No Email on Memorial Day

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
May 22, 2026 9:43 am

Just a reminder that there will be no outbound email on Monday. I'll be uploading some things over the weekend so there might be a few things of interest.

Area Veterans Recognized by Quilts of Valor

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
May 21, 2026 11:50 am

There is a common thread woven through every Quilt of Valor ceremony, the belief among many veterans that someone else deserved the recognition more than they did.

Take a few minutes to fill out the annual Community Survey

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
May 20, 2026 1:21 pm

Below you will find a link to our annual community survey. We would appreciate it if you could take a moment to provide your responses. Gathering community feedback is one of our accreditation standards through the State Library of Iowa.

Vinton Police Chief warns residents - Don't get caught in a scam!

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
May 20, 2026 12:58 pm

The Vinton Police Department is reminding residents to stay alert as scam messages and fraudulent phone calls continue circulating throughout the area — and even Police Chief Ted Paxton recently found himself targeted by scammers.

Introducing Little Miss Benton County

LITTLE MISS BENTON COUNTY
May 20, 2026 12:40 pm

We are excited to launch the Little Miss Benton County Program — a fun and encouraging program designed to help girls build confidence, leadership skills, friendships, and a love for community involvement and agriculture! This program is open to youth in Benton County and will provide opportunities to participate in local events, represent agriculture, and grow in a supportive environment.

Ike’s Sportsman & JAKES Day Brings Area Children to explore and learn

VINTON TODAY
May 19, 2026 12:12 pm

By Randy Scheel, PresidentBlue Creek Springtime MonarchsThe Blue Creek Springtime Monarchs and the Red Cedar Chapter of the Izaak Walton League hosted their annual event on Saturday May 16 at the Ike's facility north of Vinton.

Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Hosts “Boot Scootin” Fundraiser

FFA
May 18, 2026 3:22 pm

By Co-Reporter, Raine WheelerOn Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter hosted a community fundraiser at Kacena Farms, located outside of Vinton.

Reynolds signs law making animal torture a felony on first offense

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
May 18, 2026 3:21 pm

By Robin OpsahlTorturing a companion animal will be charged as a felony in Iowa under a measure signed into law Monday by Gov. Kim Reynolds.Reynolds, joined by lawmakers and advocates, signed House File 2348into law at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa shelter in Des Moines.

Weather Notifications for Benton County 5/18/26

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
May 18, 2026 10:10 am

Story Updated 5/18/26 with new information packet from the NWS.---Below is the weather packet from the National Weather Service concerning tonight's possible weather.

NEH & Freedom 250 Sponsor National Student Art Competition due June 1

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES
May 17, 2026 11:39 pm

Students in grades 3–12 invited to submit artwork inspired by important figures in American historyTo mark this year’s U.S. Semiquincentennial, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has committed $730,000 to sponsor a Freedom 250 national student art competition honoring important figures of American history.