News
Extension Fruit Specialist Discusses Iowa Apple Harvest
Drought and heat had an impact on the 2023 Iowa apple cropAs the days shorten and the chill of autumn enters the air, many look to local apple orchards for a classic crisp and sweet Iowa treat. Suzanne Slack, assistant professor and extension fruit crop specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, discusses the Iowa apple harvest, highlights unique cultivars to try and provides recommendations for storing apples and supporting local farmers. Belle Plaine Volunteers bring VGH Home Health the gift of Quilts
The Belle Plaine Project Group of Benton County Volunteer Center in collaboration with Connie’s Quilters of Brandon finished 67 lap quilts. The quilts will be distributed by Virginia Gay Hospital Home Health to clients for the holidays. Afghans were donated by those that do not quilt. The Benton County Volunteer Center of United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI) is new by name but not by their history of work. V-S FFA Local Greenhands Get Fired Up
By: Co-Reporter, Juliana LuisOn Tuesday, September 5th, the V-S FFA had their annual Local Greenhand Fire-Up. With anticipation for extending the scope of the chapter, FFA Officers and advisors prepared for the first-ever Local Greenhand Fire-Up with the addition of the middle school students. They planned activities for the Greenhands such as ice breakers, food quality, official dress relays, communication games, FFA trivia, and many more. Re-Discovering Iowa’s Fall Treasures
By Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike NaigEach season holds its own treasures, waiting to be re-discovered each year.With the official arrival of fall, I am reminded how much I enjoy the season and its charm. From the crisp air and Friday night football to the colorful leaves and, of course, harvest.Many of Iowa’s hardworking farm families fill autumn days – and often nights – hustling to safely harvest and haul their corn and soybeans while caring for their livestock. Pate & Auditor Advisory Group urge Iowans to turn to trusted sources for info
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and his Auditor Advisory Group are once again working together to serve as trusted sources for information leading into the 2023 City-School Election. Together, the election officials are preparing to dispel election misinformation and disinformation ahead of the election this November and are urging Iowans to turn to trusted sources for election information.
Vinton Kiwanis Shares results of 5K Fundraiser with the Community
The Vinton Kiwanis held the annual Boomtown 5K Run/Walk and a 1 Mile Kid run/walk on August 26th. The race collected food donations for the Wesley United Methodist Church's food pantry with the help of the local Fareway Store and their employee Ryan Tresnak. Tresnak ran with a cart weighted down according to how many carts full of groceries which were donated before the race. Benton County Extension Program holds annual Farm Safety Day
Another successful Farm Saftey Day was held last Saturday at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Working with several area organizations, the day brought several workshops for area children to have a little bit of fun while learning safety. The children learned a vast variety of information from hidden hazards around the farm, and things like combine safety, lawn mower safety, ATV, and chemical safety to learning about 911 and what happens when you call. The sights and sounds of an old car
Saturday afternoon one of the fun events held in Vinton occurred, the car cruise. Yes, I'm sure it's an age thing. Or maybe it's a throwback to the smell of gasoline and the sound of an engine roaring in the garage that brings back a good feeling from childhood. I noted the route of the cruise this year. Drivers were directed to drive past the local nursing homes where the older folks were lined up to enjoy cars from their youth or even childhood. Vinton-Shellsburg 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees to be Honored at tonight's game
The following former graduates will be inducted during tonight's Homecoming game by Jim Struve, Vinton-Shellsburg Activities Director. The honorees will be recognized during halftime.Here is a complete list of those that will be inducted and a summary of their athletic career:Zach Mann Graduated in 1998, earning 7 Varsity letters in Football, Basketball, Baseball.
Vinton-Shellsburg's Tiny Vikes will soon have a new home
The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction phase of the new "Tiny Vikes Early Learning Center" was held on Thursday afternoon. The Vinton-Shellsburg Superintendent Kyle Koeppen, school board members and staff attended the ceremony. Also in attendance were the current Tiny Vikes who were given their own plastic hats resembling hard hats to wear for the ceremony and tp take home with them.