News

Friday, the Iowa State Patrol laid to rest a hero in Sergeant Jim Smith, who courageously served the State of Iowa for 27 years. He made the ultimate sacrifice attempting to arrest a barricaded subject in Grundy Center on Friday, April 9, 2021. “The Iowa State Patrol is honored and blessed to have served this great state with Sergeant Smith,” said Iowa State Patrol Colonel Nathan Fulk.

Vinton Lions Club welcomed guest speaker Obil Flores, English Educator for El Salvador Public Schools in San Salvador. For the last six years, he has been teaching children English in both public and private schools from grades 1st through 12th. Obil first came to the United States in 2016 as part of the UGrad Exchange Program at Mt.

By: Co-Reporter, Josh WileyOn Thursday, May 8th, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter held their annual “labor auction” at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School gymnasium, starting at 6:00 P.M. Last year, the chapter was unable to put on this fundraiser due to COVID-19 circumstances. This year however, the auction was a success.

"Pelicans were on the lake by Izaak Walton this morning," reported Joan Lindberg on Wednesday. If you're like me, you double-checked to see if Pelicans are indeed in Iowa. According to the DNR, the population of Pelicans has started to grow. In the mid-1900, chemicals like DDT had decreased the populations by making its way into the fish that pelicans ate and ultimately poisoning the birds.

On Tuesday, Benton County Sheriff shared an update on the status of COVID immunization shots given in Benton County. At last count, 13,000 have been given. He also shared some of the upcoming events that will be happening this summer. The Iowa Ride which was to make its inaugural stop last year will now be coming this year.

On 4-12-2021, at about 11:02 AM, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a car striking a house on Cottage St in Shellsburg IA. The driver of the car, and sole occupant was a 69-year-old male from Shellsburg. He was declared deceased at the scene, after resuscitation efforts failed.

Cub Pack 47 held their annual Pinewood Derby on Saturday. The Pack was able to use their new aluminum track purchased by the community foundation for the first time. The scouts raced and the winners are listed below. Race Winners:Mason StephensonHenry HalsteadWes LagrangeMackenzie ThomsenNoah Hesson(overall Pack Winner)Winners for Best Paint - Mason Stephenson, Best Design -  Elliot Whalen,  Judges Choice - Vinny Bowen,  Most Original - Charlie Clayton.