News : Benton County Residents find assistance at Informational meeting

Benton County Emergency Management, Scott Hansen shared information with residents Tuesday afternoon

Tiesday afternoon found area residents finding area organizations willing to lend a hand and provide resources that might help following storm damage. Following the derecho clean up from the damage alone consumed the thoughts and energy of area residents.

The Benton County Extension and Outreach provided an event at the fair grounds to answer some questions, provide some support and to give a bit of education to area residents. Several area businesses and vendors were available throughout the event.

The Benton County Assistance Fair was open to all and included a free meal provided by Merchant's Grilling and Keystone Savings Bank.

Information was also provided by the Iowa DNR On how to assess tree damage, and whether to save or replace trees. ISU Extension and Outreach Ag Engineering Field Specialist, talked about grain storage and harvesting issues brought on by the storm damage.

One of the vendors spoke with me about the services available in Benton County and how he was impressed with the way that the community has been able to step up and provide assistance to several individuals in the area. Speaking of the Access Center he was most impressed that our "small town" was able to pull such a project together. That wasn't news to me, and it's not news to you, but It is worth mentioning. We're a blessed little town.