Introducing Little Miss Benton County

LITTLE MISS BENTON COUNTY
May 20, 2026 12:40 pm

We are excited to launch the Little Miss Benton County Program — a fun and encouraging program designed to help girls build confidence, leadership skills, friendships, and a love for community involvement and agriculture! This program is open to youth in Benton County and will provide opportunities to participate in local events, represent agriculture, and grow in a supportive environment.

Ike’s Sportsman & JAKES Day Brings Area Children to explore and learn

VINTON TODAY
May 19, 2026 12:12 pm

By Randy Scheel, PresidentBlue Creek Springtime MonarchsThe Blue Creek Springtime Monarchs and the Red Cedar Chapter of the Izaak Walton League hosted their annual event on Saturday May 16 at the Ike's facility north of Vinton.

Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Hosts “Boot Scootin” Fundraiser

FFA
May 18, 2026 3:22 pm

By Co-Reporter, Raine WheelerOn Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter hosted a community fundraiser at Kacena Farms, located outside of Vinton.

Reynolds signs law making animal torture a felony on first offense

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
May 18, 2026 3:21 pm

By Robin OpsahlTorturing a companion animal will be charged as a felony in Iowa under a measure signed into law Monday by Gov. Kim Reynolds.Reynolds, joined by lawmakers and advocates, signed House File 2348into law at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa shelter in Des Moines.

Weather Notifications for Benton County 5/18/26

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
May 18, 2026 10:10 am

Story Updated 5/18/26 with new information packet from the NWS.---Below is the weather packet from the National Weather Service concerning tonight's possible weather.

NEH & Freedom 250 Sponsor National Student Art Competition due June 1

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES
May 17, 2026 11:39 pm

Students in grades 3–12 invited to submit artwork inspired by important figures in American historyTo mark this year’s U.S. Semiquincentennial, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has committed $730,000 to sponsor a Freedom 250 national student art competition honoring important figures of American history.

Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District Honors 2026 Retirees & Award Winners

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
May 16, 2026 8:39 pm

The Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District proudly recognized its 2026 retirees and annual award recipients during a special Awards Ceremony and Public Open House held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.

Vinton-Shellsburg Summer Food Service Program 2026

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
May 15, 2026 6:40 pm

Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children at no charge and will be the same for all participants, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, or disability.

Vinton Public Library Community Input Survey time!

VINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
May 15, 2026 11:33 am

It’s time for our library’s annual community input survey! Please take a moment and help the library with your input!   https://www.surveymonkey.

Active Weather Pattern expected into Early Next Week

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
May 15, 2026 11:18 am

There are going to be strong to severe thunderstorms possible at times throughout the weekend.Key Messages● Occasional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected tonight through Monday (5/15 - 5/18), but with prolonged dry periods as well.