News

The city of Atkins issued the latest updates concerning road construction on in the area of US Highway 30 and 33rd and 32nd Avenues in the Off-Set Right-Turn Lane Project, as well as improvements to the Benton-Linn Road and Ellis Road.33rd Avenue at US Highway 30 -The contractor’s dirt crew started work on 7/1-Intersection will be closed beginning on Monday, 7/7 and will remain closed for 2-3 weeks-Paving crew to move in the week of 7/14- The contractor is hoping to be paving the right-turn lane the week of 7/14-Shoulder rock and traffic paint will be installed after the concrete paving has cured32nd Avenue at US Highway 30-Excavation crew to mobilize in approximately 2 weeks-The contractor will conduct work within the lane closure and the intersection remains open;-Once 33rd Ave is open to traffic.

The Vinton Public Library is a drop-off location for the HACAP food drive! Bring in your donations between now and July 12th, and we will deliver the food to a local food bank. Our drop-off box is located in our upper level next to the elevator.Drop off non-perishable foods here. Some suggestions are:Canned Fruits in juiceCanned VegetablesCann

Due to some technical difficulties, we were down for a little while today.There will be no email tomorrow, the Fourth of July.Enjoy this holiday weekend with your family!Here is a limited numbers of stories - just in case some may have given up on today’s email! These stories are specifically for the Fourth of July holiday. See you on M

If you are looking for some fun things to do on the 4th of July, don't forget to take the kids to enjoy the splash pad at Kiwanis Park, or enjoy some play time at Riverside Park, then swing by BL Anderson to check out the new look there! Grab a patriotic book at the library today to enjoy over the weekend!If you prefer a road trip this weekend, here are some activities around the state that you can enjoy over the fourth.

Due to changes in state law, there are now permitted times and locations for shooting off fireworks within the city limits of Vinton. Residents will not be in violation of the revised fireworks laws (Code of Iowa, Sec. 727.2) if they use their fireworks legally and responsibly during the following times.Permitted Fireworks Times (On Private Property Only) July 3, 2025 9 a.

The Vinton Public Library knocked it out of the park when hosting the "Touch a Truck" event on Tuesday morning. Children were able to explore everything from a Camaro to a fire truck.Available to visit with the children were able to visit with the Vinton Police Department and the Vinton Fire Department, as well as those in the community who brought their vehicles to be explored by wide eyed children.

By Faith Hunt NaturalistStep out at dusk and feel the eve of summer greet you. Feel the air as a new breeze moves in, making the midday heat dissipate with ease. Be still. Watch the grass follow suit. Steady as the atmosphere changes, so does the world around you. Did you feel that? Pg 5 On the Eve of Summer Enjoy the ever so beautiful sunset as it disappears over the horizon, trading its place in the sky with the crescent moon, and sparkling constellations.

This year the Benton County Fair awarded a new award to the Benton County Fair Queen Candidates. The award is entitiled the "Passion and Purpose Award." This was awarded to the candidate who the judges felt showed the most passion about Benton County. This award was given to Jaydn Weiser a 2025 Center Point-Urbana Graduate. The Miss Congeniality award was chosen by those in the Benton County Fair Queen contest and voted on among her peers.

We’re excited to welcome you back to the Atkins Roundhouse Area. While the space is still a work in progress, it’s ready for you to enjoy once again. You’ll notice there's still work to be done, and that’s because we’re committed to continuous improvement for the benefit of people and nature alike. We currently have tree replanting bids open, so if you or someone you know is interested in helping shape the future of this property, please help us spread the word! Thank you for your patience—and your passion for Benton County’s wild spaces.

A short video worth watching Wait for it... this could save your life | @SummerBreak 4The Iowa Department of Public Safety, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) are collaborating to educate the public on Iowa’s new Hands-Free Driving Law. Governor Kim Reynolds signed bill SF 22 into law on April 2, 2025, making Iowa the 31st state in the nation to enact hands-free legislation.