Discounted trees available at distribution events this spring

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
March 4, 2026 1:02 pm

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through a partnership with Alliant Energy, is offering a mixture of hardwoods, low-growing ornamental and evergreen tree species for $25 each.

Iowan among U.S. service members killed by Iranian strike in Kuwait

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
March 4, 2026 11:35 am

In a statement from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, she said, "The Department of War has identified four Army Reserve soldiers with the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in action when Iran struck Port Shuaiba in Kuwait on Sunday.

Iowa Attorney General Bird stops at the Benton County Sheriff's Office

BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
March 4, 2026 11:27 am

We had the pleasure of welcoming Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office yesterday! During her visit, we provided a tour of our facility and had an open discussion about the issues currently impacting Benton County, as well as the proactive work and positive momentum happening within our agency.

Primary Season: First Candidates file to be on the June 2nd Primary Ballot

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
March 2, 2026 9:05 pm

The first candidate for the June 2, 2026 primary election ballot was Bethany Hantz. She filed her paperwork with the Benton County Auditor's Office bright and early on Monday morning, the first day that papers could be submitted.

Did You Know? Vehicle Registration

BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
March 2, 2026 1:21 pm

Iowa has a new temporary registration tag, which is designed to be tamper resistant and trackable. This new design allows officers to quickly distinguish legitimate temporary tags from fake tags.

Truesdell Judge: "His Unfathomable acts have caused immeasurable pain and loss"

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 27, 2026 5:47 pm

RecapLuke Truesdell was the man charged with the beating deaths of Romondus "Ro" Cooper, Amanda Parker, Keonna Ryan and Brent Brown in Hiawatha on June 5, 2024.

Rippel Advocates for County Priorities in Washington D.C.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
February 27, 2026 10:19 am

National Association of Counties Legislative Conference draws nearly 2,000 county leaders along with cabinet-level speakers, members of CongressBenton County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections, Hayley Rippel joined nearly 2,000 county leaders from across the country for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference February 21-24.

Palace Theatre Celebrates 25 Years

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 26, 2026 10:46 am

Abby Cronk spoke with the local Vinton Kiwanis Club on Tuesday. She shared that she's been with the Vinton Palace Theatre for 20 years and told of her experiences during her time there.

V-S FFA at Sub-District Contest

FFA
February 24, 2026 3:08 pm

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn Wednesday, February 18th, Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members traveled to Hawkeye Community College to compete in the Sub-District FFA Contest, earning impressive results.

Van Horne Woman arrested in Iowa City

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 23, 2026 1:45 pm

The Iowa City Police Department was dispatched to the Highlander Hotel on Highlander Place in Iowa City, just after 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 21.