We Have A New Animal Ambassador!

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
December 21, 2025 1:04 pm

By Aaron Askelson, Naturalist Our newest animal ambassador is a western hognose snake aka plains hognose snake. We received this male snake from a research project that is being conducted by West Liberty University in West Virginia.

Sue Gates retires after 22 years with Grant Wood

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
December 21, 2025 1:03 pm

After 22 years of dedicated service, Sue Gates has officially retired from the Grant Wood AEA Board of Directors. She faithfully represented Vinton-Shellsburg and our broader AEA region.

Christmas Comes Early for possible Benton County Resident

IOWA LOTTERY
December 21, 2025 1:00 pm

Library Hours over the Christmas Holiday

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
December 18, 2025 12:13 pm

The following will be hours during the holidays for the Vinton Public Library.Wednesday, December 24th - 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.Thursday, December 2

Deck the House Winners Announced

VINTON PARKS & RECREATION
December 18, 2025 12:12 pm

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Deck the House Holiday Lights Contest and to the committee members who volunteered their time to vote.

Possible slick weather and high winds headed our way today

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
December 18, 2025 10:47 am

A band of moderate rain with embedded brief heavy downpours is expected this morning. â— Strong winds gusting up to 45 mph. There could be some south/west gusts near 40 mph this morning.

Schwenker recognized by VSCSD Board as December's Positive Difference Maker

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
December 17, 2025 4:50 pm

The Vinton-Shellsburg Board of Directors met on December 15th for its regular monthly meeting.The meeting opened with recognition of Leon Schwenker as the district’s December Positive Difference Maker.

Vinton Kiwanis bring Santa and Christmas to Area Children

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 16, 2025 11:52 pm

The magic of Christmas made a special stop in Vinton on Tuesday when the Vinton Kiwanis Club welcomed a very important visitor to Pizza Ranch — Santa Claus himself.

Skijoring - a Winter Sport to Enjoy with Equines or Canines

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
December 16, 2025 5:09 pm

By Cecilia Dirks, Office CoordinatorWith winter setting in and predictions for more snow (maybe) this year, I have been looking for different winter activities to get me outside enjoying the outdoors.

Attorney General Brenna Bird Sues Roblox for Endangering Iowa Children

IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL
December 16, 2025 1:36 pm

Attorney General Brenna Bird announced today she has sued the online gaming company Roblox for failing to take necessary steps to protect Iowa kids from sexual exploitation, facilitating distribution of child sex abuse material, and failing to warn Iowa parents of the ongoing sexual exploitation of children occurring on Roblox.