News briefs

Amana, Benton County receive Paint Iowa Beautiful grants

Amana Colonies Historical Sites Foundation and Benton County Conservation were among 87 organizations awarded 2025 Paint Iowa Beautiful grants by Diamond Vogel and Keep Iowa Beautiful.

This long-standing partnership supports community betterment projects across the state by providing free paint for initiatives that improve public spaces such as historic buildings, libraries, schools, parks and community facilities, Diamond Vogel said in a press release.

In its 21-year partnership with Keep Iowa Beautiful, Diamond Vogel has awarded enough paint to cover over five million square feet of surface area, supporting 1,564 community projects throughout Iowa, the press release said.

To learn more about Paint Iowa Beautiful, visit keepiowabeautiful.org/grants-scholarships/grants/paint-iowa-beautiful/.

Digging in the Dirt: A family activity

Libraries in Marengo, North English, Victor and Williamsburg, in partnership with the Iowa County Master Gardeners will host Digging in the Dirt, a family activity, May 17 at 10 a.m.

Participants will learn about potting and taking care of plants. They’ll will receive their own wheelbarrows, watering cans and trowels. They’ll plant seeds and plant corms, transplant seedlings and plant sedums. Each family will receive a kit for $10.

Registration opens at each library April 21 and will remain open until the session fills. Adults must accompany their children to this event.