Beat Cabin Fever & Explore the Outdoors

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
December 17, 2025 4:49 pm

By Faith Hunt, NaturalistIt's that time of the year when daylight is shorter and the temperature can be bitterly cold. Finding the motivation to explore outside may become a little harder, but wildlife tracking can be a fun way to engage with the world around you during these colder days.

What We're Reading: Broken Country

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
December 16, 2025 6:00 pm

Review of 'Broken Country' by Clare Leslie HallFrank always said that he had been in love with Beth since he was thirteen years old, riding the school bus.

Garden Academy to Be Offered in Spring and Fall 2026

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
December 16, 2025 5:59 pm

Iowa gardeners are invited to grow their knowledge in the online horticulture programThe Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener Program will provide its statewide horticulture training in the spring and fall of 2026.

What We're Reading: Vagabond

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
December 15, 2025 5:07 pm

If you're a die-hard Tim Curry fan like me, you'll want to read 'Vagabond: A Memoir.' With a career that includes stage, screen and video game voice-acting, Curry has set himself apart in my eyes as an actor that is completely dedicated and fearless.

Holiday Plant Care

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
December 15, 2025 1:04 pm

Keep the season fresh and festive with tips from an extension consumer horticulture specialistHoliday plants bring color and life to our homes during the winter months.

85th Birthday Celebration for Carl Kahler

VINTON TODAY
December 15, 2025 11:04 am

The family of Carl Kahler would like to invite all of his friends to join us in honoring him on his 85th birthday with a card shower. Carl's birthday is December 25th (Christmas day).

The Yundt Charitable Foundation Now Accepting Scholarship Applications

VINTON TODAY
December 13, 2025 1:13 pm

The Charles and Helen Yundt Charitable Foundation is accepting applications for the 2026 Traditional and Non-Traditional scholarship program. Recipients will receive a minimum scholarship of $1,000.

What We're Reading: Such a Fun Age

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
December 11, 2025 12:23 pm

The old adage “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” sang loudly throughout Kiley Reid's 'Such a Fun Age.' Reid created everyday characters who navigate class and privilege constantly—but with such subtlety that it made me stop and reflect on the moments in my own life when I’ve witnessed racism that didn’t set off alarms simply because it can be so understated sometimes.

What We're Reading: The Anxious Generation

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
December 10, 2025 4:24 pm

I finally read 'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt, and it completely changed how I think about phones, social media, and childhood.The book moves through four sections—A Tidal Wave, The Decline of Play-Based Childhood, The Great Rewiring, and Collective Action—each one offering powerful insights.

Home Gardening Webinar Series Returns Jan. 8

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
December 9, 2025 5:15 pm

Registration is open for the educational gardening seriesThe Iowa State University Extension and Outreach  Master Gardener program  will again host its annual  Home Gardening Webinar Series, which will begin in January 2026 and end in March.