundraising campaign. Kirsten Redlinger (center) of Total Image Salon and Tammy Fett (right, accompanied by daughter Kay) of New Beginnings Salon present $796 to Julie Zimmer, a committee member for the Benton County Conservation Foundation's efforts on behalf of the new nature center at Rodgers Park. A real winner at the Benton County Fair
Shelby Karr (member of Eldorado Young Master Farmers 4-H club) was quite busy this year! Here she is showing her winners at this year's fair!
Congratulations Shelby!
Officials assess damage, estimate winds at up to 130 MPH in some places
State and federal officials from the Iowa Department of Homeland Security spent some time today (Monday) assessing damage to public property. Two officials from the state DHS and two from FEMA saw damaged trees at Riverside Park, the damaged wall at the Donald Martin Picnic Shelter, the damaged roof at the city maintainance building and other sites.