Thursday, May 14, 2026
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Article Thumbnail. The Donald Johnson Family celebrated 150 years of ownership at the Iowa State Fair earning them Heritage Farm Recognition

Johnson Family Recognized for 150 years of Farming Ownership

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship recognized several Benton County family farms at the Iowa State Fair. A total of  439 Century and Heritage Farm Families were honored at the event.
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FFA Seeking Assistance in Preparing Blessing Bags

This year as part of the FFA Living to Serve Plan. the group is creating blessing bags to deliver to the homeless in Indianapolis, Indiana near our FFA National Convention.
Article Thumbnail. Many Middle and High School FFA members packaging meals for the farmers.

A Taste of Tradition: Vinton-Shellsburg FFA's Harvest Meal

As local farmers kicked off their harvest, Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members hosted their annual Harvest Meal on Saturday, October 5th. This year, the event took place at Schminke Equipment and Tama-Benton Co-op, where high school and middle school students teamed up to cook, package, and deliver meals to farmers in the area.
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BDG SECURES HOUSING GRANT

Benton Development Group has been busy solving two big challenges for Benton County communities - housing availability and deteriorating commercial buildings.

Benton County Gas Station qualifies for E15 Grant to improve Availability

Greater access to homegrown biofuels saves drivers moneyIowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board recently approved 126 project applications from Iowa gas stations for new and expanded E15, E85, and biodiesel infrastructure projects.
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Bloomsbury Farm Farm Environmental Leader Awards Presented to 44 Farm Families

David and Karen Petersen of Bloomsbury Farm in Benton County was one of the 44 Iowa farm families recognized by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon with an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.
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Vinton Fire Department to conduct Operation E.D.I.T.H. Thursday night 7:00 p.m.

The Vinton Fire Department will lead "Operation EDITH" this Thursday at 7:00 p.m., as part of Fire Prevention Week. The program, an acronym for Exit Drill In The Home, is a fire-safety initiative designed to encourage families, especially those with young children, to discuss and practice fire escape plans at home.