News

Farmers Market to open season at Vinton Depot on Thursday, June 2

The Vinton Parks & Recreation Department is pleased to announce the opening night of the Vinton Farmers Market is this coming Thursday, June 2nd.  The market will once again be held at the Vinton Rail Road Depot at 612 2nd Avenue from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays.      The market has been very fortunate to have some great vendors that bring fabulous products for everyone to purchase.

Supervisors approve new vacation policy for employees after first six months

     The Benton County Supervisors approved part of a request from County Attorney David Thompson regarding the county's vacation policy during their meeting on Tuesday. But they did not make all of the changes that Thompson had asked them to make.     The supervisors unanimously approved a motion offering a 5-day vacation benefit to full-time employees who have completed six months of work for the county.

Vinton loses a friend; high diving champ Ed Cole donated water slide to pool

     Ed "Eddie" Cole was a Big 10 and NCAA champion on the trampoline and a world champion high-diver. He owned the Chapman's Fun World in Cedar Rapids, where there was a huge waterslide, a go-cart track and variety of other activities.      What Cole's obituary does not say, however is that he was a very good friend of Vinton.

Bakers renew wedding vows on 62nd anniversary

Clifford & Virginia Baker pose for pics after renewing their vows on their 62nd anniversary May 25.      As children living in Dysart, Clifford Baker and Virginia "Ginny" Nass grew up across the railroad tracks from each other. The childhood friends later became sweethearts. On May 25, 1949 -- the 25th wedding anniversary of Ginny's parents, Theodore and Amanda Nass -- Cliff and Ginny were married in Dysart.      On Wednesday, May 25, 2011, the couple celebrated their 62nd anniversary with a renewal of their wedding vows at Windsor Manor.

Calling all world travelers to Summer Reading Program!

     Vinton Public Library is again beginning its free summer reading program.      Readers of all ages will travel the globe this summer as the Vinton Public Library presents "One World, Many Stories." during their summer reading program. Children will explore places from Australia to Zimbabwe through the stories, crafts, music, dance, and entertainment.

Peppy's now open in downtown Vinton

Tim and Denise Bird (holding grandson Riley) opened Peppy's ice cream shop Wednesday in Vinton.      For the past two decades, area ice cream lovers, especially children, looked forward to hearing the musical melodies coming from the ice cream truck as it made its occasional slow journey along the streets of Vinton.     But now, Vinton residents can enjoy all of the treats from the Peppy's truck -- and a few other frozen goodies -- every day of the week downtown.

New building issue for county: Repairing facility rented to DHS

Water is leaking inside the building, causing damage near windows.      Before Benton County leaders had the opportunity to celebrate the completion of the building just north of the courthouse (the new LEC), the supervisors have been presented with the challenge of the significant repairs needed to the county's building on the south side of Fourth Street.     On Jan. 15, 1990, the county bought the former medical clinic across the street from the courthouse, at 114 and 116 West Fourth Street.

Local Girl Scout troops among first to tour new LEC

Libby Timmerman listens as Sheriff Forsyth explains how elevated tables allow dispatchers to stand.      It had been a long day for the working moms who are also parents, volunteers and leaders of the local Girl Scout Troops. So after coming home from their jobs, getting the kids home from school and making supper, the mothers took their children to tour the new Law Enforcement Center.     Standing in the cell block area, one of the mothers listened as Sheriff Randy Forsyth explained that in prison, the inmates are locked in a room, alone with only a telephone and television and some books, if they want to read.

Good start for Beth's Bakery

Beth Snell, right, runs Beth's Bakery with the help of her daughter, April Vaske.     The vacant store (the former home of Coppler's jewelry store) gave Beth Snell the opportunity to expand her cake decorating hobby into a business.     Now, Beth's Bakery offers donuts and other goodies six days per week. Beth, along with co-owner Howie Wilds and her daughter, April Vaske, run the business.

Cell Phones: Inmates have full access, but calls are monitored, recorded

Different kind of 'Cell' service: Inmates will have phones, but all calls will be recorded.     In the  jail area of the new Benton County Law Enforcement Center, a a familiar shape and a distinctive color stands out among the drab grey, white and tan of the floor, walls and doors.    Phones -- bright blue phones -- will be available for use by Benton County inmates throughout daytime hours (between 6 a.