News
Standing Together During Sexual Assault Awareness Month
This April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, renewing our commitment to supporting survivors. Our Safe at Home program provides crucial security for survivors by shielding their physical address from public records. Participants receive a legal substitute address, confidential mail forwarding, and they can vote safely and confidentially through the program - allowing participants to live active lives within their communities without fear of their address becoming public.
There is "Pork in the Pantry" at area Food Pantries
The Benton County Pork Producers are proud to participate in the Pork in the Pantry program, helping fight food insecurity in the county. This year, the organization donated $1,000 worth of pork to the Shellsburg Food Pantry and the Vinton Food Pantry, ensuring that families in need have access to high quality, nutritious protein. Organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Pork in the Pantry provides funding to help purchase pork for donation to local food pantries. Gov. Kim Reynolds signs ban on handheld cellphone use while driving
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.Reynolds was joined by more than 50 people in her office Wednesday, many of whom were related to people who had died because of distracted driving. The governor recognized the names of many of the people who lost their lives due to distracted driving incidents before signing the measure into law.
Tractors Take Over Vinton-Shellsburg for Annual FFA Event
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. 15 tractors were driven to school, filling the parking lot with everything from vintage to modern models. The event sparked excitement and pride among students, showcasing their love for farming and agriculture. Iowa State Fair T-Shirt Design Contest
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. The winning design will be featured on a T-shirt sold in the official Iowa State Fair Store, with proceeds supporting the Foundation’s mission to enhance and preserve the historic Fairgrounds.
50th Anniversary of Leaving Vietnam event for Veterans April 30
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.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. We will have a guest Chaplain opening the event followed by a guest speaker and dinner.This special event is for veterans and their spouses. Registration is not required.
Accident on Saturday: Bug 1, Minivan 0
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. Bridge near the 700 block. A passenger was also in the van, fortunately, both were wearing their seat belts when the accident happened. The two only had minimal injuries. State Auditor releases report on City of Center Point
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
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. The top 15 essay contest writers were presented with a medal and a laminated copy of their essay to take home with them. The Vinton-Shellsburg District had a total of 336 essay entries in grades 3-5. Science for All
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.