Et Cetera
State Treasurer Fitzgerald Announces 2014 College Savings Iowa Deduction Amount
State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants to encourage families to start their New Year off with a bang by considering a contribution to a loved one's future education. "With the New Year, comes an increased Iowa state income tax deduction when making contributions to College Savings Iowa," Fitzgerald said. "Iowa taxpayers are now able to deduct the first $3,098 they contribute per child on their 2014 state taxes.
How, and why Larry Kersten's light display still inspires so many
Sometime every December, I park on a country road and wait for Santa Claus to go up a chimney.
While children and Christmas purists would question much about that previous sentence, chances are that if you are from the Vinton area, you know exactly what road -- and what Santa -- I stop to see.
As a child, I often rode with my grandparents or parents to 22nd Avenue and V61 (the Mount Auburn road, as my ancestors called it. Treasurer Fitzgerald Reminds Investors to Ring in the New Year with Tax Savings
Contributions to College Savings Iowa accounts must be made by December 31, 2013
State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald has an important reminder about College Savings Iowa before the big ball drops on New Year's Eve. "Don't forget to make your final contributions to your College Savings Iowa account," Fitzgerald said. "You can wrap up the year by helping a child in your life with their future plans and take advantage of the tax benefits for yourself.
Megan Connerly earns Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree
The names of nearly 1,350 candidates for degree from the University of Kansas this fall - representing 52 Kansas counties, 36 other states and the District of Columbia, and 34 other countries - have been announced by the University Registrar.
Those candidates include Megan Connerly, of Walker. She received a Doctor of Philosophy in Education.
2014 Robert D. Blue Scholarship Application is Available Online
State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced today that the application for the 2014 Robert D. Blue Scholarship is available online at rdblue.org. Any Iowa residents who plan to attend college in Iowa for the 2014-2015 school year are eligible to apply.
Awards are based on financial need, an original essay, academic achievement and written recommendations.
FEMA Corps Pine 6 team reaches out, helps animal shelter
By: Cameron McMahon
FEMA Corps team Pine 6 recently helped out at Wayside Waifs, a non-kill animal shelter located in Kansas City, Missouri. The team helped by walking dogs, cleaning living areas, and socializing with both cats and dogs.
Corps members served for the entire Veteran’s Day week, heading over to the shelter after their days of work at the FEMA region VII offices in the city. Vinton Garden Club December news
The Vinton Garden Club member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., Central Region and District II held their monthly meeting December 2, 2013 at Vinton Family Restaurant for lunch with Susie Hansen as hostess. After the meeting members went to Lutheran Home for the meeting and therapy with the residents.
Benton Scholarship Foundation sets annual fundraising goal
The Benton Scholarship Foundation (BSF) has set a campaign goal of $55,000 for the 2013-2014. This follows another successful year of fundraising that included several new permanent scholarships being created.
“Every year the number of permanent scholarships presented increases thanks to the generosity of the individuals and families who have close ties to the Benton Community School District,” said Cristina Hurley, BSF President.
VS FFA members receive Greenhand, Chapter Degrees at annual BBQ
On Thursday November 14, 2013 the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter held its annual Pork BBQ night. This night is a night for members, family, and friends to come and see what our chapter has been doing this school year, as well as see the members receive their Greenhand and Chapter degrees.
Our night started out in the lunch room for the meal, and then proceeded to the auditorium. VS alum Claire Andreesen describes freshmen year in ISU Marching Band
Editor's Note: Claire Andreesen, a 2013 VSHS graduate, recently completed her first year in the Iowa State University Marching Band, which is officially known as ISUCFVMB (Iowa State University Cyclone Football Varsity Marching Band). We asked Claire, the daughter of Larry and Jan Andreesen of rural Vinton, to share her thoughts, and she did.