News

Each year Shellsburg, Garrison, and Vinton have events that take place to get members of the community out and mingling. The day or days that those occur people get to meet others, eat real good food, and above all have fun. The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter sets-up a petting zoo for the Shellsburg Fun Day on June 16th and Garrison Fun Day on July 9th.

On June 9, four V-S FFA chapter members went to the Ag 450 Farm at Iowa State University in Ames to compete in state Ag Mechanics. The team of Grant Ries, George Haefner, Collin Henry, and Jakob Long had to participate in structural system, machinery and equipment system, environment and natural resources, electrical system, metal and welding system and general knowledge examination test.

Officer retreat took place from Wednesday July 27th to Friday July 29th in Clear Lake, Iowa. It was an adventure for every officer, both advisors, and their husbands. Over the three-day experience there was a lot of work that got accomplished that included adjusting the program of activities, deciding the new theme for our chapter, and getting the officers bonded for the new school year.

The Shellsburg City Council has scheduled a town hall meeting for Aug 22 at 6:00 pm at the American Legion for public input concerning the annexation for the proposed Dollar General to be located at the south end of town (south of the Travis residence). The land in question is currently farmland now owned by Golden Grain Enterprises, according to papers filed this week with the Benton County Auditor's Office.

Growing up 30 miles north of Vinton, but with friends and cousins who lived here, I learned a bit about the town as a kid. I looked forward to riding “The Bell” at Riverside Park, and am among those who wish it were still available – although I have also heard many people explain their not-so-healthy memories of that particular playground memory.

Twelve young women involved with the Iowa dairy community will compete to win the title of 63rd Iowa State Dairy Princess Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 8 p.m. at the Multi-Media Center of the Cattle Barn at the state fairgrounds in Des Moines. The princess and her alternate are charged with helping consumers learn more about dairy products and the farm families who tend the farms and cows that provide them.

The 1st Annual Shellsburg Lions Golf Cart Gala and Street Dance will take place Saturday, Aug. 13. The parade begins in downtown Shellsburg at 5 p.m.; a street dance will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. The $5 entry fee will go towards the park pavillion fund; other vehicles are welcome, along with golf carts. Contact Dan Pence at 436-2559 for more info.

The Benton County Historical Society will open a new interactive exhibit August 26-Sept.6 at the Vinton Railroad Depot. “It Takes An Iowan,” focuses on Iowans as leaders in the ongoing endeavor of providing food for the nation and the world. “I am excited this exhibit, educating all Iowans on the many roles we have played and continue to play in feeding the world, will be on display at the Vinton Railroad Depot” said Silos & Smokestacks President Cara Miller.

An AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) team is serving with Vinton Parks and Recreation Department from July 18 to August 5. The team is developing new multi-use nature trails that will utilize 50 acres of timbered areas within the Vinton city limits. The NCCC team of 10 from the North Central Region campus of Vinton, Iowa is developing and grooming new trails; removing trees, branches, and other impediments to the trail corridor; landscaping and maintaining current trials; placing signage along trails; and constructing boardwalks and foot bridges.

The 9th Annual Benton County Farm Bureau Cookout Contest was held Saturday July 16 at the fairgrounds in Vinton during the Benton County Fair. Ten people competed for Grand Champion of the event, with Brian Halstead winning the title with his entry in the Pork category. Bill Newton, contest coordinator, was on hand to run the event, along with Teddi Newton, Matt Werner and Robert Ritscher to assist with the Farm Bureau sponsored Cookout.