Local farmer, Mark Happel entered a contest that was held by the Monsanto Seed Company. Mark signed up for the seed company's Grow Communities contest at a farm show earlier this year and was the winner for Benton County. He was able to name a community organization that would receive the $2,500 award. Mark chose the Vinton Fire Department because to thank the department for responding to a couple of brush fires near his residence.

At the City Council Meeting on April 22, 2010, Matt Blythe from Monsanto joined Mark Happel to present the award to VFD Chief Gary McKenna and Mayor John Watson.

In the picture, from left to right, are VFD Fire Chief Gary McKenna, Mark Happel, Mayor John Watson and Matt Blythe.