Valerie Obadal is a 2016 June Graduate of Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce Valerie Obadal of Shellsburg, IA, graduated with a Bachelor/Science: Nursing degree in Nursing in...
Read MoreUpper Iowa University is pleased to announce Nikki Lown of Belle Plaine, IA, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in August. About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 5,800 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus, 25 U.S. education centers, as well as centers in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit...
Read MoreClick to View agenda, minutes from November, Treasurer’s Report
Read MoreChristmas spirit fills the air during Christmas at Concordia weekend Four Christmas at Concordia concerts brought more than 3,000 Concordia students, faculty and staff, alumni and community members to St. John Lutheran Church near campus. The concerts featured the Women’s Chorale, Male Chorus, Concordia Handbell Choir, University Brass Ensemble, University A Cappella Choir and University Symphonic Band. Morgan Eggert of Atkins, Iowa participated in four Christmas at Concordia concerts Matthew Gerhold of Atkins, Iowa participated in four Christmas at Concordia...
Read MoreThe Vinton Garden club, a member of National Garden clubs, Inc. District II and Central Region met on November 30, 2016 in the office at the Benton County Fairgrounds. President Fran Stueck called the meeting to order at 1:30PM. Prior to the start of the meeting, the members completed the construction of bee houses that had been precut and nailed together by club members Ted and Fran Stueck. It was a great project. It is hoped the bee houses will help provide protection to our bees that help pollinate our plants and fruit trees. Information on the bee houses, bees’ lives was given by Fran. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge. Seven members answered roll call to “do you plant flowers for bees”. Rosie Boisen read the minutes of our October meeting were read. Approved as read. Sharen Stueck presented the treasurer’s report. No new bills were presented. Approved report will be filed for audit. Club members noted no new correspondence. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Garden Therapy-Michelle Gibson – reminded club of Therapy at the Lutheran Home on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at 2:30. Bring greenery and clippers. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Programs for 2017 were discussed. Rosie Boisen made a motion to not have a meeting in January. A few members will be on winter vacation. 2nd by Anne Dake. Motion carried. Fran informed the members that Mollie...
Read MoreBOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING December 13, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Benton County Board of Supervisors Room 1. 9:00 A.M. Call to Order 2. Rescind action accepting resignation of Kathy Janss from Health Board 3. 9:05 a.m. Marc Greenlee Re: Approve farm exemption application for Paul Kennedy part of NE ¼ of Sec 11-T83N-R9W 4. Approve minutes 5. Approve claims 6. 9:10 a.m. Discuss/Approve Funds from Historical Preservation Commission to Sheriff Fry Committee 7. 9:15 a.m. Benton Development Group – annual update and FY18 budget request 8. 9:45 a.m. Tracey Achenbach re: East Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund & FY18 budget request 9. 10:00 a.m. Accept bids and Public Hearing to dispose of parcel #240-07700. 10. 10:15 a.m. Dog Pound discussion 11. Adopt (and repeal current) Resolutions: Code of Conduct, Procurement, Affirmative Fair Housing, Equal Employment, RARA, Excessive Force; Conflict of Interest 12. 11:00 a.m. Enter into Administrative Agreement with ECICOG re: Resiliency Watershed Grant (CDBG 13-NDRI-002) and approve alternative authorized signatures 13. 11:15 a.m. Engineer Re: Approve Utility Permit for Alliant Energy in Jackson Twp • Sign Final IDOT Contract Construction Progress Voucher with Peterson Contractors Inc. for Project BRS-C006(92)–5F-06 14. Reports – committee meetings, liaison, Etc. 15. New Business/Public Interest Comments 16....
Read MoreToday I had just commented to Dean that I hated getting old, but that it sure beats the alternative. Today was also the same day as our church Christmas program…Like it was 3 years ago. It was the same day I waited in the hall, crying and waiting for Frank, our funeral home guy, to come and pick up my dad for the last trip down Hwy. 150, a road that held so many memories for our family. For some reason knowing that Frank was there to take him “home” gave me a little comfort. Yeah, I know a 50 year old woman should say, “Dad” or “Father”, but I had always called my dad “Daddy” and it never crossed my mind to change. It seems like we had said goodbye to him so many years earlier. Our 3rd child was just 2 when we had the first of many trips to the hospital with my dad, and it was the beginning of so many unanswered questions. Now knowing our family health history I suspect I have a better idea of what was happening, but since he was the oldest, and hated to go to a doctor to start with, there weren’t any leads to figure out what was wrong and how to make him better. That was a small part of his life though, compared to all of...
