News
Veteran's Affair under new leadership in Benton County
One of the state-mandated departments funded by Benton County is the Benton County Veterans Affairs Department. This office serves veterans of every age. It doesn't matter if you're young, middle-aged, retired, or years past retirement, you really should stop and talk with Courtney Long. You might recognize Courtney from seeing her in the Auditor's Office over the last four and a half years. IA Senate approves bill on arming school staff, providing immunity to districts
By Robin OpsahlThe Iowa Senate approved a bill Wednesday that would create a permitting system for Iowa school employees wanting to carry firearms on school grounds.House File 2586, approved on a 30-14 vote, would allow school employees who meet training requirements to receive a permit through the Iowa Department of Public Safety for carrying a firearm on school grounds.
Gates submits resignation from 4th Ward Council Seat
The Vinton City Council received a recognition letter from 4th Ward Councilwoman, Bethany Gates. She will be moving away from the area, and her resignation will take effect at the end of April. Gates was appointed to fill the 4th Ward seat following the sudden passing of Councilman Nathan Hesson in January of 2021. With the blessing of Nathan's wife Ashley, and his family she took the oath of office the following March. Benton County releases possible road and bridge projects for 2024 and 2025
At Tuesday's Supervisor meeting, Benton County Engineer spoke to the supervisors. Along with the budget discussion, he shared with them maps of some of the proposed road and bridge projects that the county might see over the next two years. I have attached the maps below for drivers to consult over the next few months. (The maps are much clearer to read if you hit the three dots to the top right of the images below and download the file to your computer, and then open it. Secretary Naig Invites Students to Enter the 2024 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest
Contest winners to be honored at the 2024 Iowa State FairIowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging school-aged Iowa students to participate in the 2024 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest hosted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, Iowa raised and Iowa made products.
Operation Quick Find
UPDATE:The Benton County Sheriff’s Office reports that missing Rhiannon (Rainy) Walter, age 11, was located in Keystone IA at about 310 PM on 4-11-24. She was found unharmed but is being medically evaluated at this time.A large number of State, Federal, and local agencies, along with a substantial number of volunteers assisted in a prolonged search. During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Iowans Must Stand with Victims
by Rob Sand, Iowa State AuditorLots of topics get swept under the rug because they’re not comfortable for us to confront. Sometimes we’d rather pretend the problems don’t exist or couldn’t happen in a place like Iowa. But they do, and it can happen anywhere—even in our great state. It is our obligation to confront them in order to solve them. Missing Report Canceled
The Missing Person Report issued on 4-2-2024 regarding Zander McClintock has now been canceled.On 4-9-2024, Benton County Deputies located the vehicle of the missing subject approximately 5 miles south of Vinton in Benton County. Human remains were located at the scene.The initial investigation of the scene suggests that the incident was the result of a motor vehicle accident, and foul play is not suspected.
House passes bill adding regulations, limits on traffic cameras
By Robin OpsahlThe Iowa House approved a bill Tuesday to regulate traffic cameras, despite criticisms from some lawmakers who said the bill unfairly limits local control, and others who said the automated traffic enforcement systems should be entirely banned.Iowa lawmakers passed House File 2681 on a 85-12 vote after approving an amendment brought forward by Rep.
Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery of Large Quantity of Meth and Federal Sentence
A woman who possessed over 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than seven years in federal prison. Rebecca Ann Rose, age 36, from La Porte City, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 6, 2023 guilty plea to possessing at least 50 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.