News Headlines

Jury begins deliberation in the Luke Truesdell murder trial

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - November 14th 2025 11:43 am

Article Thumbnail. Truesdell being handcuffed and arrested at the scene of the murders.

After nearly two weeks of witness testimony, evidence presentation, and security-camera video, the state delivered its closing arguments Thursday in the trial of Luke Truesdell, who is charged with four counts of first-degree murder. Truesdell was arrested in connection with the June 5, 2024, beating deaths of four individuals in Linn County. Security footage shows that Romondus Cooper was in the outbuilding where Truesdell followed and Amanda Parker of Vinton entered secondly.

Light Up Your Holidays with ACT I’s GENEVIEVE’S NUTCRACKER

ACT I OF BENTON COUNTY - November 14th 2025 11:28 am

Article Thumbnail. The Nutcracker's Red Cast is half of the team performing this weekend at the Palace Theatre

Area Community Theatre, Inc. (ACT I) of Benton County is once again thrilled to support the Vinton downtown holiday season as we present this year’s all-new production of GENEVIEVE’S NUTCRACKER November 17th through November 23rd at the Palace Theatre.Join Grandma and Grandpa Baxter (Sue and Dave Gates) as they share the timeless story of the Nutcracker with Granddaughter Genevieve, who is played alternately by Ava Sackett (Red Cast) and Savannah Grieder (Green Cast.

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Sergeant Smothers and Edo complete K9 Certification Training

VINTON POLICE DEPARTMENT - November 14th 2025 3:52 am

The Vinton Police Department is pleased to announce that Sergeant Darien Smothers and K9 Officer Edo, successfully completed their K9 certification training last month.Sergeant Smothers and K9 Edo are now a fully certified K9 team, trained and equipped to assist in a variety of law enforcement functions, including tracking, detection, and community safety operations.

Theisen's Awards Grants to area Organizations

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - November 14th 2025 3:51 am

Through its corporate giving program, Theisen's awarded a total of $400,000 to nonprofits in 24 store communities.Among the local recipients were:-Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition-Benton County Food Pantry-Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP) -Hiawatha-House of Hope-Shellsburg Public Library-Van Horne Firemen's Association-Vinton Public Library-Wesley United Methodist Church Theisen’s Home•Farm•Auto invites nonprofits in its Iowa and Wisconsin store communities – including Vinton – to apply for its 2025 More For Your Community grants now through July 31.

Support Virginia Gay Hospital by Adopting a Snowman

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - November 14th 2025 3:51 am

Kick off your holiday season with our Annual Tree Walk Celebration! Join us for treats and beverages, and enjoy a festive visit to the exhibit. Place your bids on stunning pieces for a chance to bring home a special gift, all while supporting a cause that enhances local healthcare services. Adopt-a-Snowman Mystery Draw! Adopt your snowman during our holiday Tree Walk and bring a little extra sparkle home for the holidays! Meet our family of over 35 hand-knitted snowmen.

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Join Santa for Cookies and Cocoa this Saturday at the Depot

BENTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY - November 14th 2025 3:50 am

Santa will be in town on Saturday, November 15 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the train depot in Vinton (612 2nd Ave.).Join us and share some free cookies and cocoa with Santa!There will be some photo opportunities available and professional photos will be available with Contessa Photography for a fee.

Great Bluegrass Herons & Friends Acoustic Christmas Program!

FARMERS MERCANTILE HALL - November 14th 2025 3:48 am

The Great Bluegrass Herons & Friends Acoustic Christmas Program is the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season! Join us for a Sunday afternoon of songs and stories of the season. Performers will include the Great Bluegrass Herons, Straightback Chair and Meg Merckens. These shows are wonderful! See you there!The fun will be on Sunday, December 7th from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

Virginia Gay Hospital's Tree of Lights tradition Recognizing those who Serve

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - November 12th 2025 9:22 pm

Scan the code to access online giving or use the form enclosed to return donations by mail or drop-off (see form for details). VIRGINIA WALCUTT GAYVirginia Gay Hospital began with a gift. Virginia Walcutt Gay gifted $50,000 to the City of Vinton in the early 1900s with the wish of establishing a community hospital. She gave back to a community she loved and cherished in honor of the health and well-being of the individuals living there.

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Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 11/4/25

HAYLEY RIPPEL, BENTON COUNTY AUDITOR - November 12th 2025 12:05 pm

November 4, 2025The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Tippett and Volz present. Chairman Seeman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public are invited to join in during open session or watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa.

Help us welcome Leah Isaacson, SLP, to Virginia Gay Hospital

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - November 12th 2025 12:04 pm

We’re excited to introduce Leah Isaacson, Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellow, as the newest member of our rehab team at Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH).Leah recently completed her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Iowa. She’s passionate about helping people gain confidence in their communication skills and loves working one-on-one with patients to make a difference in their daily lives.

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