News
New Benton County Leadership Sworn in
Thursday, January 2, 2025 was the first official day of the new term of Benton County's elected officials. Judge Christopher Bruns swore in the local elected officials including Sheriff Dave Upah, Auditor Hayley Rippel, County Supervisors Ronald Tippett, Bruce Volz and Tracy Seeman.Judge Burns mentioned that he swore in then Sheriff Tippett the first time and was honored to now administer the oath to Tippett as a supervisor. IOWA: No. 23 U-Haul Growth State
Migration Trends: Where People Moved in 2024Iowa is the No. 23 growth state of 2024, according to U-Haul® Growth Index data analyzing one-way customer transactions during the past year.The Hawkeye State inches up one spot from its 2023 ranking. It has been a net-gain state (with more U-Haul arrivals than departures) for the last three years.South Carolina climbs three spots to dethrone Texas as the No.
Take Action This January: People Are Not For Sale
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month - a time to recognize that every person deserves freedom and dignity. Through our Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) program, we empower community members to recognize warning signs and safely support trafficking survivors. Iowa businesses and organizations can take meaningful action by pledging to Learn Something and Do Something to combat trafficking in their communities.
V-S FFA Exceeds $40,000 Fruit Sales Goal: Leadership, Teamwork Efforts Shine
The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA conducted their annual fruit sales with great success. The chapter set an ambitious overall goal of $40,000 in sales, and through the dedication of its members, they exceeded their target. Each grade level within the chapter was assigned specific goals to contribute to the overall success. Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of students across most grades, many individual goals were also achieved, showcasing the collective effort and determination of the chapter. Santa‘s train stop in Shellsburg brings smiles to area children
The whistling of the train brought excitement as Santa arrived at the Shellsburg Public Library by train last week! The reindeer had to save their energy for their travels on Christmas Eve. When asked if he had hot chocolate on the train Santa said that he enjoyed coffee instead on his trip from the North Pole. Mrs. Claus also shared that they saw lots of deer and moose on the ride by train through Minnesota. Vinton Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase and Rollover in Riverside
A Vinton man is in custody following a high-speed chase that ended in a vehicle rollover and fire in Riverside early Thursday morning.According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the pursuit began shortly after 2:00 a.m. and reached speeds of up to 90 mph. The chase ended when the vehicle rolled over near 3184 Highway 22 in Riverside. The car caught fire but was later extinguished by emergency crews.
Young Philanthropist Waylon Struve Sets New Record with Pantry Donation
Seven-year-old Waylon Struve has once again made a big impact on the community with his annual donation to the Wesley United Methodist Church's pantry. Celebrating his birthday in November, Waylon’s efforts this year set a new record, as he donated an impressive 540 items—more than 200 items above last year’s total.Waylon’s tradition of giving started as a way to celebrate his birthday by helping others in need. Local Faith Partners In Action
Our local faith community came together to help those in need this month. So, what does “community” really mean?” The Oxford Dictionary lists one example - “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.”The middle school and high school Religious Education Classes of St Mary's Catholic Church, Vinton, had an idea to bless others this Christmas season. Vinton Today Christmas and New Year's Week Schedule
Over the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays, I will be doing something I've never done...I'm going to take some extra days off...just because. Say what? You can do that without getting a note from the doctor? Who knew! I started taking off the federal holidays a few years ago, but other than that, there really hasn't been any downtime where I'm away from the phone and computer for the past almost 15 years.