By: Co-Reporter, Juliana LuisBen McGowan, Wes McKenna, Andrew Pingenot, Ben Buhr, Will McKenna, and Andrew Allsup made their way to the Kirkwood Landscape Challenge on Wednesday, October 4th.

By: Co-Reporter, Juliana LuisVinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter member Brody Waters made his way to Des Moines for the Global Youth Institute at the World Food Prize on October 24th.

Friday will be the last day to make donations to the Angel Tree Toy Drive at Koop's Sales and Service.  If you can't get out to do the shopping, drop off your donation, and they will be happy to shop for you!ALL toys donated will stay here in Benton County.

It has been reported that another Angel Tree visit has been made decorating area trees at Farmers Savings Bank & Trust, US Bank and Cedar Valley Bank & Trust with needed items for Benton County children.

Arnold Motor Supply continues in its annual Christmas tradition. The businese collects toys and donations to support the Angel Tree program at the Christmas season.

Benton County employees adopted a couple of families in need this Christmas season. The county employees donated gifts to brighten the season for these families.

If you happened to visit Fareway last week you saw jolly St. Nick helping the local Salvation Army to ring the bell. Answering questions from the little visitors, who asked, "Are you the real Santa one or the one with the stretchy beard?" He assured those in question that he is 1700 years old so of COURSE he's the real one!The Salvation Army of Benton County says "Thank You!" to those who have already committed to help ring the bell.

Once again, Santa made his stop at the Vinton Skate Center. He was invited by the elves who work for the Vinton Parks and Rec to meet with area children after a breakfast prepared by the kitchen elves.

Wesley Mobile Food Pantry Vinton will have its distribution this Saturday. Notice the time change: 9:00-10:30 a.m. We will set up on Friday at 3:00, at the church.

Dr. Brian Meeker, of Virginia Gay Hospital was awarded the University of Iowa PA Program Lifetime Achievement and Service Award for his years of service to PA education.