Local family suffers house fire on Christmas Eve

VINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
December 26, 2025 5:41 pm

On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at 08:16 pm, the Vinton Fire Department was requested by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch to a private residence in the 1000 block of West 8th Street to a working structure fire reported to 911 by a neighbor.

Attorney General Brenna Bird Secures Settlement with Menards

IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL
December 24, 2025 10:43 am

Attorney General Brenna Bird today announced a multistate settlement with Menard Inc. d/b/a Menards, the home improvement retail chain. The settlement resolves claims made in 2020 that the company incorrectly marketed its Menards 11% Rebate Program.

Daily Email will resume January 5

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 24, 2025 10:19 am

I'm going to do something I haven't done in decades: I'm going to take a week off. Generally, the week between Christmas and New Year's is slow when it comes to news, however,  I will keep an eye on things.

American Legion 57 Assists with Toy Drive

AMERICAN LEGION GEORGE G. LUCKEY POST 57
December 23, 2025 11:09 pm

In the past (and present) Koop's has partnered with the American Legion Post 57. It only made sense to support the Christmas Toy Drive with a $200 donation to help support those who may lack resources for a memorable Christmas season for their family.

Benton County Veterans honor the Fallen

BENTON COUNTY AMERICAN LEGION
December 23, 2025 7:42 pm

Veteran members of the Benton County American Legion lowered the flag at their memorial along Highway 30. The Benton County Memorial flag was lowered to half mast to honor the Iowa National Guard members killed in action in Syria, Sgt.

Garrison Lions bring Sunshine to the Community

GARRISON LIONS CLUB
December 23, 2025 5:58 pm

Even though it was cold and snowy, the elves in the Garrison Lions packed Sunshine Baskets and delivered them all around the community. It’s always worth the effort to see so many smiling faces when they knocked on the doors!     Each bag had a banana, orange, apple, a small loaf of homemade pumpkin bread, a bag of salted peanuts, candy, and a card from our Lions Club.

Iowa 4-H Judging Team Breaks into Top 5 at American Royal

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
December 23, 2025 5:57 pm

The Iowa 4-H Livestock Judging Team delivered an outstanding performance at the American Royal Livestock Judging Contest, earning multiple top 10 finishes and placing fifth High Overall Team among some of the nation’s strongest competitors.

Grinch spotted at Vinton Lutheran Home

VINTON LUTHERAN HOME COMMUNITIES
December 23, 2025 5:57 pm

The Grinch was spotted at the local Lutheran Living Communities this past week. He was spreading some holiday mischief and bringing endless laughter a

Final hours to give to the Salvation Army

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 23, 2025 9:31 am

If you are out and about in the last couple of days before Christmas, don't forget to drop a donation into the red kettle at the local Fareway. Fareway staff will be ringing the bell on Wednesday, the 24th until the store closes at 5:00 p.

Attorney General Brenna Bird Announces Multi-State Settlement with Mercedes-Benz

IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL
December 23, 2025 8:50 am

Attorney General Brenna Bird today joined a coalition of 50 attorneys general announcing a $149,673,750 settlement with Mercedes-Benz USA and Daimler AG for violating state laws prohibiting unfair or deceptive trade practices by marketing, selling, and leasing vehicles equipped with illegal and undisclosed emissions defeat devices.