Schwab, 2nd Place at Regional National Geography Bee, Internationals Bound!

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
March 19, 2026 7:24 pm

Keegan Schwab, has always had a passion for learning about the world. As a result, he placed second in a regional National Geography Bee, which is an incredible achievement for someone in the 6th grade.

Wesley United Methodist Church provides food to area families each month

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
March 19, 2026 7:04 pm

On the third Saturday, Wesley's Mobile Food Pantry provides food to area families. Last month, approximately 70 area families benefited from the generousity of the organization.

Welcome Our New North Unit Park Ranger!

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
March 19, 2026 12:53 pm

By Austin Wille, North Unit Park RangerHello! My name is Austin Wille, the North Unit Park Ranger for Benton County Conservation. I will be stationed at Rodger’s Park in Vinton, but work at all the parks and recreation areas all across the county as needed.

80th Baby Girl saved through Iowa's Safe Haven Act in March

IOWA HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
March 18, 2026 4:44 pm

Through the Safe Haven Law, a baby girl, born March 6 is now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be placed with a foster family until permanent placement is determined.

Iowa Nurse Leaders Day on the Hill

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL
March 18, 2026 3:54 pm

More than 240 Iowa Nurse Leaders Gather at the State Capitol for Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership Day on the HillOn Wednesday, March 11, more than 240 nursing leaders and advocates, representing 76 Iowa hospitals and health systems across the state, gathered at the Iowa State Capitol for the Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership (IONL) annual Day on the Hill.

ECICOG Announces First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program

ECICOG
March 18, 2026 11:51 am

Editor's Note: For residents of BENTON, IOWA, JONES AND WASHINGTON Counties. ---The East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG), in partnership with the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and the East Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund, is pleased to announce the availability of the First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program, designed to help low- to moderate-income households achieve affordable homeownership.

Vinton Community Foundation Accepting Grant Applications through April 15

VINTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
March 18, 2026 9:22 am

Left to right:Dakoda Sellers — representing Vinton City CouncilKyle Koeppen — representing the Vinton Shellsburg School DistrictKristine Horst — representing Vinton UnlimitedDeb Wilberg — representing Farmers Savings Bank & Trust Absent: Anne Williams representing the Vinton Area Ministerial Association.

George G Lucky American Legion Post 57 donates to the Iowa Veterans Home

VINTON TODAY
March 18, 2026 8:32 am

The George G Lucky American Legion Auxiliary Post 57 of Vinton, Iowa recently donated funds in the amount of $11,919.90 to the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa for the purchase of three Blanket Warmer Cabinets.

Pork in the Pantry By BENTON COUNTY PORK PRODUCERS

BENTON COUNTY PORK PRODUCERS
March 16, 2026 10:29 pm

The Benton County Pork Producers are proud to participate in the Pork in the Pantry program again this year, helping to fight food insecurity in Benton County.

Van Horne, Urbana and Atkins Family Medical Clinics closed or closing early

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL
March 16, 2026 10:35 am

Van Horne & Urbana Family Medical Clinics are closed today due to the weather.Atkins is closing at 4pm.