The women of Benton have defied tradition, and they have enjoyed unusual success in our local government.

Since 1962, the mayor and the council have been all women; all elected on write-in votes.

Our Mayor Helen BLUNCK with council members Dorotha HALEY and Vi NICKLES have served on the council for 24 years.

Our first council consisted of Mayor Helen BLUNCK; council members: Wilma SCHALPIA, Iona GROVES, Vi NICKLES, Dorotha HALEY, Margaret LANE, and Lela CAMPBELL. The first council was very successful; they managed to balance the budget, pay our debts, and work on the roads.

building, where the [people of] Benton meets for business and pleasure.

They have kept up our roads, and by cleaning up old buildings and mowing the weeds, have made Benton a clean little town and we are debt-free.

Our present council consists of Mayor Helen BLUNCK; council members: Dorotha HALEY, Vi NICKLES, Joan STRINGHAM, Karyn GRAHAM, Mary SWANK, treasurer, and Jerri GRAHAM.

SOURCE: 1887 - Benton, Iowa Centennial - 1987. p. 117. Courtesy of Mount Ayr Public Library, Mount Ayr IA

Transcriptions and notes by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2012

Return to Ringgold County Home Page

To submit your Ringgold County materials, contact The County Coordinator.
Please include the word "Ringgold" in the subject line. Thank you.