Gov. Reynolds opts into federal education tax credit program

IOWA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE
January 8, 2026 11:50 am

 Today, Governor Kim Reynolds announced her plan to opt into a federal education tax credit program, set to begin in 2027, that will expand school choice in Iowa.

Iowa to scrap Healthy Kids Iowa in favor of federal, summer feeding program

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
January 8, 2026 11:47 am

State restrictions on sugary drinks and snacks will apply to the programBy Cami KoonsEligible Iowa households can receive a monthly allotment to spend on certain food items at the grocery store throughout the summer now that Iowa plans to participate in the federal summer feeding program.

Belle Plaine, Center Point and Van Horne receive DNR Fire Assistance Grants

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
January 8, 2026 11:46 am

Nearly $350,000 in 50 percent cost-share grants were recently awarded to 105 Iowa rural fire departments to help their efforts to protect Iowan’s and their property from wildfires.

Shellsburg Public Library Recap of 2025

SHELLSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY
January 7, 2026 1:07 pm

Thanks to generous grants and funding, 2025 was a wonderful year of growth and updates for Shellsburg Public Library.Kicking off 2025, Shellsburg Public Library received a grant from the Benton County Community Foundation that made interior painting updates possible, giving our space a fresh, welcoming look.

2025 Calendar Year Breaks Record for Great Iowa Treasure Hunt

IOWA TREASURER
January 7, 2026 1:06 pm

State Treasurer Roby Smith announced 2025 was a record-breaking calendar year for reuniting unclaimed property from Great Iowa Treasure Hunt with individuals and businesses.

VS FFA Annual Fruit Sales Fundraiser!

FFA
January 6, 2026 11:53 am

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaThe Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter recently wrapped up its annual fruit sales fundraiser, which took place over the past couple of months.

Benton County Sheriff's Department answers 11,464 calls in 2025

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
January 6, 2026 11:52 am

At the end of the Benton County Sheriff's Office list of arrests for the week, was this small note."For 2025, Benton County Deputies issued 577 citations, 685 warnings, and investigated 226 motor vehicle accidents.

Stacy Diveley Facing Six Additional Charges

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
January 5, 2026 5:44 pm

An arrest warrant went out on December 3, 2025 for Stacy Diveley. Diveley, formerly of Shellsburg, is currently serving time in the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville.

Community Bell Ringers included...a goodhearted Karen

SALVATION ARMY OF BENTON COUNTY
January 5, 2026 1:11 pm

Karen offers to ring the bell every day of the season!   Now that's a giving heart!Several area folks helped to be bell ringers for the Red Kettle Drive as part of the efforts by the Benton County Salvation Army.

Community Bell Ringers included...Santa and Mike

SALVATION ARMY OF BENTON COUNTY
January 5, 2026 2:30 am

Mike, who looked an awful like another guy that's been making the rounds this year! Mike served on a cold winter evening helping to raise money for the Red Kettle Drive as part of the efforts by the Benton County Salvation Army.