Applications for Century and Heritage Farms as Part of America250 Celebration

IOWA SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
February 19, 2026 8:23 pm

Applications for recognition at 2026 Iowa State Fair will be accepted through June 1As Iowa celebrates the country’s 250th birthday, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is inviting eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition as part of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s (IDALS) Century and Heritage Farm Program.

AG Bird Releases Top 10 Reported Scams and Complaints of 2025

IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL
February 19, 2026 7:02 pm

Attorney General Brenna Bird has announced the top ten reported consumer complaints and scams affecting Iowans in 2025. Last year, the Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division handled over 4,000 complaints marking the second consecutive year of rising scams and complaints.

Incoming weather Thursday night and into Friday

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
February 19, 2026 6:25 pm

A few strong to severe thunderstorms remain possible this evening into early tonight along and south of I-80 with the main threats being hail and gusty winds.

Ash Wednesday marked with...Fire

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 18, 2026 6:18 pm

Corrected - When I got a call about a fire east of town, I noted that it was, after all, Ash Wednesday...A call went out around 3:00 p.m. about a fire with the wind blowing at more than 25 miles per hour.

Fisher Shares the History of Farmers Mercantile Hall

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 18, 2026 12:24 pm

Nick Fisher shared with the Local Kiwanis a bit about the Farmers Mercantile Hall that he owns in Garrison. If you'll notice, each month you can find both his ad and a article concerning the shows that are scheduled for the month.

Supervisors address Local Kiwanis

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 17, 2026 10:42 pm

Vinton Kiwanis hosted two of the Benton County Supervisors a few weeks ago. Tracy Seeman and Ron Tippett who spoke to the group discussing some of the county budget with the group.

Treasurer Smith Announces 2026 Unclaimed Property Day Results of $2.6 Million

IOWA TREASURER
February 17, 2026 5:08 pm

The 2026 Unclaimed Property Day went off without a hitch according to Iowa State Treasurer Roby Smith. Overall, there were more than 63,000 website views to GreatIowaTreasureHunt.

Iowa set to elevate Extreme Animal Cruelty Crimes

VINTON TODAY
February 17, 2026 5:05 pm

The Iowa House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed HF 557 (sponsored by Reps. Samantha Fett and Carter Nordman). A companion bill, SF 2099 (sponsored by Senator Lynn Evans) advanced through its Senate subcommittee.

Postal Employee and Wife Charged with Theft

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 17, 2026 11:57 am

According to arrest records from the Vinton Police Department, Nicholas Newbrough, a Vinton Post Office employee and his wife Kendra Newbrough were arrested on October 10, 2025.

Iowa Supreme Court reverses $3 Million Settlement in death of local man

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 17, 2026 1:00 am

One sentence in a courts ruling, takes away the settlement of a family in the loss of a Garrison man. "Decision of Court of Appeals Vacated; District Court Judgment Reversed and Case Remanded.