News

             A man who sexually exploited a child pled guilty on August 4, 2023, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.             Michael Heinitz, age 20, of Urbana, was convicted of one count of sexual exploitation of a child.  At the plea hearing, Heinitz admitted that, between August and September 2022, he recorded sexually explicit videos of a four-year-old girl.

When you think of electricity, you might think of power lines and the poles that hold them in the air. But if you venture out into the countryside, you might run across Maurer Tree Service out of Fairbank. The company has been busy trimming branches around power lines in the area. North of Vinton, the company is busy clearing the area around East-Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative's power lines.

Today, the Iowa Department of Education announced that 18,627 Students First education savings accounts (ESAs) have been approved as of August 4. Less than 1,000 applications remain in review while parents or guardians provide additional information or documentation to confirm eligibility.In addition to applying and being approved for an ESA, families must separately apply to the accredited private school of their choice and, if accepted, their ESA account will be funded.

This week we're excited to host a special Violin Storytime, featuring Mira Gibbons! Mira shares her love of music with children by visiting libraries and playing her violin. We are also wrapping up our World Photography Day Photo Contest. There's something for everyone at the Vinton Public Library!On Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 5-6 p.m. and Tuesday, August 15 from 2-3 p.

Several area fire departments, EMS, the Salvation Army, and Benton County EMA all quickly responded to a fire on Saturday evening in Newhall. The fire occurred southwest of Newhall at 2595 72nd St. on the Jeffrey and Amy Boddicker farm.Hay bales caught on fire at the farm but the cause is unclear at this time. At least one area farmer drove his tractor from several miles away to assist the dozens of firemen on the scene to douse the flames.

The Salvation Army of Benton County is offering vouchers for school clothing to be used at the Salvation Army Clothing Store at 5824 Council St NE, Cedar Rapids Iowa 52402. The store is closed on Sundays. Open Monday through Saturday 10 am to 7 pm. Saturday, August 12th will be 50% off clothing sale. Absolutely no cash back will be given. One time use only.

By: Co-Reporter, Izzie Birker “It was really fun, I made a lot of memories that I hope to look back on some day. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go to take it, because they won’t regret it”. This was said by Senior FFA member Rachel Rollinger. Rachel was one of the seven fearless FFA members that set off to Washington DC for WLC, held by the National FFA.

By Sherry Crawford, Vinton Food PantryNever underestimate the power of a lemonade stand - especially if it belongs to Brantley and Hudson Dvorak.The Vinton Food Pantry depends on donations to survive. Since it was incorporated in 1985, the pantry has worked to provide food for families in need. Thanks to community support and a steady, dedicated group of volunteers, it has been open every week – sometimes two days, sometimes one.

Editor's note: As I started my story about the DeSantis visit on Saturday, this note from Peggy came in. This kind of topped saying, "Ron DeSantis was here...so from her front row seat...By Peggy KelleyIt has been way over an hour since the biggest surprise in my life happened.  Thank Heavens I could hear my south porch doorbell over the vacuum! Two people in their mid-20s asked me if I was a Ron DeSantis supporter.

BY: ASHLEY MURRAY A deadline for a year’s worth of backdated benefits is fast approaching for U.S. veterans suffering illnesses after exposure to open burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxins.Nearly a year ago, President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act, a law supporters describe as the largest expansion of veteran benefits in U.S. history. The law eases the path to expanded coverage, alleviating veterans from having to prove conditions like respiratory illness and cancer are a result of breathing toxic burn pit fumes or exposure to radiation or chemicals like tactical herbicides.