News Headlines

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With Bob Black & Banjoy on March 15

FARMERS MERCANTILE HALL - March 12th 2026 12:18 pm

Bob Black and Banjoy will be in Garrison to celebrate St Patrick's Day, Bluegrass style, with some lively Irish tunes, songs and sing-alongs, featuring Joy Ward on the fiddle! Be ready for some great music and some delicious refreshments! Hope to see you there!Refreshments will be provided by the Garrison LibraryJoin us on Sunday, March 15th from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pmAdmission $15, children free!Farmers Mercantile Hall is located at 100 W Main St.

Sanders named as Ms. Wrestler at 16th Annual Dan Gable Awards

FAREWAY STORES - March 11th 2026 6:10 pm

Article Thumbnail. 2026 Dan Gable Ms. Wrestler of the Year, Chloe Sanders with Dan Gable

Fareway Stores, Inc., In partnership with the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWOCA), IA Wrestle and Iowa Corn is proud to announce the finalists and winners of the 2026 Dan Gable Mr. & Ms. Wrestler of the Year Awards. Now in its 16th year, the program continues its tradition of recognizing Iowa’s most outstanding high school wrestlers—both girls and boys—across all classes.

advertiser content

Candidate list increases for Benton County Primaries

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - March 10th 2026 2:40 pm

Article Thumbnail. Gina Edler with Lexa Spiedel, who will run for re-election for Benton County Recorder Photo submitted

The list of candidates continu to grow for Benton County. As of Tuesday afternoon, more candidates have turned in their paperwork for the Primary race in June!County Board of SupervisorsTim Bird, (R) Bethany Hantz (R)Tracy Seeman (R)TreasurerMelinda Schoettmer (R)Joy Wieditz (R)RecorderLexa Spiedel (R)County AttorneyRay Lough (R)Those who would like to be on the ballot to fill open seats in November must submit their paperwork between Monday, March 2, 2026, and March 20th at 5:00 p.

Join us for the Casino Night Grand March, Saturday, April 11

VINTON SHELLSBURG POST PROM - March 9th 2026 10:55 pm

Join us on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 6:45-7:30 p.m. for the Grand March in the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Auditorium. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the last call will be made at 7:30 p.m.The event is free and open to the public!All students who participate will be entered into a prize drawing!

Vinton Kiwanis feed the crowd to support area children

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - March 9th 2026 10:20 pm

Article Thumbnail. Vinton Kiwanis feeds the community while rising funds for the benefit of area children

Since 1960, the Vinton Kiwanis Club members have rolled up their sleeves, laced up their most comfortable shoes, tied on their aprons and walked into the kitchen to begin cooking their spring breakfast. They began bright and early at 7:00 a.m. this past Saturday morning. They grabbed the pancake flippers and fired up the grill. The group prepared pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage, then cheerfully fed around 450 residents.

advertiser content

Health Fair brings in more than 500 Visitors

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR - March 8th 2026 2:02 pm

Article Thumbnail. Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition, offered support for attendees at this year's Health Fair

For the last several years, Virginia Gay Hospital has organized an amazing event in the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Gym. The event continues to grow!At these events, you are made aware of all of the services necessary to keep a community safe and functioning. It's always fun to see the local Vinton Police Department with their resident K-9. This was the first year for the new pup, Edo to meet the community.

Local Adult and Youth Volunteers needed for Youth Gardens

VINTON TODAY - March 6th 2026 11:47 am

Join us this summer at the Youth Gardens! On March 19, there will be an informational meeting at the Benton County Extension Office. The group is seeking the help of both adults and youth. For more information, call 319-472-4739

Benton County Health & Wellness Fair, March 7th at Vinton-Shellsburg High School

VIRGINIA GAY HOSPITAL - March 5th 2026 12:48 pm

Benton County residents are invited to attend the Benton County Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, March 7th, at Vinton-Shellsburg High School, held in conjunction the annual Kiwanis Club of Vinton with Pancake Breakfast.The Health & Wellness Fair will bring together dozens of local and regional organizations offering information, resources, and services focused on physical, mental, and community well-being.

advertiser content

Center Point-Urbana FFA finds success at Sub-Districts

FFA - March 5th 2026 11:50 am

By Co-Reporters: Audrey Seiler and Addyson SweeneyThe Center Point-Urbana FFA chapter had an outstanding day at sub-districts. Beginning with teams, Conduct of Chapter Meetings scored gold and placed 2nd overall. This team included Kolten McLaughlin, Kyla Russler, Brynne Hite, Tabitha Letts, Sophia Blackwell, Audrey Seiler, and Emily Cue. Bella Edler, Kinze Manson, and Hannah Walvatne competed in Chapter Program of Activities and received gold for their amazing presentation, demonstrating their deep knowledge of the chapter and events.

Discounted trees available at distribution events this spring

BENTON COUNTY CONSERVATION - March 4th 2026 1:02 pm

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through a partnership with Alliant Energy, is offering a mixture of hardwoods, low-growing ornamental and evergreen tree species for $25 each.Alliant Energy customers can purchase up to two trees to be picked up at the following locations:● Tuesday, April 21, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Williams Park (610 H Ave, Ogden)● Thursday, April 23, 4:00-6:00 p.

advertiser content