Steffen named as 2026 Alexander Fellow

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
May 5, 2026 4:03 pm

Congratulations to our own Kelly Steffen, high school social studies teacher, on being selected as a 2026 Alexander Fellow through Vanderbilt University’s Lamar Alexander Initiative!This highly selective, national program brings together outstanding educators from across the country with a mission to strengthen the teaching of American history and civics in high schools.

Area businesses donate to Shellsburg's Summer Reading Program

SHELLSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY
May 4, 2026 11:47 am

"Plant a Seed, Read" is all about growing young minds, and we couldn’t do it without support like this! The Shellsburg Public Library would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Rural Electric Cooperative (ECIREC) in Urbana for their generous donation to our Summer Reading Program.

VGH Celebrates Nurses Week Honoring Local Caregivers Who Make a Difference

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL
May 4, 2026 11:45 am

As part of National Nurses Week, Virginia Gay Hospital & Clinics is proud to recognize the compassionate work provided by all the VGH nursing professionals who care for friends, neighbors, and families across the Vinton community every day.

Cottage Garden Society gifts Benton County Conservation with Donation

COTTAGE GROVE SOCIETY
May 3, 2026 1:59 pm

Captions: Group PhotoPictured are representatives of Benton County Conservation and the Cottage Garden Society. Left to right: Will Souer, Bucky Heick, Faith Hunt, Cara Harill, Rhonda McClintock, Aaron Askelson, Brenda Hackbarth, Dandi Armstrong, and Stan Geiken.

Vinton-Shellsburg Summer Food Service Program 2026

VINTON SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
May 1, 2026 6:09 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.

2026 BENTON COUNTY AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE

BENTON COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE
May 1, 2026 2:28 pm

Relay For Life is more than just a fundraising walk. It is a community where everyone belongs. Relay celebrates cancer survivors and caregivers, honors loved ones, and helps fund the future of cancer research and care.

Who says crime doesn't pay?

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
May 1, 2026 2:10 pm

After tens of thousands of dollars were misspent, Amber Bell, 41, former City Clerk for the City of Atkins, pled guilty to Felonious Misconduct in Office, a Class D felony.

Happy May Day!

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
May 1, 2026 10:54 am

Windsor Manor Assisted Living added a bit of fun to this May Day.A group of three ladies with smiles on their faces, greeted motorists and pedestrians who happened to cross at the corner of 4th Street and C Ave.

New Leaders Chosen for V-S FFA

FFA
April 30, 2026 11:38 pm

By: Co-Reporter, Bri DulinOn April 17th, 2026, The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter hosted their annual April Meeting alongside Officer Elections. Prior to the meeting vote, the officer candidates filled out an application, received character references and conducted adult panel and student nominating committee interviews.

Big Boy to stop in Belle Plaine on Monday, June 1

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 30, 2026 11:37 pm

The Union Pacific will be bringing Big Boy No. 4014 through Benton County as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration. The world’s largest operating steam locomotive will pass through on its coast-to-coast tour.