These are the following areas that are currently closed due to rising floods on the cedar river. 1. Wildcat Bluff Park, boat ramp 2. Benton City Park, boat ramp & bottom tent campground at Benton City Park. 3. Milroy’s Access 4. Hoefle-Dulin’s Campground 5. Vinton Boat Ramp near Dudgeon State Park These areas will be re-opened as soon as the floods subside and the roadways are clear for travel.

After two wins at East Marshall on Wednesday, the Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings are 2-1 on the 2013 season, and Coach Jim Struve is two wins away from joining the Iowa Baseball Coaches Association 500 Wins Club. The Vikings could give Coach Struve his 500th win tonight, as they host Independence in a varsity doubleheader.

The extra batteries are in the camera bag; the spare knee brace in the suitcase. As I prepare for a late week trip to Tennessee and Kentucky, I have one huge fear: That something big will happen in the news while I am away. So, I pray for rain. As I write this, the VS baseball team -- according to the Facebook updates from parents watching the VS/East Marshall double-header in Le Grand.

Benton County residents have the opportunity to help the American Cancer Society continue its 100-year fight against cancer by getting involved with the Relay For Life at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Track, Vinton, on Friday, June 7, beginning at 6 p.m. If you are a survivor, come and join fellow survivors in the celebration lap at 7 p.