News
Property tax legislation expected in the 2025 session, legislative leaders say
By Robin OpsahlIowans should expect to see further property tax law changes brought up in the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers said Tuesday at the Greater Des Moines Partnership legislative leadership breakfast.Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner, House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl, House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst and Sen. Mike Bousselot, R-Ankeny, answered questions and talked about their caucus goals at the annual event Tuesday, going over objectives and expectations for the upcoming 2025 legislative session set to begin Jan.
Support Vinton Police Department’s “Holiday with a Cop” Event!
The holiday season is a time for giving, and this year, the Vinton Police Department is once again hosting its annual Holiday with a Cop event on December 15th! This special day brings joy and smiles to school-age children selected by Vinton-Shellsburg Community Schools, giving them a chance to shop with our dedicated officers and create lasting holiday memories.
Local Courthouse Shines Bright with Children's Art This Christmas
The Benton County Courthouse has embraced the holiday spirit with a heartwarming addition to its second floor: a beautifully decorated Christmas tree adorned with handmade ornaments created by local students.The colorful ornaments, carefully crafted and lovingly colored by kindergarten and first-grade art students from Vinton-Shellsburg schools, were brought to life under the guidance of art teacher Shayla Hemphill. Bauer Recognized for 35 years as the Harrison Township Clerk
ownship Clerk in rural Benton County. She came to the position originally at the request of one of the trustees, George Geater. She agreed to finish the term of Thelma Horak and then was elected to serve until this past election. 35 years later, she reflected on her time as the township clerk. Her responsibilities included budgeting the monies that came into the township, for caring for the Bear Creek Church property, managing cemetery funds, and expenses for the township owned properties. Deer hunters asked to help with monitoring chronic wasting disease
By Cami CoonsWild deer with chronic wasting disease have been detected in 25 counties, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which is seeking help from Iowans to spot the disease and limit its spread. The DNR is hosting a public meeting Dec. 5 on statewide management and surveillance efforts.Chronic wasting disease was first detected in Iowa in 2013 and is fatal to infected deer, though it has not been shown to infect humans. Benton County Conservation Complete Wildcat Bluff Expansion
After 18 months of dedicated work and unprecedented community support, Benton
County Conservation is thrilled to announce the procurement of funds for the Wildcat Bluff
Recreation Area expansion! As of now, this land remains private. With the funding secured, the
next step will be completing the transfer of the property over the next several months to make
this property available for public use. Supervisors Approve Opioid Program, Discuss Road Projects, EMS Funding & More
At last weeks Benton County Supervisors' meeting, they had a packed agenda covering everything from public health to road improvements.Tackling Opioid AddictionThe board took a significant step toward addressing opioid addiction by approving a new program in partnership with the Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC). A memorandum of understanding was presented to the board, and County Attorney Ray Lough explained that a committee had worked hard to craft a thoughtful plan that offers the most help.
Vinton Spreads Christmas Cheer
As the holiday season descends upon Vinton, the city transforms into a winter wonderland thanks to the dedication and creativity of city employees and local businesses. From twinkling lights adorning the streets to festive displays in shop windows, every corner of Vinton exudes the magic of Christmas.The City of Vinton employees work tirelessly each year to hang wreaths, and place snowflake decorations on 4th St. HAWKINS MEMORIAL LIBRARY DECEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER
Library Announcements
A Call for Helping Hands: Are you in need of volunteer hours for the Silver Cord? Do you have free
time on your hands? We can use your help! The Library is seeking adult volunteers aged 18 and up and young
volunteens aged 13-17. You can set your own volunteer schedule, and we always have projects.
Library Staff are auditing patron records, which is a standard procedure to ensure our records are
accurate.