News

Accident kills one injures another

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 11, 2022, a 2011 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Marion Schminke, 90 of Shellsburg pulled away from the stop sign heading south on 30th Ave. and into the path Nathan Harrelson, 21 of Vinton. Harrelson was traveling west on 61st St. Lane (known as County Home Road) in a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro.The pickup was struck by the Camero and after the impact both vehicles came to rest in the southwest ditch landing on their top.

E.C.H.O. and Iowa Abundant Life Ministries help those in need in Vinton

Victoria Fink shares with the local Kiwanis the services offered by E.C.H.O. and Abundant Life Ministries Victoria Fink is no stranger to serving her community. As a former pastor's wife, she has had experience finding and meeting the needs of those around her. She spoke on Tuesday to the local Kiwanis group about two such organizations that help residents in Vinton. First, she talked about E.C.H.O. a nonprofit (located next to LaGrange Pharmacy)  service organization whose mission is to help families moving with basic household furniture or other basic household needs.

Belle Plaine, Iowa Student Author Wins in Bushel of Stories Contest

By Kelly FossTwo Iowa students – a 5th grader from Farley and a 6th grader from Belle Plaine – have been named the winners of the second annual Bushel of Stories agriculture writing contest. The contest for Iowa students in grades 3-8 was organized by the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF).  Elementary and middle school students were challenged to write a story book about agriculture or food.

No email on Friday

There will be no email on Friday. I will however, be uploading to the website sporadically over the weekend so check back.

Iowa State Fair - Attend or watch the Benton County Fair Queen at the Coronation

Annabelle Newton will be competing at the Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation Benton County's 2022 Fair Queen Annabelle Newton will be competing in the annual Iowa State Fair Queen competition, held during the Iowa State Fair.The queens from each county fair from all over the state of Iowa come together to vie for the coveted crown. Judging is based on personality, attitude, leadership, citizenship, contribution to community, overall appearance, charm and poise.

Two area children part of the 13th season of the Kid Captain program at

Twelve current and former University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital patients are ready to kick off fall as the Kid Captain program returns for the 2022 Iowa Hawkeye football season.  This year marks the 13th season of the Kid Captain program, which started in 2009 as a partnership between UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital and the Iowa Hawkeyes to honor pediatric patients and celebrate their incredible stories.

Viva Las Vegas Brandon Car Cruise

The small town of Brandon celebrates its Brandon Days each year with fun for the whole family. The town gathers for a parade, and most gather at the park for food, fun,  fellowship and all kinds of activities for kids to enjoy.  This year's theme was 'Viva Las Vegas.' The afternoon saw antique cars gathering around the ballfield in preparation for the cruise through downtown Brandon.

La Porte-Dysart FFA member visit with Senator Grassley in Washington D.C.

LaPorte-Dysart FFA members visited with Senator Grassley at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, July 14, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (U.S. Senate photo by David Rogowski) Senator Chuck Grassley met with the members of the LaPorte-Dysart FFA during their visit to Washington, D.C.  In July the group met for the Washington Leadership Conference.“I enjoy meeting with young Iowans and encouraging their interest in learning more about how our government works. Citizen involvement is essential to democracy in America, and young people are the key to the strength of our democracy in the future,” Grassley said.

Searching for stolen Fire Hydrant

A Clow vintage fire hydrant with 3 outlets, made is Oskaloosa, painted red with yellow outlets was stolen last Wednesday, August 3. Please return or pay for it. The value of the hydrant is $160.00 or return it, no questions asked. The hydrant went missing from 58th Street (County road E16) If you have information on the location of the hydra

Quilts of Valor recipient Terry Schild

I'm a huge fan of the Quilts of Valor ceremonies. There are so many of our men and women out there that have gone through wars, fighting alongside so many other good people. Why? As one of the presenters said, "So that she could put her three little boys to bed at night and not worry about a bomb going off or them being gassed while they slept." The Quilts of Valor is a program that awards quilts to men and women who have been in battle.