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By Josh Wiley, V-S FFA Co - ReporterThe Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter held their annual holiday party on Friday, January 15th at the high school. The party consisted of an afternoon full of playing games, conversing among each other, and eating pizza together. Even though they wore masks, smiles were visible on the faces of all in attendance as they were able to celebrate the end of the semester and prepare for their upcoming classes.

Region 6: Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Grundy, Howard, Jones, Linn, and Winneshiek.11/5 11/10 12/10 1/21/21804-1073-1835-2,103 Positive cases since March, Benton Co.----410---1.263--1,928 Recovered, Benton Co.6------6------27-----50 Deaths, Benton Co.246---297---188---91 Hospitalized, Region 6849--896--939--1,003 Beds available, Region 6116---117---111---113 ICU beds available, Region 643----32----29----10 In the ICU, Region 651----33----28----21 Admitted in the last day, Region 6-------------------...

It has definitely been a year of challenges for many. This year’s Post Prom fundraising efforts are not an exception! The Vinton Shellsburg Post Prom Committee is determined to offer the V-S Class of 2021 as ‘normal’ of a prom as they can. The V-S Prom is scheduled for May 1, 2021 and we are currently making contingency plans, allowing us to be flexible if needed, while cooperating with any and all Covid restrictions in place at that time.

Benton County families impacted by the disaster who still have unmet needs are encouraged to apply to the Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition for assistance. To request an application for assistance, call: 319-241-5121. Funds are available to help anyone who still may have expenses incurred from August 10’s derecho that are not covered by other sources.

-For five-year plan covering Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington CountiesEast Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) is starting work on its Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP). Passenger transportation can include:• Public transit• Taxi/transportation network (Uber & Lyft)• Volunteer driving programs• Non-emergency medical transportationThe PTP aims to bring light to unmet needs, improve Iowans’ transportation services and justify future investments.

On 1-5-2021, at about 4:58 PM, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an ATV accident with injury on 64th St, about 1 mile east of Shellsburg IA. A Polaris 500 ATV, with two occupants had lost control, going into the ditch. An 18-year-old male from Cedar Rapids IA, was found deceased at the scene.

On January 1, 2021, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation assisted the Urbana Police Department in the investigation of a possible murder/suicide. The Urbana Police Department received a 911 call from Garry Jensen, age 59, stating he had shot and killed his wife, Margaret Jensen, age 54. Law enforcement responded to the Jensen residence, located at 300 East Main Street in Urbana, and found Margaret Jensen deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.