News Headlines

Tama County Man Wins $1 Million Prize

IOWA LOTTERY - December 26th 2025 5:52 pm

A Tama County man has won a $1 million Powerball® prize on a ticket he purchased in Benton County.William Zak of Dysart won big in the drawing on Dec. 20. His ticket matched the first five numbers and was just one number away from winning that night’s $1.434 billion jackpot, missing only the Powerball. It was one of eight tickets across the country to win a $1 million prize in that night’s drawing.

Local family suffers house fire on Christmas Eve

VINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT - December 26th 2025 5:41 pm

On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at 08:16 pm, the Vinton Fire Department was requested by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch to a private residence in the 1000 block of West 8th Street to a working structure fire reported to 911 by a neighbor.Vinton Fire responded to the scene with both command units (Chief Staab and Assistant Chief Wood), both city engines 719 and 711, and ladder truck 707 with a total response of 17 members with the first units arriving on scene at 08:23 pm.

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Christmas Eve Services

VINTON TODAY - December 24th 2025 10:21 am

Vinton Presbyterian Church, 608 1st Ave., VintonChristmas Eve Service at 7:00 PM Dec. 24th. Wesley United Methodist Church, 516 2nd Ave., VintonWednesday, December 24th - Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 5 pmTrinity Lutheran Church, 1002 E. 13th St., VintonWednesday, Christmas Eve, Candlelight Service beginning at 6:30 p.m.Thursday, Christmas Morning, we will have Divine Service beginning at 9:00 a.

Daily Email will resume January 5

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - December 24th 2025 10:19 am

I'm going to do something I haven't done in decades: I'm going to take a week off. Generally, the week between Christmas and New Year's is slow when it comes to news, however, I will keep an eye on things. Information that needs to be shared in a timely manner, will make the trip to your inbox. Things like meeting agendas, obituaries and any significant weather updates will go out.

Benton County Veterans honor the Fallen

BENTON COUNTY AMERICAN LEGION - December 23rd 2025 7:42 pm

Veteran members of the Benton County American Legion lowered the flag at their memorial along Highway 30. The Benton County Memorial flag was lowered to half mast to honor the Iowa National Guard members killed in action in Syria, Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown. Three other service members were injured during the incident in Palmyra, Syria.

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Garrison Lions bring Sunshine to the Community

GARRISON LIONS CLUB - December 23rd 2025 5:58 pm

Even though it was cold and snowy, the elves in the Garrison Lions packed Sunshine Baskets and delivered them all around the community. It’s always worth the effort to see so many smiling faces when they knocked on the doors! Each bag had a banana, orange, apple, a small loaf of homemade pumpkin bread, a bag of salted peanuts, candy, and a card from our Lions Club.

Final hours to give to the Salvation Army

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - December 23rd 2025 9:31 am

If you are out and about in the last couple of days before Christmas, don't forget to drop a donation into the red kettle at the local Fareway. Fareway staff will be ringing the bell on Wednesday, the 24th until the store closes at 5:00 p.m.If you can help the community with a donation, now is your chance! If you don't carry cash, you can donate by mail by making a check out to the Benton County Salvation Army, 1201 C Ave, Vinton, Iowa 52349.

Jeffery Diveley faces six more charges

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - December 23rd 2025 7:25 am

Article Thumbnail. Diveley leaving court following his sentencing in December 2024

The Benton County Sheriff’s Department released the arrest records which showed that the department has filed charges once again against, Jeffrey Diveley. Charges were once again filed against Diveley on December 15, 2025. The 65-year-old is currently serving a 40-year sentence at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Corallville on 14 previous charges.

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It's a Candy Cane Hunt Friday, December 26

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY - December 22nd 2025 2:54 pm

It's a Candy Cane Hunt for Kids!Can you find the candy canes hidden throughout the library? Stop in for some fun!When? Friday, Dec 26, 2025, 10:00 AMWhere? Vinton Iowa Public Library, 510 2nd Avenue, Vinton, IA, USA

Vinton Scout Pack 47 Brings Holiday Cheer to VG Nursing & Rehab Residents

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - December 22nd 2025 2:54 pm

Residents at VG Nursing & Rehab were treated to a heartwarming holiday performance as Vinton Scout Pack 47 shared festive music to celebrate the season and spread Christmas cheer.The Scouts’ performance reflected the core values of Scouting—service, kindness, leadership, and community involvement. Through their music and willingness to give back, the Scouts demonstrated how small acts of service can have a meaningful impact on others.

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