By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaThe Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter held its 96th Annual Awards Banquet, bringing together 39 members and 119 guests to celebrate a year full of growth, leadership, and achievement.

The Union Pacific will be bringing Big Boy No. 4014 through Benton County as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration. The world’s largest operating steam locomotive will pass through on its coast-to-coast tour.

By Co-Reporter, Raine WheelerOn Wednesday, April 29th, 2026, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter brought six members to Calmar to compete in the NE District Agricultural Mechanics CDE.

Members of the Vinton Guild of Fine Arts were the featured speakers at this week's Vinton Kiwanis Club meeting, where they shared the history, growth, and community impact of the local arts organization.

The Iowa Police Chiefs Conference was held in Coralville with the Vinton Police Department in attendance. The department was proud to officially accept its ILEAP Accreditation Award.

Just a reminder that if you haven't yet voted in the Primary Election yet, you still have a few days to vote early! This will decide who we vote for in November!Stop at the courthouse, go to the Auditor's Office - 2nd Floor, and the lovely people in the office can help you!If you are unable to stop in during the week, you can pop in on Saturday morning from 8:00 a.

Re-elect Lexa S Speidel for Benton Co RecorderVote June 2,2026* Your Benton County Recorder, serving residents for 20 years* Certified Recorder through Iowa County Recorders Association* Treasurer for Iowa 6th District Recorders* Member of Vinton Kiwanis ClubExperienced - Knowledgeable - Providing Friendly Customer ServiceIowa County Recorders are proud of their tradition and look forward to the future!I have been your County Recorder for 20 years and enjoy helping each and everyone who is and has been a customer of our office.

The Vinton Guild of Fine Arts has been planning the 2026 Community Mural, a public engagement project intended to involve artists and community members in together designing and producing the next mural in Vinton.

The Dysart Community Foundation is announcing the distribution of $12,700 in grants to the following organizations serving the City of Dysart.-Dysart Community Vacation Bible School: Funding assistance for materials and snacks-Norma Anders Public Library: Summer reading incentives and enrichment programs-Dysart Historical Society: Painting of the country school building-Dysart Cemetery Association: Installing block markers and a cemetery map-Dysart Recreation: L Screen for school softball field and the city park baseball field-Wolfcreek Players: Summer theater camp-Club Dysart: Activities for 4th of July Celebration & nation’s 250th anniversary-Union Middle School: Purchase equipment and supplies for Family & Consumer Science classes-Union Community Rec Soccer: Field striping machines-Vision Dysart: Funding the creation and installation of three original art panels on Main Street Dysart’s Pocket Park-Tama County Historical Society: Preserving and digitizing Dysart’s historical newspapersThis is the 27th year of awarding grants.

Friends, neighbors and families gathered at the historic Bear Creek Cemetery and Bear Creek Church over the Memorial Day weekend to honor the memory of loved ones and veterans who have passed away.