Read MoreA Benton County student pursuing higher education opportunities has received additional financial assistance this fall thanks to a scholarship from the Benton County Community Foundation and its host foundation, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. The $1,000 scholarship is part of CFNEIA’s largest total scholarship award amount in its 60-year history. In 2016, CFNEIA awarded 273 scholarships totaling $446,000 to students across Iowa. Syndey Walker, a graduate from Vinton-Shellsburg High School, was awarded the Marlyn and Ann Jorgensen Family Scholarship. Walker is attending Iowa State University, majoring in agriculture communications and international agriculture. “We want to congratulate these students on their accomplishments and hope they find success as they follow their dreams,” said Kaye Englin, CFNEIA President and CEO. “We are excited to continue to increase support for deserving students through scholarships, and we are honored to carry out the wishes of our fundholders with a passion for the education of tomorrow’s leaders. Scholarships are increasingly important for students seeking higher education. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, 66 percent of all 2015 graduates of Iowa colleges and universities had student loan debt averaging $29,547. Student debt in the U.S. is currently over $1 trillion, second only to mortgage debt. “The ever-growing cost of higher education continues to be a barrier for youth, making scholarships more important than ever,” said Englin. “These scholarships established by generous...
Read MoreDoctor Strange is the newest Marvel superhero movie to come to the Palace! Starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Tilda Swinton, and Rachel McAdams, Doctor Strange is a visual treat for the whole family. Playing Friday, December 9 through Thursday, December 15 at 7 pm, and Monday, December 12 at 2 pm, Dr. Strange runs 120 minutes. Set in modern day New York, Doctor Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) is an egotistical neurosurgeon. After a car accident leaves him without the use of his hands, Doctor Strange seeks out the latest treatments in the medical world to regain their use. When this doesn’t work, Doctor Strange turns to Jonathon Pangborn, a paraplegic who mysteriously regains the use of his legs. Pangborn directs Strange to the secret compound of Kamar-Taj in Nepal, a place where sorcerers live and are all taught by the Ancient One (Swinton). Strange meets her and begs her to teach her what she knows. She agrees hesitantly, as Strange’s cockiness reminds her of a former student that turned against her and stole some of the sacred texts, Kaecilius. Strange excels quickly and soon learns many ways of the mystical arts. Meanwhile, Kaecilius is working to interrupt the world order in an aim to erase death. Although it could be seen as a noble goal, Kaecilius must disrupt the balance of mystical powers that protect the Earth and its function in order...
Read MoreThe next regular meeting of the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioners will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at the District Office, located at 1705 West D Street, Vinton, IA. The meeting will begin at 8:00 a.m. Agenda items include: review of minutes, review of treasurer’s report and payment of bills, review of conservation plans, review of activities and bills for the Benton/Tama Nutrient Reduction Strategy Watershed Project, discussion of the District’s Annual Plan, an update on NRCS activities, state cost share business, correspondence, and other routine business. The public is welcome to attend the meeting. Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this event should contact Clint Geldine at the Natural Resources Conservation Service at 319-472-2161, email clint.geldine@ia.usda.gov...
Read More4th STREET DINER NEWS 4th Street Diner HACAP North Benton Center 202 East Fourth St Vinton, IA 52349 319-472-4761 Serving Buffet from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Sunday thru Friday. Everyone is WELCOME! Suggested contribution for individuals 60 years old or older, and their accompanying spouse (regardless of age) is $3.25 for the meal. Individuals who are not yet 60 are WELCOME but need to pay $4.25 directly to the site manager for their meal. If you are just coming for the activity, the suggested contribution is $1.00. Carryout meals are available. Hot Home Delivered Meals are available Sunday thru Friday in Vinton. The suggested contribution is $3.75/meal if you are 60 or older. For those under age 60, the required contribution is $4.50/meal. Please call by 10:00 AM daily to cancel or add a Home Delivered Meal. FREE SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM AVAILABLE DAILY FOR EVERYONE WHO EATS A MEAL AT THE SITE DURING MEAL SERVICE TIMES. For more information about services, please call 319-472-4761, or to reserve a table for groups of three or more. We also have nutritious frozen meals and liquid supplements; delivery is available throughout Benton County. All contributions are used toward the continued operations of the meal site. Each month the 4th St Diner has a birthday celebration on the second Tuesday. Anyone having a birthday for that particular month is encouraged to...
Read MoreDon’t worry if you missed out the first time, Santa Paws is returning to our adoption center THIS SATURDAY, December 10th from 11am-3pm! Each 4×6 photo is just $5 and 100% of proceeds directly benefit the shelter animals. All are welcome-two legged or four; so spread the word, pack your car, and head down to our adoption center! We hope to see you...
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