News : Benton County Photo Contest winners honored

“Whether we’re trying to attract businesses, residents, or tourists; a picture of Benton County best conveys who and what we are,” said Benton Development Group Executive Director Ranae Becker. “Benton Development Group wants to thank all of those who submitted the wonderful Benton County photos; 49 total this year.” The photos where voted on at the Benton County Fair, on-line at www.bentoncountyiowa.com, and at the Fifth Street Koffee Haus the day of the announcement; there were approximately 150 voters.

There were two winners in each of the following three categories:

(you can find winning photos on website (www.bentoncountyiowa.com)

Adult

1st place($50) = Dwayne Collingwood of Urbana --- #36 adult ***2nd place($25) = Mindy Gaffneyof Vinton --- #2 adult ***

Professional

1st place($50) = Earl Rinderknecht of Urbana --- #12 professional ***

2nd place($25) = Mike Kelly of Vinton --- #42 professional ***

Youth (under 18)

1st ($50) and 2nd place($25) = Samuel Becker of Blairstown --- #23 & #22 youth ***

The winning photos will be featured on the www.bentoncountyiowa.comwebsite and a photo gallery is being created of all submitted photos for anyone's use. BDG is also looking at doing a Benton County calendar which will include the winning photos each year.

The 2011 “Photos of Benton County” Contest will have a due date of June 16, 2011, so photos are available for voting at the 2011 Benton County Fair (BDG booth in the exhibition hall). Please see the www.bentoncountyiowa.comwebsite for additional details or call 319-472-5545.