Jury finds Tacoa Talley Guilty of First Degree Murder

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 14, 2023 3:27 pm

After closing arguments at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Friday, the jury reached a vedict by 1:30 p.m. In the murder trial of Tacoa Talley concerning the death of Jodie Bevans, the jury found Talley guilty of first degree murder.

Tacoa Talley Trial Day 3 of Testimony

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 13, 2023 3:29 pm

Thursday's testimony began with the state's expert witness to explain the use of cellphone data in placing Tacoa Talley and Samantha Bevans' locations during the days prior to and the day of Jodie Bevans' murder.

Benton County Community Foundation's Impacts Highlighted in 2022 Annual Report

BENTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
April 13, 2023 1:31 pm

The Benton County Community Foundation’s 2022 annual report is now available on the Community Foundation’s website at www.bentonccf.org. The report highlights key impacts made and lists funds held with the Community Foundation along with grant-funded projects.

Eastern Iowa Honor Flight announces flight to Washington DC.

EASTERN IOWA HONOR FLIGHT
April 13, 2023 1:31 pm

 On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will launch Flight #46.  The mission of this non-profit organization is to provide veterans with a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to visit monuments and memorials built in honor of their service and sacrifice.

Day 2 Tacoa Talley trial

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 13, 2023 11:38 am

The second day in the murder trial of Tacoa Talley, opened with yet another witness on the stand. On the day before the murder, Samantha Bevans met a man, Jayson Wells who had been living out of his car.

Disc Golf is Coming to Shellsburg's Memorial Park

SHELLSBURG AREA COMMUNITY GROUP (SACG)
April 12, 2023 11:08 pm

Get ready for some outdoor family fun at Memorial Park this summer. SACG (Shellsburg Area Community Group) will be installing a six hole, family-friendly disc golf course in Memorial Park, along with the completion of the Memorial Trail loop and a 10-car parking area near the entrance.

It's the last time I'll ask this year...

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 12, 2023 12:10 am

This week will be a little different for news coverage due to the trial. Because I plan to be there most of the day, every day, I'll be working during breaks and at night, so I expect the outbound email might be a little light this week while I concentrate on that.

First day of arguments heard in Talley Murder Trial

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 11, 2023 11:18 pm

The first day of the Tacoa Talley trial began on Tuesday, April 11, 2022. Talley has been accused of murder in the death of Jodie Bevans of Palo. On Monday, 105 potential jurors arrived at the Benton County Courthouse.

Matching donations for the Benton County Fairgrounds

VINTON TODAY
April 11, 2023 10:30 pm

Benton County Farm Bureau will be holding a Matching Donation Drive to help raise funds for the Benton County Fairgrounds! These funds will be used to upgrade the beef arena, including new steel to replace damaged trusses, LED lights, and a new sign.

National Data Breach Impacts Some Iowa Medicaid Members

IOWA DEPT. OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
April 11, 2023 10:22 pm

Cyberattack Occurred On Contractor’s Computer System; Iowa Medicaid System Was Not BreachedThe Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces today that some Medicaid members’ personal information was compromised in a national data breach affecting a contractor’s computer system last year.