News

The VFW Auxiliary Post #2440, a combination of Benton and Buchanan County Posts, presented awards to area students. The essay awards were presented last week at Tilford Elementary and Shellsburg winners this week. The top 15 essay contest writers were presented with a medal and a laminated copy of their essay to take home with them. The Vinton-Shellsburg District had a total of 336 essay entries in grades 3-5.

By Faith Hunt, NaturalistA community scientist is someone who contributes to scientific research. Community scientists are people who have a little bit of time and interest in contributing to local and national data about the world around them! You don’t need advanced degrees or years of experience, just a passion for science, a willingness to help with research, and an eagerness to volunteer your time.

By Kami CoonsThe Iowa House approved a bill Wednesday that would stop pipelines carrying liquified carbon dioxide from using eminent domain. Six other bills related to carbon sequestration pipelines, eminent domain and the Iowa Utilities Commission were combined into one bill, which also advanced. The bills were directed at an ongoing fight between landowners and the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, which would stretch more than 1,000 miles in Iowa connecting to biofuel refineries and transporting the sequestered carbon dioxide to underground storage in North Dakota.

On Friday morning, students at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School were tested on their fire drill response, and they performed perfectly!Just before noon, they were tested again, but this time it was a real life situation. Kyle Koeppen, Superintendent said that there was a heating and cooling unit in the Guidance Office that began smoking. (smoking is not allowed in the building, even if you are an HVAC system!) "We cleared the building as a precaution, but once we cut power to the unit, everything was cleared.

Nearly 40 people filled half of the courtroom for the sentencing of Robert "Bob" Ducharme. DuCharme was arrested last March 5, 2024, on a total of 10 charges: Ducharme, 61, a Vinton resident and former owner of Tactical Creations. made an Alford Plea* in the case. Sentencing was before Judge Mark Fisher on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

By Cami KoonsA bill advanced from the Iowa Senate floor Monday that would protect home gardens from state and local ordinances.Sen. Cherielynn Westrich, R-Ottumwa, said the bill hits at a “growing concern” that home gardeners are blocked from growing their own vegetables and food on their properties. Westrich noted that similar bills, often known as right to garden bills, passed in Illinois and Florida.

Benton County Farm Bureau is proud to announce their $6,000 donation to the Center Point – Urbana FFA Alumni and Supporters to aid their Greenhouse Campaign. This donation supports the growth of agricultural education in Iowa as well as showing others that it’s possible to achieve a goal in such a short amount of time. This greenhouse will offer numerous benefits that will enhance students’ educational experiences and broaden the school’s impact on the community.

Virginia Gay Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Tina M. Eden as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over three decades of dedicated service to Virginia Gay Hospital, Eden brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to community healthcare.Eden has been serving as Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer since August 2024 while continuing her role as Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).

By Robin OpsahlAfter years of failed starts, the Iowa Legislature has finally sent legislation banning the handheld use of cellphones while driving to Gov. Kim Reynolds.The Iowa House passed Senate File 22 on a 84-11 vote Wednesday. The legislation is an expansion of Iowa’s current laws banning texting while driving to cover any handheld use of a cell phone.