The Vinton Parks and Recreation Department welcomed a new staff member (although not new to many in town), Kristie Boyle as the departments first ever Recreation Coordinator. This new position was created through a restructuring of VPRD. Current Assistant Director Ryan Anderson will be moving over to a new role as Parks and Recreation Superintendent.

By JIM SCHIPPER Iowa Student Loan Board MemberMany traditional students who use private education loans need cosigners to qualify or to receive better rates. Parents are often the natural choice to cosign. Some parents also consider taking loans out in their own names to help fund their children's education. If you are thinking about either, we at ISL Education Lending encourage you to remember these six points.

By: Co-Reporter, Isabel Mullinex The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter always strives to stay active during the summer and get members excited for the upcoming year. That's why the FFA chapter was excited to try a new recreation activity and took 11 members to the Lost Island Water Park in Waterloo! After holding an open sign up online, on Monday, July 12th, members spent the day at the water park on all the fun and fast rides, enjoying some snacks, and lounging in the Lazy River and Wave Pool.

By: Co-Reporter, Grace Schminke From June 23 rd to June 27th Benton County held its annual fair in Vinton. Every year the Vinton-Shellsburg, La Porte-Dysart, and Benton Community FFA chapters hold different activities for fair-goers in the FFA Barn. There are also members that participate in different shows as well. This year the three chapters did several activities for younger children each day including A-Maizing Corn, Butter Making, Water Bottle Lava Lamps, Ice Cream in a Bag, Plant Pot Decorating, Sock Chia Pets, and then Tie-Dye Totes to finish it off on Saturday.

The Benton County phone system will be getting an upgrade during the week of August 9th at the Courthouse, Secondary Roads, Social Services, and in the Veterans Affairs Department. There may be some interruption of service for a few minutes, it is expected to only last 15-20 minutes.If you happen to call during this time, just give it a few minutes and try your call again.

Van Horne Family Medical Clinic was honored by Van Horne Lions Club with a Warren Coleman award. The award is given for service to the community. Rita Taylor-Stewart along with her staff were commended for their community response to the pandemic and for exceptional care over the years.

By: Co-Reporter, Isabel MullinexDuring the annual Party in the Park, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter provided a petting zoo and pony rides for kids. The petting zoo was on Saturday, June 18th and members brought in their animals and [st] pens out. The petting zoo consisted of cows, goats, chickens, rabbits, a sheep, and of course, horses. The pony rides started at 11:00 A.

Just north of town on the Gary and Jill Marlow property, a young eagle was found unable to fly. The Marlows called Pat Jorgenson of the Department of Natural Resources to come to the property to rescue the bird. Jorgenson has been with the Iowa DNR for 32 years, and has been a State Conservation Officer with the  DNR in the Benton/Linn County area since 2002.

The city of Dysart was spared a massive hit on Wednesday night. Of course, you'd think that if you weren't one of the homes hit by the tornado. At last count, ABC reported that there was a string of 27 tornadoes that went through Iowa, one of which touched down in the southernmost part of Dysart. Driving between Dysart and Vinton, you can see where the tornado had touched down outside of town in the cornfields.

Updated:For a close up action shot of the storm, visit this Facebook page.Another video of the tornado as it was going through Dysart.So far it looks like the south end of town was hit the hardest. Several large tractors and trucks have made it to Dysart to help us clean up.More pictures to follow.