What: The Benton County Community Foundation is holding their 2025 grant awards celebration.  Why: The Benton County Community Foundation will be awarding over $150,000 in grants to nonprofits and government entities in the areas of arts and culture, community betterment, education and youth development, environment and animal welfare, health and human service.

Friday, around noon, on the list of things to do, was to stop in at the bank. A customer pulled into the parking space of Farmers Savings Bank & Trust before accidentally creating a new drive up window situation on the west side of the building.

On January 26, 2026, Alice Hootman, formerly of Vinton, will celebrate her 110th birthday!Alice was a former employee at the County Home and the Iowa Braille & Sight Saving School,  until moving to Webster, IA in 1986 with her husband, Art.

Vinton Parks & Recreation is gathering community feedback to help guide future  planning for recreation facilities, including a potential new public pool or community recreation center.

Nationwide teaching program awards 51 teachers with $5,000 each in celebration of the Semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of IndependenceThe Jack Miller Center (JMC), an educational non-profit committed to civic education, today announced the winners of the Teaching America250 Awards thanks to the generous support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Benton County Conservation is pleased to announce the completion of a conservation easement that will permanently protect approximately 50 acres of high-quality wildlife habitat in Benton County.

The former principal at Tilford Elementary moved on to be the superintendent at the Humbolt Community School District. However, the Humbolt Independent reported, "The Humboldt Community School District Board of Directors officially approved the retirement request of long-time Superintendent Jim Murray at their meeting on Dec.

Shellsburg Public Library recently received a beautiful Diamond Dots artwork created by Gerry Ries of Vinton, formerly of the Shellsburg area.Diamond Dots art is created by placing tiny, faceted resin “diamonds” onto a pre-printed, adhesive canvas, forming a shimmering mosaic image.

Following the 2024 election, Benton County selected a new Benton County Sheriff, David Upah. As is customary, the new Sheriff also selects his own First Deputy.

"So many volunteers and generous people donated," this year, Julie Hansen said. These three elves were on loan from Santa, and has come to ring the bell every year! The Farm Bureau office arranges their trip especially for the event!Merry Christmas and have a Blessed New Year in 2026!-Benton County Salvation Army Even though the "Red Kettle" Season is past, donating year-round can continue to help our neighbors year-round!1.