News
Community members continue to support Benton County Conservation!
Early spring of 2024, Iowa River Apparel (Marengo, IA) owner, Paul Stults,
approached the Benton County Conservation Foundation (BCCF) with hopes of offering a Hannen Lake
Park shirt fundraiser. The BCCF was excited to see the enthusiasm and supported Paul in his endeavors
for the fundraiser.
Paul joined the BCCF, saw the momentum of the shirt sales, and with his wife, Sherri Stults, and many
volunteers, put on a benefit supper for Hannen Lake Park. Aerial Applicators Seeding Cover Crops by Air Early This Fall
While the spraying season is winding down, aerial applicators are still working by seeding cover crops via aircraft. You may continue to hear the hum of an aircraft's engine until early fall. One of the most promising conservation practices aerial applicators can assist farmers with is aerially applying cover crop seeds, which are grasses, legumes, small grains, and other low-maintenance crops planted specifically to improve soil health and biodiversity. End of Summer Traffic Enforcement
year, during the final weeks of summer, there were 54 traffic fatalities in Iowa; 44% involved impairment.* To prevent future tragedies, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement across the state to decrease impaired driving. August 16 - September 2, agencies will be participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement project. Shellsburg Photographer Captures an Honorable Mention in Things & Still Life
Photographers from New York to central Iowa submitted their best photographs to the 84th Annual Photography Salon prior to the beginning of the 2024 Iowa State Fair.Sarah Becker of Grimes won Best of Show in the Adult competition and Reed Peterson of Oskaloosa won Best of Show in the Youth Category.“Leading Lines” was the 2024 Photography Theme Class. Local Steers bring in thousands for charity at Gov. Charity Steer Show
In the 2024 lineup for the Governor's Steer Show, two steers with connections to Benton County helped to bring the total donated to the Ronald McDonald House to to $568,000!If you would like to donate to the cause and support one of the area presenters, you can still donate at the link below..just note the steer's number so that your donation will go to the appropriate place. A Record-Breaking Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show
In another record-breaking year, the 42nd annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show continues to elevate the bar raising $568,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. This was a significant jump from last year’s record of $501,000. Including this year’s donations, the Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer is inching close to $6 million in donations since its inception in 1983.
Injunction lifts on Iowa law restricting books in K-12 school libraries
By Robin OpsahlThe Iowa law prohibiting school libraries from having books containing sexually explicit material can go into effect, federal appeals court judges ruled Friday.The three-person panel moved to lift the injunction blocking the law from enforcement Friday. Portions of the 2023 law were previously blocked in January by U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Locher.
Local photo Competing at the Iowa State Fair needs your Vote
If you are fortunate enough to make it to the Iowa State Fair this year, be sure to stop by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association booth. The organization is trying to decide which photo represents Iowa the best. They are looking for the best out of the top 10. The photo was taken by Laurie Ortner on her family farm. It features a beautiful rainbow above cattle grazing in the field below. Belle Plaine Woman honored at the Iowa State Fair
UPDATED:Click here to watch video of the eventAs part of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, this year's first Iowan of the Day for 2024 was recognized. A nomination made by Jane Hrabak some three years ago finally caught the attention of the Foundation.Marilyn Sokol of Belle Plaine was honored on Thursday, August 8, 2024 in Des Moines as one of this year's recipients. Benton County Community Foundation to Host Grant Guidelines Workshop
The Benton County Community Foundation (BCCF) will host a public grant workshop on
September 11 to discuss the BCCF’s 2024 grant cycle. Held at Blairstown City Hall at 6:00 p.m., the
workshop will cover the grant guidelines, budget template and application and will provide grant writing
tips. There will also be time for Q&A.
Individuals, especially those interested in applying for a 2024 grant, are encouraged to attend the
workshop and should register to attend at www.