News
Spring has sprung and new streets are unfolding.
It's that time of the year. When winter has passed, for the most part, and the huge earthmoving trucks are popping up to create smooth sailing in our little town. If you've noticed, work just west of the former Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, the extension of J Ave. is taking place. The street will be expanding from 9th to 13th Streets. Something that has been on the city's to-do list. Benton County Pork Producers make donations to area food pantry
The Benton County Pork Producers made two more donations of pork this past week to area Benton County food banks. On Wednesday, 39 pork loin roasts were donated to the Shellsburg Food Pantry to be included in their Easter Boxes for local residents. Then on Thursday, 39 pork loin roasts were donated to the South Benton County Food Pantry in Belle Plaine to be shared with friends during their food distribution on Friday. Bird Watching area added to Hannen Lake
Learn more about this great project that happened at Hannen Lake!"Hi my name is John Sebetka. I am a member of BSA Scouts Troop 8 out of Cedar Rapids. I live outside of Newhall in Benton County. I recently did my Eagle Project at Hannen Lake in Benton County. I chose to do my project at Hannen Lake because we used to camp and fish here all the time when I was young and we had several Cub Scout events here. Community members continue to support Benton County Conservation!
In the ongoing efforts to raise money to acquire the Wildcat Bluff Addition, Benton County
Conservation Foundation has received an additional donation that will be doubled by the Meyers’ Family
Conservation Fund challenge.
Gwen and Don Eells of Vinton, Iowa have donated $10,000 to the Wildcat Bluff Addition. Gwen stated
they are “excited to support a project that stays right here in Benton County. Beware of Fraud Attempts
In a post, the Benton County Sheriff's Office put out a warning to area residents. "We continue to receive reports of Fraud by various methods of scammers. Unfortunately, we are often faced with the same outcome, unrecoverable losses. Please take the time to educate yourself and family members about the warning signs of a scam. We have received reports of scams involving large monetary prizes, brand-new vehicles, grandchild incarceration, technical support, and so many more.
CBI’S POSTER CONTEST IS BACK, MINUS THE MONEY SMART WEEK CONNECTION
Farmers Savings Bank & Trust, in conjunction with Community Bankers of Iowa (CBI) is sponsoring the 2024 CBI Poster Contest to motivate elementary school students to learn about personal finances. Since 1999, Community Bankers of Iowa has sponsored the Money Smart Week Poster Contest as part of Community Banking Month festivities and the Money Smart Week awareness campaign hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to increase financial literacy among children. V-S holds the top number of essays submitted in Statewide VFW Contest
Each year, the local VFW Auxiliary Post 8884 enters essays written by area elementary students into a contest sponsored by the VFW organization. The state is divided into a total of 10 VFW districts across the state. Vinton-Shellsburg School District entered more essays than any other school district. Students squashed the competition with a whopping 295 entries! Jeanette Henry of the VFW Auxiliary said that the 3rd-5th Grade teachers are the ones that make this such a huge success for the local VFW. Missing Person
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate 18-year-old ZANDER
MCCLINTOK.
• last seen on March 31st, 2024.
• 5’9” 140 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes
• last seen near the Cedar Rapids/Marion area.
• drives a Black 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier (2 door) with Iowa license plate MAL704.
If seen please contact local authorities or the Benton County Sheriff’s Department at 319-472-
2337 Option 1. Benton Development Group Quarterly Update
The Benton Development Group’s quarterly meeting was held recently in Van Horne with a representative from the board of supervisors and the communities of Atkins, Blairstown, Garrison, Shellsburg, and Urbana. In the Director’s Report, Kate Robertson shared information about several grant applications BDG is currently assisting with to improve housing and address damage caused by natural disasters. Bill on emotional support animal housing accommodations heads to governor
BY: ROBIN OPSAHLThe Senate sent legislation to the governor that would require additional documentation and certain restrictions for emotional support animals in Iowa rental properties.While some lawmakers had objections to earlier versions of Senate File 2268, the bill was amended by the House and passed the Senate unanimously in its amended form Monday.