News
Area Churches take up Governor on option to Open for Worship
Sunday morning found at least three Vinton area churches open for worship. Fortunately, this is only news in rare days like we’re living in.Governor Reynolds reconsidered the ban on church attendance as part of the original COVID regulations. The Governor then cited the constitutionality of her decision as stated in the 1st Amendment of the Constitution, not quoting it but referring to it.
Friends of the Shelter treat Gino in honor of National Police Week
In honor of National Police Week, Friends of the Shelter, Inc. dropped off squeaky toys and bouncy balls for K-9 Gino at the Vinton Police Department as a thank you for serving the Vinton community.Thank you to all officers everywhere! Rickels celebrates her 21st 29th Birthday
On a cold and windy afternoon and wrangling banners and decorations, the surprise was pulled off without a hitch. Just another of the many quarantine birthday parties amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.Sunday afternoon a group of cars met in the Benton County Fairgrounds waiting for the arrival of the birthday girl. She didn't have a clue and was surprised to see a small crowd there to wish her a happy birthday. Benton County's first COVID-19 patient returns home, FINALLY
For Donnie Wheeler being stuck at home would have been a lot more fun than being stuck in the hospital like he was for the last 6 weeks. Donnie was the very first COVID-19 patient in Benton County. He said most of his stay at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, was a blur, he doesn't even remember most of it. While hospitalized the nurse told him that he was on the ventilator twice and for someone to go through that, it's rare they said that a person would survive, but Donnie did. Cameron and Henkle Creek to Re-open Today
Cameron Clothing Company and Henkle Creek Mercantile announced that they will be open for business today, Friday, May 8th. Feel free to stop in and shop! The businesses are excited to be opening once again at their downtown locations.
Benton County Fair Canceled: 4-H & FFA held at later date closed to the public
The Benton County Fair, previously scheduled June 23-28, 2020, is canceled. Grandstand events, vendors, the carnival, open classes and all other regularly scheduled public events are canceled due to COVID-19. The Benton County Fair Board and Benton County Extension Office deeply value the health and well-being of community members, volunteers, event partners, and youth exhibitors.
May is Appreciation month for a LOT of people
It's Teacher Appreciation Week. These are the folks making your education work in a situation we've never seen, thanks for going above, and beyond in figuring how to make it work this year.Sunday is Mother's Day.For those who work and are now teaching at home, it's not easy, but like every other challenge you face juggling schedules and children, you as usually have this.
Signs of the Times
Across town the yard is now the newest form of social media. Most of the time the signs make you smile. Like the one that I saw below, left in the yard by an area teacher, who wanted to let their student know that they are missed. Or several signs like this wishing someone a happy birthday. We've also been quick to share our hearts on the windows and let each other know that we're in this together.
Benton County Cattlemen provide lunch for seniors
The Benton County Cattlemen's Association gracefully accepted our request to have them grill Bacon Wrapped Beef Filets for the 4th Street Diner. The filets had been donated to the HACAP Food Reservoir in Hiawatha by one of the retail partners. Meals are still being delivered in Vinton and Urbana; in addition meals can be picked up between 11:15 am to 1:00 pm. Talking to a Farmer about Pricing and Processing
Last week I took a little field trip, well, I was in the middle of several fields so it was probably my first REAL field trip. While the country is reeling with all of the closures from the COVID-19 pandemic, I began to see farmers becoming very concerned about the closures of the meat processing plants which led me to ask some questions.I would bet that if you are like me, you were asking yourself why it's a big deal to close meat processing plants for "just a few weeks.