News : Great Places: Vinton not chosen this year; committee plans to continue efforts

The news release from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs this morning did not mention Vinton, but it said everything that Vinton leaders needed to know.

The new "Great Places" among the 26 in Iowa are Elk-Horn Kimballton and Webster-Hamilton counties.

The Great Places staff and committee will "continue to work with this year's other finalists -- Vinton, Albia, Lamoni and Manchester -- to continue to develop proposals for future consideration.

Vinton Unlimited Director Nathan Hesson received the news this morning via telephone.

"We plan to work with our coaches -- people from Great Places who advised on on what the program is looking for -- on improving our application for next year," said Hesson.

Also, he said, a letter from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs will offer suggestions for improvements in Vinton's proposal.

The committee who worked on this year's proposal will meet in a few weeks to review that letter and to begin planning for next year's application.

The Elk Horn-Kimballton project combines environmentally-friendly "green" practices with a tribute to the Danish history of that area. The project includes an authentic Danish windmill and a Danish Immigrant Museum.

The Webster-Hamilton counties project includes trails, campground expansion and a 14,400 square-foot outdoor convention center, as well as a 21,456 square foot environmental/educational center.