News

Cut-a-thon benefits new nature center

Nature Center receives $796 donation as a result of last weekends Cut-A-Thon   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

Junior Showmanship 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 officials assessed storm damage in Vinton on Monday.      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.

Alliant Energy to initiate Appliance Cycling in parts of Iowa today

  Participating customers north of I-80 included in event    Interstate Power and Light Co. (IPL), an Alliant Energy company announced today that it will cycle air conditioners for participating Iowa customers north of Interstate 80.  Weather conditions are such that between 1 p.m. and 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.

Shellsburg Elementary PTO Playground Rebuild Days

  Shellsburg Elementary PTO Playground Rebuild Days will be held on July 29-31 starting daily at 7-? (Rain Days August 7-9)   Lunch and water will be provided each day!   Please call Jamie Schoch 319-551-4410 or email jamieschoch@gmail.com for a tool list and items needed.   Fly

Readers of our classifieds...

I will be putting through classifieds for people who specialize in tree care, as well as home repairs.   PLEASE use caution when calling for service.  When in doubt, you can do a couple things.   Ask for references from the area, then check the references.   Google, the phone number...see if it's local, if it's not, and you aren't comfortable using it, don't.

Fair fun: Participants enjoy variety of events

Cooper McClintock works hard to pedal the weighted tractor.     Trying to ride a horse after spinning around in circles. Seeing how far you can pedal a tractor hauling cement blocks. Bumper cars.      These are just a few of the things children (and some adults) did for fun at the 2011 Benton County Fair.      If you have photos to share with Vinton Today readers, we would be glad to publish them.

Fair wraps up; champions take home purple ribbons, trophies

Brock Ortner, Bucket/Bottle Grand Champion.      The Parade of Champions was one of the few events canceled this week at the Benton County Fair because of the impact of Monda's storm on the Fairgrounds. But most other shows took place as scheduled.      A few of the champions are pictured here.       Anyone with a photo of a livestock or open show trophy winner or grand or reserve champion is encouraged to send them to Vinton Today at vintontoday@hotmail.

Hiring Contractors after a Disaster

Hiring Contractors after a Disaster

Volunteers needed; feeding and cooling stations offered

     Volunteers are needed to assist with recovery efforts today in Vinton and rural BentonCounty.     Volunteers should report to the volunteer staging area in the parking lot of the Vinton-ShellsburgMiddle School, 212 W 15th Street, Vinton.      Individuals looking for volunteer assistance with clean up on their property please contact United Way211 by calling 211, (319) 739-4211 or 1-866-469-2211 and place your request with them.