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News Headlines

Serving for Success: FFA Members Raise $14,665 in Volunteer Auction

FFA - April 17th 2026 9:22 am
Article Thumbnail. Auctioneer John Winkelpleck presenting the students that are attending the Washington Leadership Conference.
By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKennaOn March 31, 2026, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter hosted its annual Volunteer Auction, bringing together students and community members for one of the chapter’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Each FFA member donated eight hours of labor, which were auctioned off to local buyers. Community members could bid on a variety of services, including yard work, farm labor, babysitting, cleaning, and other household tasks.

BCHPC Announces K–12 Art Contest Honoring the Nation's Birthday

VINTON TODAY - April 17th 2026 9:13 am
The Benton County Historic Preservation Commission is pleased to announce the launch of its 2026 K–12 Art Contest, inviting students across Benton County to celebrate the nation’s birthday through original artwork. The contest encourages young people to explore themes of history, heritage, and community while expressing what the nation’s birthday means to them.
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Keep an Eye on the Sky

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - April 17th 2026 9:06 am
Be sure to pay attention to the weather from lunchtime until bedtime tonight. Watch for alerts that are sent and take them seriously. There is an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) for severe storms this afternoon and evening. The primary threats will be damaging winds (possibly significant) and tornadoes.● Initial afternoon storms to bring highest risk for tornadoes; coverage of storms to increase through the evening with damaging winds becoming primary risk.

Attorney General Brenna Bird Warns Iowans of Tax Day Scams

IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL - April 15th 2026 11:47 am
As tax season comes to a close, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird today announced tips to protect Iowans from tax and IRS scams. â€œYou can celebrate the end of tax season, but don’t let your guard down against scammers,” said Attorney General Bird. “They love to take advantage of Iowans any time of year, but post tax season it’s especially important to be vigilant.

VGH, UI ARC Mobile MAT Clinic, and BCOC Partner to Expand Access to Care

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - April 14th 2026 7:00 pm
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Pictured: Members of the Benton County Opioid Committee, University of Iowa Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (UI ARC) Mobile MAT Clinic team, and Virginia Gay Hospital staff gathered during a recent visit focused on expanding access to substance use treatment and community-based care in Benton County.__Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH) recently hosted the University of Iowa Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (UI ARC) Mobile Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Clinic, bringing expanded access to substance use disorder treatment directly to the local community.
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St. Mary's Catholic Church part of Catholic Church's reorganization

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 14th 2026 11:28 am
Article Thumbnail. Benton County map of the Catholic Church consolidations
The Archdiocese of Dubuque announced its plan to reorganize 160 parishes across Iowa into 24 pastorates beginning July 14, 2026. This yearlong “Journey in Faith” is aimed at strengthening evangelization, leadership formation and pastoral planning.Vinton's St. Mary's Catholic Church is on the list of congregations that will be dispersed to join other congregations.

Fisher Places First at the Boone Speedway

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - April 13th 2026 9:13 pm
Article Thumbnail. Joren Fisher chases down First Place at the Boone Speedway this weekend! - Photo courtesy of Motorsports Photography
To those in Vinton, we know there's a lot of talent when it comes to dirt racing. Vinton is the home to IMCA which is a large national organization that in the case of the Fisher family, they race under.  For Joren Fisher, racing runs deep as a fourth-generation racer on both sides of the family. The youngest in the Fisher family, Colten, will be jumping into a Hobby Stock race next season when he turns 14.

Cub Scout Pack 47 wants to turn Vinton Red, White, and Blue!

CUB PACK 47 - April 13th 2026 7:44 pm
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Hello Vinton Community!Cub Scout Pack 47 is holding their third annual flag fundraiser. We would love to have your support in honoring America and our veterans throughout Vinton's community.There are so many things about America that are wonderful but oftentimes we can find ourselves losing sight of these reasons in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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Active Weather incoming this week

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - April 13th 2026 3:18 pm
There will be several rounds of storms that are probable from this afternoon through Wednesday AM. The greatest  coverage and intensity of storms is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening.There is an Enhanced (level 3 of 5) risk for severe storms Tuesday along and north of an Ottumwa to Burlington line. All modes of severe weather will be possible.

Vinton Shellsburg Grand March kicks off Prom Night

VINTON TODAY - April 13th 2026 9:52 am
Article Thumbnail. Adele Gerard and Will McKenna
The guys and gals sparkled and wowed the audience who came out to enjoy the latest styles of the season. In formal wear, from the brightest colors of dresses and tuxedos, to the comfort of blue jeans and tennis shoes, students arrived at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Grand March on Saturday night. Introductions were made by Kelly Henkle. Once students had completed the march, they finished off the evening at Kacena Farms for their Prom night.
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