Derecho damage clean up and recovery continues dominating the activities of Benton County residents. Those looking for help and resources are invited to theBenton County Assistance Fair on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach at the Benton County Fairgrounds, 1801 2nd Avenue, Vinton, IA 52349. However, the Assistance Fair is open to everyone, whether or not they experienced storm damage. Attendees can enjoy a free meal and chances to win door prizes.
"The ISU Extension Council recognized there's a need for our community to come together and learn about the many resources available to help them. We decided an open house style event, with speakers sharing expertise on pertinent topics and a chance to talk one on one with service providers would be ideal in this time of crisis," said Greg Walston, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Benton County director.
The Benton County Assistance Fair is open to all and will include a free meal starting at 4:00 pm, provided by Merchant's Grilling. This is a family friendly event with kids activities, guest speakers, and partner booths. The talks will take place in the Beef Arena starting at 5:00 pm, with Mark Vitosh, Iowa DNR District Forester, discussing how to assess tree damage, and whether to save or replace trees. At 6:00 pm, Kristina TeBockhorst, ISU Extension and Outreach Ag Engineering Field Specialist, will talk about grain storage and harvesting issues brought on by the storm damage. The list of partners who are planning to provide information at booths and tables includes:
- Farm Bureau
- Friends of 4-H
- 4-H Foundation
- Master Gardeners
- Old School Produce Partners
- 4-H
- Human Sciences
- Farm Management
- Crop Specialists
- Crop Insurance
- Homeowners Insurance
- Trees
- Structural Engineer
- Benton Development Group
- Disaster Recovery Coalition
- Emergency Management
- BS Social Services
- Abbe Center
- Daycares
- Food Pantry
- Red Cross
- Salvation Army
- FSA
- NRCS
View the flyer here, and we'll see you tonight!