News

Vinton Police Chief Ted Paxton has been a fixture in the Vinton area since he was appointed as the Vinton Police Chief in 2014. Paxton has had a long career in law enforcement. Before he arrived in Vinton. He completed his training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA)  and has served in the following positions: 1996 in Albion, Iowa as a Police Chief1999 he joined the Hardin Sheriff's Department in Eldora, Iowa 2007-2014 he served as the Eldora Chief of Police 2014-Present he has served as the Vinton Chief of Police In a news release, Paxton made his official announcement about his candidacy for the office of Benton County Sheriff in the 2024 election.

Do you know a child that loves to write or draw stories?!The Vinton Public Library is hosting a Kid Author Event. Local children are encouraged to write their own story and have a meet and greet with the public. Children will come to the event, share their story, sign autographs, and can have a chance to read their story aloud. There will be three age categories:*Kindergarten-2nd Grade *3rd-5th Grade *6th-12th Grade Writing Requirements: 1.

Photo DescriptionsBenton County Historical Society Presentation On behalf of the Benton County Historical Society, Andrew Elwick, presented the school district with four matted maps of the town of Vinton. Highlighting various famous buildings.Difference Maker PresentationMelissa Smith, Amber Foss, Melissa Dulin, and Jasmin Pottebaum have been nominated as true difference makers.

Individuals meeting at (or below) 200% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible to apply for the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) facilitated through the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP) in 9 eastern Iowa counties that include: Linn, Johnson, Jones, Benton, Dubuque, Delaware, Jackson, Iowa, and Washington.

Watching the numbers on caucus night wasn't really that surprising. This felt like the first caucus that wasn't a nail-biter when it came to guessing who was going to win. Stomping the other candidates in every county but Johnson County, Trump was a clear win. In Johnson County, Nikki Haley won with 1,271 votes to Trump's 1,270. That wasn't at all surprising to me.

The Benton County Community Foundation (BCCF) is announcing the distribution of $296,589 to 30 projects of organizations serving Benton County through its 2023 grant cycle.“Benton County is very fortunate to have these organizations striving to better our community and the Benton County Community Foundation is proud to support them,” said Brian McNulty, chair of the BCCF impact committee.

The Vinton City Council has had to make some hard decisions over the last few months. Replacing the sewer plant has been at the top of the discussion as well as upgrades to the water treatment plant as well. "These 2 facilities are ones that no one thinks about until they don’t have water pressure or can’t flush the toilet. The new designs also are taking into account the safety of our employees in the day-to-day operations of the plant," said Mayor Bud Maynard.

It is safe to say, everything will be closing down shortly in Vinton. In Benton County, the plows will be pulled off the roads for the day. The 4th St. Diner will be closed on Sunday.It would be safe to say that church is canceled tomorrow, for everyone.The phrase, stay safe, stay warm is no joke this coming week. Hunker down and enjoy time with the family.

Vinton residents haven't lost their humor when it comes to this storm! For example, this post was made by Scott Eggnick: "Anyone need some snow? I have a whole truckload. There's more if you need it. Give your lawn that winter wonderland look. Plus, the kids love it! And, I'm willing to part with it for FREE. Because, you know, we're friends."Meanwhile, this photo taken by Hunter Jones in Newhall is unbelievable.

Because Monday is a holiday, normally there would be no daily email. However, because it is also caucus day. I will send out an email with that information as well as any pertinent information. There will not be the usual lengthy email. Hunker down in this weather and stay safe!