News Headlines

Iowa Agricultural Delegation Explores Trade Opportunities in Central America

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - March 7th, 2025 8:09 am

Article Thumbnail. Pictured in the front row in the center is Secretary of Ag, Mike Naig. Directly behind him and to his right is Brian Carlson, Iowa Corn Producers

This past month, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and a 13-member delegation returned from a trade mission to Costa Rica and Guatemala. The trade mission was coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and included representation from Iowa’s meat and grain commodity groups. The purpose of the mission was to foster trade opportunities as the State of Iowa advocates for the export of high-quality, Iowa grown corn, soybeans, pork and beef products.

Do you have a special Veteran that you'd like to honor?

VINTON PARKS & RECREATION - March 6th, 2025 11:49 am

Would you like to recognize a veteran in your life with a banner displayed proudly on downtown light poles? Now’s your chance! Banners will be hung from June-August. These banners serve as a tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country.How to order- Fill out a form and bring it to the Vinton Recreation Center with payment. (Cash or Check) Cost: $200Deadline: May 6th, 2025Click the link below for the form and more information.

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Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Week: A Farm-Tastic Celebration of Spirit & Success!

FFA - March 6th, 2025 10:24 am

Article Thumbnail. Members Megan Schlitter, Bri Dulin, and Will McKenna gifted Bob Hanson from Pioneer with cookies and a poster to hang in the office.

By: Co-Reporter, Izzie BirkerVinton-Shellsburg FFA Week 2025 was packed with exciting events for everyone to enjoy before, during, and after school. The week kicked off on Monday, February 17, with America Monday, where students were encouraged to wear red, white, and blue. During Advisor, there was "Animal" Yoga, and in the evening, the annual Family Reunion Dinner & Fundraiser took place at Pizza Ranch starting at 4:30 P.

Benton County Hosts 10th Annual Health & Wellness Fair

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - March 5th, 2025 10:47 am

The Benton County Community Health and Wellness Fair returned for its 10th year on Saturday, transforming Vinton-Shellsburg High School's gym into a hub of health resources and community support. The event aimed to connect residents with local services, providing health screenings, demonstrations, and information from numerous organizations.Attendees received free goodie bags filled with resources from participating groups, which ranged from healthcare providers to legal aid and senior services.

Kiwanis continue to benefit the community

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - March 3rd, 2025 9:40 pm

With a steady line of folks, for most of the morning, the Vinton Kiwanis served 430 hungry folks on Saturday morning. The Vinton Kiwanis organization is responsible for several projects in Vinton. They use fundraisers like their pancake breakfast to help support their activities. Proceeds from fundraisers throughout the year go to various communi

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Belle Plaine man removed from his residence and arrested

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - March 3rd, 2025 10:51 am

Belle Plaine residents reported on Friday morning shortly after 6:00 a.m. that in the northwest side of the town, that there was a heavy law enforcement presence. This was followed by what residents assumed was a "flash bag" or a loud boom near a residence in the area of 5th Ave. The Belle Plaine Police Department shared the following press release:Belle Plaine Police Department released the following on Friday: On February 25, 2025, a report was received that William Atkinson, 31, of Belle Plaine had made threats towards a financial company.

Emergency Response from across the County and Beyond rushes to extinguish Fire

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - March 3rd, 2025 10:26 am

Article Thumbnail. The fire on Friday was picked up on radar which tracks wildfires, a map that we don't want to be on!

Correction: This fire was handled and coordinated by the Garrison Fire Department and Emergency Services. My apologies to the great men in Garrison!---Friday afternoon was a bad combination of earth, wind and fire. With winds gusting from 35 mph up to 45 mph it was the worst time to have a field fire. Unfortunately, the local fire departments were faced with that very challenge.

Grilled Pork Loin Supper, Saturday, March 8, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

VINTON TODAY - February 28th, 2025 12:28 pm

An event sponsored by the Brandon Fire and EMS will be held on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.The event will be held at the Brandon Area Community Center.The cost is a free will donation. This event will be replacing the Auction that was held in October.The menu this year consists of: Grilled pork loin, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, dinner roll and dessert.

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Auschwitz Virtual Live Tour On Screen at the Van Horne Library - April 4-7

VAN HORNE PUBLIC LIBRARY - February 27th, 2025 11:46 am

We are thrilled to offer the Auschwitz Virtual Live Tour On Screen at the Van Horne Library. Understand the Holocaust, the History, and the Horrors of the Concentration Camps in a raw, real, and thought-provoking way. We will be showing this virtual tour on our library's big screen television. This interactive virtual tour offers interviews, tours of places, and important historical details.

Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Excels at Southwest Sub-District Competitions

FFA - February 24th, 2025 8:25 pm

Article Thumbnail. Back Row (Left to Right): Andrew Pingenot, Leif Allen, Jameson Demuth, Jonah Meyer, Levi Lutz, Zane Helter, Steven Rogers, Jazmyn Dods, Will McKenna. Middle Row: Cole Birker, Landon Wygle, Alana Fleming, Kara Rollinger, Ali Lutz, Bri Dulin, Eleanor Moen,

By: Co-Reporter, Sophia NewtonVinton-Shellsburg FFA members showcased their skills and dedication at the Southwest Sub-District competitions, held at Hawkeye on Wednesday, February 19th. Competing in a variety of events, the chapter demonstrated strong performances, earning multiple top placements. In Ag Broadcasting, Raine Wheeler secured a second-place gold rating, while Izzie Birker took first place in Ag Sales.

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