News

Attention Vinton area residents! American Legion Post 57 is launching the "Avenue of Flags."Please consider taking part in Avenue of Flags as a way to display your pride in our nation, our community, and our freedoms, and to reflect on and celebrate our Veterans. What is it? Members of the American Legion, George G. Luckey Post 57 will be placing a full-sized American Flag on a 10-foot pole in your yard for one week for each of the following holidays: Memorial DayFourth of JulyFlag DayLabor DayVeteran's DayThe legion will retrieve and store the flags for this project.

Friends of the Center Point Library hosted a Dr. Seuss-themed party on March 29. The Library welcomed The Cat (minus the hat and all the shenanigans). Approximately 15 children attended the event and spent the afternoon involved in Seussian-themed activities. Games included Seuss Bingo, Fishing for Red Fish, Blue Fish and Hopping on Pop. (No Pops were harmed in the fun making, instead a mini trampoline was substituted.

We are hosting our first Iowa Notary Public Learning Conference on September 12, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This seminar will consist of four courses that cover the basics of a notary’s responsibilities, situations to look out for, and real-life circumstances that notaries may not see every day but should be aware of. Speakers from our office and a special guest from the National Notary Association will be presenting the materials.

We did it! Help us break ground on the FFA Greenhouse! Please come, bring your shovel, and help us celebrate this accomplishment! We couldn’t have done it without your support! You are invited to join the Center Point-Urbana FFA Alumni and Supporters for the Growing Forward Project Ground Breaking Ceremony. The event will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 5:30 p.

This April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, renewing our commitment to supporting survivors. Our Safe at Home program provides crucial security for survivors by shielding their physical address from public records. Participants receive a legal substitute address, confidential mail forwarding, and they can vote safely and confidentially through the program - allowing participants to live active lives within their communities without fear of their address becoming public.

The Benton County Pork Producers are proud to participate in the Pork in the Pantry program, helping fight food insecurity in the county. This year, the organization donated $1,000 worth of pork to the Shellsburg Food Pantry and the Vinton Food Pantry, ensuring that families in need have access to high quality, nutritious protein. Organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Pork in the Pantry provides funding to help purchase pork for donation to local food pantries.

By Robin OpsahlIowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law Wednesday a measure banning drivers from using cellphones behind the wheel outside of hands-free or voice-activated modes.Reynolds was joined by more than 50 people in her office Wednesday, many of whom were related to people who had died because of distracted driving. The governor recognized the names of many of the people who lost their lives due to distracted driving incidents before signing the measure into law.

By: Co-Reporter Sophia Newton The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter hosted their annual Drive Your Tractor to School Day on Wednesday, March 26th, and it was a hit among the high schoolers. 15 tractors were driven to school, filling the parking lot with everything from vintage to modern models. The event sparked excitement and pride among students, showcasing their love for farming and agriculture.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is excited to announce a T-Shirt Design Contest, inviting Fair enthusiasts to submit their original and creative designs that truly embody the spirit of the Iowa State Fair. The winning design will be featured on a T-shirt sold in the official Iowa State Fair Store, with proceeds supporting the Foundation’s mission to enhance and preserve the historic Fairgrounds.

Benton County Veterans Affairs is hosting a dinner commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Leaving Vietnam. Join us at the Vinton Skate Center from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. We will have a guest Chaplain opening the event followed by a guest speaker and dinner.This special event is for veterans and their spouses. Registration is not required.