Gov. Kim Reynolds signs ban on handheld cellphone use while driving

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
April 3, 2025 10:02 am

By Robin OpsahlIowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law Wednesday a measure banning drivers from using cellphones behind the wheel outside of hands-free or voice-activated modes.

Tractors Take Over Vinton-Shellsburg for Annual FFA Event

FFA
April 3, 2025 9:48 am

By: Co-Reporter Sophia Newton  The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter hosted their annual Drive Your Tractor to School Day on Wednesday, March 26th, and it was a hit among the high schoolers.

Iowa State Fair T-Shirt Design Contest

IOWA STATE FAIR BLUE RIBBON FOUNDATION
April 2, 2025 12:44 pm

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is excited to announce a T-Shirt Design Contest, inviting Fair enthusiasts to submit their original and creative designs that truly embody the spirit of the Iowa State Fair.

50th Anniversary of Leaving Vietnam event for Veterans April 30

BENTON COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS
April 2, 2025 10:33 am

Benton County Veterans Affairs is hosting a dinner commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Leaving Vietnam. Join us at the Vinton Skate Center from 5-7 p.

Accident on Saturday: Bug 1, Minivan 0

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 1, 2025 1:09 pm

Early Saturday afternoon, an insect was the cause of an accident on 4th St. A minivan driven by a juvenile was trying to shoo the bug out of the window while approaching the 4th St.

State Auditor releases report on City of Center Point

IOWA STATE AUDITOR
April 1, 2025 1:06 pm

Auditor of State Rob Sand today released a report on the City of Center Point for the year ended June 30, 2024.  The report can be seen below.

VFW Auxiliary Post #2440 Presents Essay Awards to 3rd & 4th Graders

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 1, 2025 12:57 pm

The VFW Auxiliary Post #2440, a combination of Benton and Buchanan County Posts, presented awards to area students. The essay awards were presented last week at Tilford Elementary and Shellsburg winners this week.

Science for All

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
March 31, 2025 9:34 pm

By Faith Hunt, NaturalistA community scientist is someone who contributes to scientific research. Community scientists are people who have a little bit of time and interest in contributing to local and national data about the world around them! You don’t need advanced degrees or years of experience, just a passion for science, a willingness to help with research, and an eagerness to volunteer your time.

House votes to ban eminent domain for CO2 pipelines

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
March 31, 2025 1:20 pm

By Kami CoonsThe Iowa House approved a bill Wednesday that would stop pipelines carrying liquified carbon dioxide from using eminent domain. Six other bills related to carbon sequestration pipelines, eminent domain and the Iowa Utilities Commission were combined into one bill, which also advanced.

This is only a drill, until it's not

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
March 28, 2025 1:35 pm

On Friday morning, students at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School were tested on their fire drill response, and they performed perfectly!Just before noon, they were tested again, but this time it was a real life situation.