News

Benton County Emergency Management has released the following weather information packet. Please be aware that if there is severe thunderstorm warnings issued, sirens will sound. If you are outside and hear sirens, seek shelter immediately. 

Reinbeck Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Second Time             A Reinbeck man who obtained a significant quantity of methamphetamine from a source of supply that he had met in federal prison was sentenced June 23, 2025, to 20 years in federal prison.              Austin David Hansen, age 39, from Reinbeck, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 23, 2024 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after having previously been convicted of a serious drug felony.

By: Ali Lutz, Ag Journalism InternIn May, the students in the Ag Exploration class at Vinton-Shellsburg High School completed a hands-on project by building wooden benches as part of their Power, Structural, Technical unit. This project was more than just a chance to work with wood; it gave students the opportunity to learn valuable life and career skills.

The Vinton  high school class of 1960 will be having their 65th reunion at the Pizza Ranch in Vinton from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20th!Please share with all of our classmates!Questions? Contact Roger Rinderknecht. rogerrin@msn.com. 

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaOn Tuesday, June 10th, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter took part in the State Nursery Landscape and Floriculture CDEs and the District Livestock Judging Contest. The students represented their chapter well and gained valuable experience. The Nursery Landscape team of Andrew Pingenot, Wyatt Shaver, Abby McKenna, and Ali Lutz earned a Bronze Rating at the state level.

A boat overturned on the Iowa River near Chelsea at about 1:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. "Two people were safely recovered with only minor injuries," the Tama County Sheriff's Department reported. Also responding to the call were the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, Tama Police Department, Chelsea Fire, Belle Plaine Fire, and Belle Plaine Ambulance as well as nearby citizens also jumped in to help.

All Charges are subject to review by the Benton County Attorney's Office. An arrest or criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the Defendant is presumed innocent, unless proven guilty. Intrastate Warrants are issued by Law Enforcement Agencies for crimes happening in their jurisdictions.Arrests for the week of June 9-15, 2025:Blake Michael Driscol, 18, Dysart, IA – Failure to Maintain Control, Operating While Under the Influence 1st Offense, Possess/Purchase Alcohol by person 18/19/20 1st OffenseJeremiah Ray Mizerny, 37, Cedar Rapids, IA – Intrastate Warrant – Violation of ProbationShaun Alan Clinton, 43, Cedar Rapids, IA – Intrastate Warrant - Attempted Burglary 2nd Degree, Harassment 1st Degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance Marijuana 3rd or Subsequent, Possession of Burglar’s ToolsLogen Nolen Schmidt, 34, Cedar Rapids, IA – Operating While Under the Influence 1st OffenseDesiree Jewel Kerkman, 24, Van Horne, IA – Intrastate Warrant – ForgeryDeputies overes 2 accidents, 5 complaints, issued 6 citations and 8 written warnings.

A Belle Plaine man was killed in a two car collision last Thursday morning. The crash occurred in n Poweshiek County on Highway V18, north of 460th Avenue.The Iowa State Patrol said that James Jacobi, 70, was heading south in a Pontiac Bonneville. Another driver was traveling north in a Hyundai Sonata. The driver of the Hyundai crossed the centerline into the path of Jacobi.

The City of Vinton is accepting applications for a full-time Police Officer position with a proactive agency in a growing community.Vinton Police Officers work 12-hour shifts with every other weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) off. The current starting wage for a certified officer is $32.07 with the possibility of hiring incentives based on overall qualifications and certifications.

Highway 30 is expected to have construction on portions of the road in Benton County this week.Construction will be on the turn lane making improvements at the intersections of Highway 30 with 32nd Avenue and 33rd Avenue according to the Iowa Department of Transportation will begin The project will help to improve traffic in and out of the city of Atkins.