News

             A man who sexually exploited a child was sentenced January 25, 2024, to 30 years in federal prison.             Michael Heinitz, age 20, of Urbana, received the sentence after an August 4, 2023, guilty plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a child.  At the plea hearing, Heinitz admitted that, between August and September 2022, he recorded sexually explicit videos of a four-year-old girl.

In a document loaded onto the City of Vinton's website, an explanation is given for the increased water rates and what those proposed rates will look like.Please take a few moments to read through the document. If you have any other questions, there is a phone number located at the bottom of the form that you can call and ask your questions.The doc

Jeanette Henry was invited to be the Chairman of the Americanism Program as part of the Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. She wrote the program for Dru Novak, the VFW State President, in which Iowa children participated in for the VFW's essay writing contest. When Novak asked Henry to chair the program, Henry said that it would be her honor to do so.

In a statement read by Benton County Board of Supervisors chair, Rick Primmer the Board of Supervisors say that the released statement is to provide "accurate information about the work of the department of health." The editor notes that they did not say the Board of Health, which are two different government bodies.Throughout the statement, it refers to the former Board of Health who was fired but doesn't clarify if they plan to reinstate the board or appoint new members.

Advice on caring for animals when the temperature dropsWith more bitter cold days in the forecast, livestock and pet owners need to be vigilant about the care they give to outdoor animals.While many hobby farm animals in Iowa are well acclimated to lower temperatures, a few basic considerations can keep livestock healthy and comfortable throughout the winter months, according to Amy Powell, 4-H specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The conditions have continued to deteriorate this morning and more ice has been added to the roadways. School is cancelled for the day.We will make a decision on evening activities this afternoon. 

David Upah, a Sheriff Deputy for Benton County has announced his run to fill the seat of Benton County Sheriff in the 2024 election. Upah has served in Benton County for the past nearly 18 years in law enforcement. He began in 2006 as a Reserve Deputy and later on the Special Response Team and performed drug investigations and civil processes. As a road deputy Upah has been involved in jail operations, taking care of vehicle fatalities, homicides, and any kind of call that you can imagine.

Vinton Police Chief Ted Paxton has been a fixture in the Vinton area since he was appointed as the Vinton Police Chief in 2014. Paxton has had a long career in law enforcement. Before he arrived in Vinton. He completed his training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA)  and has served in the following positions: 1996 in Albion, Iowa as a Police Chief1999 he joined the Hardin Sheriff's Department in Eldora, Iowa 2007-2014 he served as the Eldora Chief of Police 2014-Present he has served as the Vinton Chief of Police In a news release, Paxton made his official announcement about his candidacy for the office of Benton County Sheriff in the 2024 election.

Do you know a child that loves to write or draw stories?!The Vinton Public Library is hosting a Kid Author Event. Local children are encouraged to write their own story and have a meet and greet with the public. Children will come to the event, share their story, sign autographs, and can have a chance to read their story aloud. There will be three age categories:*Kindergarten-2nd Grade *3rd-5th Grade *6th-12th Grade Writing Requirements: 1.

Photo DescriptionsBenton County Historical Society Presentation On behalf of the Benton County Historical Society, Andrew Elwick, presented the school district with four matted maps of the town of Vinton. Highlighting various famous buildings.Difference Maker PresentationMelissa Smith, Amber Foss, Melissa Dulin, and Jasmin Pottebaum have been nominated as true difference makers.