Date:                April 29, 2010                                                                                     Contact:           Phyllis Zalenski, Family Resource Management Specialist                         Iowa State University Extension                         (319) 462-2791       You want your documents to be safe but how do you decide where to keep your important papers and valuables? Below are tips to guide you in making those important decisions.

Okay, so I'm new to the world of Facebook.  I remember in some of the first meetings about starting up the Website the discussion came up about Facebook and how it is a great social place.

By Greg Brenneman – ISU Extension Ag Engineering Specialist Because last fall’s harvest was late and much of the grain was wet, there has been more spoiled grain and an increase in grain bin accidents.

Living today sometimes is a weird experience. When we were first married, we bought a house that sat right on main street in Independence,  There was a postage stamp yard.

By Dawn Pettengill Iowa House District 39 We are in the middle of mushroom season. If you are a mushroom hunter/eater/seller, you may be interested in this new administrative rule from the Department of Inspection and Appeals.

Dear Editor, What a great bunch of young people we have here in Vinton. Donations to North Central Iowa Honor Flight are amazing. The seniors to give up their class trip and the others who raised money for honor flight speaks volumes to the character of our young adults.

 "Playing a genius, when you're not one, is quite a task." I thought of that line today when I heard that one of my friends fixed his kitchen plumbing, using a Barbie Doll.

Dear Editor, The news of Vinton is carried around the world daily with this quality web-site. The timely information with fine journalism skills helps former residents of Benton County to stay in touch, as well as encourages us to return to visit.

  I am not, at all, a fan of Donald Trump. I think the only “Apprentice” show should feature people who can teach Mr. Trump how to run a casino without making it go bankrupt – twice.

  I had never heard of Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Arnold until last Saturday. But when I saw that he died in Iraq on my 40th birthday, I just had to know more.