Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and state and federal election security partners convened at the Iowa Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Operation Center to assure voters they are prepared to ensure Iowa’s election integrity throughout the upcoming 2024 Primary Election.

As part of a settlement with the Iowa Public Information Board, Benton County held training for open meetings and laws on Wednesday morning and into the afternoon.

I am sure you have heard; it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a community to protect a child. This is about creating that community within Benton and Iowa County for the protection of children.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, the local American Legion George G. Luckey Post 57, held a brief ceremony, The men and women of the legion lowered a wreath into the river in honor of those  who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Benton County Auditor, Hayley Rippel, has filed a lawsuit against the Board of Supervisors. The lawsuit appears to reflect the same complaints filed to the Iowa Public Board of Information concerning the closed session on October 31, 2023.

With the primary election just a little over a week away, I want to share some information with you all. I’m originally from LaPorte City and have spent the last 38 years working in Law Enforcement in Benton County.

UPDATED: The Bear Creek Cemetery will hold its Annual Memorial Day Service at 9:00 a.m. on Memorial Day.Breakfast will be served from 7:30 am-10:30 am at the church for a free will donation.

BENTON COUNTY POLLING PLACESPrimary ElectionJune 4, 2024Polls open 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.PRECINCT POLLING PLACESBelle Plaine I Community Center, RSVP Room1309 5th Avenue, Belle Plaine, IABelle Plaine II Community Center, Dining Rm1309 5th Avenue, Belle Plaine, IA*Belle Plaine III *Belle Plaine Fire Station504 13th Street, Belle Plaine, IABenton-Canton-Shellsburg Shellsburg Legion Hall114 Main Street, Shellsburg, IABig Grove-Union-Van Horne Van Horne Community Center508 1st Ave, Van Horne, IA*Bruce-Cedar-Monroe-Mt.

Waylon Struve, six years old, gave the inspiration for a book written by his aunt Breanna Stephenson. It all started because of an ordinary morning in the Struve home.

 I was born and raised on a family farm west of Norway.  I attended Norway schools and graduated in 1976. I worked for United Airlines for 27 years, that is where I met my wife.