News

Kord Sellers of BWT LLC has submitted a second proposal to the City of Vinton for its consideration.  According to Sellers the City has a notice posted at City Hall asking for competing proposals.The City is scheduled to turn over the property officially on October 29th to Hobart Historical Restoration. Sellers, a new Vinton resident, was not aware that the city had asked for competing proposals back in 2018 citing the city's policy for advertising public notices and feels that this is the first chance that he has had to offer a competing proposal.

Saturday afternoon found the town of Van Horne buzzing with several pickups decked out in Trump flags of every kind. While pickups were in the majority, there were also sports cars, minivans, suvs and sedans.  All were sporting flags or posters supporting President Trump. Most of the vehicles contained families or friends enjoying an afternoon cruise through southern Benton County's countryside.

To keep students, staff, parents, and the entire community aware of how COVID-19 is impacting our district, we have implemented a COVID-19 dashboard to deliver vital information while protecting the privacy of those affected. The district has been working diligently and will continue to make adjustments and improvements as we learn more during this pandemic.

The Vinton Lions Club recently presented a $500 donation to the VPRD.The money was raised by the Lions Club Food Trailer during this years Farmer’s Market. Lions Club presenters included Charlie Garwood, Dennis Lausar,and Bret Nelson. Ryan Anderson , Assistant Director VPRD , accepted the gift which will be used to support a new rock climbing wall at the Recreation Center.

L to R in pictureSeated-Matthew CarlsonSarah Michael, Sunshine Gray, Tyson Fleshner, missing Gabriel JesseCongratulations go out to the Union High School Vocal Music department on their outstanding showing at All-State auditions on Saturday October 24th.  4 UHS vocalists and 1 UHS instrumentalist were named All-State Musicians  This is the highest honor a high school musician in the State of Iowa can receive.

 AmeriCorps Partnership for Protecting Children (APPC) is a small AmeriCorps program that many have not heard of. In Iowa, about a dozen APPC members work with local Community Partnership for Protecting Children boards throughout the state, including Flourishing Families of Benton and Iowa Counties.With a philosophy that protecting children is everybody’s business, the focus of this program typically involves activities that engage community members in child abuse prevention and creating nurturing homes and communities for children.

COVID may have changed our chance to see the beautiful trees at Virginia Gay Hospital,  but it won’t stop Farmers Savings Bank and Trust from supporting the Tree of Light Campaign.Stop in Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to place a bid on a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, all proceeds will go directly to the hospital.

"Lost: Small orange/white tabby, orange eyes. Very sweet. Microchipped. He was seen at 1015 Golf View Drive, near the Country Club. We would like to alert all residents in that area to keep eyes peeled for our little orange-and-white boy. He has white forelegs, a ringed tail, and weighs 6 pounds. We set a live trap at the site.... we ask that anyone who sees a similar kitty please put him in your garage and call _______ Or PLEASE take a photo and text to that #.

The Sixth Annual Benton County Community Health & Wellness Fair was held recently as a series of drive-thru events at Virginia Gay Family Medical Clinics in Atkins, Urbana, Van Horne, and Vinton. Virginia Gay Hospital and Virginia Gay Hospital Foundation organize the event each year with the assistance and support of several area sponsors. Community participation was strong as a total of 500 bags filled with health and wellness information were distributed through the four communities.

By: V-S FFA Co-Reporter, Josh WileyOn Saturday, September 26th, surrounding kids from Benton County gathered at the Benton County Fairgrounds to learn more about safety around agriculture. There were 10 stations, including fire safety, water safety, grain safety, animal safety, electric safety, skid loader safety, ATV safety, first aid, 911 calls as well as semi and tractor safety taught by local FFA chapters and community experts.