News : 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. This includes rural BentonCountyresidents as well.

Cooling centers for area residents who remain without power had been established to ensure BentonCountyresidents can get relief from the heat and humidity:

HACAP NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER

202 E 4th Street

Vinton, IA52349

Sunday 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Monday- Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

TILFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

308 E 13th Street

Vinton, IA52349

Sunday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

A feeding station will be in operation at TilfordElementary School, 308 E. 13th Street, Vinton, starting on Monday, July 18, 2011. Lunch is available for all BentonCountyresidents affected by the storm and disaster recovery workers and volunteers. An evening meal is no longer being provided as of Sunday, July 17, 2011.

Repair scam warnings repeated

Local law enforcement has received complaints regarding individuals who appear to be attempting to take advantage of persons affected by the storm by providing tree service, cleanup and/or repair services at very high costs. BentonCountyresidents are reminded to not provide personal or insurance information to individuals soliciting work prior to verifying the legitimacy and good standing of the individual or company.