News Headlines

Relay For Life is more than just a fundraising walk. It is a community where everyone belongs. Relay celebrates cancer survivors and caregivers, honors loved ones, and helps fund the future of cancer research and care. The American Cancer Society is the largest nonprofit funder of cancer research in the United States. Our Benton County Relay community helps the American Cancer Society combat cancer right here in Benton County through advocacy, research, and patient support—to ensure everyone has the opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

After tens of thousands of dollars were misspent, Amber Bell, 41, former City Clerk for the City of Atkins, pled guilty to Felonious Misconduct in Office, a Class D felony. In exchange for admitting to the crime, the charges of Ongoing Criminal Conduct - Unlawful Activity and Unauthorized Use of Credit Card were dropped. Bell received a deferred judgment and will be on two years of probation.

Windsor Manor Assisted Living added a bit of fun to this May Day.A group of three ladies with smiles on their faces, greeted motorists and pedestrians who happened to cross at the corner of 4th Street and C Ave. The three delivered a May Basket to everyone they spotted.The baskets included flowers, a notepad, some sweet treats and a magnet - all courtesy of Windsor Manor Assisted Living.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn April 17th, 2026, The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter hosted their annual April Meeting alongside Officer Elections. Prior to the meeting vote, the officer candidates filled out an application, received character references and conducted adult panel and student nominating committee interviews. The 2026-2027 Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Officer Team is: Ciara Dods (President), Levi Lutz (Vice-President), Zoey McClintock (Secretary), Cole Birker (Treasurer), Abby McKenna and Raine Wheeler (Co-Reporters), Ali Lutz (Sentinel), and Madeline Pingenot (Officer-at-Large).

The Union Pacific will be bringing Big Boy No. 4014 through Benton County as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration. The world’s largest operating steam locomotive will pass through on its coast-to-coast tour.There were a total of 25 Big Boys built during World War II, but only eight survived, and No. 4014 is the only one still running.

The Vinton Community Foundation Board of Directors has announced the distribution of $51,575.13 in grants to the following non-profit organizations serving the City of Vinton.Local Option Sales Tax Fund & Vinton Community Foundation General Fund - $51,575.13.Vinton Shellsburg Community School District Sundown Mountain Ski Resort day for 5th grad

When longtime community blood drive leader Erlene McKenna passed away in 2010, there was an immediate need for someone to step forward and continue the important work. Newly retired Vinton-Shellsburg elementary teacher Kristie Davis didn’t hesitate.“I can do that!” she said.Davis had just retired from teaching and quickly stepped into the volunteer role, organizing the local blood drive and gathering friends to help make it a success.

It is almost that time of year again when rhubarb will be ready to harvest, and we’re reaching out for donations!This year, we are collecting fresh rhubarb for both the Vinton and Belle Plaine meal sites. Your donations help us provide delicious, home-cooked meals to members of our community, and rhubarb is always a seasonal favorite.If you have extra rhubarb to share, we would greatly appreciate your contribution.

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The Center-Point Urbana FFA Chapter had a phenomenal turnout at the Iowa State FFA Convention this past week. With incredible participation in LDEs, CDEs, and the state choir, the chapter's presence was strong in Ames. To begin, three events competed in LDEs and achieved high levels of success. The Conduct of Meeting team, consisting of Kolten McLaughlin, Brynne Hite, Tabitha Letts, Sophia Blackwell, Audrey Seiler, Emily Cue, and Kyla Russler, received a silver rating.