There are going to be strong to severe thunderstorms possible at times throughout the weekend.Key Messages● Occasional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected tonight through Monday (5/15 - 5/18), but with prolonged dry periods as well.

The Vinton-Shellsburg High School Senior Awards Night brought approximately $175,250 in scholarships and grants to the graduating class of 2026.Below is a list of the scholarships and award winners:Local ScholarshipsBenton County American Legion (Fritz Noren)……Aly Erickson, Olivia McDaniel, Gracyn KingsburyBenton County American Legion Auxiliary Merit (Ed Schaffer)………Teagan Salter and Gracie WhelanVinton American Legion (George G.

The Benton County, Iowa, Post 218 of the Amvets and Vinton, Iowa, American Legion George G. Luckey Post 57, Adjutant Doug Wood (left), with longtime Post 57 member Ken Silker, prepare to raise a new flag, obtained through Post 57, at the Lutheran Living Communities Campus.

The Kiwanis Club welcomed a new face this week as Brian Zoll — pronounced “Zole” — introduced himself, he is the City of Vinton’s new Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer.

By Co-Reporter, Raine WheelerWhile many are just beginning their spring planting, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter and Greenhouse Management class have already spent weeks preparing and managing their greenhouse.

At Virginia Gay Hospital (VGH), our mission is not only to provide exceptional care but also to foster a culture where employees feel empowered to make a difference every day.

The Benton County 4-H Livestock Skills interest group turned in a historic performance at the 2026 Iowa 4-H Livestock Triathlon in Ames. Held on the campus of Iowa State University, the Triathlon was a two-day event featuring competitions in Livestock Quiz Bowl, Skillathon, and Judging.

By:Shauneen MirandaThe federal student loan system is set to see a dramatic overhaul beginning this summer, and critics warn it likely will make loans more expensive and difficult to obtain for borrowers — driving them to private lenders or altering their plans for higher education.

The Mid-Iowa Youth Beef Team (MIYBT) has officially kicked off their 2026 May Beef Month celebration with a trip to radio station, KIX101.1.Team members Luella, Paisley, Josie, Jack, Aurora, Hayden, and Ray recorded radio spots with DJs Brandon Lewis and David Braga.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s investment supports locally led water quality projects in communities across IowaIowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the first-round of 2026 urban water quality projects, marking the start of a multi-phase investment that will bring new conservation practices to communities of all sizes across the state.