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News
FFA Critter Corner!: VS FFA hosts a Petting Zoo during Party in the Park
By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn Saturday, July 12th, 12 FFA members volunteered at the petting zoo held at Riverside Park in Vinton. They brought smiles to kids and families throughout the day by teaching them about animals and having craft stations for temporary tattoos, magnetic bookmarks, and kindness rock painting. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.attendees also had the chance to meet and pet friendly farm animals including a bottle calf, chickens, ducks, and rabbits. Union Community School District seeks bond approval in November
The Union Community School District's Board of Directors approved a facility improvement plan. It will address outdated facilities and gaps in safety. Priorities include new fire alarm systems and intruder-resistant locksets, modernizing mechanical systems with new HVAC and LED lighting, and reconfiguring spaces to better serve educational needs. A bus barn to enhance transportation operations is also included in the plan.
In-Law Suites now legal across iowa
As of July 1, 2025, Iowa counties and cities are required to allow at least one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) - also known as an "in-law suite" - on the same lot as a single-family home. The law standardizes and simplifies the approval process and restricts local governments from imposing overly burdensome rules.Key provisions include:✅ Minimum Allowance
At least one ADU must be allowed per single-family lot.
Sun, Fun, and FFA: FFA Summer Outing At Jellystone Park
By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn Monday, June 30th, seven FFA members went to Jellystone Park in Monticello, Iowa for our Summer Outing. The day was packed with fun as the members took on the inflatable water course, paddle boarding, and paddle boats! Master Gardener partners with Dysart UMC to provide 'holistic garden'
When a parishioner approached Rev. Mechille Boldt of Dysart United Methodist Church about revamping an existing garden space, she seized the opportunity to cultivate a new ministry."Church member Wendy Fehr-Deitrick, who was taking Master Gardener classes, wanted to take on an existing garden that was there but overgrown and an eyesore," Boldt said.
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Party in the Park - The Show must go on!
In spite of terrible weather that rolled into Vinton on Friday, just in time for the annual Party in the Park event, the party was in full swing on Saturday! In order to keep residents safe, a notice was sent out on Friday that the day's events would be canceled except for the community meal at Farmers Bank. Unfortunately for the children, the kiddie parade and fun on the courthouse lawn were canceled due to the weather. Humid Conditions with Storms Today - Potential Tornados, Damaging winds possible
Timing for severe storms: Noon-7 PM
Key Messages
● Scattered thunderstorms are likely this morning
through the afternoon, with a few becoming
strong to severe this afternoon.
● Damaging winds and a few tornadoes are the
main threats, with torrential downpours/minor
f
looding as a secondary threat.
● Hot and humid conditions are also expected, with
heat indices in the middle to upper 90s this
afternoon.
If you thought it was a little windy and rainy on Friday...
The National Weather Service Storm Survey confirmed that a tornado tracked through portions of Benton and Linn Counties (southwest of Center Point, Iowa) last Friday afternoon (7/11/2025). It was rated an EF-1 with peak winds estimated at 95 mph.Be sure to check the roof of the house and outbuildings just in case there might be storm damage that needs to be reported to your insurance company.
National school voucher program included in ‘big, beautiful’ law, with no cap
By Shauneed MirandaA national private school voucher program is now law, though the school choice initiative comes with a huge caveat. States also choose — whether or not to participate. It’s a setback for advocates who hoped to see the program — baked into the mega tax and spending cut bill President Donald Trump signed into law on July Fourth — mandated in all 50 states.
BENTON COUNTY AUDITOR’S OFFICE FULL-TIME CLERK
The Benton County Auditor’s Office will be accepting applications for a full-time clerk through
Friday, July 25, 2025. The position will be responsible for assisting the Auditor and/or Deputy Auditor
with his/her duties including, but not limited to: working with governmental processes relating to
budgeting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, maintaining accurate real estate records,
fixed asset reporting, website maintenance, voter registration, as well as other routine clerical duties as
assigned including elections.
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