It must be spring, the robins are out

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
January 25, 2026 3:12 pm

At -11° and windchills much lower than that, a flock of robins made a visit to the same area of the county that had photos of the snow rollers. Of

Snow Rollers arrive during Wednesday storm

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
January 23, 2026 2:02 am

Reader Deb Christianson shared a photo of these snow rollers that were outside in her yard following the wind gust on Wednesday night. They were located near the Vinton Airport.

Atty General Brenna Bird's Victims Protections Bill and Katie's Law move forward

IOWA ATTORNEY GENERAL
January 22, 2026 11:54 pm

Two bills proposed by Attorney General Brenna Bird passed out of subcommittee in the Iowa House of Representatives. Katie’s Law Enacted in some form in over 30 states already, this bill requires DNA collection from individuals arrested for felony or aggravated misdemeanor offenses.

Vinton Lions Club one of largest increases in membership in Iowa

VINTON LIONS CLUB
January 22, 2026 1:10 pm

Pictured left to right are: President Dan McCann, Sponsor Bret Nelson, New Members Gary Marlow and Louie Naniot and Lions Club Foundation Director Chris Waring, who performed the Installation ceremony.

Life Threatening Cold to Arrive tonight

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
January 22, 2026 11:22 am

Dangerous arctic cold will arrive tonight and continue through Friday morning. Wind chills of 20 to 30 below zero can be expected south of I-80. North of I-80 wind chills of 30 to 40 below zero are expected.

Shellsburg to add Music Garden

SHELLSBURG AREA COMMUNITY GROUP (SACG)
January 22, 2026 5:02 am

The first of the additional instruments for the upcoming Kid's Music Garden has been sponsored. Many thanks to Cranky Hank's Pizza for sponsoring the Single Drum Table.

Bill would allow state to close Historical Society center in Iowa City

IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH
January 21, 2026 3:09 pm

By Robin OpsahlA Senate subcommittee advanced a measure Tuesday to remove the state requirement to maintain a State Historical Society of Iowa research center in Iowa City — a point of litigation as the state has already moved to close the facility.

Dangerous Cold moving into the area

BENTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
January 21, 2026 11:23 am

● Snow showers this afternoon and evening. Strong winds gusting up to 45 mph will result in drifting and blowing snow as well as reduced visibility.

Benton County Community Foundation event Canceled

BENTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
January 21, 2026 11:19 am

Due to the weather, tonight's event has been canceled. Stay tuned for more information concerning award recipients. 

Vinton's Big Read announces Art Contest Winners

VINTON GUILD OF FINE ARTS
January 20, 2026 5:29 pm

The Big Read Community Art Contest concluded on Saturday, with a reception at the Vinton Public Library to announce the winners and congratulate everyone who participated.