Ms. Matese shares the history of the Iowa College for the Blind

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
May 8, 2026 10:56 am

The Vinton Kiwanis had a unique presentation courtesy of member Carolyn Hibbs. She addressed the club as "Lorraina Matese" a teacher and matron at the Iowa College for the Blind, in the year of 1881.

Benton Community Seniors awarded more than $100,000 in Scholarships

VINTON TODAY
May 7, 2026 12:05 pm

On Wednesday, Benton Community School held the annual Decision Day 2026 and Senior Awards event celebrating the senior class.Students had an opportunity to share their plans for life beyond high school.

Proclamation Honoring the Rule of Law at America's 250th Anniversary

BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
May 6, 2026 12:46 pm

RESOLUTION #26-36PROCLAMATION HONORING THE RULE OF LAW AT AMERICA’S 250th ANNIVERSARYWHEREAS, As the United States prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary in 2026, The Iowa State Bar Association and The Iowa State Bar Foundation proudly recognize the enduring role of lawyers in shaping, preserving, and defending our constitutional democracy.

Center Point-Urbana Celebrate with FFA Banquet

FFA
May 5, 2026 4:08 pm

Kolten McLaughlin & Kinze Manson,Center Point-Urbana FFA Co-Reporters,On Sunday, April 26th, the Center Point-Urbana FFA chapter concluded its 2025-2026 school year with its annual banquet and awards ceremony to show the success of the chapter members throughout the year and install the 2026-2027 officer team.

Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Announces 59th Flight to Washington, D.C.

EASTERN IOWA HONOR FLIGHT
May 5, 2026 4:04 pm

 On Tuesday, May 12, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will depart on Flight #55, sponsored by the memorial donations received from family and friends in honor of veterans who have passed before us.

Steffen named as 2026 Alexander Fellow

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
May 5, 2026 4:03 pm

Congratulations to our own Kelly Steffen, high school social studies teacher, on being selected as a 2026 Alexander Fellow through Vanderbilt University’s Lamar Alexander Initiative!This highly selective, national program brings together outstanding educators from across the country with a mission to strengthen the teaching of American history and civics in high schools.

Area businesses donate to Shellsburg's Summer Reading Program

SHELLSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY
May 4, 2026 11:47 am

"Plant a Seed, Read" is all about growing young minds, and we couldn’t do it without support like this! The Shellsburg Public Library would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Rural Electric Cooperative (ECIREC) in Urbana for their generous donation to our Summer Reading Program.

VGH Celebrates Nurses Week Honoring Local Caregivers Who Make a Difference

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL
May 4, 2026 11:45 am

As part of National Nurses Week, Virginia Gay Hospital & Clinics is proud to recognize the compassionate work provided by all the VGH nursing professionals who care for friends, neighbors, and families across the Vinton community every day.

Cottage Garden Society gifts Benton County Conservation with Donation

COTTAGE GROVE SOCIETY
May 3, 2026 1:59 pm

Captions: Group PhotoPictured are representatives of Benton County Conservation and the Cottage Garden Society. Left to right: Will Souer, Bucky Heick, Faith Hunt, Cara Harill, Rhonda McClintock, Aaron Askelson, Brenda Hackbarth, Dandi Armstrong, and Stan Geiken.

Vinton-Shellsburg Summer Food Service Program 2026

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
May 1, 2026 6:09 pm

Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children at no charge and will be the same for all participants, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, or disability.